"We don't have much time, so please listen carefully. The moment we see the horde of monsters, we must cast Protection. If possible, we should try to create a second wall behind the trapped monsters, this will limit the force attacking our comrades. Once the wall has broken cast Holy Light, the knights and adventurers will have their backs to us so will not be affected, but the monsters will be blinded."

Priestess found as many Earth Mother Acolytes as possible within the given time, she felt she could relay to them the strategies that she had used with Goblin Slayer. There was a look of hesitation from several of the younger adventurers who looked towards one another, but those who were older than Priestess looked not only scared but annoyed.

"What in the world are you thinking? Use Protection and Holy Light! We need to focus on getting out of the city, let the other adventurers and knights deal with the monsters."

"Are teachings forbid us from using our miracles to harm others."

"Just who do you think you are to tell us what to do! What are you, 15…16? I'm only taking instructions from someone with more authority…not some little girl who thinks she an adventurer!"

Priestess sighed, she was hopeful they be willing to listen to her, but these people were far too scared and stubborn. She then saw the Hero and Sword Maiden approaching her group, she smiled thinking that if these people would not listen to her, they'd hopefully listen to the legendary Heroes, the other acolytes also turned to see the approaching Heroes.

"Ah Sword Maiden, what should we…"

Sword Maiden and Hero completely ignored the others, walking past them as they continued towards the surprised Priestess.

"Priestess, I shall have my followers on the right side assisting the King and his group. We'll follow your plan and the moment we see the approaching monsters Protection will be cast." Sword Maiden smiled as she bowed her head towards the young adventurer.

"Me and my team will be fighting alongside the King's forces. Sage will cast down lightning bolts while Protection is in effect." Hero smiled too as she drew out her sword in readiness for the attack.

"Thank you. I'll do my best to aid my party and colleagues on my side as well." Priestess smiled as she bowed her head towards her colleagues.

Sword Maiden and Hero then turned towards the other priests and priestesses with a bit of a frown on their faces.

"You've already been given instructions have you not? These miracles will not be harming these monsters but helping to save as many people as possible. If you cannot follow this girl's instructions, then I advise that you leave the city and go out to the fields to help the injured." Hero was stern in her delivery, even if she herself was younger than some of these acolytes.

"Yes…sorry Hero and Sword Maiden, we'll get into position right away!"

The group of people quickly dispersed to get behind various groups, Sword Maiden and the others also moving into position to support the troops. The knights stood ready with the dwarven warriors, lizardmen and various adventurers as the injured and noncombatants were evacuated out of the city. Goblin Slayer along with Wolf and Snow stood ready to fight, nearby were Heavy Warrior, Female Knight, Lizard Priest and Spearman amidst the dwarves, lizardmen and knights; further back were Half-Demon Thief, Rookie Warrior and the other younger adventurers who were ready with the other knights and lizardmen. Dwarf Shaman stood on the War Wagon, bolts reloaded and a dwarven driver ready to lead the wagon forward the moment the order was given. High Elf Archer and other elves stood atop the rooftops that were sturdy enough to support them, many of their deer were used to help transport the injured back out the gate. Cow Girl, Guild Girl and the other non-combatants were also busy aiding with transporting the wounded out of the city towards the nearby fields.

"We got more evacuees over here!" It was a rhea adventurer who supported an injured man.

"Get the injured over here so we can begin treatment. I want anyone with healing magic or medical knowledge to help." The doctor wiped his brow as he finished tying the cloth as a makeshift bandage for one of the injured adventurers. "If you can still move, help us find more survivors or gather supplies."

"I can take to the skies and look for trapped people."

Half-Dragon Daughter was eager to help but felt her mother's hand on her shoulder.

"Stay close to the ground for the time being."

"But I can help too mama."

"I know you can and you will, but for now you shall continue to help us. Once the fighting starts and they begin to target those flying creatures above, they may not have time to tell if it is a monster harpy or you my dear."

"Your mother's right, we could use your help here and while Snow is also fighting with Wolf, I'd like you to watch over her pups." Cow Girl smiled as she patted her little sister's back before motioning for them to get back to the wagon. "Let's get back to the Capital and continue rescue efforts."

Half-Dragon Daughter and her mother smiled and nodded while getting back into the wagon with Cow Girl and Guild Girl at the driver's seat.

xxxx

"The horde is coming! Everyone be ready!"

The Kings orders echoed across the streets as the knights, warriors and adventurers readied themselves as the roars and cries of the monsters were drawing near. The knights and dwarven warriors once again formed up a shield wall with spears pointed forward.

