The Weeping Swordsman

The journey was rough. The carriage jolted and rocked as it navigated the rugged path up the highlands. Mary sat inside, her head bowed and her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Despite the turmoil of the journey, she did her best to maintain her composure and not reveal how deeply unsettled she felt.

Lord Tony and two imposing guards accompanied Mary. Two others flanked their carriage, all filled with additional mercenaries and a handful of other workers. Mary couldn’t help but wonder why she had been chosen to accompany Lord Tony on this journey, and why they were being protected solely by mercenaries rather than the guards from the manor or town. Where were they headed?

Mary felt surprised when Lord Tony himself asked her to accompany him. They were heading to an unknown destination, and all she knew was that Lord Tony had a project to tend to up in the mountains.

“Mary, are you feeling okay? You seem tense,” Tony inquired gently as he idly spun his walking stick on the floor.

“No, my lord. I’m fine, just a little tired, that’s all,” Mary said, bowing her head. “Thank you for your concern.”

Lord Tony nodded and gazed out the window, muttering, “Just a few hours left. May his majesty guide us all.”

*

Lester, Matthew, and two other mercenaries sat in the last carriage. Lester wore a red jacket over his breastplate and had his enormous sword strapped to his back. He folded his arms, eyes closed.

“Hey Matthew, you should have stayed behind,” Lester said, opening one eye.

Matthew avoided Lester’s gaze, gritting his teeth. His battle with the weeping swordsman had left him with more scars than he had expected, both on his body and soul.

“I asked to join this crew knowing what I was getting into,” Matthew said, turning to the one-eyed Lester.

“I see. Tell me. How was the fight”?

“The swordsman?”

“Yes, the one who rumors have it fell from the heavens. How was your fight with him”?

Matthew leaned back and sighed. “Honestly, it was strange.”

“Strange?”

Gordon shook his head. “What do you mean by strange? Isn’t that word normal for young folks like you all?”

“It was his aura,” Matthew said, sagging his shoulders. “Even if he did have an indomitable aura. It didn’t feel natural”

Lester smirked. “So, you’re saying it was too terrifying to be real?”

“His movements felt off, and it didn’t seem natural at all,” Matthew said, visibly shaken. “I mean, I’ve never seen someone dissipate my force with just a swing of their hand. It was unsettling.” As he spoke, he glanced down at his trembling hands.

Gordon looked at Matthew. “So, a wave of his hand for just a gust of wind? That simple act got you all riled up?”

Lester’s eyes snapped open. “Are you telling me he obstructed your blast? That’s impossible! The weapon you wield was a gift from our Lord, one from the mysterious lands beyond.”

Lester placed his hand on his chin. The swordsman had been rumored to achieve incredible feats, but this one seemed impossible. The force produced by the gloves could shatter hard rocks and destroy buildings. Even if someone managed to dissipate it, their bones would be shattered, or at the very least, they would feel agonizing pain.

“No. What piques my curiosity more is what that thing was,” Matthew said, still shaking.

“What are you saying, Matthew?” Matthew clenched his hands to stop the shaking. “He’s not the weeping swordsman”

Gordon observed Matthew. His shaking had stopped, and his expression shifted from fear to anger.

Matthew’s eyes narrowed. “The weeping swordsman killed him.”

The carriage came to a stop at the camp located in the northeast of the town. The camp was dotted with green and blue tents, housing mercenaries whose job was to prevent anyone from leaving the town. Surrounding the town, there were several other camps with the same purpose. Lord Tony stepped down onto the muddy ground, followed by Mary. From the other carriage, Gordon emerged, and seeing him filled Mary with relief.

“We’re leaving now,” Tony ordered. “Lester, take some men and follow me.”

Lester strolled into the camp, where Tony was waiting for him at the entrance. There were five mercenaries in total: two sword users, two archers, and a tank wielding a humongous axe. Lord Tony was always cautious because the smallest mistake in this operation could lead to a devastating end.

