[Book 1] Land of Rising Evil: Light and Darkness (AQW)

15 Years in Lolosia

Many months passed after Gomfalion traveled to Lolosia. Now, he considers himself a full-fledged pirate, living as a one of the approximate five-hundred men of Mortimer's pirate crew. During the months that have passed, Lolosia stayed as a quiet and peaceful island. Not a single intruder has stepped onto the surface of the island, and now, Mortimer celebrates 15 years at Lolosia. He is a pirate. A crusader. Traveling around the seas and making a living on the lands of the unknown. Being in an island for years without having to deal with invaders held a very special meaning to his heart. He always put his sights away from war. He never wanted to experience it again, after losing almost all of his loved ones when the island of Drakonus, his original hometown, was invaded.

Mortimer wakes up in the morning and stands up right away, excited for the day that awaited him. He goes to Gomfalion's room, in attempt to wake him up.

"Wake up, little fella," he said, while tapping Gomfalion's shoulder.

Gomfalion opens his eyes. "What's wrong, captain?" he asked, looking at an unclear vision of Mortimer through his blurry and sleepy eyesight.

"What's wrong? Well, definitely nothing's wrong. Today, we are celebrating 15 years in Lolosia!" Mortimer replied.

"Really? You never told me."

"Because I like keeping secrets and making surprises."

Gomfalion sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Okay then, what am I to do, captain?"

"Set up the tables. All of them. After doing so, get the cooks to make us some food. Lots and lots of 'em."

"As you wish, captain."

"Hey, don't forget about your breakfast!"

"Right, thanks for reminding me. I have almost forgotten about filling my stomach."

Gomfalion quickly eats his breakfast and begins setting the tables.

"I abhor this kind of job. Setting tables is the worst," Gomfalion said to himself. "I have to set up what, 75 tables? This is even worse than fighting an army at Dreadhaven. Wait, no. You're exaggerating. Look at the bright side, you'll be eating a lot of food later on, and dancing around with your fellow pirates."

After a long, exhausting, and boring time setting up the tables, Gomfalion finally puts the last plate on the last table. He then goes to the cooks, ordering them to begin cooking their dishes for the festival.

"Sir, Captain Mortimer asks if you can cook meals for the anniversary later," stated Gomfalion to the cooks.

"What kind of food?"

"Tasty food. Very tasty food."

"You got it, Gomfalion!"

And so they begin cooking their scrumptious masterpieces. After a while, the pirates begin gathering at the dining room, sitting down on random tables. As the food is served, Mortimer goes up front.

"Today marks our fifteenth year in Lolosia! Rejoice!" Mortimer exclaimed, as the people cheer. "We have lived here without any invader knocking on our doorstep, and if we do, we will be ready for 'em!"

The people celebrate. They begin eating the food that the cooks prepare, while the musicians play their amazing pieces, with some people stand up and dance to the music. Mortimer walks up to Gomfalion's table.

"What are you waiting for, Gomfalion?" he asked

Gomfalion was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, go out there and dance! I promise, it's really fun!" Mortimer replied, as he pushed Gomfalion to the dancing crowd.

As Gomfalion dances with the crowd, he is accidentally pushed by a random man. As he falls back and catches himself, a girl bumps into him at the back. Without even letting Gomfalion turn around, she immediately pulls him towards her and she begins to dance. She then puts her arms around him. Gomfalion's heart leaped.

"Hello, beautiful. What is your name?" Gomfalion grinned.

"Does that question even make sense? My name IS Beautiful!" the girl replied.

"Hah, nice joke, but I won't fall for that," Gomfalion laughed.

"You definitely won't fall for it, just as I think I'm falling for you!" the girl said, pulling herself closer to him.

Gomfalion smiled at her. "I think I would say the same thing to you."

The girl takes Gomfalion's hand. She pulls him to a nearby table, and they both sit.

"My name is Gamzati, if you were wondering," the girl said. "Are you the one from Dreadhaven?"

"Yes, I am," Gomfalion said.

"Gomfalion, right?"

"Yes."

"What brought you here to Lolosia?" Gamzati asked.

Gomfalion begins explaining his past. "Well, I was once a rebellious knight, but I just couldn't stand the forced killings and the wars. I even had to kill the ones I loved. So I decided to leave the kingdom for good. I ended up here."

"Oh. I see."

"Well, I am very happy that I ended up here. I'm living a life with freedom, joy, adventures, and now, even love."

"I'm glad I met you," Gamzati stated. "You seem braver than you look. May fate bless the hands of your kingdom."

"The kingdom IS being blessed," Gomfalion said. "I hear the rebels are close to taking over the abusive king. Poverty in Dreadhaven is near its death."

Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Dreadhaven, the rebels, now lead by Alden and Gonvar, prepare their final attack against King Slugwrath. Alden discusses his plans.

"We will purge through the king's throne room. Slugwrath will be defeated once and for all, and I, Alden Alteon, will restore peace to the kingdom!"