Chapter 17: No Control

Zack

12 years ago

Year: 860

Zack fastened the leather straps on his shin guards. The strong straps held the guard uniform he was given on tight. Once finished equipping his armor, Zack placed his red scarf in his bedside table within the barracks. The Atlus army was against colors outside of mono being worn on uniforms. They mostly preferred their soldier to dress in lighter colours the higher rank they were. He thought about keeping it in his pocket as he didn't want to be without it but decided it would be safer in the barracks if he was going to be on guard duty. The barracks were busy, overwhelming almost. He could barely hear himself as many men scrambled around to get ready for the day. He felt slightly out of place since he knew no one but he didn't mind, it was a pleasant change from being a leader position in the Blue Swords Zack had received briefings on his duties but today would be his first day of guard duty. Compared to what he had accomplished in the Blue Swords Damn it Zack, now is not the time to think about that. He worried the day might be a bit boring. Still, this wasn’t about him, it was about Matthew and he would see it through for that purpose. Once ready, he waded through the men that filled the barracks. It was filled with men from different lands, Ketans were mixed within and the skin color of the men differed through the barracks. The long barracks hall was filled with chatter and ambient noise, though, it didn't smell the best but that was to be expected of this environment. Zack left the barracks along with some other men, and was met with the war camp that was stationed just outside the gates of Atlus city so as to keep the holy nature of the streets intact without it being filled with military equipment. Zack had only ever seen the city of Atlus from traveling with the Blue Swords, he had never been within the city before. This city life is going to take some getting used to. As he entered into the city and made his way to the castle, he waded through the many people that crowded the streets in the morning. Humans and Ketans alike were bustling through the streets and alleys, dealing and bargaining with vendors. He had never seen so many different types of things he could buy. He would have to take a look and see if he could find a sewing kit. Unfortunately, his red arm scarf was beginning to show its age with tears beginning to form. Admittedly he wasn't knowledgeable on how to sew. It was one of those things that was seen as a feminine trade so it was difficult to learn it. Perhaps he could hire someone to fix it for him. His pay would already reflect that of a captain despite not being in the role yet. He would have far more income to spend on things he needed. After a long walk through the city, Zack arrived at the gate to the castle. Once there he took a second to stand there and take in the grandiose structure. The castle was built from what looked like bright white marble and was gigantic, but whoever designed it made sure to have it match the holy imagery of the city. White wings were placed across parts of battalions, Ornate spikes adorned the peaks of the structures, and the whole building was built to look like a cliff face at a forty-five-degree incline. It reached so high in the sky that it almost looked as large as a mountain. The back of the castle faced the ocean, with the peak of the castle protruding down abruptly. It was an incredible structure regardless of the overuse of holy imagery. Zack almost felt nauseous thinking about how he would navigate through the building without getting lost. As he reached the gate, he approached one of the two spearmen who guarded the front entrance. Before he could think of where to start. The guard placed a hand in front of Zack and stopped him in his tracks.

“Name and position?” said the tall spearman as he held his posture high.

“Zack, Captain Guard but uhh temporary corridor guard for now.” He told the lanky spearman awkwardly. He wasn't completely sure of the differences in military talk between Atlus and Blue Swords so he was unsure how to address certain things.

“Zack? Hmm… haven't seen you before.” The guard said as he looked Zack up and down in a suspicious manner. The man’s voice was smoky and raspy, almost like an old man but the man didn't look it.

“It's my first day sir,” Zack said a bit too quickly

“Captain Guard? And it's your first day?” He said raising his eyebrow. He couldn't see his eyebrow due to his cap being a bit too big for him but he could tell just from his face.

“Y…yes sir,” Zack realized he hadn't thought an explanation through when he did arrive in case the guards weren't informed about his position. He was unsure if anyone had been informed about Zack and Matthew's new positions for that matter outside of the king himself. “Danny! Come over here!” Said the spearman shouting over to his accompanying guard. The second guard sauntered over to the two of them. He was a bit shorter than both of them and had long black messy hair that came out from his metal cap. “Dyou recognize him?” The man looked over Zack with a confused look.

“Nah, never seen him” This isn't looking good Zack thought to himself, a bead of sweat fell, dripping from his brow. The taller guard took the second guard's opinion as a sign that he had won and waved off Zack.

“Alright pal, back away fro-” The man was interrupted by a familiar voice that vibrated through metal.

“It's okay, his name and position check out. Let him pass!” The two of them turned to see a man clad in an Atlus captain's armor. The armor was bright silver and had a wing adorned on the right pauldron. His face was obscured by his helmet. The two of them immediately froze up and stepped aside. Clearly, the man had high authority over them.

“Y…yes sir!”

“Y…yes sir!” They said in unison. They both parted and returned to their positions. The armored captain approached Zack with a confident stride.

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“Come with me soldier,” he said gesturing to Zack, his voice echoed in his helmet. Zack began to follow the man through the gates and into the main hall of the castle. The main hall was filled with servants and overseers at a large table, mainly used for dining. Some were dining while others were simply talking about subjects he couldn't hear even with the echo that permeated the large open hall. From the ceiling was a grand glass chandelier. It must have been the size of a large wagon and the amount of gemstones placed within could feed multiple villages for lifetimes. The captain led Zack into one of the many hallways that stemmed from the main hall. Despite it being a simple hallway, it still retained the grandness of the rest of the castle and had gemstones and paintings adorned over the walls. The captain stopped. Zack also stopped and the two stood in silence.

