The Lost Hope

[Skyrius Ventus]

as I travel through the forest nearby, retracing my steps in order to find my friends I find something which is eating away at me. I stand firm as I hold a piece of paper. My face draws blank and my breaths grow fast as I am staring at a wanted poster from the Capital....for my arrest. I mustn't let the others see this.... how could this be? I have been loyal, I served, I fought. Could they expect treason as my absence has been so long? My Emperor....how DARE you doubt me. I crumple the paper in my hands in anger as I continue my travel.

[Skyrius Ventus]

I find myself nearing a small village, only few huts and a small tavern. Why not get an Ale? I stumble towards the tavern for a quick drink when I notice a board outside the building. Yet another wanted poster with my face on it. Dead or Alive huh? My Emperor, you're horribly mistaken. I rip the paper down and I hear the clanging of hammer on metal behind me. I turn to see a smith forging some swords. Perhaps I should should treat myself to a new sword. I scan over the wanted posters once more seeing typical bandits, a masked man named The Voracity of Haven, a woman who committed murder. I am not one of these people ... I'm getting a new blade. I walked towards the smith, with questions about my lost group and interest in a new weapon.

[Skyrius Ventus]

As I approach the smith I draw a fake smile on my face. I nod at him as a way of greeting. His eyes were fixated on the metal sword he was making.
"Hello sir! " I greeted enthusiastically. He stopped hitting the red hot blade and peered at my face.
"Well hello. I reckon you're interested in some new steel." The metal worker winked as if he knew. He squinted and eyed my armor.
"A soldier? And judging by that number 2 on your shoulder I'd say you're Commander Skyrius." He proceeded to state. I nodded as I drew my sword.
"Do you think you could melt this down and forge me a new one? " I held the sword into the light. Splits and cracks have taken over the blade as signs from our previous battle with the Necrodancer.
"You've had a rough go at it haven't you boy? " the blacksmith asked.
"Rough isn't even the half of it." I responded. I handed him my blade.
"I'll fix ya something good son. Don't worry about payment. Anything for the Empire." The smith said as he stood up with my sword and began preparations for my new blade.

[Volkihere Malacalo]

When Sky gets some distance from the smith Volk appears, wearing full black cloak and mask.

He looks at Sky, and tilts his head.

"Posters?"

You see a mother with her child begin walking in the direction of you two, she quickly spins on her heels and walks the other way. Oddly people seem to be avoiding you two, weird.

[Lady Val]

Months later Lady Val's caravan pulls into the small town on the way back to Holdfast from her travels about the island. As it enters the town the twin Megaloceros at the head draw the attention of the few townsfolk unlucky enough to be out in the pouring rain.

The caravan stops in front of the Inn near the watering troughs, the Megaloceros gratefully appreciating the rest. Lady Val descends from the caravan in her cloak, gathering her skirts as she steps nimbly onto the muddy ground. She makes a face of disgust as the sludge envelops her boots. As she approaches the inn she runs her hands over one of the Megaloceros's flanks but stops in her tracks once she sees the notice board. Among the the worn and faded notices there is a single photo, a wanted poster. She pauses staring thoughtfully at the young human's face, absentmindedly scratching behind the Megaloceros's ear.

A beautifully wicked smile curls across her face.

"Well, isn't that interesting." She glances at the inn and with a quick slash of her hand rips the poster from the board, stuffing it into the voluminous sleeve of her cloak. Wrapping her cloak around her, she resumes her seat at the reins.

"Dain, Dvalin" she says flicking the reins. The Megaloceros obediently stop drinking.

"Gwaem!" She commands. Immediately the Megaloceros follow her lead and begin to turn the caravan about.

"Let's see what awaits us in Holdfast." Flicking the reins once more Lady Val spurs the beasts into a canter and departs the town.

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