MLIII C1, P3- "Alone And Unafraid"

"Alone And Unafraid" is the third Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's first Chapter.
It was released on 17.10.2021.
== Plot ==
Having been separated from Donovan, Adam and Sharla explore the rest of Sucia Island, hoping to find someone (or something) who is able to help them out. Their expedition leads them to a small village located in the southern part of the island where a kind leader gives them directions to a nearby large settlement where they will be able to find the help that they need.
Meanwhile, Donovan follows the people who saved him to their camp. He wonders if he will be able to find Adam and Sharla with their help and whether he can trust them or not.
Somewhere far away, the person who commanded his warriors to destroy Adam's vessel is devising another plan that will allow him to catch the vulnerable boy and use him for whatever nefarious desires he has in his wicked mind.
Even when everything does not go well, life must go on. But how will this story unfold?
== Story ==
A few days have passed since Adam and Sharla were stranded on Sucia Island and separated from Donovan. During that time, they have been hunting for their enemies and moving from shelter to shelter, in the hopes that they can find a better place to stay and plan their next move.
Now, they are staying in a small forest at the southern part of the island. Adam is sleeping and Sharla is still awake, thinking about Donovan and where he might be right now.
Fifteen minutes later, the sun finally rises. It is now day.
Adam opens his eyes and notices that Sharla is looking at him.
"Is something wrong?"
Sharla shakes her head.
"Oh, it's... it's nothing."- She responds- "I was just wondering about the things that we had to witness with our own eyes."
Adam sighs.
"Yes. It was painful for all of us. That is for sure."- He says- "But today is a new day. Maybe we can find someone who can help us?"
Sharla nods.
"I hope so!"- She exclaims- "I really hope so... "
Adam hears some rustling in the nearby bushes. He draws his weapon and carefully approaches them.
"Uh, Adam?"- Sharla says- "What are you doing?"
Adam shakes his head.
"I think that someone is spying on us."- He whispers- "Stay here. Things might get dangerous. If so, get ready to run away."
Sharla shakes her head and picks up her spear from the ground.
"No way!"- She whispers- "You helped me out, so I'm ready to do the same."
She takes a step forward.
"I'm right behind you."
Adam sighs.
"As you wish."- He whispers- "Just... be careful. Alright?"
Sharla nods.
"Yes."- She says- "Got it."
The two of them approach the bushes, pointing their weapons at them.
"I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling."- Sharla says- "We were attacked by those weird humans not long ago. What if they sent someone to kill us?"
Adam sighs.
"If this is the case, then they will have a lot of trouble."- He whispers- "Be on your guard."
The two of them see something moving in the bushes. It turns out to be part of a brown robe that the person in question is wearing.
They point their weapons at them.
"Alright, vagabonds. We know that you are in there."- Adam says stoically- "Stand up and show yourself. You have nowhere left to run."
The person that is hiding in the bushes finally shows themself.
Adam takes a good look at them. Realizing that something is wrong, he raises his eyebrow.
"Wait a minute."- He says- "Who are you?"
It seems like the person who is spying on them is a bit... weird, to say at the very least.
They are short. They wear a brown robe. They have a long nose and brown eyes.
They are also very nervous.
"Greetings, h-h-humans."- The strange creature says to them- "We heard that a new group of humans has arrived on Sucia, so we came to see you. Or rather, I did. The others are too scared of you."
Adam nods.
"You seem friendly."- He says- "Where are you from?"
The creature points at the area to the south.
"My hometown is Vakkiri, a small village that is the home of many serviles. Like me."- It says- "I am one of them."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You are... a servile?"- He asks- "Well. This is interesting."
He shakes the servile's hand.
"It is nice to meet you."- He says- "My name is Adam and this is Sharla. Thank you for visiting us."
The servile nods and smiles nervously.
"You actually know what they are?"- Sharla asks Adam- "I've never heard of them before."
Adam turns to her and smiles.
