Cracks that had formed showed a hidden city far from ruin. Thriving underground kingdom with technology like those from surface. Mystic arts called spirits giving untold power for their user.
The singers of the screaming, crying, or a somber whimper. That would be the chorus of the castle's tunes, it was dampened by the rushed guards.
Those so-called singers are devoid of basic life. A castle where the bones sunk into the body. Intense labor breaks down body and mind. Along with gruesome torture chipping what's left. The perfect system in destroying the human mind.
Arazen had arm hung up high with cuffs around his wrist back against the wall. Boss gave a signal and those subordinates rushed.
The attitude of Boss changed his sadistic and cheerful demeanor. Frustration and anger may have consumed him whole given a chance.
"Dear Arazen I'd use you, but that skill of yours has a high price." Displeased Boss left the cell. For his helpers to come in.
The castle hasn't changed since then. As Arazen was walked along the corridors. He held his head down, his hair blocking the sight of those deplorable inhuman actions. The sounds of the never-ending screeching, crying, and begging were so clear.
From the corner of his eye. Boss took his anger out on the helpless woman. Arazen may have turned away, it still happened.
"Please, stop." She begged.
"HELP! Someone." She cried out louder.
That same corner she looked at Arazen calling him out. Arazen kept his head down.
"What could I have done, I'm powerless, I'm no god. Arazen thought.
Boss could care less and continued to play. Those that could hear what was happening. Could only listen to the events or try to block out the sounds.
Arazen ignored it, but her kid in the corner got up and tried to fight back. Wiping the tears from his face. Astonished at the Child's action, Arazen froze.
The child's bony body bashed against the legs of Boss. Barely a sound was made by the hits. That Boss was once a knight and strong one with strength that rivalled those back then. When monsters were the biggest threat until humans were.
The bashing was of no use. Boss was happy to use the child to agonize the mother further. Until the hitting stopped the young child begged for the boss to stop. That begging turned into a pitiful groveling on the cell floor. The guards yelled at Arazen to move. Arazen was baffled to even move. Arazen wanted the child to win, but deep down inside its wishful thinking.
Boss glared down at the child nuisance. Without a second thought, he kicked the kid in the chest. The sound of crushed bones was heard. The child fell as his foot connected with his chest; he started gasping air. Gripping his chest from the pain. His mother, even though the pain crawled everywhere in her body, still managed to get to her child. Holding her child whimpering in pain. That pain turned to blood. The body of the child was breaking down.
The mother pleaded to let her child out of it. As heinous as the was Boss turned his vice towards the child instead of her. Before Arazen could see anymore the guards dragged him and the kid mouthed the words help as Arazen was walked away.
The child's plentiful screams were enough to see what happened. Along with the mother begging. A picture came in mind as Boss tortured the innocent child as the mother was left to cry out as she watched helplessly.
Boss laughed to his heart's contents and when they cried, begged, or yelled. It got louder and louder until it overshadowed their pleas. His laugh had a piercing sound bringing chills down the spine.
As they came to the outside door. Arazen looked back to see the poor child. Laying silent on the ground. His mother wailing out as she held her child's now lifeless body.
Those occurrences were not rare seeing someone give a last breath. Saying their last words. Maybe having held them or be the last they see. Expressions ranged from despair to joy on their finally leaving. Each time may be different, but they always hurt like the first.
The doors were opened the rush of the bitter cold wrapped around Arazen. The same gorgeous moonlit sky was seen like that day.
Unlike last time the branding furnace was nowhere to be seen. Not anywhere Arazen had been before. Buildings in the castle walls but not part of the main castle. Near the stables and gate to the free world.
Arazen was thrown in a cell of those buildings. It was freezing and insects were more abundant and crawling everywhere. The floor was lined with dirty straw more like a stable for horses than humans.
Arazen wasn't the only one in that cell. Young men and woman in their 20s sold to noble men for the right price. Kidnapped for this reason from small villages to kingdoms anywhere the castle can get men to do their bidding.
They huddled in a corner afraid of the corpse like Arazen. Neither of them said a word. Arazen sick of it laid down opposite of the cell. Silents from the never-ending noise. Arazen was at peace in the somber cell with a dreadful breeze and barred window to the night sky.
Arazen bathed in the moonlight and looked longing at the moon for something to hope for. His ragged and beaten-up body was in full view of everyone. Almost every part of the body was bruised and turned to a sickly purple. Putrid odor came from him like rotten body.
