"So the hideout was a trap you say?" Vald sat on his throne, his red eyes staring as Marco recounted his encounter in the cave, the hideout of the order was supposed to be in.
"Precisely," Marco confirmed with a nod. "It was a trap. It would seem the enemy had some inside men within our ranks."
"Well it would be surprising if they don't," Vald smiled softly. His long white hair tied neatly behind his head, in his long white robe he gave off a distinct appearance.
"But that's not the matter at hand now," Marco said slowly. He looked at Garf who was polishing his blade. He stopped at once and sheathed his sword. "They seem to have monsters under their control, or should I call them oversized animals. Though it may be hard to believe, our sightings in the cave proved something," Marco continued.
"You think they're related to what has been happening beyond our walls, yes?" Vald smiled softly.
"Yes your highness," Marco nodded. "And to that these monsters are incredibly hard to deal with."Thankfully our escorts didn't actually follow us into battle as most lost consciousness due to the cave's immense pressure along the way."
"It would seem the quality of knights has fallen," Vald said slowly. Garf glanced at Marco. He had said the same thing back at the cave.
"It was a good thing they didn't accompany us into the fight as many would have lost their lives," Marco continued. "Myself and Garf were able to do away with the monsters, though not without trouble of course."
"How many of these fiends did you have to fight to get out?" Vald asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. It stung Marco. He had known the king since their infant days and he hardly takes anything serious.
"There were three," he sighed. "With permission from his highness I'd like you to bring a carcass of one of the monsters in here," Marco bowed even more.
"Granted," Vald nodded.
Garf walked out the throne room with a boy, After a while he was back, a group of knights were dragging something in a large cart, green liquid dripped slowly on the carpet, the air was suddenly filled with the smell of burnt decaying carcass, the massive creature was covered in a tarp, it was about twice the size of an elephant by the heap alone.
"Take the tarp off," Marco ordered. The knights cut the ropes holding the tarp in place around the creature, it fell on the red carpet in huge folds revealing a large black spider with it's legs cut off, green liquid were pouring out of it's open wound. The knights closest to it covered their noses.
Vald was silent for a while staring at the creature unmistakably dead laying still on the cart," And you mean to tell me you fought three of these things?" He asked after a while.
"It's undeniably so my Lord," Marco replied not looking at him.
Vald got up from his throne and approached Marco" How come it's these burnt?"
"To be honest we were in a bit of a bind," Marco Sighed," but due to a stroke of luck I had acquired a certain artifact from my daughter before embarking on my journey."
"And that artifact did this?" Vald asked in surprise gesturing towards the charred monster.
"To be frank, the artifact killed all three," Marco said coldly," It's sheer destructive force was so strong it left nothing for us to do as it obliterated the monsters, of course we were caught in the explosion as well.
"Marco, Vald's Voice was cold,"I'd like you see your daughter tomorrow, if that's ok with you, he smiled.
"I'm sorry to say your highness, but I'll have to decline, Marco bowed.
"What? Vald was taken aback.
"You see my daughter hates political mess, as such I'll not allow her to be used by the kingdom, except she chooses to do so herself, Marco was still in a bow.
"You're still as stiff as ever I see, Vald sighed,"to be honest it would be in my best interest and that of the Kingdom to keep someone like her on a leach, Also how are you sure she wouldn't one day turn against us and use her artifacts on her own people, Vald's red eyes stared deeply into Marcos bowed head.
"I can't guarantee that, but seeing as she was kidnapped recently by the enemy I'd say they're worried about her inventions as much as you and I. So in my opinion I think it's best we leave her be, someone like her doesn't just turn evil, they need to be pushed, Marco word sounded throughout the empty room walls.
"Fine,fine, Speeches and Speeches, Vald yawned, I'll leave her be for now, but for your sake and that of my people watch her.
"Thank you, your majesty, Marco said.
"Stop being so stiff, Vald said irritably at Marco.
"Your highness we're not the only once in the room, Marco said simply.
"Take your monster away, Vald said to the knights carelessly," I'd rather not look at this disgusting sight any longer it'll leave a bad taste in my mouth. Garf muffled laughter.
After the knights and Garf left the room, Vald sat heavily on his throne toying with his garment, he glared at the green trail left by the spider in disgust,"Any news from your wife? He asked.
