Kingdom of Loradel, Lunodio Demon-Hunt Outpost, Present Day
"This way, Commander," said Rebecca as she tugged on his forearm. She led him through the tight corridors of the fort until they reached the library.
The sky was a deep blue as the sun had yet to make its appearance.
"Can you remind me as to why you brought me here?" asked Xeto.
"I found something I think you'd like to read yourself," answered Rebecca. They continued into the library and stopped at a small table that was covered in open books. Beside them was a burned-out candle.
Xeto pulled his hand away. "We're you here all night?"
"Well…" She shrugged with a smile. "I might of fell asleep a few times but don't be upset, you'll be glad I did." She picked up a small book at the center of the table and handed it to him. "Read the last section."
~Necromancy Aura;
Xeto's eyes widened as he read the text. "Necromancy?" he mumbled. He'd heard the word once before when his brother explained it to him once. It was hard to piece what the details of the magic was from all those years ago. It fell within the lines of returning life to dead. A rather pedestrian form of magic, assuming it was real. Roxas spoke of it only once though never confirmed its reality. His mouth went dry as he finished reading the minor segment. "That can't be…" He turned to the next page but he was met with large black splotches that stained the page, making it illegible.
Rebecca crossed her arms. "That thing we saw at the inn. It had to be what this book was talking about."
"But people returning to life? Traits of a horror tale." He paused on the thought. That thing was attracted to that sphere. Could it have been one of the relics stated in the book? No, finding answers was never that simple. "Is there a sketch or painting of the relic?"
Rebecca took the book from his hands and flipped through its pages. "Right here." She held the book open, presenting him two pages that looked as if they were burned.
"Uh…there's nothing on there." Xeto's eyes darted between the book and his lieutenant.
She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" She turned the book over. "It's right…there." Her finger was placed at the center of the charred page where nothing but a charred blotch rested. She flipped through the worn pages until she reached the end. "I know I saw it," she exclaimed.
Xeto pointed to the sea of books atop the table. "Perhaps it was in another one of those."
Her eyes slowly slid across the page as if reading an invisible text "I thought—"
"Open the gate!" The sudden command came from outside.
They shared a glance of confusion.
"Opening the gates this early?" said Rebecca.
"Let's go see for ourselves what's happening."
The two knights left the dark library and made their way to the center of the camp that was now partially lit by daybreak.
The large chains of the outpost archway rattled as they strained to hoist up the black steel gate. Other soldiers began to flow out from their tents with groggy eyes.
"What's going on?" asked one.
"Hopefully were getting a new shipment of weapons. The swords we have now can barely cut through wet parchment," said another.
Through the now-raised gate came a crowd of slumped-shouldered men and women. All of which who's faces wore frowns. One woman in particular who had a young girl in her arms pointed to Xeto with a newborn smile. "See, darling, we made it. These brave knights will help protect us from the monsters."
"More refugees," said Rebecca, her voice lined with disquiet.
Xeto sighed as he lowered his head. "It seems so."
The grim parade was made up of what looked like farmers, pack mules and rickety wagons filled with hide bags. The knights at the gate pointed to the edge of the camp, assigning them their new homes. The edge of the outpost now looked like the Lunodio city slums; a collection of poorly-made tents and beds of straw resting on wet soil.
"I wonder where they came from," said Rebecca.
"Who gives a damn." The patronizing voice came from their flank. Alzac walked up beside them as he juggled an apple between hands. He scoffed. "I don't understand why we have to take in the lost pups. We barely have enough food as it is."
Xeto crossed his arms without turning back to the lieutenant, making no attempt to hide his displease. "They're victims to demon attacks. It's the least we can offer."
"Pffft." Alzac chuckled. "Of course, they were victims to invisible demons."
Xeto rolled his eyes before turning to the subordinate. "The damn you spouting about?"
"Me and Kyone went to one of the victim villages up north, Norbuj? Or was is Nerubal? Whichever it was, there were no demons. There were just bloodstains and damaged homes with no signs of the bodies or the demons."
"That hogshit," spouted Rebecca.
"Is it?" Alzac pointed at the refugees. "Perhaps whatever attacked these poor slugs is friends with your vanishing demon, eh?" He raised the apple to his mouth with a snicker which was cut short as Rebecca snatched the fruit from his grasp.
"Thanks, Alzac," she said, with a sardonic chuckle. She treaded over to the woman whose daughter was now walking beside her.
The child's eyes lit up with joy as Rebecca handed her the bright red fruit Her mother smiled with glee as she leaned in and hugged the knightess.
Alzac shook his head. "Hope she chokes on it." He turned and left for the camp.
Seeing Alzac displeased urged a smile from Xeto. The needle of annoyance dissipated with the crude lieutenant's departure. He focused on the woman, he was too far to hear her gratitude, but he recognized her lips' motion. That of Thank you and Blessings. The damp feeling of gloom in his gut was replaced by the warmth of joy as he saw Rebecca and the young girl locked in each other's embrace.
"Xeto, is that you, my boy?" called a raspy voice.
Xeto's eyes darted through the crowd in search of the man behind the croaky voice. His gaze locked on an elderly man dressed in a brown robe. "Elijah?" He blinked rapidly as the man waved back at him.
"Ah, it is you!" said Elijah. The gangly man hunched over as he leaned on his cane. He moved surprisingly fast for someone of his age as he scurried over.
Xeto met him halfway as the man stepped into his shadow. "What are you doing here?" He titled his head down to meet the man's eyes.
Elijah's face was decorated with more wrinkles as he gave a toothless grin. "Good to see you, ol' Bucket."
Bucket? Xeto chuckled at the mention of his old appellation.
"Well…you see." The man scratched his blemish-covered nose. "Bad things have been happening back home."
Bad things?
"More and more people have been disappearing during the nights in nearby settlements. Howls like I've never heard before echo in the mountains. Some say it was just some sort of wild animal, but I didn't stay to offer whatever it was a drink. Hansel was a good home to me, but I want to die in a warm bed, not torn up by some beast in the dark.
Xeto's heart beat faster with every claim. "What about Anaria and Roy? Are they ok?" His breath shuttered as waited for the answer.
Elijah licked his parched lips. "Anaria? Ah, yes, the violet-eyed girl. She's fine. More so, she's a blessing. That girl refused to leave even after her brother practically begged her to. She said her place was there…helping those injured by nightly visitors. Those elven siblings are inseparable, much like how you three were back in your youth." He chuckled. "What am I saying? Look at you, still a strapping young man." He patted Xeto's shoulder.
Xeto felt his worry slightly fade with word of their wellbeing. Though the thought of his childhood friends surrounded by danger warranted an uneasy tension. He lowered his head. It's been two years…
Rebecca walked up behind Elijah. "Making friends, Commander?"
Xeto's gaze remained fixated on the ground.
"Commander?" She leaned down to meet his eyes.
He swallowed hard. "I need to return to Hansel…"