The screaming had already died down long ago.
He could hear the ripples of flames that burnt everything around him. The streets were desolate with its only companion being the numerous ransacked houses. The highwall of stone seemed as unreachable as the sky yet the dark was the reason why it seemed like it was easy to reach. No stars, no life, just darkness and the light of flames that surrounded them.
His steps were getting heavy from the dirt road that trailed nearly every direction, he could map it out easily if it weren't for how dim the area was. The stench of smoke and blood was clinging through the air. Bodies of all ages were either stacked together in some sickening display, hanged to every post that the city had or was just left outside to rot. Flesh that was torn from head to toe, wounds that would fester in mere moments, and eyes that remained open– denied even the mercy of closing them. He remembered such a sight long ago…
"Poor sods." He heard a voice of a man beside him— rougher and older than his own. His lines are carved of experience but not wisdom. Armour heavier than his own. "Couldn't muster up till the end eh, Allendis?"
Allendis decided to ignore him; he was surrounded by a march of men who trekked the battlefield of the eastern front of the city earlier. He expected an easily-fought battle but what they got instead were determined animals that swung their weapons recklessly. For what? For the city that they were trying to protect to come down to ruin anyway? Was there any sort of thought through their madness? He could not imagine why Rathlin's soldiers were dead set on fighting to their deaths.
Walking through a pile of bodies and ash gave him some dread. It was senseless. Allendis continued to walk through the city, his hand occupied with a sword on his right, he knew the city of Rathlin is practically a cemetery but he can never be too careful. With each step forward, he was nearing a brilliant light a few blocks from his view. Heavy clanks were heard in succession, draped with gold and white plates that covered their entire bodies. It was the Golden Cloth. Compared to his drab armour, they were practically shining through the streets atop their regal and gaudy horses. Behind them was a carriage of enormous size and equally ornate, he even wondered how they managed to fit it through the streets.
"Look at that, shiny gold cloaks ready to drown us in coin!" Allendis heard someone cheering followed by the bellow at the mention of coin. He would be lying to himself if he said he didn't want to get paid, not after such a long campaign. Such a stupid war between nobles but their idiocy is what gets food in his mouth. Allendis lowered his guard somewhat after they came close to the golden men. He has heard quite a bit about them. Men of faith who believed in the golden words of the goddess. Valiant knights of the divine, here in a shitty morgue of innocents.
It wasn't long before both forces began to acknowledge each other. Among the shiny knights, he saw a familiar aged man in armour that was accompanied with green cloth. The man looked more regal than your average soldier, but what caught his eye was the distinguished facial hair that did not fit his face showing off his odd sense of fashion to all. This man was their employer, Tuvo.
Tuvo's eyes darted at the marching men towards him and the Golden Cloth, and began pacing towards them. Alongside him was a knight in full plate armor walking beside him, a bit taller than Allendis himself. He was a bit different as while the rest of the knights were wearing gold armour, this knight had black armour covered by a gold cloak. The knight's helm had a unique design as if it had the eyes of a man like a sculpture between the slits. Allendis found it quite interesting, perhaps a bit eye-catching for his tastes.
"Well, Lord Tuvo? Seems me and my boys did quite well." Allendis saw a man speaking with Tuvo. Much taller than anyone in the company, dwarfing himself considerably. Much older than him too and a beard that matches the lord's mustache. A lance tucked at the man's back tying it alongside his shield.
"Ah Captain Meindurg of the Last Dogs. Indeed, it seems your arms are worth it after all. Speaking of which, did you accomplish the other thing I hired you to do?"
The man called Meindurg laughed, "The package is secured. You can do as much as you pleased with it."
"Wonderful! Now I have another matter for you and your men to attend to. Come with me."
"Hold on, Lord Tuvo," Meindurg raised his hand against Tuvo. It was a sight to see the man's hand nearly cover the noble's shoulder. Allendis watched as the knight beside Tuvo was ready to draw his blade. "Me and my boys like to get the rest of our coin. We did what you hired us for. The battle wasn't an easy one but we ask no more than what we are owed."
