Disclaimer at start of First Chapter but again I do NOT own the rights to Overlord and its respective content.
Oh boy, this is up late. To be fair, it is still technically 5th February, even if I only have 2 hours to spare...
Yeah sorry about that. Technical issues. Next chapter is going to be out in three weeks instead since things are getting a bit more busy on my end (26th February).
To mbarbiba: Cheers for the support, glad you like it. Oh yeah, I think you guessed correctly ;)
To MPrevilO: Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it will be interesting, and I'll make sure not to disappoint :D
Now, on with the story!
Chapter 15: A bitter pill
The next two days were relatively busy. Before Sygil could even think about paying Gallheia and her tribe a visit, he first had to organise the remains of the base and have the bodies shifted and stored. Maxmillian and Quantum oversaw the majority of that particular operation, while Hans and several demihumans helped clear the rubble and clean up the destroyed town. The remaining demihumans were on corpse duty, bringing salvageable bodies back to mansion for storage.
Surprisingly, everyone managed to work diligently, and the base and fields were being cleaned up in record time. Most of the bodies were stored and in the process of being magically preserved by Quantum and Maxmillian. Busted bricks, mortar and rubble was being piled in a large junk-pile just outside the town for possible later use or destruction. At this point, Sygil wasn't too certain, but he figured he would cross that bridge at another point.
Sygil had anticipated more salvageable corpses, but when Quantum gave him a report on all of the bodies available, he was surprised to say the least.
"We have salvaged 4,017 bodies, of which only 1,993 have all limbs attached, having died from deep lacerations or arrow wounds. The rest are missing limbs but can be salvaged."
When Sygil asked why only so many bodies were salvageable, the automaton merely intoned dryly that 'the other organic meatbags have been reduced to organic fertiliser due to your hounds and explosives.' And that wasn't even counting the incinerated corpses from Maxmillian's flame-based abilities. There weren't even any bodies to collect or identify, only fields of ash.
Speaking of fields, much of the current ones had been burnt down to the soil. The crops, nearing so close to harvest, were utterly decimated. That meant any potential future profits in the near future from trading the grains and more were non-existent. Yet another reason to be furious at the setback.
Still, justice had been enacted, and all he needed to do now was rebuild. And of course, acquire an army. However, that whole dilemma was likely to be sorted in the near future, with additional insurance in the upcoming months.
As loathe he was to wait, he could afford to be patient to watch his efforts bear fruit. However, he still wanted to be granted assurance of a somewhat reliable defence in the interim. Which was why he was in the process of tracking down Trisha and the elder demihuman woman he had threatened weeks ago. One who had, surprisingly, survived. Then again, being the oldest meant she probably had the experience necessary to survive as long as she had. All the more reason he wanted to speak to her.
He wasn't stupid. While his intentions were ambitious, without proper preparatory knowledge and planning, it would all go to waste. He wanted Gallheia's forces as his own. That didn't necessarily mean he needed Gallheia. In fact, first chance he got, he would ensure she would be properly deposed. He didn't need a repeat of the last incident.
He casually strode by the damaged mansion, observing several demihumans on a short rest break, idly chatting amongst themselves. He could make out Trisha and the elderly demihuman in their midst. They were as exhausted as they looked.
Sygil's approaching footsteps seemed to finally gain their attention, and they perked up as he came closer. They seemed to stiffen as he approached them, with one of them standing up quickly to say something.
"We were just taking a quick break, we'll be –"
Sygil just held a hand up to silence her, which worked.
"That's fine. You need a small break to rest. I'm not going to deprive you of that or lay a punishment for something that your bodies need. You've all been loyal to me so far and have done tremendous progress so far, so you have my appreciation."
The woman looked somewhat stunned, and the others appeared to relax their shoulders ever so slightly.
"However," continued Sygil. "That is not what I am here for. You two," he gestured to Trisha and the elder demihuman.
"I'd like to have a private discussion with you. Walk with me."
The elderly demihuman tried to object.
"We still have work to do, and they need my help."
"They'll be fine without you for the time being," dismissed Sygil.
"Now, enough stalling, and come with me."
The two demihumans stood up uncertainly, glancing at their fellow comrades who shrugged. Trisha and the other began to follow Sygil apprehensively, the violent displays from the other day still fresh in their mind, serving to remind them of their current boss's volatile demeanour.
They followed Sygil wordlessly to the ruined courtyard out the back of the mansion, until Sygil finally spoke up.
"You have no need to be so apprehensive around me, you do know that right? I haven't gone back on my word to look after you and your sisters. And you haven't done anything to earn my ire."
With that, he spun to face them, throwing his hands in the air jovially.
"So relax, rejoice and be at ease! You are my employees, so your safety is paramount to me as a worthwhile investment."
The elder demihuman lowered her head uncomfortably as she murmured uncertainly.
"That's where the problem lies. You see us as nothing more than an investment to profit from, same as the other humans. Only, instead of beating us for sex and slave labour, you offer trinkets and food in exchange for eternal servitude, keeping us forever trapped here to your whim."
Sygil couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her words.
"Really? That's how you see it? Just another form of slavery?"
"It's not how we see it, it's how it is." This time it was Trisha that retorted.
"And once you're done with us, then you'll simply discard us. But only after we've been broken and destroyed for your purposes."
Sygil couldn't help but let a defeated sigh escape his lips.
"I'd have thought you'd have come around to see the truth, after all these weeks. I've been honest with my intentions this whole time. You agreed to serve me, knowing them."
Trisha appeared to glower at his words, biting out quietly.
"It's not like we had much of a choice."
"I beg to differ. I gave you choice, and you made it, knowing full well what it would entail. Besides, you make it seem so bad, like it's exchanging slavers."
Sygil paused to observe the two for any reactions. After waiting several seconds, he continued.
"Your lives have been improved, there's no denying that. I have given you food, shelter, clothes, weapons, and a cause to fight for. You have been free to make your own choices for a while now. It is you that has chosen to serve me."
He continued after observing their shock.
"Don't be so surprised. Since you were freed from Clair's trappings, you and your sisters have had the ability and opportunity to leave me at any time. You just chose not to."
"Because you kept us here under threats of violence for any acts of betrayal," shot back Trisha.
"A standard warning to any that serve me. Treason has consequences, as I have reinforced before. The same can be said with those that are loyal. Rewards abound for those that serve me faithfully."
"So you mean," began the elder, "that this whole time, we could have just up and left back to Gallheia?"
"Well, yes," he replied calmly. "But ultimately you chose not to. So tell me. Why didn't you?"
"Because you would have hunted us down and killed us?! Like you did to everyone else back there," shot Trisha incredulously.
"Not necessarily. Sure, I would have been disappointed, but ultimately, I want those that are loyal to me to remain. Sellswords like the mercenaries were bound to disappoint sooner or later. In this case, it was sooner. Besides, we all know you could have left once you were all freed. You had the numbers and means to, yet you did not. So tell, me why did you choose not to?"
"I…," began Trisha uncertainly, a frown marring her features as she began to reflect on her own decisions. Eventually, she took a deep breath and spoke.
"Because, you made a deal. One which, as much as I may have hated, and still do, offered the freedom of all of us. You were honest with your intentions, and you haven't gone back on your word, technically."
Sygil could feel a small, satisfied smile creep onto his face as Trisha spoke.
"And, because you honoured your end, without doing anything untoward us, our honour – my – honour, dictates that I repay you back by upholding my end of the deal you proposed."
Sygil felt satisfied with her words, and nodded in affirmation.
"And that is why I will not discard you elsewhere, like a broken toy to be replaced. You, and your fellow warriors, have exhibited honour. Something the mercenaries were incapable of. And that alone proved they had no loyalty to me."
