FireHeart - Legend of the Paladins: The Prologue (Game Version)

Prologue Chapter:
SHADE OF THE MOON

For the revised version of
FIREHEART - LEGEND OF THE PALADINS
Book One: The Bounty Hunters

Game Intro Version for the NovelBlog and RPG Game

Source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybzapVnOyms

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3.1.1.3. Into Danger's Den

A shadow moved quickly in the shade of the moon. It also moved cautiously and stealthily, so no enemy would spot it and it could launch a surprise attack. Then Robert the Orcbane, the monster hunter arrived in front of the cave in the West Harper Hills. He hid and tried to recall his plan again before going in for a surprise attack.
No guards in front… Suppose the map is right. But I never know, right? I must be ready for all risks and possibilities. Maybe they have already expected a hunter to come and prepared an ambush. A’bong was a veteran captain. I was only a scout. I have no idea what kind of ambushes they will be preparing and how to tackle them. I only participated in one war – so I only know standard ones and no orcish types. Pity Hulferd has resigned, he must be able to give me a few more pointers. Ah, throw away those negative thoughts. I must overcome this by myself – if I ever want to improve. Vadis, help me.
Then he clasped his hands and prayed like a true Vadisian devout, and then he kissed the ring on his left little finger. He was now ready.
Okay, here goes nothing.
Robert entered the narrow cave with a torch in his left hand and his trusted Kiliji in his right hand. He walked along, and saw a faint light from afar. Now he was convinced that someone was indeed there and camped inside the cave.
I’m in luck. They're here – or whatever it is.
He walked on, and the cave was getting wider with stalactites and stalagmites on his way – he was going underground. He saw some torches hung on the cavern posts, and drew a conclusion that the orc could lead his gang as well as humans do and he became more alert.
As he walked on, he smelled something strange. And the air around him moved like a soft breeze. He raised his kiliji. Suddenly two pairs of eyes were shown on his left and right, and two kobolds pounced on him. Calmly, without looking, Robert moved right and slashed his kiliji to the upper right, and cut through the kobold on his right on its gut. Kobold blood sprinkled on his hair and armor. He successfully avoided the kobold on his left. Without wasting any time, he attacked the kobold. The kobold blocked Robert’s attacks with its sword – but Robert’s attack was getting quicker and came from different angles and variants, the kobold got overwhelmed and finally Robert pierced its chest. Before it died, the kobold let out a loud, long howl as an alarm to warn its comrades.
Robert thinks, So much for surprise. I better think of another plan quick.
He thought as he ran on forward, hoping to reach A’bong and the remaining six kobolds before they reached him first. But it was still a long way to the center and Robert heard angry kobold barking sounds not far from there. So he decided to drop the plan and head back. On the way, an idea came into him.
Why don’t I use their tactic against them? Hiding behind the dark parts will be good. I’ll use my “concentration” and attack them in the dark.
Robert deliberately put the torches off – except the ones near the narrow exit - and hid behind a post just like the kobolds did. Then the six kobolds arrived, running in frenzy. They realized that two of their comrades have been slain, by sniffing the blood on the kobold carcasses. And they howled in fury, especially the two female kobolds – because all the males were their mates. Robert saw that this was a perfect opportunity to attack – but hechanged his mind as he heard a loud yell.
“HALT! On guard, you hound 'n bitches! Something’s odd here!”
Robert saw A’bong the orcish captain's silhouette appeared from the light of the torch from the exit and from the orc's rear. Then A’bong roared again.
“Ghr'oak*)! You morons! Can’t you see? The infiltrator is trying to ambush us! He put out the torches!”

(* Ghr'oak = A hole in your gorged flesh! – A very rude Orcish sarcasm)

