And so, the following days had come. It has been three days since the curing of the lunaward.
"Candy. Candy. Candy. Oah, did you kids bought anything other than candies?" said Nuj.
Korimi and Odessa didn't want to speak. Instead, they yawn. Fox was busy with a quest he was doing. Who would keep an eye on the children? No one was available thereof. To Seneth, a poster of a small school got his attention posted beside the fences.
“Y’all going to school!”
“Nooo!” The children cried. Seneth wasn’t sure why Lloyd and Suzzy were there denying as well.
A small school guild hosted at the fairy farm district. The little lady denied schooling because of highly active interaction. She wanted to stay home and sleep but Nuj made her go. It was all up for Seneth and Fox to earn some cash for the guild.
Along the way he discuss with himself about this Creator's power. The manifestation of blessings. He knew something in him had change when called for the nonexistence of the man-beast Charles from the misused realm. It was as if he become more of a human and came to a conclusion that for a bless he must give; and the more he gives, it nibble the soul. The more he kills the more he loss. Low blessings seems more on neutral terms with the realm. But how would one determine how much is too much. Though little is ask, and too it takes his flesh. Continue he until a great forest was in site wondering.
Yes, when your mind is full and the stomach is empty, focusing on your working ethic is hard.
“I am sure he was Gregory. No mistake.” Bang bang clang tink. The sounds of the festival drumming practices. He was neared the lively town. Time have pass.
Alswragod, a great festival it was and to this day, it remained strong. Ten days until the festivities! The roads are lining up with merchants and traders, shops cleaning and decorating and even a brightly ad was hanged above the Assassins' Daycare. Many clubs was on the road, traveling together and splitting up in groups, energize. The atmosphere felt good. No wet blankets to soil the excitement as of yet. This tradition was a good thing to get the stressful life of doing quest; hence, job, off their mind. Many were small clubs and loner guilds. Out of the fountain street, there were eleven distinct orders and their flags flew. Some were recruiting as others were enjoying the great late afternoon filled with laughter and fun. Music plays and there, there were plenty. Lights and lamps of many kinds lit the streets and houses and stores. Through his walk, Seneth bypass the famous’t guilds of Lasting Autumn. They are:
Scarlett Alliance
Three Moons
Phalanx Brigade
Iridium Fang
AuraS
The Magician’s Guild
Silver Shield
Brotherhood of Knights
Minstrel Taphis
Red Dragons of Goldfine
Sinotal
There was a newspaper the lord pick up from a paper boy. Pay he did, seven coppers. My goodness, children, I have not talk about the world’s currency! And here it is, its equivalent exchange, made easy, in US currencies:
Copper 1:1 cent
Tan 1:1 dime
Yvs 1:1 quarter
Geld 1:1 dollar
Bar 1:10 dollars
Rul 1:25 dollars
Silver 1:50 dollars
Platinum 1:100 dollars
Gem 1:250 dollars
The hobo read the newspaper and strangely, it talks of goblins and orcs?! But the man of light made no such creature in the world. Who would do such a thing? Only he guess if not for his smarts, the fallen hearts of his creations. Even the great snake spoke that of much. And to where he stand, reading histories in forth in his hands. Oh, that knowledge was not kept from man.
‘Tis the day that dark magic had failed. Men who dwells in the forbidden arts. Forbidden because it’s one with the dark. A foolish attempt for unrefined power and Want. It curse them, ate them, mutated them, twisted their souls and gobliks they formed. A lesser creature of the fallen. From the words of mouth in the land of man, they were called goblins. Their souls are no resemblance of beings. Degraded the souls to dark beasts. Fled the corrupted ones to the mountains, forests and moons enslaved by their arts. Arts not of magik for its knowledge was lost and diminished from their mind, taken from them as payment from those that had been summoned.
They are wicked spirits not of God’s realm yet dwell in his acre when body and blood was offer. They craved evermore for the bloods of pure. More wicked then beasts, cannibals they came to exist from flesh they gain in promise of deals, indoctrinated by human desires to this day for feelings they know not of control. And I dare speak of many unspeakable sins. Myths and tales told of not. In dew, the weak fears the brothers of blackness.
Gobliks of mighty are known as orcsithiens. They came from all matters of life taking in small resemblance that of man. A simple name they gave themselves. Soon it came to be known as orcs from the mouths of merfolks. Oh, they were more fallen yet smarter. Indeed, they embedded dark alchemy into their skins, interested in transmutation. Still a foolish desire of Want. Orcs craved for the status of gold and ever seek to be perfect. Not perfect of what God and guardians of man deemed; the perfection of the darkness in men. ‘Tis not the darkness that drives from will and force, but a blackness of the heart. Their souls too, ever devoured, never to join with the One of their realm. And heave no warning, they came to be consumed. Tainted the consciousness of their Creator it did; for he who threw them into the pit only to replaced with a spawn of a lower star.
