The sound of swords clanging is heard through out of the forest. Ent is fighting against a fully armored foe. But even with the armor they were getting exhausted, and their armor was failing. The enemy tightening their grip on their weapon charged at Ent in a desperate attack. But it was a futile attempt as Ent lunged forward thrusting his sword through the gap between the neck and the cuirass. With that the foe fell but no blood was spilt. In fact, the armor itself was empty save for a trapped moth finally free from its iron prison. Catching his breath, Ent went to fetch his waterskin that was nearby. It was as cold as the surrounding snow. “this wont do” he thought and imagined a flame inside of the waterskin and felt an energy leak out of his fingertips. soon enough the water in it was a lukewarm.
“Master Ent.” Said an elderly man from behind.
Turning around Ent saw a gray haired man in a tuxedo. It was non other than the head butler of the Lockheed estate; Furi Onderlured.
“Hail Furi! What brings you here?” Ent asked wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Your father calls for you at the main manor Master Ent. I will take care of this mess while you go.”
“No need Furi.” Ent then grabbed the moth from the air, whispered some words to it and stuffed it back in to the armors chassis. A moment passed and the armor was reanimated. Climbing back on its feet and kneeling awaiting a command.
“Moth, head to the estate and await further instuctions.” Ent barked. The animated suit of armor gave a slight bow and jogged in the direction of the manor
“My thanks master Ent. But I would’ve done it on my own. I’m still able bodied.”
“Non sense Furi you’re becoming frail I don’t want you to spend your retirement tending to your failing back.”
“My gratitude upon you then master Ent. Shall you accompany me to the manor then?”
“I don’t see why not.”
The both of them walk side by side in the winter wonderland making small talk on the way to the manor thankfully it was only a minutes walk away. Getting to the manor itself. It was large almost and could be classified as a fortress but due to its materials it wont hold up much when it came to a siege. Not that it matter too much. No one would be crazy enough to fight the Lockheed family on their land. Getting to the steps Furi opened the large door for Ent and they both entered. Getting inside they were greeted with a large hall illumited by magic stones. From the sides arches that lead to other rooms of the manor and at the end was a grand stair case leading up to the second and third floors. In the middle of the grand hall was a kneeling suit of armor still animated and awaiting orders.
“I shall take things from here Master Ent, your father is in the study, come moth.” Furi said. The suit of armor following the old butler into another room without a word. Ent makes his way down the long hall to the stair case going up a floor and turning to another hall. Taking note of all of its lavish décor and many portraits of his ancestors including a picture of his recent mother. Every one in an identical pose but a different person. The manor itself though enormous was very vacant with barely any souls out and about in its halls. The hand full of butlers and maids or off else where probably tiding up a room or cooking a meal for themselves or one of his family members. Eventually he came to the set of doors he was looking for. Before him was a large a pair of intercally carved and decorated doors the art on them was in a broque style showing book shelves. Written on the doors were the words “With knowledge comes power” inlayed with a golden metal that was polishing into silver after many years of use.
Entering the study It did not take long for Ent to locate his father. It might have been because of his larger size or even wardrobe attire refusing to take off the Lockheed heirloom armor unless sleeping or attending a ball. Rothaga was his father’s name and even with the dragon skull helmet on he was able to read just fine. His armor was adorned with dragon scales and medals given to him by the monarch that ruled those lands. It had seen many battles showing damage of past wars and duels but regardless it still held to this day. His hair was dark green and dreadlocked with special oriental beads made from dragon bone. Ent had never seen his father without the helmet on so sometimes he would mistake him for a dragon some days.
