The Three Defenders of Malahaneth

(I made Namala a girl in this by the way)

Amir, Shariq, and Namala stumbled to beat each other to the palace courtyard. They frantically passed decorated niches with marble statues of Malahaneth through rich hallways. To the left was a balcony that stretched around the West wing of the palace, overlooking the evergreen garden. Spices and foreign plants grew there. Each flower was vibrant in the midday sun. Paths weaved throughout the grass and levels below was the town. Bustling and about to hit an industrial revolution, change was happening. From trading goods to people from other countries, this town and its palace were in for a treat. To the right was the rest of the palace. Gleaming in the sun, it stood out from the humble adobes surrounding it and the garden added a contrast to it. It had several spires that loomed into the sky, reaching the clouds as well as engraved symbols protecting its energy and the people within. It had a total of four wings and in the center was a grand courtyard with marble figurines and exotic plants that wrapped over pillars.

Shariq pushed Amir out of the way, careful to steer clear of his blade while Namala's cloak whipped in their faces. At an open spot in the hallway, each person took their own route, careful not to disrupt court matters that were happening or the servants. Shariq took the main path to the courtyard, spices from the palace kitchen strong in his nose while servants yelped at the sight of the cloaked defender. He passed rooms and rooms with rich velvet from across the world and minor royals. They merely stared at him, and continued to play their board game in a room that could buy a whole village. On the other hand, Amir scaled up the entrance Shariq went through and was now on the roof. The scorching sun beat down on him, and the smell of the Northern winds clouded him. He ran over concrete buildings and marble roofs. He rushed through a rooftop garden, interrupting the servants hanging up the clothes for laundry. A blanket stuck to his face, and Amir quickly flung it off of him and rolled past a flock of crows. The view was amazing, but he needed what was coming in the courtyard. He could see it almost, but he was getting tired. Amir parkoured over openings and was careful not to fall. Meanwhile, Namala decided to go another route. She quickly opened up a trapdoor next to where Shariq and Amir had left and jumped in. Namala hopped down into the tunnel quietly and bolted. She knew the underground tunnels like the back of her hand and knew each route. Above ground meant distractions and people, but here Namala could sprint as fast as she could. It was humid down here with the faint noise of water trickling along the brick walls.

Each defender chose the route which best fit them. With Shariq, he was a straightforward man and the main route fancied him. However, Amir loved heights with wind whipping in his face and breathing that cool Northern air helped him get to this location. Namala was sneaky and preferred stealth, therefore choosing a more discreet route. Meanwhile, the courtyard for them awaited. It was in the middle of the palace and an open place. One side faced the town below showing people working their day to day life and beyond were the crop fields. The other side opened into the evergreen garden with landscaped shrubs and a pond in the middle home to fish. It was a place of luxury, really and the smell of flowers was calming. The other two sides were openings for the palace itself and servants hurriedly rushed though it, holding various items to tend to needs of royals. Guests sat on the marble benches, enjoying the main fountains and the calming noise of birds chirping. Cypress trees loomed over them, casting a relaxing shadow on the various plants and shrubs that lined the place.

While the views of the palace were endless, Amir, Shariq, and Namala were here for a messenger. He awaited next to a spice stand in a dark cloak. Remaining anonymous, he claimed he had tips on Akabar's next attack. Desperate for a lead on their enemy, The Three Defenders wanted to show Malahaneth who was the most capable of them. Findings missions was like a challenge to them, as their loyalty to Malahaneth and the country was strong.

Just as the messenger picked up his head from the scroll he was reading, he was in awe. In front of him, past the fountains and the mini creek that weaved through the courtyard, he almost gasped. From the roofs above, Amir leaped down barely making a sound but a mere tap on the marble floor. From the grand entrance, Shariq sprinted through, covered in various foods which was a result of the kitchen. From the creek entrance, Namala splashed through, sending water onto bystanders and the shrubs. In that moment, all three defenders looked at each other and ran to the messenger. Namala's hair whipped in the wind while Amir tripped Shariq. They were like siblings, thought the messenger.

They knocked over stalls and stepped on plants but finally made it to the messenger. It was a tie. Despite all the effort it took, they were going to have to take the job and split the reward rather than enjoying it as one.

The messenger stood up and sighed while all three panted. "Defenders, I might have a tip on where to find Akabar's men in a camp nearby the city. This camp merely has some foot-soldiers but it is situated next to catacombs. It is said paranormal things happen there, and a book of knowledge is in one of the tombs. Give me this book and I will reward you with Akabar's info." He whispered, and wearily looked around to make sure nobody was listening. Despite the fact that they were hidden in a small garden behind a building, he knew even walls had ears.

The Three Defenders exchanged glances and took the job. For the town, they thought as they parted ways.