《Of Ruin》


 Chapter 1: Exiles Gap

    ¡°Exile¡¯s Gap isn¡¯t a city. It¡¯s the crowning jewel of the west, possibly the world.¡±


    ~Daniel of Wrath and Bone


    I awake in a cold sweat. My eyes bulge from their sockets. Beads fall from my forehead. My eyes jot left and right, gleaning my surroundings. I find my cozy cabin staring back at me. The the comforting sight of spices, dried meats, and vegetables, all finely organized, make my muscles relax. I put my hand on my forehead and wipe the sweat away. ¡°...Someday.¡±


    I gather supplies for a breakfast of seared mushrooms and codolt eggs. I watch the eggs gelatinous mass bubble on the hot iron of my iron skillet. I lick my lips. I prepare the dish with relative ease as I massage a shoulder scar with my other hand.


    I scarf down the breakfast and begin equipping myself for the day. A single chest plate around my heart, grooved and curved for catching a stray sword and redirecting it. A cloak of leather made from a wyvern. Creases paint themselves in the shape of scale insertions throughout the entirety of it. A hot, glowing ring I won from a duel. Finally, a massive, skyquartz broadsword leaning against the chimney. It¡¯s brilliant white sheen sparks with electricity as I pick it up, and sheath it on my back.


    I glance upwards and open the door from my cabin. Ducking about two feet, I walk through the door. My eyes begin scoping out the horizon. Mountainous air, thin and wispy, flows across a massive valley miles wide. A red glitter snake gently dots through the air, and a sapphire cave sloth slowly lumbers on the edge of the valley as it hits woodlands towards the right.


    My voice crackles, ¡°A beautiful day...¡± I stride forwards into the valley. Glittering sparks come from the grass as my rubber heels push through it. The always-orange sky peaks through masses of floating stones in the air. I slowly walk through until I reach my well treaded path towards the woodlands. The winding pathway brings a light smile to my face. I twirl a knapsack filled with glittering animal skin. The gemstone fur and scales make a noise like a fistful of golden coins shaking in a greedy man¡¯s pocket. The bird calls from the approaching forest mix with it well.


    Colossal, grey stones float high above me. Only a select few float low, and I walk towards one of them at the edge of the forest. I pull my broadsword from its magnetic sheathe, and swing at the mass of rock. An extremely harsh screech booms out. The high deposits of metal within the stone scream as they are ripped asunder. As if mocking the attempt, the rocks many seams fill in almost instantly. The rock imitates its previous form in mere seconds. I grin lightly as I repeat my morning ritual of slashing through the stone. Habit takes over, and before I know it, I¡¯m covered in sweat, and my shoulders can take no more.


    I sheathe my sword and begin walking into the large, curved trees making the edge of the valley. Small yellow eyes watch me from the darkness afar.I laugh wholeheartedly at the smaller creatures. My horns release a small crackling of electricity. The eyes close and I hear the animals quietly shuffle away. I know I¡¯m getting closer when small mushrooms can be seen growing from stumps of large, ancient trees. Fallen centuries ago, the trees now act as landmarks through the ages. A short walk deeper into the dim forest and a massive runic stone appears in an opening.


    A ghoulish goat-like statue rests upon the cyclopean pedestal. The statue begins cracking the stone away and moving. Bulbs of stone chip away to reveal gentle green eyes. The goat face is ended with a massive crooked nose, and curved horns forming a heart with its neck. The goats rectangular irises never directly stare at me, or in the same direction. Instead, they dot from random points like a chameleon. Many arms come from its back, and they all do an elaborate twirling dance with their wrists.


    Luscious, beautiful lips begin smiling as the last cracks of her stoney, grey skin falls back. Her oddly rounded teeth begin bearing as she says, ¡°Ariak, how good to see you again. The only man I¡¯d ever let into my garden.¡± Her rounded teeth click loudly together as if adding emphasis to her sprity, reedy voice. She crosses her many pairs of legs suggestively as she sits on the edge of the pedestal.


    ¡°Shu¡¯gall, you deserve better than me. I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re at a fevers pitch at this point in the season.¡± I say. Her goat like eyes begin jittering, and her teeth click in excitement. ¡°Not as much as usual this year, only a young couple...But more than enough to sustain my habits...¡±


    I nod and tilt my bag into the air, ¡°I¡¯ve studied continental maps reaching far, and I¡¯ve found the city people speak legends of.¡±


    ¡°Has little Ariak found a better place than...What was the little human hovel called again?¡± I twitch while I say, ¡°Albora¡­ It¡¯s become hostile. But I got what I needed.¡±, my hand automatically comforts a scar on my shoulder before I continue, ¡°So now I can go there. Where the named are relinquished.¡± Her eyes focus onto a single target for the first time, my hand holding my scar. ¡°Oh, Changing locations are we? New plans for the last Sky Oni? You know... ¡± She stands before me, revealing that her feminine, human thighs are ended with large, sharp spikes. She leans in closer and says, ¡°I can tell you which other God gave humanity that gift¡­ All I need is your soul...¡±


    My eyes grow distant as I say, ¡°If you took the gift away¡­ I¡¯d consider it.¡± Her irises contract her pupils like a cat¡¯s. She stops approaching me and sits back down. Her wrists twirl more playfully as she says, ¡°Never any fun, are you? I¡¯m a minor god, only blessed with my humble abode.¡± She raises her many arms. They all independently gesture towards the forest, pedestal, and surrounding mountains at once. ¡°.. But I can¡¯t help but root for you Ariak, everybody loves a dark horse.¡±


    I wince lightly, and say ¡°While a god might not appreciate my power... ¡° I pause and say, ¡°I¡¯ll be off.¡± Her smile disappears as she says, ¡°So soon? We just started talking... I guess I¡¯d hate to get in the way of a busy man.¡± She licks her lips. Her head travels slowly, but purposefully onto the center of the platform. She kneels down and gently kisses the center of the pedestal. Purple and blue ploom from the center of the tablet. They slowly circle and intertwine together. The vortexes arms come back into the central location and form a compact sphere of energy as she takes a step back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be off then. No telling when I¡¯ll be back.¡± She pouts, but nods in agreement. I stare into her eyes and rest my hand on her shoulder for a second. Her body squirms like a net filled with fish underneath the delicate red fabrics. She blushes as I take a small step forward, and the sphere sucks me into it immediately, teleporting me towards the continent¡¯s largest city, Exile¡¯s Gap.


    Swoosh! I appear ten feet above a large patch of Chiffon grass upon a hill. My landing barely kicks up dust, but the grass glitters spectacularly. I peer in all directions. No bystanders is always a blessing. My head lifts upwards.


    The keystone of civilization on the western half of the continent stares back at me, Exile¡¯s Gap. A gargantuan university rises from a small mountain centering the city. Scorching high into the air, A single beam of elegant light comes from the cathedral like building, serenading the surroundings with soft, blue light. Surrounding the mountain¡¯s edges are extravagant, multi-story buildings covered with layers of glowing, red seals. They contrast sharply on the building¡¯s white, marble constitutions that stretch stone higher into the air than I¡¯ve ever seen. The layer sits behind a defensive wall of quartz several feet high. Below the wall is the bulk of Exile¡¯s Gap: large shops, apothecaries, schools, and small cottages with simple, white walls, windows, and black roof tiling. Roads large enough for beasts of burden tunnel through the masses of houses on all districts. Town squares, plazas, and trading areas litter the landscape before it slowly thins out into nothing but farms, breweries, orchards, and a glittering field of Chiffon grass. The Euphrates River cuts a life bringing swathe through the center of the city, bringing the entire world to Exile¡¯s gap¡¯s maw.


