REVENGE OR JUSTICE
Despite my past annoyance with the feeling of betrayal from Farengar, I figured it was great to have him among us. We left the city with over one hundred civilians, a dozen adventurers, including me, a handful of guards, and three guardians. Any additional fighters were welcome to help.
We had begun to implement shifts for fighters and adventurers willing to help. Gate promised compensation, something I certainly needed. We have yet to move since finding Farengar and Gate ordered for a short break.
A few other adventurers and I decided to listen to Gate's and Solitaire's discussion at the head of the caravan. Gate refused to believe that a gent named Donatello had betrayed them and killed the chief.
SOLITAIRE
Do you need to see my scar again?
He nearly shouted in anger. Seven other Guardians were keeping to themselves while other adventurers and guards lounged around near enough to listen in.
GATE
My apologies,
He mumbled.
GATE
I just—I knew him for so long.
SOLITAIRE
And so did I.
He growled.
SOLITAIRE
Only for the bastard to stab me in the back. If I see him again, I'll rip his guts out and shove them down his throat.
Gate had nothing to say. I eyed Solitaire. He was either shaking with rage or shivering from the cold. Both of them had a simple cloak over their armor. I tugged on the brown coat that warmed me and then eyed Otis sitting with a slight shiver. He, too, had a thin cloak drabbed over his armor. Another guard decided to change the subject and end the tense silence.
They decided to discuss Ire. To my surprise, he wasn't a lady but a gent. They believe he was responsible for the city's destruction by stating how the ghosts resembled his face. Cain apparently returned after the presumed death of Ire to inform the Chief that Ire could make clones of himself. Just how strong was this gent?
A shout alerted us all, and we took our attention to the fisher's hut. A guard was Quickstepping toward us, the sound of despair in his voice. He came to a stop, and we all surrounded him as Gate urged him to speak.
GUARD
He's dead!
He shouted, slouched over his knees and gasping for air.
GUARD
Same wounds! Three-pronged punctures!
He stood up straight and continued.
GUARD
The home—completely raided!
SOLITAIRE
Donatello. Again.
GATE
Dammit!
He hissed a curse.
GATE
I'll be right back.
He informed Otis and the other two guardians.
GATE
Take me to him.
And he and the guard departed.
I took my leave and decided to visit Farengar. He resided within the clerical carriage in the middle of our caravan.
It was one of the largest in the caravan. Inside, the wagon's bed was prepared with three sleeping areas, one of which had a resting Farengar with Millicent at his side. I could see Charla, the healer, through the thin curtains, doing her best to work within the small cabin of the carriage.
Millicent was smiling when I entered—the two of them were having a cheerful conversation, but my appearance spoiled the mood. I approached them in silence and sat cross-legged, my gaze glued to the wooden boards of the wagon.
FARENGAR
Good to see you alive.
He spoke softly. I couldn't respond immediately as the memories of Panuka came sharp and vividly. I clenched my jaws, and my rage exploded—
HILROY
Why didn't you just make a fucking hole!
MILLICENT
Hilroy!
She blurted at my bluntness, but Farengard waved her away.
FARENGAR
It's okay.
He uttered to her as he attempted to sit up. Millicent came to his aid while giving me a hostile glare.
HILROY
We could've been safe if we had just stayed in the inn!
I glanced up at Charla, who peeked back at us but quickly minded her business.
HILROY
Rosa died! Tempest died! We all lost our parties because we listened to you!
Sorrow began to replace my rage.
HILROY
Panuka died.
I quickly wiped away a tear and adverted my gaze.
FARENGAR
I'm sorry.
He whispered.
FARENGAR
I take the blame fully. The moment a fiend attacked Tempest... I knew I had made a mistake. We fell... I fell for Ire's trap. He had sent ghosts to disturb those inside in order to force us all outside. I should've seen it.
He took a breath and was about to continue, but I stopped him.
HILROY
Forget it... Sorry. You don't have to explain. Hindsight is always clearer when we fail.
FARENGAR
I'm truly sorry, Hilroy.
I nodded, and an awkward silence filled the room.
HILROY
Shit...
I exhaled as I shook my head.
HILROY
I just needed to scream, I guess.
