Araia's enemy had appeared before us. On the cobblestone wall, the travelers and soldiers gritted their teeth. I stood alongside them as I watched the hundreds of refugees begged below our feet to let them enter the town.
"Do not let them enter!" One of the Captains said. "We'll be fucking boxed in here! We do not need more people inside the town!"
"Are you sure, Captain!?" one of the soldiers said.
"I'm fucking sure. Shit, of course, I am!"
There were just too many of them. If the refugees get inside the town then it would be a problem for the defenders who had to deal with the chaos.
"All of you!" The Captain said to the refugees with his voice bellowing out. "Run away from this place now! Run away!"
The refugees despaired at the sound of the Captain's voice. They screamed and crowned in front of the gates but the archers warned them. The Mages and Sorcerers had fortified the gates so it was impossible to break them unless they had a Mage in there who could lift the boulders and rock formation.
The horizon was covered with the orc forces. There was something that I had realized by looking at the numbers of the orc. It was never one Warband, but multiple ones. Each and every single Warband was ready to go to the breadbasket of the Empire to gather food and resources.
My binoculars made me realize how many of these orcs are. From the way they looked, it seems like whatever the Jakian Empire cavalry was fighting were nothing more than a diversion. Meris who had readied her cloth-covered staff agreed to my deduction. Bren, who was eyeing the orc said, "Looks like we were wrong in this one. We should have retreated, and take the route to the capital."
I asked if there were problems going to the north now. Bren snorted and said, "If we go up north we'd meet with these fuckers as well. I can see that they separated their forces into three warbands. One takes the brunt of the Jakian Empire forces while the three forces go around them and take the forces. This would force the forces here to hunt down the Warband. This is one of the many forces."
"This also means that these orcs are led by a capable chieftain. If things go their way then they'll summon the Imperial Banners to subjugate the Orc. With winter coming they would have to ready their forces and prepare for battle."
The drums and horns of the Orc shook the air. They kept their distance and watched the town. There were few riders who separated from the main party and started scouting the area around the town.
"Shit, it looks like these guys are planning their moves now," Shanie pointed out. The rest of the mercenaries grimaced at the sight of these scouts and glared fiercely at the Warband.
"So what's the plan?" I asked Meris.
She just stared at the Warband for a moment before tapping the butt of her staff on the ground. "We'll wait for now. I guess we're stupid enough to believe that these orcs were dumber."
"Are they usually inept?"
"They are, but a smart chieftain changes all things. If things go their way then we need to retreat back to the Capital. As Bren said, we can't go north now and instead take a ferry to the Academy now."
I looked at Shanie. "You agree with that, Shanie?"
She clicked her tongue, then sighed. "Of course, it'll hurt my pockets, but seeing that I have no choice, might as well do it. I don't like the idea of brawling with these brutes."
"We won't be called cowards if we escaped, right?"
"We might be," Bren said, glaring at the enemy. "Then again, many of the folks who tried to wait out the storm would run away as well. If these Orcs are as smart as we think they are. Then they shouldn't try to fuck us over while we escape."
I could guess. If they tried trapping us here and killing us. Then they'll have cornered animals that would start to bite. There about hundreds of mercenaries right now and we could team up and fight our way out of this region. The soldiers garrisoned to this town would fight, I know that because they've been willing to do that. Most of the civilians here left were the business owners who were brave and stupid enough to stay here. They'd lose their place, their business, and their livelihood if they retreat now.
"We'll start our escape once the war horns are sounded," Meris said. I nodded my head and agreed.
There's a big part of me that was telling me to stay. But I know that I would probably be injured or possibly die if I stay here. I am looking for amends, and yet I was not looking for death.
I was afraid of death. I know what it was like to be moments away from death. I could still feel the guillotine chopping my neck. That fear never left me. That's why even though I want to stay and help these soldiers.
That fear was overwhelming me. Not to mention that with Bren, Meris, and Shanie with me. I could not lose these guys to the orcs. We've been together for days and I like them. They are wiser than me and have taught me what to do here out in the world. It was the most reasonable thing to do right now. There was no benefit in fighting like a madman here.
I have confidence that I can fight right now. Although my control of prana was still poor, my ability to wield a sword and weapon was still greater because of the wraith's essence. But I wasn't going to risk my life without gaining anything from doing so. Until I repay the people who I have wronged. I don't want to throw it away.
With that in my mind, I resolved myself in escaping alongside my companions.
#
The first great roar happened.
