The Cursed and the Brave

The air was thick with tension as Rodrick strode across the stone courtyard to the chief's house. The village around him was still, save for the occasional distant rustle of the wind through the trees. It had been a long, uneasy night, and Rodrick could feel the weight of the decisions ahead pressing down on him like a storm cloud.

The chief's house stood at the heart of the village, looming with its tall wooden beams and heavy stone structure. The village's power was concentrated here, and Rodrick had always felt a sense of foreboding when he entered. The house's windows were dark, but he knew Skata would be inside, waiting for him.

Rodrick knocked three times on the heavy door, his gloved hand still trembling from the adrenaline of the battle earlier. It creaked open slowly.

Inside, Skata sat in his high-backed chair, the shadows casting an ominous pallor over his face. His long, graying beard covered most of his features, but his eyes—sharp, cold, and calculating—were visible as they locked onto Rodrick's. The silence between them stretched as Rodrick stepped inside.

Skata: (with a low, gravelly voice)

"You've come."

Rodrick stepped forward, his boots clacking on the wooden floor as he squared his shoulders. His tone was firm, but the flicker of anger was unmistakable.

Rodrick:

"We have a problem, Skata. The monsters… they came, but there were only three. Normally, they attack in larger groups. This isn't like them."

Skata raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the armrest. A chuckle escaped his lips, but it was devoid of humor.

Skata:

"Three? Why do you sound so worried? It's just three, Rodrick. Just three." (He leans forward, his eyes narrowing.)

"Surely you've dealt with worse."

Rodrick clenched his fists, frustration creeping into his voice.

Rodrick:

"Not like this. They didn't attack to steal children or cause chaos. They just… attacked. And they retreated just as quickly. This isn't normal. Something's off, and I need to know what."

Skata's face darkens, his amusement fading into something more sinister.

Skata:

"So what's your plan then, Rodrick? You want to send your men into the forest? Do you understand how dangerous that place is? You want to gamble with the lives of my people?"

Rodrick's jaw tightened.

Rodrick:

"I'm not asking for permission, Skata. I'm telling you—this situation is different. We need to investigate, find out why they're here."

For a moment, there was silence between them, thick and suffocating. Then Skata stood, his movements slow and deliberate. He walked over to the window, looking out over the village, his voice cold as ice.

Skata:

"You think I don't know the danger? You think I'm blind to what's happening in our lands?"

Rodrick took a step forward, his patience wearing thin.

Rodrick:

"You don't care about the danger, do you? You don't care about the villagers. All you care about is power. If we don't act now, it'll be too late."

Skata's lips curled into a twisted smile. He turned back to face Rodrick, his eyes gleaming with something darker.

Skata:

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong. You see, I don't need to act. Not when I can let someone else do the dirty work."

Rodrick's eyes narrowed in confusion.

Rodrick:

"What do you mean?"

Skata's grin widened.

Skata:

"I mean, Rodrick, that if you want to send your men into the forest, I have a condition." (He pauses for dramatic effect.)

"You'll take Leon with you."

Rodrick's heart skipped a beat. He had suspected this moment was coming, but he had hoped it wouldn't.

Rodrick: (voice strained)

"You want me to send Leon into the forest? He's not ready for this. He's not trained. Do you think I'm going to let him walk to his death for your amusement?"

Skata's eyes flashed with something akin to malice. He stepped closer to Rodrick, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

Skata:

"Do you think you have a choice, Rodrick? You want to investigate the forest? Then let Leon be part of it. He's nothing but an omen, a curse upon this village. It will be his death, and you'll be rid of the boy."

Rodrick's entire body stiffened, fury bubbling beneath his calm exterior. He slammed his hand down on the table.

Rodrick: (shouting)

"Are you out of your mind? You're asking me to send him to die!"

Skata stepped back, his hand raised in mock surrender.

Skata:

"Think of it as a sacrifice, Rodrick. The boy is nothing but a burden to you and the village. You'll never be rid of him unless you let him face his fate."

Rodrick's fists tightened until his knuckles turned white. He could feel the anger surging through him, but at the same time, he knew that if he refused, Skata would make this more difficult than it already was.

Rodrick: (through gritted teeth)

"You're a bastard."

Skata chuckled darkly, enjoying the scene unfolding before him.

Skata:

"I thought you might come to your senses. Very well, Rodrick. Send your scouts, but don't forget who controls this village."

Rodrick didn't reply immediately. He stood there, glaring at the chief, his mind racing with the weight of the decision he had just made.

Rodrick: (finally, quietly)

"You're a fool, Skata. But you'll get your wish. I'll send Leon. But mark my words, if anything happens to him, you'll answer for it."

With that, Rodrick turned and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

The Scouts' Briefing

Outside, the night was quiet, save for the chirping of crickets. Arden waited by the gate, his brow furrowed. "What happened in there? I heard shouting."