FARENGAR
Don't we all?
He smiled.
HILROY
So, how come you're a lady?
MILLICENT
Seriously?
She squeaked, but Farengar chuckled.
FARENGAR
I was actually waiting for you to ask me.
He directed at Millicent.
FARENGAR
So, where do I begin?
He stared at his lap, lost in thought for a moment, before taking a deep breath.
It all began with the absence of his father. His mother and younger sister were left to deal with the torment of untamed gents. Living in the Earth Kingdom as a girl or lady was horrible. Without a gent or father by his side, rape, enslavement, and imprisonment could happen at any given moment. If any were done by a gent upon a lady or girl, they more or less get away with it.
Halfway through his tormented childhood, tears streamed down Millicent's cheeks, but she kept a stern expression. Farengar continued, and we learned his mother had become a maid to a member of the Farmer's Guild—I winced at the sound of that. My own family was careless about how they treated our servants—I couldn't imagine the horrors Farengar's mother went through.
His mother risked her life to steal study books for him, and he began researching symbology.
FARENGAR
My mother had poor skills when it came to reading and writing.
Farengar explained.
FARENGAR
Oh, how I detested my father for forcing me to read, write, practice northern speech, solve mathematical problems, and memorize land maps during my childhood days. Though now... in hindsight, the gratitude I have is immeasurable. I learned a lot—possibly more than your average Earth Kingdom girl. I knew about Mana Emission, but it's noticeable. Symbology is silent and great for traps.
Shortening a long story, Farengar skipped ahead and told us he learned to draw a transfiguration symbol that he placed on his torso.
FARENGAR
The drawing of the symbol took two years. One year to practice on hens and such, and then another to test it on myself. Risky, but it was either that or watching my mother die at the dirty hands of a cruel bastard.
The look he went for was his father. He didn't want to discuss what happened to him as he took a breath and shook his head when I asked.
He pretended to be his mother's husband and used his leverage as a gent to obtain justice. He was able to access his father's assets and granted both his mother and sister a safe dwelling within the Fire Kingdom.
FARENGAR
Doing so placed a target on my back. My mother was safe, though.
HILROY
So, you stayed in the Earth Kingdom?
I asked, and he shrugged.
FARENGAR
I spent more than half my life as a gent and made more puries in that cannibalistic kingdom. I didn't feel too sure of making it elsewhere. So, I decided to stay and continue to lead fellow gents in their plight against the Farmer's Guild.
He sighed, his mouth twitching into a smile at the lingering thought.
FARENGAR
But that is a story for another time. So, the reason why I reverted was because of my fight with Ire.
He confessed.
HILROY
You fought him!?
I lurched forward.
FARENGAR
After I set the smithy on fire, he came directly for me.
He studied the fear on my face before continuing.
FARENGAR
Yes... the worst fear I have ever felt. I was ready to die, but not without attempting to get away—not without fighting for survival. I was saved by Beka.
Unfortunately, Ire's last fiery attack made it through my protective symbology and disrupted the transfiguration symbol.
He stopped with a soft smile and looked me in the eyes, and I held my gaze.
FARENGAR
I can see it in your eyes. I heard it in Millicent's voice.
He placed a hand on her knee.
FARENGAR
The need to grow after coming face to face with your own mortality. Another reason I left the Iron Knights to join Mokoto. If you ever need a training partner. I will be here. Let us get stronger together.
HILROY
...thanks.
I croaked, but then I squinted at Farengar.
HILROY
I thought you hated the Queen?
I revealed, and he perked up with a charming smile.
FARENGAR
Sorry, that was a lie.
He admitted before his countenance became stern.
FARENGAR
But what I told you just moments ago was the honest truth. As you can imagine what Mokoto would've done were he to find out I was a lady.
I nodded before he took his attention to Millicent's confused stare and explained all that had happened during our failed escort mission. It was difficult to sit and listen to him detail our failures. Yet, I listened and allowed the nasty feeling inside me to strengthen my resolve to get back at Ire.
After another day of our slow-paced traveling toward North Star, we camped at the Azure's Crucible, the base of a six-mile upward slope with two short plateaus. We briefly discussed the dangers of climbing such steep slopes in the snow. Farengar and another Mage had stepped forward to help melt away the ice and snow whenever we resumed our march.
