2 Vestiges of the unknown

I push my chair out from the table and ready myself to leave. "Thanks for answering my questions." I say to Duriks old acquaintance as I rise myself from my chair.

"Gaah it's fine lad, aint got nothing better to do this early, and ya bought me a drink." he responds to me in an indifferent tone, then takes another gulp from his mug full of alcohol after he finishes.

I unconsciously reach back for my coat, then I realise it's summer and I don't have it with me. Hoping no one saw my awkward movement, I walk quickly over to the empty pub's entrance. Opening the large wooden door, the humid, misty street opens up to me. I hear the creaking sounds above me to my right, the sign of the pub has a large mug on it with Kelorgs pub written above.

The cobblestone street is sparsely populated this early in the morning, with a range of different appearances walking down both ways. Sovignar gleams just above the houses of the small town of Asgot to the east. I think to myself about the conversation as I walk out of Kelorg's pub.

< It's not like I can take his answers for certain, he did say he hasn't met Durik in a while and I don't know how long that is. I do know though, that Durik did at least have a few months time not attending the mercenary guild for work, however this doesn't explain me paying for a larger share of my parents house tax for the last year. >

Making my way through the entertainment district, brothels, fight clubs, gambling dens and other shops get ready for the new day, brothels less so. I see the expansion project to the district is under way, new merchants are setting up shops under the new lords reign.

< Asgot seems to be changing a lot recently, ever since the last lord passed away and Guruek took over. Then again, someone like me wouldn't know what's going on, all I get is third hand drunken talk from the guard. >

Reaching the end of the entertainment district, the stores around become much more luxurious as I near the Distinguished District. The Honoured eye me in disdain, I walk with my head down, standing out with my slightly dirtied tunic and trousers I have on. Fortunately I reached the district gate safely.

A large raised portcullis stands in front of me, separating the Entertainment District from the Distinguished District. Large walls from the left and right of the gate go to other parts of the city, these walls segregate Asgot into its districts. Heavily armoured guards wearing brigandine chest plates and metal plated shoulder pads inspect each person making their way through, specifically taking closer inspections on people that look less 'distinguished', like me.

"Hey" a gruff voice barks to my right, I look over to see one of the guards staring daggers at me. "Yes you, come over here." the man calls again in a forceful tone, figuring it's probably an inspection I quickly shift over.

"What can I do for you sir" I speak in a respectful manner.

< It looks like Drevik isn't here today, I can probably get through if I do what this guy says anyway. >

The guard looks over my smaller than average lean physique, scrutinising me. "What brings you to the Distinguished District." he questions me suspiciously.

"I work for Honoured Kurian Torve, as his private mercenary" I say quickly and proudly in an attempt to prove my honesty. Our conversation seems to have garnered the attention of other guards. I heard from Drevik the guards find it funny when poor people try to make it into this district.

"As his mercenary? And private no less. I've heard similar stories boy, you aint lookin private mercenary like either. Now why don't ya show me some proof, or fuck off will ya." the guard spouts angrily at me, tightening the grip on his sword in its sheath to threaten me.

Having gone through this conversation before I reply unflustered, "I understand I may not look that way, but I promise you I work for Honoured Kurian. I walk through here every day, usually Drevik lets me through, he was informed by Kurian too. "

"Alright that's it, trying to use another guard's name to get through aint guna work. Now get the fuck out of here or ill take the time to throw you in the dungeon" he steps towards me in a threatening manner.

< Fucks sake why can't Drevik be here, I should have waited till his shift. I'll just come back later, hopefully Kurian isn't too upset at me. >

Just as I'm about to leave, I hear a familiar voice "Woah woah, I know the kid it's fine. Honoured Kurian told me to let him through".

As the guard hears the voice and makes an annoyed face like his fun has been disrupted, then grunts "Right, see ya then boy". The guard gives me a disdainful look as he walks away.

Drevik walks up to me in his guard uniform, with a sorrowful smirk on his face, "what are you doing here so early, you should have known this would happen with the new lord," he says confused.

Embarrassedly I explained my situation, "Well, Kurian told me to come early today for some reason. I forgot to ask about permission for entrance to the district like an idiot."

"Well you better make your way through, wouldn't want to get in more trouble with Kurian," he smiles slightly at me, gesturing to the gate for me to go.

I nod to him and advance under the large portcullis, the nearby guards go back to eyeing others. The other side of the wall is vastly different, large mansions made out of wood and stone line either side of the smooth road. The Distinguished District is much quieter this early in the morning, people living here have enough wealth to sleep even when the sun is up.

I make sure to keep myself far away from anyone on the street, they tend to get angry when commoners like me walk around their grounds. It takes me a while to reach Kurians estate, I see a few carriages along the way, he is one of the reserved Honourables I've met, not that I've met many.

In front of me is Kurians estate, similar to the others around here, it is blocked from view in an enclosure of walls. I walk up to the large wooden gate and thump my fist on them a few times to get the attention of the servants on the other side.

I hear sharp but fast rhythmic tapping sounds from the other side of the gate, "One moment please," a muffled monotone voice says. The large gate creaks open, on the other side is a small blonde boy dressed in servant clothes, his head down in respect and his body rigid as he probably expects a Honourable.

"You can relax, it's me Ken" I smile and say in a friendly manner. He looks up to me and his body visibly relaxes.

"Oh, Ovin. I don't remember my Honourable mentioning you coming earlier than normal, is something going on?" he queries me, confused by this odd situation.

