Early next morning, Gate, Boradashire, and I stood alongside our horses, the Sons of North Star, and a group of our guards between the two gates at the West Gate. Well, not precisely alongside, as one of the two captains kept his squad away from the citizens and us.
The Sons were easy to differentiate from my guards; their armor not only had the North Star symbol, but many of them were heavily armored, head to toe; only the two captains I had seen wore no helm.
I didn't know either of the Captains' names, but one of them was gifted with a childish light-blue face patterned with darker-blue swirls. He had short black hair and light blue eyes. He would smile in my direction, never showed blatant hostility, and had a cheerful nature—yet spouted off the rudest of comments.
CAPTAIN
Maiden's Grace Chief.
He would greet me with a fat smile.
CAPTAIN
It is a good thing Isaac called for us ahead of time.
LEON
Ahead of time?
He would look at me sincerely,
CAPTAIN
Oh, I sometimes forget you are not a wise Chief. Isaac told us of your vampire strife weeks ago. Even with our airships, we surely can't arrive within a day. We only hurried because of his most recent vampire warning.
He took a moment to shake his head and laugh softly to himself.
CAPTAIN
Those vampires were pathetic, but if not for us, this city would barely be a match for them.
I tried not to respond to him and spoke only to obtain information.
While we waited in silence, the first rays of the sun shone down upon us, and I looked up into the sky. A trio of griffins, nearly dotted specks at such a distance, flew north and disappeared into the clouds.
LEON
Imagine if they turned against us.
I whispered to Boradashire, and he followed my gaze toward the griffins.
BORADASHIRE
I can't say that it will be pleasant, Chief.
GATE
They might give the Sons the fight they're looking for.
He chimed in with a smirk.
We perked up as another Captain of the Sons, his group of Sons, and Solid returned, entering through the first set of gates. With a zebra-pattern face, head of straight white and dark purple hair, and unwavering purple eyes, this third Captain rode by us on his armored mount. His group of Sons, most of whom were Mages, followed on foot.
Gate leaned toward me,
GATE
These were the Sons who stayed back, clearing out any lingering vampires.
He whispered, and I nodded.
SOLID
Let's head back,
Solid's deep voice bellowed.
SOLID
I do not want to keep the rest waiting.
I rode up beside him as we left, and since his horse dwarfed my own, I was forced to look up at the beast of a gent.
LEON
Any news before we arrive?
I asked as I studied his image. He wore no helm, revealing his thinly braided red hair that reached the center of his back. His skin was as dark as night, designed with thin red lines that circled, curved, and looped along the edges of his body. I guessed he was roughly in his forties, and his eyes and sclera were bloodshot red, causing his dark, beady pupils to glare at anyone and anything he looked at.
SOLID
Yes, there is,
His baritone voice rumbled, and I stared at him, waiting for him to continue, but he did not.
LEON
What's the news?
SOLID
Those vampires were weak,
He stated bluntly, and again, I waited for him to continue. Tch—whatever. I faced ahead as he led the way to the vampire ruins. I glanced at the two (Knight Aptitude) Amber Crest Long Swords, +3, En Blade at his hips.
Jealousy seeped into me. I never had nor wore a single enchanted item. If not for that damn vampire and Isaac's cowardice, I would've been carrying a magical sword I could command with my mind alone.
I guess some dreams just do not come true. Solid's armor wasn't enchanted, but each steel piece was +1. Not that I understood what that even meant.
SOLID
One flew away,
Solid uttered after five minutes of silence. The bastard was indeed strange.
SOLID
Most vampires cannot fly. Slipped my mind.
He looked down at me with his unsettling eyes,
SOLID
I should've brought Wizards.
He looked ahead and continued leading the way without saying a word, but that didn't stop me from expecting him to start talking ten minutes later, which he did exactly as we were several paces into the woods.
SOLID
Other than the flying one, none were spared. I sent scouts southwest and northwest to look for the one that flew. While they search, we plan to stay in Dagon City.
Brash and straightforward. The bastard doesn't even bother to ask if he could saddle his army in my city.
I secretly shot him a look of discontent and clenched my jaw—if only I had Leo's strength, Leroy's speed, and my father's authority, I would put this bastard in his place. Then, a movement caught my eye, and I looked around.
Throughout the forest, Sons were on guard, searching for any signs of vampires that escaped. Despite my hatred and jealousy of the Sons, they were extremely thorough in their search.
After nearly an hour of silence, a deadly stench hit my nose. Before I could complain about it, Solid spoke once again,
SOLID
We didn't want to impose on your territory.
I looked up at him, but he kept his gaze forward and focused.
LEON
What do you mean?
