The Oath-Bound Warriors #16

Author's note: I AM ONCE AGAIN ASKING FOR YOUR POWER STONES!

Also, check the comments at the end of the chapter if you want to see what Adrian looks like....

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Adrian and Knight Bernahl found themselves within the weathered wooden frame of Bernahl's shack, deep in the heart of the forest. The collapsed walls spoke of a structure that had weathered the test of time, with only the skeleton wood frame remaining, worn and weathered by the elements. The shack stood surrounded by towering trees, their branches stretching towards the sky as if reaching for an unknown destination.

An incomplete, weathered wooden fence encircled the shack, its aging planks worn and splintered. Within its confines, nature had claimed the space, scattering vibrant red flowers amidst the overgrown grass—a delicate touch of grace amidst the rugged wilderness.

Inside the shack, a crackling bonfire sent flickering shadows dancing across the dimly lit space. The flames danced and swirled, casting a warm glow upon Adrian and Knight Bernahl as they sat on crude wooden logs, their eyes fixed on the dancing embers.

Adrian's brow furrowed as he stared into the heart of the fire, his mind consumed by the recent battle with the Kaiden Sellswords. He recounted the relentless ferocity with which they fought, their determination unfaltering even in the face of certain death.

Their actions puzzled him, for there had been no personal vendetta between them and Adrian. They could have retreated at any moment, yet they fought until the bitter end.

"I still can't wrap my head around it," Adrian mused, his voice filled with confusion. "Those Kaiden Sellswords... They had no grudge against me. No reason to fight to the death. And yet, they pressed on without hesitation, even when the odds were against them."

Knight Bernahl's eyes met Adrian's, the flickering firelight reflecting off the silver of his armor. He leaned forward, his weathered face etched with lines of wisdom and experience.

"What can I say..." Bernahl replied, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate with the crackling of the fire. "Those Kaiden warriors are a more honorable lot than their looks and actions let on... they are oath-bound..."

Adrian's gaze wandered to the scattered red flowers within the fence, their vibrant hue contrasting with the rustic surroundings. "But what could drive them to give their lives without hesitation or apparent reason? I really don't understand..."

"Do you know why the Kaiden Sellswords follow the wandering undead nobles?" Knight Bernahl asked, his eyes locking onto Adrian's. The flickering firelight cast dancing shadows on his weathered face, accentuating the lines of wisdom etched upon it.

Recalling the conversation with one of the Kaiden before the battle ensued, Adrian replied. "One of the Kaiden warriors told me that they follow the nobles because it's profitable," he began, his tone tinged with skepticism. "But it doesn't make sense. In a world shattered and broken, chasing riches seems as meaningless and futile as..."

Adrian's voice trailed off, searching for the right words to describe the absurdity of their situation. He struggled to find a suitable comparison, his mind racing through the desolate landscapes of a world stripped of its former glory.

Knight Bernahl let out a hearty chuckle, the sound reverberating within the confines of the shack. "Indeed, lad, it's quite the ironic tale," he interjected, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But let me shed some light on this twisted tale of loyalty and oaths."

Leaning back against the weathered wooden frame, Bernahl began to recount a story as ancient as the forest that enveloped them. "Before the shattering of the Elden Ring, the Kaiden Sellswords were bound by oath to the noble houses of old. They were the sworn protectors, the guardians of those who held the grace of the Greater Will."

Adrian listened intently, his eyes fixed on Bernahl, eager to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic allegiance of the Kaiden warriors.

"But when the nobles were deprived of their grace and became the wandering undead, their purpose changed," Bernahl continued, his voice carrying a touch of sorrow. "They set out on a quest, seeking something in an eternal search. And the Kaiden Sellswords, bound by the ancient oaths they had sworn, followed along."

Adrian's brows furrowed, the puzzles slowly falling into place. "Still... there were no undead nobles around... they had no reasons to ambush me or fight to the death..." he remarked, his confusion audible as he spoke.

"And that's where the irony of the situation comes into play..." Knight Bernahl replied with an amused chuckle that echoed through the rustic shack, mingling with the crackling of the fire.

