Previous Chapter : Next Chapter
“You keep your left elbow low,” Sryielle criticized. “And I keep telling you to stop crossing your feet. This isn’t dancing. It’s killing. You can’t afford to trip yourself in a fight.”
“I never trip when I’m dancing though,” I told her.
The sword master giggled. “Well, he’s up 2-0 on you.”
Henry Gor, a guard from a nearby gold mine, waved his dull sword around. Three of his buddies cheered him on. Though he himself remained rather humble about consistently getting the better of me. He was just happy to have a different sparring partner to give him some new looks. While he’s beaten me in both rounds, each duel was long and intense.
He landed a big one on my left arm the first round, and poked my gut pretty bad on the second. I was given enough time to recover and felt pretty good to go back in for a third round. Though, as confident as I was that I had him figured out, I didn’t realize he’d just done a better job figuring me out. It was the shortest of our matches, ending with him crushing my ribs.
As I coughed on my knees Syrielle patted me on the back. “I think you can skip the hill work out for the day. Let’s get some herbs on that.” For the past month, I’d spent my mornings training drills and then sparring with Syrielle. Afterwards, I’d usually end with some physically grueling workout, typically hill sprints.
Thing was, I could do the intense workout because Syrielle was so skilled she’d barely tag me as we sparred. So we’d play swords for about an hour without her ever hurting me. Leaving me fresh enough to grind my body into the dirt with physically intense workouts.
After getting bored of beating me up, she set up a sparring session with Henry and the other guards the other day just to see where I was at. While I was disappointed in my performance she was all smiles. “You’re twice the fighter you were a month ago. Henry’s a pretty experienced soldier and you gave him a hell of a fight. You’re just getting started.”
“I’ve been training for a few years,” I reminded her.
“Not with me…” Also not for hours at a time.
After helping me over to a nearby tree, not that I needed her help at all, she walked back over and challenged each of them to a sparring match. Once she dismantled them each with ease, she convinced them to come at her in pairs until the next thing you know I was back in the sparring session and all five of us were getting our asses kicked. With four other men attacking assisting me, she had to do more than just lightly tag me at her typical tempo.
Luckily, she had plenty of herbs on hand to help us recover from our bruises and sore muscles. Kayos was filled with some of the most naturally nutritious plants in all the world. Not to mention a dozen or so healers in the area that grew special herbs that they would sell for reasonable prices.
After a few hours we all made our way to the Titan’s Trap for a round of drinks. Several other friends I had made around town over the past month were there. It was quite the merry time.
During a conversation about which olympian probably fucks best, we noticed Nydorri blast through the front door. She parked herself right at the bar demanding Trant’s attention. When he finished serving his other patrons he finally approached her, “Yes yes. I asked around and I think I got some answers for you.”
“Great!” It was quite noticeable to me that she was looking him right in the eye.
“There’s a man,” Trant began to explain. “Who knows a thing or two. He can help you.”
“How can I find him?”
The barkeep quickly reminded the barmaid, who he referred to as, “Busty Betty” to serve some people, then returned his attention to the elf. “I’ve never met the man you’re looking for. But I have a friend named Kyle. He frequents the town of Thawnerton. He knows someone who can help you. He’s a busy man but I told him you need help and you’ll be on your way soon…”
Having watched the entire conversation take place my curiosity was exploding. Syrielle appeared less confused than me so I figured she knew more.
“What’s she looking for?”
“She’s trying to help Zorthos,” Syrielle explained.
“Are they friends?”
My sensei shrugged. “She likes to help people in need. And there’s a lot Zorthos doesn’t understand about himself. So they’re searching for answers together. I guess she does that a lot.”
I was confused and impressed. “How do you know all that?”
“Because I hang out with Nydorri,” She tilted her eyebrows like I should have known that. They’d barely met a month ago, and I’d hung out with Syrielle a lot since then. I hadn’t seen the elf since Mount LinGob.
When the lady of the leaf thanked Trant and walked away the samurai shouted over to her, “Hey babe. Do you need some help?”
Looking her square in the eye Nydorri said, “Sure.”
I didn’t need to say a word. They knew I was down.
The elf led us through the woods a very short way to a small hut. Once there she let out a stream of unintelligible noises. There were a few stomps before the door of the hut opened up and the helkin walked out. “I’m guessing there’s some wicked shit that needs its ass kicked. What other reason would any man or woman possibly visit me for?”
I almost mentioned that we were friends, but Nydorri was quick to speak. “Remember when I told you we might be able to help you blend in amongst the normal folks.”
He squinted his eyes and shook his head, “I don’t think you guys have make up good enough for that. I’m fine in my hut, just tell me when to vanquish evil and stuff, I’ll be ready to kick some ass.”
“No no no,” Nydorri shook her head. “A spell. Remember we talked about glamor magic so you can look prettier by the standards of the civilized. Trant asked around and he knows a guy who knows a guy.”
“That’s true,” Syrielle added, clearly wanting to feel useful. “He knows a lot of people and those people know the rest of us. If we need to find someone we’re probably going to find them…”
The Devilman scratched his chin, “I’ve been meaning to learn more about the mystical arts. And there could be great benefits in being able to speak to people without them crying and running away…” Very unconvincingly he added. “You know, for the sake of adventuring. It’s not like I need friends or anything.”
