It was nice journeying with someone, even though I was carrying Livia’s brother on my back. The young man’s face was buried into my shoulder, he was too exhausted to walk or speak but he was alive that was what counted. As we walked Livia told me of her home called Mastigo, it was a small town, most would consider it a village. But they were one of the many suppliers of food to the Greywater Fastness. Since the grand industrial city ground down most of it’s surrounding plant life they turned to the towns and villages to get the food they needed.
     But I noticed as she spoke of her home there was a slight weariness in her voice, I could tell she was holding something back. ‘You’re home is in trouble isn’t it?’ 
     The young woman blinked in surprise, she slowly nodded. Yes….Bandits steal our grain, so we can’t meet the Greywater Fastness requests. At the same time we are struggling to feed ourselves. Many within the militia go out and hunt so we could eat but it’s dangerous, especially at night.’
      ‘I see, so I assume your brother is part of the militia?’ 
      ‘Indeed he is Sir Vindex.’   
      ‘But that doesn’t explain why you were with him. Going by your simple garments you aren’t a fighter.’ 
       Livia dipped her head slightly. ‘I was worried…’ 
     ‘Even though I consider your course of action foolish you should be commended Lady Livia. Most would not brave the roads at night.’
      I decided to add the honorific to her name, she deserved it. As I called her lady her head came up again, she gave me a weak smile. ‘Adam will reprimand me just like you did.’
     ‘Well that means he cares for you deeply.’
     Her smile grew slightly wider, the mortal realms were harsh and many lose their families to famine or worse. Perhaps my words will make her consider her actions before she does something rash. I have seen too many young men and women throw their lives away. I was somewhat tired of seeing it. 
     We then continued the rest of the journey to Mastigo in silence it was only as we reached the outskirts I decided to speak up again. ‘So this is it?’ 
     Livia nodded ‘this is it.’
     I narrowed my eyes and used my be blessed sight to take in all before more me. The farmsteads were small but I could tell they would yield a decent harvest but what took me by surprise was the fact Mastigo had wooden walls. It was made out of stakes and it was shoddily built, most rural settlements lacked such things which made them an easy target for bandits.
     ‘I’m impressed that you have wooden walls.’ I said out loud. 
     ‘That’s what everyone says.’ Livia voiced. 
     ‘Really?’     
     ‘Well...When the Greywater Fastness normally come to trade they comment on the walls and then mock them, they say if we pay them they could improve them but we don’t have the money. I recall one time when we gathered the funds the traders took it and never returned.’
      Hearing her say such a thing made me bristle with anger, I suspected the traders looked down upon the rural townspeople. These days chivalry was dead, it was a lost concept to the noblemen and women of Ayzr. They expand relentlessly and exploit the natives who suffered under chaos. It was a common practice, one I hoped to correct one day if I complete my holy mission. Thinking of my quest I asked Livia a question. ‘Do you mind if I ask around your village for information? I assume the patrols should be out at night?’ 
      ‘I don’t see why not.’ Livia answered. ‘After what you did for me and Adam I’m sure everyone will be eager to help you Sir Vindex. Actually, I think the militia will be eager to speak to a knight.’ 
      I became flushed with embarrassment as she mentioned how the militia will be impressed with my status. I personally didn’t think much it and I didn’t like others treating me different because of it. Ushoran said he found my mindset on my status fascinating but I didn’t think much of his compliment. Helping those in need was like breathing to me, such things should be expected of all knights. 
       As I dwelled upon my duty I started to became annoyed, this age of turbulence and chaos was a detriment to everyone. Soon as I found Ushoran I will recommend that we should launch a crusade to convert the mortal realms to the worship of the Golden God. With that thought in mind I smiled at Livia. ‘How about we head to the town? We’re almost there.’ 
       Livia nodded, we walked past the farmsteads and as we passed them I spotted lamps at windows but the illumination from the light clearly displayed the damage covering the storehouses. It was evident to me that Mastigo has been raided constantly. I ground my teeth seeing such a sight, my blood boiled with anger, but I kept it in. Perhaps when I leave Mastigo I will go hunting? Beasts needed to be put down. 
       ‘Are you alright?’ Livia asked.
       ‘I’m fine.’ My response had a slight edge of my anger, it was hard to contain but Livia didn’t notice it.    
