Chapter 17: A Nameless Abomination
Charles made his way through the halls of the manor house, the partially curtained windows nearly black from the night sky. Rubbing his eyes tiredly he opened the door to his bedchamber, looking forward to the soft bed and thick comforters.
What he saw stole any notion of sleep from his mind. There in the chair next to the bed, his body cloaked in shadow and moonlight, sat his ancestor.
"Grandfather?" He asked in surprise, shock filling his mind.
"Come, sit with me and learn what you may." The old man offered, gesturing to the bed next to him. "Tell me what has transpired since we last spoke."
Peering at the older bearded man shrouded in darkness and his ever-present overcoat he carefully sat down on the bed, gazing intently at the figure before him.
"We have purified the cathedral." Charles began. "We found the source of the evil there, a Necromancer of considerable power. Fortunately we were able to kill him and rescue a poor wretch that had been trapped there by him to perform experiments on. Winters calls him an abomination but I only feel pity for that tortured soul."
"Tortured indeed." Augustus remarked grimly. "Tortured and reclusive. Take care Charles, this man is more dangerous than he seems."
Charles pursed his lips in thought. "That may be but up until now he has been healing from his injuries. I do not expect him to betray us the moment he regains his strength out of pure spite."
"No one knows the hearts of men and beasts but we shall see." Augustus allowed before becoming thoughtful. "So the Necromancer is dead then. An excellent beginning, but there is much more to be done."
Charles nodded. "Since then we've been scouring the warrens beneath the hills nearby, clearing out the disgusting swine folk that infest those tunnels."
Augustus's gaze sharpened. "You mean to make an end of them once and for all."
Charles nodded. "If we can, yes. Though where they could have come from is beyond me, never mind the Necromancer and his hordes. From the reports I received there were dozens of monstrosities within those catacombs."
Augustus let out a tragic sigh. "Charles you must understand...my desire for esoteric knowledge, to reach beyond conventional wisdom and possibility, to delve deep into the realms of impossible madness...they slowly twisted into hideous ambitions that only grew more and more wild with each passing day. Mastery over life and death was chief among my early pursuits. I began in humility, but my ambition even then was limitless. Who could have divined the prophetic import of something as unremarkable as a twitch in the leg of a dead rat? Yet, such an insignificant event proved to me that what men considered impossible was merely foolishness and cowardess. I intended to peel back the veil of mystery that seemingly lay between what was possible and what was considered fantastical and I would let nothing stand in the way of such impetus. To that end, I entertained a delegation of experts from overseas, eager to plumb the depths of their knowledge and share with them certain techniques and alchemical processes I had found to yield wondrous and terrifying results. Having learned all I could from my visiting guests, I murdered them as they slept."
Charles stared in morbid shock as the man whom he had venerated as a wise and noble man spoke casually of murder.
Augustus seemed not to notice Charles' expression as he continued. "I brought my colleagues back with much of their intellect intact, a remarkable triumph for even the most experienced Necromancer. I should have realized then just what was happening, how a novice like myself could have accomplished such feats, but alas, my excitement and desire outstripped my good sense. Freed from the trappings of their humanity, they plied their terrible trade anew with horrific intent - to have the dead revive the dead on and on down the years...forever."
"That's how the cathedral came to be infested!" Charles muttered in dismayed astonishment.
Augustus nodded grimly. "You begin to understand. The Necromancer was one of my guests, murdered and returned to a parody of life with their minds and abilities as strong and whole as the day they died. Having proven our mastery over the necromantic arts we moved to studies even more dastardly and dangerous. Rituals of blood and contacting those that exist beyond reality itself."
Charles' eyes widened in fear.
"Your sorcerer could tell you much of these matters, were you to ask him." The man said knowingly with a nod. "Suffice to say, the ways and rituals of blood sacrifice are difficult to master. Those from beyond require a physical vessel if they are to make the crossing into our reality. The timing of the chants is imperative for without the proper utterances at precise intervals, the process can fail spectacularly. My first attempts at summoning them were crude and the results were quite disappointing. I soon found, however, that the type and condition of the host's meat was a critical factor. The best results came from pigs, whose flesh is most like that of man." He said with curious emphasis.
"The swine folk..." Charles murmured.
Augustus nodded. "Inhabited by lesser intelligences from beyond the inner spheres, the results of my earliest summonings. Nearly human in their understanding for the most part which is how they are able to congregate as they do into a functional society, abhorrent and brutish though it may be. But there is more. I see you have already plumbed the depths of their offal-filled tunnels but further still there is one that commands and controls them, whom they worship as a king."
"What is it Grandfather?" Charles whispered softly.
"It is a travesty, a blundering mountain of hatred and rage." The man stated unequivocally in dire tones. "It is a nameless abomination, a testament to my failures, and it must be destroyed!"
