The Third Red 1: The Enemy Within
Chapter Nine Blood In Sortar

Eric dreamed of his mother again. Margery once more looked at him with hatred in her eyes. Eric looked down, unable to meet those eyes that had always looked at him with love, maybe the occasional sternness when she trained him or he broke the rules, but never hatred. Eric couldn’t bear to see them like that. And his mother’s words hurt even more.

“You are a disgrace to me Eric! You couldn’t kill Corgo and now I’m dead because of you! You killed me!”

Eric quivered. “No! Mother I didn’t!”

She frowned at him. “You are a coward and a weaking my son!”

“I’m not!” Eric denied with tears.

“Coward! Weakling! You should have trained harder!” Margery shouted.

Eric looked away and saw Rubara now.

“You always thought I could protect you from anything. But when I needed protection you couldn’t provide it.”

Eric wanted to say something but then an evil laugh sounded. He looked back where Margery had been. Corgo was now there in her place. He held a sorcery spear in his hand.

“You’re next dragon! Then I take the boy!” Corgo said.

He threw the spear.

Eric woke with a start, gasping for breath. He looked around and realized it had just been a nightmare. He lay his head back down on the pillow. He lay still for a long time, but sleep would not come. The words from the dream repeated themselves in his head.

“You couldn’t kill Corgo,” Margery’s voice echoed. “You are a coward and a weakling.”

Eric gritted his teeth. The dream had been right, he had been a coward, too afraid to move when he saw Rubara go down. He couldn’t even stand against Corgo. He couldn’t save his mother, and now she was being called a traitor. People would blame her for any blood spilled by Corgo, but it was he, Eric, who failed to slay the demon. His mother would be blamed for his failure. Somehow, he had to set this right. Could he convince Taro Volk to not see her as a traitor? Probably not.

There was only one thing he could now. Kill Corgo. The face of the demon appeared in his mind’s eye, and a fire lit in his heart. The fire of white-hot anger quickly intensifying to burning hatred.

“I will kill you Corgo the Bat Demon!” Eric vowed. “For my mother!”

Then he remembered something else.

“And my father! The father I never got to know because of you!” Eric added.

He seethed, his hands turning to fists that shook in his anger. It was because of Corgo that he’d lost his parents, Corgo was the reason Eric had been stuck on Dragoran for so long. All the things he knew Corgo had done piled on each other and added to Eric’s hatred like a burning pile of wood.

Suddenly there was a crackling sound. Eric looked down and saw his body pulsating with red energy like it had just after Margery’s death.

“Ahh!” Eric screamed and jumped out of bed.

What did he do? What did he do? Why was this happening?

He expected the energy to explode and knock him off his feet. Surprise and fear took the place of the anger festering within him. But no explosion came, the energy simply dissipated and stopped. Eric breathed in relief, but it swiftly turned to worried curiosity.

“What is happening to me?” he asked himself.

He headed down to the bathhouse on the bottom floor. The warm water soothed his body. So much had changed for him in such a short time. Five days ago, he’d hated getting wet just like the beast in his head. Now the warm water eased his mind and took away the thoughts of his mother. Once he was done, he put on a fresh Sortar robe and made his way to the Great Hall for the morning meal as he had yesterday. This time he didn’t need an escort to find it though, he was getting used to the castle.

Eric took a seat at the head table and waited. The servants weren’t even up yet, but he sat there all the same. Within an hour or so, they and everyone else awoke and came down.

“Oh, good morrow Eric!” Chosan said as he sat in the head chair. “You beat me to the table I see!”

“Aye,” Eric said without much care. “I… need to ask you something. My sorcery became... crackly last night.”

“Oh, that can happen when a sorcerer is feeling strong emotions like grief or anger. It can cause our sorcery to go out of control,” Arvis said. “Traumatic experiences often lead to that. Many of us have had it after losing loved ones or going through a battle. It will fade in time.”

Eric sighed. “Well, want to improve my sorcery skill. Arivs, will you train me after breakfast?”

“Oh of course Lord Eric!” Arvis said.

“And Vikal and I can help with your swordsmanship and Greater Body,” Orvalor said. “We don’t want to use too much sorcery up though. So, we’ll switch around every day or so!”