The other people were trembling, and their eyes were so fearful.
"E-E-Excuse u-u-um sir. What's going to happen to us." A shy young man's voice spoke up. Had walked up to the laying Arazen.
His voice was gentle and soft. Fair body with smooth skin. Arazen could tell they hadn't been here for long. Still one word irritated him.
As Arazen was going yell at the unlucky young man. For calling him sir when they were older. Incoherent assortment of what should be words were the only thing that could come out. Arazen grabbed his throat puzzled in why nothing came out. Groaning and mumbles were the only thing, "I think, but my words can't can out. It should be fine I didn't want to talk anyways."
The young man got scared and back away from the human that seems to be snarling at them. They had thought a wild beast was put in the cell with them. He ran back to his group away from Arazen.
Arazen couldn't think of anything to do. His knowledge was that of a child unable to comprehend the situation. His beast like appearance made going near hard much less try to talk with them.
It didn't bother Arazen to be shunned away, it made him question himself. As he looked at the cowering young man.
"Maybe that's what I would look like had things been different." Arazen thought.
Arazen relaxed on the loose straw floor compared to being chained to a wall. Though the floor is cold and wet with a putrid smell. Foul insect crawling around even if it should be awful. The night sky gave such an exotic light dancing in the open dark. He'd cry but all his tears ran out.
Arazen like a wild beast, fell asleep. The relief the others had gotten from Arazen sleeping wasn't enough to stop the shaking. It may have been a restless night for those, but Arazen gave no care the world that cast him aside.
As the night passed by Arazen awoken from his slumber to the smell of food. Not the scrapes but actually food. The bread was stale and hard enough to kill someone. The soup had no flavor and only veggies. Arazen ate in a frenzy scarfing down the food. The beast fell asleep with the last bite. Having cleaned the entire meal.
The others cell mates of Arazen were hesitant to even bite the food. As they were going to eat. Boss's maniacal cackling was heard far yet was so distinct. Brought up Arazen from the nap but he was nowhere to be found. His breathing was heavy, and he started gripping his chest. Until he had calmed down.
"What going to happen to us?" yelled one of the women. Nothing but the cold silent morning not even a guard on standby gave a thought.
That got Arazen on edge as it's been far too quiet. The time is passing yet nothing has come of it. Insane ideas came to mind causing panic among them. That other young man calmed then down giving not word of wisdom neither a speech of encouragement.
"Please everyone, calm yourself this reckless lunacy shall get us nowhere." Cried out the young man. His manner of speaking was like that of nobles.
His voice had a heavier tone to it. Arazen calmly watched, always aware of his surroundings.
Before that men could give a speech. Boss's frustrated voice was heard. Arazen go up and tried to hear what Boss was going to say.
"I can't believe that clergy's audacity. After we made a deal for them to pick the slaves up, only to make us do it. Saying a problem had risen." Complained Boss. To his underlings.
Boss continued complaining seemingly never ending. With a sudden stop his childish personality came back.
"Well get back to work and get ready to leave." Said Boss even though he made them listen to his ramblings.
Horse's loud sad cries as they were forced to get the wagons. Violent snaps of a whip connected with their skin. Arazen understood the pain of those and felt that same pain again.
The grunts worked with animals and those under Boss delt with the people. Thus, those with bags over their heads were the ones to be worried over.
But these guards that came in wore beautiful dark blue suits with that same disgusting flower. Arazen looked at both sides and chest seeing that disgraceful symbol forever abetted within him. Those iconic sag masks were gone with elegant mask covering only the eyes the ends flared out.
They worked systematically and did everything, mindless workers only meant to complete goals. Handling everyone else with care to not damage the products. To Arazen surprise he too was treated as a product unlike when Boss gave him the absolute worst.
As they were walked toward the horse drawn wagons reinforced to transport humans with bars covering parts of it. Using 4 enormous horses bred to pull the heavy cart. Another wagon shining in the sun. Lined with gold on the edges. With steads elegant as they can be. Main free flowing with wind made to be a show case and useable.
By its side was Boss in a wonderfully made suit also lined with gold accents and full black. That same hideous flower ruined that majestic suit. That new mask is more elegant than those before. Unlike mindless underlings Boss's face had giant scars going across his face. With rough skin and cracked lips.
