Strict Resolve: A Mark Havirta Novel

[cometking123 236]

Some things to note:

2. Please do note that this is a sequel to this story here. http://www.lordofthecraft.net/forum/index.php?/topic/23181-the-black-market-a-mark-havirta-novel/

3. If you think this is not up to par with other Roleplay stories out there, please give me criticism (constructive) through a PM. I would like to hone my writing a bit here in this forum.

4. This shall NOT be used IC as information. If you use any info that is in this novel, you shall be cast to the META realm.

Chapter 1: Resolve and Fortitude

Daniel walked slowly through the King's Road, passing empty shops, the customers driven away in the black of night. The moon and stars shown with a brilliant sheen as he walked slowly to Al 'Khazar. The robed man walked clutching the wound he received, the crimson blood shimmering in the dim light as he hobbled up the smooth stone steps. He muttered a curse as he approached the torch that gleamed in the distance, a saving grace for those who dared to travel in the darkest nights.

Daniel stumbled as the blood spread to his jet-black leggings as he continued walking to the torch. "Damn it, I must get this...to..." he winced as white hot pain pierced his body. A crumpled scroll was in one hand, stained with red blood as he continued walking on, stumbling as the wound did its work on Daniel's body. He sweared once again as he began to lose his vision.

Heh. Ox is going to have a ball after this, he thought as he collapsed on the stone floor, unmoving. Rain began to fall as the darkness closed in on Daniel.

The flicker of flame from the torch disappeared, its small flame giving way to the pouring rain.

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2 moons earlier.

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Damn it Daniel. Why did you break the plate? Lion said in a sarcastic tone. "But...I didn't break it. You did!" Daniel retorted back. Lion gave Daniel the stink eye as he gave him a broom ,"I didn't break it, You did, so clean it up." He then walked up the room, looking back only to see if Daniel was doing his work. "Damn Lion" He muttered as he began to clean up the broken plate. Ox was watching him as he cleaned up the plate. "Ah...great memories. Don't worry. Lion always pulled that joke on me at my apprenticeship. He'll get over himself."

Daniel just ignored his comment as he continued cleaning up the porcelain shards that adorned the stone floor. Memories... bah. wish I hadn't joined this bloody guild. I seem bloody useless, cleaning messes as if I were a maid. What the hell am I doing this anyway, slave labor? What does this have to do with me becoming a agent. he thought as he sweeped the floor with increased vigor, scorn appearing on his face.

For the last moon he'd been "approved" for a job at the VonSchlichten Tavern for unknown reason. "Work Ethic" Hawk said as he smiled at him, his face somewhat masked by a bandana. "It'll stick with ya for a long time. Work hard, and you'll be on your way." His salt-and-pepper hair shone in the torchlight as he went out for a "job". Seven Days of hard work and bloody abuse from Lion awaited him as he was insulted, beaten, and humiliated in front of the many denizens of the tavern.

And now I'm bloody stuck here with a bloody madman and a supervisor that thinks of bloody nothing toward me, he grumbled as he put the broom back where it belonged: The broom closet.

"Well, tell you what, we're going to go out for a treat tonight." Ox smiled, his face beamed with a large childish smile. He was adorned with a red robe, with a white undershirt and black leggings. His face was tanned with a worn expression, as if he worked everyday of his life for this "order". He was the only one in the group to show his face, and he was quite nice to Daniel, often giving Daniel a piece of candy or giving him some minas to pay for his meal.

"What's the treat? Washing dishes?" Daniel said in a sarcastic manner, though he secretly longed to get away from this hell while Lion was still busy. "Oh no, something even better. Get ready in 40 minutes, and bring some money will you? It's something that requires it." Ox smiled as he went downstairs to get ready.

"By the way, your test is over. You are no longer the maid of the tavern. You passed the test of fortitude. Not many can handle Lion's constant badgering. The ones who survive often have to rest for a day before moving on. Let's hope that doesn't happen." He yelled out. Daniel just slumped on a table, finally moving on from this hell.

Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.-Sage Sue in the speech to the Followers of Aerial, 15th of the Grand Harvest, 1204.

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Chapter 2: Blades and Footwork.

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Daniel and Ox went out on the road, the bright afternoon sun blocked by the puffy clouds in the blue sky. ‘So…what are we doing?” Daniel asked, his expression suspicious. “Like I said, it’s a secret. Don’t worry, it’s not bad.” Ox retorted back, his face curled in a slight smile. “It’s not like you’ll kill anyone.” Ox started to walk on the wide road leading to Al’ Khazar. “Hurry up now. ~ You won’t get anywhere walking like that” Daniel just shrugged as he tailed Ox, admiring the renovations to the wall and the gatehouse in progress. Workers darted up and down the scaffolding like worker ants as solid granite walls were built piece by piece. As they passed through the construction site, they glanced toward the new shop plots that adorned the green meadow.

Ox and Daniel approached the entrance to Al’ Khazar, the gates small and lacking compared to the walls that were being built outside.

“Hail! Name and Business!” A voice rang out from the gatehouse. An Oren Guard was waiting for incoming visitors, his body adorned with iron armor and the crest of the Guard.

“Daniel Lamgoniel and John Lamgoniel, on a sightseeing tour. We came from the Whisper Isles.”

“Ah. I see. All right, come inside. “

[cometking123 236]

Reserved

[cometking123 236]

Reserved.

[cometking123 236]

Reserved.

[cometking123 236]

Reserved

[shields12347 133]

i will have gaius get in contact with you

[Samson Option 9652]

I will not allow this at the moment, I am the writer of the Lore of the Order and thus I will do any and all for the moment.

[cometking123 236]

All right. I sent a PM to see if you would accept this request, but I'm sure that you have better things for the guild rather than little old me :) Keep making the lore as awesome as you can!~

[cometking123 236]

Small Update.

[steelersfan1221 300]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.