The Lord Of Ourbhium

Keith Ordam Fortress – Doram City Tokk... tokk... tokk... “Jacker, are you awake yet?” Tokk... tokk... tokk... “Jacker, wake up! There’s a letter for you!” On a seemingly peaceful morning, the sound of knocking from behind the door suddenly shattered the silence and disturbed Jacker’s rest. His face looked pale, while his eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. The shadows of last night’s nightmare still lingered vividly in his mind. He had only managed to close his eyes when dawn was nearly breaking. “What is it, Kostas? Why are you disturbing my rest?” “Your uncle just sent a letter by pigeon this morning. Do you want to receive it or not?” “Ah, is that so. Just leave the letter in front of the door. I’ll take it later.” “Alright, I understand.” With a body that still felt weak, Jacker rubbed his eyes before slowly getting up from the bed. His legs felt numb, while a soft cracking sound from his joints could be heard as he stretched his body. As if ignoring that discomfort, he walked toward his bedroom door with slightly unsteady steps. Ah... damn. My head is really spinning. That old man... didn’t I already tell him not to bother me for a week? Then why is he still sending me a letter? Could it be... that he’s already realized I was the one who stole his Pyrex Artifact? Impossible... right? He then turned the wooden doorknob with his right hand and opened it slowly. Kreeettt... Behind the door, a black envelope with a golden seal depicting a deer’s head lay on the red carpet right in front of his room. Without wasting time, Jacker immediately took the envelope before closing his bedroom door again. “A black envelope with a golden seal? It’s not like Uncle to send a letter like this.” His forehead furrowed slightly, while his gaze narrowed with curiosity. With a sense of intrigue, he tore open the envelope and took out a letter from inside. However, as his eyes scanned the lines of the letter’s contents one by one, his expression instantly turned serious. “Hmm... this...” To Jacker, I know that today is your semester break. I also know that you must be exhausted after finishing all your exams. However, there is one thing I need you to do for me. For the time being, I cannot return to the Empire. The mages from the western region have blockaded the exit routes of the Benora Continent in order to hold an important meeting. It seems they intend to form an alliance with the Dark Elves ahead of the Balthar War that will break out in two months. Therefore, could you help me secure the Pandora’s Box that is in the basement of my house? I am worried that the Empire’s side will try to seize it while I am not there. Please also convey my regards to Ramires if you meet him, and tell him that I am doing fine. As a token of thanks, I will buy you several steam engine replicas on my way home later. So, carry out your task well and see you again in two weeks. — Heinrich Morentte After finishing reading the letter, Jacker could only let out a long breath while grumbling in annoyance. Haah... another bothersome request. Haven’t I already helped that old man enough over the past month? Is he really starting to treat me as his errand boy? ...No, Jacker. Maybe he’s asking you to do this because you really are the person he can rely on the most. Besides, he has promised to buy me several steam engine replicas. So I guess there’s no harm in helping him one more time. By the way... those bastard mages. I thought they would choose to make peace first. Turns out not, huh? Are they really unable to soften the stubborn nature of those knights? Well... why am I even thinking about something like that. It has absolutely nothing to do with me. Better that I head to Uncle’s house right away and secure his Pandora’s Box. While taking off his clothes one by one, Jacker walked toward the bathroom to clean his body. The warm water flowing washed away the remaining fatigue that still enveloped him since last night. Little by little, his body felt much fresher than before. After finishing washing himself, Jacker walked toward the wooden wardrobe beside his bed and took several pieces of clothing to wear. He also reached for the thick white coat hanging near the door before tightly fastening his high leather boots. I think it’s been quite a while since I last visited Uncle’s house. All this time we’ve only managed to meet at the station platform area. Is he still keeping the house key under that flower pot? Well... hopefully he is. I really don’t want to end up having to break down his door. Once he was done with all his preparations, Jacker stepped out of the room while gazing at the massive fortress towering majestically before him. That fortress was Keith Ordam Fortress, one of the Empire’s defensive fortresses under the guard of the White Horse Troops. He had almost completed one year of field training there together with the other academy students. Winter had once again blanketed the Empire’s territory. The snow that fell without cease