“Oh of course not…” Nydorri assured him. “Let’s get going.”
The red dude ran inside to grab a hood that covered most of his head. He requested we simply say he was a Deerman with a skin disease who was insecure so he didn’t want to show his face. It was much easier to get by as a beastman than a hellkin.
Nydorri of course summoned her Elk. We complained that they wouldn’t be able to take us out of the forest, but Trant hadn’t set up any competent stables yet so there weren’t a whole lot of horses on hand.
We blasted our way North, well past Nayberton, until we took camp in a small cave several hours past it. Then, we came to the forest’s edge, where we found some rocky canyons. The Elk said their goodbyes and we continued on with our journey.
Most of the walk, I spent alongside Syrielle. We were mostly quiet, but spoke at times. Generally joking and gossiping about folks around town. I’d already learned enough of her backstory from hanging out with her. I didn’t really need to keep prying deeper.
She was named after her aunt Syrielle. The younger sister of Elrya Natchios had died at the age of 14, just before my friend Syrielle was born. Her mother had no other children, and from what she knows neither did her father Chozen.
After Elyra died at a young age, Chozen took her to the nation of Albaya. The war veteran chose to raise his daughter in the peaceful small farmlands out there. While I certainly didn’t see her first combat, the young warrior had actually stayed away from war her whole life. She had handled local gangsters and some creeps terrorizing physically weak women, but for the most part she lived through times of tranquility.
So she came to Kayos knowing that her skills were being wasted on peace.
A few times along our walk she’d break away and spark up a conversation with Nydorri, who would always be excited to engage her, unlike when I’d try to speak to the elf. Their talks wouldn’t last long, and Syrielle would just make her way back to me soon after.
A part of me wanted to spark up a conversation with Zorthos, but I had a feeling I should just leave him alone. He hung in the back by himself for most of the trip. Occasionally Nydorri would drop back to chat with him.
The canyons didn’t take us long to get through, and soon we were walking through grassy plains with trees and hills scattered all about. By the end of the day we had found ourselves at Thawnerton. Apparently there were a lot of landmarks we were following to get there or something. I don’t know how my friends figured it out.
There were only about 10 houses nearby, but I was able to spot another cluster of homes down the road, and spotted more than a few others on the way here. Thawnerton might be small, but the area had a notable population.
There was a tiny inn, with only one room that was thankfully open. Unfortunately we were going to have to share it, but it’s better than nothing. Once situated, the two of us who didn’t hate socializing and the one of us who hated being inside, left the room.
Nydorri wandered away immediately as Syrielle and I went to The Tavern nearby. A pretty boring name but whatever. The barkeep, Hal, was very friendly and eager to serve us. When we asked about Kyle he informed us that the man we’re looking for frequented this establishment, and if he was in town he was likely to come by very soon.
As more and more people gathered, we heard Hal mention he needed to figure out a way to keep the crowd entertained. Syrielle offered my services and before you knew it there was a guitar in my hand and a small crowd was dancing along.
Hal surprised us with a more diverse building than we thought. One of the walls opened up into a back patio, allowing the music to pour outside, and more people came walking out of their homes nearby. The excited owner lit a bonfire and insisted many around will come just out of curiosity at this point.
My audience grew to about thirty people as the night slowly came for us. I spotted Nydorri amongst them dancing with some average looking villager. Syrielle happened to be dancing with a younger boy who looked much like him. I wondered for a little too long how the older brother managed to seduce the elf, but I had more important things to think about. There could be somebody else to have my eye on.
Problem was, I only saw two women that I had any interest in, and within a moment I realized they were both taken. So I just played for the crowd, wondering when my talents would ever mean something for me.
The crowd had eventually died down enough for me to end my performance. I approached my two friends who were giggling quite a bit. “Come on,” The younger brother politely begged Syrielle. “It’s amazing at night. You have to see it.”
The samurai didn’t look uncomfortable at the request but wasn’t jumping with excitement. Nydorri, who was snuggling with the older sibling, very kindly reminded the younger girl, “You can kill him whenever you want. So you don’t have to worry about anything.”
“Uhm…” The boy tried to catch his words.
“Nydorri!” Syrielle snapped, but also couldn’t help but smirk. “I’d love to go,” She very kindly placed her hand on the boy’s elbow. “I’m not in the murdering mood and I can’t imagine I’ll need to. But I don’t want to be out all night. We have a long journey tomorrow. So we look at pretty things and then you walk me home like a gentleman.”
The elf said to the older brother, “I don’t sleep much so no worries.”
Having stood there for a moment all I could say was, “Well have fun. I guess I’ll go check on our dear friend.” It wasn’t until later that I realized if I had said “Deer Friend,” It technically would have been a pun since he wanted to be called a Deerman. Then I realized that we don’t spell when we speak, so that is what I said therefore the pun was made and my victory was solidified.
My friends left with their dates, and I just awkwardly walked past a few older couples that wanted to talk to me. Just before I left, Hal flagged me down. Standing next to him was a middle aged man of medium height wearing the worn clothes of the working class.
“Elrin,” Hal announced excitedly. “This is Kyle. The man you asked for.”