"What's so ironic about it?" Adrian asked, his voice laced with curiosity and frustration. The dancing flames illuminated his face, casting flickering shadows that mirrored his inner turmoil.

Knight Bernahl's eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and wisdom. He leaned forward, his weathered face etched with a mischievous grin. "The irony lies in the fact that those Kaiden Sellswords came to you, seeking what their masters have long sought," he replied, his voice filled with a strange mix of solemnity and irony.

Adrian's confusion deepened, his gaze fixed on Bernahl. "But what were their masters seeking? And why would they think I have it?" he asked, a tinge of puzzlement creeping into his voice.

Bernahl leaned back against the weathered wooden frame, scanning the dimly lit space as if seeking answers amidst the dancing shadows. "No one truly knows what the wandering undead nobles are searching for," he began, his voice tinged with melancholy. "Not even the nobles themselves. If they ever knew, those memories have long faded into the mists of time."

Adrian's eyes widened in surprise. "So, they're searching for something unknown?" he ventured, his voice tinged with awe and confusion.

Knight Bernahl nodded his gaze meeting Adrian's. "In a manner of speaking, yes, you can say they are seeking the very unknown..." he declared, his amusement becoming more visible.

"Some say they seek redemption. Others say they yearn for power. But in truth, no one can say for certain..." Knight Bernahl continued. "If you ask me, I'd say they are seeking death, the return and oneness of their souls with the Erdtree..."

Adrian shook his head, disbelief and frustration clouding his features. "And what about the Kaiden Sellswords? What were they seeking by fighting me? Death?"

Knight Bernahl's grin widened, revealing weathered teeth. "You've hit the nail on the head, lad," he exclaimed, his voice resonating with irony. "In their twisted and tragic loyalty, those Kaiden Sellswords sought what their masters had long yearned for—death."

Adrian's eyes widened, a profound realization dawning upon him. "So, they fought to the death, not for wealth or honor, but to find release from an eternal existence," he murmured, understanding dawning on him.

Bernahl nodded, his gaze gentle yet filled with a profound wisdom. "Indeed, lad. In their own way, those Kaiden warriors succeeded where their masters failed. They found the peace they sought because of you, a tarnished, basking in the grace their masters seek..."

"Ironic, is it not?" He concluded with another chuckle.

Adrian sat there, his mind swirling with emotions and thoughts. Knight Bernahl's revelation had left him speechless, unable to find the right words to express the mixture of awe, confusion, and understanding that coursed through him.

Adrian's contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the growling protest of his empty stomach. The sound reverberated through the silence, filling the air with an undeniable reminder of his physical needs.

In truth, Adrian had not eaten anything since he arrived in this world, and several days had passed since then. He had assumed his tarnished body wouldn't need the sustenance, but it has proven him wrong.

Knight Bernahl couldn't help but chuckle at the timing, his amusement evident on his weathered face. "It's only natural to hunger after a fierce battle..." he remarked, his voice laced with humor. "I'd offer you something to eat, lad, but I'm afraid my provisions are scarce."

Adrian awkwardly laughed, feeling a touch of embarrassment at his rumbling stomach. "No worries, Knight Bernahl," he replied, his tone light. "I've actually got something to eat. If you don't mind, I can prepare it over the bonfire here for us both..."

Knight Bernahl raised an eyebrow, curiosity glimmering in his eyes. "You have something to eat? Well, wouldn't say no to a free meal," he said with a shrug. "By all means, suit yourself..."

With a nod of gratitude, Adrian reached into his inventory and retrieved an entire tusked boar he had hunted during his recent foray into the wilderness. The creature materialized before him, its muscular form and sharp tusks making an imposing presence. He had grown accustomed to summoning items from his inventory, a power bestowed upon him in this shattered world.

Knight Bernahl's eyes widened in surprise at the sight before him, a mix of confusion and curiosity shining through. However, he quickly composed himself, masking his astonishment with a composed demeanor before Adrian caught sight of his reaction.

...

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