Augustus covered his eyes with his hand as he leaned to the side, his voice quieter and filled with shame. "The great thing I had managed to bring through was brutish and stupid. Moreover, it required prodigious amounts of meat to sustain itself. But this was only a trifling concern. After all, I had a village full of it. I'm sorry I brought this on you Charles." He sighed.
"We will find this swine king and kill it Grandfather. I swear to you." Charles insisted.
Augustus gazed at him through his spread fingers, his visible eye gleaming in the moonlight. "There will be more." He warned.
Charles awoke with a soft gasp, his eyes blinking as the morning sun streamed in through the curtains in his bedroom. He quickly glanced over at the chair next to his bed.
It stood empty.
"Thank you Grandfather." He whispered quietly.
Finishing his daily ablutions and dressing quickly he made his way to the tavern where several of the group were sitting at breakfast. "I would have everyone come to the formal dining room at the manor house in an hour." He stated to all the room. "We have a new mission and I would like everyone to attend, even those who have just arrived." He confirmed.
The bartender nodded. "I'll let them know as they arrive."
Charles nodded. "Good. Until then."
A while later the last of the group made their way into the large dining room, his office having become too small for comfort. After everyone was seated at the long table he began.
"As you know, for some time now we have been investigating and clearing the Warrens of the swine folk with considerable success. I have received new intelligence that suggests the swine are being commanded by a larger brutish member of their kind. A swine prince or king if you will." He explained. "By all accounts it is a towering and terrible figure but if we are to succeed in our war against them this beast must be felled. As this is a more dangerous mission than usual I would ask for volunteers first."
The others glanced about before Andre raised his hand. "If my sword is not made for felling such evil as this then I cannot think what else it was made for. I will go."
"I also volunteer." Maryanne informed them. "I fear I did not make a good showing my last time down there. It is only right that I make up for it."
"I will as well." Jonas stated. "The lady is not the only one who had difficulty. But I am better prepared. My executioner's blade is thirsty for swine blood and the neck of a swine king will do nicely."
"I should go as well." Hannah informed them. "At the very least I'd like to be able to examine this thing's corpse up close once we kill it. Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on you two." She remarked, glancing between Jonas and Maryanne.
Charles nodded. "Very well then. Prepare as best you are able. Good hunting and may the Light go with you."
The group of four nodded before everyone stood and made their way out.
Some time later
The Warrens, several levels down...
"Are we getting close?" Maryanne asked.
"You'll know when we get there." Jonas replied through his armored mask.
"How?" She asked.
"We start coming across more than just a few scattered swine here and there." Jonas replied dryly.
"No doubt they cower in the lowest levels around their master to protect him." Andre suggested snidely.
Making their way down another staircase the group entered an empty room with three doors, one on each wall.
Jonas looked around. "I have no memory of this place." He remarked quietly.
"So this bit is new." Hannah suggested. "A good sign."
"The question is, which way do we go?" Maryanne asked.
"I shall scout each passage to see what can be seen." Andre stated.
"In that armor?" Hannah asked with a scoff.
Andre gave her a condescending look. "A Crusader learns many different arts, Doctor. We do not merely swing our swords and hope the enemy is cut down."
"Could've fooled me." Hannah replied with a smirk.
Andre merely glowered at her before moving across the room carefully and opening the door to the north, easing himself through it. A few moments later he returned, moving to the door across from them and entering the hallway. A short time later he returned again, doing the same for the door on their right to the south. Finally he came back to deliver his report.
"I was able to move up the three corridors without being noticed." He told them. "I was even able to catch a glimpse of what lay beyond in the other rooms. There were no doors leading further north or south beyond the rooms I entered."
"So all the corridors lead eastward from here." Hannah guessed. "Interesting. What else?"
"The room to the north contains several of the swine as well as some sort of altar. The room to the east of us is empty. The room to the south is also occupied by a mix of cultists and swine but it appears to contain a large chest with the creatures apparently guarding it."
"Might as well make some coin while we're down here." Jonas remarked.
The others nodded.
"South it is then." Jonas stated as Andre led them into the southern passageway.
Partway down the hall Andre held them up, tapping the ground in front of him. "Hidden switch."
"I got it." Hannah stated, moving around to the front and carefully using the various tools at her belt to disable it.
"You're getting quite accomplished at that considering those tools aren't made for breaking switches." Jonas noted in admiration.
"When all you have is a hammer, some would say everything starts to look like a nail," Hannah quipped, "but I say be creative, turn the hammer into a multi-purpose tool, and then act smug when the world wants to know how you did it."
The others chuckled quietly with Maryanne smirking as they moved forward. Further down the hallway sat a stretched piece of flesh on a small scaffold upon which was scrawled various markings.
"Allow me." Maryanne remarked as she bent down to examine the crude markings, muttering blessed words to herself. A flash of power erupted as the scrawl briefly glowed with eldritch light before fading. Blinking, Maryanne could feel her vision becoming stronger, her ability to see objects at a distance becoming more clear.
