Howling 19
In a city near the coast, there are two hills. On one sits a large stone castle, and on the other, a marvel stone church. Below is a large city that resembles Europe. This is the Umbridge human kingdom. Just to the side, the military barracks usually houses hundreds of soldiers. They are hard at practice, getting ready for war. A Spaniard man wearing a frill shirt, brown pants, and leather boots assessed them as they practiced. Phelipe Cortez was handsome, with slick black hair and a well-maintained small mustache and soul patch.
"Como estan?" he asked. Phelipe comes from the territory of Hispaniam, north of the Umbridge Kingdom. The culture of Hispaniam was like Mexico when Spain ruled. The language was Spanish, and Cortez had a heavy accent. A few captains walked with him. Cortez was a General for the Umbridge kingdom.
"We are training over a thousand soldiers here. In other areas, we train nearly five to two hundred people." Cortez looked at the soldiers training and couldn't help but sigh. "Make a detailed count of our troops and send it to King John," he said. The captains bowed, and Cortez left, saying he had other matters.
The castle has a powerful, oppressing aura. King John was staring at some documents in his office when a knock came on his door. The door was pushed open, and a servant came in and handed him more documents. "These were sent according to General Cortez's instructions." King John took them and looked at them.
"Is this going to be enough? We have been at peace for a long time. If it weren't for the treaty that limited our military, we may have a chance. Increasing it would be hard and could make them act. I doubt they allow us just because of this. We need King Sloan and his army." King John released more Mana and scared those in the castle.
Each day since King John began planning to confront the demon forces has been stressful. He had many meetings with his advisors and the Old Guard, who explicitly gave him a hard time. The demon forces attacked and put the Umbridge kingdom into a mess. Many refugees, after losing their homes, settle in noblemen's territories. King John offered compensation to settle some arguments.
After settling many disputes, the kingdom's finances dropped, and the Old Guard seized this opportunity to interfere, cutting some of his power. King John needed an army and came up with several proposals. The Old Guard rejected them all. King John couldn't help but remember one of his meetings. He was in the throne room, and the Old Guard was there.
The Old Guard was the old General that belonged to the last King, his father. They were placed to limit the King's power. Their status with the previous king made them advisors to help guide the next king. King John had proposed his ideas to them. "John, we have finally made some progress with the refugees, and now you want to make some changes."
"The other nobles would not agree so easily." "How much effort did we put into fixing the mess you put us in? You could have killed the demon king, but he escaped." King John clenched his fist. "We believe you are thinking too much about what they are planning. They would have done it already. Think about our people first…"
King John returned to his senses, leaned on his chair, and deeply breathed. He stood up and left his office. He walked towards another room. He knocked, and a woman's voice was heard. "Come in." King John entered the room and gazed at his wife. Queen Annabeth, a tan woman with burgundy hair and hazelnut eyes, warmly smiled.
Queen Annabeth used to be as pretty as a model but became frail after an incident. King John blamed himself for what had happened to her. He walked over to her and sat on the bed where she sat. Queen Annabeth stayed in bed for most of her time. "Where is the maid?" King John asked. "She went to fetch my medicine," Queen Annabeth replied.
She then noticed he looked tired. "Are they giving you a hard time?" King John nodded. "They only care about the money and keep making excuses about me squandering it. I want to beat them so badly." Queen Annabeth laughed, and so did King John. He looked at her and also couldn't help but feel helpless. "What do you think I should do?" he said worriedly.
Queen Annabeth patted his back and reassured him he could do it. "Erica told me she was able to get reinforcements from Amazonia. This shows that some are willing to help you." King John looked at her and smiled. Queen Annabeth smiled brightly, and King John couldn't help but remember some old memories with her. When King John was younger, he was in the military as a regular soldier.
King John and another young man entered an inn. They walked to the innkeeper and asked them some questions. "Were you the ones that contacted the city guards?" The innkeeper nodded. "Yes, but someone has already helped us out." The innkeeper pointed at a table in the corner.
