Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

Journey Westward

The duo headed to the main assembly gate where Griffin awaits clad in Canis armor. “Griffin is looking great Lord Kaema.” The brunette praised as the other smiled proudly. With stealth both boarded the creature, Kaema gave the instruction to the beast while Irvald navigated using the map. “What should we do if we actually see it milord?”The knight asked.

“As ordered, we investigate. If it gets dirty we retreat.” The scholar lifted his whistle. “As long as Griffin can hear us we’re good.” The colleagues flew to the west and surveyed the unidentified forests. Marking five unknown areas, they called it a day and headed back. That was the routing for three days.

At the fourth day, the duo decided to travel farther towards the mountains. Inspecting the valleys, hoof tracks can be traced. Finalizing the path, the partners returned to the kingdom and reported the progress.

On the fifth day, the flamed prodigy glanced at the clouds in front of them. According to princes Luvelia, the former king shared that Alpulus means “High altitude people.” Therefore if there is something particular in this mountain, it should be found above.

A top Griffin the scholar observed ”It seems there is an interesting cumulus build up ahead. We should approach it what do you think Irvald?“

The knight agreed. Based on the correspondence it matches. As the team got closer, the atmosphere began to get chilly. It must be the altitude and being enclosed by vapor lowers the temperature. Sunlight can penetrate but it is dimmer than the average. Kaema raised his right hand to light up an aura sphere for the clouds to clear by condensation. Once an ounce of the surroundings were clear Irvald suggested they start to descend.

Cautiously lowering their altitude the warrior prepared his crossbow. It is always best to expect the worst and be on guard. Slowly in the horizon they began to view signs of land. So there really is a village hidden in the clouds. “Time to investigate Irvald.”The younger nodded and remained sturdy with his weapon.

Griffin landed on an area that is similar to a valley. It seems this elevated place has a wide area of land. The knight touched the soil. It seems very fertile, this place could be fitting to support life. But the fauna must require low sunlight to survive. “Should we explore by foot or make Griffin fly low so we can scan the area more?” The genius inquired.

“Normally Lord Kaema I would explore the nearby area first. But since we don’t have the luxury, let’s fly low and find traces of communities.” The heir of Koane suggested. Once again the two rode Griffin and flew low to scan the area.

After an hour of navigating, Irvald noticed a trace of smoke that might be omitted by watch towers. “Lord Kaema at the east, there seems to be living activity there.” The feathered creature headed to the direction of the signs. As the distance lessened, it was observed that a community is enclosed within wooden walls. Could this be the long forgotten Alpulus community? The duo decided to land by the front gate and seek permission before entering. “Lord Kaema for precaution, I will do the conversing. If things get out of hand, just leave and keep yourself safe and report to the king.”

The scholar smirked. “Are you always like that? Self sacrificing and serious.”The warrior did not comment. “Well what can I expect from the future head of Koane. Your lineage has always been known for bravery and loyalty.” Nodding the fighter went on his way towards the gate.

“I came in the name of King Kieth Vanieza. I am Irvald Koane, is this the community of Alpulus?” There was no answer but the flame of the watch tower is blazing. “I mean no harm. I only aim to exchange knowledge with your community about werewolves.”

Upon mention the name of the arch nemesis a burly male came by the ledge holding a torch. Interestingly the man had silver eyes and brown hair. “Our mages have detected your arrival once you entered the clouds.” The man explained. “What would Vanieza want with Alpulus?“

“The werewolves are breeding faster as the new blood moon war is nearing.”The warrior elaborated. “We seek an exchange of knowledge on how to stop it.”

The silver orbs looked backed at the heir with interest and sneered. “Funny after a century you people come here.” The speaker continued,” If you want a dialogue we demand that an heir of Vanieza come meet us. We refuse to speak unless the crowned or the one next in line comes.

“What assurance do we have my masters will not be harmed if they do comply?” The warrior inquired. He will not allow the king or the princess to be harmed.

“We the people of Alpulus are born subjugated by Vanieza.” The man confessed. “It is because of the royal families branding we cannot descend from this place.” The speaker continued on. “We live here not by choice but as exiles to eternally pay for our ancestors sins.”

“Come back when you have the representative of the royal house is here.” The burly male stated with finality. The local took out a scroll and threw it to the representative who skillfully caught the parchment. “Only the Vaniezan first lineage can open that document. Demands is for their eyes only.” The male continued on “We as a community also want to be saved. Only the ruling monarchs can do that. I apologize Sir Irvald for being inhospitable. But as you see even if we can open our gates. Only the branded can come in. ”

“What do you men by only the branded can come in?” The knight clarified. Luvelia has recently finished branding him and Kaema. Is this the same with what the man above was speaking about?  Having the mark can the magic infused barricade allow them in? Out of curiosity the warrior approached the wall and touched it. To his surprise the makeshift wooden wall is soaked in dense aura. His shocked face amused the man viewing from above.

