His journey to consciousness came gradually but once it did a small groan rasped past his lips. His mind was befuddled and memories were hazy at the moment. What he did realize however was the state of his body, it was not a sensation all too dissimilar to tiredness after a particular hectic day at the shop but this was different. It wasn’t that Jacob was tired it was that he was weak and it was the kind of weakness that penetrated his very bones. The kind that made him want to drift back to sleep despite only just waking up.

He did not allow himself such luxuries however, for Jacob had worked by a routine for too long to allow for deviation. So spurned on by years of ingrained habits he forced himself to rouse from slumber. His eyes fluttered open and it took a moment for his surroundings to properly come into focus. Once they did Jacob’s clouded mind began to clear at a faster rate as he beheld his surroundings.

This was not his bed.

This was not his room.

This was not anywhere he recognized in his home.

This was not anywhere he recognized at any place he visited in town.

This was not even Evelyn’s home.

The thought of the older woman suddenly snapped everything into focus.

‘Evelyn!’ he jolted upright as memories came to fore unbidden.

He remembered the visit to her house, he remembered their conversation, he remembered the attack and he remembered…the winged woman. Almost immediately he tossed the sheet off his body, saw that he was dressed in thin pants and shirt. Swinging his legs off the bed Jacob got to his feet and managed to barely take a step before almost falling flat on his face. In all his excitement he overlooked the state of his body but it only drew an annoyed groan out of him.

Jacob managed to carefully pull himself to his feet only to be interrupted when the door suddenly opened. Standing by the door was a woman wearing garbs that signified her as a priestess of the church. Actually now that he was paying attention to the paraphernalia decorating the room, he should have known he was in a church. Immediately the woman placed the item in her hand down, a bucket, and rushed to his side.

“You should not be moving about so soon” she informed kindly whilst easing him back onto the bed.

“Wha-” he rasped before falling into a coughing fit. His throat felt dry and scratchy.

“I will fetch some water” the priestess spoke and hurried off.

Jacob allowed her to go, soothing the urge to ask her the questions in favor of quenching his parched throat. In her absence he took the opportunity to scrutinize his surroundings. Smooth stone walls, stained glass, clean sheets and number of paraphernalia made Jacob come to the conclusion that he was currently in the healing ward belonging to the church. His gaze drifted and he made an amendment, it wasn’t the church but The Order.

Some people seem to think that the church and the Order are one and the same but his mother taught him otherwise. The church is a religious institution that venerates the Goddess Erestia and her teachings. The Order is a military organization created to protect humanity from monsters and the influence of corruption. Since the church worships the God that is directly opposed to the Monster Overlord and the Order was made to protect humanity from said Overlord the two organizations interest often align.

As it was explained to him their aligned interests would form a cooperative partnership through the ages where the church would provide members to the Order while the Order trained them to fight against their shared enemies thus protecting the interest of mankind. Nowadays most people assume that to be part of one is to be part of the other but the reality is much more complicated.

For instance take Everguard, it is a small town located in the Kingdom of Wenia’s territory which itself is closely affiliated with the Order. Everguard has a church and most of its people worship the Goddess Erestia so naturally it stands to reason that the town should also be under the protection of the Order right? Wrong, not only is there no Order presence in Everguard but you wouldn’t find anyone directly affiliated with the Order in most of the settlements around Wenia.

The door opened and the priestess, the Order priestess returned and now Jacob recognized the inherent differences between what she wore and what the nuns of Everguard wore. For one her garbs were a pristine white instead of black (which should have tipped him off but apparently his mind hadn’t fully woken up at that point). There were also the golden crests adorned on different parts of her robe including the cuffs, chest and forehead of her headdress. The robe was also oddly form fitting, ankle length and with four slits around her legs allowing for more freedom of movement.

“Drink this” she brought in a jug of water and a cup she handed to him.

Then there was the priestess herself, the woman was definitely older but had a youthful quality about her. She was also pretty and the way how her robes adorned her form highlighted her various curves-he cut off that line of thought right then. He wasn’t overly religious but he wasn’t about have such thoughts about a priestess in what was clearly a religious building.

With that Jacob greedily gulped down the water, focusing on how it soothes his throat.

“Slow down lest you choke” she advised for which he took more measured sips.

As he finished he handed her the cup when she offered a hand.

“Feeling better?”

“Yes, thank you miss…”

“Isobel.”

“Miss Isobel, may I ask where I am and what happened?”

“You are currently in Lord Brimsey’s manor” she informed.

Brimsey was the house name for the Lord in charge of Everguard, Rafferty Brimsey to be exact. He may not show his face in town but he kept a manor there for when he sometimes did visit. Naturally a commoner like Jacob who is the son of a humble shop keeper has never been inside the manor. In fact he’s never even seen the thing before, only heard about it in passing due to its location being in quite far from his community.