The kobolds only barked in reply, obeying their master and leader.
“This one is good, better than the gorged guts trying to kill us these three months!
You bitch! Go to the center and bring us some torches! And the rest of you, spread! Proceed with caution! The infiltrator is still around here! Hiding!”
Gorged guts? Robert thought. This orc probably eats humans, or at least the kobolds do. He can smell my presence too! I got to get ready!
Orcs are usually well-versed with Aurelian Common Speech as well as their own harsh language that mostly sounds like grunts and growls, but they always speak in harsh slangs and sarcasms, and only believe that they can only control or lead others by power and out of fear. Female orcs only choose those who are fearsome and strong (because no orc is fair – as a matter of fact). No wonder male orcs sometimes fight each other to get the female and to show who’s the strongest. And A’bong was indeed an example of an orc idol because his brutality was more terrible than his rude language.
Back to the tension at hand. Robert thought hard to free himself. Now he began to think that he could've chosen to be an assassin or learn the methods of stealth-killing, or be a sorcerer with mass-killing skills, but martial art was what he did best. No regrets, then. A swordsman was a swordsman. Then a kobold sniffed near his hiding place. Robert was tensed. Then in split seconds his wit flew fast and without thinking twice he carried on with his new plan and attacked the kobold near him without looking; only using his other senses.
He successfully slashed the kobold diagonally on the torso, and the kobold wailed and died instantly. A’bong and the other kobolds heard the wail, and ran to the source. Then Robert avoided the kobold in front of him and ran to the exit. But the large kobold lunged with its claws, slashing Robert’s left arm, leaving three scratch marks on the wound. Robert was in pain – but as usual he only grimaced – never screamed. Clutching his bleeding left arm, Robert ran into the narrow part of the cave, and waited midway.
Then he heard loud barking and saw the large kobold entering the narrow passage, and its two fellow kobolds also entered with him. As they were racing to reach Robert, the three kobolds crammed with each other on the narrow passage which width can only support one person. Robert used this opportunity by slashing into the large kobold, splitting it in half with his incredibly sharp kiliji. Then he charged onto the second kobold and decapitated it. The last one, the female kobold sprang onto Robert with a greater speed than the male, and sinked its teeth on Robert’s chest only to find that its teeth only went into the thick leather armor and only scratched Robert’s chest a bit. Robert saw this opportunity and thrusted his kiliji into the female kobold’s gut, killing it at once. Then he pushed the dead kobold away and patted his reliable armor, as though thanking Vadis for the one who sold him this good quality armor.
Then no one came into the narrow passage – and Robert thought that A’bong has already realized this tactic too. And it was getting brighter inside – the torches were lit again. Well, playtime was over, Robert thought. Now it was the real showdown between a human, an orc and two kobold mongrels. Robert took out his healing potion and drank the whole dose from the container. Then he boldy walked into the wide caverns again, clutching his bleeding left hand, thinking.
I should’ve worn my robe and cloak tonight – and brought a healing salve.
A sarcastic voice greeted him as he came out of the narrow pass.
“Well, well, the rat finally came out. Still have the guts, huh?
You got bigheaded after killing my six mongrels, huh?”
Robert saw A’bong standing at a distance, staring mockingly at him. Robert approached him.
“Gharh, not very good at all, you still got wounded by my mutts. You two, now stay away! It’s now a matter between two warriors. C’mon, take me down now! Show me what you got!”
The two kobolds backed away. And Robert has already arrived in front of A’bong. Apparently A’bong underestimated him because of his arm wound and several minor wounds on his body. And A’bong thought that the blood on Robert’s right was Robert’s, so Robert must be in front of the death’s door and A’bong can finish him with ease.
Robert said, “You know what your problem is?
You talk too much!”
Without warning, Robert attacked A’bong with his kiliji. A’bong was shocked with Robert’s fast move – for a dying man. He got overwhelmed at first, but he successfully repelled Robert’s blows with his great axe. Then Robert increased the strength and speed of his attacks. Swordsmen usually use the balanced measure between strength and speed and have adequate constitution to bear heavy wounds before using healing potions.
Robert used his skill – Power Bash and inflicted a deep wound on A’bong’s shoulder, but A’bong showed the Orcs’ great constitution by counter-attacking Robert with his great axe. Had Robert slowed down a little, he would have been split in two with the simple axe slash – Land and Sea Divide from A’bong. Robert backed away staggering from the shock vibration from the effect of A’bong’s strike, then he gathered his strength again quickly and launched his combo move – Ten Point Chain Slash, slashing ten times on ten different weak point possibilities in split second. It was a devastating combo. A’bong couldn’t match his speed with Robert’s and got slashed in seven points and could only block or avoid three. Blood gushed out from the wounds, and A’bong fell on his knees on the ground.
But as Robert was going to deliver his killing blow, the two kobolds charged to save their master and attacked Robert from the front and left. The large kobold seized Robert’s left foot, gnawed on Robert’s armored left side. At the same time the female kobold held Robert’s sword and kicked Robert right on his cheek. The blows threw Robert backwards, and now he was completely helpless – sprawling on the ground – seized by the two kobolds. Boy he wished that he complied with Hulferd’s advice to bring a party along – and his stubbornness would lead to his death. And once again he got the feeling he hates most: fear, as A’bong rose up again with glee. He raised his axe high – ready to deliver the Land and Sea Divide Slash to split Robert in two.
“Now, you die! And my mongrels will gorge your gut!”
In that critical moment a flash of a beautiful lady’s face came in Robert’s mind and Robert quickly regained his resolve and wit.
He thought, NO, I can’t die now!
He screamed, “YAAAAAAHHH!!!”
The slash went down. Robert let out his spirited glare, and in split seconds, with his remaining strength rolled to the right, dragging the large kobold with him with his free left hand and the blow from A’bong slashed the large kobold instead and splitted it in two – the large kobold has served as Robert’s shield. The female kobold got shocked and its grip was loosened. Robert got up and thrusted his kiliji into the orc’s throat – his unarmored part and also the orcs’ common weak point. A’bong spilled out blood and he died with wide-opened eyes before he can say “Impossible!” – His last thought.
Robert retracted his sword from A’bong’s throat, and the dead orc fell on the ground. The female kobold howled at the top of its voice, enraged by the loss of its mates and master. Robert’s physical strength has depleted, but a newfound strength was growing inside him. It was fire, the element of Robert’s inner strength. It has been triggered when Robert avoided A’bong’s last attack and now it was growing out from his hand then covered his kiliji. From now on, he could use fire property in his sword skills. The female kobold whimpered at Robert’s display of strength – He’s stronger and more deadly than A’bong was and ever be. Its canine instinct took over – it fled.
But Robert was now determined to finish his job completely and slashed his sword from afar, horizontally. A crescent-shaped fire emerged from the slash and flew in high speed towards the kobold. The kobold felt a hot wind behind it and turned its head back – and it howled in terror as the fiery crescent split its torso in two.
It was one of the sword skills that originally utilized air – The Dragon Wings Air Slash. Now with fire property, the skill was improved to the next level: The Crescent Fire Slash. Robert and Hulferd could do multiple air slashes, but in this case one was enough to finish the job.
Realizing that his job was finished, Robert sighed in relief. Tears started rolling from his eyes, as though he was sad and dissatisfied, but in fact the true reason was different. And his expression was somewhat indifferent. One may think that this was just a daily routine for Robert, or a mere trifle.
It’s another job well done.
But before he could move to decapitate his target or collect the proofs of his work, his failing physical strength, wounds all over his body, and loss of blood made him staggering, lolling and then he collapsed on the ground, unconscious. His condition was critical, and sometimes when a man goes into that state, flashes of the past and his entire life may come to him…

