Army of the Damned

VOLUME 5 Chapter 8

The afternoon was slowly ending in the town of Bercimukel but even still, its cobblestone roads were lively with wagons and people, with the stone houses with plastered walls fighting back the coming darkness of the night with their colorful and vibrant paint schemes as the tunics of the peasantry gave the town a lively appearance as they began helping one another in moving goods to the center of town; in front of the Church and Manor where a large bonfire was being built.

Walking behind Lord Partila, Jackson kept trying to brush the mud off his tunic as people would bow and smile to the Noble. Those afar waving their hands as he spoke to anyone who approached him. "Good Sire, is the new granary about to be finished?" He didn't walk away from anyone, always stopping to answer queries and questions as the townsfolk gathered wood in the center. "My Lord! May I ask about this fall's taxes!" even players, he'd greet with a thoughtful smile even though they have no idea how to react nor behave in front of the man and his Knights. "Mi'Lord! Is it true that testicle boy Lungtler actually became a Wizard?!"

With a giddy expression, the Baron held the hands of the middle aged man and began shaking it. "Yes! It's truly a wonderful day! He is going to arrive tonight and we must prepare! Our little haven has birthed a Mage! Ah, be sure to cook those pies with your wife! I look forward to them tonight!" the villagers continuously vowed to his head. Of course! Of course! I shall even bring out my wine and best tunic, Mi'Lord!"

"Oh! That reminds me! Mayer! Be sure to bring out the barrels of wine for tonight with enough mugs for the foreigners too." The Knight with a scratch over his nose and left eye squints as he could see the roads were still lively with wagons and people filled the sidewalks. "Sire, I do not see the reason for this. We should exclusively have this celebration for our people only." the Lord lifted up his hands and shrugged before patting the villager on his shoulder. "And if you still see any wolves or foxes on the path, be sure to tell the guards now. Don't do it yourself and I know you can do it, but you're old now. Please, rest and enjoy your peaceful farmlife."

Walking through the sidewalk, people would smile and bow and make way with him. The far more armored and well dressed players just followed along in confusion as some of them could notice the Black Dragon on the strong looking man's shoulder.

Reaching the center of town, they cross the street and into the gates of the Mansion. The beautiful flowers blooming as night came and lit up the sidewalks next to it. Inside the building, they were met with a large hall with a Throne at its end and a carpet leading towards it as seats were everywhere and servants came left and right, taking the cape and tunic of the Lord before he took a pair of chairs and placed it in front of him. "Polun, take another and give it to Lady Carmilla here. Please, take a seat."

Feeling some pressure on his shoulder, albeit not as heavy thanks to the openness of the Lord, Sir Partila still sat down with grace and elegance as he had the posture of a Nobleman from birth. "Now then, hand me your quest paper." Jackson immediately reached for his pouch and gave it as ordered. The Lord then opened his hand and Polun handed his stamp which he then pressed onto the paper. "Hand this over to the Guild and bring their rewards here."

"Now then, I saw that you have a Dragon with you. Capable of flight. I'd like to give a special quest to you lot." Jackson's eyes filled with wonder as for the first time, he didn't feel like a soldier nor a general, his soul felt as if he was truly in another fantastical world. "Yes sir!" seeing the man's expression, Lord Partila eased himself a bit as he rested his cheek on his knuckles. "A few leagues from my farthest village, some Adventurer's spotted the same Elven Party that once passed through here." looking at the lobby, Lances, Polearms, Great Axes, swords and shields were scattered on display around it alongside the skulls of rare animals mounted on the wooden pillars. "Now, this is extremely odd as for one, Elves do not like leaving their paradise of a nation."