“Boss, it's like this…”
Hearing the explanation, Graveths expression darkened before angrily ordering.
“Get back to work! You! Take Bryan to the infirmary. Sheart, bring Toale and come with me.”
I didn't expect this to happen. I suppose it is my fault for not keeping an eye on him or informing him of the side effects. Seems like we need to have a chat.
“Sheart, make him quieten down.” Graveth said irritably, the constant whimpers getting on his nerves.
Sheart smiled wryly before activating his rune, a blood red light covering Toale as his consciousness slipped away, his body rapidly healing.
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Tavak cursed as he stared at the never ending mountain peaks. The ancient monoliths whose resplendent peaks pierced the skies seemed to become more and more maddening.
Damn these blasted mountains. We’re cavalry for God’s sake not mountain goats.
They had been the most mobile unit stationed to the north of Xuclea. They had spent the past few weeks accumulating experience and training in the mountains, using the steef cliffs and rugged paths to improve each individual's coordination with their mounts. An idea of his own that worked brilliantly.
Tavak turned to view his contingent, pride welling up as he looked upon the column of men. Their armour was so polished that the dust and dirt of travel was unable to make a mark upon them. Their well ordered ranks, representative of their elite training and discipline, was so in sync that they seemed to be a single creature. As they advanced they could be mistooken for a serpentine dragon - their aura as dominating and fierce as one.
Silver Dragon unit. An elite unit of the Urcan empire derived of the bravest and most loyal of the Silver Dragon army. An army that was under the iron tight control of the Silver Dragon family, whose fame and reputation was like the sun at noon. Tavak himself was considered the greatest military prodigy of the High Noble family, his achievements in monster subjugation, bandit suppression and raids on enemy empires coupled with his pure bloodline had easily netted him his position as the commander of the Silver Dragon elites. Of the younger generation, he was considered to have outstanding potential.
But this command is quite strange. The Empire is going through so much trouble to find this person. To order the army to pursue all mercenary bands that enter the Desolate and slaughter them all just to locate the bearer of a Bloody Sun rune? Could this person be some kind of criminal or monster? Even Knyg has been blockaded by the local garrison.
The mission this time was quite dangerous - and important as a support Rune bearer had been used to transmit the military order, hinting at the urgency. Unlike bandits or mindless monsters, the mercenaries were extremely hardy and experienced. Furthermore, they would be pursuing through the Desolate, the territory of Oslems warriors.
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Clearing his mind Tavak once again urged his warhorse forward.
Regardless of the difficulty of the mission he had absolute confidence.
Because he was Tavak Agave, Silver Spear of the Urcans.
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Toale woke with a start in a darkened room, his body aching once more.
“Don’t move, you strained your body too much.” Graveths voice broke the silence.
“Uncle. What happened?”
Graveth sighed. “It's my fault, I forgot to teach you about the side effects of using the Blood Demons Crazed March after awakening.”
Toale raised himself up on his elbow as he stared at Graveth quizzically. “Side effects? And also, I haven't even used the Dance yet.”
“Blood Demons Crazed March is unlike other Dances. While others can only be used to temper a person's runes or their blood, your dance can be used in battle. Rather, it turns the user into a monster who craves for blood and death. Its also the reason why The March only has mnemonics and no stances, its stances are based off the dancers slaughter intent.”
Toale grimaced as he stared at Graveth. “What the hell? It's defective? No way I’m going to use this damn thing again, I’m too young to end up like Bjorn.”
Graveth didn't immediately reply as he gazed at Toale. “It's your choice whether you want to still use it or not.”
“Birthed from the Bloody Sun
Ten Blades to Slay Nirvana
Forevermore Shackled
Damned, an Eternity.
Bind Death
Life, the chains
Sacrificed to the Sun
Damned, an Eternity.”
Has he gone crazy? What's he talking about?
“That verse is called Slaying Nirvana, make sure to memorize it.” Saying so, Graveth rise from his seat,pausing as he reached the door. “Toale. I can’t tell you everything now, there's too little time, but everything will be revealed shortly.”