        When we got to the walls, Livia called out and after a few seconds, someone popped out from behind the walls. A man holding a rusted spear smiled at the sight of the young lady but as his eyes shifted to me his face twisted into horror. He started mouthing words, he trembled with fear but that lasted for a few seconds. The young warrior’s terror shifted to a sarcastic smile. ‘Who’s this then?’ the militiaman's gaze drifted back to Livia as he asked the question. 
      ‘Open the gate Edric!’ Livia shouted.  
      Edric’s armour was a mess, it hanged loosely over his tunic and his short brown hair was unkempt. The militiaman picked his nose and flicked the debris away. ‘I don’t know who that one is. The one in the robe. Plus Adam is injured. This...man could be a bandit.’ 
      As he called me a bandit the young lady’s face turned red with anger. ‘He is not a bandit! He saved me and Adam from them!’ 
      Edric frowned. ‘Look, I did you a favour letting you out but for all I know he could have threatened you and injured Adam, Catch my drift? If you wait until Hysh shines over us then perhaps I might let you in?’
      ‘I’m not a bandit.’ I said to Edric. 
      When I spoke to the gate guard his attention returned to me, he was smiling and trembling at the same time which was strange. ‘N-Now, I-’
      ‘I am a knight of the Geldarai Kingdom, my name is Sir Vindex von Pax. Please let me and Lady Livia into the town. We are weary after treaking a great distance and Adam needs a good bed to rest in.’ 
      Edric started to blink rapidly, he was stammering. ‘O-Okay I will let you in, give me a m-moment.’ 
       The guard dipped back behind the wall, I picked up the sound of boots and then the sound of a ladder grinding on wood. There was whispers, but after a minute the locks on the door were undone. Two men opened the gates wide, as they looked at me their eyes widened but they relaxed after a moment. 
       In the middle of the entrance stood Edric he gestured into the town. ‘Well come in then!’
       Livia furrowed her brow, she looked up to me. ‘How did you do that? Edric is pretty stubborn. I thought we would’ve ended up sleeping outside the gates.’
      I shrugged. ‘My king always said I had a way with words.’ 
     The young lady was still confused but she didn’t press further in her questioning. We entered the town and as we passed the gates Edric’s men closed them behind us. The gate guard stroked his chin and bore his eyes into me.
     I frowned at him. ‘Is there something on my face?’ 
     Edric grunted. ‘It’s...nothing. So you are aware I’m putting my neck on the line letting you in like this right?’
     Livia rolled her eyes. ‘No one cares Edric, there isn’t even a captain for the militia!’ 
    The guard frowned heavily, the young lady’s words must have wounded the militiaman greatly but I could see he took his job guarding the gate seriously. I didn’t begrudge him at all. I smiled at Edric. ‘Now that we are face to face can I ask you to give Adam a good bed? He was actually attacked by bandits.’ 
     Edric sighed ‘told the fool it was too dangerous at night…’ he gestured to the two men that opened the gates. ‘Take him to the Inn, the bed is on me.’ 
    When the two men approached me I handed off the young man to them, Livia still seemed worried as they took her brother away. ‘Don’t you want to go with them?’ I asked. 
    Livia shook her head. ‘He’ll be fine I just...want to help you Sir Vindix. You mentioned that you are looking for your king yes?’ 
    ‘I did, bu-’ 
    ‘So you’re really a knight then?’ Edric interrupted.
    Livia glowered at the unkempt young man. ‘Don’t be rude!’ 
    Edric shrugged ‘this one seems pretty nice to me.’ 
    The question from Edric made me chuckle. ‘Indeed I am, don’t worry I’m not like the knights from the grand cities. But to go back to your question Livia I recall that you said I could question the militiamen for information?’
     Livia shook her head. ‘Now that I've seen this one again I doubt they will be able to give you any useful information. I think you should talk to Graham. He’s our town priest. Before he came here he was travelling priest who offered succor to those all over the realms. Since you are looking for your missing king he might know something.’
     ‘A king!?’ Edric’s eyes were consumed with excitement. ‘L-Let me lead the way. Please!’
     I gave Livia a look, she sighed in return. I then smiled at the militiaman. ‘Lead the way then.’
