*Drip, Drip, Drip,* The sound of water echoed throughout the dimly lit room. In the middle, a pentagram in which laid a dead body drowning in its own blood. A sacrificed had been made, ancient symbols burnt onto the poor victim. Fingers sliced off, scars signifying torture before death. Cold and heartless gaze fell upon the young man, "The ritual was a failure," A man, body, and face shrouded with a dark black hood spoke out in disappointment. A beheaded head insignia, deep red in color revealed itself as the leader faced away and stared further inside. "This isn't a failure my brother's; we've summoned a beast from another realm. Trying to control such a powerful entity was simply unforeseen."
An awkward silence followed afterward, burning as lazily as humanly possible were the candles. Deeper inside where he stared, the smell of rotting flesh became more obvious. None spared, from adults to infants, all were used up as a sacrifice. "But maste…"
*Touch of decay,* Out of spite, the leader unleashed the pent-up hidden frustration onto the poor apprentice. "AHHHHHHHH," The lower half turned into a sludgy substance, it was as if the body had melted. The scream got louder. Annoyed, with a move so fast the brain could not process, the boy's head separated from its body in a heartbeat. "Tsk, tsk, decay touch is still not perfect, what a shame. Now, my brothers, we have to prepare for in four-months we shall summon a beast so powerful it will turn the kingdom upside down."
"Yes sire," After repetitively disposing of the used-up bodies, the members of the cult got to cleaning all the messy blood. No emotion, no remorse, some seemed happy by the sight of blood. The path leading out was as dark as the abyss, a stairway which only a few knew about led into an orphanage. Emerging from the stairs to hell were two men, one well-built and an elder. Clothes changed from black to white, they were in charge of said orphanage. A secret passage marked by two statues of nude women holding pots, they walked slowly towards the playground.
"Elder, was it wise for me to slay that young one?"
"No need to repent on your previous actions, what is done cannot be undone," He spoke slowly as he pronounced each word and syllable with the utmost care.
"I only asked as a form of courtesy for your wisdom, I don't regret my actions, I'd have slain more given the chance."
*Thump, Thump,* For an old man, this elder had the strength of a young warrior. Back practically red from pain, the young man slowly turned to face his assailant. Smiling with only his gum's shown was the old man.
"Elder, elder," A crowd of young kids soon surrounded both of them. Cheers, nonsensical sentences and laughter were heard, "Good morning everyone. I hope you slept well."
"We did elder, thanks for asking," Everyone replied.
*Clap, clap,* "Scram everyone, don't tire the elder." He shouted; the children around here called him a big oaf. Cheerfully shouting big oaf, big oaf in a jingle, they left. The sun rose two hours ago, it was time for breakfast.
"Big oaf, sure befits you." The elder pointed out.
"Well big oaf or not, these kids are going to be a serious help for our plan to flourish. Why not let them live a little," With that, their conversation ended.
Snore so loud it resembled a train, from three till sunrise, Staxius ruined everyone's night. Adelana being the responsible big sister, stayed behind and watched over the carriage. Meanwhile, everyone excluding Eira headed deeper into the forest. Close to a lake, on a semi snowy and semi grassy small plain, they set up another mini-camp. Hating the soft ground, Ancret and Annet slept on the massive trees overlooking the faint and distant Oxshield.
"So soft and comfortable, I don't want to wake. Am I sleeping on a cloud, this is pure bliss, I can get use to this. My chest, it feels heavy, Eira. Wait, our battle…" By force, he woke, trying to get his bearings back. The moment he turned right as his eyes adjusted to the surroundings, a pair of eyes so blue it put the sky to shame stared back at him. Fur as white as snow with spots of blue resembling ice and lightning. *Gulp,* Being as subtle as he could, Staxius tightened his grip around Eira, slowly. Almost like an explosion, Eira woke and sobbed.
Fearing the worst, Eira in arms like a cradle, without any incantation, Staxius used Shadow step and retreated. Cries sounding like an alarm, the silver guardians as well as Undrar rushed to the carriage. Weapons unsheathed, bow drawn and spell ready to cast, everyone was on guard. Lost deep inside the ocean colored eyes, Staxius felt a connection with Fenrir.
"Lower your weapon child, I mean no harm." They began speaking telepathically.
"Am I correct to assume that you're Fenrir?"
"I'm astonished that you know my name, however, speaking in this form is rather inconvenient. Do you have any particular form you wish for me to take?"
"You asked so politely, even though I'm but a mere human. Your generosity knows no bounds, however, are you certain you wish to assign such a task to me?"
"Such a task is but a mild quandary for I, now speak."
"Very well," Using the mental image sent by Staxius, Fenrir began to transform. A blinding blue light
dazzled, and it was done. Standing before them was not the image Staxius had envisioned but rather Fenrir's human form. Naked, she stood, deep blue long hair which reached her hips, paired with the same ocean colored eyes. Her facial figure was as pretty as the queen herself, even more so. It was on par with Undrar's divine beauty. Fenrir looked human for the most part, except she had wolf ear and tail. Her transformation wasn't fully complete. Her physical body was curvy and filled at all the right places, truly exquisite. With a new source of food presented before her, Eira threw a tantrum and pointed at her massive breasts.
"Fenrir, what was the point of asking me how I wanted you to look?" He continued using telepathy.
"Very simple, your version was simply too gross, making me look like a rabbit, what is wrong with you?"
"FFFF, another mouth to feed, and Fenrir is a girl as well, man this sucks." Staxius was fuming with anger, the snow beneath him began to melt.
"Excuse me, did you say something?"
