It was spring morning When the young girl woke up, she yawned, scratched her untidy, red hair, and moved her wolf ears a little, her eyes were yellows but they looked tired although she just wake up it's thanks to her nightmare of the city burning that kept wake her up every time she closes her eyes. She then got up, looked at her black outfit in the mirror then glanced at her three younger siblings, and smiled, flashing her sharp fangs as she called out to them to wake up.

"wake up Julia if you want to grow to be beautiful woman like mother you need wake up now." The 10-year-old Julia woke up, yawned, and slowly dragged her sluggish legs before asking, "Is mother awake? Brea?"

Julia said while look back at her 17 old crimson hair sister

" yes she is probably , now go fast to help her."

Brea told her younger sister with usual warm smile then she turn her attention to her male twin they 14 year old waken theme up.

"wake up Borys ."

Brea say while She shake him hard since he is heavy sleeper and stubborn and he always loud

"ahhhh what you want ?!!! you annoyi…."

He sit up yelling and Before the young boy keep going with his yelling Brea hit him on his head with her fist to stop him then she look at him with scary calm smile then she she say

"get of the bed you don't want another big lovely sister hit ."

Borys had short and messy hair he keep it like that always then he look at his older sister he get scared and jump of the bed running to the door after that she noticed that her other brother had already waken up and sort his place a little Brea get close to him and give him head pat as praise

"such good boy Jan I sometimes think you took all good things while you two inside mother now go fast to make sure he doesn't make problem like always"

Jan nod in silence and leave the room, after he left the room Brea look with her yellow eyes from window as she put her hands on Wooden window frame as she look at city walls then rise her eyes to sky as she see nine Floating towers as distance between each floating tower is 2 kilometer they work as barrier from magic attack and flaying creatures as she heard from her father . then she go down the stairs and she see her mother and says

"good morning dear mother "

The mother smile and get closer to Brea then she pinches her wolf ears and say 

"Morning dear so why you hit your brother I know Borys is sometimes loud and stubborn but don't hurt your young wolf sibling I am kind disappointed in you that not how you usually deal with it ."

 "sorry sorry!!please stop I admit I over do it ....it just I had bad dream ….the city was burning "

she says in voice filled with worry while she feel pain from her ears then The mother leave her and say

"I think because you always think about the walls and the empire army outside."

" yes it been 3 years I am scared one day the they Break in and that mean my father will ….die on these dame walls and we may end up dead or worse may end up slaves! Like the dark times?!"

Brea say in voice full with worry .

"lower your voice you don't want scare your siblings don't you? beside don't worry the city is in good location we get food and help from the port beside we live in Lublin it important city for the Union they will not let city fall since it on the coast or at least l that what your father told me since he Magiczny szermierz in city garrison . "

the mother say in low voice although she share her daughter concern she try to hide it as Brea noted that she sit on near wooden chair and put one leg on other and scratch her head then looked at her mother and she say in her head

"how she can stay that calm for such long time at other people sure not in panic for now but I can feel the fear slowly build as less and less ship show up hell my last months in school food start become less than usual I'm lucky to finish it before they tell us bring our own food but on other hand my siblings will struggle for a while next year if it keep like that as for market price will it just keep going up "

While she think about the problem she saw her mother put some Bread in straw basket

"I want you send that food to your father after you eat your breakfast ,he love the food I make more than army food and it will help him to see your face since he was busy last six months and we need some goods from the market in your way back."

The mother said with calm voice and warm smile while she give her young daughter

"sending your 17 year daughter all that way to wall? Don't you afraid I taken to some dark allay"

Brea says in In a sarcastic way while she sitting on the chair eating her breakfast.

"oh don't worry your white hair friend what his race name again ?Nordic elf? Right ."

The mother says to Brea as she get up and take peak from the window she see her friend his pointed ears and white hair show his race he wear blue clothes it have some small written words from used by his people his eyes have iris with red and a black ring surrounding the pupil , Brea winder why he is here she the go near the door before she open it the small Julia said .

"oh your boyfriend is here ? "

Julia say while smiling in tease way.

Brea tried stay calm with little red on her face and said and say

" he is not my boyfriend "

Then she open the door carrying the basket and say

" good morning Stjarna "

Stjarna then replay in calm voice

"morning Brea I see you wake up early today , oh is that food for me ? I didn't know you see me like that ."

He say that in his usual blunt calm voice as he was trying to make joke but his voice and nature don't help at all .

"no it for my father not for boring elf who still doesn't know make joke even after 8 years of me teaching you.

Brea said in while she Not impressed with his attempt to joke.

"don't that mean you are horrible teacher?" he replay .

"You !! sigh listen that other thing bad about you too direct , sometimes you need Batter words even if it was true , that the 1000 time I tell you. "

"it is 100 time you actually told me that ."

Brea start reach her limit with her friend he is good person and honest about what he think that why she close friend with him but sometimes she can't help but get annoyed from his nature so she change the subject .

" sight any way why you here in morning ? "

"will I wanted to ask you if you our coin loving cat, he usually come to my house so both go to to find some work "

"no sadly same here I didn't see him either last few days don't worry maybe he is busy more than usual to provide for his family by extra work ."

She say trying reassure Stjarna although she also have her doubt .

"hay I have idea why you don't we go his family after I go to buy the goods if you have a lot of empty time "

"will I think it good idea"

Stjarna say

" besides having scary serous face like you will help keeping annoying Pickpockets and thieves away last week I had deal with them twice."

"huh? You should told me at least so I make sure they won't make more problem ."

 He reply his voice carry concern about her and mad on thieves.

Brea replied right away with smile to remove his concern .

" don't worry don't worry I already beat them up and the army already took them to jail ..now let go."

He feeling worry about her she may end up dealing with something she can't handle he stayed silent and walk with her .

Both walk throw the city it was clean city for most part the roads are goods easy for wagon to move throw as both walking they hear people laugh act like it normal day other kind worried from siege lasting for more even think what will happen to theme if the empire army Break in as Man with horns say

 "heard from one of my friend in army he say that he saw huge reinforcement from vespertilio Deus empire army coming the city may not last for long."

Other man Nervously say

" hay lower your voice we don't want get attention of soldier they will accuse of trying spread fear"

The man with horns stop talk and look around then he get back to his work of carry food supplies to wagon .

Stjarna and Brea hear that talk as they walk nearby then Brea open her mouth and say

"is that why father didn't come to visit us in last six months ? "

 "maybe and maybe not some people exaggerate the story perhaps his friend saw 500 or 1000 solider and the man wanted something to talk about since he afraid ( or that what I hope for.. ) "

Stjarna say in calm voice as he try reassured Brea as she reply

"Maybe you right."

After that they keep walk through city that Filled with different kind of races elf's far from their land demi human like Brea , green skins goblins who start live in cities for their own reasons.

In same time in barracks there was man who having a nightmare ,screams of his comrades ask for help

And cursing their fate to die or running after the defeat .he hear Scared voice

"please don't leave me captain I don't want to di..."

The man burn in dark flame a flame that burn everything and left nothing even the bones in matter of the seconds .

The man runs and keeps running throw the woods Breath heavy and terrified and look back not to look for his comrades but to see if the enemy's still run after him .

There no one not even single soul only silence ,the man stand alone in the dark forest .

He sweating a lot barely as he can barely Breath before he know it several hands Break throw land beneath him.

One of theme arrow in his eye tell him

"Why you alive , while we dead?!!!"

Other with half burned face scream in anger

"I Have family like you !!! then why you left me ?!!and ran away with few ?!!"

