Champion of Peace

It’s been half a day ever since riding out of Sunspire Tower and still no signs of Captain Lipton, Rhia and the elves, or Felaris.

But I won’t lose hope that easily. It’s still a long way until the first landmark in the map.

Misty has been doing great so far. It seems Yuri wasn’t lying when he said Mistyvale is the fastest horse there.

But even such a fast horse would get tired and exhausted soon. Maybe I should rest for a bit? But in order to catch up, I need to make the hard decision to have Misty run farther.

There’s also the concern of food for both me and Misty. I know for a fact that horses eat hay and grass but I lost access to hay in the stables and all the lands that I’ve passed so far has been dead.

I wonder what happened to these lands.

Even so, I have to keep going! Rhia is waiting for me.

A couple of hours have passed and I finally saw the first signs of life in these lands aside from Yuri.

What befalls my sight is what seems like a roadside inn with a couple of houses near it. A small town perhaps?

This works perfectly in my favor. We could rest for a while, get some food, and maybe collect some information as well.

I stop in front of the inn. I rein Misty to a stall but I don’t see one. Instead, I tie her to the wooden fence that’s installed in the front of the place.

Entering the inn, I quickly notice the lack of people inside—even the innkeeper isn’t there. It’s not abandoned is it? Only one way to find out.

“Hello?! Anybody home?!” I called.

A woman coming from another room clumsily makes her entrance as she stumbles on her feet to get to the counter.

“Welcome to Fore’s Rest. What can I do for ‘ya?” The woman welcomed me in.

“Hello! Do you have any food?”

“We sure do! What would ‘ya like, darlin’?”

“Something hot should suffice. Oh, and also, do you have any hay or grass for my horse?” I can’t forget Misty.

“We have ‘em too.” The woman ducked under the counter and emerged with a stack of hay in her hands.

“Here ‘ya go!”

“Thank you.” I accepted the food.

“Just give me a minute and I’ll whip out somethin’ hot for ‘ya.” The woman went to the kitchen. I only now notice that her clothes are unkempt. Just what was she doing in that room?

The door where the woman came out of opened again and this time, two men came out of it.

Ah. I get it now.

In the meantime, I went out and feed the hay to Misty.

She seems to really enjoy it—must be her favorite food.

I go and get her water as well. Luckily, there’s a trough with water just nearby where I tied her. She almost drank all of it. She’ll need it for the journey.

The door to the inn opens up and out comes the woman from earlier.

“Heya darlin’. Your food’s ready.”

“Thank you!” I follow the woman inn as she leads me to a table.

She serves me hot soup with a side of hard bread. This’ll do.

“Enjoy~” The woman said as she goes back behind the counter.

I start chowing down the soup—I can’t remember the last time I had a proper meal.

Behind me, sitting on a different table, are the two men from earlier arguing with each other. I end up eavesdropping on their conversation. I mean, it’s not like they’re trying to hide it either.

“What’re we going to do now! They’re probably half-way to Blackwood.”

“*sigh* Last thing I need is to be labeled a deserter. If only we have a map.”

I have a map! But would it be wise to tell them? I think I’m making good progress by myself.

I decided not to tell them anything. I finished my meal and I guess the woman noticed it as she walked to my table.

“’Ya sure eat quick! Would ‘ya like anythin’ else?” The woman offered gleefully.

The food was filling—I was ready to get back on the road.

“The food was delicious! I think that’ll be all.” I replied.

“I’m glad to hear that! That’ll be five copper coins.”

What?

…

Crap! I got so used to getting my food for free that I didn’t even thought of paying for this one. Maybe she’ll accept payment through goods? There must be something in Misty’s saddle that I can trade in.

“’Ya seem to be confused. It’s five copper coins for the meal. As for the hay, I’ll give it to ‘ya for free, since you’re such a cutie!” The woman added.

What do I do? Do I just tell her the truth and say that I have no money?

“Um, I’m so sorry. I don’t have any money on me.” I chuckled nervously.

