Chapter 1 Rudbeckia Part 2

A neighboring forest to the village seemed to awaken with the dawn. The tall trees within it seemed to whisper along with the faint sounds of the small animals that were beginning to emerge. The clash of steel sounded improper in this awakening.

“Ah… ah…”

Ryo gasped as he held two daggers. He assumed an attack stance.

“Again!” Elena shouted.

Ryo lunged forward swiftly. He attacked as fast, strong, and cleanly as he could… But after a couple of strikes, he was back on the ground.

“Ah… ah… ah…”

Before him, Elena's powerful figure—dagger in hand—looked perfect. With her habitual smile and radiant presence, without any blemish.

“Enough for today. It's time to go back.”

“Ah… ah… I still can't land a single blow…”

“Ha, ha, ha, ha.” Don't rush things, I've already told you. You need to refine your technique more. Don't try to run yet.

The condescension hidden behind Elena's words brought Ryo a bittersweet joy.

Although still young, he knew he didn't possess the talent of others. In most of the towns, cities, fortresses, castles, or kingdoms they passed through, there were more talented people. Some excelled in magic like Velk, others in weaponry like Astray (short swords) or Benedek (axe). Others had incredible agility and highly developed instincts like Lys or great intelligence. Some even had multiple skills like Elena, who was as adept at hand-to-hand combat as she was at magic or with a dagger.

He knew his talent was, at best, commonplace. He would have to work incredibly hard to be as good as the others, so he could help them a little more. And even with all that sacrifice, it was a pipe dream to even consider the dominion of the truly prodigious…

Yes… those monsters… those prodigious youngsters… who wielded magic as naturally as breathing, possessed more than one type, or were born with a unique one. Some studied alchemy from childhood, had unique abilities, wielded a sword as if it were an extension of their body, tamed powerful beasts, or possessed such supernatural strength that they could fight adults without any problem.

They were so few and far between that I had rarely seen one or heard a rumor about another. Most were children of the high nobility, royalty, or heirs of great tribes, hidden sects, ancient races, and other similar lineages. It was even harder to find them in commoner or impoverished families, although occasionally one would hear of one. Like the little girl who was said to be the apprentice of the Wandering Gale. The young man who was said to have entered the tower of the sorceress Medea at only 6 years old, or the young man who at fourteen was already a silver rank adventurer.

Perhaps most of them were unfounded rumors, exaggerated by the families themselves, minstrels searching for fame, or people with ulterior motives… But he assumed that some of them had to be true. I didn't know why, but I believed that.

“Come on.” Elena held out her hand.

Taking it, Ryo stood up and followed her back, leaving the forest with its natural, contemplative serenity.

When they entered the village instead of the pavilion Ryo asked:

“Where are we going?”

“Let's go with Rohn, I mentioned it yesterday.”

They walked to an old house, a little bigger than the others.

Knock, knock, knock, knock.

“Yeah…?”

A 60-year-old man came out, with a big beard and slightly hunched over.

“Hello, Elena. What happens? Do you need something? I'm already on my way out.”

“Excuse me, I just came to tell you that tomorrow we will leave.”

“Ah… It's a shame. I wanted to know a little more about what is happening in the world.”

“Sorry that we cannot fulfill your wish. We must continue on our way to the city, we have already been delayed too long.”

“Don't worry, and may the road take you to your destination. Omios Esus Morntmen.”

“??? Thank you.”

“And I also thank you for introducing us to Mr. Cohen. It is difficult to meet such a good alchemist in such a remote place.”

“Ha ha ha. Yes, it is a joy that Mr. Cohen will come to this town.”

“I would have liked to hear your story.”

“Hahaha. It's actually a simple one. One day it came and stayed. Ha ha ha. He just mentioned that he was searching for a quiet place to create… write… his… I don't remember well… magnum… magnum opus… something like that.”

“… A pretty simple story, as you mentioned.”

“Ha ha ha. Yes.”

“Well, then I'll say goodbye. Sorry for delaying it.”

“Well, until another day, if causality unites us.”

While Elena and Rohn were saying goodbye, a local came running.

“Ah… ah… ah… Rohn! Ah… ah… I need you to come…”

“Mario? Is something wrong?”

“Yeah! Come with me, quickly!”

“Good.”

After looking at Elena and giving her a small farewell gesture, Rohn followed Mario.

On the way back, Ryo was wondering what the strange words Rohn mentioned meant.