"Zanna borthan! zanna evengrenhris!" Honor Uncle gave out the yell while looking over his dwarves to which they replied in unison.

"Watch the skies. Target the harpies. Protect the spellcasters." Elder Brother, still on his deer mount, calmly paced back and forth behind his fellow elves. "Riders ready to charge forward and break through the horde."

Down every street they could see them, a mixture of hell hounds, werewolves, gargoyles, reddish imps and smaller Arachne, but now joining them were giant rats, a few of the abominations and the goblin brutes. The giant rats were not like the fat ones Rookie Warrior and Apprentice Cleric would hunt in the sewers, these ones were lean, almost resembling a large wolf with massive claws, blood-stained teeth, and they moved in packs.

"Protection!"

One by one the walls of light went up in front of the knights and adventurers, they would be able to pass through, but the monsters would be kept at bay…at least for a few moments. Dozens of the monsters slammed into the wall, many of them purposely impaling themselves on the spears and lances aimed at them, but they did not care, all that was on their mind was the destruction of the mortals before them. Even as the monsters continued to push forward, others behind them moved in as well, some even tearing at their own comrades to get to the juicy morsels before them. Some of the knights and dwarves were not so lucky as a monster would take hold of the spear, often times still stuck in their body and pull the warriors through Protection where they were pounced upon by the other monsters.

"Once again cast Protection! Minimize the number of monsters attacking!" Sword Maiden gave the command while near her followers.

The second wall of light shot up behind the monsters, depending on the skill of the caster they were created at varying distances behind the monsters, but it did have the desire effect. The number of monsters attacking at one time had been reduced greatly down all streets and it was time for Sage to cast forth her spell. The clouds above her began to swirl and the roll of thunder could be heard with the movements of her staff.

"Tonitrus…oriens…iacta. Lightning!"

Sage raised her staff high as lighting rained down upon the monsters below, thankfully avoiding his comrades and colleagues. The lightning strikes easily tore into the bodies of the weaker monsters as their charred remains dropped to the ground, but the tougher monsters quickly resumed their attacks despite the horrid burns and holes in their bodies. The warriors yelled as they pushed through the first protection wall to engage the survive monsters while the secondary group continued to strike at the invisible walls of protection. Spellcasters such as Witch used their long-range attacks such as Firebolt and Magic Missile to aid their comrades who rushed ahead to meet the enemy directly.

"Good, all seem to be going well for us at the moment. Now we just have to…"

"Above us!"

Before the King could finish his thoughts, he spared a quick glance upward and there he and the others could see the horrid forms of the winged monsters that had once been females. Those who had been travel9ng the countryside had referred to them as Harpies due to their bat-like wings, those in the Capital had called them Banshees due to the hail pitch wailing and screaming they did as they swooped in from above. Whatever name was given was un important, but what worried them was they could see dozens of the creature screaming as they seemed to fill the sky, it was still early in the morning yet given the sight of them amidst the flames and dark clouds, one could be forgiven for thinking that this was what a night in hell looked like.

"Fire." Elder Brother quickly gave the order to his elven soldiers just as the first volleys of arrows flew upward.

Arrow after arrow flew towards the heavens, and several dozen of these monstrous harpies fell from the sky screaming before they hit the ground with a heavy thud, yet their number did not seem to decrease in the slightest as they drew closer and prepared themselves to swoop down on the adventurers and warriors below them.

Xxxx

"Purify the water!"

"The King has returned!"

"Make for the West Gate!"

Those in the castle could see and hear the ravens flying around the city, though many of these brave birds had been attacked by the harpies, many more continued on with their message. The Princess had evacuated along with her teachers and fellow acolytes toward the castle during the early attacks, she and the others offered what aid they could to the injured and frightened civilians. Thankfully the castle was built like a fortress, the only major concern at the time was the winged monsters who would continue to attack, the others had been kept at bay by the castle walls. While her fellow followers both older and younger were terribly frightened or overwhelmed by all they had experienced over this long month, she did her best to remain strong and positive.

"I have to be like her, I have to be like Priestess. She and the others came to save me even after my selfishness put them in harm's way. I will become a brave adventurer just as she is."

She herself had to put up with quite the bit of criticism from other who accused her brother of abandoning them, but she would argue back that if he truly meant to leave them why would he not have taken her along as well. She would be there when her brother was off taking care of what important business he had to and assured them that he would not leave his people to die and suffer like this, he would return. Though many doubted her words over the past couple weeks, now that the ravens could be heard there was triumphant cries from the people within.

