Irene stood vigil beside the horse, the air heavy with the aftermath of violence. Footsteps crunched on the forest floor, and she turned to find Jaxith approaching. His sword, a grim testament to the recent struggle, was finally sheathed. The wind, a gale born of the clearing, whipped at his coat and sent his long hair swirling around his face, a stark contrast to the stillness of the fallen. The hunter had completed his grim task.
“Didn’t take long there,” Irene observed, her voice laced with melancholy. “I had hoped… perhaps a flicker of mercy.”
“I told you that they couldn’t be spared, Irene,” Jaxith countered, his tone firm. “They’re monsters.”
“I understand,” she conceded, “but I thought that maybe you would change your mind after taking a deep look at them, but you didn’t….” Her voice trailed off, the weight of the unspoken too heavy to bear. Jaxith regarded her with a mixture of pity and exasperation. She remained stubbornly idealistic, a relic of a bygone era. He sighed, his gaze falling upon the saddlebags strapped to the horse, checking for any dislodged supplies. Irene’s words washed over him, inconsequential. He totally neglected her. This was no game, and even she was slowly transforming, hardened by the grim realities of their existence. Yet, he hesitated to shatter her inherent kindness, her unwavering belief in the good within.
“Okay okay, no need to ignore me,” Irene snapped, her patience wearing thin. “We’ve had this conversation. You’re probably right.”
A weary smile touched Jaxith’s lips. “Indeed.” He turned his attention back to her, his gaze searching hers.
“We must make haste before nightfall,” urged Jaxith, his gaze fixed on a map he got from the bags as he distanced himself from the horse. “The Onohlies are not creatures of sociability, but one can never be certain of their solitary nature.”
“Were the supplies secured properly?” inquired Irene, her voice steady as she guided the horse.
“Indeed,” Jaxith replied, his demeanor unperturbed. He scrutinized the map with renewed intensity.
“Sooooo, where are we heading to now?” Irene pressed, her curiosity piqued.
Jaxith remained silent for a fleeting moment, his thoughts evidently preoccupied.
“Hey, old man, looks like the mist is still affecting your ears,” Irene remarked with a touch of sarcasm.
Jaxith remained silent, his gaze momentarily drawn to the hem of his coat, which fluttered in the capricious wind. He then raised his head, his eyes following the erratic dance of leaves in the air.
“Westward lies our path,” Jaxith declared, gesturing with a practiced hand.
“The main thoroughfare, from which we were so abruptly diverted by the inopportune appearance of the Onohly, should be situated in that direction,” Jaxith explained, pointing towards another compass point.
“Wait a minute! You were ignoring me just to detect the directions?” Irene exclaimed.
“Our directions got puzzled after the encounter with the Onohly,” Jaxith explained. “We were literally walking through the unknown because of the mist so obviously we must have got far from our destination line.”
“Ah, yes, you are correct, as always,” Irene conceded, her voice tinged with a hint of admiration.
Jaxith approached the horse and carefully stowed the map within the saddlebag.
“And did you detect the directions just from the wind?” Irene inquired, her curiosity further aroused.
“Indeed, the map provided a crucial reference point,” Jaxith explained calmly, securing the bag. “I needed to identify open expanses of terrain where wind could accelerate, effectively generating the currents we are currently experiencing. This analysis allowed me to deduce our precise bearings.”
“WOW, you possess an amazing ability to notice such details,” Irene exclaimed, her admiration evident. “you’ve to teach me all of that shit, dude, like how you think like that.”
“First you need to learn patience,” Jaxith cautioned. “You weren’t able to tolerate that I was checking the directions and thought I was ignoring you. And let’s not forget your temper and how easy you’re offended emotionally.”
“Why do I feel offended by your talk? Are you making fun of me?” Irene retorted, her pride wounded. “Guess what, I can learn all of that faster than you did.”
“Irene, the only thing you can do faster than me is crying.” Jaxith remarked, his tone laced with sarcasm.
Irene was momentarily stunned by his unexpected and uncharacteristic barb.
“That wasn’t funny Jaxith.” Irene replied, her voice tinged with genuine sadness.
