Chapter 14
The sound of metal clashing rang. In a town resembling a port town, buildings were destroyed and burning. Human soldiers were fighting weird mud creatures. Outside the port, ships catapulted boulders, and fireballs rain down. The human army fought fiercely; many magical spells clashed with the mud creatures. Soon, a ship began to get close, and when it docked, soldiers in heavy armor disembarked and began their attack against the human forces.
"Sir, we can't hold on any longer!" a soldier says to someone on horseback. This was someone in charge. The captain greeted his teeth. "Retreat!" he shouted. A horn was blown, and many human soldiers began to retreat. On the streets, many innocent civilians, young and old, man or woman, lay dead. Many soldiers also lay dead.
As soon as the human army began retreating, more ships approached the port. Once they docked, many soldiers began to disembark, and supplies were also brought down. "Captain, we have again successfully taken another town, " a soldier told another. The person was tall, and his skin color was slightly blue. He looked human, with pointy ears and horns on his head.
"Once we reinforce, begin the next step. General Musashi will be here soon. The next town will be no problem." The soldier nodded and left to relay the message. The captain looked at the burning town and sneered. He returned to his quarters. In town, the soldiers quickly clean everything late into the night.
Meanwhile, in Ivory Springs, in the inn where Beowulf and Adolpha were staying, Adolpha was talking about herself. She wanted to repay the kindness the owner showed her. When they first met, Beowulf and Adolpha were cautious of everyone. The owner of the inn, Cynthia Borrows, also known as Madam, offered them help. Madam was an advocate of helping others, especially slaves.
Like she always did, Madam helped them. Madam knew the suffering they had endured. Madam had also shared her own life. Adolpha and Beowulf learned she, too, was a slave before. Once this was revealed, Adolpha felt she could be trusted. Adolpha had stated who she was: the daughter of the chief of the Gray Wolf clan.
"Alarick of Gray is my father, and Sierra of White is my mother," Adolpha said. This stunned those listening; they were staff members working at the inn. They had to stay clean and hope to hear something new. Many knew both clans were powerful. Adolpha felt sad saying this. Beowulf asked if she wanted to stop. Adolpha shook her head.
Adolpha began to talk about herself; she said she lived in a peaceful village. "My father is a strong and caring chief. My mother…" Adolpha hesitated. My mother cared for us, me and my brother. I have an older brother. My brother's name is Ardolph. He wants to be as strong as father." Adolpha's expression was full of smiles.
Beowulf stared at her. This was something he already knew. Adolpha talked about her life in the village and how everyone was friendly. She talked about getting into fights with her brother. This made the room laugh. "What a tomboy," one of the waitresses said. Beowulf held back from laughing. Adolpha felt embarrassed.
"Everything changed after I discovered my powers," Adolpha said in a serious tone. Adolpha recounted that day. "My brother Ardolph and I wanted to find something to give our father. We had a hard time figuring out what." Adolpha continued. "We snuck out of the village and headed into the forest.
The Gray Wolf Clan lives in a mountain area near a forest. Ardolph, with weapons in hand, said they would hunt a deer and offer it to his father. Adolpha rejected that idea, and they got into an argument. They persisted into the forest, looking for something. After a while, they were near a lake they had always visited.
Adolpha was tired and wanted to rest. She saw some flowers and sat near them. Ardolph tried to look manly and mocked her for being weak. Ardolph left Adolpha alone and went back into the forest. After a while, Adolpha noticed he was gone, and she panicked. Soon, the roar of a large creature scared her. "Ardolph!"
From the forest, Ardolph ran out. "Adolpha, run!" Behind him, a giant bear beast followed. Adolpha was too scared to move. Ardolph shouted again to her to run. Adolpha trembled as she called his name. Ardolph turned to the beast and drew Mana. He tried to cast something but was unable." The beast attacked; Ardolph dodged but got his arm scratched.
Ardolph screamed, which terrified Adolpha; she began to howl. The beast heard her and went to attack her. "Idiot…" Ardolph ran towards her. He took her hand, and they fled. The beast then shot out something. A blast of wind hit the ground near them, causing them to fall. The beast stood above them. Ardolph pulled out an ax and prepared himself while defending Adolpha.
The beast lifts its giant paw and strikes. Ardolph closes his eyes. Adolpha's eyes glowed, and suddenly, a flash of light shone. The beast was blinded; a light barrier surrounded them when they opened their eyes. The beast shakes its head and continues attacking. Ardolph looks at Adolpha. "I saw Ardolph looking scared. The last thing I remember was hearing howling."