Eric put a hand to his chin. The thought of himself moving at a blinding speed with a sword was greatly appealing to him. “Hmm… I would like to learn Greater Body!”

“Well, if you wish then,” Arvis said. “You can go with Orvalor.”

“Now just a minute! That will have to wait,” Chosan said. “First thing we need to do is get you supplies for school and decorations for your room.”

“Can’t that wait?” Eric asked.

“Afraid not. Castle Scholar has already started and classes will resume tomorrow! There’s no time to lose!” Chosan said. “It will be trouble, but we have no choice. Trust me, I would prefer to simply relax and spend the day making potions or napping, but this has be done. As soon as we finish eating, we set out to the Market Sector. Then I can show you the city as well.”

Eric sighed. Chosan looked back at him and promised, “After we get back, you can train with Arvis or Orvalor.”

Eric frowned as he thought of something. “But if they’re training me, why am I going to Castle Scholar?”

“So, you can meet people outside of Soyagone,” Chosan said. “It’s a good idea to interact with the common people I say!”

Eric shrugged. He used to want nothing more than to have people his own age, but now what he wanted was to be strong.

Ah well, it doesn’t matter where I learn, he thought. As long as I do.

“The instructors at Castle Scholar are no less proficient in spell casting then I am,” Arvis said. “You will spend two days a week there for now. Orvalor, Vikal, and I can instruct you on other days.”

“Just make sure you don’t train him too hard,” Chosan said. “I don’t want him to use up any more than two sorcery cores a day.”

“Of course, Lord Chosan,” Arvis said.

Eric ate his sausages. Chosan took his time and ate three full plates of food. Everyone else waited silently until he was done. Eric had half a mind to tell his uncle that was enough food. Chosan was big as a pig! He looked over at Omulus who was looking at Chosan with a deep frown of disgust.

Finally, Chosan decided he’d eaten enough and told Orvalor, “Get some archers by the gate, I’ll meet you there soon.”

The old knight nodded.

“I shall be part of the archers of course!” Bragar stated from his spot on one of the long tables in the hall.

Chosan beckoned for Eric to follow him They went through one of the gallery hallways with paintings and artwork of their ancestors. Several stone statues of soldiers stood in the hallway with heavy looking rock weapons. Though there was one statue in the middle that looked like a square block with a large stone shield carved at the top of it. On either side was a stone soldier. As Eric got closer, he noticed the symbol of the Warrior’s Sword carved onto one side of the stone, then when he got in front beside Chosan he saw the Lord’s Hand offering a gold coin on the front. Sure enough, leaning left he saw the Conqueror’s Boot on that side. Though unable to see the back Eric guessed the Executioners Axe was there. Chosan approached the statue bearing all the symbols of the War Patrons and reached into his pocket, pulling out a key.

“Engoble Visetal!” Become Visible.

Chosan pointed at the top of the stone base supporting the shield. It appeared to be solid, without any cracks, but then a small hole appeared at the front that hadn’t been there before. It seemed the key hole was covered by an illusion. Chosan inserted his key and twisted. Then suddenly the stone soldiers came to life, their rock limbs moving and they pointed their swords at Eric who gasped. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Nay hokal!” Chosan said. Not enemy.

The statues lowered their weapons. Chosan then raised a hand at the stone shield.

“Bould retraka!” Rock retreat.

The same incantation Eric had used to cause his rock shield to lower whenever he used it. This rock shield didn’t go into the ground like his. Instead, it moved backwards, revealing a hidden stairway underneath. Chosan walked down the steps and Eric followed.

“What are we doing down here?” Eric asked.

“Getting coin for our venture into the market,” Chosan told him. “Be careful, these tunnels beneath Soyagone are filled with booby traps. One wrong turn and you could end up in the river down there or impaled by spikes. Stay close unless you wish to go through that trouble.”

Eric did as he was told, keeping directly behind his uncle. Chosan moved slowly, they turned down one corner which found them at a four-way path.

“If you are ever come down here on your own, just remember this pattern, Executioner, Conqueror, Warrior, Lord, and Protector. Follow those marks and you will reach the vault. All the other paths are trapped.”

