MLIII C2, P3- "Master And Servant"

"Master And Servant" is the third Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's second Chapter.
It was released on 30.11.2021.
== Plot ==
Adam and his allies manage to escape from their pursuers, seeking temporary refuge in a small and secluded cave.
Their success infuriates Steele, so he decides to take matters in his own hands. Having recently captured someone who is very close to him, he decides to use her as a threat towards the young hero and warn him that things are going to get very bad if he does not give up willingly.
However, there is one thing within him that the villain has simply ignored until now. And soon, he will realize it.
Though it might be too late.
== Story ==
Steven arrives in the Order of the Black Fist's secret hideout. Bloodied and bruised, he asks for Steele and quickly enters his room once he is notified that he is still in there.
"So."- Steele says- "I guess that you failed to kill the kid."
Steven sighs and shakes his head.
"I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's the truth."- He says- "We didn't even get to him. His friends managed to stop us and slaughtered every single bandit."
Steele raises his eyebrow.
"And why didn't you stay with them?"- He asks, patiently awaiting his response.
Steven stops talking. For a few moments, he regrets what he did back then and wishes that he could prevent his allies' deaths.
However, his attitude changes as soon he looks at his employer. Any traces of sorrow left within him are quickly replaced by apathy.
It is almost as if he became a completely different person, as if Steele manipulates his actions. Like a puppet on a string.
He looks down.
"I... had to save my own skin."- He says without any shame- "They were too powerful. I had to run."
Steele smiles.
"Well done."- He praises him... for some reason- "If they're foolish enough to keep fighting, let 'em."
Steven looks up.
"Even if it means that they will certainly die?"
Steele nods.
"I won't cry for 'em."- He says- "They were bloodthirsty. They wanted to spill the blood of innocents for their own, selfish desires. I accepted them only because I needed their help. There's no other reason."
The two bandits guarding the way into Steele's office stare at each other for a few moments, as if to say "Is that really what he thinks about all of us?".
Steven nods.
"I understand."- He says and bows to him- "Even if you treat me the same way, I will still remain loyal to you. I won't even ask for forgiveness, because I know that fighting beside you is my greatest reward. Better than any diamond or bag of gold that I will ever get for myself."
Steele is unmoved by his right-hand man's short speech. Instead, he simply says:
"You don't need to be sorry 'bout anything, Steve. You did the right thing... even though it cost the lives of others."
He smiles.
"You may have failed. But at the same time, you did it."- He adds- "Now we know where they are and we can send a larger force."
Steven nods.
"What's the plan, then?'
Steele stands up, circles around his desk once and smiles.
"The plan, my dear Steve, is simple. Simpler than the brains of those wanna-be heroes."- He responds and points at a map behind him- "While you were away, I investigated the area around the lake and found out that there's a secret passage. Hidden in the rock, but I'm sure that those troublemakers already found it."
He grins.
"There ain't no reason to say anything else, 'cept that we go in and kill 'em all."- He continues- "They're trapped. Scared. Desperate. Soon, they'll either surrender... or die. Like a bunch of filthy street rats."
Steven nods.
"I understand, sir. Your plan is genuinely interesting."- He admits- "Going inside and tearing them apart like a bunch of measly rodents seems to be our best shot. For the moment, that is."
Steele smiles and looks down at his stomach.
"Now that you mentioned the word "shot", I'm gettin' real thirsty."- He says, thinking about all the booze that he could buy with the gold that he gets from the attack- "Mmm. Shots. I love 'em."
Steven clears his throat.
"But there is one thing that makes it slightly worse than our previous one."- He continues- "Sure. They are cornered. Unable to escape from anywhere, but where they came from. However, going there and positioning our entire force at the entrance will possibly leave us vulnerable to a counterattack. If not by the heroes, then by wild creatures who live in the woods. Is it really worth it?"
Steele dismisses his warnings.
"I ain't scared of some kids, especially ones whom I can easily punch to death!"- He yells- "As for the beasts, don't worry about any of 'em. I'll leave some guards to watch our backs. Simple enough."
Steven looks down.
"As you wish, sir."- He says, clearly expecting this to be his final mission and accepting his fate.
Steele thinks about Steven's words for a few seconds. For the first time in years, he is actually concerned by what he is saying to him.
"Actually."- He adds and grins- "I recently captured the Shaman of Canonia. I know that she's a big friend to all of 'em, so I think that we can finally find a way to use her."
Steven is shocked.
"Forcing a young girl to act as your slave?! As a barganing chip?!"- He yells- "Don't you know that-- "
He soon remembers who he is talking to and looks down.