We shook quickly as I assured, “It’s an honor to meet you. I’m told you can help us find someone, but I have no idea who? Something about magic or whatever my friends can explain better. Or not… They’re pretty bad at talking about things.”
Kyle appeared just a tad overwhelmed with the information. “Clearly you haven’t been drinking as much as I have.” He blinked a few times and then asked, “Where are you from?”
“Gladland,” I said with pride. “But my companions and I walked here from Grumbsy.”
He snapped his fingers with realization. “Oh you’re Trant’s friends?”
I nodded, “Exactly.”
“Yes yes,” He patted me on the shoulder. “Trant said you’d be coming. You’re not as ugly as I thought you’d be but my friend can help you fix that.”
“I’m not the ugly one.”
“Well you ain’t pretty.”
After that he insisted I let him go home for a night’s rest before we embark on our journey the next day. He gave me quick instructions where to find his home and I bid him a good night. At which point, it was time to finally attempt to bond with my Deerfriend.
Zorthos sat in the corner of the room playing with his pet rat. He kept his hood over his head, despite being away from the window. I had seen hatred come his way since before I even met him, but I’d also seen numerous people accept him without question. Perhaps he needed to give others more of a chance before they gave him one.
But also, perhaps, I should talk to him more about what he has been through before I start coming up with solutions to the problems I’m assuming he has.
“So…” I didn’t know where to even start. “May I ask where the horns came from?”
“I was born with them,” The cloth covering his head had been removed and I could see that he felt like I was stupid for asking.
I hoped my next question wasn’t as dumb. “Did you know your parents?”
“My mother,” He smiled. “But she’s gone.” He frowned.
The silence was deafening and I had to say something. “She must have been an incredible woman to have raised such a fine young man.”
He nodded, “She taught me my pain is caused by evil. And so the greatest way to ease that pain, is to destroy evil wherever I find it.” A small fire formed in his hand.
Admiring his magic I exclaimed, “The power of hell in the hands of justice.”
There was a smirk, but the moment I felt him warm up to me, he went cold just as fast and wouldn’t talk anymore. The best way to win someone like him over is on his terms. So I left him alone and sat outside to enjoy the summer breeze late at night.
I wasn’t going to stay out there long, but it was a good thing I stayed for a bit. For I noticed a group of men walking up the road towards us wearing armor and carrying weapons. The warrior in front wore full knights armor. At first I thought nothing of it, but it didn’t take long to realize where they were headed.
“Can I help you gentleman?” I asked hopefully. “If the town’s in trouble and you need an extra sword you needn’t even ask? Just point at the trouble. Me and my comrades will come marching.”
Pointing directly behind me the knight announced, “My name is Sir Ronald Thorne of house Thorne. We’d like to speak to your friend inside.” He didn’t appear angry, but he was certainly stern.
“I’m not sure that’s the word he’d use to describe our relationship,” I said, ironically hoping Zorthos would like me more if he heard me discourage people from calling us friends because I want to be his friend. “But I assure you his disease is far from contagious. Everyone in the town is fine.”
“Sir,” The knight gripped his hilt tightly. “Somebody saw him. While you were playing your little song for the people. He stepped out of his hiding place, just for a moment. There’s a demon in there. We all know it.”
“That demon…” I held my hands up so as not to present myself as a threat, “Saved me, my friends, and some innocent children in a cave.” Stepping forward slowly I made sure not to break eye contact with the warrior in front of me. “He assisted us in a journey through goblin territory. And he has sworn, via a promise to his mother, to vanquish evil wherever he may find it.” I realized Zorthos didn’t say anything about promises but alas I had to roll with it.
One of the men behind Sir Ron shouted, “You think we care about the word of a demon?” He stepped forward brandishing a spear. “I say we kill this sycophant now.”
Holding his gauntlet in front of his eager soldier, the knight commanded, “Stay back. For all we know, this man is under the demon’s spell.” The soldier stood down, but Sir Ron approached me. Hand still on his sword.
I stepped forward as well, “Look. I may have been cast under a spell or two in my day…”
There was more to say but he stepped forward quickly. I reached for my sword. The hilt of his slammed into my gut before I could pull mine out.
Buckling to my knees I spit up blood immediately. Then there was a blade at my throat. “I don’t wish to slaughter you but I will if I must.”
As the threat completed, a loud roar from inside the room echoed through all of Thawnerton. The door was kicked open and the helkin came stomping out as angry as ever. “Oh we got a tough guy here!” My deer ally shouted, “Picking on some song boy thinking that makes you look tough.”
I almost pointed out that he said “tough” twice but decided against it.
Stepping away from me, the knight pulled his blade away and announced, “My name is Sir Ron Thorne of house Thorne. Your friend has committed no sin as far as I have seen. As long as he stands out of my way he will not face the wrath of my blade.”
The devilman shook his head. “I’ve never had a friend. But I’ve never asked for an enemy other than everything wicked. Leave us now, or face your worst nightmares.”
“Zorthos,” I felt the need to chime in. “You’re supposed to not to seem evil.” Turning back to the knight that just knocked the wind out of me I explained. “He’s the nicest guy I swear. And such a great pet dad to his rat. I promise. Not evil.”