Looking up, Eric noticed that there were different War Patron symbols for each path. Chosan lead him down the path with the axe symbol at the top of its doorway. They repeated this process four more times, following the boot, sword, hand, and shield. This led them to a metal door. Chosan inserted his key into the keyhole and pushed it open, revealing the Yagaro Fortune.

Eric’s mouth fell open as he beheld massive piles of Sorcerer Kingdom coins. The fortune consisted mainly of Gold Crowns, but a good amount of Silver Swords as well as Bronze Shields. Eric had seen all these stored in the small leather bag his mother kept with her during their seclusion on Dragoran.

“Whoa,” Eric said.

“As Lords of Sortar, we get a mighty good share of coin,” Chosan said. “Taxes and metals from the mines in the west part of the royal lands come to us every . I also make a good amount with my potion trade, and we own a couple farms nearby. With all this we get a steady income of around seventy Gold Crowns in a fortnight.”

Chosan took a large pouch from a nearby pile and handed it to Eric. Pulling it open, Eric took a handful of Gold Crowns from the pile.

“Don’t take too many Gold Crowns now, we only need those for buying expensive or large amounts of items. Only ten at a time usually,” Chosan advised. “Silver Swords are usually all we need for clothes and other things. But we’ll probably be getting quite a few more expensive objects, so I’ll fill my bag with gold today.”

Eric shrugged indifferently. He counted the gold coins in his hand. There were eleven, he put one back on the pile and filled his bag the rest of the way with Silver Swords and a few copper shields. Chosan meanwhile filled his own sack with gold.

“Make sure you always keep your guard up,” Chosan said. “Even Sortar has its dangers. Especially for us nobles. Our wealth makes us a target for those less fortunate in the city. Even with a company of knights or soldiers protecting us you never know what could happen. The Dishonored are getting restless lately.”

Eric nodded.

“Well, in any case you’ll need your own key for here as well,” Chosan said.

He looked over at a wall hanging nearby which had a pair of hooks and a silver key hanging from one of them. Chosan handed Eric the key and then lead him back out of the vault as he pocketed it. They made their way back through the tunnels and out to the front gate. Captain Orvalor and Gilber waited with their families as well as four Yagaro archers led by the bard Bragar. Gerg held Snowshine again for Eric. Gilber also kept hold of the dark horse Chosan rode, with Lilar standing beside it.

Chosan got on his horse instantly while Eric hesitated, stopping several steps from Snowshine.

Noticing him stop, Chosan said. “Don’t worry. You just ate so you shouldn’t have any problem with that inner beast controlling you. But if you don’t feel safe, perhaps it would be better to suppress your sorcery?”

Eric nodded. He gathered a handful of sorcery into his left hand and pressed it to his chest, preventing the flow of his magic. He slowly took a step toward Snowshine. To his relief he felt no pain in his head to indicate the opinicus inside was trying to take over his body. He stroked the golden mane. His face lit up in a grin as he touched the soft hairs on the horse’s neck and ran his hand across them. Snowshine snorted and leaned toward him.

“Hello!” she said.

“Hi,” Eric greeted the horse, glad she seemed to be warming up to him.

He got on Snowshine’s back, taking hold of the reins connecting to the neck straps. Eric watched Chosan give his horse a nudging in the side with his foot and did the same. Snowshine walked forward with cracking steps. The Presteegs each got on their own horses, except for Myra who rode a smaller pony. Gilber and his grandchildren all sat together in a cart pulled not by horses but a pair of mules. Lilar, Bragar and the archers, meanwhile walked. They made their way through the gate and across the bridge to Sortar then went through the same opening leading to the Palace, but instead of continuing straight once they entered, Chosan turned right onto a path Eric hadn’t noticed yesterday.

“This is a safe path for nobles like us to travel on,” Chosan informed Eric as they trotted down the path. “No middle or lower class are allowed in here except if they have a scroll saying they are invited by a noble. A bit unfair since they have to contend with everyone else in the streets, but it makes it much easier for us.”

They passed several large doors on their left, all of which had a pair of soldiers standing guard. Every so often on the right, Eric noticed holes with ladders protruding from them into the ground.

“Are those the goblin tunnels?” he asked.

“Aye,” Grella said in a voice full of contempt. “Those ugly creatures live down in their ancient underground city. I’m glad we don’t see them up here too often! Every time they come up its to fight, give people bruises and broken bones or death.”

