Duty Calls, But My Will is My Own

The accumulated fatigue had won the battle. I couldn't remember the exact moment I fell asleep, but when I opened my eyes, the fire in the fireplace was still crackling softly.

I was sitting on the couch, and although my body still bore the strain of the fight, something was different. For the first time in what felt like days, I woke up without the constant weight of danger hanging over me.

I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes. There was no sign of Nayris. Turning my head, I noticed a small note on the table next to the couch. I picked it up and read:

"I went to work. Take all the time you need to recover, see you later!"

I smiled, grateful for her gesture. Though every muscle felt tense, as if I was still carrying the weight of battle, I knew I couldn't stay here much longer. I didn't want to take advantage of her kindness.

I left the note on the table, adding a small "Thank you" written by hand underneath. I got up from the couch with some effort, my legs still a little unsteady, and gathered my things before leaving the house. When I opened the door, a fresh breeze hit me, reminding me that the world continued moving, even if I was exhausted.

Outside, the magnitude of the destruction became evident. Nethria was still deep in the ruins left behind by the gargoyles.

The townspeople worked tirelessly, lifting rubble and trying to restore what they had lost. I walked through the streets, quietly observing the people. Although they had suffered, they did not give up. They pressed on, despite everything.

My plan was to head to the inn and rest a little more, but that plan was interrupted. I sensed a presence behind me before hearing a raspy voice that made me freeze in place.

"Grimmor is expecting you."

I turned around and saw one of Grimmor's lizards. His scales were smeared with blood, and his armor looked as though it had taken multiple blows, but that didn't stop him. He stood firm, as if the wounds were nothing more than scratches. The strength of these creatures never ceased to amaze me. Even after facing the gargoyles, the lizards displayed undeniable superiority.

"The tower?" I asked, trying not to show the exhaustion that still weighed on me.

The lizard nodded, his gaze piercing, his voice chilling. There was no respect in his tone, just the need to deliver an order.

"You must go now."

I had no choice. I knew that if Grimmor was calling for me, it wasn't to waste time. I took a deep breath, feeling the stiffness in my muscles still reminding me of the battle, but at the same time, Nayris's potion had done its job. I felt much better than the day before.

I walked toward the tower in silence, closely followed by the lizard. As we approached, voices in my head kept repeating. What did Grimmor want now?

My thoughts were interrupted when we arrived at the tower's entrance. The lizard opened the door, we climbed the stairs, and just before entering the room, I heard voices coming from inside.

"...we need to increase security in Nethria. We can't let this happen again," said a voice I recognized as Loran's.

"Make sure the budget is managed properly," responded Grimmor, his tone cold and commanding.

The lizard beside me gestured with his head, indicating I should enter. I obeyed, preparing myself for whatever awaited me inside. The echo of voices on the other side of the door made me hesitate for a second.

I knew nothing good could come of this, but I couldn't afford to fail. The lizard's hand on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I took the first step toward the inevitable.

Grimmor stared at me as I entered the room, accompanied by the lizard. His expression was serious, even more than usual. There was a cold gleam in his eyes, a mix of frustration and something harder to decipher.

Beside him, Loran was reviewing some papers, apparently related to the budget they had been discussing. He barely glanced up when I entered, but gave me a quick look, a simple gesture of indifference that made me feel even more insignificant.

"I warned you," Grimmor began bluntly. "I told you not to interfere with the gargoyles." His tone was cold, almost disdainful, and I felt the weight of the situation beginning to press down on me.

I didn't get a chance to respond. Grimmor raised a hand, signaling that he didn't want to hear any excuses.

"Despite your disobedience, I don't have time to punish you now. There are more important matters at hand."

I felt the tension in my shoulders ease slightly, but I knew this wasn't over. Grimmor never missed an opportunity to remind everyone of his authority.

"Kael informed me that you fought well against the gargoyles," he continued, with a mixture of approval and contempt in his voice. "And for that reason, I want you to join a mission to eliminate them. I can't allow this attack to happen again."

I looked at him, surprised. I had assumed he would reprimand me, but I didn't expect to be included in such a crucial mission. Before I could fully process the order, Grimmor leaned slightly forward, his eyes fixed on mine. His tone shifted, becoming more threatening.

"If you truly want to help, this is your chance to prove it. But listen closely, Darius... I won't tolerate failure."

A shiver ran down my spine. I knew Grimmor didn't make empty threats. His voice left no room for doubt: if I failed, there wouldn't be a second chance.

"We'll be preparing the warriors who will go with you. You need to be ready when they call." His contemptuous tone returned at the end, as if he had already decided that I had no other choice.

I stood firm, though inside, doubts began to surface. It wasn't fear I felt, but the pressure of knowing that my life depended on not failing. I wanted to say something, to respond in some way, but Grimmor made a dismissive gesture with his hand, indicating that I should leave.

"Go. Get out of my sight," he said with disdain, not looking at me again.

I obeyed. I turned around, accompanied by the lizard who had brought me. As we walked towards the exit, I couldn't help but think about what Grimmor had said. He wanted to eliminate the gargoyles once and for all, but how? What kind of warriors would he prepare?

I knew my participation wasn't a choice, but a command disguised as one. As I left the tower, the sun was starting to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and red. The fatigue was still present in my body, although much less than before.

Grimmor's words still echoed in my head as I walked aimlessly through the streets of Nethria. The people were still working, clearing the rubble and trying to restore what they had lost.

I took a deep breath, trying to focus my thoughts. Nayris's potion had worked wonders on my body, but my mind was still in a whirlwind of doubts. I knew I had to be prepared, but I couldn't shake the weight of what was coming.

As I wandered, still processing Grimmor's words, I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I turned, prepared for anything, but found Loran catching up to me. His face, unlike the cold demeanor he had shown in the tower, seemed more relaxed.

"Sorry for not greeting you in the tower," he said cautiously, "but with Grimmor around, I had to be careful."

I nodded, understanding his situation. "I get it, don't worry."

Before the conversation could shift towards what happened the day before, Loran reached into his bag and pulled out a small leather pouch. "This is for you. Your first payment from Grimmor."

I looked at him, surprised. I hadn't expected payment so soon. I took the pouch and nodded in gratitude. "Thanks, Loran. I didn't see this coming."

I opened the pouch and saw a few coins inside. They were engraved with symbols I didn't recognize, and I had no idea of their value. Loran, noticing the confusion on my face, let out a small laugh.

"It's normal not to recognize them. It's the currency we use here. With these coins, you'll be able to live well for a while," he explained. "Grimmor may be an exploiter, but when it comes to paying his workers, he always does so properly."

I nodded, putting the pouch away. I was grateful to at least have a way to survive in this strange place. "I get it. But before I use this money, I want to help the villagers clean up the rubble."

Loran looked at me, surprised by my response. The surprise on his face was unmistakable. Maybe he wasn't used to seeing someone prioritize others over themselves in such a ruthless world.

"That's... admirable. Sure, Darius." We exchanged a glance for a second longer than necessary, as if there was something Loran wanted to say but chose to remain silent. Finally, he gave me a small respectful bow before saying goodbye.

As he walked away, I heard the murmurs of exhaustion from the villagers as they lifted more debris. I knew that, although I couldn't change what had happened, I could still do something to ease their burden.

I took a deep breath and began walking toward them, determined to help. The doubts still lingered in my mind, but at least, for now, I knew what I had to do.