Note: This will involve some minor characters from long before that comes back into the picture, so heads up for that. They may not be named, but they are characters that'll be reminded of later too.
Journey to Beiser
The town of Palo. Nestled on one side by the gentle sea and the firm bedrock of the Heavensway, the small, quaint town rested at the base of the once impenetrable, formerly unassailable, kingdom of Laurent.
A simple fishing town, they had no means of defense from monsters and the like, yet such things were not needed, for the strength of the amazons was enough to combat any threat. And in turn, an annual tax was set upon the town for their protection. Not too high, yet there was a price. A fair one, however, as all agreed, as long as their housing and income weren't heavily impacted, they could spare some lucre.
Though now, everything had changed.
Throughout the streets stood natives of the desert, watching over the town as if they were wardens over prisoners. Buildings were observed with sharpened eyes; anyone out wandering the streets made sure to not look any of the trained bandits in the eyes, going on their way under their watchful, piercing gaze. Those brave (or foolish, depending on whom you asked) few that had searched those eyes found nothing but darkness. They were empty and devoid of life, as if they were little more than walking corpses. Many places were still open but were relatively quiet; those out visiting them either out of desperation or they had worked up the courage to go out and try and present themselves as unafraid of the desert invaders. The mainly active area in Palo was that of the local tavern, which held several raiders, both guarding the place and partaking in the spoils. Inside, several of them occupied the table and helped themselves to the food and drinks there, though aside from this, there was no indication that these people were human.
One particular worker was pondering which one she preferred. "Hey!" though, at the moment, she thought the quiet ones were better. "Refill!"
She rolled her eyes. "Coming!" she went over to where she was called and quickly refilled the mug with fresh beer, going over to yet another table demanding a refill. Indeed, things had gone downhill fast. And what she was wearing...well, personally, if not for the unsavory invaders around her, she wouldn't have minded that much, yet if her aunt Alma saw her in this, "Eep!" much less the few that got a little too 'handsy' with her, her aunt probably would've burnt the place down with all of these thieves in here. There were no people that were actual natives to the town here, the Nevarlans having driven them out, their very presence a discouragement to even come here at night. And those that already worked here weren't exactly treated the best, another slap on her rump reminding her of that fact again.
There was only one that she didn't feel was too horrible, and what a cute thing like him was doing with these fiends was beyond her. A short, cat-like creature with purple fur and a large sack on his back was stationed outside in the streets. She had tried to get some word out of him, yet he said nothing, just staring at the ground all day, his eyes glazed over and dead as his more human companions. Still, she sensed that there was something else behind those eyes. It looked almost like he was sad about something.
Yet she wasn't here out of desperation for money or loyalty to the establishment. No, she was here for a higher purpose.
It hadn't been too long since they first invaded, yet the natives of the desert nation made quick work of laying claim to all that the once-great kingdom of Laurent controlled. The citadel had been overtaken, and with that, Palo not long after. Rumors abound that the amazons were killed, including the king's entire family. Though some claimed to have seen Princess Riesz escape on a ship sailing out, that in itself was just a rumor, or as some said around here, a false hope. Yet she knew the truth. It was no false hope. However, she had no idea what had happened to her after that. She had retreated to the base when those two men had chased her when she brought her Princess and captain to the ship. With them out of the way now, thanks to their front line 'defense,' she could come down here and scope out for some 'information.' Something that would let them back into the citadel, no, but one had to start somewhere. She had heard hints and tips from the loosened lips of some of the drunken patrons. Something related to the Mana Stone, which already gave her something to tell those back at the base, and how they were planning to acquire those that belonged to all corners of the world.
Though one detail eluded her, according to some whispers she heard, just finding the stone wasn't enough. Something had to be done to release its power fully. What that was, she didn't know, though whenever she thought of it, she felt her blood run cold.
