Thar Shaddin

Three months passed since Rekkan's departure from his tribe's cove. For three months, the wandering druid has crossed mountains and plains, stopping by villages to earn his coin as a herbalist. He engaged elders in conversations of knowledge in order to fill the book his father had passed unto him. Information on animals and plants was depicted there, along with the description of their location. It was a task his family had for generations, one that the young druid did not want to fail.

Throughout his adventures in Eyropa, Rekkan arrived at a fishing town in the northwest of the mainland. Trelham was its name, and fish was the game. It seemed to be rotting away with all the mud and dirt. Its population was far from welcoming as well, staring at the newcomer with dangerous eyes. It was awkward, but Rekkan did not feel he should leave. Instead, he stepped onward, fearing not the gazes and feelings of Trelham's inhabitants.
He took on a stroll through the coast. It was a sunny and hot day indeed as the fishermen worked hard to throw their nets off to the water. Their tired expressions were covered in sweat and blood from the repetitive task of grabbing the sturdy net, pulling it, and then throwing it again. It was heavy and no task for a single sailor. In fact, at least five strong men were needed to handle such a fishing tool.
The druid observed for a while, as he had never seen it before. It was different from home, where he would catch fish with his bare hands. Alongside his brother.
A tear was shed. Mikael's death was a memory still fresh in Rekkan's mind. His teenager emotions were still thriving. He shook his head and escaped from that awful scenario, one which made him remember his brother so.

Work and a place to stay for the night. Those were the plans Rekkan brewed in his mind. The herbs collected in his bag would be enough for a casual case of illness, one that would pay for his dinner, a bowl of soap, and a bed. The local inn was full of drunkards and prostitutes. It was something Rekkan was now used to, because the beds were cheaper and he was no powerful man in Eyropian society. He tried to evade these places when he could, but this time, it was a necessity. The money from his last service was scarce. Who knew that curing a life threatening fever would provide little income. But maybe it was his view on the coin: unnecessary. He thought about asking more from the service he lent to others, but his compassion, even if little towards humans from the civilized corners of the world, prevented him from doing so.

The establishment was poorly managed, both as a structure and its services. The wooden composition was rotting in vital pillars. How was it still up? Windows were broken, covered with nailed wood boards from the inside. Smoke from tobacco and other products infested the ground floor, and gaps on the ceiling would prove to be stressful when it came time to rest. The night wouldn't be pleasant.
Half a dozen tables composed the inside of the inn, with four chairs each. However, the place was boasting with customers, most of them standing, if you call leaning on a wall because of the devastated state of your body "standing". Vomit and urine, days old, covered the darkest corners. One would need to be a fool to want to go there, or a drunkard, like most of the people. Prostitutes grasped Rekkan's shoulders and pulled, letting off a grin as they asked him to buy them a drink. He sighed and shoved them politely, somehow hurting their feelings as they insulted him. The young man was truly oblivious of the reason for such erratic behavior.

The druid finally managed to bypass the crowd and reach the counter. Beer and other kinds of liquor slid past him from one side of the counter to the other, with a edgy hand always waiting at the end of the cup's path. But after a long period of time waiting, Rekkan's presence was noticed by the innkeeper.

"Hello, newcomer, and welcome to my inn!", said the bulky man with an invigorating smile. Maybe not all in this town were rude? "What will it be?"

Rekkan searched his bag with his left hand and sighed. The number of coins he counted was not enough for anything but a simple loaf of bread and a glass of water. "A loaf of bread and some water, please.", answered the druid.
Moments after, the bread was placed in front of him, accompanied by a cup of water. The smell that came from the cup was unbearable though. Mixed with other beverages, it seemed that the patron did not know the concept of washing the dishes.

"Excuse me, do you know of anyone who requires the services of a herbalist?", asked Rekkan.

"Hm.", the innkeeper tapped the counter with his fingers in a thoughtful form. "Old Ellen went sick after her granddaughter's disappearance. I don't know if it has anything to do with real illness or she's just too damn old and tired to go on. She loved that girl with all her strengths. It's a pity, really, because she always worked hard to preserve the future of the kid."

"How did the girl disappear?", Rekkan's curiosity was tingling inside. Could it be because of his past? Or was it simply druid intuition that led him to believe the girl had been kidnapped?

"One sunny day like this, she entered the forest."

Rekkan blinked once. Was the innkeeper going to elaborate on that? "And...?"

"And that's it. She never came back. The militia sent a search party, but they never found anything. Of course, the militia never roams deep into the woods. They are scared shitless of whatever lurks there."

"Any theory on the matter?", asked the druid, now more entangled by the case.

"Two, actually. One, the girl was caught by some animals, probably wolves or a bear. Either that, or she was taken by the Tarsis."

"Tarsis? What is that?"

"You don't know what the Tarsis is?", the innkeeper looked surprised, his eyes open wide from the lack of knowledge Rekkan possessed. "A crime organization. It pretty much controls the town. They are drug smugglers. It's quite big and famous."

"Drug smugglers kidnapping little girls?", for some reason, that didn't fit. Such a theory was out of place, mainly because drug smugglers wouldn't take little girls. They were rash and unpredictable. Maybe the Tarsis was adopting some kind of slave trading business. In any case, Rekkan felt the need of investigating. "Where is Ellen's home?"

"She lives by the windmill, just outside of town. We have an old farming settlement there. It used to belong to her son-in-law before he passed away. Now she takes care of it. Well... Took."

