A girl whose petite, timid, upright, she specifically has blue hair as bright as the daytime sky and, her shimmering pink fluorite eyes were nowhere to be perceived. It's either she's gone somewhere with the wind or how she just suddenly appeared and disappeared soon after.
Xarth looked throughout the area of the training ground to find Olivea, yet she couldn't be seen anywhere near the large group of soldiers currently on stand by.
He approached Wymer and asked. "Sir Wymer, Have you seen the woman that I've been with?" Xarth asked as he was confused and worried for someone he just met for the first time that day.
Wymer stared at Xarth with a perplexed expression on his face. "I beg your pardon. But, who are you talking about?" he asked back.
Xarth eye's started to shake at that moment. "W-what?" he stuttered as he was flabbergasted at Wymer's reply.
"You didn't have any company with you this whole time, right?" Wymer mentioned since he was really telling the truth. He who has keen perception believed what he was naturally seeing with his own eyes.
Xarth's eyes widen more at what Wymer had just said to him. "What!? He directed his gaze to every soldier surrounding him. 'There was clearly someone with me. Isn't that right?" Yet the soldiers just tilted their heads sideways indicating that they really did not detect a woman with him.
Xarth scoffed. 'Are they saying that..., that I've been with a 'Wanderers' this whole time!?" He was dumbfounded at what he just imagined.
Well, literally just about everything could happen in this world. It's a world of swords and magic, what do you expect. Anything is unquestionably possible if you were to base it on that fact.
Wymer steps closer to Xarth since he was in a stupor. "Young master Xarth, Are you alright? Are those bloodstains from your wounds inflicted by a 'Wanderers'?" he worriedly asked despite that Xarth was still in a daze.
He was thinking that he could have died if Olivea was really a 'Wanderers' though that's just some speculation. As he clearly saw it with his own eyes that Olivea was working with other servants and maid when they met. Yes, she has an alibi.
The Captain knight sees this and immediately shouted. "Get me a priest here right now!" since Xarth was a nobleman and was also an esteemed guest of Duke Jidek.
Xarth immediately snaps and came back to reality. "No." He gestured his hand at Wymer. "I'm fine, More importantly, we need to go to the capital and testify for the Duke's innocence." Xarth has already made his mind while climbing the stairs out of the underground system. There were just two choices he could make, it's either he goes to a remote village and lives his life away from all this complicated mess with the money he had gotten from the Count. Or he would stay for the initial plan to go to the capital and protect Harold from any form of harm and live his life at the Count Barrows's territory in luxury and comfort.
It was definitely a gamble if he were to go on a remote village secretly with all that money, he'll likely be robbed or in most cases scenario in a fantasy setting story. He expected himself to be killed in a ditch somewhere in this world as far as he knows. Since there are some pretty terrific people here. Furthermore, he doesn't really have enough information regarding this World and be able to live securely in an unknown place. Though he could take them out either way because he has Soleis and it seems like he could use magic. But still, he chose to stay with his initial plan to help and protect others and storm his way to the capital.
Wymer's face instantly turned grave. "Do you know something? he asked since he was quite worried for his dear Master.
Xarth looked at him straight in the eyes without unwavering. "I do. So, Come with me." he started to pull Wymer's hand indicating him to accompany him to the capital and save the Duke.
Despite those sincere actions, Wymer moved Xarth's hand away from his. "I can't." He replied with a devastated look on his likable appearance.
"W-why?!" Xarth wailed he wasn't expecting this type of answer from Wymer who values loyalty more than his life.
Wymer averted his gaze from the Young master in front of him. "I'm sorry." he quietly mumbled as he closes his eyes while his hands were forming into a fist.
"What are you saying!?" Xarth was frustrated at him, he just couldn't believe the man he idolized so much would be a candy-ass. And to the point of ignoring his virtues and faithfulness.
Wymer looks back at xarth with a warm gaze. "Young master, I've been tasked with the duty of protecting the city and the castle," he replied as he sets his warm gaze on Xarth's.
Xarth's mind started to cloud over at what Wymer had just said. Wymer really didn't forget his virtues or values. On the contrary, He was really sticking to it. The most important thing that a Captain knight of territory would do was...To embody his role of being the Captain knight that swore in front of a thousand citizens of his territory to protect and defend everyone within it. In a more simple way of saying he would unhesitantly throw the head of the Duke to save more heads.
That's just how heavy the burden of this role was...Duke the very person he respects and admires so much. To the point that he will be willingly commit anything just to see a satisfied look on his Liege. This just shows how much faithfulness a normal person could achieve.