"That's weird, Honourable Kurian told me to come early today, he said that there was a job he needed me to do" I mention as I lead myself into the estate grounds, he closes the large gate behind me and re locks it.

The estate before me has a small stone path that has been deteriorated by time leading up to it, covering everywhere but the path and the house is tall grass, which has obviously not been cut in a long time. The house itself is made out of mostly wood and quite bland, at least for an Honourables. The house is rectangular in shape, with the length facing away from me. The front has three windows on it, two on the bottom either side of the front door, one large window on the second floor above the door. I can see some of the servants inside, cleaning or doing other duties around the house.

Walking up to the entrance I look briefly back to Ken, "Any idea why I've been told to come earlier? Anything happening today?" I question him to fill in the quietness.

He looks at me and contemplates my question for a few seconds. "Well, my Honourable is having some nobles over today, that could be it."

I'm surprised by the mention of nobles, visibly caught off guard, "Wait. Nobles? I think I heard that's what Honourables call themselves up in Seehkven."

"You're right. My Honourable gave us a brief introduction to Nobles. The word originates from the mainland, Skhitir's people started calling themselves Nobles instead of Honourables after trading with the mainland and adopting their culture," he says to me as he recalls what Kurian told him.

"I see, but what would Honourable Kurian have in dealing with Nobles?" I ask confusedly.

"I believe My Honourable wanted to acquire some special goods, apparently these goods were unique to Seehkven because it trades with the mainland," he says back to my question.

< Some goods, huh? What kind of goods could Kurian want, I never thought of him to be the type to buy luxuries. >

After that we keep quiet until we get to the entrance. "Well, good luck on your job and I hope to see you safe. Oh and My Honourable is his study," he says to me quickly and walks into the mansion to continue his servant duties.

Inside the mansion is a long hallway with doors on each side periodically going to rooms on the first floor. I walk down the end to the door of Kurians study. I knock on the door three times softly and wait for a response, I look down at my attire and grimace at its dirtiness but thank Skoron that Kurian doesn't care much for this.

After waiting a few seconds a deep and imperative voice speaks out to me, "Come in".

I slowly open the door and walk into the room. The right and left sides of the room are filled with different variations of books. The floor has a dark blue carpet with white linings. At the end of the room is a large wooden desk with books, papers and other miscellaneous items sprawled on it.

Sitting on a wide cushioned chair behind the desk is a slim man, he looks around thirty winters old but I know he is much older, he wears a dark blue jacket with long sleeves and a furry high collar, underneath is a leather brigandine. He has pale white skin, a sharp jawline, large but straight nose, thin lips, piercing, monolid maroon eyes, long thick eyebrows and short brown blonde hair. Behind him is a small window looking out to a garden.

I walk carefully to the chair in front of his desk made for visitors and sit down, Kurian eyes me briefly as I walk over but then looks back down at a book in his hand. "What would you have me do for you today Honourable Kurian?" I ask him politely but quickly too.

< Fucking hell, even without his compressor aura I feel like I'm guna shit my pants every time I'm in the same room as him. >

"I am having a few Nobles at my estate this evening, I need you to get me some fresh mature Filawn meat for them," He says in his deep voice again.

I take in what he said quickly and reply, "I see, what time do you need me to be back?" I ask, then remember what I heard from Jarak yesterday and add quickly, "Also the Krald have been swarming closer to Asgot recently, it might be harder to find a mature Filawn before in a short time."

He smoothly folds the book he is reading, puts it to the side and looks back up to me. "I'll give you double your normal pay if you get it by mid day."

< Midday, well that's possible I guess, I'll have to ask around and potentially pay for some information if I don't want to be running around aimlessly. >

"I'll do my best to get it done. If by some chance I fail, I will ask other mercenaries I trust and see if they have any extra Filawn meat," I respond back, hoping he is okay with my suggestion upon failure.

He links his hands together and rests his chin in between his thumb and fingers while staring straight into my eyes. "I'll give you a lesson of your choice on anything I know if you yourself get it to me on time." He narrows his eyes a little. "I'm not interested in something from someone else, otherwise I would have bought it on the market."

< Wait what, he hasn't given me a lesson since before last winter. >

Trying to hide my surprise and excitement, I respond in a confident manner, "Yes Honourable Kurian, I'll get your fresh mature Filawn meat by mid day."

He picks up the book he was reading before, looks down at it and responds, "Good, you can leave now."

Not wanting to ruin his mood, I sit up quickly and leave the office. I make sure to shut the door carefully as I leave. Walking down the hallway back to the entrance, I think about how I'm going to fulfil the job.

< I guess first I'll check the mercenary guild hall, see if Jarak is there, he knows quite a few meat contractors. If I don't hear some good info, I'll head north and check for Krald packs as they tend to hunt Filawn as a last resort. >

I quickly take my leave from Kurians estate, I can't waste any time right now. I follow the same path I took back to the Entertainment District, this time however I take the route towards the Mercenary District. There are more people gradually taking to the streets, especially towards the Mercenary District. There have been rumours of a beast wave approaching so mercenaries are flocking to Asgot to join the culling.

I jog towards the entrance to the Mercenary District, unlike the Distinguished District this one doesn't have guards vetting people going in and out. Being the most common profession in the area around Asgot, there are people from all walks of life selling or buying equipment, selling beast body parts and other wanted items. Most of the people make their way to the Mercenary Guilds main hall to check the jobs available, which is where I'm heading.