“That’s just their way of life,” Orvalor said. “They are very capable warriors.”

“But they don’t care about others at all,” Grella said. “All they care about is thrill for battle.”

“Not unlike some people in Sortar,” Orvalor said. “There are those that care more for personal glory than about the lives of others. We all might fight for different reasons, but we are all fighting a common enemy.”

They continued in silence until Chosan stopped.

“Here we are, the Upper Market Sector.”

“Yes, the place where one can come buy the best goods in Sortar!” Bragar said in his loud voice.

The area had a good amount of people walking through it. Peasants in tan or brown tunics, as well sorcerers in robes. Eric spotted some animals, not just the commonly tamed dogs or horses, but also predators such as wolves or bears as well. Some sorcerers even looked animal-like, their bodies covered in fur or feathers. Beast Men, sorcerers that had the power to shapeshift and combined it with beast sorcery to change their form into a half beast half man.

Eric also noticed people skulking in rags sitting in the sides. They had broken sword marks carved onto their foreheads. The Dishonored. People who’d broken a vow or law and been cast out of their homes forever. Many of these people were thin and looked sad. As he saw them, Eric couldn’t help but feel sorry for these people even if they deserved their fate. They’d brought their plight on themselves by breaking an oath or committing too many crimes. If they’d stayed true to the law, they would not be in this situation.

Chosan led Eric down the street until they reached a shop with a sign that read Silkas Robes.

“We’ll start by getting you a wardrobe,” Chosan said to Eric before addressing the others present. “And if anyone else wants something new to wear I’ll feel mighty good buying it for them.”

“I would like a new dress!” Myra said instantly.

“Very well little lady,” Chosan said smiling. “Everyone just find something that suits your fancy, and I shall happily pay for it!”

“Oh Lord Yagaro is so generous!” Bragar sung. “How lucky we are to serve him!”

“Yes indeed. I’m sure most of us are grateful,” Lilar said.

“I am!” Omulus said defensively.

“That is kind of you Lord Chosan but we can pay for ourselves!” Vikal said as he tapped the money bag on his belt.

They entered the shop. All around were fine sets of clothing. One-piece tunics, dresses, robes, boots, shoes, and many others. Towards the back of the shop stood a short man as well as five woman who were busy sewing.

“Ah Chosan!” the man said eagerly. “I’ve been expecting you! You told me to have some clothes ready for your nephew and here they are.”

He gestured to a pile of clothing, most of which was red.

“Mighty good!” Chosan said.

“I used my sight sorcery to see what measurements he would have on the day he arrived so I could make clothes that size. I heard what happened with you being branded a traitor. But you will always be welcome in my store, so don’t worry. Hello Myra!”

“Mr. Silkas,” Myra curtsied.

“You need a new dress already little lady?” the tailor asked.

“Well, these children do grow,” Lorala informed him.

Myra took her time trying on new dresses, the others looked around the store as well and tried on new outfits. Eric, meanwhile, went to a changing room, removed the white robe he’d worn for the past couple of days and put on a red shirt trimmed in blue, with matching blue wool pants, and brown boots. He got several more outfits as well, most of which had similar colors. He also had a formal tunic for special occasions, and a rather unattractive brown outfit which could disguise him as a peasant if he need be. Lastly, he got an amulet like Chosan’s. Gold in the shape of the Yagaro shield with five gems on it, but it had a ruby in the center to match his red core.

“Well, that will be five Gold Crowns for each gem, ten for the amulet, and the clothes for Lord Eric are equal to forty-two silver swords” Silkas said. “That makes close to thirty-eight crowns.”

“That be no problem for great Lord Yagaro!” Bragar sung.

Chosan nodded, looking at Eric. “Fifteen Swords is equal to one Crown, and thirty Shields equal a Sword.”

“I know,” Eric said.

“Well, what has Margery not taught?” Chosan asked.

“Aye. Lord Eric is smart!” Bragar sang.

Eric looked down a he wished his mother were here, seeing him in the new clothes. Chosan counted out Crowns from his coin purse handed them to Silkas.

“Five. Ten. Fifteen, Twenty... Twenty-Five… Thirty… Thirty-Five… and Thirty-Eight.”

