The city of Heimlock is recognized as the paragon of all the lands. It is the center of industry and authority. What were deemed the laws of the lands are forged by the High 13, a council of prominent elder members of Legion. Heimlock was the biggest city in the land with a a couple hundred thousand citizens or so. It used to be vastly more populated, but resources and housing became more dedicated to the Legionnaires rather than the everyman.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicpnIaS5bt
The city itself was surrounded by a giant concrete wall as a defense mechanism. Making Heimlock the safest city around. Only those of prominent status lived there, except for day laborers that were essential to the functionality of the city. Everyone else had to commute to partake in the wonders of Heimlock.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDImf9IkYsS
Hundreds of people would show up yearly to try and enter Legion but only the most efficient prospects would make it in. The Legion have various branches and factions within the branches. Wayfarers belonged to no faction and were free to do what they pleased as long as they provided a good image for Legion. Although, it was rare for anyone to be given the classification.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnwuqwoGbl
The most popular branch was the Authority. It was essentially a military organized police force where members would be assigned different sectors of Heimlock and then neighboring cities to watch over. Only larger cities were protected. Smaller towns and any place past the wastes were not under the Legion's protection, but some wayfarers make it out that far and provide services such as Fayrin and his demon hunts.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspcQe4ZQbZ
Heimlock was also the most industrialized city, with almost every building being made of steel and concrete, possibly due to those with extraordinary manipulation abilities making it easier to craft and construct complex architecture. In the center of the city was the Legion headquarters where the High 13 and various resources for legionnaires resides.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wlBtSRnCQ
Aedden and Fayrin had finally made it to the city and trekked through the bustling Metropolis. Neither had been back in some time. Aedden was starting to look sluggish after using his abilities all this time to carry Fayrin,
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh3Or337t4
"I think you and me both are gonna need a good rest after this. We're almost there."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h0Yp2ZvwW
They had now made it to Legion headquarters, the tallest building in the city separated from everything else by a bridge as the one way in and out. The two approached the door with a guard on each side in a red and black uniform sporting a golden embedded L showing Legion affiliance.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRTc8bl5Lf
"Halt," said one, the other chimed in,
"To enter past this point you must show your badge or mark. And state your business."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2PZFLeQhQ
Aedden stopped and pulled open his suit jacket to lower his shirt revealing the marl of the wayfarer on his left pectoral. He then reached over to Fayrin turning his wrist up to show his mark. Fayrin whispered weakly that he wanted someone to Aedden.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCnRcsWXl9
Aedden walked closer to the guards,
"My friend here is in dire need of medical attention. He will need a highly skilled naturist. He also said to make Taerik of the High 13 privy to our presence. He'll want to know we are here."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i3W1Bc5VB
"Elder Taerik..." stammered one, "Right away."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79aGIoBg0K
The two guards opened the door to let Aedden and Fayrin in. Other the other side was a messenger scout. The guards instructed them to hurry to the medical wing to prepare Fayrin's arrival and to call upon Taerik.
Aedden and Fayrin were escorted to the medical wing where a naturist by the name of Baely was waiting to help. She was a bit shy and young for an important position. She couldn't have been more than fifteen with her small body and demeanor. Her bright red hair brought out her green eyes, and her look altogether resonated in Fayrin as she spoke,
"Oh my, you're wrapped from head to toe!"
Aedden spoke up that it was his handiwork as he helped her start untangling the makeshift bandages so she could see what she was working with.
Fayrin sat in silence just staring at her with familiarity. She looked so much like someone he once knew as the name left his lips,
"Myrra?"
"Oh? Do you know my sister? I get told we look a lot alike," she said pulling the last bandage off.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0JkkKVDMX
"I guess I wouldn't have seen her in..." he paused to think, "About six years. She used to do this sort of thing."
"You're right! I only recently took over for her as she took a seat in the naturist faction. She could possibly be apprenticing for Kaeeon of the High 13, meaning one day she could have a seat on the council!"
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5mP40QgeX
Fayrin hadn't been back for years and rarely heard news about the ongoings in the city, but of course things had to have changed here and there. He knew he couldn't expect to see the people from past and having gone off to live their lives. A thought that came a moment to soon as a hoarse voice from behind him bellowed out,
"You fucking little shit!"
