Brayno and Ringorne carried the injured child to their camp. Frantically, Brayno went to Angela. He shouted,

“Angela! There’s a kid here who needs our help!”

After hearing panic and concern on the face of Brayno, Angela rushed towards the main camp. Looking at the kid, she saw multiple bruises and injuries. With all her knowledge, she chanted,

Angel’s blessing, give me your strength. Help me with your desires. Provide me your strength. Give forth

ANGEL’S WINGS: RESTORATION

Upon the usage of such spell, the kid’s bruises and wounds closed. Although his injuries have subsided, Angela yelled at the two,

“Get him some food and water!”

“Got it, Angela.”, said Brayno and Ringorne.

Brayno ran towards the nearest well and got as much water as he can, while Ringorne took his share of the feast and ran towards the tent.

Upon their return, Angela is concocting some medicine.

“This is a cleric’s special. A medicine made of rare herb, some wine, potatoes and blood of a wild serpent.”

“I know this medicine. It attempts to clean one’s insides.”, said Ringorne.

“Wait. Now, I remember. This was the medicine you forced me to take, old friend.”, said Brayno.

“Well, you have managed to recover.”, said Ringorne.

“I know. That medicine helped me. But holy crap, that medicine tastes like…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Angela gave a scary and frightening glare to Brayno. Upon seeing that face, Brayno hid behind Ringorne, who simply took it in stride.

“Hahahahaha. So you have a fear, old friend.”, whispered Ringorne.

“Scary Angela is very scary. Just ask Lakish.”, whispered Brayno.

“Stop whispering there. I need to find a way to cure the injuries of this child.”, said Angela.

As she was healing the child, Angela was reminded of her harsh life with her brother. They grew up in a hard environment and were struggling to live. But the two were able to survive and scrap by. This child however, has seen worse times than the two of them.

Sometimes, it makes me wonder. How many people were in a situation worse than me and my brother. We had a hard life, but at least we have each other who would take care of one another.

Feeling sadness and grief, but also hope, Angela used all her magical power to ensure that the child would have a future. While pondering on her next course of action, Angela saw the child starting to breathe quicker and quicker. Furthermore, the child screamed louder and louder, with clear cries of pain. It seems that his body is reacting to her medicine and not in a way she hoped.

Quickly rushing towards the child, Angela poured every magical strength she had to calm the child down. Using her healing magic, she chanted,

Angel of hope and light. Please relieve this person of their pain. Ensure that they are not suffering and bless their bodies.

LIGHT MAGIC: RELIEF OF PAIN

Using all her magical prowess, Angela finally saw the child, breathing normally, his pain subsiding. The screaming stopped and the body was finally able to relax.

I did it.

Relieved, Angela can finally relax, but she wants to make sure that the child has recovered from his injuries and any other possible trauma that he may have. So, after some short periods of rest, Angela continued healing the child. Either by using her magic or by using potions or medicine to cure the various injuries of the child.

After a day of work, Angela took a rest. Due to her exhaustion, she slept immediately. As she was about to close her eyes, she felt a strong presence inside the tent. She saw Brayno offering his lap for her to sleep on.

“You have been working hard. You need to rest too. I can watch over the child.”, said Brayno

“Thank you.”, said Angela

As Angela slept, Brayno looked at the child, and saw the clothes he was in. It was ragged and unkept, same as his hair. Looking over at Angela, he wonders if having a family would be a right choice for them. The world is already as harsh as it is, and he fears that bringing a child into the world might make life more difficult for the latter.

Without thinking about it, he whispered to Angela,

“I wonder if we could have a normal life together, Angela.”

Despite his doubts, Brayno knew that a defeatist attitude will not help anyone. Although he wanted a normal life, Brayno also realized that he already has a family. The guild ‘Fang of the Sabres’ is Brayno’s large family.

“I guess we have an interesting life, even if one does not consider it as normal”, whispered Brayno.

Angela, although appearing in deep sleep, has heard every whisper of Brayno. At first, she wanted to teach him a lesson, wanting to knock out sense on him, but upon hearing his second thoughts, smiled inside.

We really do have a large family here, huh, Brayno., thought Angela.

