Standauf, a small Village known for its Coal Mines located within the outskirts of Vauld Province, which was named such by its proprietors, The Vauld Family, who made a fortune from the area’s rich presence of Stone Coal to the dismay of the people needing to live under the smoke and soot. The Village itself suffered from the same issues as its people, being virtually blackened from all the smoke and soot from the surrounding mines. But the surrounding Forest seemed curiously untouched by all of it.
The Villagers of Standauf paid no attention to one another, walking past their neighbors without uttering a word, sons and daughters leaving their parent’s house without a sound. But most of them shared the same path…to the mines. A Line formed itself, Pickaxes and Helmets clanking at one another as the Miners of the Village made their way uphill to the Coal Mines, walking in unison until they were distracted by a rarely heard sound in this Village.
a Galloping Horse is approaching the Village Gateway. The Villagers stood there in awe at the Rider of the Horse. A figure covered by a dark feathery cloak, as the Rider came closer,
“A Knight, see. The Armor and who else could ride a Horse to this place.”
a Villager remarked,
Yet this was no Knight, the mentioned armor was frayed and weathered. There was no resemble of a Knight in shining armor visiting this Village.
“They do not show any banners. This stranger is none of our business. We will be late.” One of the Women Muttered, carrying a heavy sack of supplies up the Hill.
The Once silent lot of Villagers had now turned into a Muttering and Mumbling mob of concerned Sheep as they kept turning back, looking at the stranger who had now stopped at the Villages’s Inn; the Stranger seemed to pay no attention to them as they read the soot-covered sign that once said “Miners Rest” before entering the Inn.
The Inside of the Inn is as lively as one could imagine this place being during this hour of the day. Its inhabitants consisted of the Bar Maiden and Her Husband, scrubbing away at the walls, which had also not been spared the soot and dust from outside.
“Oh, I am Sorry we are not-“ The Innkeeper said exhaustingly while turning around to the sounds of the creaking door. He seemed to share the Villagers’ first impressions as well.
“ahem, Is there anything we can help you with? A-Are you traveling through these parts? Directions, maybe?” Asked the now also attentive Bar Maiden, both finding themselves in a predicament upon the stranger’s Looks and still Unknown Goals.
The Air around them seemed heavier than usual; just the presence of this stranger filled the room with a threatening aura of dread, for what could this person do? As the silence became even louder, the only thing breaking was a voice, a raspy but calm and well-spoken feminine voice. The Origin of said Voice stems from the threatening and towering stranger Cloaked in Shadow and Clad in Armor.
“I wish only to ask for Information…and Feed for my Horse,” the stranger said, revealing a handful of coins from her pouch as the Two proprietors of the Inn stared at her and themselves in shock…relieving shock.
“W-Why yes, yes. My dear, would you please fetch this Feed for this Lady’s Horse?” The Innkeeper told his wife with relief before turning back to the Stranger.
“Please, pick any spot you wish. Let me bring you something to drink. Your way here must not have been easy.” The Barkeeper remarked in a friendly manner as he walked behind the Counter before turning his head once more as The Stranger took a seat at the counter
“I hope this is not too much to ask, Miss but The Mask….”
Since the Situation inside the Inn had now mellowed out
It has been revealed that one of the traits of this stranger’s threatening look might have been the item lurking under this tall Characters cloak and hood of feathers.
A Mask resembling the Skull of a Bird made from a Material reminiscent of Bone, its beak peeking out from under the cloak’s cowl as the Stranger raised her head. Two Darkly Stained pieces of glass would reveal themselves being embedded into the Mask. The right one of them is oddly crossed out by the mask itself, which would make it hard or even impossible to look through. The top of the mask’s part, which covers the forehead, is ordained in an etched silhouette of a pair of intertwined Swan…however, they seem to be upside down.
The Mask only covers the Stranger’s top Face-half, the lower part of her face being bound in bandages and rags. The Mask itself seemed to be attached to a chain mail coif under the stranger’s cowl, the Stranger now removed the binds keeping her lower face hidden, but even without the Mask, the stranger kept her cowl up still as the Bar maiden Returned with a sizable sack of scraps and feed.
“Ah, Here you are, Miss,” She said before handing over the sack and the change.
“You didn’t state a price for the Feed, so there is no reason to give me change. Keep it” The Bar maiden was confused but soon realized the Stranger’s odd attempt at giving a Tip.
“We’ll use the change to pay for this Drink then, if you don’t mind, Miss,” The Innkeeper stated as he returned.
“You had also mentioned that you needed Information…I am afraid that we do not have many visitors besides the Locals in this here Inn, but if we can help you anyhow, please go ahead.” said the Barmaiden to the stranger in a friendly tone
While most of her Face had still been covered by her Cowl, the expression on her pale face turning into a frail smirk, could still be seen very clearly.
The Stranger leaned back, arms crossed, and only her lower face visible as she stated her intentions.
