Home / Fantasy / Warrior Oddity / The Onion Ore
The Onion Ore
Author: Riordan's Cat
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

The prince shows a troubled expression glancing over at the window from which the two shadow guards had just escaped from. A crude, rough hand grabs his shoulder and pulls the prince from any other thought. "Your highness, you must divulge what you were discussing with the traitor." The knight's words were void of respect, insistent and malicious. They were a command, not a question. Even the most basic respect had faded when Nicodemus lost his support and power. It still amazes him nevertheless when he experiences the discourteous behaviours of those once loyal to him.

"I have nothing to say." Nicodemus spoke coldly, the knights arranged themselves to chase after Rennier and left two knights to stand guard at the door.

"Shouldn't we arrest him?" One of the knights whisper to his companion

"It's not like he's going to get up and walk away." the other replied, loudly without whispering, earning an emotionless look from Nicodemus.

Rennier runs into depths of the imperial hunting grounds. The dense forest homes an abundance of beasts and creatures for hunting. Rennier felt confident enough that none of the creatures would pose much of a threat. The forest is dark and no light aside from the moonlight is present.

After blindly running into the forest, Rennier stopped, listening intently for any sign of movement. He took in his surroundings before leaving the ground to find safety in the trees. He sat on a sturdy branch, scanning the forest ground, the trees and surrounding area. Rennier made out nothing in the darkness aside from the occasional creature scurrying about through the forest, however could not detect no people.

He closes his eyes and holds his breath; stifling any noise that could interfere...Rennier listens closely, trying to find any form of presence. The distant sounds of shouting and heavy armoured steps that rush towards the forest can be heard but they are a little ways off.

A slight ting alerts him to turn around, the sound of something that disturbed the air. Quickly he shifts, feeling the air of the first knife that narrowly missed its target. Rennier clashes against the second knife with his own. The knife is hit into the distance of the forest and he can make out the shadowy silhouette of Melgren approaching.

"Hm...Oh? I missed." Melgren feigned disappointment before leaping right for Rennier. His bigger build giving him the advantage in the head on confrontation, the struggle leaves Rennier unable to contend against Melgren's strength. He slips and falls from the tree, hitting the forest floor with a hard thud. He struggles to breathe from the force of the impact, Rennier gasps for air. He notices Melgren headed straight for him, and struggles to force his stunned body to move out of the way of the oncoming assault.

Melgren lands, this time annoyed that he missed. Rennier is quick to recover and stands steady on his feet despite the pain and faint trembling. He readies himself for the next strike that comes fast and viciously. Melgren slips another knife, this one different to the previous few he had thrown. If anything he appeared reluctant to risk an attack via throwing. He wanted this blade to connect no matter what. Melgren sprints for Rennier, closing the distance quickly whilst Rennier can only defend against the onslaught. He is pushed back, nearing a tree that intended to trap him. The smaller shadow guard skilfully uses his agility to his advantage, stepping out of the path of Melgren's attack. He doesn't miss the opening it provides, he steps in with his knife, a few shallow slashes in quick succession into Melgren's arm has him faltering and hissing with the pain. Rennier steps back, slashing towards Melgren's face leaving it with a nasty gash.

Melgren grew agitated at the successive attacks, he disarms Rennier. Leaving him without a weapon and tackles him to the ground, using his body weight to force Rennier to stay on the ground and pins him down. Melgren raises the knife above his and stabs it downward with every ounce of strength while aiming for Rennier's heart.

Rennier catches the blade, the sharpness digs and shreds through his thick gloves and cuts deep into his palm. Melgren pulls the blade back, forcing the laceration to become jagged making the wound worse. Rennier cries in pain, connecting his free palm against Melgren's jaw to stun him. The small window of opportunity is more than enough. He slips out from under his assailant, and like a constricting snake, Rennier wraps around skilfully and forces Melgren into a rear choke-hold.

The sound of the knights shouting finally enters the forest, the light from the torches are fast approaching. Rennier releases Melgren and escapes further into the forest and away from the knights in pursuit.

'There's too many...I'm at a disadvantage.' Rennier puts as much distance as he can between them. The blood dripping from his hand leaves an obvious trail, not only for the knights but for any hungry beasts that would be lurking about. He rips his sleeve and wraps his hand tightly to combat the bleeding.