Thankfully, a short while later, her shift was over. She left the tavern, and while she was glad that work was done, she didn't necessarily like the trip "home." Her outfit didn't protect her from the night air, yet she couldn't be seen in anything else here. So she had to blend in as much as possible.
Just then, she bumped into someone and fell to the ground.
Opening her mouth to speak to whomever she bumped into, her mouth ran dry upon seeing the figure towering over her and looking dead ahead. He appeared to be a knight with the blackest armor and an even darker complexion, unable to see any flesh underneath his visor. His eyes glowed as if they were violet fire, and he stood utterly still, with no subtle motions, not even that of breathing. He wasn't with those of Nevarl; she knew that much. And, for that matter, it wouldn't surprise her if he wasn't of this world. "Um...hello?" she said, finally getting her tongue to work. "Can I help you?"
The knight said nothing, it being the dead of night, and aside from a sparse few, she and he were the only two people out on the streets. He didn't pay her any mind, his focus seemingly on something or somewhere far beyond here. And after a few long, tense moments of him merely standing still and staring outward, he began to move, walking forward without any care or consideration for who would possibly get in his way, of which, luckily, there were none.
She needed to tell her aunt and everyone about this.
Valsena
His head felt like it was splitting open.
He did everything from rubbing his temples to trying to hurl, yet nothing seemed to help. Yet if there was any consolation, he wasn't experiencing this pain alone. The thief that had been his drinking partner was also in agony, having massaged his temples for what had to have been how many times. The beastman, to both of their dismay, had no such symptoms. So just how resilient was this guy?
"What's wrong?" Kevin questioned, confused as to what was wrong with the other two.
"Please." Hawkeye moaned. "No loud noises, please." Kevin still didn't entirely understand yet complied, keeping his volume down. So far, he was feeling fine.
Suddenly, a knock at the door and Duran and Hawkeye recoiled from the sound. Kevin was still bewildered at the effects the alcohol had on them, yet nevertheless, he went and opened the door. "Is everyone ready?" Angela asked, only to see the two other young men; she smirked at them. "Too much for you two?" she asked.
"Oh, shut up." Duran got out before another pang in his head took him.
"Well, it serves you right." Riesz lectured. "What were you two thinking?!"
"If I recall, YOU also took a few swings yourself." the thief moaned, the amazon's cheeks flushing in response out of embarrassment. He had her there.
"What's wrong with them?" Kevin asked.
Duran said nothing and just began packing. The day had come, and they needed to head out. Just then, everyone was aware that someone else was there. Coming through the small group of three girls, Aunt Stella came in with two cups of strange liquid, eyeing the two young men. "I knew that something would be up when you went last night," she said, disappointment in her voice, yet it seemed she expected such. She then looked at Kevin. "Good thing you have a high tolerance; otherwise, one of you would be out of one of these."
Duran seemed to know what it was and swiped it from the woman's hand. "What's that?" Hawkeye groaned.
"Don't ask what's in it." the soldier said. "Just drink."
At this point, he was willing to try near anything. Both of them gulped the contents down and immediately recoiled at the taste. Even if Duran was more familiar with it, it was always a struggle to get it down.
"BLEUGH!" Hawkeye cried out. "What IS that?!"
"That's a secret," Stella said, somewhat satisfied. "Don't plan on getting wasted anywhere else because this will be a long way away from any of your lips soon."
Later
Disgusting as it was, it worked. In mere minutes, the splitting headaches were completely gone. It was a good thing, too, for the group of six had been summoned to the throne of King Richard so he could bid them farewell. Duran approached the throne, Faerie emerging from him, along with the two Elementals.
"So...I suppose it is time," Richard said with a sigh.
"...guess so," Duran replied much the same. But, while his decision had been made, the apprehension hadn't left him.
"I understand what you're feeling. I do." Richard answered, getting up from his throne and placing a hand on the young man's shoulder. "This is not a task that many would take up. Let alone one that anyone wishes to."
