Prologue
Dark Age Year 871
Fifth day of the Eighth month
It was a scorching day in the town of Arcus. The sun blazed high in the sky, and the town’s residents, who would typically be working in fields, trading, or going about their daily activities, were now seeking refuge and huddled in their homes like frighten mice with their families or those of a more individualistic and intellectual bend where relaxing under the shade of trees, enjoying wine and reading scrolls. While the quietness of the town might have been disheartening. Arcus, like other settlements in the frontier region, depended on the life blood that is trade. As Arcus was renowned for its vibrant dyes and colourful fabrics, which were highly valuable. The streets were nearly deserted, except for a few travellers passing through or those courageous enough to endure the intense heat like the towns guard, standing watch. The heat was unbearable even for those who had lived in Arcus for most of their lives. However, there was one exception. From the guard tower, one of the few town guards who was brave and crazy enough to endure the heat, he sees through the haze of the heat waves on the horizon. Travelling down the main road that connected Arcus to other settlements in the frontier was crucial for trade and commerce. One lone traveller was riding a horse-pulled cart filled with cargo who seemingly unfazed by the heat.
This traveller was unlike many others who passed through the town. He was clearly from a foreign land, as his appearance differed from the locals. While his clothing was of Aria make, his jewellery was clearly made by foreign hands, and his dark chocolate brown skin and clean-shaven head set him apart. He had a broad face and body, along with lean and limber limbs, that complemented his deep brown eyes. His demeanour was calm and measured, showcasing his worldliness. For this was a man who had travelled far and wide and seen many things.
This lone traveller was Jabari Garzar, a travelling merchant from the city of Naver. The people from this city are known as the Navertins. The Navertins are dark-skinned people who come from a land that the people of Aria call Thalassa. Its actual name was Vardar, but people in Aria found it hard to pronounce or remember, and most people he ran into didn’t care enough to learn its proper name. Although this bothered Jabari to some degree, he knew and understood that not all peoples and cultures were going to be respectful or compatible with his own, and vice versa.
Thalassa, also known as Vardar, is a landmass located across the seas to the south of Aria. Unlike Aria, which has a boreal or temperate climate, Vardar is a sweltering jungle with patches of desert and plains. Vardar, like Aria, is rich in natural resources. However, mineral wealth is not the only thing that Vardar has in common. For Vardar is a very dangerous land where death and human suffering are common occurrences. The few settlements that exist are mostly located in the coastal regions of Vardar, as the jungle is home to many monstrous beasts and tribes of savage and barbaric cannibals who often try to raid the rich cities, towns, and villages of the civilised folk. However, even the settlements are not safe from hardship, as corruption and inequalities between peoples and the many other burdens that come with Civilization are ever-present problems.
The city of Naver, considered by many as the beacon and hallmark of Civilization in Vardar and beyond, serves as the only protection and shelter from the beasts and cannibals that lurk in the jungles, threatening Civilization. Naver is a city that encapsulates these challenges. Despite this, the Navertins, as a people, devote much of their time and energy to scholarly and intellectual pursuits, such as debate and rhetoric, and are renowned for their commerce. Naver is an immensely wealthy and cosmopolitan city that welcomes all who respect the laws and customs of the Navertins. Their merchants and tradesmen are considered the best in the world. As the Navertin ideal is the merchant sage, an individual whose wit and charm adorn their halls with gold, silver, and other treasures. Jabari Garzar, like many Navertins, aspires to embody this ideal. While he is still on the journey to achieving it, he has made a promising start when compared to most.
As Jabari approached the town, he caught sight of the imposing walls of Arcus. The walls spanned five miles in width and stood nearly fifteen feet tall, with a walkway patrolled by guards and watchtowers scattered along the perimeter. The walls themselves were adorned with a random pattern of colours. Like a faded rainbow. Looking up, Jabari noticed that the guards seemed to be struggling with the heat. However, for him, the day was warm and rather pleasant, with the smell of pine trees and flowers wafting past his nose. The summers in Aria were the only time of year when the temperature felt just right for him, as the other seasons were cold, or if he were being honest, even colder. Coming from Vardar, with much hotter temperatures, what Aria considered a hot day felt merely warm to him. It was one of those small things he could never get used to, even after almost two decades of exploring different lands, it was the differences in weather he could never get used to.
As he approached the gates and prepared to stop, he noticed that he was going to be allowed through without any hassle. It’s quite fortunate that I’m well known here, he thought to himself. Normally, he would have been searched, possibly had some of his cargo stolen or confiscated, or even killed on sight. Such were the dangers of being a merchant travelling through Aria in its current state of affairs. Although Aria, and even his homeland, were not what you would call ideal, his home wasn’t as bad as it was in Aria at this current time. The land of Aria was in dire straits, and that was putting it lightly. However, while others saw only danger and risk, Jabari, like many others, saw great opportunity, for chaos was forever a ladder. And if his information was correct, which it mostly was, he was about to meet one of those people who was now climbing that ladder, a ladder which for the last two hundred years was being firmly greased with the blood of both the innocent and guilty alike. During times of turmoil, the safeguards of Civilization, such as law and order, or social class, were nothing to the fires of war. For the only things that would keep you safe during times of turmoil were your wits and your sword arm.