Lester walked past the tents, observing the surroundings. He stopped when he heard a group of muttering mercenaries inside one of the tents. They seemed angry, claiming someone had stolen their prey. A group had already gone to search for the culprit in the hills. As Lester turned around, he noticed that Matthew was approaching him.

“Your gear is ready,” Matthew said, following Lester’s gaze to the tent.

“Is there a problem?”

Lester shook his head. “No, there isn’t. I would appreciate it if you stayed behind, Matthew.”

Matthew sighed, holding his stomach. “I knew you’d say that.”

“There may be an attack on the camp. You should remain here to protect it,” Lester said as he walked out of the premises. “Now I need to prepare myself. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day.”

*

Emilia studied the chart that seemed to represent Pyrovile. It had inverted flame symbols in different locations. Underneath the chart, the following inscription was written: “Days of old, night of tales, shine our path, lead our way. Our saviors now are mere lore and legends. Guide us out, for even through the passage of time, your loyalty remains the same.”

Pasta sat on the floor, folding his arms. “The passage of time? I don’t get it”

“Of course, you don’t,” Emilia said, closing up the chart.

“So do you?”

Emilia sighed. “Of course, I don’t”

Sparrow had handed the chart to Emilia for deciphering before leaving the manor for a stroll. He trusted Emilia for some reason, and his familiarity with the siblings had them concerned. Emilia has been working on the chart ever since, but she has not yet arrived at the desired conclusion.

“These flame markings on the map are our only lead,” Emilia said. “If we trace them, maybe we’ll find something”

“How about Hudson?” Little Bobby asked.

Pasta turned to him, pointing his sheathed sword. “What’s with you and Hudson? Do you have a crush on him or something?”

Little Bobby glared at him. Pasta turned the other way and whistled, just noticing how the roof was professionally decorated.

“We should get moving,” Emilia said, looking out the window. “We’re running out of time.”

They hurried to the town square. Kot clung to Emilia like a newborn to his mother. The bustling street, the colorful performers while they danced and played their drums, and the irresistible smell of freshly cooked meat aroused Pasta’s senses. It felt so good to be back outside, with the beautiful sun casting its radiance upon the earth and the morning birds singing. However, none of these things mattered to Pasta; only the smell of the meat was enough to keep him rooted to the spot.

“This is it,” Emilia said, eyeing a statue of a man holding a torch in one hand. He wore a crown and struck a pose as if leading the way.

“The flame symbol led to this, huh?” little Bobby said.

Emilia surveyed the statue. There was nothing special about it. It was made out of stone, with some greenery and cracks proving how ancient it is. “It seems like a normal statue. But, since it is symbolized by a flame on the map, then...”

Emilia asked for some fire. Kot brought a matchstick and oil and poured it on the torch, lighting it. Passersby in the town stared at them. The flame continued to burn, but nothing happened.

“Maybe we have to burn the whole statue,” Pasta suggested, grabbing the jug of oil ready to pour down.

Emilia thwacked Pasta’s head with the back of her sword. “That’s a bad idea. We should investigate the others first. It must be some kind of puzzle,” she held her chin. “Let’s head to the other one”

They followed the map to the other flame symbol. On their way, they came across a gathering of individuals who were all fixated on something on the wall. Emilia approached and noticed three wanted posters, each depicting her, Andy, and Tori. The posters accused them of being accomplices of the bandits, as they had arrived in town around the same time as the bandits and had not yet been allowed entry. Little Bobby and Kot instinctively shielded the siblings with their bodies, escorting them out of the crowd.

*

“Hee-haw!!” Andy yelled while riding a bull in the middle of the hot springs. He was wearing nothing and smacked the bull’s rear to assert his dominance. They were at a hot springs resort, with each room having a hot pond and scented stones around, and lanterns placed at the corners to give the room a golden glow.

“Go, Andy! Go, Andy!”

The other old men chanted, swinging their towels in admiration. Cumbleton lay on a mat there, enjoying a glass of apple juice served to him by his fellow undressed buddy. Those who admired his well-toned body surrounded him, serving him as they would their lords.