Dead Soldier women her face was burned and arrows filled her body scream

" I have daughter and my husband lost his legs how they supposed to live!! At least I want to see theme to make sure they doing will I …i.. just didn't want to die here yet …but you are alive because you run away with your life and now you see your family … I will not forgive you!!!!you coward!!!"

The man wake up from nightmare sweating and his skin pale and he put his hands on his face and say

"It just nightmare ….it just nightmare."

The man look to open door as he noted shadow it was elf she was average high woman with vary green short hair on of her ears had Silver leaf-shaped earring her clothes were green and short skirt, she look at him with her black eyes .she look at him with concern and say

"Same nightmare? Aleksey."

Aleksey rubs his face and lowers his hands from his face and say in exhausted voice

 "Yes it same damn nightmare that remind me how pathetic and weak I am same nightmare that hunt me for last 3 years, pathetic aren't I Lena ?"

"Don't be this hard on yourself after all you saved other 100 soldier all of them stand here because of you it miracle you saved that much after such lose it was best and most smart decision to run to my people forest even the empire army will not dear Break treaty with us."

She say it in calm and blunt way but there hint of genital and care to it and she give small smile . 

Aleksey sit on his bed and look at the ground then say.

"Thanks for your kind words but…. I didn't care about them I just run and run that time I was scared to death it happened to see small groups of soldier and I thought it best thing if took them with me to help if enemy start catch up with me and before I knew it I realized there 100 solider fallow me.."

He stop and rise his eyes from the ground to his Lena eyes 

"And before I knew it I ended in your people land and before I know I start beg for your help so I see my family again ."

As Aleksey finished his talk he stand up scratch his light beard , he walk to table near the wall that have plate on it filled with water and he wash his face with water in it.

Lena watch in silence she a little sad but hide it with her stoic face then she walk near to him and say in low voice

" any way there something you need to hear something ."

"what is it?"

Aleksey say

"It batter see it yourself."

Lena say then They both walk out the room walk to gathering place ,Aleksey give smile to soldiers and wave to other soldiers try be cheerful and he keep walk until they reach the gather square there was other Magiczny szermierz and Jego magia with their red armor from different ranks all .

 "Oh there a lot of magic user in one place."

Aleksey say while look around as if there was person her doesn't want to see

"All the 1000 magic user are here ."

Lena reply

 "Hmmm….that strange why will call us all ?"

Aleksey says

"we will see now….. oh here the commander Andrzej Bartek."

 Lena say as she look at Anderzej he was ox born and he stand in front of everyone he was buffed man with black long hair that reach his shoulder and Thick beard and one of his horns was broken from battle his eyes was black , he stand on stage and shout on top of his lings.

" attention everyone !!!!"

He Shouted in high voice that made everyone stop whisper and look at him .

 good now you wander why I gathered you all here don't weary I will give you the answer

"I have good news and bad news and maybe great news."

He said with big grain filled with confidence in his face as Everyone was happy and worry wandering what kind of news that make him say that .

"First the good news the union hired goblins horde as mercenaries to ride the empire army Supplies line so they will have hard time for next weeks ."

"Second the union has sent 3 army's about 60 k and it have 3 of zero rank Magiczny szermierz and the purple one is also there they will kick all empire ass out of our land even the one that besiege us!!!!"

The solider cheer loud as they happy hear that .

 "Now ,now calm dawn here the bad news the empire gathered it army ad heading against our union army and they are a lot not only that their emperor has sent three of his black wings bats lucky us they are small wings if we go by our rank they are rank 3 at least ."

The szermierz and Jego magia faces become pale , as anderzej look at his solider face he know they scared since all of theme from rank 7 to 4 the fear of certain death could be seen on their faces as anderzej seeing that he shout out in loud voice.

"Don't weary my soldiers I know you will just die the moment your sword clash with theme so you fight the other normal mage user I will fight one of theme since I'm rank 2, and ….Aleksey Wojciech and Jan Philip come and the mercenary Lena step forward!"

The three of theme step in .Philip was person from snake race he had grey hair and his tail was tall even for his race and he had smile that make others want to punch his face .

"The three of you are rank 3 at least you can hold one of them , and the others will be hank and white and Powel you three will have same job"

Powel was elf who had blond hair and green eyes he had scare on his face still he had humble aura and hank was goblin man with good high and he was muscular man, as for white he was from wolf race like his name his hair was white and skin was pale that made some his comrades weary if he was ok when they first saw him and his eyes was yellow .

"Ok now move and be ready we don't know when they will strike ."

As everyone moved anderzej give look to the six soldiers that saying I'm sorry to put you in deadly fight against elite soldier of empire.

"look like we together again my friend "

Philip say as he put his hand on Aleksey shoulder while smuggling.

Lena kind puzzled by how casual Philip talk to Aleksey and she say

"Do you know each other ? "

"… sigh he was in same training unit he was annoying to deal with and still that why I avoid him for last 3 years ."

 Aleksey say as He removed Philip hand .

"Come on don't be cooled like that we comrades after all beside if you don't want three of us die like bugs , it batter to get along will."

Phillip say He keep smile to provoke Aleksey anger since he Aleksey doesn't like him around meanwhile Lena look them feeling confused wandering what happened that made theme treat each other like that then she look to her right she see Brea and star walk to theme she smile little .

"Aleksey your daughter is coming here smile a little, you don't want your daughter see you upset like that after all she didn't see in half year."

Aleksey looked as his daughter getting Approaching he was kind surprised to see her here and wander how she was allowed get near the walls since citizens get near but he feeling conflicted seeing his daughter part of him happy to see her other part feeling he doesn't deserve see her.

"father I missed you why didn't you at least try sneak to see us."

Brea say that while tear on edge of her eyes while Aleksey was holding his hand back in air as he was trying not hug her but he lower his hand and hug her and try smile then say

" sorry, sorry I was really busy last months you sure saw it yourself from far how they start attack more last months and I need be prepared."

They stop the hug and then Aleksey give her little head pat .

"thanks father ."

Brea say then look at Lena .

 "Thanks for look after my father and ….for everything"

She say that while give her father the food and she remember first time when she meet Lena her mother thought Aleksey took second wife while he was away. 

"here your food make sure eat will and share some with Lena and….who is that man?"

She point with her finger at Phillip .

Aleksey give annoyed look to Phillip as the later keep smile on his face and get too close to Brea and say

"oh you Brea?! It been while since I saw you .don't you remember me?"

"sorry I don't remember you, and….. you too close "

Brea give awkward smile as she try remember him felling she saw him somewhere Suddenly Stjarna pull him from behind and say in look colder than usual

"it not respectful to get too close to people personal space … beside for some reason I want punch your face."

"I hear that a lot but its kind hurt to say you don't remember me ."Phillip replay

"stop your jokes , and Brea how the guards let you get in we don't let anyone get near walls for reasons."

Aleksey say then look at his daughter little puzzled

"oh I just told them I am you're daughter then they let me in hehe they said they are thankful to you for saving their lives , and ...Is everything ok ? I see you and Lena are little nerves ."

Brea look at her father and Lena she wearied inside , but Aleksey smile and put his hand on her shoulder .

"don't weary everything will end soon beside in case anything happened your mother and Stjarna will make sure take care of everything."

He move his hand of his daughter shoulder, and look at star .

Star nod agreeing with him.

"let pray to the mother and the wolf of war goddess it doesn't reach that …..any way father I will go now I don't want to Disturb your work do you need me to tell mother something or ask her to make something to you ? "

Brea say that felling a little more comfortable then Aleksay replay

"Just tell her I love her and will come home soon and she batter get ready for surprise.

