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In the Land of Arborea	By : Sweetsong22 Category: +S through Z > Tera Online Views: 6240 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Tera Online. All rights go to ENMASSE Entertainment and their collborators. There is no profit being earned from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Warning: some gore.

Juleus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qRzkFh8dEg
Chapter 4
          Reginaldd Stanhope regarded the impressive looking Castanic General seated across from him with open hostility. He could not keep the cold glare from his icy blue eyes as he gazed at what was almost a manifestation of Winstone Magelus. This product of the former General possessed the same smoky rimmed exotic eyes that were those of a leader accustomed to ordering men into battle, some to their deaths. Like most male Castanics he knew, this one was no different when it came to showing off what the Titan's had blessed him with, a body to conquer all others not only in battle, but in appearance. Luceus was wearing a short, black leather jacket with no shirt beneath revealing a well toned six-pack. And Reginaldd had witnessed the manner in which the General's black tight pants seemed as if they'd been painted onto his skin. If sex were ever personified, it would definitely be in the form of a Castanic male such as this General Luceus.
          "So, you're the man who's been fucking my son," Reginaldd stated with a calm voice that did not reflect the rage upon his face.
          Laeyla, who was seated beside Reginaldd pressed her lips tightly together but said nothing. She hadn't expected him to come right out and say it, diplomats were known for their tact after all. But it seemed Reginaldd would be unable to keep his emotions out of this one, considering how close they were to the matter.
          "Are we here to discuss my relationship with Tristtan? Or are we here to work on locating him as quickly as possible?" Luceus managed to keep the hostility out of his golden eyes which was something the High Elf diplomat was failing to do. He was missing something here. This man was already dead set against him and he had to wonder a that. Just what lies had he been fed, and by whom?
          "You will not be part of the team that is searching for Tristtan. The High Elven council has already taken on that matter," Reginaldd snapped.
          Luceus balled one hand into a tight fist but managed to keep the anger from the lines of his face. "Tristtan falls under my jurisdiction as a soldier in my army."
          "But he is also High Elven, which means we can trump you in that matter," Reginaldd replied almost snidely.
          A muscle flinched in Luceus' left cheek as he stared at the thin man before him. His hair was the same silky yellow blond much like Tristtan's except he wore it slightly differently. His attire consisted of a long, asymmetrical tunic of a rich chocolate color that made him appear 'all business.' A part of Luceus already suspected that no matter what he said, this man was here to shoot him down. But he had to try anyways. "All available resources should be put towards finding Tristtan."
          "And they will be, just not yours. As a General of Valkyon, you have other responsibilities." Reginaldd's tone was clipped.
          "With all due respect your Excellency," Rosalinda spoke up for the first time. She was seated next to Luceus across from the High Elven couple and could almost cut the tension in the room with a knife. "Our team is ready to go now. We even have a flock of Pegasus' at our disposal. I don't think I need to remind you that time is of the essence here, Tristtan's captives certainly mean him harm."
          "And would he even be in this situation if it weren't for you?" Reginaldd demanded before pinning Luceus with his icy stare. He saw so much of Winstone staring back at him, and it made his anger grow twofold.
          "You may blame me for what has happened to him and I will accept the responsibility for that. But if you expect me to sit here debating with you over who gets to rescue him, then you're solely mistaken." Luceus shot to his feet as the anger he had been withholding now seemed to radiate off his body in waves.
          Reginaldd also came to his feet. "So, you don't deny that he was taken because of you." It was more statement than question.
          "It is no secret that I have many enemies, some even from within the Federation. Which is why I'd rather use my time wisely, and this is an absolute waste of my time." Luceus managed not to raise his voice but his lips were pressed into a permanent frown as he wondered how he'd refrain from thrashing the older man when that was all his body was aching to do at that very moment.
          "Please be seated," Laeyla finally spoke up. "We are not finished here."
          "Oh, but I think we are." Without another word, Luceus strode from the room. He'd entered into the outer hall and was almost to the end of it when he heard the click of heels running towards him. He expected to turn to find Rosalinda who would no doubt attempt to convince him to return to the room, but instead he saw Laeyla Stanhope running towards him. He could have turned around and kept walking, but she had yet to be rude to him, therefore he could at least return the courtesy.
          "General Magelus, do you care for my son?"
          Luceus was obviously taken aback by her question, but answered in the best way he knew how. "I care for all the soldiers under my command. I find my interest cultivates camaraderie."
