Ch. – 4 The Mark of Krieg

“It’s Robert! Relax!” He screamed on the other side of the door. Still unsure of what to do Christian grabbed a sword that was hiding under their floor and moved to the door. Slowly Christian opened the door and outside stood Robert, the elders, and the examiners. All of them with an expression of surprise seeing Christian in full armor as if ready for war.

“You can relax were not here after you or Kaiden. We’re just here to talk.” Raz said. Slowly he walked towards Christian with his hands up as proof.

“What do you want?” Maria asked behind them with a bow ready. Somehow she had three arrows knocked at the same time.

“We’re here only to talk about your son and Rax here wants to offer ‘The Grey Fang’ a position in the army that’s all.” The elder said behind the others. There was a tension in the air, neither side was sure how to respond. Sensing this Kaiden thought of a solution that world relieve the danger.

“Why do you want dad in the army?” Kaiden asked as all eyes fell to him. Raz gulping started to move towards the door to see Kaiden.

“Well I don’t know if you know this but you father is known as ‘The Grey Fang’. He was famous for guarding helpless villagers as they traveled. One such story is that you father fought off a pack of dire wolves by himself, thus earning his name.” Raz explained to him.

“What I want your father to do is to come with me as a trainer. To train my men in defense, we need an expert. War is coming and we need help.” Raz continued.

“War? With who? The Kingdom of West Storm is at peace with all the neighboring kingdoms!” Christian accused.

“I can’t say.” Raz said.

“So why should I believe you?” Christian said.

“You wouldn’t believe me.” He replied.

“Humor us.” Lina dared.

Raz took a deep breath and then took the armor off his arm. There everyone could see a glowing symbol. Kaiden didn’t recognize it but from the looks of everyone else they did.

“This as you all know is the War Spirit’s warning. When danger approaches a kingdom this mark will begin to appear on all of his followers. After I tested your son this mark appeared a few hours after.” Raz said.

Now the tension had dissipated and was replaced with worry. Kaiden didn’t know much about Krieg except he was sort of the spirit they asked when going into battle.

“How important is that mark dad?” Kaiden asked.

With a sigh Christian lowered his sword and gestured for everyone to enter. There weren’t enough chairs for everyone but then Lina conjured up some chairs out of this air. When everyone wxas seated Christian gestured to Raz. “Since you’re a follower of War Spirit Krieg you can explain to Kaiden why that mark is so freighting?”

Raz straightened up and smiled, “Of course, now to explain this mark you have to go back in time a little. As far back as the first age, about five thousand years ago. That was the first time the mark was seen, the follower was Krieg himself back when he was human.” Raz said

Astounded with this information Kaiden asked, “Krieg was human? I thought he was a spirit.”

“Yes, he was human once, but in his time he was the greatest warrior in all of Zerte. He traveled far and wide defeating all challenges that stood his way. Being a great warrior was only part of him, he was also a paladin of the Goddess of life and was unmatched in skill and faith. Legend has it that during the first age when he had finally become commander of the Brothers of Faith, he received this mark.” Raz explained and as he continued the story took a turn for the worse.

Originally the mark was a blessing from the Goddess and she gave Krieg a message that said ‘When this mark appears, disaster will follow and the very foundation of Zerte will be shaken’. A warning that Krieg took seriously so he tried to spread word to try and prepare for the great disaster. Foolishly some accused Krieg of being corrupted and said that he was going to cause a disaster that would engulf their world. Somehow they convinced enough people to their side, and ambushed him and trapped him in a magical field that sapped him of his great strength before he could even fight back. For ten years he was imprisoned and then the crisis they felt was averted had come to bite them in the ass.

Dragons hadn’t been seen for over five hundred years due to their migration to hibernate in the eastern mountains but now they were back. To the dragons all they saw was food just out and ripe for picking. Devastation was everywhere, within the first year the population dropped seventy percent. The food and industry was almost non-existent, the dwarves hid in their mountains. Then the elves hid in their great forest and used their magic to hide their presence to the powerful dragons. But after three years with all the destruction there was still hope.

Krieg was released and the people clamored at him, hoping that he’d save them. Krieg’s release was made public and for the first time humanity was united but Krieg didn’t care anymore. Over the thirteen years he’d discarded his humanity and refused to save them. His exact words were “Until I have my justice I will watch as the dragons come for you and enjoy the smell of the burning flesh of you traitors.” And laughed at the entire kingdom.

In their despair they prayed for the Goddess of Life’s help. Then in the first time ever the goddess of Life came to them but not in the greatest of moods. Her words were recorded accurately due to many versions of it but Raz said that the message wasn’t pleasant. Her words brought shame across the entire human race, told them that in their arrogance they betrayed their only hope at salvation and then told them all if Krieg had his justice she would help them. Then she returned to the divine realm of gods and the nobles responsible for persuading the king all cowered at the sight of their people demanding justice for Krieg.