Xarth immediately retraced his steps away from Wymer. Wymer saw this and just smiled gently before signaling one of the knights to head towards them.
"Young master Xarth." Wymer gently handed a spatial bag in his hands.
Xarth focuses his attention on him with a confused expression clearly showcasing on his face.
Xarth carefully grabs the spatial bag and took a closer look. "What are these?" He opened the spatial bag he could see several rolled paper with a violet rope tied around them. "Scrolls?" Xarth quietly asked as he imagined that scrolls would look like those.
Wymer smiled. "Yes, they are teleportation scrolls given to me by Young master Ezekiel," he mentioned with a strong gaze.
Xarth focused his gaze on Wymer. "So they weren't detained by the 'Royal Knights' with the Duke?" Xarth was making sure that was the case.
"Fortunately. Yes, he instructed me to give this to you so that you can teleport to the Duke's mansion in Selene. He also said that they'll be waiting there until the afternoon for your arrival."Wymer reported.
Xarth quietly closed his spatial bag and asked once more. "So, how could I use those scrolls?"
Wymer headed his attention to the knight he signaled to. "You'll just have to rip the paper. And you'll be immediately teleported to the right coordinates of the Duke's mansion," he replied to Xarth's question.
Wymer whispered to the knight he had called for, the knight just nodded his head before looking back at Xarth. "Please, have a soldier accompany you to the inn where your companions are currently at. Since I was also instructed that you have luggage and other items on your way to the capital for His highness birthday banquet," he advised, as the soldier came forward towards Xarth and bowed.
"Let us go, Young master." A knight in the same white armor as the one Wymer was wearing came forward and insisted that they should go on their way.
Xarth looks at Wymer he could see him gently smiling at him as he lowered his head giving the impression of saying goodbye. Xarth just smiled and soon started to move out of the Knight's training ground.
There were currently 3 knights with Xarth they were quickly running to the City and head to the inn where Ernoul and the others are staying at.
It was already 6:40 in the morning where the sun in the City of Clona has fully risen, the city was filled with silence as everyone is inside their homes cowering in fear at the nightmare currently surrounding them.
A group of soldiers and knights were currently fighting a large number of Wanderers on the perimeter of the outer wall of the Lancaster Territory.
Yet, 4 men on horses ride through the city streets, which would normally be filled with the scent of freshly baked bread in the morning and the scenery of people working with their bright-colored shop stands lined up accompanied by a subtle tune on the air as they work.
Despite the gloomy scenery and atmosphere that they are currently witnessing, they decided to move forward and ignore the lifeless scene of the renowned 'City of Life'.
Moments later, they have now arrived at their destination...
A large sign showcasing 'Olde Pelican Inn' can be seen hanging on the stone wall of the building. It was a 3 story building. From the outside, it looks peaceful, pleasant, and well maintained. Large stones and marble pillars make up most of the building's outer structure.
Xarth and the knights quickly knocked on the door, soon after a large man in rags opened the door with a ferocious glare. The one leading the two knights steps forward and showed the 'Lixior' Crest to the man. The large man glare slowly died down and proceed to open the door to let them in.
It's as enchanting inside as it is on the outside. Marble pillars support the upper floor and the sconces attached to them. The walls are overflowing with signatures and written messages, undoubtedly from happy customers...The counter was very lively looking with all the plants placed in their specific place. A sign of the menu written with their famous dishes can be seen hanging on the wall across the counter of the inn. There were also several long tables and chairs on the side of the counter.
It was where the customers will have their breakfast, lunch, and dinner...
It was the famous Inn in Clona the 'Olde Pelican Inn' It was where Ernoul, Cairo, and the other soldiers of the Barrows household are supposed to stay. For the momentarily rest of their journey to Selene...
"So, why are the 'Lixior' Army knights here? When there are 'Wanderers' out right now." The large man asked as he sits above the counter.
Xarth took a step. "Um...I'm currently looking for the people who just checked in last night. Under the name of the Barrows household." he interrupted.
The large man scanned Xarth's outer appearance he could see him charismatically standing despite the blood all over his shirt. "Are you the Nobleman they serve?" he just was making sure that he was the real deal as their customer's safety is their top priority.
"Yes, As you can see who am I accompanied with," Xarth replied as he looks straight into the large man's red eyes.
The large man immediately understood it and headed towards the stairs of the inn. "Head up to the 2nd floor, all of those rooms are booked under your name," he mentioned as he makes his way to the back room of the inn.
Xarth proceeds and climbed the staircase leading up. He could see a hallway leading to the very end of the building where 5 wooden doors are currently shut. He continues and started to knock on the first wooden door.