Campfires were lit down the line of our caravan, and people did their best to roast their own fish we acquired from the Fisher Hut. Guards would patrol up and down, warning the people to not mess around with their food and fire, but people did anyway.
Farengar and Millicent returned to the clerical carriage while I tried my damnedest to distract myself from the nightmare I had last night. I crept up to the front behind the cover of a wagon. I wanted to spy on Gate to see if he was busy.
GATE
Hilroy right? What is it?
He called out as if he could see me through the wagon— tch, maybe he could . Defeated, I strolled into the opening and saw him and Solitaire sitting upon thick hide blankets placed around the fire. They had a small campfire going, and both were roasting fish. Otis, other guards, and other Guardians were either asleep or half asleep nearby. Each of them wore their armor, and as clunky as it may be, it made sense the moment I thought about it— anything can happen in the wilds.
HILROY
Why are you all doing this for?
I asked bluntly, and they both gave me a bewildered look.
GATE
What in god's name do you mean by that?
HILROY
You've lost your position. You are not getting paid. Why fight for nothing? Why not leave?
Gate smiled at Solitaire, who returned the broad grin. A Guardian leaning against a wagon echoed a laugh through his full helm.
GATE
Because my family is still alive.
He pointed out as he brought his fish out of the flames to check it. I clenched my jaws in jealousy as he continued.
GATE
They linger behind me. Enjoying another day to be alive.
HILROY
What of your actual family.
I clarified in annoyance.
HILROY
Your blood. Your flesh.
GATE
Ah, you mean them. They died about three years back.
He blurted freely. He took in my disturbed expression and grinned at me.
GATE
I'm not sure if you heard of the vampire Lich. He and his fellow vampires killed my family. But I still have friends and family to protect. That is why I am doing this.
SOLITAIRE
Same—except for the losing my family part. I was never married and was an only child.
GUARDIAN
Most of us Guardians are,
He chimed in, and Solitaire nodded in agreement.
GUARDIAN
We are more free that way. Free to put our lives on the line to protect the things that we cherish.
Their cheerful attitude annoyed me, and I nearly roared,
HILROY
And what of Donatello, the gent you mentioned?
GATE
Yes, what of him?
HILROY
Isn't the whole reason behind this because you are chasing after him? Right?
GATE
Have a seat.
He commanded and stared at me until I obeyed.
GATE
These people. The ones that I risk my life for are my children. Until we arrive at North Star, they will be my children, and I will be their protector.
HILROY
And afterward?
Gate sighed, and Solitaire jumped in,
SOLITAIRE
No idea as of late. But,
He continued at my disdained scowl.
SOLITAIRE
Finding Don and seeking justice is not out of the question.
I shook my head,
HILROY
Revenge.
GATE
Whatever you may call it.
He mumbled and blew on his fish.
HILROY
And what of Ire.
They and three other Guardians laughed, and I glanced back and forth between them, looking for the humor in what I said.
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GUARDIAN
Sorry, young chap—
Chuckled a Guardian, who turned in his bedroll to face me.
GUARDIAN
We're not laughing at you, not at all... The idea of facing that wench?
He chuckled softly with a shake of his head.
GUARDIAN
Weren't you there to witness the insanity?
GATE
A Vampire—Mage—Multicasting—Necromancer who can control an army of ghosts, rip apart the lands with magic, and, according to Beka, could use Willpower? I would have a better chance against Lich.
He finished with a crackle, stirring others to laugh again.
HILROY
So you admit it. You're not strong enough.
SOLITAIRE
Yet.
HILROY
Do you have plans? What are you doing after we arrive?
Solitaire twirled his stick of fish as he mutely questioned Gate, who shrugged in response.
SOLITAIRE
A hero named Eldritch,
He revealed as he picked at his fish.
SOLITAIRE
When we asked the guild officer Krapht about her, we learned she trains somewhere in Reh Bekah of Sante June.
GATE
We will seek out her master and find a way to gain more power.
GUARD
Imagine the beast that person will be.
Said a guard from behind me.
HILROY
That's all I wanted to hear.
