I felt the collective sigh more than I heard it as we finally left the Iron-wood forest behind us. Still, it was easy to see that everyone’s nerves were shot. Well, the people we had picked up at least. My party seemed bored more than anything else. Not that I could blame them, for our march took us to sundown before we finally came to a stop. A very quick encampment was set up, taking only an hour to set up as we settled into the night. Still, it seemed no one slept well as morning came and we set out again.
“What did you say our destination was again?” Gael asked as we marched through flat open fields, the odd group of trees breaking up the sight every now and then. The only creatures we could see were the odd flock of birds, as well as small groups of deer and other much more manageable things that weren't Tyrannosaurus.
“Andtin is our first destination. It's a small town on the border of Domadun’s influence. Thought it would make for a nice stop before the final stretch.” Hera explained with the same energy she approached everything else so far.
“How long until we arrive?” Hudson asked from Gael’s right, his voice slightly strained.
“At our current pace I'd say another day. Should get there around sundown I'd wager.” Hera informed our acquaintance.
“What's wrong mortal, getting tired?” The dragon, Thric, inquired as he walked along with his lazy gait. It seemed that Gael took that a bit personally.
“While I understand, Oh great one, that we can't compare to you in many ways, I do ask that you not underestimate us.” Gael replied with some steel in his voice, more than I would expect considering what he was talking to. “My men and I can march for days without rest and arrive at our destination ready for battle.”
“Cute,” Thric replied condescendingly. Yet before Gael could reply Thric did so first, the teasing in his voice disappearing for a moment. “Still, that kind of attitude will get you far in this world, assuming you live long enough to use it.” Gael said nothing, though the grunt he gave showed, at least to me, that he appreciated the words.
“What a touching moment.” Hera commented after a moment, much to Thric's annoyance.
“Perhaps I should demonstrate to our guests what it means to annoy me?” Thric pondered aloud as tongues of… octarine energy , I think it was called, slithered out from behind his teeth.
“If the idea is to make a fool of yourself, surely you don't need my assistance.” Hera replied, her tone shifting just out of its normal style into one that hinted at mocking. The look of horror Gael’s soldiers were giving Hera was comical, and would remain as such for a long time even as Thric hissed his displeasure at the saint, though said nothing more. If nothing else it made for quite the show, something I really needed for our long march. Hours and hours we continued on, until the sun began to set, and I assumed we would have continued until long after it had if it weren't for Thric.
With a sudden growl he halted his movement, and as he was pretty much the figurehead of the army it came to a tentative halt as well. About as confused as everyone else was, I turned to Hera for an answer. But she seemed just as confused as I was, or at least the way she was giving Thric a questioning tilt of the head made it seem that way. The only one who didn't seem lost was Wander, though with how his laid back stance remained I had to wonder if he had even noticed we had stopped.
“Care to share?” Hera finally inquired after a moment, even as Thric continued to growl at something unseen.
“The air, it reeks.” Was the dragon's decree, not that it made anything less confusing.
“And by that you mean…” I asked after Hera seemed to turn to her own thoughts.
“Death is in the air. Carrion rot marches towards our destination. They’ll probably arrive an hour before we do.” He explained dismissively, apparently no longer interested in the subject as he examined the talons on his right arm.
“Are you talking about the undead?” Gael guessed after the revelation, a dragon themed pipe suddenly lit in his hand as he seemingly pondered the situation.
“Disgusting cadavers. Them and their pathetic master.” Thric growled out in quite obvious spite. Gael turned towards Hera then, hesitance entering his posture.
“Mrs. Heva, your opinion?” Gael inquired towards the saint. Hera left her thoughts then, turning towards the captain with an almost… challenging, smile.
“Well captain, if our destination is soon to be under siege, then I can think of no better way of introducing yourself.” She informed him with a casual wave. Gael to his credit, took only a single, long draw of his pipe before turning to his army, and through some supernatural means projected his voice over to them all, even though he spoke as casual as before.
“WE HAVE A JOB!” In response every last one of them yelled back with a roaring fervor.
“NOT FOR LONG!” We began to move out then, though our pace had noticeably increased. I'd even say it had doubled in fact. With how energetic everyone seemed all of a sudden, I was curious to see how things would go once we arrived. And what we would find upon getting there.
“Hey Thric.” I asked after a thought crossed my mind. I saw his eyes flick over my way for the briefest moment. I flashed him a smile before making my move.
