User blog:Pollux83/Beyond Light and Darkness, Chapter 6 (reworked)

Chapter Overview

Here is the reworked version of Chapter 6 with minor changes and a new dialog at the end.

6 The Beginning of the End



When the news reached the barracks, nobody could believe it. It had been 4 weeks since the attack of the werewolves. Now we knew why so many Mamono have been spotted lately. They were used as a distraction, but no one was willing to accept the truth. It was just too surreal.



Lescatie, the second strongest nation on the continent, had fallen.This mighty empire was overwhelmed in a single night. An army of Mamono had overcome all lines of defense and turned the country into a demon realm. From one moment to another, the war between humans and Mamono was practically in front of our doorstep. Although Niskara was still far away from the nearest demon realm, the fact that Lescatie had fallen so quickly was disturbing. If such a great kingdom can fall, how should we be able to defend ourselves at all? 

Fear and unease began to spread, not only in our country. The propaganda of the Order tried to talk the extent of the disaster down by all means, but with limited success. The stories of the few survivors spread like wildfire and on this way the news reached gradually even the remotest village. After 3 months, even the last one knew what had happened.

I had to sit down. Countless thoughts rushed through my head. But one thing was clear to me. It was only a matter of time before the army of the Mamono would reach Niskara. And then … I did not know what, but I knew I had to do something. I had to do something to protect my family and friends. There had to be a way to stop corruption. The only question in my mind was henceforth: How?



In the next few weeks I read one book after another in the library. Some of the books were already ancient and undoubtedly on the index of the Order, why the library was also an insider tip among scholars. In addition, sometimes the trading Mamono brought special books. There had to be an answer in one of these books, I was convinced. I was so obsessed with this idea, Lara and Kai were worried. If they didn't had picked me up one time or another, I would have stayed in the library over night.



I began to doubt that there was no way, but whenever I looked sad, Lara looked at me with a smile. "Hey. Stop making such a sad face. And stop to load the worries of the whole world on your shoulders." How did she manage to brighten my mood again and again? My mood was instantly better and only by her gentle words. "Come home. It's late. You can search more tomorrow." In her words, I could hear her worries. I decided to take a break. A few weeks without the books, a few weeks together with Lara, a few weeks of rest.



For a moment I forgot the horror that lurked out there. Instead, I remembered the joys of life. I spent a lot of time with Lara. It could not be long now, then we would be three. And Kai was no longer alone too. He had actually met a woman in a neighboring village and met her regularly. I was happy for him. He had earned it.



I even reported back to the training in the barracks. In the light of the circumstances I had been given permission to research. But I should keep myself in readiness. Soldier:"Hey, here again?" Mareus: "Yes. I need a break from the books." Soldier: "You probably have not found an answer yet." Mareus: "Unfortunately not." Soldier: "It's not bad. The attempt alone counts." He claped on my shoulder. Soldier: "I wish I could help you somehow. With the whole shit lately we could use a miracle well." Mareus: "I will give my best." Soldier: "That should be enough. If someone manages it then you." Mareus: "Thank you."

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<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%">Soldier: "I still can not believe that Lescatie has fallen. It's like a nightmare." Mareus: "I have heard that the army of the Order is still fighting in the area." Soldier: "I've heard the same. The whole country must be a single battlefield." Mareus: "The Order will not abandon Lescatie without a fight. They will fight for every village. Even if they cannot win." Soldier: "You were in Tegras and worked with the Order. Is the Order really so fanatical?" Mareus: "I do not know. I was only trained there. I just know they hate most Mamono." Soldier: "Most?" Mareus: "For some reason they tolerate some Mamono. Weresheeps for example."

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 150%">He rolled his eyes. Soldier: "Understand one this order." Mareus: "The Order will not give up. That's for sure. I'm afraid the Mamono have no idea what they did." Soldier: "They have brought down one of the greatest nations of mankind." Mareus: "Yes, but the consequences. Have you ever played chess?" Soldier: "No. I'm more of card player." Mareus: "Then I'll tell you. In chess there are 2 armies. Ultimately, the right strategy decides on victory. But there are often battles for strategic positions on the field. Both parties lose many of their chessmen in the process. After that, one army has conquered the position, but the missing chessmen have opened many gaps." Soldier: "I think I understand what you want to say." Mareus: "The conquest of Lescatie was a great victory for the Mamono, but this victory could ultimately be worthless, because the entire field has changed. Nothing is more like it was before."