Prologue (Revised)

“Surround the estate!” A immaculately dressed man declared. He wore silver-gold lined armor; his face held a youthful visage. The brief specks of grey told a different tale. His eyes casted no doubt, obviously this was a man of means, the noble few.

“Sargent Cole.” He called with a questioning tone, his words seemed as if he was tasting something new for the first time.

The man at the forefront of the column of kings-men stepped toward the well dressed man. He pulled out a exquisitely decorated cylinder. He mumbled a few words; obvious magical in nature.

“Yes, Lord High sheriff.” He stepped forth. Hands behind his back, his dress was lesser but in no way lacking the same feeling of superiority then the lesser men about.

He wore the kings colors. Green: representing the fertile land the common folk tole on. Red: The blood of those that fell in battle in defense of his majesty kingdom. White: The light of their patron Deity, Lady Persephone.

The man now known to be a lord and sheriff handed over the contents of the cylinder.

“Your orders! And warrant, to search the premises.” He gestured for the sergeant to take the perfectly folded paper, it was held together with a red ribbon.

Retrieving the missive from the Sheriff he steeped backwards and expertly turned on the soles of his feet.

"Listen!" His voiced raised a few decibels, making sure the kings-men in the far back heard him.

He with practice grace unfolded the parchment.

“The council of Lords has petition to the his majesty, king Yolen, to search the estate of Lord Griffin. This petition was written by the council and given power by our lord. He in his infinite wisdom has declared that all requests of the council is warranted.”

"Let his will, be our blades!" They said in union

He channeled his mana into the scroll. The seal of the king, a dragon perched upon a castle flared into existence above the scroll. The kings-men nodded its confirmation, and authenticity.

“Check your inventory rings. You should all now have copy of this warrant present. This is for anyone inside who may bar your path or obscure the truth, as of now you are the hand of the king, with authority provided by your station."

Notices appeared in the gathered men hands. On each of their fingers were black rings; these were lesser storage rings, that could hold items depending on space, the common kings-men held 6x6 space. These were rare and only the most influential had one, their creation recipe long ago lost.

“Since this is a noble abode discretion and respect is to be upheld, so please keep in mind that who estates we are searching," he warned.

"As of now this is only a search and seizure. Anything else of illegal quality of quantity will be collected and logged. Be respectful! Use discretion, this is the Griffin house.”

'Griffin' was said with a warning undertone. The kings-men all well-to-do men swallowed hard. The Griffin house was to be feared, they all knew why.

The high sheriff stepped behind the column. This was procedure. Even though he doubted the fabled house would cause much problem. Still, the sheriff was to lead from behind just in case their quarry decided to fight or flee, he was a learned man; he wasn't high leveled or had the best skills, what afforded him his position is his relations to the crown, he was a distant cousin.

Thus, he was so far down the line of succession he wasn't even giving face but still he had royal blood; he was considered above most nobles, being minor royalty.

The Griffin, was entirely different cause, this family has been around since the Great War of the Gods. Regardless, he would be better protected behind his men. Plus his new Sargent was in for a test today.

The Sargent strolled ahead. His head held high. First day, and here he was to search the Griffin house, a house that had more wealth then the council and the kingdom it resided in.

He would have to leave a great impression if he was to make his probation period, wife with child, new to the city, he wasn't a noble; just A adventurer that was part of a group that defeated a dungeon. He rolled his shoulder and stepped evenly, before him was his future.

Two guards on each side of the black-wrought iron gate stood straighter as the notice the kings men approach. Placing their spear head to the soil in respect they removed their helmets and tuck them underneath the opposite arm.

The gate operator, a young man with an athletic build ran toward a close door and knock twice, and then once.

❧

"Enter!” A gruff voice called from behind the door.

The young man opened the door, in the dim light a wide framed man sat, he had a peculiar look on his face. His chair was a ways from his oaken desk.

"Why are you disturbing me?” He asked his voice a tad high for some reason.

“Kings-men sir, they are approaching the gate. A whole lot of them!”

“WHAT!” Then man stood to quickly for his size. The young man yelp and turned away, eyes looking toward the wall decorated with countless beast heads.”

A more softer, feminine yelp was followed quickly behind his as a young red head stood up from the desk. Her face was marred and she wore a brown sack for cloth, the front looked recently ripped showing her small mounds.

“Return to my room whore. I'll make sure you pay for the damn vase you broke. His large hand, dwarfed the girl face.

