Common sense
Lumer was a sight to behold. An engineering marvel, sort of speak. Compared to the dark ages they lived in.
Ravaged by monsters for nearly two ages, there hadn't been much time nor effort to develop their lands. There was not enough of anything. Not enough people, not enough resources. Although, the westernmost part of Arrington had fared well, while they paid the hefty price with their livelihood and blood that would mark them for almost ten generations.
There was no denying, he felt anger rising at the sight of the lush streets, flanked by trees, people peacefully strolling as if they didn't even exist. The high domed buildings peppered throughout Lumer, and among them, an array of various sized homes, in many different architectural styles, painted in vivid brilliant colours creating a kaleidoscope of wonder.
The sound of heavy footsteps behind them, made him let out of heavy sigh. He knew who they were, there was no need to turn around and see. The city watch. There was no need, to chase them across the lands when they could just open the gates and just let them in.
Luckily, they didn't need to get any further than Lumer. Anything they had to say, would reach the capital, no doubt.
Umli had a privileged status, and the natives were held in high regard. Regardless of which layer of the society they originated from.
If it weren't for slavery, and the cruelty towards those whom trespassed their lands, it would have made a perfect home.
" Turn around," One of the guards ordered. Even-tempered, firm, not as terrifying as he thought they would be.
Slowly, he and Iris turned to face the city watch.
Their armour was a mix of metal and leather. Chest, shoulders, knees, ankles and hands were protected by metal. The rest was covered in brown-reddish leather, over a black tunic, and skin-tight trousers. Although, the skin-tight trousers looked better on Iris.
" Chains," The same guard barked, his attire distinctively marked as the one in charge. An athori. He hadn't seen one before but the blazon on his chest etched with two crossed blades was enough.
Two guards unhooked the chains they carried attached to their hips and stepped forward, stopping in front of them.
Iris threw him a glance, as the flames began pooling at her feet, attempting to stretch forward, but she seemed to be able to control them, as wisps of fire lashed to touch the two guards before them, but they curled inwards as if she tugged them back.
Apprehension quickly settled as the guards were more worried about the flames than their presence.
" We have a message for King Rudy," Corvin began, smiling, while Iris, just stood stone-faced watching the guards.
" You'll have to give it to him yourself. We will be reaching the capital in less than a day," The athori replied and gestured at the guards to chain them. Not in this lifetime. Maybe in the next.
The guards took one step forward and the flames lashed, wiping the chains out of the hands.
When the clatter of the chains falling settled, the athori stepped forward, giving Iris a once-over.
" The Damned ones," He looked at Corving seeking confirmation. That was another name for the sisters, supposedly.
" You could say that, yes," Corvin smirked, " I mean," He shrugged, " You could come closer and find out for yourself," He wickedly cajoled, grinning. A little sadistic. Once again, he was itching for a fight.
" Your message," The athori demanded. At least this one had some brain.
"Courtesy of the Mythrian Quenn. You can thank her later. Oros is moving towards Hessian lands. Word is that their next target is Umayad, " A little seed of discord, to wipe the slate clean. If all goes according to plan, they would take each other out and the monsters in Fiahtyr forest and they wouldn't have to lift a finger.
" They have taken the seat of Hessia and they are marching towards Umayad as we speak," The athori waved a hand and two of the guards disappeared. Most certainly to confirm the information.
The information was real. After leaving a missive at the Orian border, they made their way straight for Umayad.
What they didn't know was that Fiahtyr was riddled with monsters. The look on their faces would be priceless. The people were safe, the citadel was empty. All tucked away in the forest, bordering Arrington, Whitsun.
" Chain them," They never learn. He felt the need to step back when two more guards advanced. Iris remained silent, channelling the flames took up all her concentration, especially when she didn't want to hurt anyone.
" I would advise against that," She said when the guards unfastened the chains and eyed her like a prize.
Their mistake. The athori smirked. If he knew about the damned ones, then he must know something that they didn't.
" The chains," He whispered, as the guards approached. "We need the chains," He didn't get a chance to finish his thoughts properly, as the flames expanded, and spread at lightning speed encircling the guards before them.
" Fascinating. You can control them," The athori, smirked.
" A true gem, isn't she," He felt the need to supply to that little thought.
The athori smirked, as he nodded and ordered the guards to stand down. A wise decision on his part. The flames slowly retreated to Iris, as she focused all her attention on calling them to her. After all, Pelham had kept his word. Now it was his turn to keep them on a tight leash. He dreaded the day when he would fail to do so.
" Now, if you don't mind we have some other matters to attend to," Corvin tugged on the horse's reins to turn them around.
" I'm glad that we could resolve this without any bloodshed," Iris chimed in as she took a step forward towards the athori. The four guards in front, stepped aside to make room.
" We hold great respect towards the damned ones. In old times, they were revered as goddesses among our people. Now long forgotten. I come from a long line of scholars. Times have changed, and so have we." He curly bowed in front of Iris.
" Then why king Ruby is so determined to wage war against my land, my people," Iris asked, as the athori raised his head and locked eyes with her.
" I cannot speak on behalf of the king. He must not be aware. And if he is, I'm merely a humble servant and I must know my place," Oh, for fuck sake.