Her face noticeably changed after I said that but then it changed again to a more devious or should I say, naughty look.

“Well, there are other ways you can pay me, if you know what I mean~.” She traced her fingers on my chest.

A chill runs up all over my body. This woman is dangerous!

I really put myself in quite the pickle. I can’t just run away from this.

Being the champion of peace, I assume I have to be cordial with other people. I can’t do things that would bring dishonor to Korlan, at least I think so. I’m not really sure.

As the woman pokes my body here and there, I hear the two men behind me stand up from their seats and leave the inn.

“We have no other choice. We just have to ride north and hope we find their trail.” One of the men said.

Ah, crap! I have no other choice too.

“Wait!” I yelled loudly that it made the woman and the men stop in their tracks.

I quickly stand up from my seat and went to the men.

“Listen. I’m just going to cut to the chase. I know the route Captain Lipton and the others are taking. I can help you catch up to them—maybe even take a short cut to meet them ahead! I just need five copper coins to pay this crazy woman.” I said crazily.

The two men stare at me for a couple seconds before looking at each other, then looking back at me.

“How do we know we can trust you though? Are those not slave binds on your wrist?”

They’re referring to the handcuffs that are still on my wrists all this time. I have to make an excuse for it.

“These aren’t slave binds. They’re accessories!” I said, trying to convince the two.

“That’s still not enough to convince us. Tell me, why do you carry a sword of one of ours on your waist? He and the other man reach for their swords.

I just have to show them the map and hope for the best!

“Here! It’s a map of the route the Captain will be taking. It was given to me by a man named Yuri as I passed Sunspire Tower. As for the sword, it was given to me by him—the horse too.” I lied about where I got the sword and how I’m insinuating that I’m a passing traveler but everything else is true.

“Yuri? Yuri Knox? He’s alive?” Said one of them.

I nod to say yes.

The other takes the map from me and surveys it for a moment.

The two looked at each other for a bit. After a short while, the both of them nod at each other and reach for their pockets.

They give me the five copper coins that I needed. They’re on board, I guess.

I quickly paid for the meal and hurried out the inn. I’m going to make a mental note to never, ever go back to this place.

Outside, the two mount their horses as I untie Misty from the fence.

We ride back on the road as fast as we can.

“I’m Quentin, by the way.” Said the knight on my left.

“And I’m Weston.” Said the one on the right.

“I’m Naoki.” I introduced myself casually.

We followed the road for a bit before taking a detour to intercept Captain Lipton and his caravan so that we could catch up to them quickly.

On the way there, I told them the story—most of it were true while some, I have to lie to protect my identity.

I confirmed for them that all of the knights in Sunspire Tower—save for Yuri, has died from combat.

I told them how I was a simple adventurer trying to make a name for myself in the northern lands and that I happen to pass by Sunspire Tower.

There, I met a wounded knight named Yuri whom I saved from grave danger. In response, Yuri gave me directions so that I could meet and join Captain Lipton and his knights. Of course, this is a lie that I made up to further convince them that I’m working with them.

The two seems to believe every word that I say. For now, at least. I have to be careful and not say something that would make them suspicious of me.

We make great progress as Quentin, being a decent navigator, led us to hidden roads that allowed us to go further ahead of the caravan.

In about half of a day, we’ve almost reached our destination. Up ahead, a road where Quentin believes Captain Lipton will pass through.

He seems to believe that the caravan will be moving slow as to not damage the “goods” and the wagons being used.

Nonetheless, we rested for a bit before we make the final ride to the road ahead.

While waiting, a thought pops into my head.

Where’s Felaris? I had assumed that he followed them the moment he killed everyone in the tower.

Could he be tailing Captain Lipton’s caravan or would he set up an ambush. I feel like the latter is more likely.

Just as I finish thinking that, a gust of wind blew at us and in an instant, Quentin’s head flew off his neck.

Me and Weston were shocked, so much so that we couldn’t even react to what just happened.