"Thank the gods he has returned." The Princess sighed in relief as she closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, thanking the Earth Mother for guiding him back.

Within the castle were a few thousand individuals, a mixture of knights, civilians and various adventurers, but while there was joy that they had saved this many, it meant that thousands more were left outside the castle to fend for themselves. The knights within the castle of course would not be so cold to turn away other survivors but had to be cautious not to allow the monsters in or the number of deaths would have been far worse.

The Princess moved to join her fellow acolytes to discuss what their next step would be, elsewhere she could see knights gathering to discuss if they too should leave the castle and fight or continue with the protection of the civilians while others happily embraced one another as they felt this nightmare would soon be over. The Princess suddenly paused as she noticed a woman carefully looking around before sneaking away from the group to move towards the shadows.

"The ravens are saying purify the water, could the sickness be coming from it?"

"But we've already been drinking water her from the castle we haven't been afflicted with this disease."

"The water here in the castle must come from a different source that those in the kingdom, we've been very fortunate then."

The Princess heard the discussion of her teacher and the other Earth Mother sisters and a sudden thought crossed her mind, that woman she had seen sneaking away, could she be trying to do something nefarious. There were rumors of individuals in black robes and plague masks seen walking around the monsters un harmed as if they could control the creatures, but such a disguise would be too obvious here. She wanted to tell her teacher and the others of her suspicion, but they might claim she's being paranoid or argue against such actions.

"Maybe I'm wrong in my assumption, but…if that is the case my waiting around to tell others could cost us valuable time. As my brother once taught me, it is easier to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission. Earth Mother, please let me be wrong, but if I am right then let me get there in time."

Xxxx

She was an older woman, though not so old that others would find her unattractive, she and her fellow "sisters" had successfully infiltrated the castle as frightened civilians, each of them had been given a vial of the Elixir to be used when the time best presented itself. Over these few weeks she and the others had been quite flirtatious with the knights to gather the information they needed, finding that offering their bodies to the younger ones worked best.

"Those poor I fools, a bit of nudity is all that was required for them to spill their secrets. We know when they go on rotation and where the main water supply is and now with the return of that vile King, we must act. Our brothers and sisters serve our master out in the Capital, we shall do these same here. I shall pour my vial into the water while my sister move to open the castle gates."

The Princess quietly followed this woman only to find her sneaking off to the main water supply for the castle, in her hand she could see a vial with a glowing green liquid. The woman chuckled to herself as she looked over the vast reservoir of water, no matter how big it was, the moment she added her vial to it, these people would then be blessed with the miracle her master wished to bestow to them.

"A gist to you all from my master, may the Miracle of Life flow through you all." The mad follower moved her hand to remove the cork stopper to pour the contents into the pool.

"No!"

The woman turned only to be struck by a young girl in the garb of the clergy, with medium blonde hair who quickly tackled her to the ground. The vial flew from the woman's hand and shattered along the stone floor, none of which came close to the water supply.

"What do you think you're doing? You're trying to poison the very water these poor people need to survive!" The Princess was angrily screaming at this woman, not sure why she would try to do something so foolish. "I know you're scared but you must…"

The woman suddenly turned her full rage upon the young Princess; she wrapped both her hands around the young girl's throat and squeezed. The Princess gasped for air as she used her hands to try and break the woman's grip, she looked up to see the utter hate in the woman's eyes.

"You stupid idiot! How dare you interfere with my master's work. I was about to share with you miracle that would have push everyone beyond their human limits!" The mad follower kept her left hand tight on the Princess' neck while she drew out a dagger from her skirt with her right hand. "Now…you must die!"

The Princess looked on with frightened eyes as the mad follower readied to kill her in one fell swoop when suddenly the mad follower was grabbed by two knights. The two knights heard the commotion and quickly rushed in to see this woman ready to kill the Princess; without a moment's hesitation they disarmed her and moved her away.

"No let me go! You damn fools you're all going to die for stopping my master's work!" The mad follower continued to scream as she thrashed about trying to break free. "For the Miracle of Life!"

"Stop that damn thrashing you crazed fool."

"Princess are you alright?"

The Princess was coughing as she massaged her sore throat, getting back to her feet while the knights struggled to keep the crazed woman under control.

"She's…she's a follower of the Necromancer. She was trying to poison the water supply with that formula that would have turned others into monsters. There may be others like her among the civilians, we must find them!"

