by Kat Mandu
“Not even a place to slip your fingers into. Whoever built this made it clear: no one gets in unless they take the front door,” Boss said.
“Yeah, right. Then they get turned into smears on the stone road to hell. I have a back door key; I just hope we have enough time to find the north side of this damn place,” Richard admitted, absently touching the talisman.
“The far wall, sadly,” Boss said, pointing to a bright star in the sky. “North star says we have a bit of walking to do if we want in. What kind of sailor can’t recognize the north star?” he pointed out.
“One that has not been told anything. I was a janitor, more or less, on both ships. Now let’s get going,” Richard answered, waving his hand and heading forward.
“Nothing seems to deter you, huh?” Boss noted, glancing at Jill as she quickly trotted off after Richard.
“Never half-arse something,” Richard replied.
“Sounds like some kind of cheap advice a parent would give,” Boss commented, picking up his pace.
“And if it is?” Richard asked coldly. He shrugged the glare off, not letting the man’s disposition get to him.
“Are you always this edgy?” he asked.
“Not always, but then again, I don’t always find myself in this sort of situation,” he reminded, glancing up at the wall – as if the Gargoyle would be watching.
“So, got any family?” Boss asked. Richard glanced over at him with a raised eyebrow. “We have a long walk ahead of us and an even longer one if this falls through. And the only women in our presence don’t seem to care much for conversation.”
“And you don’t have a clue as to who you are,” Richard retorted. “Well, I grew up in the Colonies. It’s a growing group of states on a large western continent that is finally getting some power in the international waters,” Richard explained. “They have only been around for a short period of time, but Christendom couldn’t hold onto it thanks to the growing number of Pirate Lords in the archipelago. The other city-states and small counties that make up much of the southern and much larger islands are not in much of a state to deal with them.”
“Christendom? I am not familiar with that term,” Boss replied, lopping off a tree branch that was in his way.
“It’s the term given to the large eastern continent – mainly made up of one massive country. After the Thousand Year Civil War, the All Father religion was the only one still in active practice, with a lot of older and unusual religions taking up residence in the southern islands and the much smaller continent of Millstone. It was named after some mapmaker or something, kind of stupid they named it after a mapmaker. Look, can we talk about something else? I am getting a little bored spitting out common knowledge,” Richard said.
“What about the Warrior city-states that used to be on the homeland?” Boss asked. Richard glanced over and got a very concerned look from him.
“Not sure, some got all but destroyed with only a few loyalists living on the outskirts of the new kingdom.” Boss looked even more stricken, as if some unknown memory was now plaguing him. “But some of the tenacious groups escaped. In fact, I do know the Nordic groups have a rather large island to the far south. As well as the Mystic Knights, the Druids and the Copper Shields. The last group I cannae remember the name too, but from what I gather, it’s called the Alliance and they are all about protecting culture. But to be honest, the big deal is between the Christendom Kingdom and the Colonies. So, if you get the chance to get off the island, heading south would be a good place to start.”
“Thank you,” Boss said, feeling a small smirk creep onto his face.
“Whatever, just don’t get your hopes up. If anything, they are gone or it would be impractical to find,” Richard added, glancing away from the frown on his face. Boss nodded in agreement as the two walked on in silence.
Chapter 7 A Mystical Castle
“So, where exactly on the north wall are we talking?” Boss asked, looking over at Richard. Richard rubbed the back of his head as he looked up and down the wall. He only saw grey and brownish brick with no indication as to where the door would open. The two had made it to the northern most point of the wall and Richard and Boss were simply staring at what looked like another patch of brick wall.
“I didn’t really ask. She said north part, no password or spot, just north wall,” Richard admitted.
“I am starting to think you just picked that piece of metal up and are pulling my leg. Am I still stuck in the mists?” he asked, looking around with mock bewilderment on his face.
“You know, for a guy who only knows how to fight, I am by far more impressed by your ability to snark.”