          Laeyla shook her head and smiled. "You know of what I speak. Do you care for him in, that way?"
          Luceus had only admitted his feelings to one other person, and he had known Brie for over a decade. He'd known this woman for all of ten minutes. Yet the word fell from his lips as if there had been no other way for him to answer. "Yes."
          Laeyla's smile widened. "Then I shall help you, for I feel you are the only one capable of helping Tristtan."
          Luceus admired her confidence but she seemed to be forgetting one important factor. "How will you convince your husband?"
          "You leave Reginaldd to me, my convincing skills are quite keen," She winked at him.
          "What is his problem? His hostility towards me seemed completely unreasonable, it's almost as if he's holding some sort of grudge." He noticed when Laeyla lowered her gaze and realized that she perhaps knew more than she was letting on. "You know what it is, don't you?"
          "That is for another time. Now I must get you and your team on your way. I am putting my faith in you to save my son, General Magelus." She managed another albeit forced smile before walking briskly back to the conference room.
          Luceus watched her go, a bit dumbfounded. Never had he thought he'd meet Tristtan's parents and in such a fashion. But now he'd come to realize that some sort of history may have existed between them and his family. Luceus had never met Reginaldd before to elicit such hostility from the man, therefore the seeds of hatred had to have been cultivated from somewhere in Luceus' bloodline. He shook his head and realized he couldn't be bothered with these issues at present. He would return to his quarters to alert his team of their pending departure. For if Laeyla could truly do what she had stated then they would once again resume the search for Tristtan. Luceus only hoped they weren't too late.
OOO
          Tristtan was in utter agony as he felt dozens of teeth gnawing at him from all over his body. He realized that the attacks were centered on his left arm where Ulrikk had applied the cream. He began to roll his body on the ground in an effort to dislodge the tiny beasts. Some fell away, while others had such a firm grip on him with their teeth embedded so far into his skin that they remained. Suddenly, one of them bit into his left nipple, causing a gurgled scream to escape his lips. Tristtan rolled his body face down in order to crush it, and it was at that moment that he felt the cold of steel. He'd found the short sword!
          Flipping up into a sitting position, he quickly turned around so that his bound hands could grab the blade. If he could prop it up in a specific position then perhaps he could use it to cut the ropes. This however, forced him to be still which allowed the Fallen Defender's the perfect opportunity to feast on him. Tears streamed down Tristtan's face as his breath came in quivering sobs as he managed to grasp the blade and begin the cutting process. He accidentally sliced his hands as the blade was extremely sharp but eventually he managed to position it just beneath the ropes. It was slow going, and at this point he wasn't certain if he'd have the strength left to fight even if he did manage to get free.
          The pain prompted him to hurry, and although he couldn't have been cutting for more than two minutes when the ropes finally gave way, it'd felt like an eternity with dozens of little beasts munching away at him. With his arms finally free, he grasped the hilt of the blade between trembling hands and began to hack and slash at the Defenders. He could hear some of them squealing as the sharp blade made contact with their leathery bodies. He'd used the little monsters squeals to guide his hand instead of swinging aimlessly in the darkened cavern which would sap much of his waning energy. Once he'd given himself a little breathing room, he snatched at the ones still attached to his body and yanked them from their hold. He could feel the blood slicking his skin as each removal led to another gaping wound.
          As Tristtan tossed each one away, he felt the lethargy almost overwhelm him. Although he was grateful he could not see the damage on his left hand, the flesh there felt so raw and gnawed through that he realized the creatures had possibly eaten a bloody hole in his lower arm. The agonizing pain he felt there certainly supported this concept. He soon heard their excited chattering as they rebounded and prepared for another go at him. A part of him didn't believe that Ulrikk intended for him to go out this way, it had to be the reason why he'd been given the short sword in the first place. Therefore, if he managed to survive long enough, perhaps the villainous General would return for him before long. If he hadn't been bound and the cavern had been lighted and Tristtan had been equipped with his bow, he certainly would have won this fight minutes ago and would not have sustained nearly as many injuries.
          But now, he realized there was only one way he'd survive long enough for Ulrikk to return for him. He had to give the Fallen Defenders what they wanted. Digging deep for whatever strength he had left, Tristtan laid his pheromone covered arm upon the filthy floor. The creatures would have attacked him anyways, but whatever Ulrikk had spread upon him had sent them into a frenzy. Therefore, Tristtan had to get the substance as far away from himself as possible, and since there was nothing in the cave to wipe it off with, there was only one other option left him. Lining up the sword to the section just above his elbow, Tristtan raised it high before letting it fly.