"But it still has to be done, doesn't it?" Duran said. Richard was unable to construct an argument against it. "Otherwise…" he lowered his head.
Richard then looked to the other five. "And if what many of you say is true, then it isn't just Altena that will be marching on the other places of the world." even now, a part of him still refused to believe that Valda could be behind such a thing. And her daughter. The fact she even had a daughter still baffled him. Could it have also been? No, it wasn't appropriate. Not now. "From here, I advise that you follow Domperi's advice and make your way to Laurent. Find Sylphid as soon as you can."
"I've never been there," Riesz suddenly spoke up. "But my father, when Laurent was officially established, built a shrine for Sylphid that lies midway between Laurent and Palo on the Heavensway." she continued. "It's also where the Mana Stone is said to be located."
"That doesn't surprise, " Lumina said. "We kinda don't go too far away from those darned things. Sort of part of the job."
"Never liked them," Gnome added. "Don't know why the Goddess didn't just up and smash those things when she could."
Lumina shushed him. "We were both in trouble, so that Sylphid might be having a hard time too."
"Then, we should get going, right?" Angela asked. "I mean...this IS important, right?" her impatience was evident, yet ultimately, she was right.
"Indeed." Richard agreed. He turned his eyes to Duran. "I can't keep you here for much longer." he then brushed away some hair from the young man's face, observing and studying all his features, just like his father. Then, to everyone's surprise, especially that of Duran, the king took him in an embrace.
"Y-Your Majesty?" Duran could barely believe what was happening, yet nonetheless, it just felt wrong to try and push the older man off of him. How long he was held there, he didn't know, yet it seemed like an eternity before he was finally released. King Richard only looked down at him as if he were trying to keep tears from falling.
"You all have my blessing," he said, voice wavering. "All I ask is that you…" he began but paused. "No. It...it's too much to ask."
"What is it?" Duran asked, yet Richard shook his head.
"Nothing." the king said again. "You had best make sure you are fully prepared before you go." he then sat back down. "You are all dismissed." Everyone looked at each other, then back to Valsena's king.
"Majesty…" Duran sighed, yet a wave of Richard's hand told him all he needed to know. He turned back to everyone else. "Come on," he said, everyone soon filing out of the throne room. The young man turned back one last time, his eyes locking with Richard's. Tears were threatening to spill out, yet he and His Majesty could do nothing to stop this now. Finally, with a heavy sigh, Duran turned away and exited the room, leaving the king on his lonesome.
At the City's Exit
"So...I suppose it's time," Stella said, Wendy by her side.
"You have to go again?" the small girl said, clearly upset.
Duran averted his gaze for a moment. "Unfortunately, yes," he answered, lowering himself to one knee to bring himself to Wendy's level.
"No!" Wendy cried out, holding her brother. "I won't let you go! You didn't even say goodbye last time!"
Duran felt a pang of guilt. Indeed, while his resolve to at least go in his home until his task was complete remained, he acknowledged that perhaps he could've at least waited until morning to depart last time. "I'm sorry, Wendy," he told her, hugging her back. "But...it has to be this way."
"Why?" she protested.
"Just...because." Faerie then emerged from him, flying near the small girl.
"Don't worry," she told her. "I'll be here to keep him in check."
"And it's not like he's going on his own." Angela then spoke up, surprising Duran that she, of all people, would. "We'll be there to keep him out of trouble."
"Hey, speak for yourself." Duran shot back, Angela sticking her tongue out at him.
"She is correct, though." Riesz then spoke up. "We all have the same goal, so we shall be accompanying each other." she then put her hand on her chest. "And as both Crown Princess and Captain of the Amazon Guard, I swear by my titles that I shall do everything in my power to see this quest through."
"I second that," Hawkeye added.
"Me too." Kevin nodded.
"I guess that makes me thwee?" Charlotte asked.
Stella chuckled at that, though it still didn't make what she had to do. She approached her nephew and took him in her arms. "You had BETTER come back to me in one piece," she whispered to him. "Otherwise, I'll drag you back myself."
