I cast a smoke spell and an explosion rocked the bridge, but Shael and I were already on the safety of the other side. Stone rained down; one fell beside me. The dust and smoke blocked my view of the men on the other side.

"Shael, Let's go!" I commanded.

Without looking back, we dashed for the gate. The streets were empty and it was silent; except for the sound of our feet thumping on the cobbled ground and our breaths wobbling in our throats. The gate was in our sights and no one was there to man it.

At the last house, we stopped. To our disadvantage, the gate was shut. But it wasn't a very big problem. If we took the giant iron bar from its prop, we would have it opened in no time. My thoughts were disrupted when Shael called out to me.

"What is it?" I asked. With no response to me, she started to walk. She was headed towards a stable. Lifting her foot, she struck the stable door hard breaking it open. The horses neighed loudly.

"Let's hurry." Shael cautioned.

I approached the closest horse and opened its compartment. The saddle beside it wasn't very heavy, so quickly, I put it on the horse. Shael followed promptly after. The stink of this stable was beginning to make me giddy and leaving it was being hindered by the slow movements of the horse. We now exited the stable with newly acquired steeds. All that was left now was to open the gate.

"Shael, hold my horse," I asked moving toward the gate. Shael obliged and grasped the reign.

"What are you doing with my horses?" A very old voice erupting from behind us said.

My heart sank briefly, but I regained my composure. I pulled the hood off my coat and turned around slightly. I unsheathed my sword, only to be used as intimidation.

"Listen, old man, I suggest you go back inside if you value your life," I said in my most threatening tone.

"I ain't going to go inside, those horses are my lively hood. So, you'll have to kill me or return them."

I was becoming annoyed and angry but I couldn't just take his horses and leave him with nothing in return. I turned slightly, and from the corner of my eye, I saw a frightened old man with a torch. My anger turned to sympathy at the man's bravery. I reached for the pouch of money I had and threw it at the old man. "Now, run along before you get a cold old man." The light from his torch was snuffed out and the money rattled as he returned to his house.

I moved to the gate quickly and pushed the iron bar up. I pushed hard; the muscles tightening in my back. The bar was now out of its prop and I released it. The bar landed with a loud metallic thump that slightly cracked the stone beneath it. Quickly, we were now riding away from the city, side-by-side.

The light was beginning to break through the clouds. We made it far away from the city, but banditry was at a high. A couple of meters off the road, Shael and I took cover behind a high clump of bushes and tied our horses to the trees that were there. Exhausted, I put my sword on the ground and dropped to my back laying in the high and comforting grass. I felt like drifting off to sleep but my mind raced and my rapidly beating heart made me shiver, just thinking about what Abbadon said.

Shael caught my attention when she took a seat beside me. "What happened back there, Zarek? What did he tell you that could make you lose your composure so badly?" Shael asked concerned.

I paused for a minute contemplating whether I should tell her or dismiss it as nothing. I choose the latter. "It's nothing for you to lose any sleep over," I said turning to lay on my side. Shael sighed and ruffled the grass behind me indicating she was laying down as well. I was tired and my thoughts drifted to many places. Will I fail in achieving my goal? Will my dreams be haunted by those I failed to avenge? Soon, I succumbed to tiredness, my questions left unanswered.

The wind was high and the trees blocked the sun from beating down on our heads. The breeze that hit my face almost sent me back to sleep. I looked behind me and Shael was still sleeping soundly. I lost track of time, but I determined it had to be high noon from the way the sun shined. Gently, I nudged Shael. She was a heavy sleeper and I had to nudge her many times before she awakened. She got up with eyes as red as blood and windswept hair.

"Shael, It's time to head back to the manor," I said rising to my feet.

Shael held her face and propped herself on the tree. "Give me a minute to gather my thoughts," She asked wearily.

I picked up my sword and slung it on my back. I held my throat as soreness became prevalent. We had no water and I gave the only money we had to that old man. I could do nothing but swallow my spit. Shael had finally arisen, and it was time to get moving.

Shael unloaded her sword and sheath from her horse and strapped it around her waist. As I secured my armor to my body, I noticed Shael's eyebrows were furrowed. She nodded, turned her head, and moved her lips as if she was speaking to someone. "Is something the matter?" I asked concerned.