Rodrick rubbed his temples. "The old man's playing games. He wants Leon to join the scouting party."

Arden's eyes widened. "Leon? He hates that kid."

Rodrick nodded grimly. "Exactly. He's hoping the forest will do what he can't."

Arden shook his head. "That's cruel, even for Skata."

Rodrick's voice was low, but firm. "Cruel or not, we need to move. Call the best scouts we have and bring Leon. We're meeting in my office at dawn."

The Grimkin Attack and the Chief's Condition

Rodrick stood over Leon, scanning him for injuries. Blood smeared across Leon's armor and face, but his breathing was steady, and his stance remained unyielding.

"Is that the only group you fought?" Rodrick asked, his tone sharp but laced with concern.

Leon, ever defiant, wiped his blade clean. "Yes. Three of them."

Rodrick frowned, his brows knitting together. "Three? That doesn't make sense. Grimkin never attack in such small numbers—they always come in hordes."

Leon shrugged, his expression indifferent. "That's all I saw."

Rodrick's unease deepened. Grimkin rarely acted unpredictably. This could mean something far worse. As Rodrick called for reinforcements, a few guards rushed over. He divided them into two groups: "Half of you, guard the gates. The rest, alert the villagers to stay indoors—especially the children."

With that, he turned back to Leon. "Go clean yourself up. I need to handle this."

The Confrontation with Skata

The village chief's house sat atop a small hill overlooking the village—a stone structure with walls that seemed to loom, even in the dim light. Its windows were narrow slits, and the wooden door bore deep scars from years of weather and neglect. Despite its aged appearance, the house exuded an aura of menace, much like its owner.

Rodrick hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of damp wood and old parchment. Skata sat hunched in his chair by a small hearth, his thin, wiry frame draped in a dark robe. His beard spilled over his chest, long and unkempt, and his sunken eyes glinted with cunning.

"What do you want, barging in here like this?" Skata's voice was rough, the kind that grated on one's nerves.

Rodrick dipped his head slightly, forcing respect into his tone. "We have a problem."

Skata snorted, his lip curling. "You always do. Out with it."

Rodrick stepped closer, his boots echoing on the stone floor. "The Grimkin attacked."

At that, Skata sat up slightly. "Grimkin, you say? How many?"

"Three."

A raspy chuckle escaped Skata's throat. "Three? And you're here, shaking like a leaf? Are you scared of a handful of creatures now?"

Rodrick's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "It's not the number. Grimkin don't behave like this. They attack in hordes, kidnap children, avoid direct fights unless provoked. This... this is unusual."

"Did they take any children?" Skata asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

"No."

"Then what's the problem?" Skata leaned back, waving dismissively. "Go deal with it. You're a guard, aren't you?"

Rodrick's patience wore thin. His voice grew firmer. "This isn't normal. We need to investigate the forest. Something isn't right."

At this, Skata's tone shifted, sharp and angry. "Investigate the forest? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? You'd risk the lives of my men?"

Rodrick's fists clenched. "We risk them every day, sir. And if we ignore this, it could get worse."

For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then Skata leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Fine. But on one condition."

Rodrick's stomach sank. "What condition?"

"Leon goes with them."

Rodrick froze. He could see the glee in Skata's expression—this wasn't about solving the problem; it was about getting rid of Leon. "You can't be serious. He's just a boy."

Skata sneered. "A cursed boy, isn't he? If he's as dangerous as the villagers say, let him prove his worth. Or die trying."

Rodrick slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room. "You're playing with lives, Skata!"

The old man didn't flinch. "Take it or leave it."

Defeated, Rodrick exhaled sharply. "Fine. But this is on your head."

Without waiting for a response, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The Scouts' Briefing

Outside, the night was quiet, save for the chirping of crickets. Arden waited by the gate, his brow furrowed. "What happened in there? I heard shouting."

Rodrick rubbed his temples. "The old man's playing games. He wants Leon to join the scouting party."

Arden's eyes widened. "Leon? He hates that kid."

Rodrick nodded grimly. "Exactly. He's hoping the forest will do what he can't."

Arden shook his head. "That's cruel, even for Skata."

Rodrick's voice was low, but firm. "Cruel or not, we need to move. Call the best scouts we have and bring Leon. We're meeting in my office at dawn."

The Tension Among the Scouts

The morning sun cast long shadows across the village training grounds as Rodrick stood near the barracks, arms crossed. The crisp air carried the faint scent of dew and earth. Arden was beside him, leaning against a post, his eyes scanning the horizon as if already anticipating trouble.

The three scouts arrived together, their boots crunching against the dirt. Each one bore the look of a seasoned survivor, though the expressions on their faces ranged from wary to downright irritated. Behind them, Leon approached, walking with an air of defiance that seemed to radiate off him like heat.

Rodrick gestured for them all to gather.

Rodrick:

"You're here. Good."

His voice was firm but carried a weight that silenced the muttered complaints among the group.

