"That crazy son of..." His words abruptly halted as he teetered on the verge of falling face-first to the ground. He flailed his hands with all the grace of a penguin trying to fly. It took him a moment of struggle before he finally regained his footing. He scanned the area frantically, fearing that his outburst had drawn the attention of nearby beasts.
Once he realized he was safe, he whirled around and glared daggers at the shadowy figures of Lord Edward and the rest of the group, still shielded by the mana barrier. That son of a bitch had pushed him out of the path! Without even asking! He just... Pushed him!
Gritting his teeth, he felt like he was spitting fire from his nostrils, eyes and every other orifice from his body. He clenched his fists and waved them angrily at the nobleman. "If you're man enough, come here, you pompous pri..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Lord Edward, accompanied by Callum and Walter, stepped through the mana barrier. His two followers immediately became alert, scanning their surroundings.
Edward, however, stood motionless, as unyielding as a rock. His cold eyes locked onto Talax's for several tense moments before he took a menacing step forward. "You were saying..." he began, his tone dripping with distaste, "...vermin?"
Talax saw red. His disdain for the man had been steadily growing since their first meeting, but the realization that Edward viewed him as a disposable tool, to be commanded and used at will, pushed his temper to new, unprecedented heights.
His fists clenched, and instead of backing down, he took a defiant step forward. The imposing bulk of the older man’s figure didn’t even register in his mind as something he should be fearful of. His void magic responded to his inner turmoil, but this time, he had the presence of mind to soothe and pacify the awakening power. After a faint beat, the purple planet inside his core, pulsed one last time and fell dormant.
While he soothed his turbulent magic, Talax maintained an unwavering and resolute gaze with Edward. With a tone that he managed to keep more measured than he initially thought possible, he uttered, "What the hell was that? Couldn't you have asked me to go first? Did you have to push me?"
What he believed were reasonable and even polite questions, considering his current state of mind, were met with the obnoxious and derisive laughter of the nobleman.
"Ask?" Edward's face was marked by genuine amusement, as though Talax's words were so absurd that he could barely contain his laughter. "Who are you to make such demands? Do not forget your place, peasant! You are here because I've allowed you to be here. I needed someone to test for the presence of beasts beyond the barrier, and you were the logical choice."
Talax closed his eyes, attempting to rein in his anger. He understood that arguing with this man would likely lead to unfavorable outcomes. Nevertheless, he needed to establish some boundaries. He refused to be treated as expendable, to be used and discarded at Edward's whim.
Opening his eyes, he locked his gaze onto Edward's and declared firmly, "I am not your nephew. I am not your subordinate. I am not your servant. I am here by my own choice. I understand that the concept of free will may be foreign to a simple-minded man like yourself, but I demand, if not respect, at least some sort of acknowledgment of my wishes. I will not allow myself to be used and abused by someone like you!"
As Talax spoke, his voice grew increasingly forceful until he was practically yelling by the end. He heard several gasps and a strangled moan, likely from Qalo, but his entire focus remained fixed on the man opposite him. Edward appeared poised for violence, his hand already resting on the pommel of his sword, and the ever-present vein on his forehead pulsated with a new, erratic rhythm.
Talax wasn't delusional. He knew he stood no chance against the heavily armored warrior. The disparity in their levels was too vast to entertain any hope of victory, even with all his spells and newfound abilities. However, his goal was to establish some ground rules with the help of Franny and prevent any future incidents where he was used as bait for the roaming beasts.
Should all else fail, he was prepared to employ his Tar of Restraint spell. His fingers tingled with the urge to cast it, hoping to immobilize the man. If he was fortunate, and if Walter and Callum didn't intervene, an unlikely scenario, he could also cast the Bubble of Confusion spell. This would provide him with the time he needed to escape and create distance from the group, leaving the wild beasts to deal with the rest... Hopefully.
