Vol.2/Chapter 10: Escape (II)

TW: Violence

We are walking for five whole hours now, exhausted and out of supplies. The only thing that's keeping the both of us alive is our will to see our family. I am but a lucky soul to escape the jaws of death - literally.

"Mr. Luca, I'm sorry if I didn't think this well enough. I hope you are not holding any grudge with me.", Ebony looked at me, tired and teary.

"What are you saying? Without you, I'm probably dead by now. Or if not dead, chopped into pieces and fed to the dogs. You gave me a chance to live, to protect, to guide you. With that, I thank you.", I reassured her with a few words.

She just smiled as we continue our long, treacherous walk towards the north.

Half an hour later, we arrived on what seems to be a stairway. We supported each other as we went up the stairs. We noticed a faint light emanating from afar. Ebony talked to me again. This time, she was more than happy.

"Mr. Luca, I hope you didn't mind the bumpy ride but here we are. The town full of crooks, monsters and other races - Death's Liberty.", Ebony pointed on a large, rusty, metal gate. Fogs are floating in the entrance of the gate, hiding the presence of the town.

We go near the gate, trying to open it up. Apparently so, it is locked from the outside.

"Who dares enter the town of the damned?", The gravelly voice echoed throughout the walls of the sewer. "If you dare conduct any unnecessary business over here, I suggest you come back from where you came from."

"Y-you are gravely mistaken, sir. We are here not to disrupt the peace but seek a safe passage to the North", Ebony explained our purpose to the gatekeeper.

"And what is your purpose to the North, the land of the dry, cold, death?", The gatekeeper looked at us, keenly but carefully.

"Family...", I responded.

"Heh! Everyone says it's their family, their friends, their husbands and wives but t'was merely a facade to destroy. Ohoho, the two of you cannot fool me.", the gatekeepers laugh can be heard everywhere else.

"If you don't believe us, then just point us to the nearest path to the North and we will be on our way.", I reasoned.

"Hmm, then I suppose you still need to enter. What will give me assurance that, you two, will not stab me in the back?", he raised his eyebrows as if confronting us.

"We will surrender our weapons to you. You can even take us to the leader of the town and I will speak with him", Ebony slowly reveals and unhinges her knives. The gatekeeper took them instantly as he focused his attention on me.

"And you? Have you any weapons?"

"No, sir. In fact, I was a prisoner and this girl just saved me.", I dropped my coat and raised my hand.

"Very well, you may enter the town but I will remind you again. If you dare harm anything or anyone in our path, I will not hesitate to kill both of you.", the gatekeeper's keys dangle as he slowly opened the gate. The gate creaks loudly as the gatekeeper gestured us to walk forward.

"My name is Klaus. I am the gatekeeper of the sewers. I have served this town for forty years. I have seen the death of comrades and enemies, the fall of tyranny, the peace within these very lands. I hope I did not offend you in some way as I was merely taking strong precaution from invaders.", This Klaus guy wields a great axe and a great white beard. Even though his voice is low and rough, the old man seems to be kind to guests.

"I am Luca and this is Ebony. We were running from the Inquisitor's goons after taking me hostage. Don't worry. Both of us have a fair share of invaders. Ebony here is an elf, her parents killed when their home was destroyed. In a twist of fate, her sister lives and has been living with my family in the North.", I conversed with Klaus as he nodded.

"My condolences, young lady.", Ebony smiled at her as we continue to keep walking. "And you, boy, how are you living in the North?"

"I live with the Demiwolves. They adopted me when I was a kid.", Klaus laughs in surprise.

"Ohoho, the demiwolves, you say? You surprise me, eh? I'm even surprised they have not made dinner of you.", I just smiled.

"They won't. They are kind and graceful to me. I'm thankful for them."

After a short walk and an interesting conversation through the alleys, we officially arrived at the Town of Death's Liberty. The town's atmosphere is gloomy, many of the buildings are worn by war and old age. The sounds of the carriage and clamor of people is the one keeping it alive. Many of them are vendors, trying to sell their goods.

Apparently so, not only humans live here. A big, chunky orc walks freely in the streets. A snake girl with two heads plays an instrument in the side, garnering a crowd of other races like dwarves and elves.

"You see, this town may look dead to you but it is very much lively because we are at peace. No one's killing anybody, no one's taking anything from anybody, we are living in harmony.", Klaus proudly introduced the town. "Still, I suggest you keep close to me. This is still home to mercenaries, liars and beggars. Nasty people, don't you dare cross paths with them."

We continued walking in the streets of the town. We can see the tiring yet peaceful lives of the people. Many humans which respect other races - this town is different.

"The ideals of the Inquisitor is strongly disagreed here. All of the men and women who defies the Inquisitor rather live here as outlaws than be a slave to tyranny.", Klaus looks at the crowd of people. "Even though we are living as barely as it is, we don't harm anyone. Our reputation precedes over us."

"You've made a nice town for everybody. Your reputation is a lie. This is a paradise for people.", Ebony joyously looks at her surrounding. "Why can't anyone be at peace?"

