The room was dark with a dimly lit fireplace. Nearby a pillar of books next to a end table next to that a chair being occupied by a lone figure bundled up with furs reading a book next to a lit candle. Taking a moment to look away from the book the lone figure looked at the candle. The candle itself was ¾ of the way burned. Taking it as a sign the lone figure sighed and got up making sure not the unbundle themselves. Putting the book down on an unoccupied spot of the room the figure waddled around the room with candle in hand. Looking around closely using the candles light the figure spotted the drawer they were looking for. Opening it up showed it filled to the brim with unburnt candles of varying sizes and colors. The figure rummages around in the drawer before finding a candle much like the one that he is using but not burned or used other than a few scuff marks. Satisfied, the figure went back to its chair by the fireplace. But before being able to sit back down it heard a knock at its door. Annoyed the form made its way over to the door, almost tripping over a pile of books hidden by the dark. Regaining their composure, they pause at the door.
Slowly unlocking it they open the door making sure their foot can act as a bard. But outside was not a lone vagabond. But rather a group 5 of well-dressed individuals in their winter gear including with 1 heavily cloaked man. Of the well-dressed individuals they all appeared to be in their mid-forties and were adorned with heavy but fancy robes all lined with fur. Along with their robes they all had a side cape which was embroiled with their family’s insignia. The first man Had short dark crimson hair and a goatee at his side wore a sword not for battle but rather for decoration, his cape along with his robes matched the same shade as his hair and had the image of a furious lion lined with golden thread. The second man had Ashen hair, no beard but peculiarly thick eyebrows his robes had a gray tone to them along with his cape that had the image of an adult Ram lined with an earthen colored thread. The third man had strikingly yellow and long hair that contrasted nicely with his emerald eyes. He also had no beard, and his cape and robes matched his hair. His cape had the visage of a flying eagle lined with blood red thread. Finally, the fourth man had tree bark colored hair and full beard that reached his chest. which his robes and cape matched. His cape had the image of a bear standing on its hind legs lined with a silver thread.
“Hello Sir Ent Lockheed.” Said the crimson man “We’ve come to talk to you about an important mat-“The door slammed shut. The figure, a man named Ent then walked back to his chair with his book still on the page he was reading. But before sitting down the rapping started again. Deciding to just ignore them, Ent went back to reading. However, the knocking did not stop. Getting annoyed Ent fetched a piece of paper and booked marked his page. He then fetched another log to put on the fire and headed towards the door again. Opening the door, the 5 men were still there 2 of them mainly the brown and ashen man were discussing with each other. Not in the mood to know Ent stated, “If you men are being this persistent, I suppose I should sate your meddling.” Opening the door more, the 5 men entered the Ent’s abode.
With everyone inside they all went towards the fire to warm themselves from the bitter cold outside. Ent went back to his chair near the fire getting comfortable.
“So, what do you fine gentlemen want? I was in the middle of a good book before the you lot came by; I very much wish to continue it as soon as possible.” Said Ent.
The men all looked around confused that the abode only had one chair.
“If you’re looking for another chair gentlemen there are none, other than mine. This could have been avoided if you had sent for me to come to the main estate.” Said Ent.
“Yes, but we did not wish for another Lockheed to hear our offer to you. It’s best that we keep this information between all of us.” The crimson man said.
“How could this not be shared with another Lockheed? Not every day the other 4 noble family figureheads come to talk to us. If anything, it’d be for your own protection, gods know what would make you men come to us for refugee.”
“Indeed but this is a matter that we must discuss only to you Sir Ent.” Interrupted the earthen man.
“And why’s that Lord Hagen? Why are my ears the only one’s worthy of hearing your unknown petition?”
“Well why don’t we let the sage tell you.”
The clocked stranger slowly made his way past the other 4 men. Lifting his hood to revel a gnarled old man, blind as a bat with a wicked smile on his crusted lips. Ent looked at the old man seeing how he beamed his vacant eyes at Ent filled him with an unnerving feeling. Slowly the old man outstretched both hands towards Ent’s face. All the while his smile growing wider and wider with every inch. Ent reflexively batted the old man’s hands away from him getting out of his chair and pushing the “sage” away in the process. “That is no sage! What kind of fool do you take me for!” Cried Ent
“He is the sage Sir Ent! He Is here to tell you your duty. That is why he is here, that is why we are here. Wont you at least listen to what he is before shunning us away?” cried the ashen man.
“I have every right to shun you all Lord Endric. Without my previous interventions your land and people would be in a much worse state, and all I get from all that monstrous ramble was no thanks. Only a spit on the face from a child.”
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“I’ve not heard of this till now. I’m terribly sorry, I suppose the prejudice towards the Lockheed family is still a deep rooted one.”
“And now you’ve all come to make a fool of me again? Calling this blind bat, a sage and having him infect me and my home with his foul miasma!? I will have you five kicked out back into the cold! My book was more interesting than this lowly squabble.” Ent yelled in anger.
