Chapter 12: Acacia's Past Part 1

“Since we’re already here and we are near the hill, let’s pay a visit there” Acacia suggested.

“Okay.” Asmot put down the beast.

Kellen was silent, but deep within he is excited to see what that hill looks like. He knows that Acacia and Asmot always go to that hill to visit something but he's not sure what is it. Now that they are planning to go there he is somewhat excited.

“Asmot leave the beast here so you will not exhaust your energy.” Acacia started to walk leading the way.

Asmot made a box using his ability and place the beast inside of it.

On their way Kellen notice various fruits and herbs but Acacia and Asmot didn’t pay attention to them. He wants to taste the fruit of this world, but that’s not possible for him so the only thing he can do is to stare and observe.

They pass the grove and Kellen saw a lush field of flowers of different colors dancing in the breeze of a gentle wind.

“What a view! I only saw this in a movie in my world. But why there is no hill here?” Kellen asked.

Asmot immediately said “You will see it soon.”

Acacia was in front of the two, leading the group and is silent the whole time. The three continue to move forward, when they about to reach the edge of the flower fields, the view of hilltop’s pop up one after another there are dozens of hill in this area.

“Surprised? Boss’s hill is right there” Asmot point the biggest hill at the side not far away from them”

The three move down and walk in the valley, there are many unique creature here an antelope looking animal with fluffy fur skin are everywhere. Horse type animals with two big horns in its head and look very sturdy galloping not far ahead on them. Smell of grass mix with fresh air makes you think that you’re in countryside relaxing and enjoying.

These animals here are not categorize as beast since they don’t attack humans and are not aggressive to them. They can be tamed and domesticated, sometimes they use them as livestock.

Kellen was so captivated in the surroundings, everything in this world is new to him and he cannot keep on admiring this creature and picturesque scenery.

“Look at those animals!” pointing at the nearby creature chomping a fruit “What do you call them?” Kellen asked while there walking.

Asmot look at Kellen and gaze on what his pointing “That little guy is Senquirrel their diet is that SenSen fruit that grows on rock and that one is Kalkam their meat was quite good and their milk was so sweet” pointing at the big black four legs creature eating grass.

“This place has a good diversity.” Kellen mutter looking at the animals in their way.

They climb the big hill and reach the top with ease. There is small house on the middle of the hill that can accommodate two people and there is also a well outside of it.

What caught Kellen’s attention is the big grey stone nearby where Acacia was standing.

Kellen approach and sees names carved in the stone.

Kellen was curious and asked “Who are the two people written on the stone?”

“They are boss’s family”

“What happen to them?”

“I am afraid I cannot tell you, I don’t want boss to get mad at me.” Asmot is not in his usual demeanor this time he is careful spouting unnecessary words.

“Sorry.”

Kellen nodded and remain silent. He doesn’t need to meddle in someone's personal life. He is already lucky to be able to come to this place.

“It’s okay, you can tell him it is not like Kellen is stranger to us anymore.” Acacia spoke, his tone is calm.

“But boss, we’ve only known him for a year, what if he tells it to someone and that someone will...”

“Ha Ha Ha!” Asmot was interrupted by Acacia guffaw.

“Asmot your imagination is really wide. Kellen is only a spirit and he don’t know anyone in this world except from us now tell me to whom can he tell it to?” Acacia look at Asmot with a mocking smile.

‘It is not like I still have a family to hide and protect to’ Acacia said to himself.

“That is...” Asmot look a far feeling embarrassed all of a sudden.

“See no one, just considered it as thanks to Kellen from telling us amazing things about his world, and from keeping us from boredom. In fact it seems that we have known Kellen for a long time since he already told us his entire life, isn’t it?”

“Well I commend you for being sensitive this time Asmot, sometimes you act using your brain but most of the time it seems you don’t have it!” Acacia chuckled.

Asmot touch his nose for no reason and chuckled awkwardly looking at Kellen.

“Okay, Kellen don’t be offended by me that I acted that way, I was being careful I just want to protect sister Nilan and boss’s history.” Asmot shrugged his shoulder and sigh.

Kellen look at them and said “Don’t worry I understand you don’t need to tell me I just only become curious with this sudden circumstances, I never thought that Acacia had his family here before in this isolated place.”

“Well, since boss already said that I can tell you and he also trusted you, then give me the privilege to tell their beautiful story!” Asmot attitude change instantly.

“. . .”

He continued “Please leave me here for a while, you can continue your conversation inside the house.” Acacia stood in front of the big stone that is surrounded with various type of flowers.