He give her wide smile ."

Then star and Brea wave as they walk away. Brea then shout

"See you later father and Lena and ....what his name again ah…. Yes Phillip ."

Phillip tail swing and talk in voice of person like he was blessed and said

"I have been blessed to see your daughter grow up to be such young beautiful girl ….last months all I saw was scary men scream or try kill each other .will at least you did one thing right Aleksey you had such cute daughter will maybe after years from now I will ask her hand for marriage"

Lena look at Phillip in disappointed face as she thank it was bold of him say that to Aleksey .

Aleksey look at Phillip little angry his hand almost reached his sword in scabbard but he stopped and says

"I will send your head flay in the air before you even try ask her. "

Meanwhile outside the great walls of the city in the camp of empire army , there was purple tent

There was 5 men sit on chair around table that have the map on it .

One of men was old person he was bald and have green eyes and he had gray full moustache with ends that extend down in parallel straight lines beyond the upper lip and down to the jawline .

He has sharp look that feel like it look at person soul and his clothes was purple it was sign in the empire he high rank . He put his hand on table and said

"How long our supplies can hold first rank officer Adrian ?"

Adrian was from goblin race he has red eye while his hair was black and shaved from both side of his head while upper hair was driven back and his clothes was yellow.

"General Augustus I am afraid it will last for one month only since the raids become more hostile and happen more ."

Adrian report to the leader while other on other side there was blond man with green eyes his hair was comb back .he was human also had yellow clothes that had bat face on center of it .he looked like was feeling little annoyed and guilty by these raids as he was crossing his hands

"my humble apology my general although I'm Lightning from Aella house I failed to catch these filthy tribe."

A man from same rank with brown hair and black eyes and hand short horns of goat born looked at lightning feeling he was too harsh on himself and say.

"Now ,now no need be that upset if you couldn't catch theme that mean they have some tricks beside we all from rank 4 and 3 and I heard the green hand has rank 1 leader so we will end up dead in straight fight "

Lightning feel little hurt by his friend words then he look at his comrade and say

"You not make it any batter by that Fidal "

As they talked there was man with red hair that reached his nick and demon horns in black color he looked with his yellow eyes at the map trying to find potential hide for the goblins but failed sine most of the land was flat then he asked

"could they hide under the ground ? they could use earth magic to make tunnels? "

"I don't think that is the case if it was like that we would already put their heads on pikes beside you look angry first rank Vulcan I want to know why?"

Said general Augustus in calm voice

"Why ?!allow my sir to say We talk about 3 years of work will go with the wind in matter of weeks because of goblins and some illness got our troops, now we have about 1000 ill they can't even fight hell they maybe die and some of them are good men I know they deserve at least death in battle like true empire legionary's but instead they will die from illness and probably in next days it will stop here it may even get worse to reach infection point and you ask me to not be angry !!? "

Vulcan say as his voice about Break from anger but he keep his voice low since he doesn't want rise his voice in face of his general .

"That why I asked his highness help , and he send 3 the Vespertiliones parvae they should be more than enough we 23 thousand men 2000 of theme magic user and 4 ballista and 3 Siege tower yet we couldn't Break in for 4 years I feel shame and if that attack wasn't enough I'm afraid I have to pull my army in shame."

He said last part with concern on his face and voice of that have hint of fear ,and before they continue the meeting 3 figures with black armor entered, there helmet had small bat wing and on the chest area there was small bat symbol in red color and the their cloves was sharp at thumps

One of them was tall with pale face and red eyes and sharp teeth he was elf he had unusual look even for his race as he looked at the leaders

"I'm Haemon anthos first I already know the situation that why the emperor have sent me.

Second I have massage from his highness the emperor he say : if you fail that last attack you must pull back we need this man power in other place and don't think even about ask for more support from other family's keep your pride to yourself I don't want the cost be you're army . And that was the massage I feel your anger but if you fail we going back home "

The old general felt anger and shame hear these words but he didn't show his real emotion he answer politely.

 "Don't warry that was my plan from start in case I failed my task for the empire "

the other vespertiliones parvulum ala start talk he was human with blue eyes and long black hair he looked young with small beard on the edge of his chin " don't weary sir by end of this week you have good wine in the city" he stop for a moment and then continue speaking "by the way how strong they are and if they strong how many of them there ?"

the old general looked at Report papers then he looked back at him "9 of Medium straight and the rest of 1000 are low tier shouldn't be problem for you."

The young man looked little disappointed since he expected more from the one of strongest city of the union.

"The attack will start after tomorrow if there nothing more to add then allow us to leave "he bow dawn and leave with other two Vespertiliones parvae .

The general let small sigh then looked at the map thinking what went wrong with his plan .

Inside the walls Brea in the market she was having argue with shop owner.

"Come on can't you lower the price ?..Isn't 20 bronze for one kilogram of apple little much?!! "

Brea said to shop owner she was angry because of the price it usually 15 because of the siege but now it get even higher .

"If you don't buy then go to other all are same or worse now will you buy it"

The owner had obvious annoyed face because she was stand there for 5 minutes Argue because of the price of apples .

Stjarna didn't say anything since he knew it useless attempt to change the owner mind what make it worse Brea hate for back dawn or give up he then say

"Come on Brea e already made up his mind beside there other thing on list we need to buy ."

He pulled the wolf from her ear

" ouch ouch ouch stop it I will come with you…."

Later The red hair was looking at the elf beside her as she was walking and asked

"why you pulled me like that …I could convinced him .. oh my poor ear "

Stjarna respond fast to her while rise his finger

"first you could not convinced him "

He raised his second finger

"Second if I let you like that, you will Argue with him until he throw you away with from his shop and you will not stay silent and before you know it you will end having fight with him. "

"will you damn right" she replied and as they near one building they hear girl scream on thieve as she chase him dawn with what Apparently two of her guards them the girl stop she blond with light red eyes her hair is long and one bang cover her eye and her dress was white that expose her shoulder and part of her upper cleavage as for the guards they didn't appear to wear union armor and they wear chainmail armor that cover all their upper body with hamlet that cover all there head and had space for their wolf ears .

As for the thief he wear cap cover his body and hood that cover his head it was in black color as he run away he disappear in the shadow of one of building but they both saw part of his face they knew who he is.

"did you saw that ? do you think its him? " Brea said in low voice .

Stjarna look at her with little weary " I hope not but it batter ….. let see what we can do and hope for the batter, first let talk with them but be careful ." as they walk to young girl one of guard pull his sword and point it at them .

"hold there one more step and that will not end will for you kids "

Both of them stop then Brea start to talk

"I see you have problem can I know what was stolen? maybe we can you help what you say ? "

The other guard with axe find the young two Suspicious he ask

"That none of your business now go before i…."

Before the guard complete his words the blond girl interrupted him

"both of you stop that This behavior is unacceptable don't forgot these two are citizen ….

My apologies for my guards beaver they are nice usually but because what just happened now both on high alert" the girl had beautiful voice and she have innocent smile and eyes make you feel the life itself coming from it .

"No need to apologies I can understand them." stjarna said

"So what make you think you can help and what the price you want if you success?" the blond asked

"Straight to topic huh ..will I know the city vary will and I can get it back faster beside our price hmm

Oh I want you to buy what left of that list ehehe" Brea give list of what left of goods need to buy while she has smirk on her face.

"you little brat shit does she look like servant for you??!!!" the guard with sword shout at Brea

" I accept ." before any of guard talk more she raised her hand tell them both to be salient

"good now what we must search for? It is necklace right ?"Brea said with wide grin on her face .