"Yes. Those creatures are called serviles- a race of non-humans who were created by the people that used to live on this island."- He responds- "Unfortunately, I heard stories about how they were abandoned by their creators and left to the sands of time, doomed to face whatever horrible fate they were intended to have. It is very sad and I am angry about it."
He nods.
"I have only heard stories about them and seen them in our history books, but I admit that I have never seen any of them in person."- He continues- "I am as surprised and confused as you are right now."
Sharla nods.
"Right. They're not humans. Not the people who attacked us earlier. That's for sure."- She says- "Maybe they can help us out?"
The servile hears what Sharla is saying to Adam and takes a step forward.
"Excuse me, miss. I couldn't help, but overhear the things that you said."- It says- "Did I hear it right? Other humans, attacking you?"
Sharla nods.
"Yes. Many of them."- She responds- "Do you know anything about it, creature?"
The servile nods.
"I do not, but our leader may help you find someone who does."- It says- "Come with me. I will take you to our village. Our leader is interested in you."
Adam turns to Sharla.
"They might seem friendly, but we must always be wary."- He whispers to her- "Be careful."
The sevile leads Adam and Sharla towards a nearby village. It takes them only half an hour to get there.
Once they arrive, they see some servies guarding the entrance to the village. Surprisingly, they are carrying weapons with them- something that is rarely seen for creatures like them.
When they see the three of them, they take a step forward.
"Greetings, friends."- One of them says- "How can we help you?"
Adam takes a step forward as well.
"We came here to see your leader."- He says- "Can you tell us where he is."
The servile guard nods
"Ah. You must be looking for mister Khobar."- He says and points to the south- "We heard that he wants to see you personally. He is that way."
Adam thanks them and approaches the large building to the south.
While going there, Sharla stops and stares at the village around her.
"Sharla, this is not the time to be admiring everything."- Adam whispers to her- "We can look at it later. Keep moving."
Sharla says.
"Alright."- She says and takes a step forward.
Soon, they reach the large building and enter it.
There, they see a large servile. He is sitting on a chair and looking at some papers on his desk, lost in thought.
"Excuse me, sir."- Adam says- "May we speak with you? It is important."
The servile looks up. He seems to recognize who they are.
He stands up, approaches them and shakes Adam's hand.
"Well met, heroes. Welcome to our little village."- He says- "I am General Khobar, leader of this place and sworn warrior of the Awakened."
Sharla raises her eyebrow.
"Awakened?"- She asks- "What does that even mean? I don't get it."
Khobar nods.
"Ah. I see that you do not know who we are. How unfortunate."- He says to her- "Well then, Allow me to explain."
He sits back on his chair and begins to recite a speech with great ease, as if he has done so many times before.
"As you may already know, we are serviles. However, not all of us share the same thoughts. Thus, we are divided in three different sects, each with their own set of traditions and beliefs."- He says- "First, there are the Obeyers. A bunch of loyal creatures who do anything to please our common masters. They devote themselves to protect the laws and artifacts that they left behind when they abandoned this island hundreds of years ago. Quite foolish of them, if you ask me. Such horrible memories of times long past must be burned to ashes, not to be kept stored like this. Then, there are the Takers- a small group of lunatics who think that the Shapers are their enemies and want to fight them. Most of those mad serviles were slain decades ago, but they still try to take their revenge. Ignore them. Soon, they will suffer the consequences of their own mistakes."
He sighs.
"And then, there's us- the Awakened."- He continues- "We are a group of humble people who only wish to trade with everyone. Unlike the Obeyers, we do not wish to serve our former masters anymore, but we are not suicidial like the Takers. We only wish to be on neutral terms with their kind and to be left alone. Oh, and to trade. This is what we have done for many, many years."
Adam nods and smiles.
"I can see that you are honorable people, kind leader."- He says to him- "I am ready to help however I can. Hopefully, this will improve the relations between humans and servies. As a part-time diplomat, it is my job to keep the peace in this world intact."
Sharla nods.
"And it's the same for me."- She says- "But there's one condition. If you can help us out, we shall do the same."
Khobar smiles.