"Because the Inquisitor's mindset is if you want peace, prepare for war. He wants to govern us all and kill whoever defies him but not here. Here we stood our ground, we lay the foundation of who we are!", Klaus laughs greatly as people looks at him. "This town is the evidence that all people who lives in Espoir can live and prosper in harmony!"

The crowd looking at Klaus hoots and claps as they strongly agree to the guardian of the sewers. Klaus shoos them away as we continue our walk.

We arrived on what seems to be a temple of sort. Large stone pillars support a two story building. This is supposed to be their base of operations. We entered the hallway of the building as Klaus signals the guards to prepare for our meeting. Fog enveloped the hallway with the torches as the only source of light. We stopped on a big wooden door covered in jewels. The guards accompanying us stayed outside as we entered the room.

"Well, well, well, who do we got here?", a low, husky voice greets us. The whole room was wide and is covered by clothings of some sort to divide the areas. The middle part has a long, red carpet and a big chandelier lighting up the room.

It leads directly to the throne, where the leader of this town sits. The leader is a tall man covered with a robe full of spikes and his face is covered with a spiked skull mask. He wields a large sword covered in jewels by his side.

"Before I grant you permission to speak, I would like for the two of you to surrender your belongings to me.", he raised his hand as his servants slowly stripped us of our belongings. "For safety purposes, hehe."

"Sorry, I don't have any belongings to me.", I raised both of my hands to show that I have no items at hand. On the other hand, Ebony is looking at me nervously. She breathe slowly before nodding at me and finally surrendering all her items.

"Don't be stingy, give our guests some seats and snacks. I'm sure they've come a long way.", a servant with a skull mask bows his head as he leaves to fulfill his order. "Esteemed guests, what is the purpose of your visit?"

I stood in front of the leader and bowed, "Sir, we would just like to have a safe passage to the North. We are travelling to the mountains to see my family."

"I see. Oh! Where are my manners? Let me introduce myself first. I am Hassan I-Sabbah. People call me 'The Old Man of the Mountains'. Let me properly welcome you to our humble town - Death's Liberty.", he laughed before standing up from his throne. The what seems to be a 7 feet man is strong enough to lift the large sword with one hand. Pointing at me, he asked, "And who are the both of you?

"I am Luca. A human raised by the demiwolves and this is Ebony, an elf who rescued me from the grasp of the Inquisitor."

"HAHAHA, a human raised by the demiwolves? Now that's something new. You see, demiwolves are not really the friendliest folks in these lands.", The leader put aside his weapon and walked around me, curiously. "And what did you do to incur the Inquisitor's wrath, I wonder?"

"The Inquisitor raided my village, killing a lot of us, including my best friend's sister. I didn't really know what happened but my family said I almost decimated the whole enemy's legion.", Hassan's laugh boomed throughout the room while stomping his feet.

"SO YOU ARE THAT GUY? HAHAHAHAHA! You see, the news of the Inquisitor's defeat have spread all throughout the North. I, for once, is amazed with what you did, Luca! Here I was, thinking how could I meet you and what a coincidence, you're right here in front of me!", the joyous leader shaked my hand and pat my back. "Thank you, for teaching that motherfucker a lesson."

"Well, I already trust you, Luca. You're clean. But what about this Ebony?", Hassan now circled around Ebony, occasionally looking at her close. He walked upon a tray held by one of the servants, full of Ebony's belongings. "Hmm, these knives look pretty sharp, great for slicing and dicing."

He then focused on one medallion. He spun it around his hand and looked at Ebony, "You see, Ebony. We all hate the Inquisitor, yeah? You can go around this town, ask anyone if they like him and you'll get the same answer. Now, why am I saying this? It's because working under him gets the same treatment.

Within a flash, Hassan almost instantaneously glided through the room. He firmly held Ebony by her neck, lifting her up. The choking Ebony tries to resist but the leader gradually strengthens his grip, "Long time no see, Ebony the Fallen."

"Let her go! She saved my life! Please, I'm begging you. Just let her explain!", I knelt and begged to Hassan. Hassan just tuts as she let go of Ebony.

"Fortunately for you, you're my hero. That's why I'm giving you this one, Luca. Now, Ebony, what's with the change of heart?", Hassan knelt in front of a coughing Ebony. "Have you forgot what you did to me?! TO MY FAMILY?!"

The enraged Hassan threw off his mask, showing us what's beneath. A face with a missing eye and a long scar traversing in it. His eyes are red and his beard is white.

"You did this, Ebony! How could you have forgotten? And now you dare go back here, begging for forgiveness? Do you think I would forgive you? No,no,no, I ain't that kind! You've destroyed me after I trusted you. How could I even forgot the details?"

" *coughs*, I don't intend to seek forgiveness, Hassan. I just intend to seek passage. I turned my back to the Inquisitor and his minions are now hunting us. I killed your family, I know. I never forgot, Hassan. How could I ever forget the one who helped and fed me?", Ebony, utterly destroyed, cried in front of Hassan. "Please. I will even give my head to you. Just after I embraced my sister..."

"So you've found her, huh? I assume she's within the protection of Luca's family because there's no way you will save him, even if he is fed to the dogs. There's no way you will save anyone, you're just here to kill.", Hassan deeply sighed as he picked up his mask and covered his face again. "Just this one time, Ebony. This...One...Time."

