DRAGON CAMPAIGN
Cruel misfortunes
CHAPTER 2
The floating city of Vangdoria. As legend has it, this city was amongst one of the first Wingly territories to be built. However, now in the present day timeline of things, this city is particularly responsible for transportation of goods from the ground level to the Wingly communities in the clouds. Because of this important task, and the growing demand for supplies requested by wealthy Wingly property owners, the city of Vangdoria accumulated a high demand for slave labor. Thus, Vangdoria was now easily the most diverse area in the world when it came to cultural and racial differences. It was also a fact, that because of this racial melting pot, hostilities between the differing cultures was constantly at an all time high. Nonetheless, the Wingly officials made sure the jobs of their slaves got done and also that any outbreaks never veer too far out of control.
Unfortunately for the Winglys, outbreaks did in fact become more out of control over the years and after the 80 year revolution that had taken place in Karsack, the races on Vangdoria finally worked up to courage to revolt themselves. Through the passing of decades, The Winglys were able to secure a firm grasp on their city of transportation, however they were constantly running low on supplies due to random rebel attacks to sabotage the Wingly profits and commodity. Ultimately, the goal of the rebels was to strip their Wingly enslavers of their strength and power, either through starvation from lack of supplies or through social upheaval due to economic decomposition.
It was because of these reasons that the Wingly Emperor, Melbu Frahma finally decided to put an end to the heart of this rebellion once and for all. Frahma took the risk of pulling out most of his soldiers from major areas of Wingly control all so his minions could amass a terrifying force upon the area where rebellion was at its highest and most dangerous. The lower creatures would never realize that security had become lax and even still, it would only last until the Wingly overlords had completely demolished the rebels on Vangdoria. Afterwards, order would be restored and any loose ends that may have occurred while the Winglys were away, Melbu Frahma would be sure to tie up so as to show the people once more, the true might of their Wingly superiors.
As far as finding the rebellion hideout, it was an easy task, as Melbu's generals were skilled in the art of interrogation. Finally some of the human rebel captives had submitted in revealing the vital information needed to crush their enemies. Melbu Frahma specifically informed his generals to give those humans the reward they deserved for giving them the information; a long and painful death. Melbu had no tolerance for rebels, especially humans, who he deemed the worst of all species.
A wicked smile formed on Frahma's face as he lounged comfortably in his floating throne. Even though he could have left the annihilation of the rebels up to any of his four supreme generals, he saw it necessary that he personally lead this battle. His stark, neon green eyes glowed with malice and bloodlust as he and his minions sped through the clouds heading towards the trade-city at lightning speed.
'All the better to strike fear in the hearts and minds of my slaves.' The Wingly Emperor thought smugly. 'After all, I haven't had a good fight in some time. Don't disappoint me rebels. Provide me with the entertainment I seek!'
That was the final thought on Melbu's mind as he and his massive armada of Wingly soldiers advanced forward upon the unsuspecting area of Aldo, the rebels single stronghold.
****
Maktav Tervano sighed heavily while leaning forward against the table in the small meeting area. Like all other places given to lesser creatures, their surroundings were shaggy and worn down. Age old sheet cloth hung against the opening of their small hut, opting as their door. The very walls of the room were of low quality and stood firm only by the renewed efforts of the slaves to find better support to keep it standing.
The contents of the room closely resembled the inhabitants. Both were worn and weary either through age or hard labor. A large, old desk was at the center of the room with a few chairs and a small serving tray off to the side holding a small amount of food, the best the slaves could do as Winglys saw fit to hardly ever feed their slaves.
Maktav was a relatively tall man. He had medium length black hair that slightly swept over his eyes. His build was muscular and he had strong hands proving his worth as a fighter and as a laborer.
Aside from Maktav, four other men inhabited the room. All of which were of different races. One was a Giganto. Another was Mininto. An elder creature bore the features signifying him as a dwarf. And finally, the fourth was of the race of trolls. Though normally, if such races were ever in contact with each other, there would be constant fighting, one of the major things that kept this rebellion going so long was the ability of these rebels to work with one another for a common cause. However that still never stopped the occasional spurt of racial tendencies from one or another. For now though, all knew the importance of their alliance and thus, all tolerated one another for a common good, Maktav being the most adamant of the five about this union.
