By now the first sun had set and the second was setting on the horizon and we had walked a healthy distance from the temple. Logan was in the back of the group with Brun pestering her about her health. She was in no mood for it quieting him with a forceful response. After being able to fend for herself year after year she developed this staunch independence. So staunch that it honestly blinds her to the care and concern of others. Gorrax was eyeing me as we all walked through the market district. Best guess he was gauging how tempered I am, with the time spent walking I had calmed down a good bit. Especially after that relic was some ways behind us. The dinner time rush and last minute shopping of civilians surrounded us. Pastries and wine were a subtle accent to the street vendors grills. With everything that has happened today, I had worked up a decent appetite. Skipped breakfast, worked through lunch, and at most a few cups of water and mead are what have kept me going.

  We turned a corner that put us on the same strip as Gus’s personal smithy. If he did not tend the forge in the palace, he was most likely here. We took less than a step before the richest smell of fresh off the grill steak filled my nostrils. The audible news of my stomach made itself known. “Ahh man. Natty’s on the grill tonight.” I said as I wiped a small trail of drool from the corner of my mouth. Gorrax tilted his head back and took a deep inhale. “Captain, I think your right.” He said as he exhaled. “Are we stopping’ for supper Rosy?” Brun said as she trudged away from Logan and forced herself in between Gorrax and me. “Oh that’s, Natty’s special seasoning for sure. Oh, I hope he has duck on the cooker.” Brun exclaimed as she practically doubled her pace. “I can taste the fried corn already boss.” Logan spoke up behind us letting his appetite be known as well. I took a gander over my shoulder, as expected of them both they let go of my foul mood at the Temple. I too let go of the annoyance I felt, as my pallet began to savor bites yet taken. As their commander I still needed to speak my peace and alleviate my concerns with this new development of behavior. Though that could wait until I had a 48 oz cut of steak in front of me with dirt cheap mead to wash it back with. “Then I think we are all in agreement…” I said rubbing my hands together with riveted excitement, “Natty’s for dinner! Bills on me.” As a response of four voices echoed in excitement. We just bout made it to the front door when I realized there was an extra voice. It was loud, drunk, deep, and dwarven.

  I looked around blocking the door before we entered and surly enough at my hip was good old drunk Gustav. Best smith and engineer ever to come from Byzantium. Long braided brown beard and thick eyebrows adorned his sharp face. His life spent in the forge has taken its toll on him. His skin was rough as leather, as strong as he is, I could hear his joints pop as he forced me to the side and made his way in. I could not help but smile and laugh with that dwarf who is as old as me. My retinue chuckled behind me as I held open the door to Natty’s Pub. The place was nearly full save for a hand full of open seats at the bar and a couple of tables. The bard was strumming a soft enriching melody, one for comfort and kinship. The soldiers played this tune at campfires and guard post when battles were won, or if the lookout duty ran smoothly. Fathers played it for sons and daughters on warm spring nights; sisters played for their wedded siblings. Knowing Natty and his tenure of guard service I could see why he played this tune in his pub most every night. Forks and knives clanked against plates. Laborers and recruits hammed away at early dinners before going to the night shift. The five of us had made our way inside and let the warmth of taverns atmosphere fill our souls with cheer.

  A familiar figure was sitting at the bar, head leaned over a mug. I broke off from my group to approach, where I then patted the guards back. Drink was plenty already, he was blush across his cheeks. “Evening Jameson, fresh off patrol I see. In no rush to get home to the misses?” I chuckled jokingly with the now captain. He popped up surprised to see me and smiled warmly. “Commander!” He almost shouted, whisky and mead heavy on his breath. He stood out the chair with calm and controlled movement, not as drunk as his odor would make. “On the contrary. I am here celebrating. My wife visited me mid shift with grand news sir.” He said as he saluted me with fist over heart. “Come now Eric, no need for formality when neither of us are on working the job now. What news did she have for you, if you do not mind me asking?” I looked over my shoulder to see my retinue already grabbing our usual table with Gus. Gorrax pulled a free chair from the neighboring table and shrugged it over head to show me my seat. I gave him a thumbs up and leaned against the bar as Jameson took his seat.