    Moats of concrete filled with Red Fester Oil and high, thick walls surround the furthest reaches of the city, defending citizens from any enti attempting a siege. Small and large expansion efforts can be seen in several areas, while well organized groups of guards move in groups wearing all black. They make frequent stops into all the shops and public areas, supporting the citizens and doing routine maintenance on all the city¡¯s key infrastructure.


    After peering for quite awhile, I shake my head and start moving towards the city. Lush fields of grapes, lanturn corn, and bluegrass dot my journey closer towards the city walls. Citizens begin noticing me from the fields and they wave. I open my eyes wide in surprise, but manage a clumsy wave back.


    I keep following the small pathway towards one of the city¡¯s gates. The small pathway has drastically less traffic than the main road in the distance, but still many different races intermingle in a sharp contrast to the rest of the continent. Horse carriages wield Scaleclad drivers ferrying elves and humans from neighboring quarries and mines. While obviously split by race on the carriages, they politely coexist. I whisper, ¡°What is going on¡­ ¡±


    I near the pathway¡¯s end, and a small gateway manned by two heavily armored guards welcome me. A glowing stone artifactory sits beside the guards, it¡¯s green insignias promising judgement of high caliber. The guard¡¯s polished sloe-steel armor somehow absorbs all the light that hits it while shimmering in the sun, like an eclipse that blinds foolish men. One of the guards approaches me and says, ¡°Hello¡­¡± He stares upwards at me, and continues with a little pause, ¡°...Sir. You don¡¯t seem to be a normal traveler. ¡±


    The other guard jumps in , ¡°He don¡¯t look a lick like a ¡®traveler.¡¯ More like a demon, or a Enti tryin to look human. ¡± The men¡¯s voices comes through their visors loud and clear. I quickly get my bearings and begin speaking, ¡°This is my first time near a city¡­ Like this.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­. Yeah. It is a special place. Why are you here? Specifically?¡±, the polite guard say. I bow and say, ¡°Due to war in Crescea. Famine and Daniel of Wrath and Bone have my homeland in a vicegrip. I cannot go back.¡± His hands fall softly at his sides. He responds, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡± The other guard unsheathes his sword, ¡°A giant with horns and cloudy skin. I don¡¯t trust it, seems like a demon from the olden tails. An enti-beast stuck in a humans body. Get out you filthy animal.¡± The guard¡¯s stance is low, begging me for an excuse to cleave me in two. I take a step back before the other guard steps in front, ¡°I have kin from Crescea living here George. Annie and Lenah. There parents were killed in one of Daniel of Wrath and Bone¡¯s purges.¡±


    George¡¯s sword lowers. His entire stance and airs cools like hot metal entering a slack tub. He stands straight again and says, ¡°I see. Maybe I was fixin to jump to too many conclusions. What are you anyway?¡± I say with raised hands, ¡°My name is Ariak Sato. My race is Sky Oni. We hail from the mountains of Crescea.¡±I pause waiting for the guard¡¯s reaction. After a few more seconds he says, ¡°Well why didn¡¯t you say so. You a biggun for sure, but we got an Oni or two already in the city. They some good folk. ¡±


    The sound of the nearby guards sheathing their swords soothes my racked nerves, and I notice the sweat rolling down my forehead. I follow along as George begins pushing my process along at a much more rapid pace. The other guard continues handling other travelers.


    He rushes me into the artifactory for judgement. It¡¯s large, greenish stones hum with energy. The small rectangle can barely fit me, so I kneel as George takes a scroll, and throws it into a small chamber on the side of the artifactory. Green fire incinerates it as he says, ¡°This¡¯ll give us guards a copy uh what you look like. You¡¯n have one too since I¡¯m feelin in a better mood now.¡± I respond,¡°I¡¯d have it no other way, thank you George.¡±


    The artifactory begins pulsing with energy as it reads my essence. The green insignias begin etching runic patterns within their centers. They gleam in green light as the air inside the rectangular device thickens. The air swirls with patterns like alcohol in cleansed water.


    George stabs his sword into the ground and taps a chunk of quartz onto it. The rock glows and all the cyclopean symbols on the device burst with light. Seconds pass before the process finishes and he speaks, ¡°Oh man! We got a top-notch warrior right here. Real good things worked out earlier huh?¡± I smile lightly as I say, ¡°A generous claim.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    He says, ¡°Humble to! You wanna copy biggun?¡± I nod. He grabs the scroll from the other guard and hands it over. I look at it in surprise.


    ¡°Artifactory sheet for citizen c75ce:


    Race: Sky Oni


    Height: 7¡±6


    Weight: 360 pounds


    Name: Ariak Sato


    Strength: 203


    Endurance: 148


    Agility: 106


    Perception: 37


    Wisdom: 28


    Power: 9607


    Rank Estimate: Scarletite


    Rank estimates do not reflect real combat ability, but instead aim to categorize combat potential given base metrics. For more information about ranking, metric creation, or power calculations, visit your any branch of Arkeops University.¡±


    I finish reading the paper. I say, ¡°So this device¡­ Can tell you how powerful I am¡­ ¡± Goerge responds, ¡°Well¡­ Kinda. It¡¯s been pretty accurate so far. I could sit here and describe its intrah-cuh-cies all day, but you¡¯n do better asking someone else. They call it ¡®Judgement.¡± I nod as we finish the process. While walking towards the gate, I put a single hand on George¡¯s shoulder and say, ¡°Tell your friend over there, that he¡¯s a good man. And for the record, so are you.¡± The guard beams with pride, and rekindles his posts duties with vigor. After I turn away, I crush the scroll in my hand and whisper, ¡°...George. Misery for misery.¡±


    I walk through the small set of stone gates in the city walls. Inside, the rushing sound of footsteps never stops. Large groups of people walk with purpose towards blacksmiths, general stores, and guild houses. They swim past me like schools of fish avoiding a shark. Florists, jewelers, alchemists, potterers, cobblers, and tailors all hang signs with ornate magical lights announcing their names and professions. Their multicolored displays hang from houses with walls of painted wood. They swirl and sparkle as they catch my eye, creating an incredible aura of life from the architecture itself. Every intersection holds these types of shops, and every street is wide with layers of brick protecting the dirt from being worn away. They support the rampant amount of people as they hurry in all directions. Inns litter the blocks near the front gate, and tired travelers walk in coordinated droves towards them.


    The frenetic energy is contagious, and I find myself walking with purpose towards a massive building shaped like a cathedral. It hums with the light blue light I could see from the planes outside. Even with the rush, people gawk and point at me. My extremely large frame, horns, and cloudy skin make a spectacle as I walk, but the majority of the citizens are so busy they can¡¯t afford me the time. ¡°I wasted a lot of time being somewhere else.¡± I say while storming ahead.


    The shops and various sights never let up as I move through the city towards an university. Scaleclad, both blackscale and topthorns, litter various alleyways. Their scaly skin, busy hands, and elaborate clothing give a presence of efficiency and culture. One of them walks forwards as I pass.


    I stop as the blackscale man flags me down. His short, stocky frame is covered in finely groomed, black scales. He stands at about half my height. His large head is supported by a stout neck. Finely decorated clothes cover him delicately, and their bright, pastel colors contrast sharply with his dark scales. He holds his small, dextrous hands up and towards me in the way of a handshake.


    I respond in kind, bending lower and giving him my hand. He smiles and begins speaking, ¡°I saw you walk in through the gate. A man like you probably needs a place to be right? We have some mercenary work, and fine beds if your interested.¡± His large mouth opens lightly, imitating a humans smile.