Chaos broke out and many among the people of Araia started to panic. Soldiers, Mercenaries, and Travelers held their breath as the orc Warband charged towards the cobblestone walls.
Using this chance we started our escape, leaving the soldiers and mercenaries who were garrisoned in the town to fight.
It seems like the refugees were going with us as the clash started.
I was among them when we began to move from the town. I followed behind the refugees with my stallion.
My companions formed into a diamond formation while we galloped out of the perimeter of the town.
The refugees were behind us by the time our horses started to slow. From the distance, I could see the orc Warband sieging the town of Araia.
"It was a nice town," Bren said, he pulled on the reins of his horse and turned his attention back to the road we once came through. I gave a long stare at the town of Araia.
If I had an army at disposal I might have tried.
But we were simply outnumbered by the sheer size of the orc Warband.
Even if we do have men then after we defeat the first wave of orcs.
I'm sure that there will be more coming. I may be strong but I am not invincible.
My body wasn't made like steel and I was poorly equipped for war.
It leaves a bad taste in my mouth that I had to do this.
Nonetheless, there was little choice to be given as we simply gain nothing from trying to defend the town from the orcs.
***
We rode for four hours until we started to ascend a mountain. From the distance, there was a great fire happening. The town of Araia was burning and was like a giant bonfire in the middle of the night.
"Shit, it looks like there were more of them."
Thousands of lights dotted the area around the town. From the looks of it, the orcs had gathered and surrounded the town without leaving any thought of mercy.
"The Orcs Chieftain is smart, but this one will anger the Jakian Empire. They'll attract the Griffon Knights as this rate and the main Imperial Army."
It was no longer a Warband that could be dealt with by the banners of nobles around the area. If the Orcs had desired the food stock of the Empire then they will have to face the unbridled wrath of the Jakian Empire's Imperial Army. These Orcs have the numbers but soon they are going to face a perverted amount of heavily armored knights and flying mounts.
The image of that town burning came to mind. Although it was a short time the town was amicable and hospitable. There was a great view of the hills and the flowery valley that it was a great place to sightsee. It's unfortunate that it had to meet such a terrible end like this.
#
Our journey brought us over a valley, a river, and a great plain. We traveled about four hundred miles and only stopped when the horses needed rest. We were strong and we didn't need to worry about resting for a few days. The threat of the Orc or their presence became lesser as we got further away from the town.
"It looks like we don't have to worry about those Orcs now," Bren said while taking a sip of his canteen.
"Are we far from them now?" I asked.
He stored his canteen back to his belt. "We should be. A big army like that cannot move through terrain so fast. We might meet scouting parties but that's nothing to fear about when you have three could-chants."
"We need to be careful nonetheless," Meris pulled out. "I've clashed with Orcs and the tenacity of these brutes are second to none. It's better that we don't lower our guard until we are safe from them."
"Agreed, these bastards are tenacious to kill. I even remember putting four arrows on one Orc a long time ago. Tough sons of bitches really, and very hard to kill."
Shanie commented with a frown on her face. I pulled my eyes away from them and looked back in the direction where the town should be.
"You've been staring for a while now, brother."
"Hmm? Ah, well, just consider it as something nagging me. I'm one of those people who felt obligated to help common people."
"Can't do anything about it. It's merely suicide what you're trying to achieve. Actions without proper thought are nothing more than stupidity."
"I know. But it does leave a bad taste on your mouth doesn't it?"
Bren looked away. Shanie nodded. Meris stared back. "It does. But there are days like this out in the world. There are tragedies that we simply have no control over. It's better to know better than you can do nothing for the town than think you can do something about the situation.
If I was younger then I might have tried to do something for the town. Truthfully, I have confidence over my abilities and martial abilities, as I am knocking on that final step already. But I have to make reason won than my heart. Perhaps I thought too much and feel so little about the town.
Nonetheless, my companion's words have merit to them. You could not save that town without the means to do it. It was simply a pipe dream to face that war band without the proper means to do it. You could go on about how much you like to save the town, but doing it requires actual preparation and men who could do it.
I might be able to fight because of the wraith's essence. But I was no commander of men nor do I have the loyalties of those people. They will not listen to anyone unless it benefits them. There was simply no gain from doing so.
That was the harsh truth about the fate of that town.
#
It took us days to arrive in the outskirts of the Capital. In front of the city, there were armies that gathered on the plains. Under the dragon banner, I was able to spot one of the Generals heading to the frontline.