  I reached over the bar and pulled a clean mug from behind the counter. I waved it overhead at the barmaid who just flipped me off in response. I am a regular here and the barkeeps and servers mean nothing by it. I have saved most all of them from a drunk who got a little too bold with the girls or a handful for the guys. Jameson was giddy as he poured me a mug from his pitcher and topped off his own. “Well sir. I’m to be a Father of twins. She had a visit with the Medicae this morning and the nurses confirmed she is 5 weeks along. Twins run in her family so it is best wishes, but I have a strong prayer and stern faith that Sei’Enna will be kind to my house.” He told me with such glee that I could not help but smile full and congratulate him “That is quiet the happy news, and it warms my heart, Eric. Truly it does. You are going to make a fine father.” I slapped him on the back as I downed the mug of mead. “You are deserving of your own congratulations' sir.” He said as he finished off his mug. I cocked an eyebrow over the brim of mine as I took another swig. “Why on the new blessing sir. That’s four now correct.” I polished off my drink and nodded my head as I set the mug on the bar next to the empty pitcher. “That it is, and by our Lady of Life at that. Seems she has been keeping a watchful eye on Alysium and its good people.” The front door slapped the wall as Jamesons patrol squad came in to join him in celebration. They looked at me and tried to mask their excitement with professionalism, “Hey hey hey, there’s no need for all of that at this moment. Come join your captain and celebrate until your eyes cross. Hearing of a household growing is always a joy and splendor and should be treated as such.” I fished a coin pouch out of a pocket and left it on the counter as I stood up straight and waved down the barmaid. I took a few more minutes to idly chat with the squad until I rejoined my retinue. Logan kicked my chair out as I approached, a head nod of a appreciation and thanks was reciprocated. Brun tops off an empty mug that Gorrax held out, he slides it across the table froth of the brew sloshing over the mugs edge. I lift the drink and sip on some positivity, knowing I’ll be needing all I can get from now until this next mission begins.

  The three of them were on pins and needles, when my expression went from relaxed to professional. Later had arrived and I needed to get a few things situated with Brun and Logan. Gorrax needed a reminder of his responsibilities as second in command as well. Regardless of how small our squad is. Logan was the first to speak of the three, “I apologize, sir. For my poor conduct at the temple. I should have continued to the forge and trusted that the situation was under control. In my defense though I responded first to the burst of dark power. I did not know Brun was hurt until her Teledot kicked on. So, I assumed the worse and prepared…just forgot to temper my emotions in the process.” I nodded and looked over to the right. Brun, stubborn as always “I make no apologies for doing my job.” I cocked an eyebrow. “I will also temper my resolve better and wait for your signal before acting.” I simply stared her down. “Okay okay, I’m sorry Rosy.” I nodded knowing that is as honest and sincere as she gets, which is good enough for me. Gorrax, chug his brew and belched. I slowly turned around and looked at the large orc, the smell produced was a pungent mix of meats, fruits, and brew. My hand whipped fast as lightning, I slapped him in the solar plexus with the back all four knuckles digging in a bit. He has table manners, and whether I’m around or not matters none, he will use them. He coughed a couple times catching his breath. “Manners, Gorrax. You know better, you’re not a child.” I told him flat and stern. The big lug just grinned and giggled “Sorry, captain.” He couched again to clear his throat. “You two.” He began to say directing his attention to Logan and Brun. “As much as the two of us appreciate seeing your romance blossom, it would have been respectable of you to let us know it was a more serious thing. This changes our team dynamics quite dramatically, and I do hope you two understand that in its fullest capacity.”