To Tuvo's credit, it seems like he kept his cool against the much more imposing mercenary. That or he was keeping up a face. Either way, Meindurg was right. In this line of work, you don't want to go above and beyond, lest you overstep and get your head adorned with blades. There were exceptions that he would like to consider, but those are much rarer.
"I have your payment, Meindurg. I'm a man of my word and my word is as strong as any steel." Tuvo said not before fidgeting out of the mercenary's grip.
Meindurg sighed and dropped his hand, "Very well, I'll have my men set up camp for tonight, once that's done we can talk about that other job you so wanted us done."
The nobleman nodded before walking away back towards the Golden Cloth knights. Outside the city was the best place to set up camp and it looked like Meindurg had the same idea as they continued to march outside the city, passing by the western gate and into the large expanse of land. A good spot to set up camp. Soldiers were helping each other out with setting up the tents alongside the servants within the company. The more hands that they have, the faster they can finally rest. It was a good thing too, four thousand men under the banner of Last Dogs were quite formidable, and handling affairs as simple as this would be a nightmare to handle on their own.
Allendis didn't really need much besides some grub, some wine and a roof over his head. One of his necessities for the evening was already complete and the tents weren't exactly easy to set up. He ended up needing the help of a servant boy. Too young to be travelling with them but there was nothing he could do. The boy knew when to set up both patterns. After getting his tent up, he gave the servant boy a silver coin as gratitude for his help. He looked down at the boy who had star-struck eyes fixated on the coin and only managed to eke out small sounds and a bow before running off. After all has been said and done, he was merely a soldier of fortune, so he really couldn't complain but he would have preferred a nicer bed rather than a folding straw sack separating his body from the cold ground. He was at least grateful that they had wooden tables stored by the servants. Allendis placed a few pieces of his armor to the ground, particularly his gauntlets. He reached out to one of the bags attached to him at his waist and grabbed a wooden stick with a small yet rigid charcoal attached to it and a parchment and placed it on the table.
"Allendis? Are you here buddy?" He heard a man's voice just outside his tent. Allendis quickly grabbed his sword with half of his armour still on. "What am I saying, come on I know you're in there, I just saw you come in a while ago."
When he lifted the flap of his tent, he saw a young man around his age, he had few notable features that could be remembered by him but one of those features was the red hair. Dyed in deep crimson that somehow worked on his long face. Allendis remembered him now, Halbin was his name. A fierce soldier in his own right, at least among the common mercenaries.
"What do you want?" Allendis asked.
"Can't I greet a friend of mine after that last battle? The boys told me you showed off a lot during our offensive against Rathlin knights at Boneful Trench." Halbin said, his worry was a lot more evident by his tone, something Allendis did not find amusing. "Too bad I didn't get the chance to see that for myself."
"There's nothing special about it. Some fire, smoke, and sparking lights was enough to get them to hesitate."
"A flair for performance? Maybe you should consider becoming a minstrel." Halbin chuckled at the thought.
"That would require me to be good at keeping them alive for them to enjoy my work then." Halbin's chuckle evolved into loud laughter. Too loud if Allendis was being honest. He did not like drawing attention to himself and the idiot in front of him was doing that by the breath. Maybe Halbin should be the one to consider the life of a bard instead of him.
"I appreciate the concern friend, but if that is all then I would like to–"
"Actually I came here to invite you to get some drinks. Dinner will be ready shortly, and a freshly-made stew goes down well with ale and company. What do you say?"
"No thank you. I have better things to do."
"Like what? You have a woman waiting in there for you?" Halbin had a face that looked like he figured out the secrets of the Order's Root and was ready to smear it to every scholar's face.
"If I did, I wouldn't say that I have one to you. No, I would prefer to be alone for now, I want to get some rest."
Halbin was pretty good at making faces, one minute he looked smug down to the core, but now he made a disgustingly pitiful face, like a dog that pleads for its master to get him a bone or for a walk. Now that he has a better look of him, his eyes were doing most of the work which sickens him, and almost envious that his colleague can portray such emotions.
"At least come with us for dinner. It's not everyday that us comrades get to live another battle. It's much better to dine us one than fill up our stomachs alone, friend."