"Thank you.", said Rekkan. He tossed a few coins onto the table and made his way towards the exit, past all the drunkard fools and lusting harlots. However, on his final steps to the door, his movement was halted by a large and bald man. This being was something from another world. It had long arms and legs, a ridiculously large torso and a very frightening expression. Half of his face was burnt, and it almost felt like living tissue was in the open. After a closer look, the druid found a very small larva eating the giant's dead tissue. Disgusting.

"You ask too many questions, stranger.", said the giant. His breath was obnoxious and his language was poor. He was definitely some kind of mentally incapable human.

"It speaks. I am stunned.", stated the druid with a haughty glare.

"Bala is capable of wonderful things, stranger.", replied the man behind Bala. "Let me introduce myself. I am Jean de Crayon, public representative of Tarsis. This is Bala, my personal assistant." The man had enough height to be more than a dwarf. He was most likely a half human, the quick fingers, very nimble type. "We overheard your conversation with the innkeeper. I hope you're not thinking about starting any trouble.", that last sentence was definitely a warning. A warning... or a threat.

The druid shifted his body to the side and stepped past the giant with relative speed and agility. Now in front of the door, he pulled it and felt the soft sea breeze and its salty odor. "I have no intention to start any trouble. If you do, be my guest.", with that, the young man walked away.

Jean smiled. "It seems you'll have entertainment for the evening, Bala."

Rekkan crossed the town, past streets and alleys of a decaying society. Petty thieves stalked Trelham, and the militia was too busy drowning in the money that Tarsis threw at it to fight true crime. It wasn't his beef. The druid could not nor did he care about meddling with the affairs of Trelham. Right now, he was focused on healing Ellen and finding her granddaughter. But why did he have so selfless thoughts about these civilized humans? Were they not the same as the bounty hunters from years ago? No. One cannot judge the individual because of the many. But even then, he felt remorse for wanting to help. He felt uneasy with the task he wanted to complete.

The small farming village had a couple of houses and a mill. Hands worked the fields, but it was obvious that it was too large for the manpower available. After her granddaughter's disappearance, Ellen's care for everything she owned withered. She began to lose power over her subordinates, who started to leave one after the other after noticing her lack of will. She was once a vivid old lady, one who talked with her workers and even joined them in the fields. Now, she was but a shadow of her former self, always laying in bed, protected by her trusty guard dog and those who remained loyal all these years.
"Was she abandoned by others, or the one that abandoned them?", mused Rekkan in his thoughts, walking on the little trail that led to Ellen's shack. He knocked on the door, listening to the screeching of unattended wood. The druid waited for several minutes, but there was no answer. Could she be sleeping? He pushed the door slightly and the screeching grew stronger. A growl echoed from the inside, threatening the trespasser.

"Stop!", shouted a farmer, raising his pitchfork at the druid. "What do you want?"

The man was pale and skinny, almost as if he had little to no food in his stomach. Nutrition was an unknown word for this character. "Lower your weapon. One of us might get hurt, and that will not be me.", stated Rekkan, turning around and raising his heavy cloak gently. On the left side of his waist, an iron hilt was grasped by his right hand. "I am looking for the woman known as Ellen. I am a herbalist and am seeking work."

"Your magical herbs are of no use, stranger. Ellen has fallen ill because of emotional causes. No magic can cure a soul weakened in such manner."

"It has come to my knowledge that her granddaughter has gone missing."

"Yes, two weeks ago. Mrs. Ellen has lost hope.", said the man with a sad tone, sharing the woman's grief.

"Can I go inside? I want to discuss this matter further with your employer."

The man gasped. Was this stranger really serious? Would he waste time trying to find Madeleine? "V-very well... Wait a moment, please."

Time fleeted by as Rekkan sat on the small wooden bench that was next to the door. After only mere moments, the farmer was back, asking the young druid to step in with haste.

Once inside, the man from the forests could analyze the situation Ellen was in. Her house was full of old furniture, portraits of a family once united and now torn apart by death and disappearance. The main corridor had four doors along its length that would lead to different sections of the house, namely a decorated bathroom with exotic tiles from the southern regions of Eyropa. These seemed rather tribal, with pictures of plants and wild animals. There was also a living room full of trophies, prizes won from wars past, and a dinner table. More portraits of the family, now each member being detailed individually. Two bedrooms, one belonging to little Madeleine and the other to her deceased parents. Both untouched, yet perfectly clean. It all felt analytic at first, but then came the projections of what would this family be if they were all still alive. All still together.

At the end of the corridor, a giant black dog guarded the entrance to Ellen's bedroom. He growled with his devilish yellow eyes as drool cascaded down to the floor. The farmer gestured the mad dog to calm down and allow entrance. It was no command, rather a plea. The dog seemed to analyze for moments and then stood on its four paws and entered the room. He sat next to his owner, glaring at the stranger.

Rekkan stepped forward and noticed how Ellen's room was so dark, even though it was sunny outside. The window was shut with curtains blocking the sun's rays from entering. He could barely see the figure of the old woman, a small and fragile body that served as shell for a once determined woman. Her skin was pale, her lips dry. The worker rushed to give her some water, helping her by raising her head softly and leaning the glass against her mouth. The druid walked towards the jar of water and smelled it. It wasn't fresh, but it wasn't dirty either. Ellen wasn't being poisoned.

"You... You want... To find my granddaughter...?", asked the old woman with a very weak voice, more of her sudden illness than her age.

"For a price, yes."

"A price? I cannot believe you would take advantage of someone this weak for money!", shouted the farmer.

"A missing child is not my problem until I receive something in return.", stated the druid. "However, while many would ask for money to search for her, I shall only demand it after I brought her safe and sound to your home."

"What if you don't?!"

"I will leave and I won't bother you again."