Those responsible were dragged out and brought before Krieg. They cowered and begged for their lives at his feet. Krieg did the unimaginable to them and for their children he spared them but not before demanding that they all be castrated and demanded that their titles, property, and wealth be taken. Krieg was a ball of anger and resentment that no one could stop. After all was done the mark on krieg had disappeared and the goddess let her voice be heard again. She said that she and the dragon god made a deal. The greatest dragon would face the greatest human and in return the winner would gain one favor from the other race. The dragons wanted the land to be divided and to be used as a hunting grounds for their welps. The humans wanted the dragons to return to hibernation. The battle would be in one week at an abandoned castle.

Now that Krieg had his revenger he agreed to save them. He donned his armor and left to meet the dragon. Along his way there many dragons challenged him and were cut down and at the castle he fought the dragon for seven days. In the end Krieg’s white paladin armor had turned black.

“It’s said that his divine white armor had turned black from the blood of a hundred dragons.” Raz told Kaiden.

“Why is Krieg a war spirit then?” Kaiden asked still unable to understand how a man became a spirit standing next to the Goddess of Life.

“Well, after he succeeded in killing the dragon he was near death, the fighting of a Grand Dragon was too much for him after he’d been imprisoned for so long and was at death’s door. He had given up on living with the people who had betrayed him and waited for death to come. As he was near the end the goddess of life came to him and took his spirit and forged him into a War spirit. How she did that is anyone’s guess but when he reappeared in the second age to fight the return of the dragons he was more than cooperative with humanity.” As Raz finished his story the room of tension had passed.

Kaiden sat there in wonder, Krieg was that powerful and was able to help humanity by defeating the dragons twice. With the strength he knew he would one day have he would have he wanted to do as much, or maybe more than Krieg.

“So why do you want me?” his father asked.

“We don’t know what the next disaster will be but we all know it will be catastrophic if we don’t prepare. So please help me!” Raz shouted. The room fell into silence, Christian didn’t want to leave his family, but he saw the destruction of his homeland and couldn’t imagine that horror to befall the world. What should he do?

Kaiden sensing that if his father was forced to he would leave to train men to help in the upcoming future. Kaiden decided to redirect the conversation.

“Why wasn’t I picked for anything?” Kaiden asked.

“Well, you weren’t picked for several reasons.” Sune said.

“One is you are able to do everything so you qualify for special recruitment, you would be given a separate exam into deciding your future. The second is due to your father’s history of fame we felt it dangerous to report his son considering he carries a heavy burden.” Alia said.

“What heavy burden?” Maria asked worried for her son.

At the question the two tensed up. Alia and Sune looked to Raz expecting him to explain. Raz looked at the two of them with a scorn.

“Well your son did something with the sword of requirement and we’d like to try again. Your son had an emblem that hasn’t appeared in several centuries. Not since the last age has someone had this emblem. The emblem do you remember it Kaiden?” Raz asked.

“It was a sword and it was surrounded by fire and ice. And in the middle of the sword it glowed green.” Kaiden replied. The people on then waited for Raz to continue but before he could there was a *BANG* on the door.

“Are you expecting company?” Christian whispered as he looked over to the elders and examiners.

“No.” Raz replied.

“Then we have a problem.” Christian said. When he finished his sentence fireballs had been flung at the windows. The attack was unrelenting as it was the shots were being dissipated.

“The wards I placed won’t last long with this type of attack. I think maybe three mages and four assassins. We won’t have much time until they get past my wards, we have about thirty seconds before it goes down.” Lina screamed as she tried focusing more power to the ward.

“We have to go, NOW. Everyone to the basement!” Christian shouted. Everyone ran to the basement and went down stairs. In the basement there were swords, armor, spears, and another door that Kaiden never knew about. As Christian opened the door a dark tunnel could be seen with a winding path.

“Through here, we will end up at the edge of town a league from the village. Commander are your men nearby?” Christian asked as he guided them through the tunnel.

“They’re stationed at both gates. If we hurry we can meet up with them in about fifteen minutes.” Raz hushed.

Everyone followed him to the end of the tunnel. They ran through the tunnel while Kaiden stayed on his father’s shoulder. As they reached the end they saw a hatch overhead them Christian dropped Kaiden off then took to a knee.

“Once we leave this hatch collapse the tunnel Lina. We’ll rest for two minuites before we make a break for it, spread out arm’s length from each other, Sune I assume you can cast [Ward]?” Christian asked.

“Of Course, if you want I can do [Barrier] if we need.” Sune replied.

“Ok cast a [Barrier] when I tell you to, ok?” Christian ordered.

“Ok” Sune said while pulling out his staff.

“Everyone ready?” Christian asked while waiting for head nods.