  Gorrax is a refreshing individual to be around. His character is a jumble of learned cultural beliefs, expanded education, and racial customs. He as a person, represents the best of Alysium. Not just our home but the people who live in it as well. “Our Captain has enough to deal with daily, even when we are out on expeditions. Having one member abandoning his post.” He said staring down Logan. “To aid another who already has help on hand, shows a lack of trust within the team. Do you trust the captain, Logan? Do you trust me?” Gorrax gave our good thief a chance to answer but he was silent. “Ye’ know we trusted ya’ with our lives for years now ‘Rax. What kind of question is that?” Brun had spoken up for the pair. “Trust is best displayed through actions and mannerisms.” I said to the group as I picked up my mug of brew. I took a long drink from the frothy ale and let my statement rest on all three. As I set my mug back down, I continued “If you want to prove that you can be trusted you do the things that show it. I have taught you both this and never needed to remind you of it. I do want to know what it was that provoked that reaction from you Logan?” I laid my gaze on him but left my disappointment and vexation behind and gave him only respect. Logan replied with a small shrug and said “Her Teledot had activated and I heard a scream of pain. I do not think I panicked; I just prioritized the safety of a team member before paperwork. I did not know if she got shanked in another bar fight or attacked by a covert enemy. So, I simply did what I thought was right boss, another thing you grilled into us. I prioritize being there for the retinue in case either of you could not. I did not know you were there with her until I arrived.” He wrapped his thumb against the table mildly nervous. Brun wrapper her hand around his wrist, “He did the right thing, Karna. If either of you got a telepathic scream of pain, you two would come running in for either of us. And I for anyone of you. It was an unexpected happening when all our guards were down. It will not happen again Karna.”

  I looked at my retinue with some renewed fervor, letting a smile creep into the corners of my lips. I was poised to give them one last firm reminder. No sooner then I opened my mouth, Gustav had words to share. “Oh, fuck off, Karna. Ya’ always breathing down their necks with little room ta’ adjust. I already ‘eard about the ominous relic the preacher man has in the temple and the little situation it caused. So, don’ try none of that work related excuses with me. Knock it off, or I’ll leave cracks in ye’ armor next time it comes in for repairs.” Them three laughed as my expression went from near forgiveness to flabbergasted. “Hey, the fuck have I done to you recently? That was just uncalled for Gus.” I said to the drunk dwarven smith. “All I was going END with, ya drunk, is that I have the up most faith that Alysium’s Seraph will do better. We all let our guards down when it should have been okay to do so. Just let it sit as a reminder of the positions we hold within the kingdom. You included you drunkard.” I spoke with warm charisma. Each nodded a head, accepting that this part of the conversation was over. Though now would be a suitable time to start our requisition of arms and armament with our smith. That would have to wait just another minute though.