The woman's debilitated grey stare looked up at the man that stood before her. He was somehow different from all the money seeking bounty hunters that came and tried to extort her of her wealth. "How... Much...?"

"Mrs. Ellen!", interjected the worker, clearly angry at Rekkan. "You cannot allow this man to treat you like that! We can find Madeleine on our own!"

"No. It is... Settled. Stranger,... What is your name?"

"My name is Rekkan, old woman. I request a meaningless sum. Enough to pay for food and a bed in the next town.", said the druid.

The farmer felt in the wrong. Even though the stranger in front of him wanted money in return for the task, even though he would only do the task for money, he asked just enough to survive the next journey. Rekkan was arrogant, he seemed selfish, but... But the fact that he asked for so little meant that he just wanted to survive in this wicked world.

"Give him... a bed... for the night.", ordered Ellen before she closed her eyes, back to her deep slumber and the fight with her illness.

This small conversation was tiring for Ellen already. It meant that whatever illness was consuming her drained the old woman from her life energy. Madeleine's disappearance was a crushing blow. Her mother died after the child was born and, three years later, it was her father's time. Old Ellen and Madeleine had been alone for years now, up to the thirteenth birthday of the child. Months later, Madeleine was gone.

The house next to Ellen was the home to her workers. They paid nothing to be there, which showed more of the old lady's generosity. Why would such fate rain down on Ellen's farm?

A room was arranged for Rekkan. It was small, but very comfortable. It had been a long time since Rekkan had such a nice bed for him, with an actual pillow. He stripped his cloak and laid it on the chair, his bag and canteen being placed on top of the table. "Each room has good furniture. Ellen's farm is perhaps the place closest to paradise in this town.", thought the young druid. He looked out the window at the setting sun and meditated, contemplating the day and the task he had ahead of him. The first thing Rekkan had to do was know from where exactly Madeleine vanished and start from there. Any lead would be extremely useful. He pondered, however, if this was a task for a druid. Investigating disappearances wasn't certainly in the training of a druid, but maybe his knowledge of the forest's language would help him find clues.

The young man fell on the bed, like a drop of water crashing in an endless sea. He closed his eyes and let darkness consume his mind, entering a stage of deep meditation, sleep.

To be continued...

Footsteps. When you live long enough with animals and learn how to speak through the language of the body alone, you begin to understand that every action describes a thought, an intention, a feeling. It was somewhat hard, but Rekkan was able to perceive such things, all from the training he endured in the past. He opened his eyes, seeing nothing but darkness around him. Night had fallen so quickly, yet silently. The druid's vision was not clear. It showed how ignorant he still was, the length of the path he still had to walk. But something else caught his attention that night. It was faint, far, but it somehow touched the young man's ears with clarity. If one cannot see, he can still hear, he can still smell, he can still touch. That moment was of peril. From the window glass approached a fiery shape, small but hazardous.

"I need to get out! Now!", thought the druid as he rushed through his things. He grabbed his equipment and ran towards the door, listening to glass cracking and a flaming bottle through of alcohol collapse against the wall. Fire raged from within, sucking the air of the bedroom and feeding off the wood and hay.
Rekkan charged against the door that led outside, busting it open as the farmers followed behind him. They were frightened, placed in a situation that was unknown to them. Who could be doing such a terrifying act?

Outside, answers were given as the druid's vision adapted to the moonlight. The penumbra failed to hide the two figures that stood mere feet away from the house. A tall shadowy figure placed itself in front of a much shorter character. It didn't take long for Rekkan to recognize their forms. The halfling and the giant from the inn were causing this ruckus. The question was why. Could they be behind the kidnapping of Madeleine? Rekkan would get his answer then.

"Boy, oh boy. Nice reflexes.", said the grinning halfling. "However, I don't think you can repeat the same miracle twice. Bala, make short work of this fool! You'll realize that you cannot mess with the Tarsis, herbalist."

The giant charged, he swung his axe from left to right, aiming to cleave the body of the druid. Rekkan's eyes widened at the sight of such a being coming for him. He felt fear, his body was frozen, his mind in hiatus. Knowing that a fatal mistake could cost him his life, the druid didn't manage to perform any action at all. He would die in this place, away from his home, away from everything he knew. The young man was alone, and he would die alone. A miserable ending for a miserable being.
The axe came falling, skewering the air with its sharp edge as its target remained motionless. There was not an inch of movement until something woke inside Rekkan, a beast that demanded movement from him. His body reacted instinctively, shifting to the right as the axe 's might was only halted by the ground below. The druid stepped several times back, catching his breath as a pattern of thoughts began to gain form and substance. Until now, he only had to take care of petty thieves that didn't seek to take his life. He was never in risk of dying, not as badly as now.

"Impressive. You dodged Bala's blow.", said Jean. "However, it is impossible to dodge forever. Bala is tireless, he will only stop chasing his target until his prey falls. You will fall, herbalist."

The giant charged once more, swinging harder and faster. Rekkan threw his equipment to the ground and unsheathed his iron short sword from its leather guard. There was no chance of escaping. Even if he did, who knew what would be the destiny of the farmers and Ellen. The druid had to use the knowledge his father had passed down on him to defeat this monster.
A second lethal swing was set in motion, but this time, Rekkan dashed to meet the giant's structure and bypass the edge of the axe. With a quick motion of his right wrist, the druid's weapon spun around, slicing the skin of the giant as he slid past his foe. The rushed execution of a hundred and eighty degree turn allowed him to strike once more, now at his enemy's backs, slashing his backs from below one shoulder to the other.