“Mother, do you know what Rohn's words mean?”

“Mmm… No. I think I've heard them somewhere once. But I don't remember it well, I guess it was some kind of farewell.”

“Mmm…”

“There are many towns with very ancient traditions and beliefs.”

While Ryo was talking to Elena, he seemed to recognize two small silhouettes walking alongside a group in the opposite direction.

“I thought this small kingdom only believed in the Faceless God.”

“Now, but before this kingdom was founded, another existed. At least that's the information Joseph gave us.”

A group of children passed by them.

“Come on, come on! We must go to old Cohen!”

“Wait, tonight the ceremony begins…”

“But at night.”

“Adults will be angry…”

“I don't know… I have to help father in the fields…”

“And I to mom…”

“It's okay, we'll only be there for a while.”

“Yeah! Don't be cowards! Come on!”

The small group of children quickened their pace.

“It seems like the town is very lively,” Elena mentioned, smiling.

“Yeah…”

“…? Do you know them?”

“No.”

Elena looked at Ryo, she said no more.

At the time Elena and Ryo were with Rohn, Lys was hanging around the village keeping an eye on Cohen, Astray was investigating the forest as usual, and the others were in the pavilion…

“I wonder what tomorrow's ritual will be about,” Velk mentioned to Benedek as they watched the horses, their faithful grazing helpers.

“I am more intrigued by the blessed sanctuary. On the way, we didn't see anything, and the forest is not so dense to go unnoticed.”

“Perhaps one is too primitive or is prote-”

“Wait,” Benedek silenced Velk.

“What's happening?”

“Look at that.”

Benedek pointed with his gaze, in front of them, to the meadows that stretched in opposition to the village.

“What the fuck is that?”

“Mmmm….” Velk studied more closely a distorted speck that seemed to move in the faint wasteland that loomed at the end of the horizon. It seemed to get bigger and bigger while the imposing sun rose behind it.

“Are they… people?”

“No. Soldiers,” Benedek corrected him.

“Soldiers… from Nigheaven… crossing the border?”

“Looks like Lys got it right,” Benedek sharpened his eyes.

“How many are there?” Velk asked.

“Given their size and how far away they are… I would say at least thirty.”

“…! Wait. That is…” Velk pointed to a small spot, which went unnoticed in front of the other, floating next to the majestic sun.

“…! A… winged… knight?”

Stunned by the image that appeared in the distance, they did not hear Astray's footsteps approaching behind them.

“Nothing new, as always. There is no trace of any beast, creature or lesser race. Maybe there are some meishai, although Ryo hasn't seen any...?” Astray looked at the absorbed faces.

“What's happening?”

Velk nodded toward the distant painting, which was gradually becoming clearer and clearer.

“…! I hate when Lys gets it right.”

“We have to tell Elena.”

“No. Let's wait for it to arrive. We don't know if they're headed here.” Benedek stopped Velk who was about to leave.

“It's a joke, right?”

“…”

“… Alright.”

“Ahhhh… I should have dedicated myself to something else.”

“Hahaha. If I didn't know you I'd think you really had a choice.” Benedek seemed to have returned to his usual self after Astray's words.

“The path of fortune is deceptive, and I am a naive navigator.”

“Your always unexpected eloquence would fool anyone.” Smiling, Velk addressed Astray.

A few minutes later Elena and Ryo arrived at the pavilion, saw the others watching the horses and approached. The closer they got, the more Elena's expression changed. Ryo, noticing it, lowered his blindfold, followed her gaze… he remained thoughtful.

“If they don't change course they will arrive here at sunset.”

The three men turned when they heard Elena's words approaching.

“So it seems. What will we do?”

“We should eliminate the target before they arrive,” Velk responded to Astray quickly.

Elena observed the peaceful and disturbing landscape that rose before her, while the torrid wind stirred her scarlet hair.

“We can't rush, maybe they're just passing through.”

“It's too convenient a coincidence, Benedek.”

“I know, Velk, but it's strange… Don't you think they're drawing too much attention? Also, a winged knight?”

“But why else would you cross the border, soldiers of Nigheaven?”

Ryo silently listened.

“Lys already recovered the information she stole about the magic stones. Can't we just leave?” Astray mentioned waiting for an answer that he knew would never come.

“You know that the order was to recover and eliminate.” Velk's words sounded to Astray like that breeze that comes with autumn.

“I know… I know…”

“We can't eliminate him now, it seems he has guests at home,” Elena spoke without taking her eyes off the horizon. “Also, it looks like the ceremony starts tonight.”

