Chapter 1: A Stranger from the sands

The Imperator Paradisi, as of 1180, was still hegemon in the continent; a long and prosperous reign under the “De Hericlam” dynasty was present within the empire. Until suddenly, on the eve of Oblationes Tuae qui te Adiuvat, *Offering to thy who helps us* or Dies Oblationum for short, a fearsome attack by wild monsters occurred. Due to the lack of witnesses left; no one has a clear idea of what went down that day; all that was known is that a Hunter Dragon skull the size of a duke’s palace was sitting on top a razed mountain near the capital. What was once a religiously important place, now had a deep crater in it holding a bloody and confusing past. Soon after, due to the fact the entire dynasty was wiped out then; the emperorship could be bought sold and elected from among generals and nobles. The empire then slowly lost its unique central authority. It was an autonomous one up until that point but due to strong leadership, no archdukes or strong dukes had risen. In the few years after the event, the imperial guard, without a goal now, sold off the emperorship 7 times in 8 years, no one could become emperor and live to tell the tale. The developed and scholar friendly culture in the empire, allowed for the authority void to be filled by a set of unwritten rules regarding court politics. After a century the empire was now constantly in a new dynasty’s hands, and also frequently having events between the nobles, setting laws, alliances, and rivalries.

Our story begins in one of its lesser-known regions; Harenae Et Inrigua. It was known for being slightly alienated from the main empire culturally; then again, the empire never did claim an ethnic region, it was a federative thing full of many groups. The best way to put it is that the area had mostly merchant republics and was imperially irrelevant. You had lagoon land on its coast, full of exotic goods and trade empires; then you had the humble oasis societies west of it, all in the more habitable regions of the desert Sericum Textor.

One day a man arrived on foot from the “Abyss entry” as they call it, where you enter the desert. Soon after he found the nearest expeditionary guild and hurriedly entered. He was clearly young, maybe around 17 or so; he had grey eyes, wavy and very slightly curly black hair, very tanned skin, and was clearly attempting to grow some facial hair on his top lip. He wore a torn cloak that seemed a bit like a scarf at the neck, covering his chest to a degree; then trailing to the ground. The hair was short messy and pulled back, roughly, with 2 hairs falling down. He wore a basic grey tunic with chainmail under it and black pants.

“Hello there! Your new here, aren’t you?” an old man at the counter forespoke. The old man had a twirly hair on his hairs center like a pig’s tail almost, and thick eyebrows curling into the air.

“Yes indeed! The names Marcellus!”

The old man asked “Are you from here?

Marcellus responded with his heavy accent foreign sounding voice “Kind of, I come from beyond the deserts.”

The old man remarked shocked “You’re that fool who walked through the desert?”

Marcellus laughed and responded “Absolutely!”

The old man responded “Go sit down my boy and I’ll get some water for you. Then I’ll take my break and explain how the expedition guild works here.

Marcellus sat down, absorbent ears *if that makes sense even* all glanced in patterns at him. The guild building was like most, also a place for drinks of all sorts. It had a homely feel to it and was decorated with makeshift signs and murals on the walls using squid sand. The old man sat down holding two things of water, one large one average sized. He pushed the large one over to Marcellus and said, “I bet you want to join the guild services, don’t you?”

Marcellus responded “yes, this is a guild place is it not?”

The old man said back “A small one yes, I post missions everywhere, but you need a license first.”

Marcellus drank a large bit of water and responded “Really!?”

The old man laughed and nodded.

Marcellus remarked “That’s a pain, where’s the nearest place I can get a license?”

The old man responded “your currently in the grasslands pretty much, so I’d say head to duke Atrine’s capital. It has uniquely structured walls and is between 2 major rivers. It is called Atrottin. “

Marcellus asked “Well, know a quick way to make some cash then? I need a map and sword at least before I set off.”

Before the old man could respond 4 large men wearing bright crimson cloaks walked in; the inferred leader of them, red hair, meaty skin on the eyebrows where hair should be, and with an axe on his back yelled “We want drinks! Free too!”

The old man murmured “not again, not Zelode…”

They overheard and began stomping over, grabbing his shirt and demanding he repeat that. Everyone saw the spell book holstered to the back man’s belt, so no one spoke up.

But oddly enough, despite weaponless, Marcellus jolted up and as if trying to strangle someone gripped the man’s arm. The old man squawked out “Don’t do this Marcellus!”