The Mercenary Guilds main hall is a massive four story building. The first floor in the main hall is a large communal area, most of it is taken up by tables for groups to gather and also to trade goods with the overview of the guild, at the end of the hall is the job processing desks and the jobs board. The second floor is full of private talking rooms for anyone who pays. The third floor is the mercenary private equipment storage area. The fourth floor is private property of the current guild manager.

There are dozens of people walking in and out of the guild hall all the time, many of the tables are full of people discussing but all I can hear is lots of loud inaudible chattering. I perk my head up, trying to spot my friend in the huge hall. Next to one of the job boards in the top right of the hall, I find Jarak looking amongst the jobs on the wall.

Jarak is around 6,1ft tall with a wide muscular body and scruffy blonde hair down to his shoulders. Jarak lucked out on his inheritance and got a perfect face, he has eyebrows thick enough that even though he is blonde you can clearly see them, vibrant blue eyes, a taut cheek and strong jawline. Right now he's wearing a loose beige tunic and tight blue buckle up trousers which shows that he's not working right now, at least anything involving possible combat. I stroll up to him, weaving myself through the tables of people.

< shit, what is he going to brag about this time, before it was about how he managed to kill a Frost Kralds. >

I walk behind Jarak, give him a pat on the shoulder and question ,"Jarak, got a moment?"

Jarak is slightly surprised by my greetings, but growing up as a mercenary he keeps his composure and turns around to face me. "Oh, ovin. Yeah I'm just checking for new jobs, trying to finish enough to take a week off."

< Ah this brings me back, last time he did this he went on for the whole week after he came back about how many girls he fucked. >

I shake off my thoughts and tell him what I need, "Well I've got a job for fresh mature Filawn meat, specifically caught by me. I was wondering if you heard of any sightings in the forest lately?"

"Filawn huh? And specifically caught by you." He raises his eyebrow and looks at me quizzically. "What an odd request, who gave you it?"

< Of course, I should have expected this to take longer. He's always asking for details on other peoples jobs. >

I relent and give him the information he wants, in a slightly prideful manner I answer. "The request was made by my employer, Honourable Kurian Torve, I can't share the reasoning as that would be against our contract."

Hearing my answer, Jarak makes a 'ohhh right' face and nods slightly. "Well, that would explain the circumstances, somewhat. Having worked under some of the most powerful Honourables in Asgot, I understand."

< Leave it to Jarak to come on top in a boast duel. >

"Well, Any news on mature Filawn?" I bring him back on topic.

"Oh right yeah, Let me think." He brings his right hand up to his chin and scratches his stubble. "It's not much, but I do remember hearing about a small gathering of Filawn not too far from the treeline to the south. However, keep in mind I heard this at least a cycle ago."

< A cycle ago, well that's not too long. There is still a chance the gathering was big enough to survive the recent Krald sightings increase. >

"Hmm, alright. Well thank you Jarak, I don't have much time for this job so I have to hurry. Maybe we can have a drink later tonight. I have something on my mind I want your opinion on it if you have nothing to do." I say to him as I smile appreciatively.

"Ah no worries. Tonight, yea that's fine. I'm sure my extensive experience in life will help your situation." He nods confidently as he says.

< Extensive experience, riiiight. >

"Well I'm off then." I say farewell to him, he nods briefly in return still basking in his own self importance. I turn around to make my leave.

< I'm going to need my equipment. If I'm catching Filawn, being as light as possible is ideal. I'll pick up my knee and elbow pads, that should be enough protection. Bringing my sword will probably just weigh me down so I'll just take my knife, ahh shit, that reminds me I haven't been able to sharpen it lately. I need to get some more Skivin to refurbish my gear as soon as possible or I'm going get fucked for leaving it late. >

Making my mind up, I head towards the third floor. I haven't stored my equipment at home since I lost it twice to thief's. Duirk told me he managed to fend them off the first time before they could steal anymore, I'm glad he managed to stop them, but it would be nice to not have to pay for private storage.

Once I reach the third floor I see the Riser, the only way to the fourth floor is a magical device that rises up and down but only works for the guild manager. I've heard they have a name for the way the Riser works, but commoners like me will have no chance of learning about these magical devices.

My storage is a small box with a lock on it, I take my unique key and open it. Inside is my short sword, a hunting knife and some bits and pieces of leather armour. holding my hunting knife out in front of me I observe it. One of the knife's sides is visibly much blunter than the other, I'll have to remember not to use that side. I wrap the sheath around my waist, then slide my knife into it.

Finally I equip my knee and elbow pads, lock my storage and depart from the guild hall. As I leave, I see Soivgnar is now burning bright much higher to the east. My destination is the west gate, the gate closest to the Devouring forest. As I walk the streets of the Mercenary District, there are many other people like me making their way to the forest, probably for similar hunting jobs.

I reach the East gate and witness its magnificence. All exterior gates of Asgot have a similar design, like the Riser in the guild hall, the doors of the gate use the same magical way of closing and opening. On each side of the gate are huge smooth rectangular stone slabs, being the same height as the gate each slab is incredibly majestic, even if it's just stone. Not many people have ever seen the gates close, the last time they did was on the last beast culling fourteen years ago.

