“I know you all saw it. We all saw! When the world above ours shook! When the Gods clashed to determine the righteousness of their words! Then it came, the dark, empty evil. The consumer, the taker. And it fought, and it won. Do you not see? Not understand? There is no hope, there is no escape. We saw the final dawn, the ending of life. When even Gods could be laid low! Embrace the emptiness!!”

- Final Words - Unknown Cultist, Sentence: Executed In Inquisitorial Custody Near Ruins Of Melisgrad, Noted In Report Summarized by Templar Sergeant Archibald Wilde

Two hundred souls. Two hundred tortured souls were put under her care. Two hundred lives are at stake. Sophie tried to hide her own growing anxieties, the memories of her heinous sacrifices back in the Barrows of Eichafen still haunting her even now. The points were too similar, though the scenario was different. Beaten down victims expecting hope, only to be lost in the pursuit of something that might not even matter. All because of her selfishness.

All these people have suffered so much, have lost even more. Yet they turned to her for guidance, looking to her for the next course of action. The burden weighed heavy over her, the fear of failure rushing back acutely without respite. The fear that she would be what cost these people their lives.

It made her sick to her stomach, almost as much as the abuse she imagined they had suffered under the hands of the company. The documents in her sack now matter that much more. The evidence required to help build a case against the evils perpetrated by the company. Worse, she knew that the path ahead would be one tainted with the blood of others. The warden of the prison and his two guards proved as much, their corpses crowded away in the unlikely scenario the group would somehow escape notice.

She had changed. She felt little emotion beyond the need to accomplish a task. Even more so than when she had left Saclia or the dwarven mines. She could feel bits slipping away. Little nuggets of herself that simply disappeared. But there was no room to doubt. People depended on her and she need to act before the clean up crew arrived. Her plan had originally been to ferry whoever she could with the minecarts out the tunnel. But with the entire, as the women called it, ‘procreation zone’, liberated, there was no doubt that not everyone would fit.

Her new plan was even more risky. Using the minecarts to seal off the eastern entrance, hoping whatever distraction it may bring would be enough to at least get the civilians moving. Her only worry here was that some of the people had been too broken and tormented to react or move. Mostly trembling in place or nearly catatonic, needing to be supported by others. It meant she would have to play the role of rearguard, but not only was she uncertain how many guards she could stop, but she also couldn’t respond to anything the front of the group would run into.

She had considered the idea of helping the people get arms, but she dismissed the idea almost as soon as it arrived. They have already suffered too much, if the burden should land anywhere, it should be on me.

Looking to her new acquaintance, Keely, one of the girls she gave the keys to, she gestured for her to come over. While Sophie waited, she effortlessly moved her sword between her hands, her muscles gearing themselves up for a fight. Her mouth curled into a half frown half grin.

“Y-yeah?” The girl nervously muttered next to her, striking any expression off of Sophie’s face.

“Is everyone ready?” Sophie asked, putting on a more serious and confident demeanour, or so she hoped.

“M-more or less… umm… but a few of them…”

“Hmm, we’ll change it up a little. Have whoever that feel they can push and pull heavy things take the pushcart. Then bring a few of the more… less mobile of the group on them. The rest of us will have to walk though.”

“That’s… t-that’s fine.” Keely nodded, still nervous around Sophie.

But Sophie didn’t blame her, for all they knew, Sophie was about to make things far more unpleasant for everyone should they fail. Sophie tried to reassure the girl and cringed when the girl winced, almost instinctively moving away from her touch. Right… shit…

“Sorry.” Sophie apologized.

“N-n-uh it’s fine.” Keely mumbled.

“Alright, well then.” She gave the girl a firm nod instead. Her chest tightening at the almost wounded like retreat the girl made. Poor thing.

Turning to the rest of the room, Sophie banged on the walls to get their attention, her rapts echoing across the stones. The frightened mass turned their attention towards her, either afraid of her words, or her blade.