“As for what happened” at this Isobel hesitated “I am afraid it is not my place to say.”

What?

“Why?”

She smiled at him and Jacob was again struck by how pretty she was “all will be explained to you soon, be patient.”

Jacob could argue with that, he really could and he felt he really should but at the same time her words and expression drained the fight out of him and in the end he was left nodding.

Standing up Isobel directed him to the wash room “there are fresh clothes inside, make yourself presentable and I will escort you to see lady Sigrdrífa.”

‘Who?’

He almost voiced his thoughts but held back, as she said before, all will be explained.

~O~

It was only after Jacob was washed and wore high quality clothes to look presentable that he was allowed to leave. Allowed in that he was no longer too weak to properly stand and that he bore the proper appearance of a guest in Lord’s manor. Throughout it all Isobel was his companion, her presence was both a blessing and a source of irritation. The reason for this was because for as much as she came off as friendly, charming and a good conversationalist Isobel has so far kept silent on the matter of the events that led him to being here.

Rather than helping him it seemed that Isobel was guarding him which didn’t make sense but that was the feeling he got. Jacob was glad that he was finally strong enough to leave that room now because he was sure a prolonged stay would have ended…poorly.

As Jacob was taken across the manor, his eyes couldn’t keep from staring in awe at the place. The size of the halls that seemed large enough to hold a group, the valuables on display where people can steal them and the gaudy décor seemed so…silly to him. This was opulence on a level his mind couldn’t quite accept. Then again he came from a household of frugalness where resources are deliberately stretched where they can to get as much out of them as feasibly possible.

That made sense to him.

Having a large manor sitting empty of the owner yet constantly manned by staff to keep it clean didn’t make sense to his sense of frugality.

‘Maybe it’s a highborn thing’ his father did say that those with too much wealth than they know what do with often make decisions that don’t make sense.

The two walked for several minutes in silence as Jacob ruminated on this. It wasn’t until they exited the manor itself to the outside that his thoughts switched gears. The outside held the same description as the inside, large, opulent and unnecessary. At this point Jacob was expected to be escorted off the property but in actuality they seemed to be heading deeper inside of it.

“Where are we going?”

“We are already here.”

Here?

Jacob looked to find that the two of them were standing before a building, it was a church. He didn’t even notice with the sheer size of the manor he thought it was just part of it but no, it was an actual church.

‘They keep a church in here?’

…sure, why not?

The building itself was small yet it looked more impressive than the one he frequented in the community.

Isobel opened the door for him “she is waiting for you inside.”

‘She?’

For a moment he thought she meant Evelyn though he held his tongue on asking, he didn’t think he was going to get a straight answer from her anyway. Inside of the small church looked just as impressive as the outside, with clean white walls, fanciful sculptures, stained glass depicting saints, knight, angels and heroes. Even the furniture looked to be high quality and the pew…

This is where Jacob’s gawking at the architecture halted for he beheld the familiar sight of the armored winged woman from his memories. She sat kneeling at the pew just before a golden statue of the Goddess Erestia, a ray of light shone inexplicably from an open window bathing her in its luminescence causing her four pristine white wings to gain a faint glow. It was a sight that would have even the ardent non believer gaze in wonder.

The woman eventually concluded her prayer (because he realized that’s what she was doing) and stood. The light that shone onto her seemed to dim and with it the overall ambience lost its luster. As she stood to face him Jacob realized three things: the woman was tall, imposing and very beautiful. More importantly she took the visage of a beautiful statuesque woman in armor with four wings. These are descriptions he has heard before and it took a glance at one of the stained windows depicting certain heavenly warrior maidens for him to realize what he was looking at.

He was in such disbelief that he blurted out his thought

“Valkyrie” he blurted out in disbelief.

The woman quirked an eyebrow “did you only now realize what I am, boy?”

Jacob flushed in embarrassment for the second time that day. He mustered enough control to collect himself so he could ask his question.

“I was just surprised, Miss.”

“Understandable”

“Um, if you don’t mind me asking, why am I here?”

The Valkyrie folded her arms and cocked her hip to the side “how rude and impetuous to be standing in the presence of a divine warrior of the heavens and making demands of her without even so much as introducing yourself.”

Jacob recoiled, suddenly fearful and shameful.

“M-my apologies Lady Valkyrie.”

“Manners boy, it would do you well to learn them.”

At this point Jacob’s ear was burning as his eyes were cast down.

“Now properly introduce yourself” the Valkyrie commanded.

“My name is Jacob, my lady” he added not quite sure how to address her.

