Chapter 7 - Trozod

At the top of the tallest building in Trozod, three people meet in a room hidden by the smog in the sky. They sat in chairs close to a widow that stretched along the wall, which once would have shown the whole city and the land that stretched around it, was now a dark void stained by the permanent smog in the sky. "The People are restless" one of the men said lighting a cigar. "It is as if they don't care about the amount money we make, they are so selfish, what do you think Riguire". Riguire SliverFang, the self-elected king of Trozod, stood up his stocky build making him tower over the over men. "Gentlemen, what the people think don't matter, we control them". The other two look at him a look of confusion plane to see on there faces, "If they rebel", Riquire explained, "We will call them enemies of the idols and then the guilds will be itching for a chance to silence them, but that isn't the best part". He said raising his hands above his head, his piercing green eyes, sparkled with intent "we can raise the taxes on all parts of Trozod and the surrounding towns because of that demon which killed some people, call it protection tax". "What if we claim that he killed everyone then we can raise it even higher", the first man said puffing out a plume of smoke. "Will we be deploying more guards and guild members because of the tax". The Second man Said. "Now why would we do that", Riguire said an evil smile appearing on his face. "Gentlemen we will be very rich men thanks to this, let us raise a glass to the people, without them there would be no one to tax".

After the King and the first man left, Zybsel, remained in his chair. They say that when you reach the top you could make real change, but I can't do anything. He bit his green bony finger, troubled at his lack of say and power even now. He wanted to make real change. He wanted people to be able to see the sky in the morning and night, to see the stars and generally help people, but he was stuck. that was the reason you got here in the first place, the last person to have your job tried to give people a better life but when the money coming in went down, well officially he just moved to another city to be with his family. Zybsel took a sip of the glass in front of him, staring at the black window, knowing in his heart that the last person to have his job didn't just move away. He cursed himself, he had more power and say before here and now he was nothing more than an asset to be used by the king to boost his own revenue. A tear ran down his face he wished for a hero but knew that would be pointless they own the heroes.

As Toba approached Trozod the small houses, that had been dotted along the road, gave way to a massive clearing. The left and right side of the city bordered by giant mountains that seemed to pierce the sky pierced the sky. The old dirt road became paved by giant stone slabs the lead to a massive bridge leading over a giant lake that circumference the city. Toba could see towering building and thick black smoke emanating from the city. The air became thicker and heavier as he drew closer to the bridge. While he was crossing into the city the noise from the rive made him unable to notice the city guard signalling him, "Hey" the Guard called grabbing Tobas shoulder, "If you want to get into the city you have to come this way". He said, panting and sweating from the heat of being in full plate amour in this heat. Releasing Tobas shoulder, he led him through a side door, to a small dark room, barely lit by a single candle in the middle. They both sat down opposite each other, a table between them; the guard explained that if you wanted to get into the city you can't just walk in the Captain of the Guard would have his head. Only the rich and powerful can do that he said removing his helmet, allowing his long messy hair to rest on his shoulders. "First I must ask you what your name and race is", the guard said adopting an official sounding tone. "My Name is Toba, and my race is shade". The Guard raised an eyebrow, "Sorry, but did you say shade, we need your real race, not what you have invented". "Human", Toba lied. The guard with a satisfied look on his face continued, "now I must ask you why you are entering the city". "To find my brother" Toba replied. A twinge of sadness runs across the guard's face. "People go missing all the time in this town", he started to explain but Toba cut him off by slamming his fist on the table causing it to crack. "My brother is alive, and I will find him". Toba said doing all he could to hold back his rage. "Ok" the clearly shocked and somewhat terrified guard stammered "w-well then, welcome to Trozod". Gesturing towards a door on which Toba walked through. The thick air, that smelt like gasoline, hit his lungs causing him to stutter, as he entered into a large open area, paved with stone, and have paths leading off of it from all sides. Wisdom of the fallen king chimed in . Barely Toba complained in his head. He looked around at the poorly build houses that laid before him. The difference between viewing it from the outside was night and day. The houses which would be a stretch to even call them that where haphazardly stacked on top of each over creating massive piles that created narrow winding streets that all connected together like a maze. As Toba was gazing around his thoughts fixed on the city around him that looked like it could have been from are world and yet it couldn't at the same time, he failed to notice the looks of horror on the people's faces around him. Some ones scream caught Tobas attention. affect has been negated> .