“Well wouldn’t lying be evil?” The helkin sounded like he knew the answer to the question he was asking. “I don’t think we’re going to talk him out of attacking me. I got this cool new power. I feel like it’s fair I warned him…”
“Okay again…” I shook my head while keeping my eyes locked on his, “Not helping.” With great emphasis I reiterated to Sir Ron. “The nicest guy.” My claim was not convincing at all. The full plated warrior walked forward without even acknowledging me.
Clasping his hands together and tilting his head, Zorthos declared. “I warned you fellah. Which objectively speaking, is much less evil.” His body began to vibrate as his eyes glowed. Ron charged forward but a red beam, familiar to one I’ve seen before, blasted from the devilman’s crimson eyes to the knight’s chest.
The attack knocked the fullplated warrior to his back. As he hit the ground, he barely appeared stunned, but within a second his eyes rolled into the back of his head. The mighty warrior let out a deathly haunting scream.
Zorthos flexed his arms and roared at the soldiers behind Sir Ron. Flames sparked on his horns and shoulders. Soon a sword was in his left palm. Then an ax was in his right. He stalked forward with flaming eyes growling intensely.
Having finally regained full composure I hopped to my feet and stepped between my companion and the enemy. “Your lord may still survive this with proper assistance. But, if you do not run now I will make no promises of helping him.”
Thankfully they believed I was an expert. With fear and gratitude they departed.
To my surprise, Zorthos collapsed to the ground. His weapons disappeared in flames. I knelt down to help him up. “Zorthos. You okay?”
“It’s just a new spell,” He said, shaking his head out. “I’m barely even tired bro. Not that you’re my bro.”
“Was that the same thing from the sorcerer in the cave?” I couldn’t help but ask.
There was a look of frustration on his face. “It’s not the same thing… But yes.”
Heavy breaths behind soon turned into a loud yell. “What sort of curse was that demon?” Sir Ron used his sword to push himself to his feet. His body didn’t appear to be as exhausted as I was when the sorcerer blasted me my first day on Kayos. “With a power like that, I must end you now?”
The holy warrior raised his long sword above his head, only to be interrupted by “Everything alright over here?” Syrielle was standing nonchalantly watching the whole ordeal. “I can help. Not help. Whatever you need?”
A devious smile cracked across my face as I shifted my attention from the samurai to the knight. “If you’re at all scared of Zorthos. You do not want to mess with Syrielle.”
From behind me Zorthos agreed, “No the fuck you don’t.” He almost sounded scared of her himself.
Holding up two fingers in a peace sign the samurai very politely announced, “S’up. I’m Syrielle.” At no point did she look like she was ready to fight. Probably because the second she decided to fight, the knight would be dead. She pointed a thumb behind her. “Our most powerful friend is… Well she’s occupied at the moment. But you could meet her too.”
Ron looked at me and the Hellkin that was still exhausted in the dirt. Without losing any confidence I declared, “It’d be in our best interest not to kill you now. So please leave before our anger outweighs our interests.”
He wasn’t as excited as the others, but he departed rather quickly. Zorthos gained his energy soon after, or at least pretended to. I insisted we go find Nydorri, Syrielle suggested we wait. “She’s not the type to spend the night. She’ll be back soon.”
“You weren’t out long?”
“I was not…” She replied. “I figured any longer and it would be unfair to the kid. You know?”
“Good,” I nodded, fully agreeing with her logic.
Though she took it weirdly. “What are you jealous of?”
Even I was surprised how quickly and shamelessly I replied, “If you get laid while adventuring before I do I will be very upset… Yeah…” My insecurity pressured me to double down, “Did you not see that performance on that stage tonight? I am worthy of more.”
“Whatever nerd.” She just snickered at me and walked away.
Zorthos shook his head in disappointment. “Nerd.”
Nydorri returned a few hours later. She didn’t have many questions about what happened. She was just happy to continue our journey immediately. We were sure our attackers weren’t coming back for the evening. If they had more numbers they would have brought it. Not that it mattered to us, but the less killing the better. If any of my new allies agreed with that it was the four of us.
There was almost no talking through the night. After a very brief rest we left at the crack of dawn. Kyle was sitting on his porch ready to go when we arrived at his house. We hit the road, quickly finding ourselves walking through the flattest desert I’ve ever seen. That journey lasted about a day until we came upon a set of pine trees with rain falling directly on the treeline. There wasn’t even a splash landing on the sand.
“There’s a village just inside,” Kyle explained. “Don’t know why anyone would live out here if you ask me. I barely even like to visit.” He stood and stared at the trees for a moment, before walking in.
The rain inside was warm and cozy. Though the deeper we went, the colder it grew. The trees quickly began to change and vary. Our pace quickened as Kyle insisted we were getting closer to the village for a night’s rest.
As we turned around a hill he excitedly explained that there was an old lady that lived in a hut just around the corner that makes the best pies he’d ever had in his life. “If we’re lucky, she’ll have a warm set ready for passersby.”
For some reason, I was convinced the warm pies would be there. Instead, we found a group of about 15 people looking rather distraught. As we heard the crowd Zorthos quickly hid in the bushes so as not to spook anyone.
