Phoenix: Tales from Easifa

Tales from Easifa #7 One Shot: Prospects Against the Grain!

PHOENIX: Tales from Easifa #7 One Shot: Prospects Against the Grain!

{40 Years before Phoenix: Three Wanderers}

Revenge. Nothing motivates individuals more than the sweet feeling of getting revenge on their opposition. What happens when the target of that revenge is the most powerful man in the country? Today we tell you a tale of five ambitious mercenaries looking to get that euphoric revenge on the man who will one day be known as a traitor to his country: Mashru Rafiq. Currently, at 32, Rafiq is only a few years into his reign as Grand Commander, and the man who will lead Easifa's militia for the next 4 decades didn't get to the top without stepping on some toes. Rafiq was a very ambitious man. He has always been calculating and doesn't take kindly when his position is undermined. So he was furious when the Open State of Tanin refused to let the Easifa militia cross their ocean border to the neighboring peninsula up north. He needed the staff of Kobald to tap into the power of the now mostly extinct Mayit race. But that staff had to be in another country and an uninhabitable zone. The Jinn Hunter World Association was useless, as TDK did not partake in international expeditions. He had to use the worst thing that came to mind: mercenaries. Rafiq at 32 is a man with slicked-back blond hair, ambitious yellow eyes, and a five-o-clock shadow adorned on his face. His black militia uniform was pristine and the blue sash was spotlessly tied around his waist.

Mashru~ Chom... come in!

In walks a young man with wild messy red hair and emerald eyes adorned with oval-shaped glasses. His blue uniform was just as clean and pristine as his superior. Lt. Chomly Crosbyee, age 24, looked up to Rafiq like an older brother. The prodigy soldier was loyal to Rafiq like no other. Chom bows to the Grand Commander before adjusting his glasses.

Chom~ Sir. We have quite the haul of candidates for the northern continent expedition. It's quite a talented group. Offering a meeting with you was quite genius. You are very liked!

Mashru~ No Chom. I am very disliked. So I used that to my advantage. A lot of people want to kill me Chom. If it weren't for my friendships with Louis and TDK, I would've been killed a long time ago. Nothing motivates people like hatred. Let's use that to our benefit.

Chom~ Hate you? Ridiculous!

Mashru~ We need this Job done Chom. The staff of Kobald could be one of the many pieces I need to finally clear Easifa of the Raeb. But a large group won't work. We need a powerful group of elite mercs. Find a way to clear the pack.

Chom~ Yes sir! I have something in mind. I will not let you down!

Chom hastily exits the room with glee. Being tasked with a job directly from the Grand Commander was a blessing from the gods. He has just the way to clear the weak! As he leaves, Mashru opens a drawer on his desk and takes out a letter he received this morning. That letter states "Your ambition is your greatest benefit. But, do not let it become your greatest fault. Seek the gods and you shall be whole".

Mashru~ Buffoonery!

--- Open State of Tanin --- The Magic Hand Hotel ---

The Open State of Tanin is an independent, democratic sector of Easifa that does not fall under Milita rule. All cultures and ideals are respected within the state's borders, hence the "open state". Tanin is the perfect location for a gathering of mercs because administrations like the Militia and Jinn Hunter World Association struggle to get a foothold in the area. Chom takes full advantage of that when he makes the call to arms. The young militia Lt. enters the hotel and quietly heads to the second floor to observe the mercs. Truly, too many have accepted the call. There had to be upward of 60 mercenaries in the hotel lobby. Some of them stood out, others not so much. His gaze fell on a group of 5 individuals by the hotel bar. Mainly, they stood out because of a Giant Jalut man, about 15 feet tall with a long brown beard, balding head, and tired brown eyes, strumming a tune on his guitar. A giant longsword and iron clubs lay on his waist. Chom pulled out some papers and looked for info on the group.