Silkas gave him three Swords in change. The Presteegs brought their own clothes, and the party walked out of the shop. They put the items into the back of the cart pulled by Giber’s mule.

“Now we’ll make another stop to buy furnishings for your room,” Chosan said to Eric.

For that they went to Fine Furnishings and Finds a short walk away in the Market sector.

As they entered, Chosan asked Eric, “Is there anything you would like in particular your room? I know you’ll need a bookshelf.”

Eric nodded. “A hanger for my shield. And maybe some paints.”

“Paints?” Chosan repeated.

“Well, I didn’t know you painted!” Bragar said. “I happen to do that myself, perhaps I could help you to perfect your skills?”

Eric frowned at the bragging remark. “Well, I painted a lot on Dragoran. Made a lot of paintings on the walls of the cave. I suppose I can fill in the walls of my room now.”

Chosan’s smile widened. “Well, I think it is a mighty good idea for you to do something fun, I think it would be better if you use a canvas rather than the walls of your room.”

“Canvas?” Eric asked.

Chosan showed him the canvases. Fabrics woven onto a squared frame that he could paint on. They took five to start, along with several bottles of paint and paintbrush. The supplies Eric chose were put in the cart along with the new clothes everyone bought at Silkas’ shop.

“Take everything back to Soyagone. I’m going to show Eric around the city for a while,” Chosan said to Gilber.

The steward bowed his head. “We’ll have the midday meal ready when you get back my lord.”

“Good. I look forward to it Gilber,” Chosan said with a smile.

Gilber snapped the reins and the cart containing him, his grandchildren, and the bought items was led off by the two mules. Chosan, meanwhile, led Eric and the Presteeg family back to the safe path.

“If you head south, you’ll be heading further into Sortar,” Chosan said.

They rode south. After a time coming to the next gate to the other sector of the city.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment.

“Uh, I think we’ll wait for that and come back later. We’ll have to turn around anyway. Lets see the lower areas first,” Chosan said.

Eric shrugged. It didn’t matter to him where he went first.

They passed another door that led to Pupil’s Path, home of Castle Scholar which served as a Sorcerer school, and Rayzar’s Ring which held duels and combat events. There weren’t many buildings in Pupil’s path besides those two. Most of the land around the schools appeared to be for farming. Eric saw multiple areas of soil with growing plants and fruit trees, and pens with animals.

“The school has its own farm and barracks to provide food and protection for the students here,” Chosan said. “They’re funded by Sortar Council to keep in business.”

After Pupil’s Path came Peasant’s Peace where the majority of commoners lived. Being the main location for housing, it held hundreds, maybe thousands of small houses. After that came the Mundane Market, and Lowly Lofts. They were the lower areas of Sortar that were not very favorable, smelly and having little good produce to sell. Chosan didn’t bother to take Eric beyond the Peasants Peace, as it would take much more time and lunch would be ready within an hour or so.

“Now back to Savior’s Square,” Chosan said before asking, “Which gods or patrons do you favor Eric? I prefer the Smiling God. Always mighty good to have a smile on your face.” He grinned widely.

Eric shrugged. “Not sure. Suppose I’m torn between Nature and the Warrior Patron.”

“Warrior, eh?” Omulus said. “Not the Protector?”

Eric shook his head before saying, “I like the Protector Patron too. My-my mother taught me that good warriors must be willing to help others or they’re not good at all.”

“Your father favored the Protector,” Omulus said.

Chosan scoffed. “Yes, and he never allowed himself any joy and took no rewards for his good deeds.”

“That was a noble deed! Other people needed the gold more than he did. We have our own fruit trees at the Soyagone to trade,” Omulus pointed out.

“Yes, my brother was a noble man,” Chosan agreed. “But his nobility cost us much of our wealth years ago. He didn’t take any rewards for his services while our crowns vanished as though through a hole in the earth. We needed gold to buy arms and armor for our men remember?”

“Yes, well that’s all in the past. We have rebuilt our fortune and soon these two will be knights,” Orvalor said.

The old knight patted Rikal and Dikal on their backs. The young Lend Hands grinned.

“I can’t wait to earn my Soron knighthood. If I can slay a demon at the Proving Times, I can be called Sir Rikal!”

“I’ll get demon slaying this year! You’ll have to wait till next time!” Dikal said.