“It must be a natural born talent,” he said, his shoulders rumbling in mild amusement.
“Maybe we should head to the center. It seems as likely a place as any,” Richard said out loud, ignoring Boss’s comment.
Richard glanced up, keeping a rapid pace as his eyes scanned the battlements. He almost expected some sort of issue to arise.
“So, do you think there will be anything waiting for us inside the castle?” Boss asked. Richard shrugged, glancing back at him.
“Not a clue. As far as I know, the Gargoyle is the only issue. But who knows how long ago this all was, and what has changed. For all I know, the thing may have left and all this sneaking around is pointless,” Richard admitted. “And do try to keep your voice down. We don’t need any more trouble as it is.”
“You’re louder than I am,” he replied. But just as Richard was about to argue, he felt something warm on his chest. The talisman had heated up suddenly.
“Hot,” he hissed, pulling the pendant from around his neck. He dropped it on the ground and they both looked at it.
“You think it’s safe to touch?” Boss finally asked. Richard only shrugged.
“Why don’t you touch it and find out?” Richard replied. Before either could continue bantering, Jill snatched it in her mouth and ran off. “Jill!” he shouted, rushing after the dog. Boss chased after him, doing his best to keep up.
“I am starting to think there is something weird about that dog,” Boss noted between breaths.
“Oh yeah, because the rest of this damn island is so fucking normal!” Richard shouted. Jill came to a sudden stop. Both of them stumbled to the side as the dog sat down, with the talisman in her jaws and her tail wagging.
“Ah,” Richard groaned, clutching his injured wrist. “Mental note: never do that again,” he said, wincing as he forced himself back to his feet.
“Damn bitch,” Boss growled, picking up the sword and looking at the dog.
“I take it this is the spot where we need to do something?” he asked, holding out his left hand. The dog dropped the talisman into his open palm. Nothing happened. “Well?” he asked, looking at Boss, who only shrugged. He turned back to Jill as she sat up and raised a paw over her head. Richard exchanged glances with Boss, the latter raising an eyebrow. “This is embarrassing,” he grumbled, lazily holding his hand above his head.
“Hehe,” Boss chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.
“Oh, fuck off,” Richard growled. A beam of moonlight hit the talisman and another beam shot from the other side onto the wall. The stone seemed to vanish in the light, giving way to a perfectly shaped brick tunnel.
“Well, I no longer feel the need to question your sanity, or your sources,” Boss said, reaching out his hand. There was only air where the wall once was.
“That makes one of us. Come on, we’ll check our sanity after we find out if this works,” Richard said, taking point with Jill walking off after him. “I am watching you,” he told the dog. She simply tilted her head in confusion. “Don’t play cute with me, you are up to something,” he said, pointing at his eyes and then at her with his good hand.
“I can’t see two inches in front of my damn nose,” Boss complained. “I would trade this sword for a torch right now,” he admitted.
Richard kept his hand out in front of him, with each f
oot gingerly testing the space before him. “Shit!” he said, panicking when he felt a wall seemingly materialize out of nowhere. “Come on, there has to be a door around here somewhere.”
“Ah, found it,” Boss said. A low groaning filled the air as the starry sky became visible once more. “Urk!” he cried out. Richard grabbed him, pulling him into the shadow of a stone house with hay for a roof.
“Shh,” he said, putting a finger to his lips. “We don’t know what lurks in the shadows. We need to move fast and quietly. If I were to place a bet, the main tower is where our fairy is. But it is most likely where we shall find the Gargoyle. So, let’s see if we can find some weapons.”
“Right, be prepared and all that,” Boss said in a low voice. “Got any ideas where the weapons would be hid?”
“Well, I’ve got an idea,” Richard said. And with that, the two vanished into the empty streets of the interior.
They frowned as Richard held up a torch, the light flickering across nearby walls. “Nothing yet, monster or otherwise. I hope we run into a kitchen as well – not sure how much longer I can go without food,” Richard commented, passing a massive oil painting.