“And I don’t care, let’s move.” Jaxith declared, turning away to continue their journey.
Irene remained rooted in place, bewildered by his abrupt shift in demeanor. Had an unforeseen event transpired to elicit such a callous response? Or had her own words inadvertently transgressed upon his sensibilities? She had never witnessed him make light of her tendency to become emotional, and he had always treated her with the utmost care in that regard.
“Hey! Are you still thinking about that simple sentence?” Jaxith inquired, halting his stride and turning back.
“N-no, I’m fine. It’s just the wi- I mean, the horse… and aaaa…” Irene stammered, unable to fully conceal the impact of his words.
“No need to mention your temper and how easy you’re offended emotionally, remember?” Jaxith reminded her, approaching her with deliberate steps. Irene regarded him with a look of bewilderment.
“I still do not understand,” she confessed.
“It was just a test,” Jaxith explained. “To show you your own problem, of course I won’t make fun of that specific spot cause I know how you’re feeling about it, but I needed to show you that although how brave you’re, there’re some issues that you seem defenseless in it. Just like now, and you can’t be a better version of yourself except by dealing with this issues. That’s if you want to learn what you told me about, got me now?”
Irene finally grasped the underlying intention. Jaxith had not been attempting to belittle her, but rather to provide a poignant lesson, a form of instructive provocation.
“I understand now,” she acknowledged. “I just assumed you would begin to treat me as if I were some annoying child. I failed to understand why, after all your efforts to support me, you would suddenly alter your demeanor.”
It became evident that she had been deeply wounded, not by his mention of her emotional tendencies, but by the perceived change in his attitude, a betrayal of the understanding she believed they shared.
“I apologize if my words caused you any distress,” Jaxith conceded. “You really know how much I care about you, but I’m trying to make you tougher Irene, we still don’t know what’s happening with you and its connection with the people trying to get you, so I want you to be ready for anything, don’t get intimidated easily, don’t feel offended easily, just make sure that whoever offends you gets what he deserves but in the suitable way, not by anger but by your mind before the strength, and I’m sure you will succeed, even if I’m not by your side anymore, and that doesn’t mean now for sure, I mean the future.”
Jaxith’s words, delivered with a calm and measured cadence, provided the solace she desperately craved. He had always possessed an uncanny ability to perceive her innermost thoughts and emotions. Irene nodded, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek, though Jaxith chose to ignore it for the moment. He turned away, resuming their journey.
“Okay, but you did promise to return for visits, even after everything,” Irene reminded him wistfully, her gaze following him as he began to walk away.
“Do not be afraid,” Jaxith assured her. “I was merely illustrating a hypothetical scenario. Of course, I will return to visit. However, it is crucial to understand that my presence cannot be a constant in your life. Furthermore, you have cultivated valuable relationships, such as the one with Lance, individuals who hold you in high regard. Do not allow yourself to succumb to apprehension. Now, we must press on. We will stop by a village where we can secure a well-deserved respite. The journey may extend for approximately a week until we reach it, so let us maintain our pace.”
Irene pondered his words for a moment before gently urging the horse forward with the reins.
“Come now, Senka,” she encouraged, addressing the horse.
“Senka?” Jaxith queried, turning his head briefly.
“Yes, I have bestowed upon him that name,” Irene explained, patting Senka affectionately. The horse responded with a soft neigh, seemingly acknowledging the name.
“It appears he approves,” Jaxith remarked. “But what is the significance of this name?”
“I recall reading a tale,” Irene explained, “of Senka, a valiant soldier who, in a desperate act of heroism, rescued his king from the clutches of an evil sorcerer, only to be tragically cursed and transformed into a shadowy, demonic creature. I believe the name befits him perfectly. He fearlessly charged through the mist, his black coat a stark contrast against the gloom, to retrieve your sword, even at the risk of his own life. A testament to his unwavering courage.”
“I did not realize you were a devotee of such fantastical literature,” Jaxith observed.
“It is not a common habit,” Irene admitted. “However, I occasionally indulge in these flights of fancy.”
“Regardless, it is a good name,” Jaxith conceded.
