Broken Earth: Unveiling the Secrets of the Worlds

Expect the unexpected

The next day after a seriously tiresome day, everyone we able to relax when Xerxes decided to put up a sign to let every commissioners know that they are going to only accept a number of requests per expedition. “That should do it.” Xerxes says to himself after nailing the sign next to the window.

Some of the commissioners read what the sign says and walks away. ‘I want to gather up some money to do my experiments but if I let them be. I would seriously die of exhaustion.’ He thinks to himself as he went inside. “Wow, that is really effective boss. Those men walked away without complaints.” Britt says while sitting on the bench.

“I can’t just let people flood in everyday like what happened yesterday. We might die.” Britt expresses his agreement with a nod. “Just we are free to do what we can.” Britt said but Xerxes shakes his head. “You may have nothing to do but you guys should look after the shop while we’re gone. Those bastards might thrash this place when we hold most of the commissions to ourselves.” Xerxes points out as Britt shows of a disappointed face.

“Don’t go hitting on woman. Cynthia told me what you did so I ask of you to stop doing that. You might give this shop an  uncomfortable atmosphere.” Xerxes said and Britt nods his head without complaints. “Very well. I heard your sister’s cooking. Lets go eat.”

They both walked into the kitchen only to find the same food that Bianca offered a few days ago. “Hey, what is the meaning of this?” Xerxes asked while the others eat the same and exact pancake that Britt and Berto missed with a disappointed and depressed atmosphere. “Boss I forgot to tell you. My sister only knows how to cook pancakes.” His words send chills to Xerxes after hearing it for the first time.

Xerxes fell on his knees after realizing that they must have ate pancakes for the entire duration of the expedition. He turns to Berto who is known to be a tough guy, almost vomits the food. But Xerxes knows that he is forcing himself to eat the pancakes because he doesn’t want to hurt Bianca’s feelings.

Samantha also did the same but she is good at hiding her true feelings and must have had the same goal in mind. Cynthia on the other hand is showing her dislike blatantly. She is known to be blunt in everything she does. That is not necessary a bad thing but it’s a different story is her bluntness crossed the line.

Xerxes buries his face under his palms in disappointment. ‘Well, I guess I have to do something about this first before we leave for the expedition.’ He thinks to himself while looking at the dreadful faces of everyone.

“Okay, everyone. I know you’ve been through a lot when we are not around so I am going to hire someone that could cook. Hmmm- I don’t dislike your cooking Bianca its just that you can’t serve everyone pancakes all day long. You have the choice learn from the cook while she’s still around or you can just let her do her work and focus on something else. The choice is yours.” Xerxes said and he then sees a smile on her face. “I will do everything I can to learn from the cook!” Bianca declares as it puts Xerxes at ease. He felt the atmosphere lightens after his announcement.

The cook arrive late that day, and everyone is getting excited of not eating pancakes. Cynthia does her thing and try to discourage Bianca as she compliments every food that the cook makes. But it is not enough shake Bianca’s unwavering determination.

A few days later the day of their expedition arrives and the cook is schedules to leave that day as her services expires. “I hope you learned everything that I taught you the past few days of my stay. I sincerely hope that you put everything into practice.” The cook leaves the shop first before Xerxes and the others.

“We can give you a lift. We are going to use the carriage because of the numerous commissions after all.” Xerxes said but the cook generously declines. “Thank you for the offer but I am fine. Its good to exercise once in a while. “ she said as she waves her hand goodbye to everyone and all of the see her off in good terms.

Xerxes gave them directions on what to do in their absence  before leaving. “Well then. Were off.” Xerxes, Rupert and Ramirez waves their goodbye.

As planned, they left their carriage near the point where they found the safe path. Xerxes hired a person to look after the horse and the carriage before venturing further. A few hours later and the thee arrived to their shelter after a few hours of trekking. Kusaf and the other elves are waiting for them and Xerxes hands them, the things they wanted for the cooperation.