She looked at me; her angry expression turning somewhat pleasant. "Yes!" She shouted. "This mission was a bloody failure!" She said while roughly buckling her strap. "This mission was supposed to be done secretively, and bodies lay in the streets. Dammit! Reinhold's going to kill us."

I walked toward my horse, "What's the worse he can do? We completed his task! It might've not gone all to plan but we still completed it," I said optimistically.

"But at what cost!" She said smacking the palm of her left hand with the back of her right. "A plethora of people dead!"

We now faced each other and she was fuming. "What choice did we have? It was a regrettable necessity. Would you have rather them kill us?!" I snarled. "And why are you complaining? You were the bloodthirsty one!"

"No! But we could've completed our task cleanly, without having to spill so much blood."

I looked at Shael irritated. "What are you, a priestess?! If killing scum is trouble for you, then maybe the wrong path was chosen for you."

She was about to respond when her ears twitched. My ears weren't like hers but I heard the rustling of the bushes close to the horses and whistling. I put my finger to my lips and slowly drew my weapon. Shael unsheathed her weapon also. Slowly we backed away into the dense bush and crouched concealing ourselves in the shadow of a tree close to the one we previously occupied. These people weren't very highly trained. They whispered very loudly and I could hear most of the words they uttered.

"I'll flank," one of the men said.

Shael and I were silent. We watched as the four brigands emerged from the bushes and trees behind our horses. And a single man emerged from the flank. "Where are they?" A bandit who wore a green and tattered cape asked. "I could've sworn I heard two people shouting."

"Who cares!" One of the bandits with a very slender dagger retorted. "Let's just take this stuff and leave."

Quickly the men got to work, they searched through the saddle sacks. With a nod to Shael, she got up and not a sound emerged from her feet. She took a position behind the tree and watched them as they attempted to untie our horses.

I unsheathed my dagger and held it by the blade. I drew back my hand and concentrated on my mana and instantly the runes began to form on my hand. With a grunt, I hurled it at the man with the green cape. In the neck. I got him in the neck, and he dropped to the ground with a thud. I could hear the gurgling of blood as the man grasped at his throat.

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"What the hell?! Johnny!"

One of the men shouted crouching and tending to his ally. He sounded as if he was about to cry. They unsheathed their weapons and whipped their heads to and fro trying to find who attacked.

"What are we doing?! let's just get out of here!" One of the men said scared. The man who crouched to help his friend arose with tears in his eyes. "No! He shouted. "Find that person and kill them"

I bit my lips in annoyance. "Fools! I was hoping to scare them away, but idiots, who are thieves don't deserve my sympathy."

Gripping my weapon tightly, I rose on all fours ready to pounce on my prey. I looked to my left to see Shael behind the tree staring at me confused and shaking her head. I raised an eyebrow before charging. I Twirled my weapon as I closed the distance. The first man struck at me, I avoided his weapon, and my head connected with his face. I didn't give him time to attack, I grabbed his face and threw him to the ground. I Raised my weapon and drove it toward his chest. Out of the blue, my sword went flying. Shael kicked my sword from my hand.

"What are you doing?!" I asked angrily. Shael was about to respond but she was being charged. "Move one more step and I will allow him to end your friend's life!" She had a look of seriousness on her face. "Zarek! Get off of him," She commanded while still fixing her gaze on the brigands. I reluctantly obliged.

The man I was about to kill scurried from underfoot. "You're lucky my friends! I shouted. "Go pray to the Gods when you have the chance!" I said picking up my sword.

The brigands all ran except for the one with tears dried and snot on his face. He glared at me with hostility before walking to his dead companion and uprooting my dagger from his neck. He spat at my feet before dragging his friend and himself from our sight.

I ran my fingers through my hair and met Shael's gaze as I contemplated my unusual callousness. Shael stared at me as if disappointed. "What?" I asked. Shael furrowed her brows. "Get yourself together Zarek!" She warned before walking to her horse.

I stood there wide-eyed and confused.