Sygil strode closer to the two women until he was standing mere centimetres from their faces.
"You, on the other hand, have exhibited honour, and have been faithful to our deal. However, I still do not have your loyalty."
Those words were biting ones, unsettling the two demihumans who were used to experiencing only human cruelty and violence, and witness to his own brutality.
He let a sad sigh escape his lips.
"Even now, you are still paranoid that I will lash out and harm you and your sisters. After all this time, when I have done nothing but honour my end of the deal, you still doubt me. My intention has never been to hurt you or cause issues. However, I cannot keep playing this waiting game for you to come around anymore."
With that, he stepped back before turning his back to them.
"In order to build my empire, I need people to be loyal to me. If you are not truly loyal to me, then leave now. I cannot afford to deal with more backstabbers and brigands."
He was met with silence, until…
"I suppose, I have been unfair with my judgement to an extent. Despite being a human, you have never done anything untoward to us, and you have ensured our wellbeing, at least better than the other humans."
"So then. Do I have your loyalty?"
Trisha let loose a sigh.
"Well, we are honour-bound to uphold the deal you made. To back out of it would be dishonourable."
"Well, excellent then," Sygil exclaimed, almost gleefully.
"Since you are loyal to me, then you won't mind helping to answer a couple of my questions?"
The two demihumans exchanged curious glances before returning their gazes back to Sygil.
"Like what? I doubt we know anything of any real value to you?"
"On the contrary, actually."
Sygil took a seat on stone steps near the back door, patting the space next to him.
"Please, take a seat. There's much I would like to discuss."
Pensively, the two took a seat besides Sygil, waiting for him to continue.
"I don't believe I've ever gotten your name," he tilted his head as he looked at the older woman.
"Aerus," she replied bluntly, clearly disinterested in any formalities.
"Well, Aerus, to put simply, I need an army. While I have a long-term investment plan, I need an immediate one now. Preferably as in now."
The two women watched Sygil curiously, wondering what he was planning.
"Of course, I know where exactly to get such an army."
After a moment of realisation dawned upon Aerus' face, and her features morphed into shock.
"No. Absolutely not! You cannot possibly be thinking of…"
Sygil's slowly growing smile was the tell-tale sign needed to confirm her suspicions, before Trisha's features also morphed into shock.
"Yes," purred Sygil. "I want Gallheia's tribe as my own army. They are skilled warriors in their own rights. I am certain you can vouch for that; after all, you came from them, correct?"
"Well, yes, but that's not the point!" Aerus was obviously flustered, and Sygil obviously didn't care, much to her chagrin.
"It is precisely the point. I need a way to gain the allegiance of Gallheia's tribe, so they can loyally serve me as a replacement army."
"Gallheia wouldn't allow it!" Snapped Trisha.
"Of course she wouldn't," snorted Sygil.
"But what makes you think I give a damn what that condescending bitch thinks?"
That didn't wash over to well with the two demihumans who visibly bristled and seemed to growl at Sygil's words.
"Don't ever speak ill of Gallheia," growled Aerus.
"I thought you just said you were loyal to me? Any past allegiances are null and void now that you serve me."
"That may be so, human, but Gallheia has done everything to ensure the righteous ways of Old are followed to give us our prosperity. She has – " Sygil wasn't having any of it, and wasted no time cutting through her tirade like a knife.
"No, Gallheia is a self-obsessed, power-hungry, maniacal nutjob that is so wrapped in her own warped power-fantasies that she is willing to do anything to be top-dog. Why do you think she has never rescued you or your sisters?"
Aerus went rigid, and Trisha seemed to lower her slightly, almost as if in shame.
"The strong survive – " Began Aerus, but Sygil scoffed, cutting her off again.
"Oh please, spare me that bullshit. That's just some psychological crap that she used to condition you to accept whatever fate was bestowed upon you. And like a good little conditioned slave, you lapped it all up and bought into it. Meanwhile, she used you to serve a purpose. One which failed, and seeing as she didn't get what she wanted, decided to cut her losses and leave you to rot. That's not some grand plan by her or whatever deity you pray to. That's just her own selfish agenda backfiring and throwing you under the bus because it was more convenient. If you can't see that, then you are truly dumber than you look."
"Gallheia sacrificed everything for us all! For the betterment of the tribe! If she wasn't so righteous, The Order wouldn't have granted her their blessings! Are you saying that the Messengers of God themselves are selfish and liars?!"
Sygil tilted his head back slightly to avoid the flying spittle as Aerus roared.
"I'm saying that Gallheia has played you for a fool. And either your precious Order is in on it, or they were just as easily fooled as you have been. Either way, Gallheia doesn't care about anything. She most certainly isn't righteous. I can attest to that, considering she went back on her word when we last met."
That seemed to pique both their interests.
"When did you meet?" Inquired Aerus, her anger dissipated, replaced by curiosity.
"A couple days before I took over this place. Your precious Gallheia tried to hold me captive before deciding I should be killed. I made a deal in exchange for my freedom and some directions, and your dear leader went back on her word in a vain attempt to kill me."
Sygil smiled widely, revealing his teeth.
"Obviously, it didn't work. But, despite being primitive, your fellow tribal warriors are skilled enough to competently hold out against any rabble of bandits or soldiers like the ones we just dealt with. Which is why, I want your help in changing their allegiance to serve me."
"Even if we wanted to, there's nothing we can do that can help you. Gallheia won't let an outsider usurp The Order's will, nor will those warriors be willing to serve a human."
"Then I suppose I'll just have to kill Gallheia, won't I," he casually intoned, ignoring the gawking tht Aerus did.
"You can't just kill her?! Have you no honour?! No, forget that, I've seen how you operate."
"And going around raping men to propagate your tribes numbers is honourable?" Sygil couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in amusement.
"That's not… It's about strength. If they weren't strong enough to fight us, then they deserved what they got!"
"Well, then by that standard, you're weak," shot Sygil. Aerus glared back. "We are not weak."
"Yet you were captured and enslaved for several years. You didn't even break yourselves free. I did that for you. If we're going by merits of strength, then I think it's clear that I am leagues stronger than you."
Aerus twitched in irritation until Trisha spoke up.
"As much as it hurts, he does speak some truth. He did… rescue… us," she spat the word out like it was poisonous.
"And, as much as you might hate me saying this, but Gallheia didn't come back for us. If we weren't truly as valued as she made us out to be, why didn't she send someone to search for us?"
"Trisha?! You can't be seriously saying that…"
"I'm not saying anything," sighed Trisha, rubbing an eye tiredly. "Just that, well, he does make some valid points."
"Thank you," concurred Sygil merrily.
Trisha shot him an annoyed glare, before letting her gaze soften slightly.
"You'll be taking us with you to speak to Gallheia?"
Talk is a strong word for what I have in mind.
"Essentially, yes."
"Then," began Trisha, glancing sympathetically at Aerus, "perhaps we can find out the truth for ourselves."
There was a moment of silence, until Aerus spoke up with determination.
"Maybe. But no matter what happens, I am not letting you kill her," she stated, sending a look towards Sygil.
"I think you are forgetting who orders who," he snapped.
Aerus looked at him scathingly, but regardless bit back a retort.
"Now, regardless, I need to know the best way to subdue Gallheia and convince everyone to serve me loyally."
"Doing it by brute force won't work. You'll just turn them against you."
Trisha made a valid point, but Sygil already had accounted for that.
"I'm well aware. Are there any suggestions for how I could go about it then? Seeing as you were once part of the tribe?"
Trisha was silent while Aerus glowered.