There was laughter and some rowdiness. John looked over and saw a muscular woman sitting and talking loudly. "Ha, ha, ha, he thought he could come on to you, sis. That pig needed a good beaten." "Erica, you should have restrained. Who knows if he would retaliate? Nobles are easily offended." Next to the muscular woman sat a beautiful woman in leather armor; this was Queen Annabeth from when she was young.
John walked over to her. "Excuse me," after clearing his throat. The people at the talk stopped talking and looked at him. They saw his outfit and began making fun of him. "So, you guys are finally doing your jobs." "He just wants to make himself look good for his superiors." Annabeth stared at him. "What can we do for you, sir?" she said sarcastically.
Staring at Annabeth, John couldn't help but feel flustered. "No, it's just that…" Before he could say anything else, a burly man with guards walked in and looked around. He saw them and pointed at them. "There they are. Guards handle that woman and her companions. I have never been so humiliated." The city guards saw John and the other soldier chatting with another woman.
They gave them a mean look and walked over to Annabeth and the others. "Step aside; we will handle this." One of the guards put his hand on John and pushed him away. John couldn't help but glare at them. The burly nobleman walked over. "You just pretend you saw nothing, and I will reward you." John stepped back.
The guards stood before Annabeth and her group of women, who were adventurers. "You didn't have enough?" Annabeth said with a mischievous smile. The burly nobleman got angry. "You dare say that in front of the city guards. Just wait; I will play with you." John looked around and saw no one helping.
"Take her away," the burly man said. The guards immediately tried to arrest them. Annabeth quickly moved before John could step in and had already beaten two of five guards. The muscular woman, Erica Haddison, stood up and looked down at the three guards. "What can you do?" she said, a mocking smile on her face.
The guards looked at each other, scared. The burly man was upset. He looked at John and shouted at him to do something. Annabeth didn't make it easy for him; she jumped, stepped over the tables, and attacked him. John defended himself. "You aren't bad," Annabeth said.
Again, before John said anything, Annabeth punched him in the face, knocking him down. John fell to the ground, stunned. "You should train more," she said before turning to the burly nobleman. He trembled and fell to the ground. The sound of more guards coming made Annabeth and her friends flee, their expressions excited. John could not help but admire it.
Coming back to his senses, he looked at her and smiled. Queen Annabeth was talking and saw him smile. She looked confused and told him to relax because he was acting strange. "You should get a good rest. I don't want to see you go gray so early. I know you can figure it out. Those old geezers have forgotten they were warriors before. It's laughable they were all once royal guards."
King John's eyes lit up. "That's it, the royal guards," he shouted in excitement. Queen Annabeth was stunned by his outburst. King John stood up and looked at her. "Thank you." He then hurried out, leaving Queen Annabeth confused. King John called for a servant and had them arrange a horse ready for him.
King John entered his office again, removing his kingly attire and changing into something more comfortable. He took a sword and left, heading to the front door. The horse and a few soldiers were ready. King John told the staff to look after Queen Annabeth and Princess Annalise. He got on the horse and left.
King John had been away for several days. When he returned, the Old Guard ridiculed him and scolded his actions. King John held a meeting with them. In the throne room, the Old Guard continued their criticism of him. King John raised his hand, telling them to stop. They looked displeased with action. King John released his aura, making them quiet down.
"I have asked you here because of the situation we are in. I have explained what I believe the Demon King is planning, but you all keep pushing it aside and telling me I am overthinking." "Of course, your idea that they are preparing to attack is ridiculous," one said. "Our focus is regaining the trust of the nobles you investigated," another said. King John's expression changed.
"Are you saying that the nobles caught doing black market dealing are innocent, and I should ask them for forgiveness?" The men stayed silent. "You wouldn't happen to be involved, would you?" he added. This made them angry. "Are you accusing us of betrayal?" King John shook his head. "I would never, but you have been against my plans from the start and haven't offered any aid with his matter."