< I remember Kelorg told me he felt the earth shake when they moved into position, with a potential beast wave coming, I might be able to witness such a magnificent event myself. >

Beside the large archway dozens of Asgots guards stand, they are needed to bide time for the gates to close in case of a sudden beast wave. Being the gate closest to the Devouring Forest, this part of Asgot tends to keep away anyone but mercenaries, not many merchants set up shop here but the ones that do usually buy fresh meat or sell equipment.

I meander my way through the bustling crowds towards the forest, groups split off from the mass of people and make their way towards different directions. Not far from me the Devouring Forest starts, it is a sight to behold as eerie dark purplish trees tower just as high as the awe inspiring walls of Asgot.

< No matter how many times I see it, I'm still amazed. >

"Shit, I almost forgot I've only got till midday," I mumble to myself, stopping myself from dawdling and start traversing southward. I pass frequent mercenary groups, either coming from the forest with dents or cuts on their gear from combat, or going towards the forest pumped up and chatting jovially before their day of hard work.

Eventually I'm satisfied with how far south I've travelled, I review my gear one last time, then march inside the forest. My eyes adjust to the grim, darkened environment, Sovignars brilliance barely does anything to illuminate the sombre forest at this time of day. Weaving my way through the trees, I scour it for signs of Filawn pawprints while doing my best to find the gathering Jarak told me about.

< Still, how should I even approach this? Durik has helped me since my parents passed away, sure he hasn't treated me the best but he kept me alive, which is more than some people could ask for. It could be he hurt himself maybe and was too embarrassed to tell me, but I didn't notice anything wrong with him. Maybe I could ask Kurian to look into it, but just the thought of asking him gives me the chills. Fuck It just doesn't add up, I cant think of any reason he would stop paying towards the house tax since last winter. >

While mulling over my situation with Jurik, I'm startled by a large path of destruction that continues further into the forest. Parts of trees and plant life are completely destroyed, strewn all over the floor in a mess. There are Hoof imprints wider than me periodically indented along the destruction, suggesting whatever made the damage also made those imprints.

< What the fuck did this? This can't be a Filawn, their hooves wouldn't amount to anything of this size. Maybe it's a Trohgon, I heard they are massive beasts but they are supposed to be four legged like Krald and Filawn, this is walking on two whatever it is. I need to finish my job, but this could be extremely dangerous and the guild is going to want as much information as possible. >

Knowing I can't waste anymore time, I decide to investigate further and just hope that there are Filawn at the end of the path. I'll be going the opposite direction of the tracks so whatever made them should be further away from me. While following the tracks I spot large claw marks on the trees. From what I've noted so far, whatever this thing is it's probably two times my height or more, which just intensifies my trepidation.

After a short while of sprinting through the forest, I discern a light in the distance standing out from the shadowy surroundings. Seeing this scene many times before, I know it to be a small opening in the forest. With the destruction leading to the opening, I ready myself in case I encounter something.

< What the fuck happened here!? >

What I'm introduced to is probably the most gruesome scene I've ever witnessed. What looks to be four Kralds, or at least what is left of them strewn on the floor. The closest one surprises me, as I recognise it to be a Krald mother and it looks to be frost mutated with visible frost around its muzzle, its head is also dissected. Still surprised, I spot three more male Kralds, one of them seems to have been smashed under a large hoof, next to the smashed one lie another with a eviscerated head, finally the furthest one looks to have been swung at a tree with a significant amount of force.

Seeing the capabilities once more of this unknown beast, I feel fear sprouting deep within me, whatever this thing is I don't want to meet it. Uncomfortable and terrified, I force myself to investigate further. I choose to examine the mother first, the neck seems to have been ripped apart by a mix of sharpness and pure force. I've only ever taken on a mother Krald once with a group of five, furthermore this one is a mutated Frost Krald which is even tougher to take down.

< The more of the chaos I see from the unknown beasts, the worse it looks. I really need to get a report back to the guild, I've never heard of anything able to take on a mutated mother Krald and more. >

With my examination of the mother over, I turn my sights to the rest of the viscous scene. As I make my way towards the eviscerated Krald, I catch a glimpse of at least seven normal Krald pawprints. Four tracks seem to lead back into the woods, it seems that it killed three and the rest ran, which means they could come back.

< Whatever the case, this unknown beast sets precedent above my job. I need to get back to the Mercenary guild and inform them of the situation, this could be much worse than what I've seen. Wait, I have an idea. I can take back some Krald mother meat to Kurian, even if it's not Filawn meat, a mother Krald, especially a mutated one, is bound to be something an Honourable equivalent individual could respect. >

With my mind made up, I slice some meat off from the Krald mothers chest and tie it around my waist then get a rough measurement with my hands on how large the hoofprint is for the guild. Once done, I bolt back through the forest imagining what kind of compensation I'll get for the information.

< Hopefully the reward, if there is any, will compensate if Kurian doesn't give me any Skivin. >

With odd looks along as I rush back, finally I make it to the guild as midday soon approaches. Inside I shuffle through the tables to the back desks, I see one of the clerks free and stride over.

"Hello, I have an urgent report to the guild. It could be a beast that originates close to the forest centre." I say declare quickly to the bored looking man.

"Hmmm?" The man looks up to me, obviously he wasn't listening to what I just said.

I reaffirm my last statement with a slightly angered tone "I have an urgent report about an anomaly, I need to see someone so I can tell them what I saw. This could be extremely dangerous."

Surprised by my sudden outburst, the clerk looks at me briefly startled but reverts back to his previous bored look shortly after. "Right, well listen. If you want to put a report through, you need to fill this out and we will forward it on to a reviewer as soon as possible." He attempts to push forward a piece of paper.