End of Chapter One

3.1.1.2. The Unwanted Job

Robert and Pear arrived at the Sansarine Hunters’ Guild in Rand. It was a fairly large building with a banner bearing a cross-lining between a snake and a sword, as though the snake was pierced by the sword.
Many hunters of different sorts: swordsmen, warriors, assassins, archers and mages; men and women were there – it seemed that the hunting job attracted more talented people than being a soldier, a mercenary, a bodyguard or even a thug. Some even wore clean robes and shiny armors – to show that they were distinguished hunters that were more trustworthy than the shabby ones. Of course, most of them crowded near job posters hanging on walls and message boards, and queued near job counters.
Pear showed Robert a poster posted on the right wall – the one that no hunter was seen around it. It bore a poorly drawn picture of an orc’s face, and Robert saw the notice:

WANTED
A’bong the Orc
DEAD

200 Crowns
Extra 50 Florins for every
kobold*)’s head in A’bong’s gang

For crimes against the kingdom
Banditry, Robbery, Murder

(* Kobold = A humanoid monster with a dog’s head and tail along with human limbs and torso. It had low intelligence and had instincts like most common dogs.

Robert reacted, “Well, it seems the reward was slightly higher than usual.”
A voice came from behind.
“That’s because this is not any stray Gremion orc or common ones – this guy is intelligent. He can even round up kobolds and lead a band. Of course the reward is fitting.”
Robert turned around to see the speaker – Hulferd, the Guild Master. Hulferd was a 43-years old man with beautifully-trimmed moustache and beard, and he was well-built. Traces of his handsome face can still be found on him. It seemed that he was a former well known hunter and now ran his own guild. Robert greeted him in his usual, cold but polite manner.
“Good afternoon, Sir Hulferd.”
“So, are you interested, Rob? I got the details right here.”
“You don’t have to ask me that. Just tell me the details straightaway.”
“Hahaha, don’t be like that, Rob, my friend. You know I always remember you every time I get jobs like this. It’s just no other hunters here ever want to take orc-hunting jobs. They think it’s too risky and dangerous for them, and I don’t have to send the posters to other cities when you’re around.”
“And I specialize in orcs, highly dangerous monsters, and bandits.”
“Right. Well then, shall we move to a quiet place for a quick briefing?”
“Okay.”
Then Robert took out three zennies and handed them to Pear, touching his head affectionately as though Pear was Robert’s own son.
“Here, Pear. Now stay out of trouble. There are so much bandits and monsters around with these many posters. Don’t let your parents worried.”
“I will, sir. Thank you, sir.”
Pear walked away joyfully. Robert and Hulferd walked to the office rooms in the second floor.