“We're going for a ride.” I declared as my leap took me to the top of his spiky head. He stopped for a second with a rapturous laugh before taking to the skies with me in toe once more. Though before we fully left I heard Hera give some advice.
“Don't go too far now. The first time you took on an army single handedly was also your last.” To say my mood was killed would be a slight understatement, but I heeded it all the same. Still, being up in the sky like this, free of the world below with so much of it on display, it lifted my spirits considerably.
And so, acting as the vanguard of our force, we soon arrived upon our destination.
----------------------------------------
The town was larger than I thought it would have been, though having no memory on what a town actually looked like was probably the reason there. A quick glance towards the city showed most of the building sporting vertical proportions, stylized pointed arches, fancy external buttressing, and lots of asymmetry. Luckily for the town it also sported a large stone curtain wall that completely surrounded it, which was the sole reason it had yet to be raised to the ground.
It was exactly like Thric had predicted; the dead had marched upon Andtin.
An army of armor clad skeletons that marched in perfect sync, a thousand rotting corpses that jerked to and fro like puppet marionettes. Catapults and trebuchet stylized like the cemeteries most of the creatures probably came from. My perch high above the ongoing battle allowed me to quickly count the number of offenders, and I put their number around three-thousand. The defenders were holding out well enough, though it was obvious that without help they would fall soon enough.
“So how long until our friends arrive?” I inquired with Thric as we circled the area high above.
“Oh, give the landbound their time. Thou will arrive when they do.” The dragon grumbled out. I got the feeling he wasn't very engaged with the situation.
“So, should we do something in the meantime or…?” I posed towards my partner. The way he rolled his eyes made his stance pretty clear to me.
“I would rather not dirty my scales with their filth if possible,” He posited with a grunt. “Nor would I wish to rob you of such valuable practice.”
“And what does that mean?” I inquired while sitting up from my perch. Balancing on top of the dragon's skull with just my feet, I found it oddly easy to keep my position even as we soared through the open air.
“It means it's time to see just how well thou compare to my Sith.” He openly challenged, and I found my heart-beat accelerated at the words. Grabbing my long-bow from the endless-pocket, I pulled forth an arcane arrow, and sighted down my target.
“A word of advice,” Thric offered just as I was about to let the arrow fly. “Don't miss.”
The sonic boom that accompanied my arrows' flight rocketed the loose parts of my clothing, though I found my balance still perfect atop the dragon's head. Even though my target was thousands of feet away I followed the arrow perfectly, and watched with perfect clarity as the projectile collided with a fairly important lookin chain attached to the targeted trebuchet. The chain's sudden parting caused another chain to snap as well, forcing the trebuchet to prematurely launch and throw its payload into a group of dead that stood in front of it.
“Don't miss? What thoughtful advice.” I snarked back towards the dragon as I lined up another shot, “Truly you are a font of endless experience and wisdom.”
“But of course I am. And thou would do well to remember that for all future discussions.” It was hard to tell if he was being serious or not, so I decided to take the neutral route and fire another arrow. Another trebuchet went down, and in the span of five seconds, five more went with it. Now with a large portion of their artillery gone, I turned to the few ballista and siege ladders they had. Quite a few of the skeletal dead were trying to find our position after all the damage done, though it was entertaining to see how few of them were looking up. Still, with how many of them there were it probably wouldn't be long before they did find us. Not that it would matter, I mean, what were they going to do? Rattle at us?
With most of their siege equipment gone, the attack suddenly halted as the dead reassessed their position in the fight. Though I had swung the battle in the defenders favor, the sheer number of corpses that were trying to claw their way through any crack in the defenders ranks meant that it would still be an uphill battle. I helped out here and there where I could, but unless something happened soon Andtin was still going to fall.
So it was quite fortunate that our own little army arrived.
Quite explosively as well. Popping noises sounded off from the undead’s flank, and I briefly eyed flashes of light from our volunteer force. Watching the bullets fly, I followed the trajectory of the small rounds as if they were within touching distance. Though not the most accurate they were effective, blowing apart the corpses and skeletons with ease. The only problem they faced was the fact that they were suddenly quite outnumbered. And then it got worse.
I watched in fascination as many of the skeletons that had been blown apart put themselves back together. Bone and armor flew and snapped together, rising as if nothing had befallen them in the first place. Except, not all of them. There were more than a few that didn't, and it was easy to see the connecting link; the one that stayed dead no longer had a skull. That was to say, if the skull of the skeleton was damaged or destroyed, they seemed to stay dead. Gael seemed to realize this too, or perhaps Hera let him know, for I could see orders being passed down the line of combat.