But Marcellus flipped personalities like he had a disorder, and the man dropped the old man.

Zelode responded “Got a death wish?”

Marcellus looked at him as if trying to see his soul and said “Yeah.”

Zelode responded “Let’s go outside, I’ll be back later old man!”

They stepped out into the average sized town and a small crowd followed.

The old man thought “It’s a 4 versus 1, He’s doomed…!”

Marcellus neatly put his cloak onto a stair railing and cracked his neck. The men all had big bulky builds, but Marcellus was yet to get extremely muscular but did have strength.

The old man right before the fight started said sacredly “Here use this, you can’t win without a weapon!”

Marcellus caught a slightly worn-out sword tossed to him, with a cloth wrapped hilt; it was most likely a lower officers sword considering the hilt guard it had.

The old man quickly yelled “Don’t lose my life may depend on it now!”

And the fight begun. Marcellus slowly approached the towering figures then held the sword tight waiting to see if they would strike first. To everyone’s surprise the 2 men in front suddenly leaped forward with such speed that you wouldn’t expect of hulking figures like that. The first one went to use his 2 handed axe to smash Marcellus into the ground but Marcellus to the crowd's utter shock would rush forward, diving right in front of the axe then springing up slashing it in half just fast enough not to ever be hit. Using his left foot to do a propulsion slightly into the air, he kicked the man back then planted himself into the ground entering a position kind of like a sumo wrestler. He planted his legs closer together and watched the other man. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the man in the back readying a spell, most likely a fireball. Taking a deep breath, Marcellus used all his strength to pull the other man rushing towards him with his fist. Just in time he would get them in front of the spell, and they got scorched. Keeping his posture low and running fast as possible, Marcellus went in for a sweeping horizontal strike at the spellcaster’s chest. He succeeded and blood would quickly sling off the blades tip. The first fellow he struck was getting up, so he quickly leaped up and went for the shoulder of the last man, who used his great sword to block. This was unforeseen and Marcellus began spinning a whole flip forward, clumsily landing on the ground. Not losing composure, he turned right back around and kept his sword down like he planned on doing a skywards strike. It was a feint; he quickly held the sword reverse and went for the stomach. He had messed up and hit his side. Now things were bad, in the back the spellcaster was ready to fire again, the other 2 guys were up and about to be near; and the great sword was swinging straight for his head. But, as if forcing himself to keep working, he attempted to use the momentum left to tackle the great sword user. It partially worked and now he was safer. He barely got out of the way of the spell, and it hit the great sword user who considering that spell had some anger in it was not able to fight. Marcellus locked eyes with Zelode and gave this predatory stare, Zelode could see what he was thinking, Marcellus was thinking of every single way to finish the job. Zelode broke the stare and yelled “We’ll leave and head west! This isn’t worth it!” The crowd suddenly roared in cheers.

The old man stood in awe, he thought “This isn’t the same fellow as earlier, surely not! The nativity is gone, he fought mercilessly; you could tell Zelode was scared by the end.”

Marcellus began walking over and extended his hand, “Here’s your blade, thank you.” He spoke.

The old man said eagerly “I owe you far too much! Keep it, I’ll give you my map too!”

They walked inside and the crowd dispersed. The old man said “Let me ask, no fellow fights those odds unless for a dream. What is your dream?”

Marcellus responded “I wish to have the Caelum Morsu, to be immortal. And only the pinnacles of history are said to be gifted that by the gods.”

Before the old man could respond, Marcellus said “I really have should not tried that flip, my stomachs screaming…”

The old man said, “You know no man has ever obtained it do you not?”

Marcellus responded, “I know, I will be the first; but might I ask, did you think I was going to kill Zelote?”

The old man responded “yes.”

Marcellus said “Nice- Wait I don’t mean nice in a bad way I meant- “he took a deep breath and said, “I honestly am terrified of killing someone right now, so I at least need to project the feeling that I will.”

Marcellus for a second asked himself why he even told him that, he didn't really know.

Marcellus was given the map and began walking out.

The old man thought “I was but a young boy when I saw a person on his caliber last time. Perspective growing.”

With that, Marcellus set off for Atrottin.

The Atrottin’s national guild service was notoriously strict in guidelines and the validation test for entering was more intense than most guilds, the most promising of beginners were best to head there though for quick repute. A famous story involving it is when a future general of illustrious repute was turned down when younger. Scarily enough the guild was reflective of its duke.

