Scarcity

In the rugged mountains of the western Novamantus, the three of them rode their horses along a winding trail. Just hours after they left their temporary camp, the sun had already risen in all its blazing glory.

Despite the scorching heat of the sun, the gust of the wind caressing their bodies kept them cool. The scenery of the moving grass by the meadows below was their only solace. Although being atop the mountain, other mountain peaks couldn't be seen as it reaches beyond the clouds.

Mikail was still deep in thought. He had a lot of questions in his mind, trying to remember exactly what had happened last night. Nonetheless, he chose not to speak. He reasoned to himself that surviving his untimely death and being able to see the light of the sun once again must be a miracle bestowed upon him by the Gods.

The long, arduous trail wasn't that bad, they thought to themselves. Despite the perilous road, their journey goes on quietly.

Sauron, who had a timid smile painted on his face while he stared at Mikail, suddenly remarked, "Oh, was I really worried at the thought that you would've died!"

Upon hearing Sauron's remark, Mikail finally remembered the daggers that had inflicted poison on him.

With haste, Mikail lifted the sleeve of his tunic and checked his right arm, where he was wounded. But to his surprise, his arm was already covered in bandages.

'Kuhk...!' he groaned as he touched his skin. The pain has yet to subside from the lack of recovery, but the wound have seemed to heal faster than it should have.

He then looked at Ars that was ahead of them, his mind was filled with confusion. Making his mind up, he galloped his horse to catch up to Ars' pace and ask, "I could've sworn I was poisoned, how am I still alive?"

Ars turned his head and glances at Mikail's body.

"..."

After quite a while of silence with Mikail expecting a response, Ars lifted his bag before he rummages on it.

Seconds later, he pulled out a small glass flask and threw it towards Mikail.

"...What is this?" Mikail muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Inside the flask was an unusual dark green liquid, which he then examined for some time in an attempt to identify it. But after several minutes, he was unable to do so.

"That's an elixir," Ars finally spoke.

"Pour that on your wounds to hasten your recovery," he added.

As Mikail contemplated, thinking about where this weird-looking flask that Ars called an "elixir" came from and how it was made, Ars suddenly stopped and pointed in the distance where a village was situated below the colossal mountains.

"Is that...?" Sauron narrowed his eyes, trying to discern what it was.

"Stonehaven. We can take a rest there for the meantime."

...

The sun was setting over the village, spreading long shadows across their dead field of wheat and peasants' dilapidated huts. Thick black smoke from the blacksmith, dungs and pigs and horses corpses stench greeted them.

There weren't many people out their homes, but those that were seen were either sick or half-dead, laying by the side of the road as people walk pass them. As they explored the barren village more extensively, all they could perceive was a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Sauron was completely unaware of the existence of this village in the Novamantus plains. The villagers were wary because their faces were unfamiliar to them.

Vernon Sigis, the lord of the village, a conceited and self-centered bastard. He spent his wealth lavishly, neglecting his people as the village gradually deteriorated. Despite thier plight, he dispatches his men hut by hut, demanding taxes from the villagers.

Ars gestured for them to go ahead as he had some matters to take care of. Although confused of what it was, Mikail and Sauron proceeded their way towards the church where Ars said someone should meet them.

Situated in the heart of the village, sits a small wooden church. Its thatched roof in ruins and its walls in disrepair. The villagers would often gather there to plead to their "God" to shower down rain, only to satiate their thirst if not their hunger.

Ironically, as the weeks went on, there were fewer and fewer of them, since many had succumbed to the disease and starvation.

As Mikail and Sauron approached in front of the said church, Mikail started knocking on the wooden wall.

"Please, just a moment!" a young woman's voice spoke out. Mikail and Sauron looked at each other as they waited for the door to open. After a few seconds, a woman with fair white skin, black hair, and blue eyes slowly opened the large door, which made a loud creaking sound.

Looking inside dark but it was dimly lit by small candles, it appears that the small holes on the walls was the only source of light every morning.

"Ah, sorry! Just a moment please!" she said, quickly running back inside to assist the children.

As the kids ate their food, the woman stood up again and advised them, "Take your time with your food. Don't rush, okay?" before walking again towards Mikail and Sauron.

She took a moment to scrutinize them from head to toe before she spoke, "...Hello, sorry about that... What brings you to our small village?"

"The apology should be mine, miss. We're sorry for the sudden intrusion."

"Oh, it's fine!" she giggled.

"Very well... Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Mikail Hann Cynesige of Winthrope knights," he said, "And he is my Lord, the Duke of Mordor, Sauron Mordor. We came from Wealdburg (capital city of Novamantus)."

"Winthrope!? Mordor!? What is such a noble and royalty doing in this barren land!?" exclaimed the young woman, quickly apologizing for her abrupt behavior.

"It's alright, young lady. No need for formalities," said Sauron.

"We happened to be passing through this area, and since the sun is almost setting, we thought of staying here for the night," Mikail explained.

With a creaking sound, the door swung open once more and Ars made his entrance.

Upon seeing Ars, the woman rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around him, exclaiming his name with excitement.

However, Ars was clearly embarrassed to be seen by Mikail and Sauron this vulnerable so he gently broke free from her embrace, reassuring her that he had not been wounded or anything.

