亚洲综合中美

“Avon,” Staxius spoke, they reached the car. “Yes?” he turned and asked. “Have you seen Alyson or Ayleth during the fight?” the machine turned on. “No I’m afraid not,” Avon vanished, Achilles took the only seat available. “Why do you ask?” the car drove downhill. “It’s a bit weird for them to not come to watch Eira,” with that in mind, Staxius drove to the mansion.

Once at their destination, all were surprised to see that the girls had left. Alyson knew of the fight but decided to not attend. Ayleth’s demeanor changed and to top it off, Adelana had ordered them to return as soon as possible. The butler in charge of said household told all that Staxius needed to know. “Thanks for all the information,” he walked away from the bowing butler. “Aren’t we going to stay the night here?” Avon asked as he sat in the driving seat. “Not really, I want to drive to the capital this instant.”

Thus, throughout the night, at around time for many to get drunk – Staxius set off. Achilles slept like a baby; her face leaned on the window that grew to be foggy. Avon rested in spirit form inside the one who drove. Fatigue ailed, but he gritted and sped through. Time was of the utmost importance – the tailor lady still had the threat of the dark-guilds.

Concurrently in Dorchester, Alyson and Ayleth arrived. Their transport left earlier that day. “This place is always lively,” her eyes filled with relief, Ayleth breathed gently. The hill atop which the castle rested was closed off. The wall was quite away from the slightly sloped hill. Plans for a harbor was made, for the ravine separating the provinces could be used as a passage for boats. They entered, the town wasn’t as noisy as the capital. However, it felt peaceful, people walked around without worry. Guards stationed here and there, the place still was in the planning process. No taxes were being taken from the inhabitants; this was to help in the construction efforts. Many skilled artisans and craftsmen took a liking for the hospitality. Dorchester slowly changed into a trading town – many came from all over to experience the rumored serenity.

Monsters didn’t threaten anyone for Fenrir was present. A need for an adventuring guild became void. Though it helped that some mysterious association helped with the extermination and protection at night. Near the foot of the hill facing Brisnet height, a small hideout got built. Per orders from Adelana, the people living there were exempted from any questioning. The ones who lived there were none other than the Merchants of death. Adelana’s trusty allies – they worked at night, dispatching of any unsightly beings in exchange for a place to hide.

“Welcome back Ayleth,” the car drove towards the castle, banners were placed all over. Most of the inhabitants came to celebrate her return. Stood atop the castle wall, many shouted and wished her good health. It brought joy to the still weakened heart.

.....

“Ayleth,” the car stopped, everyone stood before the entrance. Behind, lights and the sound of people drinking. The Silver guardians, Millicent, Julius, Viola, and Fenrir, waited with a smile. “-how much have I missed you,” Adelana darted and hugged the one who returned. “I’m home,” Ayleth replied with a tear flowing. None cared about the half-burnt face – it was unrecognizable. “Ayleth,” the remainder proceeded to rush and hug in turn. “Thanks, everyone,” she smiled. Her hands always stayed near the face, Ayleth was embarrassed about how it looked. Not to mention that it ached from time to time.

“Welcome back Ayleth,” Julius spoke, the crowd around her cleared. “Thanks, Julius,” she smiled, he held a black suitcase. “With the help of everyone here, this is a present for you,” the box opened. “I c-can’t b-believe it,” her body felt weightless. “This makes me so happy,” the voice felt at ease. “We do apologize for giving you this out here,” Viola whispered, her face remained in a constant state of woeness. “Don’t worry about it,” she lifted her present. A mask, half that covered where she was injured. It was of a white and gold color, the eyebrows sparkled, it shone. It was made by the craftsmen and artisan from all – a collaboration. Embedded with diamonds and precious stones – it could put a crown to shame.

“What is this feeling,” Ayleth wore it, a subtle greenlight manifested. “Don’t worry about that, tis but a regeneration spell. It will help to soothe the pain and bring your face back to normal. However, said process will take months if not years – the curse from that weapon holds steady.” Viola explained, everyone remained silent. “Thank you so much,” Ayleth’s happiness could not be contained.

The night went on with the same mood, everyone celebrated. Sat away from the main crowd, the council discussed. Normally this serious talk would have taken place the next day, but Ayleth demanded it. “I’m sorry we had to call you back home earlier than predicted.” Julius took charge of the discussion, he explained what happened during the time Alyson and Ayleth were gone.

“The town has been expanding at a comfortable pace. Monsters aren’t an issue thanks to the emerald ranked Fenrir. However, I can’t help but feel anxious. How long will you guys keep on fighting,” he voiced a sound argument, “it has been sixteen long years, and even more. Most of you have reached your thirties – I’m not saying you’re old. However, there comes a time when people have to retire,” this was brought about by Ayleth’s injury. “I know that you Silver Guardians aren’t weak, not even in the least. Sadly, it’s my job as a friend to tell you what I think.” Everyone understood the point he tried to make. “First and foremost, I wish for you all to be happy. All I want is for you to find your own calling. May it be romance, artistry and even teaching, who cares – just don’t step on the battlefield anymore. There’s no need for that, we’ve got the strongest wall to be made as our barrier – and thanks to the alliance with Arda; things are looking prosperous. I know not how Staxius managed but queen Shanna offered to send over some guards to help in defending Brisnet heights from Kreston,” he ended.