Throughout the night, the Fang slept in their camp. Ringorne and some of his men decided to guard the area for the other members, particularly their 3 healers, to take a long rest. They have a long day ahead of them since the child is still far from being healed even if his condition has stabilized.

Get well, kid

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On the next day, the caravan continued to travel. The largest carriage contains Angela, the other healers and the still sleeping child. While traveling to an area near a forest and full of high grass, Ringorne heard some rustling. Restless and with clear annoyance, he yelled,

“Show yourself or are you too much of a gutless coward to fight us.”

While Ringorne was yelling, two men still hiding in forest, had a conversation with each other. The two were pondering on whether to attack or simply let them pass, since the people in the caravan appears to be armed with weapons.

“Hahahaha. Looks like we have ourselves a prize.”, said one of the rogues.

“Be careful, bud, the logo appears to be the Fang of the Sabres.”, said his companion.

“There are plenty of impostors who would use the other guild’s infamy. And even if they are the real thing, destroying them would raise our own profiles, and charge more for our services.”

“Hmmmmm… You know what, that’s a good point. Boys, attack!”

Soon, a group of armed men emerged from the bushes and the surrounding forest. They went on the offensive and charged towards the largest carriage. Sensing this, Ringorne dashed towards that carriage. Drawing his sword, he shouted,

WOOD STYLE ATTACK: FORWARD STRIKE

With a swift motion and attack, Ringorne has knocked out and sliced thru dozens and dozens of men. Upon knocking out their attackers, one of them told his companion,

“That man is a monster. I’m not sure if we could defeat him.”

“Step aside. I’ll handle him.”, said a large muscular man.

With a strong stride, the man went towards Ringorne. Seeing the strength of the Fang’s leader in his own eye

“Hahahahahaha. Ringorne. Your reputation is indeed justified. I’m going to take pleasure in ending you.”, said the large man.

“Sigh, another irrelevant asshole trying to use me to gain infamy.”, said Ringorne.

“Not even bothering to ask my name?”, said the large man.

“I don’t care. A mere insect like you won’t get my attention anyways.”, said Ringorne.

“You piece of shit. Die and you will know the name Hagarr the Great.”

Charging towards Ringorne, Hagarr drew his large broadsword with the intent to kill him, but before he could attack, a knife covered in runes blocked his attack.

“Boss, I’ll handle him.”, said Lakish,

“Go, I have more important matters to deal with.”, said Ringorne.

“You underestimate me. You hack!”, said Hagarr.

“Don’t worry, you’re going down.”, said Lakish.

“You wish. I’ll make your boss regret this.”, said Hagarr

Hagarr swung his large sword and targeted Lakish, but the wielder simply jumped on the sword. Taunting his enemy, he yawned.

“Is that all you’ve got. I’m the weakest of the Fang commanders but even I can’t get excited here.”, said Lakish.

“You arrogant fool. I’m going to end you.”, said Hagarr.

Bringing back the sword to his holder, Hagarr attacked Lakish with his fists. Charging towards his opponent, Hagarr yelled,

FISTS OF DESTINY

With a magically enhanced fist, Hagarr’s fist moved at a faster pace. But, once again, Lakish evaded the attack.

“You’re still too slow. Come on, use your sword.”, said Lakish.

Angry and frustrated, Hagarr drew his sword, and charged himself with magical energy. With his muscles increased and with magical energy flowing throughout him, Hagarr rushed towards Lakish, with the intent on finishing him off.

STRONG MAN SWORD AND FIST FRENZY

With his attack, Hagarr slashed and attacked everything in sight. Finally sensing danger, Lakish eyes turned from cocky and confident into one with rage. Wanting to stop the frenzied attack of his opponent, he chanted,

Blinking movements, give me your energy. Make me move faster and destroy all my enemies. Help me protect the ones I love.

RUNE MAGIC: QUICK SHADOW STRIKES

Despite the name of the attack, Lakish used his newfound speed to block every attack from the frenzied Hagarr, preventing him from causing havoc on the caravan. Wanting to prove himself, Lakish is looking at any openings from Hagarr’s frenzied attack.

Noticing that Hagarr uses too much of his strength in his frenzied attack, Lakish grinned.