Duran didn't speak at first, contemplating his words. "I…" he stammered, far from liking how he presented himself. "I don't…" he stopped himself. "I will." he finally got out, though it was abrupt and quick. "I'll come back. That's a promise."
"No, it's a fact," Stella replied, finally releasing him after a few moments, though it was clear it was the last thing she wanted to do.
Suddenly, the other five were surprised at what they saw, Duran looking over his aunt's shoulder and Stella and Wendy turning to see King Richard and a small entourage of soldiers approaching the party. "Majesty?" Duran questioned, taken aback by his sudden appearance.
"Forgive the intrusion," Richard began. "But I couldn't simply let you go without sending you off myself." the soldiers with him gave a salute. Then, he handed him a rather heavy bag; it was clear what it was.
"M-Majesty." Duran was flabbergasted. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Richard answered. "And I won't take no for an answer."
Duran felt a slight nudge from behind, the culprit being Hawkeye. He gave a slight growl yet couldn't deny that it was free money, not to mention a gift from His Majesty. With that, Duran ultimately accepted. "Thank you, Sire," he said. "It shall be used well."
"I trust it will be," Richard answered. "Well…" he began, hitching his breath. "This is where we part." he approached his soldier and placed a hand on his shoulder. Back not a short time before, he found it inappropriate to ask such a thing of him, yet now, when he genuinely left the king's sight, he couldn't help himself. "I second your aunt's demand," he said. "Return to us, alive and intact."
Duran was silent for a moment yet ultimately nodded. "I swear by my father's name," he said. "I shall return."
An extended period of silence fell between everyone there. Richard found his eyes traveling to Angela, observing her features. Indeed, she was Valda's daughter. Yet the father...could it be...no. Now was not the time. With a long, heavy sigh, the king finally spoke again. "Goodbye. For now."
Duran nodded in acknowledgment. "Yeah. For now."
Another long period of silence followed before Duran began to move, everyone else following suit, making their way, albeit slowly, out of the city's gates. When they had gotten a short distance, Duran stopped and looked back, Faerie placing a hand on his shoulder. However, the eyes of those he had left behind still watched him go, and he knew he had to turn away. Otherwise, he'd never be able to go. Thus, with a swift turn of his head, he looked forward at the rest of his companions, some familiar and some just met, and then, one foot in front of the other, made a mad dash away.
Beiser
The wound had begun to heal, yet he still needed to be careful. Any rash movements caused him pain. All he needed to do was get to the ship and find a nice place to lay low; then, things could get back on track.
He wasn't sure whether he was being hunted or not, yet he wouldn't put it past Richard's forces to do so. Those he had brought with him were most likely taken prisoner or dead, and frankly, he had no intention of doing any of those. Not that any cell could hold him. And his magic was the most powerful in the world! Only being surpassed by that of his 'benefactor'.
Of whom he couldn't go back to. Not now.
He couldn't afford to let 'him' know of his failure to acquire Valsena. Laurent would be one thing, but Valsena...he would have a rather sizable punishment awaiting him should he return now. Come, boy. he could hear the shadowy figure say in his mind. Come and take your punishment like a man. But, then again, you're not a man, are you? You're just a boy.
"No…"
A pathetic boy.
"No…"
A pathetic, magic-less boy.
"No!"
He slammed his fist down on the stony ground, realizing that he had perhaps given himself away. Currently, he was hiding behind a collection of crates ready to be shipped to Palo. Once he got on the ship, he'd be heading right there and, in turn, to Laurent. If fortune was with him, that soulless shell of a man garbed in armor hadn't made it too far ahead of him. He had to get credit for something in operation at least. The ship wouldn't take off yet, it set to sail at dawn, and it was already midday. And even though his encounters with them had been few, he suspected that those six, at least that boy and his "dear" Princess, wouldn't be too far behind.