“Yeah, I thought that too.” Irene agreed, and they continued their journey towards the village, their spirits buoyed by the camaraderie and the shared sense of purpose.
Within the confines of the modest council chamber, King Walt Haveron, sovereign ruler of Vidin, conversed with Minister Morgan Crestbend, the kingdom’s esteemed minister, and the latter’s astute assistant, Noah Downvale.
“I believe that concludes the final matter,” Minister Morgan declared, securing the freshly signed parchment within a finely crafted leather portfolio brimming with similar documents.
“Indeed, Minister,” Noah confirmed, meticulously organizing the remaining dossiers. “These were the final agreements pertaining to the commercial exchanges within the northern provinces.” King Walt, with a measured sip of his beverage, acknowledged the completion.
“I trust my intrusion upon your Majesty’s time was not unduly burdensome,” Noah remarked with a deferential bow. “These documents, given their significance in facilitating trade across our borders, require your royal imprimatur. Vidin, as the preeminent mercantile hub of the continent, demands the utmost professionalism in handling such matters to safeguard our unparalleled economic standing.”
“Rest assured, Noah,” King Walt replied with a serene demeanor. “Both you and the Minister diligently fulfill your respective duties.”
“What are your impressions now of Noah, your Majesty?” Minister Morgan inquired with a jovial chuckle, sharing a knowing glance with the King. “He has managed a remarkable portion of this paperwork independently, and his accuracy is truly commendable. Finally, an assistant capable of shouldering such a weighty burden without succumbing to a cascade of errors.”
“If his performance affords you such peace of mind, then I have no cause for concern,” King Walt observed. “Provided the documents are executed with the utmost precision, of course. I recall your previous assistant’s lamentable shortcomings with a shudder. It seems Noah has proven to be an invaluable asset.”
“Pray do not remind me of that indolent oaf, your Majesty,” Minister Morgan exclaimed with a hearty laugh. “I fear an additional month in his company would have precipitated a coronary event. I am eternally grateful for the discovery of Noah.”
“Your Majesties, esteemed Minister,” Noah began, his voice filled with genuine humility, “I cannot adequately express the profound joy I experience in your presence. I am but a humble servant, ever eager to fulfill my duties to your satisfaction.”
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“Precisely what we require, Noah,” Minister Morgan affirmed. “Maintain this level of dedication and an unwavering focus on the minutest details.”
“I shall strive for constant improvement,” Noah vowed.
“Excellent,” King Walt interjected. “Now, let us turn our attention to another matter of paramount importance.”
“I presume, your Majesty, you refer to the hybrid girl,” Minister Morgan surmised.
“Indeed,” King Walt inquired. “Have you uncovered any new information regarding her whereabouts?”
“I regret to disappoint your Majesty, but my search has yet to yield any results,” Minister Morgan confessed. “Extreme caution is imperative in this endeavor, inevitably slowing the pace of my investigation. I have even enlisted the aid of my daughter, instructing her to remain vigilant during her return from Yarnat.”
“Her academic sojourn, if I recall correctly,” King Walt remarked.
“Indeed, your Majesty,” Minister Morgan declared with evident pride. “She has possessed an insatiable fascination with magic and divine energy since her earliest years. Yarnat, the revered cradle of divine energy, has become her favored destination for scholarly pursuits and best divine casters, we all know that the high elves are the best in that regard. Furthermore, she diligently studied the art of alchemy in Reldret before that. I cannot express the profound pride I feel in her accomplishments. She aspires to emulate my own path, but I am certain she will surpass even my own achievements.”
“May the divine powers bless her soul,” King Walt reminisced, his thoughts drifting to the past. “I vividly recall her youthful exuberance, frolicking with Princess Leonora in the palace gardens under the watchful eye of Adam.”
“Do you recall, your Majesty, the day they ventured forth without informing us?” Minister Morgan chuckled. “The palace was thrown into a state of considerable disarray. The guards frantically searched every corner of the palace until Adam finally located them, engaged in a spirited chase with a mischievous squirrel within the confines of the capital’s park.”