I hear quick footsteps run towards our small camp. I think I know who this is.

“Wait!” I yelled.

But the footsteps did not stop.

“Felaris! Just wait!” I yelled again.

I look back at Weston and notice him already on the ground—eyes watering from terror.

Felaris has put him in a chokehold. Just how quick is this guy?!

“Naoki! I thought you were dead!” Felaris exclaimed.

I’m very glad to see him but the first thing that I thought of was what Korlan said to me. I need him to spare this man’s life.

“I’m very much alive. Please, Felaris. Don’t kill him!” I pleaded.

“Why? One less knight would make things easier for us.” He retorted.

I knew it was going to be hard to convince him but still, I have to try.

“You have to trust me on this one, Felaris! Please.”

He didn’t say anything—he didn’t even loosen his grip, but I go near them and tied Weston’s hands together. Only then did Felaris let go of him.

Weston gasps for air. Felaris was so close. Thank God, I stopped him just in time.

I quickly tied his feet to prevent movement, as well as wrap his mouth with bandages so he wouldn’t yell. He keeps his bandages on his waist bag—the same as Yuri. I guess that’s the standard place to store it.

Felaris confronts me. It seems he doesn’t like that I’m protecting one of the knights. I don’t blame him though.

“What’s the big idea, Naoki? You’re saving them now?! You saw what they did to the princess and my brethren!” Felaris yells in exasperation.

It’s not like I don’t understand his stance, but I have to uphold my status as a champion of peace. I can’t let people die on my watch.

“I’m sorry, Felaris, but I made a promise to someone; someone I find fearful to defy. I can’t let him die.” I explained as convincingly as possible.

He stares at me for a moment then lets it go. He starts to clean his weapon from blood.

I take the map and showed it to him.

“Felaris. Quentin, the one you killed, he said that the road ahead would be a path that Captain Lipton would pass by.”

He looks at the map and scans it for a bit.

“Where’d you get this?”

“In Sunspire Tower. It was given to me by a survivor.” I answered truthfully.

“… Did you save him too?” He asked passively.

“Yes.”

There’s silence in the air. After a while, he got on one of the knights’ horse and hollers at me to ride with him.

I instead get on Misty and ride ahead of him. We left Weston there. I didn’t bind him that tightly so I’m sure he can get out of it by himself.

“Ah, so you know how to.” Felaris mutters as he tries to catch up.

I’m glad that Felaris is with me now, but there’s added pressure since he could just easily kill anyone. I have to do something about that.

“Felaris! When we get there, it’s important to me that you do not kill anyone. I know that it’s an unreasonable thing to ask of you, but please, if you can, just incapacitate them.” I pleaded.

“Well, at least you’re aware. *sigh* It’s a tall order, but I’ll see what I can do.”

The road is just ahead of that clearing.

We hid the horses beside a tree for now, as per Felaris’s orders.

Felaris devises a plan when the caravan passes through. I am to hide a bit further the road; the caravan would pass by me first, whereas Felaris would hide near the horses.

Once all of the caravan pass by me, Felaris strikes at the front and take all their attention away from me, who would come from behind and let the elf prisoners go, undetected.

It’s a sound plan, and probably one that would be quite effective. I agree with his plan and we go to our positions.

About 10 minutes of waiting, I see a horse on the road followed closely by several wagons—about 6 of them, filled with captive elves. This is it!

The caravan pass by me quickly but I could still catch a glimpse of the elves inside. Rhia is in the 4th carriage with the other elves.

As per planned, Felaris jumps out onto the road and pulls his sword out. The knights seem to be low in number as there were only a handful of them left. I guess Felaris already killed most of them. No sign of Captain Lipton though.

I run as quick as I can to the last carriage in the line. With a quick strike to the lock, I break it open, setting the elves free.

They rushed out one after another, fear still prominent in their eyes. They don’t seem to acknowledge me or Felaris. It’s like even though, they’re being saved, they’re still running away from something or someone. Something’s wrong here.

