"The flesh transcended. Arms, legs, massacred faces on the cold stone floor, the blood became like fire in the veins, the need to erase the mistake of the world. Now I am with purpose, the creator became the first"
A nightmare, recollections of them woke me up. First thing I see is Percival sitting in front of me, his gaze, the same since we began our way to Zunilda, on me, always on me. If I dared move my hand to the left immediately his eyes followed, same with anything I did, he was my shadow indeed. Then, another more curious gaze, one of the soldiers of the Black Company looked at me with a slight smile, "Hey! Y-you are the Godsword, right? I'm Robert. Can you show me one of your tricks? I wasn't in the audience so I couldn't see, pretty please…?". I completely ignored him, focusing more on getting the dried dirt from eyes and gauge what time it was. "Hey! Listen, I can tell you things, you must be kinda of lost being from Roda and all, if you show me a trick I'll tell you everything you want to know!". He said everything? maybe I could after all. "A trick?… first give me some water", I said and he eagerly reached down and handed me his canteen, the water tasted funny, I would kill for a bit of wine right now. I gave the canteen back, "Alright, a trick with my sword and you'll tell me everything?", I asked once again and he nodded like a child. I reached to my back and grab the handle of my sword, suddenly, like the wind, Percival drew his sword and pointed it against me, the tip scratching my Adam's apple, "No", he warned and I shrugged to Robert before placing my hands back on my lap. "Ah… Please Sir Percival, let him show me at least one…", Robert pleaded, "Ah… shucks! Well, I don't care much for the trick really, I would like to have a conversation with you Tak. Sir Percival hasn't said a single thing through the whole journey, like not a single word… except for the 'no' he just gave you".
This guy, Robert, he seemed young for being part of the company, he did look like a soldier though; wearing the black armor, and he did sport some superficial scars on his face and hands, "Okay, Robert, been part of the company for long?", my simple question made his eyes light up, "Yeah! I mean, no. Kind of, I've been in the company for almost two years! At first I had the prove myself to Miss Patricia, but she was really kind to me, she helped me with a swordsmanship, even if I mostly handle the crossbow, hehe. I train everyday to become better and better, doing hard work to help my peers and keeping my body fit for my mistress!", ugh… 'mistress', it makes me puke everytime they refer to her as that. "So, how old are you?", I asked, "Oh! I'm eighteen right now, just turned last week!". Eighteen? Huh, at his age I was already slaying bears two times my size, "Happy birthday then. But I'm curious now. How did you meet Patricia?", I needed to know and this question made his eyes even brighter, "Oh! It was the bestest day of my life! See, I used to be a little thief, a scum of the earth, undeserving of life itself! One day I got caught stealing some food, and got beat up… I thought I was going to die until she and her company found me and save me. She corrected me and placed me on the right track, showed me the way of the soldier and the servant… and she also show me love". This kid was clearly mad. Patricia obviously brainwashed him, I cannot hear anymore of this.
We left at the afternoon and it was night at this point, so we should be really close to the town. By the movement of the carriage I could sense we were going slow and after a few minutes we suddenly stopped. Robert quickly stood and opened the carriage doors, "Let's see why we stopped", he jumped out, I went behind him and so did Percival, who would not let me out of his sight. We were in the middle of a narrow dirt road, around nothing more than some hills and sparse out trees, and we made our way to the first carriage were Patricia was, it was slightly blocking the path of another one which was full of goods; food and beverages stored in ceramic vases. The conductor of that carriage was talking with Patricia and offering her some of his items, "What a gratifying surprise seeing you Miss Falkfak. Let me say, the moonlight really highlights your eyes my lady. Please accept this, some mead from the greatest distillery there is in the country", he said in a pathetic attempt to appease her, "Oh, thank you sir. Now, if you'll be so kind as to provide my men with some more of your products. We are the protectors and enforcers of the country, the will of Lord Falkfak after all, won't you agree?", she said, making a remark at the last part, the conductor fearfully agreed, "Yes of course, please, your men can help themselves with whatever they need!", the other soldiers from the company began to take stuff with them; cheese, mead, ale, fruits, leaving the poor conductor's carriage half full, the soldiers acted like this was a common occurrence, even Robert ran to get some things, while I noticed Percival looking at his side, almost like he was trying ignore what was happening. "Okay ladies, let's move!", Patricia ordered everyone back to the carriages and we continued our way.
Robert placed the food on his lap and began to stuff his mouth with some candy he took, then he offered it to me, "Want some?", I shook my head, he also presented a bottle, "Hey, is that wine? Give me some", I took the bottle from his hand and practically used my teeth to take out the cork, I chug down a quarter of the bottle, "Ah! It tastes great. Here", I tried to pass the bottle to Percival but he slapped it away, almost making me drop it, "Not fond of wine? Alright, no need to get violent". Percival sported this look of disgust, "I won't consume or enjoy stolen goods", his voice firm and his gaze a judging one. "Stolen?! But Sir, these were donated to the cause! You heard what the man said, he offered these things to us, to the company", Robert retorted and Percival slightly turned his head, giving a withering glare that made Robert almost choke on the candy. Me? I didn't care much for 'stolen' or 'donated' or whatever state they got their food or drink. By the time we arrived at Zunilda I had finished the whole bottle.
The town, even if it was closer to the capital, looked pretty silent and calm, the streets were lit but most people remained inside. We stopped in front of an inn that doubled as a bar, it had a big hall with many tables and it was filled with people. Patricia gathered her company, "Well boys, time to make our presence known", she said before entering, the other nine soldiers following suit. All the diners turned to see us, some of them seemed to recognized who the Black Company was and promptly got up and left. Patricia made her way to the counter on the far side of the hall; behind it an old man and young girl stood, "Evening. You must be Gerald, I do think we met before. Well, I came here with my company of soldiers to perform a duty for Lord Falkfak. See, we are tired and hungry from all the travel we did and we'll be staying here. We hope to find a most welcoming stay", Patricia said to the old man, speaking to him the same way she did to the conductor, the old man stuttered a bit, clearly nervous, "Oh, yes, yes. Miss Patricia, how could I forget you. I'll be honored to have the Black Company under my roof, please have a seat, we'll arrange a table for you". The old man went to another room and from it emerged five kobolds that, diligently, brought two large tables and merged them in the middle of the hall, then arranged some chairs and polished the wood, all of this in less than ten minutes. Patricia did seemed disgusted by the kobolds and the old man, Gerald, immediately understood, "Please, take seat. I'll get Sonya to serve you, we don't want any kobold touching your food, am I right?".