The ride to the manor was long and quiet. Shael was upfront riding her horse elegantly, and I sat slouched on my horse mustering the courage to apologize to Shael. I was given a brief moment of comfort when a gust of wind blew right into my face. We were on the path leading to Aston, where Reinhold's manor resides. In the chaos of my mind, I found peace staring at the fields next to the path filled with an assortment of colorful flowers. Trees stretched as far as the eye could see and the mountains in the background looked surreal, with their majestic snowy peaks.

Finally, I found the courage. I whipped my reigns and reached Shael's side. "Shael, I know you are still mad at me, but I would like to apologize."

She raised an eyebrow and met my gaze. "Why are you apologizing? You have done me no wrong!" She said.

"Yes! But I just...I thought you were angry at me for something?"

"I was, but I am no longer angry. Anyway! Apology accepted."

Several hours later...

We turned left onto a road that led into a dense cluster of trees. It was evening and the sun was setting. We rode along the path with trees hanging over the road making it relatively dark. Suddenly, a nervous weight began bearing down on me.

I was scared. My fears subsided when we emerged onto the path with two open fields on either side. In front of us were dense trees to the left and Reinhold's spectacular manor in the distance. With its white and damaged stone walls and blue-tiled rooftop with vines growing atop.

We followed the path to the rusted gate. When we reached it, I had a sudden feeling of euphoria returning to my second home. Most peculiarly, a barastyr was already at the gate. The monster opened the rusted gate with a screech that made my skin crawl.

We dismounted our horses and handed them over. As we walked to the manor, pebbles crunched beneath our feet. I had a short recollection of the first time I arrived here, scared out of my mind. "If I'm correct, Reinhold and everyone will be out for a while," Shael said interrupting my thoughts as we reached the door.

I had my hand on the lock ready to open the door when I heard two familiar voices. They laughed boisterously. I looked at Shael whose hair looked like a mess. I nodded in the direction of the door. "Klayden and Roger are already back," I said happily.

"So what are you waiting for? Go in," She said annoyed. "No, let's surprise them," I whispered.

Shael rubbed her head and sighed. "Zarek, please, I'm not in the mood," she said wearily.

I paused, examining her beautiful face and figure. Even though her hair was disheveled, her beauty was a sight to behold. I walked up to her and held her by the waist bringing her close to me. She let out a breath as I squeezed her closer to my body.

"Oh, don't be so harsh to me," I whispered. "Would you like me to carry you to bed?" I asked flirtily.

She bit her bottom lip slightly as her eyes met mine. A pleasant feeling began to surge throughout my being. I felt wonderful. I brought my head lower to allow my lips to touch Shael's. Her eyes closed and the warm feeling inside got even more intense.

The door was unlocked. Swiftly, Shael and I backed away from each other. The door swung open and Roger and Klayden were in the doorway with their swords drawn. "Thank the Gods! Klayden shouted. "I thought someone had broken in."

My heart was about to break through my ribs. If Roger and especially Klayden caught us, who knows how they would react?

"Zarek, Shael...it's nice to see you two get back," Roger said.

"Yeah! I'm glad too!" Shael said with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

I shook Roger's hand. "It's good to see you both as well," I said trying to break the awkwardness. "Tell us, how did your task go?" I asked.

"Come inside, would ya! We'll talk about it in the dining room," Roger assured. Shael and I followed Klayden and Roger inside. We gave each other a smirk before looking away. The dining table was already filled with food. Without warning, we dug in. Roger was an exceptional cook, if I wasn't so hungry, I would've jumped across the table and kissed him. The chickens he cooked melted pleasantly into my mouth. The texture as I ate it made my eyes roll with pleasure.

As I finished swallowing the chicken, I turned my attention to Roger and Klayden. "So! How did your task go? How'd you deal with that fellow...what's his name?" I struggled to recall the man they were sent to assassinate. Quickly, Roger refreshed my memory. "His name is Nicholas Norman," Roger said with furrowed brows.

"Yeah, Sick bastard he is." Klayden snarled. "Zarek, You should've seen us," Roger said. Enthusiastically. "When we arrived we wasted no time, and lucky enough for us, being a well-known merchant made him easy to find. For a couple of days we searched for an opening and finally, one night we found one. This crazy bastard Klayden didn't even wait, he went right in. We traversed the city's roofs until we were right on top of his brothel."

