User blog:Pollux83/Beyond Light and Darkness, Chapter 19

Chapter Overview

19 Unwelcome visit (1/2)



 I had received a message from the Order. They had spotted a unicorn far in the west. The trip would take almost 2 months, but I had to go there. So I said good-bye to my family one more time.



 To my surprise, Kai wanted to come with me. He probably did not want to disappoint me again, or he was seized by wanderlust. Or his youngest child drove him crazy, because he could not sleep through the night any more. Anyway, he was allowed to come along. Then I had at least someone I could talk with on the trip.



 At a gallop we went west. The first outpost of the Order was quickly reached. From then on, soldiers accompanied us on our journey. Sometimes more sometimes less.

We moved through forests and past fields through the territories of the Order. In cities and villages we filled our supplies. For longer sightseeing tours we had no time, which did not stop Kai from exploring the cities and their cultures.



 On this trip, I realized how big the world was. No matter how far you went, there was still more. From the small farm on which Weresheeps and Holstaurs worked undisturbed in the field, up to the religious big city, in which monsters of all kinds were hated. No territory of the Order was the same.



 Since I had less free time than Kai, I limited myself to buying books to learn more about the countries and their stories.

 We just rested a bit and I had laid down on the grass. "What are you reading again?" "Hello Kai. A history book about Aspistan. The country has a really interesting history." "You should rather talk to people instead of reading these books. Then you would also experience more." "Experience something? Was your wallet stolen again?" "No! … OK yes. But I got it back." I had to grin. "Were it children again?"

Kai made a face. " … Yes."

 "You should really take better care of your things. Take an example of me. Nobody steal my wallet." "But you also miss some interesting stories." I closed my book. "You will tell me now, right?" "If you insist, all right. So it all started when I was on the market ... "





<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> We finally arrived at our destination, a castle used by the Order for military purposes. The entire region was in close proximity to a demons realm and several monsterfriendly countries, so guards patrolled everywhere. The castle served as a command post for the entire region since the Order had gained political and military control over the country. The local king of the country was practically only a puppet of the Order.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> The commander was already waiting for us. In his office, he informed me about the situation. ... "So she was spotted in this region?" "Our scouts have seen her several times in this forest area." The commander pointed on a forest behind the border on the map. "When you are ready, we can begin the mission." "That's good, I'll make all the necessary preparations. In about an hour we could then start." "Excellent, I will promptly instruct the soldiers." I went to the door. "And before I forget it. The unicorn must not be hurt. This is very important for the mission." He acknowledged it without another word.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> In the yard I met Kai. "And? How did the meeting end?" "Good. In an hour it starts. I just hope they do nothing to the unicorn. Who knows how she reacts to injuries." "Always at work. You should really learn to relax. You hardly saw anything on the trip, but the towns and villages really had a lot to offer." "There was no time for that."

<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> "There was enough time for that. You just did not take it." "You're not running an expedition." "I do not do that. I only accompany you. But I know you do not have to take over everything yourself. The soldiers of the Order know what they have to do." "That's true, but I do not want to take any risk. A mistake and everything was in vain." "That is understandable. At least promise me that on the way back you have at least a little bit fun." "I'll try it."

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> With the horses we needed about 5 hours to the forest. We went very cautiously, since this was hostile territory. We were not allowed to be discovered under any circumstances. Theoretically an ambush could lurk everywhere, even if it was unlikely.

In the forest we also met shortly afterwards the scouts. Together we searched the forest.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> On the 4th day the unicorn was finally sighted on a lake. Our troops positioned themselves to cut the possible escape routes from the unicorn. Afterwards, an ambush was prepared and the last orders were given before the mission started.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> A few soldiers should lead the unicorn to the ambush so we could catch her. The commander's strategy was perfect. The unicorn had no chance when the scouts hidden in the trees threw their nets. She tried to free herself, but it was too late, she was already surrounded. I could start with my work.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> Like practically all Mamono, she was very beautiful and only sparsely clothed. My attention, however, was on the horn that should contain large amounts of healing energy. With a little luck, it also contained some "Holy Energy", even if you would not expect that from a monster.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> I went to the unicorn. "Who are you? You belong to the Order? What do you want from me? I did not do anything to anyone." I knelt down beside her. "Calm down. You have something I need and as soon as I have it you can go away. Provided you hold still. Did you understand that?" She looked at me, frightened. "And you really did not want to kill me?" "No, of course not. I just told you. So if you please calm down. I just need a few minutes and then you can go wherever you want. But I can not work if you are moving around like that." She calmed down slowly but was still afraid. "Sure."

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> I prepared everything and held the white crystal next to her horn. "Keep still." It worked. A small light gathered in the crystal. It seemed to have a slightly greenish glow, but that had to be investigated later. I was very satisfied.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> "Have you finished your work with the unicorn?" The commander asked me. "Yes, that was all. You can free her now." "I wont. The laws of the Order are clear. In the name of the chief god, all monsters must be killed without exception." He was serious. "Commander, you can not do that. She is completely helpless and has not done anything to anyone. This can not possibly be the will of the chief god." He just ignored me. "Soldiers, get ready." I looked over at Kai. He looked visibly nervous. He had this "do not do anything stupid now "-look.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> I turned my attention back to the commander. "Commander! I was entrusted with the direction of this mission, and during this time you will obey my order. Did they understand that?!"

<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> He reacted now and pondered for a few seconds before he answered. "Yes, sir. You heard him. Release her immediately." The soldiers were a bit confused, but followed the order.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> "Thank you very much." She looked relieved. "Nothing to thank for. You should better go now." She nodded and disappeared into the forest.

"Any orders, sir?" "That was all, we can now return to the castle." "Yes sir." Kai exhaled in relief. We gathered our troops and began to return.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> Even though I was not really popular within the Order, I did a good job and I insisted more than once that I had the command. Since I did nothing to seriously questioned my loyalty, I was generally allowed to do so.

But this was the first time that I had to actually enforce this authority. I was amazed and glad the commander had accepted this because I did not know what would have happened otherwise. The Order had trained their officers very well, which I had to admit.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> We made our way back. When we reached the castle, we were all exhausted by the events of the last days. It was time to relax. After dinner, Kai and I went to our rooms. We were both very tired.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> I wished him a good night and went inside. We had slightly more luxurious rooms with their own little bathroom. So I quickly brushed my teeth and took off my crystal. Then I felt something. I turned around.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> Suddenly she stood at the window. A succubus, as beautiful as I had never seen it before. The moonlight fell on her body, emphasizing her curves. Her clothes covered only the least, and at the same time they made me want what lay behind them. Her eyes were like an ocean in which you lose yourself. Like she stood before the window, she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my whole life.

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<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> With the rest of my clear mind, I realized that her demonic aura had already captivated me. I was about to lose myself in her beauty. Her beauty attracted me like a magnet, my heart raced. I tried to fight back, but her spell was too strong. A piercing pain. Something ... was ...

<p align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%"> The world around me blurred. It was getting dark.