    I ponder for a second before responding, ¡°What is your name?¡±


    ¡°Ah, where are my manors. I¡¯m Al¡¯ Amur. I¡¯m a represenative for Rosewild Apothecary. I¡¯m looking for able bodies to cover some of our alchemic shipments. ¡± He stops for a grand gesture towards my sword, ¡°And you look quite capable. ¡±


    I keep my face stoic as I consider. I juggle what little knowledge I have of the city as I say, ¡±What warrior ranks are you looking for? And what is the pay for individual escorts?¡±


    His mouth opens wider as he speaks quickly, ¡°Oh ho! Of course you¡¯ll be handsomely rewarded. We give all escorts payment once they arrive, and room and board the entire trip. Typically we have multiple escorts carry any single package, to keep everything honest you see. Expect around 100 Yuhms per delivery, and a bonus dependent on your rank. We have several shipments headed for far off countries, and closer villages. Even inter city deliveries are common for a company as prolific as ours. What would you prefer?¡±


    I wrestle with some thoughts before responding, ¡°Within the city. Somewhere near an university would be nice. I¡¯m new and hungry for knowledge¡± His tail begins twirling as he says, ¡°Excellent! We¡¯ll make arrangements for you to stay at our main campus. You know the way right?¡±


    I shrug and say, ¡°I¡¯ll find my way. ¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! We can take care of that as we are sure you¡¯ll take care of us. Follow me and I¡¯ll take you there to a few of our other escorts. Maybe you can become acquainted with some of them.¡±


    I say,¡°I¡¯m new to town. We will see.¡± He waves away my caution while saying, ¡°You¡¯ll find we Scaleclad have a way with business and keeping our promises. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll have a prosperous relationship together.¡±


    We continue towards the alleyway where he walked from. The large brick buildings let little light into the alleyway, but signs from neighboring businesses light the dim passageway. We walk through a few turns in between buildings before reaching a staircase reaching downwards from the alleyway directly into a basement. It has a small wooden sign wrapped in wood carved like vines of a rose and reads ¡°Rosewild Apothecary.¡±


    We head down the small set of stairs into the white, stone building. I duck low as we enter through the doorway. Inside a long room lined with hammocks, a hodgepodge of various warriors sit around a centered, wooden table. Mugs filled with sparkling, multi colored liquids spur the various mercenaries into a jolly fit of rough merrymaking. Each of them sits with adorned armor and weapons from various parts of the continent. Whips, maces, dawnstars, and even a wizards staff lay somewhere among the group. Their races vary as deeply as the weaponry. Scaleclad, Bloodelfs, Humans, and even an Orc sit together at the table. The surreal setting is dotted hard with the varying currencies from all over the continent laying on the table.


    The group notices us entering and they stop. Their eyes immediately begin sizing up my fighting potential. Al¡¯Amur waves towards one of the group, a heavy armor clad warrior with a dawnstar. He says, ¡°This is Cross Levy Ariak. He¡¯ll show you around and introduce you as need be. I have a few errands to run now, but I¡¯ll finish your onboarding process later. Do you have the sheet the guards gave you at the front gate? ¡± I reach into a leather pocket and pull the crumbled scroll from it. I hand it off and Al¡¯Amur quickly scans the paper before his eyes open wide, ¡°By the gods. A Scarletite, no almost Adamantium level warrior...¡±


    The room falls silent. Cross stops mid step towards me, frozen in place. Someone drops their drink onto the floor, and a river of suds begins flowing in between the rocks in the floor¡¯s mortar. I glance around the room. No eyes meet mine. Al¡¯Amur¡¯s monocle shakes as he says, ¡°Y-You s-s-seem quite well equipped for a job such as this Ariak. I-I-I¡¯m sorry to have offended you with such a lowly offer before. I-I h-had not heard of your name before, please p-p-pardon my ignorance.¡±


    I raise my hands lightly, ¡°Like I said. I¡¯m new in town and still trying to find my way. Look at it as a good opportunity for us both.¡± Al¡¯Amur responds, ¡°O-Of course. I will write a special contract for your services, and give you full clearance into any of the company¡¯s various libraries. Are you in town for particular business that Rosewild can help you with?¡±


    I shrug, ¡°Not yet. I hope to find something soon.¡± Al¡¯Amur nods and shuffles out of the barracks. I turn towards Cross, ¡°So you¡¯re Cross Levy? Ariak Sato.¡± I stare down at him for a moment. His steel armor has red cloth intertwined decoratively throughout its joints. The long handled dawnstar has the same red cloth at the tips of its handle. His armor is smudged and unpolished, but not dirty. The man¡¯s sandy colored hair and blue eyes somewhat make up for his weak jaw and lax eyes. I reach out my hand and shake his. His eyes blink a few times before he responds, ¡°Nice to meet you Ariak. Glad to hear we have such an accomplished warrior in our company now. You must sit and share stories with us if you have the time. I can introduce you to our small band.¡±


    I smile lightly before following him. We approach the table of mercenaries and they shuffle. Their twitching puts me on edge. I say, ¡°A fine group indeed. A band as varied and experienced as you all must be able to handle almost any situation.¡± None are able to respond. Though the twitching settles down, I put my hand on Cross¡¯s shoulder and say, ¡°What are their names Cross?¡±


    Cross¡¯s muscles tense, ¡°Of course Ariak. This is Kinsley Shade, our newest member.¡± A woman wearing green cloth and leather armor stands and reaches out her hand. Her long red hair falls from the side onto her face, drawing attention towards her luscious lips and green eyes. I bend over slightly and shake her hand, ¡°Nice to meet you Kinsley. I look forward to seeing the Krawtea Whip in action. ¡± Her face blushes.


    Cross coughs lightly, ¡°And this is our Orc. His name is Blat Skor. A mage and renowned practitioner of runic magic.¡± The orc stands tall. His robes fall from his muscular build, revealing years of training and practice. His malachite colored skin radiates from his elvin roots, but his large tusks reveal his bestial beginnings. He stairs upwards, directly into my eyes, ¡°A pleasure Ariak. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll beguile us with enchanting tales of combat and hardship whilst we progress our fruitful relations. If you need a touchup to any runes on person, I can be your gentleman and scholar.¡± I grin, ¡°Of course. I look forwards to your sage and counsel.¡± He nods in approvement. The rest of the crowd stands one by one, stammering there names out as grit my teeth through the process.


    Afterwards I follow Cross through the incredibly large complex. Massive, glass rotunda capped rooms are caressed with bright sunlight, enhancing the beauty of the western architecture prolific throughout Exile¡¯s Gap. Columns and decorative etchings flow evenly throughout the spaces, revealing culture without falling into the realm of excess. Bookshelfs, well worn from time and care, line every wall and fill almost every room with the familiar scent of leather bound paper. Ingredients from across the continent fill satchels and alchemical tables. Their glass instruments harboring death and life through transformation of a black widow''s legs and a goat¡¯s eye into a liquid concoction.


    The entire process takes a few hours, and my incessant questioning begins wearing cross down. ¡°So we have supply chains from all the major coastal cities across the entire continent you say? How have the business leaders managed that? I wouldn¡¯t think the hierarchies of Krawtea, or the Rigid District States would allow it?¡± Cross¡¯s eyes begin blinking as he says, ¡°I think¡­ I mean...¡± He almost slaps himself across the face before I say, ¡° Forgive me. Show me towards my sleeping quarters and I¡¯ll be on my way, that seems like enough information for a day.¡± He sighs heavily, ¡°Right this way Ariak.¡± We walk up from the barracks towards a large staircase. Following it, we are lead towards a set of rooms dedicated for live in alchemists and professors.