Golden Road
"So, this Crimson Wizard is what prompted you to go on your initial journey?" Riesz asked, Duran in turn nodding.
"And I swore I wouldn't come home until he falls by my hand." the young man answered. "Though...it seems I had to break that promise already."
"But with the Mana Sword, you'll be the greatest swordsman in the world!" Faerie remarked. "And there IS the matter of saving the world and all…."
"I see…" Riesz said, then turned to Angela. "And you?"
"Well, I was told to go to Wendel by a friend." the sorceress answered. "I mean...I'm already a great magician." she attested. "But like him," she gestured to Duran. "I wanted to improve my skills. And if finding the Mana Spirits helps in that, then fine."
"That's the perfect way to hone your skills!" Faerie said, Lumina and Gnome emerging.
"Yep! I know that the others are probably dying to get out and stretch their legs!" the Light Spirit said. "Uh, so to speak." he then said, noting his lack of limbs.
"It may be home, but I like to get out of the mountain once in a while." Gnome agreed. "And hey, it'd be nice to see everyone again. Even if it's only been nineteen years."
Angela then grew quiet. "You're not new to this, are you?" both spirits shook their heads. "Tell me then, did you travel with my mother?"
"You're...Valda's daughter, right?" Gnome asked. "I remember her. Pretty lady."
"Very." Lumina agreed. "Why?"
"How...was she?" the Princess asked. "As in...well, what was she like?"
Both Mana Spirits were somewhat confused by what she was getting at. Yet, given what had transpired in Valsena, perhaps they could give some insight into the situation. "Valda seemed like a rather nice young lady," Lumina told Angela. "She was a little shy, a little withdrawn. Only because the poor thing lost her mother so suddenly and quickly."
"I remember how Richard would never leave her side," Gnome added. "Everyone else was beginning to wonder if the two were...well, you know." He chuckled. "I remember Loki giving him so much grief over it that the poor man's face turned red! Haha!" Despite the attempt to add some fun, it seemed it did not affect them, as Angela only continued to look sullen. Nonetheless, there was a spark of hope in her eyes.
"So then it is true," she muttered to herself. "Koren DOES have something to do with this. But all those years before...before he became her advisor...could he have...so long ago?"
"What was that, hun?" Lumina asked.
"Nothing. It's not important." Angela said, clearly wishing to get on another subject. "Anyway," she then turned to Charlotte. "What's a kid like you doing out here?"
"I'm not a kid." Charlotte retorted, huffing. "But...I'm hewe for a fwiend. Heath." she glanced up at Kevin, the two sharing that particular element in common. "He was taken away by a cweepy guy, and I gotta save him." she found it difficult to continue, feeling her emotions getting to her. "And Gwandpa...he said I had to come and find you," she pointed to Duran. "He said that he saw me with five othew people, and one of them would get the Mana Swowd," she explained, yet turned to Faerie. "But...how's that gonna hewp me save Heath?"
"Well," the winged woman pondered her answer for a moment. "I don't know...but,"
"Wait." Kevin interrupted. "Was he the same one in Wendel? The jester?" Charlotte's blue eyes widened. She nodded. "So…" he then muttered. "It wasn't enough for you to take Karl away…."
"The Mana Goddess, and subsequently, the sword can bring your friend back," Faerie told Kevin, his anger dying.
"And if it can do that...it can save Heath, wight?" the blonde girl asked.
"Y-Yes. Of course." the winged woman answered, unsure what to say.
"And I trust that sword can undo any curse, right?" Hawkeye then spoke up.
"Of course." Faerie nodded.
Duran then turned to the thief. "I wasn't aware that Nevarl was the one that invaded Laurent."
Hawkeye averted the passing gaze Riesz gave. "Unfortunately, it's not something I'm proud of. But," he continued. "This act doesn't represent Nevarl or Flamekhan's guild!"
"Flamekhan?" Riesz's voice rose, growing serious. "You mentioned nothing of him."