Continue . . .
“. . . Okie, that’s heavy. And how would he know about the consciousness? A coincidence? No, it can’t be. How did they know, if more of my creations becomes fallen, it will degrade me, myself. Someone must have pass that knowledge into the world of voice, but who?” wonder Nuj. He looked around the published work. There was no name given, only a semi-colon and a letter, ;P. Nuj knew it was a computer language of a face.
Thorg and Baima came from behind Nuj and the strong arm bird man yell out to him but he was lost in thinking. Thorg put his hand on his shoulder and woke Nuj from his deep.
“What are you spacing out about, Seneth? Baima and I wanted to introduce you to the guild I was doing a job for. Come on, it will be fun instead of wasting the beautiful night away in this lustrous evening! Ha ha ha”
Then came Baima from behind him, yawning with her eyes close.
“Thorg, you remind me of my father. Try not to loose that all-going happy attitude. It will bite you in the dust when you least expect. Wait a minute, you’re that egregious punk that threw a lump of rock at me!”
“Come now, Baima. Don’t soiled the thought.” Bird man tries to calm her.
“Hi-Yahh--! Eh, let go of me! I want my revenge, Thor--!” says Baima. Her forehead was still red.
“Do I even have a say in this? I am not much of a . . . people person.”
“No!” Both shouted at the hobo.
“Me help myself.”
What a surprise! The merry fellows brought Nuj to a Thievery Guild known in the underworld, sat down with the guildmaster, Dearth Willy. To the public eyes, they go by another name, Mono Guild. Seneth, Thorg and Baima sat on one end. The master sat on the other. It felt more like an interrogation. The guildmaster’s goons were everywhere in the secret hub away from the general public. Weapons drawn shimmering from candle lights. There was even an executioner sharpening his favorite halberd. Seneth was stump and did not know what to say. Thorg look displease and nervous with that gulp of his. Baima was terrified of the gangster looks. Especially the big bad boss.
“They must be making me their scapegoat.” Nuj thought. He look at the boss as he puff with a huge breath just to annoy them.
“You haven’t made your quote again today. It will be a another three percent raise. You younglings must be enjoying this work are you? Those get-rich-quick schemes are great don’t cha think!” Laughing and choking from his dragon cigar. “You even brought a pal to help. Poor bastard.”
“A trader’s loan shark?” Seneth thought. Thorg and Baima pinch his thighs. He felt the pain. Both of them were more worried then usual. But why the pinch? Seneth did not know meaning of it. And then made up something as he go along.
“Help? Pal? I am not here for that. They told me to tag along.” They both pinch him again.
“Is that so? Humbug!” Spoke the master in his low rough voice.
Seneth knew if he did not settle issues with this mafia they will come after him like his so-call friends who he barely knows anything about. The land of merchants is indeed scary no less living off as a poor man.
“I’m just curious. But, what are the trades for sell?” asked Nuj.
“My, friend! You must join this organization run by this very guild if you want details in depth. Lets just say, we are a supplier of rare things and items of want.”
“Really?”
“I assure you that I am no a liar. You get what’ch you paid. It only matters on how you’ll make profit. Here it is, I request a video of interest. All the success they had claimed! Wouldn’t you want to be on that list?”
“Really.”
“It is a bargain of a lifetime. It is a guarantee! The first month you will make lots and lots of mokeys."
“Really . . .”
“You lard! Are you trying to make me mad?” Dearth Willy hammered his fist. The guild was rowdy and their weapons were brandish. Baima was confused and quietly yelled at Seneth follow by Thorg.
“Are you try to get us kill! The interest will be double in the next week if this continue!”
“Coo cooo co cooco chooo”
“Bwa ha. Humbug!” said Willy.
Thorg pretended to be a bird, a guardian for Baima who was also in debt with the guild. Baima, however did not know he was too. They both thought they owe money to two different guilds. At that moment, Nuj somewhat understood of the situation. He put his hands out in front of them to silent their mouths.
“No sir. This is just me. People assume I’m always mad at those who look me in the eyes. I am just a misjudge book. Now, lets make a deal instead, guildmaster. True businessmen knows how to deal, not sell. That is for commoners. Am I right?”
“WELL SAID!” Smiled the master, “Lay all your marbles down. What do you have in mind?”
Seneth and Willy made multiple deals in exchange for Thorg and Baima’s freedom. It was more than what he had bargain for yet somehow made it out of the situation. Had he offer the better trade secrets of the most fortune 200 companies from earth. Oh, will them companies sue our main in return. But how does the hobo know?! Better if readers ignore the subject. Half of the things Seneth thought of, he knows not of what he was talking about. Beginner’s luck I guess.
