Fuko P.O.V.
We had arrived at the city of Bolan. We took a break in a private lounge at an elite restaurant for adventurers and mercenaries. Finally, my unused Augir status became useful. Sitting comfortably on the circular couches our conversation began.
“How was it Ethola, was it what you expected?”
The rough looking well-toned tracker answered, “I’ve never seen such a manner of fighting. Blocking our attacks with a concentrated single point barrier, artifacts or something else. No matter how I look at it, she had an exquisite level of mana manipulation to pull it off.”
Beris, our healer, chimed in, “Whatever it was, the ability seems limited to defense, not that it made the fight any easier.”
He was an adept that had risen to Augir level just a few months prior through constantly testing his mettle in the battle arena of Gurnir, the berserker. He was extremely well kept for a professional of such a bloody practice. He could handle a fight.
Then again, Augir is not the same as an Augir Master. I’m the only one in this group near that threshold.
“Guess that is why she’s the only woman among those bastards.” He finished.
Alor and Piska, my two twins and main shields said in unison, “Ye, her blows were no joke, such a frail looking frame being able to hit that hard.” They complained as they drank their Thurskan brew.
I decided to treat the crew lavishly after what I had put them through.
“I can slam you just as painfully as her in our next training session.” I suggested.
“Her ability to block is infuriating, every good shot I had was parried.” Grumbled Corin as she sat in the corner.
She was my archer and spy, a truly captivating woman. Very capable in many arts including poison. The empire just sold her off to us for a very high sum of resources. Once a prince’s property now reduced to a Malgrunian hunting dog, there is a story there I am sure. The strength of the never fading stars, as the empire call themselves is unfathomable to me.
“Any thoughts, Blitz?” I asked my main warrior and frontline man.
He just shook his head and continued drinking from his glass slowly. The strong builder bearded man isn’t too much of a talker. I will have to do a full background check later just to be on the safe side.
“I guess the memory of her parrying our joint attack is still vivid in his mind.” I presumed.
“No matter, we have reported the sighting and got a good experience from it. There aren’t many of her caliber out there anyway. We must prepare.”
Everyone agreed to my words in some form or another.
The door to our private area opened, the butler that had ushered us in came through the door in an apologetic manner.
“Sorry to disturb you, young master Fuko but Lord Zarandel requests your presence.”
“My father’s here, that’s a surprise. Blitz, Corin take care of the preparations we discussed before meeting Gormesh. It seems duty is calling.” I said as I left them behind parting with the butler.
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I arranged my battle gear and took down my hood, meeting father always brought forth trepidation. I, Fuko, as an adoptive son have a lot to live up to. I saluted my father in a military style.
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“I see the Duke.”
His always imposing presence mixed with the elegant apparel he always wore made him even more intimidating. He had a fierce countenance like a lion. Who knows what he is thinking behind those golden eyes. The sign of the inheritor of Zarandel and leader of the Kazardim, the endowment of Beltor, our guardian entity.
“At ease.” He said signaling me to sit down in a nearby chair.
The hotel he was staying at was the premiere establishment in the city. Extravagant expending in luxury is normal considering the pressure he carries on his shoulders.
We sat down as he began speaking, “I’ve heard about your little skirmish with an Andurian leader. Seven against one and you still lost.”
He had an inquisitive look in his eyes.
“I wasn’t aware we were going to face off against the Deathbringer.” I said in my defense.
“I hope this was a good opportunity for you. The Claimere are a strange group of people just like our leaders and like me. Understand?” He pointed out.
“Yes I do.” I nodded. Then a sudden question came to me. “Can you beat her father?”
“Yes.” He replied perfunctorily.
“I suppose there’s more to this rendezvous than just a catch up on my progress.” I inquired.
“What do you want to do with your right Fuko?” He asked in a stoic fashion.
“I wish to create my own path and my own enclave. My brothers and sister only see me as a nuisance, I would rather avoid all the hassle. My own hand, my own power, my own people.” I answered truthfully.
“You are letting go of your right to challenge?” he asked surprised and joyful in equal measure.
“I would like to have the right to challenge for the endowment but as for the Dukedom, its riches and all that it entails I rather not meddle between my brothers.”
Whether my political siblings truly considered me as an equal or family, it had little importance to me. The only thing that mattered was the opinion of the Duke, Rafeyl Zarandel.
“Good, this will eliminate the possibility of interference from your stepmother. Take this.” He took out a ring colored in blood red.
“Is this—” My voice was interrupted by the Duke.
“This is a temporal ring from the Kanyira. This is the best I can do for the memory of your mother. Thank you for helping this old man, your brothers and sister will be pleased. When the time comes I’ll personally assist in your endowment.” He said kindly.
“Soul artifact.” I muttered dumbfounded looking at the ring I was now holding.
Soul artifacts are different from all other artifacts, they have space time distortion magic as a storage device but also their own will, a living weapon. A living weapon is created by different processes depending on the faction making it.
Anything made by the Kanyira requires an extreme self-control and power to make the souls within it submit. It is not easy.
“I will train hard and prove my worth.” I said giving the Duke a sincere salute.
“Now, let us discuss your mission. Although, we the Kazardim, always take the most hazardous tasks for our own benefits. The information I gathered indicates the conflict will probably escalate to an unforeseeable level in the future. Your road ahead is fraught with danger Fuko.” He was serious.
“We are being sent to the meat grinder then.” I said affirmatively.
“Many amongst the Kolga wish to purge our numbers, including Elders, Zigurs and Seats. Likewise, many of them wish our well-being. The old codgers are up to something, finding out will take time.”
“Greedy fuckers! I’ll trample upon their heads and turn them into hewers working in the Colrig mines!” I said visibly showing my displeasure.
“Search and destroy son, search and destroy. Accumulate merits, involve yourself in battles were you can account for your safety first. Avoid going to Kotar, do not tackle that part of your mission until I get there.”
“You are being summoned too?” I asked surprised.
“It will come to that, yes.” He replied plainly.
“My brothers and sister will be involved in this as well? The scale is growing rapidly.”
“We are at a state of covert war but it is war. Try not to antagonize the Zurians as much as possible for now, disrupt, destroy and kill all and any Andurians as you can. If you cannot find them then start with the citizens of Kotar that are high ranking either in wealth or status wherever you can find them.”
His words were clear and the intent obvious, it was high time for assassinations.
“This will be a momentous culling. The blood of Kotar will flow. Be on guard, Malgrunians in the other continents will be purged. Even in a very small scale, the recalling has already begun.”
I took time assimilating everything my father was telling me. Recalling? The Grand Chamber is going to take it that far? Impossible. My thoughts were racing, if we are not careful, we are as good as dead.
“You’ll be facing the Claimere and their direct Kotari eventually, prepare thoroughly with Gormesh. Find Zigurs, adepts, worshippers, priests and anyone that can be bought, maximize your resources. You need to gain merits to procure better equipment, alliances to face them when the time comes. I cannot help you anymore than this. Am I clear?”
“Yes father, thank you.” I gave him another very polite bow before departing.