“Ahh my boy there ye are!” Rothaga got up from his chair with open arms. Ent Stopped before getting any closer. “You know dad, we’re in the study, it would be bad if we spared here.” Ent said trying to judge his father’s next move. “You really think I wanna train ye here son?” his father sounding sad but still holding his arms out. Ent a bit reluctant sighed and approached him with arms outstretched but still tense. Before being able to close the distance his father lunged at him picking him up and squeezing the breath out of Ent. Rothaga on the other hand giving out a loud and hearty laugh as his sudden hug got tighter and tighter. Ent unable to say anything tapped his fathers’ ribs signifying he’s had enough. Getting the message, he put’s Ent down giving a slight chuckle as he nearly stumbles at the small drop. “Come walk with me son. There’s something I want to talk to you about, something important.”
The 2 of them exited the study walking down the long hall.
“How are you fairing son? I know you’ve been cooped up in that cabin of yours, its rare that you came out even rarer that I see ye training. Did You manage to get an epiphany when you were reading those books?”
“No dad I was actually offered a job not too long ago, I needed to practice my skills as I haven’t really trained in a while.”
“You know I am always willing to train you. Gods know I have too much time on my hands now. I think I’m gonna end up becoming your grandpa quicker than he did.”
“I thought you had a contract with the monarch, what happened?”
“Oh you mean those guards? I managed to whip em up real quick. Even ol George was surprised that he even threw in a bonus.”
“That’s expected of you Dad. You’ve read all the books on every possible weapon art and even mastered them too. You even took martial art lessons when you were my age didn’t you? I remember you recalling a story on how you became a pupil of some community deep in the mountains.”
“Ay, Iron arm style. The people up there strengthen themselves to wild those iron fist to break defense and then go in with something sharp to finish off any would be stone wolf or raider that came knocking. Do you want to know how to use Iron arm Style Ent?”
“I don’t think I have the time dad.” Ent said looking at his bandaged wound.
“You never told me how you got that wound. Did you slip while cooking something?”
“Nah I just made a stupid mistake when sharpening my sword. I wanted it to heal naturally. Healing with magic leads to scaring.”
“Is that so? Well knowing that would have saved me from some of these aching scars.” Rothaga said with a slight chuckle.
The pair walked a small distance in silence till they stopped right in front of a portrait hanging on the wall. Underneath the painting was a nameplate and a large display case of medals. This was Ent’s great great great grandfather; Healfy Lockheed. Much like his father he too adorned the armor his father wears but this time with the helmet worn as a puldron. He had short dark green hair and had a pronounced beard stylized with braids and beads. His face was scared with a long scar reaching from his eye to lower jaw. His facial expression was neutral though his eyes gave a small hint of contempt. Rothaga went to touch the name plate.
“So what do you need to tell me dad?” Ent said breaking the silence.
Rothaga looked up at the painting directly in to Healfy’s slit pupiled eyes.
“There comes a time when every household must choose a new face for the family Ent. We are no exception.”
“Wha- What do you mean dad?”
Rothaga looked down at his hand deep in a thought before shaking his head to himself.
“Just a thought to consider. I’m getting to that age you know where my body is starting to get the better of me.” He said giving a slight smile.
“What is the job anyway Ent? I know that the other 4 figureheads came by to talk to me about some military campaign that might happen. Did they pay ye a visit in your cabin while they were here?”
Ent gulped a little remember the conversation he had last month. The reason why he is training again.
“No the only thing that paid me a visit was the cold and Furi to give me the ingredients I wanted for a recipe.”
Even with the helmet on Ent could sense his fathers’ doubtful eyes. But instead of questioning him, he gave a large sigh.
“I’m not in the mood to pry secrets out of your mouth Ent. So, you can keep em for now. But at least be honest and tell me the truth. If you want to get tied into their politics, be my guest. But I trust that whatever it is that you’ve agreed to do, you will do it well.”
Ent knew he was always a bad liar. But it surprised him to see his father be so passive on secrets.
“that being said, if you’re not going to tell me your little affair then I will keep my own surprises till you do or, if you beat me in a friendly match.” Rothaga said giving a slight chuckle.
Ent stood still debating his choices. While his father looked at him awaiting an answer.