*Knock Knock Knock
He could hear footsteps coming closer towards the wooden door in front of him.
Ernoul Yawns. "It's still early...who could it be..." Ernoul quietly mumbled to himself before carefully opening the door. Since there are other soldiers currently sleeping on the other bed.
*Creak
Ernoul Yawns again while wiping his eyes with both of his hands. "Who is it? Is it time for breakfast?" he stopped wiping his eyes and headed his gaze towards the person in front of him.
He quickly dashed his way towards that person. "Hyung-nim!? What happened!?" Ernoul placed his hands on both of Xarth's shoulders and began shaking him with a horrified look on his drolled face.
Xarth places both of his hands on Ernoul's. "off." Ernoul heard that stern word and immediately retracted his hands away from his Hyung-nim's shoulders.
"I'm sorry Hyung-nim...I was just concern with the blood on your shirt." Ernoul started inspects Xarth's surroundings, he could see 3 men in white armor with a faceguard shaped like a lion.
Ernoul face started to look worried. "Who are these people Hyung-nim?" He proceeds to glare at the three intimidating men in front of him.
Xarth let out a sigh. "They are knights that you passionately look up to." and replied.
Ernoul eyes started to glow brightly at that moment. "Really!? It's a pleasure to be your acquaintance." he passionately lowered his head.
'That was a fast change...' Xarth pondered this as Ernoul tone instantly changed in approximately 0.99 seconds when he heard the word 'knights'.
"Nevermind that, Ernoul go wake up the others and head downstairs," Xarth instructed in a cold-toned voice. Before heading back downstairs to wait for the others.
A few minutes later...
"Where are they?" Xarth a scowl was slowly forming on his charming face while patiently waiting on a chair with his legs crossed.
A group of men came down with all the luggage packed and ready to go.
"What? I didn't even tell you all what we were supposed to do." Xarth was confused with the advanced preparation made by the soldiers of the Barrows Household.
Everyone just stayed silent until. "Don't worry Young master Xarth.' A man in his thirties replied to Xarth with wearing a black suit and pants followed by white gloves and a black tie.
"Cairo! Oh, how I'm glad to see you." Xarth cheered.
'Yay no more troublesome work for me!" Xarth was thinking with Cairo by his side he wouldn't need to do any work since Cairo will be the one giving orders to the soldiers of the Barrows household that have some kind of dislike towards Xarth.
"It's an honor." Cairo smiled brightly before speaking again. "Young master Harold told me in advance that he'll head to the capital first and we'll soon follow them using teleportation scrolls given to you," he added.
"Yes, now that you know...Every one of you gets one teleportation scrolls and rip them apart to arrive at the Duke's manor in Selene." Xarth instructed everyone inside the room, before throwing the spatial bag at Ernoul's.
The one leading the knights started to tug Xarth's clothes. "Young master Xarth, we've done our duty have a safe trip." All three of them bowed and headed their way out of the wooden door.
Xarth bowed his head and smiled before looking back at everyone. "Everyone has a teleportation scroll, Right?" Everyone nodded their heads."Rip them apart!" Xarth yelled before ripping the scroll he had in his hands. Soon the others followed and started to rip their scrolls one by one.
A Violet light engulf the group of men and was soon teleported to the Duke's Mansion.
*Thwip
Xarth slowly opened his eyes he could feel the sunlight around his body.
'Woah! I've teleported. But, I've never would expect this kind of feeling! It is like when a plane is taking off. My ears are ringing like crazy.' Xarth thought this as it was a similar feeling when a plane is taking off.
Formed on the plains of the Southern Continent, 'Selene' the capital of the Messiah Kingdom is home to humans leads by the 14th King. King Taylor Slyman. The capital wasn't built on the plains by accident, as it has a cultural history, which is of great importance to the citizens of the Messiah Kingdom.
'Selene' itself looks elegant. With its rich Mansion surrounding everywhere, you look at, a fancy carriage with a gold accent can be seen driving on the streets of the capital, Selene has a fascinating atmosphere.
The main attraction is the enormous school, which was built 45 years ago that was influenced by the people during 'The age of Calamity.'
Messiah Kingdom' has a fancy economy, which is mainly supported by mining, entertainment like gambling, auction house, and others. they also produce the finest blade crafted by talented blacksmiths. But their biggest strengths are refined soldier and skill in the art of war.
Despite its strengths and weaknesses, Messiah Kingdom is most likely headed towards an inadequate future under the leadership of King Taylor Slyman, also known in the novel as 'The tyrant'.
To be continued...