Chapter VI: The Cleric & The Vector
Week 3, Day 6, Noon
Days passed as we worked tirelessly to try and rebuild this dilapidated little village, or at least the parts we had to make use of immediately. Haedyr, Dedric and Karina, all of whom possessed some quality of hunting expertise, went off into the forest a mile or so away to forage and hunt for food, whilst Henrik, Melina and I went about restoring what we could of the hamlet.
On day one, we had to search the village's buildings for possible building materials. Then, in one of the decrepit buildings, what looked to be a storage facility, it was by some miraculous luck that we had found ourselves a supply of construction materials, albeit in a relatively low stock, accompanied by a few tools that would most definitely assist in our labor.
The only problem was...none of us knew exactly how to go about repairing buildings. Henrik had a small amount of knowledge in this field from his training (supposedly he received training in fashioning makeshift shelters during his time being trained as a Lordsguard), but other than that, it was excessively difficult to try and refurbish this estate.
For what we could restore, it was tiresome work. Neither Melina nor I were very athletic, unlike the overtly bulky Henrik, who was carrying out his physical tasks with an almost easy-going gait. Thus, Melina and I worked in tandem to make up for our lack of strength.
During these days, we shared past experiences and stories of our endeavors, and I would be remiss if I did not admit that, compared to their wild stories of danger and excitement, my own experiences seemed extraordinarily lame.
"Where did you two get trained?" Melina asked, having directed the conversation from a harrowing tale by Henrik. We were sat upon some logs under the grey afternoon clouds, with the hunting pack back with a few small animals to cook.
"West of here-" He pointed his finger westwards, beyond the forest. "-You'll find the frozen region, Frezen-"
"What a redundant name." I muttered to myself.
"-And there, Fortress Hershey, where we had spent most of our time training in swordsmanship, survival, and other training regimes for the Lordsguard. If I am correct, the most recent commander was the Captain of the Knights Guard there, Sir Gareth Ruthran. Young, like us, but very ambitious and eager to help, especially with the orders he has."
I listened silently, taking in the information of the conversation. This could be of use down the line.
"And, uh, Avon…" Melina whispered suddenly into my ear. "Why does Dedric act so...mercurial?"
"...Mercury-Mer...cour-Mer...cur...ie-...Pardon?"
"For example," She began. "Did you notice how, a few days ago during that battle, he was very much against the notion, but when we were forced to, he went above and beyond to risk himself in helping the lordsguard? Doesn't that seem a bit...neurotic?"
I shrugged. "I haven't a clue. As you said last night, I've only met you all recently, and despite being the first I met on the road, his occasional bouts of arbitrary decision-making continues to leave me deeply...flummoxed."
"Er, Avon…"
I brought my eyes up to her face, from which I was previously staring into the fire. I noticed that she wore a slightly concerned expression.
"I can understand what you're saying, but maybe you could dial down the...articulate phrasing?"
Oh, you dense idiot.
I had an embarrassing moment of self-reflection. I was, at first, entirely sure that I was speaking colloquially- In layman's terms enough, and that Dedric was just being a dumbarse as per usual whenever he got confused by my words. And yet, Melina, this woman of high-class origin, was struggling, as well...
"Pardon me, comrades." I excused myself, getting up from the arrangement and dusting off my garments. "I must tend to nature's call." Everyone except Dedric, who had just returned from checking on the tavern, nodded before returning back to the conversation.
"Nature's...what?" I heard him mutter as I headed over towards the outskirts of the village, finding a lone bush to urinate behind.
Looking around momentarily, I was satisfied in believing I had enough privacy and undid my pants.
During my micturition-..er...piss, I took a moment to capitalize on my thoughts. Seldom was there a moment of reprieve to fully take in the gravity of the situation. It still felt somewhat unreal, as if I were going on an adventure in someone else's body. Nonetheless, I had a few spouts of existential fear in moments where sudden realizations dawned upon me in regards to my situation, and how desperate it truly was.
And in sudden moments, a deep-seated panic. It began to set in once more as I had time to fully think out my situation. It was not lost on me that, only a few weeks ago, I was still suckling at the tit of my father's estate, having lived a comfortable and relatively safe life within the walls of that homely township. I came to know every single resident and their names, their family members, and even their pets.
All of the physical and mental training, the literature I have read, the ups and downs, the pleasant and unpleasant memories, the hard decisions, everything that has shaped who I am today.
All nineteen years of my life, swept away within a single night.
"Whatcha doin' there, lad?"
I nearly had a fit as I heard an unfamiliar voice reach my ears from a few feet away, and immediately began stuffing my member back into my pants.
"Wh-What the- who in the hell are you?!" I stuttered, my cheeks flaming up as I realized there were two female travelers standing only a few feet from the bush which I had used as a toiletry. One of them seemed rather amused by the sight, while the other bore the garments of a plague doctor. This character intrigued me more than the snickering jackal next to her.
