After making his way across the field to a large dirt road, Lucas headed east toward Cymbeline. He could still hear the buzzing sound resonating from the woods behind his house. Lightly placing his hand on his sword’s hilt, he continued to walk down the trail. As Lucas neared the royal city of Cymbeline, he observed in the distance what appeared to be a group of imps in the road. Removing his sword from its sheath, he continued toward them, unabated. Something was off. Normally, imps would turn and attack him as he approached, yet they remained in place. It was then that he noticed they were gathered around something.
Suddenly, a shiver went down his spine and he was overcome with the feeling of fear. But this was not his own fear; it was the fear of death. They’re killing someone! Moving his feet as fast as they would carry him, he bolted toward the assault he was witnessing. Once he was closer to the attack, he saw that there were four of them, clawing and scratching at a badly injured old man lying in the middle of the road. One of the imps looked up at Lucas and let out a dreadful shriek. Instantly, the other three ceased their attack and turned to see Lucas’s fast-approaching body, sword in hand.
The group lunged at Lucas, viciously hissing and growling. He thrust his blade into the first imp, but the other three grabbed his limbs with their claws and teeth, biting and scratching at his legs, ripping the pant fabric and drawing blood. Lucas pulled his sword from the corpse and swiftly swung it at the attackers, managing to injure two of them. He kicked another off of his leg and took several steps backward. It growled and lunged toward him as the other two writhed in anguish. Thinking quickly, Lucas stuck his sword straight out in front of him, impaling the imp as it jumped. He scrambled toward the remaining two and ended their suffering.
Sheathing the blade, Lucas ran over to the old man lying in a massive pool of blood. He shuddered at the sight as his thoughts drifted to the conversation he had had with his grandfather before departing the house.
Kneeling down beside the old man, Lucas spoke. “Speak to me. What happened?”
The man slowly moved his lips. “My p-pocket... take it... t-to... Roshan.”
Lucas was confused. “Your pocket?”
“Y-yes! Look... inside. Take it... to Roshan. In Cymb... eline... T-tell no one... you... h-have it. G-give it... to him... Aria is...” The man’s mouth swung wide open as his head limply fell to the side. The feeling of fear left Lucas.
Just then, he heard the sound of galloping hooves coming from the direction of Cymbeline. Looking up, he saw a small band of knights riding his way. Hastily reaching into the old man’s pocket, he found the object. It appeared to be a flat, golden semicircle, not much larger than his hand, containing several odd engravings that made no sense to him. Take it to Roshan? Still highly confused by the events that had just taken place, he swiftly put it in his pocket and rose to his feet.
The knights halted, inspecting Lucas and the surrounding cadavers. “What happened here?” the captain asked firmly.
“He was attacked by imps,” Lucas replied. “I tried to save him, but I wasn’t quick enough.”
The captain looked down at the old man, then back to Lucas. “I see. What are you doing outside of the city in the first place?”
“I don’t live in the city,” Lucas answered. “I was actually on my way there to run some errands.”
After a brief pause, the captain turned to one of his men. “Get those bodies out of the road,” he barked before turning back to Lucas. “Go on! Nothing more to see here.” After taking one last look at the mysterious old man, Lucas continued his journey.
* * * *
Lucas stepped onto the cobblestone street that marked the Cymbeline city limit. The streets were bustling with people. Lucas felt a knot in his stomach as he was flooded with emotions. Joy, anger, sadness, fear... but confusion seemed to stand out the most. It was this very reason that he avoided the city when possible.
The Knowms stood on every street corner like statues. They wore dark-green cloaks, covering their heads and entire bodies. In the distance, he could see Regal Heights, a gated community for the upper class. The most notable resident was Lord Javan Quinn, King Ashraf’s trusted adviser. Lucas gazed at Quinn Manor, which dwarfed even the relatively large surrounding homes. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in a place like that. Servants, attending your every need. No monsters to worry about...
Making his way through the crowd, Lucas gently placed his hand in his pocket. His fingers grazed the strange metallic object within. What is this thing? Why can’t I show anyone? He scanned the crowd. Roshan... who’s Roshan?
Lucas approached a vendor selling fruit. “Excuse me. Do you know of a man named Roshan?”
The vendor glanced at him and continued neatly preparing his display. “He runs a restaurant on the north side of town. It’s called Roshan’s Café. You can’t miss it.”
Lucas nodded, “Thanks,” and disappeared back into the crowd.
“You gonna buy something?” the vendor shouted.
Soon after arriving in northern Cymbeline, Lucas found a building with a brown roof and a sign that read “Roshan’s Café.” He opened the door and entered. There weren’t many people in the restaurant.
“Welcome to Roshan’s Café.” Lucas turned to see an older woman with curly brown hair. She smiled. “Table for one?”
Lucas reached into his pocket to make sure the strange object hadn’t fallen out. “Actually, I’m here to see Roshan.”
The woman looked puzzled. “Just one moment.” She disappeared through a door leading into the kitchen.