    ¡°I believe this is where Al¡¯Amur said you¡¯d be staying. Any questions or concerns?¡± Cross says. I grab for the doorknob and begin opening the door, ¡°None. Thank you for today Cross. Long live.¡±He nods and says, ¡°Long live.¡±


    I glance through the room. Books, wines, runes, cheeses, and various clothes cover a desk towards the left of the room. A stunning purple canopied bed rests in the center of the room. Mosaic glass windows twinkle with multicolored light through elaborate, stained patterns. A fine rug admonishes the floor of the room, catching the stained glasses patterns and matching them perfectly. The wooden walls emanate the smells of many differing ingredients and spilled potions, bathing the area in the rich aroma of a chef¡¯s kitchen.


    I inspect the room for traps or magic of any kind. Flipping over the rug, opening all the drawers, tapping the glass windows, and jostling the bed. I check under the bed, like a small child looking for the boogeyman, but again, nothing out of the ordinary. As I check the desk, I see a formal paper on it. I pick it up and begin reading:


    ¡°We congratulate you on the contractual employment under Rosewild Apothecary. Due to the high level of proficiency in your artifactory judgement, we here at Rosewild would like to forward you 1,000 Yuhms and invite you to the exclusive company outing later this week. We will have refreshments, hors d¡¯oeuvres, and various enchanting guests from across Luthetania representing there companies and nations as we strive to advance the peaks of our scientific understanding of the world. The meeting will be held at Brownwich manor, six leagues north of Exile¡¯s Gap. Four days from now at suns end.¡±


    I shut the paper, ¡°Ah. I¡¯m a bragging point. A prosperous union for us both indeed¡­ ¡± I flip and read the next paper:


    ¡°We are glad to announce our highest ranking representatives of the company would like to come and meet you in person, to kindle better communications between our two parties. Rockwall Willis founded Rosewild Apothecary almost 54 years ago, and is famous for founding major medical, military, and philanthropic institutions across all of Exile¡¯s Gap. Please join us in the advancement of our understanding of magic, science, and the world. We hope you can manage to open your schedule tomorrow evening, for the wondrous occasion.¡±


    My brow furrows, ¡°Coming onto me thicker than widowbee honey.¡± I toss the note onto the stack of golden coins on the desk, and grab the top book from the shelf. I read it¡¯s label aloud, ¡°Basic applications of Sorcery: Volume 1¡±.


    I unlatch all of my equipment and try laying in the bed. My legs dangle off the edge, so I opt for sitting at the desk. The chair¡¯s arms prevent me from sitting, so I snap them off. The desk is so short my spine bends like a horseshoe. I sit on the floor with my legs crossed, and finally obtain a semblance of comfort. I open the book and begin unraveling it¡¯s secrets.

 Chapter 2: An Opportunist at Heart

    ¡°You can¡¯t build yourself into a master in a day, but there are decisions we all make, that can break us in a moment.¡±


    ~Kahlean Armous


    A light knocking clanks from the door. I put a book down and say, ¡°Come in.¡± The large door opens, revealing Al¡¯Amur. He gestures towards the room. ¡°I¡¯ve already said you can come in. Come on then.¡± He steps in and looks at the chair with broken arms, ¡° I hope the room was to your liking. We can get a new chair in here by the end of the day, special made for your size if you¡¯d like.¡±


    I shrug, ¡°Most Sky Oni sleep on flat ground, but I find the reading material here enthralling.¡± He looks at the small stack of 3 books at my side, ¡°I can see that. Seems like your as much brain as brawn. A real renaissance man.¡± I begin grabbing and equipping my tools of trade, ¡°Hardly. Oni can¡¯t even use magic. The blessings of the gods prevents it. And please don¡¯t ask me to do anything that requires fine machinery.¡± I open my hands wide in front of him, ¡°These aren¡¯t the best tools for a clockmaker, or a professional runic.¡±


    ¡°As modest as always. I¡¯ve heard from our band of employed escorts you¡¯re quite the gentleman.¡±I nod and signal I¡¯m ready by cracking my neck.


    He nods and says, ¡±Mind following me? I¡¯ve been tasked with opening you several accounts with our various providers. Blacksmiths, Runics, woodworkers, and of course, alchemist you will have free access to. ¡±


    I grab the letter before following him. I flick it with my hand and say, ¡°How generous of you.¡± He responds, ¡°Our only hope is your stay and business here at Exile¡¯s Gap goes smoothly.¡± I smirk, ¡°That all you say?¡± He turns and stops walking. He opens his mouth slightly, imitating a human smile again, ¡°Of course Ariak. We hope to have a rewarding relationship that blooms into spring. If you find anything to your distaste, please let anyone here know, and they will have it corrected.¡± He turns and continues leading me. I shrug and follow.


    We spend the greater part of the morning maneuvering from various businesses in Exile¡¯s Gap. Al¡¯Amur takes his time introducing me, showing me blacksmiths, alchemists, and go-to traders for various items I might need. The white stone used in all the buildings and streets of the city reflects the bright, southern sun against me in waves, like the snow from the mountaintops of my homeland.


    Once he¡¯s lead me from all of the various resources of the ward of the city I ask, ¡°So I¡¯m to meet Rosewild¡¯s founder later today. Why the rush?¡± He stops in front of one of the cities fountains. It¡¯s waters cover our voices and he replies, ¡°Our reasons will become clear very soon. There is a lot about Exile¡¯s Gap you don¡¯t know about, that we would like to show you.¡± I grin, baring my bluish teeth. A small arc of electricity flies between my large, lower canines, ¡°I can see the horizon Al¡¯Amur. You can show me all you want. I¡¯ll even follow along. But understand I¡¯m rather good at seeing things for what they are.¡± His left eye twitches ever so slightly, ¡°A good thing in it too. We hope you can see our goodwill for what it is-goodwill.¡±


    I laugh, ¡°Haha! Continue courting your damsel. ¡± He nods and we walk from the fountain. We briskly tread towards the Rosewild headquarters. The massive building flaunts expensive scrolls, ingredients and grimoires behind glass windows. We head through it¡¯s main doorway, revealing the large glass rotunda roofed rooms. We head through the various hallways and rooms towards a grand staircase. It¡¯s greenish marble oozes luxoury as we make our way upwards.


    At the top of the staircase, a man steps out from two large doors. His finely kept gray beard and slicked back hair radiate wealth. His stance is wide and domineering. He stands taller than most, and wears clothes becoming of royalty on the eastern side of the continent. He sticks out his hand and plasters a massive smile on his face, ¡°Great to meet you Ariak! The name¡¯s Rockwall Willis, founder of Rosewild.¡±


    I grab his hand and squeeze a little too hard, but he doesn¡¯t flinch, ¡°Likewise. Al¡¯Amur has told me all about the plans Rosewild has for me. For the city really.¡± He says, ¡°Oh really? We¡¯ll have to reiterate on that, to make sure we all come to a mutual understanding. Good work setting up all the accounts Al¡¯Amur, I¡¯ll take care of him moving forward.¡± The blackscale¡¯s left eye twitches slightly, ¡°Of course sir. I¡¯ll be running the front desk if you need anything.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Rockwall gestures me towards his office. I enter the room. Grand and glorious etchings mark every surface of the room. Gold weaves itself into wood, and silver caps pens and lines the various books on shelf after shelf. Mannequins holding suites of armor from various parts of the continent stand in line, greeting all visitors with cold steel.


    He smiles as he watches my eyes, ¡°I take it you¡¯ve a mind for interior design?¡± I raise an eyebrow, ¡°Maybe an inkling instead. I do thoroughly enjoy finely crafted architecture. Something with the heart and soul of a craftsman in it.¡± His eyes beam, ¡°Oh ho! So you do have a taste for the luxurious. Have a seat.¡± He gestures towards a chair obviously made that day. It¡¯s large, braced arms and legs big enough for a bear, or me.


