The Ancient Realm

End of the story

2008-07-26T16:16:00.004+07:00

Finally, the first part of the story ends. Does this mean the end of the story? Of course not, for this is just the first part of the story. There are still many yet to come, and this adventure haven't ended yet.

Keep on coming for more update!

Chapter 11 : Ambush

2008-07-26T16:13:00.000+07:00

Tom and Leo moved together with Frivlus, and the rest of the company. They moved through the ruined city, and Tom can see most of the soldiers face changed from awareness to sadness. This is after all, their homeland and their city. To see their city being destroyed like this, Tom fully understands their sadness. For a few minutes, there is a mournful aura in the company, and Tom himself thinks back on what have become of Levogard, his family and Hagol.

This though came to an abrupt end when suddenly Frivlus hissed.

“Scrown in front”

Everybody wake from the trance, and quickly hide behind anything that can conceal their presence. True enough, in front of them is six Scrown soldiers walking among the ruin while laughing.

Frivlus whisper to Tom, “You two should stay put and see how we work.”

Tom and Leo nodded.

Frivlus whisper something to the man beside him, that man nodded and taking a few men with him, moved stealthy through the ruin without being spotted by the six soldiers, and as Tom watched, they are already ahead of those four soldiers, disappearing in the ruins.

“Now we move onto them. Rouen, prepare your bow, and shoot when I signaled!” Frivlus said.

The man named Rouen nodded, and in a few second, his bow is already in his left hand, and his right hand has fitted an arrow onto the bowstring.

“The rest of you, except Tom, Leo and Rouen, follow me.”

So Tom and Leo stay in their position, while Rouen has already aim his bow onto his intended target.

Frivlus and another four of his men moved stealthy onto the Scrown soldiers, still unaware of the fate that will soon befall them. They settled behind a small well just a few meters in front of the Scrown soldiers.

Frivlus raised his hand, and Rouen released the arrow. It flies quickly and hit a Scrown soldier right at his neck. That man fall to the ground. Before his other friends can react, Frivlus and the rest of his men has sprung from their hideout, Frivlus himself cutting down one man in front of him, while his men cut down the other two. It quickly become a battle of two against five, so the remaining Scrown soldiers feel that they have done enough, and run away quickly, but before another one is shot down by another arrow from Rouen, straight at his head.

The last Scown soldier runs straight onto another three Thales soldiers that already await them in front. Soon, he is cut down too.

Tom, Leo and Rouen moved to join Frivlus group.

“Do you understand how we work now, Tom and Leo?”

Tom and Leo nodded, their eyes full of awe.

They spend the rest of the morning and noon, killing all the Scrown soldiers in sight. Tom and Leo quickly adept to such kind of fighting style, and soon they already join the fray. By afternoon, the group have reached the edge of the forest. Around the wall of Thales, a good number of Scrown soldiers body lay everywhere. Tom do not count, but he guessed they have killed at least fifty Scrown soldiers. Not without a price though. When attacking one of the patrol, another patrol sighted them, and the ambush become a chaotic fight. They won, but lost three members of the group. Two other is badly injured, and must retreat back to the camp, with Leo escorting them. Frivlus send Leo back to the camp to bring another five soldiers to the group. So, now only five members, including Frivlus, remain.

Because of this, the effectiveness of the fighting force decreased, and everybody stamina is decreasing very quickly. And now they are resting at the edge of the forest, in a ground surrounded by lot of bushes. None of them speak, they are trying to recover as quickly as they can, and because they fear the enemy might hear them talking and know their position.

Suddenly there is a movement behind them. Rouen peeped from their position.

“That is Haldir from Frolham group. What is he doing alone? Why. . . He is hurt!”

The group moved quickly to Haldir. When Haldir sees them, he immediately runs toward them.

“What happened?” Frivlus asked.

“We are sweeping the western part of the city when one of the patrols spotted us and run to alert their friends . . . Frolham ordered a chase, so we chase them until out of the city, and we are ambushed. It seems the enemy knows of our plan . . . We try to stand and fight, but they outnumbered us five to one, and soon we are cut down one by one . . . Frolham ordered me to run and look for help. The last time I look back, only he remains.”

“It might already be too late for them, but we must go and see if we can do anything.” Frivlus said.

With Haldir as their guide, the group moved quickly to Frolham last stand. Frivlus looks very troubled. Tom asked him about this, and Frivlus said “I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling about this, ready your weapon Tom.”

They almost reached the spot when suddenly an arrow fly and hit Haldir on his head. He falls to the ground almost immediately.

All around them, Scrown soldiers are closing in. They are encircling them. There is nowhere to escape for Tom and the group.

From the circle stepped out . . . Frolham!

“Frolham! What is the meaning of this?” Frivlus shouted at him.

“The meaning is very simple, just like what you see in front of you. I am never your man from the very beginning, because I am Flolham Bellamy, one of the Five Purist Warrior. Now, don’t that make you remember something Tom?”

“You! You are the same as Renshaw!” Tom said, still unable to believe his eyes.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, Renshaw is my brother by oath, so I have heard a lot about you, so have our great lord, and he is very interested in you. . . “

“Everyone, on my signal, we will rush behind to where we came from. Remember, we are not seeking victory, just an escape. And remember everyone, don’t die.” Frivlus whispered as Frolham keep on talking.

Everybody nodded and tighten their grip on their weapon, including Rouen who have switched to a short sword.

“. . . and so, I am ordered here to see that His wish is carried out.” Frolham ended his long speech.

“Now!” Frivlus shouted, and charged back toward the enemy behind him. Everyone follow suit.

“Kill them all!” Frivlus shouted, and every Scrown soldier moved toward them.

Frivlus opened the way. Tom sees every Scrown soldiers that tries to stop him fall immediately. Tom show his prowess too. He hacked here and there, and leave a dozen of Scrown soldiers dead or injured at the ground. Untill he recognize Renshaw Bellamy in front of them.

Renshaw struck a blow onto Frivlus, and Frivlus fall to the side. He strike another one, and that man fall to the ground with his head severed. But that is not important. Haven’t Hagol take care of him? If he survives, then that means . . . Now there is no one between Renshw and Tom.

“Renshaw!” Tom charged. His head is full of rage.

Renshaw blocked the first blow, and another, and another. He steps back gradually. When one of Scrown soldiers tried to hit Tom from behind, Renshaw screamed “He is mine! Nobody interfere!”

And he sends a very powerful sweep to Tom. Tom managed to block that sweep, but the tide has turned. It is Renshaw now who has the advantage, and he pressed on. Tom keeps on stepping back while blocking any incoming attack. The duel goes on until they moved out of the battlefield, through a small wood, and finally, by the river of Grengel.

Renshaw stopped his attack.

“This ends here, Tom.” Renshaw said.

“Yes, and it is you who are going to die!” Tom bellowed, and charged forward. “Blesetgratcrown!” Renshaw blocked and give a very powerful sweep onto Tom. Tom tried to block the attack, but his sword is broken from the blow. Renshaw sword cut him in the chest, and he is thrown back by the force of that attack . . . into the river.

Chapter 10 : A Strange Dream

2008-04-28T18:39:00.001+07:00

Tom got himself a sword, after that he wear a wooden helmet and slings a wooden shield behind his back. Leo pick a mace filled with thorns on its head, a helmet and he also slings a shield to his back. Then, they go out of the tent.

“Splendid.” Frivlus said. “Now, the Lord has placed you two under my order, so remember this, no action from you both until I said so.” At this his face grew stern. “Now that there is no threat from Scrown, you two shall follow my party and patrol around the city.”

“Yes Sir!”

“However, because none of you are fit enough for a real battle, you must rest now. We are not short of manpower right now because we are not mounting any attack, so use this time wisely. Rest and let your body be healed so when the time comes, you can perform as well as you could. Now. . . Cogent!”

One of the tent guards move. “What is it sir?”

“Show them the tents for the Elite Militia.” The guard nodded. Frivlus turned to them. “This guard will show you the way. Rest now, and I will find you tomorrow. But now, I have other matters to attend to. So, until then.”

Frivlus walked away. Cogent the guard walks toward them. “Please follow me.”

They walked through a lot of tent until they finally reach several tents grouped together near the edge of the encampment, which Tom guess must be the place nearest to the battlefield ahead.

The guard checked something on the plank hung near a tree. He looked at it for a while, before marking something in the edge of the plank. Then they walked to the smallest tent at the edge of the group.“This tent is empty, please use it well.” The guard said.