Unfortunately, things did not seem well as all four of the officials glared angrily towards one another. Obviously they had fallen into yet another disagreement.
"I'm sorry but I can't comply with your reasoning…" Maktav stated calmly amidst glowering eyes.
"And why not? Ruthiezeek the Dwarf, nearly shouted angrily towards him. He slammed his fists forcefully into the table causing the wood structure to moan slightly in protest. "Our men have been captured! Our worst fears have finally been realized! It is only a matter of time before the Winglys come down on us! We must fight!"
"And I still stand firm in my belief that we wait for a better time before lashing out directly at our enemies!"
"What would you have us do?" This from the lanky form of the mininto sitting across from Maktav. "Surely you don't suggest we just stay here waiting for the Winglys reaction. By then it would be too late."
"Of course! I don't suggest we wait. I agree we must act but not in the way you're all thinking. Look, if we confront the Winglys now, we'll be massacred! We don't have that kind of strength yet."
"Then by all means, human, tell us!" The troll seethed. "What do you suggest we do about this problem!?!"
"Relocate! I say we go someplace else a good distance away. Try and keep throwing the Wingly off until they finally give up their search."
"Do you know how much conflict that will cause?" The dwarf hissed. "If we were to relocate, many of my people would complain. Many of them have grown attached to this area and the fact that we would have to relocate is like a slap in the face towards everything we've accomplished here!"
"Yes he is correct my friend." The Mininto agreed. "If we were to flee, our minions morale would decrease greatly. At this point in time, that is a conflict we cannot afford."
"Avertron, is your logic so clouded with bravado as well? Can't you see we don't have a choice? If we fight, we'll be destroyed. We can't win! Not like this!"
"And why not?" The troll asked. "We've amassed many rebels. If we tally them together the Wingly can't hope to stand against us."
"Are you so quick to forget the Virage they have as their army? Do you expect us to defeat those as well? We are in over our heads!"
"No human!" The troll seethed. "You are merely cowering at the first sign of danger. Had I known humans were this weak willed I might not have agreed to an alliance in the first place! Even if they have Virages, we still have them beat by sheer number! We can still take them!"
Maktav sighed, lowering his head in frustration. "Why can't you all listen to reason…" he mumbled silently.
Avertron cast his friend a concerned glance then turned his eyes towards the rest of the table. "Well, I think we should settle this with a vote. All those in favor of taking a stand against the Winglies?"
Avertron watched in satisfaction as nearly everyone's hand in the room rose, including his own. The only one remaining dormant was Maktav's.
"It seems the decision is final then. Four in favor of your one, Maktav." Avertron's eyes softened as he continued to stare at his friend sympathetically. "Please understand. This is for the best. We could change the tide of battle."
"No…" Maktav muttered silently. "No you've doomed us all with your rash actions." Suddenly he stood up and glared angrily towards all the faces in the room. "Well I hope you're all happy. You'll have your little war and in the end you'll doom everyone and everything we've stood for! When the end finally does come upon us, reap my words comrades, reap them and know your mistake!" With that, Maktav spun smartly on his heels and stalked out of the room angrily. Avertron's expression never changed as he regarded his friend's retreating figure.
"Don't feel too bad Avertron." The dwarf consoled. "It's natural he be so hesitant about fighting. He is only human after all."
****
Maktav angrily pulled aside the curtain entrance to his home. Scowling in anger, he marched straight towards the center room table and sat down fretfully. A second later a lovely woman with long black hair and a slim yet graceful figure, easily walked into the room and placed her arms lovingly over him.
"My husband… what is wrong?"
Maktav sighed and looked upwards with weary eyes towards the woman he loved. Oddly enough, it was almost as if all of his pent of anger and frustration left him, if only for a moment as he gazed into the pools of his wife's light blue irises. A smile lightly touched his lips while he cupped his hand over his wife's.
