He should have stayed. He shouldn't have gone. Shouldn't have gone and left them alone.
This is all his fault, from his ignorance and negligence.
"Why did you leave us?"
"Where are you and your promise?"
"You are a liar..."
Whisper after whisper sneered in horror in his ears as he looked at the godforsaken scene before him.
He saw that there was a group of strange people with inky black bodies with extremely twisted faces and smiles that were more terrifying than demons--were strangling, beating and holding three people who were glowing pure white.
He knew who those three were.
They were pushed to the ground and cried out for help full of pain and pity. Meanwhile, the group of inky people with horrible faces just laughed hysterically while then holding and tearing the clothes of one of them, until they were naked; while hugging their own body to hide their breasts and covering their bottom with the right hand. It's a woman.
The woman's body was then violently touched and groped by the twisted-faced humans. Staining the purity of her body until there are black palm marks that desecrate the white colour of her.
Two of them who were still on the ground screamed and pleaded not to hurt the woman, but instead, they were both silenced by the twisted humans with their backs stomped hard and mercilessly the sound of bones cracking was heard.
He wanted to help them, but strangely, his body seemed to freeze stiff. He tried to make a sound, but nothing came out. Not even his eyes wanted to blink and he was forced to watch the beastly and inhumane behaviour until it was over.
The hideous humans then tied the body of the naked woman to a pole and a fire that was raging like the fire of hell suddenly lit up at her feet. The pain and burning hot sensation were unbearable, the woman screamed and moaned in pain. However, despite that, she slowly looked straight into his eyes with her lips parted as if to say something:
"Come home...", before her body and everything is engulfed in flames.
****
The dusk sun shines on everything but shrinks with darkness in a still-busy kitchen. The table contained cooking ingredients, a spice bowl, a cutting board of beautiful, thick brown wood and a knife.
The cooking furnace had a pot-smoking hot, giving off the fragrant aroma of spices and herbs that ventured through the whole house. Finally, it reached the nose of someone sitting outside the doorway. It's a man.
'Hmm...boiled venison ?' The man thought, tempted by the aroma of the cooking.
Meanwhile, a long sword was slowly and expertly polished in his hand. A beautiful longsword with a sharp and clean shiny blade, reflecting off a pair of his pale green eyes as sharp as the blade itself. The iron hilt has various fine carvings and an enchanting sapphire stone inlaid in the middle.
"I'll get you, Elena!" Suddenly, childish squeals and laughter caught his attention from the blade. "No, you can't~!" Answered by another.
Two children were running merrily before him. He knows them very well.
One is a little girl with blonde hair, a cherubic face, and a cheerful smile. She ran fast, quite fast than her pursuer who was a boy older than her. His unique hair has a jet-black colour as the background and a brownish-yellow stripe as the colour of attraction. They also inherited his pale green eyes. They are his kids.
The sun is now almost descending from the earth's sight, a light breeze that signifies that the night will be cold and the laughter of joy in the yard creates a tranquil atmosphere.
The man did not want to stop staring at the pleasant scene until he was slightly distracted by the slow and civilized footsteps behind him and stopped.
"Kids, it's time to go inside!" A feminine voice called out loud, yet soft to hear, which got a reply from the kids with a smile and a nod from afar.
"Here," A call to him as well, before glancing out of the corner of his left eye and seeing a steaming hot cup being held out by a slender and luscious hand. "hot Cylèp herbal tea, your favourite."
He turned, wanting to accept the cup but halted halfway when his eyes froze on a beauty with dazzling wavy blonde hair, just like the little girl, and warm amber eyes staring at him too.
"What? Is there something on my face?" The woman's smooth eyebrows rose inquisitively, noticing that he was staring intently at her.
"Ah, uhm...nothing." Snapping back from his reverie, he then took up the cup, drank it slowly and enjoyed its hot stream down his throat. The woman, however, was not satisfied with the man's reply.
"What~? Have you fallen in love with me a second time, my love?" Tease the woman deliberately wanted to embarrass him.
