My name is Theodore Hark, the lord of the town, Lavis, and the so-called protector of the surrounding villages. I am old, but not old enough to be burdened by it. If not by age, the load of paperwork is what's making me weaker.
Talk about being appointed the position of a bodyguard.
People's trust in you grow substantially and fluctuate depending on the deeds you accomplish. It was no surprise that after the many campaigns and battles I have partaken in and emerged victorious from, people started to warm up to the idea of being in a state of peace as long as I was around.
I didn't mind it especially. One can't simply say to the public "Forgive me, but I cannot keep up with your expectations, so please do lessen the burden on me by not depending on me too much." Pride doesn't have to be in the way. Lives are on your shoulders. It should be an honor to be able to serve them, let alone protect them.
It was a ridiculous and an utterly idiotic display of the lack of confidence.
So, I kept the honor and kept bettering myself. It was easier when Frederick was still at my side to help me. The man after all is akin to a demon when it comes to fighting. But he's not here anymore, a tragedy that could have been avoided if only I had visited more often. But all in all, he was a good man. If you had someone to depend on, then you would be stupid not to pick him.
He turned most of the impossible situations we were in around, and more than often he would get me out of a rut that could have taken our lives. I owe much of it to him.
But now that he's gone, I have to be stronger, for the both of us.
The greatest warrior I have ever come to know is gone, so I must take that burden, as his friend, and sworn brother, not by blood, but by bond.
Because of some past events, I have been crippled, both physically and mentally.
I've lost most of the men I need to fight demons on the surrounding area, so an offensive is not possible. If a small army were to attack an area around here, then it would take longer for me to respond to the attack, and the chances are, by the time I've gotten there, everything would have been too late.
It was a previous event in Caspia that I had lost most of them, only emerging alive from the help of my nephew, Frederick's son, adopted, and the very last Thalisean of his generation, or that's what I know so far.
This world's so shrouded in mystery that one can't tell the truth from lies, or if there are any more hidden, it would take you a while to find the truth.
The young man grew splendidly. Though he doesn't look like his old man at all, he had his character, or at least a bit of it. Frederick paid off of him after all, then.
Training him, I realized that he had a big potential to grow, but nothing to his name. When he came up to me that fateful day, I was surprised, and he had gone on and on about wanting to train under me because his father told him to do so.
The kid went through something terrible. Witnessing his own parent's deaths. Adoptive or not, no son or daughter should have to bear the weight of seeing their parent's death. The pain should have been imprinted in his mind, and that was true enough. The child was shaken up by it that he as frail and weak.
He had to fight for his life, having fought a demon and a revenant no less, alone. being taught by his father, he fought as much as he could and eventually achieved revenge. There he unknowingly awakened his latent prowess as the son of light.
It took a few days to force him up to shape, but no drastic measures had to be made. He adjusted to it. He showed promise in being able to grow up despite the tragedy of his life thus far.
But enough about him. I can't be bothered to tell a story anymore. I'm too old for this!
"Father, who are you talking to? It seems that your ramblings are even more rampant today. Are you that worried about Zachary after the recent incidents?"
My beautifully monotonous and strict daughter entered the room with a small clipboard in her arm. It seems that she was already checking off the agendas today, and without my consent, again.
"Of course I am. but you, you're already up and anxious about work in the morning? I wonder if you're getting enough rest yourself. It'd be bad if you grew ill."
"Morning? You must be confused. It is already the afternoon. You have slept in once again and neglected the duties that were needed in the morning. But rest assured, I have already taken the liberty of finishing it in your stead."
She responded coldly, looking at me with disappointment as she stood by the door, waiting for me to get up.
I was competent, but at my own pace. It was no use to rush at anything not unless I was motivated to get it finished as efficiently as possible. Today was just not the day it seems. I wasn't that much past my prime.
Ever since Zach left for the task I had given him; I had been worried with how he was.
It was on short notice, and the shortage of manpower contributed to that, but he was the only one I could depend on at that time.
Even with the financial crisis and the shortage of manpower, we tried to struggle as much as possible, coping and adjusting to the growing problem of demons ravaging the kingdom's territory.
