《Crimson》Crimson - Chapter 8
Advertisement
At the break of dawn the mercenaries moved out. The ground dotted with miscellaneous items and burnt out campfires. The only indication that they had ever been there.
Toale was walking in a daze, his mind filled with the events of the past day.
“Who are you thinking about?” a laughing voice brought him out of his reverie. Bryan jogged as he caught up with Toale.
“Nothing, hows your arm?” Toale said.
“Hmm, it's just a flesh wound, it'll heal in a couple of days. That last blow was awesome, how did you even do that?”
Toale laughed awkwardly.
What last blow? I wasn't even awake for a last fucking blow.
Attempting to change the subject, Toale asked, “What do you think we’ll hunt this time?”
No way I’m letting him know that I wasn’t conscious when I beat him…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Lord Agave, please come this way.”
Tavak looked at disgust at the small man in front of him. Short, skinny and with shallow cheeks. He looked as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. His sunken eyes, however, hid a vicious and cunning glow.
Typical politician. Quickest way to get assassinated is to underestimate them.
Controlling his disgust for the subservient man in front of him, Tavak interrupted the long stream of praises that endlessly spewed from the scrawny mans mouth.
“City Lord, I’m sure you understand how grave this matter is. Forgive me for not accepting your invitation.”
“No problem My Lord. Haha, this one wishes to ask to what he owes this pleasure?”
Spineless relic of the Cutrens. A shame on his ancestors.
“City Lord, I require information on all personnel who have left for the Desolate. As for Knyg, I am confident that there will be no problem in your hands.”
Advertisement
“Ah, yes, yes, My Lord. The Knyg pass has been blockaded and sensory runic bearers have been spread along the mountain range.” The reedy voice constantly provoking Tavak, the City Lords habit of rubbing his palms not helping his disgust. “A decree has been issued imposing a ban on travel to the Desolate. However…” The City Lord hesitated.
“City Lord is there a problem?”
“Forgive me My Lord, it seems that this useless old man wasn't fast enough with his actions. From yesterday morning till now, three bands have left for the Desolate.” The scrawny man submissively bowed his head causing Tavaks lips to further curl in revulsion. “Claw Union, Blade Camp and Silver Moon mercenary band.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Desolate was a beautiful land. Filled to the brim with wildlife and all types of vegetation. The untouched land hid countless natural treasures. It was also a death trap for the inexperienced. The plains stretched endlessly to the west, with no records to any southern limit. The western Desolate was separated from the east by a treacherous mountain range, the same that split the Southern Urcan Empire and the Sheouqua Sultanate. The plains had no cover until the eaves of the Great Forest.
The grass here was a deep and verdant green, overflowing with vitality. The vibrant colours painted a picture of paradise, a sea of green stalks, soft to the touch and sweet to the taste. Within this sea of tranquility hid terrifying dangers. Constantly mutating Desolate demons spewed out of demonic rifts, born from the evil energy deep within the earth. The enemy to all humankind.
Oslem was acknowledged to be the settlement furthest into the wild lands, but they were not the furthest people. There were countless nomadic tribes that journeyed through the Desolate, their unique culture giving birth to terrifying warriors. There movements difficult to track and any military action against them by their northern neighbours had ended with disaster. Countless days being plagued by beasts, poisonous plants, raided by men that melted into the darkness had a funny way of destroying morale.
Advertisement
For the mercenaries of Oslem, this was truth of their life. Out of all the northerners, they had the most contact with the nomads, constantly trading for information, survival techniques and valuable goods.
Graveth set course for one of the local tribes. The periphery of the Desolate was not dangerous to the Silver Moon, but his planned path dug deep into the demonic beasts territory. To enter without a guide was mere folly.
“Sheart, order the men to move faster. We have no time.” Graveth said.
By his estimate, Knyg would have been blockaded by now and pursuers informed. However, there were no suitable regiments stationed locally capable of braving the Desolate and reaching them in such a short time. Call it a soldier's intuition, but he felt the need to cover as much distance as possible.