Back up top, the other two "sisters" were ready to open the gates, with the changing of the guard, this would allow them the opportunity to let the infected monsters in to slaughter those who had not consumed the contaminated water supply. The other follower had already gone to do her job with the water supply so now it was their turn to continued their master's will. They waited patiently as the guards went about swapping their members, they could easily distract the younger ones, kill them then open the gates, but before they could go through with that plan, a scream echoed across the courtyard.

"Sisters! Act now before they can stop you! For the Miracle of Life!" The crazed woman, still struggling to break free, cried out to her fellow followers.

Both women knew it was time, they took their vials and drank the contents, there was pain of course as they changed, but soon both had become horrid harpies that took to the sky. They swooped in with their talons to attack the knights below, with them gone they could get into the guard house and find a way to destroy the device that controlled the door. The two young knights were easily torn apart by the harpy's talons as they flew down upon them, but the others went to work attacking the monsters. Arrows and spears were used to pierce their bodies and eventually they were brought down, even with their injuries the two harpies continued to struggle but were eventually killed by the knights. The lone survivor screaming that her sisters had been slain by the knights until she too was silenced.

"Princess, thank you so much for your efforts, you saved these people from the horrors of that vile poison. Your brother would be proud of your actions here today."

"I do what is right for the people of this city. Everyone, I know you are scared, but do not lose hope, the King will find a way to stop these monsters." The Princess, with her bruised neck, looked toward the people and smiled. "Brother, please be careful on the battlefield. Earth Mother, please allow us to find a way to overcome this tragedy."

Xxxx

"No! Help me!"

One of the Earth Mother acolytes screamed as he was picked up by one of the harpies, it claws tearing into his flesh but soon two more harpies followed the other, grabbing at his legs and pulled. The priest was torn apart all the while the fighting raged on. The elven archers continued to fire away, but soon many of them found themselves running out of arrows while others were unfortunate enough to be picked up by the harpies.

"There's too many of them, we have to retreat!" the cry came from a frightened knight who was ready to turn and run.

"If we retreat now, all the ground we have gained will be completely lost. No retreat! No surrender! Now push forward!"

The King gave a mighty yell as he rushed past many of his knights to lead the attack, the Hero and Sword Saint right beside him. This sight quickly reenergized the soldiers and adventurers who now followed their king back into battle. The first wall of Protection had already collapsed as the priests and priestess finally tired from the spell or were killed in the attack, just before the second wall of Protection failed, Priestess quickly called out for those who still had spells left to cast Holy Light. The archers above quickly covered their eyes as the bright light bathed the area, with the second wall of Protection now broken and the monsters blinded now was the time to attack.

Goblin Slayer and the other silver ranked adventurers pushed ahead into the horde of monsters using their weapons to hack and slash at the creatures that dared to attack them. The younger warriors targeted the enemies as well, with Fighter using her spiked gauntlets to push back the gargoyles and werewolves while Rookie Warrior used his black blade to cut into the necks of the giant rats, Half-Demon Thief herself using her agility to jump onto the backs of the nearby hellhounds and plunging her daggers into the skulls and eye sockets for quick kills.

The heroic forces continued their battle, every step forward was ground that had not held before and with the King, Hero and Sword maiden present they were not about to give an inch back to the enemy. Even if they could not see the King or reinforcements, other knights and adventurers in the Old District regrouped themselves for the attack against the monsters; all around the warriors was a field of slaughter as both sides continued their assault on one another. An elf and deer were both cut in half by the claws on an abomination, but that victory was short lived as two lizardmen leapt forward and with their weight brought the creature down where they hacked away at its limbs and body with their sword claws, the monster's blood staining their bone armor with every swing. Elsewhere a goblin brute took hold of a lizardman by its tail and used the poor soul as a makeshift mace, smashing its body into others that is until Sword Saint rushed forward and cut into the monster's neck, its dark, almost black blood staining its chest before it toppled over. A female lizardman coughed up blood as a hellhound slammed both its feet down upon her chest, the bone armor held but acted against her with the monster's weight; the creature then viciously biting into her head with a sickening crunch only for three dwarves to rush in and swing the axes at its head over and over.

"Come on you ugly bastards! You'll get to see firsthand what dwarven ingenuity looks like!"

