Chapter 1

Garen watched the crystalized snowflakes as they drifted through the air, careless and free, as if without a single burden in the world. The puffs of frozen water fell like flower pedals, descending upon the human city of Muhandil. Each flake drifted in all directions, blowing in the fierce wind and twirling around like mini cyclones.

Garen stood quietly in one corner of the watch tower – a structure built on top of the city defense walls. From within, sentries could watch the outer terrains from a higher angle for any signs of danger. Garen wasn’t on duty; unlike the others currently in the room, he liked spending time in this place to think. This was simply one of the few places where he can find solitude from those that was constantly demanding more from him. And Garen liked solitude when he was thinking. When you’re alone, no one can hurt or betray you. His father had taught him so many things, and then reinforced his teachings by doing what he always preached – by hurting Garen emotionally and physically whenever the chance comes up. They were good but harsh lessons, even if his father, Bernard was considered a low life in everyone’s eye.

The snow continued to fall in the winter cold. Sometimes, Garen imagined he was like the snowflakes floating in the wind, a thing without emotion or thought, free from the confines restraining Garen’s life. Then he could finally live…

He heard noises coming a short distance away, then the wooden door across the room snapped opened.

“Garen!” Lamberd said, moving his snow covered body into the room. “There you are! The captains been searching for you, he thought you went home already.”

“Then why did you come looking for me here, it’s obvious he knew I didn’t leave yet,” Garen thought to himself.

“You should go see the captain right now, the guy seemed off like something is scaring him,” Lamberd said. This person was a senior soldier in the city sentry brigade, why he didn’t reach a higher rank is anyone’s guess. Nice man in his own way, the kind of fella a junior soldier would look to when they have questions. Help was always available if you talk to Lamberd but motivation was one quality this senior lacked. Infamous to his peers for his lazy attitude and can’t do ways; it was considered a form of punishment by higher ranked commanders to pair Lamberd with junior soldiers.

Life was relatively easy for Garen in the army. As a sentry soldier, they got one of the highest pay grades in the city and a above average chance of promotion. The only demerit that came with the profession is the inherent danger from bandits or war. As fate would have it, the city of Muhandil was located in the outback of the human empire. With barely any traffic from trade and a terrain full of mountains, a normal person would have difficult times crossing the land. The only exciting event that ever occurs in the citizen’s life is the harvest festival each year, sending the people into the streets as they celebrate with food and dancing.

“Well?” Lamberd asked. “If you stand there any longer, the captain is going to lose it.”

Garen was annoyed by the demand, especially when he was technically off work, it’s not like this is the first time the captain looked for him when he’s off duty. Garen nodded unwillingly, moving at a quick pace out the tower room. He brushed pass Lamberd and walked out into the snow covered brick floors of the fortification walls. With each step, Garen felt the heat inside his body beginning to leak into the environment, adapting to the winter weather.

The captain’s quarter was located in the soldiers barrack in another section of the city, in order to reach it; Garen had to make his way across many twists and turns. Assuming he kept moving at his current pace, he would reach his destination in twenty minutes. It was already a common occurrence for him but he better be ready for a tongue lashing. Being treated like a dog running to its master at a single call was part of the job description. Garen knew what he was signing up for, even if he has to lower himself to such a man like the captain. The pay and job security was something most men would fight for if given the opportunity.

“There you are! Where were you?” Captain Ragard lifted his fat finger, jabbing into Garen’s chest as he spoke in his disgusting attitude.

Garen’s body stiffened, making sure he didn’t let any hint of anger or dislike show in his face. Giving his usual expressionless face as he explained his reasons, giving Captain Ragard what he would expect out of his personal servants. Without any hint, Ragard’s hand slapped Garen across the face, the force from the impact made a noticeable impact sound. Captain Ragard growled slightly with a angered red face as if disappointed by the lack of reaction from Garen.

“Listen carefully,” Ragard hissed in a snake like tone. “There is an important job I need you to do. Just like the jobs before, I want you to deliver a package to the city across the mountains. You better not mess it up; it is worth more then what you would make in months. Understand?”

Garen nodded in acknowledgement.

Captain Ragard studied him for a moment, his rugged face returning into a calmer shade. Finally, he looked away from Garen, implying the meeting was over.

Garen was used to these meetings and the unreasonable requests made to him by the captain. Abuse of power and corruption was like a tradition in the sentries rank, being stuck in the outback of the empires territory didn’t help when higher authorities didn’t give a care. Making his way to the secretary outside the room, Garen picked up the wooden box that he was supposed to deliver from the young female. The lady in her green dress and blonde hair was absolutely gorgeous, no doubt selling her body to the higher ups in order to keep this job. As the wooden box changed hands to Garen, her eyes did not even make eye contact, acting like he did not even exist to showcase her status.

“It’s as they say, similar people flock together.” Garen wanted to say this to the women but kept it inside, knowing the problems that would follow was not worth it.

The sun has already set for the evening by the time he walked out of the building; darkness shrouded the lifeless streets as civilians made their way home for the day. Following the ritualistic habit ingrained into Garen’s leg, the familiar sound of drunkards welcomed him as he caught sight of Gabbits pub. Ignoring the strong scent of alcoholic beverage permeating from the wooden building, he made his way toward the side alley where the entrance to his accommodation was located.