“I think I’ll have to decline your offer father we both know who would win in the end” Ent said
“Alright then son you keep your secrets. I will share this one detail this is something that your mother told me. I’m just the messenger.” Rothaga said with a hint of sadness in his tone.
Ent now a bit more interested on what his mother’s words were. While she was much like his father being bold and brave, she had a certain grace to her which others looked up to. Even the monarch was interested in her exploits which was rare to hear as he was a focused man trying to better the lives of his subjects.
“Also there’s a gift from me too though you won’t need it till you’ve gone out. For now, why we don’t eat. All this talking got me appetite going”
Both then went to the dining hall taking a seat at the round table
“Where is everyone anyway dad? I would have thought I’d seen Corilla or even Helsing around the mannor.”
“Everyone’s been away even me for the better of this month. Yer brother Helsing spoke of traveling to the north in search of an artifact he’s been tasked with finding, but the feud with the rouge tribes and the eastern continent has been tough. Yer sisters, Corilla and Bevie were tired of sitting around at the manor and decided to head west to aid the monarch’s army and reclaim land for the western continent. As for me, well im awaiting word from the monarch for when we move our armies south to over throw the southern continent “the Republic of Ohvera” a bothersome rebel army that’s been proven troublesome for the Talonhand family to deal with.”
Furi along with a number of servants then rolled out with a fully roasted cow still spinning and over an open flame and seasoned with spicy and savory spices. On the edges were an amass of leafy greens with fruits as well. Most of the cow and greens will go to Rothaga while Ent will eat his full. He prefers to cook his own meals but a bit with family is always nice to have. “Thank ye Furi, never disappointed me with yer cooking.” Rothaga said eyeing the meal with a primal hunger. Furi then gave a slight bow and wordlessly rallied the other servants out of the dining hall leaving Ent and Rothaga to their meal.
Rothaga then dug into the cooking cow ripping it by chunks with his teeth. Ent on the other hand grabbed a plate and dressed it with the beef and greens.
“Seems like everyone is out and about. I plan on heading to Panax though I’ve never been there.” When Rothaga heard Panax he stopped and swallowed his last bit and stared at Ent.
“Panax you say, Ent?”
“Aye, have you been there before?”
“Panax is the one place in this whole world I am most weary of son. They say that place is where we got all this magic around in the world. I rises from the panax shrine and carried through the winds. That’s how almost everywhere get its mana. Hell Panax is not the only place is where the magic comes from but If I were you id stay clear of that place. Them monsters seem to worship places like that. And they only get stronger the more magic is in ye air.”
“I did not know this about Panax the books I got from the study did not say that.”
“That’s because those books are outdated Ent. I heard about this via word of scholars at the capital.”
“Well what else did they say.”
“That the concentration at Panax is enough to kill nearly any nomad that crosses through panax without mana stones. I might have to get you some if you do go into Panax. Mana corruption is such a ill sight to see.”
“I thought our dragon blood prevented us from getting mana corruption though.”
“Aye it does me and you don’t have to worry about it. But its more for another topic. If all goes well in the next few days and the snow thaws, then you’ll diffidently need some.”
“Why what will happen when the snow thaws?”
“A little surprise for when that day comes my son. Now why don’t we continue our banquet. Ill share some renewed studies on Panax with you after.”
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The day had come for Ent to finally head out for the monster of monsters. As much as he would love to stay and reconnect, he had a duty to take care of first. Making sure to pack up the essentials, food, water, Coin, a bed roll, and a book or 2. He loaded as much as he could in his rucksack. Before he felt he was ready to head on out. Not before he was stopped by Furi upon exiting his cabin.
“Master Ent, I do hope you aren’t going out now. You’ve yet to see your gift from your father.”
“Hey there Furi what brings you here this early.”
“Your father ordered me to fetch you before you got out of the estate’s main grounds. He said that this gift would help you In your travels. So would you please follow me master Ent.”