"Yes. And to be honest, I am very grateful to have you as my wife." He replied spontaneously. Making the real shame to the woman instead, blushing for she lost in flirting.
"You honest jerk..." His wife muttered, firmly biting her lips with a hot flushed face for she knows that his nature has always been like that. Constantly saying things that make her blush without thinking twice. 'How can this idiot say such a thing without a hint of shame...'
They then fell silent. He was still calmly enjoying his herbal tea before rigidly realising what he had just said, while the wife was red-facedly leaning forward and messily playing with her fingers on the door frame.
The children headed towards them, down the small hill there. The boy was the first to speed up thanks to the hill slope, increasing his speed. However, he was cut off by the girl swiftly past and ahead of him.
"Hahahahaha! I won again, brother!" Exclaimed the girl. Smiling in triumph and contentment. She didn't feel tired in the slightest, differentiating her from the loser who was pale and drenched in sweat.
"That...hah...hah..isn't fair. How...are you so fast?" He gasped as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Oh Lloyd, sweetheart. You sweat a lot, now your clothes are wet." Their mother gently scolded.
"Forgive me, mother..." Answered his son, Lloyd, gradually refilling his lungs with air.
Switch to the winner. "And Elena," she took a few moments to examine her from bottom to top. "Look at your dress. It's all dirty!"
Indeed, her tunic dress was covered in a dirty apron with mud splashes. But Elena, on the other hand, examined her dress and then grinned mischievously. "I'm sorry, mother. Earlier I was running so fast that I accidentally stepped on a puddle. Hehehehe..."
Their mother could only cup her side cheek while sighing wondering where she got such a naughty attitude from.
"You do like running, don't you, Elena?" He then asked and was answered with a smile. "Of course, father! I have to run fast so I can be a knight like you." Elena stated with excitement and determination blazing in her round green eyes.
It is not wrong, Elena has an ideal physical body in his eyes. Her long legs are enough to cover the distance and she has enough stamina to last long runs. What's more, when she grows up.
"What about you, Llyod?" Moving on to his eldest son. "Ah, yes! I...I would like to become a scholar at the University of Magic someday." Llyod replied with a shy smile, a little less confident in his ambition.
Hearing that, he nodded his understanding while extending his hands to their heads and gently stroking their hair. "I believe you two will succeed." He whispered to them and succeeded in putting a confident smile on their faces.
His wife, who had been silent earlier, just stared at them with emotion. However, it was interrupted by the faint sound of neighs and horse hooves from afar.
He lifted himself and gazed far into the horizon line in the centre of which was a vague figure on horseback. The figure was getting swiftly closer and each passing second was finally visible.
A knight in shining armour, displaying a large golden bird-like emblem on the breastplate, a rich red one-shoulder cape on his right that is decorated with bright yellow embroidery at the top. Pointing out he might be someone of high calibre.
He wore no helmet, gave an expression of a friendly soul and had young flaxen hair.
"Oh, it's Sir Trevor!" Yelled Elena and Lloyd in unison, running excitedly towards the knight.
The knight's horse began to slow and he dismounted when it stopped, outside the stone fence of their yard.
"Hello, children. Spirited as always, yes? Hahahaha!" The knight laughed, then revealed a big leather pouch on his belt and took something out of it. "Here." He gave it to them.
"Wow, no way. Is that Alerìt apples?!" Llyod asked as he leaned closer to examine the fruit.
While his younger sister just stared at the fruit intently and instinctively drooled. An eye-catching apple with a bright reddish colour and a yellow band around it. It emits a sweet fragrance indicating how delicious it is inside when bitten.
Seeing the funny behaviour of his younger sister, the knight named Trevor chuckled and gave them the apple.
"Thank you for these apples, Sir Trevor. " Lloyd said after receiving it.
"Oh no, that should go to my daughter, Aleah. She's the one who insists on forcing me to give it to you two. Though it's likely for you, she said..." He grinned at Llyod who blushed slightly at his last sentence.
