Realm Wars

Chapter 144: Althord 1

Ryu was mumbling to himself with a serious face and crossing arms as he waited for Seraphina to finish her bath. 

Head tipping back, the sky was turning dark blue, and it wouldn't be long before darkness would overtake the light. Couldn't say that he missed the dark since that was all he experienced in the first Islet.

Marcus would discuss their roles over dinner with them, and Ryu wished he and Seraphina would be put together. He knew that it was dangerous, but he wanted to search the exit. Maybe his back would guide him like in the first Islet.

Dinner in the camp was over a campfire. Some halfbreeds were already setting everything for the meal. They were just waiting for the scavenger's team to come back to bring in the meat.

Looking at the camp with an absent mind, Ryu spotted Marcus going into the shadows of trees. He was curious and wanted to follow him, but he didn't want to leave Seraphina alone either.

.. .

.. .

Eventually, his curiosity won. Seraphina's tent was near anyways, so he could come back to her within seconds. 

Hidden in tall trees was where Marcus was. He was kneeling on the biggest tree while he lay flowers on piles of stones.

"It's Theodore's. I made him a grave," said Marcus, not looking at Ryu. He knew from the silent and careful sound of Ryu's footstep that it was the halfbreed. There was a certain distinct sound about him when he walked, and the earth vibrated in silent submission to his presence, and Marcus knew that Ryu wasn't just an ordinary halfbreed.

".. ." Ryu didn't say anything. Marcus was like a boulder, unshakable and dependable. But right now, he looked defeated with a hunched back and slumped shoulders.

"You know. .. Theodore was always scared and cried at little things. But he is the bravest and kindest kid I know. .. ," Marcus croaked, ".. . He is just barely twenty. .. he still had limitless future and I. . ."

Marcus sighed. "I can only imagine what Jane must be feeling right now."

".. ."

Marcus stood to his feet and took in a large intake of air. "Do you think Jane. .. Will she make it out from the first Islet?"

".. ." Ryu opened his mouth but closed it again. He should tell him that he didn't know, and he wasn't sure since the Leviathan was too powerful for a mere mortal. He shouldn't give him false hope.

But right now, Ryu thought that it was that tiny hope that would keep Marcus from continuing. "Jane is a wind mage. And if anyone could slip past a sleeping Leviathan, it's her." 

".. ." Marcus faced Ryu with a small smile and red eyes. He then squeezed Ryu's shoulder. "Thanks."

Ryu opened his mouth to say something but was stopped when he heard a commotion in the camp. 

Seraphina! Without waiting for Marcus, Ryu bolted into her tent just in time that he found a human who was arguing with Echbert in front of Seraphina's hut.

"I just want to see that water mage. Get out of my way," the man said. His brown hair was divided in the center, and his moss eyes were the deepest shades of green. He would be considered handsome if not for the air of arrogance shrouding him.

Echbert raised his paws, blocking the entrance of the tent when the man attempted to enter. "I-I told you. Miss Seraphina is currently busy at the moment. Please wait in time for dinner when Sir Marcus is going to introduce her to everyone." 

"Why can't I see her now? I'm second in command!"

"What's going on?" Ryu asked and went in front of Seraphina's tent. It's not even five minutes that he left, and yet someone was already causing trouble?

Echbert released a big breath of relief, and his face brightened at Ryu's arrival. "Ryu, this is Althord, in charge of the scavenging team. He wanted to meet lady Seraphina but. . ."

Ryu didn't let Echbert finish as he said, "Seraphina is busy."

"Are you his servant?" Althord questioned, gazing at Ryu up and down.

Ryu felt that Althord didn't put him in his eyes. It was not because he was a slave or a halfbreed. The man was just simply arrogant and rude. 

"No, he is my friend."

Every eye focused on the woman that came out of the tent, freshly bath and captivating. 

"And what matters do you want with me?" Seraphina asked, and Ryu never saw her face so serious without her usual smile.

Althord was dumbstruck, for he didn't expect that the water mage to be so striking that it stole his breath away. A water mage and a beauty all in one. When was the last time he fucked one? He couldn't remember because all the beauties went towards the Right or North Oasis.

If he could have Seraphina by his side, then his time in the Left Oasis wouldn't be too dull. He could even take her as his woman with the promise of food and protection, and he was confident that she wouldn't refuse because of their situation. He was second only in terms of power from Marcus, and everyone wanted to cling to a power that would lead them to safety and security.

Ryu could somehow read Althord's thoughts. He didn't even bother to hide his desires at all. His confidence and arrogance baffled him since the man didn't look strong to back his attitude.

"I just wanted to meet you and take a good look at our new recruits," Althord said with a grin. "My name is Althord, by the way."

"I am Seraphina. Now that you've taken a good look at us. Is there something more that you want?"

Althord caught his tongue, and his face went red when Seraphina brushed him off. Contrary to his expectations, Seraphina was not fawning over him. He had the looks and the power. Maybe she didn't know who he was?

Echbert peeked at Althord and restrained a laugh. Lady Seraphina surely knows how to embarrass someone. 

Althord coughed between his fists as he regained his bearing. "I am second in command in this camp, in case you haven't know. So if anything troubles you, just come to me. I have plenty of food, and my group is usually in charge of hunting beasts outside of the protective barrier."