Thornblade Chronicles - Volume 1

Chapter 3

The group sat in silence. Albert—who wanted to punch the swordsman—grumbled as he laid back in his seat. He folded his foot impatiently, waiting for someone to talk. He traded glances between the swordsman and his leader. Charles seemed fixated on the Mienard's emblem, while Sarah stared at the floor, holding her hands in her lap. Her breath slowed as she braced herself for the possibility of being criticized by her team for bringing someone possibly dangerous into their lives. With light-brown hair and a ruby-colored uniform, the last man shifted his gaze between Charles and the Mienard.

"My apologies," started the swordsman, clearing his throat quietly. "I have not had many... successful interactions with others as of late," he let out a small chuckle. "I would like to introduce myself, but I cannot recall my own name. Or anything else, for that matter," his voice trailed off as he explained the situation. The group traded confused glances between one another.

"Nothing at all?" asked Charles, scratching his chin. Charles found it hard to believe but would not rule it out, given the crazy things he had seen on previous adventures. The swordsman sat in silence, looking down ad the wooden floorboards and sighing. He shook his head.

"No," he said solemnly. "I awoke in an empty prison west of this kingdom. I have no recollection of entering it. I know not where I come from or who I am. Others have called me a Mienard," he looked to Sarah, who smiled at him and nodded, "but that term means nothing to me," he choked on his words slightly. The weight of his troubles lifted off his shoulders as he finally felt as though he would be getting answers. Sarah reached over and rubbed the swordsman's back. Albert grumbled from across the table. "Though Sarah explained the conquest to me on our way here, I feel no connection to that kingdom, and I apologize for how they have treated you," he finished with a sigh. Charles scanned the man's body, slowly nodding as his smile grew, almost reminiscent of a memory.

"How can we trust a man who claims to know nothing?" Albert spat, furious his team would even consider believing. Everyone looked at him, feeling the sharp stare aimed at the swordsman. "Surely, he takes us for fools!"

"I have given you no reason to trust me; I see that," the swordsman agreed. "I have done nothing to prove my intent," he looked down at his sheathed sword and untied it from his waist. He bargained his life to receive answers. "As a sign of good faith, take my sword, so you know I mean no harm," he placed the sword on the table. Albert did not hesitate to take it.

"I trust Sarah's judgment," Charles said with a grin. "I may be the leader, but Sarah is the heart and soul of our guild. If she claims you are a good Mienard, I have no problem taking you in as one of our own. I say we name you ourselves!" he laughed. "I say you resemble an 'Eli.' Do we have any other ideas?" his laugh grew while his guild members grinned slightly in agreement. Their smiles quickly disappeared as the group fell back into silence. The man in ruby faced the floor. The Mienard looked around shyly. "Then, it is settled. It is an honor to meet you, Eli!" exclaimed the leader. "You have already been introduced to some of us. My name is Charles; I am the team leader. You have met Sarah, our alchemist," he gestured to Sarah, who smiled and made a peace sign with her hand. "The fiery man is Albert, our martial artist," Charles continued, pointing to the man who had previously lashed out. Albert closed his eyes and quietly nodded. "And this is Devon, our quiet swordsman," Charles finished, lightly jabbing the man beside him, who had been silent the entire time.

"My name is Devon," said the man with a quiet, higher-pitched voice. "I-it's a pleasure to meet you," he stuttered. He briefly made eye contact with Eli but quickly turned away as his face turned red.

"Forgive him," Charles laughed, patting Devon on the back. "As you can see, he is very timid. But when he becomes comfortable around you," Charles paused, shaking his head, " he will not stop talking!" the guild laughed as Devon's face became brighter. Devon hid his face in his hands, embarrassed by his leader.