I walked through the gates of the small prospering town known as Siegfried after several long months away.
It was a town enriched with a history of hardships evident by the abandoned buildings outnumbering those who call it home.
The enclosed fields of golden grain have been my on and off again home for several years now.
It was one of the few places that could be considered a sanctum where the sounds of the natural world deafened that of man.
Even now, I can hear the sound of Siegfried's heart beating on the calm breeze.
My gaze fell on the scene of children running through the streets chasing a small red ball with laughter in their hearts.
Images of the past began to take hold changing the children into me and another as we played, but I quickly shook it off before it completely took control.
Sighing, I saw an old seamstress with matted brown hair tied out of her face give a little bow when our eyes met before slicing the trimming of a new masterpiece.
No matter how much I tell them to stop, the people of Siegfried still greet me in such a manner fit for a king.
I was grateful when the ball nudged my foot, and bent down to hand it to a small blonde haired girl who smiled with a wide toothy grin.
Nearing one of the outer Inns, I saw a woman dressed in a finely made crimson gown underneath a velvet shawl barking orders at three servants clad in tattered dust ridden clothes.
She stood all marvelous as they each struggled to load boxes into a majestic marble carriage laced in gold.
Suppressed anger began to turn in the pits of my stomach as the memory of those born with a silver spoon gambled on those who they deem unworthy to live.
Shadowy rats emerged from my shadow ready to startle the two white mares upon my command.
Though I hated nobility, the livelihood of those who took me in resided over my petty vendetta.
Dismissing the rats, I continued down the dirt road running through the center of town until reaching my destination, a tavern called Raven's Claw.
The place was run by a woman named Matilda Joan O'Shea, Momma Joan to most, who was among the Sluaghdyr, or beastkin to those uninitiated.
Momma Joan was recognized instantly by her fox ears and tail common among the Vulpes tribe.
Besides owning one of two drinking spots in Siegfried, Momma Joan was one of the founding members to take our town from a few shacks to the place now known as the Jewel of Grain.
I watched a young couple place distance between them, and a Sluaghdyr work crew loading a carriage meant for departure from a nearby shop.
It never ceases to amaze me watching how people who visit Siegfried act afraid toward its Sluaghdyr denizens more than the monster inhabitants.
I couldn't blame them for their actions, though, since beastkin have a bad reputation for being ruthless beasts during past and present wars.
Armies of elves, Sluaghdyr, and humans all clashing for the right to rule Aquera no matter the cost -- and a great cost it would be for all sides.
Each side fought with such aggression that the lands and sea were bathed in blood until a fragile truce was often forged.
I pulled a hood made of shadows over my head hoping to avoid seeing any more nobility deciding to rest in Siegfried, and began to enter Raven's Claw. "Jakul!!!" a young voice called my name stopping me in my tracks.
A bounding smile of a young boy that looked to be in his ninth winter running toward me made the time away all the more worth it.
Breathes of wind gently grasped short curly brown hair of a soft gentle face brimming with utter happiness to see me.
Eyes of overwhelming blue quickly blocked out the setting sun.
The sound of barking alarmed those who stood in front of the boy to move out of his way.
My eyes were always delighted to see the young wolf pup abandoned by its pack two years ago become an inseparable companion to the boy who tried to catch his breath while it circled around me.
I knelt down and began to pet the pup while chuckling between foul smelling licks, "It's good to see you as well Dutch."
When Dutch had his fill of attention, I turned to the boy and ruffled his hair. "The same goes to you as well Aaron. Tell me, how have things been since my departure? Did your father send you to greet me?"
Aaron Rowan Williamson was the lad's name, and his family stood beside Momma Joan in defending my right to reside in Siegfried against those who sought my ostracization after an altercation with some disrespectful unsavories.
I remember the first time I met the Williamson family, it was a day much like today.
I had just finished pitching a tent next to one of the many shallow rivers in the nearby forest.
A kettle of my mother's favorite herbal tea hung over dancing flames while two skewered meats clung underneath.
My early lunch was unfortunately interrupted when Aaron bolted from nearby shrubs and hid behind me, almost knocking the tea over.
His little hands clung tight around my sleeve no matter how hard I tried to pull away.
I was about to forcibly pull his hands off when the sound of rustling bushes came from the direction he trailed.
A large canine head protruded from the trees soon followed a black brutish body riddled with scars.
Three unmissable small green figures of goblins scuttled into the open with their uncivilized weapons of stone and wood.
The goblins were easy prey to dispatch, but the barghast was another issue all its own cause where there is a barghest… there is a hobgoblin, or worse holding its leash.
Time sure does have a tendency to fly by if you don't pay close attention. Hard to believe that same snot-nosed five year old boy now stands before me with that exact look of worry painted on his round face.
