Solborn: The Eternal Kaiser

Kaiser and Aria walked down the mountain of tombs, which extended endlessly behind them. The weight of the place held on to them like a second skin, but each step drove them farther away from the cemetery's uncanny beauty.

Years of solemn visitors who had climbed to pay their respects or bury their dead had left an uneven dirt path that wound down the slope. The only sound that followed them now was the gentle crunch of boots on gravelly ground. Kaiser turned his head back one more time, seeing the last rows headstones stretching into the mountain, like soldiers standing in formation. The low sun sent long shadows and suffused the graves with a warm, nearly apocalyptic light. It was beautiful in a way he didn't have words for but that felt deeply unsettling.

Silence remained between them, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts. The trees surrounding the path were sparse, the once-dense forest of webs and looming shadows had completely vanished, replaced by an open expanse where the ground was dry and cracked in some places. A gentle breeze stirred the air, but it carried no comfort—only the lingering scent of earth and faint decay.

Kaiser tried to distract himself by focusing on the road ahead, but the image of the cemetery stayed with him. It was a place unlike any he had ever seen, and the absurdity of it all weighed heavily on his mind. How is it possible that he missed such a place before.

It took more than an hour of walking, but eventually a view of the base of the mountain appeared and the dirt path broadened into a flatter trail. The cemetery finally faded behind a covey of tall trees and retreated into the distance, and Kaiser cast one last, silent look over his shoulder. The dead held nothing for him. He turned, eyes narrowing, already weighing what lay ahead.

They followed the trail as it wound through a large clearing. The landscape was different here, less oppressive but still strange in its own way. The ground was dotted with lonely trees, their twisted branches reaching towards the sky like hands looking for something to grab on to. The silence of the graveyard had followed them, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the wind.

The dirt path they followed began to gradually alter, widening and smoothing with each step they took. The barren, uneven terrain turned into what seemed a more well-trodden road, its surface further compacted with the passing of innumerable feet, hooves and wheels.

The path curved gently to the left, revealing a narrower trail merging with their own. Though smaller, it bore the same signs of wear—packed earth, scattered stones, and tufts of grass creeping along its edges where footsteps rarely fell. Like tributaries joining a river, the two paths became one, widening into a single road stretching into the distance.

He glanced at Aria, who walked slightly ahead, her pace steady and purposeful. If the fusion of the paths meant anything to her, she didn't show it.

Slowly, however, from within the silence came a sound—a distant rumble that deepened each passing second. Kaiser slowed down, his brow knitting. "Do you hear that?" he asked, his voice low.

Aria cocked her head toward the sound. "I do."

As they walked, the sound grew clearer—wooden wheels creaking, the weary thud of hooves striking earth. At first, there was nothing in sight, but then a small dot appeared on the road behind them. It swelled with each passing second, approaching faster than their steady pace, the rhythmic beat of hooves growing sharper with its advance.

Kaiser's eyes narrowed as the outline sharpened—a sturdy, enclosed carriage drawn by two powerful horses, their glossy coats glinting with sweat. The sigil on the side, though, meant nothing to him.

For him, it was just another potential threat. When the caravan finally came to a halt a few paces behind them, the horses tossed their heads, breaking the silence with sharp snorts. The wooden frame groaned under the weight of whatever, or whoever was inside.

Kaiser stepped forward, placing himself squarely between Aria and the approaching carriage, not out of reflex but from a lifetime's habit. His gaze flicked over the vehicle with cold calculation; there was nothing about its shape or the intricate, almost royal design didn't match anything he had seen, which was really strange. He was a man who had crossed the entire world multiple times, survived wars and outlived many kingdoms. The craftsmanship was unmistakably foreign, elegant but purposeful, the kind of thing that didn't belong on any map he remembered.

"Stay behind me," he said quietly, voice flat and absolute. He didn't bother looking back, trusting her to listen, his focus locked on the carriage's ornate rose sigil and the way the light seemed to catch on every jagged edge of the painted petals.

Then, to his surprise, he felt Aria's hand brush his arm, as if she intended to halt a wild animal instead of a man. He glanced down at her fingers, then up at her face, arching an eyebrow as if to ask if she really thought that would work. The idea of her steadying him was almost funny, but he didn't comment, simply let the silence stretch, his body refusing to yield even a fraction.

Aria's attention shifted back to the carriage, her eyes catching on the strange emblem. "We're safe," she murmured, voice softer, almost reverent. "That's the symbol of the Liberatorium of the South."

Kaiser's mind sifted through a thousand memories and found nothing that matched; the name meant as little to him as the painted rose, but he betrayed no uncertainty. He watched her relax beside him, but the tension in his own shoulders didn't fade, not for a faction he didn't know.

He let the silence linger, watching the strange, glimmering sigil a moment longer before replying, "If you say so." His tone was not dismissive, just unwilling to give away what he didn't know.