"Everything my dear. It's the alliance. Those fools believe our only salvation lies within battle. They can't realize that it's only a waste of lives and effort to fight the Winglys now. They're too powerful."
"And you told them this?" His wife asked patiently. "Surely if you just explained it to them-"
"They won't listen." Maktav said, cutting her off. "Not a single one of them, not even Avertron. They're all too deeply engrossed in their ego's."
His wife, Asariya looked into his eyes with love and concern. "Then what will become of us if we were to get involved with war now. We couldn't possibly win…"
Maktav was silent for a few moments, staring at the ground with a slight frown creasing his brow. Finally he closed his eyes and nodded vacantly as if finally coming to a final decision. "Asariya… I will protect you and our Rose."
"But how?" Asariaya asked. "If the alliance has decided then what could you possibly do? By the code of the alliance, you are bound to fight by their side."
"And yet, I will not fight." Maktav said with firmness in his voice. "We will flee, the three of us. If the alliance wants a war then they shall have one but I will not subject my family to such foolishness!"
"Maktav…" His wife clasped his hands nervously. Maktav stood and embraced his wife in a heartfelt hug. "You must pack your possessions my love. Tomorrow we leave. We will stow away in a random cargo ship and make our way towards the lands below. From there we will reside unbeknownst to everyone else."
"But the rebellion…"
"Hush my love, we will not give up our stand against the Wingly but that will come at its own accord. I will not risk you or our daughter to the cruelties of war."
Slowly, Maktav wrapped his arms around his wife and brought their lips together in a tight embrace. Asariaya in turn wrapped her arms around her husband lovingly.
"Mom… Dad…? What's going on?"
Maktav and Asariya broke their embrace to gaze upon their 13 year-old daughter with proud eyes. She was a stunningly beautiful girl. She had inherited her mothers beautiful looks with more striking features yet her solid black eyes she had received from her father's side.
"We are leaving Rose," Maktav said with a faint smile in his eyes. "Come tomorrow we will be gone from this place. You must help your mother pack for our journey."
"But father, why are we leaving? I have so many friends here. I don't want to leave them behind."
"Honey you must." Asariya pleaded with her daughter. "Please understand it is for the best."
"But mom, I-"
Suddenly Rose words were cut off by a loud shuddering explosion. So intense was the shock that everyone in the house fell over as the very ground below them shook.
"Maktav! What's happening!?!" Asariya screamed rushing over to protect her daughter.
"Maktav grit his teeth as he pushed himself back up to his feet then rushed over to the window. However the sight that greet him was a troubling one. His face became ashen white. Another shock wave hammered down shaking them once more. This time Maktav kept hold of his footing yet his face never changed expressions as he continued staring dumbfounded towards the window.
"Maktav!" Asariya screamed fearfully. "What's happening!"
Suddenly there was another explosion, this time blowing straight through the wall. Maktav flew back from the impact and the wall crumbled under the intense force of the attack. For the first time Asariya caught a glimpse of the terror that had so completely gripped her husband's heart. All around her she could hear screaming. Screams of death mixed in with orders being shouted. Everywhere she looked there were flames. The whole sector was bathed in flames and dark smoke. Up in the skies she saw the endless number of Virages swooping down upon their town and suddenly she realized what was happening.
"No… dear heavens NO! They can't be attacking! How! How could they!"
"Asariya get back!" Maktav ordered forcefully. He slowly picked himself up off the ground, a huge pool of blood trailed from his mid section where his hand was clutching his waist tightly.
"Maktav you're hurt! We have to get you to a healer!"
"NO!" Maktav nearly shouted, astonishing his wife and scaring her and their daughter more then a little.
"Dad…" Rose perked fearfully, still hiding from within the folds of her mother's arms.
"Asariya go!" Maktav ordered. "Take Rose with you and run to the port. Y… you can still make it in time…" Maktav was now coughing up blood. The screaming and the explosions intensified. Soon the whole area was bathed in red. Fire licked up at the walls and the streets. Soon visions of flying armored forms appeared out of the distance.