“And in return, you will find me the original Felis Notes in the heart of The Misty Cathedral. We both will benefit from the share of wack.” A confident Seneth shown. The notes where no importance to the thieves. It was plain old parchment with the mark of a compass. But Seneth knew that these old blank parchments hold old writings in history. After all, they were his old design in the days of yore.
“Wack? What’s wack?” Thorg said, mimicking as a chicken.
“For a non-thief, you sure know of the theives’ chant.” The boss chuck and laugh, “Very well. If that plan is successful, then you will provide us with the last of that trade secrets. You have my words.” They both seal the agreement in a blood contract with fingerprints. The master of thievery has an aptitude to eloquently persuade and implies the convincing nature of “I really need this.”
Pets bark behind the pallid street beyond the guild and shopping district, and there was no breach of peace. In all darkness, there is light. Only if you know where to find it. Being the center of attention had drawn too many dramas. Oh he hated that. Pocket change was low and went to finish the last of small quests he taken including the last of the threes the day before. The quest for a grand ball. To bring the necessary ingredients on a specific day. And if he did not completed within a given time, the pay would be reduce. It was a small price to pay but did his best to get more job offers.
“Free at last! Free at last! God, I am free at last!” happily crying, Thorg and Baima did, quickly prostrating themselves up and down on the nighty street of this elation.
“I can’t thank you enough for saving us! I knew you were the right person to help us poor folks. If there is anything we could do for you, please, let us know immediately!” said Thorg.
“I will be your humble servant forever! First, I must tell my father of being debt free!” said Baima.
“Loose screws.” Seneth partially pay attention. They were holding hands, hooray-ing, banzai ritual, dancing, joy crying, ring-around-the-bush and finally realizing about each others’ settled predicaments.
The man went up the hill to finish his job. The payment was reduced. Thorg and Baima follow the man. It seems Nuj drop the paper request of items that must be presented to the guards ahead. It was his only way to gain access to the grand ball. One of the quest item the two notice was a twenty-foot loaf of berrywine bread. Baima knew the small bag did not hold such item. They both quickly ran shopping for multiple things as a way to give thanks.
Meanwhile, Seneth was on the dark road. He was alone and the brightly lamps flicker as he sang childly song I actually wrote to you readers. Ahem.
Song Title : “Mother Goose” by some hobo dude featuring Long John Silver, the rapper.
Lend me your love again, there I go, drown in need of dream. Look what I’ve done, I’ll sing for
eternity. No doubt. Do readjust the gimmickry. A booked voice into the starry night for your sake.
Lets play at stake. Pocket of fear had blind and grim, to entertain a withered move of my make.
By the time I could take the call, until I should make a silly six feet fall, the dying hunger of mine
resolve; foolery’s fable have persuade away the painless fractal fog. So real is the deal of surreal,
the animosity of 2-D take to flight, a sight of them bumblebees. Make amend. In the end, satire is
the better friend. Hate, an espousal embodiment of your mrrling pool again, no doubt an
entanglement for wicked trends. Two tickets burn in the fray; SOS, chime the toll bells of fate
before the liar’s bodkin to the face. Sip it up, that last moonlight; those apathy of mine have form
anew. Move in disguise, truth or dare; always has been a truth. Will I drench my hand into the darkness?
For I left a box at the shores of time in a mess in grand. If I had truly realize the fool that I am,
will I keep these trifle memories?
Chorus :
O hey Mother Goose, the days of songs are bitter soothe, if I were to digitize tonight,
Oblivious have shew the seeds of light, then kindly lend me your love, a cove of rhyme.
I’ll sing one for thee that you’ll not believe, until you’ll run with me together here with
friends. One fettering smile abound in the den of thieves til the end is so bittersweet.
A dreamless drown; drearily, had I run one for we, consecutively? No world knows,
prithee, my name had trodden, a digit of validity. Ploy a crumble dust, a return to my
kind as is design. A topple fight in the moonlit light; sea ridden of this naked mind.
I’m dying here right now. Rev it up.
Travel and be safe these strange dreams of ours; pry feeling build into those wicked sen-nights.
The same again bade, am I utterly a tool? Never had I bother to fend against them bitter fools
to just trade, divide, O fight against the dying moon. Do readjust the gimmickry and don’t rig my
rig pseudo move. One chop, two slaps, so hard, so brethren aligned and thrown into the zoo.
A ballad battle of the senses in truth within the morning hue. A solidarity made behind the hazel
shade, Silver and I would; such a lucky dime as such as I, highly are our finds are intertwine.
No doubt, grief upon the soul so good, O I’m bleeding bad from this rhyme! Three swords chip.
Tonight’s February train, satire had grown and rain, six feet of greater pain.
My shallow deep from what one reep; will I be any better to them eyes fetter in sleep?
The chattering have sow we our insanity. Resonance in my voice fighting epilogue's vanity,
chasing, finding true luck on the frail of reality. Transmute darkness, I know,
from what people had done to me!