==oOo==

The second floor consisted of two office rooms and Hulferd’s own compartments. Hulferd entered a room – his office. Robert followed him in, and inside he saw a simple table with three chairs, with piles of parchments stored in racks. The wall was full of job posters – almost all with “X” in “O” stamps that signified that the jobs were complete. Robert took notice of a new, unstamped poster with a picture of a fearsome, mysterious looking assassin on it and asked Hulferd.
“Hulferd, who is the guy in that poster? Why didn’t you put it on the boards?”
“Oh boy, haven’t you heard, Rob? Tsk, tsk, a person by your trade…”
“Well, I’m not actually THAT sociable, you know.”
“Hahaha… By the way, that guy is called MacLair. Oliver MacLair, a rogue assassin. He has killed several high-rank officials in Wardstone, not to mention the prime minister’s daughter, rest her soul. Who hired him, we don’t know. And it’s not quite an accurate drawing either. He moves real damn quick so none of the ‘survivors’ can saw his actual looks – and he seldom leaves any ‘witnesses’. If anyone tries to chase him or even takes a glimpse of his face – that guy will end up dead before he can even blink. And I’m damn sure that none of the hunters here can match him…”
“… Even me?”
“… Even you. Don’t get insulted – that’s for your own good. It takes someone who can match his speed to take him down. The poster was sent to me a fortnight ago from the capital, and I decided to keep it down low until I have a chance to meet Kyflynn.”
Robert was curious. “Kyflynn?”
“A night elf assassin – don’t tell me you don’t know him too.”
“Only by reputation. I once overheard people talking in the tavern about the assassin who never killed good people – only monsters and criminals. And his speed is legendary too.”
“Yeah. I believe he’s the only one who can match MacLair. Ah, shall we get to the business now?”
“Go on.”
Hulferd moistened his lips then talked on.
“Now this A’bong and his kobold gang are nomads, they came here about three months ago, raided villages, caravans and ambushed travelers – they kill and pillage like bandits do. Only bandits sometimes spare people’s lives so they can rob them again in the future. By the way, our spies have found their lair in the cave in the West Harper Hills. Here’s a copy of the map, and you can find the location accurately drawn in it. A’bong uses a broad battle axe and well-armored – I think he’s a veteran from the Gremion Wars who deserted his army after Gremion was forced to share its territory with Bresconnor. And the kobolds were eight – two large ones and six small ones – including two females.”
Hulferd paused for a while, staring at Robert with concern. Then he sighed.
“I know you always get excited when it came to orcs, but as your friend and mentor I warn you – be extra careful this time. A’bong is not an ordinary orc. He is intelligent and has leadership qualities – real different than the orcs you hunted all these times. I think he used to be a captain or even a general. Better take a party along with you, don’t act alone.”
Robert replied in a calm, polite voice.
“I understood, teacher. You are always been my helper and guide since I was a greenhorn with a bit of experience in the battlefield. You even saved my life several times. You taught me your sword moved and treated me like your son. I will never forget that.
But as always, I work alone. I always had this difficulty to deal with people, you know. And I bet no one will join me even though I tell them to handle the kobolds only and let me deal with the orc. For this once, teacher, let me handle this alone. If I can’t overcome this difficulty, I will never improve and I will be no different than others who only content themselves hunting jelly slugs, petty monsters and petty bandits.”
“I see. But you surely won’t mind if I send one of my spies to keep an eye on you, so he can collect the heads and the proofs of your work – standard guild procedure.”
Robert nodded. It seemed that he didn’t mind at all, because the guild usually sent novice hunters as spies – an extra job – to learn from the experienced ones. Robert used to be a spy, assisting Hulferd three years ago.
Then Hulferd’s wife, Charlotte came in. She was 39, a plump lady but still pretty. Although never experienced real education, she had a keen judgment and a kind heart. She had two kids, Helen, 16, quite pretty just like her, and her younger brother, Pearce, 10 years old. Apparently Pearce was the same Pear that called Robert earlier. Pear had great intuition and a keen sense upon anything just like his mother and great determination to improve himself just like his father. No wonder he immediately searched for Robert as he saw the poster before his father told him not to. Maybe someday he could become a great hunter just like his father. Charlotte wanted Robert to marry Helen someday, but apparently Helen already has a lover somewhere… and Robert too…
Charlotte greeted Robert in a motherly tone.
“Oh, Robert! What a surprise!”
“Good afternoon, ma’am. Long time no see.”
“A long time, indeed. Two months! Where have you been? Helen has been asking for you.”
Robert’s face became sulkier. How can that be, he thought. Helen already has Albert, the bookworm. She must be in the library with him now. She is only interested in poetry and writing, and you know I don’t even have an interest in it – or even in her.
“Really? Tell her I said hello. Oh yes, about Pear, just tell him to stay out of trouble. I’ve been staying in the tavern these days, and it’s getting rowdier each and every day.”
“WHAT? Ah, Pear! That overactive son of yours, Ferdy. Give him a word or two once in a while, will you? What kind of father are you, letting him prowling around, huh?”
“Aw, honey, Don’t be like that. Just let him taste a bit of the real world, it’s good for him. He’s smart, and I’m sure he will be a good hunter one day, just like dear Rob here. Anyway I’m too busy with the guild and things…”
“But at least a warning, so he can learn to be cautious – like dear Rob here.”
“…. Perhaps too cautious.”
“… Or too rash.”
Charlotte and Hulferd stared at Robert at the corner of their eyes with their strange faces. Robert stared back at them with a puzzled face. He replied…
“Hey, hey, Don’t get angry, old fellas. I promise you I will keep an eye on Pear whenever I’m not in a job. Is that okay with you?”
Hulferd landed a slow jab on Robert’s shoulder.
“Now that’s the spirit. Don’t let your cool hides who you really are.”
But THIS is who I REALLY am, Robert thinks.
Charlotte was not satisfied yet with Robert’s answer, saying,
“And MOVE OUT from that smelly, flea-ridden Golden Ram Inn! And buy yourself a REAL house! I don’t want to see Pear play with you in that god-forsaken place every day! Gambling? Vadis forbids!”
Robert replied, “I’ll work something out, ma’am. I will.”
But a different thought came into Robert’s mind.
Aw, we hunters still have to eat when there’s no job. And honest jobs will keep us out of monster-hunting. And I don’t have enough money to buy a proper house, anyway. Later, ma’am. Much later.
Charlotte snorted. She knew her bidding wouldn’t be fulfilled in the near future, knowing very well of the hunters’ nature – namely her husband’s. But she finally resigned and went to the kitchen to make some tea for Robert, Hulferd and herself.
“All right then. Don’t leave yet, Robert. I still want to talk to you over a cup of tea.”
Robert nodded. He knew that a talk with “Chatty” Charlotte would be a boring one, but their kindness topped over anything in the world for him so he compelled himself to stay a little longer – preparing his spirit for the most difficult job he has taken until now… with some pep talk and a healthy cup of tea.