OOO
          "This is all your fault," Reginaldd seethed at his wife as he overlooked the regiment of Pegasus' from Herald Fort that were due to depart within the hour.
          "Need I remind you that both parties are after the same end result, and that is the rescue of our son. This is not about you, Reginaldd. Try to remember that Tristtan's life is at stake here." Laeyla would never have spoken to Reginaldd in such a manner had they not been far enough away as to not be overheard. She did cultivate the role of the dutiful wife after all, but their relationship had been a sham for many years, and she suspected that even Tristtan knew it which was why he'd shunned all political aspirations. The last thing he wanted was to be anything like his parents.
          "Tristtan's well being is at the center of my concerns. That man is the product of Winstone, therefore the same conniving blood runs through his veins as well. I can not condone their coming together."
          "And now you'll blame Luceus for the deeds of his father? Why don't you just go ahead and lock him up for all that Winstone did to you, for all he did to us? This affected me just as much as it did you." Laeyla pinned Reginaldd with a hard stare. "You regret never having the chance to get your revenge against Winstone, and now you wish to do so through his son? Well, you lost your chance eight years ago to do what you felt was right. Leave Luceus out of it."
          "If our son becomes a shell of himself under this man's rule, you will be solely the one to blame," Reginaldd hissed at her but soon straightened when he saw one of Luceus' men approach. He didn't like the fact that the human male must have overheard his harsh tone with his wife. He gave the man a baleful glare before turning back to Laeyla. "You can see yourself home." He then turned and strode away.
          "What was that all about?" Traviis had caught enough of the last half of the High Elven couple's argument to know that Reginaldd had been livid with the lovely woman before him.
          "I'm sorry, and you are?" Laeyla pinned the younger man with one of her most dazzling smiles.
          "My name is Traviis, I head the team of archers at Herald Fort."
          "Ah, so you know my son," Laeyla surmised.
          "Yes," Traviis lowered his head apologetically. "The fact that he was taken within our borders adds more insult to injury. We're determined to make whoever is behind this pay for their actions."
          "I'm grateful that my son has friends like you." Laeyla found the archer quite handsome, and there was something about human males and the size of their hands that enthralled her. She found herself imagining Traviis's big hands squeezing her breasts and expertly kept all color from rising to her cheeks. She had lived for forty years and seen much in her lifetime. She suspected Traviis to be in his mid-twenties, barely a few years older than Tristtan. Yet it did not shame her to have such raunchy thoughts about him. Laeyla and Reginaldd had not slept in the same bed for over a decade. And while having lovers was infrequent because of the caution necessary, they'd both sought comfort in the arms of others. It was an unspoken agreement between them, to remain married for political reasons and have it be a marriage in name only.
          "We'll get him back, I promise." Traviis found himself widely attracted to the older woman and couldn't for the life of him understand why, they'd only just met.
          "I shall hold you to that promise, Traviis." She lowered her gaze demurely before batting her lashes twice at him. It worked every single time.
          "Just one more question," Traviis crossed his arms over his massive chest as he regarded the woman intently. She was shorter than him by at least half a head, but her gown covered the assets he was hoping to get a glimpse at, like those enormous breasts he could see straining against the lavender material at her chest. Even the unseemly split in the side of her dress did not allow him enough of a view that he was hoping for. He lowered his voice before leaning his face in close to hers. "Why do you stay with an asshole like that?"
          Laeyla tossed him a stunned expression. "Careful soldier, you are referring to my husband."
          "Hmm, no wonder Tristtan never mentioned him," Traviis muttered.
          "Did he never mention me?" Laeyla found that she was dying to know. After learning that Tristtan had been at Herald Fort for months and had never contacted them, she had to admit that it hurt her deeply. Sometimes she wondered if her son resented her almost as much as he did his father.
          "Once, it was a pleasant memory about you making him apple cookies when he was a kid." Traviis smiled as he was now grateful he'd had that conversation with Tristtan.
          "They were his favorite," Laeyla replied with a grin.
          "Perhaps you'll make them for me one day." There was a knowing look on Traviis' face and he was thrilled when she didn't get upset at his implied innuendo. He hoped that one day she'd not only make him cookies, but would make his bed as well, after they'd fucked in it of course.
          "Come on Traviis, let's go!" Brie shouted to him in the distance.