I mumbled.
HILROY
I just wanted to know that I was not alone... we're not alone in feeling weak and helpless. Please allow Farengar and myself to join you.
GATE
Farengar? That dual-gendered gent?
I nodded,
HILROY
He wants to learn healing auras.
Solitaire and the other Guardians perked up at the sound of that, and they nodded in agreement.
SOLITAIRE
An inspiring Cleric? Difficult path but a path highly welcomed.
GATE
Sure thing, we'll meet and discuss further after we arrive at North Star.
*****
Tired of our lounging about, Abi had me train my ability to fly without using my staff. He ordered Mac and Clifford to read about Willpower and practice meditation. I was passing through the sky with Abi, tethered by Basic Soul Harvest limit, floating at my tail nonchalantly.
PAIN
You are awfully quiet back there.
ABIMELECH
Being pulled along by the restriction has an enjoyable feeling to it. Besides, you are the one who has gone silent.
I was still watching the movements of the vampires as Abi ordered me to fly between Raycon Village, the Iron Caves, and the College of Emberfell. I was supposed to be spouting off every little detail they were doing, but...
PAIN
They're still walking. Nothing interesting going on.
ABIMELECH
What about anyone picking their nose?
PAIN
How is that even interesting?
I asked as I landed before the Iron Caves.
ABIMELECH
Details are details, young one. How far are they?
The Iron Caves were protected by the cave arachnid sols. The arachnids patrolled, ate, and even bathed in the lake deep within the cave. They seemed to be having a good time.
PAIN
Not too long before they emerge from the woods.
ABIMELECH
Ah, you see there, that is undoubtedly interesting.
He teased as I Phased through the ground to avoid the arachnid webbing and spied on them.
PAIN
Oh really? Do you want me to do a countdown?
I asked while looking out into parts of the cave to ensure everything was in order.
ABIMELECH
What a fabulous idea. Begin.
PAIN
What?
ABIMELECH
Begin.
And so I began counting down the time as I left the caves and flew over to Raycon Village. I spotted a few snow rabbits, azudorn deer, and a few lagardientes mushing about through the snow.
I could easily catch an azudorn deer now, but Abi claimed I deserve no such delight until I am able to control and cast each form of elemental magic simultaneously. Also, he personally thought it would be an insult to roast their highly sought-after meat over a cheap fire.
As I flew back to my lair, I noticed the progress of other cave arachnid sols forming dirt roads for the brumaire wagons. This was a feasible task for the cave arachnids since they excelled in using Earth and Stone magic.
PAIN
Ten... nine... eight...
I reluctantly counted the last few seconds as I arrived at the northernmost hilltop near my lair.
PAIN
Four... three... two... two.... two...
ABIMELECH
Your count was off.
He interjected, but I ignored him. Clifford and Mac, who were clearly not meditating, left the lair to join me on the hilltop.
PAIN
Three... one... and...
We squinted into the distance.
PAIN
They stopped at the border. Assessing the situation.
But after a minute of assessing, each group stormed the city in a three-prong pincer formation.
PAIN
I read about this formation in Bane of Winterfort.
I watched them breach the walls, a few Leap in while Mages cast Lightning, ripping through the western gates.
I watched them subdue any resistance with precision.
PAIN
Hmph, they are not killing the guards and those who fought back.
MAC
Even we daywalkers desire cattle.
She mumbled.
In minutes, the vampires had converged before the Chief's estate and had subdued every guard.
The leader, Lorenzo, shouted with the aid of Willpower,
LORENZO
Where is Chief Leon!
And his voice boomed like thunder across the city. I grinned as I watched—this was exciting.
ABIMELECH
You are enjoying this too much.
I waved at him to be silent as Lorenzo shouted once again, his bright white pupils darting around for any sudden movements until they caught something coming from the estate.
Bolting across the Chief's Estate garden, Beka Quickstepped and Leaped into the night sky. He targeted Sakura's group as he kicked off the air toward the pack. I was intrigued to watch Sakura grimace with conviction and readied her sword and buckler.
A bloody crescent bled through the air from the swing of Lorenzo's crimson katana. It sliced into Beka, sending him crashing into the center of Sakura's group as she and her group quickly evaded.