Lucas felt awkward standing alone near the doorway and sat down at a nearby table. Quietly observing the restaurant’s patrons, he noticed a man sitting by himself near the kitchen door. Lucas soon realized that the lone man was staring at his ripped pant leg, still stained with blood. Turning his head away from the stranger, Lucas sat and waited as the constantly shifting emotions of the city continued to churn inside him.
Moments later, an older man with a large gray moustache emerged through the kitchen door. He was wearing black pants and a thick brown coat, which was unbuttoned to reveal a red shirt covered in food stains. On his forehead, a red bandana was visible behind the bangs of his thinning gray hair. On his feet were two old brown shoes. He also seemed to be in good physical condition, despite his age. Lucas noticed that he was looking around the room. That must be Roshan.
Lucas got up to approach the man, but the nearer he got, the stronger a sense of distrust came over him. “Are you Roshan?” Lucas asked.
The man turned to him, startled, then quickly smiled. “Yes, I am. And who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?”
He extended his hand to Lucas, who took it and replied, “Lucas Bardsson. May I please speak to you in private?”
Roshan’s eyes widened. “Private? Why, whatever you have to say to me in private you can say to me out here. I am quite open to criticism. Did you get poor service? I do apologize.”
Lucas shook his head. “No, no it has nothing to do with the restaurant. I just...”
Roshan’s eyebrows raised as Lucas stumbled to find a way to complete the sentence. “You just?”
“I live just outside of town,” Lucas explained. “I was on my way here to visit the blacksmith when I saw an old man being attacked by imps. I fought them off of him and checked to see if he was okay,” Lucas paused. “Sadly, he didn’t make it. But in his dying breath, he asked that I bring you this.” He took the strange object out of his pocket and displayed it for Roshan to see.
Instantly, Lucas felt an intense surge of panic as Roshan snapped his head around the room. “Put that away!” Roshan whispered sharply. Lucas quickly pocketed the object. Roshan opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself from talking as a man walked by. Lucas observed that it was the same man who had been eying his injuries moments before. He felt a chill as the man quickly left the restaurant.
“Follow me,” Roshan ordered, hurrying into the kitchen. Lucas obeyed, following him into a sizeable store room. Boxes of food stuffs and ingredients adorned the wall. In the corner, Lucas noticed a tarp draped over something rather large. It was several feet taller than him, and at a height of 5’10”, Lucas wasn’t exactly a short-statured young man.
“Sorry,” Roshan began as he shut the door behind him, securing several locks, “but I cannot risk anyone knowing about this. Please, show it to me.” Lucas was puzzled, but he reached into his pocket and once again pulled out the strange object. Roshan’s mouth gaped. “The disk fragment...” He paused, gazing at the mysterious treasure.
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Disk fragment?”
Roshan took the object from Lucas’s hands and continued to marvel at it. “I cannot thank you enough for bringing this to me. Aria cannot thank you enough!” He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small brown sack. “Take this. It’s one hundred gold.”
Lucas crinkled his brow as he took the generous gift. “I appreciate it, but I would still like to know what exactly I’ve just delivered to you.”
Roshan put the object into his pocket and began undoing the various locks on the door. “There are some things you’re better off not knowing. Now, go on to the blacksmith and forget what you saw here.” He turned to Lucas. “I mean that. Do not tell anyone. In return, you and your family may eat at my restaurant for free any time, any day.”
He placed his hand on the doorknob when Lucas sternly interjected. “I didn’t have to take that thing to you in the first place. I at least deserve to know what’s going on here.”
Roshan snapped his head back in Lucas’s direction. “I’m immensely thankful for what you’ve done, but that information is strictly classified. And with good reason!” He grabbed Lucas’s arm and attempted to move him closer to the door. “Now, out you go!”
Lucas threw Roshan’s arm off of him. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what that thing is and why no one can know about it.” Lucas could feel Roshan’s nervousness growing. “Why won’t you tell me? Is it stolen?! Answer me!”
“Shhh!” Roshan shushed. “Keep your voice down!”
“No,” Lucas firmly replied. “If you’re not going to tell me what’s going on, I have no reason to keep this quiet.”
Roshan hesitated for a moment, then sighed as he secured the door’s numerous locks once more. “I suppose. You already know this much, so I see no harm.” He turned to Lucas. “But as I said before, this stays between you and me. No one else must know.” Lucas nodded eagerly. Roshan’s eyes darted around the room, as though someone might be hiding and listening.
After a slight delay, he spoke. “I am a member of an organization known as the Spades.”
Lucas’s eyes widened; he had heard whispers of the Spades before. While their true purpose remained unknown, they were rumored to be a thieves’ or assassins’ guild. I can’t believe this! This man is a thief and possibly a murderer! Lucas’s hand slowly slid near the hilt of his sword as he continued to listen.
