The Rise of Annixon Bright 8 Introspection

It wasn't even proper daylight when Annixon woke up Anastacia, "Come on kiddo, wake up. We need to move."

"Just a few more minutes."

"We gotta keep ahead of the elves. They retreated for now, but I ain't gonna count my chicken before they hatch."

She groaned heavily while still being exhausted and with some effort, stood up. Annixon made his way to the horses and was relieved to find that the other did find their deceased friend. He didn't sleep well. He made the traps to hit low so that no vital organs could be hit. Though he did make them be dangerous, he wasn't exactly expecting any casualties.

He looked at the scene where he found the body. There were numerous footprints in the damp soil which at least confirmed that part. Upon closer inspection, he found marks that suggested that someone was crawling. He wanted to get the horses so that they had nowhere to go. Annixon did take that into account and specifically placed a fair amount of traps in the region.

The horses seemed ready at least. They can't be far from their destination now. He went back with the horses in tow.

He saw Anastacia was holding her stomach. He was in the military and was specifically trained to endure in a survival condition, she wasn't. He was well aware of this. He could rummage up some insect but he thought she wouldn't be able to stomach it.

He patted her on the head, "Homestretch kiddo. Think you can hold on?"

She didn't want to look like a weakling in front of him, "Yeah, I think I should be able to."

Man the trip felt like an eternity. This was their third and hopefully the last trip. So far he was shocked by the fact that he knew which was to go, but now he was slightly second-guessing it. They at least have enough freshwater to last until they arrived.

They both got on their respective horses and started trotting away. Five hours into the trip they came across a road. Annixon was hesitant to follow it because it would make them a too obvious a target, but Anastacia wasn't looking too well. They would save time and be sure of a direction. He sighed and said, "We will keep on the road. It's against my military training to stick to one but you are a civilian. Just keep close to me, okay."

Anastacia nodded. She was relieved. They rode through mud, uneven terrain, boulders, streams the works. She was tired and riding on a cobbled road at least gave them a sense of direction as well as a smoother ride.

Not long after that they came to a clearing and saw a stone wall far off into the distance. It was finally the homestretch. A small tear formed on Anastacia's face. She would finally be able to see her father and be back in the lap of luxury, then her heart sank.

He remembered that she only had one purpose in life according to her father. Get married and give him a grandson. After this little adventure of hers, that way of life seemed meaningless and empty. She wanted her life to mean more, "Annixon I have a confession to make."

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Do you think the life of nobility is all about politics and getting married to people you don't even care for?"

"Bit of an ambiguous question. I don't really understand politics in this day and age, but what I would say is: You should be given a choice to whom you get married too and what you wish to pursue in life, but that just me. I still have a lot to learn about what is considered to be the social norm."

"My sister ran away with another man when she was to be betrothed. That was quite the affair, my father summerly disowned her. I believe she regrets that decision now."

"I don't think she does. If you ever find someone you care for, then the money is just considered to be a means to an end. Who cares about money if you only ever get to use it on yourself. I really do hope you find that special someone so that you can understand what I am talking about."

"Do you think you will ever meet someone else?"

"That is a mystery that I couldn't possibly answer. Will I ever settle down? Maybe, but I am too invested in what I do. So, I don't think I can even consider someone else."

"Ha, hypocrite. You too are more interested in money."

"No, I do it because I like what I do, and in this new world in order to continue doing it, I need capital. A means to start up, hence saving you was a golden opportunity for me. Before you continue, I also did it because I am a person with a heart. If I don't get money for this, I will be disappointed but not angry. I will find something."

Annixon held up his hand, "Trouble up ahead."
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A group was standing in the road as if they owned it. One of the soldiers noticed their approach, "Sir. I think that is them."

Annixon climbed off his horse and approached the elves, and sighed, "I thought I told you guys to back off. This isn't backing off. You guys are so predictable. Okay, so I guess you are here with a suggestion. Let me hear it."

The Archer stepped forwards, "You took out one of our own with those nasty traps of yours. I would say this is personal, but it isn't. We suggest mortal combat with one of us."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then we charge with force. We already have most of our troops aiming at you with an arrow. One of them is bound to hit you."

Annixon sighed again, "You guys really want to risk the biscuit? I guess I could agree. One man down is better than a whole bunch who is only doing their jobs."

A man with two daggers covered from head to toe, stepped forward, "They call me Miklos. Don't even for a second think I am a part of the common rabble."

Annixon raised his short-sword, "Well, come on then."

Chapter end