The thief seemed surprised. "What about him?"
The amazon was befuddled. "You...don't know about his contribution to the Peddan War?"
"I know that he was involved in it," Hawkeye confessed. "But what he did...he never told me." he was about to say 'or Eagle or Jessica' but resigned from letting that part out.
Riesz was quiet for a long while, the trip to Brasier having stopped. "So...I assume that you've never heard the name...Olbex either, yes?"
"I'm not getting you, Riesz; what's this about?" the blonde young woman averted her blue eyes for a moment before turning back to him and everyone else.
"It doesn't matter," she said plainly. "Besides, it's not as if he's here to tell the tale himself. Or his subordinate." she then said under her breath.
"Hey, I've been wondering," Angela then spoke up. "How did your friend get cursed?" it was brief, just there for a second, yet she could've sworn that Hawkeye's eyes filled with fear.
"That witch Isabella did it," Hawkeye answered quickly.
"Yeah, I know that, but why?"
Again, he answered quickly. "She's set an entire country against another. Does she need a reason to start putting curses on people?"
Angela queried a brow. "Well...no. But-"
"Then I don't see any point in discussing it any further." He began walking ahead of everyone.
"H-Hey! Wait! I'm not done-" Angela protested, yet found Kevin grabbing her shoulder. She turned to him, and he looked at her with sympathetic eyes, shaking his head. "What's got him all worked up?"
Riesz then stepped forward. "His friend is dead."
Angela drew into herself, then looked to the now distant Hawkeye. "I...I didn't mean to…."
"How?" Charlotte asked, quite disheartened by this news.
"He didn't say." the amazon answered. "I couldn't get many details out of him." he looked at the distant thief, eyeing him. "Yet...I suppose he shall reveal the details when he's ready." there was more to it, she knew. And it seemed everyone else reached the same conclusion. But ultimately, whatever details pertained to that subject were under lock and key for now. However, Riesz couldn't help but ponder as to why.
The grassy plains steadily disappeared as more barren, and rocky terrain took its place. They were drawing closer to the bridge. Yet it was then that Duran and Angela realized.
"Wait!" Duran shouted. "C-Crap! The bridge!"
"What about...it." Hawkeye began but trailed off when they reached the gap. A gap with no way to pass over. Unless they wanted to do some major rock climbing.
"Oh yeah...that," Angela said aloud, biting her lip. "Um...so...what now?"
"Look no further!" everyone nearly jumped out of their skin at the sound of the sudden, boisterous cry. Then, turning around, everyone's eyes widened as they saw what appeared to be a giant cannon being pulled on a platform with wheels by a short, stout man sporting a rather large, brown mustache. How he was pulling it by himself escaped everyone, yet the sight of it made everyone nervous.
Angela and Duran jumped back. "Y-You!" the soldier shouted. "How did you get all the way here from Maia?!"
"Huh? Oh! Haha!" the small man laughed. "You must mean my brother! I'm Von Jour! I saw you this morning and spent all day trying to catch up to you!" he exclaimed. "And unlike him, I've got a BETTER and more PRACTICAL use for a cannon!" he then gestured to his own 'masterpiece.' "This one can be transported! And no need for those parachutes either! I can calculate a safe distance to where no one has to worry about broken bones or unexpected death!" he said with pride. He then raised his brows as if trying to indicate that he was telling them what they needed to hear.
Angela immediately shook her head. "No. No way. No, no, no, no, no!" she crossed her arms. "I am NOT going into one of those things again!"
Duran looked uncomfortable looking at the cannon. It was smaller than Bon Voyage's. Otherwise, the small guy wouldn't have been able to transport it at all, though he wasn't sure if his words could be trusted. He seemed just as insane and unhinged as his brother. Hell, he looked just like him too! He just supposed insanity was a genetic trait in the family.
"Um...we only need to get across the gap, good sir." Riesz then spoke up.