Tom and Leo entered the tent. Inside the tent is three small bed made of hay covered with blanket and in the middle, a small firewood is burning. Feeling weariness overcome them suddenly, Tom and Leo moved to the nearest beds and slept at once.

The next morning, Tom wakes up suddenly.

Tom looked around. Leo is still sleeping so peacefully, with some occasional snore. The fire has died out. The third bed is still not occupied. Outside the tent the sky at the eastern horizon begins to brighten up. He do not know why he wakes up so suddenly. The last thing he could remember is his dream has turned to something strange. He dreamed about Levogard again. He could see Leona and his children, all looking so scared while running. He wanted to help them, but he realized that he couldn’t move as he wanted. Feeling very helpless, he tried to call out for them, but his voice won’t come out. Then he saw Renshaw, and how he killed his wife with his sword, then his children. Tom wants to cry, but even his tears won’t come out. Suddenly everything turns black and in front of him stands an old man he doesn’t even know. The last word the old man said is “power”, as if echoing his thought. And he wakes up.

Tom can still feel his hand trembling. “Damn it, how can I end up like this? I must be strong.” Yet he doesn’t feel any urge to sleep anymore. So he just sits by the fireplace until Leo wakes up.

“You did not sleep, Tom?”

“I did, but guess I wake up quicker than you.”

“Ah. . . Well I guess. . . I am hungry. Is there any food?”

“You will get your food, but later. There is a bucket of water here, use it to wash yourselves first, and then put on this clothes, for your garment is not fit anymore. When you are done, come out and meet me.” Frivlus said, entering through the tent door, followed by a soldier who is carrying a bucket of water and another soldier carrying two pieces of shirt and two pieces of pant.

“Ah well, thank you, sir.” Leo said

Frivlus gave them a nod, and walk out of the tent, followed by the soldiers after putting down the bucket and clothes.

They quickly wash themselves and put into their new clothes, their old one they throw onto their own bed. After that, they walked out of the tent, where Frivlus has waited for them.

“Let’s move, I will introduce you to the rest of the team, then brief all of you for the mission.”

So they move out. After walking out of the encampment, Frivlus whistled loudly, soon a handful of men are already gathered around them.

“Men, I want to introduce you to these two new recruits in our rank. Tom Burfoot,” at this he pointed at Tom, “and Leo Baldric.” He pointed to Leo.

The men nodded, but Tom realizes none of them are smiling.

Frivlus continued. “I don’t think I need to introduce you two to each of our men, so I will just tell you the important one. This is Randy Backwater, my vice captain,” he pointed to a man with big stature and great beard on his chin, his back hung a very big axe. The man saluted them. “In other word, he will take on my position should anything happen to me, so you two should listen to his order if I do not give you any. This is Frolham the Bold, no surname for he does not wish to say,” he pointed to another man with slim stature and an average height, his face is clean, who are holding a great long sword in his right hand. The man raises his left hand in acknowledgement. “He is the champion of this unit, so maybe I will sometimes assign you to serve under his command for a while. I guess that’s all. Now, for the mission.”

They all stand closer.

“As you know, we have defeated the first wave of Scrown Army. However, the king believes that they are regrouping and will launch another attack soon. So, while the main army prepares the defense, we will move out and seek their rally point, eliminating any Scrown soldiers in the way. Our hope is to weaken them so severely so that when they launch another attack, if they are stupid enough to do so, they will surely fail and be driven back from this realm. For this task, I will divide this unit into three groups, under the command of Randy, Frolham and me myself. Randy group will scour the eastern part of the city, while Frolham group will sweep the western part of the city. My group will sweep the area outside the wall and around the forest. Are you all clear?”

Everyone nodded.

“Ok, team leaders, pick your members. Everyone should pick ten men for this mission. The rest should stay behind and watch for any intruders. Tom and Leo, you are with me.”

The picking begins. After every groups have ten men, eleven plus the leader of the group, Frivlus continued.

“Every teams already get enough man? Good! Now, we all shall have some food before moving out. To the kitchen quarter everyone.”

Everybody move to the quarter, including Tom and Leo. The quarter is located at the middle of the main encampment; it is made up of several tents and a small bakery, with several bonfires that keeps burning in the middle of the quarter. Two people in white clothes are cooking at each bonfire. At there, everyone is given two pieces of bread with butter, and a mug of strange drink that Tom never tasted, but it refreshes him, chasing away any last bit of sleepiness in him. They eat their breakfast quickly. After that, Frivlus continued.

“Everyone have their fill? Good! Begin the mission!”

And everyone move out to their destination, eyes warily searching for any unlucky Scrown soldiers who might bump into them.

Chapter 9 : The King’s Audience

2008-03-29T21:36:00.000+07:00

“So, the king of yours that we are going to meet, what kind of man is he?” Leo asked.

“He is a great man,” Frivlus said, “whose knowledge is wide. He is also fair and straightforward person, and also liked such kind of person, for he himself is also one. If you have anything to say, speak freely, however, you must remember that he is still a king, and if there is any disrespect from you,” at this his voice grew sterner, “I shall personally make you realize your mistake.”

“We won’t forget.” Tom said.

They keep walking until they reached the refugee camp once more. At here, Frivlus take another path through the camp, with Tom and Leo at his tail. They walked on until they reached what seems to be a large encampment, and Frivlus led them to the largest tent in that encampment. The tent is guarded by several soldiers. Frivlus signaled them to go in after him.

“Remember, you may speak anything, but keep your manner.”

They walked in, and a man beside the tent suddenly shouted “announcing the coming of Captain Frivlus and the two prisoners!” Leo wanted to tell off the man for calling them prisoners, but Tom stomped his foot first, causing Leo to give a muffled groan. “Let it be, Leo!” Tom said.

Leo muttered something about injustice, but nobody heard him, except Tom, who in turn hissed “have you forgotten what Frivlus told us? Keep your manner!” Leo said nothing, and they move on until they are in front of a man who sits in a rather grand chair. This man seem to be pretty old already, maybe around forty or fifty, his hair is white, and around his face there are many sign of old age. But his eyes seem to shine brightly as he eyed them both. Beside this man are two more soldiers who wear uniform similar to one that Frivlus wears.

“My lord, your humble servant has brings the two men in question. They await your decision on both of them.” Frivlus said, while bowing.

“Yes, back to your post, captain. I want to question them myself.” the man said, and stands from his chair. He gazed at them intently, as if trying to look into them, while Frivlus retreated from there.

“Your names are…?” the man said.

“I am Tom Burfoot.”

“I am Leo Baldric.”

The man gazed at them intently again, before saying “I am Reynold Locksley, lord of this city. I heard from my captain that you are from Levogard, is that true?”

“Yes.”

“I have heard your story a little from my captain, but I wished to know more. Would you mind telling me how you ended up in here?”

“Not at all.” And they begin to tell their story again, just like what they have told to Frivlus and Lorenze. Lord Locksley listened intently, his eyes fixed onto both of them. After they finished the story, Lord Locksley gazed on them emptily, as if in his own thought.

“Your tale that you have told. . . They are very interesting. If it is true, we may be facing some very great peril in times ahead. Yet I see no lie in your eyes, and without boasting about myself, I seldom fail to recognize a lie. Yes, I can see that you tell the truth.”

At this word, Tom and Leo brighten up. If the king believe them, there should not be any problem anymore.

Lord Locksley continued.

“You have come across some very great adventure, filled with loss and regret. For that, I feel sorry for you all. If there is anything in my realm that can reduce your loss, just say it. I will try my best to fulfill it. In the meantime, if you feel that your need for revenge are too overwhelming, I am always pleased to welcome two of such a find soldier into my rank.”

At this word Tom said, “Please, kind lord. Just by believing our story, you have done a very great deed for us, these two humble men who have lost his home city. You even welcome us into your army, giving us a chance to satisfy a little our hunger for revenge. But please, can you give us some time to consider this generous offer?”

“Yes, please take your time, and discuss with Leo for a while. If you need a private space. . . “

“No, kind sir. We will just do it here. In the corner maybe, if you allow”

“A place that I will not suggest to my guest, but if you think that is the best, so be it.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Tom and Leo walked to the corner of the tent. The guard that is standing there makes his move away from there, giving Leo and Tom a quite large private space.

“Well, Leo. . . What do you think?”

“I don’t know, but if I knew you well enough, I daresay that you are really interested in his offer, don’t you?”

“Yes, the offer is really good. Think about it. We have a place to recuperate our wound. We got supply of food by becoming his soldiers, even if just for a while. And if Hagol passed this region, just like what we did and I am pretty sure he will, we will surely know. Look at what happened to us when we passed this place.”