I stood up and stretched my body. After getting that injury from the battle at Caspia, I had to rest for a while, but that much of an injury could not keep me down. I had to stay strong for everyone.
"Tell me, how is our progress on hiring more mercenaries in the meantime?"
"We have a small group of 120 to 150 soldiers in our disposal, excluding the town's defensive army. some of them are the mercenaries that we've hired while most are volunteer civilians that we are currently training as we speak."
"Hmm, I guess we can work with that. Is that all for the town?"
"Yes, but there are more arriving in a day or so. A few 50 men. I've already deducted the forces that we've sent to the surrounding villages, so this is the current total."
She was efficient. Meticulous and efficient. She made up for some... alright, most mistakes that I overlook or make during some very vital decisions concerning the town.
But yes, we hired mercenaries to help cover the lack in manpower. Sure enough the costs would be enough to drive us into the ground, but the threat of the demons invading at any time would be more than enough of a reason to overspend. I have a few gold coins in my coffers anyway.
"With the defensive army that we have, do you think that we can withstand an attack if they were to arrive?"
I asked, voicing my suspicions once more.
This was not the first time I had told her of my premonitions and the possibility of an attack.
After receiving information of a possible mobilization of a demonic army, I prepared with haste and arranged for things to go my way and according to how I wanted it. Though her faith in me was shaken for the smallest bit of things, I was still confident in my abilities as a general and a commander that I could take charge and ease the people's worries as much as I could.
"I cannot predict that. I have no prowess with militaristic manners. But seeing from our subpar force, we may be able to withstand the attack of small army. However, it is an entirely different question if we were to attack. I'm sure you would understand why."
"I have the basic gist of it in mind. It's good to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that. I've been faced with so many uncertainties as of late. I have tried my best to not let it shake my confidence, but one of these days it'll come to topple me."
"With your stubborn attitude, I'm sure that won't be anytime soon."
"Thank you. That's reassuring. Well then, enough brooding. What else is there?"
"Would you like to see the treasury?"
"sigh, I'd rather not, for my own health. We should already be beyond saying financially by any normal means. I'll have to ask Gareth to compensate me, otherwise I'll go into retirement for good."
"Threatening a king next? Your boldness knows no bounds."
"If I was not, then we'd be long under. Sometimes, a few risks are in order."
We went on with our usual day, looking over the town's defenses and training the newly formed militia and army. A small punitive force that will only be used for the most desperate means. Using them for a real battle from the get go will only get them killed.
I've shoved away most of the paperwork and put if off for later.
I swung my blade slowly, then gradually building up strength and speed with my previously injured arm so that I could adjust to not having used it as much.
Beads of sweat poured from my forehead, and my body felt unusually heavy.
"Was I this out of shape? I thought It'd trivial."
I panted as if I had been training for hours on end, when in reality, only an hour had passed.
My footwork had declined as well, and coordinating my senses felt dull. Nevertheless, I forced as much as I could unto my body until I had a faint grasp of the basics.
"Would you like some refreshments?"
Louise appeared, carrying a tray of water and some bread.
There was a reason for this as well. But to sum it all up, merchants seldom came here, so the supplies were reduced by a heart wrenching amount. There had to be some precautions to make sure everyone gets their fair share.
"So, how is everything so far? Holding up?"
"Yes. I would not dare leave this task to anyone else. But of more concern. How are you faring with your training? Have you returned to your formal self?"
"Worried about me? My dear daughter, I've yet to return to the level that I want. But don't underestimate me, I can still cut down dozens of demons before I even break a sweat."
"Hmm. Well, that's odd. I wonder if you are sweating or in the middle of bathing."
Stolen novel; please report.
"Come now, I'm trying to impress you here."
"Well, I'm impressed by how fatigued you look with a few hours of training."
"Fine, you win. Listen, I wanted to tell you something, Louise. This is rather important."
She turned around and listened, not a single change in her expression.
"If worse comes to worse, I want you to go to Exaltier and warn the king, if possible, stay there. No harm will come to you, understand?"