Chorus :
O hey Mother Goose, the days of songs are bitter soothe, if I were to digitize tonight,
Oblivious have shew the seeds of light, then kindly lend me your love, a cove of rhyme.
I’ll sing one for thee that you’ll not believe, until you’ll run with me together here with
friends. One fettering smile abound in the den of thieves til the better end is so sweet.
A dreamless drown; drearily, had I run one for we, consecutively? No world knows,
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
prithee, my name had trodden, a digit of validity. Ploy a crumble dust, a return to my
kind as is design. A topple fight in the moonlit light; sea ridden of this naked mind.
I’m dying here right now. Rev it up.
Yo, come on baldy buddy whine bout the folly poor man’s abode, so mother goldy can douse them
to forty-four, too slow. How reveal is the veil inside the limit it goes? Pull out your wording, it
might be hurtin’, that beauty bout them flows; involvement, fightin, where has the fig tree fallen?
About them, O riddle me batman the sources of your victims ever so chillin before the morning.
Guess not nurse. In search, I’m sure, of heartless men will alert and quench our hunger thirst.
Sacrifice,
Verse 3 is not complete . . . The End
It was a pretty bad song in rhythms and rhymes. But that didn’t matter. It got the hobo through the creepy forest in the lunar nights. Even an owl had fell down to its death.
“Hold it there, young man. May I see your pass?” said the guard.
“Pass? Oh yes, here it i . . . I don’t have the pass.”
“What business does a poor man have with the baron? If you’re looking for food, try the charity housing. It’s late. The baron’s soup kitchen is closed for the public.”
“. . . . .” I didn’t want to answer.
In a spare meeting room, Arktorgio, The Blunted Knight lead out his frustration to mayor Nobi of the ongoing situation with the Kingdom of Bryce. Arktorgio believes the mayor’s course of action betrays his just. With Highlands’ mad merchants at his throat and Bryce’s poisonous roots digging at his heel, he had to make a tough choice for the survival of the state. Nobi couldn’t side with Askistari for it has too many political corruption since the day Fedread, the king, beheaded his very two sons. The nine states that bounded together are becoming loosen through alluring deals. The eastern city-states had begin to doubt and all that stood grand to their unity are the western states consisted of four. They are Thyein, Lasting Autumn, Solemn Winter, and Talania. Joyous Spring, located south of the border sided with no one but let the rumors spread that they are indeed in line with Bryce.
“You mad, Nobi. It is a political ooe! The senators and court officials knows not of what they are yapping about. It is a scandal, an outrage; adhering to the notice is suicidal, Nobi! And I assume you know the risk. What’s to gain from siding with them? Money and wealth? No, status?”
“None, Arktorgio.”
“Please do share with me your reasons. It is a violation of the nurtured mind if belest.”
“My friend, you hold no corners in the name of justice.”
“I certainly do not.”
“. . . I am surrounded by state-knights from the kingdom. Highland have a foothold in my country. Merchants of madness dictating and controlling the country’s revenues! The eastern continent label and spread false lies to the public of me as a puppet mayor, a puppet no less. Bureaucrats sees me as their own favorable pawn. My voices are not even heard! What more do you need to ask? I fear what my country would become, Arktorgio.”
“That is all? You are telling me, that is your reasons to side with the Kingdom of Bryce if your country falls? You’re a hostage in your own nation.”
“Bryce is in control of Oboe’s political structure from the shadows. Many of the senators and magistrates had already submitted to their will. The western states however, denied their invitation. Such dirty tactics behind close door they had attempted to dethrone me. They are cowards from the dark. If not for the guilds, this country would have been lost. They build this small nation, Arktorgio. Swords and shields they’ve been gathering would occasionally make a drake spill fire.”
“State-knights? More like rebel rousers. My goodness, Nobi! You must be a threat to the Kingdom of Bryce just as Clive’s great great grandfather who was the number one threat to Highland. To hide beside your enemy. These political maneuvers of yours, I doubt it would be effective in this age.”
“For an old blunted-knight of the republic, you do come prepare. I am thankful and fortunate for the good guilds of Autumn.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. Indeed, the guilds are the standing army. Heaven, even the navy, if to go that far within the states. Now, enough with all the pity acting. A courtesan gave me a letter in secret that you of all people summoned me. Do you know how hard it is for me to find that bloody pigeon princess of yours? I even had to ask the lovely lady for help. Your dragon pigeon even decided to stay in human form and led me here like I was some royal musketeer. I am too old to be playing knights-on-quests, Nobi.”
“Your clothing says otherwise.” The mayor hand him a letter. Pass along he did from the table, “I would like you to deliver a message to Abraham of Solemn Winter. I am not asking for revolutionaries.”
