Astella Village

Under the orders of the Pope, Maxwell leads a squadron of fifty Templars to a village. At the head of the formation is Lucas Granz, a young and promising Templar. His personality was perhaps unbefitting for a Templar, but his experience and knowledge in warfare, the Pope held in high-regards.

Astella Village was exposed for housing thieves. Thieves who were stupid enough to try their hands at the pockets of a Templar. The location and names of such men were exposed when one thief grew too greedy.

The formation had set up camp before the very entrance of Astella village, a deliberate show of force. A small team of Templars had positioned themselves behind the village. Whilst all eyes were on the front, the back caught any who tried to escape. After the preparations were complete, both sides engaged. Successfully slaughtering all who opposed the Templars.

The surviving members of the thieves were gathered towards the village front where Maxwell and the Templars waited. Lucas accompanied by Bryce a fellow Templar scoured the remnants of the den. It was a mess, kitchen-ware, shelves, tables and the likes were scattered. With Lucas’s blessing, he finds an underground bunker filled with provisions and weapons. As Lucas ventured in, he met one of the thieves. The tattoo on his neck giving his identity away. Weapons drawn, Lucas took another step forward ready to pounce. But it was then in the corner of his eye he saw the little girl hiding behind the table. He took one last glance towards the man before leaving.

“Sir, did you find anything?” Bryce inquired.

“No, there wasn’t anything of interest. Have everyone gather by the front. It’s time to report back to Maxwell.”

“Yes sir.”

An impatient Maxwell stood in the open. “Lucas is this all of them?”

“Yes sir. These are the only ones to survive.”

“Good job.” Maxwell stood dominantly. He revelled in the ecstasy of power for those he commanded, the templar knights.

Lucas stood in formation with the other templar knights. They watched as their superior questioned the men they had captured. One by one he questioned them. He leaned forward arrogantly invading their comfort-zones, testing their nerves. The entirety of the village watched helplessly from afar as one by one, they were executed.

“Lucas, sir. Do you think they’ll try anything?” Bryce, a young and promising templar asks.

“Stay focused. The moment they overcome my blessing, I’ll let you know.” Lucas’s ability to instil fear unto others, thus paralyzing them unable to react. Bryce’s power is similar in effect, but only when one confronts him. Such are the abilities in which the Templars have.

Maxwell was upon the last.

“Any last words vermin?” He asked kindly, with a crooked grin.

“Yeah I do. Fuck you and your God.” Maxwell’s grin stretched into a smile, baring his fangs. He cleaned his dagger on the man’s torso.

“This dagger was given to me personally by the Pope. A beautiful blade, wouldn’t you agree? A real shame that it’s going to be used on the likes of you.”

“Enough chit-chat. Get it over and done with you prick.”

“Oh, you don’t fear death?” An ounce of annoyance creased across Maxwell’s brow.

“I’ll be waiting for you in Hell.”

“Very well. On the count of three, shall we?” The man braced himself, breathing heavily. After the count of one, the man’s throat was slit open. Relentless.

The day had ended. The village far behind them.

“Lucas, give me your ear.”

“Yes sir.”

“My agents have reported back from the south. A witch with the ability to control monsters and beasts runs rampant within Rockwell’s forest.”

“I’ll depart at once. How many Templars may I take with me?”

“None, I need them to protect me. My safety is of the highest priority.”

“Yes sir.”

“Leave at once Lucas. I expect you to return with good news. Be it the death of the witch or the success of capture.” Lucas nodded, then pulled on his reins, slowing the mount down to match his subordinates pace.

“Lucas, sir. Are we finally returning home? asked Bryce.

“Yeah, you lot will be going home. I’ll be heading to Rockwell. Bryce, in my absence, protect Maxwell with your life. Am I clear?”

“Yes sir. I won’t let you down.” Lucas restocked on provisions before leaving formation.