“Let’s go and make sure to keep moving and don’t stop!” Christian shouted as he opened the hatch and everyone ran out one by one. Together they all ran for the village when suddenly arrows started flying at them.

“Sune, NOW!” Christian said.

Sune then began to chant, “Oh Goddess of Life, Grant these deserving souls your protection, may it keep them from harm, [Multi-Barrier]!”

Suddenly hex-like pieces began to fall into place around everyone while following everyone. Some of the arrows hit the barriers but they just bounced away. The barriers were holding but for how long nobody knew, Sune’s abilities as a mage were unknown to Christian.

“Sune how long can you hold this barrier for?”

“About seven minutes at this rate.” He replied but at that moment to the left of where there were more arrows were being shot at them.

“Four minutes at this rate. Do you have a plan now Christian?” Sune asked

“Yeah” Christian replied, he reached into his armor and pulled out a grayish crystal and threw it out in front of them. Smoke then appeared in front of them hiding their trail. For a moment the arrows stopped hitting them. After another few minutes they arrived at the gate of the village. Fered was now on guard and saw them at a distance.

“OPEN THE GATE!” he roared.

When everyone neared the village soldiers in shields came out to meet them. Raz ordered them into a defensive position. Arrows stopped hitting the barriers and now hit the shields as they finally made it into the village the arrows stopped. Raz then left to meet with his lieutenants.

“Whew were safe” Lina said.

“Not yet were not, who were they after?” the elder asked.

“Honestly it could have been any of us. Thorin” replied Christian.

“Maria and I aren’t exactly liked by the Crotin Empire, Raz defended this kingdom from the Honione, my son is special, and that’s not including the past of the other examiners and Lina.” Christian continued as they overheard Raz.

“Sent out scouting parties! Find who attacked us!” Raz ordered and shouted more and more orders until what he wanted was done. Then he returned to them and put his hand on Christians back.

“Tonight, tell me where you’re sleeping and I will have guards protect you and your family.” Raz told him.

“Thank you, we’ll continue our discussion tomorrow.” Christian extended his hand and Raz shook on it. Everyone then went their separate ways to go home, except Kaiden. His family had lost their farm, the only home he’d ever know was destroyed, and his childhood was over. As he was on his father’s back he found himself in front of the inn.

Their bed for the night was not comfortable, anxiety and worry were his bedmates. His parents had people after them and it wasn’t fair. His mother was the sweetest woman he’d ever known including his past life, while his father was the hardest worker he’d ever seen with a kind heart that made Kaiden’s resolve to help people even stronger. What happened in their past that made them targets of an empire?

‘Whatever it is, I’ll find out tomorrow’ Kaiden thought as his long day came to an end as he fell asleep.

The next day Kayden woke up alone, his parents who were sleeping at his side weren’t there. Kaiden decided that they went to see Raz to talk and got up to go search for them. Downstairs his parents were at a table eating with Raz. As they noticed him they hushed and called out to him.

“Kaiden! Come over here my boy.” Christian said with a smile.

“Morning Dad, Mom, Commander Raz” Kaiden said.

“You can call me Raz, Kaiden” Raz smiled.

“So about your offer, Raz. I don’t mind training your men but where do my wife and child fit into this?” Christian asked.

“I don’t know but I am pretty sure I can find a spot for ‘True Shot’ Maria, Princess of Kimala.” Raz smiled.

“Oh so you figured it out, Im impressed commander.” Maria replied.

“Oh it only dawned to me this morning, it’s said that the kind and his daughter escaped Kimala but it wasn’t ever determined to be true or not.” Raz smiled.

“Ok that’s me but what about my son?” Maria asked.

“I don’t know, I have pull for the military side but he’s so talented I would feel it would be a waste if he didn’t learn the healer and mage class. Sune and Alia could help if you decide to join me.” Raz said.

“In that case all that’s left is that I ask Kaiden.” Christian said.

“Kaiden what do you want? We can either go with Commander Raz or stay here and rebuild.” Christian asked Kaiden.

Kaiden was now offered a choice, ironic since last night his family almost died. If he left to go with Raz he wouldn’t know where they would end up but on the other hand if they stayed the danger would only escalate.

Kaiden just sighed and thought to himself ‘Well, there goes my carefree days. Seems like I’m going to have to learn swordsmanship to deal with all the danger in this world. I should still be able to help people as well if we go with Raz.’

“Let’s go with Raz Dad but when were done we can come back some day.” Kaiden said with a smile.

“Ok Raz you have our answer” Christian said.

“Ok and in return I will keep your secrets. Sune will get Kaiden into the academy and Alia has pull to push Kaiden into the Healer course when he’s there also I’ll pay for his academy costs.” Raz said.

“There’s no need we’ll find a way, we can’t accept that.” Maria replied.

“Ok in that case we’ll figure out your wages later” Raz replied.