Aria glanced sideways at him, a small, knowing smile flickering at the edge of her lips. "Later," she said, voice low, shaking her head, as if already resigned to the fact that explaining anything to him would take more time than the moment allowed.

Kaiser remained in front of Aria, his guard still up despite her reassurances. His eyes were fixed on the doors of the caravan, waiting to see who or what would step out.

The creature to step from the caravan was unlike anything Kaiser had ever seen: an enormous, anthropomorphic toad. He stood well over two meters tall, and his rotund body was draped with flowing purple garments that faintly sparkled in the light. His dotted skin resembled a green, darker streaks around his wide, bulbous hands and thick, webbed fingers curling as he got out of the wagon.

But it was his head that really got noticed. His face was broad and flat, like a toad, with two bulging eyes protruding from either side of his head. They shimmered as they caught light, their dark irises swirling with joy. His gaze, though, felt strangely direct, as if it could see in any direction he wished to.

His wide, toothless mouth was framed by an enormous white beard, thick and bushy, spilling down his chest like a waterfall of snow. His mustache was longer, curled out in big, almost silly spirals that bounced slightly when he moved. The beard itself was meticulously maintained, with an air of pride in its presentation, lending him the dignified appearance of a sage—or perhaps an eccentric elder.

"Ahhh!" the creature roared, his voice loud and deep yet warm. He flung out his long arms as if greeting old friends. "Travelers on the road! Always a pleasant sight. Greetings! I am Glunko, lowly merchant and seller of fine wares!" He walked all the way into the road, bowing low with an over-the-top flourish, his mustache swaying around him. "And who do I have the pleasure of meeting today?"

Kaiser parted his lips, but before he could speak, Aria moved closer, her voice light and melodic. "I'm Aria," she said cheerfully, her lips quirked in a smile that Kaiser knew was fake. "And this is Dio." Kaiser gave her a sidelong look, his eyebrows raising somewhat at the alias. She avoided eye contact with him, focusing solely on Glunko, her grin unwavering. Realizing that it was probably best to act along, Kaiser forced a nod. "Dio," he repeated, holding out his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet such a fine merchant."

Glunko's wide grin nearly doubled, and he let out a resounding laugh that startled the horses. "Dio! A good name, firm and straightforward. And Aria! How delightful to meet you both!" He took Kaiser's hand in his long fingers, shaking it so vigorously that Kaiser felt his arm rattle. "Oh, I know already, good people, good people!"

Kaiser withdrew his hand discreetly, shaking off the surprising strength of the merchant. Glunko next addressed Aria, bowing slightly as if she were royalty. "And a woman, on the road too. Always a good sign! The road can be rough, but it's good to those who meet it with grace and courage."

"Thanks," Aria replied, her tone sugary, but Kaiser noticed the briefest shift in her body language, as though she was holding herself just a little tighter. She cocked her head slightly, examining Glunko but otherwise remaining silent. Glunko, unaware of the nuances of her body language, clapped his hands together, his smile unwavering.

"Well, my friends, what brings you to this lonely stretch of road? Mercenaries, explorers, nomads? Or maybe… something more mysterious?" He wiggled his long fingers theatrically, lowering his voice into a conspiratorial whisper.

"Wanderers," Kaiser shot back, his voice steady but neutral. "Just passing through."

Glunko nodded sagely, his mustache twitching. "Ah, wanderers! The world's soul you are. Never static, never stopped. I ask—do you look for anything in particular? A treasure? A purpose? Or simply a meal? I have goods for every need!" He waved grandly at the caravan behind him. "Exotic spices, fine weapons, rare tomes… and for the weary wayfarer, food to fill the belly!"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

At the mention of food, Kaiser's stomach betrayed him with a quiet growl, though his face didn't change and he refused to acknowledge it. And in response, Glunko erupted in laughter. "Ah, hunger! The truest of needs! Do not worry about that, my good Dio, for Glunko never allows a wayfarer to go hungry. Come, come let us break bread and tell road stories!"

Kaiser hesitated instinctively, but Aria laid a hand on his arm lightly. "He's harmless," she said quietly, with a note of amusement. Glunko beamed; his obliviousness was almost endearing.

"Harmless? Oh, little one, I should certainly hope so! My only weapons are my silver tongue—and perhaps a sturdy frying pan if the need arises!" He laughed again, slapping his belly in joy.

Kaiser found himself exhaling slowly, the pressure in his shoulders lifting. There was something disarming about Glunko's uncomplicated enthusiasm and his sincere pleasure at meeting new people. Yet as they trailed him toward the caravan, Kaiser stole a look at Aria and wondered what went behind that cheery facade she was putting on.

For now, however, they had found a rare thing on the road: a moment of rest. And as Glunko started rummaging around his caravan, listing off the merits of the various goods he possessed, Kaiser permitted himself to relax, at least a little.