I sat where I had a clear view of the counter, Gerald looked like he would die of nervousness; getting dressed with an apron before having a word with the young girl, Sonya, probably informing her of how to treat Patricia and her company. The rest of the soldiers took a seat, Patricia, obviously, sitting at the end of the table, clearly enjoying the attention, giggling and making jokes with the rest. Sonya approached us shortly after to take our order, Patricia and most of her company asked for lavish dishes, those expensive ones that weren't going to be finished, and I went for a normal steak and some ale. Percival, who sat next to me, didn't order anything, he spent all diner just staring down or at me, not even having a single cup of water. Sonya was often called to the table as the company constantly ordered appetizers, her demeanor denoted her annoyance to what was happening, something Patricia seemed to notice as she began to call for her for menial things, like refilling almost full cups or ask for a change of dishes and utensils, Patricia making Sonya carry them back and forward as she didn't want the kobolds to touch them. In one of these moments, Sonya let a thought slip from her mouth while one of the soldiers was ordering another drink, "Hope that's all of it…", an innocent comment but one that the soldier passed to the one that sat next to him, and then to the next until it reached Patricia, who called for Sonya. Hard to gauge what Patricia said to her, taking in account I was, thankfully, sitting far away from her, but Sonya's reaction didn't pass as… fearful? Or apologetic? It seemed Patricia let it slide. Before they finished 'dining', even if, by that point it was just a show of splurge, I needed to take a piss and a breath of fresh air, so I went outside to the back of the inn. Percival, who of course followed closely, leaned against the wall, not giving me much privacy but at least he was watching me from the back.
Then I heard some steps, someone approaching me, "Hey! Taking a leak too?", Robert exclaimed, startling me a bit, "I drank a lot of that special peach juice they make, it was great. I love how kind everyone is to us", his words sounded to me like a joke, a bad one, either he believed his lies or he was in denial, "Kindness? That was fear. Fear of what your peers might do. Ha… 'kindness'", I scoffed but he retorted, "It is. All of the people in the Confederation are one with the cause. Maybe is hard for a bandit like you to understand, I used to be like you but she changed me and now I see the good in the people. And those that want to hurt us are enemies of the country without a doubt", his little speech annoyed me, "Bandit? Listen, I'm not like you, I'm have not a single grain of similarity with you and I hope to remain that way", I could've slapped him for even daring to make a comparison. Then he made this expression of self-sufficiency, "I understand! My mistress told me you would feel that way. But I know it is my mistress's job to show you the way, to change you into something better. I'm sure that, by the end of this mission, that will be achieve". I can't believe he was working me up so much, "Yeah… I hope that this mission ends soon, your 'mistress' can't leave her post for too long, uh? Seaway is far away from here", I blurted and began to leave but stopped when he asked, "Seaway? Why? Does she have to leave on a special mission again?", I immediately turned to him, "Seaway, you know. Patricia being the chief of the city guard? Wait, what do you know?", my question matched his eagerness to answer, "Oh well, I know she went to Seaway for a special reason, that's what she told us. But she isn't a… city chief, guard… whatever you think she is. You must be confused". It made sense, I stayed a month there with Dorlan and neither seen or heard anything about a Black Company, or her as the chief of the city guard until the moment we met at the guild. I didn't answer, just went back to the inn with this information.
After the soldiers dined Gerald assigned us different rooms, Patricia demanded for me to stay in her room but Percival intervened again, finally ending up in a room with him. And, while I was taking my armor and chainmail off, she came into the room, "My, my… I was hoping to see more of you. But alas, your 'protector' wouldn't allow for a single second with you in private. Tell me, did you have a good time among my company? We love nights like these, traveling through the country, eating well and doing our tasks dutifully, but having fun nonetheless. Maybe you I could find you a place inside it, what do you think?", her voice tried to came out at sweet, even caring, but I knew her enough not to let her fool me, "Traveling? You tell me, when did you plan to go back to Seaway? Weren't you the chief of the city guard? Ah yes! I heard that was a lie, like the one you're telling me now", my words made her expression change instantly, she approached me with resounding steps, Percival got up and she stopped one meter from me, "A lie? Hahaha... In this country, I can be whatever I want to be, if I want to be the chief of the city guard I can be that, if I want to be the mayor of Zunilda, I can, if I want to cut the throats of anyone, I can, if I order for my men to rape every woman in this damned town, let me assure you, it will happen and not only they will like it, but they will thank me", she said with a deranged smile, giggling a bit before continuing, "And Seaway? Well, I received a letter telling me about you, who you were and what you did. It was written by someone who hated your guts, didn't specify what you did to that poor bastard, so don't look down on me from that high chair you built, you killed and maimed some adventurers during your escape from the guild, you know? We all do what we must. I'll see you tomorrow", she turned and left the room.
I was left wondering who could be the person that wrote to her but I knew it was fruitless, the damage was already done, having to met this woman and getting myself in this situation. I pushed the thoughts aside, getting the last of my armor off, rinsing my arms and washing my face, then taking my sword and cleaning it. After finishing, like everynight, I kneeled and began to pray, facing the moon that showered me with its blue light, tonight's prayer felt different. His image came to me, Father Bardion; the only person who taught me kindness and diligence, to wonder and to respect, he even taught me to read and write, something uncommon among the holy knights of Roda. Last time I saw him was three years ago in the garden at the military orphanage, the day I left the capital of Roda as a fugitive and sought for guidance, at that moment I only thought of him, in the garden he gave me this necklace with the Langedar, he told me to not lose faith to always have it in my heart. I had to smile to muffle the disappointment I have on myself, since that moment I did nothing more than wander around, losing myself more and more, the only fine thread of faith I have is praying… something I hope, deep down, is not a facade, a lie I tell myself to honor what Father Bardion told me.
"You're of the Faith, huh?", words that pierce through my concentration, words that came from Percival's mouth nonetheless, despite being a question it felt more like an out loud thought from him. I didn't even turn to him, just looked at him from the corner of my eye, "I am… or at least that's what I hope I still am. I pray everynight, so you'll have to get use to it if you plan to keep following me". He didn't move, just sat there staring. I went back to finish my prayer and then a commotion broke my concentration again, distant screams from outside the inn, clearly from Robert, probably getting scolded by her 'mistress'. I may give an ounce of pity for him if he wasn't a brainwashed idiot, but might as well include him in my prayer.