His mother, a woman by the name Marie Theodora Williamson, was so relieved to see her little lost whelp was finally home unharmed after her husband's convoy was ambushed by goblins.
I had ignored her calls of gratitude and made my way to Raven's Claw to clean up.
It was eventually through Momma Joan that Marie was finally able to properly give her gratitude.
After that day, I had unknowingly gained a family in an unfamiliar town full of people who either feared me, or opposed my stay.
They each went out of their way to make me feel welcomed in Siegfried when most others simply avoided me.
I still remember the night Bjorn, Marie, and Aaron had surprised me with a birthday cake after many years without celebration.
Aaron pushed my hand off his head and quickly spoke. "There are people here looking for you," he took a moment to calm himself, "Knights from Ironclad! Father told me to warn you."
Looking to the side, I found Bjorn standing near the entrance of his bakery - a place with the unsettling name of Ogre's Toenail - staring at me with arms tightly crossed over his chest.
His pepper gray hair gleaming like the jewels adorned on the noble woman's carriage when the sun hit it in the right spots.
A collared red shirt hung loosely around his broad chest hiding a body molded by years of labor while a dusted black apron hung tightly around his neck.
Loose fitting black pants always tucked into a pair of ankle-high brown shoes.
I could tell that he was rubbing his silver wedding ring as he often did whenever his mind was troubled.
After nodding my thanks to Bjorn, I found tracing Aaron's face. I smiled gently and began to wipe away his unneeded sadness, "Everything will be fine Aaron. I promise you that much."
More tears flowed, making his words a mix between a baby's cry and a young man's intellect. "W…why are they here? A…are they g…g…gonna take you away?"
I shook my head. "I don't believe so," I tried to smile convincingly though doubts settled in my stomach, "remember your brother is quite excellent when it comes to hiding."
I hate lying to him, but it was honestly about time I was found anyway.
"Marie and I are worried as well," a low stern voice boomed behind us. It was a voice that held the subtlest of softness to it yet harsh in a way of discipline.
Bjorn stood over us casting his six foot shadow. "One among them - a Dökkálfar maiden came into the shop two hours ago. She seemed pretty riled up describing you to the letter, and the need to find you."
A smile traced the scarred line of his lips, "She isn't some past noble you swooned, eh lad?" He clicked his tongue. "You know SHE won't like the competition."
I ignored his little jest and stood up, "Trust me SHE has nothing to worry about." I saw a faint shadow looming over a nearby roof but acted like I didn't notice, "Now, did they say anything about why they are looking for me?"
Bjorn scratched his head while his lips pressed into a prideful grin. "I believe that the Beastdom may have something to do with their sudden arrival. I saw four Sluaghdyr wearing Breura's insignia and colors when they entered Raven's Claw an hour ago."
My eyes widened at such a statement, "The Beastdom?! Here?! Breura?! What?!"
Bjorn motioned his hands to quieten my outburst hoping that none would hear it. "Settle down lad," he eyed down some unwanted eyes until they moved along with their own business, "I thought your interests would be piqued."
"There's more lad," his voice dropped to a whisper when I settled down, "among them was a Lamia."
My shocked voice was muffled by a large calloused palm. "Hush lad," I followed his gaze to find a knight wearing Ironclad's colors standing just outside the tavern's door.
Bjorn led me over to his bakery while hoping our sudden departure wasn't too unusual for the knight to take notice. "Thank goodness," he sighed, "I don't think he noticed."
"F-forgive my outburst," I felt like Aaron whenever he was scolded, "I'm just in shock. I mean….a Lamia here in Siegfried."
He chuckled at my face of distraught, "There were some other tidbits of information that you'll probably find out later."
I sighed acknowledging the small smirk on my surrogate father's face. "Don't get any ideas now," Bjorn pointed a large finger at me, "drunken lips spilling information can get you so far."
Toward the far northeast lies the continent of Vusta where forests of vast growth reside.
It's known as the birthplace of all Sluaghdyr, where the primordial of nature Sӓmtõr created the first demihumans - humanoid creatures with characteristics of humans.
From texts I've read, Sӓmtõr was at constant odds against the primordial Mǿra - Queen of Spirits and Mother of Fey.
Their rivalry led to the creation of all sorts of creatures, both human and otherwise.
One such creation was an amalgamation of beautiful women and the sinister properties of serpents known as Lamias.
This day just gets better and better. I mean first Ironclad makes its presence known here alongside a delegate of Breura. Now, a bloody lamia of an unknown tribe is here. Gods damn me…
My heart skipped a beat upon a sudden realization of what the current situation might entail.
To my knowledge, thanks to my shadows within the kingdom, Ironclad's king has been frivolously attempting a non-aggression pact with Breura which holds a type of neutrality among its fellow reigning Beastdoms.
Such a pact would otherwise benefit each kingdom during times of bloodshed.