SOLID
The North Star desires to rid the plains of vampires, werewolves, lesser races, cursed creatures, and the like.
He explained, but I already knew that.
SOLID
So, therefore, anything we find here becomes the property of Dagon City and its people. It would be an insulting sin for us to do this for profit.
LEON
That's... well, that's good to hear,
I attempted to cover my nose.
SOLID
Get used to it.
He rumbled. It seemed like I would have to because the scent pounded against my forehead as we continued deeper in.
I asked,
LEON
Do dead vampires always smell this rotten?
SOLID
For reasons beyond me, young vampires tend to smell like sulfur upon burning their corpses. Elder ones don't—they explode into ash.
When we reached the edge of the ruins, the Sons were tossing the charred vampire bodies into the corners of the roomy ruins. I studied the jutting rocks and stone flooring that merged in and out of the soil, aged beyond my calculation.
I spotted the center and noticed stairs leading down into the ruins—I hoped for something decent within to make this all worthwhile. As we moved through the ruins, I learned to control my excitement and examined the corpses that had been beheaded, cut up, burned, gutted, and stabbed.
A gruesome sight it was, and I was internally at odds with myself. Sure, the threat of vampires was quelled, but our city lost its one and only Cleric. Hopefully, with the money and free trade left by Isaac, I could figure something out.
One of the Sons, armed with a (Fire Affinity) Black Iron Sword, Fire used his sword to set fire to a pile of already charred corpses of vampires.
LEON
Are we burning them again?
SOLID
You're genuinely a clueless Chief.
I eyed him, but he kept his eyes forward. Gate pulled around to my side.
GATE
After a duration,
Gate started to explain.
GATE
Corpses of vampires could rise in the moonlight and become husks.
I had no idea what that was, but he noticed my expression and quickly and carefully said,
GATE
Deadly vampiric ghosts that can only be quelled by fire and sunlight. They typically pass away after one night since they lack cognitive thought. But one of those things, fast, intangible, and deadly, could easily wipe our city out.
Seriously? And here I allowed these cursed beings to live just a few miles from my city for so long.
GATE
If you think about it, it's almost some sort of taboo for killing young vampires.
A gent came jogging to us, and Solid dismounted. They greeted each other by grabbing the other's forearms.
SOLID
Do you have news, Secret?
SECRET
Yes, Major.
And Secret looked over at us and approached. Solid followed, and they both stared at us.
LEON
Yes?
SOLID
Get off your horse.
Gate and I exchanged glances before dismounting. Secret postured himself and clasped his hands behind his back. He was a reasonably thin gent and one of the few Sons who wore light armor; a studded leather cuirass and arm-length metal bracers over dark green leather clothing. He had a few diagonal red lines running over his pale face, apparent through the half helm he wore.
SECRET
Maiden's blessings to you two. I am Secret Rogue,
He smiled and nodded courteously.
SECRET
Yes, unorthodox it is, but that is my name—First Lieutenant of the Hundred Fifty-Ninth Captain Commander. I have found something that might interest the owners of this land. Please, follow me.
He bowed slightly before leading the way. I noticed the twin sheathed dagger upon the back of his waist—were each of these Sons experienced killers?
SECRET
This item has a unique mana signature that resembles puries but is fainter than that of puries.
Secret explained. Leaving our guards and Sons behind, Secret led Solid, Gate, me, and Boradashire to the center of the ruins.
GATE
Here we go.
He whispered to me.
LEON
Troves of weapons and armor meant to attack us—I'm sure of it.
I whispered back. Secret turned back slightly with a soft smile on his face—did he hear us?
I eyed Gate, and he nodded as we trotted down the steps into a murky dirt hall in silence. We continued through a doorway and into a lit clearing, where a pile of ruined debris lay. Above me was a massive unnatural hole, letting sunlight in.
I looked around the clearing; nothing but walls. I frowned in disappointment, and my eyes fell upon Secret, who stood by the narrow aperture at the top left of the clearing—a wide taunting grin on his face.
SECRET
In here.
He gestured and led the way into a small space with a shabby door to the right. We crammed our way into a tiny room with only a sleeping roll, a pile of clothing, and a stool standing before an unfinished cupboard.
My eyes glanced around the room—this was it? I relaxed my tensed jaws. I must keep my composure.
Secret pointed to the object he was referring to beside the stool. We spaced around the object, a large black prism the size of a flower basket. Running up and down the prism were red lines of tiny hieroglyphs.
SOLID
What is it?
Secret clasped his hands behind his back as he responded,
SECRET
No idea, Major,
He stated firmly.
Black smoke began to rise from Solid's body as he stared at the object. Solid was calling for his Black Hawk, which had started to materialize on his raised arm.