"The last I heard was that she had successfully crossed the continent, Marco said,"By you tone you haven't heard from the queen either.
"I'm not worried, Vald sighed,both are strong women and they did take quite a number of mages and frontliners on their mission.
"I'm sure under my wife's influence they'd be goofing off somewhere, Marco Sighed tiredly." My King I think it's time I leave, I've neglected my children and household for too long, any longer and my eldest son might resign form being the next heir.
Vald laughed.
"Before you go, he handed Marco a small chest, from my son, it's for your first daughter.
Marco stared at the box as he approached the king and took it," Say I'd appreciate it if your son doesn't try to toy with my daughter, he responded coldly.
"I doubt Mike would do something so devious to Bella, She's a sweet child even I can tell, Vald shrugged.
"Very well then, Marco Sighed," I'll take my leave.
"And about your daughter, the one with the blue hair, remember to keep an eye on her, Vald called as Marco approached the door.
He didn't respond as he left.
The halls were dark and empty as her Red boots striking the floor echoed throughout the run down castle, there were windos but nothing could be seen from inside the castle, everything was pitch black outside, the interior was neat but dark, candles flickered as she walked past, her lush of red hair gleaming in the candle light, her red eyes stared at teg large door beyond,in dark pants and top with her thorn like sword slung across her waist, she approached the door swiftly. She opened it with a bang, the doors flew off their hinges and crashed into the large dark courtroom.Almie, the girl Nina and Andrew fought to rescue Sarah after she was abducted,walked into the room her long hair bouncing as her boots touched the ground, large figures sat on a circular tabe covered by a dark wall of black flames, Some people were before the flames staring as Almie walked in.
A small girl with a large syche laughed, she had sharp fangs, pink hair and dead green eyes," Well look who decided to show up, I can't believe you let yourself get beat up by a 3rd class knight, the girl giggled.
Almie didn't even look at her as she walked past, she stood near a tower of a man, her head barely reached his shoulders and Almie was tall, A large sword hung across his back, from the candle light his black hairl reflected no light, his eyes fixed on the wall of flames and the obscured people beyond. He didn't seem to pay attention to Almie at all.
"I can't believe they still let you roam around, A boy laughed, his blond hair reached down to his waist, he was dressed casually a kitana on his hip, his yellow eyes and cocky grin stared at Almie.
"It's always the weakest who run their mouth, Almie said coldly. The statement ticked the boy and girl that had mocked her off.
"Watch your mouth whore, the girl backed.
"Coming from a failed subject that's rich, Almie said coldly. The girl with the syche went red, the vains on her head almost popping out.
"You can sure run your mouth for someone who we had to nurse back to health, the Boy with the kitana grinned.
"Nurse me back to health? Almie feigned being shocked," I'd rather die than let a perv like you anywhere near my body while I'm unconscious, she said firmly.
"Come on, you're letting that good body yours go to waste, The boy said one hand on his jaw as he stared at Almie lust in his eyes.
"Is that what you told your mum? Almie asked sweetly, the boy flew into a rage, but stopped himself, Almie's face was dark her red eyes unforgiving, she stared at him murderous Intent leaking all over.
"I can tolerate you looking at me with those lustful gaze but the moment you, try approaching me with those dirty thought, I'll cut you down myself, Her voice was metallic, the black flames Infront of them flickered a little. The boy opened his mouth to speak.
"Enough! Came a voice from behind the flames, They all went still instantly.
"One of your hideouts have been found, the voice spoke slowly.
"But how? The pink haired girl asked.
"I said silence, Yuna, the Voice Spoke the girl shut up instantly." Lucky for us we were tipped off and had time to make adequate preparations, That side of the matter is concluded,The voice said slowly, now.
"Almie, I'm most disappointed at your utmost failure, lately you've been doing nothing but failing missions, The voice spoke evenly, But that's not the matter at hand, you almost used the power granted to you by the masters on a place like that,"What excuse did you have for such disgraceful act?
