Cracks ran through the earth as wind howled. But strangely despite the howling wind there was not a cloud in the sky. Dark light splashed through the environs.

“Hello.” Standing in front of Fred and Rodrigo was a being wearing a black cloak and covered in black bandages. “It’s been awhile Rodrigo.” The black cloaked being flashed in front of Rodrigo, its hand extended. “I hope you can enjoy knowing the new me!” It exclaimed. Rodrigo tentatively reached down and shook the black cloaked cloaked beings hand.

“I hope I can. Me and my battle brother” Rodrigo said Gesturing towards Fred “Are here for your assistance. We want your help to find Betala.” Said Rodrigo. The black cloaked being shook its head.

“No can do. I’ve been clean for months now. I don’t want to get affected by Any of their type again.”

“Could you make an exception just this once?” Asked Fred. The black cloaked being brought its hand to its chin.

“Tell you what. If you kill the king of Alorea then I’ll help you.” ‘Given how strong he is I can't see why he wouldn’t just want to do it himself. But I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.’

“Alright. We’ll set out today in the direction of Alorea.” Said Rodrigo.

“I’ll be here in the same place in six months. You have till then to kill the king.” Said The black garbed being. After looking at a sweaty map that Rodrigo had stored in his armour for a bit. They began to run in the direction of Alorea.

. .

They ran for about ten hours before stooping to eat. At this point Fred’s knees were swollen and his shins were blue due to the repetitive stress of long term running. He had vomited ten times.

“I don’t think I can go much farther.” Said Fred while taking a large bite of one of the rabbits they had caught. “It’s starting to get hard to move my legs. I almost can’t walk.”

“Alright. I’ll carry you.” Said Rodirgo. He slung Fred over his shoulder. ~I know I should be used to it at this point. But it’s still annoying whenever this happens~.

Rodrigo ran for the next hour with Fred over his shoulder. Before noting the late hour and stopping to sleep.

As per usual. The moment the moon came out all of Fred’s wounds healed.

They slept until the sun came up the next day. Both Fred and Rodrigo began to run. They ran for five more hours. Until finally. They arrived at Alorea.

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Before them was a large metal gate with stone walls on either side of it that stretched as far as the eye could see. Standing sentry at the gate were two guards who like Rodrigo wore full plate armour.

“We don’t usually see people at the eastern gate. Do you have any papers?” Rodrigon did not respond; he only walked in the direction of the gate.

“I’m a combatant past the mortal ranks.” Said Rodrigo.

“Oh really. Sure buddy.” Rodrigo kicked the gate, it bent inwards for him. He continued to kick it until it was bent enough that he and Fred could both fit through. “Okay never mind I’ll let you through.” Said the guard. The guard adjacent to that guard looked at him with a glare. He raised his spear to Rodrigo’s neck.

“I will not let you through the gates of this here nation!” Yelled The guard. Rodrigo grabbed the haft of the spear. ~I can’t wait to see his expression~. The guard attempted to pull the spear back, Rodrigo snapped the haft of the spear. The guard’s jaw dropped. “What.”

“RUN!” Yelled Rodrigo. As if he was blown from a stupor the guard pulled a knife from his belt and leaped towards Fred. Ready to slash the weaker target. Fred bitch slapped him in the face and continued to run. They ran on a dirt road for about thirty minutes. Around them was a grassy field with rolling hills that stretched off into the distance. Rodrigo and Fred both fell onto a hill; they looked up at the clouds lying adjacent to each other.

“Do you even know where the king of Alorea is?” Asked Fred.

“No, I haven't studied much history or world politics or anything.” Said Rodrigo.

“Well what are we going to do then?” Fred said while staring wistfully into the sky.

“Maybe we’ll just ask someone.” Said Rodrigo. ~That makes sense. We should be able to find someone if we just follow the road.~

“Good idea. Let’s follow the road we should find someone eventually.”

Fred and Rodrigo walked along the road for a day before they found someone. He was a man who had a severely scarred face. Half his face was covered in burn scars that looked as if they had come from a fire poker and the other half was covered in short cut scars. He was blind folded, but he still moved with confidence. He carried a cart behind him which was absolutely filled with random objects. Everything from gold statues to underwear.

“Hello. Do you know who the king of Alorea is?” Asked Rodrigo not hesitating to question a random stranger.

“HA! I haven’t even sold enough to know the king's name!” Responded the man.

“Sold what?” Asked Fred, the scared man looked at Fred a sarcastic grin on his face.

“Like you don’t know.”

“I actually don’t know.” Responded Fred,

“What the heck do you mean!” Said the scarred man. “We learn this from when we’re kids! How can you not know about what I sell? What everyone is in the business of selling!” Yelled the scar faced man.

“We’re not from here.” Said Rodrigo.

“Oh.” The scar faced man reached into his cart ~what is he doing?!?!?!~ He pulled out a golden disk. He hit it against the cart, shattering the disk. A massive dragon swam out of the disk. It was long and serpentine.

“YOU DIRTY FOREIGNERS ARE WORTH A BIG PENNY!” Yelled the scar faced man. Fred’s face went pale. ~Don’t die. Don’t die Fred~