SOLID
Quarantine, I need you here at the ruined site. Judge Chambers will provide you with the means and protection to arrive here safely.
He acted as though he had authority over my people. After croaking, the Black Hawk took flight and phased through the ceiling.
SOLID
In the meantime, Chief, we will search the remainder of the ruin until she arrives.
LEON
She?
I pondered, and he faced me.
SOLID
Do you have a problem with our Daughters?
LEON
No, I was under the impression Daughters weren't allowed to fight.
SOLID
That is true,
He looked around.
SOLID
Do you see anything here worthy of a fight?
He stated bluntly before making his way outside.
SECRET
I will find you and contact you about anything else I deem worthy of your attention.
Secret stated, and he too left, but stopped at the door.
SECRET
Also, do not touch that object.
LEON
We weren't going to.
I admitted.
SECRET
Good to hear.
He grinned, and he disappeared out the door.
After going outside to join our guards, we set up camp within what had once been a thin water conduit on the far eastern edge of the ruins. There I spoke with Gate and Boradashire in private.
LEON
I can't believe this,
I exhaled in frustration.
LEON
I figured the vampires were hiding something or acquiring some form of loot. And thanks to Isaac, we will be spending currency to cater to the Sons. Even if North Star repays its credit, it does so slowly over time.
I was ranting—I was aware of it, but I just needed to get it out.
LEON
I need power. Some form of physical power to intimidate, so I can demand the things I desire.
GATE
Not only that, Chief.
He chimed in,
GATE
We require attraction and visitors. Increase our population and size to garner wealth and land.
I tilted my head and squinted at him,
LEON
Are you sure you're not speaking with Don?
GATE
Positive.
He chuckled.
LEON
That is something we are working on day and night.
I blew a breath out and ran my hands over my hair. The memory of Layondo's death now haunts my mind. I thought I was doing the right thing for my people.
It happened amid my meeting with Solid after his Sons finally settled within the city. My head at the time was pulsing with pain because I had to draft a speech and inform my people of the truth behind Isaac's words.
Layondo rarely came to the city without being called, but we gave him a way to contact us if needed. Layondo emerged at the mouth of the woods with a shard of glass and reflected the moonlight a few times off it. Watching him do it from the walls resembled a speck of light that could be mistaken for the glistening fur of a blacat.
A few selected guards knew of Layondo, and whenever they noticed it, they would rush to inform Captain Beka or Boradashire.
And so at the time, I was catering to Solid in the Great Galley. I sat at the head of the table in a gold-and-white-painted chair and did my best to hold my composure. Solid and his three captains each ate a horse's worth of meat, pasta, and bread. I was limited to watching them eat dish after dish while I sat there.
The scratching sound of them scooting their chairs back and forth on the tiled floor added to my headache. They would demand the maids and cooks for more food and nearly knock over the candles on the table more times than I could count.
I took a deep breath, eyeing the chandelier above the table, and hoped it would suddenly fall and crush them all to death. It was customary to feed guests of another nation, and the first meal—the meeting—was not credited. It was free food for them, and they took advantage without remorse.
GATE
Your legs, Chief.
Gate whispered, and I stopped the swaying of my legs. I opened my mouth to grab Solid's attention—my voice cracked, and I cleared my throat to try again—
The doors to my right burst open, and Beka strolled through.
BEKA
Leon!
He bellowed. The authority of his voice grabbed Solid and his Captain's attention as well.
BEKA
Layondo is here to meet with you.
What!? I nearly yelled out in annoyance, but I almost bit my tongue to shut my jaw and called out after Beka.
LEON
Beka!
And he turned back with a look of annoyance.
LEON
Bring him to the Garden.
Beka looked past me at Gate for a moment before turning away.
SOLID
Who is this Layondo?
He asked absent-mindedly while biting down on a loaf of bread.
LEON
The vampire leader I wanted to talk to you about.
I stood, attempting to get them to stop eating, but they continued.
LEON
Come, we will discuss the issue before he arrives in the Garden.
SOLID
We'll finish our meal first.
I took a deep breath,
LEON
Is a free meal more worthy than the duty you came here to carry out?
The captains glared up at me, but Solid froze mid-bite. His eyes shot up at me, but I stood stern against his deadly stare.
SOLID
You're right. My apologies.
Once he stood, the other three Captains followed and came with me out into the Garden.
LEON
Layondo is a nightwalk—
SOLID
I remember now. No need for you to repeat yourself.
Solid took a look around the place as we came to a stop at the statue of my father.
SOLID
He's a nightwalker, and you lured him here. That is all I need to know.