Breura must have sent one of its most trusted nobility to act as a representative.
Everything seemed to go in accordance with the silent customs of royalty.
If that is the case, then the king of Ironclad would assign his most competent advisor to act as an escort. The question now, why wait for this very moment to come to Siegfried?
The face of such an escort was just taking shape in my mind's eye when Bjorn nudged my shoulder, "Jakul!?"
I locked my anxiety deep inside my mind for later worry when I saw Bjorn's distraught expression. "Sorry," I gave my best smile, "I was just thinking about everything."
Hoping to reassure him further, I smiled as best I could. " Guess it's best to confront this shitshow of a storm head on, eh?"
Bjorn sighed trying to calm his unrestrained nerves. He grabbed hold of my forearm in friendship, "Without shadows there can be no light…"
I can't believe that we decided to use this corny saying as our mantra.
Ignoring my utter embarrassment, I spoke the words used among the spies I call my shadows. "And without light there can be no shadows."
Excitement filled my heart seeing the L-shaped maple desk where Momma Joan would greet each customer and assign a member of her staff to take care of them.
She was an exquisite woman who tended to resolve issues herself which, in my opinion, fit the three storey building that made up Raven's Claw.
According to Momma Joan, the building itself was some kind of library at one point in its history.
The basement that once held categories of books and information had totally been converted into a small brewery while the first storey was cleared out to make room for vibrant furnishings, and a fully stocked kitchen.
The stairs behind Momma Joan's desk led to the upstairs bedrooms and living area equipped with all the day to day necessities.
I wonder if she ever got around to cleaning the attic. Last I saw it, it was cluttered and needed dusting.
Hoping to take a bath and bypass seeing the ironclad knights and the lamia, I began to make the ascent up the stairs to wash away the month's stresses away. "Jakul?"
I smiled when discovering a stout woman with braided silver peppered locks flowing to her chest standing in front of the reception desk.
Tired oval auburn eyes peered up at me encased in a canvas of elegant beauty.
Thin charcoal lines outlined such eyes that never reached past the gaps of age.
The woman standing before me was Marie Theodora Williamson, and the second woman I considered like a mother on equal footing as Momma Joan.
Despite her looks, Marie was a terrifying woman in her own right thanks to the information she casually gains through her work, the perfect spy in my service.
Marie practically tossed the silver tray she carried onto the desk rushing to meet me at the bottom step and wrapped her arms around me in a tight vice. "It's good to see you finally home!"
She began her usual routine of bombarding me with question after question as she examined my body for any new wounds. "Have you been taking good care of yourself? What have you been doing? Does it hurt anywhere? How was this trip?"
I answered before she could immediately ask another question or I wouldn't get a say in, "I've been taking care of myself like I always promised."
She raised an eyebrow, "You were supposed to be back yesterday. Joan nearly had to hold me back from rushing after you. You would have been in even more trouble when I got my hands on you."
She began to impatiently stomping her foot while waiting for an answer that would satisfy her. Shaking my head, "I may have celebrated a little too much and got a bit distracted with a bit of hunting. It's not everyday that one gets to hunt with lizardmen."
Marie covered her face, but I saw the thin smile she tried to hide. Her smile faded immediately, "Why are knights from Ironclad here looking for you?"
I wanted more than anything to answer that question. "Truthfully, I just found out they were here from Aaron and Bjorn before coming inside. Thought it would have been best to avoid them all together along with the lamia."
Marie released her hold of me and just tilted her head. Rubbing my cheeks to get feeling back into them, "They could possibly be looking for someone to do a job that they don't want to do themselves. Then again, that might be a stretch."
Marie sighed, "Anyway, Joan is at your table waiting to see you like usual."
She smiled when I kissed her on the cheek. "There is a mug of ale waiting for you and an order of your favorite is being prepared."
I soon spoke an incantation of delirium with a flick of my wrist, and made my way to the table where Momma waited.
As I traversed past several patrons and drunken hands, I spotted the knights from Ironclad sitting at one of the larger tables against the far wall while a few others stood guard near the entrance of the booth section they had reserved for themselves.
There was about eight knights, not including the one I passed on the way in, eating freshly made meat pies while downing ale.
Most looked to be fresh from the academy while the latter two standing guard were much older.
Past experience told me that the younglings were the former charges of the two older knights who nurtured their ambitions through their academic years.
Looking past the two foreboding knights staring daggers at any who came near, I spotted a cloaked figure hiding their face within the shadows of their hood.
The figure sat munching on a plate of roast beef between the lamia and a lepus - a Sluaghdyr who have the features of hares/rabbits.
I took my time reaching the table often reserved for me by Momma Joan whenever it was near the time of my return.
It was my nature to analyze any possible threat inside Siegfried, and the lamia posed a huge threat if she was to rampage.