"There… there is one possible way. If you were to invoke the Right of Articus, Gallheia would be honour-bound to recognise you, upon which you could demand a fair trial by combat where both opponents list the relevant stakes, under the adjudication of The Order. It would be a sanctioned trial therefore. That is, of course, if you even manage to get a word in before she declares you unholy, filthy and a barbarian."
Was Trisha actually smiling? Whatever it was, it wasn't out of malice, rather amusement.
"If you win against your opponent, then Gallheia will be honour-bound to listen to your demands," continued Trisha whilst Aerus scoffed in disappointment.
"If you win against her chosen champion, I would like to hear her opinion on the matter of why we weren't aided by more warriors after our… capture. As much as we might be wary of you, we still deserve to know the truth about what happened with Gallheia. Let us at least have some closure…"
Sygil let his charming smile, fake as it may be, dissuade her from thinking otherwise.
"Of course…"
The very next day in the early hours of the morning, everyone stood present as Sygil and his small team prepared themselves.
Trisha and Aerus would be accompanying him to provide both an escort and an alibi to peacefully gain entry into the tribal camp. Hans would be accompanying Sygil as an escort, using the rifle gifted to him to quickly cut down any threats, especially should the locals prove hostile during the 'negotiations'.
"It's not the demihumans I'm concerned about," warned Sygil to Hans.
"It's those women from their Order that have me wary. Their strength and speed is much superior to the demihumans."
He still remembered his physical encounter with two of The Order members, and while they hadn't engaged in direct combat, what inkling of strength displayed set him on edge.
Normal mortal human beings didn't exhibit such frightening strength. Not unless there was something unnatural about them. Which was all the more reason for Sygil to take Hans with him.
Unfortunately, he couldn't take everyone with him as work still needed to be done on the base and to prepare the bodies.
Quantum had just about finished repairing his body. Speaking of bodies, all of the salvageable corpses had been gathered and were currently being preserved until later use. All that left was cleaning up the remaining debris and entrails in the town and fields. Though, the crows had been quick to assist with that. Sygil swore one couldn't go two steps without one of the little black-feathered avian creatures getting in the way.
"All right everybody," began Sygil in a voice carrying authority. Everyone perked up when he spoke.
"Maxmillian will be in charge while I'm gone. You will continue your duties as per-normal."
The remaining demihumans nodded slowly.
"Maxmillian." The NPC stood straighter and looked at him more intently.
"I'll be gone for a couple days, at least. Try not to kill anyone while I'm gone." A slight, humorous chuckle emanated from his lips.
Maxmillian didn't get the joke, apparently, as he just stared at Sygil quizzically.
Sheesh. I forget that you're actually an artificial being at times.
"I take it you will be returning with the army?"
"One way or the other," replied Sygil as he glanced at Hans who was slinging the lever-action rifle over his shoulder.
"We're too vulnerable as it is now. If some other trigger-happy prick decides to stumble across us, we won't have anything left to build. That attack did a severe number on us." Sygil's tone was much more serious now, and Maxmillian nodded.
"I'll get the demihumans to start working on a basic perimeter wall. I'll have to utilise the pre-existing building structures, meaning it will be a smaller base, but we'll be better able to defend ourselves, especially with our depleted numbers."
"Hmm, yes. Well, hopefully our numbers won't stay depleted for long. Once the bodies have been preserved, store them somewhere safe and out of sight. Quantum can get to work on the mining and expanding our workforce again. Hopefully we can recover in the next couple weeks and be back on track."
"Most definitely, sir," concurred Maxmillian.
"Well, better get going then," breathed Sygil, interlocking his gloved fingers before stretching them.
"Take care while I'm gone, Maxmillian."
"You too, sir," nodded the NPC fondly.
"Alright ladies and gentleman," gesturing to Trisha, Aerus and Hans.
"Let's go. If we leave now, we'll be there hopefully in the late afternoon."
With that, the four left the ruined base and began their journey, back to where it all started.
Twisted and gnarled roots, patches of moss, the odd chirping sound a small bird or some strange insect, and the dampened light from the thick canopy overhead, combined with the musky smell of organic decay and rotting wood reminded Sygil exactly why he cared little for the forest. To Trisha and Aerus, however, it was home. The familiar scents and terrain stirred back memories for them, but they chose to keep their contentedness to themselves.
They walked in silence for the most part, especially the two demihumans who were most familiar with the terrain, years of training and instincts ensuring they remained almost soundless, despite being weighed down by leather and material tunics and steel weapons.
Sygil and Hans, while silent in their own right when walking, were not as in tune with the forest as the other two were, who were acting as de-facto leads for Sygil to take them to Gallheia. Sure, he remembered the direction she was based in, but he was willing to let the two take the lead.
Hans kept closer to him, keeping a vigil eye out for anything that might perceive a threat.
"So, forgive me for asking, but how do you intend on gaining this army? From what I've been hearing, they're nothing but a bunch of primitive savages, and inherently hostile ones at that."
He kept his voice low so as not to attract undue attention. Sygil responded in kind.
"Trisha and Aerus will vouch for us so we can enter. Once inside, we will get an audience with Gallheia, one way or the other, and from there, I will challenge her to a duel by invoking their own laws against them. As warriors, they will be honour-bound to comply, even if I am an outsider. To refuse me will be to show cowardice and weakness."
"And what if she refuses to acknowledge her champion's loss?"
Sygil felt a grin weasel its way onto his face as he stepped over a log.
"I'm not fighting a champion to represent her. I did that the last time, and just like then, she will go back on her word. No. I'm going to directly challenge her to fight me. Once I win, I will have the tribe as my army, as I will stipulate a winner takes all."
"And what if the tribals refuse to bend the knee?"
"That's what Trisha and Aerus are for. They will vouch for me, and the fact that life is better under my rule."
Hans frowned.
"Forgive me for saying so, sir, but I have my doubts about them actually helping you convince the others to see your greatness. They're still rather sceptical of you, sir."
"Not after expose I Gallheia for the lying, conniving pig that she is. By that point, everyone should see her for the power-hungry fraud she is, and Trisha and Aerus will come around. Ideally, so should everyone else."
"And if they don't?"
Sygil pursed his lips as he glanced at Trisha dn Aerus up ahead, making sure they were out of earshot.
"Then we reanimate the corpses like planned while keeping the remaining demihumans under service to us, and once we have our permanent army, we cut our losses with them. Permanently."
Hans understood the lethal implications behind that.
"Should we make it look like an accident?"
Sygil let an amused scoff out.
"Please, there'd be no witnesses or anyone to challenge us anyways. You only do that when you're playing a political game with rivals and need to keep others from suspecting you. I could care less since they're tribals anyways. No-one will really notice if they're gone."
Hans mentally reprimanded himself for his temporary ignorance.
"Of course sir, I didn't mean to overlook that."
Sygil laughed.
"Ha, don't worry about it."
The rest of the journey was spent in silence, with only the odd word being spoken, if at all.
The near non-existent light levels in the forest made it difficult to judge if it was day or if night was approaching.
Sygil would have let his mind wander a bit more on such trivial matters, but Aerus and Trisha both suddenly came to an abrupt halt, hunched low with their hands on the hilts of their respective swords.
Instantly, both Hans and Sygil came to a stop and took defensive stances. There was nothing around, and no sounds to indicate any disturbances.
It took Sygil a second to realise, but then he acknowledged that was the problem. There was no sound.
A predator, or are we close to our destination?
After waiting a moment, neither Demihuman appeared to be moving. Wasting no time, Sygil melded intohis shadows to rematerialize next to the two demihumans, whilst Hans quietly unslung his rifle.
"What is it?"
His whisper startled the two demihumans who both spun their heads around to face him, surprise evident on their face until it was replaced with a more neutral expression.