Adolpha explained that she later woke up in the village. Her worried mother was by her side. Everyone had a severe expression. Madam looked at Adolpha with concerned eyes. In this world, everyone uses magic. Among the magic, two affiliations are rare to other races. One of the two is even rarer in different races.
Light and dark, these types of magic were known to be easily used by elves. Dark magic used by another race meant something special, but light magic, on the other hand, was a blessing. It was said that many fought to attain someone who could use light magic. Hearing this, Madam thought about it. Beowulf confirms Adolphe's words.
He told them he saw a light when fighting a giant snake. This surprised those who hadn't heard about Adolpha and Beowulf living on an island. "I see; this would explain why Lord Micheal used whatever means to kidnap you." Adolpha continued by saying that they got scolded by their father. "After hearing what happened, my father went to see the seer."
Adolpha then said she was under strict watch for a while and later talked about her powers. Her parents were concerned; few things about light magic were known, and the elves did not like to share with others. Their worries continued because they knew the dangers of influential people finding out.
Madam had many thoughts. "If everything you said is true, then child, I couldn't be happier. I hope you can reunite with your family." Adolpha became tearful and ran to hug her. Everyone smiled at this scene. Beowulf stares at Adolpha, crying. "I will keep my promise and ensure you make it home."
Adolpha didn't say much after that because it had become late. Madam, send everyone home. Adolpha was also sent back to her room. Before Beowulf went back, Madam spoke to him. "Beowulf, tomorrow you will have some time off. Go and prepare to leave." Madam handed Beowulf a bag; coins were inside it. Beowulf looked at her and thanked her.
Beowulf returned to the room where Adolpha and Adolphus were sleeping. He walked towards the window and looked outside. Torches lighted the city out in the distance. He then stared at Adolpha and Adolphus and smiled. He went and lay beside them. The following morning, Beowulf went to the town. Adolpha accompanied him along with Adolphus.
Once they entered, it was already busy. They first decided to look at traveling bags or backpacks. Adolpha still had some fear about being close to others. Beowulf comforted her. Madam had given them a significant amount of money. Before they left, Madam had told Beowulf something. "Remember to take her to a nice place to eat."
Once they had bags and backpacks, they went to buy some essential supplies and then took a break. Adolpha wanted to try the food from the stalls. Adolpha had not visited the town much. As they ate, Beowulf noticed the soldiers. Beowulf then heard a boy shouting something. "Ladies and gentlemen, news from the front lines. Another town has fallen…" The boy repeated what he said. He was carrying newspapers.
Beowulf's expression changed. He didn't want Adolpha to feel worried, so he smiled. Once they were full, they continued shopping. They walked and passed near a shop they had previously been to. In this shop, the seller sold him a map. The shop owner saw Beowulf and instantly became scared. He tried to avoid looking at him.
Beowulf shot him a glance. The shop owner freaks out and closes early. Beowulf, confused, leaves. They then head to a blacksmith. Upon entering, Beowulf browses. An assistant walks towards him and asks about what he is looking for. Beowulf answers. "I am looking for a short sword."
The assistant shows him various short swords. Beowulf grabs them and feels them. The assistant offers to adjust the handle. "If you find something you like, we can also make adjustments." After asking some questions, Beowulf decides to buy it. He will also have it adjusted, so he must pick it up another day.
They left the blacksmith shop and walked around town. When it was late, they returned to the inn. Adolpha and Beowulf relaxed, eating and talking with the staff. The following day, Beowulf went to work; he wanted to do so before leaving. Madam didn't say much and allowed him. Adolpha also worked; she tried interacting with more people and became a little famous.
Soon, about midsummer 844, word traveled that the kingdom escorts were arriving soon. Madam had already gotten them passage on the next trip. Adolpha has come out of her shell and looks livelier. Madam was also planning for departure. That night, Madam had an announcement. When everyone was present, she spoke. "Many of you know I need to head out. There have been some things about my family I need to sort out. I also received a letter from the merchant guild in the Dwarf Kingdom. I will be leaving tomorrow. Fisher will be in charge while I'm gone."
Upon hearing Fisher being in charge, everyone mockingly complained. Fisher retorted by jokingly insulting them. There was laughter all around the room. This scared Adolphus, and everyone scolded Fisher. There was more laughter. Once it calmed down, Madam reminded everyone to be safe.