That, however, was the least of my worries as there was a table of roguish looking individuals making a scene at a nearby table.
Ignoring them, I set my eyes on the back of a variant of a sluaghdyr known as a Vulpes.
Two triangular fox ears twitched at the merest sound shifting tuffs of graying crimson fur cascading into a matching river of combed hair parted to the side.
No matter how many times I look at this particular Vulpes, my gaze instantly falls upon the missing tip of her right ear.
Bronze skin carrying a canvas of scars acquired during times of war underneath an elegant blue sundress like badges of esteemed honor.
Such a display made me envious of the confidence Momma Joan had.
This time, for sure, I'll be able to successfully sneak up on her, right?
It was a game for me and Momma Joan to see if I could slip past her very keen sense of hearing. Each footfall was as soft as they could be but it all was for nothing when a soft authoritative voice ordered, "Sit down son, don't give me any lip."
How does she do that even in this rowdy place?
I gave Momma Joan a hug and a kiss on the cheek after making sure my clothes were straightened and took the seat opposite her. "I'm home Momma."
She retorted without looking from the pile of paperwork, "My vision is still sharp for my age, boy. Just like I heard your footfalls."
A sly smile etched itself onto her face, "Even without those, I smelt you when you walked through the doors. You really could use a bath, son. You smell like yesterday's waste bucket."
"Well the only thing I have to say to that," I returned a grin of my own, "is at least I smell way better than some of your patrons. I mean a few of them smelt of a week's worth of waste."
She laughed at my retort and gave my hand a caring squeeze before her face once again became the serious mask she often wore. "I'm glad you're home Jakul, but we must talk."
I sighed and took up the flagon of ale as she spoke her mind. "As you might have already been told," she gave a quick glance toward the table of knights, "Ironclad is drastically searching for you."
Nodding, "Bjorn mentioned something about it when I arrived. He had Aaron to be on the look out for me as soon as I stepped through the gate."
"I'm guessing," my gaze was momentarily taken by the table of rowdy individuals Celeste was waiting on, "that we may have an 'important' guest among our company."
Momma Joan nodded with eyes filled with fear of the reasoning behind Ironclad's presence in Siegfried. "Aye, lad. My foxes saw them come from the north near Willow's Walk a few hours ago. They also reported a group of figures following close behind our guests."
"Hmm…" I pondered the possibilities, "Could the neighboring rogues gallery have finally gathered the nerve to act out, especially after last time? Or…do you think it's a new band wanting to claim territory?"
Momma Joan began to pluck pieces of filth out of her tail giving me a chance to observe the paperwork she was looking over. "Honestly, it could be either case. With Siegfried being so far away from Ironclad's watchful eyes, any number of unsavory actions could go unseen and unpunished."
Her demeanor changed to that of annoyance. "Nowadays all you hear about is someone killing someone else, or some nation attempting to expand. The past two weeks have been filled with an upkeep of newcomers who can do anything they want without consequences."
"That table over there," she nodded to the table of rouges, "has been causing nothing but trouble since they arrived. I'm tired of dealing with them. Too much of a headache for these old bones."
By the look of the bags under her eyes, one could easily tell that Momma Joan - a woman of confidence - hasn't been sleeping like a woman her age should. "It seems business is as busy as usual."
I squeezed her hand hoping she would take the bait of changing the subject. "Are you and the others pacing yourselves?"
She grinned, "Shouldn't I be the one asking that? After all, you're the one going from place to place doing Gods knows what."
She does have a point there…
Since I traveled a lot, I became an Adventurer at an early age to make a living for myself despite twenty denials by the Guildmaster.
My main tasks often were to clear out dens of monsters, or root out groups of bandits for various clients.
I would also take up quests that most other adventurers would look the other way of for a little extra coin if I was running short.
Unlike fellow adventurers however, I personally believe that some monsters are just misunderstood in their actions and act as an impartial mediator between the groups.
Which brings me to these past three months spent among the monster communities that I had close ties toward.
Seeing my mind dwelling on her words, Momma Joan squeezed my hands. "Anyway, let's change the subject. What wonders did you see?"
Thank you for the change of subjects…
"Well," I took a swig of ale, "I stayed in the Rothewich Mountains near the great lakes this time around. I was in luck when a merchant acquaintance of mine offered to take me most of the way on his way to Cethia."
I stopped her before she could ask the next question. "The only trouble we had was a misunderstanding with soldiers guarding the nearby entrance to Vaniel. Would you believe they thought I was a wanted criminal?"
Momma Joan about spit out her water laughing at my question. "I mean…you do look the part, son. You forget that you do carry a terrifying aura about you."
"Wow!!" I grinned and took another drink, "I can't believe you would say such a thing to your own Godchild."
"It's for that reason," she retorted, "that I can say such things. After all, I did change your diapers when you were just a babe."