Lance was just your average farmer, working to make a living, living a nice life until he saw it the face of death itself. He was happily waking back to his home, wearing his best clothes a long blue top, in which the colour had all but fade to a nice white, a nice brown leather over jacket and shots that stopped at the knee. He was in a good mood after having successfully competed a deal with the local community to be able to see his food at the farmer's market. After just turning a corner, so close to home, he saw it after it had just emerged from the guard house. This creature-no demon had no real head but in its place a goat skull, the bone look old and had visible cracks in it. It had long curly back horn protruding from its head. Oh my god. Lance was frozen by fear, what do I do I don't want to die. Lance screamed inside his head. Them some one screamed. This demon alerted to the fact we could see it, ran straight towards me. Sweat mixed with tears ran down my face as I stood my ground. I moved silently passed pursued by the guards. I wish I could fight it; I found myself saying, a creature like that doesn't deserve life. As if an answer to my prayers . After the attack Lance received an invite from none other than Nafre Shaphroh, the head teacher of the Academy and later that day he would set off on his journey to Wakemear.

Damn it. Toba scream inside his head, desperately trying to think of a solution while dodging the attacks from the guards. How come they can use magic, but I can't, . I don't want to kill them with what should I do . Wisdom of the fallen king informed me. to skills>. Come on, what ever your doing hurry up. Toba pleaded a fire ball barely missing his head. Toba to a hard left down an ally way, only hearing, "We've got him now boys", when it was too late. A dead end. Made by the wall that circumference the city, making a big hole in it would cause untold damages, he couldn't do that because millions would suffer as a result. Toba turned around, staring at the guard that had trapped him. He raised his hands preparing for a fight as they closed the gap between them. A fire ball hit him squarely in the stomach and as he fell over, he heard exactly what he needed, has been transferred to the barrier will no longer affect them>. If his mouth could have moved, he would have smiled. . The guards stops where they stood as Toba slowly stood up the guard back away, fear plane to see on all there faces. "Begone" Tobas voice, amplified by the effect of crushed the guard's spirit and any ambition they might have had. They ran away. < The uses fires an illusion in the form of a blade that can cut the soul and physical body>, . As I was listening to it a voice cleared its throat behind me. I spun around to see a snow-white Pegasus and a man, at its side, wearing golden armour lined with blue fur. "My name is Blane: Hero of the People, known throughout the land as a member of the private guild Golden Dragon, and I am here to vanquish you demon off the face of this earth, prepare yourself". He flashed the emblem of a lion on his shoulder, and raised his draw sword at Toba, , well that was wisdom of the fallen kings providing its great input.

He charged at Toba, who felt no fear thanks to . Toba raised his arm . A blade of pure energy left his hand and struck him in the chest slicing through the armour like tissue paper. Style over practicality. He fell to Tobas feet and he screamed clutching his stomach and a familiar aura emanated from Toba . He raised his head to look at Toba sweat sprinting down his forehead. His front chest plate fell off and clattered hitting the ground. He screamed in a pool of blood sweat and tears. He sprinted away with his horse following close behind. Toba Recast and walked away.

"I'm never gone to find Demo at this rate", Toba said quietly to himself. . Toba stopped on the road, is it just me or is it talking more human-like. Well, whatever, it's a good idea. Toba said walking towards a building that looked completely out of place when compared to the houses around it. On top of the doors engrave in gold, Guild House. Toba pushed open the doors and walked inside.