Ignoring Sygil's creepy appearance, Trisha spoke up quietly.
"There's something nearby."
Sygil couldn't hear or see anything through the foliage, but he was willing to trust the two demihumans on this matter.
"Any idea what it is?"
Before Trisha or Aerus could speak, a sudden roar from within the forest bellowed out. It almost sounded akin to the beast he encountered when he first arrived in this new world.
The two demihumans bolted upright, drawing their weapons.
"That's a Forest Troll. But…" Aerus trailed off uncertainly.
"But what?" Pressed Sygil as Hans strode over.
"It sounded like it was in pain," replied Trisha.
"We're near where the tribe is situated. I think it might have been caught in a trap," explained Aerus further.
"But our sisters might be there as well," started Trisha before she suddenly bolted in the direction of the roar.
Sygil didn't even have time to let his jaw drop in surprise as his eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, Trisha?! What are you doing?! Get back here!"
She didn't listen however, nimbly travelling through the dense foliage, making minimal noise.
"God damn it," he hissed, beginning to follow her. Aerus and Hans were quick to follow as well.
"Trisha! You fucking idiot," he muttered under his breath.
I thought being the strongest meant there would be some level of cool-headedness, not blindly charging at the first thing you hear.
It didn't matter now; they were running towards the sound of the troll. All Sygil could hope for was that his next encounter with Gallheia's tribe didn't at least start off with him tied up again.
It didn't take long to eventually reach Trisha's destination. Bursting into the clearing, they came across the source of the roar.
Indeed, it was a troll, as expected. What was not expected was the handful of tribal demihumans tying the beast up by its hands and feet, blood splattered all over the ground, likely coming from the deep gashes and lacerations on the beast's body.
The demihumans, likewise, did not expect to see two dressed fellow sisters and two humans come barging through the foliage upon them.
"What the hell?!" Exclaimed one demihuman in surprise, the rest jumping to their feet and brandishing weapons.
Sygil didn't even bother drawing a weapon as the threat posed, realistically speaking, was minimal.
Their surprise turned into shock as they recognised him, some suddenly becoming uncertain about wanting to fight him, the memories of his massacre still fresh in their minds. Others had their resolve harden as they tightened their grip on their weapons.
"Well," drawled Sygil.
"Long time no see, ladies. Mind doing me a favour and helping escort my comrades and I to meet your highly esteemed leader. Gallheia?"
The tribals gawked at him, before the leader of their group gestured to two others to take off back to inform Gallheia.
"What are you doing back here," sniped the lead demihuman.
"Business," retorted Sygil, sending a subtle look at Trisha before redirecting his gaze back to the other demihumans.
"I intended to have a more formal introduction, but I suppose this will have to suffice. Now, if you would so kind as to help lead me back to meet Gallheia, I would very much appreciate it."
The demihumans bristled, ad Hans readied his rifle in case things turned messy. Sygil could feel annoyance well up in him at the situation.
"Wait, he's with me," started Trisha, placing her hands up to placate the tense warriors. It was the first time he heard genuine emotion in her voice.
The lead demihuman faltered, lowering her blade slightly as she glanced at Trisha in momentary confusion.
"Trisha? Is that you?"
"Yes," she murmured.
Slowly, the demihuman lowered her sword blade as she looked at Trisha in awe.
"No way… you're alive?"
Trisha felt her eyes lower slightly, almost as if she were ashamed of the attention upon her.
"Yes. It's… been a while."
"Years," corrected the other woman, her comrades starting to lower their own weapons. "What happened?"
"It's complicated," began Aerus slowly, catching the other's attention, who were just as equally shocked.
"Master Aerus? You're alive!"
She flashed a weak smile at the younger demihuman who had exclaimed from the back.
"Yes, young one. I'm alive, and in good health. A little old now, but that's what happens when time passes."
"Of course, Master. Though, if I may ask, what are you doing with these two humans? Especially one as dangerous as him," questioned the lead demihuman, who gestured at Sygil warily.
"It's a complicated matter," began Trisha. "But, we are currently indebted to him."
"Indebted? Him?"
Sygil quickly interjected, seeing as it was going to be one long string of questions that would eat into his time.
"Yes. Now, unfortunately, we don't have time to exchange pleasantries. We're burning daylight, and it is important that we meet with Gallheia."
The demihumans shot wary looks at him, but Trisha spoke up on his behalf.
"It's an important that we meet with Gallheia. Please, if you could lead us back…"
"Of course," apologised the other demihuman. "Though, I would advise you keep an eye out on this human. He can prove quite dangerous."
She didn't catch Aerus muttering under her breath. "You have no idea."
"We should tie them up," she continued, gesturing to both Hans and Sygil.
"Try it and you'll end up just like the others," spat Sygil defiantly. The woman suppressed an involuntary shiver that that threatened to emerge.
"They won't do anything untoward you without provocation," assured Trisha. Aerus' nodding was the confirmation the rest needed to feel somewhat at ease, but years of indoctrination and instincts, as well as the past experience with Sygil, served to remind them of the potential dangers.
"Fine. It's probably best if Gallheia and Aries deal with them anyways. I can escort you back to Gallheia. The others will follow once they finish with the troll."
"Then lead the way for us," urged Aerus.
It didn't take long before the group finally came upon the wood and stone walls surrounding the small village and temple.
As they approached the gate Sygil couldn't help but remark.
"Just as primitive as I remember."
"Quiet human," growled the demihuman escorting them.
"I love it when sheep try to pretend their dogs, completely forgetting the fact that they're in the presence of an actual wolf," chuckled Sygil, earning a glare from the woman.
As they approached the gate, several demihumans suddenly rushed out, surrounding the entire group, spears, arrows and swords aimed at them, or more specifically Hans and Sygil.
Following the guards was none other than Aries, flanked by two warriors from her order, their armour identical to the day Sygil had met them.
"Why have you returned," called Aries, her voice carrying an air of authority.
"I'm here to speak with Gallheia. I have important business with her," stated Sygil.
"You have no business with anyone here, Mortal Man. Leave. Now. And I'll spare you. This is your only warning."
Aries wasn't one to mince words, but neither was Sygil.
"Not until I get what I came for," began Sygil, his voice firm and strong, showing no weakness. Only determination.
"You're tenacious for a human. As much as I might respect such a quality, you have to be dealt with then."
She began to approach Sygil, hand on the hilt of her own sword while he spoke.
"Oh, well as much as I would love to entertain your antics, I would rather not waste any of our time fighting it out with you, especially in an unsanctioned combat honourably."
Aries paused at his words, before narrowing her eyes to scrutinise him.
"And what, pray tell, brings you back here."
"Why, I was promised safe passage and an audience with Gallheia. It's been so long since we've seen each other."
The demihuman escorting them stepped forth meekly under the harsh looks the Order members were giving everyone, herself included.
"I was escorting them as Gallheia would know what to do with them. Especially since Master Aerus and Trisha have returned," she offered.
"Aerus?" Quizzed the other woman sceptically, before letting her gaze roam across the newcomers, finally settling on Aerus' worn features. She felt her eyes widen and soften ever so slightly as they made contact with Aerus' own.
"By the gods. That is you…" she felt herself whisper.
Her momentary surprise was interrupted as Trisha stepped forth and spoke.
"He is with us," she gestured to Sygil.
"If permitted, I would implore that we seek an audience with Gallheia herself. We bring important news."
Aries raised an eyebrow, shooting a glance towards Sygil.
"Important news, such as bringing back this murderous human?"
"And whose fault was that? Self-defence is perfectly valid, and I offered a diplomatic choice that was refused vigorously."
Aries let loose a small, exasperated sigh.