          "It appears our time has been cut short," Laeyla stated before tilting her head towards him in conclusion.
          "For now. When next we meet, Tristtan will be with me." Traviis winked at her and only hoped that his words proved true. A grieving mother would probably be easier to get into his bed, but the last thing he wanted to do was to take advantage of Laeyla like that. He moved away in large strides towards the Pegasus awaiting him. He now had another reason to bring Tristtan back home safely and intended to do his part.
OOO
          Ulrikk had just completed a late breakfast which he knew meant that Tristtan had been in the pit for roughly twenty minutes now. He figured that was enough time to scare the life from the boy and indicated to Bartram that they were returning to the pit. His fellow Amani quickly retrieved several smoke canisters that would incapacitate the Fallen Defenders while they retrieved Tristtan's body. Ulrikk did not rule out the fact that they could be retrieving a corpse. He'd sensed a fire in the High Elven youth but most prisoners could not withstand what they'd just subjugated him to. He would soon learn if the boy could think on his feet, even if it involved employing the most gruesome of tactics.
          Several minutes later they arrived at the pit. After Bartram removed the manhole he proceeded to toss the smoke canisters into the pit. The loud chittering of the creatures as the smoke washed over them soon traveled to the surface. After tying a rope to a solid tree, both Amani's - armed with light staffs - headed into the darkened pit.
          Ulrikk hadn't been inside the pit for some time, and the scent of decay coupled with waste caused his nose to crinkle. The only sounds in the pit were from the Defenders that had retreated to the corners of the cavern to get as far away from the smoke canisters a possible. Ulrikk waved his light staff around until he finally peered what he was looking for upon the mushy earth.
          Tristtan lay still in the filth, his body covered from head to toe with gaping wounds caused from the vicious teeth of the Defenders. One thing Ulrikk noticed right away was that Tristtan still grasped the hilt of the short sword in his right hand, but his left arm from the elbow down was completely missing. All that remained was the bleeding stub of his upper arm which had been sliced clean apparently by the short sword. A grin crossed Ulrikk's features as he realized the boy had balls after all. "Take him."
          When Bartram moved to obey, Ulrikk realized that is was possible that Tristtan had tossed the creatures his pheromone covered arm in a last ditch attempt to save himself, but still managed to expire from loss of blood due to his injuries. Only time would tell, once they got him to the surface, Jafton should be waiting for them. As Bartram tossed the boy over his shoulder and began the climb up the pit, Ulrikk waved his staff to take one last look at what had been Tristtan's nightmare for the past half hour. He soon noticed the remains of a skeletal arm in one corner that still possessed a hint of pale flesh. There were plenty of bones in the pit, but none of them would still be fleshy besides Tristtan's recently removed appendage. Ulrikk kicked a couple Defender's out of the way before retrieving what was left of the boys' arm then made his way out of the pit.
          Jafton managed to keep all expression from his face when what was left of the naked High Elven youth was deposited upon the forest floor before him. He sensed that the boy still clung to life but just barely, therefore he prepared to get to work. He'd seen many atrocities during his service to Ulrikk, but this perhaps was worse than usual. Ulrikk was known for his abuse of young boys, but what he'd done to this one seemed to have gone way beyond the norm. But it was Ulrikk's next words that distressed him even more.
          "Do not regenerate his arm. Once he recovers, he must be allowed to see what his actions have wrought." Ulrikk waved the boy's half skeletal limb in his hand. "Oh and one more thing..." He issued his final instructions before striding away.
          Jafton balked at the idea of merely stopping the bleeding and leaving the healed stub of the High Elf's left arm, along with what Ulrikk wanted him to do before he even began the healing process. But he had his orders and he knew from experience that it was never a good idea to defy the Amani General.
OOO
          Apparently, another investigative unit had already been on the case to locate Tristtan, which was why when Luceus' group arrived in Kaiator, the city had already been searched and they'd turned up empty. Luceus took the opportunity to regroup with his team in a small tavern as they were now back to the drawing board. Brie, Rosalinda, and Traviis were present. Luceus would have to think like Ulrikk in order to figure out where the slimy General was holed up.
          "We know Tristtan was taken by boat, but he could be anywhere along the coast of Shara." Brie had turned a chair backwards and now sat facing forward with her legs planted on either side.
          "But I doubt the General would hide in plain sight, therefore we should focus our efforts on forested areas and cliff hillsides," Luceus suggested.