3.1.1.1. An Oddjob and an Orcjob rev01

Sample Image of a White-Haired Fighter:
Firion from Final Fantasy Dissidia (FinalFantasy.Wikia.Com)
Closely similar to Robert Chandler the Fighter-Ranger

CHAPTER ONE
ORCBANE: IN THE SHADE OF THE MOON

“Don’t judge a monster by its size and ferociousness, but by the devastation it brought.”
- Sage the Fireheart
Founder, Fireheart Hunters’ Guild
First Emperor of Arcadia

An Oddjob and an Orcjob

A boy ran in a hurry along the narrow streets of Rand, a major city in the Island Kingdom of Lore. He bumped into people and trampled mud puddles along the way, leaving people cursing and yelling behind him – some even checked their tunic to look whether the boy has stolen their purses or anything valuable.
The boy ignored all the curses and yells upon him, and ran along several blocks of gothic-styled buildings until he entered a shabby-looking tavern with a yellowish ram with the text “The Golden Ram” badly carved on a signboard hanging in front. The Golden Ram was the cheapest, shabbiest and dirtiest tavern-inn in Rand. The wine and ale there were bad, but it was always full of rowdy, strange and suspicious people with their own strange, shady businesses – gambling, brawling, having fun with tavern maidens, and even talking in low voices. Well, secret talked in loud voices can be made in here too, as it was too loud there – rest assured your talked wouldn’t be heard by anyone on the next table.
The boy looked around desperately, and once in a while ducked to avoid flying objects like wooden mugs, stones – fortunately no sharp ones, though. After a while, he finally noticed someone and walked to a group of people gambling on a corner. They were shouting with frustration on their faces or muttering things like “Damn, he won again!” and all sorts of curses. One of them – a man with silvery, unkempt hair – didn’t yell, though. Instead, he coolly extended his hands to collect the crowns (gold coins), florins (silver coins) and zennies (bronze coins) on the table and poured them all into his purse. Although he apparently was the winner, he didn’t smile. He only stared cautiously around him, readied himself as though anticipating something bad. And it happened. One of the gamblers, an ugly, fat, unshaven and badly dressed man got up, banged the table and put his one foot on the chair, screaming.
“You CHEATED!”
The two other gamblers were puzzled for a while, staring at him – but they instantly understood, and shouted along to support him.
“Yeah! Winning seven times already! That’s impossible!”
“Must be sumthin’ behind ‘ees hands!”
“And he ain’t even smile all the time! Mus’ be afraid he’s gonna be found out!”
“Thrash ‘im!”
“Search him! Make him return our money!”
The cool silver-haired guy raised his face. He was handsome, although his face was sallow and looked somewhat feminine, but his calm, serious and cautious behavior gave an air of someone who has endured great hardships, tragedies and traumas. He always wore a leather breastplate in front of his shirt, and was always ready with a two-handed kiliji (a curved long sword originally from Meshallah) neatly hung inside its scabbard under his shabby blue hood and robe. The boy recognized him perfectly at once, and was about to call him, but the silver-haired man noticed the boy and signaled him to keep quiet and keep away.
“Hey, won’ speak a word, eeh? No reveal your secret!?”
“Maybe you will talk after we rearrange your pretty face!”
“O’ you hungree? Wanna eat? Here, taste THIS!”
The bald man launched his knuckle sandwich towards the silver-haired man’s mouth, but the silver-haired man simply moved his head aside with great reflexes and avoided the hit altogether. He got up, and was ready for the next attack.
One thought came into the silver-haired man’s mind:
Even if I speak, these stupid brutes won’t listen – they just want to rob my winnings. Well, it’s time to show them who I really am, as Pear is already here…