“There had been talk of people disappearing from these parts, never to reappear. Even Wild Animals leave trails of their prey. I came to ask if anyone knew where these people disappeared.” She stated, noticing the pair being distraught by what the Stranger told them.
“Ah- I am sure that this sort of thing is unfortunately so common these days…” said the Innkeeper building up a noticeable sweat.
“I suppose so.” The Stranger said, gripping the Mug with her before concealed right hand, causing another set of concerned eyes.
While at first looking like a simple armored glove. It now looked like her arm was made from a strange fluted black metal. Her hand bore unnaturally long, pointy fingertips resembling claws that would retract into her hand upon gripping the mug’s handle to reinforce her gripping strength.
Before emptying said mug and looking out the dusty window to notice the imminent sunrise as she reattached the “wretched” mask to her mail coif while standing up from her seat.
“I must be going now.” The stranger said as she walked to the door, in the process of renewing the bandages covering her lower face.
“M-Miss!” The Barmaiden raised her voice distressedly, making the stranger turn around to look at her.
“T-The Ward of the Castle, Lord Vauld, has put a Bounty on whoever is behind the kidnappings. H-His castle is uphill. You can’t miss it.” Said the Barmaiden, now breathing heavily.
“Thank you.” The Stranger answered, now moving out the door.
“We can’t keep doing this…he wouldn’t have noticed if we would have just let her go.” The Innkeeper said, whispering to his wife in a sad tone.
“We don’t have a choice dear…b-but this Woman doesn’t look like an ordinary wanderer. Maybe she could-“ the Barkeeper held his wife’s mouth shut as tears ran down her eyes, the Innkeeper comforting her.
“Let’s pray for her. She might need it, dear”.
Now outside the Tavern, the stranger finds herself back in the Village of Soot and Dust, devoid of any presence. A village drenched in smoke, without even just a cough, a voice made itself known as feminine in nature, echoing through the stranger’s head.
“Swan of Ash, tread carefully. No lower beasts await you here. This is where your journey will start; become my champion. Should you wish to honor still this old Oath you took” The voice snickered
“I find no use in being a champion, I have a debt to pay, and you will assist me in seeing it paid out in full).” The Stranger told the voice begrudgingly before glancing her view to the Castle awaiting her
The Stranger used the acquired feed for the Horse, whispering in its ear.
“Go, Scout the Area…Hunt as you see fit,” the Stranger said toward the Steed, which would now gallop deep into the forest on the command of his Mistress.
As she was following up the path to the castle, the one, the villagers had treaded earlier, she came to realize that the thick smoke and smell of coal had now almost disappeared entirely as she reached the castle gates; from here, only a cloud was visible in place of the Village she had now just exited.
“A Strange development, is it not, Swan of Ash?” The voice remarked at the odd state of this mining Village
The Stranger pays no further attention and approaches the castle gates; the Village of Dust and Soot is only barely visible behind her down the hill as one of its Guards shows themselves standing atop the walls of the gate.
“Who goes there? You are approaching the home of His Lordship Tannerik Vauld, Regent of Standauf. State your Business Stranger,” The Guard would shout down from the walls.
The light of the early morning sun would shine down on the stranger as she looked up to the guard, the light reflecting from her mask’s eye lenses and her feathery cloak fluttering the in light wind on top of the hill.
“I’ve come to offer my Services.” She said to the disgruntled guard as he could only shiver from the cold air surrounding the hill…or perhaps it was the presence of this strange Woman
“Somebody has mentioned a big reward on a bounty around these parts, and I just wish to inquire more about it; it was the Lord of the Castle who put it up,” the stranger shouted up to the castle walls.
“Ah, the bounty…yes, I should have guessed. I ask that you surrender any weapons you might be carrying with you. Trust Policy, you see.” The Guard waved his hand at the other guards operating the gate, which opened shortly afterward, revealing the Castle’s courtyard and more guards, all shrouded behind their closed helmets as they approached the stranger, marching in unison. The Guard first in line came the Stranger holding out her left hand while holding a Mace in the right, seemingly ready to use it at any moment.
The Stranger obliged the Guards wishes and unbuckled a chain from her belt. Also made from the same metal her armor seems to have been made of. The links of faded blackened metal baring a heavy weight at one end and a Talon-like claw at the other. The Guard stowed it away and pointed at the Stranger’s right arm.
“I cannot remove my arm, I’m afraid.” She said to the less than negotiable looking guard, whose stature now became increasingly on edge, which would jump over to the guards as well as they now all gripped for their weapons. Before the doors to the Inner castle swung open. A short bald man escorted by two Larger Armored Guards showed himself standing atop the staircase leading up to the Doors.
“Now, now, stand down, men. I don’t think there is any reason to threaten our guest here. I am sure she would stand no chance against the lot of you,” he chuckled as the Guards now formed a way through, making the visible to the Stranger.
“So. I believe introductions are in order. My name is Tannerik Vauld, chamberlain to Castle Standauf and Standauf Village, but you may call me Lord Vauld. And you are?” The Lord smiled as he took a sip from the goblet he held
“They call me Swan, sir. I hunt beasts and man alike against a sum, and I do hope that we can come to an agreement so that I may…help you with this predicament,” The stranger introduced herself, bowing in a mannered gesture.