< God dammit I don't have time for this. >

My face scrunches up as he speaks, as he finishes I burst out angrily "Listen! Whatever's the origin of those tracks I saw out there managed to take on a Frost Krald mother and three more fully grown male Kralds at once."

The clerk goes back to his surprised face, he notices my serious expression and the people starting to look in our direction, but his face changes the most when I mention the Frost Krald mother. "Uhhhh, o-ok hang on let me get my superior."

I watch the clerk scurry off into the back and feel satisfied for finally taking me seriously. Eventually I see the clerk jogging towards me on my side of the counter. "If you would come with me please, a guild supervisor would like to speak with you."

< Hopefully this doesn't take too long, I don't have much time to get back to Kurian. >

I quickly nod and follow along. We reach the second floor swiftly, and make our way down a long hall full of doors to different private rooms, the clerk motions for me to enter one of the private rooms labelled 'private room 17'.

The room isn't that large, just enough to fit a round table for six people. On the opposite side to me, sitting on one of the chairs opposite to me with bombed black hair and wearing a cloth white shirt and black leather trousers is the supervisor, motioning for me to sit down. I take his gesture and shuffle myself onto the chair opposite.

"Hello my name is Odornan, I work as a supervisor for the Mercenary Guild. I understand you have apparent urgent information for the guild?" he conveys with a silver-tongue and a fake smile, obviously showing experience while studying me with his narrow, deep brown eyes.

"Ahh, umm, yes." I scratch my head a little, figuring out how to order the turn of events. "Well it all started with me going into the Devouring forest, to finish a job for my employer," I reveal slowly, as to not miss anything out.

Before I continue, Ordornan raises his hand and interrupts, "At what time did this happen, was it today?"

A bit startled by the interruption, I open and close my mouth a few times, "err, umm right, it was today not too long after Sovignars rise."

Ordornan scribbles down something, I'm too far away to see it. "Thank you, you may continue," He then declares.

"Right. As I was saying. I was looking for mature Filawn in the forest, while doing so I found an odd path of destruction" I continue my report.

"Please explain this 'path of destruction' to me?" He once again interrupts me for clarification.

< This is going to take till winter at this rate, I hope Kurian understands. >

Trying to keep my mind off an angry Kurian, I convey the scene I saw earlier as best I can, "Large chunks of trees were ripped off with claw marks, anything on the forest floor was trampled and there were large hoof imprints about this wide."

I illustrate by bringing my hands a little further from either side of my chest to show roughly how big the hooves were. Seeing the size, Ordornan raises his eyebrows slightly in surprise. "Your sure they were that big?"

I nod reassuringly and respond quickly, "whatever it is, walks on two feet from what I can tell and weighs a tremendous amount with the depth of the imprints."

"I see, this certainly isn't something normal. It could potentially be a few beasts from further in the forest, but with just this much information and being so far from the centre of the forest, it seems unlikely." He claims and scribbles down again. "Anyway, I heard there was more to this, so continue,"

< Surely it can't be a beast from the inner forest, I heard they took multiple Honourables to take down. But beasts from the inner forest are said to hardly ever leave, something about them using the magical air to live. >

"Yes, there is more. I decided to travel in the direction opposite to where the beast was headed. I didn't find anything different than the destruction for a short while, but eventually I reached a forest opening. In the opening," I grimace remembering the scene." is where I found what seemed to be the leftovers of a battle between the unknown beast, a Frost Krald mother and three Krald males all dead. I also found four extra pawprints leading away into the forest from the opening." I explain in an apprehensive manner.

The more I reveal, the more surprised a face Ordornan makes. We both stay quiet for a short while, he seems to mull over what I said, Opening his mouth, with a sombre and tight voice he questions me, "You're sure that this is what you saw, you understand what you're describing right now possibly warrants being forwarded to the guild manager?"

< Wait, WHAT?! The guild master, he would need to hear about this? >

Flustered by his words, I respond quickly and stutter, "Y-yes I'm very sure of what I saw, it was not too long ago. In fact you should be able to find it, it was close to the treeline to the south."

Ordornan squints his eyes and looks straight at me, then says seriously, "I don't see any reason for you to lie, it wouldn't benefit you in any way. This is potentially very important information, this is all I'll need from you for now, but if you are true to your words you will be compensated for it."

"I understand. I need to be somewhere right now, is it fine if I leave?" I express quickly, remember my deadline.

He nods affirmatively to me and I depart from the guild hall to Kurians estate in a sprint. Thankfully Drevik was still at the gate and I was able to get through quickly. I come to a stop at Kurians estate a short while before midday. I bang on the wooden gate with my hand to get someone to open it. After a short while I hear someone making their way over.

Once the gate is open I see Ken again, "Nice to see you Ken, I'm in a hurry right now so maybe we can talk later."

He nods shyly, "umm, yeah no worries," a bit startled as I march past him.

Entering the mansion I make my way down the corridor, this time I go inside a door closer to the entrance on the left leading to the kitchen. The kitchen has a large stone oven to the right and a long table for preparing meals. I move over to the table, unstrap the meat I took from the mother Krald from me and place it on the table. After dropping the meat off I make my way to Kurians study.