The Old Guard looked at each other. King John continued, "When I wanted to help look for the Wolf clan's daughter, you said to give up because it had become a waste of time, and look what happened: one of our most powerful allies left. When I wanted to send troops to protect our people, you all said I shouldn't send so many…"
One of them tried to argue, but King John cut them off. "Our people suffered and lost their homes. The army we sent lost many, and what did you do when the news reached us? You blamed me for not sending them earlier and that I sent recruits." The Older men became silent. King John stood up, which made them feel uneasy. "I have a new plan. I have thought of arrangements to create a force to stop the enemy before they strike."
The older men were surprised and wanted to say something. Again, King John stopped them. "Before you say anything, here is what I propose. The demons will indeed attack by the end of summer. Before that happens, we will be ready. I will use the royal guards along with five thousand troops." This stunned the older men, and they began discussing it among themselves. King John saw they weren't happy.
The Royal Guard were soldiers whose fighting skills surpassed others. They mainly worked like police officers, ensuring the cities and towns were safe. They also protected the High Nobles and their business. After some back and forth, they wanted to refute his plan but came up with a condition to agree. "The Royal Guard is a busy group, and them leaving their post will surely cause trouble."
King John noticed their hidden smiles. "We will agree to your plan if the High Nobles agree to use them. You know many are employed by them." King John stayed silent for a while. The Old Guard knew that using the Royal Guard required two-thirds approval, which meant two parties needed to agree. They believed the High Nobles would disapprove.
King John seems to be lost in thought. After some time, he looked at them. "If I can get the High Nobles to agree to this matter, you wouldn't disagree, right." "They must agree, yes. If not, you must…" King John reveals some letters. "The High Nobles have agreed to this." The older men are stunned; they hurry and take the letters.
Their faces pale upon opening and reading them, and they stutter to say anything. King John then orders that they prepare for war. "Wait!" "I have done what you agreed to; the High Nobles have agreed; what more do you want?" King John said, cutting them off. The older men all fell silent. King John dismissed them and ordered his butler to call a messenger.
King John returned to his study and began writing orders. In his plans, he ordered a restructuring of the military. The Royal Guard veterans would be called into service, and the rookies would take over their responsibilities. Upon hearing King John succeed in beating the older men, Cortez made some arrangements himself. At the same time, Haddison's help arrived.
Over a hundred ships arrived, and many female warriors, all dressed in Greek armor, disembarked. "Sister Erica, this is a great honor. To see actual combat, we are all happy." A tall, slim woman with long black hair said as she approached Haddison. "Don't embarrass me. We will show them the might of Amazonia." Haddison said jokingly. The howls of the Amazonian warrior sounded.
A few more days passed, and King John was still busy reviewing paperwork. He was making sure everything was going well. Then, there was a knock on his door, and Cortez walked. "Amigo, everything is going well. It's only a matter of time." King John looked at Cortez and felt some relief. "Did you arrange what I told you?" Cortez sat down on a chair and nodded. "The scouts should be on their way."
King John leaned back in his chair and sighed. "We need this to work. The people need to see we are still willing to fight back." Cortez nodded and agreed with him. "You know I have you back—Asta la Muerte," Cortez said, smiling. King John thanked him, and they talked some more. After Cortez left, King John was left thinking about his next move.
On a warm morning at the Demon Fort, Fillan had woken up early. He was practicing with a bow and arrows. Fillan has trouble going back into his dreams. He was at a loss. After discussing this with General Musashi, he was asked to rest. Fillan felt restless and lost himself in training and work.
"Out here again. Didn't they tell you to relax?" Shia said with a calm tone. Fillan continued shooting; he hit the target every time. Fillan would always lose his composure when remembering that girl's face. He has had many discussions with Shia and Barret. "I just thought of something," Shia said. "You said she was a wolf beastman like you, right."