As the army of the dead nigh universally turned towards their flanking force, the town that had just been sieged decided to switch tactics.
The main gates suddenly flew open as knights wearing stylized, silver and black plate-mail rushed into the hoard of the dead. Wielding halberds, axes, and swords they made their presence known quickly, and that was before a group of the same knights on black and silver armored horseback charged through the enemy lines.
There were only about a hundred and fifty of them in total, but the impact they had was extraordinary. Our new allies slowly collapsed in upon the vile army, though it wasn't easy. I spent my own time supporting them when I could, doing my best to mow down as many as I was able. I was briefly concerned that the undead horde would try and overwhelm Gael’s primarily ranged based force, but it was a wasted effort on the dead's part. I couldn't tell how exactly, only that very bright light was involved, but Hera didn't allow even a single one to make contact. Our foe tried to destroy either engaging force, though the only force they were even able to engage with was easily the superior in melee. Still, there were many more skeletons than knights, and even losing one of their number would hurt their position immensely with how many they still had to cut through.
I had to admit to myself though, I was starting to lose concentration on the battle as a whole. Mostly because it was starting to get a little… tedious? Well, besides the exceptions. There were a few knights out there that were carving their way through the dead with practiced ease, and it was a joy to witness. So much so, that I found myself watching instead of helping, unable to look away from the knights exploits.
After ending my five-hundredth skeleton, I halted my attack to survey the battle as a whole. It seemed that our combined attack was successful, and it was only inevitable that this battle would end soon in our favor. But that was something I picked up on while looking for my true target. The leader. The commander. They had so far remained hidden, or at the very least they had kept to themselves. It took awhile to find them, but I did.
At the center of the crumbling army was what I assumed to be the leader. They were the only of their kind, a grim skeleton wearing elaborate black and gold trimmed robes and holding with a death grip a black bone staff. It was also floating above its lesser brethren, either to get a better sense of the battle or in some show of superiority was hard to say. Upon spotting them I realized that they had either spotted me as well, or had been watching me the whole time. Like always I looked upon the mage as if they were within touching distance, though the way it looked at me, the way those eyeless holes watched me with an expressionless, vile hate was unnerving.
The feeling it gave off, it was like any moment it would reach out with a cold dark hand, brush the side of my cheek, and steal away the light of my flickering, broken, soul.
Thankfully they looked away then, and towards a group of twelve knights as well as what appeared to be the leader of the defending forces. They had been, knowing or not, carving their way towards the mage. It raised its staff lazily while making strange hand gestures, its skull mouthing words that I couldn't make from so high up. As it did, an arcane circle of strange script colored sickly greenish-black floated before it. What I could only describe as arcane energy poured into the spell like a whirlpool.
The knights noticed, the ones in the front suddenly doubling their efforts to scythe through the skeletal chafe while the ones behind them pulled out what at first seemed to be smaller versions of the weapons Gael’s forces used. Though, a closer look showed that they seemed to instead be a mixture of Gael’s weapon and a bow, and were loaded with stakes of silver wood and not the small bullets. Alas their shoots found no mark save one, which did nothing but shatter upon the skeletons frame. The skeleton seemed to laugh in response.
The spell finished then, releasing the arcane energy towards the group. Only two escaped, the commander and a lucky knight who had managed to pull ahead of the main group. The others suddenly stopped and began convulsing, as something began to leak from their armor. That leak quickly became a stream of liquid, a cocktail of blood and other fluids meant to remain within the body.
To say their death was gruesome would be an understatement, but I wasn't paying them anymore attention, my focus now on the two remaining knights. It was the lucky soldier who broke through the mob first and attempted to rush the mage. Alas, without even looking the mage simply pointed a finger at the knight, at the end of the index glowed another circle. Though, while the color was the same, I noticed the scripts were different. Unlike the first spell, this one finished nigh instantly, and I was forced to retract my statement about their luck.
Their armor peeled away like an onion, exposing the poor soul beneath who, for a lack of a better term, zombified. Their skin and flesh necrotized and rotted away in a mere, horrifying moment. when they finally hit the ground, it was with the appearance of a freshly dug up corpse that they did so with. They didn't stay down long though. With jerky, unnatural movement they rose to their feet. Just another walking corpse among the army of the dead.