Atrine was a lion like figure, a neat and hard blonde beard with a long thick thing of pulled back hair combined with sharp and striking green eyes. He would go around town making sure things were in order all day seeing as that he had little trust in the helper-to-helper systems of the guild, so he had reformed it to degrees which made it so notorious. The duke overall was someone not to mess with, he owned a at least average size of land and was of an old dynasty. As you headed to the center of the city you saw more and more large buildings until arriving at the royal palace. The guild was near the center too. After about 5 days a stranger entered the place at 11:00 pm and smelled horrendous, still wearing his cloak, concealing his face he walked to the front and asked, “This is where I can sign up for a license am I right?”

The guild was large, full of people still drinking and partying, and made of bright vibrant and hearty gold edged wood furniture with a cobble floor, it was one big square room and then a few other rooms, with a training ground a bit outside.

The clerk responded “Yes, I suppose you want one?”

He nodded.

They then said “Hate to break it you but it’s far too late to do an initiation exam so you have to come back tomorrow. “

With that the man said, “thank you” and left.

Hours later:

A report woke duke Atrine up in the early morning, someone had somehow climbed the castle and was asleep on a tower! He quickly got his attire ready and him and 4 others set out to get him down and apprehend him. They arrived and Atrine immediately started clawing his way up, using fire magic to form hooks he used to pull himself. He grasped himself onto the towers top and grabbed the man by the leg, he jumped down onto the ground. This woke the man up who yelled “AHHHHH!”

They reached ground, comforted by a humongous blanket of flame which helped the landing. Atrine dropped him and said, “Before you head to prison, what were you even thinking?”

The man said “Well I’m broke currently, and it looked kind of easy to get up the tower and never get caught; so, I decided your place seemed like an easy place to sleep at. “

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“EASY!?!” The duke roared out.

He said, “I’ll let my head of the guard kill you himself… if you somehow win and prove that my guards are weak, I’ll even let you live and give you money.”

The hooded man was then taken to the training grounds that were within the palace domain *not to be confused with guild grounds* and standing across from a man wearing plated armor with a lion emblem on the left side of the chest plate, with a large flowing cape with more lion insignia. The man had a menacing scar on his eye and looked experienced, he had wild black hair too.

The hooded man finally removed his cloak and did some stretches, it was Marcellus! Marcellus would hold his rusty blade two handed, it was rather high, pointing towards his enemy.

Atrine roared “BEGIN!”

The match started and at lightning speed the guard rushed over, in a matter of seconds, despite how they started far from one another he was about to slash Marcellus. Marcellus quickly rushed forward too, though clearly not able to win this. as the guard’s sword soared towards him, he feigned a defense. He let go of his blade midway, shocking everyone who all thought he was going to attempt to guard with the blade. Next, he as fast as he could at the time dived into boxer position, veering slightly left as he continued the sprint. Barely getting his right fist ready in time he then socked the guard in the face and the recipient fell down fast. He had managed to use the pouncing momentum of his enemy against him. He quickly grabbed the guard’s sword and put his right foot on him holding the blade to his head. Meanwhile his old blade was cut in half.

Everyone stood there in awe; this stranger just bested the head of the guard that easy!?

Marcellus chuckled then got his foot off the guard and extended his hand to help him up. Marcellus laughingly remarked “Boy did I get lucky! Sorry for the cheap shot!”

Atrine began laughing and said, “You’re not who I thought you are, are you!?”

The guards were bewildered as Atrine walked over to Marcellus and extended his hand to shake Marcellus’s.

Atrine said “If one behaves like a king, I’ll treat them as one. I’m still quite angry after what you said about my palace, but I pay my dues.”

Atrine signaled Marcellus to followed him and as they walked inside the palace Atrine asked “What are you here for?”

Marcellus answered, “I’m just a stranger from the sands, one who wishes for glory and a name in the books.”

Atrine responded “And I suppose you wanted to join the guild?”

Marcellus nodded.

Atrine said “Interesting; But you know, I could use one like you on my squads, one of these days come back and I’ll teach you a few things and get you a part time spot on the guard!”

Marcellus responded, “I’d like that.”

Atrine said “Before we arrive at our destination, I just wish to ask, what was your thought process in that fight?”

Marcellus answered, “That I had to do a cheap shot to win.”

Atrine responded “well anyway, I’ll keep you in my memory; you have the decisive foresight of the tiger, remember to use it.”

