I... Am Garlan Aldus.

Warden of the Invicta Order knights.

12th Lord Warden of Ashfeld.

You can say I am the youngest Lord Warden... At myself being 21 years old. I had joined the knights since I was 13, knighted to become a Lord Warden at 15.

...

But those can be said as formerly.

As during a battle against the Blackstone Legion remnants.

A bright light had engulfed the battlefield.

And now all I can see is darkness.

Garlan's thoughts: Is this it? My end? All that was very... Sudden...

My only regret was I wasn't able to live up to Lord Ramiel's expectations.

I had promised him that I will lead Ashfeld to prosper... I only was able to do 6 of those years...

Garlan's thought's: Forgive me Lord Ramiel... For I have failed your vision.

...

But yet again I was proven wrong.

As a sudden urge to gasp for air hit me, and I jolted awake.

I was in a forest... Wasn't I at a Blackstone garrison a while ago?

It also hit me.

Garlan: This... Is not Ashfeld...

I would recognize anything in Ashfeld, the tree's, the climate, the land. This isn't ashfeld... Not by a long shot.

I looked at my surroundings, and to my left I noticed a sword. I stood up and walked to it and picked it up.

Garlan: Lord Arland's sword?

Lord Arland was the 5th Lord Warden. This sword I hold is his.

Garlan: How did this get here?

I inspected the sword, it seemed to be in pristine condition, even after how old it is.

Garlan: It's better than having no weapons on me. Forgive me Lord Arland.

I holstered the sword on my left hand, I looked around the forest. It was thick and lush, I'll have to find a path out of here.

Garlan: If I was lost here... Where would a path-

"HYAAAAAA!!!"

A distressed scream, seems to be a woman too.

Garlan: Search can come later, someone is in distress.

I then rushed towards the source if the scream.

Once I got there, an interesting sight was upon me.

A group of six weird tiny green looking beings stood around something.

And that something is someone. I decided to interfere.

Garlan: What is the meaning of this?

I said in a stern voice, the small things turned towards me.

???: W-Whoever you are run! These Goblins won't stand and listen!

The beings she called Goblins drew their weapons.

Small knives and a club...

Garlan: Then so it is.

These Goblins rushed at me, I drew Lord Arland's sword ready to strike them

All six of them jumped at me in all directions, unfortunate for them Lord Arland always keeps his sword sharp.

With one circular swing I cut all their heads off as their dead bodies flew past me and into the grass behind, their heads slowly rolling past.

Garlan: Not even close.

I walked towards the lady and lent out my hand.

Garlan: Are you okay?

She took it and I helped her stood up.

???: Y-Yes... Thank you.

Garlan: It is no problem.

???: So... Who are you?

Garlan: Garlan Aldus, Warden of the Invicta Order.

Veronica: A-Ah right, I'm Veronica Luttensdorf. Member of the Rose Knights.

Garlan: I see.. What were those things called again?

Veronica: As I said. Those are Goblins, they're monsters that likes to pillage and steal from villages... And they like to use women as-

Garlan: I think I know where you are getting with them.

Veronica: A group of them tends to be lead by an Orc.

Garlan: And what are they?

She was about to explain but a thud stopped her, and out of the bushes walked out a more taller being than those Goblins. Possibly even taller than Holden.

Veronica: That!

The hideous thing cracked a laugh.

Orc: Well what do we hav ere?! A Rose Knight and one o her lackey's ain't it?

I saw Veronica quickly grabbing her sword from the ground.

Orc: Oi knight! Ar uz the one who killed thoz Goblinz?

Garlan: Yes, what about it?

Orc: Aah... Uz be da one to die first! Hahahah!

The Orc held his twin bladed battle axe.

Garlan: I'll be damned if I don't kill you first.

I stopped Veronica from going to fight this thing.

Garlan: Let me handle him.

I clenched the handle of the sword and got ready to duel.

With a loud war cry, the Orc rushed me first.

*CLANG*

I managed to block the top attack and shove the Orc aside. I then feinted a right side attack and went in for the side heavy.

Orc: GRAAAAAAHHH!!!

The blade of the sword went in deep into the Orc's flesh.

I yanked he blade out and went for the neck.

I decapitated the wretched thing. I honestly thought it would be tougher.

Garlan: A shame really.

I could see that on Veronica's face that she was amazed.

Veronica: T-That was incredible! You managed to easily beat it!

Garlan: Was it supposed to be hard?

Veronica: M-Most would try to avoid picking a fight with an Orc. Even our strongest fighters struggle to beat one!

Garlan: Well... Maybe I'm just better.

Veronica: Is that so... Garlan wasn't it?

Garlan: Yes.

Veronica: Mind telling me where you're from first?

Garlan: Of course. I am from Ashfeld.

Veronica: Ashfeld? The Land of the Dragons?

Garlqn: No no... Ashfeld is a more... Distant land.

Veronica: I know you're lying Garlan.

I sighed, knowing I had explain everything from start to now.

Garlan: Alright, I will explain everything. But be warned that it is long.

I gave her a lecture about the history and different factions in Ashfeld. Veronica had different expression, most common was shock.

Veronica: T-That's a handful...

Garlan: I had warned you.

Veronica: So by technicality... You're somewhat like a king of sorts?

Garlan: I only lead my faction. I do not rule the people, they rule themselves.

Veronica: I see... Then why don't you follow me back to the Vapital? You don't have a place to stay at this moment.

Garlan: I will take you up on that offer.

Veronica: Good!

She sheaths her sword.

Veronica: Come on, the Capital isn't far from here.

She gestured to follow and so I did.

...

...

...

There was one thing that was bothering me though...

...

...

...

Why isn't she wearing more armor?

To Be Continued