A sudden wave of dizziness hits him hard, Rennier staggers and falls into a tree. 'Did I lose too much blood? I can't...I have to get up...' He leans on it, trying to stay on his feet. He falls to his knees, vision blurring and darkening before collapsing to the ground. Rennier cannot hold onto his consciousness any longer and faints.

Melgren lays on the ground, found by the knights that help him sit up. He is injured, covered with multiple wounds and bruises from the fight. He looks towards the knife he had used and watches with amusement as the blade slowly turns black.

"I only needed to scratch you and you can die like a rat." He chuckles.

Khio, Rhetta and Florian stand before a tavern, looking worse for wear. One would have easily thought they had been deserted and stranded for days. Rhetta and Khio even more so since they were stripped to only the barest clothes that make them look like beggars, not that their attire mattered in the face of execution. Even Florian, for someone who had been wearing an illustrious temple robe, it was now covered in blood and mud.

"One directionally challenged person is enough!" Khio fumed and pointed to Florian. "How did you expect to find anyone if you can't even read a map!?"

Florian shrugs and grumbles "I found you guys just fine."

"By sheer dumb luck!"

"Hey, luck is considered a skill too."

Khio and Florian get into one another's faces, the tension between them growing even more dense when Rhetta taps both of them on the shoulder. "There there children, let's go in now."

The two break up the fight and follow suit towards the tavern entrance.

The tavern wasn't the biggest building, yet it was not the smallest compared to others on the same street. The building is sturdy and relatively clean for a tavern. A large sign hung on a post outside, the opposing post holding a lamp to light the entrance. The group steps towards the large wooden door.

"The Onion...Ore? That's a strange name" Khio comments after reading the sign

"The owner is rumoured to be rather...eccentric" Rhetta states, opening the door as she steps inside. Florian and Khio look at the opened door, and glare at one another. They step into the doorway at the same time, wrestling for who will be entering first, Florian manages to worm in and slip in front of Khio. She flashes a cocky smile.

The tavern was on the fairly large side once inside, two floors worth. The front door led onto the upper floor, a few tables spread out, around and to the side. In front; a wooden staircase descended into the main part of the tavern. The old, magic lamps kept burning through many long nights, an albino stag head graced the mantle above the fireplace, along with decorative swords and other little apparatus were all spread about the walls to create a fond history about the tavern.

The bottom floor held far more tables, in the corner; barrels and kegs of different drinks all piled up. The furthest corner away from the staircase held a long wooden bar, the wood certainly looked new, well kept and polished to an eye-catching shine. Tall bar stools remained in front of the bar and behind the counter, a single door that led into a small and busy kitchen.

Upon their entry, Florian kept her triumphant gaze at besting Khio, and seeing her annoyed face was even more entertaining. She went to sneak another glance at Khio, though a bad decision. Florian had not paid attention and missed the first step; thankfully for Rhetta paying attention she managed to catch Florian in time. The surprise made her yelp yet not a single eye turned to see the small commotion. Khio snickered while making her way down the steps. Rhetta chooses the innermost corner table.

Once settled at their table they could take in the atmosphere. It's warm, and cozy. A fair variety of many different people from knights to vagabonds. Even some noted criminals and other faceless wanderers from afar were all sharing a drink. Foreigners and regulars alike all took comfort in the strange tavern that is the Onion Ore.

A duo of bards sat on the chairs towards the back of the tavern, playing happier melodies that complimented the various chatter and conversations of the patrons. The sounds of tankards being slammed onto tables and lifted again seemed to create its own contribution towards the music.

Florian admires everything inside, certainly looking like a tourist. It is somewhat of a shock for her but not an unpleasant one, she made her way down the stairs having to dodge and weave through some dancing drunkards before slipping into the seat alongside Rhetta. A busy waitress drops a set of menus on the table and runs to deliver drinks to the next table over. Florian eyes the table and notices the same uniform the knights at the execution ground were wearing. She turns pale and grows nervous, thinking about how she knocked out the previous knight but even more so...Khio and Rhetta with their faces on full display and only a table away.

It is easy to infer that the knights were off duty seeing how leisurely they sat and drank away in a little tavern. Some were even too drunk to hold a sword much less a conversation, Rhetta notices Florian's nervousness and follows her line of sight to the table.

