It was quiet. Too quiet. All that accompanied Malvuk as he tread through the forest was the sound of his footsteps, the plants and leaves cracking underneath him, and the gentle breeze of wind. Carrying a cold aura through the air, a type of remnant only that of a Valist Knight’s presence could leave behind. Malvuk’s grip on his blade was intense, and his focus even moreso. Every now and then he’d come across the corpse of some poor soul that couldn’t provide the information of which Covah sought, whatever that information might be.
It was night when Malvuk came across the sight of an injured Meddlian fighting off a native predator of Halumer. The beast was large and its skin was dark green, its flesh was a thick armor that only didn’t cover its head and claws. The organism, which naturally crawled on its four legs, kept jumping up and trying to strike the Meddlian. Who, in turn, would raise up his shield and limp back. It seemed to be his only defense against his aggressor.
Malvuk unsheathed his sword and began approaching the animal. It sensed his presence and turned around to face him. Its growl sounded like chains rubbing against chains, and its teeth were a glowing red steel. The predator then lunged at the Knight. Malvuk immediately spun back, narrowly dodging the attack, and raised his blade in a defensive stance. As this unfolded the Meddlian gazed at Malvuk with a frightened expression. He turned around and began limping away from the two. Much to Malvuk’s annoyance.
After failing to pounce on him, the creature then stood up on its two hind legs and tried to strike Malvuk. He immediately responded by grabbing its wrist with one hand and raising his sword high up in the air with the other. Before it could react, he pulled the animal forward and plunged his blade down its throat, afterward releasing it from his grip and kicking it back. His sword was still inside it, and began to force its way further down inside the creature on its own. The animal howled in pain and began to claw at itself as a fire ignited within it.
It fell onto its back and began trembling and twitching violently. Its suffering, however, was short lived. As Malvuk extended his hand forward, his sword bursted from the creature’s stomach and flew back into his grip. Killing the predator instantly. Malvuk then cleaned off his blade and turned his attention toward the Meddlian who fled. Not long into his new pursuit, he found the Native hiding up a tree. They exchanged eye contact for a moment, before the Meddlian lunged up and attempted to bring his shield down on Malvuk’s head.
When it was close enough, Malvuk simply swiped the shield from the Meddlian’s grip and threw him down onto the dirt ground. He then tossed the shield aside and pinned the Meddlian down with his foot.
”I rescue you from the grips of death, and this is your display of gratitude? The concept must exist within a twisted sense in your so-called “civilization”.” Malvuk remarked. The Meddlian chuckled a bit in response.
“Gratitude? Please, you’re a damn butcher. Come to finish the job now?” He asked bitterly.
Malvuk stared at him quietly for several seconds. “It appears my suspicions have been issued a verdict of confirmation.” He said and stepped off the Meddlian. The Meddlian stood up and glared at Malvuk with confusion and suspicion. But before he could question him, however, Malvuk continued.
”The identity of my personhood is an irrelevant notion. What must be stated, however, is that I am not the aggressor who interrogated and harmed you. ” The Meddlian’s eyebrows furrowed in even more confusion.
“What-” Malvuk interrupted him.
”The savage who has taken to murdering your people and plundering this planet’s lands is that of a forsaken soul. One who has betrayed his Master, and become a rabid mutt. Covah, is the namesake of this soul. And it is my mission to track him down and lay him to rest.”
The Meddlian’s gaze softened into one of questioning and curiosity.
“Well, you’re doing quite the job so far.” He said. Malvuk didn’t respond at first, but he did gaze around them.
”An unidentified force has sought to tamper with my search,” he looked back at the Meddlian. “Nonetheless, recount your experience.” The Meddlian sighed and went over to pick up his shield.
“There’s whispers of a secret society living deep within these forests,” he said and stared down at his shield. “I was...seeking refuge in it. After…” He breathed deeply. “It doesn’t matter.” He said and looked up at Malvuk. “While on my way, I encountered this “Covah”. I was on the pathway when he emerged from the surrounding trees. He grabbed me, and began to question me about this “apple”. I didn’t know what he was talking about, and well, let’s just say I was lucky to get away.” Malvuk nodded in response.
”Where is this pathway located?” The Meddlian didn’t answer but instead looked at him as if he had an idea.
“Actually, why don’t I lead you there? To the village?” He said. “I assume you managed to kill that Delorgaught back there. And look, I ain’t in the best shape. But, I can pull my own weight. I lead you to that village, you ensure I don’t die on the way there. It’s your best chance to find this Covah fellow and we both benefit. Deal?” He asked, it took several seconds of tense silence before Malvuk responded.
”Very well.” He said. The Meddlian breathed a sigh of relief before walking up to him.
“Good. My name is Nandun. Yours?”
”Malvuk.”.
Nandun nodded. And began leading Malvuk to the pathway, it wouldn’t be long before they reached their destination. And Malvuk would be one step closer to putting an end to Covah.