Kellen and Asmot moved inside, it was a small house but comfortable and neat inside, it was made of rattan and the roof was dried stem of a tree. Asmot sat on the chair and rest for a while seeing Kellen standing Asmot understand and he made a chair with his ability and offer it to Kellen.

“Well, where should I start?”

“Up to you I am just a listener this time.”

“Hhmmm? Let’s start the story fifteen years ago, when boss’s continent was in chaos due to his brothers doing!”

“Acacia belonged to a royal clan, his brother Ymiron is the ruler of Feilan Empire one of the two empires of Kilintor continent. His brother was cruel and ambitious he wants to expand his territory and eradicate Sarcan Empire which is much stronger and larger than them in terms of territory and army.

“Acacia opposed this plan of his brother’s and decided not to participate. The only reason for this is related to Sarcan Empire princess Nilan. Acacia and Nilan had a secret relationship and he will not allow anything bad happens to her. At that time he was the commanding Teserya the highest rank of military officer in Feilan army.

“His brother was so furious that he sentenced Acacia to imprisonment, until he changed his mind to lead their army to a war of conquest against the Sarcan Empire. But Acacia’s decision would not falter and he never agreed to his brother’s demand.

“Ymiron was only daring because of Acacia. He knows that Acacia’s strength was formidable and he is vital in waging a war against the Sarcan Empire, but what he didn’t expect is that Acacia will oppose him and refuse to lead the Feilan army. Ymiron had no choice, since he cannot persuade Acacia he formed an alliance with the smaller kingdoms and promised them that if they succeeded in winning against the Sarcan Empire he will gave them territories according to their contribution.

“Feilan Empire and five other kingdoms joined forces with two million men consisting of elite swordmasters, strong Elmcasters and many ordinary rank soldiers. They outnumbered the Sarcan Empire’s forces by one-third. The war kept on going for two months without Acacia’s knowledge, he was still in prison with no communication to the outside.

“After five months of war Ymiron forces able to penetrate the center of the Sarcan Empire with a surprise attack and caused chaos in the entire capital. That day was devastating to the Sarcan Empire, they suffer a major lose with the attack of the alliance forces, the city center was destroyed and many people had died, including some member of the royal family. Emperor Karus had been captured while injured in battle, including Nilan who was trying to escape the palace. Everything happened so fast with the help of skilled Elmcasters, who use a unified and concentrated attack.

“Sarcan Empire lost and were completely conquered by Ymiron forces. They held Karus and Nilan captive and brought them to Feilan capital to have a public execution.

“Acacia’s confidante was able to infiltrate the prison, since the security this time was lax because of the celebration of the empire for winning the war. He informed him about the misfortune of the Sarcan Empire, also the captivity of Karus and Nilan and the approaching execution date for them. After hearing this Acacia became enraged and he used his strength to break free of the steel prison, leaving it completely destroyed. With Acacia’s fury at his brother for going too far he rushed his way out to go and save Nilan.

“Nilan was in another tower and with her brother Karus in another room. She was crying for the misfortune that happened to them, in her heart she thought that Acacia betrayed her for not stopping his brother from destroying their empire. Suddenly she heard a ruckus outside and in an instant the door was blown including the guards that guarding it.

She saw Acacia’s face and she felt joy and sorrow at the same time.

“Acacia held Nilan, exhausted in breaking through the tower with tight security, he also broek Karus free as Nilan requested, they help each other to escape the tower.

“Outside Ymiron was with his elite guards to stop Acacia and the two. Seeing Acacia holding Nilan, and beside him was Emperor Karus his eyes twitched with anger. He disowned Acacia in that moment, and ordered his guards to kill the three of them.

“Acacia begged his brother to spare Nilan and Karus’ lives but Ymiron was really cruel and didn’t flinch in ordering his guards to kill them, including him. Acacia’s heart became cold and he did not care anymore about his brother’s blabbering. The only thing he knew was to escape that damnable place and save Nilan, he rushes and killed all the people who hindered him, at that time Nilan was behind him and Karus was covering their back. He used all of his strength to kill all of the swarming guards who keeps on coming, he saw some Elmcaster trying to use their ability to block their way. Seeing this Karus asked Acacia to save his sister he ran in front making them a way, Acacia dashed forward even though he’s exhausted he carried Nilan in his left arm while holding his sword in his right, leaving Karus behind blocking the guards that was chasing them. Acacia used the last of his energy to run faster away from the palace.”

“Wait here before I continue I’ll show you something” Asmot went inside the room searching something beside the log bed.

Kellen was silent and patiently waits for Asmot.