As soon as Glunko disappeared into the caravan, the brief moment of quiet between Aria and Kaiser stretched out, but only for a bit before Kaiser cleared his throat. "You seemed awfully trusting of that man," he said, keeping his tone light but laced with curiosity. "Do you know of him?"

Aria swivelled her head, ever so slightly, a smile escaping her lips. "Not personally," she replied, her voice calm. "But I know where he is from. He hails from the Southern Liberatorium. His crest, The Shining Rose, is a mark of someone who we can trust."

Kaiser's eyes lingered on the sigil, the words Aria spoke rolling around in his head without meaning. He didn't bother to feign understanding or offer empty agreement. "If it keeps us from trouble, that's all I need to know," he replied, voice steady, eyes already back on the road.

Aria glanced at him sideways, a little smirk curving her lips. "You really don't know what a Liberatorium is, do you?"

He offered her a flat, sidelong look. "No," he said, calm and unapologetic. "But I've survived plenty of things I didn't have a name for."

Before Aria could say anything to that, Glunko's voice blared out, shattering the talk.

"Ah-ha! Found it!" the merchant bellowed, emerging from the caravan with an armful of what looked like… wool?

He almost trotted right up to them the bulk of his purple coat swaying with every step. "I'm terribly sorry, my friends! This is all I have left to share—a fine delicacy from the marshlands! Kralak!"

Kaiser blinked, his gut churning at the view of the weird, stringy substance. It was gritty, very much like cotton, with a subtle pale gray tinge. "That's… food?" he asked, his voice heavy with skepticism.

"Oh, absolutely!" Glunko exclaimed, his grin wide. "The finest! A true treat for those with discerning tastes."

Before Kaiser could speak his doubt, Aria interjected with a gasp of genuine excitement, her face lighting up. "Kralak! I haven't had this in years!" she said, her voice filled with childlike glee. For the first time since Kaiser had met her she seemed genuinely happy and all her characteristic serenity and reserve completely shattered.

Kaiser stared at her, dumbfounded. "You're excited about eating… that?"

"Of course!" Aria replied, clutching a bundle of the wool-like substance to her chest. "Kralak is amazing. I promise you're going to love it."

"Ah, a lady of taste! Really nice to meet someone who cares about the small stuff," he said warmly. Glunkp distributed to each of the individuals a piece of Kralak, and a thin steel stick that curved at the end to hold the food in place.

Kaiser reluctantly took his share, holding it between his fingers as though it might bite him. "So… what do we do with this?"

"Simple!" Glunko said, already skewering his portion and holding it over the fire. "You melt it! Kralak transforms when heated—it becomes a delectable honey-like nectar. The aroma alone is enough to make a grown man weep!"

Kaiser raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He watched as Glunko's bundle of wool began to change, the fibers shrinking and curling as a golden-white liquid began to pool at the bottom of the small plate. The smell hit him almost instantly—a rich, sweet aroma so intense it made his mouth water.

Following him, Aria had already impaled her share and was busy broiling it over the fire. She held her plate carefully, and even though the liquid was still steaming, she brought it to her lips and took a small sip.

Her eyes fluttered closed, and she let out a soft sigh of contentment. "Perfect," she said, with a smile gracing her lips.

Kaiser frowned at his own plate, reluctant to even begin. "It smells… okay, I guess," he admitted grudgingly. "However, it seems as if the thing that you'd scrape off a random plant you might find on a field."

Glunko roared with laughter. "A common reaction for first-timers!" He said, his mustache quivering with delight. "But I assure you, once you taste it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!"

With a sigh, he finally brought his plate to his lips and took a cautious sip. The taste was unlike anything he'd ever experienced—sweet and rich, with a hint of something floral. It covered his palate and warmed his throat as it slid down. He blinked, surprised. "It's… not terrible," he admitted reluctantly.

Glunko clapped his hands together, beaming. "A convert! Wonderful! See, my friends, food is the great uniter. No matter where we come from or who we are, a good meal can bring us together."

Kaiser couldn't help but smile at the merchant's enthusiasm, even as he took another sip of the strange, honey-like liquid.

The fire crackled merrily between them as Kaiser leaned back, slowly but surely getting full. Aria, meanwhile, continued her relentless consumption of Kralak, her enthusiasm defying all reason. Kaiser found himself staring, unsure whether to be impressed or alarmed.

Aria skewered another massive portion of the wool-like food and held it over the flames, the heat melting it into a golden-white liquid almost instantly, the aroma filling the air again. Without hesitation, she lifted the plate and drank it in one swift motion, barely reacting to the steam rising from the molten meal.

"You know," Kaiser said, breaking the silence, "At some point, I think you stopped eating and started devouring."