“Yes, I see what you mean. And personally, I will welcome a fight or two with those Scrown Purist Army once more. My hand twitches at the thought of meeting them again. Don’t you feel it too, Tom? A desire inside that is burning so strong?”

“Yes, I do. I just can’t forget them, even thought I know killing them won’t bring back my family. . . Still, this feels like a right thing to do. This anger and madness. . . Will never subside as long as Renshaw is still alive!”

“Yes, well. . . You told him then?”

“Ok, I will”

“Fine by me then. Let’s do it.”

So Tom and Leo walked back to their place, in front of Lord Locksley.

Tom says, “We have decided.”

“And what is your decision?” Lord Locksley asked them.

Both Tom and Leo knelled.

“I, Tom Burfoot, place my strength and my soul for you, milord!”

“I, Leo Baldric, place my strength and soul for you, milord!”

“And I shall receive your service. May you serve with great loyalty and honor, and prove yourself as a bane for my enemies. Rise now, my good warrior.”

Tom and Leo stand again.

“I place you both under the command of Captain Frivlus. Now, you shall come with Frivlus to the armory. He will provide you with the suitable gears.”

“Yes, milord.”

Lord Locksley nodded to them, and then signaled Frivlus to bring them to the armory.

They made their way to the armory, which is located near the edge of the camp. The armory is a small workshop, where several blacksmiths are making weapons and armors, and beside the workshop is a small tent where the gears are stored.

“So, we will be fighting together. I look forward to see your ability in combat.” Frivlus said.

“We won’t disappoint you.”

“Go into the tent, and pick the gears of your liking. I will brief you two when you are all dressed up.”

Chapter 8 : The Medical Man

2008-03-29T21:35:00.000+07:00

Tom entered first, followed by Leo. Almost at once, a great fragrance caught them in surprise. The scent is very calming and makes everybody who inhaled it feel great peace inside his mind. For a while, the thought of war and revenge leave their minds for a while. This goes on for several second until a sound suddenly break the silence.

“Who are you? Why are you here?”

Tom and Leo are awaken from their trance. The man in front of him is a middle aged man. His hair is black, but at here and there are some patch of white hair. He wears a red robe, so Tom guessed he must also be one of the healers. “Sorry. I thought…, anyway I am Tom Burfoot and this guy beside me is Leo Baldric. We are here to look for aid for our wound. Are you the healer here?” Tom asked.

“Yes, I am. Lorenze Hazrael is my name. Now…”

“You are a Hazrael? Do you mean to say you are Hagol Hazrael kin?” Leo interrupted suddenly.

“As a matter of fact, yes. Although we are not very close, but he helped me once in search of some rare herb. Why?”

“Then did you see Hagol recently? I mean…this past three or four day?” Tom asked.

“No, what happened to him?” Lorenze asked back.

So Tom told him the story of Hagol, just as he has told Frivlus the story.

“It can’t be…, how can it be? But…of course he isn’t dead yet. Hagol that I knew won’t die so easily. He is very strong.” Lorenze said.

“That’s what we think too. But we haven’t seen him and feel rather worried.” Tom said.

“Don’t you worry. I knew he is still alive. But, now back to business. Let me see your wound.”

Lorenze examined Tom wound closely. “Hmm, some bruise and minor cut.” He pressed his finger onto several area of Tom body. “Does it hurt?”

“Not really” Tom said.

“That’s mean you are pretty all right. Just need to brush your wound with some wine and let your body do the work.” Lorenze rummage around the table. “Here is the wine. Wash your wound with it yourself. Now, it’s your turn Leo.”

He turned his attention to Leo and begins to unwrap the bandage. “My…my, your wound sure is deadlier. How could you survive? That wound could have killed a normal person!”

“Fortunately I am an extraordinary person. So, how will you cure this?” Leo said.

“I need to mix some herb to cover your wound. Bentane extract, alcool extract, and crushed kapuk leaf. Alas! I am out of kapuk leaves. That leaf is on high demand now because it can stop bleeding.”

“What does it looks like? The leaf, I mean.” Tom said.

“It is just like any other ordinary leaf, but when you crushed it, it became white in color.”

“Is this it?” Tom said, taking out some leaf that he has found in the farmhouse.

“By Crossus! You have found it! Here, let me have it. I will begin working at once.”

Tom handed the leaves to Lorenze, and Lorenze begin to crush the leaves in his hand. He then brewed some water in a small cauldron. He then put in the crushed leaves, and pours in two other liquid into the warm water. After that, he stirred the content. “You will have to wait for a while.” Lorenze said.

“That’s all right.” Leo said.

“Do you know what book is this?” Tom said, handing over a book that he has found in the farmhouse too.

Lorenze examined the book cover and flip some of the pages. “This is the book named “Herb as Medicine” one of the earliest available book about herbs, this kind of book is believed to be aged about seven hundred years already. I have a copy of this book once, but I have long lost it. It contains more than three hundred kind of herbs information. ”

“Then you may have that book. I am sure it will be much more useful for you.” Tom said.

“Really? I can have the book?” Lorenze asked.

“Yes. Actually that book is not mine too. The owner of this book has been killed by those Scrown soldiers.” Tom said.

“Oh…, is it ok then?”

“Well, I guess so. Anyway, what is this great smell that seems to revitalize us?” Tom asked.

“This is the smell of Yenerence, commonly referred as miles fragrance, because of its main characteristic to generate great fragrance that can revitalize body and mind when boiled.” Lorenze said.

“You sure know a lot, how do you do that?” Leo asked.

“Well, you think too highly of me. I am just an apprentice of books. Those who write the books, they are the real master of knowledge.” Lorenze said.

“You sure are pretty humble. Are you always eager for knowledge?” Tom asked..

“As a matter of fact, yes indeed. And the books are my best teacher. You can learn a lot from books. Yet once there are still many great sages who have all the great knowledge. That is indeed a golden era for those who is always desperate for new knowledge. At that time, often the great sages will sit down to discuss great matters. From that kind of discussions, books are created to record down their finding, including the one that you have just given to me. It is so sad that such an era had long passed.”

“How did such a great era is lost?” Tom asked.

“Because of war, just like this war we are facing. But it is rather an irony that it is knowledge too who has evolved war to a new level, and brings destruction to the advancement. The discovery of iron has brought many benefits to this world, but it also caused weapon to become much more dangerous than what it used to be. War sure is different when we still fight with stone and wood.” Lorenze said.

“The great era that you are talking, when is that? If it is indeed so great, why haven’t I heard a story about that? And do you mean to say that once there are wars fought with stone and wood? Sounds very strange to me.” Tom said.

“It may sounds pretty strange to you, but if you can go back in time and tell the people about sword made from iron, those people will think like you. At that time, there was no sword, or any other item made from iron. Everything is made from stone, wood and hay. There are even times when we still live in the cave and use only hand as the primary tool. I can tell you the story, but it will take days, and the herb is now ready.” Lorenze said, and move to the cauldron to scope up the herbs.

He now applied the herbs, which look like mud, only this one has more reddish color, onto Leo wounded area. After he applied it, he wrapped it with white clean bandage. “There, it is done. I guess you should go out and meet Captain Glock now. He…”

“I have one more question.” Tom interrupted. “This medical tent, is it the product of the golden era too?”

“No, it is Lord Locksley who has invented this system. He did it in order to increase the soldiers’ possibility to live on after he was wounded. Why?”

“Well, I am just curious because this system is pretty simple yet very useful.”

“Yes, indeed Lord Locksley is one of greatest lord in the region. He is brave, intelligent and kind to his subjects. Thales becomes more prosperous and stronger under his rule. Now, I think you should move along. Captain Glock should be waiting outside the tent by now.”

So Leo and Tom walked out of tent. But in his way, he thinks on his own city. The last sentence of Lorenze makes he compare Thales to Levogard. If Levogard had been ruled by one capable lord, just like Thales, will it still stand proud until now? Is having a lord that leads a city is really so important? And how are their elders doing? Did they survive the attack? These questions keep pondering him, that he do not see where he is heading and bumped into Frivlus.

“Ouch! Oh, I am sorry; I did not see where I was going because I am thinking of Levogard.” Tom explained.

“It’s ok, are you all right now?” Frivlus asked.

“Yes, we feel better already.” Leo and Tom said.

“Ok, then let’s move on. Lord Locksley is waiting. Follow me.” Frivlus said.

So they move on.

