As Asteru walks alongside Elliot and their companions through the bustling market, he takes in the sights and sounds of the transformed cityscape. Once a quaint village nestled amidst verdant fields, the town has blossomed into a bustling hub as part of the new Kemeean oligarchy. The trading route, once centered around Ornegaka before its destruction, now flows through this thriving town, attracting merchants from far and wide seeking respite on their continental travels. While Elliot and the others attend to the sale of the animal skins, Asteru's attention is drawn to a nearby forge. Stepping inside, he surveys the array of tools and weapons on display, selecting the necessary implements for the town's reconstruction. However, his gaze lingers on a simple yet finely crafted sword mounted on the wall, its quality evident even at a glance. At that moment, a realization dawns upon Asteru: to safeguard the newfound safety and security of the Ornegakian citizens, they must be equipped to defend themselves. Though the decision weighs heavily on his mind, he resolves to prioritize the town's immediate needs, purchasing only the essential tools before swiftly departing from the forge.
As Asteru and Elliot depart from the city, their uneasy gaze falls upon the steady stream of slave caravans entering and exiting its gates. The sight serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted societal issues plaguing not just Keep, but perhaps the entire continent. Mass slavery is merely the tip of the iceberg, overshadowed by the rampant problems of prostitution, drug production, and exploitation of various species across the four continents. In the wake of wars and conflicts that ravage the land, it becomes painfully clear to Asteru that his third chance at life may be fraught with even greater challenges than his previous incarnations. From perishing in a fiery inferno to meeting his end amidst the chaos of civil war, Asteru realizes that the path ahead is fraught with peril and uncertainty.
Day by day, Asteru and his companions toil tirelessly, laying the foundation for their new home amidst the sheltering embrace of the forest. Together, they clear the roads and fields, transforming the once-abandoned land into a thriving community. Guided by Asteru's expertise, they learn the art of cultivation, sowing the seeds of their future prosperity. As weeks turn into months, a small village begins to take shape, nestled discreetly amidst the verdant foliage, hidden from prying eyes on a road long forgotten by travelers.
With each passing day, signs of rejuvenation abound – Elliot's wings regrow, and the fairies of the town flourish once more, their spirits lifted from the shackles of slavery to embrace newfound freedom and vitality. Despite the semblance of contentment that graces their daily lives, the specter of their past looms large, casting a shadow over their collective consciousness. Memories of loved ones left behind, still ensnared in the clutches of captivity, serve as a poignant reminder of the injustices that continue to plague their world. Amidst the hum of activity, Asteru's gaze falls upon a pile of charcoal, triggering a sobering recollection of the dangers that lurk beyond the safety of their secluded haven.
With a sense of urgency gnawing at his conscience, he resolves to take action to protect his newfound community. The following day, he distributes stone spears to the strongest villagers, a modest yet crucial step towards fortifying their defenses against potential threats. As they prepare to venture forth to sell their bountiful harvest in the nearby town, Asteru harbors hopes of acquiring the necessary equipment to bolster their security. Despite the trials that lie ahead, he remains steadfast in his commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of his fellow villagers, drawing strength from their collective resilience and determination to forge a brighter future amidst the shadows of uncertainty.
As winter blankets the Treshall Mountains in a pristine coat of snow, the valley beneath remains untouched by its icy embrace, save for the frozen grass that carpets the roads. A cold morning greets the villagers of Ornegaka as they embark on their journey to the town of Gallo, laden with crops and animal skins destined for trade. Among them is a former slave, once a skilled blacksmith's apprentice, now tasked with procuring weapons for their village. Upon arriving at the forge, the villager relays Asteru's request to the blacksmith – a precise tally of spears and small bows, each bearing a unique design inspired by Asteru's vision. The bows, reminiscent of Mongolian craftsmanship, stand apart from their conventional counterparts in both size and style. Aware of the time required for such intricate work, the villagers devote two days to selling their wares in Gallo before preparing to depart.
As they bid farewell to the bustling city, whispers of a troubling rumor reach their ears – tales of Darko and Luka, the brothers that rule Kemee, are amassing a formidable army and imposing heightened taxes upon every town. Fearing the ominous implications of such actions, the villagers hasten their journey homeward, mindful of the looming specter of conflict that threatens to encroach upon their tranquil existence in Ornegaka.
Several days later, the meticulously crafted weapons are entrusted to two villagers for transport back to Ornegaka. Unbeknownst to them, a Kemeean inspector shadows their every move, his suspicions aroused by their unfamiliar presence in Gallo. As he discreetly follows the villagers, he observes their unexpected deviation from the main road, veering off into the dense woods along a narrow path wide enough to accommodate a small cart. Upon their arrival in the village, the inspector's scrutiny intensifies, his keen eyes sweeping over the modest dwellings constructed from clay and wood. Despite their humble appearance, the structures bear little evidence of age, prompting further intrigue. His attention is drawn to the villagers themselves, many of whom bear visible signs of violence – scars, mutilated fingers, and hands marred by the harsh realities of their existence. Intrigued by a cloaked figure lingering near a cluster of graves, the inspector's curiosity is piqued.
Upon his return to Gallo, the inspector wastes no time in relaying his discoveries to the city governor, his report laden with implications that hint at a deeper mystery lurking beneath the surface of Ornegaka's seemingly tranquil façade.
Governor: a town in the woods?
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Inspector: yes, and by the look of it, it was recently built, maybe in spring.
Governor: point it in the map, there shouldn't be a town near here.
Inspector: mmm...where, where, here.
Governor: there are just a bunch of trees there, are you sure it is the place?
Inspector: yes, and there was some debris of what looked to be some ruins, maybe there was a building in that place.
Counter: I think he's right, Mr governor.