“Jacob” the woman strode towards him until she stood but a few feet away.

Jacob kept his gaze lowered lest he offends the heavenly warrior again.

“Raise your head Jacob.”

The boy flinched but did as he was ordered, and raised his gaze until he found striking blue eyes. The Valkyrie was tall, taller than him by a foot and very imposing in her full body armor.

After a moment of scrutiny the Valkyrie spoke “your posture ill suits you Jacob, a warrior must stand tall.”

Jacob’s mouth moved without words, an action caused by a brief war in his mind between his want to correct her and not wanting to offend her by disagreeing. In the end the former won out.

“But I am no warrior.”

“Not now no, but I will make a fine warrior of you yet.”

“Wha-what do you mean?

“My name is Sigrdrífa and I was tasked with the duty of training you to become an instrument of divine will.”

He flinched as the Valkyrie placed a gauntlet clad hand on his shoulder and smiled. It was a beautiful thing and normally Jacob would have been charmed by its effect as any man would but instead he felt dread and her next words only cemented that feeling.

“Rejoice Jacob, for you have been granted glorious purpose by the Goddess Erestia herself.”

“…”

Jacob didn’t know what to do in that moment but ‘rejoicing’ was the furthest thing from his mind.

“This news must be shocking to you.”

Yes it was.

He nodded not trusting his voice at the moment.

“As it should” she nodded to herself “I will allow you time to ruminate. When you are done Isobel will escort you to the banquet hall for your meal” and with that the Valkyrie walked around him towards the door, the sound of her heels clacking on the floor was deafening.

“W-wait!” he spun around to face her just as she does “what happened to Evelyn?”

At the mention of her name the Valkyrie’s expression turned sour.

~O~

Later…

Jacob exited the church to find Isobel waiting for him. The priestess was looking just as lovely as he last saw her, however long ago that was since he entered the church.

As their eyes met the smile she adopted was wiped off of the priestess’ face “is everything alright Sir Jacob?”

‘Sir?’

That is a title given to Knights or people of a similar status.

‘So it is already a foregone conclusion.’

To go from a commoner to borderline nobility in a single day sounded like a joke and if it was then Jacob was not feeling the humor.

“Where is Lady Sigrdrífa?” he might have butchered the pronunciation of her but he hardly cared.

Thankfully the priestess did not enquire about his mood and instead led him to where the Valkyrie was staying. They found Sigrdrífa in the banquet hall, the Valkyrie was seated at the head of the long table, her armor was gone leaving her in a black short sleeved shirt, form fitting pants and heeled boots. The Valkyrie was enjoying a meal when the two of them entered to which she gave her attention.

“You took your time” she spoke conversationally before gesturing to the empty chair to her right “sit, eat. Purging the corruption from your soul has left your body in a weakened state.”

Ah yes, the thing she did that rendered him unconscious and waking up with barely enough energy to stand. And the only reason why she had done such a thing was because his body was slowly being corrupted by Evelyn…who turned out to be a Demon.

“You will need to recover with food and rest before we begin your training.”

His training…to be a Hero which brings the other reason why he was here and why Evelyn a Demon had singled him out in a town like Everguard. Apparently he was one of the rare humans with unique ‘potential for greatness’ or a natural talent for being a Hero. It is not something that is always obvious such as being a prodigy or particularly talented in magic or combat but it is something that can be seen by beings like Sigrdrífa and apparently Evelyn who is a Demon.

Jacob himself has only noticed this in hindsight. All the times he was praised for being a bit smarter or more athletic than other children his age or even older. He didn’t think much of it because Jacob was diligent in his studies and helped with manual labor in the shop. He also inherited his father’s physique making him taller and slightly more defined than most boys his age. It was nothing that was truly outstanding and he knew boys his age taller and stronger than him still.

Jacob did not take the offered seat. Instead he took a deep breath to steel his resolve before speaking “I decline.”

Sigrdrífa paused in her meal, looking at him with sharp blue eyes “if you have something to say then speak clearly.”

“I decline your offer to becoming a Hero, Lady Valkyrie.”

At the moment those words left his lips the tension rose. Sigrdrífa herself did not visibly react beyond a pronounced frown and carefully placing her utensils on the table.

“Leave us Isobel.”

Behind him Isobel hurried out the door.

“You decline my offer?” she phrased the question as if it was a jest and even the corners of her lips fought not to quirk upwards “what brought this on?”

“I don’t want to be a Hero.”

“You don’t want to be one of the few humans chosen to be blessed by the Goddess Erestia’s power? You don’t want to be a symbol of salvation, hope and prosperity to your people? You don’t want to be the sword that strikes down corruption? You don’t want to be the shield that protects the innocent? You don’t want the opportunity to attain power, glory or status? Is that what you don’t want or am I mistaken?”