"Well that will be useful." She muttered to herself as she stood, dusting off the hem of her robe.
"Well? What was it?" Hannah asked.
"An enchantment that sharpens one's vision to a degree. Helpful to be sure but even so, I shall not depend on it. I know well the Darkness shall steal it away at the most inopportune moment."
"Ready yourselves." Andre warned as they neared the door, the others drawing their weapons alongside him before quickly entering the room. Inside stood one of the cleaver-bearing swine along with a pair of cultists and one of the shorter swine.
"I remember this well enough!" Maryanne growled as she called upon the powers of the Light. "Let the Light Judge you!" She cried as power poured from her hand, slamming into the shorter swine, sending him reeling with a squeal of pain as blood poured from its side.
"Eat this!" Hannah cried as she flung a plague grenade towards the back of the room, catching the female cultist and the shorter swine in its spray, infecting them both with its virulent contents.
"Light blind you!" Andre cried, pulling a holy scroll from his belt and revealing it to the axe-wielding swine, a burst of holy light erupted from it, blinding and stunning the creature.
Jonas quickly attempted to slash at the stunned swine and the blade-knuckled cultist behind him but the partially liquefied offal coating the floor caused him to slip, the blade missing both of them by inches as he attempted to catch himself. The smaller swine quickly belched up a large wad of phlegm that flew through the air towards Andre. The man twisted, managing to dodge most of it though some still landed on his skin, burning it, before the creature squealed in pain as the powerful bacteria ate away at more of his body, opening fresh pustulent wounds.
The cultist quickly took advantage of Andre's distraction, racing forward to slice at him with his claws. Even so, Andre was hardly blind or dumb and managed to partially dodge, the metal claws gouging his armor and leaving shallow bleeding cuts before the cultist withdrew to avoid his counterattack.
Arcane words tumbled from the female cultist's lips as dark power surged across the room, enveloping Andre and making the very shadows come alive in his sight, reaching for him with outstretched claws. A moment later she cried out in pain, her concentration broken with the blight eating into her as well. The axe-wielding swine shook its head, clearing the stars from its eyes as the woman's rod flashed again, the dark psychic magic surging around Maryanne, making her eyes grow wide with fear for several seconds before she was able to focus on the battle at hand.
Seeing the axe-wielder preparing to attack again she summoned the power granted to her by the Light.
"Let Judgement fall!" She cried out, a bolt of holy light slamming into the creature and opening its side as it squealed in pain.
"Catch, Bertrand!" Hannah called out to the Crusader, tossing him a small vial of coagulant which he quickly opened and pressed against his wound to stop the bleeding.
The male cultist quickly charged forward again, slashing at Andre with his claws in the hopes of making his wounds worse but the Crusader dropped the vial, dodging out of the way before slashing at him with his own sword, the blade cutting deep into the man's side and shredding his robes. The cultist staggered closer to Jonas with a cry as the axe-wielding swine struck again, his blade clanging against Jonas's armor, creating a shallow bleeding cut. With a roar Jonas's executioner's blade swung in a wide arc, slamming into both the swine and the cultist. The cultist fell with a scream, disemboweled by the blade while the swine squealed at the deep gash in its ribs, blood gushing freely from the wound.
A moment later the female cultist and the shorter swine both let out screams of agony as the vicious bacteria overwhelmed them completely, eating away at their vital organs causing them both to collapse. The remaining swine, realizing it was completely outnumbered, quickly turned towards the door of the room and began to race towards it.
"It's not getting away." Maryanne stated firmly as she called upon her power once more, while Hannah moved to assist Andre.
"You up for seconds?" Hannah asked him, offering another coagulant vial.
"Don't mind if I do." He replied with a smile.
"Die foul Dark spawn!" Maryanne cried as a massive burst of power shot from her hand, slamming into the swine's back and burning through its spine, killing it instantly as it fell to the ground, the power invigorating Maryanne and making her smile triumphantly.
Picking through the corpses they found some small bags of coin and a few deeds. Unlocking the chest they found two paintings and several crests.
Heading towards the door Andre nodded. "I shall see what lies ahead." He informed them before easing the door open and moving into the corridor ahead with barely a sound.
"Impressive, in its own way." Hannah admitted.
"It is not my purview of course, but the Sisters at the convent often told tales heard from others about the training Crusaders received." Maryanne remarked. "They are meant to be able to fight in all sorts of situations from open war on the battlefield to fighting house to house in a city. Apparently they must also know how to move stealthily behind enemy lines if the need arises."
Hannah let out a thoughtful hum as Andre returned moments later.
"The floor ahead is trapped and there is also what appears to be a liquor barrel. The room beyond is guarded and I was able to catch a glimpse of a chest as well."
"Lovely, more coins for us to pilfer." Jonas suggested cheerfully.
"Do you never think of anything but material gain?" Hannah groused. "I would have expected such comments from Dismas."