"My mission was to kill the youngest daughter of the rose family,Sarah Rose, of course I could have targeted her the moment I arrived at the field, but the knight was more formidable than I thought, she's not someone that can be defeated with a single blow. Of course she's far weaker than anyone in this room, but she's a good guard none the less, Almie spoke like a soilder," During our battle the eldest son of the rose manor, Andrew rose, used a skill that was most troublesome, he can control the five senses at will, but for a limited period of time. Of course that wasn't a problem, a moment arose with wish I could kill the child, though I'm sure it had to do with the ability of the eldest son, he suddenly kissed his knight, during that time I struck the child with the Eye of Venta, the people standing near Almie except the large man shifted uneasily.
" What happened then? The voice beyond the flame asked.
"Though I'd like to say it was my error and I didn't aim the attack at her precisely, but The Eye of Venta doesn't miss, It had no effect on the child whatsoever, she still lay in one piece after it had struck her, before I could try again the knight was already on me stronger than before, I think her powers increased 3fold. I think-
Blasphemy, Another voice behind the black flames yelled," The power of the masters doesn't fail.
"Shut the hell up, Almie said angrily at the voice,"Let me finish talking, besides I'm the only one with the Eye in this room, so stop talking as if you know my power as well as I do.
"Do not disrespect the master, The large man growled without looking down at Almie.
"And if I do? Almie asked slowly.
"I'll snap that twig you call neck, the man said coldly.
"As if you can, Almie hissed," Weaklings.
The hall was silent for a while after the exchange.
"Almie, the usual cold voice behind the flames spoke," It would seem you want us to order you dead.
"I know I can't beat the entire organization, her hands rested on the hilt of her thorn blade," But half this room would die before I'm brought down, her words rang in the air.
"The fact that you can back up that claim is what makes you a compelling individual, The Voice replied after a while," But I didn't give you permission to use the authority of the Ordeal, What do you have to say for yourself about almost using it in a cave against weaklings.
"I have no excuse I was angry is all, Almie responded simply.
"I'm sure you already know but we can't let the kingdom know just yet that we have powers like that in our organization, the Voice said conclusively.
"Sarah, She's a wild card that needs to be snuffed out before she grows, The voice growled in thought,"Almie you're not getting a second chance at this. Yuna and Mistle should go Instead, Kill the girl on sight and bring me her head. Almie and Grud are to stand down and be backup if needs be, That's all you're to carry out the mission when you feel you're ready I'd leave your judgement to deal with that. The flames went out and the 6 people that sat behind it were gone.
Almie started walking away but Yuna blocked her way,"Where do you think you're going? She asked a sweet smile on her lips.
Almie's thin blade blocked the kitana strike aimed at her neck, her feets still planted in place as she dodged the Syche that swept over her head.
Mistle gritted his teeth and struck again, Almie parried easily and with an arc she attacked, Mistle backed away just in time as her blade grazed the bridge of his nose, Yba came swinging, Almie's boot caught her in the chin, Almie's blade rose high as she prepared to cut down her fallen opponent.
Grud held her arm in place, Almie not looking at him her eyes still fixed on Yuna on the floor clutching her broken jaw," If you want to fight me too just say so I'll happily defend myself and cut you all down, Almie said coldly.
"We're not supposed to be fighting, Grud said simply.
Almie freed her arm from his grip, sheathed her sword and with one final kick at Yuna on the ground she walked off.
"Strike me again and I'll happily report to the elders you all died in action Frauds!, Her voice echoed throughout the empty room as she walked out.
Mistle put his sword back in place, the bridge of his nose bleeding, Yuna still on the ground, he cursed.
Almie walked down the street briskly, people stared as she went, some waved, she responded respectfully. She walked into an inn, The old woman there greeted her, she bowed and went upstairs. Unlocking her door she went into her room, it was a small wooden apartment, a bed at on corner of the place, her table devoid of things, her cabinet almost empty aside from her usual red and black garments. She put her sword beside the light stand, it slipped from it's position and fell, She ignored it. She took off her clothes slowly and went into the bath. She soaked in the wooden barrel filled with hot streamy water for a while, She stared at the roof, A spider had caught a fly in it's web and was approaching slowly. She felt sick, tired even, She sighed.
Getting out the bath in her robe, she stared down the window kids were running around the town, laughing, yelling and throwing sticks, She smiled.
She put on her under garment, tied her red hair making it spread out like a wide fluffy bush, She wore a white shirt and red pants, strapped a sandal on her legs and approached the door, she paused and looked at her sword still on the floor, it's red sheath gleaming, She sighed and proceeded without it.
