He was dreaming about the same event once again. Even two years later, what he did in Darkingstone comes back in his sleep time after time. But why was he so unsure? He helped his people to win the war, and he was finally free from the draft in the Army. The orcs fleet back into the Northern Territories as Arkevhs attack killed their Shaman and the Demon that was part of the orcs body. They needed to retreat either way, Arkevhs attack caused the whole Place to collapse after the explosion hit its target Donovan grabbed the unconscious body of his friend and ran through the tunnels back to Reinhard, a miracle that they both survived.
Now he remembered why he felt so bad about all of that, he did not even kill his initial target with the attack but so many else, the orcs that instantly got vaporized into ashes as they stepped into the reach of the attack, the Shaman that seemed terrified about what happened and the others, including Humans that died as the Halls of Skull Mountain collapsed.
Arkevh knew that he could not control his secret powers, the eye that appeared when he wanted and caused immense destruction and changed him every time he used it.
He stands up from his bead, yawns and looks out the window. From the Houses in the Outer Walls, he was not able to look at the forest, but at other houses and little stores and listens to the carriages that make sounds at the paving stones for a while, before his ears pick up the sounds of the mass of Humanons that got through the gate in the morning.
What day was it again, Fjirt… Dammit! He probably was already too late to hand over his final Study about Pure Magic. So he hurries and tries to get out of his way to comfortable bed, padded with Jarlsheep wool, stretches one more time, puts on his tunic, dresses in the rest of his clothes, and washes himself, hoping that he still makes it on time. His preceptor was strict enough with him, being too late to hand over the final study he sat down for ages, would not be a good impression. He owned that one to Donovan, thanks to him he was even able to get into the University of Helgria, they normally do not take people from the outer Ring, especially people that were not born into a noble family, that also was literate and well known around the city or Ljus.
Before stepping outside he looks at the mirror once again. Since the Darkingstone incident Arkevh possessed a kind of tiny crack on his right cheek. He first thought this was a kind of scar but as soon as he used Magic on the next day, the scar suddenly started to glow in a violet light once again. He touches the mirror and sighs, who even was he? All he could remember was growing up in the orphanage, as a foundling, everytime he asked the overseers of the orphanage about his origins they just explained that one day, he stood in front the door crying and so they picked him up. Even back then he had those violet eyes.
But that did not matter now, he needed to hand over his studies, so he quickly picked up the book from the chaotically sorted desk, grabbed his mantle and stepped outside, into the streets of Helgria.
It was a typical Fjirt in Helgria, alot of Merchants either went into the city or left it to travel into different parts of Ljus, especially blocking the streets off the outer and second ring. He looks at his studies again, hoping that they were readable and sets off to the inner circle, trying to get past all the merchants and Ox yokes that littered the street. On the way he thinks about the outer circle and his study again.
After the battle of Darkingstone the General but also the King commended Donovan and Arkevh, granting them a wish. For Arkevh it was a little house in the outer ring of the city, close to the forest and the Adventures guild. He often ventured to that forest after being done for the day and considered what he would do after he submitted his study.
He looks at the book containing his study once again, Pure Magic. A Type of Magic that seemed pretty rare amongst most Humanon, the collective term for all Human like species.
Pure Magic is a specific type of Magic that seems to be everywhere, but only a few people can sense it, let alone use it. Arkevh was one of the few. He was able to concentrate and gather Pure Magic from the surroundings and was therefore able to change his own magic type. No one seemed to have documented it yet, Arkevh was the first. That was probably the reason why the Eldest preceptor wanted him to write about that.
He could understand it, Magic types also called Auras were very interesting, every being in Ur was born with one Element. The Ur Elements being, fire, water, earth and air, from those four Elements other magic descends, like plant magic, thunder magic and many more. There are also two special elements being dark and light magic, used by servants of the gods or learned through Angel teachings. What makes Elements so special is that everyone can learn as many as they want. Auras however are limited to people, mostly one to three, but never all.
There are six auras. Creation, Controle, Defense, Summoning, Enhancing/Merging and Offering. The Last one being a forbidden Aura, that specializes in offering something for another, unleashing devastating attacks or effects with offering the living for example. For that it needs a bond between offered objects, a ritual drawn into an area or an artifact like the Orc Shaman in Darkingstone. Arkevh possessed all these Auras thanks to pure Magic but also somehow did not get affected by the Aura of offering, that usually also wanted something from the user, being it a limb or even the casters life. It's said that it was regulated by the gods themselve, but nobody was really sure, there wasn’t much about it in the Holy scriptures.