They arrived at the treasury and Atrine grabbed a small sack and started picking up coins. He filled it with silver ones then picked up a shiny officer’s blade. He tossed it to Marcellus and said, “it’s yours now.”

Next, he grabbed a badge with a lion on it out of his pocket and handed to Marcellus.

Atrine acknowledged “That badge can help you a lot.”

Marcellus asked, “Might I ask, why the personality shift; aren’t you the iron fisted, lawful duke of these lands?”

Atrine responded “I am to the masses; if you see yourself as someone worthy of my respect, you are. I suppose with that answer you understand why I won’t be able to help you with guild registration. I already have to punish my guards because of that loss, and if one were to hear the humiliations that were had, my reputation tarnished. While I think you have potential, don’t tell any of what happened in the training grounds I will have to personally find you and cut your potential short.”

Marcellus laughed and responded, “As I expect!”

With that Marcellus left and headed to the guild.

It was around 12 when Marcellus once more arrived at the guild and walked in happily. He was 3rd in line, then suddenly he was called to the front.

You could hear arguments between the 2 and the clerk going on. The 2 in line looked similar and were a guy and girl. Marcellus asked, “What might be your purpose for calling me up front?”

The clerk said “I have a feeling you’ve yet to learn magic, and those 2 aren’t strong enough to be a duo, and I know you wish to join the guilds. What I’m saying is that from now on those 2 are your partners now for the test. Until you prove your sufficient by yourself or with only 2 people you must take progression tests with them too, unless they die. But you can always switch teams if you find one and fill out the paperwork.

Marcellus was a bit bewildered and said “Wow! How could you know I don’t know magic?”

The clerk, notably flattered, responded with a chuckle and said, “You start to notice small little things through experience.”

Marcellus noted that in his head.

Marcellus then said “Anyway; I accept those terms so long as they do.”

The guy remarked “We’ve got little choice, do we?!”

The clerk smiled and said, “Anyway you 3, come back as the sun is but a few golden lines above the meeting of sky and earth.”

All 3 walked out and Marcellus observed the following: The two he was now teamed with were extremely frustrated, he seemed a bit clueless, and that they are related likely.

Marcellus took the initiative and said, “How about we head to a restaurant; we will be on the same team after all.”

The guy turned to look at the other person and then turned back to face Marcellus and said “yes”.

They headed to a restaurant and sat down; it was a humble place. Hand carved engravings on the chairs, signs detailing what you can get, rough wood tables, but still with a medieval aesthetic.

They all ordered, and the silence was very awkward.

Marcellus finally spoke up and said, “You two are related?”

The girl said harshly “Twins.”

The two had reddish brown hair, along with green eyes; they both had dark crimson cloaks, and clearly had started off with a good bit of money on their journeys, they were equipped well with armor plates suited for mobility. They had peach skin, the guy had short hair that attempted to be a bit elegant but didn’t do so well, while the girl’s hair rested on her shoulder. This plus sharp eyes and thin dark eyebrows made for a menacing pair.

Marcellus said, “What magics do you two uses?”

The girl said, “We are both proficient in fire magic, though use it differently.”

Marcellus then asked, “your hair color isn’t common among here, where do you two come from?”

The girl said, “Our family immigrated from the northwest long ago, many small communities with our traits were set up after the Dalich Island was took over by barbarians.”

Marcellus said then “I don’t quite know where that is; pardon me but I come from beyond the sands up east; I know lots of the coastal empires in that region though.”

The food arrived then, and they ate for a while. The twins got steaks and Marcellus got a steak too except thought it was a bit dull and added spice to it *He had bought some since he had already learnt how tame the foods were to him.”

Midway through Marcellus asked a server nearby “Do you have any Infernafruit juice here for flavor?”

The server got shocked and said “Those things that burn you alive!? No!”

Marcellus seemed slightly disappointed and continued to eat.

As the meals were almost done Marcellus said “so, what are your nam- “

The guy said angrily “We aren’t your teammates! We will be getting out of this team soon as can do!”

Marcellus gave a smug look then stared at the guy and said “You have to deal with me for a few weeks at least; tell me your names. Mine is Marcellus.”

The guy said “Byzren, my sisters is Roneta. “

Roneta then said “I can say my own name you know Byzren. Also, it’s said like *ROE-ne-ta*.”