"That is fair enough."- He says- "We might be able to do so. What is on your mind?"
Adam decides to speak about the problem that they have.
"You see, things are not going well for us. We are part of a small group of explorers who came here to investigate the Geneforge and find a way to stop anyone from using it. Unfortunately, we were attacked by a group of hostile humans recently. Our boat was destroyed by them and we were separated from each other."- He says- "We do not know why they want to kill us, but we have a feeling that it has to be connected to the mission that we have. If you know something about them, please let us know. It is all that we ask for the help that we will provide."
Khobar nods.
"I see."- He says- "You speak of the Sholai."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"The... Sholai?"- He asks- "Who are they?"
Khobar shrugs.
"To be honest, we do not know much about them either, but we'll try to help you."- He responds- "The Sholai are a strange group of humans who arrived on our humble island two years ago. Since then, they have been searching for the ones who used to inhabit this place. However, they soon found their secrets, the magical devices that they use to get more powerful. And so, they searched for more of them. They got stronger and, at the same time, more reckless and evil. And soon, they found and allied themselves with the vile Takers. Those fiends lied to them about how evil the Shapers are and how they will destroy them on sight. Thus, the Sholai agreed to help them attack our common creators, at the price of helping them find more canisters. A few months ago, they finally found a way to open the gates that lead to the Geneforge- the device that will allow a single person to become like a god. But none of them were able to use it. Those who were foolish enough to do so died quickly and painfully. Thus, their leader- Trajkov- tried to find someone who could help him use the device. He captured a Shapter known as Goettsch and forced him to help him out. Goettsh found a pair of Shaping Gloves- a pair of special gloves whose purpose is to absorb the magic of the Geneforge and infuse the body with it without any negative affects whatsoever. But this Shapter did not want to share the gloves with such a wicked man. A week ago, he betrayed Trajkov and fled into the wastes to the west of us, hoping that he could use the Geneforge himself someday. Of course, Trajkov was infuriated. He sent some of his warriors to hunt the traitor down. They did not succeed and died on their way to his new home- a large temple. Though I suspect that the result would have still been the same, even if they did break in. And so, Trajkov realized that he cannot find a way to use the Geneforge all by himself. Thus, he tried to find someone who would be able to do so. And it seems like he found you."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Me? But I barely know anything about the Geneforge, let alone how to use it!"- He says- "I am a human being, not a Shaper! He is wasting his time!"
Khobar nods.
"Yes. He knows that you know little. However, he plans to use you for something else."- He says- "Even though he has lived on this island for years, Trajkov has heard about you. He is aware that you are the son of the legendary hero known as Jared Kaos and thus, he knows that you will be able to help him hunt down the fugitive. He wants to capture you and force you to do his bidding, whether you like it or not."
Adam shakes his head.
"This is madness! I refuse to help this madman!"- He yells- "I do not want to attack someone who has done absolutely nothing bad to us. No matter how mad or eccentric they may be. I refuse!"
Khobar nods.
"And that is why we wanted you to come here."- He says- "The leader of our sect is known as Ellhrah. He is a very old and wise servile who lives in Ellhrah's Keep to the east. Once, he told me about a group of friendly Sholai who lived in the wastes. They hate Trajkov and they want to kill him. But when we contacted them, they said that they need help. We were unable to provide it ourselves, so we tried to search for someone who could help them."
He looks at Adam.
"Maybe you will be able to make sense of this."- He says to him- "Please. Head to Ellhrah's Keep and meet our leader. Hopefully, we can actually help each other. For the sake of peace."
Adam nods.
"I feel like this is the best thing that we can do."- He responds- "Very well. We shall see your leader."
Khobar nods.
"I am glad that you accepted. It is clear that both of you are noble warriors who only wish to do good things. Your hearts are pure and the vile people on this island cannot taint it."- He says- "Thank you for speaking with me. It was an honor foe me to meet you. Now go. A bright future awaits us. And you, my friend, are going to be the harbinger of the light that shall iluminate us."
Adam smiles.
