The hand on Ira’s his shoulder caught him completely off guard, as it was accompanied with a comforting voice.
The Entity: "Have you forgotten me?..."
Now fully looking back to see who touched him, Ira saw a man like figure, covered in a radiating light.
After seeing who it was, Ira’s expression quickly changed from astonishment to that of fierce anger. Without warning, Ira immediately reached down to grab ahold of his black fangs. Turning his body around fully, and swinging his blades at the entity, he cried out in resentment.
Ira: "WHERE WERE YOU?!?!"
And to his amazement before his blow had struck, the being enveloped in light, was already gone. It had left as quickly as it had appeared.
The disappearance of the entity had left Ira speechless for a moment, as he stood there for a few seconds. Seeing that the supernatural being did not think itself obligated to answer any of his questions, Ira clenched his hands in an angered frustration.
The question Ira implored, however simple it was, was in regards to everything that had transpired up until this point. After a few seconds of silence, it was clear to Ira that he would receive no answer at this time. Embittered that his demands for an explanation were not met, he gritted his teeth before saying defiantly.
Ira: "Fine, don’t answer! I still intend to kill all those in my way! It doesn't matter whoever it is, I’ll slay them all!! Everything was taken from me! It’s about time I returned the favor! I have nothing left to lose!" And turning his back to again to face the east, Ira said menacingly.
Ira: "No matter what happens, I will have my revenge." He spoke in a cold rage, with determined eyes before continuing his walk east, heading to where destiny demanded of him, to where it all would come to an end.
CHAPTER 54 – HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
After a few days more of what felt like endless marching behind the Aelaans army, Theo and the others found themselves in much greener environment. It was a good sign to indicate their location. It wasn’t much later that Theo caught notice of a scent in the air. Smiling, he turned to Obi, and Raddington to fill them in.
Theo: "Do you smell that?” The general didn't quite understand what he was referring to just yet, but Obi was quick point it out.
Obi: "It’s been some time since I last had a whiff of that salty smell in the air.-“ He said with a knowing smile before continuing, “-We can't be too far off from the ocean now. Which also means, the temple can't be much further either."
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And sure enough, it wasn't much longer until the temple was within sight. Among their army, Raddington took particular note of the surroundings that would certainly play a role in the fight to come. After getting to the top of the last of rolling hills, the general noticed in front of them was a wide open grassland sloping downward from the west to the vast ocean in the east. The great mountain range was still to their north, and to the south of the plains laid a small Aelaan port town.
The temple here was unlike any of the others of the Order, as it stood tall, and narrow like a tower. And at the base of the temple were very small temple grounds, all of which, were snuggly nestled onto a cramped island. The towering temple and its grounds underneath, were connected to the mainland by a single stone bridge. The island itself was just north of the Aelaan town, and a safe distance away from it.
The towering temple stood almost as if it were a great lighthouse, looking down upon the rushing waters below. There was one last detail in the tower which struck Theo as odd. Near the top, there were openings on all sides, as if it really were originally designed as a lighthouse. Pointing out the temple that stuck out like a sore thumb, the young champion said.
Theo: "That must be where the last orb is." It was a comment really intended to strike up a conversation.
Obi: "It's just too obvious, isn't it? It's almost as if they want the world to know that's where one of the orbs of darkness is. They make it too easy to find." Theo looked at Obi with confusion.
Theo: "It wouldn't matter where the orb is, right? From the stories I’ve heard; the Darkness would know exactly where to look to find its lost essence, no matter where they may be hidden." Obi just shrugged before speaking his suspicions.
Obi: "Who’s to say if that's true or not. I mean, it’s not like this has ever happened before…” His own comment got him to ponder on something else.
Obi: “And to think, not too long ago, I didn't even believe the Darkness was real.” And realizing he was undermining his own comments, he quickly stated.