Edward continued to glare at him with an intensity that seemed capable of inducing death through sheer will alone. However, he refrained from launching an attack. To Talax's surprise, he realized that Franny had placed a restraining hand on his uncle, preventing him from fully drawing his half-unsheathed sword.
"Uncle... Please, be rational," Franny implored. "I understand that Talax's words were impudent and out of turn. Nevertheless, I owe him my life. He has saved me time and again, and I cannot in good conscience allow you to harm him. I swear that from now on, he will address you in a proper manner and cause no more problems."
Talax was about to speak up, ready to assure the older man that Franny was speaking out of his ass, but Franny anticipated his reaction and shot him a cutting gaze, making it abundantly clear that he should remain silent.
Edward cast one last disdainful glance at them and turned his attention to Franny. "He is your responsibility now. The next time he does anything to displease me, you will also be punished," he warned. Ferdinand gulped at his uncle's words but nodded obediently.
Without sparing them another glance, the older man began walking toward the waiting Walter and Callum. Vesperine hesitated for a moment but ultimately followed Lord Edward. Talax furrowed his brows in confusion, as he had expected her to stay and reprimand him with something outrageously inappropriate or insightful.
The trio was left alone, trailing behind Lord Edward and his adventurers. Ferdinand seethed, opening and closing his mouth several times, while Qalo wore a gloomy expression, as if someone had kicked his favorite puppy.
They walked in tense silence for several minutes until they reached the banks of a sweltering swamp. The swamp extended as far as the eye could see, a vast expanse of twisted, gnarled trees and luminescent flora. The air was heavy with an eerie mist that softly glowed, casting an otherworldly light on the surroundings. The swamp water appeared more solid than liquid, covered with a shimmering film of iridescent algae.
The trees rising from the swamp looked peculiar and ominous. Their trunks twisted and contorted, their bark a deep indigo shade that pulsed with a faint inner light. Vines and moss hung from the branches like tattered curtains, and strange, otherworldly flowers bloomed in vibrant colors along the banks, emitting a sweet and intoxicating scent that hung heavy in the air.
The ground beneath their feet was soft and unstable, featuring patches of mud resembling quicksand that seemed to shift and churn as if of their own accord. Occasionally, glimpses of creatures darting around the ominous trees caught their eyes, and swarms of insects created an unsettling symphony of sound.
Edward began explaining the situation for their benefit, although he didn't spare them a glance. "While on the path, Callum scouted ahead and realized that we would have to travel for days to circumnavigate the swamp," he said. "We don't have time for that. The gnolls are already ahead of us, and if we don't hurry, they will reach the final temple before us. We can't allow that."
Talax made an effort to remain silent, but his restraint eventually crumbled.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
"So, you're telling me that we left the safety of the path to cross this perilous-looking place, probably teeming with beasts and traps?" He couldn't help but interject. "That sounds like... a great idea. I mean, nothing could possibly go wrong. I'm sure we'll be welcomed by cuddly puppies, and our arrival will be serenaded by mockingbirds, absolutely not mocking us for our... great idea."
"Ferdinand! Make him shut up!" Qalo groaned, while Vesperine giggled, and Ferdinand gritted his teeth, dangerously close to snapping. Talax simply shook his head at the absurdity of the situation.
"Be at the ready," Edward cautioned as he unsheathed his greatsword. Sounds of steel rang out as the group prepared for battle. Edward was the first to step into the sludgy water, followed by his loyal followers.
Walter lingered behind for a moment, leaning in to whisper to Talax's ear. "I reckon I'll be callin' you Rocky, mate. Must be daft as a rock to take on his lordship like that." he quipped before exhaling his farewell, leaving the acrid scent of alcohol lingering in Talax's nostrils.
Ignoring Walter's words, Talax moved to follow the rest of the group. With every step, his feet sank into the muddy bank, and each stride felt like a struggle. He had to sheathe his sword, needing both hands to maintain his balance in the challenging terrain.