The blond girl eyes open wide she was surprised how Brea got it right .

"No need to be surprised the necklace usually easy to steal fast and ran away ." Stjarna say while cross his hand then he continue his talk

"so what the necklace look like?"

"Will it golden necklace and it heart shape also there red jewel in it center "she answer while her left hand finger on her chain .

"I understand the we will meet you here as for brae goods you can give it to one of soldiers near houses area he is very tall goblin with scary face just tell him it for Aleksey family and the north elf, now allow us to take our leave . " after that left while the blond girl washing them good luck the two walk to Slums since it was near the place was small part of the city but ever since the siege start it just keep growing ad there Rumors about fights between gangs for black market control . they start ask around in black market that controlled by the gangs.

"Is there new goods? Like necklace ?"stjarna asked man from ox race one off his horn was broken and there was big scar on his right check of his face and he didn't wear his upper clothes the skin was filled with scars and his pants was in grey color next to him there was two goblins and one of wolf man all of them had hands on their daggers .

"sorry kids nothing new if you go to the blue skull you may have better luck but be careful if they are dangers group deal with even more than us "

Stjarna nod then walk to Brea she was stand near small house will if it could be called house it looked like it about fall apart at any moment . Brea was annoyed by the slams state.

"so any luck?"

"no at least we know no one buy it until now have it or sell it so ..?"he asked her about next step.

"ooouhhh that annoying …that it we have no choice but go to his house . I Do not want to disturb his peace "she said with angry voice and she put her hand on back of her head hair "that stupid shit he should just told us" she then walk In hurry as Stjarna fallow her.

As they walk they see beggars and children ask for food some windows look broken they see some gangs member fight each other in The alleys both Brea and Stjarna decide ignore it and keep walking to the end of street they walk in ,they turn to left as there was small house with red door and green window sits near it door step boy with cat and tail his hair was orange and his tail end was in white color his eye was green as for his clothes they look barely holding tighter.

He looked stressed and wearied as he turned his face around. He saw both of them coming in his direction a wide smile spread across his face and his green eyes lit up with happens he called in happens.

"Brea , Stjarna thank the gods you come. I need your help it about father and brother. !!"he said it with tear in his eyes.

"Maciej?!! Is it …about your brother ? what that money lover did this time? "Brea say while she pat Maciej head while lowering herself a little .

"they had fight ,because my father refused the…"suddenly loud sound of an ill person came from inside the house .

"Don't say another word!!!and you two go away!!."

The voice got both Brea and Stjarna's attention, while the kid got scared.

"Ehhh it is that bad? Batter check in." Brea said then she stand straight and walk to the door of the house while the northern elf with her as the kid hide behind his back feeling little nerves .Brea knock on the door three times and say

"Can I enter ? please your son is a friend of us and he may put himself in danger ."

After that the door open by blond women her eyes are light green color as for her hands they were Rough from working .in calm voice she said

"Come in but be quiet he in bad health."

"Did it become that bad auntie Helena.?" Brea replay

"Yes so don't be surprised when you see it."

Then she let them in as they walked in the house they saw Maciej and his younger two sisters looking at them with A worried look as she and Starjna walked to the upper room where the ill man in his room as they opened the door both of Brea and Stjarna opened their eyes wide in shock as they saw the ill man lying on the bed as covering his left face covered with bandages ,Starjna notes burns on the man left hand that seem going up to his shoulder .

"Brea come on move don't freeze in your place both knew what we about see . "

Both entered the room and stand on good distance just in case .

"Since when your illness got this bad ? you should told my father he your brother in sword if he knew he would help!"

Brea said as she was obviously concerned about her friend father and friend father brother in sword.

The man looked at her and smiled as he feel touched by her concern but he know it will be difficult.

"and how do you think he will help? Coin? We both know he already takes care of two families." 

He look at starjina then complete his talk. "he good friend I don't want be a burden of sword brother."

"Still you should at least let us know, since you, alongside commander Aleksey, helped me and my mother when we came here ...besides, where is Dobron?"

Strajona said in his usual calm voice but with a hint of concern about the man who helped him and his friend as he stood powerless.

"Thanks for your concern, but you have enough problems as for my son ...I don't know where he is for last days after we had argument it …didn't end will. He just left and never came back. To be honest, I don't know if he is even alive."

Brea looked at the man in the bed. She didn't want to make him more tired, so she needed to be more careful with her words."

""So let me take a guess .Dobron wanted to steal whatever he could so he could secure treatment cost."

"…."

""But you refused that method. Not that will stop him anyway. I know him like my siblings, the moment he goes out for gold, nothing will stop him, especially if it is for his family or those who are dare to him"

"….."

Starjina then talked as he tried at least to get some idea what Dobron was doing since he knew something but probably hiding it because he didn't want them to get caught in his son action.

"Please, we are his friends and….. He may be in real trouble."

"…."

The man didn't want to ask what kind of trouble his first son might have got himself in, but he didn't want his son to waste his future on his properly dead old man, so if he couldn't, at least these kids could help.

"sigh … you two have always been like that … OK fine, I might have an idea where he is going. If I assume he already stole something , he will sell it to gang called blue skull that what I heard from my sin he said they will pay will vary will for stuff he has stolen."

Both Brea and Starjina knew that name. They looked at each other for a moment, then look at the man. "Don't weary me and Starjina will get your son before he meets them. After all, I don't want to meet a gang if possible, hehehe Now, if you allow us now, we will take our leave since we can't waste any more time before the next deal."

"Kids, if you ever find him, slap him on my behalf."

"you got it!."

Brea said while she was smiling as she left the room and walked down the steers, then left the house."

"So after what you heard, do you think we will find him there ?"

Starjina says while they were walking in the alley between the buildings.

"Probably he go there every time he feel lost or sad, that go for the all of us. "

As she say they stop in front of an old house that looks like it is about to fall at any moment. Both of them enter the house which is looks worse from inside and smells of dead rats fill the air Brea cover her nose with her hand as she is grossed by the smell.

"ah even after all these years and cleaning this place somehow smells worse don't you agree"

"oh is that so I don't think it's that bad maybe because your nose is so good ?"

"you….listen here anyone with a proper nose can smells that…..any way let me call him. Dobron!!! Come out already we know you are here. "

As she repeated it three times he finally showed up from the shadow of the broken table, With an annoyed look on his face he say 

"What in the twelve god's you two doing here!?"

"we here just to stop you from doing something stupid .getting arrested for Stealing stuff is last thing should happen to you and your family ."

Brea said while her hand was still on her nose.

"My family is not of your concern, besides what you wants me to do huh? Set around and keep watching my father die?!"

Dobron said in angry voice while he clenches his fists .then he tried calm himself down since these two are his friend his second family.

"Sorry for such way of talking just now. But how you knew what I'm doing anyway ?"

"we just asked your father and yes we saw his state and I'm sorry to see him in such state ."Starjina said.

"Then no more explaining is needed I need as much coin as I can get in short time."

"But you can't spend it if you got thrown in jail."

Brea said as she playing with her ears .

"That not happening I have plan I will."

"Sell it to blue skulls, gang really? That your great plan?"

"They will deliver the goods and divide coin with me."

"You know first thing the army will do after siege done is hunt down every gang and every person that dealt with them ,that mean they will look for you!!."

"Do you have batter idea? "

"….Will anything batter that stupid idea of yours."

Brea said with angry voice. As starjina stand aside thinking about way to Solve the current problem

"I have idea but Brea you will not like it."