“I know what you mean,” Adelana added, “yeah we get it,” everyone else followed. “However, this doesn’t mean we’re to run off and find another path. It’s a bit late for that now, romance might have been on most of our minds. I mean, look at Ancret, she’s courting a Lord who drunkenly stumbled on our town not a few months ago,” the secret was out, “STOP IT ADELANA,” her face flushed. “Not just her, most of us here are already in relationships.” Julius’s breath cut short, everyone shyly looked down. Fenrir and Undrar didn’t look bothered, they focused on the food laid to rest on the table.

“I didn’t notice,” he added with embarrassment, “we figured as much,” Adelana winked. “Most of us aren’t lacking in the looks department,” Annet added in a friendly tone. “Yes, finding out about our private life isn’t something easy. My sisters and I are spies after all,” Ancret boasted. “Therefore, you needn’t worry – when the time comes for us to part ways, we’ll tell you, Julius. For now, let us help build a town for everyone to enjoy – it’s the last quest the Silver Guardians are to finish before retiring,” Adelana added with a smile.

“I’m grateful for you all for being honest and open with me. I feel honored that you all have accepted me,” he took a sip. “Anyways, Alyson – did you get any news about Eira’s fight, her tournament was scheduled for today wasn’t it?” Millicent asked, her drunken state turned sober. “About that, we had to leave before we had a chance to watch. But I would not worry, Staxius came to visit,” she uttered nonchalantly. “Staxius what,” Julius choked, all their stares pierced her. “Is he doing alright, we haven’t heard of master in months,” Undrar asked, her tone felt agitated. “Yes, not since the king’s day of birth,” Julius mumbled. “I think so, I don’t know – that man is always a mystery to me. I’m grateful for his visit – apparently, he paid 80,000 gold coins for Ayleth’s treatment.”

“80,000 WHAT?” the room echoed with their screams, “how the hell does he have so much money, AND WHY WOULD HE?” Questions went off like an open tap. “IS HE INSANE?” everyone added, 80,000 gold was insanity. “Did he really pay that much just for me?” Ayleth’s eyes were wide open. “Guys stop,” Alyson took a sip, “from what I understood, he felt guilty for sending us in that suicide mission – that was his way of atoning.” It put their heart at ease knowing that somewhere out there, the guardian still watched. The one who they called master, the one who hadn’t come back – he cared.

“Hey, Julius,” a stranger called out from the crowd. “Yeah?” he answered. A strange but familiar man walked closer, “long time no see,” the one standing was none other than Piers Riverty; the princess’s husband. “Long time no see indeed,” Julius stood and hugged the man who seemed partially drunk. “I might have overheard your conversation; therefore, I apologize. However, I have something that might peak your attention.” He pulled a strange device, a phone – one more advance than they ever saw. Technology had leaped exponentially in the last five years, thanks to mages now devoted to implementing magic into everyday life.” The phone laid on the table; it showed the tournament. “Don’t ask how, but I got this sent to me earlier, I think it will be of your interest to see,” a snippet of the end. Everyone watched, “that’s our girl,” it showed the moments before her chest was pierced.

“WHAT?” the clip played the part where Eira got bested. “Impossible,” it ended, “that was Staxius wasn’t it?” they saw what happened. In the last moments of the battle, Staxius fought alongside Eira – not to mention the part where everything ended in less than a minute. “Was that even Staxius?” questions filled their mind further, “...” Viola’s face turned pale. “the thing under the cheeks, it can’t be. Did he really get bestowed with a power symbol,” she thought out loud. “-t-this m-means that lord d-death has d-decided to entrust him w-with everything,” she fell onto her knees. “Hey, are you alright?” Adelana grabbed her shoulders. “Yeah, I’m fine, just a little bit fatigued,” she stood.

“Julius, I have a favor to ask,” to which he responded with a nod. “you said that the town is going to be prosperous and that the hard bit is behind us?” she confirmed what he said prior. “Yes, I’m planning to move a part of my company here – it will help in both defense and commerce, Castle Garsley is pretty much complete.”

“In that case, I feel like my job here is accomplished. For too long have I stayed away from the one who brought me here,” she spoke with confidence. “Are you speaking about rejoining up with Staxius?” Adelana asked. “Yes,” she replied firmly.

“You are free to do what you want, I’m but a friend. In no way have I the authority to order anyone of you around,” Julius added softly. “Thank you, everyone,” her appearance changed, ‘this beating in my chest won’t go away. I need to regroup with Staxius; our pact might have been broken but I’m still the mighty bringer of death.’ Wings sprouted from her back, “I’ll see you guys soon,” it flapped.