Kuroinu Souls

Chapter 4

"What. You're joking right?"

"I am afraid not Sir Knight, you've seen yourself how low they would sink in order to "claim" us. As if we were sexual objects, Vult's intending to make his...Cuntry, a reality."

The Ashen One was at the front of the group with Olga and Chloe next to him, with the civilians behind them and those able to fight forming a circle around them. After reuniting with Olga's people, they rested for a few hours and then set out immediately, not wasting anymore time in case they would be followed, thankfully it seems that they wouldn't risk facing Vult's men in the near future, at most they have been hunting whatever animals try to attack them, securing food at least.

Where were they headed to now? The Ashen One couldn't know, still new to this land, he would need all the information he could gather.

That night, they found an area where they could rest, after all there were civilians with them, elderly, women and children, although if you ask the Ashen One, the elders don't look that much different from the "younger" elves. Seems they can maintain their youthful appearance without aging for prolonged time, at least this doesn't corrupt them, if what the Ashen One sensed in them was correct, their souls aren't tainted even if they have lived for a long time.

After setting a campfire, the people formed a circle around it, seeking warmth for the cold night.

"(Even now people still seek the warmth of fire. Some things don't change at all.)" The Ashen One sat near Olga and Chloe, who seemed to be discussing something. When he satnear them they stopped talking and turned their attention to him.

"So where are we heading to? We can't just wander aimlessly hoping to avoid confrontation with Vult."

"That is correct Sir Knight, although i wouldn't have any specific idea on how to deal with him." 

"If i had the opportunity i would just cut that bastard's heado off for harming Lady Olgaand our people!"

"I know that.....Chloe right? But..." Whatever the Ashen One was going to say was cut off by Chloe, she didn't seem pleased.

"Don't speak so casually with me human! Who gave you permission to talk to me by name!" "Chloe, that's enough! If it weren't for this Knight who knows what would have become of us!""..But Lady Olga.." At this Olga hugged Chloe and whispered so she could only hear her. "Chloe i understand how you feel regarding humans, i was the one who rescued you from them after all, but you have to understand, not every human is as bad as those pigs...and even if this knight appears human, can he really be considered one? He was the being that sealed in the shrine, he could easily wipe us all out. So please at least give him an opportunity." 

At this Chloe reluctantly nodded. Hearing what she hoped for she let go of Chloe and turned to address the Ashen One.

"I apologize Sir Knight, Chloe doesn't really like humans as you can see."

"(...Can i even be considered human anymore...i was one before being cursed...but now...after all i've been through...?)No it's okay. So returning to the previous topic. I imagine there are other kingdoms who you could ask for help." Heareing Olga made a guilty expression as she watched the flames dance the bonfire.

"I find it difficult they would hear me out Sir Knight, as i....have waged war against them and all the other rulers have formed an alliance against me.."

At that the Ashen One really slowly started reaching for the handle of his sword. The women in front of him didn't took notice. "...Oh? And why would that be?"

"My domain is not only home to my people, monsters tend to inhabit the area, and like to go to other domains to kill, pillage and rape the women. Sadly it is something out of my control. What's more, dark elves are treated discriminately in other places, as Chloe can attest to that."

"(Racial discrimination and misundertandings....? I can't take action with just that. I need more information before i make a decision.) Even so, we will have to try, I don't think the other rulers would like to be subject of Vult's twisted ideas of a Sex Empire." 

At this the Ashen One put back the sword in its sheath, at this both Olga and Chloe shot an alarmed look at the Ashen One, with one thought in mind.

"(When did he took out his sword!?)"

"So which is the closest ruler to your domain?" "That would be....Alicia Arcturus and Prim Fiore, cousins that rule the respective domains of Feoh and Ur."

The Ashen One pondered for a minute...he was sure that he could take on Vult and his men, he's faced countless demons and entities in his travels. But he just robbed these people of their home, he was sure they wanted revenge, and he was pretty sure that Vult wouldn't just stop at this domain, he would take a shot at the other rulers in order to achieve his goals. He could help these elves in order to stop Vult, but they would need the help of the other rulers.

"Ok, in that case our fist stop would be those domains in order to convince Arcturus and Fiore of the threat that represents Vult and his men to the region, sounds good?"

"Hopefully they will listen to me, that's our only chance Sir Knight of...oh the bonfire."

At this the Ashen One took notice that the bonfire started diminishing in strength until it finally extinguished, and soon a cold wind blew, making the elders and especially the children shiver. Seeing this the Ashen One stood up and got next to bonfire, he took the Coiled longsword, focused his power into the sword and placed it into the bonfire, immediately the fire strenghtened more than ever, making the elves react with gasps of surprise.

"It's better that you and your people rest Olga....we have a long road ahead of us." Having said that the Ashen One returned to his spot and sat again."I'll watch over you so get some rest."

Finally the exhaustion catching up to them the elves decided to rest. All with the same thought in their heads as sleep took hold of them.

("...To think bonfires were capable of giving such a sensation of comfort and warmth...")