Brea looked at Starjina waiting for his idea although part of her knew what he about to say but she hoped be wrong.

"So what your idea?"

"It simply Dobron will be the hero man who takes back the necklace, so he gets rewarded since the necklace looks precious for her."

Both looked at him in surprise but Brea was first to talk since she knew it will be something like that.

"Seriously why I'm not surprised you came up with such idea, beside do you really think her guards will be tricked by a cheap trick?"

"I agree with our wolf here besides there is no guarantee she or her is family willing to give money."

"My idea sound way better than you getting rotten in jail for a while beside what makes You guarantee they will give you the coin?."

"they will give it to me after I show them the necklace they will give me my share of the deal."

"what if they decided you are no longer have right to be part of the share for one reason or another?"

Brea said while she looks in his eyes .

"in that case I will just ran away from them and search for a buyer."

He said while he sounds little nerves.

"Under the current siege? I highly doubt it my friend."

Brea said while her arms are crossed.

"….."

"no answer? ."

"Brea come here for a moment I may have an idea. "

Brea got closer to Starjina she got feeling his idea may be riskless but she has to hear him at least .

"How about we go with him and hide so if he gets tricked and his life on the line we go help him but if they bought it from him. All we have to do is steal the nickels from them if it's possible what do you say? not bad idea?"

"It's not that bad actually the only problem we don't if we can take them out but it's better than nothing since everyone will win Dobron will get the coin and the girl will get her nickels back , it worth the risk if they turn out to be stronger than us, will…We ran."

Dobron was listening and felt he needed to intervene

"Wait ,wait ,wait hold up you two that's too dangers."

"It risk batter than see you dead or in jail." Brea replay.

"So where the deal will be done?" Starjina asked

Dobron sigh not liking his friend's stubbornness but he has no other choice but accept their help.

"ok ,ok it half hour walk from here in the small old temple of the dragon god its Abandoned temple."

"oh so you planning do shady deal in the temple of wealth and trade god I'm pretty sure that will not bring any divine punishment."

Brea said in Sarcastic tone and smile a little and look at Dobron .

"it wasn't my idea!"

"Beside it's the dragon god fault for not help my family in such time and it's also snake god fault for not cure my father when we pried to him"

Dobron said inside his mind while there some anger showed on his face.

"Brea, do you still have your knife?"

"always and you?"

"I have my 2 knife as for the plan Brea I want you to use your chains magic from above while I will hold them in their place and Dobron …"

"stop right there !! why you already planning to fight them?"

Starjina was surprised by Dobron a question.

"It only natural things because we fighting them anyway."

"Wait so you two are series ?" Dobron asked in surprise .

"Don't worry ! we both are strong just don't think about it too much beside if I don't do it, I will feel bad for tricking the girl." Brea said while her hand on Dobron shoulder . "I have a bad feeling "

Inside the small temple of the dragon god there was five men sitting , one of the was looking at the walls painted in the red color as back ground and for the floor of the print was in golden color while there was art of men wearing colorful clothes with golden rings and nickels carrying a plate filled with gold plate to a dragon painted in black color his eye was in in red color like the wall he look at the wealthy He seemed pleased with them , in other art the ground was in black color and this time people who carry the plate had simple clothes as for their plate it had bronze and silver coins the dragon still looked he was pleased with the people offer, in the third art the dragon was giving the silver and gold too people that wear only pans and torn up clothes, in the fourth print on the wall the dragon was flying over the people who give him the gold and silver giving everyone same share of gold and silver.

"Boss what in the 3 hells that supposed to mean?" the dragon born man asked he has long tail in blue color like his horns and hair as for his hand was also in blue color.

"I will assume you wasn't that good Worshiper of gods because if you was, you wouldn't be here hahahaha .. will in short if you give coin to poor wither it was by the temple or directly by yourself then the dragon god will bliss your work and give you back in same value or more , the usual shit about how we supposed to act."

A man from snake born respond his body was big and his eyes were in light green color and for his hair was black.

"Then the dragon god should to batter!!"

One of the other me said he was setting on the ground looking angry at the art, he was wolf born with grey hair and tail as for his clothes they were simple , behind him two other wolf born with black hair for both of them.

"My father spend one third of his wealth on poor and guess when he was in bad economic station?

Nothing he went bankrupt and here I'm stuck with your pretty faces!"

"boss I think grey doesn't like staying with us"

"Let him talk like he want we used to his story by now."

"I see by the way boss are you sure about what we about to do with that kid I kind feel bad for him."

"It's his fault to trust us in first place , he just another stupid kid who want get rich he should be thankful for me I just give him Precious lesson, beside we will get a lot of coin that we will never need other job like that."

"I think you right boss still.."

"I hear his footsteps he getting closer boss." Grey said as he stand up and look at the temple door open it was Dobron entering he was covering his body with his with cape.

"I'm here to do my part of the deal."

"Nice work kid now give me the nickels ." the boss said as he was getting closer He extends his arm.

Dobron took step back as he felt there something off.

"Oh come on kid we done this a lot before what different this time?"

"Maybe because your men looking like they about attack me at any moment."

"Oh sorry for that today deal is important so they are one high alert for any possible problem boys move your hands of your swords."

The men did as they were ordered mean while The boss stands in front of Dobron.

"Do you remember the day I came asking if you have job for me?"

"Yes you looked miserable , back then you looked like you were ready to die but at least you look better now."

Dobron was feeling something wrong but he couldn't point it out then he asked

"where my share ?"

"I will give it the moment you give me the nickels since the client wants it first then he will give us our coins."

"Then I'm coming with you to take my share."

Ahhh what a pain I could take him with me to take his share then we beat him to take him but there risk of him running away given his magic type the boss was thinking as he was running out of patience.

"It long road kid and we might get attacked by other gang and you may just leave us to save yourself by selling them the nickels."

"I see…..you not planning on giving me my share aren't you ?"

It was moment of silence that was cut by the gang members pulling there daggers as they knew it was pointless to keep talking as everyone in the room knew where this was going to be result any way.

"In your divine name the deer goddess ask you to bless my flame and freeze their body's!"

Suddenly Starjina emerges from Dobron shadow sayings these words waving his knife that was now covered in blue flames it was one second before the flames spread to the entire temple they thought it was going to burn them but it didn't instead they felt cold from the fire that cover them.

"What in the mother name is that magic?!!"one wolf born men screamed.

"see I told you they will break their part of the deal." Starjina said while he was standing in front of Dobron.

Before the gang understands the magic that was used grey and other two wolf born got attacked from above with what looks like chains break throw roof of the temple one chain pulled one of wolf born to the wall knock him out and then doing the same with the other one , as for grey he tried cut the chain that pulled him from his legs but it didn't work he was pulled around on the floor before he was hit with the wall of the temple, as for the blue dragon born he cut the chains with his hands by focusing the magic in his arm.

"I see you have interesting friends with unique spells to say the least."

The boss said as he shack from the cold only for dragon born come near him and move his hand on shape of star inside cercal on the boss back then he felt warmer.

"fire the freeze instead of burning , we dragon born hate that shit."

"So how about you guys give up !" Brea said as she enters from temple windows smiling then jumped to stand behind the last of the two gang she has chain that go from her back to her shoulder and warp around each of her arms and other two chains from her back float in the air.

"kids I think you took wrong idea if you think you have upper hand!!" the boss said as he launch's himself against Brea and start saying his spell.

"wolf goddess bless my arms to break my enemy's in battle."