"When one lives as a pariah, far from the nearest town and shunned by all, one learns to take what is available when it presents itself." Jonas replied.
Hannah shrugged as the group moved into the corridor, the Plague Doctor quickly disarming the trap once more before moving on to the liquor barrel. Knocking out one of the planks Maryanne peered inside.
"Nothing of interest, sadly."
"Pity. I could use a stiff drink right about now." Jonas admitted.
"We haven't even gotten to the hard part yet and you already desire to be in your cups? How encouraging!" Maryanne sneered.
"Shall we?" Andre prompted with a sigh, the group moving to the doorway and readying their weapons once more before storming into the room.
Two male cultists, a swine drummer, and a smaller swine quickly turned to face them, clustering around the chest in the room as they snarled and barked angrily.
The smaller swine immediately spat a glob of phlegm that splashed against Hannah's robes, the woman letting out an exclamation of disgust as she wiped it away before grabbing an orb from her belt and throwing it at the small swine, exploding and catching it along with the drummer next to it. The drummer squealed in pain but the small swine merely wiped the substance away with a glare in its beady black eyes.
"Well at least you know how it feels, you diminutive pork chop!" Hannah called out.
The two male cultists surged forward towards Jonas with blasphemous shouts as the drummer began to beat a chaotic rhythm that rang in the leper's ears, unbalancing him. Taking advantage of his distraction the cultists' blades carved bleeding lines into Jonas' armor, making him stagger back in fear as they briefly overwhelmed him.
"Back miscreants!" Andre shouted furiously as he ran forward to aid Jonas, his holy scripture blazing with power before him that forced the men to retreat, their robes and skin smoking.
"Light judge you!" Maryanne shouted as she raised her fist, calling upon her divine patron. Light surged towards the smaller swine, blasting open its thigh and making it scream.
Emboldened by Andre coming to his aid Jonas quickly recovered his poise and charged forward with his blade held high, even as blood continued to leak from his armor. "I am your death!" He shouted as he blade carved a swath through armor and flesh.
The first fell to the floor screaming with his entrails pouring from his body like writhing snakes before he expired from exsanguination, the other horribly maimed by the blade as it cut him apart, staggering back and desperately trying to hold himself together as the small swine belched at Maryanne in retaliation for its pain, the disgusting mass slapping against her robes and making her wretch as she hurriedly brushed it off.
The dying cultist surged forward once more with a desperate expression, his blades thrusting into Jonas' armor, injuring him further before fleeing away as the drummer beat another maddening rhythm on its primitive drum, driving Maryanne to distraction.
Gritting her teeth in frustration beneath her mask Hannah lobbed a new plague grenade in the direction of both the drummer and the small swine, the virulent bacteria eating into their skin, the smaller swine's prior immunity having vanished as it squealed. Clearing her head Maryanne quickly called upon her power as she ran over to Jonas.
"Let the Light heal you!" She commanded as power surged through her, healing nearly all of Jonas's wounds.
"Thank you!" He panted, feeling new strength flow through him as he hefted his sword again. "Now to deal with this pitiful wretch!"
Rushing forward with a cry, Jonas's blade slammed into the half-alive cultist, making him howl as his body was bisected, the two halves flying apart in a bloody spray while Andre raced forward, his sword stabbing deep into the drummer's gut, slicing it open and making it fall as the smaller swine succumbed to the bacteria, expiring with a gurgle.
Jonas breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled a bandage roll from his pack and reached into his armor to bandage the last of his bleeding wounds. Bending down before the small chest on the ground he carefully opened it. Suddenly a spring trap concealed within it shot toward his hand. Moving on instinct he blocked the sharp spike of metal with his bracer, the device clinking off it, allowing him to open the chest. Within shone a gleaming emerald as well as a torch and two busts.
"A handsome reward." He remarked in admiration, examining the emerald by the torch light while the others packed the busts and torch away in their packs.
Moving to the eastern door at the other side of the room the group continued onward. Spying a pile of bones nearby Maryanne quickly moved to them, pouring over the mass of ancient calcium.
"What on earth are you doing?" Hannah asked her quizzically.
Rising from the pile of discarded bones she grimaced. "Checking for anything of value." She replied.
Hannah shook her head in disgust. "Bad enough we have to trawl through these excrement and sludge-infested tunnels but now you dig around in bones with your bare hands? If you don't catch the plague it'll be a miracle."
"The Light protects me." Maryanne remarked with a disdainful sniff as she continued on ahead.
"Not according to your most recent excursion, if the gossip is to be believed." Andre remarked with a snide glance.
"I don't recall asking for your opinion." Maryanne snapped. "I might have become rather over-stressed due to what happened but I assure you-"
"Quiet!" Hannah hissed as the group neared the door to the next room. "We don't need you two giving away the element of surprise!"
Andre gripped the door handle, his sword at the ready, as the others prepared themselves. Slamming the door open the group raced in, their eyes immediately focused on the large boar with a cleaver, a hook-armed pig in a bug-eyes helmet, and two smaller swine, the porcine group stumbling back in surprise at the sudden intrusion.
