MATTERS AT HAND
In a wholly dark room Elroy lay on the cold floor, stripped of his clothes, bruised and bloody. Beside him stood Rose, selecting from various sizes of knives on the torture table; no matter how strong his mind was, there's a breaking point for every man - it has been seven months now and the torment grew stronger, Elroy was losing every sense of his being, he could barely speak nor lift a finger.
"Shall we begin phase nine baby doll?" She squats before Elroy. "You've got potential baby doll, I may actually consider making you my next in command and lover if you survive to phase ten."
After a brief chuckle she lifts Elroy's head by his hair then whispered into his ear, "I'll carve my name in your heart that it sparks fear the moment you hear it," she licks the blood dripping down his cheek. "You taste like death already, don't worry it won't kill you."
"Please." Elroy mumbled with all he had.
Infuriated by Elroy's words, Rose slammed his head on the floor then stepped on his face with her laced boot, "I've told you over and again, never bargain with me, it's a privilege to be mine not a misfortune."
A loud bang on the door soon interrupted Rose, "Who the duck is it?" She snared.
"It's Taven."
"What do you need? It's not clean up time."
"Lord Goru Sein requests your presence."
"For ducks sake," she walks reluctantly to the door and opens it.
Taven quickly kicked forward against her chest which sent her stubbing backwards, two men then rushed over to hold her down.
"Unhand me ingrates," she snared.
"Shut her up Aria," Taven ordered as he walks over to Elroy.
The slim, short pretty lady, having short dark fringed hair drew her sword, standing over Rose.
"You dumb cunts." Rose cursed, "Goru Sein will have you gutted like the rams you are."
"You will be dead for three days before he finds out," Aria assured then stabs her sword into Rose's arm.
Rose shrieked out, sniffing and sobbing like an injured child as though it was her first time feeling pain.
"You know one funny thing?" Aria asked with a smirk, "anyone hearing your scream will take it as a normal routine."
"Aria." Taven called out as he wraps Elroy in a thick cloth.
"I know, no jokes on missions." She winks at Taven.
"Don't worry Friend, I'm here," Taven comforted Elroy, carrying him in his arms. "Execute her." He ordered.
"Please, please forgive me." Rose pleaded with weighty eyes, wearing an innocent look.
"Wow!" Aria removes the sword from Rose's arm causing her to moan, "for a moment I almost felt pity."
"Now Aria." Taven urged.
"Alright," Aria sighs "As a core member of the Morning Star, I sentence you to death for abuse of power and human rights."
"You have no right." Rose spoke with a sob.
"As a vessel of God's judgement I do." Aria plunges her sword into Rose's neck.
BEGINNING OF THE END
In a small town occupying the glade of a thick forest team five trots their horses along a street, searching for a local tavern. It seemed like an old town but the fine-thick wooden huts says otherwise; well thatched roofing, each house stood independent on its own some having farms others a fruit tree or two. Although it was noon, just few persons moved about while children’s laughter echoed about.
"Is it just me or are these people happy to see us," Elroy asked, noticing the excitement on everyone's face as they passed by.
"The seekers squad is a well known group." Lukas replied.
"You mean cult," Elroy proposed.
"No way El," Mira interrupted, "the Seekers squad is a religious group not a cult."
"Seems more of a cult to me."
"Why do you always explain to him?" Karin asked.
Just ahead of them stood five men armed with swords alongside an average, pale skin fascinating young woman, having long curly greyish hair, portraying a friendly gaze.
Getting close to them team five halted their horses.
"Welcome to the Clan of Aroda,” the young woman spoke with a soft shying tone, “you would never tell how happy I am to see the Seekers squad here."
"Well your people gave that away already," Mira replied with a smile.
"Are you on a mission or just passing by?"
"Both, but we intend spending the night here."
"Lovely, why you are at it we could use your help with a problem."
"What are we dealing with?"
"There has been an unusual attack within the past twenty-one nights, we lost seven men."
"Describe the state of the corpse."
"All were pale and soft like a muddy terrain, some having multiple bite marks on their necks."
"Leave that to us, we will handle it from here."
"That's great news," she turns over to one of the guards behind her, "take them to the compound and get them food."
The guard responded with a bow then led team five towards a path.
"There was a foul stench around her." Elroy whispered to Mira
"I know, she's been in contact with a Succilin."
"How can you tell?"
"It just takes practice.” Mira smiles at Elroy.
BEGINNING OF THE END
Riana Castle Compound. Just before the wide open gates stood Prince Richard awaiting Tihon and his brother Prince Fredrick, who were accompanied by two Royal guard.
"Safe travels brother," Richard hugs Fredrick, "God be with you."
"Always brother," Fredrick pats Richard's back before releasing himself.
"Make sure Tihon doesn't make any rash decision." Richard advised.
"Not on my watch," said Fredrick, spurring Tihon to narrow his eyes towards Richard.
"Tihon, watch my brothers back will you."
"Such trust comes with a price." Tihon gave not even an inch of smile.
"Sure," Richard teased with a smile then looks over to Fredrick, "keep an eye for preying eyes in the south lands, for all we know they may be an enemy to Riana."
"Alright brother."
"Keep watch on the Drokan movement also, there's something off about them, with the slightest opportunity gather more information."
"Will do, make sure you assist father, he needs you." Fredrick mounts his horse.
At the balcony King Eric stands beside Atari, observing both his sons.
"Remind me why Richard was made crowned Prince." Atari asked subtly.
"He's blessed with wisdom, determination, focus and the spirit of my father, exactly what Riana needs."
"Fredrick is subjected to you."
"But he lacks the heart of stone."
"That's why he will be under your control, Richard basically shut down all brothels and stopped alcohol."
"Just by one proclamation, he excised his power."
"Then what happens when the table turns in your odd."
"Richard won't challenge me Ari," King Eric assured, then grabs hold of her waist, gently massaging with his fingers. "I can't seem to help myself around you lately."
"Get your hands off me Eric or I'll break them." She threatened with a cold gaze.
King Eric removes his hand. "I'm a King you know, I get what I want, you can't reject me."
"Get use to it, Richard may get close to knowing about us if we aren't careful." Atari stares intently at Prince Richard.
"What happened to the Atari that didn't care?"
"She's asleep for now."
King Eric scoffs.