War of Dark Ages: A Unicorn's Journey

Commander Kail crosses his arms and waits in the Villa main hall where Madam Fortun used to reside. The first group of people arrive with a few soldiers and guide them through the main doors. They step into a large room with chairs on all sides. He continues to watch as more people arrive.

In a short amount of time, the rest of the townspeople arrive to discuss the meeting. The Count walks in with Riley, and Ragnar behind them.

Riley approaches the Commander whispering in his ear, “All townsfolk are accounted for.”

The Count steps in the middle of the room and raises his hands, gaining attention from everyone. Lowering his hands, “I am not here to listen to your talk. Commander Kail is the one currently in charge of proceedings as he will be in charge of this negotiation between everyone. If you don’t like this, I can always permit him to lock everyone up until the King arrives.” The Count, having everyone’s attention, gives a nod to him and proceeds to leave the room.

Commander Kail walks forward standing in the middle of the room. Gazing around the room in a loud and authoritative voice, “The guards as you see are placing two boxes in the middle. They are handing out papers with a penna to write down either a nomination and/or an idea you would like to implement in the town as things are being currently arranged.” He sweeps his hand around the room pointing at the soldiers who were handing out blank sheets of paper with writing tools. “Please don’t be afraid to ask the soldiers for help if you can’t write or need help. Once you have finished, please wait for a soldier to come to collect the papers, bringing them to me as they will be sorted in the two boxes.” Casting a sweep of the room, “You may begin.”

A few people start to write very quickly while others are debating on what to write about. A few guards walk around the room helping other people and some walk toward Commander Kail handing him papers. As he looks down, only a few nominations with the rest on ideas, and places them in the boxes.

An hour passes as the rest of the citizens finish.

Commander Kail orders everyone to be given drinks and to escort people to the restroom while he sorts through the documents.

Riley works with Ragnar escorting people back and forth.

Commander Kail walks to the end of the room where the desk and chair are sitting. Sitting down, he sorts out the nominations and the ideas. Upon finishing, he glances up, noticing everyone is in their seat awaiting the next orders. He stands up and walks to the center of the room. “When I call your name, will you please step forward? We will be discussing the nominations currently given.” Placing both hands behind his back, “Denzil of the Markets Guild.”

Denzil casts a glance around and stands up walking forward standing beside Commander Kail on his right.

“Madam Cartwing from the Academy.”

Madam Cartwing raises her eyebrows and stands up walking to the left of Commander Kail facing forward.

“Madam Ura of the Registration Office.” Ura stands up and walks over, standing beside Madam Cartwing.

“And last, Nybur, from the Housing District Office.”

As Nybur stands up a room full of disapproval looks causes the tension to rise. He walks over standing beside Denzil.

Commander Kail moves to stand behind Nybur pointing to him. “All of those in favor, please raise your hand.” He glances around the room perceiving very few hands up in the air. “Thank you.”

The crowd’s hands lowered.

“Now how many don’t approve.”

A show of hands spread across the room.

Commander Kail raises his eyebrows. “Thank you.” He steps forward with one hand on his hip, “Now then since there are a lot of hands that did not approve of him, let me ask you this question. Does this pertain to how he runs the housing district office?”

Many hands were raised, however, a few including Miss Elzien of the Orphanage were not raising their hands.

“Thank you, now then Miss Elzien can you please tell us your reason for disapproving of Mr. Nybur?”

Miss Elzien stands with her hands across her chest. “I can give you one good reason. Nybur is only supposed to be in charge of the Housing District. He hoards all the food coming into the storehouse and ensures the markets suffer. I can’t feed the little ones at the Orphanage!” Elzien glares at Mr. Nybur as murmurs spread around.

Commander Kail spots an older woman who raises her hand. He turns and walks to the side where she is sitting. “Do you have something else to add?”

As Miss Elzien sits down, the old woman looks up, “She speaks the truth as my son can’t feed us. I forgot the countless times we went hungry.” More people start to stand and voice their opinions.

Commander Kail gives a loud whistle causing everyone to stand still. “Please remain in your seats.” He walks over to Nybur, “It seems an investigation into your establishment will be in order. You can take a seat as you will be removed from the nominations.”

Nybur walks over to his seat with a scowl on his face. He crosses his arms and his legs.

“Ragnar, can you make sure the Housing district office is closed permanently? Until further notice, all residents in the Town of Runbay will not follow any of the rules pertaining to the housing district.” Commander Kail orders.

Ragnar bows as he hears the sighs of relief spread throughout the people. He steps outside the room as Commander Kail walks over to Denzil.