He materialized a white cloth to wipe his hands as he strolled behind the statue, then, before I could question him, the other three Captains split, each taking place at a corner and hiding behind the nearby fountain.
Tch—experienced killers. After minutes of waiting, Beka marched through the gates, and Layondo overtook his stride as he stomped toward me.
LAYONDO
What the hell is going on, Leon?
I kept quiet. He wore the same outfit during our last meeting, but his clawed hands were flailing about in distress as he spoke to me.
LAYONDO
I see the wagons out before the city! Are you going to betray me!? After my loyalty? After all that I have done?
He would be crying if he could. There was visible pain in his eyes, and his worried expression was twisted on his face.
LAYONDO
This is not true, is it?
How did he find out? I questioned internally.
LEON
What reason? Where did you get such information from?
His eyes darted back and forth between Gate and me.
LEON
The Vampire Knights?
Layondo spun around and locked eyes with Beka, who glared confusingly back at him. Layondo's eyes then bolted over to one of the fountains—he knew—and he clenched his fist tightly enough to shed blood.
He faced me with more sorrow in his eyes,
LAYONDO
I trusted you, Leon. What happened to getting through this!? I healed your people—
LEON
You were merely being used!
LAYONDO
I thought you'd understand!
LEON
Vampires killed my father. What is there to understand?
LAYONDO
We're good people!
He pleaded.
LAYONDO
We never asked for this curse! Why should we, the innocent, be blamed!?
He glared at me while his fists dripped with blood, but defeat slowly came upon him. He was as good as dead, and nothing was left for me to say. I watched the aura of gloom wash over him as he realized his death was imminent.
LAYONDO
Father... killed by a vampire...
He mumbled softly and unfurled his fists.
LAYONDO
...good thing you have no sons.
A sudden boom echoed into the night sky with a stirring gust, and I was staring at the backs of both Gate and Solid within the blink of an eye. Solid stood before Gate, and we both stepped around him to see that he had caught Layondo by his wrists.
Layondo's hand was flattened out, and his claws were longer and sharper than usual. The sound of bones cracking echoed from Layondo's wrist as Solid lifted him slightly.
SOLID
There is no such thing as vampires who are good people.
Layondo swung his right leg into Solid's face, and the blow shook the wind with another thundering sound. To my shock and Layondo's, Solid was completely unharmed by the kick. Then, in a fit of fright, Layondo forcefully kicked off Solid's chest, sacrificing half of his right arm to be ripped off.
Layondo somersaulted meters away from Solid, and the scarf hiding the lower half of his nearly lipless mouth of sharp teeth came loose.
Layondo glared at me before he Quickstepped backward in an attempt to flee. But his attempt ended in vain mid-dash with one of his legs sliced off. He screamed out in pain as two Quickstepping Captains appeared before him. They grabbed him by his robes and stood him up.
Solid still hadn't moved from his spot, his eyes seemingly entranced by the severed arm in his hand. As the third captain abandoned his hiding spot and strolled over to our side, Solid turned back and stared blankly at me.
SOLID
I've never seen a nightwalker do that before.
There was nothing I could say to that, and Solid was already stomping toward the snarling Layondo. Solid tossed the arm aside and pulled out one of his (Knight Aptitude) Amber Crest Long Swords, +3, En Blade. The golden amber-imbued edge glimmered in the moonlight as Solid brandished the weapon before Layondo's eyes.
SOLID
Any last words, demon?
Layondo looked past Solid at me, and his snarling ceased. His demonic mouth curled into a smile, and the thin pupils of hatred widened into calm spheres.
LAYONDO
I sought to be a healer,
Once again, if he could've shed tears, he would. But, unfortunately for him, I had no remorse for a creature like him.
LAYONDO
Not a damage dealer.
And Solid swiftly beheaded him. Before the head could tarnish the floor, Solid grabbed it by the hair and held it at his side.
SOLID
Point me in the direction of their lair.
He uttered into the air as he placed his blade, which was remarkably bloodless, back into its sheath. He then turned, revealing a horrifying, unusual grin as he raised his hands and lifted Layondo's head into the air.
SOLID
In order for me to be embraced by Astrea's Blessing!
A shiver ran down my spine at his display. But my fear did not end there as Solid began to impart a burst of daunting laughter into my ears. His fellow Captains followed suit, chuckling at the display as if something incredibly humorous had just occurred.
GATE
Hey Chief?
I snapped and was pulled out of my memory as Gate tapped the wall of the conduit with his knuckles.
GATE
There is plenty of stone here to be had.
He's right; we could cut our share of buying stone from North Star. I smiled, slightly still distracted,
LEON
Thanks for looking at the good side of things.