< I hope he isn't too mad, I just couldn't help myself, whatever caused that stuff terrifies me. Hopefully he is happy with what I've brought as a replacement. >

I make my way to the door, and stand there for a few seconds. I've never seen Kurian angry, he doesn't seem to express many emotions but I'm terrified of it happening. He has treated me very well as a private mercenary, I don't know if I'd still be alive trying to pay off the house taxes. While I'm standing at the door readying myself, I hear kurians familiar voice, "come in".

< Well, here we go. >

I tense my fists to lighten the shaking and shuffle into the room, onto the chair in front of Kurian. Apart from the light outside and the book in Kurians hands, nothing has changed since I last left. With my back hunched I look away from his face, with my current nervousness his scrutinising gaze is too much for me.

"Did you get what I asked for?" Kurian questions in his impassive voice as usual.

With much effort, I manage to barely squeak, "N-no I did not. I found something in the forest and felt the need to report it to the Mercenary guild."

He remains impassive, I do see just in the corner of my eye his eyebrow slightly raises. "I see."

Feeling the trepidation mounting in me, I spurt out almost wobbly, "I-I did get something though. I found a dead mutated mother Krald dead and collected some of its meat for a replacement, I'm truly sorry Honourable."

"And this report is related to how you acquired the mutated mother Krald?" He questions me instantly, seemingly not phased by what I told him, to which I sullenly nod my head. "I have no interest in beast dealings, however I know of the mother Kralds delicacy which would very much satisfy my guests. I will pay you your Skivin, however you will not have your lesson."

< Shit, well it's better than I expected. >

I'm still a little bit exhausted, but I'm feeling a lot better knowing I'll be paid. "Thank you for your generosity Honourable Kurian."

Before I get ready to leave, Kurian suddenly opens his mouth again, "I do have some information you might be interested in." He adds nearly indistinguishable distaste to his voice as he continues. "Your caretaker is looking to adopt you."

"Whaa…" all my attempts to keep myself from looking tough on the outside completely fall flat. My face goes from surprise to confusion and finally shock. I attempt to speak but nothing comes out of my mouth but incoherent sounds.

"Of course you being my private mercenary for this long warranted a closer look, in case anything I do not wish to be involved with comes up, I happened to hear this," He adds once again in his impassive tone.

< I see… it all makes sense now, I'm so stupid, so stupid. Durik wasn't slacking off, he was going through the process of officially adopting me, and here I was thinking he was taking advantage of me. >

Still surprised, but extremely elated from the idea of having a family, I feel a huge weight being lifted from my shoulders. I smile at him and say in a softly spoken voice, "U-ummm, thank you for telling me. ."

He looks at me quizzically, like how I responded was the complete opposite of what he imagined. "I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" I question quickly.

He recognizes his slip in composure, quickly reverting back to impassiveness, "No. You can leave now."

Caught off guard by his suddenness, I reply a little flustered, "Right, ok then." I make my leave from Kurians study. Outside in the corridor Ken is standing in wait.

"Well, how did your job go? From the looks of it you seem pretty happy," Ken asks politely.

Releasing the slight smile on my face, I sigh and reply happily," The job didn't go so well, but I found an answer to something that has been causing me a lot of stress recently."

"Oh, well I'm happy for you. If your not busy we could go to Kelorgs later tonight?" Ken smiles and asks timidly.

"Ahhh, no sorry as much as I wish I could, I'm spending the night with a mercenary friend." I reply in a sorrowful tone. "But I should be able to spare a night next cycle."

With a forced smile he replies, "No it's fine, have a nice night. I have to get back to my duties."

< Damn I really need to spend some time with Ken. Being holed up in here all day, having to act all emotionless must be taking a huge toll on him, not to mention living with Honourable Kurian. >

I nod thoughtfully with a heavy heart, then say farewell, "Alright well, I'll be on my way.".

< Well with that done I guess I'll get my gear repaired, then go meet Jarak at Kelorgs. The refurbishments on my gear should be ready for tomorrow. >

With my mind set, I stroll leisurely through the streets. Starting from the main entrance of Asgot to the south all the way to the Distinguished District in a long strip, is the Market District. Many products are sold and traded and being so close to the main entrance, there are always bustling crowds moving around the outside stalls or inside the variety of stores.

I step aside from the crowd into one of the alleyways, on the left side not too far away is a sign that says "Mirgidons refurbishments". The store isn't too large, like most in the alleyway they have a small window showing some of their wares and a door leading inside. Opening the door, I hear the familiar clang of the shop owner's unique doorbell, a sword hitting a helmet.

As the reverberation of the clang dies down, I hear shuffling around from the back of the shop. A wide man wobbles out from the back, he stands just shorter than me and is Wearing a large, leathery brown apron with a beige tunic underneath, leather trousers and thick leather gloves. He has slightly tanned skin, a large downturned nose, long grey hair with a grey bushy beard that goes far down his chest while also covering most of his face.

"Oh Ovin, what brings you here then?" the wide man questions loudly with a croaky voice.

I respond back in a hearty tone, "Hello Mirgidon, I came to get my knife refurbished, it's been dulled quite a bit."

He beckons me forward and asserts, "well, let's get it on the counter so I can have a look eh."

I take the knife from my holster and place it on the counter. Mirgidon picks it up with his large callused hands and brings it close to his face to inspect it, then asserts "Hmm yes you're right, this won't take long. fifty-five Skivin and I'll have it for you tomorrow morning."

Affirmatively Nodding, I open my pouch and grimace, fifty-five Skivin is going to take out a sizable chunk in my holdings. With a heavy heart, I shift through the Skivins and take out five brown Skivins and one grey Skivin, "Here, this should be it," I declare in a despondent tone.