Ent gave a slight sigh but put down his ruck sack and followed the old butler. Both walked down a path for a while in silence until Furi stopped, pulled out a paper talisman and ripped it. In that instant Furi vanished in a flash of blue and white lights. Ent was flabbergasted at the butler’s sudden use of a recall talisman. But it did not take long why for him to figure out why the head butler did that. Ducking down immediately, he narrowly avoided a large, bearded axe that sailed through the air. Cutting down a tree with the sheer amount of force put behind the throw. That axe was non other then his fathers and it did not take long for Ent to figure out what was happening.
“Oi dad I thought I told you I did not want to do your little bet!” Ent shouted into the woods.
his shout was answered only a roar emitted by his father. Ent reflexfly reached for his sword but remembered he left is strapped to his rucksack. Hearing his fathers pounding footsteps Ent dashed for the bearded axe. Lifting it in both hands he knew it was heavy and unwieldy, but it was better than nothing especially when fighting an opponent like his father. Prepared to strike, Ent saw his father charging after him. But before he could swing the heavy weapon his father was the first to close the distance kneeing Ent in the stomach. The force behind the strike was so great that it launched Ent a small distance where he was stopped by a tree. Ent now dazed try to regain his thoughts as he was now seeing double and having trouble standing up straight. Catching his breath he looked at where he was last hit only to see nothing now except for the slit hole where the bearded axe was.
“This aint about the bet boy. This is weather or not you’re ready to go out again!” called out the forest. Ent could not pin point where the voice is coming from as it came from 3 different directions. “He must be using magic.” Ent thought but that must mean its fine for him to use magic as well. Calming himself he slowed his breathing and focused on his senses. Eventually his surroundings became blank and he could see where his father was. Ent then dashed away from the tree as his father cleaved right through it, trunk and all falling and throwing up a large dust cloud. “Wonderfully dodged Ent. But fleeing wont be enough!” His father screamed charging at him again. Ent prepared to counter the attack, but that plan was thrown out as his father dug the axe into the ground and flung huge rocks and debris at Ent nearly hitting him.
“Don’t you think you’re going a bit rough on me dad? I am unarmed after all.” Ent said assuming a high fighting stance. His father gave out a hearty laugh and said “You’re a Lockheed boy! You expect me to believe you need a weapon to fight?!?” he then throws his axe at him with the full intent to maim. Ent having enough time side steps the threat. Rotana however expected this and jerked his hand back revealing the Astral chain he had attached to his axe. He then pulled the chain sending the axe to boomerang back at his son. However, Ent was quicker and managed to catch the axe and managed to break the chain using his own magic. Gaining the advantage Ent stomped and used the earth to create earthen spire to launch the axe and himself for an attack. However, his father gave out an ear-splitting roar causing Ent to be pushed back by the shockwave and leave his ears ringing as he lands on the ground. The axed continued on its path being caught by Rothaga before hitting the ground.
Ent was about to call out to his father. But before he could Rothaga stomped the ground making a large boulder jump then, using the flat side of his axe, hit the boulder in mid air launching it at a high speed directly at Ent. Before he could dodge Ent was hit by the boulder getting consumed in the dust. Rothaga gave a slight chuckle at seeing the sight but was confused when he saw no one when the dust settled. Getting closer Rothaga wondered if Ent was underneath the rocky debris of the once boulder. But before he could fetch him his feet were suddenly frozen in place with ice. Struggling to get out the last thing he saw before he got his feet free was Ents dagger pushed up against his throat. Ent had managed to use the dust to his advantage and hide in the trees and get on his back for a sneaky final blow.
Rothaga dropped his axe.
“You got me son, fair and square.” Rothaga said defeated but proud.
Ent got off his father’s back putting dagger back in his concealed ankle sheath.
“I don’t think this is much of a gift dad.”
