Chapter Four.

"So, you're uh," Lucius began to ask, but stopped to whisper the forbidden name away from eavesdrops. "A goddess!"

"And you are still following me." Replied Chantara. They walked down the streets of Oij's village with almost nothing to see. The people were too busy to notice them. They scurried past them, trotting down to the market square for cheap items. Only a few eyes would turn and glance in their direction, acknowledging that they were new faces. Even the pick pocketers were busy at the market. The village was small, with houses congested so close together. Loud voices were heard from all around them, alongside barks of laughter. The people were poorly dressed, appeared thin and scrawny and pitiful. But none of them stopped to accuse them on their stroll.

"You've been dodging me for a while now. Why is that so?" Lucius frowned as he fastened his pace trying to keep up with her.

Chantara rolled her eyes in disbelief. She hadn't wanted him to leave, initially. Now he was just bothering her. She began to wonder why he left the other village just to meet her here. "Then get furious and leave me alone."

"And also, are you really a, uh, that name we do not speak of?" He asked, eyes scrutinizing his vicinity.

"Are you also this obstinate?"

"And how did you learn how to fight so well?"

"In my village."

"Where is your village?" He asked. "Must be South part, right?"

"Yes."

"Ah ha! You're lying." He stopped, but had to walk a few more steps at pacing reach to get to her again, because she did not pause a second. "You're lying. Ask me how I know."

"I don't want to know."

"Really? Since you insist, I'll tell you then." He smiled, pretending not to had seen the frown on her face. Walking so close together, Lucius admired his height standing few inches taller than she was. "We're at the South bay already. And you are not from around here. I'm so sure of that. So you're lying."

"Hmm. Quite a fast wit champ, I agree." She praised and it drew another wilder smile across his face. "But sadly, it's not getting you close to the truth."

"Oh for Lord sake!" He watched as a few faces turned towards him, Chantara included along. "I said Lord sake, not the name we do not speak of, sake." He announced, raising his hands up in submission. "Why won't you just tell me, huh?" He asked turning back to Chantara to frustrate her even more.

"Mind your business, human."

"You say human like you're not one yourself? What is your true name?"

"Moon."

"Moon, huh? Of what tribe?" He rushed forward to stand in her front. "And where are we actually heading to? We've been walking for quite some time now."

"A bar. I need to clear my head." She replied almost immediately. Chantara lied to herself. She had not the slightest idea what her purpose was. How would she ever find those five mortals chosen by the gods, much less recognize them? Even if she managed to, what would they do in restoring balance? These thoughts disturbed her mind as she walked through Oij's territory. She needed to clear her head, and these humans have got quite some good ale to do the job. A tavern must be around there somehow, she thought to herself.

"You mean to cause more trouble like you did the night before?"

"Should I just kill you then? I think it would finally create the satisfying distance I need between us."

"Kill me, and my ghost will make sure to never ever leave your side again." He assured, and she took a moment to ponder over it.

"I don't know if that was a scary remark or a go ahead."

"Do not go ahead, but you're free to."

"Then how about I just maim you then? Leave you blind, deaf and crippled forever so I can be free of your presence."

He paused to imagine this ill fate."Now don't do that, please." He quickly pleaded, initiating a satisfying smile across her face. And for a few seconds, they walked in perfect silence. Sadly, few seconds was all Chantara had to appreciate because soon, they were back to their question and answer session again.

****

Far away, along the Northern area on a perilous island filled with cannibalistic creatures, stood a mighty castle. Shadrack was an astute leader to had created an hideout as such. He called it Quietus that translated to; "the end." Not for he and his dominions, but for any fool that dared journeyed to his territory.

An uncanny devilish forest insulated Quietus, then a small river filled with deadly infestations of devouring spirits opened way to the mighty gates that revealed it's entrance. If lucky enough to remain alive and arrive at the entrance, one would instantly be consumed by the menacing guards by the gates. One would not even survive to that extent, but if another miracle happened, then Shadrack's ten thousands of armies would annihilate them at instant. His fortress stood about twenty stories high up with mighty serpentine stairways to pass through. It was a perfect hideout for an evil doer with many enemies.

"Any news so far?" Asked Shadrack to his right hand man, Dagaric. Aging wrinkles spread across his eyes. No one would believe he was only forty one, since he would fit perfectly as a sixty year old man. Stress overthrone him as he feared for his doom. But before death took him, he had to succeed. He was chosen for a reason. He would not fail.

The throne room boasted of a wide space with vast emptiness. A fireplace warmed the room at a corner, almost next to Shadrack. On a mighty chair, few steps up high, sat the wicked Lord.