The tense moment was interrupted when Klaus rushed in the room, covered in blood.

"Boss, the Inquisitor's goons, they're here. A gray demiwolf is commanding a group of dark elves and mercenaries. Many guards were lost. The townspeople have safely evacuated in their homes and now, they are coming to us.", Hassan just nodded as his servants prepared their weapons.

"Luca, Klaus...stay beside the throne. You're now under my protection. As for you Ebony, I'll deal with you later. I will just...welcome a new set of guests.", Hassan drew his greatsword with one hand as Alder and his crew swarmed the entire room.

"Hmp, so you've found refuge in this shit town, Luca. Have you missed me? I hope you did after you burned my warehouse.", Alder's servants and Hassan's servants pointed their weapons at each other. Though, Hassan's servants are at a range disadvantage because the enemies are holding guns while they are holding spears.

"I didn't burn your warehouse, Alder. It's just the gods' will towards you. For being evil, they are now smiting you.", Alder just hysterically laughed as bloodlust enveloped him.

"Old man, give me Luca and I will promise, no one will get hurt anymore. Hell, I will even disregard Ebony's treachery! We could end this, peacefully.", Hassan just chuckled at what Alder said. He then points his sword towards the latter. Alder servants then focused their guns towards Hassan.

"From what I've seen, you don't do things around here peacefully, Mr. Wolf. I suggest you turn tails and go back from where you came from because they are now under my protection.", Alder grits his teeth as he grew more and more impatient with each passing time. "Also, if anyone's going to be hurt...It's going to be you."

Thick fog enveloped the whole room, gradually blocking the enemies sight. All of Hassan's servants put down their weapon and hid to the clothings surrounding the room. I can feel the enemies getting nervous. Hassan tread slowly from the throne towards Alder. A long, defeaning silence intimidates the enemies with the only noise you can hear is Hassan's walking.

"You dare enter this town, full of pride and bloodlust, yet you cannot comprehend how we even left the Inquisitor's grasp in the first place.", He talks in a low, intimidating tone while walking in the middle of the enemies. No one at them even moved a muscle. "Boy, you are still too young to command this so-called army. You haven't seen enough...death."

Blood splatter all around the room, body parts just floating in the air, heads decapitated, limbs severed, all the enemies have been cut off. He has moved so fast in the fog that our naked eye saw him so slow. He has now covered enough distance to be face to face with the now trembling Alder. Alder's eyes are full of fear and regret as he seen the bodies of his servants, dangling from the chandelier and painting the floor red.

"Alder, is it? Tell me, do you bleed?", With a swift movement, he severed Alder's left arm. Alder screamed in pain as he tried to stop the bleeding with his right hand. Unsatisfied, Hassan circled around Alder and with another swift movement, he cuts off Alder's tail. "There's a saying circulating in these lands: a wolf with no tail is just...a coward. Now I don't want to kill you because I want you to pass on a message to your boss."

Hassan held up Alder's head as he whispered through his ear, "Say to your boss, we are ready for him. We aren't scared of him. Tell him..to go fuck off!"

Alder left, crying and screaming in pain as Hassan neatly cleans his sword and robe. He ordered his men to clean up the debris of his fury.

He cleared up his throat and sat in the throne, "I'm sorry you had to see that, Luca. Am I too violent? Anyways, Ebony, we're allies for now but I will never forget lest I'll forgive." Ebony just nodded.

"That's the first time I saw genuine fear through Alder's eyes. I guess I should be thanking you too...for teaching that motherfucker a lesson.", We both laughed greatly as Klaus joins in the fun.

"I'll help you go to the demiwolve's tribe. In fact, I will accompany you both personally because one, it's been a long time since I've seen Rakthu and two, I will keep watch of Ebony and for all the other Six Rings members that may assassinate you."

"Y-you know the CHIEF?! W-why didn't you say anything about that?", I confusedly asked.

"W-well, it's to preserve the fearsome reputation of demiwolves, hehehe. Sorry for that.", Hassan scratched his head as he apologizes. "I've also has something to tell you."

I was surprised with how swiftly his servants worked as the previously blood smitten floor is now perfectly shimmering clean. The chandelier with the bodies dangling now glows brightly around the room. Hassan and his crew go to the middle of the room in an orderly fashion.

"Luca, please sit on the throne."

"W-why Mr. Hassan?"

"Just do it."

I sat on the throne while Ebony stood besides me. Ebony silently teased me by mouthing off the words 'Fitting for a King'. As we finished teasing each other, both of us are surprised when Hassan and all his men are kneeling in front of me.

Hassan took of his mask and look at me with utter respect. I tried standing up but he insisted to let me sit. I was genuinely more surprised when he uttered, "We have been waiting for a long, long time for your arrival, son of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. We have known from the start who you are. We've been watching you ever since you've been left by your mother and are in the Slave Trader's company. In fact, we know you have a last name albeit the fact you didn't know you have one. LET ME FORMALLY WELCOME YOU - LUCA IGNIS, CHILD OF THE ECLIPSE!"

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End of Volume 2: The Truth