“Alright, everyone. Listen up. I’m going to try and get you guys out of here. But first, I need to know, does anyone know if the eastern tunnel tracks, that is, those closest to us. Do they get us to the outside world? Cause I very much do not want to go back the way I came.” Sophie asked. She immediately cringed at her poor speech, the doubts and worry flaring up on every person’s face almost immediately. Stars, I’ve made a real mess of things, haven’t I?

She watched as the crowd began to murmur amongst themselves, whatever little flickers of hope she had originally stirred up quickly vanished. She turned to find Keely had already wilted away back into the crowd, the girl keeping to herself. Sophie’s own spirit dampened until she spotted someone raising their hand from the back of the crowd, a hush quickly descending upon the crowd.

“I’m pretty sure it does.” A raspy girl called out, “M-my people and I. When… yeah.” She didn’t need to say more, Sophie understood.

Comforting voices and some of the older ladies tried to soothe the sobbing that followed, Sophie’s own heartstrings reaching a breaking point being exposed to so much sorrow and abuse. She had to look away for a moment to collect herself. To become the person that they all wanted to see, to be their rescuer. And yet, as she tried to form words to inspire them, to lead them, her mouth ran dry and she could not.

No heroics or theatrics to keep them calm, only a simple, “We’ll get moving in a minute.”

No one seemed convinced that this would end up fine, but it didn’t matter. They had to move now that they were freed. And Sophie was their way out.

She looked to Keely for some form of consolation, only to find the girl shooting her a weak look of resolve. Now or never.

With everyone’s spirits already near rock bottom, they would need to act fast. She had identified two major problems, the clean up crew, and the watchtower. One would arrive here soon enough, she only needed to be quick enough to eliminate them. The other, however, she needed to expunge without alerting the military camp beyond, or drawing suspicion from those within the tavern and brothel across the way.

A clattering echoed from outside the main door and everyone stilled at once. An eerie chill descended upon the room. The cleaning crew.

Sophie gripped her sword and gestured for the rest of the room to stay protected. Moving closer to the doorway, she waited.

The main doors creaked open and the sounds outside finally flooded inwards.

“Blasted bastards, I swear. Was having a good drink too!”

“Heh, you just drew bad lots.”

Two orcs ribbed at each other, their jovial mood cutting into the tension within the prison.

“Oi, where’s the warden?” A human voice inquired.

“Probably fucking. Heh.”

The group snickered.

“Raz, where the fuck are you?” The first orc called out.

“You did say he was fucking.”

“Eugh, maybe, but-urk.”

Sophie cut his words off with a blade, her sword finding purchase within his head and skull. Caught off guard, his companions stared at the display for a second, giving her ample time to recover and launch a second attack.

As the first orc stood baffled, his body unable to process that the host was soon to expire. Sophie’s blade pierced into the chest of a human, slashing into the mercenary without mercy at the doorway. This however, gave the last of the posse time to react, and the second orc pounced on her almost immediately.

Stolen story; please report.

With brutal strength, he punched her in the stomach and pinned her against the floor. Sophie gasped out loud in agony as her vision blurred. The orc smashed her sword arm against the wall behind her and she unconsciously lost her grip on her blade, a sharp crack and spear of pain flooding through her veins. She tried to fight back but his hands now closed around her neck, only a desperate flurry of adrenaline keeping him from completely snapping her in half.

“You-!” The orc growled, his eyes filled with rage and fury, “Herzog! The warden! Who are y-”

He suddenly froze, staggering a little and blinking in shock.

“I… who… urg.” He wobbled, standing up from Sophie.

His gaze turned to the other girl that now trembled before him, trying her best to back away from the sword that was impaled in him. No!

Sensing his intentions, Sophie let out a beastial roar and clawed at him to hold him back. Despite her disgust at her hand having brushed against his cock, she knew it was her only chance. Enraged, the orc turned back down to her, his immediate prize denied. With a vicious snarl he dropped a heavy kick that almost debilitated her. Disgusted by her current position and the foul smells emanating from his groin, Sophie responded by grabbing tightly and digging in with her nails.

“Graaah!” The orc screamed in surprise, the primal pain unavoidable.