The giant screamed as blood gushed from his wounds. Even if shallow, the sting from such a sharpened sword could provoke the monster into yelling of pain. He turned around, swinging his axe hard, but Rekkan was faster and agile. The druid ducked in time, only to receive a painful knee to the face. He was knocked back, falling flat on the ground.

"D-Damn...", he growled, as blood cascaded down his nose.

"Well, that takes care of that, right?", stated the halfling, grinning once more.

But the grin was wiped off his face when Rekkan stood on his feet once more, pointing the tip of his sword at the giant. "I will kill you!", he roared, taking the offensive. His eyes took aim and his sword was drawn back, right before a powerful swing from Bala was released. With the momentum gained, Rekkan slid below the axe's range and spun, carving the blade in Bala's left thigh. The giant screamed and cried, he swung aimlessly and charged blindly as one hand grasped the wound. Rekkan rolled out of his enemy's way once, then twice. But the giant soon used his other hand, as surprising as it was to the druid, and lifted the young man while choking him. A sudden slam was heard and the druid had fallen to the ground, dirt piling around him.
From then on, the giant used Rekkan as his own little toy. He threw him around and punched him, wanting to torture the druid as much as the druid tortured him with a single strike. But this would take long, this would be savored by the monster.

His clothing was torn, his body ravaged by a beating much similar to the experiments he suffered years ago. Rekkan cried in pain as memories from the past returned to haunt him. Inside his self was a darkness spreading, eyes as black as the cold pits of hell closing in on him. The darkness cornered the young boy inside the druid's mind, its gaze ripping his mind to shreds. Closing his eyes of fear was a mistake he would soon learn not to repeat.

Pain. Suddenly, the giant could only feel pain. He looked behind him and saw a pitchfork piercing his tidal form, a little man standing in both courage and fright. The giant grasped the pitchfork and pulled it out of his skin. He got to the point of breaking it in two with just one hand before letting go of the druid with the other. After that, he chased the farmer, who tripped on the ground and tried to fall further back. Escape wasn't an option.
But a vivid roar made the giant stop, his jaw collapsing and eyes opening wide as the impossible was being achieved by a miserable druid. Rekkan was back on his feet and he intended to break free from the chains imposed by his former self. For it was not the same that was present in this battle. The weak and scared Rekkan had succumbed to the beast that inhabited his soul, and it was now time to destroy. The hunter had become the prey.

A headbutt broke the giant's nose the instant he turned around. Rekkan choked and squeezed the throat of the monster tight as he pulled it to deliver a punch to the groin. Then, the carved blade was removed and used once more, this time to detach the leg of the giant from the rest of the body completely. A gory picture.
Blood gushed from the wound like a river of red. Bala tried to stand, but he fell hard on the ground as Jean de Crayon felt a very cold chill running down his spine, actually freezing him of fear. The farms' stench was obvious. The smell of death stalked the air, and Bala was the one dying. Shocked, Jean fell on his knees. "What kind of beast is that?!", he thought, but it was already too late. His henchman was done for, and soon he would be too.

Rekkan executed a merciful strike, stabbing Bala in the chest, in and out of his heart. As that occurred, the druid fought for his body, turning it unstable. A battle for supremacy happened in Rekkan's mind, two beasts looking to obtain complete control over a shell. The young man collapsed on his knees, hands to his face, muffling the painful screams that came from within.
The halfling took this opportunity to strike. He rushed to Rekkan's side and drew his dagger, attempting to stab the druid's backs. However, the dagger was blocked, a hand had found its way to the halfling's wrist. Jean was once again paralyzed by fear. Rekkan was staring at him in the eyes, his bloody expression renewed. His eyes hid attitude and will, two things that weren't present before.

"Tell me where she is, scum!", he growled, twisting Jean's wrist and disarming him as the druid stood up. "Now!"

"Wh-What are you talking about, m-man?!", the halfling's face was terrified, it was almost morbid. He was as white as the snow and felt he would faint any minute now. He wish he would, but it never came.

"Madeleine! Where is Madeleine?!", Rekkan's resolve was fueled by the task he sought to complete. Even after losing himself in his soul and then regaining a pint of consciousness, he still managed to keep everything within him together and focus on the goal he had set for himself at that time.

"I d-don't know, man! We thought you were asking about our smuggling operations! That you were some kind of d-detective! Please, let me go! Th-this was a-all a b-big misunderstanding!"

A man, even if abnormally large and strong, had died because of a misunderstanding. Was Rekkan to blame? No. He was no monster, no evil creature like other humans. He was simply at the wrong place, at the wrong time. The young druid had to exact judgment on those who dared threaten him. But was he in the right? More importantly, did he have the right to do such a thing?

"You brought your assistant to die because of a mistake...", he mused with a hint of aggression. The druid punched Jean in the middle of the face and growled more. "Leave and never come back to this farm! I will come back to hunt you if you disregard my warning!"

"I-I'm sorry! The Tarsis do not get i-involved in such d-dispu... Ah!"

An arrow to the heart. Jean de Crayon failed, so his punishment was death. Rekkan laid low and looked around, but it was too dark to find the source of the shot. All he could do was find cover and hope that there weren't more men hiding to attack him. He stumbled around the ground because of his injuries until he reached the wall of the mill. Rekkan leaned against it and sighed. After observing the body of Jean, especially the wound, he noticed a piece of paper around the arrow. A message, perhaps?
The druid looked around the environment once more before running to the corpse and stripping it of the letter. He opened it and was able to read the contents relatively well, even though the calligraphy was a bit shaken, as if it was done in haste. A simple apology from an organization. Organized crime seemed to have manners after all.