    I unsheathe my sword, place it against the chair, and sit in the leisurely seat. I ask, ¡°So now that all of the formalities are out of the way. What do you want? Be clear, we Oni can¡¯t understand subtly.¡± His eyes squint, ¡°A clever devil have we? I only wish you to understand the companies intentions. We want you as a representative for us during formal and informal events, as well as a special operations agent for matters requiring, well...¡± He gestures towards the broadsword I have on my back.


    I make direct eye contact, ¡°I can understand the sword, but why the face?¡± He smiles, ¡°Why it¡¯s so very amiable, isn¡¯t it? Unique, no other sky oni in Exile¡¯s Gap, so it¡¯s memorable. Powerful and tall, you¡¯d make a great figure head. People need a face attached to rosewild, and you could fit the bill. ¡±


    I smirk, ¡°An awful lot of investment in a brand new face. Someone who¡¯s killed.¡± I tap three slow, hard knocks against my sword. ¡°Someone who¡¯s an obvious risk. Hell I¡¯m surprised you¡¯d make such aggressive contact in the first place.¡± His smile dissipates, ¡°More men kill than those that don¡¯t. We all have pasts we¡¯d rather not dig up from the grave. I think your just looking for a good opportunity.¡±


    ¡°An opporunity¡­ How about I consider it, but a man like you¡­ Well I doubt taking huge risks is typically in your arsenal.¡± His eyebrows raise quickly and lower, ¡°Oh I think you¡¯ll sing a different tune once we become well acquainted.¡± I fold my hands together, interlacing my fingers, ¡°Speaking of singing, you didn¡¯t even take the bait earlier. I was hoping you¡¯d believe Al¡¯Amur had sang like a canary.¡± He sits further back in his chair, ¡°A solid rouse mind you. Something that might work under lower lights and with a lot of alcohol involved. I trust Al¡¯Amur deeply.¡±


    ¡°Seems like you trust fairly easily.¡± One of his eyes twitch, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that, I¡¯m just an excellent judge of character. Hard to make a company as grand as this without it.¡± I smile, ¡°Grand enough to come grovelling towards the first powerful newcomer in the city?¡±


    He balls a fist playfully, ¡°I think you¡¯re crossing lines you can¡¯t even see. Maybe it¡¯s the height, all of us humans look like ants.¡± He closes an eye and puts two of his fingers in front of the others. He fits me in between his fingers and squishes them together. I smirk, ¡°Nothing of the sort. You¡¯ll find I can see quite clearly, just like your willing to take risks. Sometimes you need to start a fire for more light.¡± He smirks, ¡°Well now I¡¯m thinking things I shouldn¡¯t be. As riveting as this may be, I need an answer fairly soon. How¡¯s that for information?¡±


    I laugh, ¡°Haha! I guess timeline can be more important than events. Just know some things are inevitable. A pawn that reaches the end of the board, it can be any piece it wants to be.¡± He smiles and reaches out his hand, ¡°Except the king.¡± I reach out my hand and shake his, ¡°Well. What would the king have the rook do?¡±


    He raises an eyebrow, ¡°A rook? No. You¡¯re to be the queen. If anything, this conversation confirms everything I¡¯ve heard and more. I don¡¯t want a sword and a face. I want a sword and a voice. Something that¡¯ll reverberate. Keep people breathless. Gasping for air,¡± I squeeze my hand a little harder, ¡°I was always known more for my vision. I¡¯m glad to see you can at least hear the voice.¡± We finish shaking hands. I stand as he gestures me out. We exchange pleasantries, and I head towards my room.


    The hallways blur. I breathe heavily and sweat profusely. I reach my room and lay on the floor. I stare at the ceiling. Sweat rolls from my forehead as I hyperventilate. I bite into one of my fingers until it bleeds. I say, ¡°For Alma and Randall. I must be strong. Stronger than wrath, stronger than bone. Certainly stronger than a rose gone wild.¡±


    I gulp loudly, lie upwards, and reach for the bookcase. I find a book bound in red leather detailing speaking in a beasts tongue. I scorn all magicians at once, "If you can''t beat them, join them. If you can''t join them, have them eaten."

 Chapter 3: The Stomping Grounds

    ¡°Winning the hearts and minds of the people? I filled a red sea before their eyes, and burned every library to the ground. Now their hearts beat for me or not at all, and their minds will only know the district states.¡±


    ~Daniel of Wrath and Bone


    As I finish the last page, the grimoire ¡°Applications of the beastial language: volume 3¡± ignites in purple flames. They do not burn my hands. Instead spreading finality through my muscles and bones. The grimoire dies a meaningful death, and I can say ¡°Shu¡¯Kael.¡± A win-win really.


    I raise from the floor of my flat, and equip myself. The soft days since arriving at Exile¡¯s Gap rust my bloodlust, but not my equipment. My broadsword comforts my back, so I leave my newfound sanctuary. With only a day remaining before the summit like event for rosewild, Al¡¯Amur jumps at any chance for more formal etiquette education. This includes anytime I leave my room.


    ¡°You can¡¯t appear at an officially sanctioned event with little more than killing equipment on you. A true beneficiary of our company is-¡± I stop him, ¡°Efficient and cold. Willing to do anything, to anyone.¡± He stammers, ¡°Wh-what are you talking about? I have absolute faith in you Ariak, and I¡¯m sure you only jest.¡± I shake my head, ¡°Rockwall was far more forthcoming about our scenario.¡± He continues following me, ¡°How about I lead you to your first mission? Maybe a little fresh air can clear your head.¡± I shrug.


    ¡°So what exactly do you mean by ¡®mission¡¯? Is this the original type of tasks I was to be assigned?¡± He glances left, ¡°Not exactly. Those missions would be far below your combat prowess¡­ We need something less subtle, something more of a...¡± He glances upwards, ¡°A messenger. We¡¯ve had three separate shipments of medicines go missing on there way south, towards Krawtea. ¡± I ball one of my fists, ¡°Sounds like some solid exercise. How far south?¡± He opens his mouth lightly, making his mouth appear like a human grin, ¡°About 10 leagues! A short distance if you ride with some of our other escorts.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow, ¡°What could possibly carry that many people in a carriage? That quickly?¡± He says, ¡°A Crestback Ox. You say you¡¯re from Crescea? There not native anywhere near that part of the continent, so it¡¯ll be quite a treat seeing it for the first time.¡± Our conversation begins dieing down as we approach the back exit of the headquarters. We enter the barracks and see a few stray mercenaries relaxing in their beds.


    Two of them, Cross and Kinsley, raise from their beds. Kinsley smiles brightly, ¡°Time to head out already. Looking forward to seeing what Al¡¯Amur¡¯s chosen favorite can do.¡± I grimace, ¡°Please take his favor from me. He clings to me night and day.¡± Cross and Kinsley both laugh lightly while Al¡¯Amur keeps moving us forward, with no reaction at all. He takes a scroll from one of the leather pouches draped around his belt, and holds it towards Cross. He nods, ¡°Surely a better set of directions than the last. I hate to see things end messy when they could be clean.¡± Al¡¯Amur gestures towards me as a whole, ¡°Somehow you¡¯ll manage. ¡±


    We part ways and exit the cramped barracks. My eyes water as the southern sun reflects from the white stones of the alleyway¡¯s paths. I shake the blindness away as Cross leads the way, ¡°We need to head to the Newham Stables West of here. They provide us with most of our transportation needs, and we give them ample medicinal access in kind.¡± Kinsley replies, ¡°He knows already Cross. Al¡¯Amur showed him all around town, introducing him to everybody on day one.¡± I squint my brow, ¡°That a problem?¡±


    Cross turns around, ¡°Now look, we don¡¯t need any issues bubbling up before things even get heated.¡± Kinsley pouts, ¡°Cross can¡¯t take a joke is all Ariak. Don¡¯t let him damper our fun.¡± I chuckle as Cross turns around and shrugs, ¡°As long as that¡¯s all it was.¡±


    He keeps leading us further west in the city. The shops, plazas, blacksmiths, and artisan mills all give way for industrial centers, docks along the river, and stables. Industrial workers fashion steel and stone along large stretches of the river. Dock loaders carry supplies from ships, like worker bees bringing honey back to a hungry queen. We approach an arch bridge brimming with people. Crowds in uniform lead various animals across, most sporting a carriage or trolley filled with supplies.