"The pleasure is mine, kind sir."- He says- "Farewell. I pray for the safety of your little village and I hope that you will be fine."
Khobar smiles and watches as Adam and Sharla leave the building.
The two of them bid farewell to the guards at the east entrance and enter the woods.
There, they realize that everything is quiet. Eerily so.
"How strange."- Adam says- "This is not normal."
Sharla nods.
"This place is like a graveyard. Too quiet."- She says- "Maybe the evil humans scared them off?"
Adam sighs.
"Sadly, this is probably the case."- He admits- "But I am sure that there are still serviles out here. So, let us proceed."
It takes them a few minutes, but they finally notice something in the distance. They approach it and see that it is the entrance to a large settlement.
Two servile guards stand on both sides, surprised that anyone would want to visit the settlement in a time like this.
"Hail, humans."- The one to the left says- "You don't seem to be Sholai. Please identify yourselves."
Adam takes a step forward.
"My name is Adam Kaos and this is my friend, Sharla."- He introduces himself- "Is this Ellhrah's Keep?"
The other guard nods.
"Yes!"- He says- "This is the capital of the Awakened, as well as the home of our revered leader- Ellhrah."
Adam nods.
"I was told that your leader lives here, so I arrived. I am on official business and this meeting is very urgent."- He continues- "May we get permission to enter the keep?"
The guard to the left nods.
"I see. But we want to know something."- He says- "Many humans on Sucia Island want our leader dead. Is it the same for you?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Of course not!"- He exclaims- "Your leader is an honorable man. And I respect those who fight for a good cause. The only thing that I want is to meet him in person and help him out as best as I can. Nothing else!"
The guards stare at each other for a second. They seem unsure whether to let the strangers in their home or to send them away.
Finally, they make a mutual decision.
"You seem genuine, so we will trust you."- The guard to the left says and steps aside- "Welcome to Ellhrah's keep, young hero. Enjoy your stay."
The guard to the left does the same, allowing Sharla to enter as well.
Adam nods and thanks the guards. Along with Sharla, he enters the keep and takes a good look at it.
"Oh my!"- He exclaims- "This place is massive!"
It is clear that Ellhrah's Keep is a major trading center. Many serviles reside in it and there are many shops where they can purchase useful supplies with whatever money that they have left.
"Seeing the size of this keep, I think that I feel very small."- She says- "Those serviles are far more advanced than we anticipated."
Adam nods.
"They are doing their best to survive in this harsh world. Just like us."- He says- "Ellhrah's Keep proves that they are capable of making their own decisions and coordinating the trades that take place in every settlement on this island. It is a tedious process, but I think that they are doing great."
He sighs.
"However, I am afraid that we should ignore the rest of this place. At least until we complete our task."- He continues- "For now, we must ask for directions and try to find Ellhrah."
Sharla nods.
"Absolutely."- She says- "Let's do this!"
Adam and Sharla ask the serviles nearby for directions.
"Ah. You must be looking for our leader."- One of them says and points to the south- "That way."
The two heroes thank them and approach the area to the south.
There, they see training grounds where serviles train to hone their abilities- both physical and magical. While the warriors are only able to strike the training dummies with regular weaponry like swords and javelins, the mages are able to hurl fireballs at their targets. Both of the groups are seemingly competent in their respective tasks.
"Amazing."- Sharla says- "To think that those simple-looking creatures can cast magic themselves. It's so... fascinating!"
Adam nods
"Their discipline is truly remarkable."- He says- "Maybe we can learn a thing or two from them."
He turns to his friend.
"Right, Sharla?"
Sharla nods.
"Indeed."- She responds and moves on.
Not too far ahead, they find a small office. Someone important must stay there.
When they open the door, they notice a rather familiar sight.
An important-looking servile is sitting on a desk, looking at a bunch of papers. Like Khobar, he is tall and muscular, but also very old.
It doesn't take long for the creature to notice them. When he does, he stands up and nods to his visitors.