The rest of us walked forward. An old man approached our guide, “Kyle. You’ve brought warriors for us. I’m not sure that’s what we need, but I’m glad that you’re here.”
“Huh…” Kyle scratched his head. “We’re on the way to see a friend of mine. I just wanted to get some pie on the way.” He looked at us pleadingly. It was clear he was caught just as off guard as we were, but was hoping we’d solve whatever problem was in front of us.
“Sir,” I took a mighty step forward. “Allow me to introduce myself and my friends here. I am Elrin Daun of Gladland the Fighting Writer. To my left is Syrielle Hano a samurai of Hellas. And here on my right is far more than a warrior. Nydorri, the sorceress of the leaf.”
I almost introduced Zorthos before I remembered he was hiding in the bushes nearby.
Merril, the old woman who bakes the pies, approached us with a warm smile. “Hello, we appreciate you for coming for us. But we can’t ask that you risk your lives to save our homes. We chose this land. The consequences are ours to endure.”
I smiled, “Might as well tell us the problem before we go on our merry Ma’am.”
Syrielle placed her arm on my shoulder. “Not that it matters. You could be duking it out with Zues himself and this dumbass will probably run right at him.” She just slightly pushed her sword out of its sheath with her thumb, “And my dumbass will be right next to him.”
“I won’t fight Zeus,” Nydorri explained. “But if it’s easier than that I might help.”
After a heavy breath Merril explained, “No, the threat isn’t quite from Olympus. It unfortunately comes from much further north.” She sat down on a nearby stump, though there was no available seating for us, the group of adventurers who had been walking all the way and were probably going to go fight something. “Her name is Helen. She was born in this village nearly thirty years ago. Once upon a time, many called her friend. Nearly a decade ago she traveled to Norrgard. Nobody had heard a word from her since. Until a few weeks ago. She came walking back into town as if she hadn’t aged a day.”
The crowd around her shuddered in fear as she said that part. “She looked the same to most of us. Beautiful smooth skin and long silky blond hair. But I could see it. I could see what changed about her. I don’t know how it happened, but her soul blackened along with her heart.”
There was a bit of a long pause. It was incredibly dramatic, but indeed the old woman did continue. “Helen planted a seed in front of the town center. She claimed it was given to her by the Vanyr themselves. And the most prosperous tree we’ll ever see will soon grow. Not that she was lying entirely. A tree did grow, but what was most strange, was it was dead from the moment it sprouted. Even as it grew, it was rotting and decayed. Soon the other plants around began to die, men and animals alike went mad, food spoiled quicker than ever, voices in the shadows could be heard by all. Everyone fled within a week. It’s been several days since the last person left. What few I could provide for gathered here. While Helen sits in the middle of town, feeding off the dark magic of the tree.”
Looking at Syrielle with a scrunched face I explained, “We’ve been dealing with dark magic users since we got here. I wouldn’t call it a specialty, but after today I might.”
The old woman chuckled. “I imagine you need a lot of saving don’t you?”
From the side of my eye I could see both women next to me nodding.
“That’s kind of my thing.”
Merril closed her eyes and nodded to me. When she opened them she said, “We’ve called for exorcists and paladins, but we’re afraid in the land of Kayos help comes when it comes.”
“And help is here,” I pointed my thumbs at my comrades
Syrielle patted me on the shoulder, “Point us at the village.”
“No need,” Nydorri pointed to our right. “It’s that way.”
Merril wasn’t surprised, but the others were caught off guard. Syrielle quickly explained, “She smells good.” Then she took a sniff, then made a funny face and patted my shoulder, “You need a bath by the way.”
“And you smell of roses…”
We both laughed and realized we needed to stop bantering in front of the people who are extremely traumatized by the dark curse placed upon their home. I quickly asked Merril, “Is there anything else you can tell us about Helen? Anything that can help us?”
“Well…” Merril gave me a peculiar look. “She’s clearly possessed, and I have no idea what it is that’s within her. I couldn’t tell you how to save her. I don’t know much about magic. I just have an eye for the good in people.” She looked into the bushes with a smile, “Like your other friend. I can just tell he’s something special.”
“What friend?” A man behind her asked.
“The Helen I know would die for this village,” Merril ignored the man behind her and continued with her explanation. “Bring her to peace anyway you can. And save their town from the horrors she brought from Norrgard.”
Of course we did not turn down. The walk shouldn’t have been more than an hour. And about halfway there, I started to notice all the things she’d described. Dead plants and no animals whatsoever.
Not long into entering the cursed area, Nydorri asked us to take a quick pause. She knelt down, planting a seed on a dead log. Within a moment, there was a flower with gorgeous purple petals. Soon the entire log was taken over by a plethora of gorgeous flowers.
“Magic may be the cause,” Nydorri explained. “But it can’t stop mine.”
“What was that?” Syrielle asked.
With a friendly smile Nydorri held out seeds in her hand, “The Kurre. A very rare plant. Feeds on the dead, when given the right push.”
We continued on without Nydorri doing that again. All we saw was gross puss, dry dusty plants, and decadence. Though I did see a squirrel at one point. I thought it was really cute until Nydorri very sternly explained. “That’s not a real squirrel. It’s dead.”