"Nevermind."- He says quietly- "If you want to use her, go ahead. I respect your wisdom, so I won't interfere."
Steele grins and pats him on the shoulder.
"That's the spirit!"- He exclaims- "Now, let's make those heroes pay for messin' with us."
After escaping from Steele's bandits, Adam and his allies sit in a secluded cave and plan their next move.
"I hate caves."- Elwyen says- "They're so... cold."
Mardek smiles and hugs.
"Well."- He says- "Does this make you feel better."
Elwyen blushes and hugs him as well.
"Yeah."- She says and smiles- "Yeah, it does."
Adam and Emela talk to each other about the events that they had to experience together.
"And when those vagabonds came close to us, BAM! I struck them with a lightning bolt!"- She says- "They're all so predictable!"
Adam smiles.
"I agree."- He says- "So far, none of them have been a threat to us."
Emela nods.
"But that doesn't mean that we're out of the waters just yet."- She continues- "Steele and his best warriors are still out there, looking for a way to slay us and claim our possessions. They never back down from a fight, so get ready."
Adam nods.
"Of course, miss Emela."- He says- "You taught me to always be ready for anything, so I will be. I will not let those fools toss us around like a bunch of plastic bags."
Emela smiles and places her hand on his shoulder.
"Your parents would be proud of you, my dear."- She says to him- "You've grown so much."
Adam looks down and sighs.
"I hope so."- He says- "My father was the top hero of our family. Now that he is not with me, I have to take care of everything myself."
Emela looks around.
"You're not alone."- She says- "We may be a small group, but rest assured that we'll always be together. No matter what happens next."
She turns to him and smiles.
"So. What do you think about Mardek and Ellie?"- She asks him- "I know that this is the first time working with them, so it makes me curious."
Adam looks at them and smiles.
"Just like I have always seen them."- He responds- "Kind. Caring. Brave. The best companions any adventurer like myself could even want."
Emela smiles. She knows that Adam sees her the same way he sees her friends, so it is clear that she is satisfied with his short response.
"Alright. I'm glad to hear that."- She says- "Now, what do you think we should do next?'
Adam looks around the cave. Curious, he stands up and pokes the stone walls.
"This cave is an absolute miracle. The way it was hidden for so long... it amazes me."- He admits- "However, I am sure that there is something else right here. Something that is hidden from the untrained, unfocused eye."
He continues to poke the walls curiously.
"Where could it be?"
Suddenly, he realizes that one of the blocks is slightly loose. Perhaps the cave is starting to fall apart.
Or maybe something is hidden here?
Curious, he pushes the rock back to its original position and realizes that it is not a rock. It is a button.
Moments later, a dark passage opens in front of them.
"A secret passage!"- Elwyen says- "Well done, Adam. Your intelligence amazes me."
Adam smiles.
"I do my best to help my friends."- He says- "Now, let us go further. Time is of essence and we could find something interesting in there."
As they stand up and step through the hidden entrance, it suddenly closes behind them.
"What is this?"- Adam says- "Some kind of defensive mechanism?"
Elwyen shivers.
"Perhaps the cave doesn't want us to be here."
Adam shakes his head.
"Nonsense!"- He says- "If the door did something like this, then it is likely that it wants to protect us. From hostiles, perhaps. Or maybe even from hidden predators.."
He turns around and stares at the dimly lit passage ahead of him.
"We have nowhere else to go."- He says- "Come on, everyone. Let's do this."
As they move further down the passage, they hear something behind them. It sounds like angry shouting.
"It sounds like Steele's lackeys found the cave."- Emela says- "Good thing the door closed behind us."
Adam nods.
"I told you."- He says- "If something like this happens, it is not just simple hatred. Nature wants to make sure that we complete our mission."
Mardek grins.
"Well."- He says- "Then I suppose we should thank it!"
Emela shakes her head.
'Yes, but not now."- She says- "They might figure out where we're going soon. Let's put some distance between ourselves and them."
Adam nods.
"Of course."- He says- "On we go, then."
It takes them half an hour, but they finally reach the end of the passage. They soon realize that the rocky road beneath them slopes sharply upward.
"Looks like we found a way out!"- Adam says- "Come on, everyone! Onward!"
The four of them quickly leave the cavern and enter another large forest.
Somewhere in the distance, they see a small village.
"Canonia?"- Elwyen wonders.
Emela takes a closer look and shakes her head.
"Nope."- She says- "It seems like we're farther way. Much farther."
Adam takes a look himself. Then, he gasps.
"This village... "- He mutters- "... it is made by Elves!"