Walking down the street, she greeted shop owners, priced jewelries, bought snacks still she was munching on bread Infront of a locked shop, She opened it, placed a sign right Infront of the store and went in continuing her work.
There was a knock on the door, Almie looked out from the open space leading to the kitchen, A blond haired boy with blue eyes walked in, his twin sister following him closely, She smiled.
"You're late, She said sternly.
"Sorry boss, Carl muttered,"We had a bit of problem at home.
"You're always having problems, Almie scoffed, maybe it's time you give your old man a kick in the ass, she brandished her spoon she was using to stir the dish she was making.
Carl laughed setting up chairs, Lia tied an apron around her and started dusting around the place.
Carl sat on one of the stools closer to the kitchen after doing his fair share of cleaning, Lia frowned at him, but he ignored her, The pleasing aroma from Almie's dish filled the air and out the restaurant.
"Where did you learn to cook or does it come with every girl, Carl asked sweetly as Almie tasted her dish.
Almie laughed," not all girls know how to cook you know. You'll be surprised at the large amount of girls who cannot, Besides I've always been a master at the art from a very young age, She laughed brandishing her wooden spoon suddenly, it sprayed oil and quite a bit of the dish everywhere including where Lia just finished cleaning.
"Would you mind!, Lia Scrowled at her.
"Sorry, Almie said holding her mouth. Carl laughed.
Carl looked outside, the sky was red from the setting sun, he looked at the sigh board filled with pictures of different dishes, Almie followed his gaze.
"Now I bet you'll ask, how come I'm already making a dish even though I'm not sure what the first customer would ask for, She grinned.
"Yeah, Carl affrimed.
"Well if you must know, Almie chopped the onions she had on deck rather quickly and skillfully, Carl went into the kitchen to help her, Washing his hands and picking up some bell peppers, Standing near her he felt extremely short," The smell usually draws the first customer, and they'll no doubt buy what brought them here, She said softly.
"I see Carl said, dodging a splash that aimed for his eyes as he washed the paper.
Carl chopped the peppers rather quickly but Almie was Leagues faster, she takes him with bringing the meat from the storehouse, He did and cut them down to size, Almie washed them and tossed them into the dish, The aroma was hitting harder than ever even Almie's mouth watered.
"Aren't those supposed to be for the customers, Carl pinched her as she approached ready to devour the dish.
"This is my shop, Almie pouted," I have every right to eat the food I made.
"I think we should leave the kitchen now that the food is done, if we stay here any longer I doubt they'd be any food left to sell, Carl grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out the kitchen, she followed grudgingly.
"What about the rice? She Asked.
"I'll take care of that, Carl said as he went back into the kitchen. Almie sat on one the the chairs starring outdoors, she felt someone's gaze on her and turned to see Lia staring at her, she grinned.
Lia sat on a stool just below Almie as she braided her hair, Lia frowned slightly as Almie let go of one of the completed braids of hair.
"Why don't you always open during the day, Lia asked.
"I'm a busy girl, Almie smiled as she responded, The twin braids she was giving Lia was almost complete.
"What kind of business do you do that keeps you away all day? Lots of the people wish you'd open during teg day too, Lia said slowly.
"That's a secret, Almie said sadly but shook it off immediately.
"Is it a date of some sort? Lia asked, Almie froze flushing.
"Wh-What brought that on, She asked forcefully pulling Lia's hair by accident.
"Ouch, Lia yelled.
"Sorry, Almie muttered calming herself down,"It's not a date, she smiled.
"For someone so pretty it's hard to see you not getting boys fawning all over you, Lia huffed.
"I hear ya, Almie affrimed, guys on the street must be blind, She smiled," by the way why do you say that? You're a pretty girl yourself do guys fawn over you?
"Not a chance, Lia sighed, I've only ever met boneheads, she took a deep breath aside from Carl of course.
"What about Carl? Almie asked does he have a girl he likes?
Lia seemed to ponder for a while," There's this girl he keeps talking to, of course I've warned him about her but he just wouldn't listen, I think her name was Sarah".
"Ouch, Ouch, Ouch, Lia yelled and hit Almie's hand as she had suddenly flinched and pulled her hair tightly.