Rose watched in horror as she saw many men rushing up towards those armored forms and falling in pain as they were impaled by blades wielded by the intruders. She couldn't hold back the tears now, tears of pain and sorrow for all the men that were now dying in the blaze or by the hands of the Wingly. She couldn't stand the hollering of death floating through the air at all angles. She couldn't stand the blood that seemed to flow everywhere on the ground. The clashing of swords and the loud sounds of wings beating through the air carrying death wherever they flew. Sharp flames licked at her feet and Rose quickly sank deeper into the protection of her mother.
"Please… make it stop, please." She kept whispering into her mother's ears. Unfortunately her mother couldn't help her now as she saw the sharp glistening tears sliding down her cheeks.
More screams ensued throughout the air and Rose sank even deeper into her mother's arms. For she knew those screams, they were the screams of her dearest friends getting murdered ruthlessly by Wingly. She couldn't stand it, the sickening sounds of swords sliding through flesh and the following screams of agony. She couldn't take it anymore.
"Mom! Please make it stop!" She said now, more forcefully.
Maktav watched on sadly towards his wife and daughter, ashamed and horrified that they had to sit through this death. Never before had he ever felt so helpless before them. "Daddy will end it sweaty." He said calmly all the while forcing his hand deeper into the wound as his life's blood seeped more and more through the cracks of his fingers.
"Daddy won't let the bad men hurt you any more…"
"Maktav!" His wife screamed, pure agony in her voice as she reached out to him with one outstretched hand. Maktav turned slowly to regard her fearful, agonized face then closed his eyes lightly. "I love you Aseriaya. Now please go. I can't go with you now. Think about our daughter!"
"Maktav don't leave us! Please!"
Without replying, Maktav suddenly rushed out into the flames, still gripping his wound tightly. Only one thought swam through his mind now. Only one feverish thought that manifested itself in his disillusioning vision. He would protect his family, no matter what.
All around him the explosions became louder, the Wingly numbers grew larger, the rebels grew shorter and the screaming intensified. Absently Maktav saw Avertron fighting off a particularly large Wingly with a cutlass. Avertron swung low to parry an attack but it was too late. The Wingly's sword met flesh as it ripped Avertron's leg right off. The Mininto screamed in pain as the Wingly held his sword over the man's head. Maktav wanted to scream out, to run to his friend's aid but he couldn't. He simply couldn't. To do so, would mean putting his wife and daughter at stake. He had given everything for the alliance and this was his reward. He had failed at being a good husband, he had failed at being a good father and he had failed at being a leader but by everything he stood for, he would certainly not fail now.
He closed his eyes as his friends last death scream waffered through the air before the Wingly took his head clean off his shoulders with a quick sword swipe. Maktav saw a Wingly soldier charging his way, baring his sword menacingly.
"No…" Maktav raved, clutching his wound even tighter now. He absently picked up a vacant sword at his feet. Blood trailed down his fingers as he did so; he realized only after a few moments that it was his blood. Once more he tried to stanch his wound. The blood leaked clean through his hands however and was now pouring freely down his side. He didn't care. He couldn't feel the pain anymore. All he could feel was the need to protect his family. And to do that, this Wingly had to die.
Screaming loudly, Maktav suddenly charged headlong towards the Wingly soldier coming his way. "You can't have them!" He screamed swinging his sword towards his opponent. The Wingly parried the attack albeit a bit instinctively as he never would have guessed a human injured this badly could fight like this. Unfortunately for him, Maktav was not quite done yet. The bleeding man quickly reeled his sword back then brought it across once more, cleaving a deep gouge in the side of the Wingly's waist, directly below his ribcage. The Wingly screamed in pain and fell to his knees. Maktav screamed as well then brought his sword down hard, splitting the Wingly's head in two.
As the body fell lifelessly to the ground, yet another Wingly sped up towards him. Maktav easily dodged the wild strike then drove his sword through the second Wingly's heart. "You can't have them…" he raved continuously.