"Why in the blazes are you wearing that?" I questioned the doctor, half-curious and half-attempting to steer the subject away from my compromised position.
She seemed to shy away, as if the question physically attacked her.
"I...uh...I work with noxious chemicals, so…"
She brought up a black leather bag and gestured to it. I was angry at myself for not noticing the glaring object in her hand in the first place.
"Alright, well...I know neither of you, but how about we take this conversation to a more reasonable area?"
After sharing a short exchange of words between myself and the two travelers, regarding their names and how they came to end up here, I brought them over to the rest of the group, who were perplexed, to say the least, that I had gone off to use the restroom and came back with two female travelers.
"Is ya willy really that big?" Dedric snickered.
"You must be an infant trapped in a young man's body." I responded harshly.
"Avon, who are these people?" Melina asked politely, though I could sense the subtle undertone of caution.
"Well, if they would like to introduce themselves." I said, gesturing to the two. The more confident one stepped forward first.
"I am Amelia." She said. "A 'cleric' of sorts. I possess healing abilities mainly through the use of Magick."
Ah, Magick. Or Magic, or Magik. It came in a variety of different words.
The name for the otherworldly, atmospheric entity that cannot possibly be fully ascertained nor understood through even the most rigorous scientific experiments. Almost anyone can make use of it, though it requires years of study just to understand the immaterial concept, and years more to put it into application. Of course, there were always outliers, individuals with a natural talent for making use of Magick, as one would have for swordsmanship or writing. I spent a few years in my youth reading books upon books on knowledge of Magick, and even then I was perplexed by the complex ideas and theories that learned scholars had for it. I was able to understand some of the general notions over time, but I never really fully grasped the concept in the end. For Amelia, her religion considered Magick to be a blessing from Tog.
"Okay, Amelia." Melina spoke. "And what do you do, as a cleric?"
"I was taught to spread the word of Tog, and trained to bash heads in with a club." She said proudly, raising a most intimidating, cylindrical mace with big, pointed studs lining each side. It went well with the dark-red garments and iron armor she wore.
"...Okay. And you?" Melina asked, gesturing with an open hand to the other individual, who spoke up meekly.
"...Prina. I'm a Vector, which is a, uh, 'combative chemist', I guess you could call it."
She raised her bag to show.
"I create biological weapons of warfare. Grenades, poison to coat your blade or arrow tip with, traps and such. But, uh, I also have healing tinctures...and stuff."
I wasn't too sure that the end of her sentence really helped to sugarcoat the atrocious applications she just listed. I noticed the majority of the group seemed disturbed or discomforted by her 'occupation', except for Karina, who seemed rather intrigued.
In many parts of Moneia, 'torturous' warfare, as it is coined, is essentially taboo and considered to be deeply barbaric. This is generally because this type of warfare often results in prolonged and unnecessary agony or pain against the combatants, and since no one wants to be the receiver of such treatment, it is deeply frowned-upon to utilize weapons or equipment that will cause such.
Prina herself noticed the pull-back from the group and sighed in resignation.
"That's what I thought would happen." She muttered in a depressed tone.
"How is an occupation like that even thought up?" Henrik questioned, his voice filled with dread. Melina shook her head slowly.
"You underestimate the evil ideas people can conjure up." She warned.
"I'm still here, you know…" Prina muttered once more.
"So," I interrupted, trying to prevent these abrasive fellows from scaring off my potentially new recruits. "Back to the subject at hand."
I swept one hand towards Amelia and Prina.
"These two have been looking for work on the road for a few weeks now. Amelia is from a temple based in Cadmir, a city in Danis, and Prina is from its neighboring country of Moran. Supposedly, they have been searching for employment opportunities that fit their...venue of labor."
"And what exactly is this venue?" Melina inquired, crossing one leg over the other as she sat.
"Combat." Amelia answered immediately. "Well, I mean, I am technically also a priestess, so I can hold sermons and stuff...but, I'd much prefer combat."
The wicked smile that spread across her face had me wondering just what kind of sinister process the abbey was putting their members through.
"I am also combat-oriented," Prina muttered nervously. "But I...would love to work in the field of research and science, if you can...make something like that here."
I nodded my head as I rubbed my chin. The last sentence she said rang in my mind. A research and science center? In my estate? What a marvelous idea. As for the cleric…
"Very well. Now," I said, addressing them. "I will…"
I paused for a moment, my eyes darting over to my group of familiars. Before coming to a decision on this matter, perhaps it would be fair of me to confer with the others.
"...Discuss with my companions. If you wouldn't mind..."
I awkwardly waved both my hands away from the group, signalling for them to move away. As they went over to a spot a few dozen steps yonder and idled, I huddled close with my cohorts.