“I made it extra better than the first one so you better take care of it properly.” Xerxes said as Yusaf marvels at the meticulous design of the telescope. “We brought so foods as well from our world. We hope you find them fancy.” Rupert said as he hands Carleon with a chest  full of different kinds of food. Yusaf feels a little excited after hearing of the additional things they bought but finds it troubling to touch it immediately.

“Now then, what are the lists for the commissions? I know I am not the only one itching to touch the food so we better get this started.” Yusaf said with a huge smile on his face. Xerxes and the two could not feel happy about the elves since their trade is a little off with them being on the advantage.

Xerxes shows them the lists and they nod their heads but Yusaf’s face strains after seeing the last one on the list. “What is it?” Xerxes ask after seeing the expression on his face. “The last one is a bit hard- no not hard but it’s a few kilometers from here. We have to trek for more that 5 hours just to get there. And what’s making me curious is that how the people from your world knows of this.” Yusaf said as Xerxes explains the situation after their scheme.

“So that’s why the chief told us not to tread that place for the mean time. Well, that is almost a month ago so we must be clear to approach that place.” Carleon said as Yusaf agrees. “So that’s how it was. Its foolish of them not to trust your words. They ended up having their numbers decimated by those monsters.” Yusaf says with a hint of disappointment.

“Tell me about it. That’s just how human nature is. They will try to bring others down.”  Xerxes said as Yusaf and the other elves express their disgust. “Well, I guess we are grateful that we met you first huh? Then shall we? Its better to start from the very difficult ones before the easiest ones. That way we can eliminate the threat early.”  Yusaf suggest as Xerxes agrees to him. They then departed immediately.

A few hours later and Xerxes and his groups are already back from the expedition when they saw the guard of the horse and carriage is gone. “What is going on here?” Xerxes ask the others but they do not have an idea as well. Then a few numbers of mysterious persons coming from behind the trees.

“Looks like you ended up coming back early. We plan execute this guy before you arrive but it looks like you have to witness it for yourselves.” One of the mysterious person said as he points a dagger at the neck of their hired person.

“So you are tailing us huh?” Xerxes said as the mysterious person chuckles. “I did something more that tailing. I have been inside with you in that shop for a few days after all.” The mysterious person said as she takes her mask off and reveals that she was the cook that Xerxes hired. “Well, damn. I did not see that coming.” Xerxes said with a surprised expression when all of the sudden Xerxes lets out a chuckle.

“To think that you have already revealed yourself.  I guess you have already secretly taught Bianca to poison the others while were out for expeditions.” Xerxes said with a smile and the cook stares at him suspiciously but puts on a front. “Looks like you caught on.” She said with a smile as Xerxes added.

“Yeah, and I secretly changed the ingredients as well.” Xerxes said as the cook glares at him and her eyes widens after the person beside Rupert takes of the hood. ‘Impossible, who is that? Where is the other person named Ramirez?’ she thinks to herself when the elf express his disgust on the cook.

“I thought it will be much easier to hear that for myself but to think that you have already seen all this coming. You are a terrifying person Xerxes.” The elf speaks casually and the cook proceeds to stab the man when she realize that their mission failed.

FWOOOSH! TAK!

An arrow out of nowhere struck her shoulder to prevent her to stab from stabbing the man. “Reinforcements! Kills them-!”  to her surprise, before she can give the order to kill them. Xerxes as well as the others behind him are already striking her men down.

BANG!BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

In just an instant, her men fell from the ground and she falls to the ground when Xerxes shot one of her legs. The man breaks away from her in that instant. “That’s really terrifying Xerxes. I think I want that next.” Yusaf said as Xerxes shakes his head. “I will be giving you the final product, a more dangerous and easy to reload gun so look forward to it.” Xerxes said as he walks and stops in front of the cook.

“I can rest assured since I sent Ramirez to go back a few hours ago earlier.” Xerxes said as he shoots the cook one last time, thus ending her life. “There is no use letting her go. She’ll just be more troublesome. I can’t risk the life of others because of my naivety.” Yusaf agrees and Xerxes thanks him for his cooperation.

The elves then says their goodbye and went back to the trail. “Well, what are we going to do about their bodies?” Xerxes ask as the man they hired gave a suggestion.