In the early morning a loud thump woke me up, one of the company's soldiers kicked the door open, "Wake up. We have to get some clues on the whereabouts of the wizard!". While brushing my face and eyes, I turned to see Percival, already fully clothed and armored, watching me. After getting readied, we went outside where Patricia had his soldiers gathered around her, I looked around and saw Robert, clearly avoiding me this time, his gaze down and fleeting. "Finally the myth has decided to join us. Well then, we'll be splitting in two groups, then will go around interrogating the townsfolk for any clues on Roderick", Patricia said and divided her soldiers, five on one side and six in the other, me and Percival went with her. If there was a single drop of doubt about what they did last night; the mistreating and behavior, well, that drop evaporated as, through all morning, we went from store to tavern, even houses, during which her soldiers intimidated their way into getting goods; food, weapons, clothes, jewelry, etc. They interrogated everyone they came across and most, if not all, said the same thing, "Roderick? He must be in the tower across the bridge, he's always there", a clear clue that Patricia avoided following, "Must be a lie", "He must have everyone in the town lying for him", "We'll check that place last", excuses she threw everytime someone repeated the wizard's location. At one point she allowed her soldiers to kill a farmer's goat just because it made loud noises while she 'interrogated' the farmer; then she made the farmer give her soldiers free cheese. Their demeanor clearly disgusted me, I was taught to be respectful to others and respect people's livelihoods, but I couldn't find much of a reason to intervene, what would I gain by confronting the niece of the dictator of the country? I was a long way from the border and didn't want to make this more difficult for me. In the past, I played the role of hero and besides a momentary satisfaction, it has brought me nothing good to me other than inconvenience.
One thing that caught my attention was Percival's reaction to these acts; he would turn his head and look to his side, to a wall or to the floor everytime Patricia and her men did something corrupt, like looking away would erase the act somehow. I did understood why, his 'knighthood', his code of conduct, something he was taught as a constitution of his life. He acted the same way I used to, from the time I spent as a holy knight, following the statutes of correct fighting and respect for superiors, getting the Godsword completely changed that part of me as I needed to survive in the north and fend for myself. Back in Lindelen I began doing menial jobs that kept my head afloat for a while, but that couldn't last much longer as I wanted to rebuild somekind of life and, for that, I needed to get more and more coin. I did simple delivery work, then delivery of important goods, then slaying work; from simple rats to a pack of wolves, bigger animals and even magical ones, and with that work I made a name for myself. I did break boundaries bit by bit, for a year I was the top thug of an important company in Lindelen; they hired me as a strong arm and a saboteur, going to different towns and destroying the competition but never killing anyone, that was the only boundary I kept, something hard to achieve in this world, hard to wield a sword and not use it to end the lives of those that deserve it.
Almost at noon, Patricia decided to go back to the inn and wait for the other group, thanks to her and her soldier's actions, the streets were deserted, the mere sight of the Black Company was a sign of trouble and people didn't want to cross paths with them. Just before reaching the inn the other group met us, and one of the soldiers whispered something to Patricia, then she organized everyone in a line, "Alright. We have new information about someone who might be conspiring with the wizard. Let's go conduct an interrogation", with that, we all went to the east of the town and stopped in front of a house, "Is this one it?", Patricia asked and one soldier gave a nod. The soldiers began to unsheathe their swords and load their crossbows, and one of them approached the door of the house and kicked it open; the sound of the door breaking down and falling was followed by screaming as the rest began to enter the house with Patricia entering last. Inside, an elderly couple was already on the floor, one old man was held down with a knee on his back, "Agh… what is this?… what do you want?", Patricia ignored him and prompted two of her soldiers to go upstairs, more screaming ensued as the soldiers made their way down with a kobold and the girl from last night, Sonya.
"I'm here by the orders of our supreme dictator, Lord Falkfak. We are to bring the rogue wizard Roderick to justice or give him death. We know you are conspiring with him. Surrender his location to me immediately!", Patricia stated and the old man rose his hand, "We know nothing my lady, I swear. We are just- agh!", his words stopped by pain as the soldier stomped on his hand, the armored boot breaking some fingers. Patricia pointed to Sonya, "You. You are the one associated with the wizard we are looking for". Again, the old man tried to speak but the soldier grabbed his arm and began to forcefully bent it back, "Stop! Stop, please! That wizard lives in the tower across the bridge, I don't know him, I swear!", Sonya pleaded and Patricia gave an almost unnoticeable sign with her face, it was directed to her soldiers, seemed like they've done this kind of thing before. One soldier held Sonya by her hair while another ripped her clothes apart, the screaming became incessant and brought the attention of the neighbors who opened their doors or peeked through the windows to see. "You are trying to protect this criminal? Hmpf, I should end your life right here and now", Patricia slapped Sonya across the face multiple times, "N...no- I swear… please", her pleads getting drowned with anguish as Patricia grabbed her by the jaw, "Crying is not what I ask of you. If you're not willing to tell the truth then you are forcing my hand. Kill the kobold!", she ordered and two soldiers kicked the kobold down, one kneeling and raising the creatures head enough to expose its neck…
I turned for a second as to gauge Percival expression the same way I've been doing all morning but he wasn't there, he actually left me alone for once, I could barely see his silhouette from the corner of my eye, he was outside the house and giving his back to this whole situation. Turning again I locked eyes with the kobold for a split second, the poor creature actually spoke like many others of its kind can, pleading for its life, asking to be spared, the memory of a month ago came to me; when I killed the kobolds in Franck. Why I was feeling sympathy now? These creatures disgusted me, these creatures are like rats and below the status of others, I do understand to respect their lives somewhat, but now I was more disgusted by the fact I shared this sentiment with her, with Patricia.
The cries of the kobold turned more drowned as the blood came flowing from its neck, the soldier cutting like its neck like it was a log of wood, trying to behead not just to cut its throat, finally raising the head of the creature like a trophy. Patricia took Sonya outside, who tried to cover her expose body to no avail. "People of Zunilda, here we have a conspirator. Someone who made an alliance with a traitor of our fatherland, a dangerous wizard that's been sowing destruction around the country. Taking advantage of the good will of the people of Zunilda, this… harlot, has been using trickery and lies to deceive all of you and seek power along with this rouge wizard. But do not be afraid as we, The Black Company, will struck down this evil, today!", Patricia announced proudly to the people seeing the scene unfold; some shy cheers, probably out fear, could be heard spurred by the soldiers of the company. "Good, let's get to that fucking tower now", Patricia muttered and the soldiers made a line and marched, Sonya being taken along. Percival followed behind me, I can only wonder what he was thinking, seeing this display of 'justice', his gaze wasn't on me, for the first time, it was on Patricia's back.
The soldiers marched with Patricia in the front and Sonya in the middle, attracting the gazes from everyone around. Sonya was pushed and groped everytime she slowed her pace, probably due to the fact she was walking barefoot. One of the soldiers broke the line and went to Patricia, it was Robert and he was still carrying the decapitated head of the kobold, which created a line of blood on the cobblestone. I didn't notice before but it was him who, without second though, chopped the kobold's head. I'm sure he was presenting the head to Patricia, maybe to gain her sympathy back? What a twisted way if that's the case. Patricia said something to him and he, as easy as he decapitated the kobold, threw away the head to the middle of the street. Sonya glanced at the head as she passed by, her crying so hysterical it sounded like she was drowning.
