Tales of Eron Sullivan

IVETTE, THE GRIMOIRE MASTER | CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER 2

Eron went back to the old merchant's stall. Unaware of the situation in the stall.

"Sir, he's not here. He took a break and went somewhere else. I have no idea where he could have gone." The old merchant insisted.

"Are you sure you have no idea where he went?" asked Haragus.

"I am honestly telling the truth, my lord!"

"Minister Haragus, would you allow us to teach this old man a lesson?" asked the guard.

"By all means, do as you please. And if he doesn't speak, kill him!" The minister commanded.

One of the scouts pointed the edge of his sword at the throat of the old merchant while the other lock his arm inside the merchant's arms making him immobile. Then came from the entry, the presence of Eron.

"No need Minister Haragus. I am the one you are looking for. Leave the old man alone. He's powerless so let him be!" Eron provoked and about to reveal a dagger-like weapon.

Then the guard slowly put down his sword on the merchant's throat while the other release his arm.

"Tell me what's the matter so we could settle it here. Leave the old man alone." Eron commanded as he withdrew his weapon.

"Well, one of my men saw the bandit wearing the same hooded cape as yours. I want to ask where did you get it? Are you sure you're Eron Sullivan or just pretending to be one?" Haragus insulted.

"Hmm, it seems that you are having doubts that I am really Eron Sullivan or perhaps, you are thinking that I am the bandit?" Eron is clever.

"You are one clever brat. I don't think that your presence in this place is a coincidence. Besides, wearing the same garment as the bandit proves more to it. You being stranger in here, don't you think I'm being rational." Haragus is full of insults.

The scouts withdrew their swords.

"You're wrong if that's what you think. Did it even occur to your mind that anyone could wear the same garment as the bandit? Ask the old merchant if it's possible that I am being chased while inside this shop at the same time? That would be ridiculous!" he convinced.

"This young lad is telling the truth, your majesty." The merchant added.

"Okay, better not be lying or I'll cut your tongue. If not because of Old Baba I will never believe you." Haragus sarcastically implied. "Make no mistake to interfere with me again, or you'll taste the consequence of your action. I'll be watching you! Move men!"

Eron released a deep sigh of relief. He recuperated from the tension and consciousness of what he could have possibly done against Haragus. The merchant noticed his breathing and uneasiness but he was hesitant to ask him about his condition.

"Boy, that sure was a deep sigh. Tell me, young lad, where have you been lately?" asked Old Baba. "I'll be dead by now if you haven't shown up. That monster, I'm sure his day will come."

"Forgive me Old Baba for dragging you in this mess," he apologizes.

"Oh, don't you worry boy. I am already old and that monster won't really kill me. I am more anxious about you and your safety. You should be more careful now as he might send his spies to check on you." The merchant warned.

" I will! I am grateful for your concern", Eron bowed full of gratitude.

"You know what concerns me more, is the possibility of knowing that you might have killed Haragus and his men," Old Baba was hesitant.

"Huh? What makes you think about it?" he was amused.

"I saw you are about to draw your weapon there and that gazed was dark, empty, and merciless." The old man notices.

"You amazes me, Sir. Your cognition and observation should be commended," Eron awed.

"I was wondering what kind of weapon you got there? I am pretty sure I caught a glimpse at it and it was interesting. Would you mind me taking a look at it?" Old Baba asked.

"Oh, this?" he showed the weapon.

The old merchant's eyes get big due to the fulfilling amazement he cannot contain.

"Good heavens! The gods must have blessed me today to see such splendor. This is.....," Old Baba still in admiration.

He suddenly looked into this young lad in front of him from head to toe.

"Tell me honestly, are you by any chance a member of the great Sullivan family?" The old man was hesitant.

"I am Eron Sullivan the wanderer," Eron answered politely.

"No, I mean Yes, you are Eron Sullivan. But I mean the Great Sullivan Family? This emblem on your dagger and this dagger itself is an heirloom of the family." The old man explained. "This is...."

Before he could say anything, he hastily went inside his stall and went inside a little entry that is connected to the merchant's library. He was searching for something so grand. He reached from the third shelf a black binder of compiled documents. He showed a raw draft of a sword with a name written under it.

