It was early morning and as usual the council building was packed with nobles and powerful merchants, each pursuing their own goals. The building was made to copy the gothic structures in the capital, albeit it was much smaller than the original. Inside the building were many rooms; where meetings deciding upon the fate of some rising merchants and descinions upon the manner of sentences to be carried out upon offenders of the community took place. These rooms were considered to hold the most important discussions; with a single verdict the life of an individual could be decided. But these rooms weren’t truly powerful, they were far from important.
Rooms with no names, no affiliations to any one man, decorated in the same fashion as the others were like small bombs hiding under one’s feet. In these rooms the most important discussions were held, deciding the fate of their city with foreign diplomats and opening trade routes for the country. Yikensworth was treated as a gem, not only was it the largest region of Ansdrovea with the city as its capital and the first defense of the country against their long time rival the Chimera Kingdom, but also home to most of the soldiers in Ansdrovea, ‘The guard producing city’ some called it.
One such room was occupied by two rather large individuals. Volvo, the leader of Nature’s Call and the Duke of the kingdom William von Solus. The Duke was as big as Volvo, dressed in an elegant suite common to the prosperous few and wore a well trimmed beard as large as his head and as shiny as silver dug from the Dwarven homelands. His hair was short and as brown as a well plowed farm before seed planting. The two were sitting on sofas facing each other, and Volvo was currently finishing off reporting the details of the incident at the ruined village.
“…after that, we used that girl’s ‘Ventus’ scroll to ride back here.” Volvo said. He took a sip from the cup of wine as he waited for his elder to speak.
“Hmmm,” The Duke of Yikensworth waited for a moment as he immersed into thinking. “The guards you caught were quite useless.”
“How so?” Volvo leaned forward, bumping his knee against the table.
“Well, the warden interrogated the two” He leaned to fill his empty cup, “but all they revealed was that they were from Alexandria and were ordered to just destroy the villages dressed like our soldiers. They were trying to make it look like the military was killing off the villagers for control in the city. Their motive must have been to instigate the peasants so they would rise up and fight against the nobility here.”
“I would hardly call that ‘useless’” Volvo frowned.
“It’s nothing that I couldn’t think of myself,” William sipped his wine.
“Anyway, this is troublesome,” Volvo sighed. “With an uprising, the weakened troops would be hardpressed against the attacking Alexandria; we would not only have to fight from the south but also the east if the Chimereans decided to join in and reinforcements would take a whole day. Our whole operation could get jeopardized … Have you notified the king?”
“I have and,” Duke William reached inside his jacket and took out a brown pouch. “Here.”
“What’s this?” Volvo asked, listening to the jingling the pouch.
“Reward for bringing this to my attention.”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Volvo latched the pouch on his belt. “So, how’s that little girl of yours?”
“Ha! She isn’t so little now. It seems like just yesterday she was picking flowers in the garden, now she’s beating my guards in duels.”
“I guess I had some influence on her since our first meeting.” Volvo smiled. “Man, its hard getting money nowadays. That mage, Natravi, is smart. She isn’t letting us go alone to get the rewards.”
“Hmph,” William leaned back and smiled. “Remember, all is allowed except killing people in the night.”
“Yeah, I know. Well speaking of that-,” Volvo tried to lead in.
“You did not-” William said with shock as he got up.
“No, no, sit down.” Volvo motioned for him to sit. “I am talking about me.”
“What…do you mean?” William sat slowly.
“Last night, when we had just returned the prisoners we encountered a little street rat.” Volvo took a swing from the cup, as if to wash down the ill words that would follow.
“No one cares about those street rats, just hush over the matter with your group. Spin one of your tales,” William laughed as he indulged his own urges in wine.
“Lord William,” Volvo sighed. “We weren’t attacked by the street mongrel, instead by a woman. She was chasing the child and our paths crossed on the street. The girl took care of the beggar and noticed the woman chasing after her.”