made almost all activity in the fortress hindered. The residential areas, the watchtowers, up to the main gate were gradually covered by piles of snow that kept mounting day by day. That was why, honestly, Jacker felt very reluctant to have to travel in weather like this. Haah... damn. This thick coat doesn’t help at all. This cold keeps penetrating in and making me shiver. Fortunately I brought some Aram Stones that I took from the supply warehouse last night. Actually I wanted to save them to use during the Abrhana Festival later. But I guess there’s no harm in using them now. Besides, I’m not really interested in that festival anyway. Without wasting any more time, Jacker immediately walked across the snow mounds while wrapping a soft scarf around his neck. His breath turned into white vapor every time he took a step, while both of his hands kept rubbing his arms and chest using the Aram Stones to warm his body. Along the way, he also saw several female students carrying large laundry baskets toward the washing area. On the other side, the male students appeared to be flocking to clear the piles of snow covering the main roads as well as the outdoor training grounds. Scenes like that had become common at Keith Ordam Fortress. Even though they were still academy students, they were still required to help with various fortress work during their field training. Even when winter arrived, their workload never truly decreased. On the contrary, they had to work even harder to clear the snow that kept piling up in every corner of the fortress. That was why the final year at the academy was often considered the most exhausting period. By the way, I heard from Ibara yesterday afternoon that the city station would be temporarily closed because of the bad weather. The railway tracks must also have started to be buried under piles of snow. In that case, it’s better if I travel by my horse instead. Besides, lately my expenses have also been swelling more and more. I think it’s about time I start saving the rest of my money. Jacker then turned to the left side of the main courtyard and ran toward the horse stable located right behind the armory. There, a pure black-coated horse stood upright while flicking its long tail. Its body looked sturdy, paired with a thick black mane, while its eyes looked sharp and intimidating. That was Orion, a thirteen-year-old stallion that Jacker had been raising since he was little. The horse was the last gift from his late mother before she passed away three years ago. Every time he looked at Orion, memories with his late mother always filled his mind again. That was why Jacker cherished him so much and continued to care for Orion with all his heart, even though he did not ride him very often. “Orion... don’t you look fatter now? I think it’s about time we burn off those fats of yours, right?” Slowly, Jacker slid the locking bar on the stable door, then led Orion out. As soon as Orion’s four legs began to step onto the frozen snow, Jacker immediately gently stroked his neck and large back before finally hugging him tightly. Damn... your body feels so warm, Orion. Your thick fur is also very soft. I feel like I want to keep hugging you all day. It seems bringing you on this trip was indeed the right decision. Orion snorted softly while rubbing his head against Jacker’s shoulder, as if returning his master’s hug. Seeing his behavior, Jacker could only smile faintly before stroking Orion’s large muzzle again with full affection. “Alright, it seems it’s time for us to go. I want to arrive there before the next snowstorm comes.” After he was satisfied stroking Orion, Jacker put his left foot into the stirrup, then lifted his body onto the saddle before sitting upright on the horse’s back. His fingers tightly gripped the reins, while both of his legs rested lightly against Orion’s sides, ready to give a signal. Dong... Dong... Dong... The tolling of the bell from the fortress tower echoed in the air, mingling with the flapping of a flock of pigeons cutting through the morning sky, marking the opening of the fortress’s main gate. Jacker then lightly dug his heels into Orion’s sides, giving the signal for the horse to start moving. “Hiiihhh!” Orion neighed loudly before stamping his four legs. Drap! Drap! Drap! Drap! The sound of his hooves echoed over the frozen road, scattering puffs of snow every time they struck the ground. The black horse then shot out of the stable, crossing the main gate of Keith Ordam Fortress that was shrouded in snow fog, carrying Jacker toward his journey. “Haah... this feeling of my heart racing... it’s been a long time since I last felt it. Turns out traveling like this isn’t bad either.” The figures of Jacker and Orion gradually disappeared behind the snow fog, leaving Keith Ordam Fortress and all its activities for the time being. However, that departure was only the beginning of a story that would one day change his destiny. A story that would show him the true face of the world that had raised him.