"The Legendary Hades Mors is also known as Sullivan's scepter." The old man was astonished. "But the document was drawn like a sword, how come this is a dagger?".

"Maybe you are imagining things, Sir!" Eron trying to deny.

"We'll see, you couldn't easily fool an old man," he chuckles.

Day by day, Eron is being cautious and alert. He's making sure that no one followed him just as the old merchant had warned. As for Haragus, he was clever in sending his spies to observe Eron's actions and activities. Eron didn't visit Yvonne for two days not to cause any more trouble for both of them.

"Eron, surprise to see you here?" Yvonne welcomed him.

"Hello, Mister Sullivan. What made you come here?" greeted Yvonne's assistant.

"I haven't been here for days so I thought I paid you all a visit. Everything seemed okay," he didn't bother them by not telling his situation.

Then came the children running towards him. They were as excited as him.

"Eron! Eron! You're here," shouted the children as they stretched their arms and hugged him.

"Oh my, how are you, lads?" Eron smiled.

"Children, calm down!" calmed Lotis, Yvonne's assistant.

"Relax children."

"Maybe the children missed you. Calm now little children

Or your friend Eron here won't tell his stories. You wouldn't want that, would you?" Yvonne winked at Eron.

"Stories, hurray!" shouted one of the children.

"Tell us your stories, Mister Eron!" The children were excited.

"Okay, what do you want?" looking at Yvonne signaling his unreadiness to narrate.

"Tell us about princesses and fairies," suggested by the little girl.

"No, we want heroes and magic." The little boy contradicted.

"But I want princesses!"

The commotion of children suggesting to each other what stories Eron would tell them. They seemed to not agree on each other's liking.

"No, I want a hero. He was holding his sword while battling all the monsters. He swung his sword and killed every monster. Take this and that..." The little boy portraying a swordfight.

"Woah, calm down everyone! Okay, I will tell you about our hero who saves the princess from the grasp of the gryphon so you two won't argue. Arguing could lead to fighting," he explains. "And fighting is never good. Remember that!"

"We promise Mister Eron." The two children politely obeyed.

"You see fighting and arguing can only hurt the people you love. It will just give you pain and hatred in your hearts. So you must listen to Mister Eron, okay?" Yvonne added.

"Yes, Miss Yvonne!"

"Come now children." Eron led them to the room.

It was late in the afternoon when he finished his story. As quiet as the night, all the children fell asleep with smiles on their faces. The room is now quiet so Yvonne decided to visit a friend and at the same time run an errand needed to replenish their supply. It's only this time when she will do most of her essential tasks.

"Eron, are you may be in a hurry? Or perhaps do something important today?" she hesitantly asks.

"Why did you ask?"

"Well, I was hoping if you could lend me a hand."

"Sure, no problem. What could that be?" he asks.

"Would you mind accompanying me to the bakery!"

"Hmm, Old Baba asked me to drop by the blacksmith guild near here. I'll be picking up some daggers to be added to his inventory. Then afterward..." he thought for a moment. "I guess, it can't be helped. The Old man won't be needing it right away, so, yes, I'll be glad to accompany you."

"Thank you! It wouldn't take long."

The sun was still high. Holding a wooden basket, she and Eron were crossing the long pavement towards the capital when suddenly a flock of galloping horses came rushing towards them. It was the men of Baron Vlamitri. At the back of the horses was a carriage with an emblem of the Sans Louvre family. Eron and Yvonne stepped back not to be hit by the horses. As the carriage is approaching, Yvonne saw a glimpse of a tall-bearded middle-aged man on the window, it was the Baron. She immediately turned her head and fixed her garment so as not to be seen by the Baron. Luckily, the Baron only saw Eron and he ignored him. Soon, the guards and the carriage were far from their sight.

"It seems that the Baron is in a rush," Yvonne started.

"I see, for all I know it was only an aristocrat who is trying to act like he owns the pavement," he was confused. "Anyway, why would he be in a rush?"

"Maybe there is alarming news in the capital, it's the only possibility I know."

