Bound and Broken: An Isekai Adventure Dark Fantasy (Melas Book 1) V.A. Lewis (feel good books to read .TXT) 📖

Shadow’s Evangelium believed back when she used to work for them— back when they were still around. Now, listening to the way Gerrit spoke, it appeared to me that the Dark Crusaders believed in the same thing. I averted my gaze from him slightly.

"And how will us being here help that?" I asked. "Will you… destroy their cities? Or just occupy them with your armies? Because I don’t think doing either of those here helps, since the Holy Xan Empire is in another continent, and they’re the ones in charge of the Church."

"Hrmph, of course not. No, it won’t help at all. Mindless destruction would not support our cause at all. But neither does self destructive peace. We’ve learned from our predecessors. We will simply do what is necessary to perpetuate our survival."

The Dark Commander strode over to the map laid open on the table. He pointed at a spot on the map, as I tiptoed to see it.

"At the mouth of this valley here, lies a fortress called Fort Conon. It belongs to the Chalstics Confederacy, and it holds a strategic position, serving as an entryway into the ‘country’. Unlike the other Free Cities, the cities in the Chalstics are united, and as such, merchants, travellers, or— because of recent events— refugees, will have to cross through this checkpoint and pay a toll if they want to enter the region."

"And what are you guys going to do?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Raid their armory for weapons? Steal their gold?"

"We are going to take it," he said, voice steadfast.

"Take it? But why?" It was a stupid question; the answer was obvious, but I still felt the need to ask it.

"For supplies. We will take whatever weaponry and armor from soldiers in the fort. We will take the gold and cargo from anyone passing through. And because of the valley separating us and the rest of the Chalstics, it will be weeks before any reinforcements are sent to take back the fort. And by the time that happens, we will be gone."

"But that’s… stealing," "I stated the obvious. "You’ll be robbing those innocent people!"

"Yes." Gerrit nodded. "But we will not be killing them. Not unless it’s necessary."

I wanted to object to this. Stealing is wrong! I thought to myself.

And yet, I stole from that Alchemist just last night. I stole from that fruit vendor weeks ago. But I did it to survive! I tried to argue with myself, but the same thing could be said for the Dark Crusaders.

"But… why do you need their gold?" I asked weakly. "Why do you need to take their… livelihood."

"For the same reason they, themselves, need it. We, too, need money to survive. We need the funding. The equipment. And the supplies. Even though we’re recognized as a terrorist organization by the Church, that does not mean everyone shuns us. As you said, the Holy Xan Empire is in another continent. Plus, the fact that gangs and other criminal groups exist proves not everyone follows the law. That includes countries, companies, and influential people. That is why we need the money— to gain allies."

"I… but—" There were many things I wanted to say. But I said none of it. And yet, Gerritt read it all from my expression.

"I’m sorry, Melas," he apologized gently. He met my eyes slowly and held my gaze. "But the world is cruel. I know you understand this as much as anyone else. If it wasn’t cruel, the Dark Crusaders wouldn’t even need to exist. And neither would you be here right now.

"But we do exist, and you’re here too. So we have to do what we must: to protect people like you. Even if we don’t like it, even if we must compromise our personal values. We have to do what is necessary."

I understood what he was saying— I even knew it was true. Slowly, gently, he took my hand and led me out of the tent.

"But please do not concern yourself with this. You are but a child. Come, there is food waiting for you outside."

And I followed him, but I was not hungry anymore.

Ok, I lied.

I was still incredibly hungry. Ravenously so. Food was good, and I liked food. So I ate a lot of food.

"Meat! Actual meat! And it’s even seasoned!"

I devoured the deer leg like an animal. I quickly went through everything but the bone, and moved on to the fruits on the side. I did not dislike fruits and veggies— in fact, I’d say I liked them. But it had been such a long time since I ate meat with any actual flavor, and it tasted so good!

So I finished the meal, and almost let out a loud burp. I caught myself, of course. I had manners. Both from my previous life, and from my mom who taught me how to behave like a proper lady. I’m a Duke’s daughter’s daughter after all! I lied to myself.

I got up, and looked around the camp. We were already packing up; we were leaving in about an hour, since we were trying to get to Fort Conon as soon as possible now, so we were taking a forced march.

I did not have to do anything; Gerritt forbade me from even leaving the camp after what happened. I reached for my satchel, rummaging through it for a book to read. I felt the touch of something leathery, and grabbed for it, thinking it was one of the grimoires Victor gave me—

And I pulled out a sheathed dagger.

I stared at the weapon on my hand. This is… Karna’s dagger. I forgot he gave it to me earlier. I kept it in my bag once we escaped, but I still had it.

I pulled it out of its case.

It was not an ornate dagger, but it looked elegant