  A tavern maid approached the table with a fresh pitcher, six chilled mugs, six small crystal glasses, and a bottle of something special. J?rmangaund, a rare rum from Byzantium that is aged for 50 years in a barrel that has been in use since the first batch was ever brewed. “Seraph.” She said as she unloaded the tray. “Nathaniel sends his regards, and to inform you your order will be out shortly.” She said to our table. “How does he even know our order, let alone us being here?” Logan asked the young woman. “To quote him directly ‘Them fuckers are always loud when they get here.’ There were more colorful comments but I’m sure I need not waste your time with that. Enjoy, my lords.” She tucked the tray behind her back and gave us a polite bow before seeing off to the other guest. “Well, now. Look at that.” I said as I reached for the rum. The crystal bottle shimmered with a soft amber hue. The richness of the liquor could be felt off a gaze. I opened the top and the aroma of spices set my senses ablaze. I didn’t waste the time making quips and comments about the top-grade liquor. I poured my retinue, and smith, full glasses. We shared a cheer for Natty, then all of us downed the sweet and spiced drink in one go, and in unison “Ahhhh.”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  The group of use practically melted in our chairs, the drink was more then potent. It was refreshing, like sitting on a cliffs edge in summer when the breeze is soft and ocean tides are low. “Natty really out did himself on this one.” Logan said as he reached to pour another glass. “That he did, now hopefully Gus can do us one better.” I said as I looked at the smith. He was blushed and relaxed into his seat, “Yeah, I know. Viktor really has you hunting an Ancient Dragon? Fuck me, that alone is a tall order boy.” That is when I remembered that I had not spoken to these three about the mission yet. Brun predictably, bellowed in aggravation. Gorrax rolled his eyes and huffed in vexation. Logan looked at me in shock and horror. Then came all three voices at once. Each one had a complaint, concern, and comment on the topic before I could even muster a word. I raised both my hands and waved them down to the floor. “Hey, HEY! Calm down, you three are getting out of hand. One at a fucking time, thank you.” I said trying to reign them in. Gorrax was first to speak slamming his hand on the table for undivided attention. “Has it been considered and planned out to the T, Karna. An adult is one thing, but an Ancient has arcane abilities. We need to approach it carefully if we plan to kill it. If we can avoid this all together the better.” He said in all seriousness. “What if that dragon decides to pester our people ‘Rax? If it decides to cast some spell to bring it closer to Solaria? Or even just a rampage from boredom. We can not let it roam wild or unwatched. Our duty to the kingdom, the safety of its people come first. I do not want to hunt a dragon either, but our duty demands that we act.” Brun had said following Gorrax. “Boss this is a bad idea, I don’t think we should.” That was all Logan had to say. He was oddly apprehensive about this and that my skin crawl. If MY thief did not want to approach a treasure trove, then that tells me he has already been there. Brun and Gorrax were subtly arguing among themselves. My eyes did not leave Logan, “No. Please no. Logan he didn’t.” Logan just looked down at his cupped hands. I was ready to panic and lose my mind, partly at Logan but mostly his Thieves Guild Master. I was so ready to start grilling Logan, I was ready to storm out and find the guild master. The placing of a steak and the presence of Natty stopped all of it dead in the water. “Calm down, Karna.” He whispered to me as he leaned over to place Logans roasted bird in front of him. “This is a good thing.” He whispered again as he placed Brun’s plate down. He must have picked up on the topic of our mission hearing Brun and Gorrax go back and forth. He was right though, my mind was calming and the most obvious thing had become apparent. Logan knows a way in, “Natty you’re a fucking genius!” I half screamed, and almost everyone in the building stared at me.

  Things got a little quite at my outburst, and I noticed the eyes as I looked over my shoulder. “Apologies.” I said to the tavern. As I turned back to the table the five of them looked at me with concern and curiosity. “Okay, this is how it follows, pay attention I am only going over this once. Natty, pull up a chair, I will be putting in a ration order before we leave.” Natty nodded and pulled a chair from the table behind us. I looked at the group and started running down everything that was discussed this morning at my briefing and meeting with the Khans. I withheld nothing. I told them of the Aveticus Quaildroma, both dragons, and the importance of the ruins. I warned them that it will be just us this time, no reinforcements, no one to help us if things get tough not even the Khans. We will be gone for an extended amount of time, so they needed to handle affairs before we leave. Which meant, Logan needed to let his guild master know he will be unavailable. Brun needed to pay for her bar tabs. Gorrax, well he’s already situated. “So, any questions, suggestions, comments, or complaints?” I asked my group. Like the professionals I have always known them to be, the questions rolled in. Starting with Logan.

  “I can show the way on the map if you have it with you. Though I will be honest boss it is better to have as an exit.” He started with.

  “Noted.” I told him, knowing our luck it was definitely going to be our escape plan.

  “We need to worry about magical barriers and arcane locks. I still have my skeleton key to bypass the locks, but the barrier needs something special.” He said as he fished out a little notebook from his back pocket.

  “Like this?” I pulled the Blood Crystal from a pocket that lined the inside of my shirt and set it on the table.

  “What is it?” Gorrax asked, picking it up to eye it closely, quickly concentrating his arcane focus into his eyes. “Hmm, interesting.”

