Kingdom of Zuland, The Undergrove, Present day.
The town's stable was warm as orange sunlight peaked through the crevices.
Xeto ran through the past events in his mind looking for hints on who these people were, why they lived here and why they seem to be hiding from something. It was all because of the Zuland demon, even now it was poisoning their lives. He relived the moment Anaria had embraced him and how her soft scent of flowers still lingered on his armor. He blinked rapidly as the heavy thud of the stable doors echoed across the long room.
Ren hooked the door latch into place as kept his gaze away from them. "So…who are you all? —And before you answer, I warn you that my kindness may cease depending on your response." His voice was low though it carried a portion of anger.
Xeto stepped forward in front of the group. "Perhaps you should share who you—"
"Don't demand answers from me," growled Ren.
Xeto scoffed. "So, it seems the people of Zuland are just unappealing as the ones leading it, what a surprise."
Ren glared at the Lionslayer. "What of you? State your name."
"It doesn't have a name," replied Xeto. "It's not even a human."
"Oh, do enlighten me," mocked Ren.
"As I said before. My name is Xeto Alcazar, I'm a demon-hunt knight of Loradel." He extended an arm out to the elven siblings. "This is a friend of mine and her brother." He glared back at the Lionslayer. "And that…is a demon that I tracked across the north border."
Anaria put her hand on his shoulder. "I don't think he's a demon. I just—I don't know much about them but I thought demons were relentless monsters. But he saved me in the Undergrove. Even the other monsters attacked him."
Xeto sighed. "It survived a sword driven through its chest; it can't be anything else but that."
Ren eyed them closely. "What else do you know about him?"
"It," corrected Xeto. "It's some sort of demon taught to follow orders by using a Forbidden Aura."
Ren's eyes widened at the mention of the word. "Forbidden Aura?" He looked down as he paced slowly beside the entrance. "Ramses…did you," he mumbled.
"You seem as if you've heard of this before." Xeto eyed him up and down, it what apparent that he was hiding something.
Ren stopped and leaned against the stable door. "You gave me an answer, I'll repay you in reflect. What I'm about to tell you, keep it from leaving your lips." He sighed. "I used to be a general serving directly under the king. General Ren Svarga."
Xeto stiffened as his blood rushed to his ears. Again, his tuition was right, and again he found himself face to face with another commander of the wretched people of this country. He gripped the hilt of his sword.
Ren eyed him unimpressed. "I'm no longer that man, but do not threaten to free your sword in my home, else I'll answer with steel. Let this be the last threat shared between us."
"All I've received from this nation's men are threats. I'll do what I have to, to protect those under me."
Roy scoffed behind him.
Ren eyes darted between them. "As will I. Now, ease and I'll share what I know about what is happening behind the closed doors of Zuland."
Xeto looked back at Anaria who's serene eyes were full of apprehension. "Fine then," he said as he pulled his away from his waist.
"That knight with you isn't a demon. It's a man."
"Then how—"
"Brought back from the dead and merged with that armor," Ren spoke louder. "I know this to be true because I witnessed the early stages of this idea…though I never thought their plan would come to fruition."
Anaria gasped lightly.
Ren gave her a slight nod. "I know, it is immoral to wake someone from their eternal bed. That is why I deserted. I have the scars made by a formal comrade to prove it. I found a new life for myself here with a woman I love."
"So," crossed his arms. "You knew this was happening and did nothing about it? You just ran away from it."
"With youth comes ignorance, always quick to assign judgment on others for their past mistakes. I almost died because I rejected them. I still value my life."
Anaria walked back to Lionslayer gently caressed its wrist.
Xeto grimaced. "Anaria, don't."
"I'm sorry this happened to you," she said as it glanced down at her. "You've been used and made to be a weapon…but you're human, you're still in there somewhere, aren't you?"
"Don't waste your time on this—this thing. He was barely even a human before they turned him into a monster."
Anaria turned her frown back to him. "Xeto?"