Still, I continued. I can’t be having doubts now. I break the locks of the wagons one after another until I get to Rhia’s wagon.

I only saw a glimpse of her from the small window but I’m sure with what I saw.

I break open the lock and the moment I opened the door, Captain Lipton swings his sword destroying the carriage itself. Thankfully, I managed to dodge it at the last minute.

What the?! Where’s Rhia?

Captain Lipton lunges at me, ready to strike me down. I rolled to the side to dodge but still got sent back by the force of his sword hitting the ground. His curse sword sure is something.

“Naoki!” Felaris yelled from the distance.

He’s still fighting off the knights. Him trying not to kill them actually makes it hard for him to fight them effectively.

Captain Lipton walks towards me. I try to stand up to fight him but he immediately grabs me by the collar of my shirt.

I struggle as I’m suspended in the air—it’s getting harder to breathe.

“I had a dream of you where you kill me. Impossible, I thought to myself but then, Lord Murgos told me not to underestimate you.”

Lord Murgos? Now that I remember, he mentioned before of a voice speaking to him in his dreams, similar to mine. Is this Murgos a God and is Captain Lipton that God’s champion?

I remember Korlan mentioning something along the lines of champions fighting each other. Did Korlan meant for me to face him when he told me to “save” him? I guess it’s inevitable now.

“I should have killed you right then, then maybe I wouldn’t have to suffer all this stress. After I’m done with you, I’ll make sure to kill that friend of yours—he has killed a lot of ours too.”

On his other hand, Captain Lipton raises his sword and winds it to stab me in the chest.

I have to think quick!

I stop struggling and grasp my sword that’s attached on my waist and slash his arm with it.

I didn’t manage to cut deep but it was enough for him to loosen his grip. I fall on my feet and immediately lunge at him. I can’t give him time to rest.

As I go for a stab, he parries it at the last minute and goes for a counter-strike. I manage to dodge to the side and attack him again.

After comes a series of sword-clashing from the both of us. Felaris’s sword lessons from back then really came in clutch.

I’m surprised my sword is able to withstand his attacks too considering his sword is cursed and massive. Due to this, I was more agile than him, allowing me to land blows that aren’t fatal, but does hurt him more and more as the fight drags on.

I notice his breathing starts to get heavy. It’s working! I just need to keep this up and I’ll eventually defeat him!

I land another blow, this time on his stomach. My sword plunges deep—I try to stuck it in deeper making him grumble in pain. I pull the sword out and plan to do another barrage of attacks until he falls to his knees.

This time, Captain Lipton starts to chant something—similar to the chants he did in the princess’s room. He’s going to do that beam attack!

This time though, he doesn’t have Elzara to protect him while he’s vulnerable. I lunge at him, ready to do a series of stabs on his upper body but he swings his sword my way, leaving me no choice but to jump back and dodge it.

Crap! He’s still able to move.

His sword started to glow a bright red hue. Instead of pointing it at me and shooting his destruction beam, he points it at his chest.

To my surprise, he plunges his own sword at his chest. It made him scream in agony.

The energy stored in his sword started to seep into his own body making him grow bigger and scarier. In front of me is a man who is a shadow of their former self.

For some reason though, even though my chest is beating so fast because of how scared I am, the thought of giving up or running away has not crossed my mind. Is this because of what Korlan gave me?

The energized Captain Lipton jumps at me, trying to punch me—his fist doubled in size. I managed to jump to the side just in time but as I look back at my original position, the energy discharged from his fist destroyed the ground and everything around it.

I cannot get hit by even a single one of his attacks. If this was a game, he’s in his 2nd phase.

I dodge a couple more of his attacks and I find myself exhausted from all the dodging. I won’t be able to safely dodge another one!

It’s me or him; if I have to do it, it has to be now!

As he jumps at me to strike me down, I lunge at him instead and aimed my sword at his heart. I put all my hopes in this attack!