Rodrick:

"This isn't going to be a simple task. We're heading into the forest to investigate the attack from last night. Something doesn't add up, and I want answers."

The scouts exchanged glances. One of them, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his cheek, spoke first.

Scout #1 (Marcus):

"With all due respect, Captain, what's there to investigate? It was three monsters. We've handled worse."

Rodrick's gaze hardened as he took a step forward, making Marcus shift uncomfortably.

Rodrick:

"Three monsters, Marcus. From a tribe that usually attacks in hordes. And they didn't try to kidnap anyone. That doesn't strike you as unusual?"

Marcus frowned but didn't respond.

The second scout, a wiry, sharp-eyed woman with short-cropped hair, crossed her arms.

Scout #2 (Elena):

"Unusual, sure. But bringing him along?" (She jerks her chin toward Leon.)

"That's another story."

Leon's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his sword.

Leon:

"Say that again."

Elena smirked, clearly enjoying herself.

Elena:

"You heard me. No one wants a cursed boy watching their back. It's bad enough we're going into the forest; now we have to worry about you bringing misfortune down on us?"

Rodrick held up a hand before Leon could retort.

Rodrick:

"Enough. Elena, you don't have to like him, but you will follow orders. The chief insisted Leon come along, and that's final."

Leon took a step forward, his voice cold.

Leon:

"You're all scared of a curse that doesn't exist. Just because I don't care about this miserable village doesn't mean I can't handle myself."

The third scout, a younger man with a nervous demeanor and freckled face, spoke up hesitantly.

Scout #3 (Jonas):

"I don't doubt you can handle yourself, but…" (He glances between Leon and the others.)

"This isn't exactly normal. The forest isn't kind to anyone, cursed or not."

Leon's lips curled into a smirk, but it lacked warmth.

Leon:

"Good. Maybe you'll learn something."

Elena snorted, but Marcus stepped in, raising his hands.

Marcus:

"Alright, enough of this. If the captain says he's coming, he's coming. Let's get on with it."

Rodrick nodded in approval, though his gaze lingered on Leon for a moment.

Rodrick:

"You're not here to prove anything, Leon. This isn't a game. We're scouting, not picking fights. You'll follow orders, stay in formation, and keep your sword sheathed unless absolutely necessary. Is that clear?"

Leon held Rodrick's gaze, his jaw tightening.

Leon:

"Crystal."

Arden, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his tone far less tense.

Arden:

"Marcus, Elena, Jonas—look, I get it. You've got your doubts about Leon. I did too, at first. But the truth is, he can fight. I've seen him train, and I've seen the determination in him."

Elena raised an eyebrow.

Elena:

"Determination doesn't stop a monster's claws, Arden."

Arden shrugged.

Arden:

"Maybe not. But neither does bickering. If you're worried about trust, then let this mission prove itself. You might find he's not what you think."

There was a pause as the scouts exchanged glances. Finally, Marcus sighed.

Marcus:

"Fine. But if he starts glowing or summoning storms, I'm out."

The tension broke slightly as Jonas chuckled nervously, though Elena's expression remained skeptical.

Rodrick:

"Good. Now, listen up. You'll move through the northern path first—small groups of trees, easy to scout. If you see anything out of place, you don't engage. You come back and report. Understood?"

The group murmured their assent.

Rodrick's tone softened slightly as he looked at them.

Rodrick:

"Look, I know this isn't easy. But we're all here to protect the village. That means putting aside our differences and doing the job. Can I count on you for that?"

One by one, they nodded, even Elena, albeit reluctantly.

Rodrick:

"Good. Arden, you'll be with them. Make sure no one does anything stupid."

Arden grinned.

Arden:

"Always, Captain."

Rodrick dismissed them with a wave of his hand. The group began to head out, but Leon lingered for a moment, his gaze fixed on Rodrick.

Leon:

"Why'd you defend me?"

Rodrick looked at him, his expression unreadable.

Rodrick:

"Because whether they like it or not, you're one of us. And because I don't want to bury anyone else."

Leon said nothing, but a flicker of something passed across his face before he turned and followed the others.

The Merchant's Opportunistic Sale

As the group left the office, Varin stood outside, leaning casually against the wall. His eyes lit up as he saw Rodrick. "Ah, Captain. A moment?"

Rodrick sighed but gestured for the others to go ahead. He turned to Varin. "What is it?"

Varin grinned, pulling a small amulet from his pocket—the Sentinel's Vigil Amulet, a relic said to enhance perception. "Remember this? We were interrupted last time, but given the recent... developments, I thought you might reconsider."

Rodrick eyed the amulet. "You're taking advantage of the situation."

Varin chuckled. "Of course. But it's a fair trade. This could save lives."

After a moment's hesitation, Rodrick reached into his pouch. "Fine. But if this doesn't work, you're refunding me."

Varin's grin widened. "Pleasure doing business."