Chapter 7 : The Burning City

2008-03-15T03:40:00.004+07:00

“The city…has also been attacked just like Levogard, what should we do then?” Leo asked Tom.

“We should just enter, and see what we could do.” Tom replied.

“Well, then let’s go.”

So they both walked through the broken wooden gate. At this point, they could see that this is the first place where a real battle had taken place. Bodies of dead Scrown and Thales soldiers lies everywhere. And judging from their positions, the battle here had been very savage.

They walked on. Burning houses with the body of their owner lying in front of the houses. Tom and Leo become silent. The situation is just like Levogard, and it makes their heart want to cry. But they carry on walking, until they see some Scrown soldiers scavenging a broken house.

“Look Tom, I think this is the time to let out some of our hatred.” Leo said.

“I can not agree better. Let’s do it.” Tom said, and with that draw out his sword.

As they prepare to charge, suddenly there are other sounds.

“For the glory of Lord Locksley and our homeland, charge! Spare no one!”

And suddenly, the Scrown soldiers found themselves being surrounded by a handful of Thales soldiers. In a matter of second, those Scrown soldiers are killed.

“Wow, I have never seen such a quick battle, these Thales soldiers sure are elites!” Leo said.

“Well, it seems this city hasn’t been defeated yet. Let us go and meet them.” Tom said.

They walked to the Thales soldiers group. But before they come any nearer, one of the Thales soldiers spotted them.

“In the name of Lord Locksley, halt!”

The other soldiers quickly turn their head, weapon ready in hand.

“Hey! We mean no harm, we just wish to…” Leo said

“Silence! Why do you think we should trust you? Hands in the air, now!” one of the soldiers interrupted.

“We will have to comply, Leo. I don’t see why they should trust us anyway. If I am him, I would do the same.” Tom said, putting his hand on the air.

Leo look very dissatisfied, but he put up his hand too.

“Take away their weapon!” the first soldier that interrupted Leo said. Judging from his attitude and apparel, this man is the leader of this group.

One of the soldiers takes away their weapon, and gives it to that man.

“Very good, now I think you better talk, who are you two and what are your intentions.” the man said.

“I am Tom Burfoot and this guy beside me…” Tom begins.

“…is Leo Baldric.” Leo finished the sentence.

“Our intention is to ask for aid from you two. As you could see, my friend here is wounded, and we do not have any proper medicine save some bandage to cover the wound, so we…” Tom said.

“Where are you two from?” that man asked again.

“We are from Levogard.” Tom answered.

“Levogard? The city to the west of here? Why are you here then?”

“As we have just said, we are looking for aid.”

“And why don’t you look for it in your own land?”

“Because…” Tom is unable to finish the sentence.

“Our homeland had been destroyed, ravaged by the same people that have also attacked your city.” Leo finished the sentence for Tom.

“What? Do you mean to say that Levogard had been defeated? Impossible! I knew some people there. They are very good fighters.”

“Yes, but the enemy outnumber and outwitted us. Anyway, who do you know in Levogard? Maybe we know where he is.” Tom said.

“His name is Hagol Hazrael.” the man said.

“Hagol…Hazrael? You know Hagol?” Leo and Tom said.

“Yes, and he is a very good fighter. I still don’t see how…” the man said.

“Not to worry, I knew he is still alive, although we expect to see him here in Thales.” Tom said.

“No, he is not here. Anyway, what is your connection with Hagol?”

“He is our friend, of course! What do you think?” Leo said.

“Tell me the whole story! Why you are here and where is Hagol!” the man demanded.

So Tom tell about the story of how Scrown soldiers sabotaged and attacked Levogard, how they fight to defend the city, the great fight against Renshaw Bellamy, and finally how Hagol bravely stood alone against Renshaw so that Leo and Tom who have been bruised badly can retreat from there to heal their wound. Leo sometimes nods in agreement or put in some details that Tom forgot to say.

“… and that’s why we came here. Because we think that Hagol will come here too.” Tom finishes the story.

“I still can not believe it, but what you have told about Hagol is indeed true. He is a very brave man and a really great friend. I think you have earned my trust, but one must be much more careful in this dangerous time. You shall have your help, but after that you must meet Lord Locksley, for he is the one who can decide on your fate. For a start, let me tell you my name. I am Frivlus Glock, captain of Thales Elite Militia. Now, let us move on.”

So, Leo and Tom followed Frivlus Glock and the rest of the company. Although Frivlus said that he trusted them, but he still show some carefulness by assigning five men to guard Tom and Leo rear. Frivlus himself walked in front of them with three other men accompanying him. The rest of the company are split into two group, one group on the front, another on their flank.

They walked through and go deeper into the burning city. But at some point Tom begin to realize that this city is not defeated yet. They have reached a part of the city where everything is still intact, and there are several Thales militia patrolling. They keep on walking until they reached a point which seems to be a refugee camp. At this point, the company halted.

“Okay, everyone. Back to your post. Disband!” Frivlus ordered.

All the men immediately leave that place. Now there are only Tom, Leo and Frivlus there.

“Okay, so now here we are. Follow me. I will take you to the medical tent.” Frivlus said, and as he said that, begin to walk away.

Tom and Leo followed. “Medical tent? What is that?” Leo asked Tom.

“Beats me too. But we better get going too.” Tom said.

They walked on for another few minutes before they saw a rather large tent in front of them. Two soldiers are guarding the entrance. Beside the tent is the banner with a word “T” on the banner. Around the banner, several wounded soldiers are sitting, some are tended by a man in red robe which Tom guessed must be a healer.

“What is this place?” Tom asked Frivlus.

“This is medical tent, as what I have said earlier.” Frivlus replied.

“What is that?” Leo asked.

“I will answer that later. You should get into the tent quickly and have your wound tended to.” Frivlus said. “I will come back later to fetch you. I have to report to Lord Locksley about you and it will be his decision then.” After he finished the word, he walked to the tent guards, and talked to them for a while. The two guards nodded and Frivlus walked away.

Tom and Leo walked to the tent and stopped in front of the guards, expecting to be halted. But one of the guards say “All of you are expected, please, come in.”

And so, Tom and Leo walked into the tent.

Chapter 6 : Journey To Thales

2008-03-15T03:38:00.000+07:00

This question struck Tom by surprise. That’s right. What should they do next?

“I think we should just…” Tom wants to say to wait for Hagol, but he realized Hagol word should be heed. Leo wound is not light either. What if it becomes infected? “…I think we should find a place for us to recuperate and heal your wound first.”

“What? You mean to abandon Hagol?” Leo said, surprised.

“No, I do not mean to abandon him, but we should have priority, and the priority right now is to find a place for your wound to recover. I think it is the most sensible things to do anyway.”

“My wound is nothing!” Leo jumped up, but that action caused his wound to hurt very much again, and he sits down almost instantly with a groan.

“See? What we should do is to heal our wound first. Or we would not survive another encounter with those Scrown soldier again. Ah look, your bleeding hasn’t stopped. Here, cover your wound with this.” Tom said, while producing a clean cloth he has hidden in his clothes, as a preparation against emergency.

“…I guess that’s all we can do for now.” Leo said, wrapping the cloth around his wounded area. “But where should we go?”

“Let’s see, if I my memory serve me well, if we follow the path to the east, there is another city much same like Levogard, I think it is called Thales, or something like that. Never been there, but I guess that’s the nearest place we can go for now.” Tom said.

“All right, let’s set out for Thales then!” Leo said in enthusiasm tone.

They begin to walk the only path that is there, and move into a small wood. When they meet an intersection, they took the left path, which is the path to the eastern side of Levogard. They meet no one at the road, so their journey is relatively smooth.

“I never come to this place before, do you think we are on the right track?” Tom asked.

“I guess so, we took the road to the east, didn’t we? Leo said.

They keep on walking, and soon enough reaches a fork, all heading to east.

“Where should we go next?” Leo asked.

“Don’t know, let’s try to find some clues. Look at there, there is a signpost!” Tom said.

Sure enough, there is a signpost in the middle of the fork. They come closer to read it. Although they are rather illiterate, they could still read some words. The one pointing to the left read something like “Carreban”, the one pointing to the middle read “Thales”, and the one pointing to the right side of them read “Calilax.”

“I guess that’s mean we should take the middle path?” Leo said.

“Yes, that’s right. Let’s go then.” Tom said.

They take the middle path, and walked again. All around them is trees of various kinds. It is pretty interesting to watch so many kind of trees that they never saw before, and they tried to guess what kind of tree is that. They do not need to worry about food too, because there are plenty of fruits, and sometimes they could snare a rabbit. But after three days, thing are beginning to get rather boring. On the fourth day since their journey, the rain began to fall.