  “Maybe.” Logan said as he thumbed through pages of hastily, and poorly written notes.

  “Why?” I him asked pouring another glass of rum.

  “It is letting off a constant and steady flow of the leilines. As if it is reaching out to connect to something.” He said while still in contemplation.

  “Here Gorrax. This has something to do with that stone, and the barriers.” He said as he placed the notebook in front of Gorrax. The page held a, and vexingly enough, very finely drawn highly detailed sketch of a set of glyphs.

  “Hmm.” Gorrax was deep in thought now. Once arcane mysteries were brought to the table his work ethic and magical curiosity were in full swing. He clicked his fingers and through the leilines he constructed a tome of knowledge. This was one of his blessed abilities, a tome of arcane knowledge that he himself has witnessed, studied, created, used, or even feel pray too. If it is magic and he has experienced it, it is in that tome. Including those glyphs, “I see now, okay then. Well, this rock or crystal, whatever it may be is a keystone. It wards off the glyphs by consuming the leilines that feed them. Consider it a piece of identification in a way. The temple uses the same concept for the vault, just different glyphs and keystones.” Gorrax said as he continued to bounce back and forth between his tome and Logan’s notes. All while eating in between reading and speaking.

  “Are we really gonna try ta’ reason with a dragon and kill another?” Brun asked in between bites of roasted duck. “Killing seems practical. Reasoning? Rosy that’s a new one even for ya’.”

  “Shit Brun, killing one is a tall order. We have not done that since our first outing as an official and sanctioned unit. Back then it was not an adult and we still struggled. Gorrax almost died, Logan has a nasty burn scar running down his back. Me and you were lashed at with talon and fang.” I pulled down my collar showing the first scar of the puncture wounds left from it biting down on me.

  “Ey’ I know Rosy.” She rubbed her right side where the dragon’s talons had nearly cleaved her in two. Her scars still burned from the memory of the fight. Who would of known that a dragon could make blessings near useless. We all had a small bit of post traumatic stress from it, hard not too after a near death experience. That was going to make this a tad bit harder, but we would prevail. Of that I had no doubts. Our blessings had compounded and strengthened, we ourselves have gotten stronger. I had a hunch that Logan had finally gotten one of his own, but that had yet to be seen.

  “It’s our safest way of getting the task done, no matter how we cut it. I had this conversation with Viktor and Summerbreath this morning. If they did not think this possible, we would have declined the request and posted sentries to watch the ruins.” I said as reaffirming as possible.

  “Well shit. You make a fair point.” She paused for a moment clearly reflecting on said past encounter. “Uncle, I’ll be in need of that hammer.” Brun said to Gus.

  “Ya’ gonna need mo’ than just the hammer, rugrat. Same with the rest of ye’.” He said to the group. “I have a few things at the palace forge that will help ya’ fight. I don’t know about winnin’ though. Karna, your new addition to your private arsenal is here. You should take it with you on this one.” Gustav said to me.

  “That’s good, a spear will come in handy. Thank you, Gus. Natty we are going to be gone for about a fortnight. Think you can manage an order by morning?” I said as I shifted in my seat to face the two.

  “You ask for a lot, you know that? Good thing the Captain-General came in for lunch and thought to ask if I had any excess of troop rations in reserve. Lucky you ey.” He said to me as he reached over for the rum.

  “That it is but you know I like to keep it simple. We will hunt for food when we set up camp. The travel itself is only a few days. It is dealing with the task when we get there that will be time consuming. Not to mention the extended time out requested by Keter.” I said as I started in on my 48 oz T-bone.

  “And that entails?” Gustav asked.