Dwarf Shaman pulled back on the winching mechanism as the ballista continued to fire out the thick wooden bolts against the monsters. The War Wagon charged down the streets, the four mighty rams pulling ahead smashing into the monsters ahead while the spikes on the wheels chewed through those on the side. The small red imps shrieked as the spikes tore through their bodies, though many knew these were children who had been afflicted with the elixir there was no time to hesitate, a few knights in the earlier battles who had done these were killed by the very same creatures. Suddenly something struck one of the rams, tearing it away from the rest, Dwarf Shaman spared a quick glance to see a hellhound now feeding upon the poor creature. Before there was time to lament the loss of the ram a harpy swooped in and picked up the dwarf driving the War Wagon.

"Damn it all." Dwarf Shaman scrambled as best he could to get away from the ballista to get to the reins of the rams before the chariot flipped over as it rocketed down the street.

Even with all the chaos going on High Elf Archer could easily pick up the cursing of her dwarven, she spared a quick glance down the street the War Wagon had gone but there was no sign of it, just the sounds of it driving forward. She wanted to believe that her friend could handle himself, but something in her stomach said she needed to go and help him. She quickly looked around in hopes of finding someone with a mount that could help her get down the street and luckily spotted her brother-in-law fighting nearby, still on his mount.

"Brother! I need assistance!" High Elf Archer jumped down from the rooftop to each section of the building until she was back on the ground.

"What can I do to be of assistance?"

"I worry about my friend on the wooden chariot, can you get me to him?" High Elf Archer gracefully leapt up onto the backside of the deer, directly behind Elder Brother.

"The dwarf right? Well he did help us, and I'd hate for you to be upset with the loss of a friend." Elder Brother smiled as he patted the side of his deer. "Now noble forest guardian, ride like the wind. Let nothing stop you."

The deer snorted before charging down the street, this creature easily dodging the surviving monsters as it leapt from side to side. High Elf Archer had her arms wrapped around her brother's waist as they rode, all around her she could see the blood and carnage of their battle, fallen elves, men, dwarves and lizardmen, but many more of the monsters lay dead around them.

"I know I called this a grand adventure, but I do not enjoy this bloodshed. Too many good people have been lost to this madman. I will not lose a single friend or colleague this day. We will stop him!"

"There ahead of us!"

High Elf Archer looked ahead to see the War Wagon still charging through the streets with Dwarf Shaman at the reins, using a hand ax to try and knock off a giant rat which attempted to climb onboard, the other dwarf who had been with him was nowhere to be seen. High Elf Archer released her grip around her brother's waits to draw her bow, she steadied herself and fired, the arrow piercing the skull of rat and it shrieked before falling off the wagon. Dwarf Shaman turned and smiled at the sight of his friend, but quickly returned his attention to the front as he pulled on the reins for the rams to turn.

"He won't be able to fight and drive at the same time." High Elf Archer quickly shouldered her bow before leaning closer to her brother. "Can you get us closer? I'm going to jump on and help him!"

"Can't get on the side, not with those spikes, but I can get up right behind him. Be ready to jump! Oh and don't worry, I won't tell your sister about this!"

"Are you kidding? She'd be so jealous to hear that I leapt from a deer onto a moving chariot, you be sure she hears about my exploits!"

The deer was right up along the back of the wagon, even while it was running, High Elf Archer carefully got her feet up on its back while she placed both hands on her brother's shoulder to steady herself. There was no doubt this was perhaps the most foolish things she was about to do, internally she thought she'd been hanging around Goblin Slayer too long and picked up his bad habits, a smile crossed her face as she jumped forward, over her brother and landed on the chariot. She quickly got hold of the side to keep from falling, she looked back to see her brother smiling before he disengaged to continue his fight against the monsters. She then rushed toward the ballista, a quick study showed her how to fire and she took aim, firing away with the wooden bolts, even able to accurately target a couple of the harpies in the sky.

"Good to have you on board Long-Ears!"

"As if I'd let you die, then who would I argue with? Now, I'll show what a true marksman can do! I don't plan on missing a single shot, it would wound my pride as an archer!"

"You may be firing, but it's still a dwarven device so it's a win for me! Hold on Long-Ears we're coming around!"

xxxx

"Have to be careful, that's two spells I've used already. There's still much to do before this battle is over."

Priestess was struggling to catch her breath, though she had not been directly fighting as the others were, using her miracles back-to-back were quite taxing on her, and holding Protection as long as she did against so many monsters had been difficult enough on its own. She placed a hand along the nearest building as she wiped the sweat from her face when a terrible shrieking could be heard above. She looked up and with wide eyes saw the demonic harpy screaming as it dove down towards her; she instinctively raised her staff, but would there be enough time to chant her prayer for her miracle? A stream of fire erupted from nearby engulfing the harpy who screamed as it dropped to the ground still covered in flames.