“Why the secrecy?” The old knight of Ole slid the folded letter inside his old breast plate. There was a moment that Arktorgio catch his breath and answered his own question.
“Mercenary-raised rebels out of the people. I fear that most when they are lead astray. Barbarossa must be up to something. Rebels or not, they always becomes despots themselves or dies trying as long as fingers are being pointed. Converging to secrets is not the best thing for me. Who knows, I may be target for assassination. And with that I’ll be right, having your busting pigeon to shafer me for my safety? It’s like you don’t know me no more, Nobi.”
“Clariska is just doing her job.” said the mayor of Autumn.
“Well, speak of the devil.” Clariska, the pigeon served them roostbean orange juice. It has an atmosphere of wild taste. Never it did was too sour and too was never blatent. She also came to inform Mayor Nobi of a tomorrows afternoon meeting with the Council of Five.
“Inform Sebastian that I’ll be there.”
“Yes, Mayor.”
Clariska left the room. Nobi had something on his mind that worries him and Arktorgio thought he knew what is was. It was not hard to read the mayor when events are taking place out in the public eyes. At first, they talked of politics enjoying the hot juice. Not once the viewer saw Arktorgio’s face. He will always be a mystery. But dally not, he is an old man beyond his age. Nobi is too, but his face somewhat betrays.
“The Red Giants of Rraengold has been on your mind has it not? I could read you like a book, perhaps, Nobi. Ever since we were kids, your uncle was label as the man who cried wolf for seeing the cannibal giants ravaging and pillaging the town of Lolypth. Fallen giants lesser than that of all is man. No different from our kinds. Poor souls, even Rraengold had it worse to this day. Human offering every cycle. The police would not help nor know of the current situation. They pawn like the fool. Even I am afraid for them for such embarrassment playing with their glitter sticks.”
“Yes, but those countries are leagues from here. What concern me more are the recent activities of the cult and their connections to the Old Mother of Bryce.” said Nobi. Arktorgio stop from drinking his orange juice from that moment.
“The Old Mother? You speak as if she is still alive.”
“Indeed.” Nobi said with a straight face.
“. . . Askistari City it is.”
“You know what must be found. The roots goes deeper.”
“I will investigate the city once I deliver the letter. I leave you to your duty, Nobi. Wish me luck. The nights are waning.” Arktorgio opens the door.
“By the way, word has it that Clive is looking for the man of light with the backing of the kingdom’s resources. If it is true that he turn his back on us, then our list of friends grows thin. An evil is dividing us, Nobi. I feel something is amidst. Something we knights of Ole had overlooked. It lurks in the shadows. It crawls beneath the soil of the planet. In the darkness it corrupts. Behind the shrouded veil it sits, waiting. Waiting for our destruction to claim its reward. It is just a hunch yet ye should be careful.” and he left to do his job in the night.
“Behind the veil it sits, huh. Waiting . . . “ said Nobi. The street was empty in the night from the window where he stood. Clariska came again around fourteen minutes.
“Pardon my intrusion, Mayor, “Baron Sharlamange requested for Nobi to join the ball. He has much to talk to Nobi about. And if Nobi doesn’t show up, the baron will spill the mayor’s darkest secrets.” Those were his words, Mayor.”
“Sharlamange, you party slapper. Show me the way, Clariska.”
“Yes, Mayor.” They headed down to the corridor. Sharlamange greeted the mayor and hug him from down the stairs they descended.
“Ah ha, my mayor Nobi. It is not good to lock yourself in your room. I was worried! The milk nobility will think less of me as a strangler of honor guest. Come now, Nobi. There is someone I want you to meet. This way please. Ah, I present you, as the head of this estate, a grand welcoming of the Sea Dragon King.”
“It is the honor to meet you, Nobi, twice mayor of Lasting Autumn.” said the Sea Dragon.
“Likewise, Sea King. What brings a dragon to Autumn? Please . . .” Nobi showed with much respect. A humbly hand that covers the heart as the head turn about twenty-five degree. They walked into another lively room as they talked and it lead to this.
“As you are aware of our declining pact with Bryce, it will do us honor to ally with the nine-states and their share of resources. My people are fond with the yis minerals that your country excavate. It in fact, purified the waters of my sea kingdom and surely, it drives maim away.”
“I am glad such minerals could be of use, Sea King. You must have a strong contempt to bring it up. If I were an evil man, I would’ve raise the price to benefit me from your words. What would Autumn get in return?”
“Your heart is not of them. That I know.” A happy chuckle the dragon give and re-straighten his bearded whiskers, “The Court of Veils has an interest in controlling the eastern sector of the queendom. Fighting the elvessals of the west is just an excuse for their move against the nine-states, and Barbarossa strange deal with Highland and Bryce. O that you know of. Their eyes are fixed on destroying the high walls of Thyein. The kingdom is too blind to see with their multi-cultural political views. If the wall falls, the giants will come to dine not only on us but them as well. It will be beneficial for us to be allies. A navy at best against future threats. The wall does not cover the sea, Nobi. I’m sure you know that.”