The village was about as far as they said it would be. There were perhaps a hundred homes scattered about. Not a single person was in sight walking on the road. As we walked through, we noticed a few figures dashing in the alleyways around us.
Nydorri crouched down in an attack position, and Zorthos brooded as he usually does.
Just up ahead of us I saw a shadowy figure move through the trees. After a few moments I noticed it move closer and closer. Based on their stances, so did my allies.
Before we said anything, a voice greeted us from our left. “Are you lost?”
Standing in the middle of the road was a little girl in a purple dress with red poka dots. Parts of the dress were torn, and there was blood on her lips. Yet her demeanor didn’t show any fear or discomfort at all.
“Who are you?” Syrielle stepped forward.
“I’m Sarah,” She smiled and closed her eyes. Her head tilted, showing off her rock sturdy pigtails. “I’m lost. You think we could look for our parents together?”
Zorthos grunted, “I feel like she knows my mom’s dead and she’s just being a dick.”
Syrielle put her sword back in its sheath and stepped towards the girl with her hands out. “Thankfully I’m not looking for my parents. But I’d be happy to help you find yours.”
“That’s not a real girl…” Nydorri muttered.
“It was,” Zorthos explained.
The young spector pouted, “I don’t like being called not a girl.”
Hearing her plea I decided it was time to utilize my skills in diplomacy, “Okay little girl,” Nailed it. “Would you mind telling us where you last saw your parents?” I knew my question was probably stupid, but it felt right to play along.
Nydorri slowly started stepping towards her. “Listen… If you are here to play a game…”
“I love games,” Sarah shouted, and her voice cracked like its frequency was breaking through the realm itself and for just a moment she appeared transparent. “I can never find my parents. Maybe we can play forever.” She wasn’t asking.
“I’m sure we can help you somehow,” Syrielle replied as if she were delighted.
“I like you…” Sarah floated toward Syrielle. “I’ll get rid of the rest. They’re mean.”
Having not been mean, I of course whined, “The fuck did I do?”
In an instant Sarah disappeared into a cloud of smoke and bright white light blinded me. When it passed, I noticed the young girl was gone and the samurai was trembling where she stood. “Syrielle. You alright?”
Two voices replied, “I told you to go away.”
Zorthos pointed his summoned sword, “You literally never said that.”
When Syrielle’s head snapped around, her eyes were all white. Both voices screamed, “Stop being mean to me!” She lunged with her sword straight for me. The hellkin was quick enough to block.
Her katana was relentless, but I could tell she was moving slower than normal. Still, Zorthos was overwhelmed by her, putting him completely on the defensive. A wolf ran behind her and tripped her to the ground. The canine shifted to Nydorri instantly and held her staff to Syrielle’s sword hand.
My horned ally circled around her with eyes glowing red. Grabbing her other arm to hold her down. He raised his free hand in the air and let out a mighty roar erupted his fingers in pink flames. Then she shoved his hand straight into the Samurai’s stomach.
Two voices screeched with pain. Zorthos let go of her arm and used both hands to pry a white substance out of Syrielle’s stomach. Upon closer inspection it was the little girl’s transparent left arm. In a moment he ripped the rest of her out.
“I miss my mother too,” He told her, before her whole body erupted into flames and she alone screamed while Syrielle caught her breath in silence.
I was the first one to her side, “You okay?”
“Yeah,” She shook her head. “That was weird.”
We heard clapping nearby. And giggling from somewhere else.
There was a man with one leg sitting on the ground smacking his hands together. And an old orc laughing to himself a short distance away. The clapping man stared at me proudly. “Sara’s scary. Nobody wants to deal with that one. Or The Smiling Man.” I slowly backed away before he said, “I ain’t scary.”
“Just move,” Nydorri was already on her way down the street.
A few blocks in, we saw a tall black tree. The leafless branches hung over a large building with big blue words that read, “Town Center.” Dozens of people were hobbling around muttering to themselves. Some of them were walking in and out of walls.
Kneeling at the foot of the tree, was a blonde woman in a white dress. Her bare feet were covered in mud, and from the back of her I had to agree with the assessments of her attraction.
“She a real woman?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Nydorri nodded, “But she’s a whole lot more as well.”
Zorthos growled, “Or maybe less.”
None of us were eager to march onwards. It was a slow creep despite us knowing we had no chance to sneak up on anyone. Especially with random ghosts greeting us. None of them were smiling, but we still stuck as close to Zorthos as we could.
We were about a stone’s throw away when the woman I assumed was Helen stood up and spun around to face us. “I haven’t had visitors of the flesh and blood for a few days. It’s good to see you all.”
“Helen,” I announced, drawing her attention to me. “What is happening here? Perhaps we can come to an understanding.”
She nodded to me, “I can’t explain the depths of Hel to you. You must look into her eyes for yourself.” Her eyes were blood red, but everything else about her appeared healthy and beautiful.
“I’m looking into your eyes,” I told her. “And I understand you’re in pain.”
Nydorri nudged me, “Stop trying to fuck the dead lady.”
“The what lady?” I shook my head in shock. “Also I’m not trying to fuck her.”
Though I have to admit the thought of receiving gratitude after saving her did cross my mind, but it wasn’t at the front of my mind. Once Nydorri accused me of thinking it, it became what was on the front of my mind, but not before.
