Kingdom of Byra-Myan Empire
Ye Laila, Ye Baira
Ye Laila, Ye Baira
Det Det Laila, Det Det Baira
Det Det Laila, Det Det Baira
Ye Laila, Ye Baira.
The hall erupted in melodic prayer as multiple candles were lit in a warmly lit temple, with various diamond patterns painted on the walls around them. Rows of colourfully veiled women and throbe-wearing men sat side by side, swaying side to side. In the far back of the temple stood a tall woman, wearing a long golden Turkish kaftan with a see-through veil over her face. Her long black hair was braided into a single ponytail. The woman’s hands were firmly clasped behind her back as she watched the prayer session go on. She watched as they stopped chanting and bowed their heads to the ground.
“Lady Zaina.” A woman called out. Zaina dropped her hands to the side and looked at her maid, who was holding a silver plate with a single letter placed on top. “The letter you sent out to Isaiah has been replied to.” The maid proceeded to explain, pushing the plate closer to the Sultana. Zaina picked up the letter and instructed the maid to walk by her side. The two walked into a dimly lit, Moroccan-style hallway where various people stood around, talking to each other. Upon seeing her, they quickly greeted her, making sure to bow as they did so. Zaina acknowledged them, then continued down her path. The woman then proceeded to open the letter and did not like the answer she began to read.
Dear Sultana Zaina
I am most honoured that you chose me and my guild as potential mercenaries to help you in the war against the Gold State Empire. However, I’ll have to politely decline, as my guild and I do not promote the act of war or violence in any sense, unless they are a direct enemy of the guild. Since neither you nor the Gold State Empire are enemies of the Sabre Soul Guild, we shall refrain from choosing either side, and in case one you do become an enemy, we shall not join the other side then either, rather taking you on directly. I do wish you the best in your endeavours, and I hope to see that Eldoria will one day see a time of peace where we can put aside our differences and live happily amongst each other.
Sincerely
Isaiah
Zaina, not enjoying the response, ripped the letter up and threw it in the air. The maid watched on as it rained down on everyone. Then she held her throat, suffocating under the intense pressure of Zaina’s mana. Once, noticing what she was doing. Zaina reeled in her mana and apologised to the maid, helping her stand up straight.
“Please prepare an envoy for Halia. I would like to personally speak with Isaiah.” Zaina instructed.
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“Would that not be dangerous?” The maid inquired as she dusted her black kaftan. Zaina shrugged.
“No.” Zaina’s cockiness had never been challenged. A woman who had only personal victories under her belt and zero losses. She knew that no one would dare try to attack her envoy unless they were foolish enough to do so.
“I shall prepare your carriage right away.” The maid replied, leaving the sultana to head off and conduct the preparation. Although powerful, Zaina needed Isaiah’s guild to help fight, not because she needed them but because they had someone she needed. Someone who had more power than her. A weapon greater than any weapon to have ever been created within Eldoria. Someone who would allow her to be the sole ruler of Eldoria.
*****
Windmill Valley
The gang walked across the green plains of Windmill Valley. The place was located in the far east of Takabetsu and took three whole days to reach by walking. The valley was surrounded by large, icy-top mountains with waterfalls. Spaced out across the plains were beige-stoned windmill houses with large wheels attached to them. A herd of cows and horses were spread out, eating away at the grass. The sky was blue, and the weather was warm. However, the group had a problem. The harsh changes in the weather were starting to get to Maisie, and she had fallen ill. Their constant travels with no rest did not help the situation either, as she got worse. Laying on Hide’s back, as he tightly held her, the elf’s face was flushed and her breathing was short. Kalthona, worried, touched the white-haired girl’s forehead, wincing as she did. It was boiling and sweaty.
“We need to urgently rest somewhere and find a doctor.” Kalthona voiced.
“I can heal her.” Bonney said. She had been pushing the matter and was met with resistance each time.
“Listen, it was no back then, and it’s no now.” Hide shuddered, remembering the time she healed him, turning him purple in the process.
“Fine.” Bonney said, dejected.
“We should have stolen a healer from one of the groups back at the guild.” Kalthona stated. She was met with hums of agreement. The group continued trying to figure out what to do with Maisie, who fell into a deep sleep, when they were interrupted by a soft voice.
“Are you lost?” A soft, male voice spoke up. The group turned around and cocked their heads up. Before them stood a man taller than Hide, with a head full of curly, dark brown locks. His hazel eyes shone brightly as he smiled at the group, his deep dimples showing themselves. He wore a long-sleeved linen shirt that sported a low v-neck with red cross patterns around it. Paired with the shirt, he wore brown-fitted cotton trousers with black combat boots. Kalthona noticed the gold hoop earrings hanging from his ears. To say the man was handsome was an understatement. Tall, well-built, and beautiful with beautifully tanned skin, this man was a woman’s dream personified. Hide was the first to break out of his trance, shooting the man before him a toothy grin.
“Ah no.” The crimson-eyed man replied.
“Okay, do you need help with anything?” The young man then asked.
“We need a healer.” Hide stated. He then moved his body slightly to show the young man Maisie, who looked like she was on the brink of death.
"It looks like you’re in luck. I’m one myself." The young man said this before continuing. “I’m Conan.” He introduced himself. Lyon was the one to shake his hand.
“We’re a group from the Sabre Soul Guild," Lyon said.
“Wow. I’ve been meaning to join the guild.” Conan replied, surprising everyone.
“Fate works in mysterious ways, aye.” Bonney dryly. Maisie’s chest-ripping cough erupted through the group, deepening everyone's worry.
“My house is just here.” He pointed at the small cottage home that was situated far from the windmill houses. Conan then proceeded to lead the group to the cottage, whistling as he did. The group, unlike last time, had their guard up, ready to attack if Conan showed his true colours. Once they reached the cottage, the tanned man swiftly opened the door, and the group was immediately hit with a spicy and sweet smell, followed by the cool interior of the house.
As they stepped in, they began to look around. Conan’s room was filled with various artworks of flowers and animals. A brown sofa and a maroon love seat were placed next to each other and leaned up against a wall with a window on top of it. The fireplace was put out, and a coffee table stood before it, with books and a teapot placed on top. Conan led them to a room with a single bed on it, then turned around.
“Shall we get started?”