After some time, Arkevh passes to the inner gate, slowly regretting putting on the Mantle, especially in the Late summer. The street was way less cramped now, and better plastered. The Houses were bigger and the district seemed overall more silent, however there were still a lot of carriages driving around, bringing the nobles to the castle, or out of the city. Arkevh looks up to the Sun again. It already was at the Zenith, he looked at his study again and then to the street leading to the University. He really needed to hurry now, so he started a full on sprint in hopes that he still makes it on time, not caring about the civilians who look at him confused.
Exhausted he makes it to the university, rushing through the hallway making it to his preceptors room gasping for air. The preceptor looked at Arkevh for a while, he wasn’t able to see his students, face it was covered by his hair, as he always kneeled head over before him. Then he probably saw the book in Arkevhs hands and finally spoke up again.
“You are the last Arkevh, as always just hand over the study, I hope you did not disappoint me and Sir Dhalin with what you wrote.”, the middle aged man in his grey robe stretches out his hand and marks off Arkevhs name in a list. Arkevh looks up again, gulps and gives his preceptor the book.
“I am deeply sorry Sir Frederick.”, Arkevh explains and stands up straight again, before he bows his head.
“Do not waste my time Arkevh, you are lacking and you can be happy that you are still graduating from this university. Even a hero of war needs to be on time. Now put your head up again, i am not a king.”, Sir Frederick explains annoyed, and looks back on his list, all studies were delivered on time, mostly.
Arkevh listens and looks at his preceptor real quick, he seemed more laid back than usual, maybe because he never needed to see his students again. His wrinkles on his bald forehead seemed smaller than ever, and he symbolized Arkevh to leave once again, pointing his brown eyes on him.
“Get some rest, you do not want to oversleep your graduation ceremony, I suppose?”, he jokes and stands up from his Chair, leaving his office after picking up his belongings.
Arkevh sights after his preceptor, leaves the room, he had done it even if he was exhausted from the walk and probably almost make his teacher even more annoyed about him, he still had done it, he only needed to wait for the letter approving his studie and he was done, finally free from this boring studies, he finally was able to see the world. He kept his promise to Donovan, the Holy Knight was the reason he was able to study after all, and now he was able to pay him back with having a good result in the end, he hopes at least.
As Arkevh stepped outside he was not all too surprised to see Donovan waiting in front of the University. He was clothed in his usual armor that he wore since the fight over Darkingstone. The dream appears in Arkevhs head again but he shakes it off, walking towards Donovan who waved to him.
“Good to see you, I've been on a patrol but I decided to look after you, what do you think about your study?”, he asks and smiles warmly.
“I think so.”, Arkevh answers and looks back at the University for a while.
“What are you planning to do now?”, Donovan says and gives Arkevh that demanding look, saying it in such a natural way Arkevh was not sure what he wanted to hear.
“I may join the Adventurers Guild.”, Arkevh answers.
Donovan looks at him for a while but then bursts out in laughter and claps Arkevh on the right shoulder.
“Good joke comrade but honestly tell me what your heart really desires, the king would be open to take you.”, he answers for him.
“I was not joking Donovan, deal with it.”, Arkevh explains annoyed, staying with his decision.
Donovans just lets out a big sight.
“You will get it one day.”, he says annoyed.
“What do you mean?”, Arkevh asks unsure.
“That you can’t flee from the fact that the world needs your powers.”, Donovan finishes.
“I will use my powers to help people how i think it's right, don’t worry about me.”, Arkevh answers.
“Then let's make a deal, I will join you in your first task in the adventurous guild. If I see that you can help the people with something like that, I will accept your decision.”, Donovan suggests smiling.
Arkevh takes a while to consider, did he plan everything, even if he did, this deal sounded so basic that he could not see something off with it.
In addition Donovan would not lie, he was a part of the Church Lying was seen as a sin.
So Arkevh nods.
“Agreed, let's go then.”,
“After you.”, Donovan explains and follows his comrade down the streets to the outer circle.
Donovan knew he could not force him, yet. He needed to stay on terms with Arkevh to complete the mission he got from Helland. The mysterious adversary of the church who showed Donovan the truth, the truth in his blind eye. Helland had a plan, Donovan just needed to trust him.
Donovan was an Adversary of the Church of Ljus as well. The Church was a powerful organisation all over the Light continent.
Back in 400 ZE1 they called upon Heaven to aid the other Humanon, winning the war against the orcs. Since then they had a lot of power over Helgria and the Order of Ljus as well.