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyyDkKYFx6
It was Taerick. Taerick was a strong looking man well into his sixties. He may be that old but he sure doesn't act it. His furrowed thick brow and mid length beard that were as dark as night are his most notable features. His outfit was a similar garb to the authority soldiers, except his clothes were black and gold rather than red.
"All this time. And not a word from you. Just an occasional request of funds."
Fayrin looked down in shame, but then quickly retorted,
"I sent proof of my hunts you horse's ass."
"Language!" Interjected Baely as she started shoving grounded up roots into Fayrin's wounds. He let out a yelp as he winced.
The roots were applied to each of his many cuts. Baely closed her eyes while touching her palms to his chest and each wound began glowing. The roots were pulling the cuts closed.
"Now it may look like you're better, but I can only do so much. It's a slow process especially with how hurt you are. This will close the wounds more effectively than bandages could and the roots inside you having medicinal properties that'll speed things up. That being said, you need bed rest for at least a few days before you can walk again. You'll risk re-opening your wounds or hurting yourself more. So take it easy."
Baely got up and made her way out of the room,
"I'll leave you to talk."
Aedden waited for her to go before finally chiming in,
"So I take it you know each other."
"Fayrin here was my ward when he first joined. I spent months training him for the little shit to get a big head and take off as a wayfarer."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jq46AIgT4
"But..." Aedden didn't understand. There was clearly more not being said, so he tried to pry, "You're an elder of the High 13. Surely if you wanted him here, you could have forced him."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sIidsMYAc
"That's true. But. It was more complicated than that at the time. A story for him to tell if he wants. You wanted me to know you were here boy. So I know," Taerick said sternly as he leaned in close, "Don't even fucking think of leaving without seeing me."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeEq6tq0C9
Fayrin shook his head, agreeing to do so when Aedden stopped him from leaving too soon,
"We also have a dire issue concerning a blood magic murderer to bring before the council. We can't even speak to his actual kill count."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUoObvgrTO
Taerick looked Aedden up and down,
"What sect were you?"
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUA2TVZc4A
"Authority Executive Branch. But this last year I became a wayfarer. My reasons are my own,"
Stated Aedden.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mfwJXC8Fn
"Well that's a choice. Authority to wayfarer. You'll have to bring it to the rest of the council in a day or two and explain."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXy5eiXOBX
Aedden nodded in agreement as Taerick exited the room. Fayrin and Aedden were left alone. Fayrin started to pass out and Aedden took note and left himself so he could rest as well. He'll remember to ask about Fayrin's induction another time.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3miDeMaqgx
The next day came and Aedden seemed peppy in comparison to the previous day. A night of rest is what he needed after carrying Fayrin for so long. He came back to Fayrin's room to inform him he was been called before the council to explain the situation. Fayrin could barely stand so Aedden helped him up.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mVJvjmrsl
"Why are you helping me?" asked Fayrin, not understanding Aedden's motivation or really anything about him.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQK7JfzdqJ
"I'm helping you because you can barely walk," Aedden retorted as he pulled Fayrin to his feet. Fayrin looked at him and grabbed him by his collar,
"No. From what I understand about you. You were on the fast track to being a commander in the Authority. You weren't lying about your skills or abilities. You said to Taerick your reasons were your own. But I want to know."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYkNib45jS
Aedden looked him dead in the eyes and chuckled,
"It just, wasn't fun anymore. There's no action when you have to stay here and just guard the rich and their things."
Albeit a smug way to answer, it seemed to be a believable one. Fayrin rolled his eyes and they began to trot slowly through the halls. After a few minutes they found themselves in a circular room where each member of the High 13 is seated around them as they stood in the middle. The High 13 appeared as shadows to them, not revealing their faces. Only the shadow of Taerick was familiar to Fayrin.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLxYxcMOcn
Fayrin let go of Aedden and began speaking with a strong voice, much more confident then he had seemed before,
"High 13! I come to you with dire warnings of a mad man. I came across a blood magic user with iron efficiency. He used his blood magic and iron abilities together to slaughter a group of fifty or so men and women."
The council members murmured to each other in shock as one deep voice came,
"This is very serious. Where did this happen?"
"It was in the wastes. The outer bound apart the last city."