          "Our team plans to take a more direct approach."
          The Herald Fort group turned in the direction of the newcomer who had just spoken. Luceus was introduced to the tall High Elven male upon his arrival in Kaiator. Commander Juleus Truth was apparently in charge of the rescue team commissioned by the High Elven council. Luceus still didn't understand why Tristtan's father had been dead set against him searching for the missing High Elf. But apparently they'd already had someone on the job. Juleus exuded the haughty airs that were commonplace among aristocratic High Elves. But apparently he was also a warrior of some note. He wore a combination of bronze and silver armor pieces over dark brown trousers and what appeared to be a crimson red shirt that lay open from the center of the chest down.
          "Give me the name of your suspect, if he is indeed a Valkyon General then we shall call him out and have him answer for the accusations made against him," Juleus stated.
          "If only it could be that simple." Brie eyed the man with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
          "If you continue to withhold this man's name then you obstruct Justice," Juleus replied calmly.
          "Are you unfamiliar of the laws of the Federation?" Traviis spoke up. "A General can not be called on the carpet unless there is proof of wrong-doing."
          "I have been tasked with finding Tristtan Stanhope, and I shall do whatever is necessary to accomplish that." Juleus's regarded them with icy blue eyes from beneath overly long silver hair.
          Brie suddenly got to her feet and slinked towards the High Elf male, making certain that her breasts swayed in a noticeable manner as she approached. His gaze didn't change from one of disdain, but he didn't take his eyes from her either. Usually she could tell which way a man swung by one glance, but this one was an enigma. "Here's some advice from one Commander to another -- don't push your luck."
          Suddenly, Rosalinda moaned before a hand flew to her forehead. All eyes in the room turned to her.
          "What is it?" Luceus questioned.
          "I'm receiving a vision link message, from an unknown mystic." Rosalinda held up her gloved tipped fingers in a semi-circle as a shimmery image began to coalesce.
          "Is it safe?" Traviis asked, knowing that some negative magic could be sent from afar.
          Rosalinda nodded. "As far as I can tell it's some sort of sample footage. The mystic only linked long enough to send it."
          "Can we see it?" Juleus asked.
          Everyone in the room turned to look at Juleus as if he had two heads. For he was certainly the last person to be making any demands of them.
          "You actually shouldn't even be here." Brie regarded the handsome High Elf with a smirk on her face.
            Juleus tossed the flamboyant Castanic female a sneer before he strode towards the table where the others were seated. "It could be a clue as to Tristtan's whereabouts -- show it to me now."
            Despite the authoritative voice in which the High Elf Commander spoke to her, Rosalinda first turned to Luceus and awaited his approval.
          Luceus suspected he was going to regret this, but the last thing he wanted was to antagonize the High Elven council further. "Do it."
          Rosalinda nodded and concentrated her power to make the blurry image come into focus. The message ran for all of twenty seconds, and Rosalinda managed not to gasp at what she saw. The others in the room were more battle hardened than she, and made no sounds of distress whatsoever. But the anger she saw burning on their faces over what they had witnessed could not be denied.
          After the image faded, Juleus regarded them with a stern expression on his androgynous face. "Well, the Stanhope's will be most distressed at this turn of events."
          "He's not dead, he was clearly still moving in that footage," Brie retorted.
          "Judging from the state of those injuries, if they took place even twenty-four hours ago, he is most likely indeed dead," Juleus stated.
          "Perhaps not, the fact that a mystic sent me this image, meant Tristtan had access to a healer," Rosalinda pointed out.
          Juleus pressed his lips together as he regarded the female priestess with a grim expression on his face. "Can you pinpoint the area?" They had seen Tristtan laying upon a forest bed but that meant nothing in terms of exactly where he was.
          Rosalinda shook her head. "This was merely a relayed visual, not a direct link-up. Therefore, there is no way to track it."
          Luceus suddenly stood up which caused his chair to screech nosily across the brick floor. "Saddle up and be ready to depart in ten minutes." Without another word to anyone present, he left the room.
          Brie found him a few minutes later on the snowy parapets overlooking the darkened city of Kaiator. She knew he'd sensed her presence when he turned to her with a look of guilt in those lovely golden eyes.
          "The blame has been shifted much in this matter. But the truth is that the buck stops with me. What Ulrikk had done to Tristtan, well -- his blood may as well be on my hands."
          "Stop, don't do this to yourself. It's exactly what Ulrikk wanted when he sent you that image."