As they trudged onward, the water reluctantly parted with their passage, and the once-luminescent algae became muddled and lost its glow. The surrounding darkness grew even more oppressive, making it difficult to see more than a few meters ahead. Fortunately, Franny cast his spell, "Luminous Spark," conjuring a small orb of light that followed their path and cast some much-needed illumination on the dismal surroundings.
Franny came closer to Talax, placing a hand on his chest to halt his advance. Talax looked at the restraining hand and slowly raised his eyes with a questioning expression. Franny mouthed the word, "Wait."
Once Edward and his group were at a safe distance, Franny turned around, placing his hands on his waist and directing an intense glare at Talax, his suppressed anger finally bubbling to the surface.
"What is wrong with you?" Qalo approached, sensing a brewing confrontation. "Not again!" he groaned, but Talax waved him away and kept his narrowed eyes on Franny.
"What is wrong with ME? The real question is what's wrong with you! Since we joined your uncle, you've been acting like a pretentious dick!” Franny inhaled in shock at Talax's words, and it took him a moment to formulate a response. Just that reaction alone was a small victory in Talax's eyes.
"It's not my fault you're oblivious to proper etiquette when accompanying nobles! I've already told you that you should show respect to those of a higher social position!" Franny argued, his tone defensive.
Talax rolled his eyes at the mention of higher social positions, finding the whole concept distasteful. "Yeah, I'm not going to do that, especially since I don't receive the appropriate respect that any human being deserves. Your uncle treats me like some wild beast sneaking into his house at night to feast on his family's entrails!"
Franny grimaced and muttered in disgust, "Thanks for that vivid imagery."
"You're welcome," Talax responded with mock magnanimity. "And don't even get me started on the way he treats Qalo! I'm sure he treats his hunting hounds better!" His words seemed to hit a nerve, as the noble looked visibly uncomfortable. Franny cast a guilty glance at Qalo before responding with a somewhat chastened voice.
"I know," he admitted with a sigh. "But no matter what I say to defend Qalo, he sees him as the wild savage his tutors taught him to believe. For that, I am truly sorry." His last words were directed toward the timid half-orc, who nodded in response, as if accepting the noble's apology, and continued to gaze at his water-soaked feet.
"I'm just disappointed," Talax continued. "I thought we were friends, but not once did you stand up to your uncle for us. You always stay silent, accepting his words and commands. If the man weren't such an obnoxious bastard, I might not mind."
Franny was once again incensed by Talax's crude words, but Talax pressed on. "Tell me, do you agree with his decision to leave the safety of the path?" Franny hesitated, looking around and avoiding direct eye contact.
"Well..." he began, but Talax decided to apply some additional pressure to his friend.
"You don't agree," Talax asserted. "That much is obvious. Yet, you chose to remain silent, and by doing so, you put all our lives in danger." He circled his finger around the three of them, and Franny followed the motion with rapt attention, doing everything to avoid meeting Talax's gaze.
"Your uncle and his adventurers won't have a problem facing the dungeon's monsters on their own. But the three of us have survived purely by luck so far. You told me not to gamble with our lives, but that's exactly what you did by accepting your uncle's command!"
Seeing the impact of his words on Franny made Talax feel a twinge of guilt. The man appeared shaken, his eyes filled with guilt, but Talax knew it was necessary. The constant subservience would only lead them all into danger. It was obvious the older man only cared for himself and for whatever was hidden in the central temple. He would not think twice about sacrificing one of them, even Franny, no matter what his friend thought about his uncle.
They needed to stick together, to protect one another. Franny's misguided trust in his family had caused him to drift away from their group. He had hardly spent a minute with them, always trailing his uncle, eagerly complying with his every whim, and even laughing at the man's cruel remarks.
Talax needed Franny by his side. The sentimental reason, having his friend close for support, was only part of it. The more cynical side of him recognized that he needed the noble and whatever power his title afforded if he wanted to survive the dungeon.