All three of his allies look at him, surprised.
"Elves? Here?"- Emela says- "Oh no."
Elwyen looks around.
"Why?"- She asks her- "They might be friendly."
Emela shakes her head.
"I don't think so."- She says- "Most elves simply ignore our race, but some really despise us. They live in remote settlements like this one and make the lives of any humans who happen to explore the surrounding area a living nightmare."
Mardek shrugs.
"Well."- He says- "They can't be more dangerous than Steele and his friends, can they?"
Emela shakes her head. Again.
"I don't want to know. I don't need to know."- She says nervously- "For now, let's just try to find a safe place to stay. Okay?"
Adam nods.
"Got it."- He says- "It is probably for the best, so come on."
Adam and his allies try to leave the woods, but are suddenly stopped by a group of approaching creatures.
As they get close, Emela realizes what they are.
"I feared that this would happen, sooner or later."- She says- "Brave yourselves, everyone!"
One of the elves approaches them. He is sitting on a horse and looks wealthier than most of the warriors with him.
"I am Torion- revered king of the Elven Kingdom and unquestioned master of its forces."- He says- "I can tell that you do not belong here. Identify yourselves."
Adam starts to speak, but the elven monarch silences him.
"There's no need to do that."- He continues- "No matter how respected or feared you are in the lands of the humans, you are now in our lands. To me, you are a bunch of filthy trespassers. Intruders who must be slain."
His horse takes a step forward and he draws his weapon. It is a majestic, long sword, made from a combination of both steel and silver. 
It is beautiful to look at... until he points it at him. That is when Adam notices a fresh bloodstain on the end of its blade.
"I will not beg for my life, but I will say this."- He says to Torion- "Killing us will not change anything. A large army of bloothirsty human bandits is coming this way and you should think before you act. Do you think that it is wise to kill people who do not have any drops of evil within their souls? Or do you just want to slaughter every trespasser and make a fool out of yourself?"
The elves behind the king are shocked by Adam's words, but Torion silences them.
"And I have a question for you."- He says, unfazed- "Do you really think that we care about your petty squabbles? Do you think that you can convince us to help you?"
He sneers.
"If so, you are a fool."- He continues- "I can see that you think of us elves as a bunch of mercurial creatures. As a race that must be crushed, in order to restore whatever fragile peace you have created in your weak human kingdom. As unworthy beasts that are as unimportant as every other creature that is not a human. You can't hide that from any of us."
Adam tries to prove him wrong, but Torion cuts him off again.
"Well, you should know that we're stronger than you think!"- He yells- "Once we're done with you, we'll mount your severed heads on poles around our village. They shall serve as a warning to those fools who dare to approach our sacred lands in the future. They'll see that everything is futile. Every promise that we made in the past will be broken... and our retribution starts now!"
He points his blade at Adam and his allies.
"Warriors, attack them!"- He yells- "Leave no survivors!"
As both sides of the battle prepare to fight, something unexpected happens.
One of the quieter warriors takes his horse away from his group and aims his bow at what it seems to be Adam, but soon changes his focus on one of the warriors who is trying to kill him. He executes him with a shot to the head.
As the other elven warriors try to make sense of what is going on, four more of them are shot down by the rogue elf.
"What is the meaning of this?"- Torion says and looks back- "Who dares to-- "
He gasps.
"Derion, you insolent, ungrateful child!"- He yells and tries to stop him- "What in the name of the mighty elven gods do you think you're doing?! Stop this madness!"
Derion refuses to comply. Instead, he aims the bow at the elven king.
"No, father. You have slain too many innocents."- He says- "I'll make you pay for what happened to mom!"
He shoots an arrow at him, but misses.
Torion throws his son off his horse with incredible speed and prepares to kill him.
As Adam struggles against a small group of elves, he sees that his new ally is in danger. Thinking fast, he grabs a few rocks from the ground and throws them at Torion, striking him on the head.
Torion turns around, infuriated.
"Why, you little-- "
While he is distracted, Derion whips out two small daggers from his pockets and stabs him in both sides of the neck.
As the elven king stumbles back, Derion and Adam prepare to finish him off.
"You... you can't just slay an old man like me, can you?"- He asks them, as if pleading for his life- "I can make mistakes. I didn't want to... to... "
He shrugs.
"Hmph. Whatever."- He says- "I'll be back for you soon, Derion. You and your little friend will pay for this insolence!"
With a flash of light, he disappears before Derion and Adam and strike him down.
Derion falls on his knees and shakes his head.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long."- He says- "But then, I... I... "
Adam places his hand on his shoulder.