"Goddess of war and goddess of magic bless my chains and straight my body!!" Brea said as she her chains covered her body and increased their power to take the attack and protect herself with her arms , as she was hit with the man arms it almost throw her in the air if it wasn't for one of her chains , she would had several bones broken without her chain that cover her body and arms that warped in chains that took the attack.

"kid your magic is interesting its first time I see something like that usually its even use toll like sword or magical stuff to use magic , but you… It's doesn't matter any way"

"Boss what should we do now ?"

"you fight the girl and I will take care of these two brats."

"I'm the main focus here don't throw your side kick on me you old man!!" Brea said while she was pointing on here self.

"did she just call me side kick … will it doesn't matter I just need beat her up" the dragon born says to himself as he stands in front of Brea.

"but she kind … cute and filled for certain point in her upper body. " the dragon born says to himself while he looks Unintentionally at Brea chest.

 Brea noticed where he looks and without saying any word she made all her chains attack him while she has angry look on her face.

The dragon born use his tail to jump back." maybe will ask her to go out with me thin I ask her for marriage."

"looks like they already started , then boy why don't you save our time and give me what I want before any one get hurts especially the girl."

"She will be fine and we also we will appreciate if you let us go."

"No kid I'm not leaving my chance to get out of this shit hole slip from my fingers beside aren't you little far away from home northern elf oh wait I remembered your home got burned to the ground and your people got slaughtered like sheep or taken as slave by the north men and what left now begging for food or work as mercenary."

As the man finished his talk , Starjina run towards him and attack with his dagger but the gang boss grape the boy hand and smash him to the ground with one hand but before he land a hit with his other hand on the boy face he felt extreme cold that forced him to leave the boy and take view steps back as he checked his body he found his hand was frozen.

"Strange I didn't see you say the prays for the spell to active but none the less you took my left arm with this move you have potential for the army kid."

"Are you good?" Dobron asked as he pulled Strjina to stand up on his legs.

"Kind it was risky move but thanks to my first attack."

"Don't lie ,I know that attack wasn't planed your anger from his words took over you."

"Sorry .."

"just be careful he doesn't provoke you again now let's go as it was planned ."

Strjina lower his body and put his dagger in front of him as he slowly approaches the man while Dobron walk to the side of the man frozen arm.

The man smirk as he felt it was interesting these two attack him in organized way suddenly both rushed toward him the man ignored Strajina attack with dagger and went for a punch that landed on face then kicked Dobron stomach with his leg.

"Too bad for you kids , I'm a war veteran."

"Seriously it's the worst day in my life" Dobron says as he was cough.

On other side of the fight Brea couldn't catch the dragon born with her chains while he jump and run and laugh on her.

"Can you stop running and jump around? I thought the dragon born proud and love fight face to face." Brea scream in anger.

"And where most of those who have that pride and honor all of them are dead that what the boss love to say at least." he says while smile

"that bad she push me more and more to the corner and I can't move freely here soon."

The dragon born says to himself.

"maybe I close the distend and attack her." Said as he start getting closer to Brea while avoiding her attack as was about to land hit with his dragon hand he got his tail got grabbed by two of Brea chains and pulled back while her other two chains pointed at him.

"I ask the deer goddess in her holy name to bless my magic to drown my enemies and with water and lighting to stop their aggression."

As she finished casting the spell magical cercal shows on one of the chains that drown the dragon born with magic and fallowed by lighting from other chain that attack was strong that made the dragon born fall on his knees he would be dead if it wasn't fir his race magic resist but he didn't give up as he open his mouth.

"In death god name let my ice spear take my enemies souls to you."

He prayed in his head for the spell as small spear of ice formed in front of his mouth and her launch it toward Brea left body side giving her one second to barely avoid it.

"seriously?!a man like you can cast silent spells!!"Brea says as she was sweating and breath heavily that was close call she say to herself.

"hahaha what you think girl not bad huh?, hay what you say if all this done can you go out with me ? and how know maybe I ask your hand for marriage. "

"huh??! We almost killed each other." Brea felt confused because she doesn't know of he was serious or he was attempting to trick her.

"aren't all lovers try kill each other."

"Sorry but I have to refuse your offer."

"I see too bad….But that doesn't mean I give up on you beside who know maybe I will see you later…." He says as he loses consciousness and fall.

Brea then fall on her back feeling Exhausted since keeping these chains for such time takes a lot of mana and she casted two spells in the same pray, she looked to the other room she saw both of her friends still fighting the man, Dobron was jumping in to his shadow and attack from one of the chairs shadow only for the man hits him in the face with his tail.

"heh your tricks are easy to predict boys here advise from war veteran if you use magic in close combat make sure you kill him in first move otherwise he will probably understand what type of magic you use and he will counter it or leave it to his comrades." He says while smirking ,suddenly Brea attack him with her chains but he was unfazed by that and grips one chain with his fist and two with his tail but they disperse at the same moment.

"Thanks for the advice but don't you think its bad idea to give it to us?"

"It's bad habit of mine i used to give the new guys advice or two."

"Guys I think I'm at my limit soon one attack is all I can promise." Brea whisper to both of her friends.

"I don't think I can pray for another spell but I can still cover my dagger in magic." Strjina says while breath heavily fighting an actual war veteran is harder than he expected.

"As for me I can do one more shadow run and that all." Dobron says in low voice , Brea heard them both clearly thanks to her wolf born ears as for snake born man that stand on destined from them couldn't hear anything besides he was busy thinking about his frozen arm because he knew that if he didn't do something, he would lose it he stands on in front of two option keep on fighting and risks his life and probably win or stop fighting and use what left of his magic energy to warm his arm and lose chance to become rich.

"Ok kids you win this round ,you can go."

"Huh?!" what kind of tricks is that?" Brea respond to him since she feels confused.

"Because if we both keep up like that we will end up with my hand lost or one of you dead and both results will be bad for me."

"What guarantees you will not hunt us?" Brea say with doubt in the gang leader offer.

"Because I will not get any money from that and I will west time that can use to get more money."

He says with smile on his face.

"I believe him the only reason he even tried take it from me by force because its mean more money for him."Dobron says to Brea and Strjina.

"In this case we will get out throw the temple door so don't get out until five mints past am I clear?"

Strjina give the snake born his terms of to retreat, the gang boss simply node in agreement.

As they were going throw the door of temple Strjina turn his head to the gang leader and says

"I'm sure no need to say that but if you ever try hunt and hurt us in any way, just remember what the north elf dead as revenge to the north men."

The snake born felt some chills since he know the stories of the northern elves that once ruled the far north lands and now he just fought one of them, after the three of them left he went to the blue dragon born and kicked him in the stomach so hard that he almost vomit what he ate in the breakfast.

"what meaning of this?! You shit head!"

"Sorry, sorry but it's your fault to make me fight her you know i can't go all out against beautiful girl like her beside it not my style to force my self on women's." He said that with smile on his face showing his dragon born fangs.

"At least try You idiot we just lost golden chance of our life! And this it not best time for you to think with your lust"

"Oh come on boss we can try to it our self to steal the the nickels…Boss bad news…" his smile disappeared as he saw several body's in the shadows.

"I know we have unwelcomed guests." Both of the men look at the shadows both of them see group of men covered in cape and hide their face with black mask as each one of them shows his knife.

Outside the temple Dobron use his shadow spell to move from one of buildings shadow too another place that 200 meter away.

"we somehow survive thank the gods."

"Will its thanks to your chains since they act like buff for your allies honestly I'm still surprised every time I see you use them."

"Thanks you but I still your fire is more impressive."