They enjoyed the rest of the night and went to sleep after. The following day, there was some urgency. Madam's carriage was being loaded. Madam was giving Fisher some final instructions. Beowulf had left for work; someone else was in charge, but Beowulf listened to him. Once everything was settled, Madam got into the carriage.
"Fisher, I don't want to come back and see a disorganized establishment. I trust you." Fisher waves his hand, "It will be fine, don't worry too much." "Fisher, I am warning you." Fisher laughs, "I get, just relax, have some fun." Madam smiles, and she then stares at him thoughtfully. "You have heard, right?" Fisher nods.
"If it comes down to it, leave, don't worry about the inn." Fisher smirks, "Don't say that. I will take care of everyone." Madam again smiles and then tells the driver to leave. The staff waves as Madam departs. Adolpha also waves goodbye cheerfully. As Madam reaches the town gates, she sees the Kingdom escorts arriving.
"A lot of adventurers have arrived with them." Madam had some worried thoughts. After some time, she was allowed to go through; she had an escort of adventures. Back at the inn, Beowulf had returned from work. Fisher greeted him and then left. He had to check on the business. Adolpha also finished her work, and they sat to eat.
Later that night, Fisher returned. He wanted to speak with Beowulf. "Beowulf, Madam told me to tell you to pick up everything you will need. I heard that the Kingdom escorts have arrived. They always take two days of rest. That should be enough for you to be packed." Beowulf nodded. "We have already picked the supplies; I just need to pick up my weapon and a few things."
Fisher patted Beowulf's back. "Alright then, rest, you shouldn't worry about work." Fisher laughed. Beowulf returned to his room and saw Adolpha hold Adolphus. Adolpha looked at him and smiled. They slept, having happy dreams. After breakfast, Beowulf said he would pick up his weapon the following day.
Adolpha asked to accompany him. Beowulf shook his head and told her to relax. Beowulf left, heading towards the blacksmith. As he entered town, he noticed a lot more soldiers. He didn't want to pay too much attention. As he walked closer to the shop, the town gates were getting crowded again.
Beowulf entered the blacksmith shop. The assistant who helped him saw him and quickly attended to him. "Sir, I will go on and get your sword." The assistant went to the back, and after a few minutes, he came out holding a short sword. Beowulf held it and swung it a few times. "How do you like it?" the assistant asked. "It's great," Beowulf replied.
"That is high-quality craftsmanship," a dwarf said, coming out from behind. "If you have any problems, I dare you to prove my handy work wrong," he added. Beowulf didn't know what to say. He thanked him. The dwarf blacksmith laughed. Beowulf again thanked him and left. As he stepped outside the shop, something seemed to be happening.
Beowulf, curious, followed the crowd. He arrived near a platform where a soldier was announcing something. Beowulf heard the crowd whispering. The soldier on the platform continued speaking. Beowulf looked and paid close attention to the soldier. Also, some crowd was pushed aside; more soldiers ran towards town. "Ladies and gentlemen, please listen carefully. As for your safety, remain calm…"
The soldier, reading from a letter, explained that the battle with the enemy would soon reach Ivory Springs. He spoke about King John's plan; he explained that all citizens were to evacuate. He exclaims that all are going to be escorted by the soldiers. The citizens all looked at each other. A beastman asked about their king declaring anything. The soldier shook his head. "The Beast Kingdom has not issued anything, and we won't be able to take you." He spoke.
The beast folk began talking among themselves. The soldier tried to keep order. He then said that adventurers could take them if they asked. The beast folk looked upset. They began to argue, shouting at the soldier. Soldiers standing nearby moved forward, trying to calm the crowd. The soldier on the platform again spoke about the incoming danger.
"We will begin letting people leave. Please return to your homes and pack whatever you need." Some people were unsure and asked questions, while others began to run home. Beowulf, sensing danger, turned around and was about to head home. Beowulf stopped, looked around, and noticed someone. His expression changed.
Back at the inn, it had become busy. The staff was swamped with customers. Adolpha was supposed to have time off, but she ended up helping. Once it had settled, she changed back and was waiting for Beowulf. Suddenly, one of the staff said they needed to buy more ingredients. Seeing they still had customers, Adolpha volunteered to go.
The waitress looked helpless. "It's okay; you don't need to worry, " she said. Adolpha shook her head. "Don't say that. I want to do this because you have always been kind to me." The waitress sighed; she then looked at Adolphus, who was asleep. "What about Adolphus?"