“Swan…why I believe I understand your choice of attire a little more now. Nonetheless, it is still a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Vauld said, raising his brow as he ordered the guard from before over to him, receiving the clawed chain Swan carried with her.”
“So this is the weapon you use to hunt down your bounties? I have never seen a Bounty Hunter who hunts solely with a chain, even less with one like this. Intriguing” He would continue to inspect this peculiar weapon.
“I believe that Unconventional Enemies require Unconventional means to defeat. Lord Vauld, might you tell me more about this “beast” you are after?” The Hunter asked, looking up the stairs, arms crossed
“Ah, I can see that you cannot wait to be on your way to do your duty. Excellent!” The Lord spoke out in excitement
“This Beast…or Monster even that terrorizes and scares my dear villagers and myself is what I would assume a Demon brought to these parts through the lands of the Fog. It is rather unfortunate that our Village is so close to not only the Forbidden Forest but also this Haunting Landscape” The Lord coughs and takes another sip of his drink before continuing.
“I have heard that you wish to help me. And this here quaint Village I govern with our…predicament. Is that correct?” The Lord gestured toward the Stranger with a smile
“You see, we have tried to contact the Order of Longinus and their Paladins to eradicate this threat, but none would even dare come to these parts, so I had to rely on brave hunters like you, but none has yet bested this powerful beast.” He said, begrudgingly while he ran his hand around his goblet
“Have you any idea about its location? I am not a native to these parts.” Swan answered coldly, the sun reflecting in her right eyeglass, her arms not having moved an inch
The Lord gestured one of his guards to go into the castle, who then returned in tow with an older frail, looking man in a robe and a walking stick.
“Ah, headsman, I have a task for you. I ask that you bring this mighty warrior to the Forbidden Forest to scope out this beast; I am sure that she could use your knowledge of these lands, my friend,” Vauld said, grinning at the rather scared-looking old man.
“I believe that I’ll be fine with just directions. There is no reason to put this man in danger-“ She objected stoically as she dropped her arms.
“Oh, Ms. Swan, believe me. This man will bring you where you need to go. Make no mistake. I do appreciate your thoughtfulness. But I insist,” he said, continuing his wide grin as he chuckled, gesturing the headman to Swan’s side and giving him her chain.
“I-I’ll assist you where I can, Miss. Do not worry about me.” The older man said, stuttering, handing her the chain
“Now then, Ms. Swan, I ask that you bring me the creature’s head…as proof once you slay it. I will be awaiting your return with great interest. And pay, of course!” He exclaimed happily before turning back around, his guards following
“This is your call to go and do your job, Bounty Hunter,” said the guard from earlier, laughing.
Now outside the castle gates, the two made their way back down the hill, the clangs and coughing from the mines again audible.
“What is your name, Headsman?” Swan said calmly as they both walked back down to the village road, which was barely visible through the even worsening smoke
“M-Martin, Miss Swan. Was it? I hope I am not inconveniencing you; you seemed skeptical of me accompanying you.” The man answered, his stuttering lessening as he became surprisingly calmer.”
“While it is true that I prefer to work by myself. I do think most would think it unwise to put the elderly or children in danger,” Swan said emphatically before whistling to her horse, who had returned to the Tavern.
“…I thank you, Ms. Swan, it is very kind of you,” he said, visibly sad and looking toward the ground as they walked.
Swan noticed the Headsman’s odd sign of sadness but could not answer as the voice echoing through her mind had now returned briefly, making her hold her head in pain, to the surprise of the Headsman.
“Oh, Swan of Ash. How uncommon for you to show such compassion. Perhaps you see “him” instead of this old frail body?” The voice chuckled once more at the then-strained look on Swan’s face, visible through her goggles
“M-Ms Swan!? I apologize if I did wrong, forgive me….” A concerned Martin exclaimed
“Grr. A mere headache. Let us move on,” Swan gestured for the Headsman to climb onto her Horse.
“It will be faster this way. Get me as close to the location as possible, and then ride back to safety. I will walk,” She said to the Headsman, who seemed even more surprised at the Strangers’ kindness than before.
Swan, her Steed, and the Village Headsman Martin are now on a trail leading outside the Village, traveling along the path deeper into the Forbidden Forest.
“I remember the times when these lands were still at peace…the only dangers being the Wolves or Hogs. This war changed Candenzia, or the whole world, more so. It saddens me to see children needing to grow up in a world like this.”
Martin said, looking at the trees and forest around him.
“I-…Saw the changing of our lands more up close than most. It is one of the reasons I fight these beasts.” Swan said sadly, looking up at the sky
“W-Were you a Soldier, Ms. Swan? If you have experience fighting these, then maybe-“ Martin would quickly cut himself off oddly, such as being noticed by Swan’s suspicious gaze.