    My presence makes for a bit of a scene, but people swimming from the shark makes for a clear path. Kinsley winks at me,¡°I¡¯m guessing you don¡¯t have to say ¡®excuse me¡¯ very much.¡± I chuckle, ¡°Hardly. I¡¯m more familiar with ¡®I mean no harm¡¯, or ¡®my kind comes in peace.¡¯¡± Kinsley raises an eyebrow, ¡°¡®My kind¡¯?¡± I say, ¡°If fear gets the better of someone, and they are considering an attack, fear will typically get the better of them again.¡± Kinsley squints, ¡°...I¡¯m not following-¡± Cross interjects, ¡°He¡¯s saying one giant with a broadsword is not as scary as lots of giants with swords.¡±


    She giggles, ¡°I could imagine. Are there lots of your kind? In the far off land of Crescea?¡± My eye twitches, ¡°I see we approach Newham stables! I suppose we are meeting someone here Cross?¡± He rolls his wrist, ¡°Naturally. Tokia is a topthorn, so avoid staring Kinsley. Have you seen one before Ariak?¡± I shrug, ¡°I¡¯ve read of them in a book. Large, stout, with three large horns coming from a frilled head with a beak for a mouth. Bone like blades from the elbows, and tails for balance.¡± Cross¡¯s eyes widen, ¡°A scholar have we! Take notes if you can Kinsley.¡±


    As we approach a large set of stables facing the riverfront. Kinsley raises a hand in protest, but is interjected by Tokia walking from around a corner. He stands only a foot shorter than me, but is surely my better in weight. Thick carapaces of bone form around his arms, extending outwards into blade like formations from his elbows. A massive keratin frill shaped like a shield juts from his head, and drapes itself with the bright spots of a peacock. Cyan and gold stripe down from the frill onto his face. They swirl around his massive, silver eyes, and make his stair pierce straight through me. He leans forwards while standing and walking, counterbalanced by a tail with a large, boney sphere attached. Excluding the finely decorated clothing, matching the natural coloring of his frill and eyes, Tokia looks like an animal bred for war.


    His sharp eyes lock onto cross, and he staggers forwards towards us. The approach makes my hair stand on end, like a wolf as a panther approaches. The two of us clear a large space in the busy street purely through intimidation. His voice chirps through his beak, ¡°Cross and Kinsley! Good to see you. I see you have a new member of the Rosewild group.¡±


    The high pitch of his speech catches me off guard, ¡°I-I¡¯m Ariak. Ariak Sato. A Sky Oni recently employed by Rosewild. I¡¯ve heard of you Tokia, but my companion did not mention your size.¡± Kinsley shrugs, ¡°Books are one thing. Experience? Another all together.¡± Tokia chirps out laughter, ¡°Haha! First time seeing a Topthorn? My first time seeing a Sky Oni. How fitting. How about I show you towards the carriage?¡±


    Cross smiles while gesturing us forwards into the building. As we enter through a large stable door, we see beasts of all kind stabled for weary travelers and merchants. Mighty sapphire sloths happily munching on the iridescent bushels of chiffon grass, woodwork cows gnawing at stacks of lumber, and then we see our carriage.


    A purple ox my height and a half with bony protrusions from its sides heaves gulps of air. The breathing of the creature creates a heavy wind current through the enlarged stable, and it¡¯s muscular thighs pound it¡¯s massive hooves deep into the ground underneath. It¡¯s eyes twitch around, and Kinsley takes a step back. She says, ¡°Something seems off...¡±


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Tokia takes a step closer, and begins inspecting the animal. It resists lightly, but the large, stone quarters keep the oxe¡¯s movements slight. I grimace slightly, ¡°I will say, Al¡¯Amur knows how to pick them.¡± Cross says, ¡°Messy already.¡± Tokia grunts, ¡±These animals aren¡¯t particularly calm, but he demanded something that could toat 2000 pounds 10 leagues and back in a day. Only one animal really fits that bill...¡± he gestures towards the large oxe. As if mocking Tokia, the oxe starts drooling.


    My eyes open wide as I slowly approach the creature, ¡°A marvel. Truly a beast of burden. The horns could be used as hooks for bags, attachments for reigns and various other latching devices¡­ What does it eat?¡± Tokia holds up a hand in a thumbs up position, ¡°I see your someone who can appreciate a fine specimen when he sees it. Her name¡¯s Garla, and she loves oats, apples, and as much Chiffon grass as you can spare.¡± Cross interjects, ¡°So we better make haste if we¡¯re to see what¡¯s been capturing all these shipments. The carriage and supplies? We need to go to Shill and back by tomorrow evening after all.¡±


    Tokia bows lightly, ¡°My manners. Wait outside and I¡¯ll have him ready in no time.¡± Cross nods, ¡°Excellent.¡± We head outside the stables into a loading area. Beasts of burden funnel from various roads into Newham¡¯s stable while people load and unload food, metals, and various other supplies from them. We wait with the pleasant view of the Euphrates river until Tokia leads the crestback oxe outside. It towers above the rest of the carriages, and Cross leads us towards the carriage¡¯s front bench. I stop before hopping on and kinsley says, ¡°Something the matter Ariak?¡± I shrug, ¡°My kind are very familiar with walking long distances, quickly. I¡¯ll follow there and ride on my way back.¡±


    Cross raises an eyebrow, ¡°Don¡¯t say we didn¡¯t warn you, but this thing can keep a pace of a league an hour easy.¡± I shrug again, ¡°I¡¯ll hop on if I can¡¯t keep up.¡± Tokia sees us off and the beast begins pushing it¡¯s hooves against the bricked road. Cross did not jest, and the animal kept a pace no human could casually match, so we head through the main road leading towards the southern entrance of the city walls. The tall buildings, paintings, architecture, and fountains of the city are slowly replaced with simpler cottages, breweries, and eventually nothing but fields of crops surround us.


    I walk at a brisk pace, and place my hand through stalks of lanturn corn. The tall stalks are easily swayed, and the husks near the top lightly glow as they move. The sun begins setting in the distance, and we see Shill lightly dot the end of the horizon. It¡¯s large clocktower and simple houses contrast with the translucent glimmering of the fields of chiffon grass. Cross grunts, ¡°We really did make good time. We can probably meet up with our local branch, and unload most of the goods there tonight.¡± Kinsley pouts, ¡°Seems like we made it through without any trouble to me.... Wonder why they threw all of us at this shipment...¡±


    Cross grabs his chin, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ Seems like if something were here, we¡¯d have seen it by no-¡± The visceral sound of an arrow piercing flesh rings out. Cross turns towards me and I see the arrow sticking straight through his neck. Blood begins dripping from both ends of the supplanted wood. Kinsley shrieks, ¡°Cross! Cross what is happening, by the god¡¯s! We have to save you.¡± She places her hands tight around the end of the arrow, and pulls. Cross tries stopping her, but he¡¯s too late.


