Chapter 39– Heraclius

  “The Ruins of Archaia.” Imaez looked at the Deathslingers.

  “That’s where you’ll be going?” Romulus looked at Yumin.

  “Special order from Lord Emperor.” General Yumin lit a cigarette.

  Romulus and Yumin had leaned over a balcony— their eyes gazing over the garden of the Headquarters. The tomatoes, flowers, cucumbers, vegetables. All in one place. The crescent moon set its light upon the balcony, showing the dark skin of Romulus.

  The wind gently blew, the smell of iron hit their nostrils.

  “It’s kind of funny, my ancestors were Velarunes, the people who waged war against Archaia..” Yumin smiled.

  *Oh right, it was like 350 years ago when that war started..* Romulus picked up his glass of whiskey.

  “Velarun, the Empire under the Sword Emperor went to war against them 300 years ago right?” Romulus looked at Yumin.

  “Yeah, the Sword Emperor with his most iconic speech got the entire nation to support his declaration, and they pummeled Velarun with no difficulty.”

  “The guy was pretty iconic, made Soul Pacts what we know it today, a sign of strength. Wasn’t until recently where it was amplified along with a lot of other policies.” Romulus took a sip of whiskey.

  “Define recently.” Yumin scoffed.

  “Like for example, Lord Emperor’s reign. That’s pretty recent, I’m talking historically not for our short ass lifespans.”

  The two laughed upon a balcony as the night grew into dawn.

  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  “Still don’t understand specifically Archaia, you have really bad taste man.” Falcon patted Imaez on the shoulder.

  “Your little disguise inspired me. There’s an underground group of Archaians there, someone I know told me that. And there’s also a village near by we could disguise in.” Imaez threw on his classic white cloak.

  His fingers pulled back his black gloves and let go— snapping it right back. His hair blond and shining in the sunrise.

  “Let’s go, can’t lounge around. We’ll leave tomorrow.”

  Marie and Lloyd stood atop of a watch tower.

  “How long have we been in Greenwood?” Lloyd looked at Marie.

  “Three and a half weeks.”

  Lloyd sighed. “And how long has it been since we left Cauthren?”

  “Four months, we’ve been around Imaez for around 2 months.”

  *A lot has happened in four months, looks like I’ll have another story to tell her.* Lloyd thought to himself.

  “Archaia…” Naomi and Falcon sat at a bench in the Greenwood Public Park.

  Falcon watched as the children played. Their lively laughs, the innocence.

  His lips moved. He smiled.

  “That was us one day, Naomi.” Falcon looked at Naomi.

  “Yeah, back when everything was normal. Those kids don’t have a clue in the world what this nation really is. I’m glad they don’t.” Naomi smiled as well.

  “Maybe one day, we could have a future seeing our own kids play like that.” Falcon said scratching the back of his neck.

  “Where’d that come from?” Naomi chuckled. “Did you drink? Lately you’ve been so nonchalant, weird hearing you say that.”

  “Yeah, guess it was pretty weird.” Falcon laughed.

  In the soul of Falcon, a silence echoed.

  His innate desire spoke.

  *Truth be told, I love you Naomi.*

  Falcon smiled as he watched NaomI.

  His mouth opened, but he closed it. He would rather watch her, that’s what he wanted.

  *Your smile is all I need, Nao.*

  *I’ll protect you. No matter what.*

  Imaez flicked a lighter on and off. He sat down atop of a pile of crates, attempting to light a cigarette.

  “Damn it..”

  The sun’s light faded, the moon had risen. A bridge reflected the moon’s image as two men stood atop of it.

  One man’s face was covered by the shade and a hood. The other, in a military uniform.

  “Your majesty— you summoned me?” Julius spoke with softness.

  “Yes, my protege, I have a duty you must attend to.” Lord Emperor had spoken.

  “Yes, anything for you? Please allow me the opportunity to hear my services.”

  Lord Emperor smiled a bit.

  “Travel to the ruins of Velarun— Retrieve the second strongest man in the world, Heraclius of Laveton.”

  Julius’ eyes widened a bit. His jaw slacked.

  *Velarun..? Heraclius was deployed there?*

  “Your Excellency, the terrain is too rough, the weather is too violent. Are you sure I will be able to retrieve him back to the Capital?” Julius knelt as his face turned down, avoiding eye contact.

  “Do you not have trust in my judgement? I ask you this— do you remember what I said to you when I first recruited you?” Lord Emperor’s vibrant red pupil focused on Julius.

  “Yes— I will repeat what you said on that monumental day.” Julius cleared his throat.

  “I am the way of salvation. The home of judgement in the world. The Exalted Lord. The beginning is with me— and the end will be with me.” Julius looked up at his Emperor.

  Lord Emperor’s eyes were glad.

  “You are doing the Lord’s work.”