“I fought in the King’s Army…but that is all there is to it; I am no hero more than anything a deserter to Candenzia and its Citizens.” She said, looking directly at the old man with a severe stare
“There is no reason to blame anyone for leaving the battlefields. This treat is none that can be bested by us mere humans or any of the other races…it is up to the gods to save us,” The old man exclaimed, holding his necklace in the form of a spearhead.
“I disagree,” Swan said monotonously, ending the conversation as they continued on the path that would become increasingly foggy and hard to see.
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“Ms. Swan, I think this is the location,” Martin said, pointing toward a clearing in the forest.
Swan would get the needed materials from her Horse: a flask with an unknown liquid, a set of throwing knives, and her chain.
“I thank you, Martin.” She said as she approached the clearing, chain clutched in hand.
Swan, now alone, once again enters the forest’s clearing as the sun begins to set. The colors of deep green were now tinged in warm orange, and the calm wind blowing across the grass she wandered across and her cloak flattering to the breeze as well. All had been calm. No sign of any beast made itself clear until the setting sun revealed a most curious thing. A small shining object was located in the middle of the clearing, which Swan then came closer to investigate.
“…?” After closer inspection, she noticed that the shining object was a key made from a bright whitened metal bearing no unusual shape. It was all but an ordinary key made from a bright silver-like metal.
“…You look different than the others.” a calm voice said, echoing from behind the crouched Swan, who quickly scanned the area around her, not moving an inch.
“…All in Black, dawned like a Bird. Do you wish to become one, perhaps?” the voice asked in the same calm and monotone way.
“What use would I find in being a Bird?” Swan answered, putting the key in one of her pockets as she stood up. Still in the middle of the clearing
“You could cease pretending to be something you are not and receive the freedom of roaming the skies.” The voice said, growing louder as it came closer
“I find solace in pretending. Beast,” She stated, binding the weighted end of her chain around her left hand.
“You Mortals always wish for things you can never achieve, yet never cease to stop trying. There is no hope for your kind. The end is upon thee.” Said the voice, now having lost its calm tone to one of growing aggression as night fell, shrouding the area in darkness, no light source remaining. Not even the light of the Moon reaching the open clearing and no star shining across the sky as the wind started to blow faster and faster.
Even though Swan’s vision had now been wholly impaired due to this unnatural darkness, the effects of the increasingly stronger wind would also deplete her sense of hearing and awareness, leaving her without any senses to rely on.
“(You cannot always rely on your frail mortal senses, Swan of Ash. This scum of a Monster has underestimated you already. Slaughter it),” said the Echoing Voice in Swan’s head, calmly but insistingly.
Swan, being completely blind and nearly deaf, now reached for her mark, unbuckling it from the Coif and reaching for the right side of her face.
“M… Sw-…” A yelling voice barely audible could still be heard through the heavy blowing wind.
“MISS SWAN!” After concentrating on it, she noticed the voice. It was Martin who rode out from the trees, only visible through a bright torch he’d been holding dangerously close to him in the hope that it would not be blown out.
“FIRE, ITS WEAKNESS IS FIRE!” The old man screamed at the top of his lungs, lighting the surrounding trees ablaze, riding along the clearing, illuminating it, and calming down the heavy wind.
She had now reattached the mask again against the will of the Voice and readied herself again, stabbing the flask open with one of her throwing knives as she started to run toward Headsman as the howling of the wind turned into a loud pained screeching
“Pathetic Worm, you Mortals do not deserve to exist in the same plain as Nature,” The creature called out in agony as it showed itself.
The Monster was a towering beast on two legs covered in long brown fur. Its face was that of a Horse Skull with Antlers, claws befitting a bear, and Talons in place of Feet as it Rushed Toward The Old Man rapidly.
“Thank you, it is time to return to your Mistress, my friend. Give her this.” Martin Told the Horse, fastening the torch in the Horse’s mouth before Jumping off, trying to make the distance between Swan and her Steed, baiting the Beast to the other direction of the clearing.
The Beast had now caught up with Martin, who was now cornered. The Horse reached his Mistress as she pulled the Torch from its Mouth, Clutching it in her right hand. Calling out to her Savior…to no Avail
“You have doomed your Village, you old Fool, after I this is finished. They will suffer the same fate as you.” The Beast said, regaining its calm and menacing tone as its clawed hands gripped onto the Headsman, who would scream out in pain.
“I-I doubt that you will leave this Forest, beast T-The Gods have sent our Savior, and you do not yet know it….” Martin exclaimed in a frail voice, coughing up blood.
“Martin!” Swan shouted as she came closer, hurling the Chain at the beast as it lodged itself in its back
“I see no Savior here…only another husk of Flesh,” The creature said, turning around to face Swan, who had been pulling on the chain to no avail.
“M-Ms Swan…The Key…in the Castle…Save…us,” The Headsman said with his last breath before the Creature Crushed the Frail old Man in its hands, dropping him to the ground.