"Anyway," I said, hoping to change the subject from wet diapers, "I soon arrived in Gru-Gru's slice of an oasis. He was delighted to see that my invitation had reached me, and even more excited that I brought a barrel of your ale as a wedding gift. I tell you Momma those Lizardmen sure know how to throw a festival."
Momma Joan joked through clenched teeth. "Didn't fertilize any eggs now, did ya?"
I rolled my eyes ignoring her mischief. "I will say, however," I paused when the mercenary table roared louder than most patrons, "the monster population seemed more dense on the way. Ran into two packs of Rune Bears near Robin's Creek."
Momma Joan's voice was filled with alarm when mentioning the nearby swimming hole some distance to the north, "Is there need to worry?"
"Here ya go!!" a friendly energetic woman said as she placed a plate of Momma's famous meat pies over a bed of white rice with a side of roasted potatoes and garlic in front of me.
Narrow slits swimming in an ocean of amber green eyes outlined in a light shade of red greeted my gaze. "Your usual, Lord Jakul!!"
This energetic girl was Celeste Iosif Kassandra who always greeted me in such a fashion every time I returned home.
She was another species of sluaghdyr known as a Nekojin who had the characteristics of felines.
Her toned figure was defined in the black and white dress she wore that flowed with her waist long obsidian hair.
Cat ears with tufts of fur within the earlobes twitched in excitement as her combed tail swayed back and forth.
Celeste had been acting in such a manner ever since I stepped in during a confrontation with a Vaniel noble who tried to take her away by force.
I hope her little crush won't cause future problems. I really need to sit down and bring this up with her soon.
Celeste gave a big smile to the point that her four sharpened canines were visible. "Just how you like it Lord Jakul; not too bloody, but not too well-done either."
Sighing, "Celeste, how many times have I told you to not refer to me as Lord?"
She placed a single finger over her smiling lips and tilted her head trying to play cute. "Hmmm, I honestly lost count after twenty, Lord Jakul."
"Please for the love of the Gods," I noticed Momma Joan snickering at my pain out of the corner of my eye, "feel free to call me Jakul like everyone else does."
Celeste began to throw her usual tantrum, "But… it just feels more natural to refer to you as such, especially since you sav–"
Her cheeks went bright red when I placed my finger over her lips to quieten her tirade. "You always forget that almost every resident of Siegfried has been aided by me, and none of them call me Lord."
"So tell me," I placed my hand over my face in exhaustion, "why should you identify me as such?"
In the end, my pleading resulted in nowhere as Celeste just rolled her eyes like she always did to finish this particular conversation.
She swatted her tail against my left cheek playfully as she walked away toward the rambunctious table calling for her service.
Her canines glimmered in a playful smirk when she looked back and began swaying her hips in a seductive manner.
Such an action was usual for her yet still didn't change my mind on the manner.
Being called lord wasn't a desire I wanted nor needed to get through the day.
What is wrong with that girl?!
Momma Joan began her mockful snickering at my pain. "I don't want to hear it."
"It seems," she said through laughs, "that you're having girl trouble again. When are you going to accept her feelings?"
Please…. I'm begging you to strike me with a bolt of lightning and end my misery!
"Momma," I sighed, "I don't want to discuss this again."
Her blue eyes matched the big smile plastered on her face. "I'm just saying it is normal for someone of your birth to have more than one bride."
What birthright?
Her eyes narrowed as her face went serious, "Would your answer be the same if it were Nyxis displaying such affection?"
The woman Momma Joan mentioned was a Ljósálfar elf named Nyxis Amara Thero.
Nyxis is the resident apothecary who provides Siegfried with medicinal tonics and herbs for different ailments.
No one came close to having the amount of knowledge she had over years of experiences when it came to tonics than her.
Her skills were spread throughout the Astuca Empire leading to a constant flow of customers for her shop.
Momma Joan brought such a woman up because Nyxis was my lover.
I chuckled, "I hate you sometimes. You do know that, right?"
Momma Joan proceeded to fill me in on what all had happened, and the present concerns plaguing the Elders.
Most situations were petty nobles demanding things they thought were owed to them because of social status.
That was usual for a transitional town like Siegfried where all roads leading across the border intersect.
Momma then told me about the increase of bandits gathering in the southern forest as if preparing for battle.
Each Elder was currently devising plans for the worst case scenario while Momma Joan worked on inventory sheets.
Guess I need to take care of them soon.
These talks were one of the many things I yearned for each night away.
We would spend hours talking about all sorts of uninteresting topics or about my trips.
Momma Joan saw me for who I was at heart even though blood was on my hands at times.
Innocent blood stained my hands like the very skin I wore while my heart ached remembering each face.
Death was the only option I sought for the longest of times until coming to Siegfried.