"I...I see. If so, please pass on my thanks to her..." Llyod averted his eyes to the side, not daring to look at the knight's face. Elena, who had almost finished eating her apple, was confused by her brother's reaction. "And mine too, please!" She exclaimed.
"Sure, I will." Trevor then walked to their parents. Elena and Llyod again race past him and quickly enter their house, yet again the big brother loses.
"Good evening, Elissa and Alsullon." He greeted with a wide smile still on his face.
"Good evening to you too, Trevor." His wife replied. While Alsullon just stared at the knight's face indifferently.
"My wife, Nalani, sends her greetings to you both." Trevor tried to come up with a way to attract his attention.
"Really? How is she doing now?"
"Oh, she's fine. Lately, she's been getting fitter and more energetic, thanks to the herbal medicine you sent us a few weeks ago. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome. Oh, speaking of which, congratulations on the birth of your second child! May the Gods bless you and your family."
Trevor didn't say a word but just smiled, and turned to Alsullon who was still sipping his tea ostentatiously.
It seems that his plan to attract Alsullon's attention failed.
He is not interested in letting out a sound until he abruptly jerks forward with a very loud thud echoing behind his body.
"Anyway, Trevor, would you like a cup of tea too?" Elissa asked amicably as she withdrew her arm from Alsullon's back, with the hand still clenched into a fist then gradually loosening.
"Meanwhile to that, you two shall talk, right, my love?..." She glared at him who brought a secret message 'Talk to him, you bastard.'
"Uhm...it's fine, thanks Elissa. But I won't be long." Trevor fearfully refused, for he saw how strong the blow was and how sharply she was glaring at Alsullon.
And he dared to swear that the blow might have struck the spine and simultaneously the back of his ribs, judging from Alsullon who was clutching and massaging his left breast. Try to alleviate the pain.
"Fine." She then went inside. Leaving the two of them to chat.
Staring at each other, hoping one of them would start a conversation. Which lasted for a few minutes. Perhaps a few hours, if they don't stop.
"What is it now?" Alsullon sighed, having to give in to find out why he was interrupting his leisure time. Trevor's good-eyed smile then faded.
"Master needs us now. " Trevor answered and sat across from him.
Alsullon sighed again but more heavily "What does he want now?"
"That...I'm afraid that I don't have permission to tell you. Not me, but from the master himself." Trevor explained, hesitantly.
Alsullon groaned as he swirled the tea in his cup. "Alright, I'll see him later..."
They then chatted for so long while enjoying the scene together. Enjoying the sky and the cool breeze.
"Hey, Asullon, I have been keeping this question for a long time. Why don't you and Elissa live in the city? There, we can see each other every day." Trevor asked curiously.
Alsullon began to shake his head. "There, it's crowded and walled off. I understand what you mean, but Elissa prefers the vastness and the free air of nature here." He paused for a moment, sipping his tea until not a single drop was left. "So we decided to move here."
Run away from distractions and away from attention, that was the only reason he could think of. His family's life is happy enough in this used and simple house located far from the city.
Comfortable and quiet that reconciles with nature. That is his wife's wish.
Trevor smiled again and slowly rose. "I understand, if it's your and her decision then I should respect that." He walked over to his horse that grazing on some grass that grew at the base of their stone fence.
He mounted his horse and looked at Alsullon who was still sitting. "Farewell now, Alsullon. Hope to see you there anon." He said and turned his head, then went riding to the west.
****
That night, in the living room, he sat in an armchair and Elissa sat across from him. The children lie on the floral carpet while reading a storybook together. They were faced with a fireplace that was burning bright and warm.
"Tomorrow, I'm going to Eljar city" He stated "Work call..."
Elissa who heard that then frowned. "What? Didn't you tell them you were taking time off to rest?" She asked incredulously and Alsullon nodded.
"Reject the call, then. Tell them you're taking a break for a couple of days." She suggested.
"I can't, Elissa. Even you know that I can't deliberately turn a deaf ear to the call of the order." He explained as he stared at the beautiful face, with the eyelids softening and the corners of the lips falling wobbly.
"Please my love, at least.." She looked at the children. "At least wait until their birthday. The day they are waiting to enjoy with you as their father."