Another wagon being filled with supplies for the journey. Weapons for monsters or bandits.
Arazen was last to enter the new cell, wagon was cleaner than anything Arazen had ever seen with no foul odor. Enough room for the 5 of them to relax. By each side were long board and empty space through the middle. Uncomfortable, but luxurious to Arazen. Small bar window to keep check of those inside. While everyone walked in a question lingered on about what was going to be of us.
Arazen may have cast his worries aside. Though doubt still lingered on in him. The hole in his heart deepened as Arazen was none the wiser.
Neither of the brave nor shy among them chose to speak up again, fearfully they ponder their looming fate. Silent as they could be.
Thus, the shouting commences, and the horses neighed. The wheels of the wagon moved the long bumping ride started. The journey that would take months passing vast plains.
The days turned to weeks so fast. Meals were given lightly. That was enough to put some fat into Arazen. Slimming down the others. Nothing of note worth was made during it. Arazen was unable to speak, not that he couldn't. He didn't wish attempt or such an act with many illogical fears wrapping in head.
By the second week the great dark forest stands between them. Dangerous woods but the path was cleared out before making it safer. Something changed wild beast no roam the tracks. The now slower route was favored going around the forest it would takes months to reach.
Arrogant to his own strength, Boss guides the wagons in the great forest. The giant trees climbed so high. Thick bushes and other wild plants cover the forest floor now. Those trees blanketed the sky and darkened the path even more. Strange noises were heard but nothing brought of it. Frightful day for the slaves and those outside.
Snarls and growls were heard outside the wagon. The clanging and scraping of metal screeching out.
"All men draw your swords at once!" Commanded Boss.
Terrifying laughter was heard in the from dark it sounded like it was everywhere. They took cover in the thick plant life.
Boss took out a brood-sword from his wagon and went into defensive guard position ready to counterattack from any attack.
"Act alive men, we have goblins!" Yelled Boss.
Arazen watched eagerly to see monster of tale from the bars the wagon. While the other tried to stay calm. From the overgrowth came a hideous creature.
It had human characteristics being it was bipedal. Its skin was forest green with rough bumps all around it. It carried a rudimentary weapon of sticks and stones. Its face had an elongated nose, sharp eyes, with pointy ears. All come together with an evil grin. Fully back eyes with a single gold pupil staring back at you.
They're resourceful beings, hunters by nature rather than brawlers fighting face to face because of their childlike stature. Traveling in groups then alone using underhanded tactics given the chance. They're weak but given a chance they become merciless and cruel like the Boss. Hunters of the dead night killing from the unknown.
"Defensive guard." commanded Boss. "Don't rush in they like to lure you in and use traps."
Both enemies had stand still, neither one acting out. That goblin had rusty knife most likely looted off a dead body. It teased and taunted them and goaded them to attack.
From Arazen angle of view saw a giant figure looming within the trees. As big as the tree and as if it were one. Skin bark like blending in with its environment. An arm and leg as big as a grown human. Twice the height as well. He watched as it stared down at the humans.
Goblins although they are smart, they became reckless and impatient. Boss and his men maintained their defensive posture. The goblin signaled his attack with his companions dropping down from the trees. Some dropped bodies on the people landing on up right sword going straight through them. Bathing them in their blood and rendering their swords heavy. While the rest surrounded them. While the boss used his weapon as a shield, defecting the bodies of the other goblins.
Those savage monsters outnumbered the people 1 to 3. They didn't move in but stayed in the ring. From the trees it moved incredibly fast holding a tree in its hand. It showed itself in the dimmed sunlight a tree giant ogre. Sub species of a man-eating beast of an ogre. This one was passive one a rarely harmed humans, but the goblin somehow domesticated the poor creature.
Its apprentice was like an ogre with a giant body, abnormal strength, flat face where the overgrown canine teeth were missing. These variants had bark-like skin stronger than any most materials. They were killed relentless before they had gone in to hiding. That's not important.
It stood in front of the goblin with the knife. It seems like it had power over the giant monster. Goblins love to toy with their victims. Boss ran with his sword slashing out the ring.
"Go on fight!" yell out boss.
The goblins stood no chance against Boss getting sliced in half their body giving no resistance to the weapon. The bodies splat on the forest floor for new wildlife. Boss ran straight to the ogre, but the swing of his tree made so much wind. Boss had to use his weapon to block it.