"Wh, what?"

She looked to her side to see Half-Dragon Mother rushing toward her along with her daughter, Cow Girl and Guild Girl, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you alright?" Half-Dragon Mother placed her arm around Priestess' shoulder to check on her friend.

"I am now, thank you."

"Mama look out, it's still alive!"

Everyone looked forward to see the scared creature getting back to its feet, angrily glaring at them with a horrid shriek before a large white object tackled it to the ground. Snow savagely sank her teeth into the creature neck, she growled and snarled as she shook violently, the harpy struggling to break free but with a final bite, its neck was broken. The harpy suddenly went limp, Snow still growling for a few minutes before she finally released the monster and turned her attention back towards the others, her muzzle stained red with the blood of the monsters she had attacked, but despite that her tail was wagging.

"Thank you Snow." Priestess smiled as she reached out to pet the dire wolf. "I need to get back to the fight, I…"

"You need to rest." Cow Girl stopped her friend and helped her sit on the ground. "He's told me that those miracles are quite powerful and take a lot out of you, so rest up."

"But the others are still fighting!"

"You'll be able to rejoin them soon enough. Even Witch and Sage are resting off to the side, so you need to rest and regain your strength as well." Guild Girl smiled as she gathered what supplies she could from the nearby buildings to load up onto the wagon. "If you really need to do something then you can help us find more injured."

Priestess looked around to see Druid Girl and Apprentice Cleric also aiding with recovery, even if their friends were out in the middle of this fray, they would not sit idly by, they would help in whatever way they could until it was time for them to use their skills. The whining of the pup in the wagon drew Snow's attention as she moved to get to the back and jump aboard to check on them. Priestess smiled as she slowly got back to her feet and wiped the sweat from her brow and went to work helping Cow Girl and Guild Girl look for more survivors.

xxxx

It was closer to lunch time when the fighting for the Old District finally started to die down, the warriors had been victorious though there had been many losses. There was still sporadic fighting throughout the area, dealing with the remaining creatures that continued to fight, but there was finally enough time to catch one's breath and carefully examine the remaining forces. The King and his commanders met with the leaders of the elves, dwarves and lizardmen.

"Haven't see fighting that bloody in quite a while now. Most fights are finished within an hour at most, not this constant fighting every minute. How are your forces holding up?"

"We lost about seventy dwarves in all the chaos. Damn these monsters and their tenacity." Honored Uncle sighed as he took the time to smoke his pipe.

"We lost about thirty of the deer mounts and 48 of my people." Elder Brother sighed as he wiped the blood from his face.

"19 of my brother and sisters magnificently fought to the very end, but with their loss many of the Dragontooth warrior were also lost. It was a fantastic battle for sure, the enemy is not to be underestimated."

"So a little more than half-strength on all fronts." The King looked over the map of his city then back towards the leaders. "I'm already grateful for your assistance, you don't need to keep fighting any further."

"Like we told you lad, if we stop here, this evil will eventually find us. Were in this until the end." Honored Uncle gave the King a firm look before examining the map. "So what's our next move?"

"We'd need to move into every district, but if we take one at a time it gives the enemy a change to regroup and surround us. Now we need to split up and hit all districts at once, find this Necromancer and finish him or whichever Faceless Man is controlling the monsters in the area. I want your people to remain here in the district." He looked toward the others, Honored Uncle, the Lizardman Chieftain and Elder Brother who were ready to argue but he held his hand up. "If we split your forces up four ways, we be at 20 or 30 extra hands per district, no we need to keep this area secure, this is the fall back point, this is where we will be sending survivors that cannot reach the castle."

Though the three leaders were not happy with the decision, they agreed to hold this location, but the moment things looked troublesome they would not hesitate to move into the next districts. While this conversation was going on Goblin Slayer and the others gathered nearby to rest, some getting a quick meal or drink.

"Why is it that no matter what quest we go on, we still find ourselves dealing with sewers or giant rats?" Apprentice Cleric sighed as she carefully went about bandaging her friend's wounds.

"Could be we've become experts in that regard, kind of like how Goblin Slayer is." Rookie Warrior offered a small smile as he thanks his friend.

"Oh…you want me to call you Rat Slayer from now on?" Apprentice Cleric was stern in her reply though everyone knew she was just being playful.

"Rat Slayer…Rat Slayer…I'm the Rat Slayer…no I'm the Rat Slayer!" Rookie Warrior pondered as he thought about the title while saying aloud.