“Witness the errors of your kind. Power unachievable,” Stated the Creature, staring blankly into Swan’s face, her eye being hidden away by the reflection of the flames surrounding them as she let go of her chain, unbuckling the flask from her belt, which still had half of its liquid contained within.
“A last drink before you stand before your false gods? Your kind Is nothing but Vermin, only present for the desires of the flesh” The beast chuckled as it looked down upon its adversary in pity.
“Since the beginning of time, humanity prevailed against the strong and the powerful. The key being innovation.” Swan said, hurling the flask at the beast, it cracking on impact, dousing it in the liquid from within, angering the beast, which would now sweep in to attack.
The beast swept its mighty claw at the Huntress, who would now grip the previously dropped chain in her right arm, yanking it with before-unseen strength, ripping open the beast’s skin on its back, and pulling it to the ground.
“HOW, Y-YOU WORM!?” The Beast screamed out in agony as Swan retrieved her Chain, which had left a bleeding scratch wound across the beast’s back. As she then lit the Beast’s Fur ablaze, which would burn rapidly due to the previously applied liquid.
All the Creature could do now was Scream and Wail around, hoping to extinguish the fire, rolling on the ground.
“(How…Intriguingly bold, I applaud you!)” Exclaimed the Echoing Voice in delight as the Beast lit the surrounding grass on fire as well, where the same flammable liquid had been dispersed this entire time.
Swan would utter no word as she Charged the Downed Beast while a blade folded out from her right arm, it also being made from the blackened metal, only it being white resembling a sharp bone, shimmering in the wake of the blazing flames around them as she Plunged it into the creatures head, shattering the Horse skull, penetrating the creature’s brain, which now could no longer scream.
Silence would return as the fires would be blown out by the returning strong winds, the moon, and the night sky appearing above the clearing. Lighting up this gruesome scene in bright moonlight. As the voice would now return, echoing through Swan’s mind.
“(The Beast has now returned to the endless plain, I congratulate you on your Hunt, Swan of Ash. Remove its head, and we shall move on to the Target.) The voice said in a pleased tone
Before moving on to collect her Trophy, Swan would hurry toward the now dead Martin, sitting him up against one of the trees and placing the Torch who had saved her life moments earlier in his palm.
“I will fulfill your wish, friend, and will come back to honor you afterward,” Swan said empathetically, closing the man’s eyes and returning to her Horse. The Moonlight engulfed the man, his necklace shining bright as The Huntress now Rode again.
Swan arrived back at Standauf Village at Sunrise as she did the day before. Only now would the Villagers not pay attention to her Attire but to the Severed Head of the Forest’s Beast, strapped to the side of her Steed. This made the villagers drop their Pickaxes, Helmets, and Sacks. The before saddened and cold-hearted villagers were now in shock. Unaware of their situation. All they could do was Cheer and Cry, for they knew that the beast was slain. The clapping and cheering in the street also made the two Tavern Proprietors rush to their window as the one once called Stranger rode through the dusty pathways of this Village. But they would not cheer. They would Pray. As Swan rode up the Hill toward the castle, tears ran down their faces. The Gates had already opened. Even though they seemed to have heard the commotion, they were not applauding.
“The Bounty, I’ve come to turn it in,” Swan said, calling out to the guards who were nowhere to be seen as she rode into the Castles Courtyard.
Silence returned before the Doors to the Castle swung open, and the Lord revealed himself again.
“Ah…Ms. Swan. Such a delight to see you again. I feared the worst!” Vauld exclaimed, smiling.
Swan dismounted from her steed, removed the Beast’s head from her Saddle, and walked toward the tall staircase the Lord stood atop.
“Your Monster,” Swan said, holding up the large head with her right hand and staring at the Lord, who had no guards around him.
“What can I say more, Ms. Swan? You have earned every single coin. You will be a legend in this Village, or you might be already!” The Lord spoke out in joy
“So, if you would please hand the Trophy to one of my Guards, they should be returning from their patrol soon. They should be in the Village. You will get your payment there,” He said, waving the Huntress goodbye as he turned around walking back into the Castle.
After Fastening the Head to her Horse once more, Swan pulled out the key from her pocket, clutching it in her hand, and started to walk up the staircase before she was interrupted by screams stemming from the Village, which made her turn around and rush out of the Gates to the place overlooking the Village.
“(Oh Swan of Ash…Your Target is by himself, tucked away in this Castle all alone, yet you wish to save these people? I never thought you to be so selfless for the people clearly under you… oh, what am I saying, this is in your nature, is it, not Commander S-)” Swan’s violent headshaking cut off the Voice as she made her way down the path toward the Village, fogged up. Not by Soot but now by Smoking Fires.
Arriving at the Village, Swan saw the previously missing guardsmen pulling people from their homes and lighting them ablaze, then executing them on the streets; all around were only screams from the villagers and manic laughter from the guards as they raped and pillaged this Village they are supposedly meant to protect.
“The Stranger!” One of the Guards screamed upon noticing Swan standing on the village’s main road; not before long, a group of 5 Guards came rushing toward the Huntress, blades drawn and drenched in the Blood of The Villagers.