Captain Lipton’s fist still connected with the ground, making the ground beneath me explode and sending me flying backwards.

It hurts! It feels like my body is burning. But this is good! The fact that I feel pain means that I’m still alive.

I slowly open my eyes and look at my body. Seems like everything is still intact. That’s good.

I look back at Captain Lipton and he’s just standing there. After a while, he falls to his knees. My sword is in his chest, piercing his heart.

He falls completely—it’s finally over!

I look at the other side where Felaris is and, true to his word, he didn’t kill any of the knights.

He had tied them up and brought them to the side of the road.

It’s finally over.

I slowly stand up; my body is still aching in pain. I went over to Captain Lipton.

He has completely transformed. He’s barely human now. I guess that’s the vile power of a cursed sword and being a champion. I wonder what kind of gift his God has given him.

Murgos. I have to ask Korlan about that the next time I see him.

I remove my sword on his chest. I don’t think I’m ready to part with this one yet.

“Naoki! You did it! But what happened to him?” Felaris inquired curiously. He wasn’t able to join in on the battle after all.

“I don’t know but I can only assume that there’s a greater evil at play here.” I replied frightened.

“Naoki, I’m going to check up on my brethren. Go free the rest of them.”

I do just that. I break the lock on the rest of the carriages and in the last one, my heart is finally able to calm down. Princess Rhia is bound and weakly breathing but alive.

Epilogue

A day has passed since saving Princess Rhia and the others.

Princess Rhia’s condition has stabilized. It seems the food that they fed the both of us really affected her terribly making her unable to use her magic.

Some of the elves have managed to calm down after the event and even took the weapons of the knights so that they can defend themselves.

Unfortunately, most of them have experienced too much trauma that it left them unresponsive. Regardless, I’m glad that it’s over. For now, at least.

The captured knights, who received a lot of battering from the elves, are supposed to be killed but, as Korlan has said, ‘‘you must not kill any of the knights.’’ I convince everyone to spare them.

Thankfully, the elves responded kindly to me being there for them. I had thought that their hatred for humans runs deep but I guess saving them dispersed some of that hatred, even if it’s just for me.

We rest for a day more.

…

Felaris and the able-bodied elves fix the carriages. It seems they’ll use those to get back to Eldergrove.

A great and resourceful idea, if I ever heard one.

Rhia on the other hand seems reluctant to go back to Eldergrove.

“My sister… Naoki, I want to save my sister.” Rhia pleaded.

“I know, princess…”

I talk to Felaris.

“Felaris, we got confirmation that Princess Thalia is still alive and is currently captive in Blackwood. I want to accompany the princess.”

He stares at me, lost in thought.

“Is the information legitimate?” A fair question to ask.

“It came from Captain Lipton’s mouth. There’s some truth in it. Either way, it’s a lead.”

“…I understand. Just be careful out there.” Felaris puts his hand on my shoulder.

“We will.” I give him a farewell hug.

“Just try not to enjoy being alone with the princess too much, okay?” He joked.

What does he mean by-

“You idiot! Of course not!” I retorted, embarrassed.

He pats my shoulder again. It’s farewell for now.

They start to load the elves back into the carriages, this time as passengers.

Before Felaris and the elves go, Rhia stops them for something.

“Felaris! Once you get back to Eldergrove, I need you to hand this to Lord Arin.” She hands him a letter.

I wonder what she wrote.

“And all of you! You’ll be fine now!” She said to all her brethren.

“Princess, come with us!” An elf uttered.

“Forgive me, but I must follow my own path for now. We will see each other again, this I promise.” The princess’s parting words was beautiful. It put all the elves at ease.

Soon, the elven caravan leaves for Eldergrove.

As for me and Rhia, we take the captured knights with us north. They’ll be useful for navigation.

“Let’s go, Rhia.”

“Lead the way, Naoki.”

On my trusty steed Mistyvale, we ride north to Blackwood, where huge, dark clouds clutter the skies.