“I wonder how far Thales is? I sure hope is pretty near already, we are already walking for about four days, and the scenery is still the same. This wound is really slowing me down, and it is now worsening because of this damned rain.” Leo said.

“We must bear with it, Leo. I am also trying my best to shelter myself, and that’s the only thing we can do. I am just wondering about Hagol. Where is he now?” Tom said.

“Don’t know, but I sure hope he is also going to Thales. And…, it seems like we are beginning to leave the forest. The trees are beginning to get fewer.”

“Ah yes, look! I can see a small farmhouse just outside this forest. Let’s get to there first, to ask about direction and shelter.” Tom said.

“Nice idea, let’s go!” Leo said eagerly.

They move quickly to the farmhouse, half-walking, half-running. When they arrived at the house, they find out that the gate is unlocked, so they just walk to the house front door and knocked.

“Anybody home? Would any of…, hey! the door is also unlocked!” Tom said, surprised, and true enough, the door swings open as they knock.

“Guess that’s mean we should make ourselves at home, then?” Leo said.

“Maybe, let’s go in then.” Tom said. But as he step in, he smelled something very familiar to him. The smell of blood.

“Damn! Leo, prepare your weapon!” Tom said in a rather low voice.

Both of them walked into the house slowly. And then they saw what they dreaded. Table broken, cupboard half destroyed. The owner of this house, together with his family, have been killed, all of them headless. And worse of all, a baby has been stuck to the wall with a spear. On the wall is the word “The Slave of Scrown, A Tribute to Skelcrown” written using blood.

Leo cursed madly at the Scrown, while Tom head is becoming very heavy. Tears are rolling down his cheek when he sees the scene. Scrown, they shall pay dearly for everything that they have done. For a moment, he has an urge to run back to Levogard and slay every Scrown soldiers he sees, but then he calmed down for a while. There are only two of them, and to add up to that, beaten badly. What can they do? So Tom gritted his teeth and sit down.

“I think we should get back to business, why are we coming here?” Tom said.

“To get shelter from the rain, and if possible, some medicine for our wound.” Leo replied.

“Then I guess we should help ourselves, considering…” Tom is unable to continue the word.

“Yes, I guess so. Let’s search the house.” Leo said.

So they two ransacked the house. Leo found some clean cloth to replace his old cloth covering the wound. Tom found some bread and a flask of ale. Something he hasn’t eaten for days. He also found a pretty interesting book, a small sized book, along with a jar beside the book. Although he can not really read, but it seems to have a word “Herbs” and other words like “Medicine”, something that they might need eventually. Tom takes the book and some of the jar content.

“Here Leo, we should eat first!” Tom said, while flinging some bread and the ale onto Leo. Leo caught it and begins to eat.

After both of them have eaten their share, they resumed their journey to Thales again. The rain had stopped. This time with more determination, their speed are doubled. But then they saw something that undermine their spirit again. Smoke.

“What the…?” Leo said, surprised.

“No time for asking! Let’s check it!” Tom said, running to the smoke. Leo followed behind as quick as he could.

They are getting closer and closer to the smoke. As he ran, Tom has a very uneasy feeling. The image of Levogard burned come to his mind again, and he sure hoped Thales won’t become the second Levogard.

But soon he knows his hope is failing him. Around him, bodies of dead men, women and children, lies everywhere. This city has been assaulted, too. The question now is whether the city can survive it or not.

And they are getting closer to the answer.

City of Thales stood in front of them, in fire.

Explanation

2008-03-15T03:36:00.002+07:00

It's been quite some time since I post the next chapter of this story, (which is caused by some net problem) so without further delay, I will post few chapter at once.

Enjoy!

Chapter 5 : Escape from Levogard

2008-03-15T03:33:00.001+07:00

“Hah, someone is trying to make an empty threat!” Renshaw said in a mocking tone.

“See for yourself first, and see who is big mouthing!” Hagol replied.

Renshaw looked around, and is rather surprised. His whole group of soldiers is either killed or wounded badly. One last standing soldier is being hit on the head by Leo with his mace. A thump sound and that soldier lies flat on the ground.

“So…, I guess you are better than your friend here. Interesting, very interesting.. But all of this is not without a price, I assume?”

What Renshaw said is true. Hagol body is full of cut wound, and one of the cut seem to have hit the eye, because his left eye is bleeding. Leo is no better. He is also full of cut wound, and his head is bleeding rather badly. Soon, he falls to the ground.

“Leo!” Tom shouted. “Are you all right?”

“Still breathing, if that what you want to know. A little rest will make me feel much better.” Leo replied.

“Hmm…, still talking big when he himself is already unable to stand still.” Renshaw said sarcastically.

“Keep your mouth shut, will you?” Leo said to Renshaw. “You are no better. Look! Your nose is bleeding again. Guess your wretched god is unable to do anything about it. That’s quite a punch, Tom.”

“Don’t mention it.” Tom said as he get up and walk to Leo.

Renshaw wipe away the bleeding on his nose quickly. “How dare you belittle me and our Great Skelcrown. You are beyond forgiveness and will all die a very terrible death! I will show you the true power of Great Skelcrown! Grant me the power, o Great Skelcrown! Blesetgratcrown!” As he finished the word, Renshaw power seems to multiply.

“Now you all shall witness the true power of a man blessed by Great Skelcrown Himself.” And without any delay, he runs quickly and jump onto Hagol, sword held highly.

Suddenly, Leo have run to Hagol side, pushing him away. But, as the result, he is hit by the sword on the chest. Blood spurted.

“Arghhh!!!” Leo groaned.

“No!!!” Tom shouted, take a sword that lies on the ground, and charged toward Renshaw who is preparing to launch the second swing. Renshaw sees him, and turn around quickly. Tom swings the sword forcefully, but Renshaw blocked the sword with ease. Tom keeps on swinging the sword forcefully onto Renshaw, but Renshaw blocked or evaded every attack with ease. It almost look like a child fighting against an adult.

Hagol has picked up his falling axe and tried to intervene, but even without seeing Hagol coming, Renshaw use his elbow and hit Hagol straight on his stomach. Hagol falls to the ground at once.

“You see, all your friends have fallen, what about if you are next?” Renshaw said in a mocking tone.

“Never, before I kill you!” Tom replied, still swinging his sword rather wildly.

“Well, now you are talking. I shall allow myself to be entertained for a while then. Give me your best shot, Tom!”

“Damn it! Die you!”

Tom keeps on attacking, until his attack become weaker and slower. He is already losing his stamina. Renshaw, in other hand, seems to look just fine. In another ten minutes, Tom had stopped the attack; instead, he uses the sword as a crouch. He is breathing very fast.

“Done, already? I guess it’s the time anyway. I am getting pretty bored.” Renshaw said, and as he finished the word, he dash toward Tom quickly. Sword held highly, as he is swinging the sword, Hagol pushed Tom from behind. The sword hits Hagol and Hagol does not even groan.

He falls without sound.

“No!!!” Tom and Leo shouted.

Renshaw sighed. “Why do I always fail to hit the target which I really wish to hit? No matter now, you are next, Tom.” And he raises his sword again and swings it forcefully. Tom managed to dodge it in time, and the sword hits the ground, creating a small hole on the ground.

“You! You have hurt my family, friends and my beloved city. I swear, from now on, my sole purpose in life is to kill you!” and with that, Tom gather all his remaining strength and charged onto Renshaw.

Renshaw blocked the attack, and Tom sword is broken.

“Hah! So that’s your best shoot, Tom?” Renshaw said.

Tom can not even say anything. He can only look at his broken sword, and prepare himself for the worse.

Hagol suddenly comes from behind of Renshaw, hacking the axe right onto him. Renshaw dodge it in one easy move, and the axe nearly hits Tom, who sits down at once.

“Tom! Take Leo and run away from here!” Hagol said.

“What about you?” Tom asked.

“Don’t worry about me. I am very strong! He won’t defeat me!”

“But…”

“Don’t hesitate. I do this because I want to repay Leo kindness…I will try to survive! But you must go as far as you could too! Heal your wound!”

“Ok, then. If you say so….take care!” Tom said and put Leo to his back, then walking as fast as he could from the battleground. Renshaw just watched, but strangely, it seems his eye is empty, as if he is listening to someone else in his mind.

“…But I only say I will try to survive.” Leo said, in a low voice, after Tom has walked far enough.