During this time of turmoil and his extensive travels throughout the frontier regions of Aria, many names cycled through his ears, some fading like a candle before the winds, while others gained increasing reputation in the frontiers with each passing day. Names such as The Prince of Black, Azure of Kenshi, The Lion of the North, The Caballarii Dasher, and Oracle of Castrum. However, in recent months, a new name has been on everyone’s lips – a brand new sword-for-hire who in a short amount of time has made a significant impact on the frontiers. This mercenary’s name is Tharos. In just a few months, his deeds have started to echo into folklore and legend. Rumours suggest that he is a traveller from a faraway and unknown land. If what he has heard about this Tharos person is true, his deeds are impressive, to say the least. According to the information he has gathered, Tharos defeated the infamous mercenary Rayner, the Crimson Wolf, who was once the leader of Rayner’s Raiders. Tharos has now made Rayner his follower and servant. Tharos is also said to have single-handedly killed a necromancer and their entire undead horde, saving the village of Aurelia Silva. In these last few months, there have been numerous stories and tales about this man called Tharos. He fights like a demon and never tires, his sword is as quick as lightning and hits like thunder, his words are as smooth and clear as running water, and he can seduce women with just a mere utterance or glance. Clad in mystery as if he bathed in shadow, Tharos is as ethereal as a wisp of wind, and his conduct and professionalism are second to none.
Although Jabari never put stock in rumours and hearsay, they were so consistent that there had to be a grain of truth to them. He had heard that Tharos was currently staying in this town, and if there was any truth to these rumours and hearsay, then Tharos was the right person he was looking for. Jabari parked his wagon in the nearby stables and walked into the local tavern, which was three stories high with foggy windows. As he entered, he noticed how quiet it was, despite being quite packed. There was a wide assortment of people, from rough types to travellers like himself or locals just looking to relax. As he made his way to the counter, some patrons gave him passing glances or side eyes, but they continued with their business. Jabari observed that some people had black eyes, broken arms, and a few were missing teeth. In fact, he noticed that some of the furniture and even some windows had been smashed or broken into many pieces, with weapon scrapes on the walls and floors.
Looks like there was a fight here quite recently, Jabari thought to himself, and counted himself lucky that he seemed to have avoided a brawl. Although he was a good shot with a crossbow and pretty handy with a sword and dagger, he preferred to use violence as a means of last resort. The best fight for Jarbri was a fight he didn’t have to engage in in the first place. If he could settle things with his words, he would do so. However, even he would have to admit that there are some beings that cannot be reasoned with, as force is the only language they understand. If he had to, Jarbri would return in kind.
As he walked up to the counter, the tavern keeper, who was polishing a glass with a sour scowl on his face, looked up to address him with that same scowl. Until he realised who was standing in front of him, his face lightened just a tad.
“Your a sight for sore eyes. I haven’t seen you in a while, how have you been?” The bartender said as his face started to turn into a small smile.
“I have been well, my friend. How have you and the family been, Felix?” Felix nodded. “Things have been fine. So what brings you back to Arcus? I wasn’t expecting you back here for a few more months. Are the bandits on the roads becoming too much of a problem?”
“Well, that’s part of the reason why I came back here, but not the full reason. See, I came here because I am looking for someone to help with transporting some cargo.”
“What kind of help?” Felix asked as he glanced at his many patrons.
“I am looking for the one they called Tharos. I was told he was staying at your tavern.”
“Well, Tharos is indeed here,” Felix replied with a chuckle. “But I must warn you to be careful; he’s not one to be trifled with or taken Lightly He and the Crimson Wolf, took care of some rowdy patrons earlier today. As you might have noticed, that didn’t end well. Isn’t that right?” Felix said as he looked towards a set of tables. Many of the people sitting at this table had bruises and bloody mouths, giving him a few groans or sighs at Felix in return.
“Thank you for the warning. But I assure you I can handle myself, as you know I can be quite persuasive.”
“Oh, I know that more than anyone but…” Felix paused. “He is something else though.”
“Well, if he’s anything like the rumours say he is, then he’s perfect for what I need.”