Despite not having that much food left to be eaten for a week, the young woman promptly invited them to partake in a meal, ensuring that Ars' guests were well taken care of.

"Thank you, but we only planned on resting here. We don't want to burden you any further," Mikail protested, although his growling stomach said otherwise to which he eventually gave in.

As the evening wore on, they shared laughter and conversation over their meal. Mikail and Sauron were surprised to learn that the woman, named Notoria, was actually Ars' older sister. While Ars was known for his apathetic and cruel demeanor, Notoria was the opposite—an enthusiastic and caring person.

The sounds of coughing and moaning could be heard from several huts. The sickness had taken hold, and there was little hope for those who had fallen ill.

Initially, Notoria declined Mikail's offer to help with the dishes, Mikail's persuasion was so convincing that she eventually gave in, allowing him to assist as a way of repaying her for the meal and shelter that she had provided them.

Notoria kept insisting that what she did was simply a common courtesy, but Mikail knowing himself that they had very little food left for themselves, her selflessness and consideration towards others was a commendable action that could not be simply overlooked.

While Sauron entertained the children with stories until they slept soundly along with him, Notoria appeared to be filled with joy.

Holding Mikail's hands, she expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Mikail and to Lord Sauron."

Mikail blushed and scratched the back of his head. With a smile, he tried to downplay his action, "Oh, uh, it was just a 'common courtesy'," Notoria chuckled softly at his response.

Noticing the bruises in her neck and wrist, Mikail tried to ignore and minded his own business.

"I'll be outside for a while, you can go and sleep now," said Mikail as he goes outside.

In the passing moments, the village had become silent and dark. Some coughing noises was still heard, but nevertheless, it was quiet. The houses were dark for there had no lanterns to light, barely any candles for it had already melted.

In the distance, a grand mansion situated near the woods was visible, likely belonging to the village lord. The stark contrast between the opulence of the mansion and the desolation of the village is evident, the lord had little concern for his people and the very land he owns.

"Where's Ars?" asks Notoria, coming out from the door.

"He just went somewhere for a bit, are you not sleeping yet?" replied Mikail who was standing at outside, leaning on the wall. Notoria urged Mikail to go inside, otherwise he'll catch a cold.

...

Mikail lets out a groan as Notoria peeled off the bandage from his wounds, pouring over the liquid of the elixir Ars had given him. Despite the pain, Mikail expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you."

Notoria smiled and told him that he was welcome, and also advised him to avoid putting too much strain on his body so that his wounds wouldn't reopen.

While Notoria tended his wounds, Mikail couldn't help but look at her face. Something felt strange in his stomach that makes him smile for no reason.

"That should be it. It's amazing how the wounds you said you got yesterday had almost healed already!"

With a sigh, Notoria sat beside him and they had a talk.

While they were conversing, the light of the full moon seeped through the hole and crevices in the wall, creating a serene atmosphere.

They enjoyed their conversation for a while, before it was abruptly interrupted by a loud knocking sound.

"Where did Ars went to be coming back this late?" says Notoria who was worried. Mikail stood up to open the door, but Notoria insisted she do it instead.

She removed the wooden plank that secured the door and opened it, expecting Ars, only to be confronted by a tall man who reeked of alcohol, casting a shadow over her.

Notoria was left speechless by the suddenness of the man's appearance. The man wasted no time, quickly grabbing her by the wrist and forcefully dragging her away, all the while expressing his gratitude to God for another night with a sickening grin on his face.

Mikail was filled with rage at the sudden turn of events as he rose from his seat. However, Notoria, with tears falling from her eyes, prevented him from acting on his impulse, "Please... The children are sleeping."

"Who's this lad? Your lover?" the man asked, provoking Mikail who was only able to scowl. Dissatisfied and pissed at Mikail's irked expression, the man licked Notoria's face whilst he made eye contact with him.

As Mikail clenched his teeth and shifted slightly, the man let out a chuckle and asked in a condescending tone, "What are you going to do?"

Despite the man's gruff and menacing voice, Mikail was so consumed by his intense anger that he felt no sense of intimidation. All he could feel was the burning rage that coursed through his body.

Notoria extended her hand towards Mikail and urged him not to concern himself any further before the man dragged her towards the woods.

Ignoring what Notoria said, Mikail followed with his fists clenched tightly. As Ars appeared in the distance, Mikail hurried towards him.

"Ars!" Mikail panted.

"What is it?" Ars replied, confused as to why Mikail was panting like a dog.

Mikail catches his breath before speaking, "Your sister... A tall man took her away. Let's help her!"

"..."

Mikail's eyes widened as Ars shook his head coldly, indicating that Mikail should leave them be.

Mikail was in utter disbelief as he asked Ars in a trembling voice, "Why...? What the fuck do you mean...?"

"Ars, I am serious. Listen to me," Mikail begged desperately, holding Ars' arm.

But Ars shook his arms, breaking away from him. He remained silent and refused to make eye contact.

It was that moment Mikail realized. His face turned into a blank expression rather than anger.

"I apologize," Mikail said.

"I shouldn't have expected more from you."

Ars turned his back, still refusing to look at Mikail who kept walking towards the dark forest.

"I'm sorry..." Ars muttered.