GATE
Any time, Chief.
*****
For the remainder of our time waiting, Gate and I went over one-on-one and outnumbered combat tactics—or rather, he was testing me. We also talked about how to encourage young boys and gents to apply to be guards and Guardians, as the number of guards the city needed was increasing.
SECRET
She's here.
He startled us from above before turning and walking away.
Inside the room beneath the ruins, Quarantine, Solid, and Secret waited for our arrival. Quarantine, seemingly in her early twenties, was a short lady dressed in green silk robes over a bland dress that stopped inches above her ankles and buskin-like shoes; rugged, leathery soles with wrappings up her shin. She had no form of weapons, but something about her demeanor told me she could hold her own.
Underneath her dress and robes, I could tell she was wearing tight-fitted undergarments that went down to her ankles and wrapped around her fingers—gods, she must be hot, wearing this many layers in this warm season. Her deep pink eyes faced us, and she gave us a soft smile. Her skin pattern had a dark violet strip that appeared to run the length of her torso and split her dark blue face, which glistened with perspiration. Her wavy, bright purple hair was pulled back and wrapped into a waist-length ponytail.
She postured herself, clasping her hands in front of her,
QUARANTINE
Astrea's Blessings,
She greeted.
QUARANTINE
I am Quarantine Vuil, Fourth Knight of the Hundred Fifty-Ninth Captain Commander,
She stated and then faced the object.
QUARANTINE
This thing here is an Artifact.
SOLID
An Artifact?
At least he was as clueless as I—finally, something we had in common.
LEON
How can you tell?
I asked.
QUARANTINE
I have the ability to Scan. Scanning an object reveals its general nature.
She eyed me momentarily and continued at my blankness.
QUARANTINE
Let me explain it to you. Scanning a rock that thousands of people called a rock would give me, Rock. But scanning an enchanted item or magic is different.
She approached the object.
SOLID
Be careful, Quarantine.
QUARANTINE
Yes Major,
She sang.
QUARANTINE
We are relatively safe. However, scanning an enchanted item is different.
She squatted down and studied the object in awe.
QUARANTINE
Quite rare to come across an Artifact. Enchanted items read out their hieroglyphs instead, and we as kinans translate them into names and meanings. Jumbled hieroglyphs are easily noticeable and don't need to be translated. If it's jumbled, it's cursed—stay away from it—don't touch it.
She grabbed the Artifact, and we all jumped back. She stood and smiled,
SOLID
Do not play around, Quarantine.
QUARANTINE
Sorry, Major, I couldn't help it.
She teased with a hand on her hip while holding the Artifact in one hand.
QUARANTINE
Artifacts are all cursed as their hieroglyphs are always jumbled. But the critical difference is the ancient hieroglyphs I can faintly detect. They make no sense to me and are nearly impossible to translate on the spot.
Her smile widened; she was enjoying this moment.
QUARANTINE
Sealed Artifacts are safe. It takes actual determination to even attempt to unseal these things, not just skin contact alone.
We all absorbed the information, and when I saw that she had stopped, I inquired,
LEON
Anything else? About artifacts?
I asked, and she smiled happily,
QUARANTINE
No. Sorry, Chief, that is all I know.
SOLID
We should take this back and have our scholars study this.
LEON
What happened to us being the owners of this land?
I reminded him, and his body stiffened as his eyes fell on me.
SOLID
Oh. You're right. Keep the thing, then.
Quarantine shoved the Artifact into my arms.
QUARANTINE
Careful with this thing,
She chirped.
QUARANTINE
I do remember that Artifacts are pretty dangerous. And Major Commander Solid.
He perked up as she stepped over towards him,
SOLID
Yes?
QUARANTINE
It's actually North Star's duty to destroy Artifacts.
He grimaced at her, and his mouth fell agape.
SOLID
Is it?
And she nodded energetically.
QUARANTINE
To be very honest, I only recently became aware of Artifacts a month ago. It's not something that's frequently discussed or taught until recently. Our Captain of Daughters and my teacher, Captain Commander Maestrah, theorized that the revival of these Artifacts is due to the increase of dungeoneering and rifting within the Elemental Peninsula.
SOLID
I see. It is a good thing I brought you along.
She grinned widely again,
QUARANTINE
Lady Luck's blessing.
Solid shrugged with a breath.
SOLID
Either way,
He said to me,
SOLID
I gave you my word. If it is true that our purification reaches Artifacts, North Star will send a request to buy this item from you at a fair price.
That was all I needed to hear.
LEON
I will be looking forward to that then.
Tch—if this object was worth something, I wondered which kingdom would be the highest bidder.