“Hey Andy, what you doing with a bull here?” Cumbleton asked and sipped from his glass, savoring the soft bitter aftertaste.

“I caught it outside. It was a good catch for a quick ride if I do say so myself,” Andy laughed, cruelly smacking the bull’s rear, making the poor beast tear up.

A woman entered the room wearing a black suit and glasses. She walked up to Cumbleton and said, “Sir, we have noise complaints. Also, I don’t think it’s wise to have an animal here.”

“Huh?” Cumbleton glared at her. “What am I paying you for? Now don’t be a killjoy and join us.”

She became a little flustered, adjusting her glasses. “No, I can’t. It would be improper of me.”

“No, no, don’t be shy. A little dip won’t hurt, right?”

The other old men around couldn’t contain their smiles, their excitement getting the better of them.

“Hey, hey, hey, hey Cumbleton!!” Andy yelled, still riding the bull around the room.

Cumbleton turned to Andy, angry. “What Andy, can’t you see I’m busy”

“Leave the poor girl alone, would ya?” Andy said. “You should enjoy your soak and juice instead, right?”

Cumbleton clenched his fists and sighed. Laughing. “You really are something, Andy,” he turned to her. “You can leave, but don’t be shy to ask your friends to come”

The girl bowed and hurriedly left.

Andy stood on the bull, with his hands on his waist, striking a pose that would be forever etched in the memories of the elderly men and the curious ladies on the other side.

“What the hell is going on there?” one of the girls said.

“A bunch of crazy old men,” another of the girls commented.

They spied through the hole in the wall where the men normally used them. They figured it out and sealed it, but their curiosity got the better of them to open it. Only to see a white-haired man oppressing a bull.

“Hey throw me something hehehehe” Andy said, still standing on the bull.

“Here you go Andy!” an old man threw some watermelons in the air. While others threw their other fruits counting ten.

“Let’s go. Yeah baby,” Andy said, grabbing each fruit and juggling them on each hand while he rode on the bull.

The girls on the other side of the wall mouths were wide open. The mere sight of a naked bull riding, juggling oldie was way too much to handle.

“Where in the world did you guys find watermelons and those other fruits?” Cumbleton asked, also in awe of Andy's performance.

They all laughed and continued enjoying the show while the bull secretly prayed for any sort of help from above. Anyone or anything could do.

The door burst open, and mercenaries came running in, all brandishing weapons. Suddenly, the old men ceased laughing and hurriedly rushed towards the wall, pressing their bodies against it for safety. The women on the other side saw something closer than they had ever expected and screamed as they ran out. The leader of the mercenaries walked forward. He was a fair, young man with brown hair, equipped with a blade at his waist.

“That’s our lunch you’re riding, old man,” the mercenary leader said in a strict tone.

“Lunch?” Andy threw the fruits on the floor and looked at the bull, who was shaking in terror. “He’s mine. Go get your own bull, child.”

“You stole our bull, that’s our bull! And don’t call me child, I’m Clyde.”

“Sounds a lot like child,” Cumbleton laughed.

Clyde faced him, still angry. “I know you. Lord Tony’s worker. What are you doing here with this criminal?”

“I’m aware of my previous relationship with him, boy,” Cumbleton said, taking more sips of his warm orange juice.

“Previous relationship?”

Cumbleton smiled. “Yes, working with him isn’t as exciting as it was. Serving Master Hudson is the only thing that fuels my soul. I believe you understand?”

“You mean the kid? Isn’t he dead?”

Cumbleton finished his drink and sighed. “I don’t know, tell me.”

Andy raised an eyebrow. “Criminal? Who’re you calling a criminal?”

“Would you please keep quiet? I’m in the middle of a conversation,” Clyde sighed. “But if you wish, I’ll answer your question quickly. They suspected you of being in association with the bandits before you stole our bull. Since you are with Mr. Cumbleton, I assume you have also hidden your carriage, which explains why we couldn’t find it in town”

Cumbleton folded his arms and smiled to himself. Being a genius in these things isn’t a simple task.