“Ah, Morgan,” King Walt reminisced, a wistful smile gracing his lips, “Upon their return, I fervently prayed that none would recognize their innocence and exploit their naivety for nefarious purposes. They were indeed quite guileless in those days. When you speak with your daughter, convey my warmest regards. I miss her dearly, and I suspect Princess Leonora will yearn to see her upon her own return.”
“Certainly, your Majesty,” Minister Morgan assured him.
“Now, Noah,” King Walt inquired, turning his attention back to the matter at hand, “have your own investigations yielded any promising leads?”
“I regret to report, your Majesty,” Noah replied, “that my efforts have been met with similar frustration. Establishing secure and discreet connections to locate this individual has proven to be a formidable challenge.”
“Damnit!” King Walt exclaimed. “It seems our most expedient and secure avenue of inquiry lies with Adam. He, after all, commands the kingdom’s security apparatus. Though he may not bear the title of General, his influence and network of contacts are extensive."
“Has he uncovered any significant information?” Noah inquired.
“He has intimated that he is pursuing a line of inquiry that may unearth something of significance,” King Walt revealed. “I refrained from pressing for specifics, for I have the utmost confidence in his abilities. Adam possesses his own unique methods.”
“I concur, your Majesty,” Minister Morgan asserted. “Should Adam undertake this matter personally, I am certain he will achieve a swift and decisive resolution. He possesses both the authority and the intellect to accomplish any task, surpassing even the General in my estimation.”
“Indeed,” King Walt acknowledged. “The General himself, many years ago, nominated Adam for my service, recognizing the extraordinary potential that resided within him, despite his youthful recklessness.”
A gentle rap echoed from the doorway, interrupting their discourse.
“Enter,” King Walt commanded, gesturing towards the door.
The door swung open, revealing Adam Aravos, the King’s personal guard and the paramount authority of the palace's security apparatus. The man approached with measured strides before executing a respectful bow before the King.
“My apologies for the interruption, your Majesty,” Adam declared, his voice a low baritone. He was attired in an elegant silver uniform, the coat adorned with striking blue stripes. His sword, as ever, remained sheathed at his left hip.
“Speak of the devil, Adam,” Minister Morgan remarked with a genial smile. Adam raised his gaze to meet the Minister’s, returning the smile with a courteous nod before his eyes, with a fleeting intensity, settled upon Noah.
“You are adorned in your official battle attire, Adam,” King Walt observed with a hint of curiosity. “Has some unforeseen event transpired?”
“No cause for alarm, your Majesty,” Adam assured him. “I was unaware of your audience with His Excellency the Minister and his esteemed assistant. I intended to convey a matter of some urgency before departing via the teleportation circle, but it appears my timing was inopportune.”
“I believe Adam perceives himself as having intruded upon our discourse,” Noah interjected, his keen observation noting the lingering intensity of Adam’s gaze. “Rest assured, I am quite capable of excusing myself if my presence proves to be a distraction or if captain Adam wishes to talk privately with your highness and the minister.”
“There is no need for you to depart, Noah,” King Walt declared. “I have the utmost confidence in your discretion. Proceed, Adam. Inform us of the matter at hand, and I shall determine if it warrants immediate disclosure.”
Adam paused, his gaze unwavering as he considered the King’s words. “My apologies, your Majesty, and to Minister Morgan. I intended no offense.”
“No offense taken, Adam,” Minister Morgan assured him. “I understand the nature of your duties often necessitates a degree of caution. Noah is a man of unwavering loyalty and discretion, I can vouch for him.”
“As you deem appropriate, Minister,” Adam conceded, before turning his attention back to the King. “Your Majesty, the matter concerns the demon hybrid.”
King Walt’s eyes narrowed, his focus sharpening. Noah, intrigued by the turn of the conversation, leaned forward with heightened anticipation.
“Indeed, Minister,” King Walt conceded, “I anticipated that Adam would be the one to bring us this crucial information.”
“Adam, you have my permission to divulge the details,” King Walt declared. “Minister Morgan and Mr. Downvale are already acquainted with the situation and are actively involved in the search for this individual.”