Taking the Skivins into a pouch on his waist, Mirgidon looks back up to me and enquiries, "Anything else you need done?"

I respond, "No, that was all." Pausing for a second I remember the situation with Jurik and ask, "Actually Mirgidon I do have a question. How long does it normally take to adopt someone into your family?"

< Even though I've pretty much cleared Durik, I'm interested in why it takes such a long time for the process to finish. >

Mirgidon looks up at me, his face scrunched in confusion and queries, "For what reason would you want to know that?" Then he opens his barely visible mouth and opens his eyes wide, "NO! It can't be, boy, you're not infertile are you?"

< Wa… what? >

With my mouth hung open flabbergasted, I slowly come to realise how he came to that and blush. While facepalming I mumble through my hands, "N-no I'm not infertile. It's to do Durik, I found out he is trying to officially adopt me."

He nods thoughtfully, then replies with a grimace, "Hmmm… well it's good you're not infertile. But Durik huh, you seem quite happy knowing this, even with your history ."

I scratch my head and reply awkwardly, "Well, Durik hasn't been the best, but he did take me into his care, even when the payment from my parents was gone."

Mirgidon rubs his beard and answers my previous question, "Well let's see. Unless the new lord has changed anything, and I remember correctly, adopting shouldn't take too long. Usually adopting will take around half a winter, depending on the age. Adoption can take much longer when ownership of assets is involved. That's about all I remember boy."

"I appreciate the answer, I'm meeting a friend at Kelorg's pub soon so I have to be on my way." I smile at him and walk towards the entrance.

"Kid!" Mirgidon exclaims loudly behind me. Stopping in my tracks, I look back to him in confusion. He sincerely suggests, "Just be careful, ever since the beast culling Jurik hasn't been the same. Give the adoption some more thought, I don't know if Jurik is up to something."

"Thanks Mirgidon, don't worry I'll make sure to give it some thought," I express in gratitude for concern and continue making my way out of the store.

< I guess Mirgidon is right. Well, I'll bring it up with Jarak and see what he thinks, maybe Mirgidon is just over reacting. >

Opening the door to the shop, I amble towards the Entertainment district. With Sovingard descending to the west, I make my way into Kelorgs pub. Contrasting from this morning's emptiness, it is now a bustling jovial atmosphere of drunken laughter. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jarak waving, motioning me over.

As I shuffle awkwardly through the tables, a sweaty and alcoholic odour assaults my nose. I see Jarak guzzling down a mug of ale with two empty mugs on the table. "Well look like you got a head start, Couldn't wait for me eh. Sure you're gonna last?" I sarcastically shout so he can hear me above the hubbub.

He gives me a shit-eating grin and cackles, then he counters confidently and loudly, "Last!"- He motions towards the now three empty mugs and continues- "This is nothing, remember I won the tournament of who could drink the most."

< Well he's in a good mood. >

"Right right, Skoron forbid I forget the almighty, illusive Jarak, winner of Kelorgs drinking tournament" I sarcastically exclaim.

"Mmhhm. That's right, you should do well to remember next time," he closes his eyes, nods and declares egotistically.

< Fucking hell this guy. >

I roll my eyes and laugh inwardly at his blatant misunderstanding of my sarcasm, then take a seat. "So how was your day? Find any good jobs?" I question him and call for a drink.

"Hooo jobs you say, you're damn right I did. Seems like the rumours of a beast wave were true, the northern treeline sent in swamps of requests for Krald disposal, I even saw a few for Trohgon." he exclaims in amazement and excitement.

I raise my eyebrows in surprise and question, "Really, a Trohgon outside the forest? I heard the last beast wave they only started showing after the first winter."

"I know right. Think about it. This is our chance… our chance to become an Honourable and with a new Lord, he is going to want strong, young and fearless warriors by his side." Jarak declares and beams at the prospect.

I look at him like he is an idiot and break his fantasising, "So, a beast wave is coming and all you can think about is becoming an Honourable?"

Coming back to reality, he questions me, "Of course, what else am I meant to think about."

< Are you serious? >

I get a little angry and argue, "What else? What do you mean what else, maybe all of the villages that might die from the beasts we can't stop or maybe all the families that will lose loved one!"

< Seriously, how far in his head is this guy! >

He looks at me surprised, then realises his mistake and replies thoughtfully, "Oh… yea, my bad Ovin I forgot about your parents, I should have thought before I said it.."

Coming down from my anger, releasing my outburst I reply dejectedly," I-im sorry too, I shouldn't have shouted at you. I've just had a stressful day"

We both look down in silence for a short while till the server comes with two mugs of ale. Taking his mug in hand and raises it, Jarak looks up to me and speaks in an uplifting tone, "For your parents?"

I look up to him and smirk a little. "to my parents," I add, then we both slam our mugs onto the table and gulp it down.

Trying to bring the normal mood back, Jarak mentions what I asked earlier, "so, what's the thing you mentioned in the guild hall wanting to talk to me about?"

Finishing my mug, I respond to his question, "Oh right. Well I was looking into Jurik, about him not paying as much to the house taxes, but then I found out Jurik is trying to officially adopt me."

"Really now, well what's your opinion on it?"

"Well, like I told you before, I was annoyed that he made me pay most of the tax for my parents house since last winter…" I twiddle with my mug considering the best way to express myself. "But hearing that he was working on adopting me, I don't know, I was excited earlier when I found out, but now I'm not sure what to think."

