The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 17: The Trade District

Location: Faxon – Tactics Room

While entering the Tactics Room, the Legion was greeted by Lord Kashif, "Welcome, good to see you both back on your feet. I truly am sorry about what happened out there."

Before they could even take a seat, "No disrespect, but can we get to the task at hand, what's our next assignment?" Dai replied.

The room looked stunned at Dai's disrespect. Even Kashif was taken back, however due to the circumstances, the king opted to show leniency.

"Very well. Reports indicate that someone has been single handedly exterminating Krinx's minions. The intelligence is coming from both the town of Orehz, as well as the country side just outside the northern capital Yesrek. The Legion is to take Naitosai along for his first mission and inquire about this unknown person. Find out if he or she is on our side or have their own objectives."

"Someone single handedly...." Naitosai mumbled.

"This should be good." Osyrus sarcastically added, not looking forward to the mission.

The only people capable of single handedly fending off Krinx's creations are members of the Legion and the Steel Guard... is there really someone outside of the resistance doing this? Dai wondered to himself, choosing not to chime in with the others.

"You are to leave immediately, that is all." the king said before anyone else could offer input.

The mission had been assigned, the Legion and Naitosai saluted as they made their way out. Lord Kashif watched as they exited the room, wanting to offer more of a dialogue, but after all that they've been through, decided to respect Dai's wishes and remain formal with the dispatching their next mission.

In the barracks, Dai, Osyrus and Naitosai began gathering their belongings and gearing up for the task at hand.

The room was quiet until Naitosai broke the silence, "Hey, I promise to do my best and give my life if need be. I won't let you guys down, just wanted you to know that."

"The Legion doesn't need people that are ready to die. We need people that want to live. You're no good to us or the Resistance dead; keep that in mind." Dai snapped while continuing to pack his gear.

Caught in the middle, Osyrus quietly stared between them. Naitosai felt that what he said was misunderstood and tried to explain, "Of course, I'm sorry it's just that..."

"Let's go." Dai interrupted, cutting Naitosai off. He slung his sack over his shoulder and walked out the door.

"Can you blame him, he hasn't even been able to get any sleep and he's on his way out again; give him time." said Osyrus, offering up an excuse for Dai's current mood.

"Yeah, I guess..." Naitosai replied, still staring at the door.

Placing his sack over his shoulder as well, Osyrus walked past him, "In any case, glad to have you along, I look forward to seeing what a Dragon Knight can do."

"Well then, let's hope I don't disappoint." Naitosai said under his breath while turning to follow.

Location: Kutch (trade district)

Finally arriving at the Trade District of Kutch, Cecilee found herself amongst people far less fortunate than herself. Choosing to live beneath her means made it possible for her sons to have a decent upbringing, instead of having to make by on the streets.

Though not responsible for their suffering, she felt guilty being in their presence. The locals failed miserably at being subtle, some glanced and whispered while others blatantly stared as the knight from Faxon calmly walked by.

The people of Kutch struggle daily to survive... why would one of the heroes of legend be in such a place? she wondered.

The District was bustling with people, yet everything appeared dingy as if no one cared what it looked like. People hawking their wares were shouting from stands set up along the streets.

Random chatter and various sales pitches assaulted Cecilee from all directions as she walked past carts with fruits and other produce, stands that sold swords and basic armor, as well as shops that sold hot food and drink.

"...What happened the day DH disappeared that would put one of Rendarg's heroes in such a place?" she said under her breath while slowly walking against the traffic of people.

Having stopped for a moment, she became distracted when a dingy yet kind looking man accidently brushed against a passing woman. "Excuse me miss." he said as the woman turned and replied, "Hey, watch it jerk!"

"Are you serious, I just excused myself and you're going to call me a jerk?" he exclaimed defensively.

"I'm so tired of you perverts always bumping into me trying to get in a quick feel." she scoffed.

"Damn lady, you're giving yourself way too much credit here. No one wants to feel you up and I can see why with an attitude like that!" the man sneered.

"Ugh, how dare you!" she said as she struck the man across his face. Crowds of people began gathering and cheering on the commotion. Just as Cecilee was about to interject, a man from one of the crowds called out, "Hey there you two, cut that out!"

The two turned to him and abruptly responded, "Shut up, just who do you think you are!?"

"I'm someone that's struggling just like everyone else here and we have enough problems of our own. We don't need any more developing because of two assholes that won't simply walk away." said the stranger.

"Hmph!" the woman grunted as she turned her nose up at him, knowing deep down that he was right.

The stranger walked up and placed his left hand on the small of the woman's back and his right hand on the man's shoulder. "Please, would you do us all a favor and shake hands, letting bygones be bygones?" he said convincingly with the crowds now supporting him.

Resting one hand casually on her sword and raising an eyebrow. Well well, isn't he the smooth-talker, maybe even good enough to rival Thengol. Cecilee thought as the man and woman shook hands to make up.

"Okay everyone, nothing to see here. Let's clear out and go on about our day." The stranger said as he gestured for everyone to disburse.

Cecilee turned around and started walking away realizing that she had wasted enough time with the distraction, and really needed to find this Slarant person. Suddenly the kind stranger swiftly walked past her, in the distance she heard...

"My trinket, someone stole my trinket!" the woman who was just arguing screamed.

The man patted his pockets and exclaimed, "My pendant is missing as well, who in the hell?"

From a distance, the mysterious stranger turned back and grinned at Cecilee, then gently nodded his head as he casually walked away.

"Thief, stop that man!" Cecilee screamed as she ran after him.

The mysterious man turned just in time to arrogantly wink at her; then vanished in a cloud of smoke. She coughed while running through the light fog left by the stranger, then looked around trying to see where he went. It was too late though, he was nowhere to be found.

"Damn it!" she said with a determined look on her face, as she ran off.