"Well, it's over for the orc Warband now," Bren said.
When the dragon banners fly the sky it meant the end for the enemies of the Empire.
You could fault the Empire for many things, but one of the best things they are very good at is prowess in battle.
They are were unmatched when it comes to the subjugation of the beasts and the immoral. Hundred years ago the Jakian Emperor, the founder, had led a war of extermination on the subhuman races after their unannounced war.
Forty days the land itself was on fire after the homes were burnt to the ground. The mountains were covered in black fog as they start fires and drove the mountain people out of their homes.
As I stand there gazing at the historic dragon banner. I began to wonder if one of the heirs are going to be present in the field of battle. I hate going to this Capital because I know that the Empire will find a way to know that I am here. If there is one thing that I did not like about the Empire is that it hates secrets. It had assumed that I was a wastrel and I understand what the implications are if they find out that I was at least normal.
It was better to tell them first than let them figure things out for themselves
I rather avoid giving Micah a headache.
We entered the gates of the Capital. Bren, Meris, and Shanie were about to go to the Inn when I decided to separate from them. I gave them my explanation and they were courteous enough to understand.
"Go on then, just don't leave without us, eh?" Bren waved his hand.
The three went to the Capital's nearest Inn. I hurried to the ancestral mansion that my family has in the Capital. The exterior of the house was made of cobblestone and wood. Its roof was made of red tiles and there was a carved finishing in the front of the gate. I rode in front of the gate and showed my insignia.
"Call Glenn," I told the guard.
The guard took the insignia and ran inside. I wait outside the gate on top of my horse when Glenn, this mansion's butler came. I gave the reins of my horse to one of the servants and I came walking in. Glenn led me to the office that he used and then placed a hand on his chest.
"Forgive my discourtesy," Glenn looked at him up and down. "I did not dare to believe Master Micah's words. It seems like the young master had truly changed."
"Glen, it seems that the years have taken a toll on you," I assumed my noble demeanor. I could pull it off now with my current form. "I wasn't supposed to come here. You heard of the orc Warband?"
"A terrible news. The dragon regiment will annihilate it."
"It seems so. I wasn't planning to take a step in this city until I finish my studies. But seeing that I am already here. I better confront the Emperor about this."
"Is that wise?"
"They'll find out soon anyway. Buy me a new suit and send a letter to the Imperial Family that I shall be visiting the throne. Make sure to include the seal of Ortiz."
"I see. Then shall I take care of the expenses? Hmm, let me take your measurements, milord. I need to get you a formal suit and do you have the sacred sword on you, milord?"
I called the sacred sword and it landed on my hand alongside its sheath.
"I have. It'll come back to Micah when he calls for it."
"I shall send a message to Lord Micah then."
Glen took my measurements using a measuring tape. He started to wrap the tape all over me and then finished up. After finishing the measurement, he sent people to buy me a new outfit. As I wait in the office a maid that was familiar to me appeared. She was old and wrinkled and yet she stood with elegance.
"Ginny," I said to the maid. "It has been a long time."
"Young master, how are you?"
"Doing fine…about what happen…no, let me apologize at least."
Ginny smiled. "The young master has no need to apologize. You were covered in grief and your heart was broken by the loss of such wonderful figures. I cannot blame the young master's descend into madness."
"No, I have no excuse for what I have done. It brought shame to my family."
"It's alright, young master," Ginny said. "You are still young, you can surely make up for the things that you have done."
"I…do not deserve you people. You've been with us for years, Ginny. You are welcomed to stay in this mansion as its caretaker, treat it as your own, no, I will not allow you to refuse this."
"I thank the young master for his graciousness."
Ginny bowed. Ginny served me tea and somehow it reminded me of my time here. Sitting in the office while waiting for the snacks that Ginny would make. Usually, I would have a book in my hand and I would be staring at the window all day. There was a dream that I had once held before. It had been long since thoughts of becoming a Grand Knight as my father had come to mind. I would be too shameless to dare and reached that position now.
No, I simply couldn't allow myself to strive for that position for now.
All I want is to become a better man. Then again, would a better man abandon a helpless town?
Would he spend time traveling pretending to be someone else?
The change was not immediate.
#
"Father!" a stern yet charming voice sounded. "Do you think that I'll meet up with the PIG of Ortiz?"
