Tragedy on the Front

Chapter 2

MAN ON RIGHT IS EDGAR 

Johar strode down a wide cobble road, mindful to dodge large mounds of horse manure left in the streets. The intense humidity shrouded itself over the town, acting as a sticky blanket. The air robbed his lungs of a full, satisfying gulp and forced him into a panting state after only minutes of walking. He quickly ducked himself into the nearest tavern and took a seat at the bar. Its gloominess gave it the look of a dungeon. The large flambeaus positioned around the tavern caused shadows to dance off the walls. A stench filled the air.

The bartender, a large man with thick forearms and a grizzly beard, leaned over the counter and stared at Johar with a questioning look.

"I'll have a beer, please." Johar muttered. The man walked away and soon returned with a large stein filled with an amber colored liquid. Johar took a sip and immediately felt a warmth spread through his body. After finishing the glass, he left a few coins on the table and walked out.

Once he had closed the door, he heard a large commotion coming from a few blocks over. He hastily ran around the corner. The street was filled with people. Banners waved freely in the air and the organized sound of military drums filled the air along with cheers and other celebritory noises. In the center of the path, men marched in organized columns. From the badge on their chests that depicted a phoenix, he knew that this was the Militia.

The official military force of the region Johar lived in, Ooflach, the Militia often passed through the town of Kingsrich on their way to the front line. The Militia was part of a long-lasting cooperation between itself, the Klou, and the Dark Souls. Simply known as the Alliance, these three powers united under Death himself in order to stop the United Republic of People and their greedy need to expand their borders.

Stationed to the north of Ooflach, the Klou acted as a mercenary army. Many people believed that the entire war was started by the Klou because of their failing economy. Before the war had started the Klou had declared itself bankrupt. They could make no money during the Hundred Year Peace and fighting broke out among the many clans that made up the territory. The supreme leader of the Klou, known as the Major, became so depressed by the state of the land that he committed suicide. With no air to take up the position of Major, even more intense fighting broke out. From the rubble anddead bodies rose one man. His skin was stained permanently red with blood and thousands of scars were left behind from the battle.

He killed off anyone who opposed him and took up the position of Major. Driven by violence and pleasured by the screams of the suffering, he came into contact with Death, a being so purely dark that his presence caused plants to shrivel up and those of even strong souls to drop to their knees. What they conversed that day is unknown, but conflict between Ooflach and the U. R. P. began just days after. The U. R. P. pushed itself deep into Ooflach, pillaging whatever it found. Severly outnumbered, the Militia went into a full retreat with the U. R. P. hot on its trail. In desperation, the High Council of Ooflach met with the Major and arranged for the Klou's hire as the defendor of the land. The Major happily agreed and sent his forces over. The Klou swiftly divided the U. R. P.'s army and massacred any survivors.

Knowing that the Klou would continue the conflict as long as possible, the High Council looked for another ally who they could call upon if need be. They found said ally in the Dark Forests of the East in the form of a nomadic tribe known as the Dark Souls. The members of the group possessed a strange dark magic whose powers remained unknown to outsiders. The perfect diplomatic and battle weapon, the Dark Souls agreed to join the Alliance so long as their land remained untouched.

Ooflach then found itself in the uneasy debt of two menacing war powers. Kingsrich also found itself in a tight spot. The route that connected the three territories together passed through the town. The constant presence of the Klou, who needed the path to get to the frontlines, put pressure on the town's mayor: Lord Balldor. Every week he found himself playing a more important role in the relationship between the Klou and Ooflach, where one mistake could cause severe punishment.

Johar snapped back to the present. The street was deserted other than himself and the banners left out in the peoples' laziness. The heavy fog that had existed in the early morning had been evaporated by the heat of the noonday sun and the muddy state of the ground was beginning to dry up.

A large growl emmitted from Johar's stomach, forcing him to make a beeline for the nearest restaurant. He sat down at a seat next to the window and took a look at the menu. The waiter soon arrived and took his order. Soon afterwards he glanced out the window and noticed a shimmer of colors. A small hummingbird threw itself into view and hungrily lapped at the nearest flower. It hovered in midair perfectly. It kept perfect control of its sleek body. Its beauty captivated Johar from the shimmer of its feathers to -

"They're magnificent aren't they?" a voice as warm as honey said.

Johar took his eyes from the window and back to the table. In front of him sat a beautiful young woman. She had gorgeous blue eyes and pure strands of blonde hair. "Yes you - I mean they - as in - bird," Johar struggled to get the sentence out.

The girl giggled and threw her hair back over her shoulder, "My names Rose."

Johar tried feebly to piece his sentence together and after a few moments of thinking said in a strong, deep voice, "I'm Johar".

"That's an interesting name," Rose stated, "Where's your family from?"

"Originally from the Mountains of Baa'aah," Johar informed.

"Oh, that would also explain your accent," She smiled, "It's rather sexy!" Johar blushed and smiled back. She wore a beautiful red dress that exposed every curve on her amazing body. Rose noticed where his gaze was, "Well no need to be inconspicuous about it," She exclaimed. Johar stumbled with an apology but she interupted, "Don't worry about it, my sister made me wear it to see if I would wear it in public," She grinned, "She's gonna owe me some money when I get back."

"Well, I think it's great!" Johar blurted out.

"Of course you do! You're just like all men," she rolled her eyes exasperatedly.

Johar's mind took over, "Well maybe I could show you I'm different from any other man"

She smiled, looking him from head to toe and replied, "What do you mean?"

Johar had no idea where this was coming from but he just continued talking, "Maybe over dinner."

Johar could see Rose's breath quicken as she answered, "That sounds nice, are you free any time soon?"

Johar pretended to think about his schedule. Of course he was free! What activities of importance did he have. Even if there was something, it could surely be rescheduled for this. "Ah I think I'll be free in two days time."

"Does 8 work?" she asked.

"It surely does," he answered.

"Then I'll see you there," she winked at him, got up, and walked out. Johar was left not knowing what the hell happened.

Hey guys, ch. 3 will be out very soon. Thanks for the support and actually taking the time to read this. Feel free to comment with advice and other stuff.

Thanks!