"Maybe," he sighed. "How did you know that it was the Baron?"

"I saw him through the window and from the looks of the carriage and the insignia engraved on it, an emblem of royalty, there's no doubt, it is Baron Vlamitri." she was full of assurance.

Minutes later, they arrived in the capital. Lack of interest in such trivial matters, they immediately went to their destination to accomplish what they need to accomplish. It was a cozy bakery. In front was a glass-covered wall with a metal and wood entry. Hanging on the door was a bird chime dancing melodically as the wind touches it. The interiors were decorated with wallpapers with tables made of glass and chairs made of wood. They were welcomed by a modest redhead lady, the owner of the bakery.

"Good day, Lady Ive..."

Yvonne gave her a sharp look.

"A--Ahahaha, Yvonne good to see you." The lady's face became pale. "So what would you be needing today?"

"I would be needing 10 loaves of french bread, some croissants, some butter, and..." Yvonne thinking what she missed.

"By the way, Yvonne, have you heard the ruckus at the Central? I've heard that they captured this so-called bandit and the Baron is about to sentence him." The lady pried.

"I see, now I knew why his carriage was rushing towards the capital," she was worried. "Eron, take our orders and return to the chapel. I must go to the Central right now."

Yvonne immediately headed to the central. She had no idea Eron would follow him.

Meanwhile, everyone gathered in the Central. There were mixed reactions of the crowd. Some are expressing anger and grief, some were dismayed by the Baron's reckless action and others were asking for the bandit's lawful judgment.

"So, we caught again yet another thief. How miserable could your life be to commit such crime." Haragus insulted the thief.

"Burn him!" shouted one man in the crowd.

"Execute him!" shouted the other.

"Spare his life, he has his family," contradicted the old lady.

"He must pay for his crime. Lock him up with the Ogs."

"Feed him to the chimeras," protested the young man. "He deserves it."

"Let him live! Put him in prison instead," shouted the other lady.

"No more bloodshed! Spare the poor man's life."

"Death! Death! Death!" protested by a group of people.

Haragus was delighted as most of the commotion is to punish the thief. Yvonne listens in the midst of the crowd while Eron is behind him. Baron Vlamitri entered the scene.

"My lord, you have heard the plea of majority. Therefore, your decision is needed," Haragus bowed before the Baron.

"Do you think the citizens would allow execution for such a petty crime?" Baron whispered to Haragus.

"You heard them, Sir! They asked for it. Besides, this would serve as a warning to that famous pest," Haragus insisted.

"Okay, but I am not liable for the verdict", he whitewashed. "It's final then."

"Hear me people of Sans Louvre. His majesty, Baron Vlamitri Sans Louvre had arrived with a decision. I, Minister Haragus Van Manoir find him guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. Therefore, he must be executed tomorrow!" Haragus declared.

"No... " screamed by the commotion.

"No more bloodshed, please!" they pleaded.

Out of the crowd, the guards emerged with them children from the chapel. They were tied. They followed Eron and discovered the hideout. The guards concluded that Eron is the bandit.

"Well, what do we have here," Haragus was clever.

"Who are they?" asked the Baron.

"Today is the lucky day for Sans Louvre. We've finally caught the famous bandit of the capital," Haragus cleverly announced.

"Minister Haragus, unfortunately, we didn't catch the bandit himself as he was not in the area," one of the scouts explained.

"Fools! What then is the purpose of those children?" Haragus is mad.

"We will use them to lure him here," explained the guard. "And these children are his accomplices."

Soon, the commotion of the people started talking about these children in captivity. Contrary to what the guards expected, the children gained the sympathy of the crowd.

"Poor little children, they were dragged in such a situation," whispered an old lady.

"Are they serious? Look at those children? Do you think they can commit such crime?" responded the other.

"Another evil plot of the Minister to gain popularity, pathetic!"

Yvonne can no longer bear to listen to the gossips and see the dire situation of the children. A hooded-cape figure emerges out of the crowd. It was Eron.

"Eron?" she was in confusion.

"I guess you were looking for me?" Eron appeared removing his garment.

"So, you really did appear to save these children?" Haragus inquired. "Arrest him!"

