“Mmm…” Sarim droned as he arrived at the front gate of Hawk Manor.
“He returned a few days ago and hasn’t left the manor since.”
The guard who accompanied Sarim to the Manor said as distant thunder filled the air.
The cloudy sky brought with it dark shadows that crept over the land, seeping in the many ornate crevices of the manor.
Sarim entered the gate and made his way to the front door which hung carelessly open.
He entered it to find that it was seemingly deserted.
No servants or workers could be seen and a trail of mud led deeper into the manor.
Sarim followed the trail and quickly found himself in a spacious living area wherein seven portraits hung. Each of them depicting a different Hawk.
One, however, depicted a small woman but before he could focus on the painting any further, a noise from deeper in the manor caught his attention.
No candles were lit and no orbs of light lit Sarim’s path as he walked out of the living area and into a hall which housed a set of stairs that led down.
Sarim winced as the sound from before became clearer.
It sounded like someone was crying.
Deep whimpers and sobs filled the air making the already tense Sarim wince.
He created an orb of light in his right hand and descended the stairs. Each step he took made his armor loudly crash into itself but regardless of how loud Sarim was, the cries continued.
He eventually arrived at a set of beautifully engraved wooden doors that hung partly open. Each of them depicted a mighty hawk that proudly spread its wings.
Sarim pushed the doors open gently and gasped upon seeing a one armed woman sitting naked next to what appeared to he a dark coffin that sat atop a marble bed. Her body was covered in mud and scars, although the stub where his arm was looked mostly healed. Also, Sarim noticed that the woman didn’t have breasts. Instead, sitting across her chest was a single scar that had yet to completely heal and fade.
“Venetrix?” Sarim called but the woman didn’t respond.
She instead curled further into herself.
Sarim walked up to her and winced upon seeing that although the woman’s face was twisted in agony, no tears fell.
“Who…?” She whimpered while raising her eyes to glare at Sarim.
“Oh… it’s you. What brings you here?”
“I read the reports… I wanted to see how you were doin.” Sarim said with a face riddled with confusion, but he managed to remain composed.
“Do I look alright?” Venetrix weakly scoffed but Sarim didn’t respond.
“What am I to do now that all I loved is gone?”
Sarim heard this and took a single breath.
“The fight is not over.” He said. His voice clear in the mind numbing silence of the chamber.
“Reports say that Coh still stands and we must prepare. For when the sun next rises and calls us to action, it is we who will bring them ruin, for that is Summus’s will.” Sarim said but Venetrix clicked her tongue in response.
“Do you honestly think I ever cared for any of that bullshit? No, because during the darkest of nights and harshest of days, Summus wasn’t there for me and neither was Caligo. It was my family, Hawks all, who stood by me when we challenged the very dragons and now…” Venetrix’s voice trailed off as she spoke.
“Mmm… if that’s so then that’s even more reason to stand up and fight.” Sarim said before walking closer Hawk.
“Take up your sword once more and avenge them. Unless you’re fine with allowing them their lives while your comrades rot-“
Sarim coughed out all of the air in his lungs as Venetrix grabbed him by the collar, dashed out of the chamber and slammed him into the wall across the stairs, resulting in an impact that shook the manor.
The Hawk then let out a low, inhuman growl as she lowered her head to glare at Sarim, who’s stared back at her.
“Such strong words coming from a man who is driven by shame. Do not forget that it is we, the mighty Hawks, who tended to that small town of yours after Red Death turned traitor and it is I who personally saw to your training. So do not speak to me as though we are equals, boy.”
Sarim’s eyes shook before slowly falling to the ground.
Venetrix scoffed before unhanding the knight.
“That being said, you are right. I cannot allow their deaths to have been in vein. Follow me.” Venetrix said with reptilian eyes that grew increasingly brighter, filling the manor’s dark hallways with blue light.
She led Sarim back into the chamber where she gently placed her hand on the coffin.
She then uttered something so softly that not even Sarim, who stood next to her, could hear it.
The Hawk then led Sarim out of the chamber and the two eventually arrived at another set of grand doors on the manor’s second floor which Venetrix gently opened.
She led Sarim into a luxurious bedroom where she grabbed change of clothes. A large silky dark blue t-shirt, some dark grey pants and sandals. The shirt wasn’t buttoned all the way up meaning that her scar was mostly visible.
“Come.” She said as she led Sarim out of the bedroom.
“Where are we going?”
“Stonenger Keep.”
“For what?” Sarim asked as they walked out of the manor and into the stormy air outside.
Venetrix stopped before looking back at Sarim who trembled upon seeing a twisted smile on her face.
“It seems as though I still have family and although literal, I use that term loosely.” She said a distant bolts of lightning tore across the sky.
“Ah- before that.“ Venetrix said while walking towards the front gate where a certain guard stood.
“Good afternoon.”
“G-good afternoon, sir- Err… ma’am! Is there anything I can help you with?” the guard asked while trying not to look into Venetrix’s eyes.