“That’s because this isn’t yer actual gift. What kind of father do you take me.” Rothaga said giving a hearty laugh.
“Well not a normal one that’s for sure. But you’re my dad.” Picking up the heavy axe and giving it back to his father.
Rothaga sheathed his axe and holstered it on his back. He was happy to see his son still strong.
“Come son lets go get your real gift.” He said as he walked down the path waiting for his son.
Both father and son shared some small talk and continued down the dirt path a small distance to be greeted by a stable. There weren’t many horses to be there as most of the family members were away from the estate due to both business and personal reasons. Except there was one extra horse there. One in speckled pattern coat of white and gray with a gray mane and a white tale. It was strong and young and seemed eager to see Rothaga and by extension Ent. “A little while ago I was given this stallion as thanks from the Ramstin family. I already have Partras, So I’m giving em to you. His name is Pebbles and he’s a motivated thing.” Ent reached out his hand to Pebbles in which the young horse sniffed and licked his hand. “I knew he’d like ya.” his father said feeling a hint of content in his voice.
In no time Pebbles was equipped is rein and tackle with a custom saddle one bearing the family insignia. The insignia was on a green background, itself bared a full dragon wings unfurled and claws unsheathed lined with a tarnished raw umber thread. With the help of Pebbles Ent was able to carry more supplies for his journey to Panex. Soon with the help of Furi, the saddlebags were full of rations and maps marked with ways to get to Panex as quickly as possible. With everything in order all that was needed was to take the first steps outside of the estate. But before doing so, a father and son had to bid each other farewell. Ent on top of pebbles rode to the main gates of the estate, his father was there waiting for him in his iconic armor along with Furi.
“There’s me boy finally on his own horse. ”
“Thanks dad. I’m hoping that the trip there wont be too long. I’m only there for one thing and one thing only. After that I’m out and heading back here as fast as possible.”
“As ye should son. That war counseling mentioned Panax. I don’t think we need to be occupied there but the other families were persistent. I don’t know why but it was important enough for me to remember that dribble.”
“Why would they want to occupy Panax. I thought there was pretty much nothing to gain there even the shrine there was abandoned because of that monster problem.”
“Only the gods know son. But if I were to put my 2 coins in the matter it would be that they intend to reclaim the shrine. Its got a lot of magic residue, and I know fer a fact the other families aim to use it for themselves. Though I want no part in it. Leave them to compete for it themselves and we Lockheed’s can gawk at them and laugh.”
“I intend to watch too dad. But I have to head off now ain’t no time like the current.”
“Before you go, Ent.”
Rothaga then pulled off a necklace he was wearing and presented it to Ent. It was a small amulet made of twisting metal with a small glowing green gem affixed in the middle of it. Ent hesitantly took the amulet in his hand.
“Something I’ve wanted to give you fer awhile Ent. Twas made by yer mother when you were born.” Rothaga said
“what is it?” Ent asked holding it with awe.
“From what she told me tis a protection amulet. Made with just a smidge of her own soul. So no matter where or what, your mother will be with you.”
Ent immediately put on the jewelry giving a slight sigh of relief seeing it fit him just fine
“A moment of your time aswell before heading out master Ent.” Furi asked
“Sure what is it Furi?”
“My daughter was enamored by you master Ent but was sadden to see you hide away in your cabin for nearly 3 years. Because of this she asked me to deliver these items to you in order to help you in your future campaigns.” Furi then pulled out a crude straw doll and a folded letter and handed them to Ent.
Before Ent could open the letter Furi spoke up “Master Ent my daughter request that you only read that letter when you feel you are at your wits end. She hopes the words in it will help you find you way should you need guidance. She looks up to you.”
Ent respected the wish and reached into his chestplate.
“In that case ill keep these in my secret pouch.”
Ent then pulled out a leather pouch and checked inside it first. Inside was a couple of reserve stones and 20 gold coins which would be enough for a stagecoach anywhere or even a boat across the seas to another continent. He made room for the straw fetish and the letter and replaced the pouch back in his armor.