 Brea then look at Dobron she doesn't know what to say all what she can say is

"sorry I really wished it didn't turn out this way I really do maybe we still do the deal?."

"No need he will properly try some trick so that is the result any way beside no need to apologies it's my fault in first place to trust him after 4 small deals only and to expect him to do his part on such golden chance, now I don't know what to do." he turn his face away as he doesn't want his friends to see tears that forming in his eyes.

"Be the one who give it back I'm sure she will reward you." Brea tells him.

 "That will not work it will make you both look suspicious and I already made you go throw some shit for me, here take it just make sure your story is good enough to be believed."

 Dobron then give the nickels to the elf while keeping his eyes on it part of him want just take it and run away and sell it to anyone who want to pay enough but he know vary will the last thing anyone willing to buy it such siege.

"Thanks again for everything I need to go and see my old man and give him proper apologies and you two batter go before it's get late its almost dinner time."

"Just in case anything happened just tell me and I will ask father for help." Brea told him as she wander was it really the best choice ? was her sense of duty to her friend and justice really worth to be one causes that lead to the father of her friend to die that was her thoughts as Dobron walked away.

"Brea." Her thoughts was cut by Strjina

"What is it?!"

"Don't blame yourself you are not entirely wrong I also take part of responsibility besides who knows what could happen to him if we didn't go with him."

"you wrong it's my fault I just acted like self-proclaimed hero who thought she can make everyone happy." Brea looked at the ground.

"But you knew you have change the plan the moment you saw his father condition that why you easily agreed on my plan beside aren't you going to the future hero?."

Brea raised her look from the ground and looks at him as she was surprised by his last words and laughs while her face little red. "you still remember such embarrassing thing I said 4 years ago"

After that both went to the meeting place thanks to Dobron shadow magic , it was already the noon by the time they meet the girl and her guards they give her the nickels.

"thanks for everything's you can't imagine how this nickels dear to me and I already sent the goods for both of your houses but from what I see it wasn't easy on both of you looked like you got in to fight so if you want any extra reward just say it."

"Thank but no need we just did what any person in the union will do." Brea replayed to her.

"I highly doubt it honest good people like you are rare these days, now if you allow me I should take my leave because you two look exhausted , by mother blessing I hope we meet again I batter circumstances."

"wait how much did it cost?" Brea says as she wanted to give the doubt

"no need you already did your part of the deal so don't think about a lot you earn it, will then may the mother bless you both."

"May the mother blessing be with you ." both of Brea and Strjina say it then the girl went away.

"Will she is gone that mean I need get back to my mother to make sure she is In good condition and you better get back home to explain what happened to your mother."

"will you right see later and by the way."

"yes?"

"please improve your sense of humor."

After that Brea went back to her home when she opened the door.

"welcome back so do you care to explain why the poor soldier brings the things you supposed to buy? You batter be fast."

"will about that." Brea then explained what happened with her and the condition of Dobron family , Brea didn't tell her mother's about the fight since she didn't want her to worry still her mother hit on the head with little force.

"Why you hit me?"

"Because you asked for price to help the girl you should have done it for free." She says that with disappointed look.

"But if I did it for free she will think I want win a favorer because it happen a lot last few months, beside I already tried pay her back but she refused."

"Will next time do it for free believe there a lot of people who will need help without price that what my time in the north west taught me, now you will find your share of the food on the table after that I want you and your sister clean the house since your father is coming tonight apparently after you left he got permission alongside some other soldier to vest their families ." she smiled when she says the last part, as for Brea was taken by surprise.

In Strjina house it was simple house that has good view from its window which women in her bed was looking throw it , she was elf with white hair with and red eyes she had beautiful face and white like the moon her clothes were blue with some north elf writing on it as she was looking at the ocean with a look of longing for the homeland then she heard the door of the house opens so she asks.

"Who is there?"

"It Me mother." Then Strjina go upstairs and open the door.

"Hi mother I hope you doing will ."

"batter than the early morning actually feel like I can work."

"don't even think about it."

"So what that the soldier that brought our needs?"

"oh its long story." He says while scratch his head, and then he explained what happened but he didn't talk about the fight.

"I see but although I didn't like the help price thing but it saved us some money as for Dobron family , it unfortunate what happens to his father." She looks at her son she felt he wants to say something.

"You look like you want to say something dear son."

"if we survive this siege I will join the army to do the blood price so we finally be official citizen and I want you to stay with Aleksey family."

"Son they already helped us since we came here 8 years ago."

"I know mother but I can't leave you with your current condition as for coin I will take care of it since I will sent some of it to you." The elf hold his mother hands and looked to her eyes.

"Please they are the only people I trust in the city."

"but what about you? what is guaranteed you will survive 10 years?"

"Will lets pray they throw me at some far away village if not I will pray to the wolf goddess."

The room fallen to silence for moment before it was broken by his mother.

"Then I will pray for all 12 gods for your safety my dear last child."

In slams inside Dobron house he was sitting on wooden chair beside his father , he didn't know what to say and how to start but need to start.

"Sorry for screaming at you and Saying terrible things like why didn't you die 4 years ago if you were going to make us suffer with you."

His father stayed silent not looking at his son.

"I just couldn't take it any more seeing you or our family like this I felt like I need to do something even if it was wrong and you were against."

His father still didn't look.

"If it make you happy I didn't sell the item this time I returned what I stole and I swear in your name I will never steal anything a gain."

His father turned his face to him.

"Get your face little close your face a little son." the father said in weak voice, Dobron done what his father asked and moved his face little close only for him to receives a slap on his face.

"don't you dear call me a useless old man again understand you little shit!! And I accept your apologies."

"will I'm glad you accepted my honest apologia but was the slap really necessary?"

"yes now close your mouth and listen will."

Dobron lean back on the chair to hear his father.

"I served in the army for 25 years to live and make family after I lost my village , I had to find house and rebuild my life and so I did I bought good house married your mother and had you my first son and second thing I'm proud of after me marrying Helena."

A smile formed on Dobron face as he hear these words.

"But because of my injury everything lost , the coin was spent on my cure and the house was sold."

"Father none of that is your fault."

"Let me contain my talk son, I can already feel the raven god approach me maybe tonight and maybe in next few days that why I want you to take care of our family because you are the man of the house after me."

Then he adjusted his seat.

"I want you to get the family out of this shit hole and help your bother and sisters to finish their study and find a perfect life partner as for your mother obey her word and don't rise your voice against her no matter what even if she was wrong."

"Yes father I will do everything I can and more I swear by your name."

The man smiled because he knows his son will never lie when he makes an oath in his name as he feels his body getting weaker he realize maybe his raven hour is close.

"call your other siblings and mother I need to talk with them."

"Yes father."

After hours the night has finally fallen on the dinner table Brea and her family sit after the arriving of her father he was given one night to spend with his family he of course heard what happened happen with Brae but he didn't ask a lot since this maybe last time he sees his family.

"I see so Zbigniew health got worse I maybe go visit him he was good soldier that for longest time kept the men together and I also ow him my life too bad seeing him ends up like this."

He then takes an apple and eat it then he looks at Borys

"So Borys how did the school ended for you ?do I need to send you to get useful job?"

Borys smirked as if he was waiting years for this question

"I passed all the tests thanks to Jan help in the my study and got the highest in the Blacksmith!"

Aleksey then look at his wife , she nod to him with smile

"Congregation son so from that I understand you serious about wanting to become blacksmith ?"

 "Yes!"

"Will if you keep up like that I will think about it and you Jan how your study going still in first place?"

Jan stopped drinking the soup.

