[https://i.imgur.com/8YGiSsT.jpg]

Synched and rhythmic steps made the army’s presence known throughout the city.

“I’ll go meet them. You should go do what you do well, son.”

Drac nodded. “We will talk later.”

“Yes, yes.” Issac turned to walk to the duke’s carriage. Drac jumped up in the air, disappearing to the rooftops.

“Men.” The priest called out to the Men of the watch. “My prize?”

The men nodded and gestured to a wagon cage covered with a tarp.

“Good. Follow me.”

Black Banners with the image of a majestic dragon slain by a sword, wave in the wind. Eight hundred soldiers, armoured in gold And dressed in black uniform under the metal marched through the gate. The sleek angular-shaped chest plates shined in the morning sun.

The parade paused with a stomp. Soldiers’ posture straight, their rifles laid on the right shoulders.

“That's a lot of guns.”

Enough to take of this city with a single regiment.

Drac crouched on tiles, His spying spot close to the south gate. He looked down on the parade with curiosity.

“So this is the army that brought down countries.”

Yes, Safan and many others were victims of this terrifying army and their new weapon - the gun. It allowed a smaller country like Tralor to become an empire. We are at their mercy. I hope the old man doesn't fuck it up.

The regiment stood still on the empty street. A man in a pure white uniform, arms behind his back, walked in front. Gold tassel draped along his chest. Medals of many colours, shapes and sizes were clipped on his left breast pocket. Bland boots clop on the city street. Even from far away, Drac saw his arrogant disposition.

From an ostentatious carriage, fit for a king, exited a shabby-dressed man. His jacket was second-hand, and his trousers looked unwashed. Wavy hair bopped up and down when he walked. A teacher’s smile as he approached the deadliest army in the world.

Drac tuned into Auditus

“Colonel Mayers! It's been a long time. How’s the missus? Still cooking that wonderful pie?”

“Why are you here, Inquisitor?” said the Colonel, looking at the priest. Brown bearded face in an almost permanent scowl. Large eyebrows jutted inward. Blue eyes contain his irritation.

“Why is everyone so rude to me nowadays?”

“Because you give them a reason to be. Why. Are. You. Here?”

“Ah, you know, work and things of that nature.”

The Colonel stared at the priest.

“Geez. Okay, okay.” Issac pointed to the wagon covered with a tarp. “My reason is there. Look under,” said Issac with a smile.

“I am running out of patience for your jokes, inquisitor.”

“Look under the tarp, Mayers.” The tone of the priest changed. Drac could hear the Colonel gulp. He followed Issac’s command.

Issac guides him to the wagon beside his carriage, covered in a black tarp. The colonel looked back, and the priest smiled and waved. The colonel turned again at the wagon. He pulled the tarp to the side.

Sharp teeth attacked at the cage. A rabid creature bit into the cagebars leaving marks. Its long tongue searched for prey.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The Colonel Flared his Aura, dropping back to his army more than fifty metres away.

The colonel returned to his army with a terrified look on his older face.

“I’ll KILL YOU, PIREST! I WILL DRAIN YOU OF YOUR DIRTY BLOOD!”

Issac flicked his finger and the creature was subdued with holy energy.

The priest smiled once again at the regiment commander.

“Is my reason satisfactory?”

The Colonel looked nervous, straightening in his uniform as his soldiers stood at attention looking at him with worry.

“Are there more of him?” the colonel asked.

“A boatload. Now you understand, that the city is under the church’s control.”

The colonel's frown deepens. He nodded.

“Oh, don’t fret. You didn't waste your time teleporting here.” Isaac put his hand, palm facing up. “The watch.” His left grasped on the open palm. “Your army.” He squeezed the hands together. “You two groups will work in tandem to govern this city. You will help me drive the vestiges of evil hiding in the shadows, rebellion doesn't go out of control and you safeguard the lives of the citizens. Sounds good, huh?”

Moments passed till Mayers said “Let me meet the Watch leader. Then I will consort with the prince.”

“Why not do it at the same time.” Issac had a cheeky grin. In his hand, he held a small crystal ball. Danor’s crystal.

I like this guy.

Negotiations moved to Danor’s manor as the Colonel couldn't stand being anywhere near the slums. The meeting adjourned in the board room and those gathered left to discuss amongst their people. The last to leave was the priest. Drac walked out of the shadows, hood and mask on.

“Fuck me, almost gave me a heart attack.”

He probably knew where we were all along.

“Came to talk? Let us go to the balcony.” The priest walked down the corridor.

Drac said “First of all, I wanted to thank you for going along with my request. Healing the people at the hideout… means a lot.” Drac shadowed him.

“Oh! What a kind boy you are when you are not slashing people apart. And that is a healer's job. To help the helpless. No thanks needed. But I know you have questions. Quick boy, ask them.”

Seconds pass in silence as they walk the corridor of Danor estate.

“Cal. Is he alive?”

“Jac’s boy. Yep. Very alive.”

I should’ve aimed for Cal’s head.

“Although, I don’t know how. I thought you killed him.” A shrewd smile appeared.

Drac stopped following Issac.

“Come on, Drac. It’s easy to figure out. The only black boy for miles, wearing dark garments. Multiple bodies? If it weren't for Jac squashing down on telltales, you would have had a harder time infiltrating the auction. Protecting his reputation in turn protected you. Funny how that worked. But you have to be careful from now on. Being a hero brings its own set of annoyances.”

Leave the heroics for others. We were just here at the right time.

Priest continued walking. The assassin thought about the advice and ran after the old man.

The two walk out of the stained-glass doors to the high balcony. Night had fallen from hours of constant talks and arguments. A starry sky sparkled above.

“I can endure the annoyances.”

Drac…

“One cannot bear the weight of the responsibility alone.”

“I have many hands to carry the load.”

The priest laughs aloud.

Issac whispered, “They are the same after all.”

“What did you say?”

The priest looked up the stars, leaning on the white balustrade. “Boy, mind if you do me a favour?”

Drac leaned the balustrade, looking down at Foushire. Its city lights sparkled as great as the night sky.

“Depends on how annoying it is.”

“Haha, It’s very annoying.”

Drac turned to the Duke. “Okay. Pitch it.”

“Save my protégé.”

“You have a student?”

“Do I look that unreliable?”

“No, no!”

Yes.

“Well, I am old enough to have dozens. But he… is special. One of a kind.”

“What happened to him.”

“Lost at the Great Tree. None have heard from him in months.”

“The Great Tree…” Drac tried to hide a big smile.

“Oooh! Excited now?”

“Land of elves and mythical beasts of course I am excited.”

Many warriors enter hopeful and leave shaken.

Drac's excitement died as he realised he had a journey to make. He can't bring Marina and Bob along without their consent.

We have a goal to accomplish.

“Can't convince you?”

“I … am sorry. We just have something that needs doing in the capital.”

The priest leaned on the balcony. His elbow, on white stone and his palm on his chin. “So not even the famed Forrest of the Great Tree could convince you to save your brother?”