Giving them no time to gain their bearings Hannah immediately tossed a plague grenade into their midst, the substance splashing against both of the smaller creatures, making them cry out.
Hoping to capitalize on their disorientation Maryanne called forth her power. "Light take you!" She cried as power leaped from her hand, the smaller wretch dodging frantically at the last second with a squeal. Meanwhile Andre charged forward, blade in hand, his pommel slamming into the boar's temple, stunning it and sending it stumbling backward with a pained grunt.
Jonas was also starting his own charge when one of the smaller swine sent a stream of noxious vomit in his direction. Keeling quickly he chanted a quick prayer to the Light, filling him with divine energy as the material splattered across his armor, sizzling away and deflecting most of it.
More vomit issued forth from the maws of the two swine even as the Plague Doctor's bacterial weapons continued to eat away at their flesh, the gouts of bile splashing against Hannah and Maryanne, making the two women shudder and flinch as they tried to clean away the acidic filth from their robes.
"Still want to keep puking on me?" Hannah shouted as she pulled another orb from her belt. "Well have some more!" She demanded as she threw.
Her aim was true, the oily liquid covering one of the smaller creatures and the hooked swine in toxic sludge, their bodies becoming a mass of sizzling open wounds.
Enraged by the pain the hook-handed swine charged forward, slashing at Andre and cutting a large gouge in his armor, his torso bleeding freely from the wound as he stumbled back with a cry. Looking over at him in alarm Maryanne quickly summoned power to her as she moved to steady him.
"Healing hands!" She cried, letting the power flow into the injured Crusader, healing some of his worst injuries though he was still far from whole. The cleaver-wielding boar raced forward with a bellow, attempting to stop Maryanne from any further attempts at healing but the Vestal shoved Andre away from the blade's reach before ducking with surprising agility beneath the swing. The creature's body now exposed from his wild swing Andre leaped forward, his blade stabbing into the boar's gut. With a bellow of pain the boar stumbled backward with one of the smaller swine racing forward to steady it. At the same moment Jonas charged forward with his blade, the massive piece of metal slicing through the smaller swine's diseased body and carving another bloody pathway through the boar's torso making it squeal in agony, the smaller swine expiring on the floor. Its brother followed a moment later, the biological agent wreaking too much havoc on its body to keep it alive.
Seeing the hook-handed creature was making ready for another attack Hannah quickly grabbed a flash powder grenade from her belt, tossing it forwards. "Shield your eyes!" She shouted to the others.
The group held up their arms a moment before the flash bang exploded, sending the hooked swine stumbling forward in a literal blind panic.
Taking advantage of the moment Maryanne quickly moved next to Andre, placing her hands on him once more as Jonas charged forward. Divine energy coursed through her hands, healing more of Andre's wounds though there were a few medium-sized gashes still for him to deal with as Jonas's blade connected with the boar and the hooked swine, cutting them both down.
The threat dealt with the group once again took a breather to assess themselves and examine the bodies. A pair of deeds, a few hundred gold coins, and some food were the results of their exertions, all of which were quickly placed into their packs.
Taking a moment to steady himself Andre once more scouted ahead, returning a few minutes later.
"The room ahead of us is clear. I managed to see down the corridor to the south to the final room and saw a massive creature unlike any I have seen before. I caught but a glimpse of it but from what Lord Ezekiel told us, it can only be these foul creatures' master."
"The swine prince." Jonas muttered ominously.
"Quite. Given that our goal is close and the next room empty, I suggest we take some rest and heal ourselves before taking on this beast, instead of attempting to do so now when we are already weary and wounded." Andre suggested.
"I agree." Hannah replied. "But someone will need to keep watch in case they decide to roam about."
"I shall do so." Andre stated immediately. "I have taken many such watches before, I know what to listen and look for."
"Well no point in wasting the firewood we brought." Jonas admitted.
Everyone quickly moved down the corridor to the next room, finding it relatively clean and dry compared to most of the tunnels. Jonas began to set up the campfire, thrusting the torch in the center of it to light it, as the group sat around it, the warm light cheering them somewhat. Setting up a hanging cooking pot above it they quickly poured meat and vegetables into it along with fresh water and some dried herbs creating a thin but hearty stew, Maryanne blessing the meal itself with a bit of the Light's energy to promote healing.
"It really says something when a clean and dry floor and a campfire are considered a luxury." Hannah remarked as she removed her mask, dipping her soup bowl into the pot before sitting down and leaning against the wall.
"Quite." Andre agreed, sipping at his own bowl with his helmet open. "Some of the assignments I was entrusted with by the Order were nearly as filthy though not quite so...gruesome." He remarked. "Fortunately being in the company of others helps to ease the discomfort." He said with a mild smile at the others.
