I left the building wearing my silver white armor, holding a helmet in one hand and a blade in another. I walked down the pavement observing everything about Hellington's Fall. From the cattle standing on the tall grass to the civilians speaking every word of nonsense . This town behind these stone walls may appear as a home of peace. But yet everyone has a cryptic docket beneath their cuffs. They all believe they can conceal themselves. They believe the majority will not know who they are when they close their doors. Sadly our king alike to the rest of this town fails to consider it when they make their decisions. Especially when it comes to the death of women and children.
That day was horrid I remembered King Lief's decision to allow a new ally. I remembered that day when the representative appeared in our doors standing in front of the king.

"Kneel," I spoke pointing my blade at his heart as I kept my eyes on his face. The crease on the forehead, the inside of his eyes, and how subtle they were, until he spoke.

He knocked my arm away. "You believe your tiny shiv can do harm to me?" The crease on his forehead rose. That detail was all that I needed.

Everything he spoke was too elusive for me to accept his words, but the king seemed persuaded. He primarily spoke on combining our armies, he kept talking about how it would enhance our chances of winning battles. We did not need an extension of defense, yet understanding King Lief he does not desire the risks of failure. Before he gave his verdict, I requested he and I spoke in private.

"Sir with all due respect, it is not a logical decision to accept his offer. I beg you not to trust this man, as we are strong enough to handle many wars to come."

"Paladin Xeni you do not understand what is happening to our kingdom. It may appear as if it were a god amongst men, but we are gradually failing." King Lief replied.

"Sir that man and his society, his kingdom, it will diminish us. He spoke only words of war and armies."

"Paladin I understand my doing. My belief is that expanding our allies will result in a greater peace among the world. Do you have anything left to say?"

"No, sir. I apologize for the interruption."

He accepted the offer from the representative. We were at peace with the other kingdom for many days and nights, until one of our walls were breached. They roamed in our kingdom snatching our women and children. There was no bloodshed since their militia were only a ruse. We never knew what happened to them and King Lief was to blame. From that day forth. We became much more independent, and our King began to request my opinion in these matters. For every person who arrived at the king for simple questions and speeches. I observed every movement they made, as well as the tone of their voice. Now I roam areas I've been assigned to noticing any changes among the folks of Hellington.

I was in front of the gates to the 4th quadrant. I looked up and spoke as loud as possible.

"Anasta my dear may you open the gates?"In a nick of time, the bronzed bars has risen.

"Thank you my friend." I smiled as I look at the silhouette outline standing at the top.

I walked inside. There lies my associate. With her burnt black hair, wearing a green under armor, with a pearl colored chest plate, along with a feathered skirt with two blades on the side. She's been facing the outside of the walls keeping her bow and arrow drawn. I moved beside her staring down the wall seeing nothing but a caravan riding towards the entry of the town's gate.

"You are late Paladin," She said

"There is a possibility that your agonizing kick delayed my arrival," I joked

"If you do not enjoy pain then follow your orders. I will be not paired with a man who can not lead by example."

"Can you explain as to why you remain to keep that bow drawn? He is only a messenger."

Her narrow eyes widened by a tad. "We are guards we prepare for the worst," She replied "Go to the other tower. Speak to me when you spot suspicion."

"Before I leave what must I call you from this time on?" I asked

"Ryia" Her reply was off, and out of tune. She says her name with a tremble in her voice. After she closed her mouth I noticed she nibbled her lower lip, clenching her jaw afterwards. She has a secret docket.

"Paladin Xeni."

I walked to the other tower facing the east of the city while she faced south of the wall. We remained at this position until the sun sunk behind the mountain.By then we sat side by side. With our torches planted in the dirt staring at the skinned wolves cooking in the flames.

"Ryia what was your motivation to join the towns guard?"She remained silent as the sound of crickets chirp in the background. I turned my head noticing her grip on the bow.

"Your bow--."

"Yes, I have rights to it." She spoke as if many has questioned about it.

"What rights do you speak of?" I questioned.

"Inheritance. My elders always speak to me about how it belongs to the first son, not the first lady."

"So it caused you to do thievery against your own blood."

"It was necessary. I deserve rights to my bow, not a puny infant." Her voice raised in sound.

"But. It's passed on to him. What made you believe that you were the one to acquire it?"

"He disappeared in the forest during the capture from the men that breached the walls in this town. My mother and I were one of those victims. She claimed ownership of the family bow. Once she died from forced labor. I was the last of her blood to handle the weapon but my elders believed that my brother is still alive."

"How long was his absence?" I asked

"Over 300 rising suns." She stood up. "Take the wolf. I will patrol the city."

"Wait. Did your brother have a mark on his--"

"Eat Paladin. I'll patrol the west. You take the east once you're done." She walked to the gates. "Anasta!" She yelled. The gates remained closed.

I yelled as loud as I could, "Anasta!" The silence continued and the gate remained closed.

Ryia looked at me, pointing at the stairs mouthing the words "Come."As we crept up the stairs, she holds her bow in one hand and an arrow on another, whilst I grip upon my dagger.
We were near the last step she brought her in front of me as she proceeds to the top. Once we were both there I looked to my right, only to see Anasta's head in tact with her torso, lying on the floor, surrounded by her hacked off fingers along with two rolling legs that ended up falling off the side of the gate. I rolled her over only to see the staff I envisioned. I looked at Ryia.

"This mustn't be true" She spoke as she pulled the lever to raise the gate and stormed off.

"What mustn't be true Ryia?!"

She ignored me as she left walking down the steps, exiting the gates. I grabbed the staff and rushed over to the gate only to see that she was further than I expected. She had knowledge that I must receive. 

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