User blog:JeielYozama/The House of Gaunts-- A Burnt-Down Memory

''Here it is. The very last. The end of the trilogy, and what not. Sorry, though, if the updates will come in bits and pieces. I hope you guys will stick to the very end. Here, you will find something about Eri. Something she wanted to bury. Something Jared needs to know, to end it all.''

''You guys ready? Let's start..''







The town of Aiam burned asunder.

It was a soliloquy of fear unlike anything I’ve seen before. Ash and ember danced in the twilight breeze. Cries of both anger and torment ripped through the silence of the night. Knees buckling, I watched, as a scene straight from the bowels of a horrific nightmare burned itself into my memory.

My house, in cinders.

People, fleeing miserably for their lives.

And a Kobold on the hunt for blood.



I watched, like a miserable, ragged dog clamoring for its master. Eri Cayna, the Kobold, emerged from the smoldering conflagration, her former self all but gone. The Eri heading my way was something entirely different. Her jet-black fur, streaked in midnight blue, glistened by the fire. Her teeth were that of a demon’s. Her claws, curved on each end, sent shivers down my spine.

And her eyes… weren’t meringue, as the day we met.

It was an iridescent, ashen blue.



“E…E… Eri…”

<p class="MsoNormal">In an instant, Eri hacked through a young man’s leather mail and sank her claws on his shoulder. Blood spurted out, and he keeled over the sudden, excruciating pain, screaming. Another man had his imposing hair-do shaven clean off (He was lucky he wasn’t scalped). He ran for his life, calling for his mother. A third had his back torn open. A fourth, his leg bitten and left to bleed.

<p class="MsoNormal">My bloodied hands traced across the ground. Dug into the earth. This is all wrong. This isn’t Eri.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was furious. Not at her, but at myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">''What am I.. doing?! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''I have to do something. Anything! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">''You’re a moron, Jared… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''For crying out loud… YOU’RE HER FAMILY! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“ERI!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri stared into the gloom, barren of emotion. Her hand flicked, yet he didn’t budge.

<p class="MsoNormal">No response!?

<p class="MsoNormal">SH*t. To think that her hearing is unbelievably sharp. Now she won’t listen to a word I say?

<p class="MsoNormal">That reaaally ticks me off.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without a moment’s pause, I straightened up, and in my best commando voice, shouted:

<p class="MsoNormal">“ERI CAYNA, I COMMAND YOU TO HEEL!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Ears twitching at the sudden calling of her name, Eri jolted and turned to my direction. Her wolfish pupils narrowed, as if she were trying to recognize who I was. She made a sudden leap and lunged. Her claws flashed like carving knives as she sped towards me.

<p class="MsoNormal">SH*t SH*t SH*T!!

<p class="MsoNormal">In haste, I prepared to duck, but then another flash caught my eye. There was a resounding clash of metal grinding against metal, and yellow sparks flew against the wind, stinging my eyes shut for but a second. I went numb. Standing toe-to-toe with Eri, his hands gripping on the handle of a curved talwar, was Pa, donning clothes that looked like what he wore back when he was still a kingdom champion.

<p class="MsoNormal">“P-P-PA!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Stand back, JARED!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa swung his weapon, and Eri flew back from the force of the attack, shaken yet still standing. Her eyes transfixed on him, and she uttered a low, guttural snarl.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Pa, are you really going to-

<p class="MsoNormal">“I said, stand BACK!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I did as he ordered. Looking at the talwar, I never thought he’d use it for another thing besides chopping firewood.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a leap, the two charged at each other. Eri struck fast. Pa struck even faster. They were going at each other at such speed, all I could see were streaks of black and white exchanging blows. Blood flung off Pa’s shoulder and Eri’s left flank, staining the grass.

<p class="MsoNormal">Pa took a step back and aimed the talwar at her. A bright blue haze erupted from its tip.

<p class="MsoNormal">“AMON DEI GLEIPNIR!”

<p class="MsoNormal">An offensive SPELL? That could KILL HER!

