Tales of Eron Sullivan

CHAPTER 1 It was almost sunset, the louring of the sky slowly mantled the land. It was a sign that night is drawing near. Eron Sullivan tired and weary had reached the nearest town called Sans Louvre. A long journey without food nor water, he found himself in front of a small establishment, a cafeteria. With three pieces of gold and five pieces of silver, he must save a portion of the money in a place unknown to him. Luckily, Sans Louvre, known as the merchant's capital. Known for its finest garments, antiques, hard-to-find handicrafts, precious ornaments, and wares at a cheap and bargain price. High breed animals and well-cultured fruits and vegetables of far regions are also cultivated in this place. It's also known for illegal traders as one of the black markets being monitored. Many travelers and merchants travel their way in this capital to trade their materials at a cheap cost. This town is governed by a greedy tycoon, so its economy is stable and wealthy. Ordered a cup of hot chocolate and two pieces of wheat bread, Eron is enjoying his food. The barista noticed how hungry he was eating his food.  "Good heavens, you looked like someone who hasn't eaten for years." The barista was surprised. "You're right Sir," replied Eron. "I'm a wanderer, it's been days now since the last time I had eaten something ", he added. "Oh, take this.." The kind barista graciously gave him more bread and added cheese. "How kind of you Sir, how can I repay you? I don't have enough money to pay for these," Eron asked whole-heartedly. "It's okay. It seems that you're not lying. From the way you dressed, you look dirty and ragged ", the barista replied. "For a wanderer like you, it's great that you've come your way here in Sans Louvre." "Sir, may I ask if you know a nearer place where I can stay and settle for a while?" Eron asked. "I know a small Inn nearby, it won't take long from here. It's the cheapest Inn here in the Capital. People here are greedy and mean, they a***e the poor and needy and you're one of a good catch because you're naïve and innocent in this place," warned the barista. "Thank you Sir!" thanked Eron. Soon as Eron finished his meal, the door slammed. Someone must have pushed it real hard. Then an image of a tall physique, bearded man appeared before the people inside the cafeteria. Unaware of the situation, Eron Sullivan looked at the door. "Look! It's Haragus!" shouted the man sitting right next to him. "Give way! Give way!" shouted the other. "Who's that man?" Eron asked the barista. "Is he that important?". "You don't know him, young wanderer. He's the minister and henchman of Baron Vlamitri," answered the barista." He's cruel and ruthless." "That man is a monster!" meddled the other man. "Oh, I see! And who's this man named Baron Vlamitri?" Eron questioned. "He's the head and ruler of this capital", mumbled the man. "Baron Vlamitri Sans Louvre," he added. "I'm warning you, young man, never interfere with Haragus and Baron Vlamitri. They're monsters! They won't hesitate to kill you!" said the barista in a low-toned voice.  Eron nodded in affirmation. The conversation stopped when Haragus knocked his fist down the table causing a ruckus that got all the people's attention. "Everyone, listen!" screamed one of Haragus' guards." Minister Haragus have something to say." Then Haragus paces towards the people. "People of Sans Louvre, his highness Baron Vlamitri received alarming news about this bandit. Rumors circulating that this bandit steals anything it wants. And I can tell that he's really someone as this so-called thief leaves no proof nor footprint. Such an impeccable fool I would love to crush. So, if any one of you knows the whereabouts of this fool, alert me or my guards." Haragus furiously commanded. Then he stared at everyone in the cafeteria. One by one with a sharp, cunning look onto their faces. He noticed this young lad clothed in ragged and grimes. "It seems that we have a visitor. You!" Pointing at Eron. "Who are you?" Haragus arrogantly asked him. "Who? Me?" Eron pointing at himself. "So this insolent fool had the gut to talk back. Such bravery to humiliate me in front of my men," Haragus implied.  Then he punched him in his abdomen.  "Well, that's what happens to an impertinent fool like you. Not answering my question. Me, Minister Haragus Van Manoir, the henchman of Baron Vlamitri Sans Louvre! Tch!" he added with disgust. Then gushed of Haragus men's laughter heard. Peals of laughter were full of arrogance and disgust. "Again, who are you?" Haragus with an imposing voice. "Minister Haragus he is...."  "Silence! He has a mouth, speak young lad," he commanded. Eron recovered from his jab. "Sir, I am Eron Sullivan from Hunter Valley. I'm a wanderer." Eron spewed a little food. "So you are Eron Sullivan, the well-known wanderer. A nomad! Tch!" Haragus is full of disgust. "Let's go men!" he continued. Haragus and his men started to move out from the cafeteria when he cunningly glances at him.  "Eron Sullivan, I'll keep an eye on you! Tch!" Then he and his men moved out. "Young lad, have you lost your senses? Look at the cause of your action. That man shows no mercy," scolded the old-aged barista. When Eron had his senses back, he graciously thanked the barista and went his way to the nearest Inn. It has been a rough day for him. Soon, he reached the place and rented a small quarter good enough for him and his stay in Sans Louvre. He spent the night contemplating the incident.  The next day, he woke up with an aching belly, haven't fully recovered from the jab he received from Haragus. As soon as he had his breakfast, he went out to search for a job. As a wanderer, Eron accepts any job with good compensation. Every place he goes, there is always an opportunity for work. Whether it be a simple quest, a tiring mission, or something illegal as long as it didn't violate his own life principles. He found himself in the market and contented looking at the different items. The gold-plated cups and goblets, the scenic paintings, the finest fabrics in different colors, and expensive ornaments that only wealthy class like kings, queens, princes, and princesses used to decorate their mansions and villas. The well-breed cattle, horses, sheep, and poultry. Elegant carpets and mattresses and finest swords, helmets, and armors. He is looking at the swords with that awed expression. He had his sword before other than the blade he is carrying, but along his journey, he had to dispatch it as it will give him a bad impression as a wanderer. Ever since he was a child, he already had this fascination with swords and alike. Holding and thrusting each sword in the air, the merchant noticed him and asked him of anything. But Eron has no intention of purchasing any item, so instead, he asked the merchant if he knows any job he could take or perhaps, he could be useful in the merchant's stall. "Please Sir, I'm a wanderer. I went to this town with no food nor water with me. With a hope that you could help or give me any job?" he convincingly asked the merchant. "There are many things that I am able to do." "We will see about it, but for now I am not sure." The merchant objected. "Have mercy on me!" Eron insisted as he knelt down to show his sincerity. "You sure are bold. But I cannot afford to pay you the wage you desire. My business is unproductive and visitors this season are scarce. If you agree, I would accept your service," explained the merchant. "It's okay with me. Thank you for your kindness. When shall I start?" Eron cheerfully insisted. "You can start now if you insist." "Aye Sir! I would love to." Eron handshake him. The merchant explained all the details in his store from swords to daggers to armors. He explained how each weapon costs, its durability, and efficiency in battle. Eron may seem unknowledgeable on these things but he knew everything about it and rather kept that information to himself. The merchant surprisingly had a wide array of rare swords and daggers, great and small, and a rare collection of armaments. But not all the finest and rare items are in his stall such as the great legendary Xiphos. "Hey young lad, haven't you heard of the legendary Xiphos?" The old merchant asked. "Xiphos? I heard rumors about it in every town I traveled. Merchants said it was just a myth, a folklore a long time ago, " he answered. "I believe it wasn't just a myth. You see, my family had been in this business. And my family had long been searching for it aside from other rare items. I came from the family of reputable blacksmiths, we create and even forge it from well-known swords such as the crystal sword of Baron Vlamitri named the Sword of Gaeia." The merchant explained. "My father once said it really does exist. It is when I saw in my very own eyes the manuscripts of that legendary sword that made me believe. Some scrolls are either burned out or gone. Unfortunately, the scrolls left didn't detail the exact location nor indicate what this legendary sword looked like. However, on my family's research, we deciphered its whereabouts. This is a piece of critical information and not everyone knew about it. It is located in Ruins of Alexandrus," he continued. "Ruins of Alexandrus? Did you try asking for other Mercenary Guilds of different nations about this?" Eron puzzled. "Yes, but we are unable to locate the Ruins of Alexandrus to this day," said the frustrated merchant. " And they're all clueless and made it as a joke to my family. For all eternity, no one even dared to explore except my family. For them, it was just a myth." "What's special about this Legendary sword of Xiphos?" Eron continued. "It is written that this sword has an innate power," the merchant explained. "What kind of power?" "That is something I cannot answer. Even my father failed to unravel it. Until today, I have had no clue." The merchant justified. "He even warned me that if ever I find it, I shouldn't use it in evil and or in greed." "Only fools would do that. I have met different races in different nations. Greed is really destructive," Eron agreed. "You're still young, there's more for you to find out. But, if it's possible that somewhere out there you  found it, use it to protect and not to destroy." The merchant contrasted. "Xiphos, huh..." Eron whispered. Soon, a crowd of people gathered in the market. It became lively as bargains here and there rolled out.  