They soon all finished their foods and Marcellus headed back to train. He did so until it was time to start initiation exams. Marcellus, since he was already at the guild, arrived first. The twins got there and then the clerk excused themselves. They returned with 2 men clad in plate armor. They signaled the trio to follow them, and they were led into the forests by bright torches amidst dark forests. They arrived at a giant cleared circle surrounded by Infernatrees.

Marcellus noted they used them to contain spirits at home. They all were told to step inside while 6 cloaked figures began to chant in a circle. Then midway through the chanting something occurred. Screams would begin to be heard back at the city and smoke in the air. Then, an inhuman, ghastly shriek that echoed across miles and miles. It was high-pitched, a contrast to the gargantuan figure of the shriek’s bearer.

The twins were frozen in fear. As the hooded men and guards ran to the city, Marcellus asked hurriedly “What is that!?””

Byzren said with burning fury “An elder Ghisteer. Apex predators the size of a house. They could decimate a town though.”

Suddenly way more different shrieks occurred and Byzren yelled “We have to get payback!” They began running towards town while Marcellus told them to stop, but it was all in vain. He took five deep breaths and began grabbing all the fruits he could fit into his bag.

Meanwhile in town 15 Ghisteers were ravaging the humongous city as panic set over, Atrine couldn’t even get his troops together due to a lack of morale. The twins arrived but upon seeing a single one of the beasts, froze in fear.

Ghisteers were giant hunchbacked humanoid, small leg yet flexible things with a deer skull with 2 sets of antlers as heads. One set was on the top as normal and the others were tusks. They had pitch-black fur that gave a nightmarish look. Suddenly in a half-second one snapped its head towards them and began sprinting as if about to jump on them.

Atrine had rounded up his imperial guard and rode on horseback throughout the town trying to get their attention and drive them away. Riding desperately through the town they had barely got the one attacking the twin’s attention. Suddenly as they got them outside Atrine shouted the following orders “SPLIT UP NOW! I’LL KEEP THEM OCCUPIED WHILE YOU ALL SET UP THE BALLISTAS AND ANY OTHER DEFENSIVE! CLOSE ALL THE GATES!”

They did as the order said and Atrine rode as fast as he could. Seeing they were losing attention, Atrine, holding his torch in one hand, surged his magic into it and it suddenly lit up the sky.

Meanwhile Marcellus arrived and immediately found out what happened.

“1 breath… 2 breaths… 3 breaths… 4 bre-Aghhh!” Marcellus puked out all he ate that day. He closed his eyes then and punched his own gut hard as he could. “Marcellus, you’ve got no time for fear. Fate doesn’t wait for you to do some breaths. You’ve puked your fear out, now let’s go.” He told himself.

He quickly got out the gate and pushed a guard off their horse as they returned, he took it and rode out there. Meanwhile Atrine had drove them into a field, he looked back to see them all running, turning his head to the forward again there was a 16th one about to slam its humongous fist into him, Atrine catapulted himself of his horse and barely escaped but shed a tear as he saw his horse get crushed. Without even taking a moment to think he surged the lands with all the magic he could, he looked like someone being burned on a stake or something, just a human outline, made by flame. He Began using magic to do inhuman leaping feats as fast he could, slashing the terrifying beasts circling him. He kept this up for 5 minutes, before, covered in burns now he gave up; laying there smiling as the beasts approached him.

He thought “The city is safe; my men should have enough stuff ready to repel them if they dare come back. And surely my brother won’t be too bad a duke.”

His thoughts about the end were interrupted when he heard a tired neigh, followed by someone leaping off of a horse. The horse rode off and the person quickly… ate a fruit?” suddenly he began blowing what should’ve been air out. Instead, gargantuan whips of fire were being blown out that were beginning to melt the helmets off the hideous beings, no one wanted to see what was under the supersized skulls.

The figures hand reached out to Atrine who grabbed it and got up barely. Atrine upon seeing who it was let out a bewildered “You!?!”

The person was Marcellus. Marcellus handed him his sword and said “Infernafruit fire is a miracle for fighting anything remotely demonic. Hold your sword out.”

He did, and Marcellus quickly blew fire on it.

Marcellus authoritively said “I’ll weaken them from afar and keep a safe spot ready by blowing fire on them. You need to use your sword to finish the job on them all.

Atrine nodded then leaped towards the weakest link. He went in for a downward slash and split its head straight in half. Next Marcellus began focusing on the one next to it and Atrine struck it down. Eventually the fruits were gone and 3 of them left. Things seemed overwhelming now so Atrine said “Run?”