     Edric then lead me along with Livia through the town, we passed by wooden houses that seemed to be falling apart. I could pick up the murmur of prayers from open windows and sobbing. All around me I could hear the absence of hope, the beginning of despair. I had a feeling it was more than bandits which was troubling Mastigo.
     The gate guard then stopped before a church, it was better maintained than the wooden houses but I could tell it’s seen better days. I picked up the sounds of singing from within, but what was capturing my attention was the black miasma surrounding the church. I sniffed the air, that was when I picked up the scent of corruption. I drew my blade which caused Edric to jump. ‘W-What are you doing!?’ 
    ‘Corruption!’ I spat. 
    ‘W-Where?’ Edric was looking around frantically. 
     Livia frowned. ‘What’s the matter Sir Vindix?’
    ‘Livia, I think your priest is a heretic. He bows to dark powers.’
    The young lady became confused, she grasped her head as if she was in pain. ‘B-But, Graham is a priest of Sigmar, he helped us when...when…’ 
    ‘Keep behind me young lady, Edric get your spear ready.’
    To my surprise, Edric turned serious. He gripped his rusted spear with both hands. ‘Aye, I don’t want to believe Graham is a heretic I think it’s best we question him first.’
    I didn’t think it would come to that, it was better not to take the risk I was fully committed to slaying the minion of darkness. I approached the Church with Edric, Livia still seemed to be in pain as she followed behind me. When I arrived at the door I kicked it open and strode into the corrupted church. Inside there were seated men and women in the middle of singing a hymn. The priest who wore a white robe and had greying stood in front of an altar. My loud entry caused a wave of silence to sweep through the foul church, eyes became focused upon me. 
     There was confusion amongst the evening service. Many of the townspeople narrowed their eyes at me, wondering who was disrupting a supposed holy gathering. Just for a moment their confusion shifted to horror but like Edric it drifted away. I examined my surroundings, the walls of the church were covered in strips of flesh which were nailed to the walls. The words lining the flesh was written in blood as well. The townspeople were oblivious to the horror around them, the priest must have wove a spell to hide his depravity.
     I strode down the aisle towards the priest, I needed to kill him to free the innocents under his thrall. ‘Your life ends here heretic!’ 
     Graham furrowed his brow as I shouted at him, he was confused most likely wondering how I saw through his illusion. The heretic shook his head, he then blinked in shock and removed his iron hammer from his belt. ‘Get behind me!’ he shouted to the townspeople. 
     The people did as he ordered, they were confused and I didn’t blame them for following his orders. ‘I will free these people from your vile grasp! You’re a monster for taking their minds!’ I barked.
      Graham then tore his necklace from his neck which was shaped like a hammer, he held it up towards my direction ‘Back evil creature! In the name of Sigmar!’ the priest roared. Waves of black light erupted from the trinket, as the energy slammed into my body I roared in pain. 
      I snarled and charged forward, the black light scalded my flesh but I didn’t let that deter me. I made an oath to myself that I would end the priest and his corruption. There were screams and shouts from the townspeople as I leapt and bought my blade down upon the priest. The cut was deep, a great amount of life fluid splashed across my face. I instinctively licked my lips and as the blood graced my tongue my teeth-fangs began to itch.
      The need to tear into the corpse that was now lying upon the floor consumed my mind. But as I looked upon the cowering townspeople I restrained myself, I sheathed my blade and tore Graham’s white robe, revealing his back to all. 
     The heretic’s skin was covered in tattoos, I pointed at the twin-tailed comet on his back. ‘Look everyone! The mark of evil! This man was a worshipper of foul powers!’ The townspeople appeared confused, but Livia and Edric came forward and peered at Graham’s back. The young lady gasped, Edric twisted around vomited.
    With their reactions, the cowering townspeople also took a look and their reaction was the same. Confusion and shock ran rampant, it got even worse as they looked upon the walls. ‘Please calm down!’ I called. 
     Everyone fell silent, eyes were upon me. ‘I’m a knight of the Geldarai Kingdom, my name is Sir Vindix von Pax! We all have more to do! We have to reveal this information to the rest of the town! There might even be more heretics hiding in the houses!’
     All those who were within the church shouted in agreement, seeing them screaming for justice caused my heart to swell with pride. Courage could be found in the strangest places.