"The wastes?" came a snide voice, "We do not have the resources or time to deal with the happenings in nameless towns in a nameless place."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeG0AC2Jyb
"But there are people with names there! And they're dying!" shouted Fayrin with anger and frustration in his voice. Then came the familiar voice of Taerick,
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzLnwL9mLN
"Blood magic is just as bad as necromancy and is not welcome in our lands and if possible should be enforced there as well. But the users of necromancy and escalated demon attacks here close to home must take a priority."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHRq8uiFhE
Aedden decided to chime in at this moment,
"I was there and saw the condition Fayrin was in. He was left for dead. Tortured by this man who killed so many. And will most likely kill again. Demons do what their master tell them and the body count in minimal or avoided all together because we're there to act."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGbMGEaAgm
The snide voice came again,
"Its funny that you say that considering who you're sticking up for. Everyone seems to know the prodigy and how amazing he apparently was. But this defector basically left Legion to hunt a master-less demon."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS2E7kssh0
Aedden looked back at Fayrin who just looked down in anger. He was angry because he could tell nothing's changed around here. No one believes him. No one cares.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx4xZeaqwR
Aedden went to speak again, but was cut off by the same voice,
"You wayfarers are the lowest tier of our organization. And you turning down the commander rank at your age to wander and spread good will is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. Even more ridiculous than this ghost demon hunter here. Because he hunts for something that doesn't exist."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Q9hwRNmw
Fayrin looked back up focusing on Taerick's shadow hoping his old master would stick up for him. However, Fayrin also knew a part of Taerick felt betrayed by his leaving too.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03Yk2dqEC7
"There's nothing that can be done about this issue for now," explained Taerick, "For all we know, it's an isolated incident. We will try to track this and see where it goes. But for now just heal."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3AGvEZgyY
All of the 13 stood and left leaving an empty room besides Aedden and Fayrin. Aedden bobbed his head signaling for them to get out of there. He guided Fayrin back to his room who was quiet with rage.
Aedden could tell how upset Fayrin was. He also could not help wondering about the master-less demon. This meeting only brought up more questions than answers, but in that moment he wanted to give support,
"If they won't help you. Then I will. I'll help find and kill this man."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULIfh4iv7m
"I'm not strong enough," said Fayrin banging his fist, "Even if I heal, I won't be strong enough and I'm not sure two of us is enough."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwCPaniJZU
"The get stronger," said Taerick entering the room, "It figures that Gael would not give help. He's the diplomacy regent and an arrogant prick. And while he is above me, my hands aren't completely tied."
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqfSdRmAjq
Taerick reached into his uniform and pulled out a golden emblazoned badge sporting an 'L A' signifying Legion Authority. Fayrin looked in shock and started to reach out for it as Taerick turned to Aedden,
"He won't be a believable prospect due to his absence all these years. You could just say you took a sabbatical. With this you can recruit from various sects and build a team to journey into the wastes and hunt this guy down."
Aedden looked at Fayrin, then back at the badge nodding in agreement to Taerick. He took the badge he had turned down no more than a year ago.
"You'll have to know when to use it and when not to.use it to get what you want. It'll only do you good until the last city. In the wastes, its meaningless. I do have a lead on someone who may help you."
Taerick paused and looked at Fayrin. He was caught in the moment not recognizing the boy he once knew. And yet, just like all those years ago, Taerick just wanted to help him,
"Just. Don't get yourself killed out there. The man I think can help you goes by the name of Reaper. He's a mercenary for the weapons guild. He can help you get stronger and may even join your team."
Taerick handed Aedden the badge and turned to walk out,
"Goodbye kid. Hopefully you don't die."
"Taerick!" yelled Fayrin, getting Taerick to stop in his tracks and turn to look back,
"I'm sorry I left. Thank you."
It was very few words, but they seemed to resonate with Taerick. Maybe that's all he ever needed from Fayrin. He smiled as he turned back around and waved goodbye.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOzU3CVVWs
Aedden looked the badge up and down and then put it in his suit pocket. He turned to Fayrin who had sat back on his bed.
"So we have a plan," said Fayrin.
"Oh I'm included now that you don't have a choice," chuckled Aedden,
"So what's the deal with you and him. Is this something to do with how you joined Legion?"
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c8LGjJwV2
"I'd have to tell you the whole story," said Fayrin.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLPwe0GtBu
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0QeBnT6un