Adolpha looked at Adolphus. "He just fell asleep. I will take him to the room." Adolpha stood up. Adolphus, sleeping in her arms, twitched. Adolpha went to her room and lay him on the bed. She kissed his forehead and left. By the door, the waitress gave Adolpha a list of ingredients.
"Are you sure about this?" the waitress asked. "Yes, this should help with my fear. Don't worry; Beowulf is in town." The waitress smiled and agreed. Adolpha took a deep breath and headed out. She walked towards town, and when she arrived, she shyly slowed down. Adolpha entered the city and headed towards the market.
By this time, the news had not reached those still living like normal. Everyone was still enjoying it like any other day. Some people did notice more soldiers running around. Adolpha lowered her head and approached a stall. The shop owner welcomed her. Adolpha, in a low voice, asked for some ingredients on the list.
The shop owner cheerfully picked the ingredients and gave them to her. "I add some extra," he said. Adolpha, feeling embarrassed, took them; she thanked him. "Thank you for your business; I hope you come again." Adolpha left; she felt some joy after that. Adolpha continues shopping, slowly feeling more confident. Adolpha had gone further into town.
Soldiers rushed towards the docks and told all the workers there to leave. Some of the workers were confused. They then noticed something was wrong when the army began to fortify the area. A fisherman asked a soldier what the situation was. The soldier told him the enemy was going to attack. "Sir, please gather your family and head to the city gates. We have begun to evacuate everyone."
The fisherman panicked and hurried left. Upon hearing this, other workers left. In a large building, the doors burst open, and a soldier walked towards a counter. Many people here had weapons and looked fierce. The soldier stood in front of the receptionist. He handed her a paper. The receptionist looked at it.
The receptionist's eyes widened, and she looked at the soldier. The other receptionist questioned her. "Here, look at it your selves. I need to go and speak with the guild master!" The other looked at the paper and immediately got busy. The people stared in confusion; these were all adventurers, and they were in the adventure hall.
After a while, the guild master came out, his face concerned. Once he saw the staff working, he stood before the hall. "Listen up; this is an emergency. The guild will now follow war procedures. All adventurers must take this emergency order. Those who do not shall be banned from the guild!" Everyone was shocked. The staff brought out flyers.
They immediately handed them out. The adventures stared at the flyer in disbelief. Discussion erupted in the hall. The guild master emitted a powerful aura. "This is not a matter of discussion; it is in the guild guidebook. Begin preparations." The guild master spoke to the guild staff. The adventurers also began moving; some still had doubts.
Outside, Adolpha stopped by a stall selling children's toys. She carefully looked at them. "I should buy something for Adolphus. It should make him happy, " she murmured to herself. Soon, people with panic in their eyes began taking their family members. There were some complaints, but more and more people saw people fleeing.
Shops began closing; Adolpha grew worried. Out at sea, ships approached the town of Ivory Springs. The captain, holding the first line of defense, became angry. "They said they wouldn't appear this soon. Prepare to defend. Archers, ready your bows. Mages, begin your casting!"
Back with Beowulf, he broke from the crowd. He was heading home, and he suddenly stopped. A scent in the air concerned him. Beowulf began moving through buildings. A figure was following him. Beowulf thought of Adolpha and headed into an ally. The sound of footsteps echoed behind him. Beowulf gripped his sword.
Someone stopped behind him. "What a surprise, Wolf. How have you been?" Beowulf turned around and stared at the person. His hands trembled. Before him stood a handsome guy. The man had slick blonde hair, fair white skin, and blue eyes. He wore heavy armor. "Harris," Beowulf murmured.
"Wolf, let me tell you. Lord Micheal was not too happy about you stealing his things." Beowulf dropped everything and drew his sword. Andrew Harris, a man Beowulf knows well; he was the one who tortured and made him submit. Harris has an innocent expression. "WOW, you look like you want to fight. Wolf, when do you have the courage to point a blade at me?"
Beowulf's hand trembled. "Tell me where she is, and I will go easy on you." Harris's attitude changed. Beowulf remains silent. Harris shook his head. "You aren't going to speak?" He places his hands on his hip and looks up. Harris began to laugh. "That old wench thought she was tough, and as for those idiots. Let's say they are relaxing somewhere at the bottom of the ocean."
Beowulf became serious; he tried to steady his hand. "Still not talking. How about this: do you think you can hide that child?" Beowulf stared at Harris with a killing intent. Harris grinds, "Looks like I hit a nerve." Harris began walking towards Beowulf, his hands digging into a pouch. Suddenly, explosions were heard.
