IIIIIIIT'S NANO TIME BOYS AND GIRLS. OH BOY OH BOY. Consider this a CLASSIC side story. I'll be posting everyday (hopefully) with whatever I've written in a single sitting. As always, this is just a draft and will undoubtedly have grammar, spelling, and probably even continuity errors. Whoops. Hopefully I'll be able to actually write every day. That'd be just swell! á••( á› )á•— (current word count: 1,714/50,000. Word count this sitting: 1,714. Off to a good start!)
The town of Azure was silent in the early morning light. The only sound heard throughout the cobbled streets were those of the patrolling knights, keeping watch over their charge. Their heavy foot steps clanged against stone rhythmically. The noise eased the residents in their sleep, reminding them that the capital of Blueshire was safe under the watch of both the Royal Guard as well as the Sword Guild. Among the tactical and trained steps was a lighter set of feet that pattered hurriedly along the city streets. They belonged to a young tan man. His black hair matched the simple hooded robe he wore, which was only buttoned at the neck and revealed the brown leather armor underneath. The young mage swiftly walked through the main street, though paused when he reached a patrolling knight. Her iron armor and sheathed sword intimidated the mage, but he pressed on regardless.
“Excuse me, where might I find the Sword Guild's headquarters?â€
“Keep going down this road and make a right at the third intersection. It'll be the largest building there, you can't miss it.†The guard glanced over the mage as she answered, ascertaining everything she could about him. “You aren't a warrior, are you?â€
“No. I practice the magical arts.â€
“I see. So you're from the Library, I take it?â€
“That's correct. I've spent most of my life inside. Being out now is so...odd.†The knight let out a hearty laugh at his conflicted face. It was true, however, that he had spent his time within the Magical Library. He was well aware of life outside the walls, but had yet to experience most of it himself due to the studying and training he needed to be proficient at spell casting.
“Sorry, I'm not laughing at you,†the knight wiped away a tear, “it's only that most mages I meet say the same thing. It's a bit astonishing. And a tad worrying.â€
“I take no offense, however I must be going. I have an appointment to keep.â€
“Of course. Please take care.â€
The young mage turned the corner as instructed. He could clearly see the large brick building as he had made his way towards the intersection over the fences, but was still taken aback by the sheer size of it. The knight had said it was the largest building on the block, however she had failed to mention it was also the only building on the block. It's colossal size overtook the entire street, as well as the area behind it. It was largely closed off and the only entry the mage could see was through the front. Much like the Magical Library he was so accustomed to, the Guild was also well-guarded. Aside from the simple brick fence that encircled the perimeter, he could also hear the familiar sound of heavy, armored footsteps patrolling the building. The gap between the fence was, naturally, guarded by two knights. Just beyond them was a short walkway between the green grass that encompassed the building. The entrance to the large square building was guarded by yet another knight. The boy let out a shaky breath before approaching the two guards.
“Business?†The one on the right asked.
“I have an appointment with captain Alma.â€
“Ah, you must Zachary!â€
“Yes, that's correct,†he answered as steadily as he could. Zach's nerves were getting the better of him. He had never been inside one of the Sword Guild's headquarters before, let alone the main base within the capital city.
“Please, enter. Captain Alma has been expecting you.†The two guards stepped to the side and allowed Zach entry. He silently walked through the gate and along the path. Zach wasn't sure if the guard in front of the door had heard the previous conversation or not, but he stepped aside without a word.
The interior of the building was much more simple than Zach had expected. In the Magical Library, there were showings of power and pride along the walls. Endless rows of books towered every which way and relics used by famous mages throughout the centuries were in full display. The Sword Guild was much more conservative and plain. The room he had just entered had a few benches against the walls as well as paintings and plants for decoration. Swords and shields were among them as well, placed on the walls, but they held no significance as far as he could tell. They were mere ornaments. A large desk sat besides two grand staircases, with a secretary rummaging through various papers. The whole place reminded Zach more of a business than a guild.