“And I assume that is not your only reason to be in Autumn?” said the mayor noticing a group of entourage fitted for a young lady.
“Very observing of you. Yes, as for me, a father, am searching for the right man for my youngest daughter to be wedded. It pains me to see that she may become an old maid. My iron heart is not were it use to be. Finding a suited husband for her will be challenging I must say.”
“Ah, fear not. There are many young men at this party. A grand feast for my younger brother’s newest addition to the family! Pretty lively I do say for bunch of lads. Ha ha, many fishes are in the sea. There is a high possibility that you will not be disappointed. Please . . .” said Baron Sharlamange.
“It is a good thing my daughter is with me today. Ah, Nobi, Sharlamange, I present you my lovely seedling. Toyei, please introduce yourself. Hmmn, Toyei . . . ?”
Toyei was not behind her father. In fact, she was stalking a handsome man surrounded by frilly women of high class hiding behind those classic fancy tables of foods; stuffing herself with Turkish delights and chocolate-malted cornbreads. Toyei’s maid-in-waiting came to get her; embarrass of the other maids-in-waiting degrading the family name, forced her away from the ball into an open room of silence. She scolded Toyei. Some of the nobles laughed and gossip.
“Toyei, you little pumpkin patch! You must stop stuffing yourself! Gobbling down mountains of sweets! My God, it is unlady like of you! Not even dressed for ball? Why your mother will smack that little peach of yours if it was not for your father’s begging. All those maidens gossiping and disobeying your father running around like a nine year-old! Does that not bring shame to your family name? I certainly think it would do for me.”
“Oh, lovely, I wasn’t Natasha. I was in love. It was true love at first sight. I truly love Barnie ever since and follow him here. I just have not made it known to him. Oh, Barnie. Those girls made me so, sooo jealous!”
“Taking another women’s lover? You little rascal of a princess. Don’t go giving me that speech! This is not the theater. We will go up to the room and get you dress up little lady. Now, up, up, up, you little dirty princess. Your father will expect you to dress civilize, and I attend to get that done.”
“But Natasha! If I do not go confess to my gentleman now, those women will take my Barnie away from me. I will be heart broken. An old maid I shall become. My heart will shrivel and easily I will bleed.” To Toyei, it all was all a theater. A typical twenty-two year-old in fantasy.
“Oh for the love of Pete, Toyei! Would you once just consider how your father would feel?”
“Fine!”
While that was going on, Seneth had a confrontation with the guards.
“What’s with the carpet?” said the muscular guard wearing a sallet.
And the main replied like all honest men, “It’s for my other job.” Yea, indeed he meant what he just said. It’s for my other job.
Thorg and Baima luckily show up at the right time to save his skin and presented the quest note. The guard had calm down and Seneth heard a nocturnal wyvern leaving the mansion. He notice a knight wearing old battle-worned armor. A butler came down the steps to get the items they had requested. Out of nowhere, Seneth’s stomach growls. He had not eaten for the day. Calmly the servant ask if they wanted any leftovers. His sincerity was shown due to Seneth looking like a hobo trying to find work. Thorg and Baima shouted, yes, with sorry embarrassing excuses.
“There is no turning back now.” said Nuj. At this point, it is about episode 12.
The butler show them the way to the back hall. Seneth notice a glove he wore with two round crystals bounded and attached half into his skin. It was some form of light magic that derives from the librarian magicians of the old age, a lesser world magic known as flesh gems. It was mirror base spells. Nuj was fascinated but this form of incantation will kill the host. This power drains fluids in one’s body to unleash crystal magics and boost their skills from the compounded rock itself. Many lives had been claimed by the crystals.
A secret that many does not know is this. The flesh gem is a harvester. It is indeed a harvester of souls. At first, it is the size of thirteen little grams of sand. If the number thirteen did not give it away, then who knows. Thirteen in one is a sacred numeral. And many misuse it for evil. The more life it takes, the larger the gems becomes with such vast energies a mad king would want to create a weapon out of beings. The people who took its mine will abuse its power. They will gather the poor; humans and elians, kobolds and dwarvens, merfolks and planxis, beastwalkers and pheoni, etcetera. All will go into an institution and they will bear the raw crystal mark. They are the fuel, the source, the power. Seneth knew. The hobo used to write about all kinds of interesting crystals on paper and how it SHOULD be used but never did created them in his world.
“Hmmn, what else has involve?” Nuj quietly said. He gave no hint about the gem’s purpose.
The servant was of the Cleric Butler class-type. For the women, they were known as Cleric Maids. And stood three of those maids waiting for them from the back entrance wandering where the head butler went. Thin and gorgeous beauties they are. It was rude to stare and Baima came knocking his and Thorg’s head twice from between them.