Her words started out normal enough however they gained sharpness with each moment until it had the force of enchanted steel.

Jacob weathered it as best he could “n-no, you are not mistaken.”

Sigrdrífa met his gaze for a long moment before she laughed. It was not a small, demure thing. Sigrdrífa laughed boisterously, with the same measure reminiscent of older men sharing a particularly funny joke. It was as if his words were the funniest thing she has ever heard.

“Unbelievable” she spoke at the end of her laughter “to think a commoner, the son of a shopkeeper no less, would dare to reject the call to arms by his God. And for what? To preserve his ignorance in this insignificant town filled with unremarkable people?”

Jacob’s brows furrowed but he could not fault her words for they are the truth. Everguard is insignificant, it is not located strategically in the Wenia territory and it does not boast anything valuable to trade. Not even the lord overseeing it deigned the town important enough to make more than a token appearance at best. The less said about the people living there the better but unremarkable is a pretty spot on description for most of them.

She eyed him with mirth and something else “you truly are something. Unfortunately you have made some grave assumptions boy. My words were not a mere ‘offer’ for you to accept or decline at your leisure. They are commands decreed by the Goddess Erestia herself. Second and least important is that you hardly have a say in this matter”

Jacob recoiled “w-what?”

“Petulant child” she shook her head “your parents have already agreed to this and have given me custody over you.”

No…

The Valkyrie’s expression was now a neutral mask “from now on I am your guardian.”

“You’re lying!”

“Foolish child, I do not lie.”

She was telling the truth, the words were unbelievable but how could he doubt the words of a Valkyrie? He couldn’t and so he stood there in a stew of disbelief, anger and uselessness. His fist clenched and his body shook but they were nothing compared to the turmoil set in mind. Sigrdrífa bore witness to all of this, her keen eyes seeing through it all before she stood and made her way to over him.

“A Hero does not cry Jacob” she spoke softly yet firmly.

“I…am not-” he sniffled wiping the tears away to no avail “not a Hero.”

“Clearly” she agreed then paused for a moment “five days.”

Jacob blinked his eyes into focus to find that Sigrdrífa had conjured what appears to be a letter.

“Wh-what did you say?”

“I am not so heartless as to separate a child from his family without reparations. As of now resources are being assembled for our departure and just as well I need to further investigate the Demon’s activities in this place. This will take several days to get done and so in that time you are free to do as you wish. Recover from the effects of purging the corruption in your body, settle your affairs and prepare whatever necessities you have for a long journey for we will be venturing to the holy city of Eristora.”

Jacob recoiled at the news a bit “why so far?”

He thought they were going to Wenia capital but, Eristora? Jacob didn’t even know where that place was other than it was very far away.

“While I am fully capable of training you in the art of combat and granting you knowledge on your foes, being a Hero will require more than just a strong mind and body. You will need to be educated in matters of human affairs and custom, something I am not well versed in.”

Jacob could very much believe that.

“The Order will be responsible for that part of your education.”

“But isn’t the Order also in Wenia?”

Not only that but there is even a Hero residing in the city and as far as he knew they were raised and trained there.

Sigrdrífa scowled at this though thankfully her ire wasn’t directed at him “you are not safe in this place Jacob. That Demon was most likely here to help facilitate an invasion or lead it even. With how long she has been here I know for a fact there will be several humans that are compromised and until they are purged you will not be safe. That Demon chose you for a reason and Demons are not known to let a potential prey go so easily.”

Jacob was still having a hard time wrapping his head around that but didn’t let his mind dwell on it.

Instead something more pressing came to mind “what about mother and father? Are they coming with us?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

She just said that Evel-the Demon would try to take him again and that people could be compromised.

“With the discovery of the Demon residing here for so long under their noses clearly the Wenia monarch cannot be trusted to protect his Kingdom” she spoke with disdain “as such the Order will be mobilized to aid them. Summarily Wenia is now under martial law, each of the settlements will be thoroughly investigated and purged of all demonic influence starting with Everguard. I will ensure that your parents are placed under the protection of trusted men and women of the Order.”

Jacob felt a weight lift off his shoulder at the news of his parents being placed under protection. At the same time he did not like the idea of leaving his family. Personal feelings aside at least if they were to accompany them to Eristora their safety would be guaranteed.

“You have nothing to say?” she interrupted his thoughts.

“I…” he paused to compose himself “thank you.”

The Valkyrie nodded “think nothing of it now come, the servants have prepared us a meal and I will not have you let it go to waste.”

Jacob had no choice but to acquiesce to her command. It also helped that for the moment it distracted him from thoughts of what the future may bring.

~To Be Continued~