“If you say so, I will go see if he’s in his room,” Felix replied. Just as he was about to call one of his barmaids, a soft and gentle voice of a young man interrupted him. “Are you looking for Tharos?” Both Felix and Jabari turned to address the new person. Standing across the counter was a young man who, even at his current age, and likely when fully grown at his full height, would tower over the common man. His body was lean and robust, reminiscent of a seasoned warrior. However, unlike most in the profession of arms, he had a soft and gentle face with short blonde hair that fell just past his ears, gleaming like golden silk. His wide, gentle-looking eyes were a vibrant green, sparkling like emerald gems. The young man was skilfully balancing a massive wooden plate filled with slices of bread along with clay jugs of wine, and beer.
A wilder and much younger than any of the ones I have met before. And he seems rather well mannered and quite handsome as well, and what pretty green eyes as well. A rare combination of qualities for a wilder. While Jabari was no stranger to wilder people, as he had encountered many of them in his travels and some in his homeland, the wilder people had a great reputation as warriors. Their skill in battle and physical prowess were second to none, with only the Tyenlioc or Yutchen possibly rivalling or surpassing them. In the city of Naver, they were often employed as bodyguards, mercenaries, or general labourers, and were even popular on the various slave markets. Due to this reputation, Jabari had heard rumours that members of the Invicti nobles and various Navertin merchant families liked to take these wilder slaves as lovers, openly cheating on their spouses, often with the permission of their spouses. Jabari found these rumours preposterous.
“Yes, I am looking for Tharos. Do you know him?” he asked the young man who was standing several paces beside him. Upon closer look, he saw a few scrapes on the young man’s face and arms.
“Yah I travel with him and he’s my swordsmanship teacher. Are you here offering him a job or something?”
“Yes, that’s exactly why I’m here. I was hoping to find him and see if he’s interested in a job.”
“Alright, well, I am sure he will be happy to hear you out. Follow me then. I’ll take you right to him.” he then followed the wilder youth. As they walked up the tavern steps, the wilder youth spoke up. “Name is Cenric Dullcreek, but you can just call me Cenric, what’s yours?”
“Jabari Garzar.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Jabari. I’ve never met a Navertin before.”
“Well, I hope I have made a good first impression on behalf of my people,” he said. Cenric turned his head and gave him a small nod in agreement as they slowly came to a stop at a set of doors on the top floor. Through the doors, Jabari could hear a muffled conversation. There were two voices: one was rough and coarse, like a war hammer or mace to the face, while the other voice was elegant and refined, it was like soft silk running though your ears. However, he could tell that, like himself, the speaker wasn’t local as they had a distinctive accent. He couldn’t quite place where the accent was from.
“Tharos, this beer tastes like piss. Can’t we stay somewhere else?”
“No, because this is the only tavern in town that will take us after that fight you started in the town square the other day. And if you don’t like the beer, Rayner, then stop drinking it.”
“Oh, that’s rich coming from you, who seduced and bedded one of the magistrate’s daughters.”
“Not so loud. We don’t need the whole town to know.”
“We both know that girl is more open than a Navertin trade port,” then a roaring and boisterous laugh echoed past the door. There was a pause in the conversation as Cenric was about to knock on the door.
“Cenric, would you like to introduce your new friend to us?” the elegant and refined voice called out to Cenric.
How did he know I was here? It was a solid and thick wooden door, and aside from a few small gaps at the bottom, it would have been very hard to tell if any or how many people was on the other side. Before they got to his floor, Jabari had been quite quiet. This Tharos person must be quite perceptive.
“Somebody here is offering a job,” Cedric spoke up in a composed manner.
“Oh, I see. Send them in, please.”
As the door opened, Jabari was greeted with the sight of two men sitting across from each other on wooden recliners. On the table, a massive map was spread out, surrounded by several books. The room was large and well-decorated. One of the men was tall and burly, with a wolfish-looking face, pale skin, long bright red hair marked with scars and blue tattoos. He held a massive mug filled to the brim with beer in his firm, meaty hands.
This must be Rayner, the crimson wolf that I have heard so much about. He is much bigger than I thought. It never ceases to amaze me how big these wilders can get.
Turning his attention to the other man in the room, he saw a youthful man of medium height, much like himself but with distinct differences. The man’s muscular body appeared as if it were carved and sculpted from pure marble, reminiscent of the Invicti statues he had encountered during his travels. This individual had messy black hair, which contrasted with his focused and almost hawk-like face. What troubled Jarbri the most about this person were his eyes, not their colour, as he had seen many people with amber-colored eyes before. It was the look of them. It was like staring into the eyes of an old man, a stark contrast to his youthful appearance. If Jarbri focused hard enough, he could even see a faint glow in his eyes. Despite encountering many different peoples during his years of travel, he couldn’t pinpoint where this person was from. The man shared features with others Jarbri had encountered, but there was something different about him that Jarbri couldn’t quite identify.
Although Jarbri didn’t know it at the time, all these questions and many more would one day be answered. Answers that would be worth more than a king’s ransom.