Related Chapters

  • Warrior Oddity    Secret Powerhouse?

    'Imperial knights...looks like the third order. It should be alright for now. They can't do anything so long as we are on neutral ground. Even they should know the rule of Onion Ore' Rhetta thinks, inspecting the state of the knights. Florian picks up the menu and pretends to read it but finds it difficult to concentrate. Khio takes a quick gander at her own menu when the waitress arrives. Khio quickly lists her order without a breath in-between. “We'll take one plate of devilled dragon eggs, three servings of smoked turkey legs, one peach cobbler, crown roast beef with king potatoes, some fresh bread. Finally, one tankard of tipsy griffin and two innocent dragon bloods.” Khio points out everything quickly, she looks up to find the stupefied expression of the waitress at the order. She awkwardly smiles and hurries off to the kitchen. Rhetta exhales “Khio we were stripped of just about everything except the clothes on our back. How are we going to pay for our meal?” The reminder of

  • Warrior Oddity    A Challenge

    Rhetta clears her throat to change the topic and soothe Florian. “We need to find a change of clothes, these are filthy and will draw their own kind of unnecessary attention.” “Great idea but with what money? If you haven't forgotten we're flat broke!” Khio states, earning a rather piercing stare from Rhetta saying she didn't want to hear that kind of talk from the person who ordered a feast with no money. The mood dampens and becomes depressed at their financial situation. The group wallows silently, when every dish is quickly cleared by the waitress. She stacks every dish and plate on her tray. Florian pulls the small pouch holding the coins she acquired from the knights. Florian offers up the small bag to the waitress “Miss will this be enough for the food?” The waitress sets the tray onto the table and gently takes the pouch from Florian's hand. She counts the coins in the pouch and offers a tactful smile “It's still short by quite a bit.” The waitress gives a soft pat on Flori

  • Warrior Oddity    Secret Powerhouse!

    “I do not believe we have fully discussed the terms if I win.” “There's no need, you know what I want and that's enough.” Florian's reply filled with confidence had everyone contemplating whether she had a reason to be confident or if she was just clueless. Axtor conceded “Very well, we will discuss the terms after then. I hope you realize that I will not take pity on you just because you are a woman. I will end this quickly.” Axtor leans in to whisper something to Florian “Although, I am curious as to who you are and why you are with those two.” Florian looked irked at his words. “I hope you remember your words sir.” Florian sets her elbow to the table and waits for the captain to reciprocate. Rhetta and Khio observed that Florian seemed quite familiar with arm wrestling. Florian swallowed her doubts trying to dismiss them and maintain her poker face. 'If they're that nervous this guy must be really strong...I said I could do it, but can I actually win? If he's like me it's goin

  • Warrior Oddity    Legacy Information Guild

    Rennier wakes up in an unfamiliar bed, and to a room he does not recognise. The room is small, yet comfortable. It holds a single bed, a chair in the corner as well as a small basin of water. Near the other wall rests a writing desk and chair. He can see the window, closed and with the curtains drawn. It certainly is a long way off from a dungeon cell and considerably closer to a room you would find at an inn. Rennier's surprise wore off quickly and shifted into caution, he sat up and glanced at his face in the mirror. Devoid of his mask and covering, his body covered in bandages from treatment. He looked up from where he sat and could see himself in the mirror. Rennier is smaller compared to his peers, slight in physique and stature. He had always been told he has a very effeminate grace to him. It explained why many of his undercover missions were always done in the guise of a woman. Earthen green eyes paired with jaw length blonde hair, he had no care for fashion aside from his ex

  • Warrior Oddity    The Movements of Many

    “If you knew, you could have spared me the effort of a disguise.” Laila chimed.“I am always thorough in my investigations. I must admit I was quite intrigued about the Dahlia house. Especially how famous it is for raising 'flowers'.” “Famous only to those who know the true nature of the 'flowers' that are cultivated.” Laila's tone turned into something melancholic, it did not go unnoticed by Tayoshi. She sets down the payment on the table and walks towards the door to see herself out. Laila touches the door handle, pausing for a brief moment. “Before I forget, I was asked to give you a message.”“A message?” he inquires. “Some random gentleman gave me quite the sum just to pass this on to you; My mentee will be visiting you soon, I hope you welcome them well.”“A mentee? The person who gave you this message, what did he look like?” Tayoshi's voice took on a stark fascination, and overwhelming urge to confirm his suspicions. “Hm, well...I thought he was quite old at first. Despit

