Chapter 1. Part 5.

Encounter with Princess

Mark is out for a hunt in the monster filled forest near the cabin, when he hears some shouting and a girl scream. He rushes towards the sound. A group of people are under attack, by several large creatures. The knights are not doing well. Four are already down. But so are two monsters.

Mark charges in with a magic attack and a spear thrust. He uses a combination of melee and magic attacks that have the knights shocked and amazed. In short order he takes down the remaining monsters. Narrowly saving the girl from being eaten.

He then uses healing magic to help the remaining knights.

Pellen Gallant, Princess's Guard Captain, thanks him.

Princess Finalla von Flameglave, also thanks him.

Captain Gallant explain that the Princess was on a mission to find the legendary hero (grandpa), because the kingdom needs his help again.

Mark answers that “He was my grandpa and, he died not long ago.”

The Captain keeps a neutral expression. Not sure if he trusts this strange kid.

At the moment the girl hardly looks like a princess, as she is dressed in travelling clothes and light armor. Which makes more sense than wearing a fancy dress to go into a dangerous forest.

Princess Finalla takes a more diplomatic approach, “Im sorry for your lose. I never met the great hero, but my father spoke often of him. The news of his death is sad for us all. Although many people thought him dead years ago.” she glances at the guard captain. “Some thought my mission a fools errand. But Iv found you. Maybe you can help?”

Mark quickly stops feeling so proud of his accomplishment. “Im not sure what I can do. Im not really very experienced.”

Captain Gallant nods but then points out, “Those spells you just used were top class.” In fact the boy's fighting style was just like that described of the hero Crane. There have only ever been a few who could combine magic and melee attacks so quickly.

The Princess then says “We should talk more, in a safer place.”

So Mark takes them all back to the cabin.

Mark the Princess and the Captain go inside to talk, while the other knights wait in the yard.

Princess Finalla does most of the talking, she is very polite but digs for info during the conversation. She is very skilled at reading people and getting them to tell what she wants to know.

Mark having low social skills never even notices how she guides the conversation.

He confirms this is his grandpa's cabin and that he has lived there a few months.

He does stick to the vague story of being from a distant land, not saying anything about another world.

“What did you wanted to ask grandpa to help with? Is it the return of the demon lord?” Mark asks.

They look puzzled “Demon lord? We dont have one of those.” The Captain responds.

Then the Princess explains that the problem is with the Empire. “Its new ruler has expressed a desire to expand. And we are a relatively minor kingdom. There is serious concern that we maybe a target of aggression.”

Note – the empire is ruled by elves, who consider other races as lesser beings, because in all measurable ways they are. The new emperor is worried that neighbouring nations are unstable, corrupt greedy and dangerous. A generally true assessment, especially from his point of view. The Empire will be painted as the bad guys, but they are acting from a reasonable perspective.

A flash back to one of Bob's history lessons. About the Empire.

The Elvish Empire dates back many 1000s of years, to a time when it spanned the entire continent. Elves having a life span of 500+years, about twice s long as Dwarves, who live about twice as long as humans. In the early times there were no Dwarves or Humans in this land. There were many variants of beast folk. All of whom were seen by the Elves as mere barbarians, just like the intelligent monsters. They were allowed to exist, so long as they did not cause trouble for Elvish civilization.

In this world Elves are equal or superior to all other races. The idea that Elves are weaker than Humans or Dwarves in strength or constitution, is a myth begun during the age of invasion. In fact Elves tend to be stronger, faster, more agile, healthier, with sharper scenes, and better magic. Basically they have a lot of advantages with no real disadvantages.

Although it is called an Empire, it is not tightly unified or centrally controlled. Elves are by nature freedom loving and reluctant to impose their will on others. Unless the others are a danger. Thus all Elvish communities do things their own way, with little regard for a higher authority. Respect is shown to elders who demonstrate skill and wisdom, not to bloodlines and titles. The Empire is actually a meritocracy - democracy.

The age of Invasion.

This began with the arrival of Humans and Dwarves. They did not come is a single massive attack, but rather swept in waves. At first they were ignored, as they set up tiny villages on the coast. For a few hundred years the newcomers struggled to survive. The Elves treated them just like the beast folk.

However they were of a very different nature. Not content to stay in small primitive tribes, they grew organized and spread. Land, they saw as empty, they claimed as their own.

Note - there is a comparison to be made between the Empire and Native America. The major difference being that the Elves do not fight each other continuously. They are also technologically advanced because of the way they use magic.

The age of Acceptance.

This began with the great declaration and show of strength. The Empire sent diplomats to all the newcomer settlements explaining the terms of their continued existence. Then as a show of force it expelled all Humans & Dwarves who had crossed into the inner territory of the Empire.

There was a short war of about 100 years, in which the Alliance tried to carve out territory. They failed many times, but always avoided total destruction because of the Elvish high regard for life. Although some Elves did suggest genocide, they never gained a majority opinion. With the wars end, the peaceful age of acceptance truly began.

However Human nature was unchanged, their desire to expand remained and always pushed their actions. Thus the Elves found they must always be vigilant and occasionally prune the bush of Human civilization.

Encounter with Princes continued.

While Finalla goes to freshen up, Mark talks to Gallant.

The Captain explains a bit about the princess and the kingdom, about how she is often getting into trouble. “We have been ambushed by bandits more times than I can count.” He laughs. “A lot of her missions are unofficial, so we travel in a small group and in disguise.”

When the Princess returns from the bathroom she proclaims “This must be the home of the old hero, the toilet is just like the one he made for the palace.”

“It is getting late. We should stay here for the night.” she decides.

Of course she gets the bedroom, Mark and Gallant sleep in the main room, the knights make camp in the yard. Mark puts Bob the skull into a cupboard before he cooks up some food.

The next morning as the group gets ready to depart, Princess Finalla says “We wont force you to do anything. But I do insist that you come to the capital, so I can properly thank you for saving my life.”

Mark promises that he will come for a visit, when he has time.

Exam Interruption

In late October, on the morning of the midterm exams a biker gang shows up at the school. They hoot and holler as they round up a bunch of kids to hold hostage. “You better come out or its your fault what happens to your friends.” they call to Mark.

He comes out, jumping from the classroom window, on the second floor. He recalls some of what the guard captain had said about dealing with bandits and thugs. “They never keep their word. Talking to them is basically a waist of time.”

“Im here, let them go!” he says, after casting a spell to boost his abilities.

The biker boss starts the usual “blah blah” Mark rushes in to attack.

Everyone is surprised. The boss is on the defensive. Several other bikers join in.

It is a hard fight but Mark wins.

Note – Never interrupt the flow of a fight to explain stuff.

The police arrive just after the action is over. Of course a teacher called them.

As the bikers are being marched off to the police wagon, the boss notices a kid, who was off side watching the entire thing. “This is all your fault you lil shit.” he yells and attacks the boy.

The police quickly get things back under control.

Mark turns to talk with the kid. “Hay lil brother, is this all your fault?”

The kid nods. “I still hate you, but I guess you ain't weak anymore.” he says , then walks away.

Mark has a tender moment with Gwen, who was among the students the bikers had rounded up. She is proud of him for what he did, although a bit shocked that he was able to do it. “It was like something out of a martial arts movie. And who was that boy?” she asks.

“That was my lil brother. He lives with my uncle. He never liked me.” Mark answers, sadly.

“You got a strange family.” she says as they walk back into the school.