Early in the morning before the sun could kiss the sky that looks over the forest. The sound of hurried footsteps and heavy breaths disturbed the baron from his sleep.
Without a word, he rested his hand on his blade and looked over to his right hand man, Wayne, who seemed to be awoken by the sounds as well. Without rousing the rest of the men they went out to take a look.
Down the hall they found Carter and a few other men lugging chests of untold goods and more than likely weapons.
"Great, idea Carter if we can take these back we'll receive an even bigger reward than the last time."
"Yeah, it would be even better if we could take the kid, too."
Although the baron couldn't believe his eyes he already knew the truth in his heart.
*Blade of the Barbarian - 7th form - Righteous Slash*
Without a sound three heads touched the ground as the baron returned his broadsword to the sheath on his back, as Wayne looked on.
"I told you it was Carter weeks ago baron. We could have stopped some of the bleeding if you listened." Wayne spoke with an I told you so expression on his face.
"I know, Wayne. It just... I just couldn't believe it. How could he betray me for Elise. They haven't even had contact." The baron said heartbroken once again. "It's ok though, when we return with these weapons, we open the vault, close the gates, and raise the level of training even higher. I will also go to train, and in a few months, she will feel my wrath. They all will." The look of anger one could see in the eyes of the baron, near palpable at this moment.
"It seems after my decision to stay and run my fathers territories, they forgot who I am. But soon they will remember. The will all remember." With a sigh he continued. "Though still I am now chained to the aisles of the nobility. No longer can I run rampant willy-nilly. It is up to my children to spread our name to the far reaches of the kingdom. I will await that day here, expanding a kingdom of my own for them." It would seem the actions of Carter and his men were the last straw, as the ambition being formed in the heart of the baron would set his family on a path of greatness or demise. He would accept anything less, no longer.
"I was waiting for that, milord." Wayne said. "When we return rest assured, we will reinstate the rules of Ogden. Our soldiers names will rise once again." Wayne said with his arm across his chest and a smirk on his lips. For the day he has been waiting for has come. He couldn't help but reminisce on the days of the barons youth.
The late Count Simpson the elder, Baron Simpsons Father, followed the rules of the old family. Sons trained from the age of 7, the age of awakening, to go to war. Even when the international struggles were at rest, infighting between houses has always been encouraged in the kingdom.
The kingdom of Elaria and various kingdoms throughout the Tempest Empire supplied their countries and nearest protection, with fresh blood and prodigies to form standing armies against outside powers. While the rest of the soldiers lie in reserve in various organizations, to complete missions, join guilds, build culture, protect lands and raise more prodigies.
That being the case in the hands of the late Count the family name was feared on the battle field. Until the Counts demise, the baron and his siblings were free to make their own name. That is no more. In fact due to the power vacuum left in the Counts place, the siblings were forced to take meager portions of their families original territories and run them separated from each other by various houses.
The grudge runs deep.
"What is an Ogden?" A childlike voice came from beside the barons ear.
"Crap." Spooked, the baron jumped 3 feet away and drew his weapon in preparation for an attack. "Oh, it's you kid." Seeing that it was the little orphan boy, the baron calmed his heart. A smile also soon blossomed on his lips thinking of how powerful this kid would be. Never once having a thought of forcing him to do anything, only believing that if he or his children could build a good enough relationship with him, how beautiful would that future be. Also, how powerful is he now to sneak up on them as 2-star and 3-star fighters.
"I saw you stopping those guys, so I left it alone. Though they would have died anyway." The kid did not seem spooked by the situation in the slightest. As various spirits both animal and human appeared to return the goods to their rightful place. "You are good people. I was taught to offer great thanks, one must offer gift."
Saying that the kid somehow appeared directly in front of the baron without seemingly moving a step. After the kid touched between the barons brows, a sigil appeared. It appeared to be a gate leading to a great mountain.
"Aagghhh," the baron fell to his knees. In a panic Wayne rushed to his side.
"Sir, are you ok?" Wayne asked, worried.
"I'm fine, in fact, I feel great." The baron said in wonder. He could feel great power rushing through his body and a connection in his head he never felt before. Tapping into said connection he could feel the consciousness of two separate beings there resting in his mental plane. A connection to a 4-star Firestarter seemed to be feeding his body great power, as well as, a connection to an old man he hasn't seen in a long time. One, he thought he would never see again.
"How you been, you big stubborn brat?" That familiar smile breaking his heart all over again.
Meanwhile, as the baron explored the changes to his mental plane. Wayne stood up, observing the kid in befuddlement. Although, the baron is by no means overpowered due to him stalling his progression in exchange for running a barony. He was a character said to have amazing potential in his youth. Although he was only a 3-star human and 3-star fighter, it should be impossible for someone of even 4-star or 5-star to make him helpless.
"Kid, just how strong are you?" Wayne asked.