Commander Kail points to Denzil, the Market Guild Owner. “How many are in favor of Denzil of the Market Guild.” He spies a few hands raised, but not many. “How many disapprove?” No one raises their hand.

He walks to Madam Cartwing and is about to point in her direction.

She raises her hand. “If I may please dismiss myself?”

Commander Kail and the people in the room look in her direction. Some were in shock, while others were curious. “Why do you feel you need to?” Commander Kail questions.

“I realize that some people may like me, however, because of the responsibilities I have towards my students to ensure their safety and education, I also run a shop. I would not be a good candidate. I have to make sure I always stay on top of my work which takes a lot of time. So, I do appreciate the opportunity, but I must decline.” Madam Cartwing gives a bow to Commander Kail and turns and walks to her chair standing down.

Commander Kail looks to the last candidate, Madam Ura of the Registration office. “Very well, how many are in favor of Madam Ura?” He looks at the room as many hands rise.

Madam Ura stands in shock gazing around the room.

Denzil bows to Madam Ura, “Seems they have made a fine choice. I shall take my leave then as I am incredibly busy with the market and with your help along with everyone else, hopefully will be able to get that on the right track.” Denzil steps down and takes his seat.

Madam Ura looks at Commander Kail in bewilderment.

He bows to her, “I hope you look after them as I will be on other matters.”

Madam Ura takes her bow with dignity and stands up and a round of applause is heard. She takes her seat.

Commander Kail gives an inward smile as he had not expected this turn of events. “Now then because a lot of time has passed, the soldiers are bringing in food for everyone. Please take your fill as the next focus will be on ideas.” He walks to the desk and trays of freshly cooked food are brought into the room.

People line up as they are given the same portions.

Madam Ura walks up to Commander Kail, “I realize I am temporary, but I have no idea where I should start. So much has happened.”

Commander Kail nods at her, “Yes it has. Don’t worry, I think these ideas will help give you a start. But we shall see.”

Madam Ura gives a small smile and leaves to walk in line for a meal.

Riley comes up to Commander Kail, “I hadn’t expected that to go as smoothly as it did.”

“Indeed. I’m grateful at least that part got taken care of.” Commander Kail sighs and looks to the large stack of documents at the right.

“Something tells me those are about you know who?” Riley asks.

Commander Kail nods, “I’m sure this will start a riot in the whole room. But this will need to be talked over first before we can get into other matters.”

“Let’s hope so. I’ll go get us some food.” Riley walks to the line and waits with everyone else grabbing two plates. He brings them over to Commander Kail, setting them down on the desk. He grabs a chair and brings it to the desk sitting down as they start eating their food.

Another hour passes and they finish eating. Commander Kail stands up and walks to the other side of the desk. Bracing himself against the desk crosses his arms, and glances at everyone in the room. “This next topic is going to be a sensitive one as I’m sure a lot of people in this room feel it’s San’s fault for all this occurring. Let me speak before you start a riot here.” Glaring at the room, “Please raise your hand for all those that want her expelled from the town for her being the reason for all this.”

Commander Kail expected almost everyone to raise their hands. However, only a little less than half of them raised their hands.

A voice from the chair in front replies, “May I say something?” Madam Cartwing stands up as she turns and faces Commander Kail.

“Go ahead, Madam Cartwing,” Commander Kail replies.

“I..., it’s my fault and no one else’s for not protecting the students when all this started forty years ago when Durdley showed up. If I had at least stood up for them. Voiced my opinions, or even drowned myself shouting at the top of my lungs perhaps I could have saved so many people instead of hiding as I did.” Clenching her fists by her sides, “I have no one else to blame but myself.” Glaring at Commander Kail she sweeps her gaze at everyone else around the room. “For shame on us for not standing together as a town to protect those we hold dear.” She closes her eyes and her lips start to tremble.

“I would agree. We are all responsible!” The baker from the town center stands up with his crew.

Commander Kail looks around the room as more people stand up shouting the same thing, that they are responsible for not doing anything. He knew this lesson was one of the hardest to learn in life. But is glad this town finally had a start to becoming something grander. He raises his hands and walks forward to the middle of the room with all eyes on him. “Then for the sake of the town and its citizens, Can we leave San out of anything concerning the town for the time being and leave the investigations up to the proper officials?”

“I think that would be for the best. There is so much we don’t know and right now we need to focus on the town and get us put back together.” Madam Cartwing replies.

Madam Ura stands up, “I agree with everyone. Let’s focus on what we can accomplish. What is the next objective?” Everyone sits down as they listen to Commander Kail.