Boss paused, looking at the painting of a white cloaked woman. “Wouldn’t that be a way to go? Starvation in an abandoned castle. Starting to think disembowelment would be an easier way to go,” he admitted. Richard ignored him, unsure if he was joking or being legit, but his tone seemed light enough despite the subject.
“I could go for a nice, big turkey leg right about now,” Richard said to himself. As if called on from on high, a turkey leg suddenly appeared in front of him, smoking like it had just been taken off the fire. Richard stopped dead and just stared at it.
“Is that a – ” Boss started.
“Ay, ay it is,” Richard said bluntly.
“Woof,” Jill barked, snagging the piece of meat and dashing down the hall. She disappeared around a corner while the two men just stared at each other.
“But how? This doesn’t make any sense,” Boss said.
“I have a few theories, but for now, we can just accept that the castle is magical. But to what extent, I am not sure. I would like to find the kitchen,” Richard said out loud. He glanced around, inspecting the walls, but nothing happened.
“Maybe a room is too much,” Boss offered. Richard rubbed a hand against his goatee.
“Hmm, we should test this, but let’s find Jill. I want me another turkey leg,” Richard said, pausing. “This castle is weird,” he said, clearly disappointed that his wish was not granted twice. He walked off, grumbling. Boss looked back and there on the floor was a second turkey leg.
“Hey, I found the kitchen!” Richard shouted before his voice suddenly stopped. Boss grabbed the turkey leg, biting into while grease dripped into his beard.
“This castle seems to have everything. It would explain why the Gargoyle would never leave,” he said, walking back and forth along the kitchen floor. Boss pulled a leg off a cooked chicken. Richard grabbed a small wedge of cheese and popped it into his mouth before placing both hands behind his back. “Is there a limit? If we take something, does it stay with us? Is what we eat truly filling?” he mused.
“You have been at this for a while,” Boss noted. “Look, I feel fine, my body is finally running off some food. Besides, the alternative is already worrisome,” he said, taking a bit of chicken.
“Magic has two styles, three if you wish to involve the ‘gods’, but I have never heard of a place where things happen willfully. I fear this is another illusion,” Richard said.
“It is entirely possible. Let’s go find some imaginary weapons in the imaginary armory,” Boss mocked. Richard felt his lip curl into a small smirk.
“Fair point. What I would like to know is how long it would take you to expel your memories in that fog, or food, for that matter,” Richard said.
“Well, I do have a bit packed away. As for time, I’m not sure. An illusion can warp a person’s perspective of time. It could have been a day but it felt like years,” he replied.
“Well, isn’t that a morbid thought,” Richard replied, heading back for the hall.
“I wouldn’t worry about it. Come on, let’s go find some weapons,” Boss said. Richard frowned a bit, sighing with reluctance.
“Cannae argue with that,” he admitted, tailing after him. He paused when he heard a slight whimper behind him. He looked around to see Jill sitting there with her tail wagging ever so slightly as she looked down at the bone in front of her. She raised her eyes to see Richard scowl and visibly flinched.
“Oh, I’m sorry. You must have been hungry too,” Richard admitted, getting down on one knee and rubbing her ears. She perked up a bit. “Now that we are all full, let’s get going,” he said, standing up. The dog trailed off behind him. He glanced down the hall to see Boss standing there with his jaw hanging wide open.
“Boss?” Richard asked, snapping his fingers. The man simply raised a hand and pointed. Richard followed his gaze and looked into the massive room. There were shelves upon shelves of weapons and armor. “Not bad,” Richard said, shaking his head.
Boss put his hand out and looked at Richard. “May I?” he asked. Richard motioned him through with his hands. He seemed to vanish into the room before metal and wood began to clash together. Richard glanced around the room while Boss went over everything. He popped up from behind a shelf, a demon-faced helmet on his head.
“Perhaps a bit more specific,” Richard said, picking up a three pronged weapon. “Is this a fork or something?” he asked, holding it up.