She turned again and caught her husband's eyes. "Please, Alsullon..." She emphasized her persuasion, hoping her husband would agree.
Alsullon forced his eyes from Elissa to the fireplace. He shook his head reluctantly. "Forgive me, Elissa. They desire my services and I shall give it to them."
Elissa scowled but more fiercely. "But try to think first which is more important, the children or your work, huh?" Her tone suddenly grew and attracted the children's attention.
"Lord Nehemiah summoned me..." He blurted. As the very familiar name entered Elissa's ears, she could only remain silent.
If that person who is the lord of her husband calls, then it means that there is something very important to discuss. She dared to believe that her husband would not be willing to sell his own master's name as an excuse, would he?
But, why now? Why should he go now?
"But--" She tried to protest and quickly Alsullon stopped her by raising his hand. She obeyed the hand gesture and waited for him to answer.
Yet, he refused to speak. His eyes faithfully stared at the dwindling bright fire instead of didn't bothering to glance at her, even once.
Elissa pursed her lips and glared sharply at her husband who feigned ignorance. She should have known that this man before her would not care about anything when his work called.
'A man who is willing to prioritize his career over his children... how heartless.' She thought accusingly.
Alsullon could feel himself being glared at by eyes that were probably sharper than his sword, but he still didn't want to look at her let alone talk.
He did not know why he always did such a response. Remain silent in the presence of people who show curiosity and anger that boils like hot water.
That's called, looking for trouble.
"FINE! Do as you please, with your ego and your damn work!" Elissa finally snapped, fed up with his childish act of not wanting to talk.
The children were startled by their mother's roar. Elissa then got up and went over to Elena and Lloyd, leading them away and up to their bedroom on the second floor.
Counting the moment after the sound of their footsteps began to fall silent, Alsullon finally stopped staring at the fireplace, with the result that his eyes were now sore from staring for so long.
He groaned with a mixture of tiredness and pain in his eyes, holding his face as he rubbed his eyes and then leaned back shrinking.
"I shouldn't have done that..." He muttered, thankful that this time he didn't feel the pan flying into his face. The last time he did the same reply, there would have been a chair thrown at him until it broke or at least as a little mercy, would have resulted in him having to sleep outside the house.
He was reflected by what his wife said and found her words true. Now he regrets it, but things have happened.
"How curious, what the old man wants from me now..." He said sarcastically, rose from his chair and went up to the second floor.
Arriving at his and his wife's bedroom door, he grabbed the doorknob and turned it but the door wouldn't budge. It is locked from the inside.
He then sighed with acceptance. "At least I don't have to sleep in the stable this time."
****
The next day, he was already in front of the door, fully prepared to leave.
Standing with silvery armour that has a golden bird symbol, similar to his friend Trevor's symbol but much different, with the bird's wings extending to all sides of the chest plate and a long tail that descends to the plackart plate.
On his shoulders, he was equipped with a dark red one-shoulder cape that was embroidered with white threads at the end of the cloth. Running from the shoulder to his left arm, a yellow cloth armband, with affixed a symbol of a small knight-like figure surrounded by eight swords in the order of the eight wind patterns.
The appearance of his armour is almost the same as Trevor, but more glorified. Only the helmet was left behind.
"Do you even have to go, father?" Elena asked, tugging at the end of his cape.
Their pitiful eyes yearned for him to stay, making Alsullon almost carried away but he only sighed and reached for their heads and stroked them gently. "I have to. But, don't worry. I promised I'll make it quick and return, then let's visit the city and buy anything you two want, shall we?"
His hand then slowly came down to Elena's eyes, wiping away the small drops of water at the corners of those trembling eyes.
He turned to Lloyd but found the boy had a different reaction than Elena. Eyebrows knitted, eyes staring at the ground, the face is slightly red, lips bitten from the inside and hands squeezing his pants and the hem of his shirt. He sulked.
A sullen manner that was almost the same as their mother, who was in the kitchen pretending to be slicing vegetables but silently listening from afar.