Helen took a step towards us.
“So…” Zorthos held his hands out weighing our options. “We need to just burn the tree right? Can she do anything to stop us? I don’t know what we’re waiting for.”
Nydorri appeared disappointed in him, “We don’t know what she can do.”
“I’m guessing something spooky,” An unrecognizable voice said from behind.
The man’s smile was as wide and daunting as any I’d ever seen. He wore the gray clothes of a peasant, with bloody stab wounds all over. His hands were covered in blood as well, and somehow I could tell it wasn’t his.
Zorthos reached for him and without breaking a smile the man screamed into the night. The concussive force of his scream launched me through the air, crashing hard into the dirt. Nydorri was in the dirt as well, Syrielle crashed through a nearby door, and Zorthos was in a tree.
The Smiling Man looked at me with rageful eyes. “You’re not the main character.”
“No…” I pointed at the tree. “But he is.”
Red eyes were already glowing before I even said it. The beams blasted right through the spectral being, lighting him on fire. The Smiling Man screamed in pain without changing his facial expression. Then he ran straight through a wall without lighting it aflame.
Helen was quickly walking towards us with a long black scythe in her hand. Syrielle had kicked herself out of the debris she was in and dashed towards our foe. A wolf was trying to dash around to the tree.
The scythe nearly reached the gray furry breast, but the katana blocked it before it got there. Syrielle exchanged blows for a little over a moment with a very competent enemy. Though she was still well below the samurai who managed to slice across her stomach.
Then she stabbed her through the heart and shoved her to the ground with her other hand. Helen only smiled at the attack and rose back to her feet to continue the onslaught. The white of her cloak slowly changed to gray the more she fought. Her hair was darkening as well.
Nydorri was near the tree doing some nefarious task when suddenly The Smiling Man appeared behind her. Without saying a word, he screamed once more, and sent her flying an incredible distance. She slammed hard into the dirt rolling several times.
Syrielle sliced off both of Helen’s arms during that whole exchange. Before she could remove the bitches head, a rope wrapped around her ankle. The way her head slammed into the ground from the initial jerk would have knocked out the majority of people, and the way her whole body crashed through several walls would kill most.
Red eye’s glowed as the hellkin walked down the street towards The Smiling Man. The ghost took notice and dashed away before Zorthos could attack again.
Helen was leaning down reaching for her hands. I dashed over to her and kicked her in the butt before she could do anything about it. The witch stumbled forward. When I prepared to remove her head, a rock hit me. I lost my foot just for a moment, ultimately leaning on a nearby wall for balance. Right as I had my bearings under me the windows nearby blew up and I was covered in broken glass.
Agony had become my everything.
Zorthos was launched through the air crashing into Syrielle who was pulling herself out of debris. Both of them were on their feet pretty quickly, but the samurai was attacked by flying bricks as Zorthos was attacked by Helen whose hands were fully reattached. He managed to deflect her scythe with his sword at first but it didn’t take her long to figure him out and cut his chest badly.
She was about to follow up when she was suddenly stopped in place. A flower with purple petals, and a bright orange stem had reached from the ground to grip hold of her. She sliced it effortlessly, but Zorthos had already gained his distance from her.
His eyes glowed again. I noticed Syrielle was dueling with The Smiling Man who was weidling a golden rod. Her attacks went straight through him forcing her to only black as he swung away. The redbeams set him afire once more.
I ran between Zorthos and Helen expecting her to go for him when he dropped to knee again, but she was marching towards Nydorri who appeared to be just as out of breath. That’s when I noticed more flowers, of a variety of colors. Including several sprouting out of the dark tree. The dark sorceress was filled with fury, “What is the meaning of this madness?”
“The Kurre,” She held out her hand to drop a couple more seeds into a hole in the dirt.
Blood began to pour from the sorceress’s mouth. Her dress and hair had turned completely black. “You think a few flowers can stop me?” Helen’s laugh was both convincing and unsure at the same time. It was definitely maniacal. I can say that. “I’ll pluck them all myself if I have to. Right after I pluck your head from its shoulders.”
“The fun thing about you dead people,” Nydorri giggled, “Is that none of you can feel anything.” It looked like she could have gotten to her feet, but she just chose not to. The scythe was above her head, and all the leaf lady did was smile. “With the right seed, and the right push, you make a wonderful garden.”
I could see Helen’s eye’s widen with realization, just a moment before I saw the yellow petal sprout out of the wound in her stomach. A few more sprouted from her arms at the spot where they were cut off. The sorceress stood still, struggling to move her arms and legs. “When did you?”
There was a whistle to her left. Syrielle was on the ground twiddling her fingers.
“Bitches.”
More flowers in her stomach sprouted. In an instant they all grew larger and brighter. Helen cried, “No… I will not fail her. I will not fail death.” Her voice continued to mumble as a red and white flower came out of her mouth and soon her whole body was overtaken by life.
The sorceress was motionless.
The Smiling Man screamed at Nydorri sending her flying an even further distance than the last time. I didn’t even see where she landed, but I saw him lock eyes on me and march forward. Only to erupt into flames without any red beams. All of the other ghosts around were on fire and screaming as well.