Then the commander stepped forth, and with a single chop of his great sword bisected the risen knight. Facing the dead mage then, he raised his large weapon with one hand while the other, which held a long serrated dagger, crossed over it. For a moment it seemed the two would duel. Then the mage looked over his soldier, directly staring me in the eyes. I remembered then my own arrow, ready to fire at a moment's notice. I had been so engrossed in the conflict that the thought of intervening had never even occurred to me. At the moment of understanding my arrow flew, but it didn't matter. Just before impact the mage just… disappeared. Like the shadow of a breeze, it simply ceased to be.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Looking over the battle, my gaze found the knights commander once more. They were gazing at where my arrow had struck, the craters cracks weaving through the earth and to their feet. Then they looked up to where the mage had been looking. Towards me. After a moment of thought they turned towards their approaching comrades, dealing out orders as they did so. They didn't look back. Recalling the escaped skeletal mage brought a frown upon me.
“I feel like we're going to have to deal with them later.” I commented while idling, deciding to commit fully to watching the battle unfold below. The disappearance of their commander didn't seem to hinder the dead's ability to function, but they fell apart soon after either way. Thinking about my inactivity, I definitely could have continued my bombardment of the enemy, but watching the battle finish up was far more interesting. I even spotted Alister and his men leading from the front, and watched with interest as he counter-charged a unit of the dead that was attempting a final charge.
Oh the stories they would have to tell.
Still, there was probably a lot of work that needed done. So with that in mind I sat back down upon the dragon's head. He took the que with a grunt, descending down to the gathering forces. The knights had met up with Gael’s forces after the battle had come to a close, and though they were wary as their respective leaders discussed, they stayed their arms nonetheless.
Gael seemed to be in talks with the defenders leader when we landed with an quake. As the knights looked upon us, I decided to look upon them in turn and found something striking about them; their eyes. They seemed… glazed. Dead even. But not fully? Like they were half-dead. It was strange, and stranger still was that all the knights that gazed upon me had the same, half-dead, eyes. Then something even stranger happened. As one every defender that had charged out of their home knelt towards… me?
“Finally,” Thric purred out in satisfaction. “The recognition I deserve.” I rolled my eyes at the idea.
“And what if they're kneeling for me?” I pointed out to the dragon with a lazy wave. The offended noise he made told me how he felt about that.
“And why would anyone submit to thee? Especially when I'm here.” Thric pointed out with his own grandiose gesture. Before I could retort back, the one who was talking to Gael addressed me then. The commander, I realized a moment after.
“I've seen my share of the world Mrs. Archer,” The man's deep voice rumbled out, which was about what my image of him suggested it would be. “But using one of the great dragon race, especially one so endowed, as an artillery platform is definitely a first.” He commented with a chuckle. I couldn't help but beam at that, even as I felt Thric roll his eyes. Though, I tilted my head as part of that statement registered.
“Endowed?” I whispered to Thric. The dragon back grunted in annoyance, apparently not interested in this topic. I shrugged at that, moving my attention towards the soldiers.
“Thank you Sir knight,” I chirped out as I started to make my way off my steed, “and might I say you were exceptional as well. Striking down a hundred and fifty-seven of your foes was just as impressive, and made for some great entertainment.” I replied back while hanging off the side of the dragon's ear. The knight seemed to go silent for a moment, before shaking his head for a reason I couldn't decipher. He then offered his hand as Thric shook me off from his head in apparent annoyance. I landed with perfect grace, and took the knights offering with vigor.
“Captain of the Guard, First Quarter Fitzgerald.” The knight stated. He had a strong grip, and I attempted to match it as I responded.
“Wayfarer Cynthia, dragon rider.” I noticed after we let the handshake go that the knight slightly shook his hand. Perhaps it had taken a hit in the battle? I also noted that Gael and his forces seemed to be quite bewildered by the situation, but were hanging back all the same. Whether that was because experience told them so or because Hera had told them otherwise remained to be seen.
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance Dragoon Cynthia.” I cocked my head slightly at the title in confusion. “I'm glad you and yours showed up when you did, else me and mine wouldn't be here I reckon.” He gestured towards his knights with a look. Knights who were still kneeling.
“So what's with that?” I gestured the same way he had, questioning the behavior going on in front of me. He seemed puzzled for a moment, before understanding entered his eyes.