"Oh, no problem!" Von Jour said. "I've got you covered!" He slapped the cannon, winced as he hit it too hard. "Course, you'll have to go one at a time…but it can be done!"
Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to do next.
"Well, I, for one, am NOT being shot out again." Angela huffed.
"We don't have much choice, though, do we?" Riesz responded. "Frankly, I'm no fan of taking a trip in that thing either," she gestured to the cannon, grimacing. "Yet we must get across."
No one seemed able to protest her words; she had spoken the unfortunate truth. The only thing was, who was going to go first?
Beiser
The wound was just about healed, but it would undoubtedly be sore for some time. Should he make his move now or later? He could recline below deck, yet he wasn't about to risk being caught. For now, the best option was to wait until the ship disembarked, then sneak aboard-
"Excuse me? Sir?"
What the? Damn! He had been spotted! Looking up, the blonde sorcerer saw a young man indeed not much older or younger than that wild-haired soldier. His hair was around the same color, only far shorter and not as fanned out. He wore a brown vest and deep blue top underneath, brown gloves, beige trousers, and a pair of brown boots. "I wasn't here." Koren hissed, lifting his hand threateningly, energy pouring out from it. "You didn't see me. Unless you and everyone in this town want to be eliminated."
Though instead of fright, the young man seemed to be ecstatic to the wizard's dismay. "Oh wow! You...you're a...you're one of them!"
Koren was bewildered at his company's reaction. "What?"
"A...a wizard! Or a sorcerer! Or...or someone like that!" the young man exclaimed.
"What are you-" he was cut off by the young man grabbing him and dragging him off the ground, causing him a good amount of pain.
"This is fantastic! Simply fantastic! You've GOT to come over to my place!"
"Wh-What?! Let go of me you-" Koren was unable to get anything else out before he was dragged forward, unable to protest much due to his wound.
"I'm Matelo, by the way!"
"Charmed. Now-" again, Koren was able to get nothing out more than a groan as he was pulled closer and closer to a nearby home, not knowing what was worse: the fact a madman had laid hand on him or the fact he couldn't just zap him into oblivion due to not wishing to draw attention to himself.
His fate was sealed.
Golden Road
"Never again." Angela proclaimed, still trying to dust the powder off herself. "Never, ever, EVER again!"
Charlotte was about to speak but instead coughed, a puff of black smoke coming out. "That...hack! That was wowse than Spwingy!"
"It's hereditary, I'm telling you." Duran coughed. "Almost every member of their family is insane!"
"Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad," Hawkeye said, dusting himself off.
"Speak for yourself." Riesz moaned, having landed on her rear when she was sent over the gap, wincing as she moved along.
"How much further is Beiser?" Kevin asked, standing tall and trying not to let the pain in his back get to him.
"I think it's past Maia," Duran answered. "Which means we have a good way to walk ahead of us."
"And do you think there will be a ship ready for us?" Riesz questioned, obviously more than a little eager to get to Palo.
"I...don't know," Duran said. "All I can say is, don't hold your breath."
"Y-Yes. Of course. I apologize." the amazon looked despondent at this news, yet still, they had yet to reach the town, so perhaps there was still a glimmer of hope.
Just then, Hawkeye's eyes lit up. "Wait...we're going to Beiser?"
Duran was confused. "Yeah. Why?"
"Oh, this is fantastic!" the thief then cried out. Everyone was confused by his sudden excitement. "The Night Market there!"
"Night Market?" Angela questioned, interest peaked. Even the others seemed interested as to what he was talking about.
"Surely you've heard of it!" he turned to Duran. "It's only the most famous area in this part of the world!"
Duran thought for a moment. "Oh yeah. I think I DID hear something about that being around here." The truth was, anything outside of Valsena, he had little care for. The inner workings of the kingdom were all that he cared about. At least before all of this happened. "But what about it?"
"What about it?" Hawkeye said, exasperated. "It's only the greatest hot spot around!" he exclaimed. "You can find almost anything there! And from all corners of the world too!"