"I'm quite capable of taking care of myself. But, I am confused about one thing."
"And that is?"
"That you seem to be terrified of something, so unsure. It's unusual from your confident self."
"Just listen. I know I'm not good at expressing myself, so I'll just say it now. I fear that we'll be overrun. We are far from the capital, and close to enemy territory, without a proper army to help us. With the way I am, I can manage to hold them off for a few days until I succumb."
"Please stop saying ridiculous things. There are many more things of importance to do. The last thing I would like is you jesting."
She promptly left without looking at me.
Well, I didn't quite expect this to happen. I thought she would comply, but instead it's the complete opposite.
I can't express myself in times like this. It's not that I don't want to, but I just can't quite do it.
But if that time comes, I shall see to it that she escapes no matter what. And with the looming danger of an attack, I'm rather happy that Zach isn't here. He should focus on getting stronger by himself, even without me.
I'm not writing my own tombstone yet, but the chances are too great to think otherwise.
If the demons plan to attack the southern part of the kingdom, then it is ideal.
They should already by now know that most of the lords have been absent for a while so they are taking advantage of that by attacking the weakest point.
I may not be a genius, but this is a simple strategy, a strategy leading to something else entirely.
I must make a letter just in case. There's no telling whether I'm right or wrong, but the demons have gained enormous strength over the seasons. The only thing holding them back are the persistence of the other kingdoms.
But yes, what follows is an imminent attack on the capital while the lords scramble to defend their weak points.
No doubt that this is only one of the points they will strike upon.
The most important thing right now is for me to figure out how to get Louise out of this town if an attack where to happen. Zach isn't here, so I needn't not worry about him. As long as he doesn't come back here, then he will be safe.
He is just not prepared yet to face the demons head on, nor is he prepared for when they finally realize and come to the conclusion that there is indeed a Thalisean roaming the kingdom of Ylithia.
Once they come to that conclusion, then they will do everything in their power to eradicate him, even going as far as to send armies to kill him. After all, this isn't the first that has happened. Many years before the demons have sent armies upon armies to kill a single Thalisean.
sigh, I looked at the sky and closed my eyes, feeling the wind brushing by my skin.
"It's been a while since there's been this much peace within me. Have I already accepted it?"
I can't tell whether I've come to terms with it, but fear does not grip me, it hasn't since I've matured. Whatever may come, I shall face it. A sacrifice is needed here, and if it shall give humanity the chance it so desperately needs, then I shall oblige.
But I just can't be optimistic about this, damn. And I thought sacrificing yourself for the betterment of your kingdom was something fulfilling. But rather than fulfilling, I feel drained.
It was a quiet night; the clock had just struck 9 o'clock.
I sat in my studies reading and planning for tomorrow. My eyelids felt heavy as the fatigue persisted in slowing my progress.
I have already finished the letter and have sealed it. If my predictions do come true, then this will help then get through the task.
The bell toiled loudly, then it resonated within the city, rousing the senses of every townsperson in their beds. I looked out my window with unease and saw the gates burning the torch signaling an enemy attack.
".... Demons! Close the gates! We are being attacked!"
".... Rally the defenders before they start breaching the walls!"
".... Archers to the walls! Prepare for defense!"
The sounds of terror, marching, and the cries of battle snapped me awake. Without hesitation, I wore my armor and took my weapon, running down to the barracks to rally the men I've had hired.
It was dark, but the people around were alarmed already. Many panicked, quickly disrupting the already crumbling peace of the town.
The soldiers were also alarmed by the sudden announcement, confounded as to what to do. They were lost.
"Gather at the plaza, immediately! You, man, spread the word immediately!"
Damn this. It's too early for my predictions. I have not even had the time to get the townspeople out of here, but it's not too late. It'll just take priority over the defense for a little while.
"You will take command of the men until further notice. I will go to the walls and the gates to secure them. Bring the men and be prepared to attack whenever."
"Yes sir! You can rely on me."
"Give me five of our best men with 6 horses, and have them wait here, understood?"
"Easily arranged, sir."
"Good. Now move, we don't have much time."