When we reached the bridge I could feel something, a magical presence so strong it made the hair in my arms stand up. We crossed the bridge but I already knew we were about to meet a magic manifestation, there was something that emanated an aura around the tower and, as we got closer, I realized there was a barrier ahead, a trap set by the wizard… maybe I should keep quiet and let Patricia cross it. "Hold!", one of the soldiers suddenly exclaimed and stepped forward, he went to Patricia, "Mistress. There's a protective barrier ten meters ahead, if we cross it we might activate a trap", he said and Patricia nodded, "I suspected that much. Thanks Alister. Listen up, there's a magic barrier ahead, if we cross it we might die, so we'll stay here until we can resolve a way to go pass". Patricia had a magic user as one of her soldiers it seemed. This man, Alister, did look different from the others; he was more skinny, had a bag on him and kept his hood on at all times, he slowly approached the barrier and threw a powder he took from inside his bag, then the barrier became visible, a dimly blue hue that enveloped the tower and almost fifty meters around. "This barrier kills on contact. I don't actually know the method, just that it might have a cooldown after activation, we could exploit that to pass through", Alister analyzed and one of the soldiers asked, "Can we just throw a rock or something at it?", and Alister shook his head.
Patricia turned to Sonya with a gaze telling of her intentions, I realized she was about to use Sonya to cross the barrier, not even that, just to test if the cooldown theory was true. I turned to look back for a second, to see where Percival was, this time I was going to act, I couldn't let Patricia keep this act anymore, even if it meant I would have to kill everyone. My hand reached for the handle as Patricia reached for Sonya's arm, then I was shoved to the side by Percival himself, who went directly to Patricia, with his sword drawn, "Stop this, right now!", he said with his blade standing in between Patricia and Sonya, "No matter what authority you may have. You will not use this girl to fulfill the mission". All the other soldiers of the company drew their weapons and pointed their crossbows towards Percival. Patricia gave a little smirk, "Are you serious? She's a traitor, a criminal that will face a death sentence anyway", she said with a special kind disregard, like stating obvious. "First, you must give her a fair trial and then we'll see if she deserves death or not. You may murder any creature or animal you desire as the laws of the country allows you to, but humans do not fall under that category", Percival reasoned with a voice which clearly was struggling to held back anger, Patricia again made a tiny smile before replying, "A 'fair trial' you say? I guess you're right sir. But again, she's a dangerous criminal and under the laws of the country, dangerous criminals have to be… 'contained' somewhat, no? Sir Percival, please. Sever her hands so she may not wield any weapon against me or my men". Her hands?! What kind of law is that? I struggled to comprehend the rules and so did Percival, "Sever? See in the state she's in! She's completely exposed, no weapon to wield. Y-you, can't-", his gaze turning to Sonya and back to Patricia, he was actually considering doing it, her hands for her life? I had enough, I already was at the wizard's doorstep, my hand went to grab the handle of my sword, I couldn't bare to keep watching and do nothing. I may start by killing the two soldiers next to me, then, with a dash, kill Percival and Patricia and two more behind her, then the rest will be resolve on its own.
"Alright, fine. Everyone, let's go back to the inn. We will think of another way to cross the barrier. Tomorrow", Patricia said and made me stand down, did she see me reaching for my sword? Did that made her back down? Anyway, Percival stood frozen for a few seconds as everyone formed in a line and went back, this time it was me who waited for him. He took the cape that was attached to the back of his armor and enveloped Sonya with it, then carried her as to avoid her feet get worst, we created some distance between us and the company but Alister stood behind, waiting for us, "The girl will remain under our custody, so take her back to the inn", he said to Percival who retorted, "She'll remain under my custody, as a knight of the confederation I have that right", but Alister stopped Percival once again, "You're overstepping your boundaries, knight. You know the company has more reach than someone of your standing. Deliver her to Patricia or else you'll face punishment from Lord Falkfak himself", he said and went on his way.
Percival slowed his pace, probably dreading having to deliver Sonya back to Patricia. Sonya was out cold, fainted, I guess from the stress of all that happened. "It's a shame really. I don't think the girl is going to live past tomorrow. There is not going to be any trial or any conviction, she's going to be one more of Patricia's victims", I said, in my mind it seemed like a reassuring thought for Percival, like 'don't worry, you did good despite her death being unavoidable', but I think it came out wrong because he gave a death stare, "I don't care for the words of a bandit and a murderer like you", his harsh words kind of hurt and I was tired of being treated like a bandit, so I clarified, "I'm not a bandit. A murderer I might be for some. I'm a knight in actuality, formed under the same rules as you", I reckon I smirked a bit as I revealed that to him, I was hoping to see his reaction, a face of surprise or maybe plain skepticism but he completely disregarded what I said and kept walking. Well, one thing that became clear was that his position had change, he was carrying Sonya and giving his back to me, maybe he didn't see me as a threat anymore? Probably saw the Black Company as a bigger threat at this time, I really hope he's not underestimating me.
Outside the inn stood on soldier who was keeping an eye for our return, once he saw us, he went inside the inn and brought Patricia outside, "Took you long enough. You, c'mon, let's throw her in the back", she said to the soldier next to her but Percival didn't seem like surrendering Sonya yet, "What are you going to do?", he asked her with clear disdain and Patricia retorted, "Are you developing sympathy for a criminal? Or did you fall in love? She's going to be jailed and, because she's a prisoner of the Black Company, she is going to be put in the back, with the horses. What? I'm not breaking any laws or rules, am I right?". Percival still didn't budge, "Show me where", he said and Patricia shrugged before motioning him to follow her. She led us to a stable close to the inn where the carriages and the horses remained, she walked to the last stall that hosted no horse but a man, "Fifi! Have you eaten the candy I left you this morning?", she said in an annoying childish voice. From the shadows of the stall emerged Fifi crawling towards Patricia who opened the barred gate of the stall, then Fifi came and greeted her by kissing her feet. "Oh! I missed you too!, now, pay attention. She's Sonya, she will remain with you and she is a prisoner so don't treat her too good, okay?", she said while petting Fifi's head then turned to Percival, "Okay, now leave her in the stall. And stop being so difficult, you are starting to annoy me, you know?", she gave a final threat and Percival reluctantly left Sonya inside the stall. Patricia closed the gate not before saying to Fifi, "Oh, and Fifi. Try not to do any naughty things to her, alright?". Just before leaving I turned to see Fifi who locked his gaze on me, I knew just by locking at him that he remembered what I owed him.