“Garen my boy!” The pub owner shouted through the wooden window. Broct, the snitch, the broker, one of the many names he gained from his side business. Broct was a small man if you compared him to the average native born, yet he had the strongest voice in the entire city. This stubby man wasn’t born in Muhandil nor raised here in fact, only settling down in this city after being exiled from his family. With nothing but his own personal savings, he had to spend every dime to his name when he bought the pub off the previous owner.

Fates been good to this foreigner, gambling everything he had into this establishment and quickly becoming one of the most popular places to get drunk. As business picked up over the years, he even bought the buildings next door, expanding his business to include lodging for travelers. Adding to his luck, Broct already reaching 40 years of age, managed to wed one of his pub wenches that was half his years. As if the gods themselves was looking out for him, his first wife passed away years ago, leaving only his daughter and him, so there wasn’t any complication when he brought the idea of wedding another to the church.

Already unhappy from his meeting with the captain, Garen wanted to ignore Broct, but he knew better than to offend his landlord. “Evening Broct, how’s business?” Garen shouted back.

Breaking into a smile when Garen replied, Broct quickly made his way towards the front door. “Oh you know, just the usual. You should come inside and have a drink too!” Broct spoke this as if giving an order to a subordinate instead of speaking between equals. Garen knew what the man really wanted. It was well known Captain Ragard ran a business smuggling artifacts into the black markets, it just so happens the person doing the delivery was the one and only, Garen himself.

“A man can never keep a secret when they are drunk,” Garen’s father had always taught him. Garen knew Broct wanted information about what’s inside the package but even Garen didn’t have a clue; the lid was sealed tight with metal nails. Competition between smugglers are intense in this region, any leak in information can mean a major loss in profit or an ambush by bandits on the road.

“Its fine, I was just about to head home for the night. I had a rough day at work today so I’m really tired,” hoping such a lame excuse would be enough to ward off Broct.

“Nonsense, a man can never be too tired for a drink!” Broct reached out his hand, grabbing Garen on the shoulder as if making sure he couldn’t escape. The stubby pub owner practically dragged Garen inside with his inhuman strength, forcing him to sit in the depths of the pub. Turning his ugly head, Broct faced the bar table where his wife managed the drinks, “Bring him the usual,” Broct shouted. His wife Marlene understood immediately, like two partners working together in order to finish a job. It wasn’t the first time Broct wanted Garen to spill the beans by forcing him to drink, the first time this happened, Garen lost the content of his delivery when he was on the road. Three months’ worth of salary ended up as compensation and a serious tongue lashing was what welcomed him after escaping from the bandits that robbed him.

“Very well, if you want to see it so badly, I’ll let you see it.” Garen moved his package atop the table as he focused his attention in finishing his drink. “By the gods, what is this stuff I’m drinking?” Garen thought after taking a sip. The longer he stayed here, the more likely something unfortunate might happen. Ignoring the objection of his stomach, Garen continued to swallow every bit of the foul liquid.

As if reading Garen’s mind, “What’s that box you are holding there, my boy?” Broct leaned forward as he spoke. “Did that Ragard want you to go on of those errands for him again?” Showing an innocence face as if he didn’t care what Garen’s reply was.

But Garen knew better, “No, it’s just something a colleague asked me to pass on to his relative across the mountains.” Garen spoke in a tone as if the matter wasn’t important. If he showed any sign of panic, it would be a quick give away that it was important, then word would spread like wildfire.

“Oh, mind if I have a look then? I’m sure your friend wouldn’t mind if a curious old fella like me takes a look now would he?” Broct moved his hands aiming for the box. After spending a few minutes inspecting the object, Broct realized unless he yanked apart the lid with something sturdy, he won’t be able to look inside at the contents.

Garen broke into a grin as he finished the last of his ale. “Old fool, you think I would dare walk into a dragons nest unless I was certain?” Garen thought to himself. “Well, I appreciate the free drink but I must get going. Got a long trip tomorrow you know.” Garen stood up as he says this, knowing he had won this encounter.

Broct wasn’t pleased by this situation but even so, he did a good job hiding it as he continued to smile while speaking, “Very well boy, best not to keep you then but there’s word that trouble is on the road recently.” Securing his prize with both hands as he smiled, Garen slowly walked through the room full of men and women laughing as they enjoyed the alcohol and atmosphere of the place. Certain Broct’s warning was just a last attempt to scare him with those parting words.

Tired and exhausted, Garen shoved his boots into the snow covered alley as he made his way to his place in the alleyway. An old wooden door welcomed him, the rust apparent on the hinges, indicating the long years of neglecting care. Struggling to find his key and balance the wooden box with one hand, his patience was growing thin. “Argh, why can’t things go smoother today,” Garen mutters in a low voice, relieving his built up stress. As he walked in, the door made a loud creaking sound as it swung open from the chilling wind. Dropping the package without care onto the floor, he slammed the door behind him, only silence and darkness of the room welcomed him without a hint of comfort. Garen didn’t care about anything at this point as he made his way toward the old wooden bed in the corner, the only place in the entire city where can truly rest. “It’s been rough this night and tomorrow will just get worse.” Garen muttered to himself as he drifted into slumber.

Discomfort filled Garen’s body as drops of sweat covered his face and body. “Ugggh… nooo…. please stop!” These words unconsciously leaked out of his mouth. Throughout the night, images of destruction and death of entirely unknown species played out in his mind, paralyzing his body as if he was reliving the very memories of those in his dreams…

End chapter 1