He fidgeted with one hand as he looked away from her, unable to stomach her discontent.
"You can rest easy," said Ren. "I'll allow you to take refuge here, but that knight will remain in shackles and you do not have the freedom to roam the village alone. You may take your time to find your next step from here—speaking of which." He beckoned Xeto over. "Come with me."
"I won't leave my friends alone with that thing."
"You won't, I'll have someone wait outside. Now, come."
Xeto hesitantly followed behind the large man as he gave one final look back to the sibling. He followed Ren through the village as he remained silent.
"I presume this is for you," said Ren, as he reached into a satchel at his waist and pulled out a rolled-up parchment.
Xeto halted as he took the roll. "The seal is broken," he exclaimed.
"That it is, I had to know its content before giving it to you."
Xeto spread open the letter as he felt a warmth of comfort.
For the eyes of the Direwolf Commander; Xeto Alcazar.
This message comes from Lieutenant Rebecca Orvein.
Commander, I hope you are well. I returned to the outpost safely and got help for Alzac. I then warned Taloz of what had happened. After word got to the King, he called for a meeting between the leaders of the Allied Kingdoms to resolve the issue. Because of the circumstances, Taloz pardoned your our insubordination and we won't be held accountable for the events at Hansel. All four leaders are to meet in the capitol city of Kasia within the month. As I write this, we sail alongside the king's fleet headed for northeastern coast. What comes next is for you to meet with us in the City of Beswind. After hitting land we'll remain there for a week, I hope to see you there.
-Lieutenant Rebecca Orvein
"You seem pleased, boy," said Ren.
"I have reason to," he retorted.
"That letter wasn't written with the etiquette of any military I've seen. It was written as if to a friend, not a commander."
They reached the mouth of the forest once more as fresh winds breezed through.
Ren took a seat on a large stone and beckoned him to do the same on another nearby stone. "Seems to me you have people that care about you. Your lieutenant, that elven girl and her brother."
Xeto scoffed.
"What? Not him?"
"I—Roy and I are…not in warm waters."
"Why's that?"
"He believes me to be bloodthirsty, and partly blames me for the danger they were in. But…it was his cowardice that was to blame."
Ren crossed his arms. "Is that so?"
Xeto leaned down and clasped his hands. "She was in danger, and the only way to save her was for Roy to take a life. He gave in to his fear, pleading for mercy from a man oblivious to the meaning." A lump formed in his throat.
"Guilt is clutching at your throat," said Ren. "Your friends are alive, and you're safe here, you can ease up, son."
"So, I did all I could, in the process I injured her—I didn't mean to I just—" He caught himself admitting more than he intended. This man was a Zuland general, a previous dog to the king. Then why did he feel the weight on his chest dissipating with every word.
"You know, you remind me of myself in my youth."
Xeto raised his head and met the man's leaf-colored eyes.
"Just like me, you have a temper. You ignite easy but yet you care about those around you. You're carrying the weight of all those around you, and you don't show emotion because you think it's weakness. Anger is your shield."
"It's my duty, I became a knight to protect others," his voice low. "I don't want others to experience what I did."
Ren leaned in. "You lost someone? I know that pain all too well. But don't let your duty get in the way of your humanity. You're a man before you're a knight. Not everyone is like you. Some can't shed blood as easy, and I'm not implying you as a monster because of it. But try to understand that your friend, Roy was it—doesn't despise you."
"How could you know that?"
"Because he didn't leave your side. Even after we pulled you from the Undergrove, he asked for you. You both need to talk without borders, explain yourself as you did just now to me."
Xeto sighed. "Thank you…for letting us remain here," he said hesitantly.
Ren stood and put his hand on his shoulder. "Think nothing of it, seems to me you needed a rest from everything. Oh—and whomever it was you lost, I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted you to poison yourself with guilt."
I wish that were true…
"Come, knowing my wife, she'll have the table set for guests."
Xeto's lips curved ever so slightly. "Thank you."