Alsullon held Lloyd's shoulder firmly. "Lloyd, my son, you are the only man in this family after I leave. So, take care of your mother and sister, alright? Can you fulfil this request of mine?"
Lloyd was silent momentarily and replied with a quick nod, but his head was still facing the ground.
"And one more favour, can you two please persuade your mother for me, yes? She's terrifying when angry...like a tiger, perhaps." He whispered teasingly, making Elena chuckle behind her tears and carve a smirk on Llyod's lips which felt numb from being bitten for a long time.
As for Elissa, she suddenly felt irritated from afar, even though she couldn't hear his words.
He then made his way to his horse, finally putting on his helmet. An Aventail helmet whose bottom to the neck and back are covered with fine chain mail, but strangely the chain mail on the back has two layers and the outer layer is longer and fine as fine cloth. Perhaps finer.
He mounted his horse and looked at them one last time. A heavy heart tries to take over, but unfortunately, loyalty to duty is greater.
He whirled, then pulled the outer layer of the long chainmail and covered his entire head and face as if it was covered by a soft grey veil if seen at a glance from a distance.
"Hyaa!" Whipping the reins of his horse, he set his course to the southeast, where the city of Eljar was.
It takes at least two days more if riding from morning to night without stopping. But thanks to the horse he was riding which was a strong and young breed and a shortcut through the grove, he arrived in just one day.
Of course...no rest.
From the top of the hill, a high and strong-walled city was shown to him. Behind the wall, many residential houses with magnificent citadels always attracted his attention first.
That is the city of Eljar, a city that is ruled by a supreme noble.
He rode up to the gate of the city but was stopped by a guard. "Halt!" The guard demanded loudly as he raised his hand to stop. "State your purpose."
From answering smoothly, Alsullon stole a few chances to look up and saw that several more guards were standing from above with ballista turret triggers gripped at the ready.
"I came with the intention of meeting with that old geezer." He answered flatly, before realizing what he had said and saw the guard scowling behind the gap in his helmet visor.
"Who are you, a stranger who dares to call His Grace with such an impudence call, huh?" The guard growled. "You're pretty brazen, aren't you?"
Alsullon remained silent and gazed at the guard casually behind his veil. He should have restrained his irritation from overexpressing the call, now look at him, standing in front of an easily offended person barking incoherently.
"Tch! How insolent--" Feeling himself ignored behind the veil of chainmail, the guard was about to draw his sword, but abruptly there was a hand that harshly held and pushed his head down to bow.
"Forgive my friend, Sir! He is new here." Out of nowhere, another guard also bowed his head beside him. "He doesn't know who you are, so please forgive him."
Now and then he wanted to look up, he could feel the hands of his fellow guards firmly holding back and pressing his head to bow again.
'Oh no, have I done something wrong?' He thought anxiously.
"No, it's fine, he's just doing his job" Alsullon replied, surprised by his reaction. He had rarely met or seen someone so loyal to their employer in this day and age, let alone coming from a mere gate guard, simply because his master's nickname was a little bit mispronounced.
And that made Alsullon quite impressed.
"You," He called out to the guard who was the newcomer. "What's your name?"
The growing anxiety nearly hushed the guard, but he also had time to think if he didn't answer the question of someone he thought might be an important person, it was rude too.
"My name is Paul...Sir" He replied hesitantly calling Alsullon by his honorific title.
"Paul, you have amazed me with your loyalty to the Duke Nehemiah." Alsullon praised him and now called his master's name correctly.
Making the guard named Paul's anxiety subside with a feeling of flattery and embarrassment.
"And in fact, I was just testing you." He lied, wanting to ease the slightly tense atmosphere for Paul and his friend.
"Is that true, Sir?" Paul fellow's guard asked, completely believing him.
"No, I'm just lying." As he lied, so he confessed straight away, making them tense again. "Still, I'm really surprised and impressed with you." He continued and relieved them.
Paul and his fellow guards then stood back up. At that moment, Alsullon began to speak again while looking directly at Paul.