"It was a joke, don't you dare take on that title!" Apprentice Cleric frowned as she slapped his shoulder. "No man I love is going to call himself Rat Slayer, like it's a medal of honor."

Fighter and the other younger adventurers broke out into laughter as they say this display.

"Holy Hell…that was a difficult battle." Half-Demon Thief sighed, her clothing stained in the blood of the monsters she'd slain. "Is it too late to abandon this quest and go back to slaying goblins?"

"Is that an option? How come I'm only hearing about it now?" Dwarf Shaman chuckled as he helped himself to his fire wine then turned toward High Elf Archer. "So…did you enjoy using the ballista on the War Wagon?"

"I found it pulled towards the left, so I had to compensate…other than that, it's a fine weapon."

There was laughter amongst many of the adventurers and warriors there, Goblin Slayer made sure Wolf got some water while he spoke with the others.

"Always knew you capable of doing more than just hunting goblins there Goblin Slayer." Female Knight smiled as she took a swig of her wine from her pouch. "I saw you charge ahead with your dire wolves to engage the enemy."

"There were massive goblins towards the far back. I had to remove the obstacles to reach it."

"And a fine job you did with that Milord Goblin Slayer." Lizard Priest laughed before looking out over the battlefield. "We have won this battle but there are still many more to deal with."

"Indeed. I lost some of my warrior priests and priestesses during this fight." Sword Maiden frowned as she thought about those who had fallen. "It has been quite sometime since I've seen a battle like this."

"I felt like we were back in hell fighting all those demons." Hero smirked as she cut off a chunk of dried meat with her knife to eat then offered it to the others. "These bastards are quite tenacious. They keep fighting even when injured, though it might just be their mindless drive to kill."

"As much as I enjoy conversing about our battle, what's the plan now as far as dealing with the Capital?" Spearman nodded as he took a chunk of meat from Hero and bit into the jerky. "We can't just stop with one district, we 'll need to continue onward I think."

"Yes, you are correct. The King is meeting with his commanders to determine the next best strategy." The Sword Maiden was calm as ever in her delivery toward everyone, a small smile on her face. "I would recommend that you all rest while you can, there is no telling when we shall get another chance."

The others knew she was correct and decided to wait patiently while enjoying their conversation and meal when they finally saw the King approach them with map in hand. Everyone waited patiently for the instructions, the silvers and higher met with the King to voice their concerns.

"The Old District has been secured, I've asked our allies to remain here to safeguard this way as an exit for the injured. That of course means that we must prepare for the next step, the Necromancer was not in this area so we must find and defeat him otherwise this nightmare will have no end." The King sighed as he knew was going to be the most difficult part. "If we try and go one district at a time, the monsters could easily overwhelm another district and possible circle around us…no, we have to split up, each group moving through the district to find either the Necromancer or Faceless Man controlling the district."

There was silence from everyone, these last few hours, though they had been fighting on separate parts of the battlefield, they had fought as one large group, now they would be split up.

"Which districts do we have ahead of us your Majesty." Hero looked toward the map to try and determine what they would be in for.

"My commanders tell me that there is some kind of monster that is controlling these areas, whether they are transformed followers of the Necromancer or not I cannot say. Toward the northwest is the docks and port, there are several canals that run from it to allow for easy transport, I'm told that there are strange creatures loose in the waterways and something big near the docks. Another district seems to be covered in webs and swarming with those Arachne both large and small. The district closer toward the castle has a familiar evil that has plagued these lands for some time…the Highway Man."

The immediate mention of the Highway Man brought a frown to Sword Maiden's face, many of her acolytes had been lost to this butcher over the years.

"I know this district and the West Gate will act as an evacuation point for those who cannot fight, but is there no other way for the people to escape the city?" Sage curiously looked over the map and noticed the East Gate in the farthest district. "What about escaping to the castle or out this East Gate?"

"As mentioned earlier, they'd have to get past the Highway Man to get to the castle, there are underground passageways through the sewers that could lead them to the castle but scouts tell me that they are teeming with giant rats and something else, something that can walk and fly. The last district with the East Gate is most peculiar, it's not ablaze like the others…it's frozen. We just need to decide how to split up."

Guild Girl had a frown on her face as she looked toward her left in the direction of the port; Cow Girl immediately took notice of her friend's worried expression.

"Something wrong?"

"The guild hall I was trained at, well both me and Inspector were trained at was over near the portside. My mentor still works there, I'm hopeful she made it out safely."