Unwilling to give her opponent a chance, she wiggled her other hand to find her wrist somewhat limp. Slowly panicking, she resorted to the one tactic she had done without fail. Swallowing whatever pride she ever had away, she wrapped her mouth against his member from the side, and bit down hard until she could feel her teeth about to meet.

This sent the orc almost into shock, giving the anxious Keely an opening to pick up Sophie’s blade and thrust.

Though she was too weak to pierce deep into the orc’s chest, it was enough to make him panic. Seeing this, Sophie hastily picked herself up and reached for the sword embedded into his back. Throwing all her weight into the movement, she pressed down on it and felt a jolt shoot through the orc. As he rasped his last and collapsed, she too had to lean against a wall in agony.

Spitting out the blood and semen like taste out of her mouth, she found the room had now silently turned to look at her. Unnerved, she searched for Keely, finding the girl looking almost distraught at having used the blade. Poor girl, she’s been through so much and still… no one should have to stain their hands. Stars, that was… that was just a patrol too. Fuck, what about the rest of the damned camp?

“What?” She asked the crowd. Stop looking at me like this, have some faith, please. We'll make it out.

No one spoke, and Keely continued to tremble in place.

“I know, it’s sudden. But with them gone, we have time.” She huffed in a deep breath, trying to recompose herself only to wince at the irony taste still in her mouth, “A little time, but time we can use. Just… just give me a minute, then I’ll figure something out.”

The people seemed unconvinced, more than a few glances being cast at her limp wrist. Ah. Shit. Sophie closed her eyes and just sighed. Stellesia guide me, Astralis grant me strength. Just… need a minute.

There was no turning back now. Sophie’s right hand was shattered, but she could feel it healing. For that, she despaired. Because no matter how useful it was, it meant that Ary would likely have felt something from it. And there’s already enough people getting hurt. Trying to flex her fingers, she only felt sharp jolts of pain from her nerves. And it’s not even healed, damn.

Since scoring the kill, Keely seemed more resolute, like something had changed in the poor girl. Despite her raggedy appearance and ill fitting armor scored from the mercenary, the girl clutched at her newly acquired blade with the same death grip that Sophie used to have. When you know you’ll die, and only the blade can give you comfort, even if you can’t use it. A shadow crossed her face, I know that feeling all too well, heh. I wonder if this is what Taurox feels when he sees me.

It did, however, pose a conundrum. Despite all the channelled pain, Sophie wasn’t Keely, and she couldn’t read the girl’s mind. Taking a life… she’s probably still shaken, it’ll change the way she strikes, that’s for sure. Sophie grit her teeth and tried to ponder the scenario ahead.

The two of them would attack the two guards on the bottom floor. It meant a simultaneous strike, and knowing nothing about the girl beyond having just found her here, Sophie reckoned that she would need to compensate. That Keely’s attack wouldn’t be enough. Because if the guards above get alerted… she shuddered. Fighting a whole town of orcs and half orcs was not on her agenda. At least, I hope it doesn’t come to that, or else everyone… I don’t know if I can get everyone out.

Flexing her left hand, she gripped the hilt of her blade and nodded, signaling for Keely to advance. The two of them were clunky, to say the least. Sophie was still in her miner’s garb, whereas Keely’s armour was a tad large. Still, it was better than nothing and it would help the girl survive if it came down to it. Didn’t help the mercenary though.

Sophie motioned to the side and Keely reluctantly obeyed, staying out of sight until the opportune time arrived. The two half orcs on duty seemed to be relaxed, likely unaware of the incidents within the prison. Noting the little tankards resting near the entrance of the tower, Sophie felt a mild sense of relief. So the guards here aren’t just unaware of the prison, but news of Taurox and I still haven’t reached this far. No time like the present, she tried to convince herself.

Giving one last gesture, she slinked up from behind the watchtower. With sword in hand, she waited until the awkward shuffling of Keely caught up, attracting the half orcs' attention.

“Huh?” One managed to ask.