“Let’s start with the ones that have the highest request. One is the wall surrounding this town. From the requests I received a lot have different views on it, but most agree they don’t like it as it feels it imprisons them here. Does anyone have an argument as to why they would like to keep the wall up?” Commander Kail questions.

No one says a word as silence descends upon the room.

Commander Kail looks at Lieutenant Knox “Can I leave this to you, Lieutenant Knox?”

Lieutenant Knox salutes, “Yes, Sir!”

“Very well, the demolition of the wall can start tomorrow. The next order of business is the implementation of requests for people in this town and other towns. Usually, a Guildhall, the Barracks, or a Tavern holds the requests. This town does not have a guild hall. Is there anyone who has ideas and if so, Madam Ura, would you take the floor as this will be your responsibility.”

Madam Ura stands up and walks to the center while Commander Kail hands her a document with all the other tasks ahead. Taking his seat back behind the desk watches Madam Ura start conversing with the citizens about the requests. It is good now that he can go back to his work and this place can finally start growing.

More time passes as the sun starts to set. The townsfolk are dismissed to return to their regular lives as the meeting will continue tomorrow. Commander Kail stands outside and breathes a sigh of relief.

“That went better than we hoped for. I wonder what made a lot of them change their minds like that. Not blaming her for all the damage. Do you know?” Riley stands with his hands braced behind him in a lazy cat-like form.

“No idea. But I will admit to being grateful for whatever caused that. We have a lot of work ahead tomorrow.”

“Why don’t you let me take care of the documents for the night? You’re tired and you want to check on her, correct?”

Both look at a soldier rushing towards them. He stops by Commander Kail and whispers in his ear. He stiffens and looks at the soldier in astonishment. “I think we should follow him.”

They follow the soldier to the forge near the alley and slow down as a lot of people are gathered there.

Commander Kail looks at Riley who shrugs. The soldier in front parts the crowd to allow them to enter the alley. They both stop at the sight in front of them. It was not what they were expecting.

The walls surrounding the trees were completely destroyed, leveling the whole area to the ground. Instead of rocks and rubble on the ground, green grass flows all around with four tall trees standing at each corner. In the center of the area stands a blue pond.

Commander Kail approaches the pond as a small creature from the left tree springs out above him spreading his arms and displaying his cute fur as he jumps across from one tree to the other. Looking down at the pond it runs a bit deep and a few fish jump up to play. Kneeling he scoops a cup of freshwater in his hands and drinks.

“It’s amazing, how did this happen?” Riley stares all around.

The water is fresh, crisp, and clean. As Commander Kail stands up, “I have a feeling it has to do with the three Guardians that appeared here.”

Riley looks at him in astonishment. “Three?”

“It seems they helped out. Something else happened as well but I think we will need to go to the tavern for that.” Commander Kail sees the people are nervous. Kneeling he motions to the children standing in front of Elzien.

Elzien gives them a push forward and the children run to him.

Commander Kail points up at the Trees letting them laugh as they see all kinds of creatures coming out to play. Some they know and others they have never seen before.

A few hours pass as night starts to descend and the people return to their homes for the night. They turn to leave for the tavern and give one last glance back knowing another miracle had happened.

They reach the tavern with Torin behind the counter preparing food. “Hello Torin, where is San?”

“Well, I’m not sure, but the Count came down an hour ago and asked when San woke up if I wouldn’t mind making some soup with a cup of Bea for her. But I thought she couldn’t eat or drink. He just smiled though and said I’ll explain later.”

Riley looks at Commander Kail with a questionable look. They walk upstairs and walk down the hallway as the Count is opening the door. The Count looks at him with his finger pressed against his lip. Walking slowly inside they spot Skye sitting beside the window.

As they walk closer, they both stiffen at the sight they beheld. San wrapped up in the blanket with her eyes completely closed is sound asleep. Her breathing is different as they can both tell she is sleeping. They both look at the Count and he points his finger down telling them he will tell them everything downstairs.

They walk downstairs to the table closest to the counter. The Count sits down, “Can I have a cup of tea Torin?”

“Sure, anything for you two?”

Commander Kail, still shocked by what he saw, looks up towards Torin, “I’ll take a Cup of Bae please.”

“Same.” Replies Riley and shakes his head. He looks at the Count, “I’ve never seen her asleep once! How is this possible!”

Torin pauses as both he and Natasha look at them in astonishment.