Obi: “Either way, it wouldn’t hurt to at least try to hide them, would it? After all, the best plan the Order had in place was to spread the orbs from the Far East to the Far West… Well, how'd that turn out?!-“ He asked in somewhat frustration before answering his own question, “-Before we could even gather an adequate amount of men to face this threat, besides one left, all the other temples have already fallen." His comments on the matter made Theo express his own concerns.
Theo: "To tell you the truth Obi, I don't know which I'm more worried about, the Darkness, or the Aelaans. We all know they can't be trusted." Raddington overheard Theo before sharply responding to his troubled remarks.
Raddington: "That doesn't matter right now! We'll have to deal with these problems one at a time! If the Darkness is really as great of a threat as they say, then I don't need these pointless speculations about the Aelaans intentions being so carelessly thrown around, and being spread amongst my ranks!" He said while giving Theo a condemning look before continuing.
Raddington: “Until this threat is over, the truce with Aelaa must stand! We can’t have anything jeopardizing that!" He said before turning his attention forward again, having felt he had made his point abundantly clear.
But the general’s words certainly didn't help bring any comfort to Theo, as he never denied his own suspicions of the Empire.
Shortly later, Theo saw the Aelaan army slow to a halt in front of them. Without bothering to inform their so called guests, they started to make preparations to set up camp near the coast. Noticing this too, the general yelled out to his soldiers.
Raddington: "We'll be making camp soon men! Make sure to give yourselves a good rest in preparation for the coming fight ahead!" His orders were heard loud and clear by his army, as they continued to march a little further before setting up their encampment.
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Hours passed and the tension in the camps from both armies was almost suffocating, as they all waited for the coming battle ahead. Being unable to take it anymore, Theo walked out onto the open grasslands just further mainland of the temple grounds before sitting down. He seemed to be in deep contemplation for quite some time before Obi came up from behind him. His presence wasn't noticed by Theo until he spoke jokingly.
Obi: "So, this is what the so called champion of the Free Peoples’ of the West does in his free time, stare into empty space. Fascinating!…-” He said with a wry smile before continuing, “-I may be mistaken, but I’m sure it’s not as exciting as your fans might’ve hoped for." His smile and lighthearted joke made Theo laugh a little, helping to ease the mood.
Trying to keep a positive light on their situation, Theo expressed his sincere opinion on the coming events.
Theo: "I don't know why, but I have a feeling that after tomorrow, it'll all be settled. That the fighting will end, and there'll finally be peace. And that we can finally return home." He said with earnest optimism which only seemed to make Obi feel uneasy, but nevertheless, he decided to pry for more information.
Obi: “And where exactly does the great and powerful swordsman of the west intend to go, once it’s all said and done?” That question really got Theo thinking, as he took it unusually seriously before answering.
Theo: “I think… I’ll be heading back to acorn village, and start rebuilding it back to how it was.” In no simple terms, Obi was incredibly disappointed with Theo’s answer.
Scrat
ching the back of his head in mild frustration, he gave Theo a piece of his mind.
Obi: “This again?! Even now as a champion, you’re still living in the past? You can’t hope for a better future, if you keep allowing yourself to being dragged down by your memories.” He said in a rather blunt way to convince Theo out of his plans.
Not knowing how to immediately respond to the criticism, Theo nervously laughed in response. And seeing that Obi didn’t very much appreciate the half-hearted reply, Theo signed before saying further
Theo: “If my idea’s so bad, than what do you intend to do after we’re done here?” He asked as a deflection from the previous question, which was happily obliged.
Obi: “Oh, I’ll tell ya! Assuming we’re not all dead by this time tomorrow, I intend to move to an up and coming town.” Genuinely surprised, Theo interrupted to ask.
Theo: “Really? I would’ve expected something… more grander in scale.” And taking offense, Obi squinted his eyes.
Obi: “…I don’t know exactly what you’re implying by that, but I’m not quite sure if I like it.” And giving a perplexed look back, Theo mischievously ignored Obi’s concerns when he responded.