Comrade. Friend. Allendis was always alone, wandering the world with no aim nor regard for his own life. For all he cared, the goddess could just take away his life and he would offer it on a silver platter. The only semblance of sentimentality he had was a woman who showed the ways of the world. A woman with sensibilities that would make even seasoned travellers gawk. She did not teach him everything she knew, but he would be lying if what she taught him did not come in handy in his line of work. The battlefield was not a good place for him to grow up but he knew well not to kick the hands that fed him. Though calling her as a friend was taking it too far. A mentor perhaps. A friend was something he did not want or cared to find.
Once again, Allendis took one unmoving look to Halbin and sighed. He was not getting away tonight.
"Fine."
Halbin suddenly wrapped his arms around Allendis' neck as he pulled him closer. "I knew you'd agree, friend. Now, let's go find our pals, they found a nice spot by the nearby river. The one near the bridge of Rathlin city."
Allendis merely let out a growl before freeing himself against his grip. If he refused, Halbin would just come back again at some point during the campaign and it'd be even more annoying to deal with than any ravenous beast. The sooner he gets this over with, the sooner he can write his letters. The two of them glided through the ground of mercenaries. There were hundreds of them if someone decided to look down on them but even through the dirt, each of them were in their own world. Some commoners' clothes were dirty and ragged when they served the men of the Last Dogs their supper. Mercenaries have their weapons by their sides just as much as they have women.
Allendis and Halbin walked a few more, being greeted by men of all ages. Some were younger than them and others were showing their age. Most of their greetings were directed towards Halbin. They even stopped once or twice to have a short conversation with him. Allendis almost forgot that Halbin was his squadron leader with how little he acts like one. Still, he appreciated his candor at least. Nothing veiled by formalities. His abilities on the battlefield were also commendable but rough. Halbin was powerful and tough as Allendis was nimble and graceful. Someone's build belies someone's skills.
"We're almost there, Allendis." Halbin said. "I heard from Chelsie that the view is perfect for camping and I trust the words of my scout better than the captain when it comes to these matters."
Allendis stayed quiet. His words held little interest in him. He'd prefer to stay at his tent and write his findings. A small hobby of his. Still, having to do so with an empty stomach when your entire day was filled with bloody battles would not help him in the slightest. Halbin was right about one thing, it wasn't long before he saw a small light, surrounded by a couple of people in the distance. Allendis could hear the melodic strumming of an instrument, he was not familiar with musical instruments, perhaps it was a lute or a lyre, either way he found it rather pleasing to hear. As they approached closer he saw five individuals around a small fire that was being mended by the firewood.
The first one that he noticed was the man who was playing the melody from his lyre with such concentration that his eyes were closed, carefully listening to each note he produced as if he was in a whole world of his own. Such a slim visage that one could mistake him for a fair maiden and even more so with his long dark locks that flowed against the man's white robe. A robe that was stained with dirtied crimson from the foot and lessens upward.
Right beside the man was a young woman with brown hair that only reached down her exposed shoulders. Dressed in a leather tunic and trousers that allowed her to move more freely than the rest of the army. The lanky arms that crossed over her chest separated for her to wave at them.
"Halbin! Allendis! Good to see you two joining us. We were waiting for you." said the woman in leather.
Halbin waved back as the two of them went over the group preparing to take a seat at one of the tree trunks that surrounded the campfire.
"Quite the cozy spot you found Chel. I knew I could count on you." Halbin said. He raised his hand and pointed up to the sky. The gesture made Allendis curious and his gaze followed Halbin's hand. "The stars look quite beautiful tonight. The only thing I saw more beautiful than this is you."
Chelsea merely groaned and gave him a look that could only be described as appalled, and disgusted that Halbin even dared to let those words out of his mouth. Halbin was not wholly wrong. The small lights that painted the dark sky was a site to behold, something that the city was not capable of showing. Small pearls that shined through. He wasn't the sentimental type but he could at least appreciate beauty when he saw one.
"You even managed to bring that lad with you, Halbin?" They heard a rough voice chime up at the edge of the seat. It was a man with a greying beard wearing a long black coat and a helm that covered everything besides his beard. He was covered in a dark cloth with the exception of his hands that were bare, its ruggedness are in full display with small scars that covered it. His hands held a small tattered notebook with an even more mulled over cover.