          Luceus' fingers gripped his hair tightly as he thought of the agony Tristtan must have suffered through. The footage had shown Tristtan's mutilated body missing his left arm with the rest of him displaying severe bite wounds that appeared to have been made by an animal, or several animals. The High Elf had opened his bloodshot eyes only briefly before they once again swept closed, but he'd witnessed the look of horror within their depths and could only imagine what the boy had suffered through. Then the footage had ended leaving Luceus to wonder if Tristtan was indeed dead. "If I'd only listened to him, none of this would have happened. And now his parents --" Luceus couldn't continue. It'd been merely a faux scenario; him going to Tristtan's parents to inform them of their sons' death, and now it appeared to be coming to pass.
          "Until you actually see that Tristtan is dead, then don't you dare lose hope. That is the only thing that will give us a chance for a positive outcome. I can't imagine that Tristtan has much hope left, therefore you need to have enough faith for the both of you." Brie strode forward the embraced Luceus in his arms, knowing that he'd need that comfort right now. He was a renown General in Valkyon, but he was still mortal with mortal feelings, although he'd deny them to most people.
          Luceus allowed Brie to embrace him for almost a full minute before he set her aside. "We have to go."
          "Go where Luceus?" Brie knew they had no idea where Tristtan was being held, and there were hundreds of forested areas on the coast of Shara.
          "Since the Stanhope's seem intent on sticking their noses into this. Then we'll use the High Elven council's team to assist us. Even if we have to search beneath every stone in Shara, I will find Tristtan."
OOO
          Tristtan's eyes flew open as if he'd been having a dream where he was falling but awoke on impact. The first thing he saw was dusk settling over the skyline half covered with trees. His breath came in choppy, sharp bursts as he tried to shake the nightmare from his head. However, the extreme pain coming from his left arm prompted him to glance down at his body. When he saw the healed stub of what was left of his decapitated arm he began to hyperventilate. This was no nightmare. He truly had been thrown into a pit filled with carnivorous Fallen Defenders which had proceeded to eat him alive. If he hadn't found the strength to cut off his arm covered with the blood lusting pheromone, he would certainly have been devoured to the bone. The experience had shaken him to the core. But now, here he was alive, seemingly completely healed except for his still missing arm.
          "I applaud your courage in there."
          Tristtan bolted upright at the sound of Ulrikk's voice. He soon noted that they were outside by a campfire, with only Ulrikk and Bartram present in the immediate area. The Amani General was holding something in his hand which he soon tossed at Tristtan's feet.
          "Here, I thought you'd like a souvenir."
          If Tristtan hadn't been starved for the last two days, he certainly would have brought up all the contents of his stomach. Lying before him were the remains of his mutilated arm. All the flesh on the fingers and most of the wrist was gone to reveal bloodied bone beneath. It soon became clear to Tristtan that the rest of his injuries had been healed, except the most obvious one. He squeezed his eyes shut and kept them closed as a flood of tears threatened to spill forth.
          "I do have something else for you." Ulrikk turned to retrieve something from behind the stool he was sitting on. He then tossed it at the boy so that it lay half atop the decomposing arm.
          Tristtan bit his bottom lip to keep it from trembling as he forced his eyes open. When he saw a bow lying there with two arrows attached he was at first confused, until Ulrikk's next words.
          "You once promised you could take me if you had a bow." Ulrikk gazed at him with a knowing look on his face. "I give you the opportunity to do so now."
          A sob erupted from Tristtan's throat as he didn't have the strength to hold it back. So that was it. The reason Ulrikk made certain Tristtan's arm was not regenerated was so that he could throw this in his face. An archer with one hand, was no archer at all. Tristtan clutched his chest with his right hand as his heart suddenly felt very heavy. He leaned forward unable to look at the vindictive General anymore.
          "You know, I've actually tired of torturing you. If you admit defeat, pledge yourself to me and become a full time play-thing for me and my men, then perhaps the severe tortures will cease. What say you?"
          Tristtan didn't raise his head at first as thoughts of how he was going to die inundated him. The worst part was never seeing Luceus again. And there were his parents, he hadn't left things well with them last time they'd spoken. He wasn't ready to leave Arborea. He wanted to live, but there was perhaps only one way he'd survive long enough to be rescued. He finally raised his head to level a tear filled gaze at Ulrikk before nodding. He then spoke only two words to seal the deal.
          "You win."
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In the Land of Arborea