"STOOPPP!" shouted Yvonne from a distance.

People were in confusion about the situation.

"It's the Lady!"

"Lady Ivette Sans Louvre? Why is she here?"

The Baron was shocked to see her daughter.

"I am the bandit, not Eron! Father, leave him alone!" The daughter confessed.

Everyone was dumbfounded. The situation is now at the Baron's disadvantage. Minister Haragus can't even utter a single word. Out of shame, Baron left immediately.

"We'll talk this over, guards seize my daughter and bring her together with me." The Baron commanded. "Kill the peasant and this bandit."

Eron immediately ran in her direction. But Haragus hastily blocked him from doing anything irrational.

"Don't you dare step in this line," Haragus challenged him. "We have to settle some things here rat!"

Haragus created a magic circle and out came his magical weapon, the Red Gugnir- an ax-type weapon. Out of rage, he attacked Eron.

"The minister is serious, he uses the Red Gugnir!" The guards trembled.

Unfortunately, Eron grabbed one of the guard's swords and countered his attack. Haragus attempted another attack this time he used a skill.

"Swing in the air, Violent Red Gale," Haragus threw his ax towards Eron.

The ax created turbulence, a violent tornado heading his way. But Eron countered it again.

"Woah, all the attacks of Minister Haragus were being blocked." The guards were amazed.

"To think he was a weakling."

Meanwhile, Yvonne who happened to be Lady Ivette was brought into the carriage held captive by his father. The baron locked her in her room.

"Such a disgrace!" The Baron was furious. "I will sell those children to slavery."

Ivette was sobbing in great grief on her knees. The day ended with no assurance of everything. It was almost midnight when she woke up. She went to her mirror table trying to figure out the matter. Memories of random things kept her thinking. Memories of her mom, the chapel, her father, the charade, and Eron. She was anxious. She held her locket and reminisce her childhood. She noticed the grid edge of the locket and remembered a golden box engraved with a circle that her locket should fit when placed. She remembered she never opened it before her mother passed away.

Alas, she was holding the box. Her recollections were right, the locket served as the key to the golden box. When she placed the locket the box formed a magic circle and opened itself. Then the box disappeared and changed into a golden book- a grimoire. It was locked, with chains surrounding the entire book. When she touched the grimoire it formed a magic circle and she heard an incantation. Her eyes turned black fell in trance and uttered a spell.

"Astrid, Grimoire of Sanhedrin. Show yourself to your new master. I am Ivette Sans Louvre, the keeper of this grimoire, release!" She commanded.

Then an image of a lady with golden hair, with skin as white as a snow and with eyes as red as scarlet appeared before her.

"I am Astrid, you summoned me. Are you the new keeper of this book, my new master?" Astrid asked.

"Yes!" She replied.

"Are you the daughter of Evianka Feodor, my former master?" Astrid continued.

"I am, she never told me about you or this book," she recalls.

"You possessed the bloodline that inherited this legendary ability. As long as you have the locket, fate will bring you to me," Astrid explained. "Now form a contract with me."

"I, Ivette Sans Louvre form a contract with Astrid grimoire of Sanhedrin. Ye shall be my grimoire and I am your master," she states.

Then the chain on the grimoire was broken. The grimoire opened and a new chain appeared that connected the grimoire and shackled the right hand of Ivette. The pact was formed and Astrid told Ivette the laws as a grimoire master.

Soon, Ivette lost consciousness and fell into a deep sleep.

The window was bright as it greeted the awakened Ivette. It was late in the morning. She was fazed by what happened last night and found herself awakened on the floor. She thought she was dreaming or it was just an illusion, but her locket was nowhere to be found. Her consciousness started to linger over the incident. She looked at her right hand, it was normal. Suddenly, she remembered.

"Book!" She evokes.

Then the grimoire shackled in her right hand appeared.

"I wasn't dreaming." She was fascinated as she checked the book chained in her hand. "Astrid, grimoire of Sanhedrin."

But no image or voice of that lady appeared. Suddenly, the sound of keys opening the locked door disrupted her.

"Release!" She revokes.

The door opened, her father greeted her.