“That is a Sai,” Boss commented, pulling off the helmet. And this is a samaurai helmet. Not really my style, but look at all of the cool toys,” he admitted.
“I can understand that,” Richard admitted. He looked over a barrel of cutlass swords, pushing them around. Then, a dull yellow rock caught his eye. He brushed away a bit of dust and a tinge of gold shone through. His fingers inched around the blade’s grip and he pulled it out. He looked it over quickly before grabbing a rag and beginning to polish it. A dull golden hilt was revealed with a bright golden sapphire shaped to a point on the pommel. The blade had a nice inward curve and was very sharp. His left hand shifted it, testing the weight.
“What do you have there?” Boss asked and Richard slipped the blade over. Boss picked it up, testing the point of balance. With a slight flick, he flipped the blade and caught the grip. He smirked and looked it over. When he touched the edge faintly, a drop of blood came from his thumb. “So, does it have a name?” he asked, resting the sword on both hands and presenting it back to Richard.
Richard picked the sword up with his left hand and looked it over. “Golden Talon shall do,” he said casually.
“It works, I guess,” Boss said. “Now then, time to find my weapon of choice.” Richard frowned, glancing down at himself. He needed new clothes, something that would work. As he moved along the racks, clothing began to show up. He set the blade down and grabbed a coat from the rack. It was black with coat tails. Gingerly, he slid in his right hand before shoving in his left. He struggled with the three buttons but when he was done, he was satisfied. The material was soft and form fitting, but still allowed full fluidity. He glanced down and noticed a pair of black boots. Richard slipped them on, tightening up the buckles as best he could without using his right hand. He tested the boots before setting off for one more thing. He spotted it at the end of the rack. Instead of a traditional buckle, the belt fastened with a plate. On the front side, there was a skull profile with a pair of wings attached to it.
“A little stylish, but it’ll do,” he said, slipping the belt around his waist and spotting a holster for his sword. As he went to slide properly on the left side, he cursed. “Damn it,” he grumbled, reversing it for now. The coat draped over his belt, only letting the holster be exposed on his side. When he reached for the sword, it skidded to the ground. He reached for it, but paused when he noticed one last detail. At the spot where the blade
met the hilt was a small skull.
“A skull, how fitting,” Richard said with a cruel smirk as he holstered the blade.
Chapter 8 A Rescue
Richard sat down on a chair, Jill sitting next to him. “Stop that,” he snapped, looking over at her. She paused, her teeth sunk into a strap that he had placed on her back. There were a large number of belts holding down a massive amount of supply filled bags. There was another bag that Richard was using to prop his feet up. He closed his eyes, a sigh escaping him as his impatience continued to grow.
“Ah, ha,” Boss shouted. Jill perked up as his feet rumbled through a sea of metal. Richard looked at the weapon Boss held. It was rather unusual, looking like a pair of long triangular spikes that were attached by a horizontal grip. Boss heft a second one up over his shoulder.
“What in the world?” Richard asked, looking at the weapons.
“No idea, it’s not a weapon I am familiar with. I think they are a variation on claws or a sai. But nothing catches my eye quite like a new tool to master,” he replied with a confident smirk.
“That’s it? No new look, no armor, just a simple weird weapon?” Richard asked. Boss glanced at a wooden post and stabbed the blades into the wood. The blades speared it like butter before the wood cracked and spilt.
“I think I can handle it. Besides, I have a knife in both boots if I need to fall back to something I am a bit more familiar with,” he said with a shrug, his excited demeanor seemingly ruined. “What’s with the extra gear?”
“Just wanted to hold onto something. I have a feeling it will make ma life a bit easier,” Richard said, pulling a bag over his shoulder.
“So, how do you plan on killing the Gargoyle with one hand full and the other one damaged?” Boss asked.
“Fight it?” Richard asked, looking at Boss as if he were a nutter on the street.
“If you say…” Boss started.
