Bound and Broken: An Isekai Adventure Dark Fantasy (Melas Book 1) by V.A. Lewis (autobiographies to read .TXT) 📕

The huge man paused and blinked. He turned to look at me carefully, inspecting me as he leaned over the table. "Hrmph, yes. I have never seen the Fiend myself, but from what I’ve heard, I am starting to see the resemblance."

Victor sighed, then took a deep breath. And spoke up, but this time sullenly.

"Yes. And tragically, it seems that the Fiend’s time had finally come to an end."

Commander Gerritt continued nodding for a moment, then froze as the words registered in his head. He turned back to the young man— the Dark Acolyte— and their eyes met. And his next words were soft; no longer the loud powerful voice it was before.

"...how?" that was all he said.

"She was in hiding, but was found out by the Church. It was a team of Inquisitors and a Saint. From what Melas told me, I believe it had to have been Saint Theron," Victor said the name with venom in his mouth.

And I would too. I could already feel my blood boiling just at the mention of that name. Saint Theron. Victor told me that was probably who it was; some arrogant young man who discovered he had the power of miracles when he was 18 years old— one of the youngest in history.

And yet I could find no respect for him. Because he was a murderer. He killed my mom, my wonderful mother, all because she did magic. I hated him. I—

I was about to cry. But then I felt a hand gently touch my shoulder, and I looked up at a red face. Something so completely alien to me. And yet, the words Gerritt spoke gave me comfort.

"I’m sorry for your loss. You’re very strong to have managed to come this far."

I froze.

"You must have been through a lot since then. Your mother’s death, and becoming a slave? You fought through it all, and yet you’re still here," he said, lowering his face to meet mine, and smiling. "You are so young, and so strong. So… brave— more so than I’ll ever be."

It did not mean much; they were only words. It was not even life-changing advice— just simple words. They should not have meant anything, for they were merely words.

But still, I found comfort in them.

"Thank you, sir," I said, as a single teardrop ran down my cheek.

"Please, little one, my name is Gerritt," the Orc kindly interjected.

I nodded, and smiled. "And my name is Melas, Gerritt."

He laughed, and I giggled a little bit too. Victor gave us both a sidelong look that totally wasn’t judging us in any way, and he sighed.

"Commander Gerritt, Melas will be with us for the foreseeable future. And being Lady Valeria’s daughter, I’ve found that she has a talent in magic too. But she is still young, so she is undecided on whether she wants to be a Dark Crusader— which is understandable— but she is also a marked slave. As such, I’ve decided we shall offer her our protection until we can find a way to remove the brand upon her face."

"Hrmph, of course! That is only reasonable."

"Ah, and there are two additional things: firstly, if you could transmit my decision back to headquarters, that would be very much appreciated. Secondly, we left a horse, just outside of the cave entrance— you may do with it as you will," the young man added.

"I will do both of that. I’m sure the Infernalis would be pleased to hear about Melas. Although I will also inform them of… the other news you’ve brought me. And the two of us too, have many things to discuss. But— later. Come, let us talk of something less dour. Karna has returned with food and drinks." The large man pointed behind me.

Sure enough, the Goblin from earlier was returning with baskets of bread and fruits. Following behind him were two other Goblins carrying a jar of water and an amphora of wine respectively.

My mouth immediately began to water at the sight of food. The moment Karna came within reaching distance, I started stuffing my mouth.

The Goblin stared at me in disbelief as I devoured everything in the basket. Gerritt guffawed and poured some wine for himself and Victor, while offering me some water; I graciously accepted the cup as he handed it over to me.

"Hungry, are you?" Gerritt chuckled as I took a swig of water. "You look like you haven’t eaten in days."

I shook my head, and gestured at Victor. "He’s been sharing his travel supplies with me. But it’s only a little— we’ve had to ration it," I said.

"Of course. I only brought food for myself on this journey. I wasn’t expecting someone else to join me. Let alone a child that eats as much as you," the young man snorted.

I took a bite out of a loaf of bread as the Orc chortled.

"Well there’s no need to hold back here, Melas. Eat to your heart’s delight."

I brightened as I looked at all the food on the table. I reached for a piece of fruit, and paused.

Wait, did Victor just call me fat?!

Chapter 27: Starved and Stronger

I exited the small bathtub after cleaning myself off for over half an hour. Most of that time had been spent untangling my matted hair, running my fingers through each small knot for five minutes at a time. I wish I had a brush, I thought wistfully.

But that was a longing that did not last; it was simply a recollection of a different place where basic amenities that increased the quality of life were ubiquitous. I had lived as a slave for two months, and lived in the backwater village of Villamcreek for all of my current life. I could very easily make do without dwelling on the absence of such