Something in the mansion is watching

The Marked Ones

So here we are. A mansion with three floors, where the enemies could be hiding in any room. I have to admit that the mansion is so quiet that it feels haunted. It is as if something dark is lurking around the corners and watching us, preparing to strike at the right time.

They said that the mansion had been abandoned for many years. I find that strange. The furniture, the tables, the drawings hung on the wall—they look as if they have been well-maintained. The plant vases along the walls—they are watered by someone. This mansion doesn’t look abandoned to me. Some people have been frequenting this place.

I can hear faint noises of footsteps coming from the higher floors. A moment later, it is back to silence.

This Spark is from

The Marked Ones

by Nickey T. Hawke

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Win the war, or save her?

Perhaps, Jackal is right. But still, that is an easy call for him to make. I say, “Our daughter is three years old now. I promised her that we would return safely from the war. What am I to tell her if her mother didn’t make it? This is too cruel for a little girl to bear.”

Jackal says, “Then what are you going to tell the people who entrusted you to lead the army? You’re going to tell them that you decide not to end the war simply because you want to keep your wife safe? If your wife is here with you right now, she would have wanted you to make the tough decision to end the war.”

What shall I do? I know I should make the call and end this war. On the other hand, I will never sacrifice my wife so that we can win the war. My loved ones matter to me, so does the fate of our land.

What shall I do?

Shall I proceed with our mission, knowing that the Witch’s presence will endanger the lives of my wife’s team?

Or shall I call this mission off, and find a better time to defeat our nemesis? My wife’s team will be safe for now. But as what Jackal said, we are losing a lifetime opportunity to end this war for once and for all.

I ponder deeply about the consequences of my decisions. “I’ve made up my mind, Jackal.”

When I finally announce my decision to Jackal, I realize that there will be no turning back from here onwards...

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It's that dream again

It’s that dream again. Am I dreaming of the future? In the dream, I am the leader of the Paladins, leading the army of Light, and we are on the verge of winning the war against the Immortal Lord’s Undead forces.

My right-hand man is Jackal, someone unlikeable who is unlikely to help me.

I have a wife, whom I feel a strong emotional attachment toward. She journeyed and fought alongside with me throughout the tough times. But strangely, I had never seen her face in my dream.

Looking back at our current situation, we’re nowhere to winning the war. We’re not even actively participating in the war against the Immortal Lord. While the whole world is drowned in chaos, our City just stands on the sidewalk and watches like a bypasser.

My question is, is that future even possible? Am I seeing the vision of our potential future?

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