    The arrow leaves his neck, and like a burst damn, blood shoots out. I stare in horror as she places both her hands on the bloody craters in his neck. All life leaves Cross¡¯s eyes almost immediately, and he slips through her fingers onto the ground aside the carriage. She blinks twice, and I unsheathe my sword. I swing it as fast as I can in front of her, blocking a second, perfectly placed arrow. I yell, ¡°As Cross would have said, let¡¯s move.¡±


    Her eyes grow aware again, ¡°What do we do?¡± I glance around our surroundings. Nothing but fields of tall chiffon grass lightly shimmering in the moonlight and dieing sunset, and a stone turf pathway onto shill. ¡°You have a whip right? From Krawtea? Keep moving and calm the oxe! It¡¯s as dangerous as any enemy if it grows belligerent.¡± She nods as tears fall from her face. She jumps from the carriage and places two hands on the oxe¡¯s side. Her voice grows light and airy as she says, ¡°Krea Forthall. Weinscidan, Shu¡¯Kael.¡±


    The animal¡¯s stamping hooves stop, and it grows still. I yell, ¡°We mean no harm and will surrender! We only want our lives and will freely give you both the oxe and the cargo. If you don¡¯t walk up to us now, my friend over here is a beast tamer from Krawtea, she can make this oxe run into town come hell or highwater, and you guys don¡¯t get anything. ¡± I slowly lower my sword onto the ground and tilt my head towards Kinsley. She does the same with her whip, and I say, ¡°See? Now you come out as well.¡±


    From the tall blades of grass, a large orc stands. His muscular build and blood decorated skin contrast sharply with the elegant field. He grunts, ¡°A tempting offer giant. What makes you think we can¡¯t just kill your friend before she tells the animal to run?¡± I shrug, ¡°You would have already.¡± He smiles brightly, exposing large, yellow tusks. ¡°The rational type are we? Fair enough. We will send half of us to the carriage, and you can stay where you are. We¡¯ll lead the oxe away, and you two get away free as friendly.¡± I smile a large toothy grin, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way, friend.¡±


    He nods and motions at his left side. A group of four orcs all begin walking cautiously towards the carriage as I keep the conversation steady, ¡°We only hope to get out of here alive. We know you have your reasons, and we won¡¯t pry. I¡¯m just glad we can all make it out unscathed.¡± Kinsley shoots a venomous look at me. The orcs twitch and I say, ¡°All of us that matter. He was dead weight either way.¡± I spit in the direction of Cross.


    One of them laughs, ¡°Haha! Tu¡¯Kael, we could use a giant! Why not have him join us?¡± The leader of the group yells, ¡°Why that¡¯s not a half bad idea-¡± I kick my sword up from the ground with my foot, shoot electricity down my arm, and swing my broadsword. The whistle of wind is replaced with the sound of a butchers axe cutting bone. All four of the orcs fly in two seperate pieces through the air, and I launch my feet hard into the ground. Tu¡¯Kael doesn¡¯t blink, ¡°Don¡¯t let him close!¡± I stampede with all my might towards the Orc, and his slight flinch lets me send another shock through my arm. My Skyquartz broadsword flies through the air again at incredible speed, cleaving Tu¡¯Kael in two. I duck and two arrows fly from either direction, and a scream booms out, ¡°It¡¯s a Fucking monster!¡±


    Footsteps begin pounding from the grass, and I see three others running in seperate directions. I yell, ¡°The one on the left Kinsley! I¡¯ll get the two on the right!¡± My superior height and speed bound me forward. The orcs continue looking back over and over. They only get snapshots of me as I gain ground on them. Their running becomes haggard. Mine does not. One of them trips and falls, and I drag my sword on the ground as I run. He screams as the blade plows through him, mixing his body with the dirt.


    I laugh loudly, ¡°Hahaha! Come here. I can show you what you showed us. Life is short.¡± The orc becomes hysterical. He falls over a small clump of grass and begins groveling backwards. I tower over him, and place my sword on his stomach, preventing him from moving. He cries and begs, ¡°Please, I have a family.¡± I shrug, ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it.¡± I pause. Not moving or saying anything. The orc yells again, ¡°I-I-I can show you where the group of us are? I can show you in exchange for my life?¡±


    I place my free hand on my chin, ¡°How about, I take one of your ribs. And then I take out another. You can bring the second rib to your people, and tell them it is an offering from rosewild, and all the people of Exile¡¯s Gap.¡± His eyes widen. His jaw gapes. He starts flailing under the sword. I ask, ¡°If you stay still I can do this fairly cleanly. If you don¡¯t...¡± I grimace, ¡°Well. Cross, the friend you killed, didn¡¯t like things getting messy. I¡¯ll make this clean.¡±


    I slap the orc hard. The sound of snapping like a young tree being broken cracks through the field. His jaw hangs soft and loose as his eyes become glazed over. I turn from the unconscious orc after hearing several extremely loud cracking noises. Kinsley is continuously whipping the other orc. Lashes boom across the field as I whisper, ¡°I guess you¡¯ll have to be the survivor. Hell hath no fury like a woman and all that.¡± I pull a knife from a belted satchel on me, and begin the precarious task of removing two ribs I know the orc will miss.

 Chapter 4: Loss

    ¡°You won¡¯t miss him dear. He was a traitor and a scoundrel. Let his cries comfort you while you morn.¡±


    ~Marra of Light


    I wipe blood from my face as we enter Shill¡¯s grounds. The small town¡¯s humble origins in farming and millwork bleed through in every person and building. The large clocktower, the emblem and pride of the city, also houses a set of windmills. They all turn the grain and corn of the fields of lanturn corn into bread-the lifeblood of the people of the plains. Weathered folks of origins easily predicted, Shill perhaps, begin flocking towards our massive crestback oxe as we enter the city.


    I lead the way as Kinsley stares at the ground. I knock on my chest twice and wince, but continue leading us towards the central part of the town. We follow the main road. It¡¯s white stones stands bright and beautiful against the moonlight while it separates the two halves of the town. Shops carrying stonework and runes from Exile¡¯s Gap stand on either side of the road, and while Shill¡¯s buildings and roads are paved with the same stone as Exile¡¯s Gap, the people making it¡¯s populace are very different. They stare at us with dangerous eyes. Some shut their windows and doors. Most of the mothers and fathers grab their children and bring them back from the gathering crowd of onlookers. I whisper under my breathe,¡°Back to the real world I see.¡±


    We push through the atmosphere and people until we reach a charming cottage like building with a bright sign reading, ¡°Rosewild Apothecary.¡± I point towards the building and ask Kinsley, ¡°The rendezvous?¡± Her head sags low. She doesn¡¯t respond. I sigh and say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. We can talk about it after we finish the job.¡± Her head nudges, but stays focused clearly on the ground at her feet.


    I knock on the door of the building with three long, hard knocks. The door opens wide as a grey haired man with an eyepatch and a bright smile says, ¡°Come in! Come in! No reason to knock.¡± His smile fades instantly as he looks at the splatters of blood drenching the bottom half of my arms. He take a step back and says, ¡°Now look. We don¡¯t want any trouble here.¡± I raise my hands in surrender, ¡°I mean no harm. We are the escorts from the main headquarters in Exile¡¯s Gap. I am new, Ariak Sato is my name. Kinsley,¡± I pull her lightly over and continue, ¡°You might know her from previous business deals.¡± The man¡¯s deep scowl fades and he wipes his brow of sweat, ¡°By the god¡¯s. Have you looked at yourself! You¡¯d ought not be the person introducing the group to me! Blood soaked, horned and menacing.¡±


    I stare at him, ¡°I¡¯d be more than willing, but we lost a companion on the way, and my friend deserves some rest. Can you accommodate that need.¡± His mouth opens wide as he says, ¡°Ah. I¡¯m very sorry to hear that. Mind if we sit down and you recall the story as I have someone bring her to her quarters?¡± I nod. He calls for an employee from the back of the store, and she brings Kinsley up a set of stairs towards the back of the building.