Aria glanced at him, her expression briefly innocent before her lips curled into a playful smile. "This is too good, it's not my fault," she cooed, "You should try enjoying something for once."

"I did try it," Kaiser muttered, holding up his half-empty plate. "And it was fine. But that much? How are you even still upright?"

Glunko, who had been watching Aria with wide, glimmering eyes, clapped his hands together, his booming laugh echoing across the quiet road. "Ah, young lady! A true connoisseur! I haven't seen someone enjoy Kralak this much since my own childhood!"

Aria, undeterred, skewered another portion. This time, even Kaiser had to admit it looked absurd—she was melting what seemed like an entire sheep's worth of Kralak. As the food began to bubble and soften, she lifted it to her lips and drank, ignoring the heat entirely.

Glunko let out an enthusiastic cheer, clapping his hands. "Marvelous! Simply marvelous! You, my dear, have the heart of a gourmand. A rare quality indeed!"

Kaiser couldn't help but chuckle at the scene. For a moment, a faint haze crept into his eyes. not quite a smile, not quite warmth, just the distant flicker of an old memory stirring, unbidden. He blinked, the moment passing as quickly as it came, and his gaze hardening once more,

After what felt like an hour of eating and laughter, Aria finally leaned back, her plate empty. Her energy spent, she let out a soft yawn and stretched her arms, the firelight dancing on her face. Moments later, she slumped to the side, fast asleep on the grass.

Kaiser sighed, standing up and brushing off his uniform. He got to her, and lifted her into his arms with care. Her weight was barely noticeable, and her expression was peaceful, almost childlike.

"Out like a light," he muttered, shaking his head.

As Glunko gathered the scattered remains of their meal, Kaiser approached and, without hesitation or ceremony, unclipped a battered gold medal from his uniform, its meaning long since stripped away. He placed it on the log currently between them, his gesture as indifferent as if he were discarding a bent coin.

"Payment," he said simply, the word clipped and cold, his eyes already moving past the exchange as though the medal were nothing more than a trinket scavenged from a ruined battlefield. "It's materials are worth more than anything else I'm carrying. Take it or leave it. It makes no difference to me."

Glunko blinked, eyes widening as he took in the medal, its weight and history obvious even through the grime. "Ah—no, my friend, I couldn't possibly," he started, shaking his head, but his gaze lingered on the medal a second too long, hand hesitating just above.

Kaiser frowned. "It's just a piece of metal. Consider it payment for your kindness."

He made no effort to retrieve it, turning slightly as if already done with the matter. Glunko hesitated, his hand hovering over the medal, torn between courtesy and curiosity. At last, he slid the medal off the log with a careful motion, forcing a grin as he tucked it away. "Well, let the road settle your debt tonight—though I can tell you're no ordinary travelers."

Kaiser tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Glunko moved in closer just a little, his eyes, large, sparkling with mischief. "I have tested your hand earlier you see," he said. "I used nearly all my power, and yet, you barely flinched. That tells me you're no stranger to hardship. You carry yourself like a Liberator."

There it was again—that word. Liberator. Kaiser's brow furrowed, but he kept his face neutral, unwilling to reveal his ignorance. "What gave it away?" he asked, his voice steady.

Glunko gestured to Kaiser's torn uniform. "Your appearance, for one. Even tattered, that coat carries a certain prestige. And the way you hold yourself—like a man who's fought battles most of us can only imagine."

Kaiser nodded slowly, choosing his words carefully. "You're observant."

Glunko chuckled. "A merchant must be, my friend. So, tell me, from which Liberatorium do you hail?"

"The Southern one." Kaiser replied smoothly, though the answer was a guess.

Glunko's smile spread, his massive hand closing over his chest. "An honor, truly. The Southern Liberatorium produces the finest among us. And your companion…" He nodded toward Aria, still asleep in Kaiser's arms. "She must be a Liberator as well, yes?"

Kaiser hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes. We're coming back from the mission… bringing some people back to be buried at back of the mountain cemetery close by."

For the briefest moment, Glunko's smile faltered. His gaze softened for a moment with a touch of sadness, but then he quickly regained his composure and his tone remained strong. "

"You have my deepest respect," he said. "Liberators are owed a great debt, but those who bring peace to the dead… they deserve something greater. A selfless act, indeed."

Kaiser simply nodded. "It's work. That's all."

Glunko nodded solemnly, then clapped his hands together, his jovial demeanor returning. "And now, you wish to go to a town, no? To clean up and rest?"

Kaiser nodded. "That's the plan."

"Then allow me to offer you a ride!" Glunko said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "My caravan may not be the fastest, but it's warm, comfortable, and free of charge for esteemed Liberators such as yourselves."

Kaiser didn't hesitate. "We'll take it. Thank you."

With that, Glunko began preparing the caravan, humming a cheerful tune as Kaiser settled Aria inside.