“Our wall is sealed with magic, opening it will break the seal.” The local revealed. “Vanieza is not the only place werewolves are threatening. It protects us.”

Hearing the revelation Irvald’s mind spun a lot of questions. “Do they also attack you at night? How can they be burned here that the sunlight is very dim? How does your village survive inside a limited area?” Worry traced fighter’s face. The living conditions inside must be dire. Surely they need help. “Can we enter via coming over the wall?”

“Climbing or flying over will not do you well Sir Koane.” The man warned. “Only the Vaniezan royal blood branded can enter here.”

“Then we have no problems.” Kaema suddenly appeared out of the blue. “ I am Kaema Maal.“ The scholar began loosening his clothing revealing flawless skin. On the flamed prodigy’s chest princess Luvelia’s marking was displayed. “Both of us are branded recently, can we come in now?”

“Are you sent here to be exiled too?” the silver eyed man questioned.

“No, as sir Koane stated we came to exchange information.” The genius clarified. “We will deliver the scroll as requested but let us in to inspect your area.” The scholar demanded. “If our heir comes over, we want to make sure everything is safe.”

The man sighed, it looks like they have to give in. The two branded men is also equipped with a flying beast that can easily go over the wall. The royal branding on them will protect them from the village’s energy seal. “Very well but you will not be happy with what you see.” The male local warned.

“Believe us sir Irvald and I are not expecting paradise.” The genius confirmed. The duo then approached Griffin to fly over the wall. Awe can be traced on the wall’s watchers face seeing the feathered beast. It was such a rare sight.

Upon descending the vicinity their hearts wrenched. Poverty was everywhere. Place has poor sanitation. Majority of the population look malnourished with their lifeless silver eyes. “How can people live like this?” The heir of Koane questioned in his mind. Why are these people cruelly abandoned?

The man from the wall came to greet them. He looked impressed that the two were indeed able to come in. “Forgive my rudeness earlier. You may call me Ector. I am the leader of this village.” The man smiled weakly.

“Through the years, we have been protected by the walls and faithfully cultivated the land within the area.” Ector narrated. “However it seems the soil has reached its limit. And not only that, as you said the werewolves are increasing in number.”

The leader ushered the visitors to the backside of the community. ”Through time a part of our wall collapsed by continuous attacks of the beast. ”From then on every full moon they would infest this area.” The man sadly explained.

“How do you fight?” the knight questioned. He has not seen anyone wearing armor. Are they only doing combat using their bodies?

“We have limited fighting methods. Only our strength is the sole weapon we can rely on” The leader revealed in a bitter voice. “That is why whenever it happens we loose a lot of our young men.” The chief’s began to tear up. “With our own eyes we would see our comrades devoured while fighting.”

The leader further revealed. “The defeated enemy cannot be disposed off. Because before we can their own kin cannibalizes them.”     

“I have seen in my own eyes, the beast evolved after devouring a higher class.” The scholar shared. “Did the ones attacking the area change in breed too?”

Ector nodded his head. “The Omegas turn to Beta when they devour a full human or a fallen Beta. Alpha’s evolve after a Beta continuously consumes another Beta or at least three full humans. Also an Alpha is defeated when consumed by a Beta it becomes the  the gray maned threat.” The man breathed in for a moment. “It seems that their voracious appetite is the secret of the evolution.”

“Unfortunately our inability fight lead to consumption and catalyzed the increase in numbers.” The village head confessed. “That is why we developed a poison which our warriors drink when a battle is near.” The leader disclosed. “If a man is equipped, when they are bitten or devoured the beast will die. However, only few men can tolerate the correct amount in their bodies.”

“What happens to those who drink it but not strong enough?” The flamed prodigy inquired.

“They withdraw the poison from their body by vomiting. On the average they have to rest for a week to regain strength.” Ector answered with loneliness in his voice. “For those who can contain the poison, would be assigned first inline.“ This strategy could only mean one thing.

“They die and get devoured during the battle.” Irvald muttered out of a sudden. “Your people accept this inhumane practice?” The knight questioned in irritation. “Human life is sanctified and should not be thrown away like that.”

“I understand where you are coming from sir Koane.” The leader affirmed. “But we don’t have much options to survive. For our men it s an honor to die for the community. Isn’t it the same with the oath you pledged yourself into?”