“Ok Kaiden go out and explore the village, here’s three silver and go out and see the village.” Christian handed the coins to Kaiden. Kaiden knew that he was being hushed away but decided to go out anyway since it would be his first and only chance to see the village.

Kaiden explored the village seeing all the things he could as he went around. As he was around the market area he saw a girl. She had red hair and brown eyes, she had Fered’s eyes Kaiden thought. He decided to try and make a friend since he had the time.

“Hi, are you Pam?” Kaiden asked.

“Yes, who are you?” Pam looked at him suspiciously.

“Im Kaiden, my dad’s friends with your dad. He told me to look for you yesterday at the recruitment but I got distracted. Are you busy?” Kaiden asked. She smiled, and pulled Kaiden in for a kiss. Franticly Kaiden separated himself from her.

“What are you doing?!” Kaiden asked with a very shocked expression.

“Thanking you. Weren’t you in trouble last night? I thought you could use a good luck charm. Come with me I’m bringing lunch to my dad at the gate.” She said happily dragging him along. Kaiden was no match for her strength as she was most likely older than him. Across the village they ran at a freighting speed to the west gate.

Kaiden thought to himself, ‘Last night’s death experience was more comfortable than being dragged by this monster of a girl.’

“DAD! IT”S LUNCH TIME!!!” She shouted. Around him he thought he could feel his eardrums bursting. From the top of the tower he could hear Fered come down in tow with Robert.

“Hey sweetie thanks for bringing me lunch, who’s that behind you?” Fered asked.

“Its me Kaiden, sir” Kaiden responded. Suddenly fered turned red and began asking questions.

“Why are you with my daughter? Are you dating? What are your intentions? What are you doing with your life? Will you make her Happy? How many kids do you want? You hurt my daughter I will break my sword in your ass boy!” Fered snarled.

“For Goddess’ sake dad we only just met and we only just kissed, it’s no big deal daddy!” Pam said to him in a stuck up tone.

“K-k-kissed?! KAIDEN!!” Fered furiously screamed as Robert laughed behind him.

“Fered Relax she kissed Michael before too so calm down already, Plus Kaiden’s dad saved my life last night so give him a break, OK?” Robert said trying to calm Fered down. After a few breaths and Kaiden hiding behind Pam did he calm down.

“Whew, sorry Kaiden I get a little overprotective of Pam sometimes.” He said.

‘A little? You call that alittle?’ Kaiden thought.

“Don’t worry daddy is a kitten around me.” Pam smiled.

“uhh ok.” Kaiden responded.

“So what are you doing out on your own?” Robert asked.

“Well mom and dad are talking with Commander Raz so I had time to go and explore the village. I was going to ask if pam could show me around. Then she dragged me here” Kaiden said and thought.

‘Emphasis on DRAG.’

“Ah ok then, Pam show him around the village then. Don’t worry about your chores ill clear it up with your mother. Ok?” Fered said.

“Ok Daddy.” Pam smiled cheerfully as she dragged Kaiden around again. For the rest of the day Pam took Kaiden to all the merchants, craftsmen, and playgrounds. Then at the end of it Kaiden was exhausted yet pam was still full of energy.

“I had fun today Kaiden, Thanks for hanging out with me.” She said.

“No I had lots of fun too, I just wish it would last.” Kaiden said sadly.

“What do you mean? Aren’t you staying in the village?” She asked.

“I don’t think so, my mom and dad were hired by Commander Raz today so I might be leaving soon.”

“Oh…” she said sadly, slowly tears fell from her eyes.

“What? Why are you crying?” Kaiden asked.

“Im always considered too rough so not all the other kids play with me, I thought that since you hung out with me today that we could be friends but you’re leaving soon.” She cried.

“Oh im sorry Pam but im not leaving yet, so I promise every day until I leave I’ll hang out with you ok?” Kaiden pleaded afraid her father would kill him.

“Really?! That’d be great! You’re the best Kaiden!” She hugged him tightly.

For the next week Kaiden kept his word and hung out with Pam every day until it was finally time to go. As his parents and Lina joined Raz and his men at the east gate; Fered, Robert, The elders and Pam were there to see them off. The adults were off on the side saying their farewells as Kaiden and pam did the same.

“I-I-I’ll M-m-m-Miss Y-y-y-you K-K-K-Kaiden” Pam sobbed.

“Aww Pam don’t cry, I will miss you too. Let’s make a promise, since you’re going to be a swordswoman you can come to the capital and visit me in Setat! So in four years we’ll meet again! On the day we receive our [Stat Ring] we’ll meet again ok?” Kaiden said.

“Promise?” She asked

“Of course, You know I keep my promises Pam” Kaiden said.

“OK, promise” Pam said as she hugged Kaiden.

Thus they separated and Kaiden journey to the capital began.

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