"Quick, help the herbalist!", was the last thing Rekkan could hear before he collapsed on the ground and fainted. Too much blood was lost, too much energy spent to protect his life and that of others.
During his sleep, the young druid finally met that whom had struggled against him earlier that night.

"You may have won today, but know that I will be forever waiting for your darkest memories to enrage you, to give me a chance of being free. Your curse as a wandering druid starts now, meaningless creature. It will end with me taking over your body."

A cloud of blackness surrounded Rekkan... The dreadful glare vanished, and Rekkan was alone once again.

The druid groaned. His body was still aching from the previous night. He opened his eyes to find himself in a room unknown to him. There were dolls filling three shelves on the wall to his right, a window with pink curtains to his left and a marvelous mirror in front of him. He breathed through his mouth, finding it hard to do so from his nose. The hit he received was probably too heavy and he needed more time to regenerate.
"He's awake, Mrs. Ellen!", stated one of the farmers. The old lady walked with a refreshing sight, cheery and alive, completely different from the day before. It was like Rekkan was meeting a completely different person. How could someone that was ill the day before be so strong at that time? Could it be that Madeleine was found?

"Old woman?! How can you...?", asked Rekkan, in shock. "Did Madeleine return?! Was she found?"

"No.", she answered with slight sadness covering her face. "But you are alive. And after what happened yesterday, I now know that you will find my granddaughter and bring her back."

"Did the illness turn you mad? What I did yesterday had nothing to do with Madeleine. And how can you be so happy after I caused the burning of one of your houses?"

"Homes can be rebuilt.", Ellen stated this with such power of will that Rekkan felt it straight away. Her voice was strong, captivating. She was sure of the words that came from her mouth. "I want you to take old Ifrit with you. He can help."

"Ifrit...? The dog?", asked a troubled Rekkan.

"Yes. But now rest. Once you are ready, I request that you find my Madeleine. That is my pay for taking care of your wounds."

It was ironic that the one who sought to find the old woman's granddaughter was going to need her help, and have Ellen seek his well being. The druid felt a warm embrace around him, a light shining bright at the end of the metaphorical tunnel.

He needed to find Madeleine. He needed to find the girl fast.

Rekkan woke up at dusk. There was still some sun left and he was decided to start the search now. Even though it was harder at night for a human from the city, the young druid would try to use his abilities, asking for help from Nature's children. If he did things right, Madeleine would return with him at dawn.
The injuries themselves seemed to ache no longer, but sudden movements would probably reopen wounds. Rekkan would need to be careful while moving in the woods. Any hunter, be it human or not, could become a grave danger in the young man's condition.

He equipped himself with his trusty silver dagger and iron short sword, his cloak being ever so gently placed to cover his entire body and hide his things. Even his bag would be placed underneath the cloak.
The young druid kissed the Wolf Tooth, a gift from his father that repelled evil spirits and curses and stepped into the woods. He submerged into darkness, eyes burning with resolve.

To be continued...

Accompanied by Ifrit, Ellen's guard dog, Rekkan crossed the shallow ends of the woods, penetrating deeper into the forest. The more he walked, the less moonlight seemed to trespass the trees, giving only a faint light for him to go on. Luckily enough, the young druid knew how to create a simple torch out of wood and a particular herb that could be found in Eyropa. This magically tainted herb carried a fluid that was flammable and could be used in the creation of torches. The druid grabbed a branch and found a few pieces of the herb, wrapping it around one of the ends of the branch. He created fire from sparks of metal clashing against metal and could now travel through the woods with reassurance. Ifrit tilted his head to the side. Rekkan looked at him and chuckled briefly before resuming the walk.

"You wouldn't know where to start looking, would you?", asked the druid.

The dog lowered his head and looked away. He seemed sad for Madeleine's disappearance, and it felt as if there was something else mixed with that feeling. Anger, perhaps? No. Rekkan tried comprehend it better, using the gift that the Mother had given him. He fell to a crouching position and laid his head on top of Ifrit's snout, patting it with care. The animal looked at the young man with his big eyes and made that feeling clear: guilt. But why would he feel guilty? Rekkan tried to understand, but he felt somewhat confused. He needed to know more, but he feared his skill of comprehension and dialogue was not enough to obtain answers.

"I am growing old and weary.", spoke the dog in Rekkan's mind. At first, it was a shock, but the druid managed to recompose himself for the fact that he was what he was, he had to be ready for anything that was connected with communicating with Nature and its beings. But for a dog to telepathically speak with ease. "Madeleine asked me to play with her in the woods. I didn't want to go. This body is exhausted, this soul is beaten. It is my fault."

Rekkan looked down to the ground and remembered his brother. Had it not been for the druid's appearance in the battle, the bounty hunters wouldn't use him and Mikael would of crushed them. He felt guilty to be present, just like Ifrit did for not being there. "How will I communicate with you, now?", questioned Rekkan, pondering other ways to achieve a solid dialogue.

"Don't worry about that. I have to tell you a secret either way, one that I think you will understand.", stated Ifrit. "My true name is Kel'Thazzad. I am an Ifrit from beyond the plane, from times older than the creation of the seal. I befriended Ellen when she was just a mere child and have protected her ever since."

"An Ifrit?", Rekkan was surprised for being in the presence of a creature from the other realm. This creature in particular was an Ifrit. As far as tales go, an Ifrit is able to possess a body, hiding his magic and spirit within the shell. They perform untold wishes, for they are able to see the true intentions of someone and fulfill them.