“Is this supposed to be a matter for concern?” William leaned back and crossed his legs.
“This should be, she was able to defeat my team quite easily.” Volvo leaned in, catching the glint in the duke’s eyes. “Strong people like that don’t just pass by; she must have a plan to carry out here.”
“…Yes, I do remember a guard said something of the sort…but I thought it babble” William scratched it.
“My lord, you’re speaking in noble tongue again,” Volvo reminded.
“Oh yeah, well I do that sometimes, anyway,” He leaned forward and said; “Tell me how your paths crossed, this time don’t leave out anything.”
Volvo began his long explanation of the events of last night. The duke listened with silence and focus, only interrupting the mercenary to verify his doubts. Once Volvo had said his piece, he asked to take his leave. The duke reminded him to not share these matters to anyone before dismissing him.
Once Volvo was out of the room he strolled the council building some more, eavesdropping at locations where he knew important meetings would be held. When nothing caught his interest he made his way out of the building and into the town square.
The townsquare was not amazingly magnificent as it had been 15 years ago he had first arrived in the town. There were the same banners hanging around the buildings, similar groups of men and womenfolk were scattered around and cartmen showed off their products away from the dominated markets before the guards showed up. Much had changed since then, but atleast some never do.
He walked to the crowded fountain of Saint Mina; a statue of a woman kneeling at the sky with water coming out of its hands. He made quite a display of throwing some money in there, to successfully attract the attention of the clergymen standing nearby. Like most mercenaries, Volvo was not a follower of the Holy Scripture, so his act of charity was only to a display, nothing more. He had done small acts such as these over the past decade, just to gain the favor of the Sunlight Circle. If the Circle knew of his good acts towards their religion, when the time would come to cash in these favors, it would prove easier to receive their help.
The town square had six roads leading to the fountain of Mina and to a foreigner it would be easy get lost in the maze. But for someone like Volvo, who had spent the last six years living in this town this was quite easy to get to his destination regardless of which direction he went. The sun was directly in the sky playing hide and seek behind the clouds. By the time he reached his destination, the Mercenary Guild, the sun was making its way down in the horizon, the sky had turned a beautiful shade of orange as Volvo walked into the noisy building.
Loud men, snickering women, clashing weapons and clanking mugs filled with beer; these things were most welcoming to Volvo. He had spent the better part of his life in areas such as this and dominated the room with ease, not because of his large stature, but because of his clever remarks and inputs in others conversations that earned him looks of awe from everyone.
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He had spent much of his young life jumping from between mercenary groups, gaining allies and foes alike. To the public he was a man to be respected and regarded, for he not only had friends on the down low, but also because he had the favor of the Duke and his family.
Walking up the stairs he responded to everyone’s acknowledgement, a smile never left his face. This was his home, a place where he had spent 15 years setting up his influence to guarantee an easy life. This was why not many people travelled long distances, no one would know you and everyone would be wary of a foreigner in their midst. Only those with royal contacts could have a guaranteed life farther out of the country, except it meant choosing between the companies of lowly commoners or other obnoxious nobles. Both bad, for the former meant scornful looks from the latter and for the latter meant greater self-discipline. Fortunately, Volvo was a man of great discipline and had the ability to keep his grip in the area he had spread it over.
“Hey Volvo, over here. ” A youthful voice called as he reached the top of the stairs. It was Fliss leaning back on his chair, a sign of his excitement. Volvo walked over with a smile and sat down on the table, glancing over everyone excited from their score. Even the ‘street rat’ who sat between Natravi and Fliss was drunk on everyone’s excitement and smiled with no reason.
“So this is the money, huh?” Volvo observed the bounty in the middle of the table. A large pouch surrounded by a few batches of herbs similarly in pouched surmised their score. “What the split?”
“If I remember correctly it was 70 to 30,” Peter said with a wide grin. Volvo wasn’t sure if it was because of their large loot or the fact that he was sitting next to Natravi that made his smile so much.