“In time the ones tolerant of the poison will decrease. What is your plan to cope with it?” The heir of Koane inquired. The chief answered that those who previously consumed but relapsed will try again. Eventually repetitive trials, the body gets used to it. The real problem is their able men are dwindling in numbers. A time might come their won’t be enough to fight back. That then would mean the eradication of the village. A reality the second knight could not accept. The brunette warrior then made a hasty decision.

“Lord Kaema please return to the palace immediately . Give this scroll to the king.” The young warrior insisted and handed the parchment. “I will stay here and stand guard by this spot until help arrives.” Kaema scratched his head and shrugged this will disobedience to orders. “Lord Kaema, One of us must stay. These people need medical help.” Irvald eyed the surroundings. “ I’ll see what I can do for the wall too. Maybe I can repair it. “

Kaema sighed “High majesty will not be happy Irvald.” The stubborn Koane heir refused to be swayed. With the scholar’s strength, he cannot drag the youth back. All he can do for now is support and assure his safety. “Fine if that is your choice.”

Taking the scroll Kaema blew his whistle and Griffin appeared. The flamed prodigy approached the mystic flying fauna. “We prepared food, medicine and some weapons. I am going to leave them all.” The golden orb male offered. “And one more thing, Lord Ector who is your toughest fighter here?”

The leader called in a tall average built man named Sejo. “Interesting, come here can I see your hands.” The local fighter did as told. “Perfect we are the same size.” Kaema undid his humanized claws and secured it to Sejo’s hands. “This will be an additional weapon. Irvald will fill you in how to use it.”

“Lord Kaema you cannot travel unprotected.” The knight argued. “Don’t hastily decide like that.” If something happens to him Luvelia will be heart broken.

“Hush my boy. Your the one to speak.” The flamed prodigy then jested. “I am going to be on the receiving end of the king’s wrath because I left you here. You owe me one.“ 

“His majesty will understand.” The knight countered assuredly. “He never turns his back on the needy.”

The scholar magician smiled. This young heir is too kind. Did it not come across him that there is a underlying reason why these people are judged for isolation? “The royal household is just and whatever their actions are I am sure it is for the benefit of all.”

“Lord Ector if you may excuse us, I need to privately talk with Irvald.” The leader and his subjects stepped back. Kaema spoke in a low voice. “Irvald, we don’t know these people. It is foolish to completely trust them.” The knight frowned. “But since you are not going to hear me out, just follow my precautions.” The warrior nodded without uttering a word.

“First eat only the food and water I leave you. Don’t partake anything from them. I can’t have you getting poisoned.” The genius warned. “Second, guard only this gate, do not explore any further. Who knows if they plan to feed you to the enemy?“

“You are extremely paranoid Lord Kaema.” The warrior accused.

“Better safe than sorry lad. Remember you are expected to protect princess Nathalia in the new moon blood war. We all need you alive until then.“

“Fine count on me to be careful. I will not even accept sleeping in anyone’s house.” The knight gazed at the post by the wall. “I will just snooze there.”

“Fair enough. About your plans to heal the sick, as third reminder do not exhaust your aura too much. You cannot fight if your body is fatigued.” The royal adviser reminded. “If people want to get healed, they approach you in an open area got that?“

“ I understand Lord Kaema.” The brunette replied. Kaema raised both hands on Irvald’s shoulder, released some aura and chanted. “What are you doing Lord Kaema?“

“ Placing an incantation on your armor.” The scholar revealed. “If someone of ill intent comes near you, the armor will sense it by glowing.“

“I will be careful. Why are you treating me like a child?” The onyx eyed man argued. “I am not naive.“

The scholar chuckled. “Yes go convince yourself that. I am not taking chances. Princess Luvelia will not forgive me if I leave her friend defenseless.“

“She knows what I was born to do.” The warrior spat back forgetting the formalities. Why bring Luvelia out of a sudden? He began to feel regret of not being able to come home. However he will not be swayed to change his resolve.

“Thank you for the concern Lord Kaema I appreciate it.” The heir confessed. “Sorry for the future inconvenience I will force upon you.“

“It cannot be helped.” The elder patted Irvald’s shoulder. “I will try my best to return immediately tomorrow. I cannot promise reinforcements though.”

“And I promise to honor the king’s advise when the day comes.” The black haired fighter confirmed. With a final salute, Kaema boarded Griffin. He hurriedly went back to Vanieza to discuss matters with the king.

“Sir Irvald, why did you chose to stay?” Ector questioned. “How could you naively trust us? You barely know the reason why we are here.”

Irvald smirked why is everyone accusing of him being naive? “I came to get information, if I leave how can gather it?