"I must say when you first arrived you were a right snot." Hannah remarked frankly. "You're still something of a snot but I'm glad to see you've mellowed out some since then."
Andre winced slightly at this and nodded. "The reality of the situation and the battles I have participated in have...blunted a few of my edges so to speak." He admitted. "The abbot was right, this place is the heart of darkness. One does not have the luxury of putting on airs and finery if one is to survive for long."
"We all must face ourselves here at one point or another." Maryanne remarked. "The last time I was in this place it nearly broke me. I will not allow it to happen again." She insisted firmly. "On that note…" She held up her hands and they began to glow with holy light. "May the Light grant you rest and ease of mind as we slumber here, in this place. In the battle to come may the Light grant you its protection, turning aside the sword and axe that you might strike true at our foe."
Soft light surrounded each of them and the horrors they had witnessed previously became like dim shadows in their minds, the fear and loathing lessened though not dispersed entirely.
Jonas turned to look at Maryanne. "You have been through struggles my Lady." He remarked quietly. "Your unique eyes have set you against the others of your Order unjustly and you have been forced to weather their scorn as I have been forced to weather the blows of men and fate due to my condition. If I may, allow me to offer you an impromptu poem." He offered.
Maryanne nodded and Jonas began to speak, his voice more melodious than before.
"Out of the night that covers me, black as pitch from pole to pole, I thank the Light that watches over me, for my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of fate and men my head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears looms the Horror we yet face. Yet I shall face it unafraid, even though it end my race. For it matters not how strait the gate, or how charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate, and Light the captain of my soul.
From brief delights that rise to me, out of unfathomable dole, I thank the Light that watches over me, for mine unconquerable soul. In the strong clutch of circumstance it has not winced, nor groaned aloud. Before the blows of eyeless chance, my head is bloody, but unbowed. I face unfeared the threat ahead, and should I dwindle into death, my work is done, I take my place among the free that wait for men. My life, my broken life must be, one unsuccourable dole. And so I thank the Light who gave to me, a dauntless and defiant soul."
Maryanne smiled at this, encouraged by his words and voice. "A beautiful and powerful poem. You spoke those words without practice beforehand?"
Jonas chuckled softly through his mask. "I am a poet and artist, my lady. Inspiration and improvisation are the hallmarks of such a genius."
The others chuckled as they continued to eat their stew before bedding down and resting. Waking refreshed with their strength restored the group made their way down the hallway with Andre scouting the inner sanctum itself.
"We are in luck." He murmured to the others. "There is only the monster itself and a small swine as its servant.
"Is it armed?" Jonas asked.
Andre nodded grimly. "A massive cleaver sits by its side."
"Then we must focus all our attacks on the monster." Jonas insisted. "The small one is inconsequential."
The others nodded, readying their weapons.
With a firm nod from Andre he wrenched the door open before the group stormed into the room, the smaller swine squealing in outrage as the massive creature bellowed in fury at the intrusion. As they beheld the sight of the monstrosity they stared for a moment in shocked horror. The massive and bloated creature stood twice the height of a man with a spiked crown of brass encasing its head. The flesh and skull of the creature had been removed, its cerebrum on display for all to see as the brain pulsated grotesquely. Its eye sockets were seemingly empty though in the dim light of the torch it was hard to see whether the cavernous pits in the creatures' head actually contained eyeballs of any sort. Its mouth was gaping and contained a pair of massive tusks easily the size of an elephant's along with rows of needle-sharp fangs. The flesh of its limbs and torso were a disgusting mix of swine flesh and raw, blistering pustules and several calcified bone-white spines grew from its shoulders. The massive figure was hunched forward, unable to support itself on its vestigial legs, and from its massive abdomen spilled a mass of greenish-brown entrails that emitted a horrific stench as they writhed in a nauseating fashion.
The small swine immediately spat phlegm at Hannah that splattered against her robes, creating a pungent stench, as the massive monster reached for the cleaver sitting next to it. Andre charged forward with a battle cry, hoping to distract it, his blade slicing into the foul flesh of the beast, but creating little more than a flesh wound.
"Light judge you foul abomination!" Maryanne cried as divine energy blazed from her hand to slam against the creature, making it shudder in revulsion.
Trying to scrap the stench from her robes Hannah swiftly grabbed a plague orb and threw it in their direction, the globe exploding its contents on both the King and the swine, swiftly eating away at their flesh. However, the creature would not be deterred by their assaults. The cleaver now firmly in its grasp it swung with a powerful overhead swing.
"MOVE!" Andre bellowed as the blade descended on them like a guillotine.
The blade slammed into them with the sound of screeching metal and the thud of flesh as Jonas's and Andre's armor were scored, creating shallow cuts in their chests beneath, making them stumble. At the same time it cut deep into Hannah's unarmored robes, slicing them open with ease and biting deep into her side, making her cry out and fall to the floor before she began to pick herself up. Maryanne flew across the room from the blow, her shoulder and robes torn as her head slammed against the stonework, stunning her as she cried out in pain.
