The Tale of Fiery Revenge

The Settlement of Dust

       The Day had been one of unforeseen destruction. Jaxon, the last survivor of The Great Army of Wolves, came to the small town known as The Settlement of Dust He wore a pointed iron helm with a mask that covered his upper face, tall leather boots, and full arm armor only on the left arm. His shirt was black leather over chainmail, and had a modified collar that stood up to mask his lower face. The settlement of dust was named for it's dry landscape, and even dryer landscape. The trees seemed to be made of ashes, the homes were dilapidated and seemingly abandoned, everything was a strange hue of white and grey from years of being beaten by wind and once was once fertile soil. and the streets were empty and quiet. However life did exist here.

       Criminals and nomads frequented this place, and often settled down in one of the abandoned homes, making them a resident of the depressing little town. These squatters often became merchants to those that passed through, selling rare and questionable items along with basic supplies. Mercenaries could also be hired here, but made for poor travel companions due to their tendency to kill and rob their bosses. Money ruled the lives of these people, and it motivated them to do anything no questions asked as long as they got paid. Jaxon and his friends had often joked about how this settlement could be plunged into chaos by someone with enough money.

        It had been two years since Jaxon had swore revenge on the king of The Kingdom of Wolves for leading him, his friends, and the love of his life, Gwendolyn, to slaughter. He had traveled to the settlement in order resupply and perhaps find someone to travel with on his journey. He walked through what had once been a well armed gate into the settlement that had been reduced to a broken down wall with the remnants of a metal gate scattered around the road. His eyes scanned over the settlement. He looked closely at every little detail he could see from the gate, trying to find signs of life. He saw some distant drag marks going towards an abandoned shop that may not be so abandoned.

        He set out towards the shop, balancing his great-sword on his right shoulder, and keeping his left hand on his dagger to show that he had more than just his sword to fight with. He felt the eyes of many staring upon him. He had been spotted and would need to make this quick. He entered the shop, his steps creating a small cloud of dust as he walked to the counter. Behind it he found a shriveled old man, counting a small pile of coins.

   "Excuse me sir? Would you happen to have any rations and water for sale?" Jaxon asked calmly, leaning his sword on the wall.

       "Why yes we do." The shopkeeper replied. "It really depends on how much you need."

       "I need enough for a four days journey. Also, do you know where I may find a companion or mercenary in this settlement?" Jaxon asked, looking around the dusty shop.

        "I wouldn't look here of all places for one of those, but I do have some wolf pups in the back if you want to buy one." The shopkeeper replied plainly, "They make great companions that don't want your money, just your food."

        "Why do you have wolf pups?" Jaxon asked, curious as to why they were even out in this type of landscape.

        "I bought them a few weeks ago to protect myself from that crazy fire guy that's been burning down towns going on about revenge, and someone named Alfonso." The shopkeeper said seriously, "I figured if I raised them they would protect their source of food, but I realized too late that he would never come to an worn down place like this."

       "I'll take one off your hands." Jaxon said quickly, seeking to leave as quickly as possible, "How much for one boy?"

         "I'll let you have him for free as long as you take him away with his constant biting." The shopkeeper said, holding up a small wolf pup by the scruff of his neck while said cub tried desperately to free himself, "Oh and here's your food rations." He said as he put a large amount of food on the counter."

        Jaxon quickly grabbed the angry pup, shoved the food into his leather satchel, threw some money on the counter, thanked the shopkeeper, recovered his sword, and hurried out the door. The small pup angrily barked at Jaxon as he hurried towards the gate. Behind him he heard people yelling, and the sound of dozens running towards him. His outfit had definitely tipped off the locals as to who he was, and now he would need to introduce himself. He turned to the mob that was trampling over itself to get to him first. Jaxon's actions along with the bounty on his head had convinced almost everyone that had a sword to try to kill him.

       He held the small cub close to his chest and began shushing it to try and make it calm down. Once it was calm enough for him to focus, he lifted his great-sword into the air. It erupted into flames, powered by Jaxons power over fire. He brought the sword down onto the ground in front of him, causing a curved wall of fire to bust forward. The flames spared nothing in it's path as it turned the mob and everything behind them to dust. The flames consumed half of the town, and the screams of the criminals that onced lived there could be heard as they desperately tried to flee.

       Jaxon stood at the gate, watching what he had done with disgust. He had overdone it once more.

      "Well." He said to himself, "I guess we should get going." He said quietly, looking down at the small terrified pup, "Don't worry." he said, "I won't hurt you,but you do need an. name."

       Jaxon pondered for a moment before finally speaking again.

      "ah! Ignus! That will be your name. Gwendolyn always wanted a dog named Ignus."

       He turned returned his sword to his shoulder and turned back towards the gate. He walked with no emotion, holding the pup in his left hand, and his smoking sword in his right. At that moment, Ignus was the closest thing he had to a friend in years. Maybe I'll be able to protect this one. He thought to himself, smiling.