Shia thought he was on to something and then forgot. Fillan remained silent. At a distance, General Musashi stared at him. "There is little time; you must get over this blockage." The other children were now waking up. Fillan left before they saw him. The soldiers discussed their eagerness to go into battle at the mess hall. Fillan looked at the almost-finished buildings. He left for the shack.
As he looked at the door, he couldn't help but waver. The girl's face came to mind, and he felt a sharp pain in his chest. "Have you finally given up," a familiar voice said behind him. Fillan turned around and saw Finley standing there with a smug expression. Fillan turns his head again, ignoring him. Finley got mad, "Aways expressionless. Do you even have any emotions?"
Fillan didn't say anything. "That's what I hate about you. You think you are our equal. Someone who can't use magic is laughable. Fillan, General Musashi chose wrong to bring you here." Finley saw that Fillan paid him no mind. Finley drew Mana and attacked. Fillan turned around and was hit by him. Finley was surprised he was able to make contact.
With his body enhanced, Fillan struggled below him. Finley stares at him, Fillan face expressionless. Finley's face twisted, and he sneered. "Why do you always look like that? What can an orphan like you do?" "Fillan, if you could meet your parents, what would you tell them?" Fillan felt a surge of strength; he pushed Finley up. Finley was surprised. Fillan twisted his body and turned the tables.
Fillan pinned Finley to the ground. Finley struggled for a few minutes, and then Fillan let go. Finley grabbed his shoulder; he glared at Fillan before leaving. Fillan thought about what Finley said. He then went and entered the shack. Fillan lit the candles, and the aromas filled his head. Fillan thought about his emotions, and after a while, he found himself in the kitchen.
Fillan was in the orphanage's kitchen, staring at the woman Father William brought. Fillan had become shy whenever he was around her. The children got close to her and wanted to know more about her. Fillan would casually be near them, listening in.
Fillan learned that she had lost her memories. Her name was Adolpha, and she came from Ivory Springs. That was all she remembered. Adolpha had been at the cathedral healing. Once she felt better, she helped out as a nun. The church wanted to send her to the beast kingdom to care for orphans. Before they were going to send her, they wanted her to learn.
They called Father William and explained to him. Father William agreed and then prepared. The church advised Father William to look after her. The church sent more supplies, and Adolpha brought everything she had. Adolpha shares her room with Sister Angie, and it becomes livelier.
On a cold morning, Fillan woke up and headed to the kitchen. Sister Angie and Adolpha were making breakfast when Adolpha asked about him. "Sister, I notice that Fillan doesn't play with the other village children; why is that?" Sister Angie gave Adolpha a complicated look.
She sighed, "It's not that he doesn't want to play with them; they don't want to play with him. Fillan is a brilliant boy. Everything he does is what you wouldn't expect from someone his age. This has made him an outcast, but the children here don't mind, and Fillan accepts it." Fillan had left, and he went to fish.
After calming his emotions and catching a few fish, he returned home. Adolpha greeted him. Fillan showed her the catch; Adolpha's face went pale. "I don't like fish that much," she said. Fillan felt embarrassed, but Adolpha laughed, and they went to eat. Things were peaceful; Fillan's world then went dark. "What can you do, boy?" Fillan heard a voice that made him shake.
Fillan then found himself on the ground surrounded by fire, confused, until he saw Adolpha lying on the ground—a man standing near her. Fillan then felt his body hurt, blood dripping from his head. "I will only ask one more time: where is the child?" Fillan struggled to stand. The man then turned to him.
Fillan in the orphanage woke up. He seems to have a nightmare. Fillan got out of bed and headed to the kitchen. "Fillan, you woke up. Could you please go and bring in the laundry?" Sister Angie asked while she was busy cleaning. Fillan stepped outside, the sun high in the sky, mid-spring, the flowers in bloom.
Fillan took the laundry and returned. Then Rick passed him; he was excited. After putting the laundry away, Fillan returned to the kitchen. "Is everyone ready," Father William said as he came in from outside. Everyone was in the kitchen, and it looked like they were leaving. They all agreed. Sister Angie, Cloe, and Amara took picnic baskets.