"I suppose you should be brought before Gallheia."
"Who should be brought before me?"
Gallheia's voice rang out from behind Aries near the gate.
Approaching was none other than the queen bee herself, surrounded by a small escort of other Order members, their unique armour reflecting the mixture of sun and torchlight.
"Your majesty," genuflected Aries.
"Aries," began Gallheia coldly upon gazing upon Sygil.
"Why, is this thing back."
"Good to see you too, Gallheia. I see you're still the same arrogant bitch as before. I guess things never change."
Gallheia's features morphed into a snarl while Aries quickly spoke up.
"He was brought here by an escort from one of our hunting parties. Accompanied with him were several presumed dead members from a previous hunting party."
At those words, Aerus and Trisha stepped forth, kneeling before Gallheia who looked at them with indifference.
"And this is important how? I have two humans standing before my very home, and they're not dead or in a cage," she snapped irritably.
"We're from the raid on the human settlement of Merigold years ago, your majesty," intoned Aerus, lacing her voice with respect, much to Sygil's internal annoyance.
"We have important news concerning the human settlement," began Trisha, waiting for Gallheia's permission to continue, which she gave with an interested flick of her head.
"The human settlement has been destroyed. Several more of our sisters remain there, waiting to return."
All of the demihumans and Order members had varying looks of surprise, even Gallheia.
Aries was quick to school her features before directing a question back to Trisha.
"Why are the rest of them still there, then, and not returning back immediately?"
However, before Trisha could answer, Sygil spoke up.
"Because I ordered them to remain."
The look that Gallheia and Aries both shot him was priceless.
"You… what?!" Growled Aries lowly.
"I freed all of your captive warriors at the town, and as part of a deal brokered, they now serve me in exchange."
Perhaps it was petty, but Sygil couldn't help but smugly relish in the look of abstract horror plastered on Gallheia's face at his proclamation.
"Trisha, Aerus and the others are now loyal to me."
Gallheia glared at Trisha as she seethed, Aries tightening her facial features as took in the news.
"You… willingly chose to forsake your duties and loyalties to serve under some mortal, human, man?!"
She spat the words out as if they were poison, each syllable leaving a bad taste in her mouth.
Trisha almost looked ashamed under the scrutiny of the tribal demihumans, but before she could protest, Sygil interjected.
"Let's cut to the chase Gallheia. You have something I want – "
"SILENCE!" Roared Gallheia, her face reddening with impromptu rage.
"You have the audacity to come her, taint my followers, and make demands of me?! You – "
Sygil felt his patience wane, so without a care in the world, he summoned his Desert Eagle, aimed it in the air and fired.
The resounding gunshot crack cut Gallheia off, and nearly everyone flinched at the foreign noise.
Without allowing any respite, Sygil spoke.
"I am invoking your Right of Articus, and challenge you to single combat, where the winner takes all."
Aries furrowed her brows warily, while Gallheia clenched her fists, baring her teeth in rage-driven snarl.
"How do you know of such things?"
However, a cursory glance at Trisha and Aerus' somewhat guilty features was enough to make Aries realise the truth.
"You told him, didn't you." The disappointment, despite being laced through a soft tone of voice, seemed to cut through to Trisha's very core.
Sygil paid little attention however, and instead locked eyes with a defiant Gallheia.
"Well? What's it going to be? Are you going to keep your honour and accept my challenge, especially in the presence of your sacred Order? And in front of your own subjects, no less? Or are you going to further prove to me that you are a snivelling coward, not fit to be a leader and honourably fight to keep your word?"
Gallheia was honestly wishing she hadn't stepped down from her temple now. With all of these witnesses around, especially her own subjects watching nearby, to refuse such a challenge when invoked using such a sacred law, and in front of The Order no less, would be openly saying she was weak so anyone could usurp her.
As much as she wanted to deny him such a request, especially since he was filthy human, she could not. And that infuriated her even more as clenched her Unholy staff more tightly.
This can be fixed. I'll just have Aries fight him this time.
"Very well," she gritted out. "I will accept your challenge, winner takes all. Let us clarify what the conditions are, as well as what the winner will take."
"Simple," smiled Sygil smugly.
"I get your entire tribe, and their loyalty to serve me unconditionally."
Nearly everyone present save for Aries, her Order, and Sygil's compatriots, gawked at such a seemingly ludicrous claim.
"Very well," sneered Gallheia.
"Since you called the challenge, it's only fair I set the conditions."
"Please, go ahead," smirked Sygil.
"A singular combat challenge, you versus another warrior, to the death," she stated ominously.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Too easy, you stupid gnat, thought Gallheia victoriously.
"Then your opponent shall be Aries, my strongest warrior."
However… "I refuse."
Sygil's proclamation stunned everyone.
"I'm not fighting some mere proxy for the tribe, Gallheia. No, I am challenging you directly. After all, what use is a leader if they are not strong enough to fight for themselves."
This bastard is trying to undermine my rule in front of everyone?!
"Tsk. I don't think you understand, little human. You called the challenge, it is only my right to set the conditions, so I call forth my champion to represent me."
Sygil frowned in disappointment.
"Then I guess you are a true coward after all, not fit to be a leader."
She glared at his attempt to publicly undermine her legitimacy.
"If you will not accept my challenge and fight me directly, then I have no reason to entertain winning over your tribes loyalty, and will instead take it by force. Either way, I am not leaving until I get what I came for. The only difference will be the number of bodies I leave in my wake."
Aerus' eyes widened at his words, well aware of his willingness to carry through with his word.
"Wait, your majesty! I highly encourage you to reconsider your words. He is more than willing to kill anyone to get what he wants!"
Aries bristled.
"Unfortunately, you are correct. Gallheia, we are aware of how strong he is and his propensity towards violence. The carnage he left the last time was evidence of that alone."
Gallheia shot an annoyed look at Aries, while Trisha interjected.
"However, he is not without honour. He does uphold his word. If you accepted his challenge, there would be no unnecessary bloodshed."
Now that's a pleasant surprise, thought Sygil, not quite expecting Trisha to so willingly jump to his defence and help like this. Not that he was complaining of course.
"If that is true," began Aries, "then, under the Rights of Articus, it is for the best if you do fight him directly."
Gallheia fumed and seethed, both internally and externally. Letting loose a deep exhale, she looked at Sygil vehemently.
"Very well," she spat.
"I will accept your challenge. Valera will moderate the duel, and we will begin in one hour." She sent a glare at Aries.
"Is this acceptable?"
Aries bowed. "Of course, your majesty."
"Kira," she called to one of The Order guards behind her.
"Escort them to the arena and prepare everyone to attend," she gestured to Sygil and his three comrades.
"Right away," Kira bowed, before she approached Sygil and his group. She signalled to them and the other demihumans present to follow her, leaving just Gallheia and the handful of remaining Order members present near the gate.
Gallheia tightened her grip on her staff, feeling the power within it radiate and swell as her anger grew.
"Aries," she gritted out. "Do you remember what I said to you about a month ago? Right after that, savage, left? Because I distinctly remember instructing not to ever undermine my orders again."
Aries straightened upright, bristling slightly at her words.
"Yes. However, I have not undermined your orders. I have ensured that appropriate – "
"No," started Gallheia, cutting off Aries. "You have allowed him an opportunity to directly humiliate and challenge me in front of everyone. And worse yet, you encouraged him! Are you trying to undermine me, Aries? Are you?!"
"Gallheia," she pleaded calmly. "You know that is not at all what I was – "
She didn't even get to finish her sentence as Galheia lashed out with her staff, cracking Aries across the jaw and sending crashing to her knees, her hands outstretching to catch the ground and break her fall.