Percival walked, stopped and looked back, then walked a bit more, stopped and looked back, this went for five more times, torn between staying to guard Sonya or do his duty as 'my shadow'. I myself could feel the gaze of Patricia on my back, she clearly destabilized Percival and may be gaining a way to get to me. I made my way back to the inn and Percival, even if somewhat reluctantly, had to follow me. Inside the inn's hall, the company's soldiers were already having lunch, served by Gerald this time, they made jokes and asked if I would join them but right now I wasn't too keen after what they did to Sonya. Now in the room, Percival went straight to the window, opening it and sticking his head out, "You won't be able to see her from here", I said but he completely ignored me and tried to put more of himself out, "You are going to fall… agh, do whatever you want", if he wanted to keep this nonsense going, I should just let him, at the end of the day I'd might get more freedom from him focusing on his 'damsel'. "You are a knight?", he blurted out and then turned to me, "If you are what you say you are. Then you'll go outside and protect her". He was to dull at trying to manipulate me, "You could just ask me to go outside so you can keep an eye on her. That and, well, I don't really care much for her, you could just go to her and let me be", there was a slight hope he would actually go and let me be alone for a while but no, he approached me with a clear annoyance that broke his always cold expression, "Then what are you? Knights are there to impart justice, to protect, to serve and to fight. You can't protect, you don't serve nobody and I'm sure you impart no justice. Maybe you could fight but I doubt it would be for a good cause. So take the pure title of knight out of your mouth".
I came all this way out of a gut feeling. Having to spend my time along with criminals like the Black Company, a rapist and a groomer like Patricia and a stuck up knight like Percival began to create cracks on my patience. Having to calm my nerves at Percival's words took more effort than I thought, I had to breath a bit before answering properly, "Fine, big knight. Let's make a deal. You want to keep this farce of yours, this duty that tyrant gave you? Alright, I'll go outside and help you with the girl, in exchange, you will allow me to brandish my sword freely… not that I couldn't before but I don't want your ugly face come at me threatening me with force", I stated and he instantly extended his hand to seal the deal, "I accept". But I didn't shook his hand yet, "Wait. I'm not finished. When I said I would help you with the girl, I meant, I'll free her and you can take her back to her house or whatever. See, I don't think she's a criminal and I have a suspicion you think the same", as I finished, he pulled his hand back to his chest, "But… that would meant I'll be going against Patricia. I'll be going against the law. If she thinks Sonya is a criminal, then I had to accept that fact and keep her under custody. Patricia is an enforcer of the law after all", he said. This man was having too much trouble between what he desired and what he thought was right. In my case, I had already decided I would leave by the end of this day, "Listen, I'll be clear with you. I'm going to leave today, okay? First, I'll help the company with the wizard and all, but I'm not going to remain with this corrupt 'police'. Think for a bit, has any of the actions that Patricia has done, represents any of the things you uphold as a knight? Because, even if you hate it, she is the will of Lord Falkfak, she is his niece, she will always be this way and she will always do whatever she pleases against the common folk. I'm no hero and I understand that you're different, so, If you don't want to follow through, then just turn a blind eye, I'll free the girl and convince Patricia to go the tower again, I'll even offer myself to cross the barrier". I said everything I wanted to say, maybe he would accept but, just in case, I already had in mind killing him right then and go straight to the tower. He didn't reply but extended his hand again, I half-smiled and shook it. Why is it when I already think of violence, only then I get a positive answer?
We made our way back to the stables, sneaking out to avoid any of the soldiers from noticing us. Once we had the stalls in sight, Percival ran to the last one where Fifi had Sonya's head resting on his lap, but Percival seemed to dislike that, "Get your hands off her", he warned while pounding against the gate, "You're going to alert them, stupid. Move aside", I said, shoving him like he did to me before, taking my sword I sliced the lock in two with ease. "Get off", Percival said again as he entered the stall and raise Fifi from his collar, throwing him a few meters back, then he took Sonya in his arms, "I'll take her back to her parents, wait for me before speaking with Patricia", he said and left with haste.
"Are you ok?", I helped Fifi to his feet, "Care to tell me your name… your real one? Fifi is no name for a man", I laughed but notice he was avoiding looking at my face, "D-did you disobey her? Sh-she's going to do bad things to you and to him", he said with fidgety eyes, staring at me and then to the ground. "Disobey her is what I been doing. You know who I am and what I'm capable of. Why did you lie?", a question I needed an answer for, he shakily stood straight for the first time, "Lie… I know. I want you to do something. She… she did things. I was captured during the siege of Franck, one of my captors was from the Black Company and he presented me, along with some of my comrades, to her. She killed all of us except for me, she said I was pretty, tha- that it would be a w-waste. They took turns on me as she watched, she loves to watch, she always watches. By the end she said I looked too pretty and needed to… 'toned it down', for a month she took something, first a nail until I had none, then a finger until I had none, then a toe until I had none, finally my eye, 'there' she said to me, 'now you'll remain pretty but only for me'… I didn't understand, I don't understand… I was a proud soldier now it feels like a past life. Everytime she comes to me I have to act, I have to lay down and smell the ground, feel the pain, and I'm so tired… could you… please".
Now I knew what he wanted, something I suspected he would ask of me. So he's been her pet since the siege of Franck?, for at least three months then, what a nightmare. I rose my sword, its tip meeting his neck. His mutilated hands held the end of the blade and kept it steady, trying to make sure there was no way I could miss his throat. "Tell me your name, rodian", I let out under my breath, "I'm Kenseth Lann, proud swordsman of the great Empire of Roda and, please Godsword, kill that bitch". His stance remained firm and unfaltering, I knew he had made his choice and after all this torture this may be his only act of rebellion against her, no need to think it twice, I nodded and buried my sword in his neck, just enough to seal his death, then took it out and helped him to sit and try to find some peace through this violent way to go. I stayed next to him until his last breath, he die looking up to the sky in a place unbelonging to a soldier, for him it would be better to die in the battlefield, doing what he's good at, not in a wet and smelly stable. Before leaving, I let his body rest on the floor and made a prayer for him… 'Lann', that name ringed a bell, maybe I should had asked him more questions, but what is done is done.
With Kenseth's death, it was only a matter of time until Patricia finds out, I had to wait for Percival's return and convince her to go immediately back to the tower and confront Roderick. I could just go to the tower myself and disregard everyone else but I had something in mind, and doing that would mean that Percival would get killed, or worst, and even if he is a stupid stuck up knight, he gained some sympathy from me, there's that and the fact I couldn't allow Patricia to live. Getting her and her company to the tower and get them to become victims of the wizard would be the right move, making sure Percival lives is not a problem, the only problem was Alister; magic users are hard to fool, he needed to die first. For now, I'd kept things quiet, close the stall gate and hid the body. I'll wait for Percival, if Patricia sees me alone it will make her suspicious in an instant and would prompt her to check on Sonya. "Hey!", the call came from behind me and made me jump a bit, it was Robert, "Woah, didn't mean to scare you, what are you doing?", he asked as I look to my side to make sure I hid the body well enough, then approached him as to avoid standing next to the stall and give him a clear view, "Uh, nothing. Just having some fresh air I needed after seeing what you did at that poor girl's house", I said, fully expecting him to give his twisted view of the event, instead, he frowned, "Do I have to explain our actions again? I'm tired of explaining what we do to outsiders like you. We do what we must for the good of the country, that harlot was plotting with the wizard and didn't expect us to find out so soon. They always cry and beg when we catch them… to be frank, killing that disgusting house kobold was the tamest we've done in months. We've been doing great progress against traitors inside our borders, like the time we-", he suddenly stopped himself, placing both hands on his mouth, "I-I… shouldn't be telling you anything. You'll get me in trouble with the mistress".