Fillan forgot his dream and left with the group. They all headed to the lake where Fillan often visited. When they got there, the children began to play. Father Wiliam and Fillan fished. Amara and Sister Angie looked after the babies. It was a peaceful day. After a while, they got together to eat. They all sat, and Sister Angie served them.
Fillan put his fishing pole down and sat. They ate and talked about events in their everyday lives. Rick always brings up the idea of wanting to be a knight and how he patrols the village. Misaki scolded him, telling him they were tired of hearing it. They all laughed. They continue eating, and Fillan has almost eaten everything on his plate. Adolpha unconsciously serves him more.
Chloe and Misaki, seeing this, feel somewhat jealous. Adolpha, realizing what she did, apologized. Unknown to everyone else, Fillan has felt that Adolpha's behavior has changed. Fillan one day noticed her sitting by the window, holding a pearl necklace. Another time, he heard her sobbing. He overheard Sister Angie and Father William talking.
"The doctors said it was because she, in her heart, remembers the pain of loss. She may not remember, but she feels it." "What a poor child," Sister Angie said. Fillan thanks her, and he eats. After eating, they clean up, and Fillan's fishing pole suddenly moves. "Fillan, look a bit," Father William said excitedly.
Fillan quickly grabbed the pole and began reeling it, with Father William coaching behind him. Chloe cheered for him. Fillan, feeling excited, used all his strength. The rest of the children began to encourage him. Feeling a rush of joy unexpectedly, Fillan harnessed Mana. Father William and Sister Angie felt it and looked at Fillan.
Fillan suddenly emitted electricity along the pole, shocking the fish and the surroundings. Everyone became scared. After falling, Fillan saw the dead fish emerging to the water's surface. Father William rushed over to him and checked him over. Fillan was left dazed. Adolpha and Sister Angie comforted everyone.
They returned to the house. Father William called everyone to the living room. After silence, Father William spoke: "I know that what happened today scared you all. Fillan, don't be sad. In our world, magic is part of us. Listen, everyone will eventually learn to use magic. It is up to you to decide if you use it for good or evil."
Father William told them about magic. Everyone is born with the ability to use magic. A person harnesses an energy called Mana. There are five elemental types of magic: fire, water, earth, wind, and electricity. A person typically starts manifesting their ability when they are close to ten years of age. People usually get affiliated with one element but can use all aspects if they train.
Father William then discusses the other two magic powers that are unique to the world: "Dark and Light are special abilities. Dark magic is more common, and it is the ability to create, for example, weapons, objects, or forms." Rick immediately began talking loudly; he wanted to do magic. Father William told him to calm down.
"The other magic is Light magic; this is far more special," he said. Father William explained that Elves could use dark and light magic easily, but it becomes power when someone from another race is born with it. "Light magic is amplified, and many influential people want to control it. The elves haven't shared much about its use, but stories say they can summon people from other worlds."
The children were excited to hear this. Rick said he wanted to know which magic he could use and left the room. Daniel was dragged outside, too. Fillan wasn't feeling depressed anymore. He was about to head out, too, when Father William stopped him. "Fillan, just remember, using this power comes with risks. Don't do anything too reckless." Before Fillan could replay, the world froze again, and everything disappeared.
Fillan felt a powerful aura. He turned and saw the shadowy figure. The shadowy figure looked more clearly. "Who are you?" Fillan asked. Suddenly, whispering echoes were heard all around. "Why couldn't you save them?" "Why did it have to be them?" "Even with power, I was helpless." Fillan suddenly opened his eyes; he was sitting in the shack.
Fillan came out, walked to the water well, and pulled the rope to bring the bucket up. Fillan sensed something and turned around. General Musashi was standing behind him. "Sir, what is wrong?" he asked. "Fillan, we are going to war."