Chapter 10 (Regis POV): First Blood in Zarethune
The road to Zarethune was long, but the view through the carriage window made it easier to ignore the headache I called my life.
Inside the carriage: me, Faye, Bom, and Bob. Outside—Hector riding next to Clavis, both cold and sharp like always. And of course I wasn't letting Bob drive. If Bob drove, we'd be halfway to hell by now.
I watched the forests of Regsialand slide past the glass. The place we were going wouldn't be this peaceful. I knew that much.
Bom broke the silence first. "So… who's ruling the kingdom while you're on this ridiculous road trip?"
"My first minister. Magnus," I answered flatly.
Bom nodded. "Serious type?"
Bob yawned. "He's basically Regis if Regis lost his sense of humor and stopped sleeping."
Faye tilted her head. "Wait, what's the name of the kingdom we're going to again?"
"Zarethune,ruled by the queen zera" I said, stretching my shoulders.
She blinked. "Wow, you guys really like naming places after yourselves, huh? What's next, King Zareth has a daughter named Zarita?"
I actually chuckled. Even Bom laughed with me, nodding. "Royal creativity—always impressive. And this Queen Zare… is she pretty?"
I rolled my eyes. "Zare's an old friend. You can judge for yourself. As for me, only Faye's is beautiful."
Faye's face flushed red instantly. "T-thank you…"
Bom immediately copied her blush on purpose, puffing his cheeks and fluttering his lashes. I nearly lost it.
Bob? Bob was asleep. Naturally. Third-best knight in the kingdom, they say ... ,Excellent.
Hours passed. We were almost at the border to Zarethune now. I could see the break in the trees where the path changed. The smell of damp earth and wilder winds hit me.
I leaned forward. "Alright. Border's up. Everyone ready. The city isn't right after the line, so expect… trouble."
Faye frowned. "Already?"
We crossed into Zarethune.
My hand rested on my sword hilt. Wolves. Bandits. Anything could come out of these woods.
Silence.
Minutes passed. Nothing.
Maybe I over—
BAM.
Something slammed into the carriage, sending us skidding sideways. Everyone tensed instantly.
"Lamburian," Bom muttered.
"A lamb what?" I barked.
Bom smiled like he was on holiday. "Big wolf. Nasty teeth. Smells like death."
Perfect.
Bom jumped out before I could stop him. I followed, sword out. Hector and Clavis flanked us with practiced steps, eyes sharp.
Even Faye opened the window and gagged. "It stinks. Like something dead."
Bob slammed the window shut. "You wanna die? Leave that thing close ! "
The beast emerged from the shadows.
White fur. Bigger than a warhorse. Fangs the length of my sword. Its breath could knock a soldier over. I could see the tension on my men's faces—we were used to fighting monsters, sure—but Regsialand monsters. This was different.
Then Bom charged.
No hesitation. No war cry. Just motion—a blur of arrogant, flawless chaos.
He vaulted onto the Lamburian's back, grabbing a tuft of fur, twisting its head sideways with inhuman strength. The beast bucked, claws slicing dirt, jaws snapping inches from Bom's face.
Bom laughed.
Laughed.
Claws slashed past his chest—Bom leaned back midair, like a dancer dodging rain.
"Are you shaking?" Hector hissed to Clavis.
"I'm not shaking. You're shaking."
"NO, you're—"
"Shut up," Bob muttered, stepping outside. "Bom's got it , nothing to be afraid of ! ."
Claws. Teeth. Slamming bodies.
Bob folded his arms. "See? Nothing to worry ab—"
At that exact moment, Bom yeeted the Lamburian's corpse right on top of Bob.
Lamburian is Dead. Good news. Bob? Flattened pancake. Bad news.
"Is he okay?" Bom called, dusting his hands like this was laundry day.
Clavis crouched next to the heap. "Yeah. Unfortunately, he's still breathing."
Beneath the wolf corpse, Bob's muffled voice came out: "SHUT UP. GET THIS THING OFF ME."
Day one in Zarethune.
Fantastic start.