"What...do you guys think?" I inquired.
"They seem fine to me." Dedric remarked.
"Wait, what are you asking, Avon?" Melina questioned. "What do you intend to do with their presence?"
"Well," I responded. "If we're going to build up a township, we do need people to have a town."
"I agree with Avon." Henrik said, bolstered by a nodding Karina.
"Yes, but...just out of nowhere, right now?" Melina responded. I sighed through my nostrils, rubbing my chin in contemplation.
"I suppose you have a point." I conceded. "Well, we can prove their worth by employing them to help us, and their loyalty by testing it with time."
Melina still seemed unsure, her hand poised on her chin as she looked at the two standing a bit aways. I knew she would need a bit more convincing.
"Melina," I began. "I sincerely don't believe they have malic...bad intentions. I genuinely believe they are merely looking for work."
Melina's eyes crossed mine, and my heartbeat sped up for a mere moment once more.
"I suppose that's true." She conceded. "After all, it's not as if we have anything concrete set up yet."
I nodded my head fervently. I was most definitely ambitious, and so any addition to my current crew of comrades would be a welcome one to developing this town and establishing the beginning of my legacy.
"Question is," Dedric started. "How ya gonna pay them?"
I rubbed my chin for a few moments.
"I suppose I could always promise them a good standing and great payment in what will assuredly turn into a wonderful township, here."
"Uh...bug it, why not?" Dedric sighed.
Week 3, Day 6, Evening
There was a decent exchange of words between myself and the two travelers who had come upon me, as we hashed out the terms of their service and the bountiful rewards that I assured them of. Amelia was the more dominant and assertive speaker of the two, which Prina seemed fine with, though I was impressed by her subtle observations of certain words I spoke.
Once that was finished, we all receded to the tavern in the evening to fix our dinner, with Haedyr, Dedric and Karina handing over their hunting spoils to Melina.
A half hour passed as Melina, along with Prina, created a sizable course of meals, primarily meat with a few berries and some improvised seasoning. Most everyone was on edge at the idea of a combative chemist assisting in the cooking, but Melina assured them she would keep an eye on her, much to Prina's embarrassment.
I myself stood alongside Melina, taking lessons from her as she prepared the courses over the fire pit. We had to use some metal plates we found in storage and cleaned up, to prepare and cook the meats evenly.
Once the course was served, the air was filled with the delightful conversation shared by everyone in the tavern. There was no tension to be had, though naturally everyone was a bit guarded around the newcomers.
As I took a bite into the meat, I was shocked by the tenderness of it, and how it was still juicy despite being cooked on a literal plate. I glanced at Melina quickly, marveling at the skills she displayed by the minute. My affections for her only grew as time went on.
That aside, while I did not want to spoil the ambience, there was a growing question I had been thinking on for a while now. I looked to the two Lordsguard, who were exchanging words with Dedric and Haedyr.
"Henrik, Karina." I spoke, garnering their attention. They set their bowls aside, as did I.
"Since we've been together for a few days now, I think it's only fair to enlighten you of how I came here."
They nodded, showing their intent to listen.
"I'll keep it brief." I stated. "I came from nobility at another estate, in the country of Drakmenis and the Province of Gyrena. My father was the inherent lord of the Sevens Estate. I was the heir to his throne, and was being groomed to take over, but only a few weeks ago...Demons with red eyes came, sweeping over the estate and creating havoc, spilling blood and pilfering property. I had to flee, and now… I'm here. Attempting to claim this dilapidated place as my own."
I took a deep breath.
"It may be tedious, and slow, and there very well may be tragedy and miseries along the way, but I plan on rebuilding my broken legacy, no matter the cost. This will inevitably bring forth trouble and dangers from many places, and I must value my life if I am to fully carry out the extent of my mission. Thus…"
I gestured at them.
"I humbly ask to enlist you both as my personal Lordsguard, if you will give it consideration."
Their eyes widened slightly at my response, and for a minute, silence took hold of the air. I was momentarily afraid that I had offended them with the offer.
"...You've treated us well, Mister Avon." Henrik spoke up finally. "We've known you for a few days now, and you seem like an honest and determined man. You've fed us, given us work, and now you offer us a purpose to our lives once again, despite our terrible failures. Of course, we have no way of confirming your status of nobility, but personally I do not care about that any longer."
He stared out the window of the tavern.
"Once word gets out of our failure, as it should, our reputation as Lordsguard will be destroyed."
He bit his lower lip sourly.
"No sensible lord nor lady would dare hire Lordsguard that allowed their protectorate to die."
"That will not happen." I affirmed, and Henrik turned his eyes to me. "If no one speaks of what happened, your reputation will not be diminished."