Several of the Order members moved to help Aries, but she put a hand out to stop them as tried to catch her breath.
"And now you lie to me," hissed Gallheia.
Aries could feel the blood start running from her jaw, the skin raw and burnt from the contact of the Unholy staff.
"Gallheia," she warned. "You need to calm down and manage yourself. You seem to be forgetting that – "
"No, you seem to be forgetting! That I am your leader. You serve me, not the other way around." To reinforce her point, Gallheia swung her Unholy staff, the weapon connecting with Aries face and sending her tumbling backwards.
Aries let loose a hiss of pain as she made to sit up, wiping the blood dripping from her nose.
"Once I deal with this blasted human, I will decide your punishment," spat Gallheia as began walking away to her chambers atop the temple.
"I am getting sick and tired of you trying to undermine me. Be at the combat grounds in one hour." And with that, she left.
As soon as she was out of sight, the four remaining warriors of The Order rushed over to Aries to help her up.
She waved them off. "I'm alright," she dismissed, standing up on her own accord.
"This is getting out of hand," gritted out one the warriors.
"She perceives everything as a threat to her power. Power that we granted her. At this rate, she's going to get you killed."
"Or herself," added another.
"One could only hope," snorted a third, crossing her arms.
Aries sighed as she wiped the blood from her face, feeling the burnt flesh underneath.
"I doubt she can kill me that easily. Her only real strength comes from that bloody staff. Profane thing," she spat out.
"Why can't we just get rid of her," began another exasperated warrior.
"You know why," growled Aries gravely. At that, everyone became sombre.
"That bloody contract has given us more problems than benefit," finally spoke one warrior.
"Indeed, Atreus. However, we cannot go back on a Holy Contract. We are bound to Gallheia and her bloodline."
"But that's why you pushed for such an opportunity to have her fight, isn't it," smiled one warrior thinly.
"I'll admit, I am a little selfish," began Aries coyly.
"We cannot interfere in a sanctioned combat trial, one where Gallheia knows the risks. I'll admit, as much as I dislike the race of Men, I do find myself somewhat rooting for that little mortal," she reminded.
"Well," sighed Atreus dejectedly, "let's hope that maybe we'll be free this time. Though, I honestly have my doubts. With a staff like that, I don't care how strong he is. He's not going to win."
"Maybe not, but he surprised us the last time. And maybe, even if he fails, his human companion might be able to finish the job."
"You know we can't let anyone kill her outside of the arena. We are bound by a Holy Contract," frowned another warrior.
"Then perhaps it's best if we take… slightly further away… positions to guard the arena, Jaesa."
"Then here's hoping he was fast reflexes," grumbled Atreus.
"Anyways," frowned Jaesa, "just say he does win and defeat her. Then what? We just hand over the tribe to him?"
"They are our responsibility, and we let our ways be corrupted by Gallheia and her bloodline. It would be up to us to remedy that," reassured Aries.
"Under a mortal Man?"
"Gallheia is mortal as well," she reminded. "Besides, our priority is to look after the tribe's wellbeing. If that means temporarily under his servitude, I can afford to swallow my pride a tad longer. It's not like we would be contractually bound."
"Don't we all," groused Jaesa.
"Don't you worry about the finer details," smiled Aries softly to reassure her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You leave that to me. All the rest of you need to focus on is preparing for the upcoming fight."
Jaesa returned the smile. "Of course, Aries."
The arena was exactly the same as he last remembered it. Well, minus the blood and dismembered corpses.
Kira led them to the arena edge wordlessly. It didn't take long for the crowds of demihumans to starting arriving.
"I can't believe you actually directly challenged her," muttered Aerus. Sygil chose to ignore her.
"Are you going to put a show on, sir? Or are you going to make it quick?" Inquired Hans.
"A display of strength is required. I'll declare my victory conditions before everyone, and from there, I'll give a quick, flashy beatdown. It needs to be flashy so it's memorable, but it also needs to be quick to show she is outclassed."
"Will you use your guns, sir?"
"Doubt it. That would technically take the honour out of the fight. It would be amusing though."
Kira pursed her lips as she shot a frown at them.
"I hope you don't intend on cheating in this honourable duel," she warned.
"Wouldn't dream of it," laughed Sygil.
"Though, it would make me even with her, considering she cheated the last time."
Kira merely harrumphed in annoyance.
It didn't take long for the hour to pass, and true to her word, Gallheia arrived on time, sporting a new set of robes that, fortunately were not as gaudy as the clothes, or rather lack of, that the other tribeswomen wore. Actually, now that he noticed, several of the demihumans in the crowd were sporting more armour this time.
Perhaps that little show I gave them made them reconsider.
Oh well, it mattered little to him currently. His opponent was Gallheia, who was currently sporting blood-red set of robes that went to her feet. Her arms were exposed save for the excessive jewellery, beads and bracelets hanging from them, and a band of neck rings that ascended to her jaw. In her right hand she clutched the same warped, black staff, an ascending snake wrapped around the top.
Instantly, the murmurs in the crow died down as she stepped into the arena adjacent from Sygil.
Behind, Valera and other members of The Order arrived, with Valera taking to the side, likely as an adjudicator.
"My fellow people. Today, you may have heard rumours, that I have been challenged, by an outsider. Those rumours are true. However, under the Rights of Articus, and in respect to our traditions, I have accepted this challenge."
Valera stepped forth.
"This is a combat duel to the death. No outside help is permitted, nor any challengers have a champion represent them in this duel. If the human will state its victory conditions before us…"
Sygil took that as his cue.
"If I win, I claim this entire tribe as my own army, loyal to myself and my subordinates, until death."
There was a range of shocked, and even some outraged, murmurs in the crowd.
"And if I win," began Gallheia with a sneer.
"I will claim everything you own as mine, and I will do what I please with it, including your little meatboy you brought with you."
"We will see," intoned Sygil mysteriously.
"Then if the combatants are ready…" began Valera slowly, eyeing the two to see if there were any objections to be made.
"Let the fight begin!"
Sygil wasted no time, shooting forth like a bullet towards Gallheia, summoning his sabre ready for a horizontal slash aimed at her midriff.
Gallheia, however, placed a foot back to brace herself, raisin the staff in the air before slamming it into the ground, exploding dust in an outwards donut in an attempt to blind him.
The dust stung his eyes, but he pushed through without relent, judging where her position should be through memory, and slashing.
His sword hit nothing but dust and air, and as it cleared, he saw she was gone.
Impossible. Unless…
On instinct he ducked and swung behind himself, catching the staff aimed at his head.
The staff didn't break. Instead, an explosion of energy blew the two combatants backwards, surprising them both.
What?! Internally screamed Gallheia.
There's no way he should have deflected that!
Likewise, Sygil was contemplating why his sword didn't break or crack the staff.
Curious.
Regardless, Sygil was back on his feet and charging back towards Gallheia, sword ready for an overhead strike to cleave her head in two.
She scrambled to raise her staff horizontally to deflect the strike, which Sygil saw coming miles ahead. However, he ignored her futile attempt to deflect him, surmising that his strength would be more than enough to overpower. Even if it didn't kill her, his follow-up strike would.
However, it was not to be, and the instant second that his sword made contact with the staff, the same energy exploded outwards, pressing Gallheia deep into the dirt, and blowing Sygil and his sword off of the staff.
As Sygil went to recover, Aries pondered at the curious development.
"What is it?" asked Atreus quietly.
"That's an Unholy staff," she explained. "It shouldn't react so violently to another weapon."
"That… is strange," admitted Jaesa, her curiosity piqued now.
"We'll just have to see how this fight goes," interjected Atreus.