“The Proving Times are coming up?” Eric asked.

The Proving Times were events where sorcerer warriors proved themselves. Demonstrating their skills in weaponry, core sorcery, and inherited powers. They would receive badges as proof they were capable, Margery had said Eric could receive a silver badge for Nature. Many others would have that opportunity, but only three would be able to participate in the final event where one would slay a demon in single combat. If they succeeded in that, they would earn the title of Soron Knight or War Caster.

“Or maybe I’ll kill the demon,” Myra said.

The bear boys looked at their sister and laughed while Lorala glared at her daughter.

“You will not stand a chance against a large demon young lady! The sorceress said. “It will crush you like a bug! How many times do I have to tell you that? Fighting and swords are for men, we heal their injuries once they are done. Girls are not allowed in the Proving Times! You will be taking the Sorceress Exam when your time comes in a few years.”

Chosan sighed. “There will be war soon. If you ask me, we should enjoy this peace while we can and worry about preparing later.”

“Yes… I agree. Enjoy the peace while it lasts,” Lilar said.

“A joyful plan,” Orvalor said. “But if we were too ill prepared the Demorians could have even more of an advantage. They still have us outnumbered, and the demons they summon from the world of Panarus are extremely powerful. Then there’s the issue of Corgo being back since-“

“Since I stopped Margery from taking her own life,” Chosan finished. “Now she’s being called a traitor.”

The mention of his mother caused Eric to look at the ground again as Snowshine continued to walk forward. Then the ground changed from stone to dirt and Chosan called out. “Here we are, Savior’s Square!”

Eric looked up and saw they were suddenly in a very different scene from the rest of the city. There were buildings here, some small houses, but also a grove filled with trees, not coconut trees like he’d seen in the jungles of Dragoran but pine trees covered with needled leaves. This gave Eric an idea of what the forests in the Sorcerer Kingdom must look like.

“Well, here’s the nature grove. A forest in a city!” Chosan said.

“Where’s the Blood Chapel?” Eric asked. That was the place he’d looked forward to visiting the most on his long-awaited arrival to Sortar.

They continued forward until the dirt road until it turned to stone once again. It turned left when Eric, Chosan, and their companions entered. Looking down the path Eric saw several buildings, including one large one made of bloodred stone with towers shaped like swords.

“That’s the Blood Chapel,” Chosan pointed to the red building. “We’ll go in there quickly then see Heroes Home before we head back to Soyagone for lunch.”

They turned in the direction of the Blood Chapel. Upon entering through the massive doors, Eric saw a long line of benches and an altar and stone table in the back. On either side were five stained glass windows, each baring the War Patron symbols.

“This was where your father Derair was cremated,” Chosan said once they looked at the stone table before the altar.

After looking around the chapel briefly, they descended into the undercroft through a nearby staircase. The undercroft was dark and filled with rather horrifying statues.

“This room is made to resemble Panarus,” Chosan said. “Where the demons live in the dark world.”

Eric gazed around. It was cold down here, he’d never this cold before being in Dragoran where it was warm year-round. A chill ran down his spine as he looked at the statues of ugly creatures with fangs and horns. Then in the center of the undercroft was a familiar statue, a humanoid bat. Corgo.

Eric stopped and looked at the statue of his mother’s killer and clenched a fist, his teeth gritting. A burning desire to destroy the statue as though it were the real demon filled him. But he put the idea aside. It would have been a pointless act of destruction in the Chapel that would be viewed as very dishonorable. He would save his wrath for something else. He’d make something that resembled Corgo, a painting or wood carving, then destroy it instead.

He huffed at the statue before turning back to the stairs. They went back up to the main floor then up to the top floor which housed the Hall of Heroes. Suites of armor stood throughout it, swords, axes, and other weapons next to each suit as well as a name of the Soron Knight whom the arsenal once belonged to. Then Eric saw a large parchment paper held in a glass case at the back of the hall. As he got closer Eric recognized it. His mother had a copy of it in her copy of The Book of Blood, the copy that now belonged to him and was in his room back at Soyagone.

“The Soron Knight’s code.”

“Aye, the guidelines for us warriors,” Orvalor said.