“So what are the orders?” Benedek questioned.

“Ryo, go get Lys.”

“Yeah!” He ran.

“Well, let's wait for Lys.” Elena walked to the outskirts of the pavilion, where there were some logs that seemed to serve as seats. The others followed her.

When Ryo and Lys arrived, the discussion began.

“And Astray?” Lys asked.

“He's keeping an eye out for prying ears,” Benedek replied.

“Good. All we know now is that Nigheaven soldiers, accompanied or led by a winged knight, appear to be approaching the village.” Elena began.

“Strange, undoubtedly. Will Baron Somers be involved?” continuous.

“I don't think so… from what we investigated, he knows little or nothing. The man is only interested in the yellow flowers that grow in his few villages.”

“In addition, Marquis Schwartz keeps his vassals under close surveillance,” Velk added to Lys's comment.

“As far as I know, these territories have always been disputed by Nigheaven and Zaria.”

“Which only means bad news.” Velk let out a fleeting sigh after Benedek's words.

“Still, it doesn't make sense. They recently signed a non-aggression pact,” Lys added.

“Hmm… With the little information we have, there are only two probable options, and neither is good for us…”

Velk mentioned, Ryo silently waited for orders.

“For the moment we will continue with what was planned. Let's wait and watch.”

The warm embrace of the sun could be seen in every corner of the village. In the fields, the villagers tended blonde Apollonian flowers. Which father protects his blood and legacy. While the voice of the village was sung to the rhythm of the children, young people, women, and artisans who lived there. In the distance, far away, the flapping of the wings of an enormous beast flying over the skies could be seen like an enormous dancing blizzard on the fervent stage that the sun provided. Beneath that beast, the sound of dozens of galloping horses was deafening as they marked the green meadows that they ran, ran, and ran.

Time passed through the village along with the sun, which slid over the sky, coloring the landscape in multiple shades. Until it reached a pale pink that covered everything where the eye could see…

“Rohn has arrived!”

“I know, I know! Calm! Since the morning, you've been very nervous, Mario.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Let's see what these soldiers want.”

Rohn walked to the outskirts of the village to introduce himself to the unexpected guests, while a small shadow that went unnoticed followed them.

“Look! Look! It's a griffon! A real one!”

“I thought they only existed in stories!”

“I don't like it…”

“I want to draw…”

“Old Cohen had already told us they existed!”

“Hmm… I'm afraid…”

“Calm down, children, we have to wait for the boss.”

“Yes, don't come closer.”

Around the enormous beast, a small group of people: children, young people, and adults. They admired it. Some euphoric, others absorbed or afraid of the legend that was manifesting before them.

The griffon, as dignified and arrogant as the old chronicles represented him, stood imperially erect, observing the crowd.

Suddenly, tired or perhaps getting comfortable, he lightly flapped his majestic wings and raised his powerful claws a little.

“AaaaaAAAaaaa!”

“AaaAAaa! Incredible!”

“Yesssss!”

“I don't like!”

“Now, now! Why all the fuss?” Rohn's voice calmed the agitated audience a little.

He approached the gentleman who until now only observes one side of the faucet. He wore dapper turquoise armor with strange white decorations that seemed to disappear. Carried a huge great sword on his back, sheathed in a sheath worthy of a noble. And in his left hand he carried a helmet that resembled the face of an eagle made of steel feathers.

“Do you have any business with this village, my lord?”

“Sorry for disturbing your important activities. I introduce myself. I am the twenty-fourth winged knight, a member of the fifth order serving the celestial crown of Nigheaven. Mr. Jacques-levy.”

As they introduced themselves, a small shadow furtively blended into the environment.

Suddenly, the griffon seemed to notice something, he took a slight step back, but as quickly as he took it, he returned to his usual behavior.

The knight blinked at the griffon.

“Excuse my bad manners, my lord. My name is Rohn, I am responsible for this village by order of Baron Somers. May I ask the reason for the gracious visit of such a noble character?”

“Don't worry, we're just passing through. We have an important appointment, but it will almost be dark, and the road is still long. I hope you don't mind if we stay tonight.”

“No, of course not, they are welcome. I just have to comment that it is a bit unexpected, Baron Somers did not give notice of such an important visit. So we don't have much to offer.”

“Don't worry, I already said we're just passing through. Accommodation will be sufficient.”