Melbu Frahma who was somewhat bored at killing these weak humans, saw the lone man who had single handedly killed two of his Wingly by himself. A wicked smile rose to Frahma's face. He had just finished killing a particularly annoying dwarf whom he had assumed was the ultimate leader as he kept issuing orders out. However the way this human fought, Frahma couldn't stop his body from shaking with eager delight. He quickly made his way over to the man as he saw him kill yet another Wingly. Frahma was almost impressed.
Through Maktav's muttled vision he saw an abnormally tall Wingly. He was wiry in build and had neon green eyes that glowed menacingly down upon him. "Yo.. you can't have them…" he raved more, then charged headlong towards Frahma.
Melbu was slightly interested at the man's shrewd comments. The battle was all but over as his Wingly soldiers now watched him spar off with this lone man. It was clearly evident that he had greatly overestimated this supposedly powerful rebel group. Nonetheless, he would at least derive interest in killing this man.
Melbu quickly dodged a stray thrust as the man charged in again. "You can never take them!"
"And who is 'them' exactly human?" Frahma asked as he brandished his heavily jeweled sword. Maktav struck again but this time his attack was blocked by Frahma's. "Speak human!"
"I won't obey you anymore!" Maktav screamed then struck again. "You will never take them! Ever!"
Melbu's eyebrow hitched slightly. This man was clearly deranged. However that only made the battle more entertaining. Suddenly his eyes fell upon a scared woman desperately clutching her daughter. Upon seeing this, Melbu looked back towards the attacking man and suddenly it all made sense.
"Ahh I see. So you are trying to protect your family…"
"You may never have them!" Maktav swung again.
Melbu simply smiled, dodging once more. "This could prove to be most interesting after all."
Suddenly Frahma quickly weaved behind Maktav then plunged his sword directly into the man's back. Maktav screamed out in pain as he felt the blade slide straight through him and come out to his front.
A second scream followed as Aseriaya ran towards her dying husband with Rose close behind. "Maktav!"
Frahma smiled then spun around to face the terrified woman. He held Maktav firmly in his arms, keeping his neck cupped securely in his grip. "Here's a proposition for you human! Submit yourself to my soldiers and I may yet let your husband live!"
Aseriaya's eyes widened in shocked fear as Frahma smiled wickedly towards her. She looked up at her dying husband, blood now bubbling from his mouth and trailing down his sweat drenched throat. She didn't know what to do. What could she do.
"What is your choice woman! Speak now, for I am a very unforgiving person but I am currently in a good mood."
Aseriaya's hands shook with fear and dread as she turned and regarded her daughter's shaking figure once more. "…Spare my daughter… leave her and my husband be and… I will accept your proposal…"
Melbu erupted into a loud chorus of laughter, still holding Maktav firmly in his grip. "Then go human. Please my minions!"
Aseriaya shook violently but nodded her head in a comply as she walked slowly towards the growing crowed of Winglys. The look in their eyes struck pure terror in hear heart for she knew what they wanted and she knew what they would do. She hesitated but it was too late. Far too late. The Winglys quickly grabbed her and swallowed her into the crowd. Her agonizing scream was snuffed out by a rough hand that forcefully covered her mouth. All she could do was look in terror as the evil Winglys ripped through her clothing and consumed her.
Frahma laughed at the scene then looked back towards Maktav's tortured face, for he too could see clearly enough to know the horrors of what transpired. Melbu turned to face his men as they worked and forced Maktav to see the horror himself.
"Watch feeble human! See with your own eyes your futility and know that your wife gave herself to my men willingly. Too bad it was all for nothing."
And with that, Melbu pulled out a dagger and plunged the blade right into Maktav's throat then snapped his neck. As his body crumbled to the ground Rose ran up to her father's still form crying hysterically. "Father! No! Father please get up! Father!"