Although his face was covered by the veil of fine iron, Paul also seemed to be able to feel his sharp gaze.
"We serve the same master and the same goal of obedience to him." He began "Then take it easy, I'm not the type to hold grudges easily and neither are you, I believe? I say, let us accept all this as a lesson for us by the Gods, yes, my brother?"
Paul was silent and then lowered his head as he nodded in agreement. He regretted his actions and seemed to feel like he was being reprimanded. It's a shame for him, truly.
Before moving away, Alsullon felt curious and asked why the gate was closed and guarded tightly. Whereas it used to be open for all traders and immigrants from all over the region to come in line and crowd the entry gate. To earn a living, which is a very simple and typical goal.
"Forgive us once again, Sir. But even we don't know why, for we are only following orders from His Grace not to allow anyone to enter or leave without his permission." Paul's colleague explained.
"I understand, thank you." Alsullon nodded and began to slowly trot his horse forward, but did not forget his last message to them which was, "Continue to serve him and I will leave a good credit to you both." Before his back was closed by the huge gate.
Now, only the two of them remained outside the gate. The other guards who were watching from above had long gone to other posts.
Stunned still silence, until Paul tried to start a conversation. "Uhm..mind telling me who he is, Roberk?" He asked innocently which resulted in him getting hit on the head by his colleague, Roberk.
Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet made of hardened steel because the blow was so strong that it sent his head back down again.
"You are such an idiot!" Roberk snarled furiously. "If you act so carelessly towards others, I can accept that. But, if you want to find trouble for a lifetime, you better not start with Sir Alsullon."
"Alsul-who?" Paul asked again, as he adjusted his helmet which was askew from the hit earlier.
"Alsullon! Alsullon Nasha!" Roberk corrected him irritably. Trying to calm down and let out a sigh of frustration at the ignorant stupidity of Paul who idolized their employer, the Grand Duke, since the first time working in this city.
But even so, just because of that, he was willing to raise his blade to one of the other important executive members in Eljar city.
As his senior, he was very disappointed in him.
"Paul, let me tell you a revelation for that nut head of yours." He started. "Sir Alsullon Nasha is a direct subordinate to His Grace. By that, he is also one of our employers and superiors after His Grace."
As if he had just been hit once again, Paul jerked in surprise.
"However, that was only kept a secret by all the residents of Eljar in compliance with His Grace's orders. Therefore, as a new guard, you are also obliged to keep this secret with your own life if you want to be safe." Roberk continued casually as if it were commonplace.
Paul was dumbfounded. If it wasn't for the meddling of his senior Roberk, he would have almost destroyed not only his career but maybe even his life. He was so ashamed and regretful that he longed for the earth he stepped on to swallow him whole.
Meanwhile, Alsullon rode his horse slowly intending to see and reassess the city where he grew up. Nostalgia and longing, that's what he probably wanted to feel but now it's different. After passing the gate, he saw many houses, various shops and inns closed and locked.
He glanced left then right, only to see a resident inside a house bowing his head respectfully to him from the window before closing the curtains.
'A gate that is tightly guarded to not allow anyone to leave or enter the city. Next, all the residents cover the doors and windows to isolate themselves from the outside world. Is there another outbreak of plagues?' He played the theory through his mind, as he cantered his horse.
Not long after, he arrived at the outer gate of the citadel and was greeted with respect by the palace guards there. Unlike before, they know who he is.
One of the palace guards politely advised him not to bring his horse into the palace grounds. Although curious as to his reason, Alsullon without revolt dismounted and gave him the bridle and his horse to rest in the stable.
He had to walk along the long, smooth and neat stone path until he finally arrived and was greeted again by some people who had been waiting for him from afar. A Steward and a chief maid stood in front of the entrance with two other palace guards beside them.
"His Grace awaits you in the throne room, Sir Alsullon." The Steward bowed and before Alsullon could move a muscle, he then said. "But, before that. Could you take off and hand us your sword? Don't worry, we'll take good care of it, sir."
Without much ado, Alsullon decided to trust him and unfastened his sword belt and gave it to him.