This included a Royal Guard, consisting of adversaries of the church like Donovan and the power to select a new king. The King of Helgria was someone chosen by Yasoma of course.
The Church itself was led by Arandil, an old Man who was a friend of the current King Alexander IV. Donovan however was an adversary of his Opposition, led by Helland. The Opposition however wanted the Noble Leopold off Carwitz as the new King, especially because Alexander was old and had no kids or living family Members.
The marsh through the street was easier than before, now with Donovan at his side, many people cleared the way for them, they did not want to get into trouble with a Royal Guard.
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“Isn’t Helgria beautiful.”Donovan asks his friend as they pass by some Statues, resembling past Kings.
“I would say so, I do like the Elven architecture a bit more.”, Arkevh says.
“Understandably, they build marvelous structures in harmony with the forest, such a perfect species of Humanon.”, Donovan daydreams.
“You see and this is why I want to join the Adventurers guild, with it I can also see this places myself.”, Arkevh tries to convince Donovan.
He just laughs again.
“Well, let's hope we can protect those wonders from destruction, lately an elven village got destroyed by orcs.”, Donovan mentions and gives Arkevh that face again, waiting for an answer.
Arkevh just sighs and carries on.
A few Minutes later they finally arrive at the Adventurers guild. The Guild itself was located right at the northern gate, and surrounded by old wooden fences, that on further expectation needed a repair. They enter the property and follow the plastered stone way, towards the main door, past some Dummies that were occupied by two people in leather armor, training their sword skills.
The two warriors turn around, and look more than confused after seeing Donovan and Arkevh entering. It was a woman and a man, the woman had short cut brown hair and a scar that went across her right eye. The Man had a similar cut for his black hair and played with his goatee as he saw the two entering the training area and sizes them up.
The Woman speaks, first after putting her sword in the scabbard.
“Hey Holy Knight, the Royale Training grounds are two walls, further away.”, she laughs and spits on the ground.
“What do you even want here?”,the man asks with his high pitched voice and spits on the ground.
“Nolan has paid his taxes yesterday, he even paid more after my sister told your guards what she thinks of them.”
Donovan just looked at Arkevh.
“And you really want to join this place?”, he asks disappointed.
Arkevh just shrugs it off and answers for him.
“We are not sent by anyone, he just wants to join me on my first mission, a kind of deal.”, Arkevh explains.
The Woman bursts out in laughter once again.
“Can’t wait till Nolan sees jokes like you. Are you sure you took the right turn?”, she provokes them.
Arkevh just nods.
“Then beat it and make yourself useful.”, the Man says and goes back facing the Dummy, hitting some more sword slashes on it.
“As you wish.”, Arkevh says and continues towards the main entrance.
Donovan looks back at the two training warriors and bows towards Arkevh.
“If you want to annoy them just look at their sword technique, there is none, they just puns as hard as they can, I will give you some training and you can beat them easily.”, he laughs.
“Thanks for the offer but there is no need for that”, Arkevh smiles and opens the old wooden door, which was decorated with a Raptors Skull carefully.
The Inner Room of the Tavern, looked more cozy then both of them thought, it looked more like a tavern, but looking at all the taverns that were located in the outer walls it was pretty likely that this place was built on the foundation of one some time ago.
Multiple wooden Tables stood around the Guild's Main room, paired with chairs from the same material, probably oakwood because these kinds of trees grew around Helgrias forest. On the right side of the Guild there was a large chimney, with some bars in front of the fireplace, thanks to Yasoma it was not running, Arkevh still regretted putting on his mantle with this weather. The left side of the Guildhouse possessed some stairs leading up to sleeping rooms, probably something you could pay for at the counter, that was right in front of them. A passage leading straight through it was created thanks to the symmetric placement of the tables.
Arkevh and Donovan looked towards the counter, above it there was wooden plank, plastered with stuffed Heads of Hunted Monsters, like Raptors, Bugasors, Mundos, Rocs and many more. In Front of the counter however were two people, one of them seemed to be a kind of smith. He was bald and wore a leather apron in which a toolbelt was tailored. He seemed to be done talking with the guy on the counter and turned around, revealing his brown beard he bounded into a braid and his blue eyes.
“I see you later Nolan, you know where to find me.”, He explains and looks towards Donovan and Arkevh.
“Also you seem to have some new people, good luck with them.”, he smiles and walks past the two newlings, back to his Forge.
Now they had a clear view on the counter, behind there seemed to be an old man, with an eyepatch only having one green eye left. He also wore a grey full beard complemented by his long white hair. His arms were placed on the counter, revealing his countless scars and muscular body, hidden under a white tunic. As Donovan and Arkevh approached them he gave them a warm smile, revealing his many golden teeth.