"Oh sorry, sorry, I didn't mean, Almie laughed nervously, About this Sarah she's a commoner around here right?
Again Lia was silent for a while," I don't think she's a commoner, I've forgotten her family name though, but I don't think she's that big of a deal.
"This is a massive kingdom, Almie thought internally, there's bound to be more than one girl named Sarah around, it's just a coincidence I doubt we're thinking about the same person, I should drop it.
"Finally! A man said dusting off his dirty clothes off dust and debris as he walked into the shop," down the street I couldn't tell if you were open or not, The man smiled, he could arguably be in his late 60s, he had white hair shattered over his head but with the agility of a youth.
Almie and Lia sprang up to their feet immediately, both bowed, welcome to our restaurant, Mr Robert.
The man waved them down and took one of the open table and seat,"I'll have whatever is making that aroma he said softly.
"Carl? Almie said as she dashed into the kitchen, Lia stood with her tray ready to serve the man.
Lia brought the man quite the serving of Almie's made curry and rice, with a side dish of roasted lamb and crayfish on the man's orders, After Lia had dropped the dishes he requested booze, Lia dashed back towards the kitchen. After delivering Mr Robert his beers some couple came in and demanded what was making the Aroma.
Soon one by one the tables were filled with hungry folks, Tales were thrown around, Almie laughed with most of them, Many paid and left other took their places instantly.
"I can't believe they did that, one man blurted out drunk. A noble girl was kidnapped and those cunning rats saw it as an opportunity to attack the rose family.
"I hear ya, Another man responded raising his tankard, Soon almost the entire restaurant were talking about how unfairly the young knight, Nina had been treated.
Almie laughed and responded to jokes, she even joined in the conversation at some point. It was near midnight before they packed up and closed the shop, the last of the customers leaving as they did. Almie tossed Carl a bag of coins and some tied up food she had reserved for them.
"Isn't this too much? Carl asked shocked at the weight of both bags, Lia helped him carry one of them.
Almie slung a sack across her shoulder," I have more than enough to spare, she smiled, take it as a token of my appreciation for the hard work you always put in.
Lia bowed with a thank you asbith side departed to their different ways.
After walking a while Almie stopped and turned back twords the twins who were a little distance off from her,"Hey Carl!, She yelled Into the night.
Carl turned back to see her waving.
"I heard you've got a girl, she yelled can I know her name?
"You blabber mouth, Carl told Lia, She looked away.
"It's not what you think, he yelled back a reply, But she goes by Sarah! Sarah Rose, he waved as Almie confirmed she had heard him and started walking back her way.
Almie arrived at her apartment exhausted, the walk back had taken shorter then she expected even though she took the long route, her room was dark and devoid of light, she lit a match put to light the candle on it stand, the flame chased away the darkness instantly, She splashed her face with water and stared at her reflection in the mirror the words, "Sarah Rose" ringing in her head, She took deep breaths.
"I almost killed her, she said softly, She bent down and threw up large amounts of black blood came pouring down, she stared at it, It was the third time that week, She was dying and she knew it. Whatever the masters of the ordeal gave her had not been compactable with her body but she pushed on regardless, She got up took a rag and started cleaning the pool of black blood.
"I don't think I can do it, She said to herself as she sat heavily on her bed a glass of wine in her hand, she took deep periodical sip as she stared at the wooden floor of her room, the bed creaked under her weight, she sighed,"There's no way to drop out, she said to herself.
She took another swing of her wine, her head was throbbing, a contraction forming in her chest, it hurts, she thought, she walked up to the window, bats fluttered about catching insect's, the night was silent, down the an alley just opposite her window she could see people making out, she sighed.
"I miss the farm, she muttered,"Brother, where are you? She asked nothing in particular.
"I can't drop out, but I'm not the one doing the deed, she said slowly, Maybe- she remembered the look on Carl's face as he mentioned her name.
"It'll be the same as killing her, She held her head, this is troublesome, I hate thue feeling. Let the bottle on the table and proceeded towards her bed, her head was hurting more then ever, the wine bottle wobbles, she folded and covered herself under her sheets, her hot breath washing down her face and over the closed sheets warming her, She tired eyes closed as she slept almost instantly. The wine bottle unable to steady itself fell and shattered.