Marcellus responded “You kill one more yourself, I have a plan. I’m going to jump up and you’re going to bat me to on top of one of those things.

Atrine smirked and responded, “Your crazy!”

“On 3, Marcellus said.

Marcellus began getting ready to jump.

“1…”

“2…”

“3...!”

Marcellus was launched on top of one. He grabbed and broke the weakest antler off the bottom while the beast ran in circles panicked. Marcellus gripped both sides of the antler and began using like a leash to the beast, jerking it left and right, until ramming it until the 3rd beast, they were now collapsed and Atrine finished the job.

Atrine asked “How did you use the fruits like that?”

Marcellus responded “I could’ve got a thanks but, beyond the desert people know how to use them well, I’ve used them since 8, too bad I’m going to be vomiting soon. The reason why the fruits burn people if you eat a whole one is you don’t correctly swallow and then succumb to the pain.”

Atrine said “sorry, I was just curious. Now how do we get back?”

Marcellus laughed and said “We walk. But first give me a second.” Marcellus held his stomach and began puking out a river.”

Atrine said “Are you okay?”

Marcellus said weakly “Yeah, I had to focus way too hard to blow fire that large, and I’ve ate tons more then you’re supposed to of that fruit.”

They began walking and Atrine said “what sick fool would do that? This had to be someone’s worked funded by another political entity within or outside the empire.”

Marcellus said, “What type of courtiers must they have access to pull this off?”

Atrine said “Someone wise, I would’ve been able to handle them usually, but my magic has been weakened by poison; I don’t know when it happened, but it had to have eventually.

Atrine said “I’ve known this coming for a long time, I’m the first of many. My father, the duke before me, always theorized that something was brewing underneath. A civil war may even happen someday at this rate.”

Marcellus said “The founding dynasty had a special ability to unite cultures, the empire might see secessions from the empire if a war starts.

Atrine said in response “I know your still young in your journeys but make me a deal Marcellus.”

Marcellus listened.

“If a war starts, however many years later, no matter where we are in life, be my ally. I need you in my army, I promise land wealth and glory, whatever you need.” Atrine said seriously.

Marcellus said, “of course I will.”

Atrine then said “With that done; know that from now on, as duke to duke in valor alone I owe you. One of my ancestors was known as the mage king, though it being in foreign lands I still technically have access to all of the Arcane tower; might you know what that is?”

Marcellus replied “No.”

“A tower full of sacred mage texts. I want you to stay here and train with me, I will then give you a platoon and send you there to take the place over. It is unclaimed by all and might contain demons who know human tongue and things sealed within the texts. I think you know what you can get from that.”

Marcellus responded happily “I’ll accept!”

Atrine said, also happily “Then it is a deal! We’ll get you some armor too.”

Eventually around 3-4 am they would arrive at the city. A shaky and terrified group descended from the wall on a rope to see who it was. Suddenly screams of joy emerged, they’d usually reserve themselves as to not sound weak but they honestly didn’t care.

“THE DUKE IS ALIVE! I REPEAT: THE DUKE IS ALIVE!” they yelled, soon after the gate was hastily opened and the two were given a hero’s welcome.

While walking through the streets emitting glows of ducal pride and comfort for the people, Atrine whispered “You passed your guild exam by the way, grab your partners and take them to the palace, you can all find rooms there.”

Marcellus would diverge from the makeshift parade and begin wandering looking for his partners. He wandered the streets row to row. He could see smiles all over, damage had been minimized, the casualties would be minimum. The duke was able with sheer presence encourage everyone to help each other. Legions of people of all the classes in the city searching for people needing aid. But his eyes caught two exceptions. The twins! He walked over and crouched, he said “Nice, you guys aren’t dead.”

Roneta responded “Yet the results same.”

Marcellus tuned in to the tone and said, “What might you mean?”

Byzran began to explain “We belonged to a wealthy trader family, then one day hordes of those beasts invaded the city we lived in and everyone’s legacies destroyed. We want to get money to re elevate our family to rich living and become strong enough to protect them.

Marcellus responded with an honest “Nobler a cause then mine. I sympathize with you two, and as your teammate I have to support my allies. Join me.”

Roneta said “Where so even?”

Marcellus smirked and said, “To the palace, the duke and me have a deal going now so join me and climb the ranks of power with me.” he extended his hands.

Their eyes lit and they both reached out to his hands, and he helped them up.