Theo: “So what is it you intend on doing, in this so called up and coming town?” He said with a playful smile, but yet with anxious curiosity.
As if symbolically dismissing the insult Theo possibly made, Obi swatted away open air before continuing. It looks liked it was a rather easy decision, as he obviously wanted to share his future plans.
Obi: “As I was saying…-“ He stated simply to be difficult, and saying further, “-I’m going to be the town’s only baker. Find a wife. Have a family. You know, the regular stuff… And being the town’s only baker, others won’t have any other choice, but to indulge me telling my grand stories.” He said with a mischievous grin, but Theo nervously smiled back, believing every word of it.
Audibly sighing, Theo looked out to the empty plains before responding.
Theo: “Well, if they have enough room for you, I hope your town has enough room for three more.” He said while glancing back at Obi, with a hopeful smile.
Almost as if he didn't want to dampen Theo's optimism, he responded unconvincingly.
Obi: "I hope you're right, kid. When we're done here, we'll find the others, and head back west. We’ll find a nice town, and a new job that doesn’t require waking up before the sun rises… Even though Cherise has already been doing that for years now." He said, almost laughing at the thought.
As if unable to keep a serious conversation going, Obi continued to say lightheartedly.
Obi: “I’m sure things will work out, Theo. Even if you, and Ira have a tendency to destroy everything you touch.” Ignoring his joke, Theo responded on another matter.
Theo: “That may be the first time you called me by my name.” He said teasingly before Obi instantly replied.
Obi: “Hmm?! What was that, kid?” He said jokingly before the two got a chuckle out of it all.
After having his fill of his guilty laughter, Obi continued where he left off.
Obi: "I can tell you one thing's for certain. I'm sure as heck not going back to the Order! Don't get me wrong, they have great tastes in uniforms, but you'll likely never find another group of people that have sticks so firmly planted up their bums in your entire life!" He said jokingly, but with a well-deserved hint of frustration.
Knowing all too well the truth in that comment, they both let out a good laugh. Still smiling, Obi gestured with his head back towards the camp before saying.
Obi: "Speaking of people with sticks up their bums, that general of yours wanted to see you.-" And poking a little fun at Theo, he continued, "-Come on hero! You don't want to keep your adoring fans waiting, now do you?" The young champion just shook his head, smiling at the comment before replying.
Theo: "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." He said before standing up to follow behind Obi’s lead.
CHAPTER 55 – STUBBORN AS STONE
At the time when the army’s started to set up camp, the dwarves had another plan in mind entirely. Under Boldin’s command, he and his kin headed straight to the closest tavern in the town nearby. As the dwarves drank merrily, Boldin was surprised to see Almahiel walk in through the tavern’s front doors.
Instinctively, he squinted his eyes suspiciously at her, knowing she brought nothing but trouble for him. Her demeanor somewhat warranted such a reaction, as the elven princess had an accomplished smile after seeing Boldin. Walking up to him, she spoke in a confident tone.
Almahiel: "I knew I'd find you here." As a response, the Dwarven prince practically grunted back.
It was common knowledge to both races; that the only thing in which they appreciated about one another, was the fact that they their Kingdom’s were so conveniently far apart. In terms of mending their relationship, it wasn’t exactly the best thing to agree upon, but if one were overly optimistic, it was a start.
And the strain between their races showed, as merely her presence was already an unwelcomed sight to the dwarves. Accompanied to their unpleasant reaction to their guest, the ample amount of booze the dwarves already had was already starting to take effect on the lot of them.
Making unnecessary hand gestures as he replied to the elf’s intrusion, the Dwarven prince didn’t make any attempts to hide his displeasure when he finally answered her comment.
Boldin: "Yeah, well, what of it?! Both me and me fellow dwarves ere’ under my command, don't report to that human lot! And we sure as heck don't report to some elf! We can drink whenever we damn well please!"