Pats!

A slap echoed inside the room. A whimper and a sniffle followed by the sound of flesh impacting the floor.

She fell as expected, taking a blow from the obvious high leveled man. The man was a bear, in name and mannerism. The youth was sure his strength start was well above average being a class holder, a rare one at that.

“Get up!" He spat. "Pull my pants up. But, before yo soil my garments,wipe your spit from my cock!” He roared.

The small girl, who age was undetermined because elves stayed youthful the majority of their lives. Her ears seemed to be damaged, from the scarring he assumed it was an old wound, the skin was smoothed over. A closer look and he noticed the ears was clipped.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Captured eleven slaves ears were clipped. Even if they escape captivity their people will scorn them for disfigurement. Elves were vain, and upheld beauty of above all else.

“Ye.. yesss... Master.” Her voice almost broke. Her eye was blackened and swollen shut. She kneeled and went about wiping the men....”

❧

Minutes later the large man, the captain, was at the gates of the estate. He had a missive crumbled in his hands and his face was red with anger.

“What! Do you know who estate this is? And you come here with this shit wipe of paper from that bastard king!”

The kings-men as if struck a physical blow instantly drew their blades from their sides.

Shling!

The Large captain stood even taller at the spectacle. His buttons on his black leathered top threatened to exploded as he huffed with indignation

“You dare draw steel against me." His figure swelled, his presumed mistreatment fueled his inborn rage.

His lips were stretched, his teeth were a shade of pink, blood flowed down the corner of his mouth. He opened his mouth, a inhuman growl leaked, some of the men took strained steps back, their training barely helping them cope.

"Not once, but twice, you lap dogs have made a grave mistake.... today!" He stepped toward the men, his huge fists clenched, his eyes blood red.

The Sargent stepped forward. His sword was at his waist, customary for all kings-men.

“Garvel Bear!” He said the man name as if questioning its authenticity and accuracy.

The two man were like night and day. One well over several feet and the other under six. But their auras were almost similar, so it was assumed their levels were close or the same. One presence was chaotic the other serene.

“Out of the lot and only one not a fool!” He growled walking toward the man, he looked down upon him, his chest heaving.

Unconcerned about the large man close proximity "Listen, we are aware of whom reside here. By law, we can search any home inside the kingdom with approval of the king.” His voice was matter of fact.

The large man eyes squinted. “Law! You speak of law. That damn king shouldn't be on the throne. My lieg-”

Before he could finish the Sargent hand flashed forward and hit him in the center of his chest.

-Sustained a critical blow

-knock back. 10 second paralysis in effect.

-You have been hit by a unarmed skill. Damage taken.

The man known with reason as 'Bear' was blown backwards. He tried to force his legs to find purchase but the force kept him in motion, all he could do was flow backwards to keep from falling.

He cast his muscled arms outward, as he came upon the sturdy gate. A metal grinding sound was heard as the man gripped the bars for support.

He steadied himself, the blow, or the force went onward ruffled the expansive yard and shook the large manor.

Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth, and his breath became ragged.

'Check status'

Name: Garvel Bear

Hp: 235/2100 MP: 25/25 ST: 200/975

Level:69 12%

Class: Berserker

Surprised and shocked the guards raised their spears, dropping their helmets in their haste. The kings-men moved forward.

The Sargent stood where he was fist still extended. A white wisp blew in the wind off of his balled gauntlet hand.

[Fierce Blow: Mastering of your fighting spirit has given you a blow that embodies your fierce nature. +Knock-back +Bypasses Regular armor. +Increased chance of a critical.]

Bear moved from the gate and immediately stumbled. His hand shot out, impacting the cobbled stone. He gripped at his bruised sternum. He could have died he thought. It has been years since he was brought close to 0.

He looked up at the man and anger, madness was present in his eyes. His unruly beard seemed thicker, his brow was more pronounced and his eyes were red orbs, orbs that leaked hatred, and one man was in his maddening sights.

'So, this is the Berserker class ability.' He relaxed his arm as he opened and close his hand. He actually felt that through his entire body. This guy is clearly dangerous, as expected of the Griffin house.

Before Garvel could stand up and man in a flowing robes appeared beside him. His hands gripped the hug man shoulders.

"Stand down Garvel.”

The man looked toward the kings-men. "Forgive my men manners." He said coldly.