Robert tried to pass beside me but I stopped him, "What are you doing?", I asked with my hand on his chest, "Uh, my mistress asked me to check on the prisoner and Percival, he wasn't in his room and you are here and… wait a second, where is he? Why are you alone?". Shit, he was close to finding out, I turned him around and placed my arm over his shoulder, "Don't worry about it. Percival said he needed to go to the bathroom or something, he must be taking his time, tired of having me around for sure. Hey, now that he isn't here, want to see a trick with my sword?", I said the only thing that came to my mind and Robert seemed keen, "Really? Yeah!", he said with a big smile, so I took him far away from the inn to a small park.
We spent a while in the park, I showed him my recall ability and even sparred with him. Just when I began to feel a bit worried about Percival not showing up, he appeared out of nowhere, "Here you are", he came to us and I thought I could use this time to convince Robert of the plan I've been thinking, "So, Robert, I was thinking about the tower and that barrier it has, and I think there's a way to go through it without any sacrifice. I can do this by myself, but I'll need the support of the company, could you talk to Patricia and let her know I'll be going back to the tower? Please tell her to meet me there in an hour or so". Robert effusively nodded, "Yes! That's great, taking down such a threat is what's most important. The people of Zunilda will thank you Tak, even if you are a bandit". I knew he would agree, "Thanks, we'll meet at the bridge", I said and waved him as he left. Then me and Percival made our way to the bridge, "What took you so long?", I asked, half-expecting him to go back to his old self of not answering, but he looked sad, "Nali… the dead kobold's name was Nali, I helped Sonya bury her. It was the least I could do. I also had to take some measures. I expect Patricia to know of my 'betrayal' by the time she reaches us at the bridge, I won't be with you". It was a shame, I was hoping to kill the Black Company with Percival at my side but, again, he still feels some belonging to the Confederation and to its ruler.
When we were about to reach the bridge, Percival stopped and went in a different direction. I kept going and remained in the bridge, waiting until dusk. Then I saw all of the Black Company coming to me, even from far away I could tell by Patricia's expression that she probably checked the stables and already found his former pet lying dead. Maybe she knew I killed him or that's what I thought until she exclaimed, "Where is he?! Where is that good for nothing knight?! You know what he did? He killed Fifi and escaped with the girl! And, And… you? Did you see him do that, where is he now?", she was resting all the blame on Percival, so I decided to go with the flow, "He did what? We where together but he said he needed to go find something and left me here, that was half an hour ago. Are we going to take down the wizard… or go find him Percival instead?". I was hoping my question wouldn't prompt her to go hunt Percival, but thankfully she just sighed before agreeing to finish the mission, "Agh… fine. Let's be done with this. Then I'll go hang that knight from his balls. Everyone! Let's move!". A slight wave of relief washed me at her response, now I could finish this today.
Like last time, we stopped just shy of the barrier and Alister used his magical powders, "So, how do you plan on crossing this barrier?", Patricia asked with some urgency, seemed she trusted my word and hoped I wasn't going to fail, "Magic barriers always target the first trespasser. The only thing that might be different is the type of attack, I'm not afraid of it and I will not be killed by it. So I'll just cross it and let the defensive measure strike me, if the barrier is not that strong, all of you should be able to cross as the attack will always be focused on me". I didn't lie, I knew my way around magic and buildings rigged with magic but, most importantly, I knew the power of the Godsword couldn't be matched by any wizard, I was protected beyond any regular human capability.
Patricia smirked and laughed a bit, "Alright, I like that answer. Alister, you'll go with him, help him with your abilities, heal him if necessary", she commanded and Alister bowed before literally walking behind me and getting really close to my back, "You won't even notice I'm there, I'll help you", he whispered. How 'reassuring',"Fine", I muttered and took out my sword. I stretched my arms before crossing the barrier and instantly felt a sudden heaviness in my body, there was an aura inside the barrier. "Agh!", Alister groaned behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders, looking for support, seemed the aura was too heavy for him. Despite this, the aura didn't cause any problem on myself, I could still move freely. I scanned my surroundings, trying to see what kind of defense was awaiting for me, suddenly sparks of lighting formed around a metal rod that stood on top of the tower, these sparks joined and, in the split of a second, shoot up and struck down on me, I was barely able to react and defend with my sword, letting it take the discharge. "Nghh… shit", the electrical current burned the tip of my fingers, the attack lasted for a few seconds and left my sword smoking. I turned slightly to see if Alister was still alive, he was crawling but alive, "I-I don't know if there's going to be any more. Run to the tower!", I exclaimed and he ran to the wooden door, kicking it open and turning to me. I made haste and rolled inside the base of the tower behind Alister and the door closed itself, trapping us.
The darkness enveloped us. Alister muttered something and a flame, tiny but bright, emerged from the top of his finger. There were some random furniture inside; a table, some chairs and barrels, my eyes went straight to stairwell, I moved towards it but Alister stopped me, "Wait. Give me your hands, I'll heal your fingers". Surprised by his words, I presented my hands and he manifested a light over them, quickly relieving the pain and restoring the skin to its normal color. "Thanks, let's move", I said. It didn't matter if he helped me, I was decided to kill him sooner or later. There was a slight uneasiness, specially after that lighting strike that burned me, even if just a bit, it was too strong and too precise, wizards are exceptional weapons but their strength gets halved in front of the Godsword, my weapon can cut through their power.
I decided to go first through the narrow spiral stairwell, half the way there I could heard somekind of chanting, clearly in a different language not the common one from the southern nations, the words brought a 'deja vu', I heard this language before. The room at the top was illuminated by the setting sun, at the far end a man with long black hair gave his back to us, he was focusing on something on his hand, and obviously knew we were there. "Good afternoon. We are looking for Roderick", Alister blurted out, his sword already drawn. The man turned; he was aged and had dark green eyes that also felt familiar somehow, "Ah yes. I'm Roderick, what can I help you with, sir?", he bowed. My gaze inspected the room, it had many different sheets of paper stuck to the walls, many tables with potions, pots, scrolls with weird symbols… he seemed to be more than a mere wizard. This man was making potions, a practice a kin to an alchemist, something weird for a wizard to be able to do along with regular magic. Alister took a step forward, "As Lord Falkfak commands, you are under the custody of the Black Company for crimes of treachery, smuggling, killing and many more! You're coming with me", he said and took another step followed by a scream, "Agh!!!", he fell onto his back, half of his feet had been severed. I was unable to see it, but there was another barrier protecting the wizard, this one could dismember anyone who tried to cross it. How could it be? I didn't see it or sense it or anything. I felt a pressure on my back, the sword was glowing slightly, it was feeling the strong magic presence coming from that wizard.