“Well, you can thank the Guardians for that one. I’ve been mulling over the gifts they gave her all day. And it seems she will be able to move around differently allowing her to be a bit more free of the chains binding her.” The Count smiles as Torin brings over the tea. Picking it up he takes a sip. “It seems the Death Guardian gave her a different way to digest death. At first, I wasn’t sure what he meant by this, but I remember what you told me about how she has to consume well... ... you know, and how the creatures who captured her forced her to eat that way.”

Commander Kail takes a sip of his Cup of Bae.

“It seems this gift will allow her to consume food in a different manner.” The Count starts.

“That’s why you wanted me to cook a bowl of soup for her, San can eat regular food now because the Guardian gave her that gift!” Torin said in surprise. “Oh, I apologize, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The Count smiles, “It’s fine, that was the first gift The Death Guardian Nastrond gave her. The second gift I’m still trying to understand, but even though she saw the sun, San couldn’t feel it.”

“Couldn’t feel it?” Riley asks in surprise and raises one eyebrow at the Count.

“No, I’m still not sure about all of it, but the Nature Guardian gave her the ability to see, smell, taste, and touch all things around her. It seems being turned into the damned causes other things to happen. I can’t even imagine it.”

Commander Kail looks down at his cup of bae taking another sip. “What was the third one?”

“Well, the water Guardian gave her the ability to let her sleep as well as her body being able to retain all different types of liquids. At first, I wasn’t sure till I saw it.” The Count takes another sip of his tea. “I think I will leave that one alone till you see it. I’m hoping she will wake up in time. How did the meeting go?” The Count questions.

Commander Kail leans back in the chair with his cup of bae. As the conversation starts, he tells the Count all that happened.

The Count sips his cup of tea. “Well now that is interesting. Never would have thought it would have gone down like that. Or that quite a few people who hate her would say that. Makes it easier to follow through with the next stages.”

“I thought so as well. Madam Cartwing surprised all of us when she stood up and voiced her opinion. I was even more astonished as to how many citizens also said the same thing. I think this is finally a new beginning for the Town of Runbay.” Commander Kail smiles and finishes his cup of bae. Hearing a footstep behind them, they look to the door, San is looking around her and spots Commander Kail and Riley sitting down.

She steps forward with concern in her eyes and stops slightly before Commander Kail.

He stands up, “I hear you were able to destroy the trees and everything inside. Seems you have earned three gifts.”

“I.. ..didn’t earn them. Or I don’t think I did.”

“You earned them, you helped everything in their move forward being able to rest in peace. Not a feat anyone can do, now they can. And you didn’t have to, but you still did for your own reasons.” Commander Kail remarks.

San looks down as a smile of relief caresses her lips.

“Now then, why don’t you sit down as I think Torin almost has your soup and cup of bae ready to try.” The Count pats the chair beside him.

San gives a startled look at the Count and thinks about the recent events. She walks over to sit down.

Skye walks past Riley sitting down at the table.

She glances at the Count as an interesting smell flows past her nose and sniffs the air. She glances at the teacup in his hands.

The Count, noticing this, places his cup in front of her, “This is what you’re smelling, correct?”

San sniffs the tea cup again smelling a light fragrance. She lifts her gaze to him. “Do you think I can drink this and it will not hurt me?”

Skye speaks up, “After hearing what the Water Guardians said, I think you can consume liquid. It will be alright as you trust them.”

San looks down at the tea again reaching for it, and slowly brings it to her lips. Closing her eyes takes a sip and stiffens with the response her body gives. The taste of the fresh tea fills her mouth and is stunned by how the liquid goes down her throat. Her body absorbs the liquid and yet there is no pain, no ash or rotten taste in her mouth. She puts the cup down and looks at the drink.

“How did it taste?” The Count asks.

“It is slightly bitter. It didn’t taste like ash or have a rotten taste to it, and it didn’t hurt.” San smiles at the drink.

“Here, let me fix that bitter flavor.” The Count steps toward the counter and grabs a small bottle. He pours a couple of drops down into the cup. While the tea changes color, he puts the bottle back down on the counter. He sits down and glances at her. “Go ahead and try the tea now.”

Commander Kail rests both arms on the table with his chin resting in his hands and continues to watch her.

She raises the cup of tea to her lips and takes another small sip. A glimpse of surprise shows in her eyes, “It’s sweeter.”

The Count chuckles. “I added just a little bit of Ara Syrup to make it not as bitter. Did you like it?” She gives him a nod. “Good, I’m glad.”

“Alright, the soup is ready. Miss San, let me know if it’s any good. I think the reason he suggested soup was that it might be easier to try at first.” Torin sets the soup in front of her, placing a spoon beside it. “And a cup of bae for you to try as well.” He places the cup of bae beside the soup and continues to watch her with everyone else.