"Death take you!" Jonas shouted as he leaped forward, his executioner's sword biting deep into the creature's abdomen, cutting open intestines and spilling them onto the ground. Enraged the creature backhanded Jonas with the blade, slicing open another section of his armor and biting deeper into his side.
The smaller swine spat once more, the foul-smelling liquid splashing against Andre's and Jonas's helmets. Nearby Maryanne recovered her wits, shaking her head to clear it and steady herself against the wall as Hannah lobbed another globe at the grotesque pair, sending more virulent bacteria into their guts via the cuts Andre and Jonas had made. The cleaver flew at them again with a powerful sideways slash, knocking them all to the ground and cutting open bleeding gashes in their stomachs and chests. Hannah and Jonas slowly staggered to their feet, having taken the brunt of the slash while Maryanne and Andre fared somewhat better, scrambling up once more.
But the great beast would not give them the luxury of a respite. Before they could move the creature swung again, having caught the scent of the phlegm on Andre's and Jonas's armor. The blade slammed into the pair before they could attack, sending them sprawling and injuring them further with Jonas's armor broken and bloody in multiple places. Andre's armor was still halfway intact though blood still continued to seep from his wounds. Getting to his feet Andre charged once again with a pained yell, the blade cutting open the creature's chest, revealing musculature and bone as the bacteria continued to eat away at its flesh before he turned and ran back to try and get a safe distance away.
As Jonas got to his feet again the smaller swine spat at them once more, coating his and Andre's armor with more of the foul-smelling goop.
"Damn and blast!" Jonas hissed in fury.
"Let the Light heal you!" Maryanne called out shakily with an outstretched hand, holy energy suffusing Jonas's body, though only a small portion of his wounds began to close.
Having felt the bite of Andre's sword along with divine anathematic energies nearby and the scent of the swine's spit the monstrous swine swung again, catching Andre in the back and Jonas in his thigh. The armored men tumbled to the ground as the cleaver cut apart their armor once more, undoing the healing Maryanne had just accomplished and knocking off another slice of Andre's plate mail.
"Together!" Andre gasped urgently at Jonas as he spun and charged once more, Jonas stumbling forward in a blind run with his blade poised to strike. Andre's sword cut another deep path into the swine's abdomen, spilling more guts to the floor but the creature swung with his fist at Jonas, making him stumble as he ducked reflexively, his blade's swing wide and useless.
A moment later the smaller swine expired with a loud squeal of despair, Hannah's plagues having done their work.
"With that little wretch out of the way let's see how well it does without eyes!" Hannah snapped as she tossed a flash grenade in the monster's direction. "Shield your eyes!' She shouted.
The group flinched away as the flash powder exploded, filling the room with light and making the beast squeal in pain as stars filled its vision.
Maryanne quickly ran over to Jonas, placing her hands on him. "Light's blessing!" She muttered urgently, divine energy surrounding him again, though once again the blessing was limited to a small amount of healing as he felt only a few of his smaller wounds closing.
"Again!" Andre insisted to Jonas.
Nodding the pair charged forward once more. This time both blades struck true, the executioner's sword cutting open one of the creature's arms and letting blood spill profusely while Andre's long sword made the slice in the monster's chest even deeper, revealing more wet bone and pulsating organs beneath. The creature shook his head, appearing to focus on the group once more as Andre and Jonas quickly retreated.
"Again Bellecoat!" Andre called out to Hannah for another flash bang.
"Certainly!" Hannah growled as she flung another orb of powder. Unfortunately the creature had quickly learned and smacked the ball out of the air, turning its head as the flash exploded to squeal at them angrily.
"You can avoid the light of science but not the Light of judgement!" Maryanne called out strongly as a blast of divine energy shot from her hand to slam against the swine's chest wound, boiling flesh and organs alike.
The swine howled in pain as it reared back, preparing to swing its cleaver once more.
"DOWN!" Andre shouted urgently.
Three of the group dropped to the floor immediately but sadly Jonas was a split second too slow, the blade clipping him in the shoulder and sending him tumbling. Getting to his feet with surprising agility the armored leper charged forward again with a hateful cry, his massive sword slicing off the previously damaged arm and making the swine howl in agony as Andre rushed forward to aid him with scripture in hand, the holy light from the relic burning away more flesh from its chest and turning its sternum and ribs to dust.
Desperate and dying the Prince of the swine swung its weapon with all of its failing strength. Hannah was flung to the ground, the Plague Doctor coughing up blood, her robes soaked as she tried to catch her breath, her torso bleeding from countless wounds. Jonas's ragged breastplate was at last torn away completely, revealing his bloody and ragged bandage-covered chest as the rusty edge sliced him open once more, causing blood to leak from his mouth and stomach. Andre and Maryanne stumbled back as another gash was opened in their backs, leaving them bloody but still able to stand their ground.