Eric recognized many of the tenets. Never use sorcery against a non-sorcerer; Protect the innocent and helpless; Obey your liege lord; Keep faith with your patron; Do not strike down a helpless opponent; Honor your word; Enforce the law; Avenge the Fallen; Be prepared to die for your comrades and kingdom; Always accept challenges from a worthy foe; Respect woman; Take your own life rather than serve evil.”

Eric had read these before, but it felt as though for the first time. He realized how easy it would be for him to follow some, and how difficult others would be. Never using sorcery against a non-sorcerer, he didn’t know if he could do well in that. Protecting the helpless, he had failed to do that with his mother. Obeying a liege lord, his only liege lord was the monarch since he was the heir to a Lord himself. Keep faith with his patron? He wasn’t sure which patron to look up to the most. Honor his word? That was easy, he couldn’t lie even if he wanted to thanks to the opinicus inside him, the one good thing about that. Avenge the Fallen, he certainly intended to do that someday for his mother. Always accept challenges, he’d likely begin that soon. Respect woman, he still needed to practice the chivalry acts. Take his own life rather than serve evil? His mother had been accused of breaking that tenet and was now being seen as a traitor for living when she’d become a “threat”.

Eric stared at the last one for a moment than said in a breaking voice, “You’re-you’re not a traitor. They’re wrong. Corgo is-is back because I failed to help you g-get rid of him. It’s my fault!”

He sobbed, standing there for another moment before taking a breath and looking back at the tenet for vengeance and saying, “I will avenge you, mother. Someday, you’ll not be called a traitor anymore.”

He turned and walked back down the Hall of Heroes. Everyone else was looking at the arsenals of long dead warriors. They regrouped and walked back down the stairs and back to the doors of the Blood Chapel. Opening them, they were surprised to find a crowd outside. Facing them was a man in gray scaled armor that Eric recognized even though his back was turned, Taro Volk. With Taro were two people in black robes, both their backs were to Eric as well, but he saw the middle one stood before a lectern with a book and set of papers before him and a gavel in one hand. There was a large greatsword over his shoulder who stood before the lectern with a book laying atop it. The other dark robed figure had a mask over his head, an executioner. Each of them had a group of guards with them.

“Oh, how troubling,” Chosan said. “It’s Punishment Day!”

“Welcome to Punishment Day!” Taro Volk said loudly to the crowd before him. “All wrongdoers shall be brought to justice today! Isn’t that right Judge Garval?”

“Y-yes my Lord Volk,” the man in front of the lectern said in what sounded like a slightly trembling voice. “I shall be doing my families duty to the best of my abilities.”

Garval, Eric recognized the name. It was another of the Thirteen Noble Knight Houses of Sortar. They’d served as judges in the city for over two hundred years.

“Bring the prisoners forward!” Taro ordered.

He waved his hand, the crowd parted to make a path which the prisoners walked through. Soldiers led them forward. The prisoners were dressed in filthy torn tunics, and chained with expressions of anger or fear on their faces. The last one, however, didn’t walk up, he was carried by a pair of soldiers.

Eric felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked and saw Chosan.

“Let us leave. We don’t need to watch this,” Chosan said.

“Yes, I can do well without singing of blood today!” Bragar said a bit too loudly.

There was no objection from the others.

Taro turned around and saw them. “Well, well, the Yagaro’s and their faithful protectors. You are just in time to watch the dispense of justice in Sortar.”

“Bloody justice,” Chosan stated. “Not a pleasant for one to see.”

“Not pleasant for a coward like you Chosan,” Taro said. “You and all the others who worship a weak god that can only give you smiles.”

“At least we are happy!” Chosan countered. “What good is it if you don’t enjoy your life?”

Taro didn’t answer Chosan’s remark, but said, “You’re going to stay and watch this.”

He motioned with his hands, and some of the soldiers surrounding the chapel blocked their way. Eric saw the Garval family flag bearing the gavel, as well as the Armanos, the executioner and master of arms family whose banner depicted a pair of black axes and a sword between them.

“Wait! At least let my wife and daughter go home!” Vikal said. “They do not need to see this.”

Taro looked at Myra and Lorala with a frown but agreed. “Oh, very well.”

The Volk soldiers moved aside for the two women. Lorala took her daughters hand and lead her to their mounts.