"Good Morning! I see you have rested the entire day yesterday so perhaps we could talk things yesterday over breakfast?" Her father insisted.

"Okay." she nodded. "What did you do to the children?"

It was a heated discussion between the two. Meanwhile, at the central, Eron was facing the guards of Haragus. He is attempting to rescue the poor peasant tied since yesterday, with him is the apprentice of Ivette which happened to be an alchemist trainee. After Ivette was seized yesterday, Eron managed to escape from Haragus after defeating him. While Lotis, Ivette's apprentice rescued the children and sheltered them to a friend.

"Lotis, let's go!" Eron signaling the start of an attack. Eron is on the frontline supported by Lotis.

"Smoke Barrier!" Lotis started to cast small magic circles in front of Eron and appeared potions as it crashes on the pavement creating a smoke field on Eron's path.

They are heading to the prisoner to prevent further casualties. As the smoke leads the way, the guards cannot sense the direction of him making him free to attack the guards along his path. Right punches here and there, jabs on the torso, and kicks on the side. Every guard was unable to defend themselves. After reaching the prisoner, Eron immediately untied him.

"Synthetic Armor," as Lotis cast a liquid armor then suddenly hardened to protect the prisoner from unknown possible attacks.

Suddenly they heard an unknown voice.

"White k******e," shouted a man as the great wind almost swept them.

Then the smoke barriers vanished immediately into thin air. The caster revealed himself, it was the Baron as he drew his sword- the sword of Gaiea.

A guard alerted the Baron that a brawl is stirring at the central led by Eron so the Baron hastily went on his way while Ivette took a different route to check on the children.

"Fool, you dare to violate my law in my country?" Baron asked. "White feather Blades."

Feather-like blades formed from the magic circles started to appear as the Baron was lifting his sword. Suddenly, he put down his arm then the blades moved swiftly in their direction.

"Acid wall." Lotis created a transparent molten-hardened wall.

The wall began to break as blades are shattering its surface. Eron asked Lotis to take the prisoner to safety while he will fight the Baron alone. He acted as a decoy creating a chance for the two to escape. Knowing they were now safe, Eron headed towards Baron Vlamitri.

"White feather talons," a bigger and deadlier version of blades. "Now try those."

Eron picked another sword and used it to block the attacks. He was heading nearer to the Baron when at last, their swords met. A one-on-one swordfight of two valiant knights. Using his two swords Eron never hesitated to full-counter every attack that was thrown at him.

"I am very pleased my boy, I never had this fight for a long time", the Baron smirked continually thrusting his sword to him.

"You will never be called the White Legionnaire for nothing," he humbly responded.

"Interesting." The Baron was surprised.

A magic circle appeared below them, the Baron was casting a giant attack. Eron immediately withdrew and distance himself.

"Well, I guess I have to end it here." The Baron is full of courage. "Gaieadren, sword of Gaiea, illuminate thy light unto thee, 99 White deadly swords."

The 99 feather-tipped swords appeared behind the Baron. Not far from a distance, someone is watching the entire fight. He pulled a dead branch, a rare item that can only be obtained when a Tree of Zaqqum died. Legends told that once every decade can only happen. The dead branch when used with magic can summon any monster but the monster varies based on the magical power of the caster. He crumpled the dead branch and out came a Longhorn Catoblepas. The crowd is screaming and panicking as Catoblepas is running wild destroying anything in its path. The Baron and Eron immediately went to fight the Catoblepas.

"99 White deadly Swords, Pierce!" the Baron cast.

It poured down all the 99 swords at the Wild Catoblepas. Unfortunately, the skin of the Catoblepas cannot be easily pierced but the attack of the Baron and Eron created open wounds to the monster. They kept on piercing its skin but the amount of damage is minimal. Then suddenly the cloud got darkened like a heavy downpour was about to take place. Thunders rolling like drum beats. Then...

"Astrid, grant me the power to pulverize this monster. Lightning!" holding the card as the grimoire was opened.

A burst of immense lightning flashes from the sky consuming all the pieces of the Catoblepas. Reinforcement arrived in the presence of ... Lady Ivette Sans Louvre.