"Sure did, Bach! I told you I'd get him here with us. Allendis is more than a match for you when it comes to being a recluse." Halbin said as he took a seat beside the old man and gestured for Allendis to do the same.
"Indeed. Speaking of which, young one," Bach directed his attention to Allendis. "You should come visit me sometime. I have a few ingredients in stock that could help you. Hearty petals are in bloom this season."
Allendis nodded his head and sat down right beside his squadron leader. "If I find the time. I will."
"Hearty petals?" Halbin asked. "I never heard of those before."
"That's because it only blooms during summer and usually grows on the savage soil." Allendis answered. "It's used to make warming concoctions for the northerners of Folsung."
"Why'd you need that for then? Winter has already passed and we're nowhere near the northern kingdoms. Unless you get all chilly at night. I could give you a hug if you'd like."
Allendis rolled his eyes. "I want to experiment a bit and keep your hands to yourself." Hearty petals were used to make heating potions but it also increases blood flow and stabilizes the heart. Halbin did not need to know that.
"I-I think the food is ready."
Allendis heard a meek voice sitting near Bach. His long face and slender arms could be mistaken for an actual stick. Skin that was wrapped around the bone was more like it. The boy's armor was all over the place. He only wore one gauntlet, a shoulder pad on the opposite side and a tattered yellow cape. Such an odd fellow, odder than the man playing his music.
"Thank you for the reminder Ponilan. I will get the trenchers and mugs. I'm sure all of you are in the mood for Longmeat stew."
A woman responded to Ponila. This time it was a tall woman wearing full armor. Silver that shines through like it was newly made yet dents and a rugged scarf points to another. Her hair was dark as any shadow that accompanied down her waists.
Suddenly, Halbin stood up from his seat. "I'll help with that lady Nitha. I got the perfect ale to go down with the stew." He said as he pulled out a couple of tankards.
Nitha smiled politely. "Thank you for your help, ser Halbin."
"You bought the barrel, Chelsea?" Halbin asked.
Instead of answering, Chelsea slapped the side of the used barrel and smiled excitedly. Halbin beamed with the enthusiasm of a child getting their new toy. "What a reliable scout you are. I hope old man Kif didn't give you too much trouble."
"He did. I don't know what you did, but he did not take me kindly when I ordered a barrel. Knowing you though, you probably didn't pay him a single coin."
Halbin merely laughed, "I was gonna pay him back. I'm making an honest living here!" Allendis heard him sigh. "He's too cranky lately. He goes on and on about Livankal getting caught up in some calamity. Saying stuff like 'it'll be the end soon!' But I really should pay him back for the previous barrel, maybe after this campaign is over."
"I heard of it too." Nitha said. Her face grimaced, as if bracing herself for her next words. "Hundreds died from the frost. Cold that went by in minutes, turned the city into a wasteland."
"Frost?" Chelsea asked. "Livankal is the farthest down from the northern lands and we won't have winter until several moons. You think something like that just happens out of nowhere?"
"P-perhaps it could be the Moonless Hand?" This time Ponila said something. All of them, even Allendis and the man playing his music stopped at Ponila's words. The man clearly was not used to the attention as he shirk from all of their gazes.
"That heretical order should not be uttered in any way, young Ponila." Bach said sternly. "They might be stories of ages past to scare children but the Moonless Hand are not to be uttered under the heavens."
"But such a horrible thing to occur at Livenkal, you can't deny that they may still be remnants of them out there!" Ponila said. "Think about it! They might be the only ones who can force the city into an eternal iceberg."
"Old Bach is indeed right, Pon. It would be unwise to let the Golden Cloth hear of such heretical fantasies, one could be lurking about right now. Not after what happened to them centuries ago."
A deep voice expressed their words with a mild gusto that could be mistaken for mocking poor Ponila. Speaking of Ponila, as stiff as a wooden plank, he turned his head back, eyes darting around frantically, his hands moving far more erratically.