A cacophony of shouts indicated his orders being passed on as the speed of the company increased.
Graveth resolutely forged ahead.
Advertisement
- In Serial234 Chapters
My Fierce Tigress Wife
Everything Wang Hu ever wanted before he died was to build a family.
8 257 - In Serial28 Chapters
Divine Empress of Chaos
A mysterious old man appeared before Yu Liang and her younger brother one day, throwing her peaceful world into chaos. Trapped inside the Divine Chaos Pagoda, she must safeguard her brother and reach the top while fending off enemies if they wish to escape the tower. Just what secrets does this pagoda hold? With the promise of a legendary divine artifact as a reward, bloodshed and sacrifices taint the path to the top. Yu Liang wouldn’t bat an eye at the gore. Her steel cold heart disregards all besides her brother. But since when has he made a dent in her iron heart? The allure of the legendary divine artifact pales in comparison to the devastating male evildoer. Is he a friend or foe? If she has to make a choice between her brother and him, will she choose the familiarity of family or the unknown future of love? The old man entwined our fate together, but it is up to us to choose the path of destiny we wish to embark on. Note: This novel is also posted on my blog at Queendrops.wordpress.comPlease visit my site for faster release and access to the story. Thanks!
8 213 - In Serial72 Chapters
Let's Imagine a Female Knight From Another World
The distant lands of Euphoria are plagued with corrupt kings, ruthless knights, savage beasts, and endless bloodshed. After dying an unseemly death, Momoko Miwa meets with the Goddess of Sorcery, who offers her refuge in the world to defeat the foreboding Evil King. Unfortunately, due to her inept perception of fantasy, she accepts with the hopes of becoming an incredible knight like the heroine of her favorite manga. She finds herself on the outskirts of Phoenia, one of the strongest military powers in the world currently being targeted by all governing nations due to their increasing level of magic proficiency--something the other powers lack entirely. With the secrets of magic unfolding, alliances being tested, and mentalities being broken: Will Momoko prove to be a worthy Holy Knight, or will her new surroundings overwhelm her into oblivion?
8 242 - In Serial6 Chapters
The Violet Dragon Familiar
Five hundred years ago, the world was a much different place. Knights and mages roamed the lands, taking on quests and battling monsters. It was an era of great adventure… but it has come to a close. Monsters are long extinct, and with them, magic. You see, much like a tree creates oxygen, monsters produced mana – the ethereal substance that made casting spells possible. With no monsters to fight, the age of heroes ended. Now, the world is caught in a storm of technological advancements, new wonders seeking to replace the long lost magic. Evan Thames is a young man growing up in the prosperous city of Dewton. As the son of a famous general, he’s pretty high class, comfortable in his life… but that all changes when he recieves a mysterious parcel from his long absent grandfather.
8 95 - In Serial21 Chapters
Journals of Cultivation
When I was born into this world the first book I ever read was the journal of the Demon-Mage Nichoals Freeney. For millennium, this journal has been a requirement for every apprentice mage, and most you warriors have read this book, and gained insight into the true world of Martial Cultivation and Magic. Yet, unknown to all the journal was not complete. Now, many, many millennium later I have reached the pinnacle of power. Soon, I'll be ascending to the higher-realms and feel that it is time. Time to tell the remainder of the story that has captivated an entire world for thousands of years! Hopefully, you'll gain some insight from the journal's of mine. Good luck, You'll need it.- Nicholas FreeneyA/N: Once Weekly Updates (minimum) Please Review/Comment/MSG me. As an author, feedback is crucial to my motivation since I'm doing this not just for me, but for you too.ChitP.S. I'm also working on another project, Sacrifice, which you can find here. http://royalroadl.com/fiction/3864
8 150 - In Serial34 Chapters
Dungeon Accident
On his way home after buying a pack of cigarettes, Dude suddenly finds himself in the lowest floor of a labyrinth! After conquering the legendary labyrinth in accident, he wanders around as he asks himself what to do next. Can he find his way back home? Or will he choose to live in this game-like fantasy world filled of adventurer?
8 99