“Hmmm,” Volvo said frowning.
“What is it?” Fliss asked.
“Well you see Fliss, this agreement was made between Drac and Brair for their help,” Volvo looked at Natravi with remorse. “But Natravi is here instead of them and I don’t think it will be right to just give her Drac and Brair’s share, right?”
“Why don’t we just wait for them then?” Fliss asked while Natravi maintained her cold gaze.
“I want to, but you see I have some work that needs to be done over at the capital.”
“Oh.”
“Why don’t we split up then Volvo,” Luvrit said. “You can take care of your business along with me, leaving Peter and Fliss with her.”
“That will be okay but you see-uh, where are you going?” Volvo asked Natravi as she stood up and started to walk away.
“Downstairs, I’ll be back.” Natravi walked away towards the stairs.
“Okay.” Volvo turned to Luvrit, “It will take some time Luvrit and I can’t properly trust her with Fliss.”
“She saved us last night-” Fliss began.
“Yes, but I can’t just trust her like that. Also what do you think Peter will do in her company?” Volvo glared at the man in question, being joined in by Fliss and Luvrit.
“What?” Peter tried to smile.
“Remember what happened the last time I left a girl in your care.” Volvo said.
“Uhh, yeah.” Peter bowed his head in shame. “But! But I didn’t do anything to her. I was the victim there, she had me pinned to the ground.”
“That’s because you wouldn’t stop trying to bed her, idiot. You’re lucky the Duke’s daughter knows how to defend herself, else it would have been your head pinned to the ground when William found out about that.”
“He, he. Don’t worry I have learnt my lesson.” Peter scratched his head. “So, how is she?”
“Stronger” Volvo said after giving him a long glare, “So you best not try anything again, this time she might kill you.”
“Shhh,” Peter whispered as Natravi approached the table.
“Did you have to use the little ladies room?” Volvo smiled.
“No, I just solved our problem of the money.”
“How!?”
“A receptionist agreed for the guild to keep my uncle’s and the gorilla woman’s share. Since his share goes to that woman it should be alright for the guild to keep them here.” Natravi taped the wooden table. “I seem to remember that we agreed to stay here until my uncle and that women returned, right?”
“Well,” Volvo cleared his throat. “I have matters from the duke to handle now, you can’t say no to a duke.”
“Yes you can.” Natravi said as a matter of fact-ly. “He has other people who can do his things, so just say no.”
“Natravi, that is no way to act to aris…aristocratic people,” Luvrit frowned. “But this is good right? We can just leave their share to the guild and have Natravi wait for them while we do our thing in the capital.”
“The guild might use it for their own good; I can’t help but feel as if we are being cheated.” Volvo added.
“Funny, I can relate.” Natravi said with a serious face.
The two argued for quite some time, forgetting to keep track of time. The sun had sunken and the city was washed with the nightly blue colors. Despite the time the city was as rowdy as the afternoon, if not more. All the underworld figures and the returning mercenaries joined up in the alleys and the street to mingle and trade. But far away from the rowdiness, in the quite corner of the city unbeknownst to anyone a sinister force was forming under their feet.
“Hey,” the guard on the tower spoke in a thick Irish accent. “How ‘bouts a wee game of trip jacks?”
“Nah man,” the other responded with a wave of his hand, “How about we build a fire first?”
“Too dangerous man, w’ll get a thrashin for disobeyin’.”
“Fuck that. It’s freaking cold here man.” The man stood up rustling his cloak. “We got guard duty FOR THE FUCKING DEAD.”
“Shhh, calm down Guzmund,” The other tried to coerce him. “Fine,we’ll build the fire, but keep it small. ‘lright.”
“Alright, Alright.” Guzmund started to gather the few twigs on the tower. “You get the rocks and make a foundation.”