<p class="MsoNormal">“PA, STOP!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Streaks of light surged from the haze. No.. they weren’t just mere streaks. They were chains.

<p class="MsoNormal">The chains hit their mark, fastening themselves through Eri’s arms and legs. Pa yanked the sword, and Eri dropped to her knees immobilized. She snarled and howled trying to free herself from her prison, but to no avail.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sighed in relief. I thought Father was about to do her in. Or was he?

<p class="MsoNormal">Father’s expression darkened. “You know very well what the chains of Gleipnir can do, bitch.” He said confidently. “Nothing can break free from it, not unless it is countered by the magic of Loki’s ilk.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">Looking at him, I wondered: Is he—talking to Eri?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">Turns out he wasn’t.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">“Give me one good reason why I should not slay you, DEMON.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">A black cloud of energy swirled violently around Eri. She began to speak, and I immediately knew it wasn’t hers. It was of another woman’s, deep, ancient and malevolent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">''Mist Rein, you are well aware why I have been released, are you not? It is completely out of her own volition, and since her fury is in control, I am no longer able to manage her actions. I am merely here to fulfill her desire. Therefore, I am not going against what I have been made for. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt;tab-stops:232.75pt">“All your pointless dabble is making me sick!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt;tab-stops:232.75pt">I gazed at Eri, then at Father. What the heck is going on here?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt;tab-stops:232.75pt">''Sadly, you are too late, Mist Rein. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">A black magic circle popped from under her feet and sent us flying. The chains that bound her in place shattered like glass. She crouched on all fours with a growl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">''She seeks redemption, and redemption she will obtain. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">Eri made a massive jump towards the forest and was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">It took me but a second before I realized what just happened. I rushed to Father, ignoring the body pain that seared me like I was on fire. He was standing there, hands a-trembling on his prized blade.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">"PA!! SHE'S GETTING AWAY! PAH!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">Father's solemn face hardened. " I.. know, Jared. I know."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">"PA! WHAT IS GOING ON? Tell me something, Pa! PLEASE!"

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">He looked at me, and I knew he was far from okay now. It was as if he was struck deep within by an arrow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">"Jared. You.. need to know the whole story."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">"Of WHAT?!" I screamed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">"I'm sorry.. for what I'm about to do."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">My instincts told me this was not going to end well. Two of his fingers struck right through my forehead, and before I could respond, he pulled it out. It wasn't blood that spilled out. Rather, it was wisps of dull grey that went inside the hole he made. My consciousness faded into black, and I fainted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">And then... there was infinite darkness. I was awake, and I couldn't see a thing at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:5.25pt">

* * *

I blinked. No matter how much I did, there was nothing but darkness, sending deathly chills up my spine. What am I doing here? I thought. Pa casted a spell. I’m sure of it. But this isn’t some kind of dandy parlor trick. He was trying to make me understand something. Problem is, I have to find out.

And not a second too soon, light filled the landscape, and everything burst into color. Shapes, then figures and features came together, like bits and pieces of a puzzle. Finally, I saw where I was.

It was a dimly lighted room, where several individuals were seated in a semi-circular formation. The place, which I assumed was probably a beat-down shack or a hovel, creaked against the howling wind, yet the people didn’t seem to mind. Rather, they were fixated at my direction.

To be precise, they were fixated at ME.

On my left, a few meters away, sat Uncle Septius, wearing an assortment of brass-tinted armor plates and a mangled cowboy hat. He was Pa’s wingman back when he was an adventurer before ending up as my ‘godfather’. Last I remembered seeing him; he was headed to Polove to meet an old friend, his face brimming with delight at the thought of travel even in his 40s. Odd enough, the uncle I was seeing was 10 years younger. And I couldn’t say it wasn’t him, because all his distinct features were in that person: ginger-colored hair, a streak-like scar on his cheek (which he attested was from a Werewolf attack), and ears so pointed, he could be mistaken for an Elf. His battle gear, a pair of projectile-firing weapons called pistols, was strapped in an X- pattern behind his back. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me and munched noisily on a carrot.