"Geblin, please refrain from scaring Ponila. Your jests about the Golden Cloth are not amusing at all." Nitha said, her voice was that of a lowered pitch.
Geblin chuckled deeply. "Mere jests, dear Nitha, forgive me. I decided to also practice with my mouth. I've gotten tired with my fingers as you can see." He flexed all five of his fingers as if to show something. "But pray that you do not slip up in front of anyone, Pon."
"Come now, surely you exaggerate. The Moonless Hand have already been dealt with by the Sovereign of Blades of the past. Those murderers got what they deserve for killing one of the Sovereigns. They made sure of that." Halbin said as he gave everyone their tankard of ale while Nitha provided them with a spoon and a wooden bowl on top of a wooden trencher filled with salty and delicious longmeat stew. The dark liquid that swirls as smoothly as a river with dark slices of longmeat and potatoes was paired with bread on the side.
Allendis took the first bite and it almost made him think it was worth going through the trouble because of how the soup just slides through his tongue. At least he was able to enjoy it peacefully while they argue until their food runs cold like Livenkal.
"You think so too don't you, Allendis?" Halbin asked.
That question made his brow lowered. A mocking from the gods themselves?
"I don't know." Allendis took a bite of his bread. "Why are you asking me?"
"Well I just thought you'd know more. I'm not one for reading but I hear stories all the same."
"It shows too." Allendis let out an audible breath. "The Moonless Hand perished long ago alongside their Lord Isphet right? If so then I doubt they'll show up anytime soon."
He had read books about the Moonless Hand when he was just a child. His mother would always tell him stories about knights and dragons and beasts that guard and roam the realm. His mother did not frown anytime the infamous order was brought up. He remembered her laughing at him for being inquisitive rather than frightened by such stories.
If I didn't know any better, I would have mistaken you for being interested in joining!
His mother did not know much about the order of heretics herself but she did not need to. His interests lie beyond knights and heroes. Something more. Still stories of them are prevalent to children who misbehave, at least that's how it should've stayed. He was born into the world already fearing the Moonless Hand.
"For now, I think it's best we enjoy our meal and focus on the campaign."
Nitha's lips stretched upwards at his words. "I agree. It won't do us any good to dwell on ancient history. Besides, we have more pressing matters to talk about but let's save it for tomorrow."
"Argh! You're right I forgot about the war council tomorrow!" Halbin panicked.
"Please make sure to at least give us the full details of the meeting. Maybe we should have someone accompany you." Chelsea said. Allendis noticed she was not eating or rather, she was not touching her food and instead chugs down a tankard of ale in one swift motion until it was empty. How many has she drunk already?
"How about you Allendis?" Chelsea raised her mug in his direction, almost flailing it. "Can you go with him to the meeting? Just to be sure. You know Hal, squadron leader he may be but he's just as stupid as the rest of them."
"Now, you don't need to insult me, Chel. I have feelings–very strong feelings!"
"I doubt I'd be of much help." Allendis said. "Besides, no one besides Halbin and the other squadron leaders are going to attend. I'm just a lowly soldier after all—"
A sudden chill ran down Allendis' back. It wasn't because of the cold night. It was as if it was directed to him. Allendis looked around and nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Chelsea and Halbin are talking to each other with increasing vitriol, Bach is writing something in his old notebook, Geblin is continuously chugging down his ale, and Nitha is almost done eating her food. He looked around the river and that's when he saw something.
What is that? He thought
A figure standing beyond the river.
He was sure of it. The figure was staring at him so intently and the only thing he could make out was that it resembled a person. Its eyes seemed to blare brightly with gold light, like it's not even a pair of eyes but a whirlpool of…power. Its gaze doesn't drop even for a second. He saw it get bigger, much clearer, its figure touching the ever running river and it looked like it wasn't affected by the current. His heart raises each of its beats with his breath and for some reason, he could hear it breathing even from across the river. His eyes became so focused on the figure and yet so dazed at it. All he had to do was to turn away but his neck was stuck in place. It was something so bizarre and familiar–
"Allendis! Are you alright?" Allendis snapped his neck back only to find Halbin's hand touching his shoulder. His eyes were a lot softer than the ones he just saw. It wasn't just him though, Chelsea had the same look and so does Nitha. Bach was leaning a bit to see what was happening alongside Ponila, who nervously shook from his gaze.