Swan unbuckled her Chain, hurling it at one of the Guards who ran toward her, the chain twirling around his neck as she tugged on it with her right hand, ripping the Guard’s head off in the process before facing the rest, running in Circles landing a hit with her right hand onto one of them. Disarming him in the process, now Armed with the Guards, Mace Swan Stuck at the remaining guards, them falling one by one, freeing the Tied up Villagers lying on the ground.
“What is happening here? Speak!” She shouted, clearly stressed by this unexpected turn of events
“T-The Guards came because we did not show up to the Mines. W-We thought to celebrate the beast’s slain and-“ The villager broke down crying as the others tried to run, only to be struck by arrows. One of which hit Swan’s left shoulder as she noticed Archers being placed atop the surrounding hills and rooftops.
Swan broke into one of the not yet burning houses to seek shelter from the rain of Arrows. The Muffled screaming continued on the outside.
Inside the House, Swan could hear the sounds of laughter from a couple of guards upstairs. She snuck up the stairs to investigate, looking through a slit in the door.
“Oh, what’s wrong, Kid? No Mommy or Daddy to tell you when to go to bed or come inside after dark. Why don’t you come to join us, huh.” One of the pair said to a young Boy cowered up in the corner of the room
The two guards could only chuckle as they oozed over the body of the kid’s parents. Devouring and Having their way with them, the boy could only cry and shield his eyes.
“Look at grown-ups when they talk to you, little brat.” The guard shouted at the boy walking toward him with a dagger
Before the guard could reach the boy, the door was kicked open, and Swan rushed toward the angered and surprised guard. Striking the side of his head with the pace, dropping him.
“Stranger…you are at fault for this, heh. You can kill us all you want” The other guard, located on the bed with the bodies of the two villagers, only shot her a wide smile before slitting his town throat, dying shortly after as well.
The Boy opened his eyes again, only seeing the Figure, Swan, who had earlier been sung as a Hero, now standing before him in the same room where he had lost his parents only moments ago.
“I-Is it really your fault?” The boy said under tears as he approached the bed housing his parents
Swan would not speak. She would only clutch her hand and look toward the ground before she noticed the boy picking up the guard’s knife, holding it to his own throat as well.
“I want to be with my parents-“ The boy said before an angered Swan gripped his hand, making the dagger fall to the ground as she lifted the boy by his collar.
“Two people you loved are now dead. They gave their lives for you. If you go as well, their memory will be lost. Nobody will ever remember you or anybody else if you give up. Kid, this is only the beginning, so don’t rest upon easy solutions.” Swan said, angered by the boy’s actions as she put him down again.
“Now come, I’ll help you get to safety.” She said, moving back down the stairs with the boy who was now gripping the knife again, but now to defend himself.
The two reached the ground floor again, Swan looking out the window seeing only the bodies of dead villagers lying on the street but noticing the Tavern still untouched and barricaded.
“This is where we’ll need to go. Kid, put this over yourself” She pointed toward a big wooden barrel gesturing for the boy to get inside. It would serve as a bit of protection against the storm of arrows on the outside. To which the boy nodded and followed her orders.
Swan opened the Door, Carried the Barrel housing the boy, and ran across the street, being hit by several arrows until she reached the Tavern’s back entrance, banging against the door.
“I have survivors. Open the door,” Swan stated, in pain due to multiple arrows stuck in her less-armored left arm.
The Door would unlock quickly after she spoke, revealing the Bar Maiden behind it with an expression of terror on her face which would be softened after she came to see the Wretched Masked Stranger she once feared.
“M-Ms, I-“ She would be interrupted by her merely dropping off the Barrel inside the Tavern.
“Try to make no noises. My Horse will try to bring you more. Please shelter them,” Swan said, Putting her entire pouch of Coins into the Bar Maiden’s Hands before rushing out of the Door again, Her Horse at the Ready.
“Ms- This will help you” The Innkeeper ran in front of his Wife with a Metal Shield in tow, handing it to the Huntress.
“T-Take the pouch of Coins as Payment for it then,” Swan said, letting out a faint chuckle before riding off onto the main road.
The Killing and Destruction continued inside the Village as Swan reached the Village Square, where the Guards Rounded up the large group of the remaining Villagers Men, Women alike, burning them on stakes and keeping the children locked in metal cages to watch. Before she intervened by riding in front of the Tied up Villagers
“Oh, look at that, the Hero of the Village. Witness people, the ones who brought your doom. I could tell that the likes of you outsiders would be no good the first time I saw you standing before our gate.” Remarked the Guard, who had at an earlier point been the one overseeing the gates.
“Now, Get off your Horse and drop your weapons. I think we got you surrounded here. Stranger,” The Guard said, pointing toward the Group of archers who had positioned themselves on the surrounding buildings and the footmen who now slowly circled her and the remaining villagers in.
The Guardsmen all laughed collectively like a mob of demons as Swan dropped the Mace, shield, and her chain to the ground staring at the Guards, not uttering a word.