Guess Momma knows the same pain. No matter what century nor the person….taking a life changes the perspective of oneself.
Ssssssss!!
I wondered where he was.
A long slender smooth body began to coil up my right leg in a slow methodical fashion.
Splotches of bright orange mingled with hard ivory on glistening scales.
Slitted pupils danced in a lake of yellow in an all-seeing gaze.
Forked tongue danced in the air while a canopy of intimidating colors protruded on either side of the serpent's head.
I watched as the serpent poised itself in a pouching position when I reached out toward it.
The serpent lunged forward as its form simultaneously shifted into that of a black cat with crimson eyes. "Father!!!! It's been too long!!!" a young childish voice sounded in my mind.
The cat bounded up on my shoulder and began to softly nudge my cheek. "Sorry it took so long this time around, Orion."
Momma Joan chuckled as Orion continued to shift into different forms as he crawled over me in delight.
His delightment of my return soon came to an end with the sound of crashing plates shattering into tiny pieces.
Momma and I jolted to our feet after realizing Celeste was standing silently next to the table of rogues mocking her.
The subtle clenching of her jaw, and the slow fist being made told me that Celeste was doing all she could not to start a brawl.
I reached out to the nearby shadows while watching Celeste pick up the mess.
"Here," a man with braided hair picked up his meal and poured it all over Celeste, "let me give you a hand!"
Haaaaaahaaaa.
Bastards!!!
I shifted my gaze over to the knights of Ironclad hoping that they would intervene in some way yet they did nothing.
One young knight, however, appeared to get up from his booth just to be halted by the eldest looking knight with a large toned arm.
My blood boiled every time I saw such pathetic actions of those who made an oath to protect.
Knights were just a bunch of glorified thugs with the backings of the people too naive to realize such a thing.
It made me sick to my stomach that I once wished to be such a person.
"BITCH!!!!" my attention was drawn back to the scene.
Celeste was crouched a few feet away from the man whose left arm bled.
The scene was all I needed to see to understand that the man pushed his luck a little too far.
He must've tried to grab a hold of Celeste, but she dug her sharpened nails deep into his limb.
As retaliation, the man charged forward with sword in hand ready to repay the favor.
I saw Celeste give a mocking grin…a grin that changed into a mask of terror as her body went limp.
A man with graying hair spoke from the table, "Why must you always cause a scene wherever we go, Roland?"
The man, Roland, spat to the side and casually walked over to Celeste who remained motionless. "Haaa," he crouched down and lifted her head up by the folds of her hair, "I can't help it when I see such attractive meat."
Roland then dragged Celeste over to the table to the horror of everyone witnessing the scene. "Honestly," the man who had a hand in paralyzing Celeste sighed, "you do these sorts of things on purpose. Knowing that it takes a lot of aether to cast my spells."
He's a mage then? No, more to the matter, the knights are literally witnessing this go on and yet they remain on their assess.
I turned my gaze to the familiar aether fluctuations coming from the hallway leading to the restrooms where another cloaked figure stood observing me intently. Did you employ such ruffians to draw me out? Or, are you purposely waiting for me to naturally intervene to confirm something?
With clenched fists, I watched some of Roland's comrades quickly put down a few denizens of Siegfried who tried to save Celeste while he turned her over, and lifted her by the throat til her feet dangled like windchimes. "You shouldn't complain, Jesper," Roland grabbed a hold of her shirt and tore it until Celeste's bare chest was exposed, "especially since you always get a turn."
My gaze shifted to Momma Joan's bleeding hand clenched into a fist so hard that her pointed nails dug deep into her palm.
She turned just enough for me to stare into her blue eyes boiling with anger that such a scene went too far.
I smiled grimly when she nodded her head, a sign that told me to do what I did best.
My vision was enveloped by a dark abyss with faded shapes matching Raven's Claw.
In one motion, the natural world washed over my eyes with the sound of a hidden blade slicing through flesh, tendons, and finally bone without resistance.
A cushion of materialized shadows caught Celeste as she fell with the severed hand still clutching her throat and transported her to where Momma Joan stood.
I watched Marie quickly rush over to her and began to pull at the limb.
It came loose on the third tug allowing Celeste to finally breath air in large gulps.
One of the goblins that worked under Momma came with a large blanket to cover Celeste while others gathered with crude weapons of stone.
The largest of the bunch smirked when he saw my gaze knowing that this was my punishment to dish out.
Chairs clattered to the floor with the sounds of twelve sets of feet clamoring to surround me while another two pairs went to aid Roland who screamed in agony. "What," the man Jesper asked with fear in his eyes as he tried his best to close the flowing wound with healing magic, "what the hells happened?!"
My form became a dark mist when blades sliced at my body with each step forward.
Each thug who attacked found themselves at the end of a blade wielded by a knight made of shadow.