"I was just wondering if you would be so kind as to feed my young daughter here."
"Excuse you, who do you think you are to ask such a question," Knowing the answer, Staxius turned away. "Let me finish, hand that angel here, and if you please, do you have any clothes I can use, I may be a legendary wolf but this body is rather lacking."
"Adelana, do we have any spare clothes, never mind, do we have anything this lady can use to cover herself up?" He shouted.
"I'm afraid not master,"
"Thanks for checking," Walking towards the naked Fenrir, with no lust and no indecent thought going through his mind, he confidently handed over his permanently blood-stained grey suit's jacket along with Eira who began breakfast. Fenrir's cheek flushed, but Staxius just ignored it, asking about it would be a pointless waste of breath. Finished, he turned around to head for the carriage.
Everyone stared at him, confused, he spoke, "What's the matter ladies, do I have something stuck to my face?" Disappointed, everyone sighed and climbed aboard the carriage.
"Viola, your brother really doesn't feel anything does he?" Ancret asked. Undrar replied with a nod, deep inside she knew Staxius felt that. Behind the cover of his cavalier behavior, a subtle movement of his little finger told it all. Onboard, everyone sat at their usual location, Fenrir was still breastfeeding Eira who sat on Staxius's right side.
"Alright master, we are heading out."
Finally regaining even ground, Staxius having noticed Millicent's faint presence from the start asked,
"Ayleth and Annet, who is this person you've brought along?"
"…" Shy, Ayleth quickly glanced away.
"Let me explain," Seconds turned into minutes which turned into an hour, with all the unnecessary detail such as; when they peed or took a shit. She finally concluded with, "Basically, they were about to rape this young woman here so we took her in and tada, she might be important on a later date."
"I did leave it all to your discretion, however, her constantly eyeing me is rather fatiguing but no matter. A quick smile directed to Millicent who confused began to cough, the infamous intellect began working once again.
"Five S-rank and above combatants, Undrar my companion, and finally Fenrir who I don't know is on my side or not. In total, I have seven people who can fight, and a meat shield who is named Millicent. Why did those men try to get her into Kreston, I know it's a plot to instigate war but what were the holy army doing so far inside Rotten Thicket. If I know the paladin, they are still wandering around the border, waiting for the higher-ups to declare war. Abduction… Soldiers… Hold up, this is stupid, why would the holy army abduct a nobody like her. Unless she's a nobleman's daughter or wife, she's of no use. Kidnapping someone is out of reach, they haven't even entered the province of Dorchester much less the chance of some rich girl walking aimlessly around the forest. Alyson said she saw men entering the forest, THAT'S IT. I get it now; the plot was made not by Kreston but Dorchester. Which means, this Millicent must be someone important, finding her identity is the next plan of action as well as lodging and food, not to forget money."
Mind working at full-blast, the party headed for Savaview Bridge. The cold mountain air got replaced by the warm scent of dust and leaves raising from the flattened trail. The famed battlefield was closer to Krigi. On this path leading into the capital, it was taken care of and the evidence of war was erased in this part alone. It seemed peaceful, grassy plains, trees, fields of flowers, it was like a masterpiece of a painting. As the journey continued, tired, Staxius, as well as Eira, dozed off. Sat on his lap, her body posture was identical to him. In front of such a heartwarming sight, everyone could not but smile. Deep in their slumber, subconsciously, Undrar's frail girlish lap became their pillow. Not knowing what to do, Viola followed suit. Joining her was Fenrir who rested her head onto Staxius's hip. Following their master's example, everyone, including Millicent had a little nap.
In the front, Adelana began to doze off as well. Her eyes were fighting to keep her awake. Paired with Garsley Castle, Savaview bridge came into view, massive and imposing, the pace dropped.
"Master, Master, we've arrived."
"Mhmmm," Half awake, Staxius woke. "Where are we?"
"Near Savaview Bridge, however getting past that checkpoint is going to be hard. Look, if you stare at the castle you can see guns mounted and waiting for anyone to try and force their way through. Not to forget its army which has a response time of about two minutes. This is why I need your assistance."
"You're right, this place is well guarded. We only need to pass, cover-up Millicent and Fenrir, I'll figure something out."
The carriage slowly approached, using his right hand to signal stop, a guardsman came forth. Before he could have a clear view of the carriage's inside, Staxius jumped off and met the unsuspecting guardsman.
"State your business," He replied using a stern face in a deep sluggish voice.
*Dark arts, Emotional Control.*
"My business is only trading my dear friend," Arm wrapped around the guard's shoulder he continued, "Listen, I'm going to sell some of my merchandise, you see the ladies there, a nobleman from the capital asked me to deliver them." A quick glance over his shoulder, the guardsman spotted the silver guardians. "Listen up pal, I've got a duty to abide by, I'm afraid I can't let you pass without proof." He continued denying.
"Alright, here," Held on his hand, a pocket watch so beautifully and masterfully crafted it sent shivers down the guard's back. You could see every individual piece move in perfect harmony, on top, Hamon Boyard's insignia.
*Cough, cough,* "You should have said you work for Hamon, alright go on."
"OPEN THE GATES,"
"Let's go Adelana, quick."
After a sigh of relief, the hardest part was behind them. The scenery didn't change that much from the path they came from. That being said, Oxshield as a whole felt more refine and dignified. The trees happily swayed from left to right as well as the lovely green plains which seemed to stretch on forever. Facing the south, Dundee was on the right, a town mainly used for trading amongst commoners. The place was fairly cheap compared to the capital. Thieves and thugs were a common threat there but with luck and some punches here and there, getting by was easy.