I ran back up to my quarters and fetched the letter, seeing Louise looking out from the window at the panic of the people.
Though she was always adamant, I felt a bit of unease from her. There was no need to see her expression, but I could feel it.
"Louise. Now is the time to do what I have requested of you. Please, don't disobey me for once."
Hs turned around with a serious expression and stood firmly.
"Do I need to emphasize my stance once more, father? It seems that I need to. I will stay here and help you defend the town until reinforcements arrive. We will have a better chance if I am here."
"Don't doubt me, I am pretty capable when the situation calls for it. Take this, go to the capital and hand this to the king. Also, I have another request for you- "
But as I handed her the letter, she swatted it from my hand, letting it fall to the ground.
"Louise... Why? There's no need to stay here. You will be free of your responsibility, and what's more, I won't be there to bug you as much. Isn't that a good proposal?"
I tried to lighten the mood, but the more she stays firm, the more I'm forced to simply send her away without regrets. Her eyes were giving off a determined stare, one that intimidated me to no end.
What a daughter I have.
"I will stay here with you. I will not leave your side. If we die together, then let it be, but all I ask for you is to not send me away. Anything but that."
She became fiercer and enraged by my attempts. Her lips were quivering, and her hands were clenched, trembling.
"I don't understand. Why do you want to stay so much? The town will fall, and the kingdom will go in ruins if nothing is done to stop them."
"Please understand me!"
She cried out, tears slowly falling from her eyes.
"I heard you earlier. You're prepared to die here, to die protecting the kingdom till the very end! but don't you get it?! I don't want to lose you! You are my father, be it adoptive or not, you are the only father I've ever come to know! Don't you realize how much of a pain you're giving me now by sending me away?! I don't want to lose the only father I've ever had. So please, don't, father, don't let it end like this."
She fell to her knees, crying.
This was the first time I had seen her this vulnerable, but it was no time to be surprised.
I took the letter and held her trembling shoulders. I raised her chin with my fingers so that her eyes were leveled to mine.
I gave her a bright smile and spoke as softly as I could.
This was my mistake, a grave mistake that I overlooked.
I'm so ashamed to be called a father now, forgetting to take the feelings of my daughter into account. Oh, what a shame this is.
"I know I haven't been nothing but a disappointment than a father lately. But please, let me be a true father to you for once and let me protect you. I know this is hard on you, but this is harder on me. I don't care if you are adopted or not, but you have always been my daughter, and it would be even more painful for me to lose you than it is for you."
I embraced her and felt my own emotions well up, but now I have an obligation to stay strong for her. I'll hold back the tears till I'm dead.
But as soon as I embraced her, she returned it, tightly as if not wanting to let go of me.
"There, there. It will be alright. Thank you for being my daughter, Louise. You've given me the joy and privilege of becoming your father, even though I wasn't up to the task."
She wept even more, and tightened her grip.
"But now, we don't have that much time left. It's sad that we express ourselves only when there's danger, but still, I'm grateful. Here, take it and go. I still need to do something for the town."
She couldn't respond, and I understood that. But to my surprise she mustered as much strength as she could and spoke amidst the tears and sorrow that made her stammer.
"T-Thank you for giving me the chance to know what it's like to have a father."
I'm blessed to have such a daughter, but it's a pain that I have not spent so much time with her.
I assisted her and led her outside to where the soldiers I requested were waiting.
"Men, your final duties to me are to get this daughter of mine to Exaltier. I cannot pay you with anything right now except my eternal gratitude, but if you have family here, then I will assure that they get away alive before any demon lays their hands on anyone of them. What say you?"
I recognized some of these men. Some were part of the main army I led, but I chose to put them on the defense when I recruited more men in the past.
"Sir, having fought with you was an honor enough! We will do whatever it takes to keep miss Louise safe. We will never forget you and what you have done for us."
They gave a salute and mounted their horses, along with Louise whose eyes never left me.
"Go! Before the gates are battered down. I can hear the demon's decrepit cries. The back door's the only way you'll get out from here. A bit more, and I'll have the people escape through there."
And with that, I sent her away, waving until I couldn't see her anymore.