"I'm fine…" His chest began to feel some pain. His throat was hoarse despite not talking much. He grabbed his half-empty tankard and let the ale clear his throat and give new life to his tongue. "I'll head in first. Excuse me."
"Allendis…" He heard Chelsea utter his name.
Allendis stood up from his seat and walked slowly but quickly turned his back to everyone. He looked at the river again to see if the figure was still there but he could no longer see anything that resembled the figure. He could not even remember what it looked like except for its eyes.
He walked back to his tent to see that his equipment was all there when he left them. Armour plates on the ground, papers and a quill on the table but what drew him the most was his straw stack. He walked past everything and fell down to his bed with barely any regard for where his head lay.
Perhaps he was just tired. Perhaps he was being paranoid. But he could've sworn that what he saw felt familiar. He did not have any time to ponder as his eyes dropped until he could no longer see the patterns of his tent.
Charcoal met with the blank parchment. Smoothly going in and out with practiced strokes that have been refined in her own style. Letters that can be placed next to an artform. It was natural for her to accomplish. A facile objective.
The woman folded the parchment in three folds, before bringing down a stamp and placing it in the middle of it. The red substance from the stamp soon hardened, sealing it shut with a symbol of an eagle.
Her dainty fingers ran across the letter she made. She wondered how her father would react to it. Joy? Disappointment? Or maybe something else entirely? She would not like to dwell too much on it. She stretched her arms up, pulling up her entire body without it ever leaving her chair. The wooden floor creaked a bit but she was sure that no one cared.
The only companion she only had was the lamp that gave light to her room. Warm and quite well built, despite the few creaky floors. It wasn't something she was used to but it was a nice experience. Though work does not stop and such an experience can only be enjoyed for mere moments.
The woman got up from her seat and went outside her room. Dinner will come to her regardless if she stayed or not but that is no excuse to get complacent.
"Where are you going at this time, my lady?"
She nearly jumped from her boots. She does not think she will ever get used to it.
"Kolin! I implore you to warn me next time you call out to me."
"Lady Adelaide, might I remind you that it is my duty as your retainer to keep an eye on you."
"Do you truly need to tell me your duty? I know very well about that, I simply ask to reduce your sudden appearances." Adelaide said.
"My apologies, Lady Adelaide. I will be careful next time." Kolim bowed, showing his dark hair and hiding his face from her.
"You always say that…" Adelaide muttered. "Regarding your question. I am hungry, I hear the town is a lot livelier at night."
"Do you think it's wise, my lady? You have classes tomorrow morning. Quite the full day ahead too."
"It will be fine, Kolin. We are merely guests here. Until Professor Oxlen returns, we are free to do whatever we fancy."
"Precisely, why I asked. Professor Oxlen asked for you specifically to fill in. I hear from the students that his materials are not to be taken lightly."
"Kolin, how long have you been under my service?" Adelaide asked. She walked across the quiet hall passing by each room.
Kolin followed suit just behind her. His steps were a lot louder from the armour he was wearing. "I believe in seven moons, my lady."
"Then you must know that I was Professor Oxlen's student once. I know how hard his materials are. Far be it from me to say but despite the difficulties, my studies at Hefberd Academy bore some fruit." Adelaide said as they went out of the house they had rented out. It wasn't as quiet as he had hoped but perhaps it was all the better. Carriages still flowed from one side and the other and people still had their time being spent.
"Come I know of a place to eat. It will be my treat, so you better not report to father."
Her words immediately grabbed Kolin's attention. "My lady, you do not have to, I have my own coin to spare." He said as politely as he could. It almost made Adelaide laugh.
She spared no more effort at his behest. It was not everyday that she could join in with everyone's nightly endeavors. While there is work to be done, no one has told her that she could put it off for a bit of respite. She could feel the cool breeze hitting her face and sending shivers down her body.
"Maybe I should have changed my tunic." Adelaide muttered. But it did not matter. To her, she merely needs to enjoy the night before everything is set in motion.