To avoid revealing too much of him, the silver-haired man avoided most of the attacks using knuckles, knifes and a wooden chair, and finally counterattacked, catching the bald man’s punch and kicking him straight on his jaw, sending him flying backwards and fell crashing on the wall, knocking him out. The fat guy and the one-eyed scarface were astonished to saw this display of strength, but thinking that it was only a lucky strike they attack the silver-haired guy altogether. The scarface’s attack missed, but the fat guy successfully hit the silver-haired guy’s shoulder as he was avoiding the scarface. But the silver-haired man’s expression didn’t even change in pain, instead he ducked and sweep-kicked the fat guy’s feet, causing the fat guy to fall tumbling on the floor.
The one-eyed, badly-scarred man’s face became pale and he ran away at once.
The fat guy tried to get up although he was irritated with his friend’s cowardly behavior. But the silver-haired man didn’t waste time and instantly drew his kiliji and pointed it directly to the fat guy’s throat. Then he finally spoke.
“Get out now. I only kill monsters and bandits, unless you were one of them.”
The fat guy whimpered, “Ah, you’re a hunter?”
A tavern guest cut in.
“You’re new in town, heh? He’s a hell of a hunter, you know.”
The little boy named Pear spoke, “Mister Orcbane?”
The silver-haired man replied, “Sssh, I’ve told you many times, just call me Robert.”
“Aw, it’s easier to remember you as Orcbane, it’s so frequently said in the guild.”
“Ah, Pear, now you’ve done it.”
Robert the Orcbane then talked to the fat man with a threatening tone.
“Well, what will it be now? Still want to rob my money?”
“Your money WHAT? You must be cheated, I can tell”.
“I didn’t cheat.”
“Then how come you won seven times and only lost twice?”
“’Twas a dice game, right? Maybe you must learn about concentration*). Focus your mind and eye on the dice movements. Well, you must train them hard, because I got that kind of training once as a scout.”

(* Concentration = What Robert meant was Eagle’s Eye – the ability to notice very quickly or even the slightest movement from the objects from any distance. Besides training, one must have the talent – that was quite uncommon among humans. An Eagle’s Eye expert was usually a good scout or spy. Robert had that talent.

“Damn, you’re a soldier! Then why did you lose twice?”
“Well, that’s a natural thing. Even my concentration can’t be accurate all the time, but two out of seven, that’s good enough for me,” said Robert, patting his waist where his bulging purse was safe beneath his leather armor. “I know you guys are new in town because none of my old mates want to gamble with me again. I need to earn pocket money, you know as there is no orc to hunt…”
Suddenly Pear remembers something and cut in.
“Excuse me, Sir Orcbane, but now there is’.
“It’s Robert, Pear, Robert.”
“Yeah, Robert… Robert…”
“Wait.. you said there’s an orc-job at the guild?”
“Yessirah.”
“Let’s go there! Here, Gumbold, for the food, ale and for the damage too”
Robert tossed several florins and zennies to Gumbold the tavern-innkeeper’s table, and a crown to the fat guy.
“Here’s for you. No hard feelings, mate. Treat your friends too.”
The fat guy didn’t believe his eyes and ears. He was still sitting on the floor, astonished as he saw Robert and Pear rushing out from The Golden Ram tavern-inn.

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Hmm... start over from the top again with a new feel... how do you feel now?

Andry Chang
Blog Jockey (BJ Vadis)

Vadis Productions - Release Your Imagination!

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3.1.0.0. Legend of the Paladins - Preface (Revised)

FIREHEART

LEGEND OF THE PALADINS

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BOOK ONE

THE BOUNTY HUNTERS

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Preface

Terra Eternia

The world of Vadis, Adair and Enia

Created by the One

Kept by the Three

Terra Eternia

Where three live as one

Positive, negative and neutral

Magic, science and nature

Terra Eternia

The world where myths are real

Fantasy is history

Fairy tales are factual

Terra Eternia

The world of dangers and adventure

When light and dark collide

And the neutral shed tears

Just like in our world, our dimension, when all beings lived in harmony, Terra Eternia was indeed a beautiful world of love, hope and peace. But when evil – the extreme form of negativity – disrupted the balance, conflicts always occurred between the Trinity of Good: love, hope and faith and the Trinity of Evil: hatred, despair and terror.