“Hmm…”Renshaw attention is suddenly focused on what Hagol said. “You think you can defeat me?”

“I would say yes, but deep in my heart I feel great peace, for at least my life is worth two lives.”

“Which mean very clearly that you already know you will be defeated, and worst, killed by me. I really appreciate such kind of bravery yet foolishness. What are you doing this for? Dying a heroic death?”

“Don’t you dare to insult my intention. Never have that thought cross my mind even for a moment that my action is for people to sing about my deeds. No! This is something you will never understand, because it is greater than friendship. I am protecting things that are dear to me!”

“Something dear to you? How interesting. And what have you done so far? What will you do?”

“I have failed with Levogard, and almost failed with Leo too. But I shan’t fail again. If I fail, I will pay with my life!”

Renshaw clapped his hand scornfully. “What a great lecture and what a great vow! Oh! It is almost a pity to kill you. Yes, almost. But this is duty. Any last word?”

“Tom and Leo, may you live on, and kill this beast for me. Now, for the greater battle ahead, die you!” Hagol charged with all his strength onto Renshaw.

At this time, Tom and Leo is already on the hill which overlooked Levogard, in fire. Smoke can still be seen, and at some place, fire is still burning.

“I will never forget this! I shall make everyone who did this pay!” Tom cried.

“Yes…make them pay!” Leo who sits beside Tom said. “How is Hagol now, I wonder? I sure hope he has split Renshaw into million pieces. I sure hope he did. Anyway, what should we do next?”

Chapter 4 : Truth Unraveled

2007-12-15T20:24:00.000+07:00

“Remember me, Tom? I hope you haven’t forgotten about me yet, because I haven’t Tom.” Renshaw said, in his calm voice.

“What is the meaning of this? How come a group of shrine destroyer mingles with army from another country? Unless…” Tom said.

“I know what you are thinking, and the answer is yes, I or the so-called shrine destroyer is a part of the Scrown Purist Army. All of this is part of our great king scheme.”

“Scrown Purist Army? What is the meaning of that?”

“I hate to talk for too long, but for this occasion only, considering all of you soon will meet your maker, I will be tolerant for a bit. I, as you all know, am Renshaw Bellamy, commander of Scrown Purist Army, Scrown Kingdom army, in charge of purifying the southern side. I am also a member of The Five Purist Warrior, the most elite group in Scrown Purist Army. We…”

“Five Purist Warrior? What is that again?”

“Don’t interrupt me when I am talking, or don’t your parent teach you manner? We are special unit who receive order directly from our great king, Lord Schuuster, and are blessed with extraordinary power that you won’t be able to imagine!”

“To hell with that! What your bastard king wants actually?” one of the wounded militiaman said.

At first, Renshaw didn’t react. Then, suddenly he disappeared, and the next second, he is in front of that man, and another second, that poor man is split into three. Before anybody can react, Renshaw has walked back calmly to his group.

“Huh? What the…what does this mean?”

“That is the punishment for people who dare to said anything about our king. He is the son of great Skelcrown himself and nobody, even us, can speak anything bad about him! Not that we will do it, anyway,” Renshaw replied, still in his calm voice.

“Last question, what is your motive?” Tom said in a voice trembling with anger.

“Our motive? Oh yeah, we are on a mission to purify this land from the filthy blood, like you people.”

“That’s all I need to know! Now, all of you, die!!!” Tom shouted, as he and his group charged forward.

The Scrown soldiers also charged forward, and the battle begin. With what seem to be very unbalanced battle, it seems that this battle shall end soon. But, Leo, Tom, and Hagol give such a great fight that after almost half of the Scrown soldiers is either killed or wounded, that they managed to be cornered.

“Impressive, very impressive. But this is the end for you all. The game ends here. Any last word?” Renshaw said.

“Never!!!” Leo, Tom and Hagol said it at the same time, although this seems to be an empty threat. All of them are wounded on every parts of their body, and seems unable to continue the fight any longer. Tom suffered the most wound.

“I will not expect less. But before that, catch this, Tom,” Renshaw said as he threw something onto Tom.

Tom catches it with one hand. And is totally surprised with the thing he is holding.

Leona necklace.

“What does this mean!?” Tom asked, in a trembling voice.

“Oh… so you do not recognize the necklace of your dearest one?”

“Impossible, how could this be?”

“Yes, it could be, as you have seen yourself.”

“How does this happen?”

“I will tell you, but only if you fight well.” After saying this, Renshaw held his sword up.

“Damn it. Die you!” Tom shouted and charged forward. So does Leo and Hagol.

Tom fights madly. He swings his sword here and there without aiming really well. This causes Renshaw to be able to block all his attack. Leo and Hagol fight well, but their stamina is running low.

“Hah! Is this your best shot? I am unimpressed at all. If you want me to tell you, do it better!” Renshaw provoked Tom.

“You will get it!” Tom shouted, and his swing is more forceful than ever. But still the blow is not enough to hurt Renshaw even a bit.

“I am beginning to get bored, Tom. I guess the game ends here.”

And with one deadly and accurate blow, he hit Tom’s sword so hard that both swords are shattered. Tom can hardly take the shock on his hand and falls to the ground as the result. His hand feels dead.

“Well, before I deliver the finishing blow, let me tell you how all of this happened. After our last meeting, I quickly ordered my agent to spies on you. In just a few hours, I have known all I need to know about, your house, your family, and your friends. So, when I attacked the city, I left my soldiers to make your two best friends and the city guards busy. I went to your house at once, and see your wife…”

“Why…, why must you disturb my family?” Tom interrupted, still in trembling voice.

Renshaw give a kick to Tom face and Tom face hits the ground. “Haven’t I told you don’t interrupt me? Well, as I was just saying, I found your wife and children. Then I start to chase them. Unfortunately, some of the city guards spring up from nowhere and attacked me. By the time I am finished with them, your family is already gone. I give pursue and with the blessing of Great Skelcrown, I managed to find them beside the river. I launch three quick slash, and I guess it is right on target, because your whole family fell to the river at once.” Now a mad smile on Renshaw face. “It is such a great fun, and after killing them, I found the necklace I just gave to you beside the river, so now I am returning it to you. Aren’t I a considerate person?”

“You….BASTARD!!!” Tom shouted angrily, springs up at once, and with all his strength deliver a very powerful punch with all his might, straight onto Renshaw face. Renshaw, not ready for this, take the punch directly without able to even avoid it a bit. He fell to the ground too.

“How dare you do this, even a thousand death is not good enough for you!” And with that, Tom jump, and kick the face of Renshaw who is just trying to get up directly. Renshaw flew a bit and fell down again with a loud thump voice.

Tom tries to kick Renshaw again, but this time Renshaw is faster. He rolled away and jump up quickly. He wiped away the blood on his mouth and nose.

“You filthy kind! You shall pay for the insolence you just done!” And with that, Renshaw draws out his sword and held it straight. Tom tries to deliver another punch, but this time, Renshaw gives a very powerful kick on Tom stomach, causing Tom to fall to the ground again with a groan.

“Now you die!” Renshaw said, and held his sword highly, ready to swing.

As he was holding the sword highly, an axe suddenly flies to him. Renshaw dodge it just in time. The axe missed him and hit a half burned building instead, and falls to the ground with a loud clanking noise.

“He will not die yet, because we are still here!” Hagol bellowed with his tired yet determined voice.

Chapter 3 : Levogard Under Fire

2007-12-09T22:35:00.000+07:00

Tom keeps on running, and finally he is out of the forest. And suddenly, he sees what he had dreaded to see: farmland burning, house razed to the ground, and bodies around. The smell of fresh blood reaches his nose quickly.

“Impossible,” Tom walked past the bodies, his brain unable to receive the horror in front of him. There lies a body near the inn, the man of whom Tom knows: the innkeeper .Tom runs quickly to him.

“Innkeeper, are you alright?” Tom says, as he held up that man.

“To…m?”

“What has happened?”

“There…was a group of man. Those refu…gees, they get to every house and…suddenly they began to slaughter…the residents around. We were unprepared and they fell upon us…and they spare no one.”

“Where are they now?”

“They…are marching to the city…Tom, you…must run for your life.”

“No…I can’t abandon my beloved city and families.”

“It is useless…to fight them Tom, they…are just too many. Ahh…I think this is the end Tom.”

“No, you won’t die, innkeeper!”

But the innkeeper no longer speaks a word, his hand fell to the ground.

“Speak to me, innkeeper” Tom says and repeating it, his voice getting higher and higher, until it becomes a scream of despair.