“I suppose things must run differently in Ur. Well, while I'm sure a dragoon shows their reverence differently there-” Thric spoke in then, cutting the captain off.
“Thine companion is no dragoon, for they are but a servant. One I happen to prize highly.” He corrected while picking at something in his teeth. He then flicked his finger towards the knights in a “rise” gesture, and as one they did so. They then started going about some business, starting large pyres and picking through the corpses and dead. Gael whispered something to Hudson, and he nodded before gathering a number of his own men that joined the knights in their mission.
“Please, forgive my assumptions. It's nearly unheard of for someone to ride a dragon that's not a dragoon.” The knight captain asked with a slight bow. I waved him off with a smile and a “it's fine”, sliding a new topic of research into my mind to pursue for later as well. I saw Hera approach from the side alongside Gael.
“There is no need for humility, Fritzgerald. I'm sure Cynthia will inspire many misconceptions before the end.” The knight gave a deep bow towards Hera as she approached.
“Priestess Heva.” Fitzgerald welcomed, familiarity coloring his voice. “Your wisdom and teachings are always welcome in Andtin.” Ignoring the man, I slightly glared at the saint.
“And what does that mean?” I barked back while putting my hands on my hips. Though her eyes remained shrouded still, the blank stare she gave me had me pause for a moment in thought. “Fare enough.” I grumbled back in defeat.
“If you wouldn't mind me asking,” Gael commented towards the Knight-Captain. “But what exactly did we just fight?” The Knight seemed confused for a moment, but taking a look over Gael and his forces seemed to give him an answer, even as he turned towards Hera.
“Unveiled.” Was Hera’s response. The knight nodded in understanding before turning towards Gael.
“I'm not sure how much of our situation Hera has let you in on, but it seems either way we have a lot to discuss.” The knight informed us while gesturing towards the town we had defended. Gael turned towards his other lieutenants and whispered something to them. They nodded before walking off to do whatever task they were given.
I looked over to Thric, curious to what his input might be. As it turned out, he simply grunted before spreading his wings, and with a mighty flap that put out many of the nearby pyres, took to the sky. Confused, I looked over to Hera and the rest. The knight and Gael were giving a bow and salute respectively, while Wander seemed to be rolling her eyes. Hera just shrugged.
“A dragon does what it wishes,” Was her answer.
Gael then nodded, and with a gruff tone told the knight “Lead the way.” I followed suit, as did Hera and the knight, and we soon made our way across the war-torn field. I watched as the knights dismembered and burned the dead, and as our Knight-captain barked out orders here and there as we approached the gate.
“Who were they?” I wondered aloud, gesturing to the cadaver army in general.
“Probably Unveiled. And if not that, small towns and communities that believed that they could survive on their own.” The Knight-Captain guessed at with a sigh. I gave a hum at that as a thought made itself known.
“Can we bring them back? Like with what Hera did with your soldiers?” I inquired while gesturing towards Gael. Hera’s reply was swift and brutal.
“No.” She didn't seem to be in a mood to explain, though thankfully the knight was.
“If their souls weren't used as fuel for war machina, or as food for their leaders, then these poor souls have long since passed away into the afterlife.” He paused for a moment then, and I could see him weighing his words before he spoke again. “And unfortunately, even if it were possible, Andtin doesn't have the economy to do so. Speaking honestly here, the amount it would cost to bring everyone here back would probably empty our great capital's treasury, let alone our own.”
Gael seemed unnerved at the news, though he kept his silence as he lit that dragon themed pipe once more, taking a long draw of it as he kept his thoughts to himself. I was more curious as to how other places viewed resurrection, and the logistics that seemed to follow this aspect of existence. It would have to wait until later though, as we approached the entrance to the city my companions had fought to defend.
The large gates, which had kept the dead back, opened wide once more for us. The town was as I had seen it above. Though now it seemed the non-combatants, which all appeared to be human, were exiting their holdings. Slowly, but surely, I watched as people began to clean up the rubble and debris from the battle. It was almost automatic the way they went about it, which to me told of stories past they collectively held together.
We didn't interact with them though, instead we entered what appeared to be a small keep close to the center of the city, which was also releasing more non-combatants back into their homes. The knights that held it on the other hand were all of the same half-dead eyed individuals that had fought the cadaver army.