Evil once ruled supreme in this world, the Evil named Vordac, the Dark Overlord. His domination was ended by Sage the Fireheart, who assembled the Seven Heroes and waged the First Crusade. Vordac has once rebelled against Adair the Sodomos, the Dark God. Adair defeated Vordac, banished him from the underworld and cursed Vordac to roam in Eternia eternally. As a result of that, Vordac's spirit can possess mediums or hosts, and after his defeat to Sage, he possessed a medium, the Great Sword Deathblade.

Vordac re-emerged with the help of his host, Mildred Urganon, but he again met a fatal defeat from Fireheart's son, Antoine the Avenger. And again, Vordac's spirit found refuge in Deathblade.

And now, that very sword was in the hands of an old man with white long hair, eyebrows, moustache and beard, wearing everything white. He was standing in a dark, vast room with another old man and a she-elf. The bearded man talked,

"At last, we found the perfect, safest place to keep the sword."

"Are you sure, Azrael?" said the blonde, long, curly-haired she-elf inquiringly, "Because, honestly, this room is not inaccessible enough."

"I agree with Carolyn," said the old, half-bald man with a white moustache. "I say we better melt this sword in the lava pit."

"I can't believe a scientist like you would say that, Theripides. If we melt this sword, we'll destroy it. Vordac's spirit will be free and possess any of us," said Azrael.

"Hmph, I guess we don't have a choice, then," said Theripides. "We have searched for months, and Her Majesty here offered this place although she is not sure either."

Carolyn responded with a sigh, "I guess we have to be satisfied of this place. It has all natural barriers, enough to prevent any being to reach here. All we have to do now is adding some more to make sure no one can claim the sword, even us."

Azrael nodded and made a decision, "Very well, then, we'll seal Deathblade in here! I will now create a force field using this orb, and I also need some magical assistance from you two. This will be the final barrier should others fail. So, shall we begin?"

"Naturally," said Carolyn.

"Anytime," said Theripides.

Azrael held the sword with his outstretched hands, and Theripides cast a spell to keep it aloft.

"Eleviant!"

Azrael released the sword, reaching into his pocketed belt. He took out a small silvery-white orb, placed it on his upright palm, and chanted,

"Aegis, ma washtar galatre Kraal'shazar, im gemackt an Corona Infer. (Aegis, please help seal the Deathblade, as the Little Sun is being made)"

The orb reacted and emitted violent sparks, then flew towards Deathblade. When the orb touched the sword with a devil carved on its hilt and seven runes of Original Sin carved on its blade, the sword suddenly vibrated very hard. The red eye carved on the blade just above the hilt opened wide although it's alive. A thick aura of darkness came out from the eye, resisting the power from the white orb.

The orb intensified its energy, and the sword followed suit to match it. As they reached the peak of their auras, anyone can see a visualization of a thunder bird and a black devil fighting each other. Soon enough, the thunder bird still didn't get the upper hand against the devil. Seeing this grim prospect, Azrael decided to help, saying,

"I'll begin the sealing process now! The dark energy from Vordac is still too strong for Aegis! Carolyn, help Aegis too!"

While chanting an indistinct, long mantra, Azrael released threads of light from his ten fingers of his hands. The threads of light spun around the devil and the thunder bird as though trying to cover both of them in a bigger orb.

"Yggmaishduma!"

Carolyn's Force of Nature spell was much simpler than Azrael's, yet more focused, giving more and ever-amplified pressure on the sword and also amplifying Aegis' power. Under such pressure, the devil's shadow roared. It amplified its energy threefold and overpowered Aegis and the three wizards. It now looked like a devil's shadow with an overlarge, open mouth. It was going to swallow Aegis!

Knowing that more power was needed, Theripides showed his speciality: his ability to cast two spells in one time. His left hand was still on his magical Tome of Time and Tide, casting Eleviant spell. Using his free hand holding the Chrono Chakram, he cast Meteor Shower. Bolts of fiery meteorites poured down from above, and all focused towards one target: the Deathblade. The battle turned in an even footing again, but the wizards needed something more – because they didn't know how long they can keep this on. If one of them ran out of mana, all will be lost.

A calm loving smile showed on Azrael's face. He knew at once that for the greater good, he must sacrifice himself. He stared at Carolyn and Theripides in turns, and then nodded. Just then, a layer of light appeared, covering Azrael's body and making him shine dazzlingly. Carolyn and Theripides stared back at Azrael in terror: Azrael is going to cast Divine Retribution, the spell that once made him vanish without a trace – until he was found again about five years later.