“Excuse me,†Zach approached the bespectacled woman working at the desk, “I have an appointment with captain Alma?†The woman didn't look his way and instead reached below his field of view. She brought up a giant blue binder that made an outstandingly loud thud noise when she placed it down and opened it. “Um. Sorry,†Zach continued, “it's important that I speak to captain Alma.†Instead of answering, she plopped down the majority of the thick sheets and reached the end of the binder. Her finger traced through some of the lines of text before finally speaking.
“Zachary Cain?â€
“Oh! Yes. That's me.â€
“Right this way, if you would.†The woman stood and made her way to the right hand staircase. Without another word, Zach followed behind as they climbed to the second story. From here, there were various windows that lined the wall, revealing that beyond the walls was an outdoor training area in the center of the building. Unlike the front of the Guild, the ground was mostly firm concrete and Zach could easily make out a number of people with weapons. Some were sparring, others looked over equipment, and others yet lined up in groups and practiced techniques. The early morning sun had not yet overtaken the buildings, and the dim atmosphere left an impressive impression on him. As he walked along the carpeted floor and watched the Guild members practiced, he realized why the first area felt the way it did. The Guild acted as a sort of militia for the people of Blueshire. The Royal Guards handled national affairs but rarely dabbed into more simplistic problems. That's what the Sword Guild was for. Here, anybody could enter and request help for things that would be considered to be beneath the threshold of the Royal Guard. Whether it be bandits, monsters,or public strife, the Sword Guild would be able to help citizens with trust. That was why the entryway looked as if it was a waiting room: it simply was. The second floor showed off the commitment of every single member of the Guild and the promise of a job well done. Zach smiled to himself. He had been requested by the captain of the Seventh Division. The idea that the Sword Guild had reached out to an outsider felt like an honor to him and he only hoped he would be able to do well in whatever prospect he was needed.
“Right this way,†the woman took a turn away from the windows and Zach trailed behind her, giving the training area one last glance. The short walk through the hallway ended when the woman stopped besides an unassuming door. “Right in here,†she told him.
“Oh, thank you.â€
“It was my pleasure. If you'd excuse me.†Without waiting for an answer, she left the way they entered, leaving Zach alone. He hesitated. Should he knock? Just barging in would be considered rude, after all. He brought his knuckles against the door and tapped three times.
“Yeah? Come on in,†a male voice answered. Zach inhaled deeply in an attempt tho sooth his nerves before opening the door. Waiting for him were two people: a male and female. The man wore red armor and had sun-kissed skin. His black hair was short but still managed to look somewhat wild, as if it would be impossible to keep down straight. His smokey grey eyes darted to Zach as he walked in. Captain Bryer Alma was also known as Blueshire's Lionheart. His mother, Mylene, was one of the most powerful swordsmen in the nation and had made a name for herself with her incredible speed. 'The Scarlet Lightning Bolt' was the title she had earned due to her fiery red hair and armor. Captain Alma followed in her footsteps and, from Zach had heard, he was beginning to earn his own reputation as a formidable swordsman in his own right. Besides Captain Alma was a pale woman Zach instantly recognized. She wore a similar hooded robe as himself, though hers had golden linings along the buttoning areas, marking her as an arch mage. Her pale skin and wavy black hair only cemented his guess at who she was: Alicia Reignhart. A powerful sorceress who specialized in necromancy and dark magic. She was well-respected among the magical community and for good reason. Just being in the same room as her was enough for Zach to sense the immense magical aura that surrounded her. It gave him goosebumps.
“Zachary! I'm glad you could make it,†Captain Alma said happily, “thank you for coming on such short notice.â€
“It's nothing, Captain Alma.â€
“Just Bryer is fine, Zachary.â€
“In that case, just Zach is fine, Bryer.†Bryer smiled in response. Zach wanted to greet Alicia as well, but was far too nervous to even meet her gaze. Thankfully, she spoke up, saving him.