After a while, he got better of himself, and then gently put down the innkeeper. He closed the innkeeper’s eyes. Then he rise, and begin to walk slowly to the city. The walk gradually become faster and soon he is already running.

Suddenly, two men dressed in black appeared from behind a burning house.

“It’s the filthy blood again, so one of them survived.” One of the Scrown soldier said.

“Well, it will be fun to play with him.” Another one said, or perhaps that is what he intended to say because before he actually finishes his words, his head already left his body.

The second soldier is also slain when he is still amazed by what is happening in front.

“Do not block my way!” Tom said, as he resumed his run again.

Tom head is now filled with hatred and rage. Everywhere he can see corpse of the people, some he recognized as merchant selling goods in market, some are farmers he always say hello to, and many other.

Then he halted for a while when he see a pile of corpse beside the road with a flag in the middle of it. He moved closer to examine.

It is corpses of some Levogard civilians. And as he looked up onto the flag, his rage increased.

On the flag are “The Slave of Scrown, A Tribute to Skelcrown” words. This is becoming unbearable. Scrown soldiers killed his friends and now they have defiled his beloved city and people. “This won’t go unpunished,” Tom says as he chops the flag into two.

Then Tom resumed his running again, this time faster and with much more killing frenzy. Four unlucky Scrown soldiers that stand in his way are chopped down very quickly.

Tom keeps on running until he finally see…Levogard, only this is not the beloved city he used to know anymore.

The city gate has been rammed open. Tom enters and witnesses his last night nightmare once again.

City of Levogard…burned.

Tom walked slowly, his head looked around. The once proudly standing guardhouse beyond the gate is no longer there. Around the guardhouse are quite a lot of Scrown and Levogard soldiers corpses. Tom walked on. Houses burned and its owner lay in front of the house, dead. Tom keeps on walking until he reached the town square. The well on the place have been destroyed, its content defiled. Then he suddenly remembered something: His family.

And with that, he runs quickly to his home.

Passing the Hagol’s house which is already half burned. Is Hagol safe? Leo’s house already burned to the ground. Is he safe too? They should be, if their enemy is some rabble soldiers. But, Tom has a very bad feeling about these things.

He finally reached his house, or what is used to be his house. His house is not burned, it is completely destroyed. Around lay some Levogard soldiers dead, most of them are cut into three pieces. “What does this mean? Are they dead because protecting my wife?” Tom thinks. “If so, who could possibly kill them and turn them into such a pitying state?” But that doesn’t matter anymore.

“Leona? Children?” Tom shouted. No reply.

“Think positive…think positive. If they do not reply, that’s mean they have managed to run away, not…” Tom said to himself.

So he walked around again, keep on calling Leona and children. But still no reply. Every step becomes more frustrating than ever. Until he saw Leo and Hagol. But they are not alone. Together with some militiamen they are facing enemy forces about three times their size.

“I am coming, my friend!” Tom shouted and dash forward.

So the small battle begins. Leo throws himself onto the Scrown soldiers group, bringing down some of the Scrown soldiers to the ground while Leo and the other charge forward. Tom charge onto the rear of the Scrown forces formation. The front guards of the Scrown soldiers are taken care of quickly.

Tom fights like crazy. He thrust here and there. Two Scrown soldiers that try to stop him are bring down to earth mercilessly. Soon, the Scrown company are scattered, but not without cost. Almost all the militiamen perish in the battle and the remaining two or three are badly wounded. Leo runs to their aid immediately.

“So, what has happened Hagol?” Tom asked Hagol.

“Those Scrown bastards, they come suddenly. Me and Leo react quickly. Leo runs to the town bell to alert the guards and civilians while I rush quickly to the gate to help the guards. When I arrive, it is already a losing battle for us. Those scums have spread in. While I tried to stop them, Leo comes with some militiamen and soldiers. The battle is soon joined by both sides, but after some time, our numbers are decreasing quickly. We have to retreat and that give those Scrown soldiers plenty of chances to burn and kill the innocent.”

“Then, do you see Leona and my children?”

“I see her,” Leo suddenly interrupted. “She is bringing the children to safety when I passed her and other women and children. She should be safe.”

“Well, I am glad to hear you s…” Tom never finished his words, because suddenly, in front of him is a group of Scrown soldiers, and in front of them is Renshaw Bellamy.

Chapter 2 : Hunter or Hunted

2007-12-09T21:45:00.000+07:00

“Are you sure you wish to go hunting today, dear? After last night incident?”

“I must go, my dear wife. If not, then what should we eat?”

“But…”

“No more but, I have to go. Where is the kids?”

“In their room.”

The two people that is talking is Tom, the other is Leona, Tom wife, fair face with golden hair and average height, and green eyes, a gift of nature.

“Roy! Ron! Dad is going on hunting trip! Do you want anything?” Tom asked the boys in the room.

“We want more toys!” two sounds sounded in unison from inside the room.

“All right, you will have your toys if you behave, OK?”

“OK!!!”

So Tom leave the house and the town alone, bow in his hand and quiver of arrows on his back. The journey to Lusheen forest is fairly smooth. Although not much populated, there are some houses and inn where Tom stayed to have his lunch and buy some bread for dinner.

No event is out of ordinary, except a large group of people, about two hundred, that walked past him from Lusheen Forest, wearing tattered clothes. One of them bumped into him, and do not even says sorry.

“Mute refugee maybe,” Tom thinks. But there is something in their eyes, a look of soldier that cannot be described. It is a grim, cold blooded, and ready to die looks. And it make him shiver a little just by looking at them.

By night, he has reached Lusheen Forest. He quickly started a fire and eat a hasty dinner.

“Rest early, and wake early tomorrow and I will be ready for anything.”

In his sleep, Tom had an uneasy dream. He sees his beloved city in fire and his wife and children calling him for help. Tom tries to move, but suddenly rope ties him, immobilizing him.

And he wakes up, to find out he really has been tied and feels giddy on his head.

It is almost dawn, and he can see ray of light from the east. He looked around to see two men around the campfire that he thinks he saw in the wave of refugees yesterday. Only they are not in tattered rags, but in shiny black armor. On the breastplate is a sign of skull beneath a crown.

“You are Scrown soldiers aren’t you? Why are you binding me?” Tom asked, remembering the mark as Scrown Kingdom symbol.

“Ah, so he is awake?”

“Hmm, the fool of the Levogard. Hey lad, consider you unlucky to have fallen onto us. Today will be the last time you see the sun, so look at it until you are satisfied, for never will you see it again.”

“What is my crime? You don’t have rights to do this.” Tom demanded.

One of the soldiers rises, and gave Tom a hard kick on his chest. Tom groaned.

“You filthy blood, speaks one more word of rights and I swear I will kill you at once. You filthy son of a bitch have no right to speak nor live on this land!” With that, he kicked Tom on his face again.

Tom spurted blood and some fragment of tooth from his mouth. “Damn it. At least two teeth broken, I guess” Tom thinks.

Scrown, a kingdom to the west of Levogard. Nothing much is known from the mysterious kingdom. Only that the people are very devout to Skelcrown, God of War in the religion of Forgotten World. And sudden appearance of whole army of devoted God of War in other kingdom could only mean one thing, conquest, or in softer word, crusade.

“What can I do?” Tom thinks to himself. He tried all his might to free himself from the rope, but the rope is very tight, making him only able to roll. And only by this time, Tom notices that the rope has been tied very neatly too, tying his arms, fingers and feet. The rope also binds his arm with his body. He wonders how they did this. So he asked.

“Hey, how did you manage to tie me without even waking me up?”

One of the soldiers responded: “You remember when I bumped into you? I quickly exchange your bread with bread that had been given sleeping powder. Dozof, one of the most powerful sleeping powders in this land. You won’t be waken up even by earthquake.” And he laughed.

Tom thinks. Yesterday afternoon, he bumped into one of the refugee. He should have known better.

After about an hour, the sun is already very bright. When the sun is already pretty high. Tom captors put off the fire and begin to walk onto him, sword unsheathed.

“Any last word?” One of them asked casually. And suddenly his looks changed when he looked at the sky. “Ahh…So it has begun.”

Tom looked at the sky, and he sees black smoke. This could only mean one thing. The battle has started.

“Let us do this quickly, and join the battle.” Another Scrown soldier said.

He rises his sword, and swings it forcefully onto Tom. However Tom managed to roll, and the sword can only cause little damage on his left arm, but cutting away the rope that binds his arm and body. Now Tom can move his arms. Another Scrown soldier swing his sword onto Tom, and Tom jump up quickly to avoid the fatal blow. But he loses his balance and fall to ground again.