Governor: I never heard about any building or people inhabiting there, there must be robbers.
Counter: robbers living with kids and elders?
Governor: well, they must be tallians, the only thing those people do is steal, we just need to get rid of them.
Counter: actually, I have a copy of an old map from the days of the empire, we can look at it to solve any suspect.
Governor: mmm, here, Ornegaka, and it was located in the old Imperial Road, that must explain why we never heard of it.
Governor: mmm, here, Ornegaka, and it was located in the old Imperial Road, that must explain why we never heard of it [https://img.wattpad.com/b398e2b1e4632f44d4624e3f39b8d4c31d151487/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4238384a56456e447944537949513d3d2d313433343637393830342e313763316166366638353739386166623539333237353638353630332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Inspector: what do we do now?
Governor: we should give them a visit, if they are living in my territory, they must have paid their taxes, have they?
Inspector: mmm, I think not.
Governor: well, you know what to do.
Counter: yes Mr governor.
As the sun rises over Ornegaka, casting its golden rays upon the tranquil village, the villagers begin their daily routines, unaware of the impending arrival of soldiers from Gallo, accompanied by the city governor and his retinue. With tension thick in the air, the villagers stand poised, brandishing their spears in a defiant display of defense against the unexpected visitors. Upon their arrival, the governor wastes no time in dispatching his soldiers to scour the village for any signs of threat, their presence casting a pall of unease over the once-peaceful hamlet. With grim determination, the villagers watch as the soldiers comb through their homes and surroundings, their wary eyes tracking their every move. As the search concludes and the soldiers regroup with the governor, a cloak-clad figure emerges from the shadows, spear in hand, poised to strike at the heart of the looming confrontation. With a steely resolve, the figure confronts the governor, a silent yet unmistakable threat hanging in the air – any misstep, any provocation, and the consequences will be dire.
Governor: greetings, I am Dejan Jukic, governor of the city of Gallo, I have come here regarding your situation in my territory, as you may know, you must pay a tax for living on this land which is property of the city of Gallo, along with a tax over product sales, and as I have been informed, you haven't paid any of those. From what I know, you have been living here since spring without permission, so your taxes are not so high, however, if you don't pay, I must confiscate your goods to pay the tax, or arrest you and sell you as slaves to pay the tax.
Asteru: what do you mean by property of Gallo? This town is 3 days from Gallo.
Dejan: I know, and I also know this place used to be a town called Ornegaka, in the old Imperial Road, and now the Vidak family has granted me control over this territory of the country, which means now you must pay me for living here, and a small indemnity for this problem, now, make me a favor and take that horrible hood from your head.
As the governor, his countenance a mask of authority and suspicion demands Asteru to remove his hood, and a tense silence descends upon the scene. With a resigned sigh, Asteru complies, revealing his true form to the governor and his accompanying soldiers. As the hood falls away, exposing Asteru's skeletal visage, a collective gasp echoes through the assembled ranks, followed by a flurry of whispered murmurs and exchanged glances. The soldiers, their training and instincts kicking into overdrive, react instinctively to the sight before them. Weapons are drawn, trembling hands poised to strike at the perceived threat posed by the unearthly being standing before them. In their eyes, the presence of a skeleton can only mean one thing – the dark and forbidden arts of black magic are at play.
Dejan: sin-ce when can undead t-talk? Where is your m-master?
Mastery: 200 winters ago, this town was assaulted by the royalist army and burned to the ground by the nationalist militia, everything I knew was destroyed that day, and in spring I woke up in the grave that used to be my home, I don't have a master and I'm no someone's property. Now I ask you gently to get out of our town or I'll impale your heart even if it's the last thing I will do before your men kill me.
Dejan: where is y-your master so I can talk with him?
Asteru: would you believe me if I said I woke up without the need for black magic?
Dejan: just an idiot would believe that ¡everyone, return to the city! you are lucky this time, but I swear I will destroy every single shack in this hateful town, however, I am considered a merciful person so, may I know the name of the creature who threatened my life?
Asteru: Asteru Igory.
As the governor and his soldiers depart, leaving behind a lingering air of apprehension and uncertainty, the villagers of Ornegaka are gripped by a profound sense of fear and vulnerability. The realization dawns upon them that their once-isolated village is, in fact, under the jurisdiction of Gallo, subject to the whims and demands of a distant authority. Faced with the daunting prospect of unpaid taxes and the looming threat of enslavement, the villagers huddle together in silent desperation, grappling with the harsh reality of their newfound predicament. With limited resources at their disposal, they find themselves teetering on the brink of economic ruin, their very livelihoods hanging in the balance. Amidst the palpable tension that pervades the village, Asteru seeks solace amidst the solemn tranquility of the monument, his whispered words carrying on the wind as he communies with the departed souls of Ornegaka. As night descends upon the beleaguered village, Asteru joins his fellow villagers around the flickering warmth of the communal fire, their collective resolve steeled by the flickering flames that dance in the darkness.
Elliot: why don't you tell us about your life, we already shared our so-
Woman: shh, don't press on him.
Asteru: no, he's right, I think it is time I share it.
Seeking to shield his enigmatic past from prying eyes, Asteru chooses his words carefully as he shares a carefully crafted narrative with his fellow villagers. Recounting a tale of waking up in the town as a child, bereft of memories save for his true name, he speaks of being taken in by a kindly couple of farmers who bestowed upon him the name Asteru, under which he lived thereafter.As the villagers listen intently to his story, their curiosity piqued by the mysterious circumstances of his arrival, one among them dares to inquire about his true identity. With a measured breath, Asteru reveals the name that has long lain dormant within him, a remnant of a distant past.
Asteru: Bolat, Bolat Abaiov