More goblins came from the overgrowth with better weapons. A form of armor. The underling were strong but each time you would kill one another took its place. If you could even kill them in time.
Boss didn't have the time to worry about his people and moved forward to slay the ogre.
The cries of the underlings sang wildly in the dark forest. To see the people how tortured him struggle in this regard. This is retribution for those they have wronged.
"It's not fun to be the singer now, does it." said Arazen to himself.
Some of the underling's songs were over. Their stood Boss fending off all those attackers. Each heavy swing killing those in his path. Half bodies piling up. Limbs of decorating the ground. Blood painting in his favorite crimson red color beautifully. His breath heaved with each passing swing. Seeing no end in sight. His clothes made it stuffy, and the mask made it hard to fight.
"No point with the mask anymore." Threw it aside. Gave out a war cry in desperation. "Come at me you bastards."
"Ironic bastard, you should die with them." Cursed Arazen.
A single scar running from the left corner to bottom right. Before Arazen could see anymore. His heart sunk down and gulped in response. More goblins had come out from the deep forest, not armed headed for the wagon. Ready to loot their new bounty.
Arazen motioned to the others to be silent. They covered their mouths to not make a sound and closed their eyes from the fear. Arazen stood to the side of the bars still hearing them fighting outside.
The locked door keeping those inside the cage away from life. Now a lifeline keeping those inside alive what little time they may have. The goblins tried to open the door. Everyone held their breath in fear from each attempt not to scream.
BANG!
Strikes were made ringing in the room. Death was knocking at the door. Irritated, they violently shook the door. Suddenly the noise cut outside, but the clashing still was ongoing. The wagon was wobbling side to side.
"Bastards were climbing this damn thing."
Their snarls were heard clearly. Footsteps were felt shaking the wagon. One of them found its way to the small window the side Arazen was on. Trying to peer inside the pitch-black wagon. Its drool spilling out and putrid smell was distinct.
Its disgusting face could be seen slowly poking in. Arazen questioned his options whether to attack or stay still but chose the latter. Hoping they wouldn't be seen. To late it gave a hideous grin looking down at the woman. Looking back at the creature.
A blood curdling scream came with them. Bring more attention to the wagon. Goblins got rowdier and louder. Death grabbing at their hearts beating as if were burst out. Chains of fear attaching to the body and limbs keeping them in place.
"Dying would be better than going on?" Arazen questioned himself. "Would living be any better than death?"
Arazen may been accepting the will of death for the moment. The banging and growls once towards fighters now for the helpless. Some were begging and praying for a savior to help them.
Prayers were made to gods and goddess countless time, to what avail. Were they amused watching us struggle or was someone even there.
Blasphemy was called to say such a thing. Was it really a stretch to mock the idea.
Arazen saw many crying, praying, groveling down to those above themself. Boss using all the horror of world to kill his mind. Those bastards of rulers, the reason he was banished to this godforsaken wasteland. Vice filled the Arazen's shattered mind. Retribution to those that brought him here. Revenge against those above clouded his mind. Spiteful shall be his cause to live.
CRACK! They made a small hole through the wall.
The lone goblin crawled his way through the crevice. Petrified screams were made. The useless prayers hadn't worked, despair filled their eyes. As the single goblin creeping out grinning cheek to cheek.
"Is it over now. There is no way I'll let those bastard live happy."
"If there truly is a god somewhere in this world. I beg of you. Let me kill those fucking bastards." Final wish and stance of a dead man's words.
Arazen had his dilemma with the cursed world and vowed vengeance against those who wronged him.
The lone goblin paid no attention to the decrepit soul on the other side. Focusing on the livelier of the bunch.
"Only one do they take us for fools, their arrogance shall be our chance." Thought Arazen.
With the basic knowledge given to him at a young age. Seeing those same people outside fighting, training back in the castle. When having to do labor outside he'd see them training. Arazen tried to copy one of those moves.
"It was called a choke hold, right." Arazen began to question himself. "The basic action was putting your arm around their neck."
Arazen threw himself at the monster. The poorly attempted choke hold did nothing bad in getting him bitten. Both were rolling in struggle in who can the upper hand. Arazen being weaker, lost getting slashed repeatedly. His blood bathing him, he couldn't feel the pain. The other people watched helplessly as Arazen fought for their and his lives.