Now, here lies my greatest responsibility up next.
I assembled a small group of 20 men in my disposal, placing the remaining in the care of a commanding officer of mine. With that, I would be able to swiftly move about the town in the case that they do break in.
The evacuation of the villagers have begun, so I will be planning on using the entire town to my disposal.
For a moment, gathered my officers and laid out a map of the town, showing the specific strategies I wanted to implement.
Each piece I placed on the board had a special significance and importance. If one were to fall, then arranging for another plan this very instant would be impossible. I stressed my point to my men, who looked perplexed, their confidence wavering as the cries of demons beyond the gate echoed.
We had not clashed against them, but there are already casualties.
"Sir, we have a rough estimate."
"Good. Give me the report, soldier."
There appears to be more than a hundred battering at our gates and around the walls. It was too dangerous to go beyond the forests, but movement has been detected there. From what I have seen, there should be more of them arriving soon if not now."
"Well, it isn't exactly ideal, we will make do with that information. The demons don't quite follow any type of orders unless they are led by someone. They become like mobs. But remember, our first priority is getting the people away from here. Then we hold the demons here for as long as we can until reinforcements arrive."
None replied, but I could read what they wanted to say in their minds. Their emotions showed on their faces, and it made me quite pensive.
But, there's no going around it. I might as well tell them up front rather than let them rout in fear.
I stood firm and took a deep breath in.
"Men, listen to me. I know your worries. They are mine too. But fear not, I will be here to share them with you... We will die here."
As expected, their faces shifted with uncertainty. Their eyes widened at what I said, and murmurs started shifting through them almost instantly. It was a bold statement, if not bold, then an idiotic one.
One of a general's most important tasks are to keep up the morale of his units, but I'm breaking that one law.
"There is not much to say, but reinforcements won't be here on time seeing as there are so many of them already outside these walls. Soon they will surround us, and it will be impossible to escape. But it will be at the cost of our lives that people are saved. Isn't that what we enlisted for?"
I took on a calm tone. They listened quietly, which was what they needed to calm their nerves.
Some of the civilian volunteers trembled in fear, while some contemplated their decisions.
"But this is not the end of us. Listen to me. If you want to live and get through this, then show me that you can challenge the impossible. I say it is impossible to escape from here, but can you change that? Can you show these demons that we are not to be underestimated? I don't think any of you are up to the task."
Yes, intimidation. If anything, I played with their emotions. Filling them with regret and sorrow, then giving them an ounce of hope that they will cling on to. Playing with their emotions was not my forte, nor did I want to do it. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Ironically I feel like I'm the one who's the most affected here.
"It won't matter then. I will fight, and I shall challenge that impossible ideal. And in the end, I will emerge from this, though I might be on the verge of death by then, I would have made it alive. Why? It's because I wanted to live, desperately. I wanted to see tomorrow. Now, are you the same? Are you cowards? Shout! Let me hear your voices!"
I roused their emotions, making it stronger like a fire being fed firewood.
But only some raised their arms, looking nervously at their peers and fellow soldiers. It seems like the majority was strong, and to make them unified, one must take the silent majority and force them to his side.
I approached one man and placed my arms on his shoulders, looking him straight in the eye as I let my words resound and resonate within him until he looked renewed. Then I moved on to the other, then to the next, until they were all convinced that they were missing something.
"But despite all this, challange it or not, I will be with you. Choose. Stay there without chooing an ideal to fight for, or will you challenge the impossible along with me?!"
They let out a powerful roar, a cry that inspired every single man in the town. It might have even been strong enough to shake the resolve of those damnable demons outside.
I was proud to have the chance to fight by their side, even on a losing battle.
The night was as dark and foreboding as ever. In the shadows hid an enemy feared by many. But in the walls stood an army of men ready to face them.
"Frederick, watch over me, will you? This is the most I've been uncertain in my entire life. You were always there to guide me, but you're not here anymore... I promised to take care of Zach, but I'm not as strong as you. But with this, I will protect him."
Wait for me, my friend. There is a large chance that you and I will meet once more. I hope you don't mind the company.