On the centerfold, hands tapping furiously against the ends of his folded arms, was a man I haven’t met before. He wore a plate mail I recognized was patterned with the symbol of the Order. He had wild, tousled hair and was three times the size of Pa, plus one. A huge blade with irregular edges stuck out of his back, making me wonder if he was carrying an actual sword or just a piece of chipped-away metal he was going to sell for scrap. A sneer was plastered grimly on his face. I could swear there was a yellowish glint in the inside of his wrinkled mouth.

Lastly, fidgeting to my right was no other than my mother. She was in her old laboratory robe, a sleek white gown garnered with dozens of buttons and note-crammed pockets. Her ruddy, black hair stuck out on all sides like she just came out of a major scientific failure. She was biting her lip as she sat on a swivel chair, and just like my uncle, she seemed to have aged 10 years younger. She was wearing a pair of horn-rimmed glasses the size of acorns.

Hmm.. Ma and Uncle are here… but where’s Father?

I was in the middle of pondering when the man in the middle started to speak, his tone exasperated. “Ronald. I’m tired of hearing excuses. TALK.”

.. HUH? Ronald? I’m not Ronald. I’m Jared. HELLO?!

To my surprise, I replied, “Not until you swear you will not harm her, Caballan.”

In shock, I looked at my hands and realized I was staring at Father’s.

“I won’t, Ronald. That is why I am here.”

“We und’rstand what’s up, Ron, but we can’t help ye if ye ain’t makin’ a statement.” Uncle quipped, wolfing down another carrot with a crunching noise.

“Can you please close your mouth, Septius? It’s really disturbing.” Mother called in her best reprimanding tone.

“Ma bad, Selene. Ah forgot.”

“And mind your manners. This is an important discussion and you’re cussing on a carrot.”

“Ooh. Cussin’ on a carrot. You should write tha’ down.”

“I am not a poet, Septius, and I swear, I shall bitch-slap you if you aren’t shutting up.”

“You are? Well, show me whatcha’ got, bookworm.”

“Bestio-phile.”

“Wire-brain.”

“Knock it off you two, you’re making my eardrums bleed.” The man named Caballan snapped angrily and gave them a serious glare. “Do I have to use Bivalve to cut this conversation in half?”

Uncle and Ma immediately looked away and stared at the walls, mumbling incoherent words. Funny. They talk like a comedic duo.

I suddenly realized I wasn’t in any make-believe scene. This is an actual memory. A scene that happened to my father many years ago, still vivid within his mind.

Cinema Cerebra. A spell that allows the private viewing of one’s cherished memories. I remember reading that on a grimoire Father used to hide, and I’m guessing that’s what he used on me. Unbelievable.

Caballan continued. He was more mellow this time. “Ronald, I may be a Paladin of the Order, but I am still your friend. All of us are. Both you and Leila are in danger, and unless we know what is truly going on, the Order itself will make its move, and we won’t have the power to stop it.”

“I myself should’ve seen it.” Ma said gritting her teeth. “Those analysts came in in the middle of my work and invited me to Polove, stating that they’ve made a major breakthrough in Mamono studies. I never knew the minute I entered the laboratory, it was nothing near Mamono-friendly. They were caging them like animals and fusing them together into horrible hybrids, and all they made me do was stand and watch the controls.

Ma shook her head, making her hair waggle. “Leila was especially the worst off. A rare Wolfhound Kobold. Out of all the Mamonos held captive, she was the only one who wasn’t from outside the human settlements. She was sold out by her master for 30 pieces of silver. A gentle, loving Kobold, FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER. Can YOU BELIEVE THAT?” The men in the room fell silent.

“The first time I saw her, she was shivering and bewildered in her little cage, chained from head to toe. I wanted to pull her out of there. No matter how much I pleaded, they would not allow me. They said she was too important to be disposed. I could not stay my hand any longer. I had to pull in Ronald.”

“How com ya didn’t ask fo ma help?” Uncle made a twisted face.