San places the cup of tea down and reaches for the spoon. Taking a small serving of the soup she slowly puts the spoonful in her mouth. A smile caresses her lips and continues to eat the soup. She stops to take a sip of the cup of bae. After her first sip, she raises the cup of bae inhaling all of it down her throat. While she places the cup down, she looks up as a few chuckles can be heard around the table.

The Count reaches over with a napkin. “You have a mustache on your face. Let me wipe that off for you.” He wipes the mustache off smiling at her bewilderment. “These napkins help in case our hands get slightly dirty or we have a mustache from our drink on our face.”

Torin takes the empty cup, “Let me get you another one.”

San looks down at the food and drink. It gives her strength, and it seems with these new gifts, she would no longer have to consume creatures that way. A tear forms in her eye falling down her cheek and splashes on top of her hand. She gazes at the water on top of her hand and reaches up to touch her cheek feeling the water on it.

Commander Kail and Riley stare at her amazed.

“This is the other gift the Water Guardian gave you. I think they gave you these gifts to at least break away a bit from the terror you feel all the time.” With his hands resting under his chin, The Count smiles.

“It doesn’t change the fact I’m still a damned creature, and yet. . . It feels nice.” San lowers her hands and gives a smile, one that reaches her eyes changing her appearance again into someone completely different.

“Your cup of bae, I’m glad you are finally able to enjoy yourself.” Torin sets the cup in front of her. “Would you like another bowl of soup?”

San ponders for a few seconds, “No, I feel as if I have co-, . . . ate enough to feel my body is alright. Thank you. I still have so much to learn.” She reaches for the cup of bae.

“It will take time, no point in rushing things.” Riley grins, enjoying watching her experience new things for the first time.

San sips the cup of Bae slowly as everyone is happy. After a few more moments she stands up to go exploring some more and falls forward catching herself on the table with her vision slightly blurry.

Skye catches her about to fall and lifts her up in his arms. “You’re just a bit tired right now. In the morning we can explore the town a bit.”

“I’m not. . .,” San gives a small yawn as her eyes start to close, “sleepy.”

“She is exhausted with everything that has happened. I’m glad she can finally get some sleep.” Riley stands with everyone else.

“Ahh, you’re not crying again are you, Riley?” Ragnar says from behind as he is standing at the doorway to the tavern with a grin on his face.

“Psh, get over here you sly damn fox!” Riley reaches for Ragnar.

Ragnar darts away leaving the tavern.

Riley follows in pursuit yelling, “Get back here!”

Commander Kail laughs as his eyes rest on San, “I think for once, I’m relieved things will be slightly different for her. It will still be a struggle but at least that is one fear San doesn’t have to be constantly reminded of.”

“Indeed, which means I can help you tomorrow at the Meeting. Let’s go while Skye takes her upstairs to rest.” The Count and Commander Kail leave the tavern heading to the barracks.

Skye carries her upstairs to rest for the night.

Torin takes one last look upstairs and starts to clean the area.

“I’ve never seen her perform those things.” Natasha picks up the bowl. “I mean everything tasting like that and causing you pain because you have to eat that way. It’s horrible.”

“True, and this way we can teach her about different foods and drinks. Maybe you can give her cooking lessons.” Torin teases.

Natasha gives her father a stern look, “You do realize my cooking is shameful. Mphm.” She turns away carrying the items to the back.

Morning Dawns as the meeting of the town continues. Commander Kail, the Count, Riley, and Ragnar all meet at the hall. Lieutenant Knox with a few soldiers is performing his first task of knocking the wall down today and everyone from yesterday is inside.

Commander Kail sits behind the desk with the Count sitting beside him.

Ragnar and Riley are on the side with the soldiers and rangers in case things go sour.

Madam Ura takes the stage in the middle as more negotiations begin.

It seems the final meeting is finished and the task they need to help with is giving food to all the citizens. Commander Kail is relieved and will finish his report this afternoon. “Seems we are almost finished here.”

“Yes, and I’m actually relieved. It will be nice to go home and meet the family. I’m sure I am going to get yelled at a lot.” The Count replies with a sour look as laughter dances in his eyes.

“Well time waits for no one, shall we begin?” They leave the building with the citizens. Commander Kail issues orders to a few men to give food to all the citizens making sure they are well fed. It seems the last investigation to be done will be completed by Lieutenant Knox. He walks down to the Barracks, looking forward to writing his final report.