Days passed by when near to the stall, commotions of people are causing interruptions among the crowd. Suddenly, a clamor of guards was coming towards his direction as if they are in a manhunt. They are catching up chasing an outlaw warning the crowd to clear the path. "There's the thief! Quick, after him!" screamed the guard. "Arrest him, don't let him escape!" warned the other. "There he is, he's heading in the crowd... Keep an eye on him!" shouted the other guard. Soon, the crowd went rampant. People are panicking while the children cry in fear. The situation was uncontrollable as the tension is building up. Many stalls were being crashed while some are in ruins. The bandit took the opportunity to escape and took a different route. Soon, as the pursuit was over, the bandit calmed himself. Acting like nothing happened while checking any guards nearby, he joined in the flock of people walking down the alley. Confident that there are no scouts around, he fixed his cloak and took his hood off.  There revealed a beautiful young maiden. Her shiny blonde hair flaunted in the air as the warm breeze touches her porcelain skin. Her soft locks draped from her deep green eyes down to her satin red lips. A beauty every man would admire.  Someone behind this charade is lurking cautiously not to be seen. Eron, who had seen the trickery keep mum while being amazed at her beauty. Who would have thought that behind that treacherous, brave, and energetic thief hides a fragile and pretty young lass?  "Hey, young lady.., " Eron appeared behind the girl. "Yes, Mister?" the girl innocently glanced at him as she continued walking. "Woah, hold your horses! What's with the rush? I can see you're having trouble with that parcel." Pointing at the parcel. "Mind if I can lend a hand?" Eron insisted. "How admirable of you Sir, but I can manage," the girl flirtingly obliged. "Let me help you, how unmanly of me if I am unable to help a damsel in distress", Eron charmingly insisted. " Besides, it's an unpleasant sightseeing a beautiful lady carrying such a heavy load. I couldn't bear such sight when the girl had captured my heart," Eron exudes more of his charm. "You wish. You see, I've been doing this every day. Besides, I might consume most of your time which I can't afford to pay you even a silver," the girl trying not to be impolite. "Actually, I'm not busy. I was taking a brisk walk when you passed by with that hood..," Eron almost spurted out her identity. " Ah--hahaha. Of course, you are wearing a hood," he grinned. "Are you okay?" the girl had sensed he knew what just happened but continued her charade. "You looked tired and weary so let me hold that for you", he immediately grabbed the parcel from her. "Where do you live?" "I live near here. You, what's your name?" "I'm Eron Sullivan from Hunter Valley. Nice to meet you!" before she could answer, Eron handshake her. "Oh, I see, Eron Sullivan, huh? Your name sounds familiar," she figured out. "Are you the wanderer?" "Yes I am!" he saluted. "You, what's your name?" "I am Ive..." she paused. "Yvonne, yea, call me Yvonne." "Yvonne... Such a lovely name for a beautiful lady like you," he charmingly complimented.  "Thanks for the compliment," she blushed.  The sun was high, its rays brought uncomfortable chills in the skin. It engulfed the shadowy parts of the ambiance. A flock of birds flying towards the east on the beautiful clear blue skies. Few clouds scattered as if being taken by the waves of air. Slowly, a breath of air touches their fragile skin. Yvonne's hair radiantly dances with the wind. Soon, Eron found himself in front of an old-wooden entry. They reached the shelter of Yvonne. She knocked, it was loud and forceful as if the wooden door is about to break. Then, silent whispers and laughs echoed in every corner. As the door opened, those whispers and waves of laughter became clear. Eron was shocked as children were playing around. At the same time, he felt a little guilty and sad for the children. Yvonne is keeping them in captivity for her own evil motives. "Yvonne, how could you possibly do this?" Eron feels disgusted. "What do you mean?" she asked knowing what he is about to tell. "What are you doing with these children? Putting them in captivity, making them suffer? You're no better than Haragus," he confronted with anger. Out of thin air, Yvonne landed her fist on Eron's cheek. "How dare you accuse me of something I didn't even imagine doing," she mockingly declared. Teardrops fell in her green eyes.  "Are we going to continue playing that charade of yours? What now? Pretending to be naïve?" he insulted full of conviction. "What do you mean? Tell me!" "You know what I mean... You're an outlaw! I've witnessed everything. You won't fool me!" Eron continued. "So, I am right all this time. Are you going to abduct me like a criminal? Are you going to put me into s*****y with the Ogs? Are you going to throw me in the dragon's lair?" she aggressively implied. "Oh yeah, you wouldn't offer your service just because I'm a lady." "Why are you doing this? Why are you forcing them to steal? They're still young. They have a future ahead of them," Eron trying to calm her. "You know nothing! How can you possibly think I'm putting them in captivity?" she asked. "You see, the smiles on their faces? Seeing them in this dire situation breaks my heart. Yes, I am the rumored bandit! And I am stealing because of them!" "Why not ask for help from the minister?" "And you expect that monster to offer us help? Greedy and conceited who know nothing but enforce power and cruelty. These children might end up being sold in the black market or worst feed to dragons or chimeras." she protested. "I am not teaching these children to steal. I consider them my friends, they're like a family." "My sincere apology. It was a thoughtless remark," he apologized. "When are you going to stop stealing? Haragus' men are after you. What if they discovered this hideout? What will happen to the children?" "I don't know but I'll definitely find a way," Yvonne feeling hopeful. It was past noon. Eron didn't realize that he was late. He hurriedly rushes to the old merchant's stall. Swiftly dashing on the rough pavement and jumping on each rooftop. The old merchant was kind enough to accept his apology. Before the day ends, Eron received his wage. Four shekels for a day's work. He stumbled across a merchant in a wooden wagon selling fruits and vegetables, so he brought some for the children. Checking in all directions, he made sure no one followed him. Standing in front of the old wooden door of the old chapel, this place was deserted a long time ago. Since then, no one claimed the property so Yvonne, when they were seeking shelter, decided to move into the old chapel. For her, it was not just an abandoned chapel but a sanctuary for those abandoned children. Eron delivered the goods for the children. When everything seemed fine, he went home. That calls for a day. As the light passes through the small fractions of the curtains. A portion of light emitted on the window flickered on the eyes of the sleeping Eron. He awakened from his slumber. He parted the curtains and opened the window. The smell of the morning, the cold chills of the morning breeze lightly touches his warm body, the dews of the fog, the chirping of the birds, and the cotton-like clouds welcomed him. Indeed a perfect day for a stroll. He passed by the cafeteria for his usual breakfast. "Good Morning young lad!" greeted Asraf, the old barista. "What do you want to eat for today?" "The usual." He cheerfully replied. "It's been weeks since the first time I've met you, how was your stay in Sans Louvre?" "So far, it was great. There are many fascinating things around and mysteries to discover," he answered. "I am delighted that you took an interest in our capital. Not all the time I have a foreign visitor, so enjoy the food and your stay," Asraf confessed. "You have done so much for my welfare it was I who need to show such gratitude," Eron appreciated. As soon as he was finished eating his breakfast, he graciously left the cafeteria and headed his way around the capital. He went inside every boutique, every stall and checked out the menus of every restaurant he fancied. He also took the time to roam around meadows and enjoy the scenic views of the mountain ranges and prairies surrounding the capital. The wind is blowing towards the west as the lush vegetations dance in sync with the cold breeze. Walking down the concrete pavement towards the capital and passing through a wooden footbridge he sighted the town's mansion- the Baron's abode. Behind the extravagant mansion lies the Baron's vast plantation and vineyard. Something naughty occupied his thoughts. He thought of checking the plantation. His curiosity urges him he might see something good in there. Without hesitation, he changes his route in a haste.  He found himself in front of a wooden banner written with a warning "No Trespassing". It was a private property owned by the Baron. No fear has overtaken him as he hastily bent in between the parallel barbwires and went directly inside. Delighted with what he perceives, wide arrays of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peas, turnips, asparagus, and pumpkins are planted in rows separated by lumps of soil aligned vertically. To his right are well-known spices like onions, peppers, basils, rosemaries, and thymes. At his back are field crops like corns and golden ears of wheat ready for harvest. The baron also owned different varieties of fruits like apples, pomegranates, lemons, large watermelons, and mandarins. The fruits are so delicious that Eron is tempted to eat. Picking one piece of an apple, he went towards the vineyard. The sun reflected on the grape's purplish appearance, thus, making it so tempting and so ravishing to eat. He picks a bundle making sure he was unnoticed.  "Umm, these grapes are one of the finest," as he gobbled it all up. Meanwhile, in the far east side of the vineyard, Yvonne had been there an hour ago sneaking around the plantation stealing any edible goods she fancied. Luckily, the peasants are resting nicely underneath an old tree on the farthest end of the vineyard. A butler, on the other hand, just came out from the mansion looking for a man named Larzen. He shouted towards the resting peasants but none of them reacted. So, he gazed around the vineyard and there he sighted a shadowy figure of a hooded man wearing a cape. He hastily alerted the peasants and guards nearby. "An intruder!" screamed the butler pointing towards Eron's direction. "The bandit, he did it again, Capture him!" "That pest! He won't escape now," angrily screamed the guard. Yvonne heard the ruckus. She thought she was spotted so she flees without hesitation. Running in between the lumps of soil without direction, she is unknowingly heading towards Eron's location. Eron is quietly nibbling the grapes when suddenly Yvonne accidentally jolted on him. "What are you doing here?" he was astounded. "Look!" Yvonne pointed at the running guards towards them. But before Eron could react, she immediately grabbed his hand and fled towards the barricade. "What is happening? Why are we running?" Eron was dumbfounded holding his breath. "I overheard them shouting about this thief. I thought I was the one being spotted. Why d'you come here?" she explained. "I am tempted to explore the Baron's plantation." Passing through the barricade, Yvonne pulled him and hid in the bushes. Eron full of queries, Yvonne covered his mouth keeping him not to utter a single word. "Sshhhh... Here they come!" she alerted. "Keep your head lower." "Ouch, don't be hard on me," he hummed. The scouts lost track of them. They paused near the two. Searching in all directions, the scouts aren't aware that they were hiding in the bushes next to them. They are dismayed that they didn't capture the bandit... Again. "That pest! He escaped again. The Baron will punish us once he received that we failed again," said one guard. "He's a curse!" "Relax my brothers, that rat won't escape next time," another guard with disgust. "Retreat!" With no sign, the guards retreated with the peasants behind them. Meanwhile, as Yvonne saw them at a safe distance, she slowly removed her hand from his mouth. "You are so careless. What if we didn't cross paths? You'll be seeing yourself burned alive or feed to monsters," Yvonne warned. "You have no idea what the Baron can do and his influence." "It seemed that you knew the Baron well, are you by any chance past old acquaintances? You despise him a lot more than the townspeople of Sans Louvre? Why?" He sincerely asked. " Did he inflict you so much agony?" "Yes, he forced many people to s*****y. He forced them to work on his plantation. He killed countless lives and destroyed their hopes and dreams, tormenting anyone who doesn't abide by his rules, burning them alive together with their properties in front of their families. Do you honestly think is humane?" Yvonne is raging mad. "That's harsh!" He agreed to try to comfort her. "I'm going to the market now." He removed the remaining leaves and dirt on his clothes. Soon, they parted ways. Eron returned to the market while Yvonne remained. Three days had passed since their last encounter. Even though busy in the old merchant's stall, he would visit the children in the old chapel occasionally. "Hello there!" Yvonne greeted while sewing the hem of the girl's dress. "You're not out today collecting stolen goods?" he asked. "The most wanted burglar is now acting like a mother?" "Well if you have nothing good to say, might at least take care of these two lads," she smiled. "Okay!" He nodded." By the way, I never thought a beautiful bandit knew how to smile," he winked. "Oh really? I wish I could fall to that cheesy line but Sir, I'm not buying it," she charmingly replied. Eron asked the young lads. "So what do you want to do?" he asked the boys. "Tell us some stories!" the children were excited. "What stories?" "Dragons, knights, fairies, and pirates," insisted the other. Eron told a fictional story about a dragon and a knight. In the middle of his narration. "So the dragon woke up from its deep sleep. Awakened by the valiant knight, the dragon got mad and breathe a ball of fire towards him. He immediately guarded himself with the titanium shield and pull his sword- the legendary Xiphos," he narrated. "Xiphos, huh," meddled Yvonne. "Do you know anything about the Xiphos?" she added. "Actually, that I cannot answer," he replied. "How come? What do you know about it?" "A myth? Those are just rumors that is circulating for ages. However, some things I knew may not even prove it," he speculated. "But I have an interest in that sword. I feel like I'm about to unravel it myself someday." "Not all the time I would meet someone who had an interest in such a matter. You see, I used to hear that thing. Many merchants, alchemists, blacksmiths, and explorers are interested in such a trivial item," she was amused. "Unfortunately they were all ill-fated. Even the Baron sent his finest blacksmiths to search for the item but somehow those men didn't prevail." "Even the Baron had a liking to the sword Xiphos," Eron noticed. "Indeed, he was into collecting such items. But honestly, how can it possibly exist? There's nothing to prove it unless of course, I see it with my own eyes," she insisted. "Since the Baron had long been searching for it don't you think there's a chance it wasn't just a myth? No one had seen it but someone discovered it. That alone is already an important piece of information." Eron justified.