“Now, you’ll be arrested at the very moment,” Clyde said, more mercenaries walking into the resort. “But where’s the fun in that? I heard there are also some good-looking ladies here”

Andy’s fists clenched as the girls on the other side shivered, hearing screams from other rooms and ceramics shattering.

“Killing three birds with a single stone. I got a huge lead on the bandits that beat the weeping swordsman, my bull, and some ladies to top it off.” Clyde hugged himself, licking his lips. “I also heard you had a beautiful foreigner with you. When done here, I’ll go- “

Andy punched Clyde in the face, sending him flying toward the wall, destroying it. The girls ran and grabbed their towels to cover themselves from the eyeing men.

“What the- “ Clyde touched his nose, he was bleeding. “Old man, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Say another word,” Andy whispered.

“Huh?”

“Say another word about my granddaughter and I’ll have your head”

Clyde laughed as the other mercenaries joined in. “Who do you think you are? You think you could solo all of us?”

“Hey, hey. He never said he was fighting you all alone right,” a voice said.

Cumbleton stretched his arms and stood next to Andy.

“So? Two old men still won’t be a problem”

The girls and other old men shared their concerns for Andy and Cumbleton. It would be wiser to plead for their lives and run.

“Now shut up and listen very carefully,” Clyde said, raising a finger. “I’ll forgive your punch. Only if you lend me your grand- “

“Hey, didn’t I warn you about speaking of my grandchild”

The air shifted.

And a dark smoke enveloped the space, all happening in Clyde’s view.

Two men were staring at him. Their aura individually was greater than his- no of his lord, even.

The tension spread through his body, choking him as if enveloped in a dark, thick smoke from a fiery flame.

“J-just who are you?”

The others in the room trembled. They could feel the tension even when it wasn’t directed at them. Cumbleton smiled as he looked at Andy, who was angry. yet—

“Call me Grand Pappy!”

Andy quickly ran towards Clyde and landed another punch on his face, catapulting him out of the building, leaving behind a human hole in the roof. Girls, old men, mercenaries, and even Cumbleton watched in shock.

Andy then pointed at them and said, “Call me grandpappy. Grab anything that can be used as a weapon and follow me. We will overcome this obstacle together, save our friends, and celebrate with a feast afterward. Are you all ready?”

They all stayed quiet.

“We shall also rob the mercenaries clean of their food and money!”

They all remained quiet. Then...

“GRANDPAPPY!!!!!”

They screamed. Using buckets of hot water, they could blind the mercenaries temporarily. The old men grabbed their hot towels and smacked the mercenaries. The ladies grabbed fighting sticks and began hitting the mercenaries.

“Where in the world did you all find those?” Cumbleton asked.

Andy's face was stony. He pointed at the bull and called it over. The bull shivered. Then it remembered, Andy saved him from being lunch. Even if he did make him suffer as a ride for five hours. He didn’t eat him. He called it his own. A bond between bull and man, one that is not to be severed, a beautiful friendship, a-

Andy jumped on the bull and smacked its rear. “Let’s go!!! Grandpappy!!”

“GrandPappy!!” the others screamed out.

They raided all the rooms, chasing out all the mercenaries with boiling water, sticks, and hot towels.

“Hey Andy,” Cumbleton said, panting. “With these much mercenaries, looks like the kids haven’t handled the eruption situation. Isn’t that today?”

Andy stayed quiet.

“Andy?”

Andy shook his head, bringing himself back to his catastrophic reality. “I know, but they can handle it. But first,” Andy said, quietly, “Let’s raid the mercenary's base!!”

The whole hot springs crew screamed out in agreement. They all ran out with the mercenaries’ abandoned weapons. Heading to the camp with Grandpappy in the lead.

Cumbleton sighed, his hand on his head. Andy wore no clothes, the same for the other men.