Jarak slouches back in his chair, looks up to the ceiling and mumbles, "It could be a good thing. You never had a true family around you, I can't imagine that, but I know it must be hard on you. From what I've heard ever since I've known you is that your relationship with Jurik, well to be blunt, it doesn't sound good." He stops for a second then continues in a sombre tone. "Just remembering you looked like a walking skeleton when you signed up for mercenary work, before you managed to buy more food for yourself, it's a miracle you survived. "

"But you know, we were both going through hard times with having to pay off the house." I counter back weakly.

"That may be true Ovin, but did you ever see Jurik decrease his own rations? I didn't see Jurik much, but he for sure didn't look like he was on rations." He questions.

I pause to remember those times, then I utter with a stiff expression, "No…no he didn't." Focusing back on the past I also realise something else and become bitter. "He also started gaining weight, he would shove off the remarks about it to the fact that he was doing less action involving jobs. Sometimes he would bring prostitutes over, always using the excuse that they didn't ask for Skivin because he was so good."

"Hmpf, these women need the taste of a real man like me." he grunts pompously, then realises his break in the mood and awkwardly looks away to call for drinks.

< This guy, he can never hold it in. >

I chuckle a little at his seemingly un-extinguishable ego. Thinking back to Mirgidons talk, I mention what he said, "Oh, also Mirgidon mentioned adoptions usually take half a winter, but it can be longer if the family under adoption has assets transferred with it."

Jarak looks back at me questioningly, and asks, "wait, didn't you say that his share of Skivin to the tax went down last winter? Wouldn't that mean the adoption should have already happened?"

< Wait… I didn't think about that. What is causing it to take longer? >

I look down and pause, then mumble absentmindedly, "Mirgidon did say it takes longer with assets, but what assets could I have… I don't own anything except my equipment."

Jarak breaks my quiet speculations, "What do you mean you don't own anything, your parents house was passed down to you."

< Huh, my parents' house? >

Lifting my head back up I ask, "So you're saying it's taking this long because my parents' house ownership would be transferred?"

He shrugs and shakes his head slightly, "I'm just going off what Mirgidon told you, if what he said is true that would make the most sense for it taking so long, right?"

< So Jurik would be taking ownership of my parents house huh. >

"Yeah, that would make sense. I'm not sure how I feel about Jurik taking my parents' house, but I've only been able to pay the taxes because Honourable Kurian has been generous with me. If I'm left without Kurians generosity I'll probably lose the house, the only thing I have left of my parents." I answer helplessly.

"Well, look, Jurik might not be the best of people, but there is a chance you could create a better relationship between you. He will be more inclined to pay for the house if he owns it and we don't know what he has been going through. Bringing you up, even if it wasn't the best, could have also had an impact on him." Jarak consoles me.

"Yeah I guess you're right. I haven't really tried to mend our relationship, but it has been hard with us hardly ever seeing each other," I concede and sigh.

A short silence continues until our waiter plops our ale onto the table. Jarak slams his mug and gulps it down, smirks and declares enthusiastically, "Bah! Come on, let's end this night on a good one eh!"

< Yeah, he's right, now's a time for fun. >

I smash my mug and down the ale along with him, smiling heartily I exclaim, "To a luck filled future." Wiping the ale of my lips with my wrist, I query him. "So, what kind of jobs did you pick then? You really thinking of going against a mighty Torhgon?"

He chuckles, then slaps the table and attempts to put on an almighty aura, "Of course, the undefeatable Jarak will be taking on a measly Torhgon, let alone one ill take two."

"With a group of course," I snicker.

He lowers the bravado a smidge and mumbles, "indeed, the mighty Jarak needs an audience to witness his strength and brawn in battle." attempting to move away from that subject, he leans over the table closer to me and asks, "What about you? Do you plan to take advantage of the increase in beasts?"

I lean back to not feel his rancid breath in my face, then reply, "hmm, I haven't given it much thought. With my private job to Honourable Kurian, I imagine he will have something for me to do. If I don't get any jobs though, I think I'll help the villages move to Asgot for safety."

He leans back and nods in appreciation of my options, "Indeed, the villages are going to need all the help they can get, especially if the wave is as bad as rumoured. But isn't that Honourable of yours a recluse? What could he want from a beast wave?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure but It's a beast wave, basically the biggest event that happens in Asgot, if that doesn't rouse his interest I don't know what will." I sigh and answer helplessly.

After drinking for the afternoon, I get up and say goodbye, "Alright well, if I don't see you before, Skoron be with you on your fight with the Trohgons."

Jarak raises himself from his seat and comes to give me a hug, He utters in a low voice on my shoulder, "Remember, people can change, I know it's hard to accept but sometimes you have to make the hard decision." He pulls away with his hands on my shoulders and smiles fondly at me.

I smile back, chuckle and thump my chest, "Don't worry i'm not a boy anymore, I can handle myself."

"Skoron be with you Ovin, till next we meet," he pats my left shoulder and moves out of my way.

I nod to him and walk towards the exit, what was a spirited atmosphere is now quiet, the only sound is Kelorgs broom sweeping the floor. Outside the pub, the ancient brothers illuminate the night, Udinon of blood and rage, Skakil the shield and protector.

< It's blood red colour always gives me a bad premonition. Skoron protect us, hopefully the beast wave isn't as the rumours say. >