Zorthos was driving a flaming ax across the bark of the dead tree.
At which point, it was essentially over.
The helkin quickly tossed the woman into the flames of the tree. Meanwhile the elf walked over and began rubbing cream on my wounds. They weren’t deep, but the glass had been bleeding all over. Not to mention things might have been broken. Once she was done with the cream, she pulled out a red berry and handed it to me. “You should be good before morning.”
I could feel the cream doing its job as when I slipped the berry in my mouth. At which point every injury felt as though it was improving drastically by the moment. We quickly departed from the village and returned to the villagers.
Merril made some delicious pies just for us. I wasn’t hungry after eating the berry, but Nydorri slipped me a little tea that didn’t do anything for my injuries but it brought my appetite right back. After resting half the night Kyle had us back on the road at the crack of dawn. Well before nightfall we came to a hill. The first one we’d seen since entering the pine trees. At the top of the hill, sat a large wooden door. “No matter what’s going on in the forest, he’s up there?”
Kyle walked us straight up the muddy incline. I thought there’d be more to see at the top, but it was just a door. After knocking, our guide explained, “He shouldn’t take long. Be on your best behavior everyone.”
Zorthos and Nydorri immediately looked at Syrielle and I. Zorthos quickly ordered, “Please don’t embarrass us.”
My sensei and I glared at each other completely perplexed before I asked, “Why are you looking at us like we’re the weird ones?”
Sure enough, the door cracked open a few moments later, and despite there being nothing on the other side, we walked into a massive living room with several stairs leading in multiple directions. There were paintings of kings, and beasts all around, and a huge fire place in the middle. As we observed with glee, a squeaky voice to our right greeted us. “Are you good with that thing?”
Standing beside Syrielle, was a very short little man with a gray beard. On his head was a red cap. His eyes were locked on her katana. “I imagine you’re quite good, but you never know until you ask.”
She nodded.
Not looking at her at all he exclaimed. “Oh you’re amazing. I can see it clear as day. It’s all over your face.” He snapped his fingers, “It’s the eyes. They give everything away.” Then he looked right at me, his golden eyes locked on mine. “Just like how a story is only as powerful as one who holds the pen. Do you have the power to tell the story of your friends well enough?” He pointed at the notebook at my side.
“Huh…” I nodded. “Yup.”
“I wonder what you’ll say about me?” I thought he’d just say one thing and move on, but he stuck to me. “What place do I have in the stories you’ll tell?”
“Huh…” I said again. “I haven’t gotten to know you yet. So if you want me to say nice things, I’d put on your biggest smile and be the swellest fellah you can be.” I smiled to let him know I was being facetious.
“You’re fun,” The short man nodded. “I feel like people don’t tell you that enough and you deserve to be told..” He held his hand out to shake, “Call me Rammy. May I have your name?”
“Elrin Daun of Gladland the Fighting Writer.” I told him.
He eagerly replied. “Oh man, I can’t wait to never give a shit.”
His eyes finally broke from me and on to Nydorri. “A wood elf from the forest to the South. One of the most powerful beings I’ve seen in Northern Kayos,” Though once he said it he walked right past her and stopped at Zorthos.
“I’m guessing you’re the reason this merry party is here?”
The devilman nodded.
Rammy looked him up and down. “You wish to blend in amongst the common folk.” His smirk implied admiration. “Most who come to me do so to cast themselves into the shadows. But you… You are stepping into the light.”
“That’s true,” Zorthos declared loudly. “You must be a mind reader.”
“No, you’re just ugly,” The short man replied.
The hellkin looked sad. “Well that’s plain rude.”
With a chuckle, Rammy announced. “You’ve come to the right place. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With the magic I know, every eye will behold you.”
“Okay…” Zorthos didn’t appear happy. “Cool. Still not nice to insult people.”
The short man laughed “You’re fun too. Good,” Pointing at me he said, “Gods knows he needs the material” It took me a second to fully register the depth of the comment but it was definitely an insult.
Showing a lack of confidence Zorthos asked, “How do I even know you can help me?”
“Because I have done what you wish to do…” Rammy smirked. “Don’t you know… We come from the exact same place, only the opposite. Brothers from another mother. The reason for each other.”
The hellkin’s eyes grew wide, “A Paradisian?”
Suddenly there was a flash of white light. Where a short man with a beard once stood, was now a golden skinned baby faced creature with white wings. “If you would prefer to call me Ramiel, I understand. For it is my full name, and it is pretty cool.”
“Uh….” Syrielle looked doubtful. “Aren’t angels and demons enemies?”
Zorthos snapped, “We’re cousins and our parents have a dysfunctional relationship. Stay out of it.”
Ramiel floated over to us and bowed, “You are all of course guests in my home. It would be my honor to treat you to a fine meal and give you all a warm bed for the evening. But if the helkin and I can come to an agreement then our work will begin in the morning. I won’t be able to entertain guests at that point.”
We agreed and then the man insisted he and Zorthos go into the other room to discuss their terms. Zorthos then turned to Nydorri, “If this works. Thank you.”
“What about us?” I whined.
Syrielle smiled at me. “What’d you do?”
Raising my hand I declared. “I helped defeat the knight.”
Zorthos scrunched his eyebrows. “Did you?”