Sargent stepped forward. He seen his men flinch when the man appeared.

"Scion Griffin, I'm Cole Wildgrave. Sargent-"

"I'm aware who you are Adventure Cole. So they allow peasants to wear kings color now? Clearly-"

Raising his hand.

"My, common upbringing is in no way a cause for disrespect Lord Griffith. Stand aside, we are hear to do a job. Your men and now you are stalling kings law."

"Watch yourself Cole!" Said the lord High sheriff. He stepped forward and bowed toward the waist.

"First son, Scion Griffin. Please to make your acquaintance." The captain voice quivered

Scion stared at the Sargent briefly. His face smiled as he looked at the bowing man.

"Lord High Sheriff, how is your wife and son?"

The man body noticeably shook at the mention of his family.

"All is well My lord!"

"Surely it is." He said staring at the man still in position.

The other men were confused. Why was High sheriff bowing to a Griffin. Kings-men only bow or take a knee to the king, which is mandated by law.

Cole looked at the sheriff and back at the smiling Griffin. He shook his head. This was the problem with the noble few. Threats and scheming. He was glad he kept his wife and child out of his work.

"Be at ease High Sheriff. It's nice that one in such a station shows proper respect. Unlike some, give them a warm blanket and new wardrobe and they think they're your equal. Give them face and they are eating at your table." He said staring at the Sargent.

Sargent pulled his arm up. A notice flared to life. "By the kings will, this estate is to be locked down. All person in or out shall be confined to one location."

High sheriff stood up straight. His face pale. "Please, forgive us. We are only following orders."

Griffin smirked. "Messengers, hardly ever return with their heads intact." His malicious smile and he cold voice sent shivers down the gathered men spines.

He moved aside. Garvel stood and to his left. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the man that attacked him. He will get his revenge.

As soon as Scion smiled and nodded he knew he would get it sooner then later. He smiled as well, his unruly beard and blood stained teeth made the kings men stay out of his reach.

                      ❧

~Three hours later Griffin Estate, Dusk Phase~

The kings-men had documents and containers all lined up outside the court yard. The high sheriff was constantly looking toward the Griffin household who had a unconcerned look in their eyes. He sighed.

"Your findings?" He asked quietly

"Searching their logs, it was discovered that they have been paying barely 1% of their taxes. They are utilizing slave collars and other control magic to beat and abuse illegal slaves, majority are undocumented. He paused.

"Foreigners are giving pass through their shipping business into the country. They are also shipping out more armaments then they are selling to the kingdom."

"Continue." - Sargent Cole

"Also, we have found three tomes. One, is Black magic of some kind. None of our appraisal skills are high enough to glean anything, other then it has been used. The man grumbled under his breath. -Kings-man

"My apologies!"

"The other, is a class manual, same as the magic tome, it has been used. The third is a spell of dragon magic Tier 2. I'm afraid its also has been used "

He looked toward Griffin. Who had a noticeable glint in his eyes. He didn't use it? So who did?

"Dragon magic, Tier 2. Are you certain of this?-Sargent Cole

"I'm afraid so." The man said eyeing the waiting nobles, who all looked at them as if they were prey.

“Is...th...at all?” Sargent Cole

"........"-Kings-man

"Sir, the basement has hundreds of ritualistic killed men, women, and countless chil..dren. From their attire, I'm afraid they were orphans!"

"What? Bastards!" Cole whittled around, staring at the noble who was whispering to one of his relatives, he had a pained look on his face.

"Look at me!" Cole bellowed.

He took a few steps toward the man, a blue whisp leaked from his body.

Scion face turned sour, upon breaking from his heated conversation. his arms unfurled, he was obviously concerned about something.

Garvel sickening smirk disappeared as well, he took a gulp and a shiver ran down his spine, Fear, he was afraid on a instinctual level.

Suddenly, bells ranged in the distance. Thundering hooves roared down the path way that lead to the secluded manor, in the distance a building was on fire. A man on a formidable looking mount was bearing down the road.

Men moved out of his way as he leaped from the scaled beast. Sargent half way between the two parties stopped and stared at the man that was speaking in hushed tones to the high sheriff.

"Sheriffs, the orphanage is on fire, we have tried to quench it but it's unnatural, we suspect magic. We need your assistance. The tall man spoke hurriedly, he was a Marshall.

Sargent stared at Scion, who now had a renewed widening smirk on his face.