"So interesting that you two could cross the barrier and survive the divine lighting. But it can't be him, the miasma his magic emanates is like one from a baby, so weak, so fragile. That left us just you. I'm interested in you, how did you survive it? You don't look like someone that uses magic", 'Roderick' pointed and asked and then it came to me, he had an accent, one that I know, paired that with that language he spoke before... how? If what I think is the case, then the world is too small. One thing would bring undeniable proof, something only one of them could have, "Show me your right forearm. Now", I said, my words coming harsh at the possibility. "Then… You know? Or is just a coincidence? Hmm… fine, here", he smirked and pulled his sleeve up and showed me the backside of his forearm, there it was, it was the Langedar scarred in his skin but, that wasn't a normal scar as it sported a purple color given by the wizards that belong to the West Kingdom, a mark infused in magic that cannot be erased. A wizard this strong, capable of alchemy and creating powerful magical items? No doubt, he was one of the five sages of the west. Confirming his identity, anger began to fill me, "Y...you. You are not who you say you are", words erupted from my mouth and his demeanor became more serious, "No. I am not Roderick. That poor man died a long time ago and I decided use him for myself. But, you can call me Roderick. I've been living under his name for almost a decade. I'm used to it now".
I drew my sword automatically, the plan I had became completely forgotten. I still needed to know more, "Before I say who am I. You are one of the five, no? No regular wizard can do what you did". He rolled up his left sleeve, his other arm also had another symbol carved on his skin, he was getting ready to fight. No doubt now, I knew him, I saw him that day seven years ago, "You formed part of the Holy Army, I saw you in Sinder performing your magic to support the troops, to kill the Calamity. But you left us, just before Cocsisborough, you left the army and dealt a blow to our power. Why?!", I blurted out, the images of those times flashing through my mind. "You can't be serious, you were in the army?! Now you're more than interesting. Well, what to say? The war was already lost. I don't know if you remember but, by the time we liberated Sinder, we were already less than half of the men we started with. Three of the sages, had already died to that twisted evil and, facing a the prospect of assure dead, I chose to live, I don't care what happens with the Calamity. In the end, I was right, the army was completely massacred. And you? You cannot say anything to me, if you are here and alive then you must have deserted the army too".
Nothing mattered anymore, neither the Black Company nor Patricia nor anything, those things becoming so minuscule as now there was nothing more than the need to kill the sage. First I had to set the story straight, "Desert the army? I stood with the army until the end. We made it to the holy city. Fifteen hundred souls, all slayed by that evil from which I managed to escape". He gave me a look of skepticism, "The only one that could have theoretically survive would had been the Crimson Sword and you are not him, that's for sure. I was told, along with the other sages, that in Mön laid an artifact, a weapon that could destroy the Calamity, so powerful it could decimate entire battalions. I wondered if someone managed to get it, thought that the Crimson Sword could be the only one to get to it but Roda didn't become any stronger, by the contrary, growing even weaker. When I deserted and went back, my kingdom declared me as a traitor, forcing me into exile, telling me that I had forgotten my obligations and might have given another kingdom access to that weapon, to the Godsword… ha… it was just a myth, exiled by a myth, what an unsavory joke". His story, even if interesting, wouldn't be able to keep my anger down, "He is the only reason I'm here, alive and with this", I took my sword out, pointing its tip at him before showing the blade; glowing red at the strong presence of the magic, "This is the weapon. This is the Godsword. And the Crimson Sword was the one that protected me with his body and directed me to the 'myth', 'retrieve it' he said while blood poured from the gaps in its armor. He fought for all of us, for life itself, while you made your cowardly escape. So, take his name out of you dirty mouth".
The sage's eyes went wide, taking tentative steps towards me, leaning to see it closer he said in awe, "By the gods… it is! That's how you survived this far. It is said its wielder binds their soul to it, so you are permanently attached until the end of eternity". I felt a surge of energy on my legs, no need for more words, "Until the end of the calamity", I muttered before using a dash to go thought the barrier unscratched, my sword ready to kill aimed for his neck but my blade went through him and didn't draw any blood, his body dematerialized as its shadow retracted to the far side of the room, materializing his complete body again. His magic was beyond any opponent I faced before, I needed to reflect on my next move. "Impressive. If it wasn't by a hidden measure I would lie headless. I could fight you but it would be a waste", he said walking backwards and getting up on the ledge of the window, "It is sad that I have to leave this life away, it was a good run. Most importantly, it's a shame being so close to that sword and not be able to study it", the symbols written on the sheets of paper, scrolls and even hidden in the walls began to glow brightly. "Come here!", I screamed while running to him and trying to build the energy for another dash, he jumped out the tower. I felt a burning sensation on my chest, it was coming from the return card I hid under my chestplate. "Farewell Godsword", he said to me before vanishing in front my eyes, I was already in the air after jumping out the window, extending my hand to get to him, then everything went black.
Sir Lyras of Iris was fourth son of the Duke of Iris of the Empire of Roda. During the Reunification Wars of the south; which confronted different factions that fought for the throne of the Empire, he became the faithful knight of Empress Liza, he fought for her cause and dispatched more than a thousand enemies on his wake, always wearing that armor and using the sword that gave him his name, the Crimson Sword. He was a hero, the most powerful asset the Empress had, and he was sent to led the rodian portion of the Holy Army. I had the honor of fighting along him… well, more than fighting, watching how he fought; fearless, calculating and moving at a speed that sometimes defied human senses. I remember what he said the day before the assault on the Monastery of Mön, "Faith, it is something that every man needs to have, most place their faith in the gods or in an object. I have faith in me". So contrasting with what I was taught at that age, always faithful, always pious, but how can a man so powerful have that little faith on the gods? Saying to have faith in the individual, in the mortal, in the human was blasphemy, but his act was most important than what any saint has ever done. Since that day, the day he perished and I wielded the Godsword for the first time, I've been wondering if I could ever be so worthy, if my actions can actually lead to the salvation of all life… but, my feelings betray me as fear was the reason I delayed my quest for so long.
Far away screaming prompted my eyes open. I was lying against a tree from where I could see the tower, or what remained, the top was completely gone. The pain began to manifest, my chest hurt really bad, the return card had blown inside my chestplate and burned me. The explosion from the tower sent me fifty meters flying into a tree line, if it wasn't for the power of the Godsword I would be death, I had no broken bones, only scratches. I rose to my feet and made my way back to what remained, my hearing became clearer again and the source of the screaming too. Percival stood hurt in between three death soldiers from the Black Company, one of them agonizing holding his mutilated arm, his scream became silenced by Percival's sword. Patricia stood a few meters away, along with five of the remaining soldiers, when she saw me she immediately screamed, "Tak! kill him now!", she pointed at Percival, like I would listen to her. I walked to him, he could hardly raise his sword as he had three bolts impaling him, cuts on his hands and shoulders, "Tak… You can leave if you wish", he said in a low painful tone, his body rocking from side to side trying to keep still. "Leave them to me", I whispered and made my way to Patricia and her soldiers.