Fully expecting the dwarf to gripe, Almahiel sat herself down in front of him anyway, without so much as saying a word, she just smiled back at him. The elven princess then just simply stared Boldin down from across the table, as if to goad him into saying something, and it didn’t take long for her to get such a reaction. Not knowing what to make of the elf’s stare down, Boldin threw his arms to his sides in frustration before asking.
Boldin: "So?! Out with it! What business does a pointy ears have with me?!"
Waiting for exactly that question, the elf then leaned over the table to edge closer to Boldin. With a confident tone, the elf confronted him when she said.
Almahiel: "I know why you're here at this tavern, young prince. Have you no intention to honor your father's wishes?" Aside from the fact that only an elf could call Boldin young, she once again displayed more knowledge than anyone could know by sight alone.
In a fit, the dwarf stood upright before slamming the table with his hands, and complaining loudly.
Boldin: "That damn magic again?! Will you stop invading my thoughts with yer mind reading nonsense!-" He said while twiddling his fingers in an attempt to mimic the magic himself, before continuing to say, "-How's about ye make yerself useful, and try to use some of that magic of yers to give ol’ baldy some hair instead of messing with me?" He said in frustration before leaning back towards the elf, complaining further.
Boldin: "Hear this! I get sent ere’ on a mission, nah, a punishment, to fight against some human myth, that I'd remind ye doesn't even exist. I left the comfort of my home thinking that I'd might as well humor me old man’s request, and what do I find? A mythical creature in sight? NO!!! Instead, I see two human armies at each other’s throats, and I have no intention of getting me and my kin caught up in the middle of it!" He said before calming himself with a large sigh, and sitting back down to finish his thoughts.
Boldin: "I have no intention of getting dragged into a human war. That's not what my father agreed to." After hearing the dwarf out, Almahiel had an uncharacteristically mischievous grin before she started openly taunting the dwarf.
Almahiel: "I'm surprised to hear this coming from a dwarf no less. That's quite an elaborate excuse you've come up with for cowering out of a fight." Boldin was stunned, while the others dwarves started to laugh at the accusation.
Overhearing all this, Scruff decided to lean over towards Boldin while u
ttering something which once again sounded incoherent. It hadn't been for a long time that Almahiel had found herself being surprised by anything, but she found herself unusually unprepared recently. First it was the Aelaan magic, and now she looked at Boldin wide eyed after seeing he was actually able to understand Scruff. Boldin seemed to agree with whatever his hairy friend stated, as he started angrily saying back to the elf.
Boldin: "That's right! What does this pointy ears know? I've seen my fair share of combat. I'm no coward!" After hearing the dwarf so ardently defend himself, Almahiel put on the same mischievous grin as before.
He had just about all he could take of the elf’s presence after seeing that grin again. The prince then shooed her away with his hand, as he said.
Boldin: "Go on now, get! Being a gentle dwarf and all, I hope you know that if you weren't a she-elf, I would've been less agreeable." Boldin's taunts didn't really faze the elf, as she challengingly responded.
Almahiel: "How about a contest then, dwarf. If I win, you and your companions stay to fight the coming Darkness." With a raised eyebrow, Boldin was definitely intrigued as he asked back.
Boldin: "Stay to fight something that doesn't exist? Hah! And if I should win? What's in it for me, and me kin ere’?"
At this point, all the dwarves listened intently, as Almahiel leaned back to her side of the table to give it a moment’s thought.
Almahiel: "Dear Boldin, you're not the only one here with royal blood. I am a princess of the Elvan realm. And if you should win our little challenge, both you and your fellow dwarves will leave here with more wealth in gold than you can each carry." All the surrounding dwarves gasped in unison with excitement, as Boldin's eyes seemed to bulge at the prospect.
Thinking about it for only a second, he then skeptically asked back.
Boldin: "I don't know princess. You’d be surprised how much me, and me kin ere’ can carry if we’re talking about treasure." The elf just smiled back innocently before replying.
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