“What? It’s a crime?” said Thorg.
The lower staffs were made up of dragon pigeons. What do they look like? For starters, they look like humans without a human nose and mouth. Replace it with an animated beak of many looks. Add wings as their arms with five humanoid digits on both hands wearing highly decorated clothing of fashionable servitude. Their legs are of human, but the foot have four humanoid digits. Toe nails are not sharp but dull. Some wear sandals and shoes. Others do not. There you have it. A dragon pigeon in human form.
“Here we are. There is not much but please, do enjoy.” Thorg and Baima went ahead to gather plates of leftovers. Seneth just watch them.
“Most of these foods have not even been touched. Are you sure it right for us to take?” said Nuj.
“Yes, most of the nobles will not eat such food if it’s out of the ordinary, spoils a bit or even a fellow rival who took portions. Most of the staffs are dragon pigeons. They will not touch the food. It is bad for their digestive system.”
“Huh. . .”
“Come on, Seneth, dig in! Food like this cannot be poison. This a once in a lifetime deal.” said Thorg.
“Mr. Butler, is there a restroom for the open public?”
“Yes, I will lead you there.” Meanwhile . . .
“Mmm hmmn mmn. Why I’ll be, you gain ten pounds. Thank you sugar cakes.” Natasha was satisfied.
“No, I can’t! Tell me your joking, Natasha! Did I exceed the nineteen inch limit. Please do tell me. Don’t make me beg. Barnie does not like fat women. I must be dreaming!” Toyei was sucking in her belly just to get the inner dress to fit.
“Mmmn hum, tell it to the sweets you’ve been gobbling. A tight pull around waist will be good.”
“Now that I think of it. My weight would actually keep him warm during the night. T-the n-night?! Kweeee. Oh, lovely, a scandal would be good. It will scrape those women of his coat. Yes, a genius plan. I like it.”
“Poor old God, if your father finds out about that little scheme yours', he would woop you right this moment! Don’t go asking me for help nor pulling my name in your play, oh, you dirty little princess. It is about time the boys will finish their drinking to come up to rest. We better head down stair now little pumpkin patch.”
“Drinking? Perfect! Totally perfect!! I will tell him while he is somewhat drunk. Oh my. When men drinks too much, they have to use the restroom more frequently, and Barnie has a room of his own. Better yet, a bath and all across the room for himself! I will tell him I love him then.”
“Lord, help this silly girl. Maybe it was good for her to not lose fifty pounds . . .” Away she went to hide in the stand-alone men's restroom, a total of six stalls and three stand-ups.
“Oh, you good for nothing princess! Get back here! Your little peaches are shown! You are lucky you ain’t my daughter. I say get back here!” Toyei ignored Natasha and went ahead excited.
A couple of minutes had been passed. Toyei snuck and hid in the restroom. Lock herself in a stall. It was like a Korean comedy. The door knob was broken and she was stuck. Barnie came to rest from the night of fun. He went to use the restroom and found a creeper. She, however, wasn’t sure if it was her maid-in-waiting or other men. Barnie set her loose. His voice gave it away and Toyei went on acting.
Where is Seneth? Well, he was in a back stall, urinating. The stand-up stall had cameras. Why? That is not very nice. Seneth was contemplating to come out but it felt rude for him to accidentally intervene in love affairs.
“Toyei, my dear. Why did you lock yourself in the stall? Has the ill ladies treat you bad?” Barnie question Toyei of this odd meeting. She jump towards Barnie.
“I-I love you Barnie! I love you. Marry me and ruin me! My heart is to yours content. Ohh, it is my desire! My fantasy to pro-create with thee!”
“M-my lady. Have you no shame? You must say no such thing.” said Barnie.
“Show me your gallantry. Speak to me, O Barnie Dinosaur. I care not what the world will think.”
“I will not, Toyei. To follow me here is not likely of you. You change ever since you threw those excess baggage away.”
“I am the right women for you. I am your honey heart.”
“Even honey is contaminated easily. Toyei, you know not of my soul. Only the heart that knows that of a sister. I only love you like a younger sister. You should stop being childish. We are not kids no more.”
“What?! You love me like a young sister?! Sick FREAK!! Oh no, no, no, no. I-I’m sorry-I didn’t meant it, my honey. W-what I meant, . . . I don’t understand, Barnie. You love it when we played house. Am I not sexy enough?! Is that it--?”
“Miss Pawmill and I are engaged.”
“Ww-haa?” Barnie move her hands away from his back, made distance.