The place was heavily defended, appearing to me to be a last line of defense. I smiled and nodded to some of the knights we passed, and though they seemed confused by our presence, they did the same. As we passed more of them however, and the more I thought of it, I noticed something strange. All of the knights I had seen had the same eyes, but none of the townsfolk I had passed possessed those eyes. How curious.
We entered a fairly large room after a few twists and turns, which held inside of it a long table covered in maps and figures representing what I assumed to be the town itself alongside the attackers and defenders. There was only a single figure inside, who immediately saluted upon seeing our group.
“Captain,” was her greeting. She gave the same air as Hudson had given off, very loyal and very strict.
“At ease lieutenant,” Fitzgerald ordered. Her poster did not ease, merely changing to a position many would feel at ease at. “Our saviors, Unveiled, and members from the Arch-lords,” He introduced. The lieutenant nodded as she turned towards Gael.
“Your assistance is appreciated.” Was her thanks. It was a quick cut, and even dry, but Gael accepted it all the same with a nod, taking another draw of his pipe as he did so. He then turned towards the captain of the guard, who seemed to be quickly moving some pieces on the table around while wholly removing others.
“So then Captain Fitzgerald, anything about the situation, both here and in this land, would be greatly appreciated.” Gael inquired after a moment of watching the knight-captain work. Fitzgerald sighed as he removed another piece from the table.
“How much are you aware of?” The knight Captain inquired. Hera piped up then, answering the knight's question.
“I informed them of where they had landed, and where they could go. Though I wanted to make a stop here originally, I had planned on filling them in more specifically when we reached Domadun, but then we heard of your situation and now here we are.”
“I see,” Fitzgerald muttered. He looked up from the maps he had been looking at, crossing his arms as he kept his silence for a moment. “Vada, let the cooks know id like food and drink delivered when they can. This is going to take awhile.” He ordered his lieutenant.
“Yes captain.” They barked out before heading off to do their task.
“Now then,” The knight begin, “Domadun and the region it occupies, Vostrogar, are and have been under assault since its founding. Our offenders are the dead.”
“I noticed,” Gael commented with a grunt. “But what does that mean exactly?”
“I'm not sure how prolific undeath was where you come from, or if it was even a thing at all, but it's rampant in this land. Necromancers, Wights, Lichs, Death-knights, and far, far worse plague our realm. And worse still, they’re very well organized! Even though most operate under their own agendas, if they even have any, there is a masterful yet careful coordination between them all.” The Knight explained, anger dripping into his voice as the explanation continued.
“Coordination?” Gael inquired after a moment of silence, the knight seemingly lost in his thoughts for a moment. The door leading into this room opened then with the lieutenant, Vada, returning with a few others bearing food and drink.
“Yes, coordinated,” The knight repeated as he removed his helmet. His spiky hazelnut hair stood out to me as he took one of the offered cups, though the rest of his features were unremarkable. I took one as well, and was very pleased by its taste and aroma. “Take the fight just now for instance. Normally Domadun is quick to send reinforcements when a town like ours is under attack, but as I just found out,” he said while tapping a letter I had overlooked earlier. “A legion from the Unhallowed Necropolis, the greatest-fortress city possessed by our great foe, was spotted marching its way towards Domadun.” The knight growled out, using the knife he had been using to cut an apple a moment ago to stab the word necropolis.
“Was Andtin the only town attacked?” I asked after taking a bite from an apple. The knight shrugged in apparent defeat.
“I don't know, though I wouldn't be surprised if they were.” He sounded sad, and I wondered if it was for the situation or for something more specific.
“If it's as dangerous out here as you make it out to seem,” Gael asked after taking a bite into one of the more exotic looking fruits, “then why have towns and villages like these to begin with?” The knight's answer was curious indeed.
“Because Andtin, and many like it, weren’t built here.” The confused glance Gael gave had Fitzgerald explain, which I was thankful for as I was also confused. “The Unveiling can take more than people, Sir Gael. It can take buildings, towns, castles, even cities or nations. Andtin was one such casualtie, and while Domadun offered to relocate its people, most refused.” The knight stated while looking over another letter. After reading its contents he continued.
“It's dangerous out here, that is no lie. But so is living in Domadun. So is living in this world at all. The people here, and those like them, choose the home they knew instead of the one they didn't.” Gael grumbled slightly, shaking his head as he did.
“Seems like a waste of everyone's time and resources.” He postured. The other knight, Vada, spoke up then.