Kel'Thazzad took the liberty of telling his tale and that of Ellen while they searched the woods. During the Changers' war, the Ifrit and his kin wanted to see how Pal Tahrenor looked like. While some had been conjured time and time again through rituals, others never set their presence upon such a different place from theirs. Kel'Thazzad, one of the oldest members, took the liberty of going forth alone, because his goal was more than to walkabout the Earth and then come back. He wanted to stay there, to live forever among the creatures that roamed the land of Pal Tahrenor and knew not of the powers of magic and soul. It was comforting to be with beings that knew nothing of the unknown inside of them, because they would not gloat all day, or annoy an elder with the fact that his energy was fading away.

The War came to an end and Kel'Thazzad changed from hunting small animals to be hunted by creatures stronger than him, creatures that remained in Pal Tahrenor after the seal's rise. He traveled day and night, for days, weeks, months, years. It could be said that he traveled the world and saw the wickedness that was befalling the world, but all he cared about was himself and his life. It was like that until he arrived at Trelham. The old creature knew that his real form would mark him as prey, hunters would go out to grab him and then sell his carcass and withdraw the magical power he owned. So, Kel'Thazzad found a lone wanderer, a dog that had been abandoned and was still young. "I shall protect you in return for shelter.", said the creature. The dog, tired and hungry, permitted the Ifrit's entrance. The being was able to eat for the two spirits present inside that shell, using his strength combined with the dog's size and agility to stay out of trouble and catch prey with ease. It was a good life.

One day, the Ifrit met a little girl who was playing out in the woods. She seemed to let herself be lost further into the forest, never knowing when to stop venturing, when to stop playing. Nine years old Ellen came to a point where she knew not where she was and started crying. Kel'Thazzad approached her slowly, showing with a bow that his intentions were not hurtful. "Doggy...", muttered the sobbing little girl, hugging Kel'Thazzad tight and not letting go. He could sense her feeling of fright, but it was rapidly being overcome by comfort and peace. Joy and happiness. The Ifrit felt needed. He could still be of use. The old Kel'Thazzad now had the task of protecting young little Ellen from those who wanted her harm.

The dog guided Ellen out of the forest and towards her house in the streets of Trelham. Once there, he observed the reason why the little girl was playing in the woods.
Loose speech, heavy hand, blank eyes. This human monster was totally out of control. He swung his cup of wine around, smacking his wife once, then twice. The fat man cursed the day he married his woman and had a girl for a child. Kel'Thazzad tried to keep Ellen away from the door, but she didn't heed his call and received an immediate smack, without warning, without remorse. "A sick monster, taking pleasure on beating his own family. I was not proud of myself of what I did to take the pain away from the girl. But I knew that it was the only way Ellen would smile.", explained the beast.

The dog rampaged through, barking and growling. The man pointed a finger at Ellen, accusing her of bringing a "horrible beast", in his words. It just maddened Kel'Thazzad more. He threatened the man more, who stopped and reconsidered his situation. "I-I will get you yet, mutt!", barked the cowering man.
The days passed without trouble, until Ellen's father returned home one night in a state that made him oblivious of reality. He had consumed more than liquor this time, there were traces of drug inside his body. One could tell because of the way he moved and the simplicity of his monologue as he hallucinated. Ellen was scared, and she hugged the Ifrit tight. However, her father grabbed the beast by the neck as he chuckled in madness. "Come, for a walk. Come. A walk. Come. Walk, come."

Ellen cried, but she was smacked with such strength that her father knocked her out. The Ifrit felt rage flooding his soul, but he knew that whatever he did here would mark Ellen and force him to leave. No, what had to be done would be done outside, far away from the eyes of Ellen and her caring mother, who served him fresh meat and pure water whenever she could.

"Now! Fucker, fuck, fucking fucker! I'm going to kill you!", stated the junkie in the woods, reaching out to choke Kel'Thazzad. However, the creature lunged at the man's throat in a swift motion, the entire weight of his jaws being multiplied, tripled or even quadrupled as the pressure imposed on the neck grew lethal. Blood gushed from the man's throat as it was ripped out. A messy death. "I carried the body to the deeper parts of the woods, where I knew the hungry animals would take care of it. I returned alone to the house and laid by Ellen's side. When she woke up in the next day, I think she knew what had happened. However, she felt happy for it. She was smiling.", said Kel'Thazzad.

The years passed, and Ellen found a righteous husband, one who cared and loved her. All that time, Kel'Thazzad protected the family, all because the family was all that mattered to Ellen. Then she bore a child, and that baby grew to marry the owner of the farmhouses and mill of Trelham. Madeleine was born from their union, but fate did not smile upon the family, as Ellen's daughter died during labor and her son-in-law also seized to be in this world some years later.

"And that's that, huh?", asked Rekkan.

"Yes. It's funny how time flies by for me, how hundreds of years have passed, yet I hold so few good memories. It's..."

Silence. Rekkan leaned his backs against a tree, looking to the right as he held Kel'Thazzad's snout with his left hand. He sunk his torch in the dirt, putting out the flames. Suddenly, a crack echoed down the trail. Two hooded men walked towards the east, and the druid was sure that they were the reason why he was here. The young man sneaked past the trees and bushes, following his targets. They were carrying a bag on their shoulders, which was suspicious considering they were definitely not hunters.
They arrived at a small hill. There were two guards protecting an entrance to some kind of underground natural cave. Was Madeleine inside? Rekkan didn't know, but he would find out.