Crimson eyes held their fearful eyes while I continued forward.
One of the rogues supporting Roland charged forward.
I side-stepped his downward slash and brought my fist deep into his gut forcing him to the ground.
I stood in front of Jesper and Roland. "Move or DIE!!"
Jesper looked at a desperate Roland then back toward me. "Sorry, Roland!" Jesper quickly stepped to the side away from Roland where a shadow knight appeared beside him.
Roland tried to stand up in such a pathetic state and spat to the side. "DAMN TRAITOR!!!"
I didn't back down when such a mongrel finally stood in a foreboding way. "Even one handed," Roland stood tall, "I can ki—"
SMACK!!!!
The back of my hand smashed hard against his right cheek. "Shut up."
Roland stood back up in a defiant manner only to double over when I drove my fist deep into his gut.
The thin shroud of aether surrounding it was enough to force his broad figure to its knees.
A mixture of saliva and blood pooled on the ground underneath his gasping mouth.
I took a moment to make sure all his friends were watching the state of their "fearless" leader.
With a spinning motion, I brought my right heel against his head making him sprawl to the floor.
I turned my attention to the other cloaked figure who rejoined the knights. Still not gonna interfere, huh? In that case, let me up the ante…..
To my amusement, Roland began to crawl away toward the doorway while my attention was elsewhere.
I pulled a thin blade from my cloak called a misericorde and slowly trailed behind.
Such a weapon was forged in a way that its blade could easily slip between the cracks of armor – ending the misery of a fallen comrade.
Several friends had found blissful mercy from fatal injuries in such a manner.
I used the same principle to plunge the blade deep into Roland's right calf.
I ignored his screams and crouched next to his head. "Stay put…." I looked over to Celeste and the others.
Momma Joan gave a relieving nod. "She's fine," she said in a calm tone.
I pulled the misericorde from Roland's leg and nudged him over onto his back. "I'm gonna have to ask you to apologize to the lady,"
Roland managed to sit up and growled. "The hell I will!!! I'm gonna kill you and burn this place to the ground. Afterward, I'm taking her as my prize. She'll ke–"
He screamed when the blade was driven deep into his left calf. "I believe that," I stood and dusted myself off, "good dogs should learn to listen."
I was about to continue my onslaught when I noticed Momma Joan holding up a hand commanding me to stop.
She walked forward with a calming smile on her face leading Roland into an unknown trap.
His face became delighted when she bent down to pull the blade from his calf, but soon faded when she stood back up.
Roland's head made a loud thud sound after Momma kicked him hard underneath the chin.
He twisted and turned trying to free himself while spouting empty threats.
I watched him reach for the hilt and squirm when Momma Joan stomped the blade further into the wood underneath. Honestly, I thought she'd simply burn him to a crisp with one of her fire spells.
"Please let me go," the dog gained my attention once more as his will had finally crumbled, " I'll do as you asked of me."
Surprisingly, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Momma Joan knelt down and looked him dead in the eyes. "Go ahead and apologize to her."
Anger burned deep within Roland's amber eyes as he whispered "I'm sorry."
I knelt down and began to twist the blade knowing that bone was pierced. He yelled between the gaps of shocking pain, "I'm sorry! So…so sorry!"
"Hmm," I took a pint of ale from the hobgoblin, Tyke, waiter Momma employed, "that wasn't so hard, now was it?"
I made way for Momma to take my place beside Roland and sat back to watch the scene play out. "I know that at least some of us tried to warn you about making such a spectacle of yourselves yet you all chose not to heed our words."
She glared at the other rogues who straightened at her eyes, "Everyone in Siegfried warned you, but you di–."
Roland interrupted, "Shut the Hells up, you bitch. I did as you asked of me. Now free me, I'm starting to feel lightheaded!!"
I winced when Momma Joan struck him hard on the bridge of the nose sending sprawling on his back. "Stupid bastard. I hate being interrupted, especially in my OWN home!!"
"Sven! Stalo!" she yelled for Siegfried's resident blacksmith and carpenter.
Both looked up from their mugs with a terrified gleam in their eyes. "Take this piece of trash to Nyxis before he bleeds out in the tavern!!"
Stalo, a blonde haired dwarf with a crimson brown bushy beard, and Sven, a monster man-sized bat called an Ambactus, stood up and made their way to take a place on either side of Roland.
I held in a snicker watching the mismatched heights struggle to carry Roland who may have hit the ground once, or twice before disappearing out the door.
I took another swig of ale while Momma Joan cursed under her breath before tossing the hand to the side.
Orian, now in a large canine form, snatched it out of the air and ran off into a corner before anyone could take it from him.
I ignored him for now and turned my attention to the remaining cutthroats..