“I asked for a hero, not a sad excuse for a gunslinger.”

“Ya pickin’ a fight, gurlie?!!”

“Either you two put a lid on it, or I will use Bivalve, mark my words.” Caballan motioned to pull out his blade. Sure enough, Uncle Septius curled back into his seat, and Ma to hers.

“Leila’s in this mess because of me, Caballan, Selene, Septius.” Pa’s balled fists hardened. “Selene knew the consequences and she called me to infiltrate. I rescued every Mamono in the lab, and we took Leila with us. She was starving, she was weak, but we both helped her recuperate. Within days, her fear of people gradually withered. We were even happier when she started calling me her ‘Master’. “One thing led to another, and I fell for her. She was sweet and caring, and she deserved to be happy, and….” “That happened.” Ma’s face contorted at the mentioning of those words. “That happened, Ronald.”

Pa nodded.

“Oh, cam’on, Ron, the damage is ol’ but don.” Uncle grunted heavily. “The minute they saw a sliver of ye hea in LaSteria, those confounded scientists from who-they-whatsit-called came a-lookin’ for ye and Leila, and fo’ a good reason.”

“Those idiots,” said Caballan with a mutter, “believe Leila is the perfect candidates for their new experiment. They want to use her as a biological weapon. The first, artificially-controllable Mamono.“

“Almost, but not exactly.” Ma wiped the foggy screen off her glasses and wore them back on. “That was merely Phase 1. There’s another section in their plan, but I have forgotten what and where those files are. I only wish we find out before they act and find out about…” A faint creak suddenly broke the tension of the room. “Ronald?” came a small, endearing voice. A door behind Pa swung open. A petite young Mamono stepped into the room, an air of worry matching her and the weather. Cold air bristled through her seemingly see-through lingerie, and dandelion-colored fur on her arms and legs dancing along as they stood on end told me she was a Kobold. The golden tinge in her long, flowing hair was familiar. Deadly familiar. “How are you feeling, Leila?” “I…. can’t sleep.” “Sorry. We might’ve been keeping you awake. You and the baby.” Ma said apologetically. “It’s alright… I’m quite fine, Selene, ma’am.” Leila did a curtsy at the professor. She turned to Uncle. “Mr. Septius, sorry but I saw your underwear on the drawers again. I believe you forgot to put them up after they were done being dried this morning.”

“SEPTIUS, what on earth?! “ Ma looked at him in disgust. Septius went red in the ears.

“WhUT?! It’s justu habit! Givita rest!”

“That’s the last time I let you wash your nethers.”

“Can it, Selene!”

“Sicko.”

“A, geez, just side me fo’ once, wilya Caballan?!”

Pa yanked Uncle back to his seat. “Simmer down, DragonSeed. We aren’t hitting in on you. That’s Selene.”

“HEY!”

Ma poured steaming liquid into a Zipangu clay bowl. “Have some tea, dear. Your husband’s acting like a croak.”

“Yes, please.” Leila giggled at the joke.

“Now you’re just being mean, woman.”

Leila gulped down her drink and gave Pa a hard long look. “I’m sorry if I interrupted, really. It’s just that I can’t help but overhear your conversation. My hearing is just really sharp to begin with.”

“Of course, Leila.” Ma patted her on the head, which made her curl and wag her tail. “You were going to tell her, weren’t you Ronald?”

Ma and Pa locked stares. He bit his lip.

“Yes. I was.” “About what?” Leila’s ears pricked as soon as he finished his sentence.

“We’re going to my home, Leila. To Aiam. Away from the capital.” Pa took Leila’s hand and kissed it. “There, we will be safe. There, our baby can grow. “

“Are you sure of this, Ronald?” Caballan interrupted, causing Ma to whack him hard on the head. Septius hushed him and made signs not to say another word. “Promise?”

“Pinky swear. For you…"

And Pa kneeled as he placed his head on Leila’s slightly bulging stomach. “..And our dear little Eri.”

* * * I wanted to scream. But nothing came out of my throat.

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