The two men carrying the bag entered, followed by one of the guards. It was Rekkan's chance to take one enemy out. He sneaked behind the trees, using the darkness of the night for cover. The young druid found himself to the side of the guard and grabbed a rock, bashing it in the skull of the man. Rekkan grabbed him and carried him into the woods. Kel'Thazzad watched their rear as they traveled to a place away from the cave in order to interrogate the guard.
Rekkan slapped the man around until he gained consciousness. He covered the guard's mouth with his hand and made a sign for the man to be silent. "You will answer my questions, or you will die.", explained Rekkan with an aggressive tone and dreadful expression. If his stare could kill, the guard was long dead. "What are you doing here?", he uncovered the man's mouth after the question.

"T-tests...", answered the guard.

"Elaborate...!", demanded Rekkan, punching the man's guts. One could denote the pain by observing the guard's expression.

"L-look, our job is just outdoor security a-and... f-finding subjects. The Tarsis was hired j-just f-for that, man!"

"Tarsis?", Rekkan had been lied to. Not only by Jean de Crayon, but also by whoever had slain Jean that night. They were not keeping away from the druid, they were keeping him away from nosing in their affairs. "Tell me, what kind of subjects and for what purpose?"

"I-I'm not sure, man! I'm not a v-very influential p-person in Tarsis, I'm just a g-guy trying to survive! I-In any case, why don't you find out for y-yourself?", said the frightened guard.

"Fair enough."

The young druid knocked the guard out with a punch, sighing shortly after. If those inside the cave had hired Tarsis, it meant that they probably held a heavier punch than the organization. Rekkan did not want to confront another Bala, not in this place at least.

They returned to the cave's entrance, where the other guard was busy calling for his mate. Rekkan waited for the opportune moment and held the man's neck in his arms, a sleeper hold which would be enough to disable his target. After that, the young druid stepped into the cave accompanied by Kel'Thazzad. "Wait.", murmured Rekkan. "It would be best if you stayed to watch the entrance. Warn me if anyone arrives."

The Ifrit nodded and trotted back to the bushes, laying in wait. While the creature remained in observation of his environment, Rekkan pierced deeper into the cave, drawing his short sword with his right hand and gripping it tightly. It all seemed familiar, back to when he was kidnapped and experimented on. Was this his moment of revenge? Would he find his brother's killer and destroy him? Possibly. But the young druid had to keep his cool and advance with care and attention to what was happening around him. A mistake would cost him his life, like in the previous night.

"Did you hear?", voices echoed in the cave. Rekkan took cover in a dark corner and waited, breathing steadily and without sound, so that attention wouldn't be drawn on him. "Bala was killed last night."

"Bala?!", answered the other voice, stunned with the news.

"Yes. They say it was some herbalist from out of town. He was staying at that farm, from where that other kid is from."

"I still can't believe Bala is dead. How's Jean?"

"Dead."

"What?!", the voice was now edgy and shocked.

Rekkan killed Bala. He didn't think much about it, but it was true that the giant was his first kill. Maybe Jean didn't know about Tarsis' involvement and their deaths were still unnecessary. Or maybe he lied and their deaths remained unnecessary. No matter how right you are, or how righteous your cause is. Whenever you give up on words and trust in violence, you're in the wrong.

"I need to find Madeleine.", thought the young man. He created a diversion by throwing a rock to the other side of the cave. The two men looked at each other and decided to check. When they passed through Rekkan, he moved further into the cave, finding himself close to a door that led to his fate. He opened it and looked inside...



The dim lightning, the contraptions, the beating of some kind of magical core. It was all similar, if not identical, to Rekkan's experience two years ago. He took a deep breath and remained calm, focusing on his task. He had to find Madeleine, it was more important than dwelling in the past, than remembering the torture that is forever with him, a burden on his backs. The druid sneaked past the working alchemists. A careful look to the people in the large room would have Rekkan find someone with strong magical prowess in their midst. A mage of some sort, probably.

"What specimen shall we use today?", asked one of the alchemists.

"The little girl has been showing results in the increase of her spiritual awareness. Maybe if we continue..."

"No!", interrupted the mage. "We are not here to create paranormal entities. We are here to create weapons! Invincible weapons! Has no other child developed any change?"

Children? There were more children? How could Rekkan save them all? He clenched his hand into an angry fist. But he had to keep calm. The druid took a deep breath and looked to the door that was past two workbenches. It was tight shut, but he could feel the presence of something inside, or someone. One of the workers walked towards the door and opened it with his key. A bright brown, long haired little girl with green eyes could be seen because of the lighting, even if it was faint. "Madeleine!", he growled in thoughts, plotting the retrieval of the little girl and their escape. However, Rekkan couldn't leave the other kids behind. He needed to take them away as well.

His herbs! Of course! After leaving his home, Rekkan traversed through the Pyrenees* and found herbs that held sacks of yellow powder. This powder, mixed in with its plant's natural fluids, can grow thick and cover an entire room like a fog. Itching would be a side effect, so the druid needed to cover his face. He placed his hear underneath his cloak and pulled the hood up. He searched through his bag and made the mixture in seconds with his bare hand. Only a little hole in the sack, followed by pouring the fluid inside. He squeezed it tight, a popping noise echoing in the laboratory. The cloud of yellow smoke took little to no time to cover the place as Rekkan dashed through the room and knocked the worker over with a thrust from his shoulder. "I'm here to take you away.", he told the kids. "Grab each other's hands and follow me."

The druid held Madeleine's hand as they ran past the lab. The children did a good job following the line and ignoring the itch that was rushing up their bodies, but the side effect would wear off shortly after they left the smoke. The two guards from earlier yelled and rushed towards Rekkan as he swung his sword around and bashed the mouth of his targets with its hilt, followed by a knee thrust to the kidney of the other individual. "Come!", he growled, seeing the exit not far from them. Suddenly, a howl took form and substance. It was Kel'Thazzad's signal. People were arriving at the cave. "Shit!"[/i, he thought, not knowing what to do. "No way around it. I have to break through!"