Frahma's smile grew even crueler as he gazed upon the dark haired girl crying over her death father. "My my, what a most lovely creature. You are very beautiful even for a human. I will spare you're life little girl but you will not thank me for it. You will suffer the crimes of treason charged towards your parents. You will act as a vessel of pleasure for my men and I. And yet that is how it always should be! Human's suffer for the pleasure of Winglys, now and forever."
Rose only looked on with horror as the evil Wingly monarch scaled closer towards her. Once more she screamed out in agony and unbridled fear. "Father wake up! NO! Mother, Father help Me!"
Yet her screams fell upon deaf ears to a father that was already dead and a mother that would soon join him. All that awaited this pour soul was the promise of nightmarish torture and agony.
****
Zieg closed his eyes in satisfaction as he dumped a gallon-sized bucket of water over his head. A slight smile traced his lips as the comforting waves of liquid cold washed over his face, temporarily alleviating him from the raging inferno that was his troubled mind. It had been three days since he and Flain snuck into the Imperial prison and retrieved Arthos body and later buried him. Yet even still, he couldn't get the feeling out of his system that now, more then ever, he needed to do something about the way they were all forced to live. A few days ago he merely had a burning fire to revolt against his enslavers yet now that fire had kindled into a raging volcano of anxiety and anticipation. He no longer simply 'wanted' to bring about change, he 'needed' to bring about change.
"This is nuts!" Zieg suddenly spat out to himself, throwing the bucket to the ground hard. He watched in morbid fascination as the wooden material crashed into the hard earth surface then shattered before his very eyes. The remaining droplets of water still in the container seeped through the broken cracks, as if seeking release. 'Much like the revolting urge within myself, shouting to come out…' Zieg's mind pondered.
The brown haired boy clutched his skull in angry frustration. 'What the hell is wrong with me!?! Why do I keep getting these feelings all of a sudden!?'
So engrossed was he in his thoughts, he never saw the lone figure who had been recently observing his bizarre actions and was now making his way towards him.
"Nice work." The elder boy said, now training his eyes back onto the broken shards of wood. "Now we gotta find a new water bucket."
Zieg spun his head around at alarming speed, glaring slightly at the figure of his lifelong friend. "Flain… Leave me alone. I don't feel like getting into this right now."
"Well you better have a damn fast mood swing in about two seconds because we 'are' going to get into it 'right now'!"
Zieg closed his eyes in an exhausted manner, half facing his best friend. His bare back glistened slightly in the dark cavern torch lights. Trails of water mingled together with sweat to give him an almost illusive shine. His discarded shirt was tied around his waist where the sleeve arms met at the front of his trousers, tied together in a tight knot. His boots squeaked slightly in protest as he shifted slightly in his position, squirming slightly under Flain's scrutinizing gaze.
The two men were currently in the worst area in all of Karsack; the slums. Ever since the Winglies took total control of all areas, they had separated human residency into two different areas. The stronger, more fit humans were registered to reside in the upper areas whereas the lesser, weaker humans were restricted to live in the tunnels. As the centuries spurred on, less and less honest working humans stayed in the caves and to the chagrin of the Winglys, they managed to migrate up to the surface with other humans. However, most weaker humans who developed long term side effects from outdoor sunlight were forced to remain in the caves and eventually they died off. However, their legacy lived on in the offspring they left behind. That offspring branched off into deviant groups known as guilds. Even further through the centuries, those deviants branched off into different sects however, during the revolution 80 years hence, the Winglys saw fit to raid the lower levels and be done with all the human guilds.
After that massacre, members of the Dragons guild, the last guild remaining, decided to strike back with an assortment of different sabotage techniques to hinder the Winglys and benefit themselves. This guild essentially consisted of the fifty-some children of the original guild members. These children were formed under the bravery of one determined youth, Flain Servomet. With the aid of his close friend Zieg, the two were able to tally the group of wandering children into a well-trained guild. Unfortunately, the years passed and the guild never preformed sabotage to the extent their late parents did. Instead, Flain satisfied their growing desire to revolt with minor events that would sustain them, such as robbing food from Wingly supply lines, or putting minor kinks in potentially useful Wingly supplies etc. Most of the children seemed content with just that, yet Zieg knew the truth. He knew Flain didn't want to involve them in anything major for fear that the same massacre would befall them as did their late parents.