On the other side, Adolpha had dropped everything. She was scared and crouching on the ground, crying. The human forces had begun their attacks. Fireball spells were cast. On the ships, they were also casting their fireball spells. The people of the city were in a panic, fleeing. Fireballs hit buildings, and they were destroyed.
Some fireballs hit the ground and injured and killed people. "Stop those fireballs; protect the people," the captain of the human army shouted. Then, a few ships began moving towards the docks. "Stop those boats!" A group of mages cast several spells on the vessel. The ships had reinforcement spells cast on them.
The ships crashed into the docks. "Prepare for battle!" Strange mud creatures emerged from the vessel. They suddenly jumped off and charged at the human forces. The creatures clashed with the defensive wall, but they did not stop. The human soldiers, with spears, attacked, killing some of those creatures. "Look, the ships…"
A few more ships turned, and then catapults launched boulders over the defensive line. The boulders hit more buildings and the ground, and soldiers almost crushed by them felt relieved. The boulders then turned to mud, and the strange creatures began to attack. The creatures started attacking everyone on site.
Adolpha, who was crying, heard a child also crying. Adolpha looked up and saw her, a young girl. She was covered in dirt and injured. Suddenly a man appeared and took her. Adolpha then thought of Adolphus; she nervously got up. Then, a fireball hit nearby, and Adolpha fell to the ground. Adolpha, dazed, slowly got up.
"Hey, are you okay?" Adolpha, confused, saw a soldier calling her; there was a ringing in her ears. The soldier pointed to a crowd running. "Come this way…" The soldier took Adolpha's hand and led her. Adolpha, coming to her senses, broke free and rushed towards the inn. "Hey, where are you going?"
As the town was being attacked, Beowulf faced Harris. Harris had his sword out, blood dripping, and Beowulf had many scratches. Beowulf heard people shouting, a sense of worry in his heart. "Are you ready to tell me where they are?" Harris said with a cold smile. Beowulf attacked; Harris blocked and parried his attacks.
Beowulf became frustrated; he hadn't had that much experience with a sword. Harris showed a bracelet and a dark crystal shone. The collar around Beowulf also shone, and he felt a jolt, making him freeze. Harris swung his sword, making a few more cuts on Beowulf. Beowulf regained movement. This time, he knelt on the ground. "Come on, Wolf, are you willing to die for her?" Beowulf said nothing.
Harris shook his head. "It seems you are as stubborn as you were back then. As long as you are here, it means she is here too. I'll find her." Beowulf became angry. He forcefully drew Mana. The black crystal on his collar again began to glow. Beowulf felt pain as if they could not breathe. Harris found this amusing and laughed. "I told Lord Michael I would bring her and the child back, but that would be too annoying. Maybe I should just kill it…"
Beowulf began to change. Harris saw cracks in the crystal and was surprised. "Harris, I will kill you here!" Beowulf attacked unmercifully, his power increasing slowly. Harris was not fazed but continued dodging. Harris drew Mana and poured it into his sword. "It was fun catching up. Lord Michael said he doesn't need you anymore…" Beowulf continued his attack, not listening to him.
Harris waited because Beowulf was jumping around. Beowulf threw his sword, and Harris dodged. Beowulf then grew his claws and attacked. Harris, seeing this, enhanced his body and easily dodged. Beowulf hit the ground, creating and cracking it. Beowulf didn't stop and immediately went for another attack.
Harris pointed the bracelet at him again, and it shined. Beowulf's body froze, unable to move. Harris took a stance and, in an instant, cut Beowulf's head off. Beowulf saw his life flash before his eyes. The last thoughts were of Adolpha and Adolphus smiling. Harris stared at Beowulf's body.
Harris left the ally and put something in a pouch. A group of soldiers ran towards him. "Captain Harris, the enemy has reached shore; we still have many civilians in the city." With a concerned tone, Harrisordered them to help the people escape. He then called two soldiers. "What can we do, sir?" "There is an important person I need to find. It is a female beast, man. A wolf girl with silver hair and blue eyes; she should have a baby with her."
Harris didn't say anything else. The soldiers looked at each other, saluted, and left. Harris stared at the burning city and smiled. "Lord Michael will be pleased hearing the news…" Harris looked at the ally one more time before leaving the area. Beowulf's headless body lay on the ground, a tear falling from its eye.