Chapter 3

Loubier pulled a hipflask from inside his jacket, took a small swig and replaced it. "So, you want to know about your father?"

Myia looked intently at the elvaan, ears slightly raised. This was the first person, apart from her mother, to know about her father and actually say something. Myia was told very little about him, about why he was such a good warrior, why he was stronger than usual mithran hunters, how and why he disappeared. Most of it all was a mystery. She was keen on hearing it. "So…how did you know my father?"

"Well…it is quite a tale to tell. Perhaps if I start from the reason he came to me first."

Firesday, Port San d'Oria, Year 574, 4 days before beastmen assault

Rhazua stepped off the airship, very glad his feet were upon solid ground again. 'Blasted machinery…can't see how people like the damn things…' He grumbled. As he walked through the crowds of soldiers and residents, he felt many eyes burn into his back. He disliked the fact that very few people had seen male mithran warriors before. They were very capable, and able to take care of themselves when they needed it. But Rhazua was different. He had power and skill to rival even the mightiest of warriors, whether they were Elvaan or Galkan.

From the sky he heard a powerful voice, which gave Rhazua a fright. "All soldiers and adventurers, report to the Chateau immediately."

Rhazua looked confused. Though he had travelled far, he had not set foot into San d'Oria as he had a natural dislike of elvaans. He had to stop and ask directions to a passing soldier. "Excuse me, I'm looking for..."

"The Chateau? Follow me." The soldier snapped. He had clearly taken an instant dislike to the foreigner. Rhazua followed him silently. He gazed at all of the marvellous buildings that passed by, all elegant and royal. San d'Orian residents were highly respectable and obviously demanded a good treatment. There were few people walking about the streets, only soldiers and adventurers. This was clearly a time when tension ran high and normal people were scared to go into the streets for fear of a sudden assault.

Before long, they arrived at the Chateau the soldier grunted before making his own way through the crowds. Rhazua sighed and shook his head. 'Stuck up…' he thought.

"Rhazua! Hey, over here!"

Rhazua spun around, glancing through the crowd for the source of the voice. But he saw nobody. Again he heard the voice. "Down here Rha!" So he looked down and laughed as he saw the miniscule taru jumping frantically next to his leg.

"Lightning! My friend, how are you? 3 years is it?"

Lightning was a very short female taru, always cheery and bright. Although her real name wasn't actually Lightning, she had obtained her alias from her unnatural speed and grace, leading her towards the path of a thief. She was decked out in noct gear and wielded 2 keen daggers, each hanging loosely from her belt. Her fiery red hair was tied up tightly on the top of her head with what looked like chopsticks.

"I expectaru. Yes I've been very well."

"Keeping out of trouble?"

"Well…you recall the theft of that rare item a month ago…?"

"My lips are sealed," he grinned "so what's your business now?"

"Well I gave up being a mercenary a while ago. So I looked towards crafting. I'm gonna try to open up my own shop too."

Rhazua tried to hold back a laugh. He couldn't believe the once proud and deadly mercenary taru was becoming soft.

"It's true," the taru crossed her arms and gave Rhazua a piercing look ",but I have to go. My friend Naruko is about to give me more lessons. See you soon."

"Alright. Soon, like 3 years soon." Rhazua joked.

"No no. I'll be fighting too! You must know, wherever there's a battle I'm there! I just have to miss this" Lightning waved goodbye before weaving her way through the legs of he soldiers and adventures. Rhazua waved in return, but felt his stomach growl. As he reached for his knapsack, the same powerful voice rang out.

"Soldiers and adventurers. Please arrange yourselves in order of race. More instructions will be given shortly."

Instantly, the quiet bustling crowd became like a stampede of mad sheep. Rhazua had to weave in order to avoid being knocked over. Eventually he found a large group of mithra and decided to wander over there. He exchanged brief welcomes and pleasantries, before he heard the same voice.

"Now, a San d'Orian soldier will come around and select some people he sees fit from each race. If you are picked, you will follow all orders given by that soldier! Failure to comply will result in immediate discharge."

Several soldiers came out and picked about ten of each race. The lines slowly thinned out, and one by one all of the other mithra left Rhazua. He began to feel racism was coming into it all. Finally, a soldier came over and looked at him.

"Come with me! I will be your new captain, Loubier Pares."

Rhazua nodded lightly.

"You! Don't you know who that is!" another elvaan solider shouted. "This is the Captain of the Guard! Show some respect you dog! Or should I say, cat." He sniggered.

Rhazua remained silent, eying the soldier.

"Didn't I tell you…" the guard raised his hand to strike Rhazua "to show some respect! You'll pay!" Before he could land his blow, Rhazua grabbed his wrist, swept around the soldier and forced the soldiers arm onto his pack and pushed up. The elvaan struggled but couldn't escape the grip. So instead he elbowed Rhazua's face, making him lose his grip on the arm. The elvaan took this chance, spun round and swung a fist. But this was intercepted by Rhazua again, and in a flash the solider fell on the floor. He looked towards the Captain.

"C…Captain? Aren't you…"

But Loubier laughed. "I haven't seen such prowess in many years. You remind me of when I was younger. Tell me, what's your name?"

Rhazua turned to the Captain.

"Rhazua. Rhazua Fhli."

"Hmm…aren't you…yes. A male mithran warrior? What are you doing out of your hometown?"

"I wanted to help. To protect my family, sir."

"Really? Well follow me. You'll be put through some basic training, just so we're sure you aren't rookies. Though I doubt you need to prove yourself for a second time." Loubier smiled, but looked over to the soldier still on the ground and became stern. "What are you waiting for, an invitation? Get back to your post soldier!"

The soldier looked startled, but picked himself up and saluted. "Y…Yes sir…" He walked off in a hurry.

"This way, Rhazua." Loubier led Rhazua to the doors of the chateau, which opened slowly. "Welcome, to Chateau d'Oraguille."

Rhazua looked at the marvellous sight that was laid before him.