Meanwhile, Gallheia suddenly found herself going on the defensive. Before she could attempt to use the magic within the staff, she found herself desperately trying to dodge Sygil's relentless barrage of strikes. Normally she would have parried, but getting knocked off of her feet every time would only catch up to her and the bastard would eventually exploit an opening.
"Tell me, Gallheia," began Sygil loudly and clearly so everyone could hear.
"Are you angry that I did your job and rescued your own captive subjects. Or are you jealous that by me coming back with them your rule would be undermined?"
"Shut-UP!
Sygil jumped back to allow her a breathing chance, which she used to stand up properly, holding her staff defensively.
"I find it curious for all your tradition and honour, you never went and sent someone to go help your own subjects."
"I said. SHUT. UP!" With that, she thrust the staff in his direction, shooting forth tendrils of shadows like arrows, laced with teeth oddly enough.
Before they could hit him, though, he summoned his spiked chain, and with a quick flourish, deflected the incoming shadows.
That caught everyone's attention.
Gallheia's eyes widened with pure shock, and Aries and her Order members suddenly stood up straight, hands on their swords.
"No way," murmured Jaesa. Aries couldn't help but silently agree with her.
"Neat trick," complimented Sygil indifferently.
"I can do something similar," he said chillingly.
Before she knew it, the ground underneath her feet suddenly became engulfed in shadows, even though there was nothing to cast them. The next thing she saw, however, was motivation enough for her to get out from the shadow before it was too late.
The out edges of the shadow shot up in spikes, before bending in like a cage. Then came the guttural growl from within the shadows themselves.
She jumped out to safety in just the nick of time as the shadows crashed shut, the sharpened points interlocking like teeth from a mouth comprised solely of shadows.
No. It is a mouth, she realised in abject horror, catching the glimpse of an eye lazily flicking towards her from within the shadows themselves, before dissipating away.
Her momentary distraction, however, proved to be her undoing, as the next thing she knew, the spiked chain Sygil was wielding suddenly wrapped itself around her staff hand and reeling in, tearing flesh and spraying blood.
She let loose a bloody scream as the staff fell from her grasp onto the ground, and she went flying towards Sygil, directly into Sygil's fist.
Her head snapped backwards violently as her nose broke, blood and spittle flying outwards, her hair becoming a tangled mess as it became undone.
With a theatrical flourish, Sygil recalled his spiked chain, everyone watching in anticipation as it vanished back into nothingness within his shadow.
Before she could react, she suddenly found herself unable to breath. Sygil hoisted her up by her throat, a satisfied grin marred across his features.
"Looks like, I win. Yield."
She gurgled out angrily.
"Yield!" He commanded louder, tossing her face first to the ground, stomping a foot onto her back to keep her pressed down, his sabre mere inches from the base of her neck.
"Get off me!" she growled, her words becoming lost in the build-up of saliva in her own mouth.
He responded by applying more pressure onto her spine and letting his sabre touch her neck.
"Dammit! ARIES! SAVE ME!"
Aries felt her breath hitch at her call. The Holy Contract compelled her to step in and save Gallheia, but at the same time, this was a sanctioned arena fight that Gallheia consented to, knowing full well what the consequences were.
The taste of freedom on her lips was real, and, exploiting the potential loop hole in her Holy Contract was all too easy.
"I cannot. The rules and tradition dictate that I cannot intervene." God, it felt so good to finally rub it into that bitch.
"Aries?" Gallheia's voice came out a soft whimper, and for a brief moment, Aries was reminded of the young child that she once had helped train and raise. However, that very child was the one that grew into a deceitful coward. One which currently lie begging on the ground disgracefully.
"Say it," hissed Sygil cruelly.
"I…" she was alone. No-one was going to save her.
"I yield," she muttered, feeling tears well in her eyes.
"What was that," whispered Sygil.
"I YIELD!"
Silence reigned supreme across the crowd as her words soaked in.
"Did you hear that, everyone? She has yielded to me. Therefore, I am the victor."
Meanwhile, Aries could only look on in horror.
No. If you don't kill her during the sanctioned duel, then we will still be bound to protect her! She felt herself cursing at the human's supposed act of mercy inadvertently being the source of his upcoming defeat.
Sygil continued, oblivious to Aries internal plight.
"And since I am the victor, I shall have my army. Do you agree, Valera?"
Valera was undergoing a similar moral crisis as Aries. If she declared him the winner, then Gallheia could easily order them to kill him as part of their Holy Contract. If she refused, however...
"This trial was to the death, as per the conditions," interrupted Aries, gaining everyone's attention.
"Regardless of whether or not someone yields, it can only end with someone's death." There was a subtle, desperate edge to her voice, but Sygil failed to pick it up. Gallheia, however, could. It was no secret between the Order and Gallheia that they wanted her gone because of her control over them. However, she knew they couldn't do anything as per their contract.
Ultimately, however, the fate of everyone rested solely in Sygil's hands. If he refused to kill her, then the challenge was over and she would unleash her Order upon him. If he killed her, then maybe the outcome would be better. Alas, Sygil had no clue as to the inner workings of the Tribe, and his growing arrogance due to easy victories made him more willing to indulge in his more demonic side.
"I still refuse. I will make an example of her later," replied Sygil.
"Then," began Valera, "I decree that the human is the honourable victor."
And with that, Gallheia began to laugh.
Sygil glanced at her irritably. "What's so amusing?"
"You think you've won, but in actuality, you've lost!"
Blood caked her face as she adopted a crazed look in her eyes, a gleeful smile revealing pearly white teeth.
Sygil kicked her over onto her back as she laughed.
"Maybe I'll make an example of you now, instead, actually," he frowned, reaching down to grab her.
As he hoisted her up, Aries and the other Order members slowly advanced on the unawares Sygil, hands on the hilts of their swords.
"Wait!" Called Trisha, causing everyone to stop, even the Order members. Sygil glanced at her with a quirked eyebrow.
"What?"
"Before you do anything, I have to know. Why didn't you send anyone for us? There were over forty of us still captive, and many more that died over the years? Why, Gallheia?"
Her words rang out through the air, and Gallheia felt herself frown.
"Why should I care about the weak."
Those words were more injurious than any sword strike could be. To be called weak by the very leader idolised by nearly everyone in the tribe.
"You failed a simple, bloody task, and brought shame to this tribe. We went a whole generation without new warriors to raise. Our numbers have dwindled as a result, and you failed to bring back anyone. You were a disgrace to this tribe. And still are. Frolicking with some human like a pet. You sold yourself to them, instead of maintaining your honour."
Trisha's eyes widened at those words, and Aerus stepped forth in equal amounts of shock.
"You… call us weak, and dishonourable. For serving the tribe and doing nothing but bring victory to it over the years. And yet, in our time of need, you never even bothered to care about us in return? Yet here you lay, begging for your life to be saved?! YOU are the coward!"
Faint mutterings in the crowd could be heard, some in shock, others in slight agreement with the hypocrisy concerning Gallheia.
"I will not be lectured by some failure that willing serves a human of all things!"
Sygil raised a hand over Gallheia's face menacingly.
"Well, it matters not. You're going to be serving me for a long time. I haven't had a soul to eat in this world before. I wonder if it's as tasty as Vessie's was?"
Aries felt herself stop moving in shock as flame-like tendrils of shadow began to wisp from the human's outstretched hand.
It wasn't natural. No, scrap that, nothing about this human was natural. It was almost as if he was some monster.
"Now," began Sygil as Gallheia squirmed. "If only that bloody Angel Asphaestus would die this easily."
Every Order member, Aries included, felt their eyes widen ever so slightly.
"What did you just say?" Demanded Aries harshly.
Sygil angled his body to face Aries. "Say what?"