“As you command, your Majesty,” Adam affirmed. “In recent days, I issued a directive to all officers throughout the kingdom, including those stationed in the most remote villages, demanding a comprehensive report on any suspicious demonic or hybrid activity, particularly those exhibiting a dangerous or concerning nature. This inquiry encompassed individuals of all ages, including the young. This initiative, while conducted under the guise of a routine monthly security assessment, was expanded to encompass the entire kingdom, not merely the capital. This served as a discreet means of enhancing public security through the eyes of our vigilant officers. Such comprehensive reviews are infrequent, and I ensured the involvement of discreet operatives to maintain the utmost secrecy."
“Excellent, precisely as I would expect from you,” King Walt commended. “You may be seated, Adam, or at least stand at ease. There is no need for further formalities.”
Adam complied, standing tall, his left hand maintaining a firm grip on the hilt of his sheathed sword, a picture of unwavering discipline.
“Proceed, Adam,” King Walt urged.
“After reviewing the multitude of reports submitted by each officer, only one warranted my immediate attention,” Adam revealed. “This report originated from the officer assigned to the Mayor of Orstone’s residence, a man who also happens to be the sole Saint Knight stationed within the town. As you may recall, this individual is responsible for the security of Mayor Holstone’s estate.”
“I recall this Holstone,” Minister Morgan interjected. “A rather portly individual, if I remember correctly. We had the distinct displeasure of his company at the royal ball a few months past. Despite his less than elegant physique, he is undeniably adept at his duties, particularly in matters of commerce, given his mercantile background. Do you recall him, your Majesty? A rather jovial fellow, though perhaps a tad excessive in his enthusiasm.”
Noah remained silent, his attention riveted on Adam, who, in turn, returned his gaze with an unsettling intensity. The brief exchange was charged with an unspoken undercurrent, the true intent behind Adam’s scrutiny difficult to decipher.
“I believe I do recall the man,” King Walt acknowledged. “His official reports have always been meticulously prepared, and he fulfills his mayoral duties with commendable efficiency. However, I digress. Please continue, Adam.”
“The officer’s name is Ronald,” Adam revealed. “In his report, he detailed an incident wherein a demonic hybrid, acting as a thief, successfully purloined the Mayor's most prized possession – a ring of significant familial value. Subsequently, a grave incident transpired on the hills of the town. Upon investigation, the guards encountered a formidable adversary – a colossal scarlet demon, now slain. Alongside the fallen creature stood the hybrid, and with her side stood another man who, it appears, was responsible for the demon’s demise.”
“You said ‘her’?” King Walt inquired, his brow furrowed.
“Indeed,” Adam confirmed. “The reason for my immediate departure is that this individual exhibits the very characteristics foretold by Grandmaster Zathar in his prophetic vision.” King Walt stroked his beard thoughtfully, a slow nod acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Minister Morgan appeared visibly astounded by this revelation, while Noah maintained his customary composure, his gaze fixed intently upon Adam.
“This is most intriguing, Adam,” Minister Morgan exclaimed. “She may very well be the one we seek.”
“And where is she now? Who was this man? Is he in any way connected to her? Does he possess any knowledge of her origins?” King Walt demanded, his impatience evident.
“According to the report, they have since departed Orstone. The man, it seems, is a renowned monster hunter who had been assisting the Mayor with a separate matter following the initial incident. Unfortunately, the report offers no further details regarding the hybrid or the monster hunter. To acquire more information about these individuals, I must depart immediately. A teleportation circle conveniently located near Orstone can be accessed directly from the one within this very palace. This is the extent of my information, your Majesty.”
“While she may or may not be the one, you must investigate this lead thoroughly,” King Walt cautioned. “Exercise extreme caution. I desire no unnecessary commotion or the detection of any unusual activity.”
“Rest assured, your Majesty,” Adam affirmed. “I shall proceed with the utmost discretion.”
“Then go, Captain,” King Walt commanded. “Time is of the essence. If this is indeed our quarry, we must apprehend her before she can vanish further into the shadows.”
“At once, your Majesty,” Adam declared, before executing a sharp about-face and exiting the chamber. The guards swiftly closed the heavy doors behind him.
“Let us hope this is the breakthrough we have been awaiting,” King Walt observed calmly, his gaze sweeping across both the Minister and Noah.