“Excuse me. I must also warn you that we have an important ceremony that begins tonight, I hope you don't mind.”

“… It's okay, don't worry.”

“Thank you. And the griffon… The horses… I'm sorry, but I don't know what kind of place we can offer… we don't have stables…”

“He likes the outdoors, don't worry about that. And we will rope the horses into some trees in that forest. By the way, who does the pavilion that stands on the side of the village belong to?”

“Ah, it's a traveling circus that's on the way to Bourgmont”

“I see…”

“Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, that's all. You've already heard! Follow Mr. Rohn and get lodging from the villagers, those who can't get it will camp!”

“Yes sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The little shadow that was among the curious gazes was now moving inadvertently towards the pavilion.

“Well?” As soon as Ryo arrived, Elena asked.

“It seems like they're just passing through. Or so they mentioned.”

“And the winged knight?” Astray asked.

“He introduced himself as Jacques-levy.”

“Do we know something, Astray?”

“No… we only have information on key positions.”

“And Cohen?”

“He wasn't present.”

“Lys?”

“It seems like he hasn't left his house.”

“Hmm… Good. Everything will continue as planned. For today, we'll just keep an eye on it, see if we find anything else.”

“Levy is a strange name for Nigheaven.”

“Yes… although it is common in this nascent kingdom…”

“Why don't we ask him?” Benedek said to the thoughtful Velk and Lys.

“What??”

“Looks like he's coming to say hello.”

A silhouette that seemed to reverberate in the glare of the sun was slowly approaching them.

“Let's see what such a noble bird comes to tell us.” Elena stood up to receive the guest.

“When Rohn mentioned a traveling circus, I never thought it was the famous Red-Haired Lioness Circus. Forgive the rudeness, my name is Mr. Jacques-levy.”

“Don't worry, my name is Elena. I never thought that my humble circus would be known by such a noble gentleman.”

“You don't have to be so modest. Their circus is well known or so I have heard.”

“Thank you for such kind words.”

“You don't have to thank. I actually came because I'm a big circus arts enthusiast, and I heard they're about to leave, so… I was wondering if you could do an act for us. As you can see, money will not be a problem.”

“It will be a pleasure and a unique opportunity to appear before a winged knight. I just have to warn you that some members are a little unwell, only a few of us will be able to show up.”

“Okay, it will be more than enough. And I hope the others improve.”

“Thank you, it was a pleasant surprise to find an alchemist of Mr. Cohen's level in this village.”

“An alchemist in this village? It seems that this place is full of surprises. Well, we'll wait for you on the other side of the village.”

“We will be there.”

The gentleman took his leave. Elena watched him go with subtly sharp eyes.

“…”

“Do you suspect something?” Lys hesitated.

“Maybe…” Boss, what will we do?

“… You will stay here, Lys keeps an eye on Cohen. The rest of us will go and introduce ourselves, get ready.”

Everyone shook their heads in agreement.

Moments later, Elena, Ryo, Velk and Astray met the knight and some soldiers around him.

“I see we have an unexpected audience.” Elena took a look around at the few people there, as well as the large griffon that could be seen in the distance resting in the grasslands.

“Ha ha ha. I'm sorry, but Mr. Jacques, you were kind enough to invite me and Mr. Cohen, I hope you don't mind.”

“A few more eyes won't matter, right?”

“You're right, sir. In fact, I thought we would have more audiences, but I see that I was wrong.”

“Hahaha. In reality, most of them wanted to see them, but in a few hours the ceremony begins, which is a shame.”

“I am very intrigued by this ceremony…”

“Don't bother, Mr. Jacques-levy. Even I, who have been here for a while, know little or nothing about the ceremony.”

“I'm sorry. But anyone who wants to participate is welcome. It should only be purified in the river that is in the forest,” Rohn mentioned solemnly.

“It doesn't matter. I think it's time to see the show.”

“Yes, it's better to start.”

With these last words from Elena, the show got underway.

The sun was dying on the horizon, illusory violet seas where increasingly darker waves could be glimpsed, submerging the scene. The costumes of the artists who danced to the beat of the fire, wind, steel, and sounds made by the lute or tambourine, which changed rhythm dizzyingly again and again, seemed to combine so harmoniously with the environment. A captivating picture was outlined, evoking an ethereal dance. Where the passion for a new day languidly fought against the inescapable eternal darkness.

The gaze of the small audience could not blink at such a display of skill…

As if it were a coincidence, just when the night appeared, the act perished.