"A brothel?!" Shael asked surprised with the food in her mouth.

"Yes," Klayden said cutting off Roger. "That bastard allowed his customers to brutally abuse and rape his female workers, with no consequences."

Roger was allowed a chance to speak once more. "We entered his room and found him abusing a girl–a young girl," Roger said, with tears forming in his eyes. He took a deep breath before speaking again. "Klayden and I dealt with him well," Roger said smiling. "Left him in a pool of blood!"

"Anyway, enough about us, how did your guy's mission go?"

I looked to my right and I saw Shael eating and giving me a very slightly angry look. She rests her spoon on the table. "It went horribly," She affirmed. "This idiot, got himself thrown in jail, I had to break him out. And to top it all off, he brought the attention of the army to us when he started a huge battle in the streets!"

"What about the guy you were supposed to capture?" Klayden asked curiously. "He's dead, but not before taunting Zarek, who made him unrecognizable."

Klayden raised an eyebrow, "What could've made him so angry?" He asked surprised.

I don't know what Shael was doing, but I was becoming angry too. Before she could answer I glared at her angrily. If looks could kill, Shael would've been dead right there. Her face became one of fear. "Nevermind," She said fearfully meeting my gaze. I sucked in a breath and calmed myself. I arose from my seat, but not before thanking Roger for the dinner. "If you would kindly excuse me," I said pushing my chair from behind me. "I feel dirty."

I walked hastily taking enormous strides towards the stairs. From behind me, I could hear Shael excusing herself from the table and running. Her footsteps coming ever closer to me. I reached the top of the steps and Shael was right behind. "Zarek!" She called out.

Continuing to walk I ignored her calls. My thoughts were scrambled, and I tried to convince myself to retract my anger, but to no avail. As I was about to enter the washroom, my arm was tugged violently and abruptly. "Zarek, Stop!" Shael commanded. Right now, I was about to lose my mind. I tried to avoid conflict by walking away but it was brought to me.

"Zarek! What happened back there?" She asked concerned. I took a deep breath trying to calm my chaotic mind. "There is nothing you should concern yourself with. I merely want to clean the dirt from my flesh."

"Are you sure? I don't know if you could tell, but you looked very displeased."

I curled my lips and set my jaw. My thoughts were muddled. I was no longer even enraged anymore, I just wanted silence. Using all the willpower I could muster to keep calm, I took a deep breath. I walked toward Shael with my arms outstretched. Placing my hands on her shoulder, I locked my gaze with her violet eyes. "Don't worry about me, go enjoy dinner with Roger and Klayden," I said while walking her toward the stairs.

"Okay, enjoy your bath!" She said walking down the steps. I breathed a breath of relief. I avoided a catastrophe.

Upon entering I took off my clothing; I did so, contemplating whether my anger was justified. I sat on the bench in the shower. The cold water soothed me; it felt as if something was lifted from my shoulders, and my mind became clear. I wasn't sure I could continue on this path of seeking vengeance, but the guilt of letting Akibrus, Caldor, and Dagen die, continued to eat away at my mind; I couldn't even sleep without nightmares haunting my dreams. I didn't know what to do, I didn't even know where to start. I held my head and grit my teeth in anger. It quickly turned to sadness as tears began to flow from my eyes. Dropping to my knees, I sobbed like a child who was taken away from their mother; the sound of the water splattering drowned out my cries.

"Don't worry you three, I'll do it. I'll kill him, and then you all can rest in peace, I swear!"

After my session of tears, I thoroughly cleaned myself and doused my body in perfume. My eyes felt puffy. With a cloth hiding my privates, I exited. My heart almost leaped out of my chest when I turned the corner and encountered Shael, who was also wrapped in cloth and cleaning her fingers. "Zarek, did something get in your eye?" Shael asked now focusing her attention on me with a concerned look.

"Oh, yes! A little perfume entered my eyes," I said while rubbing them to back up my lie.

"Can you see?" She said arising to tend to my eye.

I raised my hand in front of my face to block her from prying. Her caring nature was becoming annoying. "Shael, I'm fine, there is nothing to worry about," I said while grabbing her hands gently. I led her to the bath and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Go take your bath, ok. No need to worry about me."