“Silent are we, dear? If you like looking at us so much, why don’t you take that ridiculous mask off too? We’d love to see what you’re hidin’,” Ordered the Guard to the now unarmed Swan, who would oblige
She began removing the mask from her upper face, dropping it to the ground to the rest of her gear. Revealing that a black piece of cloth covered her right eye, her upper cheek bearing the same symbol of intertwined pair of swans, also turned on its head. The symbol seemed to be partially obstructed by the black piece of cloth, which she’d now pulled back slowly.
“(It is only in the face of untimely end that one of the Mortal realm truly fears.)”
“(They find themselves helpless, for there will wait no future or past. Only the present. Which would never continue on for them.)”
“(The Black Swan has spread it’s wings.)”
No time had passed, yet it seemed so long. None of the villagers uttered a word as they witnessed what happened, not before their eyes but rather what their eyes were telling them happened. The Guards were now all dead, impaled upon their spears, gutted by their own Swords, Hanged by their own Belts. None remained. Only the crackling of the burning fires engulfing the Villagers’ houses was heard before a Scream overshadowed, one so agonizing and pained that it could shatter and deafen, a scream unfathomable in its Volume, tearing through the souls of everyone in the radius to hear it. It was Swan, screaming and screeching in pain, ripping the bandage covering her lower face clutching the right side of her face, and falling to her knees as tears ran down her eyes. She put her head on the ground, crying.
“What Power was this…We should have witnessed whatever happened before us.” One of the Villagers said in Terror of the display he and his peers witnessed
“Are we Free?… was she the one that-“ A woman said timidly, shaking
“The Guards are dead…we- we should Bring her to the Tavern. I put my grandchildren there too with the owners.” An older Villager stated as they untied one another.
The Group of Villagers worked together in laying the motionless Swan onto her horse and collectively approached the Tavern, escorting their Hero to safety.
The Village was lost. Most of the houses burned down, the only place still standing being the Tavern made from Rock, its roof slightly singed…still covered in the same Soot as it had been this entire time. The barricades around the entrance were removed, and Swan is now being carried in.
“(You displayed great Power, Swan of Ash. Nurturing me in the process, I thank you…yet, your target still lies within the Castle. Rise and at last use this great gift I made you to slay the pig barricaded inside his house from stone. Become my champion.).”
The Tavern was now full, an opposite of its previous state on Swan’s first arrival here, as the Villagers all sat around the big dining table on which Swan had been placed. The Bar Maiden bandaged her left arm, which had earlier been riddled with arrows, and now moved onto her right eye, wishing to remove the black piece of cloth that had covered it once more.
“Ah-“ The Bar Maiden said in shock as just before she could touch the black cloth, Swan’s hand grabbed onto hers in a quick motion. Keeping her away as the Huntress’s eye opened itself as well
“I know you mean well…but you can do nothing for my eye.” She said, still lying on the desk and looking up at the Bar Maiden before putting herself into a sitting position
The Villagers gathered around the desk and were all collectively praying as if a saint were lying before them, all with smiles of relief on their faces, even through the horrors they had suffered not long ago. Judging by the view from through the dusty window she had stared out of before she noticed that it had already struck noon. The Fires were now extinguished, only smoking now as sunlight filled the Village that had not seen it for so long.
“Ms…Swan. I think I speak for all the remaining and also all who have left us if I say that you saved us. I- am at a loss for how we could ever repay you.” The Innkeeper said, pushing himself before the other villagers and standing beside his Wife. Handing Swan something to Drink.
“I am afraid that it is not over yet. The Castle still stands,”
Said the frail Swan, barely able to hold herself up
“But it would be foolish of you to go there now…the Lord might still have a group of guards he didn’t send into the Village. Now is our time to escape and leave this hellish place…that was once our home,” said the Bar Maiden in a defeated tone looking at the other villagers
“We have lost too many. There is nothing here for us anymore. It would be suicide to go toward the castle now. There needs to be no more bloodshed.” A villager exclaimed, begging as Swan leaped up from the table and walked through the villagers, who were now once more…all staring at her.
“I did not come here to save a Village. They will focus everything they have on me. Giving you time to escape, so you best do such.” She stated coldly before leaving out the Door
She called her horse and rode toward the village center picking up her things and reattaching her mask afterward, looking up toward the hill where the castle was located. However, she could only see a cloud of smoke, the same that once engulfed the Village.
“(Spread your Wings, Swan of Ash. The way is open for you.)” The voice echoed to no response as Swan again pulled the key from her pocket as she rode up the hill
Upon Arrival at the fogged Castle, Swan noticed that the Gates had been locked shut, which made her use her chain as a Grappling Hook to scale the Castle Walls to gain entry to the still-empty courtyard as she ran atop the stairs, bursting through the Castle’s Doors into the main Hall which was dimly lit. The Lord was sitting on his Chair. His two Personal Guards were standing next to him.