Pointing towards the door. The nobles were about to retort until the “sage” grabbed Ent from behind. Taking him by surprise Ent struggled against the strength of the elder man. Unable to break out of his iron grasp. Slowly the old man Ent around looking wildly and cackling, while he slowly went prod Ent’s eyes with his thumbs. Flailing around Ent reached for his sword that was leaning on his chair, but he was too late. At that moment the old man forced the tip of his thumbs through his eye lids and had them rest gently on his eyes and Ent was stunned with a sudden vision.
Before him he saw flashes of battle, cries of fear and pain, fire encapsulating the land and lava bursting from the earth itself. Among all the fire and the cries of pain a lone figure seated upon a pile of corpses being gnawed on by creatures of skin and scale. Before getting a good look at the figure Ent was let go. Cupping his eyes and he laid in a fetal position quivering. A moment passed as Ent gasped for air trying to rationalize what he had just saw. Regaining his composure, he climbed to his feet with the help of the yellow man.
“Perhaps that has satisfied your concern on why we are here Sir Ent?” The crimson man said smugly seating himself in the chair.
“What did I just see Carian.” Ent said still clasping his eyes.
“That was none other than the vision the Sage has bestowed upon you. It is a window to the future and the reason as to why we are here.”
“But why show me this? Surly one of your own kin or even knights would be more worthy of seeing it.”
“Trust me Ent, if we could have chosen, we would have. But you are the only option that we had left.”
“And why’s that Lord Carian, am I some chosen one to be picked out like one of those Folklore stories?”
“Precisely Ent. You have been chosen by the Sage himself, and by extension the gods, to carry out this quest. You may not like it and we most certainly abhor it, but it is what the sage wishes. Thus, we cannot go against it”
“Then in that case let the world burn. This world has never wanted me even when I’ve tried to show that us Lockheed’s aren’t some conniving serpents out to maim anyone that got to close.” Ent said leering at Carian.
“Maybe from the ashes of this old world, a new one will rise. One without such deep hatred for the Lockheed. One that can let go of the past and mistakes that my ancestors made”
“Have you forgotten what you’ve just seen Ent!?” Yelled Carian
“That future is not one that would be welcoming to anyone. We need to prevent it no matter the costs.” Said the Yellow man.
“Well Atalyx? What are you lot willing to do for me then? Seems only fair I save all your hides and I get something in return.” Ent said turning to the yellow man.
“Well Sir Ent we know recently you’ve given up your pursuit to clear your families name. So, we offer to sponsor you should you take up your cause again. No matter the cost, no matter the methods and no matter the time. We all will help you bring your family out of infamy. You have our words.”
Ent’s eyes lit up hearing Atalyx’s words. Focusing his gaze on his open hand. Carian got out of the chair and grabbed Ent’s sword. Looking at the blade he saw the numerous chips, dents and blemishes that decorated it. Each telling a story of a battle that itself had faced. Despite all the damage it had sustained it was still whole and aching for more. Approaching Ent, Carian kneeled before Ent presenting him with his sword. When the other 4 men saw this they all also kneeled looking down at the floor.
“Please Ent. If not for us, do it for the people. And should you die, we will keep our words and carry on your mission.” Carian said head hanging low and presenting Ent with his sword.
Taking a moment Ent was hesitant. But seeing his reflection on the blade. He got a good look of himself. With the furs off him he saw how unkempt he was. His olive eyes were sunken and bloodshot, skin pale, cedar hair wild and long and a once clean-shaven face was now sporting a scraggly and crumb riddled beard. Doubt slowly clouded his mind but reaching deep into he remembered something that renewed his resolve. Grabbing the sword by blade and gripping tightly he started to bleed but felt no pain. This was the blood of a Lockheed. The blood of the dragons and that’s all he needs to know.
“Fine then. I will Banish this threat to my dying breath. You have my word. If I have yours.”
The men, all collectively sigh in relieve and get up from their kneeling position. Their gloomy faces now replaced with beaming smiles.
“Terrific Sir Ent. Will you be making your way to the menace now? From what we can tell that “Thing” will be at the Panax shrine.” Spoke Hagen.
“No Lord Hagen, not yet. I need to prepare, plan a route and hone my skills for the journey. A pilgrimage to Panax is one usually fought not traveled. Give me a month or 2 and I will embark and put an end to that monster of monsters.” Ent said sheathing the sword.
“Of course, Sir Ent of course. Well then, we will be on our way. If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to your task our doors will be open for you.” Lord Carian said signaling for the rest to follow him out.
All 5 men then clamored to the door and exited the home in an orderly file with Atalyx being the last. Before shutting the door. He gazed at Ent now looking at his self-inflected wound. Atalyx wanted to say something but, he held his voice and solemnly closed the door. The fireplace now dying Ent went to his cupboard and grabbed a rolled bandage and mended his wound. Hearing a peculiar pop from the fireplace he took it as a sign to go to bed with his final thought of tomorrow knowing it was going to be a fine day.