  • Warrior Oddity    Honest Mistake

    “Still! I can't believe that people were selling children! This is why the knights exist to put a stop to this sort of thing and protect the people of the empire. Khio seethed with fury, her knuckles turning white at how harshly her hands tightened around the reins. Even Rhetta who kept a level head held a look of distaste and some kind of darkness burning in her eyes. 'Florian is very calm in spite of the topic...Most noble ladies who suffered a minor offence would suffer from being traumatized and enraged for days.' Rhetta thinks back to before she earned her title as the strategist. Back to the time when she was a lower ranked knight doing grunt work. There was a case she assisted on; a case of the abduction of a noble lady who had called off her engagement. The ex-fiancée in question had 'kidnapped' her. For an afternoon she was subjected to stay with the man and have tea with him. When the knights arrived all ready for a fight to the death, imagine their surprise when there was

  • Warrior Oddity    Maral and Dren

    The words spoken so calmly, seemingly in her usual tone, a cold and dangerous chill rung from it. The look on Rhetta's face was dark and dangerous. An unfamiliar expression of rage is present. Khio said nothing and handed her sword over without so much a debate or comment. Rhetta unsheathed the sword, discarding the blade. She repeats the action with her own sword, until she is only left with two empty sheaths. The swords remained forgotten on the ground, Florian noticed how oddly serene Khio seemed. She turned her attention to the spooked horses instead. Florian looked at Rhetta leaving, marching straight towards the knights and opted to go with her. Khio grabbed Florian's arm with a firm grip and held her back, Khio just shook her head. “Leave this to Rhetta, there's nothing you can do right now.” The weight of Khio's words felt like a cautionary tale. Florian trusted Khio's sense enough knowing if she had to worry Khio would have been the one on the front line before her anywa

  • Warrior Oddity    More Bad News...

    Maral and Dren look back to see Florian easily picking up their baskets and packages that had them loaded like mules. To their surprise, they struggled carrying that amount of weight and every time they got used to it, the loads only increased. Florian shifted the weight to one hand and happily waved at the dumbfounded kids. “Wow miss! You're so strong!” Maral exclaims, Florian grins bashfully “You bet I am!” The horses take a slow and steady walk, heading straight towards the village and slow enough for Florian to walk comfortably alongside them. The path draws closer to an entrance, occasionally having to retreat out of sight to avoid the gazes of the wandering knights. Eventually, they arrive in the village of Kilerth. The sun sat at its peak, affording them a few more hours of travelling. Kilerth, like many of the villages before, was a slum-like village with poor conditions. However Kilerth possessed its own peculiarity, much like night and day, the village both held the good

Latest Chapter

  • Warrior Oddity    

    Calm Before the Storm

    Legacy Information Guild, Azmar Village. Evening.An uncomfortable silence lingers in the room, not a single person speaks as if all waiting with bated breath. The muffled sounds of the secretary informing someone that the guild master is inside, makes everyone straighten up as the mysterious visitors are separated by a door. The door opens. Kramoris strides into the room confidently, taking in all the faces present. Khio and Rhetta enter next, seeing the astounded looks of intrigue and confusion from those in the room. Laila lets out a small cackle in her amusement, Behellagh grows nervous at the sight and dreads being called a traitor by association. Hammy lets out a snort and sits at Khio’s feet. The mixed reception only proved that everyone held an uncertain position towards the empires so called traitors. Florian lagged behind the group, mostly stuck in her own thoughts while trying to figure out what kind of pitch she would use to sell her mission. How would she rally the mas

  • Warrior Oddity    

    Arrival

    Legacy Information Guild, Azmar Village. Evening.A secretary walks to the front of Tayoshi's office, and she knocks on the door. A woman stands behind her patiently, they hear a voice from inside. “Master, the madam is here again.”Tayoshi looks up from his documents. His eyes immediately glanced over at the raven in the corner of his room, she happily perched atop one of the chairs. He received a notice of her visit alone, but he was already aware that she was here for information on someone or the other. “I should have known it would be soon when you didn't return to your master.”The door opens and Laila steps inside, as usual she walks very lightly and gracefully. Tayoshi always found it unsettling that you watched her walk without any sound of footsteps. “I did not expect to see you back so soon Ms. Belladonna.” he comments with a tired voice.“Well, you know what they say. No rest for the wicked. I have an urgent job and I need information as soon as possible.”“Who do you need

