Chapter 10

If anyone were to tell Garen a mage was weak in a close up fight, they were proven wrong this day. He watched on into the darkening clouded sky, unwilling to move even an inch from his spot. With each shocking strike and pounding blow, the air distorted like reality itself was bending to the will of fighters. The enemy Norzak was facing off against was less freighting looking then the ancient Lich, but no less dangerous. Oddly looking like a bird but with arm and legs of a human, if it wasn’t for the sinister feeling it gave off, one might mistake it for an angel of lore.

Contrary to Garen’s reluctant will to run away, the rest of the men and women that had been knocked to the ground were quickly reorganizing themselves. They were just as confused by the outcome of the spell strike since everyone was unharmed except a few bruises. They were not fools especially the squad leader. In the Great War against the abyss race, he saw many horrendous battles and it was known some had special abilities and intellect. Clearly, one of his men was not what he seemed to be and the Lich caught on to the disguise perpetrated by the abyss monster.

“Gather everyone immediately; we are fleeing from this area now!” The squad leader gave out his orders desperately, afraid they would be caught up in the cross fire.

Upon hearing the words of a human once again, Garen’s eye flickered toward the sound. The fire in his desire to meet another living human once again ignited in his heart. His legs felt like heavy bricks as he takes each step but it wasn’t enough to stop him.

“Wait, let me come with you. There are a lot of things I need to know and you people are the only normal people here.” Garen pleaded with hope but also fear of being rejected.

No reply came from any of the members of the scouting party; everyone was far too busy trying to help a lagging comrade that was far too injured to move. Garen wasn’t happy at being ignored but what can he say? He was in no position to argue but silence didn’t mean rejection. Ignoring his own pain and scratches, Garen followed closely behind the group as they fled, leaving behind Norzak to deal with the mysterious foe that was fighting on equal force against the undead lich.

Inside his heart, Garen did not feel comfortable at leaving behind Norzak, yet he knew his own power was child’s play in their battle. It wasn’t long before they had put enough distance to disappear from sight, but they were not safe as echoes of the fight reached their ears. A part of him wanted to return and fight along Norzak, it seemed the right thing to do but his other half was saying otherwise.

“Dammit Garen, why are you acting so indecisive… The way you are acting is pitiful, hiding behind someone else while they fight to defend you! Enough Garen, Norzak has done too much for you, there is no justification for leaving him there!” Garen’s inner turmoil was showing on his face as a shade of darkness filled his eye.

“You there, my name’s Logna Fristan, squad leader of this scouting party. I thank you for your help earlier,” the hulky man leaned closer. “You wish to go back don’t you? I can tell, I seen that face countless times in the war. No one likes to leave their friends and comrades behind to fight on their own.” Lagna made a fist and brought it to his chest, “I will go with you, we owe you two strangers too much for saving our lives and giving the rest of my group a chance to go home.”

Garen was surprised by the sudden offer of help, taking a noticeable second to process the information. “My names Garen Kindred, I lived in the city of Muhandil,” raising his blood stained hands as a offer of greeting. The indecision no longer in his mind, Garen showed a face of conviction, refusing to let his weakness control him.

Then at this moment, a bright flash of thunder rocked the sky. The battle was about to reach its climax. Words were not needed to convey Garen’s intention now, he just looked into Lagna’s eye and they both understood. Mere mortals like them were a dime a dozen but even pawns has their uses.

Garen nodded his head to show he was ready and Lagna did the same.

But before they could go back, a young female soldier tapped Lagna’s shoulder. As Garen looked her in the eyes, he could see fear in them and realized everyone around was the same. Whether they were injured or still fit for combat, these people were no longer capable of fighting and they needed guidance.

“Lagna, you cannot come with me,’ he pointed a finger towards the rest of the group. “They need a leader to lead them and you are the only person they can look towards.” Garen spoke with reluctance in his voice.

The hulky middle aged Lagna looked torn but in the end, he could only nod his head as he looked down against his boots. “If you make it out of this, meet us in Muhindal, we will stay there for three days and look for you every morning in the central square. Do not die; I still got a debt to return.”

A smile formed on Garen’s face, he truly did feel happy. Never in his life did he feel this way, it was the kind of bond only found in those fighting beside each other. “Thank you; let us meet again if fate permits.” After these final parting words, he turned and ran. They all stood there watching him go, not one said anything. Their eyes were pained but that was all, a life of a stranger was far less valuable then their own.

Up to this point, Garen has always managed to make it through his ordeals, even if the odds were against him. The burden he carried with, the Kindred family name has forced him to walk the path of a soldier. He was neither gifted in magic nor excelled in swordsmanship like his father. But a fight between an ancient lich and a monster that could match its strength made his spine shiver. In matter of minutes, he would reach Norzak, it was no time to stall. This day, he will prove his worth, the world will once again see a member of his house fight on the battlefield with courage and honor.

Brandishing his sword, Garen could finally see Norzak and his foe. Both of them looked hurt, but such words were not enough to describe their conditions. Norzak was missing his right arm and his skull was cracked from an angle. There is no doubt his life was in peril as he limped with every move he made on the ground.

“Norzak!” Garen screamed with all his might to get the attention of his companion and now friend.

The lich turned his head towards the person that called his name. A happy mummified face was imprinted itself upon the elder and if he was actually living, tears of joy would be showing.

“To think you would come back to help me, the gods haven’t forsaken these old bones completely.” Norzak spoke with a hint of sadness but also happyiness.

End chapter 10