"Yes father the teacher said my natural mana is good enough to study at the best magical academe"

"That my son proud of you and how is my adorable little daughter?"

The youngest daughter was eating the chicken wing without paying attention to her manners

And talked while she was eating.

"will the teacher said I need be more like my brother Jan"

"Don't worry my daughter she says that so you can improve and Brea? Have you decide what to do?"

"not yet father beside I didn't have good score in most of study' the highest thin I have is the sword art" Aleksey didn't like to hear that since it mean his daughter will join the army if the city survive.

After the dinner end both Brea and her sister start clean the dishes while Aleksey on chair and Dobrawa sat on his lap and her arms on his shoulders.

"It's been while since we spent time like that we really happy you had time for us"

"It thanks to the current commander I had this night"

"Will thank him on my behalf and by the way I'm more surprised you didn't bring Lena with you."

Aleksey looked at his wife as her remember first meet between the two.

"First time you saw her you had tears in your eyes as you thought I took a second wife and it took entire week to make you understand she is jest friend."

Dobrawa face turned red.

"Can you blame she was beautiful wood elf! Beside you two seemed close to each other but good thing it was only friendship and now I kind want to talk to her more now and who know? Maybe we become friends"

"She will love to be your friend but now to more serious thing, I need to visit Zbigniew now before it too late we will complete the rest of talk after I get Back."

Dobrawa looked at him as she didn't want him to go after he just come home but she understands that is his friend and he need to see him so she moved.

"just be careful on the way."

 Aleksey then stood and said his farewell to the family then he went out of the house walking down the streets as he walk he starts to notes the increase in the slams streets and more empty houses since some people couldn't live with threat of the empire army so those who had enough coin went out throw the sea ships he felt envy of these people but he also happy for them.

"Stop who are you."

Soldier call Aleksey he was wearing red armor plate cover his upper body with red hamlet and red oval shield that had a black color sigil of three hands hold back of each other in tringle shape in as for his legs were protected with armor it was the average union soldier equipment .

 "I'm Aleksey a 5 rank commander." He then shows his seal.

"My apologies commander! For pointing my spear on you it just I had to deal a lot with blue skull gang and although it embarrassing " the young soldier says as he pulls his spear back and hit it on top of his shield as Military salute then walk away.

"Poor man." Aleksey smiles then walked to Zbigniew house in the slams as he stand in front of door he knock it three times then the door opens it was Dobron whom opens the door اhis eyes appears to be Eyelids swollen from crying .

"commander…."

The man entered the house and the air was filled with saddens and grief he go up the stairs to his ill friend room then open the door gently to not make a lot of noise.

"Hello there old comrade."

Slowly Zbigniew turned his head to the familiar voice.

"OH hello there brother in sword."

Aleksey moved a chair near the bed then he sit on it.

"you stubborn bastard why didn't tell me the curse got this bad? I could have done something like send you away from here"

"then what? It will be same result any way I don't you talk about that I call you here for another reason."

"And what is it?"

"I don't want you to blame yourself about what happen years ago, you simply saw the front line eaten by the black flames and pulled back."

 Aleksey stope him by saying.

"You mean I run a away like damn coward and left more than half my men and you were one of them and look at you now."

 "proud soldier of the union got injured in battle and you did what needed to do to make sure most people survive ." Zbigniew said with pride in his voice.

"I run and happen to meet other survivor of battle."

"you just been too harsh on yourself like always , I know you vary will you first person to sacrifice yourself if it meant victory or saving friend this time it happen you can't do anything against such enemy so stop been self-blame ."

"….."

Both stayed silent for minute not knowing what to say until the silence was broken by Zbigniew.

"Do you remember that crazy mercenary group? in the north east castle we stayed in 10 years ago ,they helped with wood people raids , what their name again? I forgot."

It took moments from Aleksey to remember them.

"YES I remembered them if I'm not wrong they called them self the war hounds but why bring this up my friend."

 Zbigniew smiled

"Because I remembered how you took your 10 men on of them was me and went to save 5 of their fighter and one of them was the leader daughter that he wanted you to marry her that was something to see."

"it was reckless move from me." Aleksey says it with voice of person who is not proud of his action.

"it was but it was honorable move from you after all you took oath not leaving any one behind even them before the battle starts and you kept that oath ,do you remember what you Said ? after you saved the mercenary's. "

 "No … I don't remember."

"then let me remind you said : It was natural thing to do we eat same food , we sleep in same camp, we bleed same blood and there is no reason stop me from helping you like you will help me. "

"At that moment I knew will be the man I will fallow even if it was to the 3 hells although I highly doubt a man like you will go to hell in first place. "

After hearing that he didn't know what to say did he really say and do that in the past he doesn't remember all he remembers the way he abounded his comrades 3 years ago his heart start to hurt him.

my friend I'm dying soon I feel it in my body , my story ends tonight but I want you to go back to your old self that inspired the men in battle and give them hope in the darkest hours , I want you to stand on your feet again ,you don't need to believe in yourself but believe in your comrades and family that believe in you."

At this moment Aleksey looked at his friend , comrade , sword brother and says one word.

"Thanks"

"Oh did I say something that need to thanks? I only said the truth."

After that the two men talked for an hour as they talk Aleksey noticed how his friend start cough more and more so he called for Helena as he was about leave the room , he saw Dobron and got close to him .

"I apologies , Your father is great man I wish I could helped him."

"No need to apologies beside my father never spoke ill about you before in case you were wandering. "

 "I wished he did anyway don't mind me I'm going to home so take care and my 12 gods gather us in batter and happier times."

With that the man left the house and when he reached the end of the street he looks back at the house and his heart told him this might be last time he see his friend and comrade but that is not first friend he loses because of the war but it's still hurt even after so many lost friends but he remembered what his commander said to him.

"Remember this pain and Cherish never forget it and turn it in to reason not to give up because that how we mortal live and that how our ancestor protected their world from poison of the scorpion god."

He thought to himself how he found that commander crying for his men in the darkness of night because he didn't want his men to see him in such state it will be bad for the morale then Aleksey wandered if the commander survived the red Valley battle and if he is doing will but the commander is here he will probably tell him to harry up and go home and so he did when he finally arrived he found his children's already slept then he went to his room where Dobrawa is still awake waiting him.

The next day Aleksey went back to walls with the rest of the garrison there he was greeted by Lena, they were standing on the white wall.

"So how is your wife and children ?"

"They looked fine."

Lena notes some sadness in Aleksey voice thanks to her elven ears so she asks him.

"there sadness in your voice can I know why?"

"Nothing escape your elven ears huh, It's the friend of mine I told you about 2 years ago if you remember … is health is very bad."

"Don't start blaming yourself."

"I will not he asked me to not to but I thought about his family his will need to join the army to feed them same go for Strjina since he and his mother are migrates so if he wanted some more rights than basic education."

"And your daughter what about her?"

"What about her?"

"From her reaction on dinner yesterday has two option even marry or join the army."

"What about her magic ? she has that weird magic wouldn't the magical academy accept her?"

"I asked about that apparently her magic couldn't be studied in normal way at least inside the union and she will need money for that a lot of it and there problem of her mana its midcore at best and she will need years of training to increase it."

"The army its then?"

"Sadly yes because I can't see her attract men with her personality she has right now."

"what kind of men you have in mind?"

"Man with good job and doesn't has gambling addiction and be decent person at least and his name is not Phillip."

"Do you think she will find man like that in the army?"

"Honestly ? no." They looked at each other and laugh then the laugh was cut as they notes the empire getting ready to moves and they hear the horns of the coming battle.