The thunderous applause did not wait…

“Undoubtedly the rumors are just rumors, they don't do them justice. They are the best artists my eyes have ever seen.”

“It is a pleasure to know that we lived up to your expectations, my lord.” With an elegant bow, Elena and the others responded to the knight's praise.

“It's a shame, a real shame that others couldn't enjoy such a beautiful spectacle…”

“Incredible, I never thought that circus arts could have such a degree of emotion.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cohen, and the others. But I think it's time to leave, the night has come.”

“You're right. Here, I hope that's enough. And I wish that one day you can come to Nigheaven, I will receive you myself.” Jacques-levy gave a small bag with silver coins inside to Elena.

“Thank you.”

Once they finished saying goodbye, everyone returned to their places. Inside the pavilion, Ryo and the others returned to their usual attire.

“Any unexpected visitors while we were away, Benedek?”

“I caught some careful glances, but they never came closer. And how did it go for you?”

“Cohen showed up,” Ryo replied.

“As we had thought.”

“Yes, judging from the little we saw, it seems that they don't really know each other, or they are excellent.” Velk meditated.

“Let's wait for Lys, she's the one who observed Cohen carefully,” Elena said.

“Did anyone notice anything strange about the soldiers?” Astray questioned.

Everyone looked at him strangely.

“Like what?”

“I don't know… they seemed a little strange to me, boss, but I can't really say why… maybe it's just a confusion.”

“…” Elena was thoughtful.

“If there is something strange, I hope it is not our problem.” Benedek had a serious expression.

“Let's wait for Lys.”

With Elena's last sentence, they waited patiently for the cat girl while they talked about any topic.

“That old man finally gives me a break…” said Lys when he arrived.

“Where is he now?” Elena asked.

“He is in the house of some villagers.”

“Well, tell us if you noticed anything.”

“Nothing special, his behavior was the same as always. It seems like he's not the point of contact, which is strange.”

“From what we have seen, they act as if they don't know each other…” Velk rambled.

“It seems that the Nigheaven forces do not have good communication.”

“Which is common,” Benedek mentioned after Astray.

“So if anyone makes contact, it will be Cohen.”

“That's right, Ryo, but always remember to act with the worst possible scenario in mind. So let's say you do know each other, and he is the point of contact. That would mean that they are so good that we have not noticed anything or that we have fallen into their trap.”

Elena's words left them silent.

“I think I'll modify the plan a little… We'll pick up things before dawn. Velk, you will watch the knight and the soldiers, Ryo, you will support Benedek in the village.”

“Yeah!!!!!”

“Astray, you will replace Lys tonight.”

“Correct.”

“Good. In secret is this truth that I say”

””””” In secret is this truth that I say”””””

Once the discussion was over, they began to prepare what was necessary for the next day.

“By the way! The ceremony is about to begin! Let's go see!”

“Can we go, Lys?” Velk seemed not very convinced.

“They had already told us that we could watch the start or participate in the banquet, although they didn't sound very convinced about the latter,” spoke a smiling Benedek.

“Let's see what it's about, I'm interested too.”

In the end, Ryo, Lys, Elena, and Benedek went to witness what the village's annual ritual was about. Meanwhile, Velk remained guarding the camp, and Astray left to keep the target company.

As they approached the village, they saw that most of the villagers as well as some soldiers, the alchemist, and the knight, were at the entrance.

They got closer.

When they arrived, they understood the reason for their presence there.

Surrounded by their parents, neighbors, and other adult eyes. Most of the little ones from the village were there….

Dressed in snowy tunics and floral ornaments on their heads, the children formed in two lines behind two young men not much older than them. The young man in front of the men held a torch with his right hand and a strange jug with his left hand. For her part, the young girl in front of the little ones, held a torch with her left hand and with her right hand a wooden chest with strange and colorful drawings.

Ryo seemed to recognize some faces.

In front of them, Rohn spoke:

—Remember that the beginning is the end, everything is given, everything is said, I speak, but it is already past, I live, but I am no longer. Omios Esus Morntmen.

”””””””””””Omios Esus Morntmen”””””””””””

The procession began.

Walking slowly, the young people began to move away, who, with their light clothing, looked like small flying birds over the gloomy space.

The birds moved further, further away, getting closer to the forest. Everyone was silent, watching from a distance.

Meanwhile, the moons—which were seconds away from sleeping—watched over the starry sky, the fluttering of the birds that entered the silent forest….