The guild of children continued to live in the tunnels, as honor to their late ancestors and also so they could remain inconspicuous to the unsuspecting Winglys. Fortunately the Winglys never made much show of the different sabotage the guild preformed.
However, now, Zieg was no longer satisfied with the robin-hood style way of life he was living. It was because of the Winglys that he lost his parents at the young age of three. It was because of the Winglys that he was later forced to live in turmoil and fear. And it was because of the Winglys that Arthose, the symbol of rebellion for humans, had died in a horrible place in his very arms.
The cavern lights flickered slightly as a slight gust of wind trailed down towards them. The caverns were huge, ranging out to a total of 11, thousand miles long. They never suffered the side effects of their ancestors however, as they frequently made their way to the upper surface via random holes they had made in the ground to exit from. After many years of construction, Flain had made the Dragon guild territory into a proverbial fort.
Unfortunately, the entirety of the tunnels were still dark, thus flaming torches were always lit all throughout the area so that they could all see. Now Zieg was standing off to the side of the group meeting area, roughly 2 miles away from the northern exit.
Zieg roughly wiped away a few stands of liquid that were making their way into his line of vision. "I can't do this anymore…" He finally said, lowering his head even further.
"Can't do what?" The question was simple and for the most part, carried a strong lack of emotion with it however Zieg still detected the small note of anger Flain tried so hard to suppress.
"You already know the answer to that! You've known ever since we first set out to raid the prison and you sure as hell know now! You know exactly what I'm talking about Flain! Stop trying to deny it!"
Flain sighed heavily, now glaring at his friend. "Zieg…don't say it… Look, I've scheduled another mission for us. We leave in a few hours. After that, you should be right back to normal… Ok?"
Zieg was hesitant for a moment then silently shook his head. "…No… it's not the same anymore. I can't…"
Flain carefully placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Zieg… please." He implored him. "Do it for the guild, brother… Do it for me! We can't afford to lose you like this man! Come back to us!"
Zieg averted his eyes, not wanting to look at the intense gaze his friend was giving him.
Flain increased his grip slightly, forcing Zieg to look at him. "Please Zieg… Nea is going too. She'll be there with us…"
Zieg slowly lifted his head, clenching and unclenching his fists.
"Don't you owe it to her at least to 'try' and stay with the group?"
Zieg shut his eyes tightly. Nea had been a long time childhood friend to both Zieg and Flain as they were growing up. As they grew older, Zieg somewhat distanced himself from her yet the three of them still had a special bond with each other that put them on a level of sibling-like relationship. At the very least, the three of them were still friends, and now it was that bond that Flain was pressing Zieg on now.
Finally the young boy nodded his head, tears of frustration sliding down his face. "Ok Flain… I'll go on this mission with you."
A huge grin formed of Flain's face but suddenly Zieg snapped his head up to face him square in the eye. "But know this brother, when I return, be prepared for my answer. 'Any' answer that may be. Be prepared to accept it."
The smile was now gone from Flain's face but a certain glint in his eyes confirmed that he was still confident the group could hold on to their wayward member. "Ok brother. Whatever choice you make, I will accept it, but you should know this, whatever choice you make, remember the guild, because the guild will always remember and support you, 'always', no matter what choice you make in the end."
Zieg nodded his head and the two friends sealed their agreement with a rough slap as they each clapped a hand together in a tight brotherly grip that sank deeper then the farthest arrow.
::::::::::To Be Continued::::::::::
Author's Note: Thanks for reading. I know this is going slow now but don't worry, it'll start building up. I know the whole rebellion scene was bad and all that but I'm trying my best to convey to the readers the cruel severity and evil that Melbu Frahma and his minions possess. Anyway thanks for reading and I hope you all stay for more. Till next time, please stay tuned for chapter 3.