"Aw, come on. This is not the end of the road."- He says to him- "Cheer up! At least you have us now!"
He turns to his allies.
"Right, everyone?"
Emela, Mardek and Elwyen finish off three of the remaining elven warriors. Then, they turn around and nod.
"Of course!"- Emela says- "Any friend of Adam is our friend as well!"
Derion shakes his head.
"I don't need your pity."- He says- "I just want to find him and make him pay."
He sighs.
"However."- He adds- "I suppose that I could use your help. The road ahead is going to be a hard one and I fear that I may not make it without aid."
Adam smiles.
"From the moment when I saw your father, I realized that he is a bad man. The way he thinks that he is above everyone else disgusts me."- He says- "Your cause is just and you have done enough to make me trust you. I think that it is best if we work together, at least for now."
Derion nods.
"Agreed."- He says- "So. Why are you here?"
Adam and his allies stare at each other for a few seconds.
"We are... wandering warriors."- Adam says- "Up until an hour ago, we were being pursued by a large group of bandits, led by a very evil human. We were trying to stop him, but had to hide in a small cave to plan our next move. And then, we found a secret passage and came all the way here."
"For some reason."- He mutters.
Derion nods.
"I see."- He says- "Judging by the looks on your faces, I assume that you fear he's getting closer, yes?"
Emela nods.
"He will never stop until he's eradicated all of his rivals, especially powerful and dangerous ones like us."- She says- "We want to turn back, but we think that he's already there, searching for a way to catch up with us."
Derion looks at the cave entrance ahead of him and nods again.
"You know what?"- He says- "I may not be a brilliant fighter, but I am good at catching my enemies by surprise."
Mardek grins.
"Well, Mister Derion."- He says- "If I've learned anything from my years as a wandering warrior, that is my keen senses that help me find and recognize a capable fighter. And you sure are one of them, I've gotta admit."
Derion nods.
"Yes. Thank you."- He says- "Anyway, where were we?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"The cave?"
Derion nods.
"Yes."- He says- "The myserious cave system that leads to the human kingdom. The way which led you here."
He sighs.
"I think that I may have a plan, but I'll need your help."- He says- "Can you promise to keep me alive?"
Adam nods.
"I make no promises, but I assure you that I will keep you safe from harm."- He says- "You are our friend. Friends protect and care about each other. Friendship is a force like no other and it will help us win this fight. Together."
For a moment, Derion's stoic demeanor breaks. A tears falls from his right eye.
He tries to wipe it off, but soon notices that there are more. It is as if he is starting to cry.
Not wanting those people to see his soft side immediately, he quickly pulls himself together and looks up.
"Right. Friendship."- He says, stoically- "I suppose that I should thank you for your honesty, though. Few humans are as caring as you, especially to creatures who are not part of their race."
Adam nods.
"So. What are we waiting for?"- He says- "Let us give Steele what he deserves!"
Derion nods.
"You got it."- He says and stands beside him- "Lead the way."
Adam smiles. Then, he shrugs and stares at the entrance.
"Stay close to me."- He says to the rest of his allies- "Things might get pretty... dangerous."
Everyone nods.
"Excellent."- Adam says- "Then it is clear what we most do next. Off we go!"
The five of them approach the cave entrance, aware that Steele and his bandits might emerge at any minute.
Unfortunately, they do not get very far, as the bandits are already there. Waiting for them to return.
"Welcome back, brat."- Steele says to Adam and grins- "We've been waitin' for you."
Adam draws his weapon.
"I feared that this might happen."- He says- "Come on, everyone. Let us show them what we are capable of."
== Trivia ==
* The title of this Part ("Master And Servant") refers to two different pairs of characters:
** The first pair (Steele and Steven) are the true master and servant, described here. Steven is Steele's right-hand man and, despite his high rank in his employer's army, Steele feels like Steven is nothing more than just a mere servant, sworn to do his bidding and lead his army to victory (and, especially, riches). Steven's loyalty towards Steele also gives him a similar role in the madman's society.
** The second one (Torion and Derion) are father and son, respectfully. However, Torion, as the king of a massive kingdom, feels that his son is just an obstacle in his way. Despite the boy's high status in the elven royal family, Torion abuses him and even dares to crush his dreams. Thus, he becomes nothing more than a puppet in his hands, a servant who is not different from the rest of the people who serve him. However, unlike the previous Servant (Steven), Derion has a mind of his own and he is disgusted by his father's actions, thus earning the evil king his absolute hatred and disdain. He does not want to be his servant and wishes to show him that he is much more than that. However, his true abilities have yet to be seen.