    With the intensity of the situation outside waning, my eyes wander across the store. It mimics the same efficient arrangement found in the primary headquarters in Exile¡¯s Gap, but in a much smaller, denser space. With far smaller amounts of the various ingredients, potions, scrolls, and alchemical equipment, but a similar selection none the less. The man raises an eyebrow, ¡°First time at one of our smaller branches? We pride ourselves in bringing grand selections and choices to all manors of smaller villages across the continent.¡± I nod, ¡°It seems so! Rosewild always seems to impress.¡±


    He smiles brightly and after passing behind the primary counter of the store, I recount our story since leaving Exile¡¯s Gap. He introduces himself as Galdo Leaven, and goes through the motions of the tale. Opening his eyes wide in moments of suspense, and crossing over his heart with his hand after I tell him of Cross¡¯s fate.


    ¡°A poor way to go. Was there really no way to save him?¡± My eyes grow misty, ¡°Sometimes our situations surpass our ability to control them. It has instilled vigilance in us. If not for us, then for Cross¡¯s memory.¡± The man squints his eyes hard, ¡°A moment for the lad.¡± We sit behind the counter for awhile. I lose my sense of time during the pause. After awhile he raises his head and says, ¡°Well. We can¡¯t let it get us down for too long. I¡¯m sure your in need of good food, rest, and a bed. We¡¯ll handle unloading the supplies from the carriage, and getting everything ready for you in the morning. How about you head upstairs, and I¡¯ll bring some soup for you two later?¡±


    I nod as I stand, ¡°It¡¯s a part of our job. I¡¯m glad for the empathy, but please stop it short of sympathy. Which room?¡± He stammers, ¡°O-Of course Ariak. Second room on the right after you get to the top of the stairs. Kinsley will be in the first.¡± I give him a balled fist as a gesture, and walk up the stairs. The creak heavy and hard with each step. As I pass by the first door, I hear sobbing.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    I reach out towards the door, but then I don¡¯t open it. I just place a hand on it for a second. I shake my head and enter my room. Like almost every other inn room in the western side of the continent, light colors and simple, wooden furniture litter it. It¡¯s all far too small for me, but the bed made from cotton grown outside Shill looks enticing nonetheless. Galdo brings us both a nourshing meal of chicken corn stew, and I relish every bite as it brings warmth back into my haggard body. He also brings a fresh water bucket from the well in town, and by the gods in heaven, I clean myself and clothing as thoroughly as possible with it.


    I steady myself for the night, but before I can fall asleep, I think of the days events and sit up. After standing and moving outside the room, I move in front of Kinsley¡¯s room. I knock on it lightly, and say, ¡°Kinsley, It¡¯s Ariak. Mind if we talk for a second?¡± Kinsley¡¯s voice rings hoarse, ¡°Maybe tomorrow.¡± I shift slightly, ¡°I think it¡¯s better if it¡¯s tonight.¡± I hear soft footsteps lead towards the door, and she cracks it slightly, ¡°Why?¡±


    I tap the side of my head, ¡°Better to straighten stuff in here before it sets. Trauma is like a damned river. If you don¡¯t fix it quickly it settles. Sometimes into a lake, but a lot of times it becomes a swamp.¡± Her luscious red hair falls in front of her eyes and she says, ¡°Fine. What do you wanna say?¡± I tilt my head towards the left and raise my eyebrows, ¡°Might be better if we¡¯re sitting down.¡± She slowly opens the door while staring me down, ¡°Fine.¡±


    We take our seats at two chairs in the simple in room, and begin talking. ¡°Did you enjoy the chicken soup?¡± Her eyes roll, ¡°I guess. Too much crossroot.¡± I say, ¡°Beggers can¡¯t be choosers. If you want, I can make us some mountaintop gruel. I can promise most of the worms will be dead by the time we eat them.¡± Her face scowls, ¡°That¡¯s disgusting! Ewww! Would you eat worms?¡± I smile, ¡°Not only would I, but I have eaten my fair share of them. They kind of taste like peanuts, if you¡¯ve ever had them.¡± She says, ¡°Never. Krawtea only had almonds.¡± I furrow my chin, ¡°You sorry example of culinary experience.¡± She laughs, ¡°Sorry I haven¡¯t eaten buckets of worms covered in almonds.¡± I smile wide, ¡°You just don¡¯t know what your missing. ¡± She smiles back.


    A second of silence passes and I place a hand on her shoulder. Her thin clothing does little in preventing the sensation of skin on skin contact, and she blushes. I laugh lightly, ¡°You¡¯re easily embarrassed. If that¡¯s what you were hoping for I¡¯m sorry to disappoint.¡± Her face glows beet red and she starts hitting me in the side, ¡°W-What! Get out you swine! You cur!¡±


    I squeeze my hand on her shoulder, ¡°Tell me about Cross. What did you like about him? What did you hate? How long did you two know each other?¡± She stops hittin my side and stares up at me. Her eyes are green, and the moonlight bounces lightly from her white, smooth skin. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I say, ¡°When I first met Cross, the first thing I thought was the word ¡®stern.¡¯ This is a man of action, and follow through. Somebody you can rely on, trust even.¡± Her eyes grow moist, ¡°Oh¡­. Funny enough when I first met him he was homeless.¡± I raise an eyebrow, ¡°No!?¡±


    She laughs, ¡°Believe it or not it¡¯s true. He was a drunk and a fester oil addict before Rosewild picked him up. When he first joined our little group I remember Al¡¯Amur saying, ¡¯At least we¡¯ll see rapid improvement with this one.¡¯¡± I smile and she continues, ¡°He quickly changed after the first time he saw some medicine he delivered save a life. A young girl named Lenah from Albora. She was sick with the tumerian flu, and only rosewild had come up with a salve that made people more likely to live through it.¡± Images of my homeland, Crescea, flow through my mind. Pain and war grip my heart like a crocodile dragging it¡¯s kill into a river.


    She continues, ¡°I remember how much it meant to him. He fell in love with what we do then. He-¡± Her eyes turn bloodshot and she begins crying. ¡°He was a good man.¡± She grabs my side and sobs loudly. Her soft skin presses against me. Her hair smells of the southern sun and leather. Small drops of water drop onto my arm as she clutches me, and buries her face into my shirt.


    I wrap an arm around her, but my mind has left the room. It only thinks of my brothers and sisters. Their blood and tears. Their moments of crisis. The day their first children were born, or the time we all gasped as a small child walked for the first time. The day it was taken. The day it was ruined. A single tear falls from my cheek. It lands on her exposed shoulder.


    She stares upwards and her sobbing begins dieing down. She stutters out, ¡°Haha! L-Look at us. One day and I¡¯m crying in your arms.¡± I turn and stare at her, ¡°Some days mean more than others. Some days carry weight. We¡¯re the lucky ones who get to decide where that weight comes from.¡± She smiles as another fresh tear falls from her face, ¡°Yeah. I guess we do.¡±


    I let her go. A smile forms on my face before I stand and turn towards the door. The small pitter patter of my steps is interrupted as Kinsley says, ¡°Thanks Ariak.¡± I ball my fist and hold it high without turning around. My mind buzzes while I quietly walk across the room. The creaking of the door closing ends our conversation completely, and I take heavy steps into my room. I sit on the floor and go through my things. A small skyquartz necklace my father gave me falls from my pack. It¡¯s rough texture refracts bits of moonlight leaking in through the window as I twirl it in my fingers. My fist balls tightly around it before I grab a book from my satchel and open it. I whisper under my breathe, ¡°We all lose things. It doesn¡¯t mean all is lost. It can¡¯t mean that.¡±