While Arazen was lying down on the floor. His body was unable to move and numbed by goblin's blade.
"Bastard, had the laced its blade." Arazen laughed at his ignorance knowing death.
The Goblin had gotten up from the scuffle and angry at fight. Took its frustration out on Arazen lying on the floor. "You bastard, I wouldn't be surprised if boss and you were related." said Arazen.
Still Arazen didn't want to give, but what else can he do. That same soothing voice came back.
"Hold on a little longer. I'm sorry it is taking some time."
"I'll take my chances. I hope I'm not crazy."
Even though his body had no feeling. He rose and tackled the goblin beating his body. Knocking out the blade in his hand. Releasing a barrage of hits. The monster tried blocking but it got hit elsewhere. Finally, Arazen grabbed its neck, tightening his grip sucking its life away. As it tried to get free. Shaking and scrambling around hitting and kicking. Arazen held still as it fought back. Until its body gave up the muscles relaxed, and its eyes went back.
"Even monsters can fear deaths." Arazen gave a sigh but stood and grabbed the knife. With a deep breath.
"I can't have you come back up." With the knife in his right hand stuck down in chest of the goblin killing it. Raised it back up the blood trailing with it. Stabbed it repeatedly till the body was drenched with its blood and so too was Arazen. The body mutilated beyond comprehension.
It's not over yet more goblins heard the scuffle inside. Ran over to examine the fight. Arazen stood atop the dead body with knife in hand. His body was ready to keel over, His shattered mind couldn't let go yet.
Boss held his own in the fight. His men laid slain with goblins. He knelt using his sword to support him. Each breath was heavy. Sweat and blood covered the suit. As the goblins that were surrounding him moved away the ogre was going to give the final blow.
The ogre raised its arm ready to swing side wards.
"Give me your worse you dirty bastard." Cried out Boss. Gave out a final war cry.
It was short. Boss used his remaining strength to block the attack with his sword but sent him moving through the forest. Gone with the dark forest and left only Arazen and helpless.
"I should be the one to kill that bastard." Cursed out Arazen. The goblins didn't stop their pursuit. All goblins and ogre came walking to the wagon.
"No time to rest, I see."
"You guys get ready to fight or die." commanded Arazen. "Good luck"
The steps and growls were advancing. A devastating swing came down to the wagon. Only a little was broken but enough to let the hoard inside. They poured in swarming then relentlessly. Woman captured so quickly to make their brood and feed on them.
Left the men to entertain themselves with their wicked minds. Pouncing on them grabbing the limbs and stabbing it to the floor. Arazen fought back as the others were crying in agony. Being back into the corner he too was captured.
The goblin stabbed him down to ground only the hands and blood gushed out like a fountain. The next knife the goblins held with glee. One went to Arazen's head and slowly pushed down into his left eye. The soft eye spurted out blood. The excruciating pain was so much to handle. Fainting was not possible, and the movement caused such intense pain. The feeling of the knife going down his eye penetrating deep down into the soft flesh.
"Where's the help now. Was my life all for nothing. Is this how I'm going to die." Arazen thought to himself. As the mass of goblins stared down at him grinning to there's hearts content. The laughing and snarls were so abundant. The woman begging screams were so clear.
Arazen lay there, spouts on each hand pouring blood. A knife imbeds in his eye socket ever so slowly. Throbbing pain consumed him. Arazen could feel each pain coming down everything about it. From his surroundings and every action done to his mutilated body.
Arazen couldn't accepted his fate with death. Volleys of arrows covered the darken sky. Horns played their tune and strange people came. Attacking the goblins and killing the ogre. Arazen from his single bloody vision could see the silhouette of a man.
Arazen would have cried but those tears were gone with pain. The arrows took care of most of the goblins showering them. The people finished from what's left. Helping those in need. That same soothing voice.
"Rest now, for you much to do later. We'll take care of everything." calmly said the voice."
Arazen couldn't rest the blades that penetrated his eyes and hand were stabbed into the wagon. One of the saviors came to Arazen and glowing light came from her words. Had calmed down the pain and another carried him and the others away from the wasted battlefield. Before anything else happened Arazen had fainted again.
The land was once full of lush wildlife and overgrowth. Stamped on and painted with the dark red. Corpses of monsters on the soil to be eaten by the forest. Those that lived saw what a godforsaken world truly means.