  • Warrior Oddity    

    An Infectious Lie

    'Such a small procession for a noble? Most nobles would metaphorically rather die than be disgraced to see such a humbling procession after their death.' Trusting his intuition and the irksome feeling, the knight steps before the first carriage. He knocks on the door and awaits a response. “Pardon me, I am Sir Tybost and I would like to conduct an inspection.” Khio and Rhetta found being stuck at the checkpoint for so long highly unusual, when they thought of all the previous times when it was a matter of stopping and going. Rhetta cautiously lifted the curtain enough to see what was happening outside without alerting to her own presence. Through the sliver of visibility she saw a knight at the door of the first carriage. Rhetta gulped with the sharp inhale that stifled her gasp. The sudden inspection caught them off guard and brought the reality back to the forefront. It had been easy until now, too easy and they were paying the price. The two moved carefully so as to not rock th

  • Warrior Oddity    

    A Quiet Funeral Procession

    The colour drained from Ayesha's face upon hearing something so morbid. She looked at Rhetta and Khio who were completely unfazed as if being fitted for a coffin were so natural. It was a natural thing after death, but not for the living who appeared so healthy. 'Is this normal? Is it because they're criminals and are preparing for the worst?' Ayesha questioned in her thoughts. She shook the thoughts from her mind and took the measurements without any further delay. The two former knights looked awfully eager for their coffins. Kramoris snickers softly in the background at how transparent Ayesha's thoughts are. She handed him the measurements and Kramoris concluded by writin

  • Warrior Oddity    

    Behellagh's Demand

    Legacy Information Guild, Azmar Village. Evening. “I asked what is taking so long.” Behellagh reiterated his words. Tayoshi holds back a sigh “To which job are you referring to? We are currently handling four of your requests simultaneously.” “F-Four?” Behellagh's surprise was evident, he clears his throat and goes back to his usual expression.

    Warrior Oddity    

    A Strained Relationship

    Legacy Information Guild, Azmar Village. Early Morning. Rennier still relied on the knowledge he held of Tayoshi from years ago, things were different now. How could they not be? More than once in the spar Tayoshi had been surprised at Rennier's change and growth, but clicked his tongue at the same old habits he displayed. Tayoshi dug the blade into the dirt and kicked in lieu of his spear, Rennier fell to the ground from the hard impact. He scrambles in retreat and rolls, finding his balance and standing on his feet. He feels unsteady and tries to rec

  • Warrior Oddity    

    Cagrown City

    “A magic scroll!? How do you have this?” Rhetta exclaims, bewildered and giving Kramoris the exact reaction he wanted. Her face was a sight for sore eyes, indeed, this was the anticipated reaction he had awaited. He almost wanted to laugh at his prediction. Khio had been stunned into silence. It was no surprise that being around the imperial family they were bound to hear of magic scrolls and this was the first time they actually got to see one. It had them all the more impressed that Kramoris just casually pulled it out. The emperor himself could not readily h

  • Warrior Oddity    

    Something Up His Sleeve

    A monstrous creature treads into the forest, heavy weighted steps made the ground groan with every leaden trod. They were slow, unsteady steps. The creature appeared exhausted and dazed, it neared where the group were hiding. The overwhelming stench of blood and rot filled their senses.Hammy whimpered softly and backed away from the tree. Khio had her hands full trying to soothe Hammy and keep her eye on the creature. She undoubtedly had a good sense of a creature and their innate temperament, this information would help her decide on the method she needed to tame them. For some reason, this creature had no such feeling. It felt hollow, deathly and glum. The form of its body ha

  • Warrior Oddity    

    Face Value

    'Thankfully they couldn't see what I was holding just then...Defending myself with a measly letter opener would have been difficult. Besides, I don't have a penchant for violence.' Kramoris indulges his thoughts before getting back to the matter. “As expected from the empire's greatest merchant, I see you're a man of many talents.” Rhetta speaks, it felt more like a fact than an attempt of flattery. “Second best merchant in the empire.” Kramoris is quick to cor