“You were foolish to come here in that armor…Zack” said the knight through his helmet. Shit, have I walked into a trap Zack thought to himself. The knight undid the helmet that was fastened to his head. Blonde locks released from the helmet and Zack was met with Matthew's face. “You were supposed to wear the captain's uniform, not a regular soldier's uniform,” He said with a grin and a mocking tone. Zack immediately dropped his guard, approaching Matthew quickly, and patted him on the back which Matthew returned to him as well.

“Damn it Matthew” Zack said laughing “It would have been nice of you to tell me that before I almost got arrested” Matthew laughed along with him.

“Sorry, I couldn't help myself. It seems like the guards weren't informed of our arrival. I had a bit of trouble with them myself this morning but we should be okay from tomorrow on.”

“That’s a relief,” Zack said exhaling deeply. The two began to walk through the hallway together. “So where are we stationed?” Zack asked.

“First floor, west wing next to the dungeons,” Matthew said as he held his helmet in his right arm.

“Guard work will be pretty boring until we get our captain positions don't you think?” Zack said grudgingly.

“Probably, at least compared to the work in the Blue Swords but I did manage to get us stationed together and not with random guards so it's not all bad.”

“Not all bad? you got us stationed next to the dungeons, we’ll have to deal with the criminals yelling all night now.”

“It will make our job more interesting if one of them tries to escape” Matthew suggested.

“Maybe, but what about the smell?” The two of them stopped as he asked the question with Matthew giving it some thought.

“I…ok, you got me there.” The two laughed and made their way to their stationed area next to the dungeons.

The sun set and both Matthew and Zack returned to their shift after visiting the war camp for food. The two of them talked about the events that happened over the last few days over food they had bought from a vendor. Both of them had left their helmets at their feet as they stood idling in the hallway. It was close to the end of their shift for the day so both grew tired of wearing the helmet when speaking to one another. The hallways were completely silent, all that could be heard were drafts that ran through the halls, at least, they both assumed they were drafts. Matthew eventually spoke up.

“How are handling things, Zack?” Matthew said leaning against the wall.

“The guard duty?” Zack asked confused “It’s guard work, not much I can say. I think that goes for every guardsman in history”

“No, I mean. With Blue Swords, what happened? How are handling it.” Zack remained quiet for a moment as he continued to shift from one leg to another in boredom.

“I’m fine, it still hurts but I know shouldn't be focusing on the losses. As you said, we should focus on what we still have… and what we can do moving forward”

“That’s all we can do Zack. Anyone would struggle with the grief of what happened, don't be so harsh on yourself.” He said with a soft smile.

“I try to but” Zack exhaled deeply “you know ho-” Zack was interrupted by a jolt of pain that ran through the back of his leg. Something struck him hard in his ankle and he fell to the floor. He yelled in pain and was only just able to support himself with his hands before hitting his head against the hard marble floor. What happened!? Zack thought to himself. It was as if someone took a hammer to his ankle, he didn't even see where it came from, nor did he even hear anything. he couldn't get up no matter how hard he tried. From the side of his emerged a cloaked figure who moved like the wind. So fast he couldn't see the man’s face

“SHIT INTRUDE-” The cloaked man grabbed ahold of Matthew in a swift motion and swiped his pocket knife from his belt. Before either of them could process what happened. Matthew was stabbed through his throat, the knife was lodged deep within. Matthew dropped to the ground and writhed in pain. NO! Zack growled and tried to get up to help Matthew but he couldn't, His ankle refused to work and kept collapsing when he tried to raise himself. The cloaked man quickly escaped like a shadow further down the corridor after stabbing Matthew and leaving the two of them in the hall. Zack lay there immobilized, unable to do anything to help Matthew while he slowly bled out. Matthew scrambled and tried to pull the knife out but all he could do was cough out blood and gargle from where the knife was lodged.

“Just hang on Matthew! Don't die on me!” Zack crawled over, using his good leg as leverage to help get to Matthew but it was too late. After a few moments, Matthew stopped struggling and his body went limp. His mouth agape from the pain he felt in his last moments of life.

Zack’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped, his pupils became narrow and his brow furrowed. Matthew dropping limp conveyed everything he needed to know.

“No…no no no no!” Zack crawled over and eventually got to Zack. He put his hand around him and shook him, Hoping he would respond “No! Matthew!” He looked at his hands, they were covered in the blood that pooled under Matthew's neck where the blade had pierced through. Zack became panicked and began to shake Matthew more violently “Open your eyes! Damn it please don't do this! Don't leave me!” Zack’s voice began to shake and tears formed in his eyes. Who did this, that cloaked man, who was he? It didn't matter. He…killed Matthew. He was the one who took the last thing that gave him meaning in his life. Zack ground his teeth and clenched his eyes

“Murderer” He spoke under his breath “I’ll kill you!... I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!” Zack yelled as loud as he could, it echoed through the hallway but to Zack it felt like he was shouting into the void. He then began breaking down and crying again as he held onto Matthew’s lifeless corpse.