"Well...that sounds fascinating," Riesz answered. "Unfortunately, we don't have time for such things. We must get to Palo as soon as possible." she then quickened her walking speed, going in front of everyone.
Beiser
How did he get into this situation?
"So...tell me about yourself," Matelo said eagerly, he and Koren sitting at the table in the main den. "Where are you from? How'd you get here? What's your favorite color?" the maniacal youth went on and on, the wizard just about ready to burn him to mere cinders. Still, he had to restrain himself. The last thing he needed was people rushing over to see why this person's house suddenly erupted into flames.
"My name remains with me," he said plainly. "And as to why I'm here, that remains with me."
Despite this answer, Matelo seemed undeterred. "I knew it! You're here on a secret mission, aren't you? Like, you work for someone and are here on business."
'Damn.' Koren thought. Despite the young man's fanaticism, his intuition was something to be both admired and reviled.
"So, what are you doing here?" Matelo asked.
"Again, that remains with me." the sorcerer answered. "What interest is it of yours?"
"Well, none, I guess." the youth answered. "But...but I must know!" He drew uncomfortably close to Koren. "You encapsulate all that I've devoted my life to!"
"Wh-What?"
In a flash, Matelo disappeared, coming back with a plethora of books, all, surprisingly enough, magical tomes and spellbooks. "The supernatural, the unnatural, the occult, all things otherworldly are my life!"
"Magic isn't exactly otherworldly where I come from-"
"I've been trying to accomplish the simple act of delving into these things for years! And now that I have an actual informant for such things, I can't simply let this opportunity pass me by!" he then took Koren's hands in his own. "Teach me, master! I'm begging you! I'll do anything!"
The Crimson Wizard was left speechless. Just what was with this guy? He was insane! "I have no time for this!" he retorted, jerking his hands away from Matelo's. "I have a business to attend to and have no time to deal with the likes of you-ah!" he was cut off by the pain in his chest, the damned wound having not healed entirely.
"What's wrong?" Matelo asked, then he noticed how the area he was holding appeared to be rather wet. Reaching, he brushed his fingers on the cloth to see bright red. "Oh Goddess, what happened?"
"That's...not your concern." Koren snarled. He would have to draw out the blood from his robes, yet that was the least of his worries at the moment. "I must...ah!"
"Hold on." Matelo. "You're not in any shape to be going anywhere."
"Don't be ridiculous." the wizard growled. "I have more important things to do than…" he began to make his way to the door, yet Matelo blocked the way.
"You're not going anywhere," he said. "Nowhere but upstairs in bed."
"You can't be serious," Koren said, clutching his chest.
"I'm dead serious." the young man said. "I can't just let a grand being such as yourself fall dead on me!"
"Get out of my way, or I shall burn you to ashes!" a ball of fire formed in his hand. True, he wasn't planning on doing anything, mainly to not draw attention to himself, yet perhaps he could get away with sending one person to their grave. Not like anyone would miss this nut.
"W-Wait!" Matelo cried out, putting up his hands. "What do you need? I can get you whatever you want!"
"What could you possibly have to offer me?"
"Anything you want!" the young man told him. "I can get anything! I mean it!" he pleaded. "The Night Market's tonight!"
The fireball diminished. "Night Market?"
"Yes! It's a thing we have here in Beiser!" Matelo answered. "They've got stuff from everywhere in the world! Not to mention a bunch of magical items!"
Koren raised a brow. "Magical items?"
"Yeah!" Matelo said, seemingly forgetting his peril. "I've got an entire collection of everything from Molebear Claws to Bulette Scales! I've got an entire box if you want to see-"
"No," Koren said firmly. "But," he pondered his following words carefully. He looked down to his wound, then to the young man. "You may have just bought yourself your life."
Note: Going back and editing all these chapters. I added an A/N here. This is a placeholder. Read and review, please! Thank you!