“At ease. Resume your duties as usual- oh and get someone to clean up the small mess I made and do not, under any circumstances, let anyone into the chamber below.”
The guard frantically nodded as Venetrix led Sarim down the path that led into town.
The two eventually arrived at a certain restaurant and the townsfolk all kept their distance and hid behind doors and windows while Venetrix awaited the restaurant’s owner.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
He quickly arrived and opened the door, allowing Hawk to enter with her companion.
The two sat by a certain table in the corner and Venetrix let out a loud and long sigh.
“What would you like?” The owner asked.
“A single plateful of Heurikhan’s favorites.” Venetrix said with a weak smile.
The owner nodded before leaving the two knights.
Sarim looked around and saw that the restaurant was empty and dark.
Actually, he’d noticed that the entire town was like this since he arrived.
The people, the skies… everything had grown dark.
“I could kill myself.” Venetrix suddenly said.
Sarim frowned at this but he remained silent.
“I could blow my head clean off, but… I know, deep within my frigid soul, that Lenora would be heartbroken. So I will live and I will fight for their sake.”
The owner eventually returned with a plate full of various foods and Venetrix slowly ate everything all while Sarim and the owner watched.
“Thank you.” Venetrix said while giving the owner a weak smile, but the owner walked up to the Hawk and spread her arms.
Venetrix’s eyes brightened even further before suddenly dimming.
She then fell to her knees and allowed the owner to wrap his arms around her head.
“Come storm, or drought, harsh winds from Araena to Outhe, a Hawk will always fly. So fly, my dear, fly.” The owner said.
Venetrix weakly nodded as she fell deeper into the owner’s embrace.
She eventually stood up and after giving the owner a quick nod, made her way to the town’s teleportation platforms with Sarim in tow.
.
..
The two eventually arrived at the heights of Mt. Nuru and Sarim followed Venetrix into Stonenger Keep where they were led into the high office.
“Mmm?” Venetrix sounded as she walked up to the desk with Sarim in tow.
“Hello, Venetrix. It really has been quite some time- oh and it seems as though you’ve decided to abandon your rather unnecessary guise.” A tall woman dressed in a pure white uniform that barely managed to hold her muscular physique greeted.
“What happened to Grandmaster Ferrum?” Venetrix asked while crossing her arms.
The woman crossed her legs and placed her pencil on her lip before looking up.
“He was executed a few days ago. You would have known of this if you has not ignored every messenger we sent.” The woman said with a gentle smile. Her short white hair and pitch black eyes and lipstick only added to her already intense air.
“So… what do I call you now? Grandmaster Ferraya?”
“I would not mind it if you spoke to me as you did before. After all, you are technically my superior in almost every way.” Ferraya said with slightly narrowed eyes.
Sarim then frowned as Venetrix shyly scratched her cheek.
“N-no. I think Grandmaster will do just fine. Anyway, as for why I am here. I would like to request custody of my kin.” Venetrix said although her expression changed as the last word left her mouth. The expression resembled distaste, but she regained her composure shortly after.
“Hoh? By all means, go ahead. Although if you are planning on augmenting them, I will have to ask that you wait for a few weeks to pass. Cavumium shortages are a real problem, especially with our new category of knights coming in.” Ferraya sighed.
“New category? Please elaborate.” Venetrix said with a genuine curiosity.
“The Kindling War taught us many things. We were far too proud and underestimated our opponent at almost every turn. Not only that, we were also grossly under armed. Not in the sense of sword and shield, but of flesh and bone. The mud crawlers had the Kommáti. You already know that they are nowhere near as strong as you and I, but they are just marginally stronger than a Liland silver knight. These beings were key in the outcome of everything and as much as I would like to dance around it, they also had better gear and so, with the approval of King Luno himself, we have decided to begin the production of the Men of Steel. Highly trained soldiers who are modified to the level of half a silver knight. We’ll also arm them with gear mass produced in the Sunless Gulch, coincidentally.”
“The King is back?” Venetrix gasped lightly.
“Yes. Another thing you would have known if you took some time to listen.”
Venetrix groaned before nodding in understanding.
“I see. Anyway, You should look forward to the participation of a new legion of warriors. Dragons carrying the crest of the Hawks.” She said before turning to leave.
“You have my condolences, by the way.”
Venetrix stopped upon hearing Ferraya’s words.
“Go. Create your warriors and I swear, should the opportunity present itself, I will send you back there.”
Venetrix nodded before leading Sarim out of the Keep.
The two then made their way to a teleportation platform which took them to another teleportation platform located somewhere in Northern Medelona.
Seven golden knights surrounded the platform which sat on the edge of a deep gash in the ground.
Venetrix ignored the knights and walked down a path that led into the gulch.
A narrow path led along it, leading deeper into the ground.
Sarim followed her so deep down that was almost impossible to see the path forward and so he created an orb of light, allowing him to see that he was mere centimeters away from falling into a seemingly endless abyss.
“Err… may I ask-“
“I did not want to trouble my comrades.” Venetrix said rather curtly.