"None, my Lord." Replied Dagaric, who rested on one knee, facing his master.

Displeased by his reply, Shadrack grunted in detest. "No rumors so far about a goddess on earth?" He asked again, certain that his gut would never lie to him.

"To be honest, my Lord, we have not received any news of such." Replied Dagaric in a respective manner. "But I can assure you that once a news is of ears by our men on far ends of the city, you'll be informed of it at once." He said, hoping he'd assured his Lord with his words.

"Hmm." Grunted Shadrack. "Rumors."

"My Lord?" Dagaric called, waiting for Shadrack's explanation.

"Whenever you hear any rumors. Not necessarily formed into news yet. Just rumors."

"Oh." He paused, then almost immediately, added; "Yes, my Lord." Dagaric waited if his Lord still had any other request for him before returning to his other chores. He observed nothing was being said from his master, then rose up, bowed slightly and decided to it might be time to be on his merry way.

"It will soon be over." Sighed Shadrack, motioning Dagaric to relent from leaving. He stood still and uttered no words. "Do you say it is only the West that is yet to conquer left?"

"So far from our assay, yes. But in due time, our armies will be everywhere at the West. You need to be rest assured, my Lord." Assured Dagaric, with no tinge of doubt in his words.

"Very well then." Replied Shadrack, satisfied.

"Would that be all, my Lord?" Asked Dagaric. He gave a slightly longer bow after his Lord waved a departure gesture at him. He was already halfway to the door, before he remembered one last report. "Her Majesty is around, Sire."

"Is that so?" Replied Shadrack with almost no emotion on his face. No traces of happiness or relief or disappointment whatsoever.

"Yes, My Lord. She resides at her chambers right now as we speak." He confirmed.

"Summon her at once." Ordered Shadrack.

"Yes, my Lord." And with that, he let a final bow, even after noticing Shadrack gave no attention towards him, then he left the throne room. Sooner than Shadrack had expected, Honora was inside, bowing at her father's presence.

"I have arrived, my Lord. Successful of my mission. Please appraise me of our glory." She requested, falling down on her knees. Her eyes ample with much pride on her conquest.

Honora was still in her youth age, yet she had succeeded in many battles than any warrior could ever dare. She was strong and agile, determined and at the same time, beautiful in nature. Just one glare at her smile was enough to mesmerize any man. She had eyes like diamond, reflecting intrinsic charm and enticement, and long brown hair like blossom of flowers. Petite in physique, deadly in combat. Innocent seductive look, murderous in behavior.

"You have done well, my Honora. May the Orb bless you." He replied in an assertive voice, chest puffing out. He seemed satisfied his daughter had succeeded yet again at assisting him on his purpose. Shadrack could see in her sparkling eyes just how much joy she felt from his approval.

"Thank you, father. I am most delighted for not letting you down." She replied, with her glowing face upon the appearance of pronounced dimples in her cheeks.

Stuck of words to say, Shadrack asked of her strategies on how she'd overtaken the Floral city and Honora replied with much pleasure. She boosted with immerse joy as words of pride emitted from her father's speech. "I am honored, father."

"Very well, my child. Get yourself rested well and return home at once." He said. "The people need you."

"Yes father," replied Honora, but with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "I want to work harder." She bursted out, forcing a puzzled look on her father's face. "Let me be the one to overthrown the West area." She said. Shadrack seemed to fumble over the thought because he did not utter a word. "Let me do this, for us. I want to lead a good legacy after you. I shall do a good job even before the throne is past down to me-"

"How dare you say such bloody words!" Bellowed Shadrack with much disappointment.

"I am sorry if I upset you, my Lord." Puzzled Honora quickly began to say. "Please, forgive me."

"This, all of what is being done is not for you? Nor me. Nor anyone else." Shadrack said, his chin pointed high in pride. "I am doing it for him. Our true Ruler. May the Orb bless his mighty name."

Honora's heart sunk in fear, but mostly dejection. All she'd ever done was for her father to be pleased in her. To appreciate her and thank the Orb for being blessed of having her as a daughter. She never wanted anything more. Which was why, if he wanted the eyeball of an innocent villager, she was willing to pluck out two for him to just hear him say he was pleased in her. For a bit of gratitude on her existence in his life. She would reap her heart out for his pleasure without hesitation. Then why did he bless this mysterious ruler more than her? Is that how much he was worth, and her, how little?

"May the Orb have it in his heart to grant you some forgiveness." He gestured her dismissal, reminding her not to stay long before returning home.

"Yes, father." She managed to reply before exiting his sight. As she walked out, she frowned at the drop of tear that rolled down her cheek.

She would not be a weakling. She was a warrioress.