Before he could trot off his father put his hand on his shoulder. “Before ye go Ent at least give yer old man a hug” he said taking off his helmet. This was the first time in his 22 years that he had seen his fathers face. Looking at him he saw a grizzled but smiling man his eyes slit like a lizards and patches of scales around the edges of his chin and neck. His long dark hair was dreadlocked and longer than expected now with the helmet out of the way. His beard was trimmed and colored the same color as his hair. His teeth were chipped and wonky. Ent stared at his old mans face making sure to keep this image burned in his memories. He wanted to say that this was the first time he’d ever seen his own fathers face but that thought was pushed as he was once again pulled into a gentle hug. Eventually goodbyes had to be said and Ent rode off turning back to see his father waving and Furi giving a reserved bow.
Traveling does have a routine to it, you first wake up get something warm and easy in your belly, check the horse make sure its healthy and well, pack up camp, and continue on the way. The journey continued through melting alpine tundra’s, rolling hills, and hilly forests. Thanks to a careful preparation Not many people were encountered during the trip. Very few eyes to be criticized from, and no highway men to cause a ruckus. The trip became calmer and smoother until Ent reached a sign. On it read “BEWEARE! PANAX FAUNA AHEAD! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!” all in a bright red on a hastily painted white sign. Stopping a moment to look at the overgrown path ahead. Ent thought about going back home. But he’d already came this far, he wouldn’t forgive himself if he turns tail now. Finding his resolve Ent pressed on with pebbles reluctant to continue.
Pushing on, the grass and vegetation started to take on a more purplish hue the further in land Ent traveled. Thankfully finding a signpost directing the closest way out. However, All of the signs to the other now empty villages and more importantly to the shrine were all laid out on the ground and withered with decay. Looking around There was no clear path to Panax from here. Going with his gut Ent took the path more traveled praying that it would be the right one. Supplies can only last so long and pebbles refused to graze from the purple vegetation treating it as if it is poison.
The further and further both went the flora morphed into alien designs and proportions. Growing strange spined fruit, spiral like trees that seemed to try and grab Ent the closer he got to the branches, and viny bushes that seemed to slither when pebbles got to close to them. Even the sky seemed to change going from a once orange sunset into a now deep purple horizon. It was starting to get dark now. But as the moon came out the land was now glowing blue.
The magic around here was so concentrated it was leaking out of the ground and infecting the plant life with unrefined mana that mutated it to a large degree. Thankfully due to Ent’s dragon blood he was able to safely absorb the mana and use it to his own benefit replacing the psychological need to sleep but not his physical need. Pebbles on the other hand was not faring too well. Without the use of special mana stones, Pebbles had to absorb the raw mana directly. Thankfully Ent had prepared beforehand and fasten mana stones on pebbles, but they were starting to glow full. Ent did not expect the magic to be this plentiful in Panax. With continued exposure to this much magic Pebbles will start to develop “mana corruption” that vary from headaches, nosebleeds, visual hallucinations, and delirium in minor doses. However, at these levels anything from vomiting, bodily mutations/growths, change’s in personality, lunacy, and death.
Pebbles wont last till morning at this rate. So Ent had to decide to travel a safe distance away from the magic rich zone hitch pebbles and hope that he doesn’t get stolen, eaten, or lost when he’s gone, Or to press on risking pebbles life but also increasing the speed of getting the task done. His thinking was interrupted when a crude glowing tipped spear was launched and landed in front of Ent in Pebbles. The spear then glows blindly bright and explodes causing Pebbles to panic, buck Ent off and flee as quickly as he can in the opposite direction along with all of Ents supplies. Ent was blinded and on his back. Rubbing his eyes to see again. However, the first sight he saw upon regaining his vision was the sight of a large club coming down on his head and knocking him out with a loud *Thonk*.