"That name. How do you know that name!"
Sygil narrowed his eyes warily. "What's it matter to you?"
Suddenly, it all made sense to Aries.
His incredible strength and speed that surpassed a regular human's and was on par with Valera. His ability to summon weapons using shadows, his manipulation of the shadows, his talk of consuming souls. And of course, his familiarity with the Angel Asphaestus.
"You're a servant of Lucifer. You're a damned Demon," she hissed in realisation as she drew her sword.
Sygil felt his eyes widen in surprise.
How could she know I'm a Demon? Unless…
He recalled Valera's strength when he was first held captive, and Aries' strength and reflexes when he first arrived. All the talk of some fanatical religious order, Messengers of God, and of course, her familiarity with the name Asphaestus.
All of a sudden, it made sense. And now, he realised how serious his situation truly was.
"Aw shit. You're an Exalted Angel…"
Maxmillian looked at the final corpse that had just been preserved. It had been a busy couple of days working alongside 47 to make sure all of the salvageable bodies were collected, preserved with the correct enchantments, and then placed and stored in the underground cellar of the damaged inn.
It was the only building large enough to properly store over 4000 bodies. The armour was left on the bodies, as the priority was storing the bodies before they could decay. Once proper defences could be established, then the armour could be stripped and salvaged. Same as the weapons. For now, any loose bits of metal, whether armour, weapon or trinket, were thrown into a misshapen pile outside the mansion.
Quantum had finished running repairs on himself and had just left mere minutes ago with his remaining drone to go clear out the mine to work.
The remaining demihumans had finished clearing out the debris from the attack several days ago, and now were working creating a basic wall connecting between the remaining buildings and the existing parts of the wall that weren't damaged.
The new wall comprised of only wooden logs, crude and simple at best, but sufficient enough to stall any future attackers, even if not by much.
Maxmillian watched as the demihumans milled about, working tirelessly. He could feel a contemptuous sneer begin to work its way on to his face.
Filthy creatures.
How his glorious creator tolerated such insignificant worms working under him, he would always wonder. Sure, they had their uses, but humans were more ideal stock than non-humans.
Just thinking about the two demihuman women working with the Supreme Being made his skin crawl. Still, he had a plan, and Maxmillian could acknowledge the merit in using the existing natives as a stepping stone to creating his glorious empire. So, Maxmillian did his best to repress his disgust.
He walked back up the stairs of the cellar into the light of world, the hole in the inn's roof flooding where he was standing with light.
What a mess.
The inn, like every other building, was half-destroyed. Its walls barely were holding up what was left of the ceiling, and the interior was busted to pieces.
Taking a step outside of the inn into the fresh air, all Maxmillian could do was think about the future prospects as the base was restored.
Things will be better soon…
Now, all he needed to do was –
"Maxmillian!"
One of the demihumans was running towards him in a hurry, desperately calling out to him to get his attention.
He felt an eye twitch in irritation.
"Maxmillian!"
"I can hear you well enough. What is the problem now." His voice was laced with his contempt for the demihuman, which had been returned back by all of the demihumans over the weeks since they started working together.
The demihumans oddly enough seemed to get on well with Hans, and were wary of Sygil, for good reason. But they seemed to hate him, not that he cared. The hatred was mutual. So long as they did their job properly, he tolerated them enough to not kill them.
However, this demihuman woman didn't even bother shooting him a filthy look or retort, and concern was evident in her voice as she spoke.
"We've got people at the gates, and they seem hostile."
Maxmillian let his internal prejudices disappear at the word of a threat.
"Who," he narrowed his eyes, picking up his pace as he followed the demihuman back to the gates she was mentioning.
"I'm not too sure. Ilia and Mara are keeping them stalled right now, while I was sent back to get you. They might be roaming bandits, however."
Well they won't be roaming for long.
"Get the rest of your brethren armed and up near the gate. If we're going to have another fight, I want us prepared this time instead of caught off-guard."
She didn't even broker an argument as she nodded her and scurried off, issuing a small 'right away'.
She had been leading him to the damaged archway that was the northern gate of the original wall, which was just around the corner of the building he was approaching.
He rested a hand on the holster which now held the handgun Sygil had gifted him.
Bandits would be child's play for him, but he didn't want any more damage to occur to the base. And as much as he might not care for the demihumans, more corpses were the last thing he wanted from his own forces.
Rounding the corner of the building, he was greeted with the sight of three demihumans holding a makeshift barricade in front of the damaged archway of the old northern gate. New wooden walls constructed from freshly cut timber connected with the stone archway and connected with the buildings, forming the new perimeter wall.
He could make out some loud voices coming from outside the gate, directed at the demihumans.
"C'mon, why don't you lovely bitches just let us in! We just wanna have a looksee around and speak to yer boss!"
Maxmillian ignored the banging on the wood as the demihumans held the makeshift door shut.
"What's the situation," he barked at the women.
"Some fucking humans want in. Bandits by the look of them. About a dozen of gnats," gritted one demihuman as she applied more pressure on the door that the bandits were trying to force open.
"I'll deal with this," replied Maxmillian.
"Outsiders! State your name and business immediately!"
There was a brief moment of silence, before a gruff male voice called back.
"You Beovhan?!"
"That's not Beovhan you jackass. Oi! You gonna let us in, or do we have to bust yer wall down again?"
Maxmillian could feel his temper flare as his teeth gritted.
"I'll say this one more time only. State your name and business. If you fail to provide that information in the next five seconds, I'll have you executed on the spot!"
"We're acquaintances of Mr and Mrs Augustus," came a smooth, silky voice from the other side.
"We have business with them. However, upon seeing the state of this town, what with the damaged crops and ruined rooftops and caved in wall, we have become concerned. If you would kindly open this door, I'm certain we can become better acquainted and discuss things like civilised people."
Maxmillian pondered on that information for a moment, before gesturing to the three edmihumans to open the gate.
"Open the gate and let me out to speak with them."
They shot him hesitant looks, but complied nonetheless.
"Ah, thank you for your hospitality," began the same cultured voice, but Maxmillian was already walking outside to block the outsiders entry in.
"You are not welcome inside these premises. This is private property, and you are trespassing. Now state your relationship to Mr and Mrs Augustus now."
Everyone bristled at Maxmillian's clipped voice.
His eyes wandered around to everyone present, making note of the people present and the threat they posed.
So far, there were ten men, all sporting an array of sheathed melee weapons and dressed in leather tunics and basic armour. Their grizzled features stood out to him, indicating there was some fighting experience amongst them, not that it would amount to much.
Behind them were two horse-drawn carriages, much like the ones Reginold came in several weeks prior.
However, what stood out the most was the man at the forefront, sporting white, fur robes, jewellery and a clean shaven head and face.
He had a lean build with toned muscles, if his exposed chest was any indicator. A scimitar was sheathed, hanging from his left leg.
The man had a charming smile as he curtsied a small bow.
"Ah, my name is Marcus Deoubre. We're here to collect the 40,000 Gold that Beovhan owes us."
To Dan05: You were so close man. It was indeed an Angel, just not an NPC one, but instead one from Sygil's real world. The odds, huh. Oh, and I liked your idea of Gallheia's staff being an Yggdrasil item. You are correct in that it is.
Oh, for those wondering, the reference was HK-47 from KOTOR. Sorry mbarbiba, so close but so far.
The next update will be three weeks out (February 26th). I hate leaving things on a cliff-hanger like this, but the pacing and word count kinda dictates it was the better choice to make, especially for what's in store next chapter. Next update will be on February 27th, and this time hopefully earlier in the day too. See you all then, take care and stay safe!
Also, reminder that I am changing the rating of this fic to M on 12th February.