Lorenzo pointed at Sakura.
LORENZO
Question the city, Sakura.
SAKURA
Me?
LORENZO
Yes, you.
He growled. The 'Tiny Captain' squealed with laughter.
TINY CAPTAIN
Time to shine new blood!
SAKURA
But—
The tiny vampire grabbed Sakura's hand.
TINY CAPTAIN
Follow me!
She sang.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo approached the injured Beka. Beka struggled to his feet, and Lorenzo and I noticed blood seeping from his stomach and bleeding through his robes.
LORENZO
My attack didn't do that. I barely touched you.
He squinted at him.
LORENZO
Where is your Chief? You are not him. He is not a fighter—I am sure of that.
Beka grasped his stomach—the old wound I had inflicted on him had not yet healed as he growled,
BEKA
He's dead.
LORENZO
Prove it. Bring me the Chief's corpse, or we will rip through every kinan body until we find his corpse.
BEKA
Then why ask me anything if you weren't going to believe me?
LORENZO
To allow you to choose your words carefully. Continue to play coy with me, and I will grant you a painful death.
BEKA
Nothing but an empty threat.
Lorenzo swiftly raised his sword to drain the blood from out of Beka's wound. From my perspective, it seemed harmless, but Beka squirmed and groaned in pain. Lorenzo continued to torment Beka with a fierce gaze. Beka eventually unlocked his jaw and cried out in pain, but Lorenzo refused to let up.
Leaping across rooftops, the tiny vampire returned, with Sakura attempting to keep up along the roads. The captain landed a few feet away from the Lorenzo, sending snow and ice flying about.
LORENZO
Control your landing, Emily!
He barked, ceasing his torture of Beka.
LORENZO
What did you find?
He asked Sakura, and she quickly presented a parchment— my bounty.
CLIFFORD
Is that real!?
He blurted, the perfect eyes of the kagawk eyeing my bounty clearly.
PAIN
I told you—
CLIFFORD
But seven hundred million? I can't believe it.
MAC
Be quiet, Clifford!
She shushed him, attempting to focus on the events unfolding.
LORENZO
Okay?
He gave Sakura a blank look after eying my bounty.
LORENZO
This is when you explain what you are presenting.
He told her carefully.
SAKURA
This is the vampire I spoke of, the one who saved us and claimed the southern wilds. I'm sure he's to the south of us.
LORENZO
Good. Now, what did the people say?
Sakura was at a loss for words as she avoided Lorenzo's gaze.
EMILY
Two different stories, sir;
She interjected.
LORENZO
I did not ask—
EMILY
One claimed it was the work of that vampire named Ire, and the other claimed it was a Mage named Cain who attacked the city.
Lorenzo took a breath and eyed the defeated Sakura.
LORENZO
You're going to have to stop treating her like a child, Emily.
He warned her before seemingly fading into thought.
LORENZO
Hmm, Ire Farcatcher? Never heard of that name. But I know of Cain, Cain the Executioner.
Lorenzo's head snapped toward Beka.
LORENZO
What say you? Is it true?
Beka said nothing as he stood defiantly and emitted Willpower. Lorenzo Quickstepped and planted his plate-reinforced boot into Beka's face, pinning him effortlessly down on the bloody snow.
LORENZO
You seemed to have a death wish.
Lorenzo lifted his foot and pointed his katana into Beka's face.
LORENZO
Answer me. Is it true? What happened to this city?
Beka coughed up a pint of blood as he pushed himself up.
BEKA
It's true...
He gargled as he stood once more. Lorenzo took his blade away and sheathed it.
BEKA
It's true that I have a death wish.
He finished with a bloody grin. Lorenzo froze, his hand still on his hilt as he eyed the smiling Beka.
An explosion of blood ripped through Beka's torso, and he was sent twirling through the air before he fell face-first into the snow. I chuckled to myself—Lorenzo was fairly strong, and the kagawks and soratakas could barely keep up with his speed.
LORENZO
Emily!
He shouted as he swung his sword clean of blood as Emily hopped to his side.
LORENZO
Heal that stupid bastard. Make sure he doesn't die.
Lorenzo ordered as he fixed his black and white hair.