“Die!” The Scrown soldier shouted, and do a direct thrust onto Tom.

Tom quickly rise his feet, and the sword thrust hit Tom right leg, but also unbind his leg.

“Arghhh!!!” Tom groan when that Scrown soldier pull out the sword. But Tom managed to jump up again, this time not losing his balance, but with a momentary painful feeling on his right foot. The wound is not deep.

The second soldier charge quickly onto Tom, but Tom is faster. He give a fatal kick onto that soldier weakest point (which need not be stated here), and that soldier give a long groan before falling to ground, sword released.

The other soldier tried to attack Tom from behind. But Tom rises his arm quickly and caught the sword between his hands. Now, the rope that ties his hand has also been cut away.

Tom grabs the sword on the ground quickly, and run onto his enemy. The soldier tried to swing his sword again, but before he can do that, Tom already makes a heavy swing onto his neck.

That soldier looked surprised, and next second later, the head already left its body. Blood spurted.

Tom turned his head and sees that the second Scrown soldier has recovered from the early blow. The second soldier, seeing his friend dead and he himself is without any weapon, begged for mercy.

“Please….spare my life!”

And as Tom looked onto him, and pity rises from his mind. But suddenly he sees his dream again. His wife and children crying for help, and without realizing it, he swings the sword onto the soldier. Blood spurted, and the soldier fall to the ground.

When Tom realized what he had done, regret comes to his mind immediately.

“It is too late, I can’t do anything. Now I must return to the city quickly.”

He turned to the direction of the city.

And begins to run.

Chapter 1 : Night Patrol

2007-12-08T19:41:00.000+07:00

"Throw the ball!"
"No...You don't!"
"Oh no, chase him!"
"Ackkk!"
"Haha...Got you!"
The children are playing ball with each other. Happiness, anger, madness, all blends into one. Some other children are watching, while on their left, a group of girls are playing dolls and all sort of girl stuff. In the horizon, the sun begins to set.
Suddenly, the town bell rungs. People begin to walk to a square in the center of the town. This square is pretty large, with a podium in the middle of it. People begin to encircle the podium in an irregular circle. Children that were playing, some groan, some look eager, are now also in the crowd. Soon, people are assembled.
A man in blue robe steps up onto the podium.
"People of Levogard, today, we gathered to say our prayer to Devagard, the god of Nature!"
"Aye!" the crowd replied. Then they look down.
"Blesusogat, Great Devagard, Wise Devagard, today we gather to ask for your blessing. Please bless us, our parents, our children, our leader, and our town. Bring us rain to grow the crops, save us from your wrath, and if one of us ever did any fault, please forgive us. Tisistenal!" the man in blue robe ends the prayer.
"Tisistenal!" the crowd followed and lift their head again.
"Soon, the crowd dismisses. Most of them return to their home. However, some men dressed in blue with a sword or spear do not return. They wandered the street.
These people are the soldiers and militias of Levogard. They patrol the city at night to ensure the safety. Especially on this dangerous time.
This, is the city of Levogard, a small independent city beside Gengrel River. It is city without a lord; instead the city is governed by a council of elders. They are the one who decide on important decision for this city. Levogard itself relies mostly on agriculture, especially because Gengrel River water current is always steady.

Since few months ago, the city suffered terror from a small group of people that kill and burn. The strange thing is that those people target is always the Devagard shrine. People that tries to stop them are killed mercilessly. Ever since the night patrols are activated, this terror quickly decreases in quantity. So, it is also in this night, a group of militia is patrolling around one of the remaining Devogard shrine.

"...and I tell you, he run away as quick as a rat. A real coward he is..., are you listening, Tom?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry about that. I am thinking about something else." the man called Tom replied
"Well, well, are you thinking about your wife and children?" another one asked.
"Yes, Hagol," Tom sighted "I am really worried about them."
This man called Tom is Tom Burfoot, a 24 years old man. He has black hairs and eyes; and his height is rather short. He grows up in this city, and has three most important things in his life: City of Levogard, his family, and his friends. It is said that true men will die for their most important thing in their life, and because Tom always think himself as a true man, he is also willingly to die for them.
"Tonight is very quiet," the first man that is boasting at first said. He has golden hair and moustache, which is keep very untidy, and his size is pretty overwhelming. "I, Leo Baldric don't like it."
"Well, do you expect a full scale battle, Leo? Nah, why don't you gaze at the stars?" Hagol said. Hagol is a man with height almost the same with Tom, he also has black eyes and hairs, but a curly black beard is also on his chin.
"That's a splendid idea, indeed. Stargazing. What if I am stabbed from back?" Leo replied sarcastically.
"Don't worry Leo, I will watch your back." Tom said.
"Well, before that, see what is in front." Leo said.
"Huh? What the... damn it, sound the alarm! It is those shrine destroyers again!" Hagol said, very loudly that those shrine destroyer group realize someone is there.
"Kill them!"
"You fool Hagol, look at what have you done! Now Tom, you have to run and rang the town bell, thanks to this Hagol Hazrael." Leo said, as if alarmed, but he looks very calm and kind of joking.
"Ok! All of you, don't go so hard on them, lest there are too much blood spilled." Tom said, and begin to run onto the tower. But, he is stopped by another group of enemy. All of them have their sword in hand.
"How dare for you to look down on us. Die you!"
Tom evaded the blow quickly, draw out his own sword, and make a short work on that man. The other are too startled to react, and when they realize what has happened, two more have fallen.
"Nice work, Tom." Leo shouted. Around him, two men lying.
On the other hand, Hagol is also finished already with his two opponents. One of them lost his left hand, while another is almost split into half. Not a beautiful sight, however, Hagol smiled and brush away blood on his face and axe.
"They are strong, we must attack them altogether!" one of the men that appeared to be the shrine destroyer leader said.
"Oh no, you don't!" Hagol said, and rush toward him. But a small group try to block his way, and Hagol has to fight them first. He slash here and there, and the group quickly scatter.
In the meantime, Leo has dashed onto the shrine destroyer leader, knocking out three men that tries to stop him with his mace, and leap onto him.
However, this man seem much stronger than his companion, and he countered Leo attack by thrusting his long sword directly onto Leo. Leo dodged it, but is forced to abandon his mace and receive slight a cut wound on his cheek.
Suddenly, a shadow flies across Leo and directly attacks the leader. He tried to block the attack; however his sword is shattered by the deadly blow of the shadow. But, this also gives the shadow a surprise. The shrine destroyer leader quickly reaches another long sword from his sheath, stab the shadow, and pin the shadow to the ground.
The shadow is Hagol.
"No!!!" Tom screamed, and rushed forward. Tom makes some wild slashes, forcing the shrine destroyer leader to retreat a bit.
"Hagol, you all right?"
"Well, I think so, although I feel like being battered by a great tree."
"Leo, you take care of Hagol. I will deal with this man!"
"Ok, you take care too!"
Tom left Hagol, and Leo quickly stand beside Hagol. Their enemy, thinking that their opponent is nothing but an unarmed man and a wounded man, strike without holding back.
"Ack!"
"Ouuu!!!"
"How is the taste of my fist?"
Tom stands in front of his enemy.
"What is your name?" that man asked.
"I think it is impolite to ask without introducing yourself." Tom replied.
"Oh...I am forgetting my manner. Bellamy, Renshaw Bellamy." This man also has golden hair like Leo, but without moustache. His height is a bit taller than Tom, and his eyes are blue, somehow looking at that eyes make Tom shivers.
"I am Tom Burfoot"
Both of them prepare to fight. However, an interruption comes.
"Here!"
"The shrine destroyer!"
"Charge!"
It is the other militias. The loud voices have caught the attention of the other militias around, and they begin to charge onto the shrine destroyer. The shrine destroyers begin to retreat.
"Our fight is interrupted, but I am sure, we will meet again" Renshaw said.
"Yes, I am sure we will. Until next time." Tom said, as he watches Renshaw vanished in the darkness.

Intro

2007-12-08T19:30:00.001+07:00

Hello, welcome to my blog, this blog is created for sharing some of my "hand made" story, and maybe sometimes, my views regarding some matter. . . .

Well, nothing much to say right now. . . . Maybe I should start?

War of Faith : The Beginning

This story is purely fictional, any connection with the real world is purely coincidence and unintentional
For Teen and above, due to some harsh language

Well, that should do for the title. Now for the story. . .