"I...will not...die like this!" Jonas gasped as he staggered to his feet, barely able to hold the weight of his sword as he tore his helmet from his head, revealing his bald and pock-marked face. "You will not...kill me! And you will not...kill them!" He shouted in ragged defiance.
As the creature raised its weapon again to strike them all down Jonas charged forward with a bellow that shook the room. Closing the distance before the cleaver could swing the executioner's edge drove deep into the massive monster's chest, bursting its heart and cleaving its lungs apart. With a despairing keen the Prince of the swine fell backwards, snapping its legs like kindling before slamming against the stone floor with a massive thud, a wheeze of breath escaping its ruined lungs as it expired.
Jonas stared unblinkingly at the massive creature, half expecting it to rise up again before he finally collapsed to the floor, hunched over and panting harshly, the blade falling from his nerveless grip.
"Are you alright De Paar?" Andre asked in concern as Maryanne came forward, calling upon the Light to stabilize him and keep him from perishing from his wounds.
"Y...yes. I think so." He muttered shakily as he felt some strength returning to him.
Maryanne nodded. "It's enough to get you back to the hamlet but you'll need tending immediately." She told him as she moved to Hannah to do the same, the Plague Doctor biting the cork off a vial and swallowing the concoction.
"A *cough* coagulant tincture to help with...ahhh!...help with the worst of it." She moaned as Maryanne laid her hands on the woman, her power ensuring she would live to make it out of the tunnels.
"We did it." Andre sighed wearily as he helped Jonas to his feet. "Come, we should leave."
"As if we...didn't know that already." Hannah groused as she began hobbling towards the door.
"You must be feeling better already." Maryanne remarked with an encouraging smile.
"If I had...the strength I would...slap you." Hannah panted, making the others chuckle quietly.
Noting a chest off to the side Andre quickly moved to check it. Seeing it was unlocked he opened it to reveal a large sack of several thousand gold as well as several paintings, crests, and a golden cross studded with gems that seemed to glow with holy light.
"Beautiful." He murmured softly in reverence as he carefully placed the crucifix around his neck before placing the gold and other items in his pack. Standing, he made his way over to Jonas, helping him stagger towards the door with Maryanne doing the same for Hannah.
Unbeknownst to them a pair of sharp eyes followed their departure from a nearby sewage grate, glancing sharply at the defunct swine before quietly sneaking away.
Forest encampment
Some time later...
The tall and heavily muscled man sat in his tent, examining a large crudely drawn map of the forest. His dark hair was trimmed close in a buzz cut with a green bandana wrapped around his forehead. His full beard was greying and around his shoulders was wrapped the massive pelt of a white wolf. A vest of scale mail covered his barreled chest, his green pants held up by a large and thick belt of brass with a large circular adornment in the center. His feet and ankles were covered by armored boots and leggings and next to him sat a massive metal tower shield covered in spikes and the imprint of a bloody skull.
"Your pardon sir." A whispery voice came from the entrance to the tent.
"Enter." The man stated gruffly, glancing up.
The thin man dressed in brown, green, and grey that matched the trees of the forest stepped forward.
"I bring dire news regarding the swine folk." He murmured nervously.
The burly man's gaze sharpened. "Tell me."
"Their Lord and Master is dead, killed by the mercenaries hired by the fool in the hamlet." The scout replied.
The older man's face tightened at this. "When?" He growled.
"A short while ago, sir. I witnessed it myself. The beast nearly killed them but they succeeded in the end. They make their way back to the hamlet even now."
The large man sat back in thought, his chin resting on his fist. The new self-styled lord of the manor had been a nuisance for the most part, clearing the old cathedral and making a few slight incursions into the forest before taking on the swine. He had no love for the swine folk himself, the foul creatures were simply carrion and a distraction to keep the lord's eyes away from him and his men. But with the cathedral apparently cleared and the swine folk now greatly diminished there was nothing to stop the fool from expanding his power to the forest itself and sending his minions to clear it of his troops.
That could not be allowed to happen.
A thought occurred to him and the brigand smiled darkly to himself. The grotesque herb witch who lived deeper in the forest was frustrating at the best of times but against a common enemy she would no doubt be useful, not to mention make a delightful piece of bait to dangle in front of their faces, a focus for the lord's fury while he and his men remained hidden in the background, ready to strike when the time was right. The brigand leader was nothing if not a practical man and killing two birds with one stone was eminently sound.
"Send word to her, saying that I wish to meet." He stated emphatically. "I think it's time we took care of this little lord and his pathetic band of heroes once and for all."
"As you command Lord Vvulf." The man said respectfully, bowing before him before leaving.
A/N: So ends what I like to think of as 'Season 1' for this story. Apologies that this chapter took so long to publish but other projects took over my muse. The next chapter will be coming fairly soon and start a new interconnected plot arc regarding events that transpire in the hamlet. Thank you to everyone that continues to like and follow this story!