Vesperine seemed infatuated with him, following his every step. If her feelings were genuine and not some elaborate ruse to earn his trust, which he couldn't entirely rule out, then he wouldn't have to worry about her. In a direct confrontation, Vesperine would likely side with him.
Callum appeared to be Edward's close confidant. Even if he was just a hired hand, he seemed to genuinely respect the older nobleman. There was no doubt that the scout would never betray Edward or disobey his orders. That left Walter. The man was a lowlife, but a powerful warrior. He didn't seem to hold honor or rank in high regard and likely followed the money or booze. Talax's gaze drifted to Franny's bag, contemplating whether a bit of elvish wine and a few coins could sway Walter to their side.
"What are you looking at?" Franny demanded, unaware of Talax's thoughts. Talax shook his head, trying to clear his mind of scheming, and adopted an earnest tone, attempting to appeal to the noble's emotions.
"I'm just trying to make you understand," Talax continued earnestly. "We need each other. If we're going to emerge from this dungeon alive, we have to work together, as friends." Franny looked at him with wide eyes, and Talax could tell that his words were having an impact, so he continued to pour more honey on his words.
"The three of us have been through so much together. Our fates crossed with death, and we gave him the finger.” At that Franny smiled weakly and nodded. “We've overcome obstacles that we could never have faced alone. We've grown and become more powerful. We've learned spells and skills, and we're on our way to becoming something truly remarkable. And we've done it all together, Franny!" Franny nodded along with his words, seemingly entranced. It was as if he was ready to accept whatever Talax suggested, and Talax hid a pleased smile. He felt a surge of mana, indicating a change in his core, but he didn't let it distract him.
"I understand your attachment to your uncle," Talax continued. "I even empathize with it. But you shouldn't let it cloud your judgment. When we traveled alone, you showed exceptional leadership skills. You always knew the right thing to do or say. But lately, all you do is nod in acceptance of your uncle's words. How can you grow this way, Franny? You have to become the leader I know you're meant to be!"
Talax wanted to exhale in relief when he finished his impassioned speech, but he noticed a feverish gleam in Franny's eyes. It was as if he had ignited the man's ember of ambition into a roaring inferno, ready to conquer the world with a single sweep of his sword.
"You're right, Talax," Franny declared, raising his fist in triumph and giving Talax a toothy grin. "This journey was arranged for me to grow as a person, as a warrior, as a leader! I may have neglected my responsibilities out of a misguided sense of obeying my elders, but no more!"
Talax nodded encouragingly, pleased with his success, and raised his hand for a high-five. Franny obliged, and their palms smacked together with a satisfying slap. However, the moment was quickly ruined by Qalo.
"Guys, I hate to interrupt your touchy chat, but... Where are the others?" All three of them looked around, trying to spot the missing group, but they were nowhere in sight.
"Is it quieter than usual?" Franny remarked, and Talax realized that the only sound on the dark waters was the buzzing of insects.
"Oh, crap!" Talax exclaimed, followed by two sets of questioning eyes.
"What?" Qalo finally asked with confusion.
"We're about to be attacked!" Talax exclaimed patting his side searching for his sword. Franny looked at him like he had gone crazy.
"Why would you say that?" Franny asked, genuinely confused. Talax sighed as he scanned for hidden enemies. "Wanna bet? If I'm wrong, I'll drink Qalo's last jar of soup!"
"I'm not giving you my soup!" Qalo declared, clutching his bag protectively. Talax stopped to think for a moment, trying to find a suitable alternative.
"Aha! Then I'll wear one of Franny's plumed hats." Qalo's eyes widened, and he nodded gravely. "Good choice. Good choice." Franny had narrowed his eyes at the suggestion but then extended his hand excitedly. "Deal!"
They shook on it, and Talax quickly unsheathed his sword.
"I'm telling you, there's no one here. Let's hurry so we can catch up with the others."
The young noble hadn't even finished his sentence when the first dart whizzed by Talax and shot right at Franny's plumed hat, sending it flying into the dirty water.
"Oh, no! Not my hat!"