The sage was gone and now I had to focus on fulfilling the promise I made to Kenseth. I stood, sword in hand, waiting for them to attack me, "The wizard is gone Patricia. Now is your turn. Unfortunately for you, this game you've being playing ends now. I'll have your head". Patricia gritted her teeth and made a screeching sound in anger, "Ngh!!! I hate you, hate you, hate you! Fine, I'll get my men to cut your arms and legs, you'll be a fine pet. Arrows!", she commanded and two crossbow man shot at me, but I easily deflected their bolts as I started to run towards them, one soldier jumped in front and tried to impale me with his pike, but I dodge and cut the tip of his weapon before decapitating him. "You go!", she ordered and two soldiers; one with an axe and other with a mace, coordinated an attack, I stopped the axe with my hand; holding the handle while I crouched to avoid the mace, then I pierced the axe soldier's throat, ripping half his neck as I pulled my sword in a downward motion and then sliced the legs of the soldier holding the mace. I stood straight and slightly moved my head to dodge an incoming bolt then threw my sword forward, impaling one of the crossbow man's head, I recall my sword and then dashed to finish off the other one.
Now only Patricia stood, I hoped to see fear in her eyes, maybe a plead for her life but her gaze was unwavering, she drew her sword; narrower and cleaner, like she never used it before. Since the first time I saw her, I've been wondering how strong she might be and her demeanor told me that she ruled not only with her name but with her own might. "Me? You want to kill me? You have murdered soldiers from the Black Company and you are currently trying to kill the niece of Lord Falkfak. You understand there's no corner of this country you won't be hunted down and executed? Ha! It is fine by me if you wish to met your end by my hand. No matter what kind of tricks you may pull with that sword of yours. I'll show you my prowess with the sword", she stated and leaped to me, her movements seemed predictable and I readied my blade but, just as I was about to struck her down, she extended her sword and almost stabbed my head, I was barely able to move out of the way of the it, and, in the same move, she tried to cut my neck, I dodged by side steeping and rose my sword to cut her back but she rolled out of the way and immediately stood up again, ready to attack me again. "Hehehe, almost got you there. Feeling unsure? Didn't expect a woman to be this good?", she laughed, "Try to attack me, if you dare". She was clearly trying to provoke me, I didn't take the bait but I wanted to finish this quickly, I ran to her and dealt a few blows with my sword, they were fast but she managed to block all of them, even landing a cut on my cheek and arm, I had to jump back and create some distance.
"Agh… fuck", I groaned, the pain of the blast from before was becoming a real nuisance. She stood proudly, inviting me to attack her again, but I had not time left and my arrogance may lead me to an unceremonious dead by the hands of… this bitch. I had to use it, I hate to use it, but It would be the only quick way to end this. I locked eyes with her and turned my sword backwards, grabbing the blade and pointing the tip against my own throat. This was another ability I found a long time ago under 'different' circumstances, the Godsword is completely unable to kill its user and in turn, any damaged can be dealt to anyone else that is on my range of sight, it hurts a lot, too much for my liking. She was completely dumbfounded, and I muttered, "Transfer", then I buried my sword in my throat. With my gaze locked on her, I saw Patricia falling to her knees, her mouth brimming with blood and soaking the ground. The pain was almost unbearable but I wanted her body to be as defiled and butchered as possible, so I twisted the blade and spliced my head in two, ugh… the headache! But immediately, Patricia's head opened like a book and a torrent of blood emerged like a fountain. I let the sword fall to the ground. While fighting not to faint from the intense pain, I crawled a bit before standing up and seeing what remained, a sight horrible to most but the most beautiful sight for the just of heart, nothing suited her more than that look. My vision became blurry, my body too heavy to stand and I let my self fall only to be catch by Percival, who was still standing even if he was also badly hurt, "I'll take you out of here, let's go…", he said and I finally fainted.
When I finally woke up, I was in one of the Black Company's carriages. Sunlight entered through the slits of the carriage's barred window, meaning that I spent the night fainted. "Hey", I called through the window where the conductor was, who, for my relief, was Percival, "Finally awake I see. After paying for my stay I took one of the carriages from the inn that the company left. Also, sorry for not be of much help against her. I now know that you can fight for a good cause", he said with a soft voice, first time hearing it. "Thanks but, where are we going?", I asked as the carriage's pace was frantic, "We'll be arriving at Soland soon, once we arrived I will help you cross the border. After that, our paths will divide", he explained. Soland again? More importantly, what was he thinking?, "Wait, what do you mean? You are going to let me go, freeing me and go against your lord?", my question made him slow the carriage down a bit and he turned to me, "I cannot serve someone that allows the Black Company to exist. I'll help you and then deliver myself to the authorities as I have committed the act of killing someone of high stance", he gave a tiny smile remarking that last part. But that wasn't right, it wasn't fair, "I was the one who killed Patricia, you don't deserve to take the blame… Listen, we can team up and cross the border together, you can help me until you find a better place", I offered, I thought I would never in my life asked someone to accompany me, but again, this wasn't fair, like Dorlan, he didn't deserve to become a fugitive or a prisoner. Percival turned to face the road and speeded up again, "I appreciate the thought. But that cannot be. I hope to be able to keep some remnant of knighthood in me. It may sound silly, but my life is this and I cannot live another one, I shall be imprisoned as a knight, and if so the lord wishes, executed as one". What a stupid way of thinking, he already defied his original goal, why not seek survival? So stubborn, something so akin to a knight.
Percival drove the carriage through Soland as fast as he could, the fact is that the carriage was identifiable as one belonging to the Black Company; and that probably already caught the attention of most of the townsguard. The carriage slowed down to a stop and the voice of a guard spoke to Percival, "Stop! State your name, purpose and cargo", then silence ensued. I peaked through the window to see Percival locking his arms around the neck of the guard until it fainted and, without losing any second, he jumped back to the carriage and accelerated, trying to create as much distance as possible. After a few minutes he stopped again, "Here", he muttered and went to the back and opened the door, "This is as far as I will take you. You're an hour away from the Princedom". He led me to the front and released the two horses, handing me the ropes of one of them, "Take this one. Go straight, don't stop". I stared at him, hoping that he might gave a hint of hesitation, to see if, with a little convincing, he might come with me but, no, he remained stoic and cold as always, completely decided, so I limited myself to extend my open hand, "I'm grateful Sir Percival Bogdan. But, don't let them extinguish your life in exchange for her death, it is not an equal exchange", I tried to sound more like him and he actually laughed a bit, then gave me a firm shook, "Thank you, Tak of Sonnda. Go on and finish what you need to do".