“First prisoner!” Taro called.

The first man in chains stepped forward.

“State your name and crime!” Judge Garval ordered.

“Azaldas Nevan. I stole a sack of silver from a Knight.”

Garval went through the stack of papers on top of the book. “Your name is not in the list of those who have wronged in the last ten years. You shall work under the knight as an unpaid servant for six months to restore your honor,” he said. “Next!”

The first man bowed gratefully and retreated back into the crowd, while another came forward, his eyes filled with defiance.

“No need to say your name, I recognize you Baragar Luston,” Garval said. “You’ve stolen and been caught lying more than once. This was your last chance. Sir Weldar, brand him with a dishonor mark. He no longer has any right to coin or property.”

The man in the black hood stepped forward, he drew the dagger at his side. Eric saw it had a rather unusual design. Its guard shaped like a pair of small axe blades, its pommel a hammer head with a sapphire at the back. The dagger’s blade dug into the offender’s head and cut the shape of a broken sword hilt as Baragar groaned in pain.

“You will never live in a house again,” Garval stated. “You will now have meals only at the dispense of kind hearts in this city. You shall never be allowed to use your sorcery again. Anyone who undoes the suppression of your sorcery will be cast out as well.”

Baragar scowled and took his place with the rest of the gathered Dishonored in the crowd, his forehead bleeding.

“Now for the last and worst! A traitor survivor!” Taro roared, pointing to the man who needed to be carried. “This man was captured by the Demorians years ago, now we have captured him in return. He allowed himself to be turned into a servant of evil, forced to kill those he once considered allies.”

The man said nothing as he was brought up. He gave no sign he’d even heard Taro.

“His experience has broken his mind,” the Volk Lord continued. “He can’t even tell us his name, but I know it. Onro Sebeer, you should have taken your own life. Then no one else would have suffered. You caused great pain by staying alive, pain that you must now feel!”

Onro was shoved to his knees. He showed no fear or any expression even as the black knight raised his dagger, the small weapon transformed. The sapphire on the hammer pommel glowed, the blackwood handle grew, as did one of the axe blades on the guard. The dagger blade at the top retracted, becoming as small as a fingertip. Now Weldar wielded an axe, the symbol of his position as an executioner. Weldar aimed for Onro’s arm, ready to begin the dismembering process.

Eric took a breath to prepare himself for the blood to come, looking around at those that remained with him. Orvalor, Lilar, Vikal, Bragar and the archers appeared calm, Chosan had his eyes closed. Omulus had his hand on Omaron’s shoulder, the young Lend Hand was cringing.

“You need to watch this son,” Omulus said looking both to his son and Eric. “Be a man.”

Eric nodded. He took a breath to steel himself as Weldar raised the axe.

But before he could swing, a desperate cry sounded.

“Wait!”

A woman looking to be in her late forties stepped out of the front of the crowd. Her eyes tearful as she looked at Onro.

“Please! Wait! I’m his mother!” the woman begged, pointing to Onro before getting down on her knees and addressing Taro. “I beg you Lord Volk, your Honor! Spare him!”

“Why should we spare him?” Garval asked.

“The punishment for Treason by Survival is death!” Taro reminded her. “He allowed himself to be turned on his comrades! The oath requires-

“He took no oath!” the mother cried. “He was taken as a child no more than seven! He was not honor bound to take his life! Please Lord Volk! Have Mercy! He is the only family I have left! All my other sons and husband died in battle against the Demorians!”

Tears of desperation flowed down her cheeks. Garval looked at the mother a look of sympathy.

“Well since he was taken as a child, I believe that would warrant a pardon,” Garval said looking at Taro.

The Volk Lord shook his head.

“Absolutely not.”

“But my Lord!”

“Sir Weldar, execute him!” Taro ordered.

“No!” the mother screamed.

“He will not suffer as much as he would have,” Taro assured her. “End it quickly Sir Weldar!”

But even the executioner hesitated. “My lord children are-”

“Not above the law!” Taro snapped. “Now kill him! Or give me the axe and I’ll do it myself!”

The executioner hesitated but slowly raised the axe.

“Stop!” another voice called out.

A girl with long red hair stepped out of the crowd. She looked at Taro with a pair of golden eyes burning bright as the sun.

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