“You were about to ask why I hid my gender? I was created during a time when almost all knights were men. Not only that but I was also half dragon.” She added as her steps came to a halt.
“My existence was a joke. A skinny, ugly Draconic freak and yet, despite all of that, Heurikhan took me in. I didn’t want to trouble him any more than I already was and so I shed my femininity in an attempt to blend in with everyone else, but I learnt later on that it didn’t really matter what the other knights or everyone else thought...”
A moment passed and Venetrix returned to walking.
The two eventually reached a tall iron door which opened slowly and loudly just as they arrived, revealing two men only the were bound to the chains that lifted the door.
Their eyes glowed green and their dirty bodies were covered in filthy, blood covered bandages.
Sarim focused on the dimly lit path ahead as he followed Venetrix deeper underground.
The air was then filled with the sounds of pained groans, moans, screeches and screams.
The smell of blood, rot, piss and shit filled the air, bit Sarim had smelled worse and so he soldiered on.
He and Venetrix eventually arrived at a long corridor filled with unlit cells.
They walked past them and Sarim caught glimpses of countless malformed or mutilated beings that laid limply on the floors of their dirty cages.
The two knights eventually reached the end of the hallway where a stone platform and single magician sat.
He wore dark, bloody leather clothes and had his arms clasped in prayer.
“May Summus guide you.” He simply said.
“Mmm.” Venetrix sounded in acknowledgement as she and Sarim stepped onto the platform.
“Ensyna’s office.” She said.
She and Sarim were then teleported to the front of a large iron door wherein the sounds of clashing metals could be heard.
Behind them was nothing but a dark stone wall and so the only path was ahead.
Venetrix opened the door and entered a large hall filled with countless stacks of books and tools along with all manor of humanoid statues.
At the center of it all was a small man with a shiny bald silver head whose skinny limbs were covered by a dark and dirty coat.
The man mercilessly struck at red hot plate of metal while sweetly humming a tune.
Venetrix took a single step forward only to gasp as the bald man suddenly appeared in front of her.
“Hello, V. What brings you back home? I thought you hated this place?” The skinny old man asked and his close proximity allowed Sarim to see that large sections of his body were covered in silver plates. The most notable one being that which covered his the top part of his skull.
“I’m here for my siblings.”
“Hoh! And here I though someone had finally grown the balls to free their king! Bah! Go ahead! Take the runts! Also… I’m hurt! You didn’t even say hello!” The man cried while violently smacking Venetrix’s chest with his twig like arms.
“Ugh, hello Ensyna. There, happy?”
“WHAT KIND OF DAUGHTER CALLS THEIR FATHER BY NAME?” Ensyna cried before falling to the ground where he frantically thrashed his arms around.
“Dammit, fine! Hello, father.”
Ensyna instantly teleported onto Venetrix’s shoulders, nearly hitting his head on the roof.
“Hello, dearie!” Ensyna yelled before slapping the back of the Hawk’s head.
“Go! To that table! I want to complain about something!”
“Ugh.” Venetrix groaned before walking up to the table atop which sat a strange humanoid statues only it was covered in lines that resembled those found on all knights.
It's surface was made from strange dark fibers and it’s head was almost featureless apart from eyes and a head full of transparent hair.
“Behold… the corpse of God!”
“You know, for someone supposedly devout, your mouth and hands know no bounds when it comes to heresy.” Venetrix said while studying the humanoid statue alongside a perplexed Sarim.
“Ah, but that’s the thing, sweeting. There is nothing evil, or heretical about this. With this lantern- no, with this crucible I plan on capturing Summus himself- well, I plan on siphoning an inconsequentially small fraction of him. With this, we may just be able to speak to him.”
“and where do you plan on going to find this fraction?” Venetrix asked as she tore her father off her shoulders and tossed him aside.
Ensyna crashed into a distant table before teleporting behind Sarim who would have jumped out of skin if he wasn’t a space magician as well.
“Ah, you of course know of the stream of life and how it leads to somewhere high above.” Ensyna said as he walked up to the table which sat beneath a bright orb of light.
“Yes, but King Luno already tried and failed to find its source and destination-“
“He failed to find it in the physical world…” Ensyna purred as he slid his hands all over the muscular contours of the statue.
“Anyway, let’s go get your siblings.” Ensyna said before leading Venetrix and Sarim to the teleportation platform.
“Oh- I forgot to ask. Who’s this?” Ensyna asked as they teleported to another part of the underground facility.
Like the first level, it was a single hallway lined with cages.
“This is Sarim, captain of the Tsudo. He’s actually the one who motivated and inspired my visit.” Venetrix said as she walked up to the first cell wherein a badly beaten man hung from four chains that bound his arms and legs. His long, dirty hair was dark, almost pitch black and his entire body was covered in thick, toned muscles. He also let out a low, inhuman growl every time he breath.
“Aww… so you wouldn’t have come here on your own?” Ensyna asked with a sniffle.
“No. Anyway, thank you for keeping me company, Sarim, but I must do the rest alone. Go to your legion and await my eventual return. We will one day crush those bugs with sword and talon.”