"Welcome, humans, to Ellhrah's Keep. I am Ellhrah- the leader of this humble place."- He introduces himself- "I suspect that you want to see me. Is there anything that I can help you with?"
Adam bows to him.
"Thank you for welcoming us, sir."- He says respectfully- "My name is Adam Kaos and this is my friend- Sharla. We were asked by General Khobar to come here and meet you. We have a mission that must be completed as soon as possible and we have the feeling that you might be able to help us out."
Ellhrah nods.
"Very well. I would never refuse to help someone in need."- He responds and motions for them to join him- "Sit down, my friends. We have much to talk about."
As Adam and Sharla start their conversation with the leader of the Awakened, we move to another part of the island where Donovan is still walking towards a nearby settlement with the friendly humans that he recently met.
Soon, they reach their destination and he takes a good look at the place.
"Impressive building skills."- He says to himself- "Whoever built this place must be really talented."
Then, he sees something strange. A few short people are tending to the farmlands in the settlement.
However, they don't seem to be human.
"I've heard about those creatures."- He says- "They are... serviles. Beasts of burden with minds of their own. Sentient, yet still completely devoted to their work and loyal to their masters- the Shapers. I'm excited to learn more about them in the future."
The woman who talked to him earlier approaches him and taps him on the shoulder.
"Come with me."- She says.
Donovan realizes that he still has things to do and decides to listen to what the mysterious woman has to say to him.
The two of them enter a small workshop in the westernmost part of the settlement.
Once both of them are inside, the woman turns around and smiles.
"I am glad that you accepted my invitation, brave hero."- She says to him- "Now, where were we?"
She smiles serenely.
"Ah, yes."- She continues- "Our bargain."
Donovan nods.
"You saved my life, so I want to repay you."- He says- "How can I help? What do you want me to do?"
The woman smiles again and motions for him to sit down.
"Now, now. Let's not be too hasty. We may have little time, but that doesn't mean that we can't relax. Right?"- She says in a calming voice- "Come. Take a break. Relax. There's a long road ahead of us, but what you experienced today was something that few people will be able emerge from alive, let alone safe and sound."
Donovan nods.
"I agree. It has been a long day."- He responds- "But I am duty-bound to the task that we have and it must be completed as soon as possible."
The woman nods.
"Oh. I just noticed that I haven't introduced myself to you yet."- She says- "How rude of me."
She smiles.
"My name is Yu-La. I am a member of the humans that you foreigners call "Sholai". "- She begins- "Contrary to what most of us have become, we are a group of avid explorers who only want to find more people and build relations with them. That is why me and my group of lone warriors have joined this small settlement of serviles. To help them and find more people along the way. Hopefully."
She smiles again.
"I can tell that you're nothing like my former companions. You're a noble warrior and your moral compass always points towards the path of justice."- She continues- "Just from looking at you, I can tell that you're a person who treats his allies with kindness. Unlike him.
Donovan looks at her.
"Is there something bothering you?"- He asks her- "Who is the person of whom you are speaking?"
Yu-La sighs.
"His name is Trajkov. But for me, he was Trajkov."- She responds- "I don't consider him a Sholai anymore. What he did to us is unspeakable and his madness must be stopped. He's a bad man and I will never trust him. Not after the atrocities that he committed against all of us."
Donovan nods.
"I see. This Trajkov that you are talking about must be someone who has gone completely mad. He is probably a pillar of pure evil that must be purged at all costs."- He says- "Is that so? Do you think that I am right about this?"
Yu-La nods.
"Very much, I'm afraid."- She says- "And that's why we took you in. We thought that you might be able to help us, given that our former allies likely despise you."
Donovan sighs.
"Like I said, I will gladly help you."- He says- "I despise them for what they did to us back there and I can tell that it's the same for you."
He looks at her.
"It is clear that we will be able to help each other, so let us begin our negotiations."
Yu-La nods and smiles.
"I am eager to tell you more about our problem."- She says- "Whenever you're ready, of course."
Donovan nods.
"Oh. I'm always ready."- He says enthusiastically- "Let's do this. Right here and right now."