"And one more thing, if you care? Please cooperate..." The steward asked as he tried hard to hold and balanced his sword as if it were heavy.
Hugging the blade of the sheathed sword, he motioned to the two guards and they complied and approached Alsullon while saying "Pardon us, sir."
Alsullon who understood what they wanted to do, nodded and the guards took out what looked like an iron rod with a white crystal stone and as clear as glass attached to the end, and pointed the crystal at Alsullon's lower body.
The crystal stone glowed a rather bright white when they started to point at his legs, but suddenly the light turned a dim red when it reached his waist. It was as if the crystal was detecting something.
The guards and Alsullon exchanged glances. "Sir, could you hand that thing over to us too?" One of the guards politely asked for the best.
And with a heavy sigh, Alsullon took out something from the gap in his waist armour plate and it was a 16 cm long dagger then reluctantly handed it to them.
The process continues with the crystal being white until it ends up on his head.
"Alright, it's done. Thank you for your cooperation, sir. Now, you're welcome to enter." The steward bowed his head and with his free hand ushered him to the door.
He was the first to step in before being followed by only a head maid from behind.
Walking down the long corridor of the palace which was decorated with pleasant maroon coloured carpets with a yellow wavy line pattern on the floor, the entire corner of the stone wall was plastered with charming dark red wallpaper and several exhibits such as small to large combat weapons were displayed on the walls. Including furniture such as shelves and tables with fine, clean and expensive wooden brands along their journey.
All those things are scarce and luxurious in Alsullon's opinion. And no one can have all that if not the highest ruler in this region.
From the far end of the hallway, his eyes were drawn to a large portrait attached to the wall of the hallway that had two more junctions to the left and right, in front.
He sped up to take a closer look. A gold-framed portrait, probably authentic judging by the light it reflected, with a picture of a warrior in a long red cape standing upright holding a beautiful sword vertically downwards.
As he got closer, Alsullon was amazed by the warrior's face which was serious and brave, like a hero admired by many. Dark red-haired and young, but also mature-looking.
"Surely you would be great if you acted like you used to, old man." A small sigh of longing came out of his mouth, as he made his mind wander in search of memories of a story as he walked past the portrait and turned to the right of the hallway.
An old legendary story that had been told to him since he was a child.
About a large empire called the Avalon Empire which was attacked by a giant Black Dragon named Ohrotos who came from the demon kingdom in the north.
Ohrotos has destroyed most of the empire, especially the most unfortunate is in a region in the North-West where the once fertile land is now submerged in a sea of fire until it becomes barren. The people suffered in misery and thousands of innocent lives just drifted away with the fire.
Until one day, there came a red-haired swordsman who wandered and sympathized with the people who had become victims of the dragon.
He challenged and faced Ohrotos fearlessly and fought for three days until the last Sun of the Goddess set. Ohrotos was seriously injured with a deep gash in his chest which was the core of his fire breath and decided to retreat to the north, where he came from.
The victory and bravery of the swordsman had attracted the attention of the Emperor and Empress of Avalon. He was then summoned to appear before them in the main core city far east of the empire, called Albionis and there he was raised as a Hero.
Then, the Emperor ordered that he would bestow three gifts on the swordsman but only on one absolute condition; he must stay in Avalon and serve the imperial family only and forever.
The swordsman accepted and bestowed upon him a sword forged from frozen northern steel and the finest gold in all of Avalon.
Second, he was appointed as the highest noble, the Grand Duke. And finally, the third gift, he was granted by the Empress herself a holding domain where the fight between him and the dragon Ohrotos took place, namely, the northwestern territory.
The swordsman who had become a noble named and reformed the region with the name of Eljaria Province and then built his capital which was a major city, where he ruled under the title of Eljar city.
If in the past, when he was still young, Alsullon would always be amazed and enthusiastic to hear and read stories like that written in books. A book, given to him by his teacher every time he passes his absurd and dangerous training-- from practising real sword fighting on the first day of training or being left in the dark forest with wild beasts to test his courage and mentality.