"Now then," the shadow knights stood at attention, "I want the rest of you to pay for what you owe and extra as compensation for the damages, then leave Siegfried and never return."
I allowed part of my aura exude from my body to further drive my point across. "Got it?!!!"
Jesper practically led the charge of his men toward the door.
Their bodies made a loud slapping kind of sound when all of them tried to fit through the single doorway all at once.
I was a bit afraid that the door wouldn't hold all the weight being pushed on it, but luckily they started falling into the streets like sacks of potatoes.
Once the last one was gone, I was relieved that Celeste was relatively alright.
The red mark around her neck did worry me a little but it would eventually heal over time unlike a missing limb.
I held my hand out to the empty space beside me and willed the surrounding aether to create a teleportation gateway to the nearby Hot Spring. "Marie," I shook off the dizziness I felt afterwards, "will you take care of Celeste?"
Aether, also known as mana, is a natural phenomenon that flows throughout the world allowing us to cast magic.
Scholars have deduced that such power can be classified into two differentiating categories: Inner and Outer.
The Inner category is defined as the innate mana flowing through each living being while its counterpart is defined as the natural mana around us.
The dizziness I felt was the result of using too much of the aether I had within my body to create the doorway that Marie walked with Celeste through before it collapsed on itself.
My mind thought back to the hours spent in the library being drilled in such topics by my mother.
She was a wonderful mage, but a bad teacher.
Setting the memory aside, I turned toward the twelve shadow knights kneeling before me waiting for further commands. "There is an issue in the southern forest. A gang of bandits is gathering there as we speak. Find them and kill them!! As a reward, you can claim the corpses for yourselves."
Each knight became a black mass that converged together and scurried away as instructed. Guess I should see how Sven and Stalo are doing.
Once outside, my eyes fell upon the figure of a woman holding the door open for the duo struggling to fit an unconscious Roland through the door.
Waist long silver hair cascaded around her as it shimmered in the setting sun.
Elegant pale skin that could only be compared to snow set my heart aflutter.
A crimson dress and black trousers nestled her figure like a glove.
Even at this distance, I was bewitched by her gleaming emerald eyes when she noticed me staring.
She placed her hands on her hips and began shaking her head with a grin smeared on her face. "You owe me…" she mouthed before going back into the closed store.
I wonder how I'll pay her back? Anyway, now it's time to deal with the aftermath of such a display, especially in front of the people I much wanted to avoid.
I was surprised that the knights didn't approach or try to apprehend me in any manner when I walked back through the door.
An hour has already passed since I took up my usual seat and began to tend to my blades.
Though occupied, my eyes stayed on the cloaked figure gazing right back at me even through the movements of other patrons.
My mind filled with memories of my childhood before everything changed with each swipe of the thin cloth along the smooth sides.
Times of running in the wheat fields laughing our heads off as WE chased one another only for such memories to be drowned out in flames.
"Momma said to give this to you, Sir Jakul!" my attention was quickly taken aback when the dim reddish skinned hobgoblin Tyke placed another plate of food in front of me.
I nodded my thanks and watched him fill up my flagon once again. "Tell me, Tyke. Do you believe I did the right thing? Would everything be for the better if I never came here in the first place?"
Tyke treated me with respect and as a friend even when knowing that I've slaughtered countless of his kind.
The three braids of his flowing black hair representing the tribes he commanded hung loosely around his shoulders.
His blind left eye, a sign of banishment from his original tribe, gazed into mine while his right was an endless pool of swirling brown.
His seven foot frame towered over me in the custom made suit clinging to his masculine figure.
He was among the first monsters that I ever considered to be close towards, and one whose advice I treasured.
I noticed that his posture was always more laxed with me compared to any other patron. "Honestly, I cannot say whether your 'esteemed' actions are right or wrong. Many still seek to cast you out of Siegfried yet others speak highly of you."
"The Elders," he nodded to Momma Joan, "are torn between each ruling."
I lowered my head, "Then I must leave Siegfried, especially since Ironclad has found me?"
Tyke didn't say anything as he probably took in the pitiful state I showed to only those who I trusted. "I believe you should stay!"
I looked up to find Celeste standing in the spot where Tyke was a moment ago. "You have done a lot of good for Siegfried, Jakul! Without you, everyone here would be under the rule of a gang of thugs or worse."
My mind was blank looking into her determined eyes shrouded by the fringes of her wet hair. "I knew," I smiled, "that you could just call me Jakul!"
I expected her to get flustered like she usually did, but instead, she did something that wasn't expected.
Her soft lips pressed hard against mine while her rough tongue swam deeply in my mouth.
A thin trail of connecting saliva tore apart when she turned away from me and hurried away – leaving me dumbfounded.
I placed a hand on my lips wondering what exactly just happened.
The image of Momma Joan snickering finally brought me back to my senses.
What in the Gods' names just happened?!