“Hello, Zach. I hope you are well?â€
“Yes, ma'am. It's nice to see you once again. I don't think you'll remember but you've helped me various times in the Library while I was studying.â€
“Of course I remember. Zachary Cain, specializes in hexes, curses, and cures. You were a quick learner.†Zach felt his cheeks flare up at the slight complement but said nothing. “In fact, it was I who recommended you for this assignment.â€
“Assignment?†Zach was more than curious now. He had very few experiences working out on the field, but was more than willing to help, especially if someone like Alicia had recommended him. “What's this about?â€
“Well, it's a bit complicated,†Bryer rubbed his chin in thought, “grab a seat and I'll fill you in.â€
---
The town of Azure was silent in the early morning light. The only sound heard throughout the cobbled streets were those of the patrolling knights, keeping watch over their charge. Their heavy foot steps clanged against stone rhythmically. The noise eased the residents in their sleep, reminding them that the capital of Blueshire was safe under the watch of both the Royal Guard as well as the Sword Guild. Among the tactical and trained steps was a lighter set of feet that pattered hurriedly along the city streets. They belonged to a young tan man. His black hair matched the simple hooded robe he wore, which was only buttoned at the neck and revealed the brown leather armor underneath. The young mage swiftly walked through the main street, though paused when he reached a patrolling knight. Her iron armor and sheathed sword intimidated the mage, but he pressed on regardless.
“Excuse me, where might I find the Sword Guild's headquarters?â€
“Keep going down this road and make a right at the third intersection. It'll be the largest building there, you can't miss it.†The guard glanced over the mage as she answered, ascertaining everything she could about him. “You aren't a warrior, are you?â€
“No. I practice the magical arts.â€
“I see. So you're from the Library, I take it?â€
“That's correct. I've spent most of my life inside. Being out now is so...odd.†The knight let out a hearty laugh at his conflicted face. It was true, however, that he had spent his time within the Magical Library. He was well aware of life outside the walls, but had yet to experience most of it himself due to the studying and training he needed to be proficient at spell casting.
“Sorry, I'm not laughing at you,†the knight wiped away a tear, “it's only that most mages I meet say the same thing. It's a bit astonishing. And a tad worrying.â€
“I take no offense, however I must be going. I have an appointment to keep.â€
“Of course. Please take care.â€
The young mage turned the corner as instructed. He could clearly see the large brick building as he had made his way towards the intersection over the fences, but was still taken aback by the sheer size of it. The knight had said it was the largest building on the block, however she had failed to mention it was also the only building on the block. It's colossal size overtook the entire street, as well as the area behind it. It was largely closed off and the only entry the mage could see was through the front. Much like the Magical Library he was so accustomed to, the Guild was also well-guarded. Aside from the simple brick fence that encircled the perimeter, he could also hear the familiar sound of heavy, armored footsteps patrolling the building. The gap between the fence was, naturally, guarded by two knights. Just beyond them was a short walkway between the green grass that encompassed the building. The entrance to the large square building was guarded by yet another knight. The boy let out a shaky breath before approaching the two guards.
“Business?†The one on the right asked.
“I have an appointment with captain Alma.â€
“Ah, you must Zachary!â€
“Yes, that's correct,†he answered as steadily as he could. Zach's nerves were getting the better of him. He had never been inside one of the Sword Guild's headquarters before, let alone the main base within the capital city.
“Please, enter. Captain Alma has been expecting you.†The two guards stepped to the side and allowed Zach entry. He silently walked through the gate and along the path. Zach wasn't sure if the guard in front of the door had heard the previous conversation or not, but he stepped aside without a word.
The interior of the building was much more simple than Zach had expected. In the Magical Library, there were showings of power and pride along the walls. Endless rows of books towered every which way and relics used by famous mages throughout the centuries were in full display. The Sword Guild was much more conservative and plain. The room he had just entered had a few benches against the walls as well as paintings and plants for decoration. Swords and shields were among them as well, placed on the walls, but they held no significance as far as he could tell. They were mere ornaments. A large desk sat besides two grand staircases, with a secretary rummaging through various papers. The whole place reminded Zach more of a business than a guild.
“Excuse me,†Zach approached the bespectacled woman working at the desk, “I have an appointment with captain Alma?†The woman didn't look his way and instead reached below his field of view. She brought up a giant blue binder that made an outstandingly loud thud noise when she placed it down and opened it. “Um. Sorry,†Zach continued, “it's important that I speak to captain Alma.†Instead of answering, she plopped down the majority of the thick sheets and reached the end of the binder. Her finger traced through some of the lines of text before finally speaking.