Alsullon groaned in annoyance as his mind wandered so far that he accidentally caught a moment where his teacher would laugh out loud and boast when reading a book about the story of the swordsman and the black dragon with him at that time, such as:
"Hey, I was there when that happened, you know?" He said while grinning, pointing his finger at himself as if asking for praise. And Alsullon simply replied with "Whatever you say, old man." full of doubt as he rolled his eyes.
Thinking about that made his mouth somehow twitch into a smile and finally a little giggle escaped, making the head maid behind him confused but decided to ignore it.
However, later, the humour in Alsullon's heart gradually turns gloomy when he also remembers the argument he had with Elissa the other day. He could have waited and stayed for a few days as long as they wanted, but since he had taken an oath to come when called by his master who was waiting.
He was unable to do anything.
They arrived in front of a throne room guarded by two guards with armour thicker than his. The door was opened for them and Alsullon managed to hiss honestly a decision that played in his mind.
"I am done with this work."
****
Far away somewhere, at night, where there was a village that was destroyed and charred as if it had just been burned. Not a single soul was left but the dead bodies of the villagers lying on the ground.
Not far from the village, there was a military camp with 30 ordinary tents and 8 bonfires that were burning but not very smoky. There, walked a soldier-knight with a long pale blue cape and an insignia of a blue crescent moon upside down and above it a vertical sword straight down, displayed on his breastplate.
He walked towards a large tent that was far away and separated from the other soldiers' tents on the hill. Along the way, he heard the various pleas of girls and women they had kidnapped from the villages and towns they had plundered and raided.
The sounds of pleading screams of frightened and pitiful women, along with the sadistic and contemptuous laughter of his soldiers who were having fun 'playing' with them filled his eardrums enough to make him disgusted and hasten his pace.
Climbing up the hillside and standing in front of the curtained tent, he then greeted and answered "Come in" by the occupants.
"General, all our preparations are complete. I think we should move now, sir." He suggested immediately after pushing aside the curtain. Allowing the light of the night moon to break in, past his body and shine on a softly smiling man sitting on a bench, polishing a strangely shaped sword in his hand.
"Be patient, such hasty action will only increase the pressure on our soldiers, not to mention you as my adjutant, Matheos." The general replied calmly.
Matheos grimaced when he heard the words. 'How can you keep calm? We are now in enemy territory, if we don't move we may be attacked soon.' He hissed inwardly not daring enough to share, for he was only an adjutant and had no authority to direct a general other than to advise him.
Then, just as suddenly and as he had been worried about, there was a sound of hooves from outside the tent. He gripped the hilt of his sword and carefully stepped out.
While the general just kept quiet and still maintained his now widening smile, as he examined his blade and felt the hilt, eager to taste blood. He expected the sound of screams and metal hitting each other, but all he heard was silence.
With his curiosity piqued, he stepped out with his unsheathed sword and found his adjutant conversing with a black-cloaked horseman.
He came closer and they, aware of his presence, stopped their talk and looked. The black-cloaked man bowed his head as he arrived in front of them with an eternal smile from before.
"Don't bow down in shame, hold your head up high. It's a commendable decision to serve your country of birth from this kingdom." He complimented with a smile now intent on scorn and the black-cloaked man just remained silent, nodding faithfully like a dog.
"Well, leave now before they find you gone." He said again as he jerked his head to the side as if signalling him to leave.
And with that order, the cloaked rider nodded again and went down the hillside and disappeared from their sight for a long time.
Matheos then told all the information given by the black-robed man. His smile
narrowed and turned into a grin.
"Alright, as you wish. Let us move now, northward." He commanded, sloppily, and went back into his tent while holding his sword hilt. Inside the tent, his hand was shaking violently on the hilt and he caressed and held back with his right hand from lifting it.
However, just as his left hand was about to lift out the blade by itself, his right hand gripped it so hard that it tore some of his skin and bled. Miraculously, his left hand stopped shaking and managed to regain control.
"Be patient, it won't be long..." He whispered, licking the torn pieces of skin and blood from his hand and then smiling wide lustfully.