Before any of them can say anything to stop Azrael, he already spoke the incantation aloud.

"Eleison ex Tributalis!"

As though a million angels rush down from the sky to attack one devil lord, the beautiful-looking yet deadly spell attacked the Deathblade from all sides. It was a sure hit, no evil can escape and block this spell, the damage was continuous and extreme – the truly ultimate holy spell next to Armageddon. If it was a one-hit and kill, Azrael was going to be all right. But the need to cast this spell ceaselessly drained more energy than Azrael can bear.

The Great Archmage of Light's face turned white and pale, with traces of his nerves showing on his face and hands. His eyes were bloodshot, and blood began to drop out from his eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth. It seemed the spell was backfiring on him because of his lack of mana energy, but now the vision of devil began to contort and dissolve. The dark mana from the sword was going to be suppressed, and the seal was about to be completed.

Then suddenly the devil's shadow exploded the last drops of its energy, throwing Azrael, Theripides and Carolyn far away. The Orb of Aegis was thrown too, but it didn't break. It immediately turned into a white bird and flew back to the sword. Then it used this golden opportunity to electrocute the entire sword.

Staggering and half-kneeling, Azrael also used the last drops of his energy to complete the seal covering the sword. Theripides, who instinctively rushed near the sword, got an unpredictable turn. The Deathblade suddenly attacked and severed Theripides' right arm. Theripides moved back, electrocuted and badly wounded. Now he would realize that it was the stupidest thing he ever done in his lifetime.

Carolyn immediately moved to cure Theripides, and the Viavitali (Great Heal) spell mended his severed arm nicely although it can't connect the severed parts together. "Good thing you're a lefty, we sure are going to need your technical concepts."

"Ugnnh... I'm done here, don't worry about me. You better tend to Azrael."

"Ah, alas... he's a lost case. Just let him finish the sealing before we help him."

"He did it again," said Theripides, shaking his head. "Why did he get to cast that blasted spell? Come to think again, he really sacrificed much so we can seal this sword."

At last, Azrael finished making the orb covering the sword and covering Aegis' orb. Now Aegis was assigned to a new job: suppressing and protecting Kraal'shazar, the Deathblade at all times. Carolyn the Elf Queen, the Archmage of Nature completed the sealing by adding an enchantment: Flame of the Eternal Corona on the orb surface, making it into a complete miniature sun.

"At last... my last mission in this world is complete."

After he said that, Azrael fell on his knees. Fatigue took him over now all his magical energy was gone. He was one hundred twenty four years old now, and he was a mage no more. Naturally, he was now very weak and his feet can barely support him. Carolyn moved to support Azrael, saying, "You fool... losing everything to a devil-inhabited sword. You should've done better."

Azrael responded feebly, "I have done my best, and... and I h-have no... regrets. Now I'm g-g-going to leave you all f-for sure. This is my last journey. I can't go anywhere else now. Please, my friends. Now, for the first time, I'm going to ask you two some f-favors.

Please send my regards to the Old Emperor Sage and Prince Anthony. Tell them it's been an honor serving them. And for me, Anthony is always Anthony. I will send his love to my daughter Vivian in heaven. May Arcadia live long and prosper.

Also, tell your descendants that should the Deathblade is in the open again and Vordac gets a new host, they must gather a number of heroes again to prevent that or make sure that this time Vordac's soul will perish permanently.

I now prophesy that one day the paladins will rise. We may not be able to seal Vordac forever. But when Vordac is indeed released, these multi-talented heroes of light will emerge and fight the Dark Overlord and his minions. Find them, and make sure they are united and well-prepared. Only in the paladins' hands hope may prevail.

And this is my last request. Just let me stay near here long enough until I die. I will now retire from the world and take a rest here. Put somebody trustworthy here to take care of me, so I can look towards this place where my masterpiece lays and be happy and satisfied about my life and what I've done for this world. I hope you will comply with my wishes."

"Of course, Azrael, my friend," said Theripides. "We will strengthen this place with our combined mastery of science and magic, and prepare our future generations."

"And we will find and gather the paladins once we hear or see any premonition of Vordac's return. The Holy Pope in Valanis will help too," said Carolyn.

"Thank you, my friends," said Azrael with tears in his eyes. "Thank you for appreciating my thoughts and wishes. N-now would you take this old soul outside, to his final resting place?"

"You don't have to ask," said Carolyn. Then she and Theripides took the ex-wizard Azrael out of the room through a secret stone door and then the door slammed shut.

The room was empty again, except for a miniature sun ever-burning in the center. It was the sun with a devil within.

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Well, what do you think about this version?

Please, drop me a comment, I really appreciate your time and attention.

Andry Chang
Blog Jockey (BJ Vadis)

Vadis Productions - Release Your Imagination!

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Category: Prologue, Book31, Book31 Preface, Preface