“Zachary Cain?â€
“Oh! Yes. That's me.â€
“Right this way, if you would.†The woman stood and made her way to the right hand staircase. Without another word, Zach followed behind as they climbed to the second story. From here, there were various windows that lined the wall, revealing that beyond the walls was an outdoor training area in the center of the building. Unlike the front of the Guild, the ground was mostly firm concrete and Zach could easily make out a number of people with weapons. Some were sparring, others looked over equipment, and others yet lined up in groups and practiced techniques. The early morning sun had not yet overtaken the buildings, and the dim atmosphere left an impressive impression on him. As he walked along the carpeted floor and watched the Guild members practiced, he realized why the first area felt the way it did. The Guild acted as a sort of militia for the people of Blueshire. The Royal Guards handled national affairs but rarely dabbed into more simplistic problems. That's what the Sword Guild was for. Here, anybody could enter and request help for things that would be considered to be beneath the threshold of the Royal Guard. Whether it be bandits, monsters,or public strife, the Sword Guild would be able to help citizens with trust. That was why the entryway looked as if it was a waiting room: it simply was. The second floor showed off the commitment of every single member of the Guild and the promise of a job well done. Zach smiled to himself. He had been requested by the captain of the Seventh Division. The idea that the Sword Guild had reached out to an outsider felt like an honor to him and he only hoped he would be able to do well in whatever prospect he was needed.
“Right this way,†the woman took a turn away from the windows and Zach trailed behind her, giving the training area one last glance. The short walk through the hallway ended when the woman stopped besides an unassuming door. “Right in here,†she told him.
“Oh, thank you.â€
“It was my pleasure. If you'd excuse me.†Without waiting for an answer, she left the way they entered, leaving Zach alone. He hesitated. Should he knock? Just barging in would be considered rude, after all. He brought his knuckles against the door and tapped three times.
“Yeah? Come on in,†a male voice answered. Zach inhaled deeply in an attempt tho sooth his nerves before opening the door. Waiting for him were two people: a male and female. The man wore red armor and had sun-kissed skin. His black hair was short but still managed to look somewhat wild, as if it would be impossible to keep down straight. His smokey grey eyes darted to Zach as he walked in. Captain Bryer Alma was also known as Blueshire's Lionheart. His mother, Mylene, was one of the most powerful swordsmen in the nation and had made a name for herself with her incredible speed. 'The Scarlet Lightning Bolt' was the title she had earned due to her fiery red hair and armor. Captain Alma followed in her footsteps and, from Zach had heard, he was beginning to earn his own reputation as a formidable swordsman in his own right. Besides Captain Alma was a pale woman Zach instantly recognized. She wore a similar hooded robe as himself, though hers had golden linings along the buttoning areas, marking her as an arch mage. Her pale skin and wavy black hair only cemented his guess at who she was: Alicia Reignhart. A powerful sorceress who specialized in necromancy and dark magic. She was well-respected among the magical community and for good reason. Just being in the same room as her was enough for Zach to sense the immense magical aura that surrounded her. It gave him goosebumps.
“Zachary! I'm glad you could make it,†Captain Alma said happily, “thank you for coming on such short notice.â€
“It's nothing, Captain Alma.â€
“Just Bryer is fine, Zachary.â€
“In that case, just Zach is fine, Bryer.†Bryer smiled in response. Zach wanted to greet Alicia as well, but was far too nervous to even meet her gaze. Thankfully, she spoke up, saving him.
“Hello, Zach. I hope you are well?â€
“Yes, ma'am. It's nice to see you once again. I don't think you'll remember but you've helped me various times in the Library while I was studying.â€
“Of course I remember. Zachary Cain, specializes in hexes, curses, and cures. You were a quick learner.†Zach felt his cheeks flare up at the slight complement but said nothing. “In fact, it was I who recommended you for this assignment.â€
“Assignment?†Zach was more than curious now. He had very few experiences working out on the field, but was more than willing to help, especially if someone like Alicia had recommended him. “What's this about?â€
“Well, it's a bit complicated,†Bryer rubbed his chin in thought, “grab a seat and I'll fill you in.â€