Sophie launched a brazen assault, aiming for the gap between the armor where the neck was. She missed. The shock hadn’t worn off yet and she pressed on. Not allowing the opening to go to waste, she lunged directly at his face, her less accurate sword arm only able to scratch him with the blade, but it was enough. With her sword half trapped in the guard’s helmet, she pushed against it and followed the side until she felt his fleshy, muscular neck. Indulging in her own brand of savagery. She cut and twisted the blade as much as she could, hoping to gouge out the half orc’s throat before he could warn the others.

Keely struck as well, though far sloppier and delayed. She hit the other guard from behind, but it happened according to Sophie’s fears. The blade’s angle was, though its path was true. Just like the orc that had tried to strangle her in the prison, Keely had managed to embed her blade into the guard. Just like back then, the jolt of surprise and pain from the guard meant that he inadvertently ripped the sword from the girl’s hands. Shit! And she’s about to panic!

With a growl, she jumped at her blade, using her chest to force it through the rest of the bone. The half orc let out a gurgly rasp as he desperately tried to claw his way back into the watchtower. One down! Sophie practically scrambled towards the other guard, knowing he was about to call out, his mouth opening wide, his vocal cords getting ready. Bracing herself, she darted to his side and forcefully jammed her hand into his mouth when he was still distracted with Keely. Gah!

“A-murhfg,” The half orc choked a little.

“Keely!” Sophie hissed.

Spurred into action, the girl hesitantly charged forward, aiming to tackle the guard. Seeing her chance, Sophie tried to pivot the guard and herself to give Keely more room. Her left hand now pulsed with pain as the half orc’s hardy jaws clamped down on it. She could feel her bone fighting against teeth and so she braced and leveraged the incoming charge. Uncertain and confused, Keely smashed into the guard with a clang. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

Sandwiched between the two of them, the guard would’ve had a chance if not for the blade embedded in him. The additional pressure makes it pierce even deeper. Sophie ignored the discomfort in her hand and punched the back of his throat. He reeled from the strikes, his teeth shredding her skin as he pulled back. He was gagging, unstable, urgently fighting for air. Sophie took the momentary reprieve to shift the blade some more, and then, he was dead.

“The fucks going on?” A voice came from above.

Trembling from the exertion, Sophie tried to think of what a rowdy guard would do. The half orcs are rowdy, right? Using what little was left of her arm strength, she chucked the tankard upwards, keeping herself out of sight.

“Drink quieter, pissants. You’re supposed to keep watch, not get sloshed.” The way he speaks and the sound of his voice, a human? And his accent, Melatonin? Yet he doesn't exactly sound like he believes his own words, why?

She looked over at Keely, gesturing for the girl to help her with the bodies. Well, we have our opening. Stars above, let’s just… let’s hope things go a little better than this, she gingerly flexed her still usable hand. They rummaged for keys and got the door to the watchtower open. One shot, let's make it count. Sophie placed a reassuring hand on Keely's shoulder.

Inside was a small armory like area on the first floor, though thankfully no guards were present. They raced up the stairs, intending to silence any potential mechanisms for warning the rest of the kolonia. Bursting into the observation floor, they found only one soldier present. The Meltonian mercenary already had his hands in the air, his weapons dropped.

"Hells below, you could stand to be a little more quiet." He grumbled, "But I ain't gonna be trouble, I saw what happened."

"Wha..." Sophie accidentally let out.

"The two of ye weren't exactly subtle. Could hear just fine, peeked over. I can be blind, but not that blind. Ye fought in armor too," He nodded at Keely, "ain't exactly too hard to tell something was going on. Whatever the case, just let me live, tie me up or whatever. I won't get in the way." The Meltonian looked over at his fallen weapons, motioning for them to take them.

Sophie shared a skeptical glance with Keely. She saw no harm in at least humoring the mercenary, particularly as she wanted to get him as far from the warning bells in the watchtower as she could whatever the case was. Keely picked up his things and Sophie cautiously dragged him along.

"We'll lock you in the prison, then we'll be gone." Sophie hissed, uncertain if she should be threatening or kinder given the man's unprompted surrender.

"Good enough for me, lass."

Sophie looked to Keely once more, finding the same thought running through the girl's head. That was almost too easy. But for now, at least the watchtower's dealt with. Onto the next step.