“M-Ms Swan, I would say that it is a pleasure to meet you again. But such is not the case, I’m afraid.” The Lord said, a wide, forced smile upon his face. A vein forming on his bald forehead
Swan lost no breath before hurling a pair of throwing knives in the Lord’s direction, all of which being intercepted by both of his Towering armored Guards.
“Not in a Mood for a chat, then I see. Bring me her head.” The Lord said with a less than amused look on his face as he sipped from his goblet, wishing to enjoy the show.
The Large Armored Guards marched toward the lone Swan as she stretched her right arm out to the side.
“I shall waste no breath on a lowly beast.” She said, her arm now moving unnaturally, reaching toward her back. As she ran toward the Approaching Guards
She pulled out an up-until-now hidden object, Lodged into the back of her Armor. It was the head of a Halbert, mighty in size. It was inlaid with gold, its blades made from the mysterious black Metal. With the press of a button, its handle retracted as well. It was shattering the Stone Floor upon it being fully retracted. This was now a weapon that seemed outrageous to be wielded by any human. Heavier than a Bolder, Bigger, and Longer than any spear. Its blade is sharper than a Razor shaped in the form of a crescent.
“N-No, it can’t be, “ The Lord would say, dropping his goblet to the ground in shock as the two parties faced each other.
Now armed with the Giant Halbert, Swan cleaved her way through both guards in one swing. Their Armor was crushed in half, and their bodies separated in two parts as both toppled over, crying out in pain.
“The Crescent Moon…No Mortal can wield the Weapon of a god. Who are you under that Mask!? Answer me!” The Lord screamed in terror as the silent Swan approached him
The Lord would run through one of the doors hoping to escape his adversary.
Only the sounds of clanking metal running on rock followed him, quickly approaching as he locked himself inside his bed chambers as the clanking came even closer.
“Why give up your village to a Demon and squander the name of your Family in the process? Tell me this, Vauld, your family was the one who profited most off the war. And now look at you.” Swan said, talking to the Lord in a different way than before as she busted down the door with a swing of her Polearm
“I- I beg you, please no.” The Lord would lay at Swan’s feet begging for mercy
“Raise your head, fool.” She said in a dominating tone as she removed her left gauntlet showing the Lord, the back of her hand
A Sigil of a Swan would be branded onto it, different from the other Symbols on her Armor and Mask. This time a lone Swan donning a crown, placed atop a Sleeping Lion
“T-The Black Swans. You- No. You do not exist. This Symbol is Heresy. You a myth!” The Lord said, crawling back on his hands until he had his back to the wall.
“No…No, the way you talk. You are— Argh!” The Lord would now look around him rapidly in terror as his eyes turned inward as he screeched, surrounding himself with smoke as the screeches turned into squeals. Lord Vauld, now having taken the form of a fattened crowned pig wearing the Lord’s clothing, breathing smoke. Gold pieces in place of his eyes
“Your true form at last….” She said as she stared at the origin of the suffering this village had to endure for so long in disgust
On all fours, the Lord ran past Swan in hopes of escaping. Running along the Corridor before he was stopped by her Chain, which had been hurled at the Lord, now stuck in his Flesh, preventing him from leaving as she approached him for one last time, Bringing down an Axe upon the creature’s head. It was over
As life left the creature, the smoke set was gone for good. But Swan had one more thing to do after collecting the monster’s head.
“(Curious are you, Champion? I have to admit I am wondering what this key unlocks as well)” The voice chuckled as Swan made her way back to the Lords Bed Chamber, standing before his rather large Wardrobe, its lock made from the same silver as the key.
The key would, in fact, unlock the Lord’s Wardrobe to a rather unexpected sight. Housing it was two skeletons, the larger donning a dress and the other smaller one the clothes of a child. Each was holding a Jar, within it being a Human heart.
“A ritual…” Swan would close the Wardrobe, locking it and crushing the key in her right hand before dousing it in her before-used liquid…setting it on fire. Leaving it in flames
The Castle gates opened, and Swan exited, the Pig Lords Head clutched in her left hand, the Halbert in her right as she proceeded to the cliffside overlooking the Village. The smoke had now completely disappeared, as did most of the Village, which had been turned to ash. Yet this sight was none of the sadness as the Remaining Villagers all stood at the Foot of the Hill. They had awaited the arrival of their Hero and had their wish fulfilled as Swan stood at the Edge, holding up the Pigs head and Shouting down to the Villagers.
“You all have suffered for so long, so much that it would befit multiple lifetimes, Yet you prevailed in the Face of death, honoring your ancestors of old with the true spirit of Humanity, determination, and struggle.” She said, speaking to all the Villagers as her silhouette shone in the Sun atop the hill. Her feathery cloak, once thought to be the origin of fear, fluttered in the warm wind as the Villagers called out in excitement, clapping and cheering, tears In their eyes, for they had perhaps found a Saint walking among them—a glimmer of Hope donned in black.
“Now let me tell you, Villagers of Standauf. Your Lord and his Castle have Fallen.”