CHAPTER 15: MONSTERS Written by: Dryst Starring:
Castor	Dogal	Iria

--- Sacred King Calendar, Month 11 , Year 216 ---
-- Outside Castle Caelscent --

The shrieking rose like some mad, backwards lightning reaching from the earth to the heavens. Frome somewhere behind the walls of castle Caelscent, Cries of some terrible anguish cut through the chilly night like a knife. Outside the gates sat a single old man and his three monsters by a dim campfire.

Dogal held Fido close and stroked the Hell Hound's matted pelt. Fido growled warily.

Dogal: Shhh... Shhh...

Tinkle sat dejectedly on one of Dogal's shoulders. She could not stop weeping.

Dogal: It's alright, my children. It's going to be OK.

The animal screams, piteous and horrible, continued unabated. Pinto, the Centaur, sat nearest the campfire, shivering and sullen.

Suddenly Fido stiffened and cast a single bark towards the darkness outside of the firelight. The newcomer moved from the shadows and joined the group.

Dogal: Hush now, Fido. It's just our friend, Castor.

Castor sat down in a daze.

Dogal: What is the meaning of this, Castor?

Castor could only shake his head in disbelief.

Dogal: Why? Why are they killing the monsters?

Castor uncorked a wineskin and drank from it. After a goodly while, he wiped his lips.

Castor: By order of the Priest Knight Corps. They say the Iscalio monsters are tainted and unusable.

Dogal: That's why your masters are murdering caged animals? So... This is what it means to be a Knight of the Empire.

Castor: It didn't used to be like this. It...

Dogal: I came with because you saved my child from harm. I thought I could forget my hatred of humans if only it would provide for my family. But this... My conscience cannot allow me to serve masters who do such things. I'd rather go back to being an exile.

Dogal stood.

Castor: I-I'm sorry.

There was a long silence, then Dogal turned to depart.

For a brief moment, Dogal thought the woman was a phantom created of the dark, as if the flickering firelight was playing tricks on his eyes. She stood perfectly still, eyes set and emotionless. Face grim and inscruitable. But then the vision spoke.

Iria: ...Screaming...

Just noticing Iria, Castor snapped out of his daze, leapt to his feet and drew his sword.

Castor: Stand ready, Dogal! She is a knight of fallen Iscalio!

Iria ignored Castor and looked towards Dogal.

Iria: ...Scars...

Dogal: What!? You too? This is why I avoid humans.

Iria: I Don't understand. Your face has scars...But...Your eyes...Something...Such life and kindness in your eyes.

Castor: En garde, Iscalian! You'll find only battle here!

Dogal: Wait, Castor!

Iria kept her lance at her side, but stepped slowly into full firelight.

Iria: Screams. I hear screams...Terror...Pain...Cold, hard table

Castor: What's the meaning-!?

Iria: ...Burning...Tearing...Cutting...

Dogal: I see. You have scars too, don't you young lady?

Iria's jaw set. For a moment something like an emotion flickered through her doll-like eyes. But only for a moment. She turned from Dogal and looked away, towards castle Caelscent.

Iria: I will make the screams stop.

Dogal: In that case, my children and I will help you.