Chapter 3

The dust from the earlier impact seems to subside… the sound of war cries and clanging of metal can be heard once more… my visions blurs… I feel a tug as someone seems to be carrying me… the last question in my mind before I fall into unconsciousness, "Where am I?"

***

"Where are we Jack?!" "Mas..ter, we seem to ha..ve come.. across.. a battle…field" Gazing over at Jack. "Yes I can see that Jack, thank you for stating the obvious." "So..rr..y, I… will.. do bett..er next.. ti..me.." Jack mumbles.

"Dammit Jack please stop stuttering, speak clearly"

"Y..es.. For..give.. me…" as Jack continues to stutter.

Sighing, I gaze upon the chaos down below. Having just escaped the terrifying forest behind me, I recall the many beasts I encountered. To be honest I'm not sure if you could actually call them beasts… perhaps behemoths would be more appropriate. The fact that I am still alive has of course nothing to do with my outstanding survival abilities neither my combat strength but precisely because I made a smart decision in picking Jack as my apprentice.

Jack seems to be a beast tamer of sorts. Though I don't think he really looks the part however it is a fact that the beasts did not dare come near us. They also seemed to follow Jack's commands. Jack later informed me that they are in fact magical beasts… taking a moment to process what Jack said… before realising magical beasts are a figment of one's imagination.. the look in my eyes deepen as I realise the implications behind this.. you question Jack's physiological state.

Jack watches on from a distance as I stand there seemingly deep in thought while I overlook the battlefield… "is Master about to finally demonstrates his full capabilities.. it seems like the battlefield before us could barely be called qualified for that…" Jack eagerly looks on…

As I focus back on the situation at hand, the situation does not look all that optimistic. The forest looming behind me and the war raging on in front, left with little options I contemplate whether camping up on this cliff would be the safest solution.. the armies should not notice us.. we are but two simple travelers just trying to make our way in life… a bright light shoots into the sky… both armies proceed to advance in your direction…

"dammit Jack what did you do now.."

"….."

***

A little while earlier

Command tent

A large topographic battle-map is laid out… with strategic chess pieces sprawled about… a sharp-looking figure can be seen maneuvering each piece with frightening speed. It is evident that this man's strategic abilities are outstanding. Mountain ranges can be seen towards the east, rivers flow throughout the region… more prominently to the west a dense forest seems to stretch endlessly..

"General Kening, we have just received report that two figures have been sighted walking out of The Night Forest!"

"What did you say, don't just spout nonsense"

"It is verified sir… in addition... well…"

"What is it.. just spit it out.."

"Well … they seem to be mystics.."

A fist slams on the battle map scattering the chess pieces.. "Damn mystics.. they think they can come and go as they please, as if this is their backyard.. no… I will not allow it"

The commander takes a moment to silently ponder, different scenarios appear in his mind before one is pushed to the forefront of his mind…a cold smile surfaces on his face.

"Send word to the oppositions camp, we will temporarily hold a truce. We request for their assistance in dealing with these mystics, in return we will give up part of this westward region to them…"

"Sir I think you should reconsider, mystics personalities are somewhat strange, I have heard…"

"You dare! What have you heard…?" the scout awkwardly stands there not daring to utter a sound. A smug look appears on the commanders face "Send word… those mystics will not see the sun rise tomorrow…"

***

A man awakens.. ".. this is!?" a figure in dark robes lies in the stretcher beside him

To be Continued.