“With all due respect, it's not just sentimentality that keeps people here. Andtin, and many places like it, are more than just living quarters. They also act as checkpoints, bases, even fortresses. It's because of towns like ours that Domadun and its counterparts in the world can expand their influence as far as we have. This is especially necessary given the chaos that the Unveiling can cause. Information is key in our time, and that means we need to cover and hold as much land as we can, even if it's dangerous to do so,” The female knight explained.
It made sense to me, though I had no doubt that it was far, far more complicated than that. Still, it satisfied my curiosity for the moment, Gael’s as well apparently as he nodded in understanding. Hera put a hand on her hip before asking her own question.
“So who was the Lich that led the assault?” She inquired after a moment. Gael and the knight looked confused at the question, though I had an idea as to who she meant.
“You mean the scary skeleton with the black staff that disappeared after I tried to shoot it?” I postured to the saint. Hera nodded as she turned towards the knights. They looked at each other, as if trying to communicate via thought alone, before looking back.
“Though I approached the Lich, I was unaware that it was the mastermind at play here, yet you sound confident in your statement.” Fitzgerald informed us. He then questioned Hera back, “Considering you seem to know more about our enemy then we do, anything you can offer would be appreciated Mrs. Heva.”
“Well,” Hera began to say, “I don't suppose you're aware of any local Lich’s in your area?” The knights gave a dry laugh and a resounding “no”, so Hera continued. “Well lucky you that our culprit was careless. I’ve already divined their location, which is only about sixty miles from here.” The knight looked at each other again before responding.
“That's extremely good to know Mrs. Heva, however; I don't think we're equipped to fight such a foe, much less on their own turf.” Vara explained. Hera’s laugh was light, yet confident. Like they had just challenged her to something she was a master in.
“Worry not little knights,” Hera said while holding a hand over her heart, “The Arch-Lords will deal with this menace, and for reasons I won't explain we’ll even do it for free.” Hera offered. Both the knights seemed stunned for a moment, before both simultaneously stood as straight as they could and bowed.
“On behalf of everyone in Andtin,” Fitzgerald pronounced eagerly while still bowing, “We humbly accept your offer and wish you success in this endeavor.” They both stopped bowing then, Vara returning to her ease while Fitzgerald turned towards Gael.
“You and your soldiers are welcome to stay as long as you like. If you have any questions or concerns, Vara here will accommodate you.” He took in a deep breath before looking over the cluttered table. “Now, unless there's anything else you need I do have a lot of paperwork to oversee.” The knight finished while leaning over the table, both hands on it as well for support.
It seemed that the answer to that was a no, as Hera and Gael gave a curtsy and a salute respectively. I looked over to Wander, who had said nothing this whole time, and watched as he gave a lazy departing wave of the hand. I copied his wave, though I actually put effort in mine. We made it outside the fort soon after, and Gael gave a sigh then before turning towards Hera.
“So is this where we part ways?” Hera shrugged before responding.
“If that's what you want, then sure. We’ll be back before the sun rises though, and our journey towards Domadun will continue then.” She informed him. He nodded in confirmation, before heading out towards where many of his men were waiting for him. Though we started in the same direction a moment later, it was clear our group had split for the moment. I looked towards Hera as we walked.
“I didn’t know we charged for our services.” She looked surprised by the statement.
“Well of course we do. Running a guild is expensive after all, and we have to recuperate our losses somehow. Especially since the powers that be would rather pay us nothing at all if possible.”
“Then why aren't we charging now?” I asked back, watching the people that had come out to help rebuild with some mild interest.
“Because this is an excellent opportunity for you.” She explained. I felt a slight chill at the words.
“Me?” I squeaked back.
“But of course. This should make for a nice introductory challenge for you.” She said with a confident smile. Though it turned slightly sour a moment later. “Or, should I say, this would have been a nice challenge for Cynthia.” There was a provocation being presented here, and it was unfortunately very effective. After all, if Cynthia could do it then I needed to do it too.
“Very well,” I added with a grimace, before another thought crossed my mind. “Is everyone here human?”
“The townsfolk? Yes, though you might find some Unseelie here and there,” Hera informed me.
“And the guards?” It was hard to see, but I saw her smile just slightly. She seemed impressed.
“Dhampir; The Life Corrupted Dead. Or the Half-Dead if you prefer.” Hera explained while flicking a finger towards the source of our discussion. “The bloody soldiers of Domadun and its eternal moon, Vera.”