“You see, the Knowms are not at all what they claim to be. Did you ever find it odd that this group seemingly popped up from out of nowhere, just in time to save Aria’s cities from the monster crisis?” Lucas’s eyebrows rose. He pondered the thought as Roshan went on. “It’s no coincidence, son. They are responsible for releasing the creatures into Aria. They are capable of controlling these beasts, creating the illusion that having them around ‘protects’ the cities. Using this method, they were successful in receiving funding for their campaign.”
Lucas thought for a moment. “But where did they get the monsters from? How do they control them? Why did they do this to Aria? What does that thing I gave you have to do with any of this? I don’t understand!” He took a step back. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“You have not allowed me to finish,” Roshan rebutted. Lucas stared blankly, creating an awkward pause before Roshan spoke again. “So do you want to know, or not? I’m simply giving you the information you’ve requested. Whether or not you choose to believe it makes no difference to me.”
Lucas could sense that Roshan was being sincere. Even if his story is bogus, he sure seems to believe it. “You’re right,” Lucas said finally. “Please, tell me the rest.”
There was another brief pause. Then, Roshan proceeded. “This object you’ve brought me is half of something called Damiano’s Disk. When united with the other fragment it becomes a key to The Temple of Damiano, a structure containing a source of raw, limitless power. This is why the Knowms ‘require funding,’ despite the little effort it takes for them to control their monster pets. They use the gold they receive from the king to aid their search for the very disk fragment you have just delivered. You see, the Knowms currently have one fragment. It’s our sworn duty to protect the one we have here from them at all costs, but it’s no easy task. As a result of our opposition, our organization’s reputation has been slandered. This is why we’ve become known amongst most Arialites as an assassins’ guild.”
Lucas was unsure of what to think. Temple of Damiano? I’ve never even heard of this place. His mind flooded with questions. “So, what exactly is this power?”
“It’s unknown,” Roshan answered. “The origins of Damiano’s Disk and the temple itself are hazy to say the least. All we know is what has been passed down through legend. It’s said that this raw source of power has the capability of making its user truly immortal, though it’s supposedly difficult to control. Many men throughout the ages have scoured Aria to find the disk, only to be met with disappointment. Eventually, it was widely considered to be a myth. In fact, most still believe that to be the case. But, as you have seen, Damiano’s Disk is all too real. You see, the Knowms are simply pawns for the man on top of the chain. It was his unrelenting search that finally proved the legend was no myth.” Roshan leaned in closely and whispered, “Lord Javan Quinn.”
Lucas cocked his head to the side. “The king’s adviser?”
Roshan nodded. “He manipulates the king while his Knowms do all the dirty work for him. King Ashraf believes he’s in control while Quinn runs the show behind his veil, keeping his connection to the group hidden. No one suspects a thing. Anyone who does is dealt with. The Knowms are his eyes and ears. He knows everything they learn out on the streets. If he ever manages to obtain both fragments, there’s no telling what sort of chaos would ensue. We know already that he plans to use its power to forcefully proclaim himself as Aria’s new ruler, but it’s doubtful he will stop there. Lord Quinn lusts for power. Even when he has reached the top, he will only want more. Aria has already suffered greatly at his hands... I can’t even fathom the destruction he will cause as king.”
Lucas looked down at his torn, bloodstained pant leg. “So that man I tried to save, was he a Spade too?”
Roshan nodded. “His name was Morice. Our main base was recently raided. Countless Spades were lost, but the fragment was ultimately saved. It was then entrusted to Morice, one of many Spades such as myself who work from here, in Aria.”
Lucas was perplexed. “Wait, what do you mean–”
Before anything else could be said, there was a loud bang in the dining area of the restaurant as the front door was aggressively kicked in. “Everybody out!” an unknown voice shouted. Lucas trembled, struck by a shot of sheer terror.
Roshan froze. “They’re here! The Knowms! They know!” Immediately, he ran toward the large, tarp-covered object. “It’s too late for me! They already know who I am! But I can still save you and the fragment!” He pulled the tarp to the ground, revealing what appeared to be a large stone doorway. However, the area where a door would belong contained a swirling vortex of brilliant colors. Lucas had to cover his eyes as the light radiating from it illuminated the room.
Roshan reached into his pocket and ran over to Lucas. Pulling out the disk fragment, he shoved it toward him. “Listen carefully,” Roshan spat out hastily. “There’s another member of our organization named Zoe waiting to receive the fragment on the other side. Bring it to her. There’s no time to lose, now go!”
Lucas hesitated to take it. “B-but–”
“Now!” Roshan quickly stuffed the fragment into a protesting Lucas’s pocket and pushed him into the vortex.
Running as far from the large stone doorway as he could, Roshan turned toward it and raised his hands above his head. Facing his palms upward he shouted, “Ignis inmanis sphaera!” A small fireball formed above him, which quickly expanded to three feet in diameter. He flung his arms in a forward motion, directing the massive spear of flames to shoot quickly toward the top of the stone doorway, causing a magnificent explosion as it slammed into the frame. The stone crumbled on impact as the vortex instantly disappeared. Roshan was propelled backward into a wall and lost consciousness.