Next to the counter there was a swing door, leading to a kitchen and multiple barrels filled with alcoholic beverages.
“Nice to see a new face, what can I do for you.”, he only smiles at Arkevh and seems to ignore Donavon.
“I want to join the Adventurers Guild.”, Arkevh answers and replies with a smile as well.
“Permanent, as a full on as a member or for a certain time.”, he asks.
“I want to join the Guild as a member, and my friend here.”, Arkevh points at Donovan.
“Only for a day, it's some kind of deal, don’t ask about it.”,
The Leader of the guild laughs.
“I was wondering what a Holy Knight does here, but if it's only that i’m fine with it, i need your names first, before we can start.”, he explains and pulls out a paper, feather and an inkpot, to complete a list.
“Arkevh.”
“Donovan”
“The Donovan and Arkevh?”, he asks unsure.
Both nod and the Leader of the Tavern nods still surprised and writes down their names.
“Then let's start with a quick explanation on how the guild works.”, the old man starts and puts some hairs out of his face.
“This guild was build 30 years ago and takes and creates their own tasks. Those are the two kinds of missions you will take here. Either you're gonna do some stuff for me, or you choose some tasks at the bulletin board. I will have re stacked with letters tomorrow. All these letters are from people that need your help with monsters or need some exotic wares they can’t get in the city. Stuff the Army and the Guards won’t work on.”, he explains and gives Donovan another judging face. Donovan just replies with growl
“Sounds plausible.”, Arkevh explains.
“Also there are some Ranks to it.”, the old Man explains.
“As soon as you do your first task, you will be handed your first rank. There are five in total. Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Sapphire. I will give you harder tasks depending on the rank which also means more payment for you.”, he explains.
“Thanks for the opportunity to work here Sir.”, Arkevh answers thankful.
“Don’t worry but please, just call me Nolan.”
“Could I ask something?”, Donovan joins the talk.
“What is it?”, Nolan asks.
“How do you finance yourself?”, Donovan asks skeptically.
“Well first of all, I get money running this as a Tavern that opens in the night, the forge that Bark the Smith uses belongs to me so he pays rent. The Payment you get is also mostly from the people giving the tasks, i take almost every task so you will also find tasks from poor people that won’t give you any money, so you should learn to save your money.”, he starts.
“My main money comes from selling wares by myself, I know alot about Mining, and Herbalism so the gathering tasks have a shared payment between me and my workers. All thanks to year long experiences and growing up as a noble myself, using the Money for good deeds.”, Nolan finishes and lets out another big smile.
“Any more questions?”, he adds
“No that should be all, thank you, I’ll see you tomorrow I suppose.”, Arkevh answers.
“Good to hear, I'm happy to see some new faces and then so prominent ones as well, i should have known you are Arkevh by the eyes and the scar.”, he laughs.
“You need to tell me more about you when we have the time for that.”, he suggests.
Arkevh nods unsure.
After saying his Goodbyes to Nolan, Donovan and Arkevh stand outside of the Arena for a while. A sigh from Donovan breaks the Silence.
“Good, if this is what you want to do then do it. But please Remember one thing.”, Donovan starts.
“If you believe me or not, the world will need your powers once again one day, and then I won't be able to guide you. And this is soon. In a week I'm off to the Church of Ljus for a longer time.”, he explains.
“You don’t get it now, but you are stuck in those world conflicts forever until there is war, your powers are now known by everyone and feared as well. You can be happy that the guild seems to be like you, full of people not caring about anything. All outsiders. But no one of them has the potential like you. That differentiates you from them, if you are unlucky you probably are a bastard but you still carried on and now look at you, you are a hero of war. Use that to help people when that is what you want but don’t forget you are a part of the war that is still going on.”, he ends his monologue.
“But what if the war ends”, Arkevh asks unsure.
“It won’t and if there isn’t an end to the Order of Mörks Terror. The Orcs are still attacking other people, just not the Humans. In these times it needs a strong king, and without it the war is in front of our gates sooner or later. That's why I'm gone soon, the Church will change something and I hope it turns for the better, for both of us. I trust in you and what let me here.”, Donovan explains to Arkevh and walks towards the inner circle again.
“I need to go now, still having duty, I’ll see you tomorrow take care.”, then he vanishes in the group of people, running all around Helgria, leaving Arkevh with his thoughts.
He was right, no matter which path he took, sooner or later the War would come back, and then he needed to decide if he would run away from it or face it, trying to save as many lives as possible.