Magnus, the First of his name, the Emperor of Jakian walked with incredible gait. For a man who had been nearing his sixties, he still stood like a giant and had the disposition of a warrior. Behind Emperor, Magnus was her daughter, Bernadette, the first Princess who was called a prodigy by her peers. With unmatched elegant, glamour, she was certainly the flower of the capital.
Of course, because of this, she had heard of rumors and opinions about her Lords and Ladies. Among them was the fall of the iron woman to the 'Archduke' of Ortiz who had become a pig according to the rumors. And now her dearest father wanted her to meet alongside this piggy duke?
Unacceptable!
She gritted her teeth in this injustice! This man was the Archduke of Ortiz! No matter how horrible he was, the man was still the Archduke that rules an Archduchy that was not lesser than a Kingdom! It had a proud history and yet this pig was going to be in front of them?
"Hah ha," her dearest Father laughed heartily. "How about we take a look? It is rare to welcome an Ortiz in my halls. Was it ten years since then?"
"Just don't marry me to that pig, father. Unless you want to lose a Princess then you better not dare try to sell me to that pig."
"You wound me, daughter. Do you not trust your dearest father? Besides, let's see what had happened to the Ortiz's Head."
Her dearest father smiled.
The two entered the throne. Her father sat on the throne while she sat on her chair. Her brothers have gone to subjugate the orcs while her Empress Mother worked to care for the finances and management of the Empire. Her mother might not have been a fighter or a sorcerer, but she has talents and the wits to help her brute of a father to care for the Empire.
The Minister appeared on the front and announced the entry of the personage. "His Lordship, Archduke Hadeon Ortiz, has arrived!
The doors of the throne hall opened. She was prepared to endure but instead, her eyes narrowed at the sight of the person who entered the hall.
He is a tall man with a sublime physique and appearance that showed through his black formal suit that has a mantle on his left shoulder showing the symbol of the Ortiz family. His deep piercing blue eyes meeting the eyes of the Emperor, unafraid, and his posture was that of a man who has the confidence to rule.
His shoulders were squared. His defined and well-sculpted jaw was set, he was overall pleasing to the eyes.
"And you are?" The Emperor asked.
The man didn't react and just summoned the sacred sword Ortiz in front of him. He placed both hands on the pommel of the sword and introduced himself. "I am Hadeon Ortiz, Patriarch of the Ortiz House, and the ruler of the Archduchy of Ortiz. It seems you have forgotten about me?"
The man did not address the Emperor nor did he bow his head. From the very beginning, it was understood that without the help of the Ortiz Family there would be no Jakian Empire. They were the only ones who were allowed to take a stand in front of the Emperor and draw a sacred sword.
There was no doubt that this man was the Head of the Ortiz Family.
"I was told that you…were ill, my lord," Emperor Magnus gave a stare. "It seems that those were rumors, no?"
"They were not," Hadeon Ortiz said brazenly. "Can a man not change when he wants to? I do not intend to hide my failures like any lesser lords would do. I came here to greet you while I passed and that I only asked that you keep my visit a secret."
"May I ask why?"
"Because I do not want to be flocked by fools. They should be busy about the affairs in Araia and that Orc Warband burning your homes, my Emperor."
"So you've seen the horde?"
"I have seen them. If I had an army I might have helped. Nonetheless, I had to leave the area and let its faithful defenders do their duties. The dragon regiment will take care of the problem, I assume."
"So this is nothing more than a courtesy, eh."
"Yes," he kept his stare. "The Ortiz Family will stay neutral to the affairs of the Empire and the likes. But in the event that there is a threat to the land then the Knights of Ortiz, as always will come to the aid of the Empire. My loyal vassal, Micah, shall be my voice and eyes while I refine myself."
The Emperor laughed. "It seems that I have thought less of you, my lord!"
"I understand the sentiment," he retrieved the sword and it vanished into the thin air. "But nonetheless, there are times where we have to change according to time."
"Good! Your father will be proud that his son had escaped his despair!"
"I have shamed my father for too long, Uncle," Hadeon smiled charmingly. "As much as I like to stay in the Capital. I still have a business to do."
"A shame! I would have insisted you to stay and have a meal, nephew."
Hadeon Ortiz gave a martial bow and left the throne hall. He was like a whirlwind. Bernadette felt like she ate dirt as the door to the throne closes.
"My daughter, it seems that the exaggerated rumors of the Archduke had come to an end. He had changed, that boy has become a man now."
Bernadette looked at the hateful smile on her father's face and quickly left.
She hated to admit that she was wrong this time!
She didn't think he would change!