Chereads / LOKKA - The tale of a headless monster / Chapter 3 - FROM WHENCE THEY CAME

Chapter 3 - FROM WHENCE THEY CAME

Nestled in the heart of a quaint and bustling town of Kota, a small adventurer's guild finds its home-a refuge for brave souls seeking their glory and fortunes. The guild's cozy and unassuming exterior sacredly held the stories of valor that are spun within its walls. The guild simply stands as a charming wooden cottage with thatched roof, its walls adorned with ivy and flowering vines. A rustic sign swinging gently in the breeze bears the guild's name, "The Claymore", in weathered engrave letters. A cobblestone path leads to the inviting entrance. Inside the guild, the scent of hearty meals and the sound of laughter and conversation fill the air. A small tavern serves as the heart of the guild, with several wooden table and chair, is the place where adventurers gather to plan their next exploit and share stories, and take respite from their journeys. In one of the corners of the guild, a group of adventurers are talking among themselves, murmuring in serious tones, sometimes the sound of tankards clinking echoes as they share their toasts.

"So, you said you met the headless Lokka? I don't believe you guys, that monster is just a bed stories, meant to scare children from going into the forest!"

A bulky man grunts heavily, shaking his head in disbelieve as he listens to the stories. A figure stands out- a formidable man whose presence commands attention. Clad in bronze armor, weather-beaten from years of wear, on his side, a massive sword hangs in a leather scabbard, the hilt adorned with leather and a pommel shaped like a head of lion.

"Alistair, you haven't been to the ancient forest have you not? How can you dismiss of what we see and experience?"

A warrior, clad in leather armor replied.

"Bah!! I will traverse the ancient forest myself, and I will have the gold of the Dark King for myself!

The warrior shakes his head.

"If you feel that it is not true, we should prepare and go then. It is long journey to the north anyway. Plus, we still want that treasure too. They said that even the path unto the tomb is coated with gold. With that many gold I could even start a guild of my own"

"Well, it is settled then, I will prepare my men for the expedition, and you and your group will lead the way. We will be rich and we can bid ourselves goodbye to this adventurer's life!"

Alistair chugs his tankard filled with ale in one go, and left the group to meet his men. Alistair mercenary group, "The claymore" consist of 30 veteran warrior including Alistair. They have roamed the land, fighting in the war and battle where the money bids them to. Most of them have been into countless battle, waging their lives according to their master wishes. All of them looks up to Alistair, their leader, charismatic and powerful leader that leads the into victorious battle. In spite of his glory, Alistair plans to retire from mercenary work. Thus, he needs a way out. Riches that will ensure he can live lavishly in retirement, and the story of the adventurer who run into headless monster in searching of treasure piques his interest.

In the dimly lit room inside an inn, a group of people gathers, their purpose clear-the anticipation of a new quest that their leader has brought to them. They huddle around a weathered wooden table, the surface littered with maps, and tankards of ale, while a quiet sense of camaraderie and determination prevails.

The hardened Alistair sits at the head of the table, a map unfurled before him, His bald head with majestic beard carries a stern expression as he outlines the details of their mission. His voice is steady can commands respect, setting the tone for the task ahead.

"In my hand is the map to the tomb inside a forest."

"Alistair, what tomb?"

One of Alistair men ask.

"It's the map to our future. The map to boundless treasure so many has sought but none was able to find it!"

"ehhh…are you sure that is not a fake?"

A young warrior spoke in turn.

"Well, this map was made by a group that met the headless one. What do you think?"

Alistair glare towards the young warrior.

"The headless legend? No one has seen that monster in years!"

"Yes! But now the time has come! The appearance of the headless monster can only mean one thing! The tomb of the dark king has emerged! The boundless riches spoken in the legend will be up for grab! Now are you guys with me? We can become rich and bid this mercenary life goodbye! HAHAHAH!

Alistair rose from his seat, thumping his chest proudly. The men rose from theirs in reply and excitement.

"Inform all our men, we will regroup outside the town in 2 days, be prepared, be vigilant as this will be the last and our glorious moment!

The meeting concludes. Alistair shivers in excitement. His mind wanders on what he should do with the gold and treasure that soon will be his.

In the tranquil moments of early morning, before the sun's first ray breach the horizon, the town is cloaked in a serene hush. The air is crisp and cool, carrying with it the scent of dew and the promise of a new day. The day Alistair waited has come. In his chamber, he readies himself for the impending quest. The room filled with the scent of oiled metal. He stands before a sturdy wooden table, upon which his gear is meticulously arranged. His bronze armor, though weathered, is polished and repaired. With methodical precision, He begins to don each piece. The bronze plate clank and shift as he secures them into place. The weight of his armor becoming familiar and comforting presence. This armor has saved him in may battles, properly protecting his chest and his vitals. His enormous sword rests against the table. With practices motion, he slings the sword to his side, the weapon settling comfortably into its designated spot. Though the riches await him, this is not the time for excitement. He steels himself, preparing for the journey ahead. The monster is not to be trifled with. If they were to meet it, a battle awaits them. A battle that possibly could mean the end for them. He already heard countless tale about the monster guarding the tomb. Countless fallen knights and adventurer of the past in their way to conquer the tomb. Though he does not show it, a glimmer of doubt crosses his heart. Alistair took a deep breath. His eyes burn with determination as he walks out to meet his men.