The druid reached the exit, finding himself outnumbered seven to one. He stopped, five children behind him, holding each other's hands tight in fear.

"I thought my apology was enough to keep you clear, but...", said the shadowy figure, identity hidden by a cloak, just like Rekkan's. "... you don't listen to others, do you?"

"I will leave with the kids.", stated the druid, resolute.

"What makes you think that we won't just kidnap other children? That is, of course, if you succeed in fleeing with those. Hardly likely.", said the man with confidence and guile.

"Ah yes...", thought Kel'Thazzad. "The Mother. She invites me. Is death... really this close? If I faded in the astral plane, I'd turn into nothing. But She wants me to be a part of Her. Yes, it's high time I put my dying energy to good use. My redemption for little Madeleine and gentle Ellen. And how could I forget...? Thank you, little creature. Your body served me well. For that, part of my energy will help you endure the years I lived multiplied by two. Live long and protect them like I did. Please."

The earth trembled. Rekkan kept the children close to his backs while everyone looked around, speechless. What was going on? Suddenly, the answer was given. From the darkness of the forest, an Ifrit roared and charged to protect the girl he saw as a daughter of his own. Blood of his fiery blood. Soul of his scorching soul.

"Kel'Thazzad...?", asked Rekkan, admired with such marvelous being.

It was the sight of a beautiful creature, a lion with a flaming mane and golden fur. He roared and growled to keep his enemies at bay, to protect Rekkan and Madeleine at all costs.

"Go now, druid! I give you my word that no man shall chase you this night and this laboratory shall not stand for long!"

"Kel'Thazzad... Thank you. I will protect Madeleine, I give you my word as well."

The Ifrit stretched his paw and swung it heavily, clearing a path for Rekkan and the children. They ran past the battle and into the woods, where Ifrit joined them shortly after. He barked and, for Rekkan's surprise, he could understand the feeling with some clarity. "I see.", he answered. "Come, Ifrit."

Back in the entrance, Kel'Thazzad blocked and broke the spears and shields of his opponents. They stank of fear, even in the confident figure from before. But the Ifrit's life withered. He needed to make one final move. He charged through to the entrance and moved into the laboratory. There, he charged his energy with the remains of his dying flames and released one final roar. "I will never fade away!", he stated, now letting his energy eclipse his form, flames bursting out from the Ifrit and covering the laboratory, from which everyone tried to run from. Most managed to escape, but a few were caught by the flames. An ending fit of a creature made of pure good. Kel'Thazzad would be remembered forever.

The sun rose in the East. It peeked from the top of the trees, shining on Trelham and the farmlands. From the woods came a hooded man and five children, a strange moment for the farmers. However, they knew what was happening. One of them ran to the house and called Ellen, who rushed towards the outside. Rekkan came walking with a proud smile, taking his mask off for the humans that deserved the good he managed to bring them. Madeleine was being carried on his back, but she quickly asked to be put on the ground. Rekkan did so and watched as the girl ran towards her grandmother and hugged her. A beautiful sight. He took a deep breath and let himself be bathed by the sun's rays on his backs and the cool morning breeze that came from the west. His mission was complete. There was nothing left for him in Trelham. He turned away and started walking, dismissing the pay and any goodbyes. However, Ellen wouldn't allow him to do that. She whispered something in Madeleine's ears, who went running straight to her "hero".

"Thank you!", she said as she wrapped her little arms around his waist. Rekkan looked down, his stare showing how scared he was. Probably it was the fact that he never had such a feeling overcome him. Caring so much for a stranger like Madeleine, risking his life. He didn't know how he could be so selfless and that confused him.

"Mrs. Ellen!", shouted one of the farmers. "I was in town, buying the equipment for the new house, as you asked me to. However, two men approached me and told me that they'd come for us tonight!"

Could it be Tarsis? Kel'Thazzad gave up on his life to protect Ellen and Madeleine that night. Rekkan had to follow through with the Ifrit's task. It was his fault they were coming after the family, after all.

"I'm sorry.", he said, laying his hand on top of Madeleine's petite head. "I pulled you to this mess, Ellen. Now they're after you."

"Nonsense!", she opposed. "They would come after us one way or the other. I don't care as long as I have Madeleine by my side."

"I can take you away, Ellen. I can take you and Madeleine to somewhere safe."

The old woman looked at the farmlands and smiled. Yes, it was time to move on, time for the family to start fresh someplace else. "Thank you, Rekkan. It seems you have a heart bigger than what you want others to think."

Ellen and Madeleine packed their bags and prepared their cart and horse. Soon after telling they were leaving, Ellen's loyal workers wanted to follow. They would start anew in another town, as one big family. It was comforting to see such a "tribe" of sorts. It reminded Rekkan of his home, of his father, mother and friends. It reminded him of his brother. However, this particular moment gave him joy instead of sorrow. He was happy for those brief seconds.

Everyone hopped on the carts and started their journey to the south. In total, there were seven people. All there was left to know was where would they commence a new life.

The End.

"... United with Mother. This is how it feels. You walk a rewarding path, druid. Remember, never let yourself fade away.", Kel'Thazzad shared his flame with the others, rooted by Mother's arms. He felt the energy coming in and out, to forever protect the creations of Nature. His destiny was fulfilled.

-
Post Scriptum:

* = I wasn't sure about the Pyrenees, if they had changed in name or something happened. But in any case, I typed the original name.

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