The two continued in silence while they made the fireplace; piling twigs and small leaves on the foundation of rocks. Once they were finished Guzmund took out his sword and banged a rock against it, sparks flew and lit a leaf from the side. The fire quickly spread and a small flame for their warmth was created.
“Good,” Guzmund sighed as he quickly set himself to getting warm in the cold.
“It ain’t tha’ cold. Got a fag?”
“I ain’t from the north like you; we can’t stand the cold weather.” Guzmund said. “Also do I look rich enough to buy tobacco. I’m on my last coins here.”
*Rumble* “Hey, ya feel tha’?”
“Yeah, check what’s going on.” Guzmund ordered.
“Hmph, arse’ole.” The other guard went up to look over the cemetery for any sign of what caused the rumbling. It was so dark and foggy that even looking at the tombstones beneath was a struggle. He looked into the darkness like a sailor searching for land in the sea while Guzmund was beside himself, enjoying his small fire for as little time it may live before being swept by the wind.
“Oh, Lord.” *Shing* suddenly his friend yelled out and took out his sword.
“What’s the matter with you?” Guzmund yelled as he stood up. “Fuck.”
In front of them had laid a quite cemetery, no longer was it quite now. Graves were being disturbed as bones began to unearth themselves. They stood up and started to move as one body, falling in line with their undead comrades. The long and bloody history of the city warranted it a large cemetery; those who had once given their lives for the city were now being raised to destroy it. The fog provided such cover that they hadn’t noticed until they were already upon them. The mixture of dark fog and the dead bodies made it seem as if the undead were riding the tide of the fog out of the cemetery, like a flood.
“This is bad” Guzmund was the first to get out of the trance. “We gotta get out of here, warn the others.”
“Yeah,” his partner agreed as the two made their way down the tower. When they reached the outside they saw the undead pushing against the copper gate, its old rusty bars provided little resistance to the hate filled bones as they fell over and opened passage.
“Shit, c’me on” The northerner shouted as they both began to run away. A dark shadow suddenly jumped out from within the ranks of the skeletons and chased after the two. It grabbed onto the two and slammed them to the ground. The two tried to struggle and push against the unknown assailant until an eye fell between their head freezing their bodies.
Slowly looking behind them so as to not instigate any sudden action from their assailant Guzmund tried to glimpse at what held them down. A decomposed head with an exposed cranium and an open eye socket stared back at him. The few strands of hair left the decomposing part of its head fell over the rest of its decomposed face. Its remaining eye peeking from behind the black strands sent shivers down Guzmund’s spine, cutting of his connection to his legs.
The creature made slow cackling sounds as it grabbed their heads and rose them up as far as their back would allow. The northerner began mumbling, placing his faith on his god but Guzmund reacted differently. He kept silent, his mind wandered off to time long past. He reflected on his life up till now and small images began flashing before his eyes as the pain increased.
“Come away from there, son,” A blond woman said as she held out her hand. Darkness was growing at her feet and it quickly spread up enveloping her compeletly. She disappeared into the darkness as another scene took her place.
“Good job, boy” An old man with a decorated uniform spoke, “You’re being promoted, gather your things. Tomorrow we hold a celebration.”
That too melted into the growing darkness.
“Congratulations to you both, Guzmund and Mathilda. May you live happy and whole.”
“I’m sorry, love. I-I can’t let her feel the pain of this world. She isn’t going to be harmed now, ha ha ha.”
“Guzmund Astron, gather your things, you are being transferred to Yikensworth. Widower.”
*CRACK*
They disappeared, just like all the rest of the images that came into view. A few seconds was all it took and those were replaced with the view of the cluster of buildings standing far away. He couldn’t feel anything, even the pain had disappeared. So when the feet trampled him and he saw the decaying legs of the dead, he felt relief. He found relief in the idea that he would soon be at a better place, with his family.
‘Finally, it’s over’, he thought as everything around him turned black. Then the pain started and the hunger began.