Henrik smiled genuinely, something that unexpectedly warmed my heart to see. This poor man had been in a noticeable depression since the fight with the Rulks.
"While I am deeply grateful, that's not how it works, sir." Henrik said dejectedly. "Others knew of our allegiance to Lord Meris, especially his own family. All of the other lords he spoke with, their superiors, common citizenry...they will all know of our failure once they find out about his death."
His eyes came back towards me, this time filled with a brimming determination.
"But that doth not matter now."
With that said, he stood up suddenly from his seat, unsheathing his sword (which, I will admit, scared the living hell out of me), then turned the point downwards and planted it into the wooden floorboards, followed shortly by Karina.
"Lord Avon, we shall not fail our duties a second time, you have our undying word!" Henrik declared. "Although we are not worthy, I see that you must be protected, if your ambitions are to bear fruit!"
"We will protect you from all harm, or die doing so!" Karina also declared. I noticed Amelia and Prina eyeing the display with curiosity as they ate their meals.
I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that, in that moment, I felt powerful. On top of the five I had recruited to my cause, I now had two official guardsmen that just dedicated their lives to serving me. Albeit, it was more...dramatic than I had expected, but I didn't particularly mind. I really did wonder, however, just how easily things were going in my direction. I didn't think myself to have any particularly special 'charm', but I decided to ruminate over the matter another time.
"That aside, My Lord…" Henrik said, bringing his head up to speak. "Since you wish to rebuild this place, Karina and I wanted to pitch to you an idea I might have."
"Oh?"
He got up, followed by Karina. I was starting to see the teacher-student relationship here.
"We were thinking that Fortress Hershey, where we were trained, has the supplies and men necessary to help you build up your estate, as well as the commander who can authorize it. We could give that place a try and ask."
I nodded slowly. This was all coming together now.
"Very well. Let us rest, then, for tonight. We shall strike out at dawn to reach the fortress."
"We should be careful of which roads we take, though." Amelia said in between bites of cooked rabbit. My eyebrows furrowed in question.
"Why do you say that?" I asked.
"It may seem like much of a coincidence, but...I have heard many travelers warn of these same red-eyed beasts tearing their way up through the continent and heading northwest, towards this country."
I sat for a moment, comprehending the statement she made.
"I...beg your pardon?"
Her mood seemed to switch from casual to uneasy.
"Erm...I have heard word of these red-eyed beasts making their way up the continent-"
I got up from my seat, trying to quell the violent shaking all over my body.
"Please, excuse me for a moment."
I made a quick exit to the front of the tavern, feeling nauseous. I wasn't particularly sure where I was going until I looked up at the gleaming ruins of the keep, my haven. I stumbled up towards the keep, having consumed a more than decent amount of cheap wine and ale. And yet, my fears were not relieved in the slightest by the alcohol content.
I had to find a place of isolation.
I made my way through the keep, aiming for the cliffside where I could sit contentedly by the Belile.
Finally, as I emerged from the final door frame, I once more found myself staring out at the endless horizon of blue, complemented by a beautiful moonlight cast over the indifferent waves.
And yet, the feeling had not been shook. Of anger.
Why? Why did these filthy beasts have to continue cursing me with their mere existence? Was the razing of my home and life before not enough for these sickened rats? Why did I continue having to suffer these deranged, mindless animals, who wrought destruction to everything I loved and cherished, in thought and mind?!
My teeth clenched as my head was only filled with the image of those monsters. Those red eyes, gleaming with crazed mania-
"YOU FUCKING BASTARDS! BLACKENED, BILGERAT BASTARDS!" I shouted at the sea in explosive fury. "COME UPON MY LAND AND I WILL SPARE NO QUARTER OF YOU HEATHENOUS SLUGS! I'LL FLAY YOUR SKIN TO THE BONE AND DINE ON YOUR FLESH IN FRONT OF YOUR QUIVERING MASSES! I WILL STRING YOU UP AND WATCH IN DELIGHT WHILE YOU STARVE SLOWLY, AS YOUR RIBS STICK OUT FROM YOUR CHESTS OVER THE COURSE OF MONTHS, IN FRONT OF YOUR BEAST FAMILIARS! I WILL DOMESTICATE YOU IN CAGES AND INBREED YOU FOR GENERATIONS UNTIL I CAN PULL AROUND YOUR MENTALLY RETARDED OFFSPRING ON A LEASH! I WILL HUMILIATE, DESECRATE, AND EVISCERATE EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR, YOU FILTHY, FUCKING BEASTS!"
I ranted and raved for seconds, minutes, possibly hours, shouting and screaming the most vicious and profane curses and threats, spittle flying from my mouth as my face grew red. My mind had left me in that moment, instead filled with an undying wrath I had never known before.
And by the end of it, I could only cleanse my head with constant, maniacal laughter. For I realized I was running out of time.