“Let me go. A sincere woman she is, not like you; to act honorable when your nature is of a liar; to mindlessly show high status when are clearly a poor women; the general public will laugh at your name for the devious schemes you had conjured up, yet cared not of what the aftermath brought to your family; to play as a woman in love when you not of love. You have only wanted the attention ever since the young days. Always you, after the public to like your posts. I am sorry, Toyei. You have change. Your heart betrays. Before you make this expected meeting any more difficult, I must leave. Goodnight, Miss Olsune.”
“You love Rat Face? W-why . . . I curse you! We’re not friends no more!” She fainted down to the floor in a theatrical act. Barnie told the truth. They were once childhood friends, now rejected.
The handsome man left and went to join with the other men across the halls. Toyei cries her eyes out after slapping him. But her satisfaction did not strengthen her heart and threw the trash bucket toward one of the camera. It was frustration. Yes, the sting of young loves. It broke the device and a spark flew. Seneth came out of the stall from the back. Flush he did then assuming the girl ran out. Her wimp wimpering he didn’t hear. It was a surprise for the hobo and let out a joke.
“My goodness, you must have kill the devil? The lights just got brighter.”
“Ackk, w-who are you?! Why did you conceal yourself? Speak, plebian!” Toyei was scare out her wits. She too thought she was alone in the restroom crying her eyes out until lingering silence. Typical comedy I guess.
“Fresh towel sir?” said the bathroom butler coming out of one of the stall in the back as well. Nuj took a towel.
“T-thank you. Ahem, I’m using the restroom like any other men. It is not wise to intervene in love affairs. My, you children sure give a mouthful in flirting. Don’t mind me. Pretend I wasn’t here listening to your womanly desires.”
“You plebian hobo! It is none of your concern. You better watch that tone of yours’. It is easy to press charges on a poor bastard. You dirty persona! You are no man.” Toyei took a glance of disgust looking at Seneth from his head down to his toes.
“And you girl, ain’t no lady, hiding in the men’s restroom to catch a husband with that butt of yours being shown. I say, very original.” He wash his hands. Arguing with a child gets nowhere.
“Your lying.” Then she touched her lowered back. Her cold fingers let out the chills. Toyei was very embarrass that her butt was shown. That rising inhaled. A moment too soon, steaming red was she and ran back to her maid’s chamber, not to utter one loud word but shame mumbling sounds and the plopping of Cinderella slippers.
“Growing up must be tough.”
“Yes sire. Indeed it is.” answered the bathroom butler and Nuj headed down the opposite stairs.
The gourmet butler thank them for solving one of their many problems. Thorg and Baima were stuffed and Seneth ate just a bit. They carry back home boxes and boxes of foods. And Seneth was paid. It was past midnight and the road was hard to see. The moon did not shine brightly as if a shadow of a cloud came by. Far from the distance to the east, there was a thunderstorm.
Upon the two guards, a young man was arguing amongs't them. They were treating him like he was a royal, yet telling him not to enter. The command was by the order of the baron, himself.
“Master Kouji, please, you must understand your father.” said one of the guards.
“I said, get off me!” The boy cares not and pushed his way through, passed along Seneth and his so-called friends with temper in his eyes as he spit away disgust.
“This is why we should not take too much food, guys.” said Seneth after the angry kid past them to the point of not hearing. Seneth had only one. Thorg and Baima had about four loads. The boy enter the inner double doors.
The assassination coupe had begun. Darrio’s guild had infiltrated the ranks, played as some factions of noble lineage. A quarter of the guild played in the night as the Red-Umbrella Police Force and a third are on standby. A small portion of the Bowel Cutter Cult assisted the attack.
The young dragon princess walk with her maid-in-waiting back into the lively ball.
“What a jerk!” Toyei had said it out loud, “Did you see what that monstrous of a troll-has-been, pleaby foot patrol, sweaty-smelly-of-a-guy had said about me. Me of all wealthy family! I should’ve have his head for that remark.”
“Oh Toyei. What is it with you and your love debates? Honestly, you’re father is playing matchmaker to find you a suited groom. Worry more about your own life instead of worrying about a man who had literally told you to grow up. He sure did me justice.”
“How rude, Natasha. He ruin my lovely moments-oh! Father!” The Sea Dragon King, Nobi and Sharlamange turn but was skeptic about the young lady. The dress was very . . . peculiar. First up was her father.
“Uh, a-hem. Nobi, I sincerely apologize for my daughter's absent.”
“Young men do love an adventurist women.” said Sharlamange. Nobi and the baron lightly laughed for the young lady’s joy.
“Salutation. How’ist dao do O land of lords, Mayor Nobi of Lasting Autumn and Baron Sharlamange of the West Gate. Will thou’ist be brave to he who will web I to fate. In harmon me shall live.” and she gave a lady’s bow.
“Very admirable.” said Nobi. Toyei’s father was laughing for joy too satisfied and nodded as he straighten his whiskers that Toyei had come prepare in speaking nobly.
“Thank you Almighty! She didn’t mess up!” The maid was relief.