Dominions: The Middle Ages [Tik]

[Tikobe]

"Ah, no need for the formalities, my good sir. After all, I was the idiot who thought it was a good idea to try and kill that thing in it's sleep," I smile, trying to cover up the mistake in my actions with pure, blind optimism.

"Anyways, you're the elder of this village, right? I have a few questions about that beast if you can answer them. The first is, what is that thing? And is it connected to the Oni? Particularly any oni? Onis? Onises that live nearby?"

[Deleted]

"Hmmm, yes, yes indeed. That is a Kenkami. It is a great monster left over from the days long past when these sorts of creatures were common place in our world. They are much like regular foxes, except much larger and much more on fire."

The old man chuckles at his own little joke, then continues.

"Now, the Oni. when they still walked the earth in great numbers, were known to tame such monsters and use them in their wars against the humans and each other. I cannot say I know of any Oni nearby, but if you seek to imply that this beast is owned by an Oni, I would not doubt you."

[Tikobe]

"So the Kenkami are on the verge of extinction... Cannot say I'm happy to bear witness to something that's dying out, but I suppose it's out of our control now. Regardless, going all off the idea that it's owned by an Oni, will it get retaliation against this village because we killed it's pet? And if the Oni does, what can we do to defend against it?"

I look back to check the progress of the battle with the Kenkami.

[Deleted]

"Oni's are demons, and ruled before men knew the means to banish them from our world. Tell me, do you know any holy magic?"

The battle with the Kenkami seems to be going well. The beasts strikes are slowing, and it's strength seems to be waning. On top of that, you can see no casualties on the mercenary side.

[Tikobe]

"Fraid not. My teacher was a master of evocation cause he liked his magic rather explosive. His family did have a history with that artform of magic but he said it was far too uncomfortable for him to use, claiming evocation was better to release his pent up frustrations. Strange old man taught me alteration, though. Said that the magic to change things suited me far better. How about you? Know any holy magic, or just magic at all? Oh, and as I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Senry."

I sigh in relief that the fight was going well. For now, it seems we were safe. Even if all my fears were realized and we were provoking the wrath of an Oni, at the very least there was no way it could instantly learn that the kenkami had been slain and prepare it's attack. Not to mention that the idea of an Oni being close by without the village noticing was exceedingly far fetched. The only ones in danger were the folk of the village, but then again, my goal was to protect the mercenaries in return for their hospitality, not to play the role of a good Samaritan to a village that needs to learn to defend it's own. It's best that they should handle that issue on their own.

I put the staff in it's straps and stretch for a bit while I listen to Boten's surprise.

[Deleted]

(Wew, sorry for the delay.)

"It is not surprising. Holy magic has grown rarer these days, as men and beast alike begin to fall away from faith in the gods. Luckily, I am an old priest, and can fashion some warding charms. If you and your companions could wait for a little while, I could make you some as well, as a reward for saving us."

Behind you, the fight comes to its conclusion. One of the two Halberdiers rams his polearm through the beast, nearly impaling it, and the wizard hits it with a few powerful looking spells. The Kenkami finally falls, letting out one final roar as it took its final breath. Some of the mercenaries cheer on their victory, but most of them collapse to the ground to rest.

[Tikobe]

I blink that the man dodged my greeting, but very well. Some men are just like that.

"O- Of course! That'd be very great," I say.

I'm very pleased that the mercenaries had finished the fight. While my leaving might have been anti-climatic, or in some cases even hilarious, such things are irrelevant as long as the situation is handled cleanly and effectively. By the same token, I'm also very pleased that the old man is a priest. Hopefully that will keep this town safe.

"Actually, just one more thing," I begin as I pull out my staff. "This is a gift I inherited from my teacher when he died, it's name is the Ogaiai. It has some purpose but he never told me what, just said that it was a family secret but it was connected to Shinuyama. Would you know anything about this?"

[Deleted]

The old man looks at the staff, and thinks for a moment.

"I'm afraid I don't know anything about it, but if it has magical properties, Shinma will know its origins. He is an ancient sage of old, who dwells in the great city of Onimashu. Seek him out, and he will surely point you in the right direction."

[Tikobe]

"Shinma from Onimashu. Got it. May I ask for directions to this city? I'll make it a priority of mine to leave first thing in the morning."

I'm not sure if the mercenaries are also headed there, but even then, I knew from the start I would only be traveling with these men for a short time and I rarely rejoin with old companions, particularly when most of them weren't the luckiest of adventurers and would often end up dead going after some treasure after we part ways. I'll ask their leader if that was their destination and if not I'll split ways here.