  Me and my retinue all paused mid bite and just stared. Typically, we keep him a breath of the goings ons, but this was one of the few times where the word ‘classified’ was an understatement. Fortunately, he got the message and didn’t press further. “Well. Your chances to survive are slim but real. Your really gonna need the gods on your side this time.” He polished off his brew and got to his feet. “I’ll head off to the forge vault and start thumbing through the more potent weapons and have armament sets ready for ya’ lot.” Gustav gave me a pat on the back as he headed off and back to the forge at the palace. He had many weapons that were devastatingly dangerous. Some meant to give a single man the edge to fight an army. Some that can deliver a lethal blow in the blink of an eye. Then there were some that was made with the insight of J?r. Weapons designed to fight Avatars and daemons, and maybe even dragons. It unsettled me that we had to garner equipment of such caliber. Yet it was necessary, as was the nature of our placement in the Alysium military.

  As the four most capable people in the nation it was our duty and responsibility to be the active reason our home, even world get to stay safe. Hopefully, we make it just a little bit more with each swing of the sword and artifact gathered. The weight of that responsibility and the mission we were to undertake just washed away as the aroma of my meal brought me back to the hear and now. I was lost in my thoughts for but a few moments but the happenings around me had taken off. Gorrax was now flirting with a barmaid as she leaned over his shoulder reading the tome with him. Brun and Logan were both smiles and giggles as they whispered in each others' ears. Natty had made his way to the bar and was chatting away with other guest. I was reminded of the unspoken reward that comes from all I do, what Father Keter had said at the Temple. I looked around and took in everything that was going on, the merriment and joy. The love, laughs, and camaraderie. This is what I fight for, so that everyone can continue to have and experience this better part of life. I make it so with the lives I take and the four I risk every time I leave this city with them in tow. I am reminded of the love I have for all these people, wether I know their name or not.

  The remainder of my meal was filled with less discussion of the task we were soon to undertake. We spent the time tossing back the last few drinks in the pitcher, laughing at old memories, and making new ones in the now. I squared away our dishes on the table, making it easier for the tavern maid to bus. We bid the tavern farewell as a whole and natty walked us out. “You four be careful on this trek. I may not have every little detail, and I will not pester you about how to survive. Just know I have the utter most confidence in your return.” Natty told us as we stepped into the street. “Thank you, Natty. We will do our best to return alive. Unharmed I can not promise.” I told him as I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, bringing him in for a hug. “We are stronger than we were last time we fought one, with a few new tricks a piece.” He smiled and wrapped his arm around my shoulders returning the jester. “I will hold you to it. You three keep this one out of trouble, if possible.” He said as he pushed himself off with a laugh and a wave goodnight. The four of us started to the palace, a short walk from the best tavern in the city. Night workers and patrols showed adulation to us as we passed, the sounds of smiths and seamstresses at work echoed through the alleys of shops and homes. It gave this beautiful place a unique pulse at night, like the idle purring of a cat with a full belly.

  The stars had begun to puncture the sky in droves, and the aurora was setting in. “Captain, what was Gus talking about? The new addition to your personal arsenal that is.” Gorrax asked as he stretched long and hard. A grin of mischief made home on my face as I pivoted to walk backwards. “Oh, you guys are going to love it. I had a spear made in Byzantium, sent it to Pelicade to be heavily enchanted to boot, and they out did themselves with it.” I spun back around with a pep in my step now. “Ye’ aint even seen it yet rosy. How do you know they did so well?” Brun asked a slight hint of jealousy entering her tone. “Another weapon boss? Really? Another one?” Logan asked, rubbing the back of his head. “Yes, Logan and I’m very excited for it.” I said. “What is so special about it?” Gorrax asked, knowing me as he does, he figured out that this spear is a bit more then I’m letting on. “Well, Gorrax. This spear is the first weapon to ever be successfully enchanted with a forbidden war crime spell.” The three of them had the same reaction. The air caught in their lungs and their eyes were ready to burst out their skulls. “What spell ya’ crazy bastard.” Brun demanded. I grinned as we approached the main gate to the palace, excitement brimming. I paused as we passed the threshold, looked over my .shoulder at my retinue and told them, “I had it enchanted with Volley.”