He is going to tire himself out

With Lakish blocking attack after attack, Hagarr used more of his own strength in his attacks. After a few times, Hagarr’s attacks became slower and slower. Finally sensing an opening, Lakish drew his second runeblade, and yelled,

RUNE MAGIC: DOUBLE STRIKE

With his quick strike, Lakish stabbed Hagarr, instantly killing the bandit. Seeing the corpse of their leader, the rest of the ambushing group fled, scared of the strength of the Fang.

“I knew I could depend on you.”, said Ringorne.

“Sorry, that took long, boss.”, said Lakish.

“You did well. Knowing his weakness and exploiting it is a great skill to have.”, said Ringorne.

“Thank you, Boss.”, said Lakish

Noticing a large caravan of another guild, Ringorne ordered his group to set up camp in the forest, to hide, wanting to take no chances.

While they were at the forest, the child finally opened his eyes. Upon seeing this, Angela ran towards her fellow commanders and yelled,

“The child is awake.”

Hearing those words, Ringorne and Brayno went towards the tent, ordering Ulmar and Lakish to guard the area. When they entered the tent, the child looked at them with wonder and curiosity. He then said,

“Thank you for helping me. I’m going to leave now; I don’t wish to be a burden upon you.”

The two hardened commanders heart dropped upon hearing those words. For both, a child should never refer to themselves as a burden, since they are a mere child and don’t know any better.

“Stay with us for a while.”, said Ringorne.

“It’s obvious that you need a home.”, said Brayno.

“You are not alone, kid. We will protect you.”, said Angela.

Upon hearing those words, the child cried tears of joy overwhelmed with happiness. Seeing the reaction on the child’s face, the three commanders of Fang grinned with joy.

“Since the assholes never gave you a name, we will give you one. We will call you, Binshil.”, said Ringorne.

Suddenly, the child rushed towards Ringorne and hugged him tightly. The child then said,

“Thank you, kind sir. I finally have a name to call myself. Thank you sooo much.”

“No problem, Binshil. We promise to protect and shelter you.”, said Ringorne.

“Thank you soooo much, Mr….”, said Binshil

“Ringorne. And this is Angela and Brayno. We are members of the Fang of the Sabres. Our group will help the downtrodden and the helpless.”, said Ringorne.

“I’m glad I’ve met you Mr. Ringorne. Once I’ve healed up, I can go on my merry way.”, said Binshil.

“Stay with us for a while kid. You need to get stronger before we would let you go on your own. The world is a harsh place, and you need to be either in a group or be an extraordinarily powerful individual.”, said Ringorne.

“Can I be a part of your group?”, asked Binshil.

“Of course, you can, but you need to make that decision once you’re old enough or strong enough. We don’t want to force you to join our group. We want you to make your own decision on this.”, said Ringorne.

“I understand.”, said Binshil.

“You’re still part of our family.”, said Brayno.

“Family?”, asked Binshil.

“Even if you’re not officially a part of the Fang of the Sabres, you are a family to us. And as family, we will train you and give you a life that was denied to you.”, said Ringorne.

Binshil nodded at the statements and made a vow to the commanders.

“I will forever remember this gratitude. I will become as strong as you Mr. Ringorne, and someday, I will repay the kindness that you have given to me.”, said Binshil.

“Alright then. Welcome to our family.”, said Ringorne.

After the conversation, the members of the Fang of the Sabres prepared food for Binshil. They gave him the best food that they can offer and provided large portions to him. Upon seeing him munch food after food after food, Ulmar came to one conclusion.

They were starving him. How cruel can some people be?

Ulmar looked at the sight solemnly. With fury inside him, Ulmar silently vowed to exact revenge on the people who were brazen enough to starve a child. With motivation in mind, he assisted the cooks to provide more meals to Binshil.

After the feast, Brayno and Angela walked slightly away from the camp.

“It seems Ringorne has a son before we did.”, said Brayno

“Hahahahahaha. It seems so. But are you sure that you want a family with me?”, asked Angela.

“Of course, I’m sure. Although I am worried on what might happen to our child, especially since this world is cruel enough as it is.”, said Brayno.

“Don’t worry about it. We can always train to become stronger and tougher.”, said Angela.

“You got that right, Angela.”, said Brayno.

And then the two kissed once again under the night sky.

In the night of celebrations, Fang is unaware that a tragedy would soon occur to them, changing their lives and disposition.