Guild Girl had a weak smile, while helping others she had hoped that she would have run into her mentor much earlier. High Elf Archer clearly heard this and was ready to speak up when Goblin Slayer beat her to it.

"My party can will cover the docks."

All eyes were on Goblin Slayer as he said this, he turned toward Guild Girl and nodded his head, this small action immediately brought a smile to her face.

"Then my party will handle this giant spider infestation in the next district." Heavy Warrior smirked as he looked toward Female Knight and his other comrades.

"If we clear the sewers, it will allow for more people to get to safety, that and I've heard some of the soldiers say that many of the monsters were seeing coming out, the Necromancer must be using it for securing his creations or at the very least, as an underground transport." Spearman looked toward the map then smirk before turning toward Rookie Warrior and his comrades. "Alright then "Rat Slayer" you ready to show me how you clear a sewer of monsters?"

"I'm ready!" Rookie Warrior, a confident smile on his face.

"We are ready!" Apprentice Cleric and Fighter stood an either side of him ready to offer their assistance.

"You…will buy me…a new dress…when this is over…yes?" Witch smiled as she joined Spearman, the idea of traveling through the sewers was not the most enjoyable.

"When this battle is over, I'll buy you whatever you want."

"Your Majesty, I believe that both you and I have business with the Highway Man. He has escaped justice for far too long." Sword Maiden tightly gripped her sword and scales as she looked toward the King.

"Indeed he has, I am grateful to have your aid in this matter."

"Then we'll end this early winter in the final district!" The Hero stood with her comrades as she tightened her grip on her holy sword yet smiled as she looked over all these fine warriors. "Let's make sure we make it through this fight, we are going to have one hell of a story to tell."

The groups were silent for a moment as they all looked toward one another, the worry that they may not all make it back did weigh upon their minds, but all knew the risks that came with being an adventurer, all they could do was fight this with everything they had and trust in each other.

"We're going then." Goblin Slayer nodded as he looked toward his party, and Cow Girl with the wagon ready to follow him.

"Wait!"

Goblin Slayer and his party paused to see Heavy Warrior walking toward him, a stern look on his face.

"I want you to know that no matter what happens, it has been an honor to have fought side by side with you Goblin Slayer. I may not have always seen it, but you've been a valued asset to our guild, a friend to my party and a brother-in-arms to me. Let's show this Necromancer what a silver-ranked adventurer can really do."

Heavy Warrior held out his right hand toward Goblin Slayer who tightly gripped it with his own, the small exchange brought a smile to his party and friends, others could finally see the true valor of this adventurer.

"Look at you, getting soft right before we about to march into the jaws of death as it were." Spearman scoffed as he shook his head before turning toward Goblin Slayer. "As the one who convinced us to go on this insane quest, you better make sure you don't die, how else will people know how great I am if I can't have you there for comparison?"

"Oh you can bet we're all going to make it through this. As the famed Hero, the first round of drinks will be on me!"

"You can't stop with only one round though. As the King, I mean to honor you all for your bravery in this battle, each of you can have all the alcohol you wish! No amount can be too great."

"Careful your Majesty, this dwarf here will take you up on that offer." High Elf Archer chuckled as she patted Dwarf Shaman's shoulder.

"Too late Long-Ears, the King has already made the offer."

There was a final laugh from everyone before they each took off in separate direction to get to their next destination, what fights were ahead of them was still a mystery, but these adventurers had the gods above eagerly watching them. Just how far would they get?

xxxx

"Hmm, quite fascinating. They actually managed to secure the district, but I can already see what you're thinking your Majesty, you all can't keep going this way, you'll have to divide and conquer, but with your forces split, how will you fare?" The Necromancer continued to smile as he looked over the Capital with a sinister smile beside him were two of his followers. "We must make ready for these adventurers. Send the word to my other followers and move to the labs beneath the city, secure the black tome."

"At once my lord." The two followers bowed their heads before leaving him to watch the chaos unfold all around him.

"Results: Theory proven false, King and additional forces have properly secured the district.
Observation: Forces now split up to attempt to cover more ground.
Theory: with reduced numbers, the King and these adventurers should be much easier to deal with."

"Let the experiment continue." The Necromancer chuckled as he eagerly rubbed his hands together.

Author's Note: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, a big thanks to GrimmBear for ideas on the carnage that unfolded all around our warriors during the Battle of the Old District. The next five chapters will focus on each group as they deal with the monsters in their respective district, all the while moving closer towards dealing with the Necromancer. Which group will reach him first and…how many of that party will be left standing?