EMILY
But I think you already killed him.
She commented as she approached Beka.
LORENZO
What was that?
He growled as he materialized a stained cloth to clean his sword further.
EMILY
Nothing sir!
After having a laugh at the events unfolding, Abi forced us back into training. Clifford and Mac were forced to meditate throughout the night while I was still tasked to inform Abi of everything they were doing.
PAIN
They are interrogating Krapht now.
I informed him as I was performing Lesser Solusion Ritual. Meanwhile, he floated behind me, reading a book he had snatched from my room.
PAIN
Krapht is such an unperplexed individual. He even invited Lorenzo and his fellow vampires for a meal.
I explained as a lively eloko came to life with an unusual laugh. I grimaced at it—a birth defect? I watched it bounce around me in excitement before it knelt before me.
PAIN
What was that all about?
I mumbled.
PAIN
Go join the rest.
I commanded, and it bounced off toward the Arachnid's Lair.
ABIMELECH
What is he telling them, this Krapht?
PAIN
Everything; the earthly spire, the Ire's Bounty, the death of adventurers, everything Eldritch told him, my attack on the city. Lorenzo finally listened to Sakura and currently preparing to head to my location.
ABIMELECH
I do hope they do not interfere with your training.
Another eloko came to life and had nothing unusual about it. It immediately bowed with a laugh and left to join the rest.
It was the 13th of 1st Winter, with another day of training for me and meditation for the other two thunderheads. By the tenth hour, Lorenzo and just fifteen others from his entire group arrived at the earthly spire.
I saw they had utilized horses from the stables of Dagon City. They brought their horses to a halt before the spire and slowly approached the magnificent landmark. They stood before it in silence as light snow glided down around them.
LORENZO
It was just as Krapht mentioned others have seen.
I heard him mumble.
CLIFFORD
Should we go meet him?
Clifford asked me telepathically despite sitting just five paces away from me in the lair with his eyes closed.
ABIMELECH
You should focus on your training.
Abi quickly answered.
PAIN
Someone is already out there.
MAC & CLIFFORD
Who?
They asked as I watched the broodmother study Lorenzo from the hilltop.
CLIFFORD
Wow...
He muttered, holding the kagawk's gaze on the broodmother.
MAC
Stop gawking at her!
She shoved him in the head.
CLIFFORD
Where has she been hiding this entire time?
ABIMELECH
Training and hunting for herself, like you two should've been doing.
They became silent as Lorenzo noticed the broodmother's glare. He pulled out a sword and took a step forward.
LORENZO
You mentioned he controlled the undead.
He clarified, his eyes locked on the broodmother. It was as if he felt Sakura nod in silence.
LORENZO
Well, that's a broodmother, a hivolved fiend. Not just some undead.
He stated harshly, his eyes focused unblinking. Emily glided to his side, her demeanor utterly different than before. I swabbed my mind through the broodmother's and sensed that Emily was radiating with mana energy.
LORENZO
Stay back, the rest of you.
He ordered, taking another step.
I watched as they waited and wondered what they were waiting for. The broodmother stood still, making no movement as I wanted her to wait. Clifford, Mac, and Abi all watched with anticipation.
This was a test of my own and partly a test from the broodmother. I could feel her angst grow as she stared down at the gaggle of vampires. Lorenzo clenched his jaws and cast blood to coat his crimson sword.
I took my gaze to another kagawk that eyed Sakura carefully. She squinted, moving carefully, shuffling forward to get a good look at the broodmother. Lorenzo sparked his Willpower, seizing my attention. Can he cast blood and use Willpower? The look of worry painted Sakura's face, and she charged through—
SAKURA
Wait!
She screamed, sprinting in front of Lorenzo.
LORENZO
What in the nine realms are you doing?
He growled as he grabbed hold of her arm.
SAKURA
We're looking for Ire!
She fought against Lorenzo as she addressed the broodmother.
SAKURA
We've come to ask for his aid!
My aid? A brief moment of silence as the snow fell between them. Lorenzo pulled Sakura aside and stood protectively in front of her.
SAKURA
Please!
The broodmother smiled and turned,
BROODMOTHER
Follow me.
Her voice vibrated.