Chapter IV

First Blood

Enri cast her gaze over her shoulder and to the younger Nemu.

The little sister trudged along several yards behind the elder. The languished pace at which she moved was an act of futility as if to say that if she moved slow enough then there would be no punishment.

On her sister's face was the same sour expression she'd worn the whole way home. It was an expression Enri had seen the girl wear many a time. Nemu particularly liked to wear it when she wasn't allowed to do something.

It's not my fault. If you had just done your chores like you were supposed to, I wouldn't have to come and bring you home.

Twisting the handle the door swung open.

"Mom, we're back," the eldest daughter's voice rang out.

As Enri stopped at the threshold the teenager felt a strong shove to her side. Stepping aside the teenager allowed Nemu to muscle her way through the doorway.

The interior of the house wasn't very big. But then none of the houses in the village were all that large.

The largest room in the house was the main room. It was a fairly large open room thirty-six feet wide and eighteen feet wide. It was here the family spent the majority of their time.

On the western wall was what amounted to a kitchen with its cabinetry, washbasin, and the hunk of cast iron that was the wood-burning that stove sat in the corner. On the opposite side of the room sat the fireplace with its soot-blackened stone mantle, and inside a pile of ash from last night's fire. Scattered between these two walls were the simple pieces of furniture the family owned.

An old oaken table, its pockmarked surface having been worn smooth by the years of use. Surrounding the table were four sturdy chairs far newer than the table. Near the fireplace was their mother's old rocking chair.

Looking at it brought back fond memories of Enri's youth, sitting on her mother's lap as she gently rocked back and forth.

At the end of the eastern wall was a short hallway that led to the other three rooms in the house.

The first door on the left led to the bedroom that Enri shared with her sister Nemu. Inside there were two single beds, a dresser for their clothing, and a small table by each bedside.

The door at the end of the hall was that of her parent's bedroom. Here there was a single large bed they shared, a large wardrobe, and like their daughter's room a small table on either side of the bed.

The final door on the right of the hall led to the washroom. It was there they would take care of their hygienic needs.

Overall the home's layout wasn't too dissimilar from any other house in the village. Only the size seemed to vary between them.

But that didn't matter, this was home.

Standing in the kitchenette was their mother, Sofina.

She stood with her arms submerged up to the elbow in the washbasin as she worked at scrubbing a pot.

Hearing her daughters return the older woman withdrew her arms from the dingy soap water. Turning she grabbed a waiting towel before she began to approach the pair.

Sofina stood not much taller than her eldest daughter. Her face was soft with fine feminine features, compassionate blue eyes, and a beautiful smile. Much like her eldest daughter, she possessed a full head of blonde hair that hung down to just below her shoulders. That is when it wasn't tucked under a kerchief to keep it from interfering with her work or getting too dirty.

After having two children Sofina had developed a more motherly figure with a more than ample bosom and rounded hips. But this only seemed to enhance her beauty. Especially as far as her husband was concerned.

Same as her children, Sofina wore a simple earthen-toned dress that came down to her ankles. Overtop the gown Sofina wore a cream coloured vest.

Setting the towel aside the disgruntled mother stepped up before her two children. Placing her hands on her hips she stared down at her youngest child.

"Just where did you run off to young lady? Out to play again without finishing your chores?"

"I went to see the adventurers," Nemu responded with a hint of her former excitement returned to her. "They were so cool and their armour was so shiny. I bet they fought a hundred monsters to get it."

Sofina couldn't help but shake her head at her daughter's antics. Nemu had always been a bit on the rebellious side. Often choosing to run off and play rather than attending to her responsibilities.

"But you know you had chores to do, Nemu."

The young girl wilted under her mother's stare. Timidly she turned her eyes towards her feet rather than meet Sofina's gaze.

"I know… but I would have missed them if I didn't go."

"Maybe, maybe not," was Sofina's reply, "You might've had more time to see them had you just done your chores in the first place."

In an attempt to forestall any punishment from the agitated adult, Nemu adopted the most innocent voice she could.

"I'm sorry momma."

Sofina was wise to her daughter's methods. Straightening up she crossed her arms over her bust and wielded a stare as only a mother could.

"Don't think that's gonna work on me. When your father is done washing up we'll talk of your punishment. Until then you will go finish your chores."

With an indignant huff, Nemu turned and half-stomped her way to the fireplace. Here she set to work clearing the ashes.

Sofina watched her youngest daughter for a time before turning to her eldest.

"Oh, why can't she just be more like you, Enri? You were less disobedient than Nemu when you were her age." She glanced back to Nemu, "I swear she is more like your father than me."

"Don't be too upset with her mom," Enri offered a soft smile, "Nemu's just a kid and she just gets excited over things. I mean how often do adventurers pass through here?"

"Oh, not you too, Enri."

Sofina sighed, cupping the elbow of her right arm while rubbing her forehead with her free hand.

"Well, did you get to see them too?"

"Yes, they seemed quite friendly."

Sofina smiled and gave a light chuckle.

"Well, now that that's settled. Enri, would you be so kind as to fetch another pale of water?"

"Sure, mom."

"Thank you, deary."

With a smile on her face, Enri turned and slipped through the door.

Outside the sky was clear with only a light hazing of fluffy white clouds. Just all-around pleasant weather.

Moving around to the side of the house Enri plucked the tall pale from its resting place. Then with the bucket in hand, set off towards the village well to gather the water her mother had asked for.

Compared with the energy created by the arrival of the pair of adventurers. The village had quieted down and returned to its more usual pace of life. Even the activity generated by the arrival of the usual traders hadn't created such a stir.

The only that leaped to the girl's mind that caused such a distraction was the visits by The Kingdom's tax collectors. But that was a whole different sort of fuss.

I guess I can't really blame Nemu for what she did. She probably just wants more excitement. After all, it's not like we get many adventurers coming through these parts. Let alone any with equipment like those two had.

Enri thought back to the armoured pair.

The duo was far different from any adventurer she'd previously seen.

Adventurers were a rarity to be seen amongst the likes of Carne Village with most preferring to work around the larger towns that could pay better. When they did come it was usually when they had been hired on as bodyguards for traveling caravans. The majority of these caravans were those that belonged to wealthy traders on their way between cities.

Most Enri had seen came wearing a mishmash of armour types. From simple studded armours to more expensive chain mail armour. One group came through with coats of something they had called scale mail.

Though once when she was younger a wealthy trader passed through. With him his escorts of adventurers who wore metal breastplates and proper armour on their arms and legs. But nothing the likes of what the two from today had worn.

Even Enri knew that the quality of equipment was dependent on its price. Just as with any farming tool, the better the quality the higher the price demanded.

So it stood to reason for those two strangers to be so encased in armour, and such a fancy set at that. It likely meant they had to be rather wealthy themselves to afford it. This, in turn, meant that the pair had to be very successful when it came to monster hunting.

With that something that she'd heard a traveler tell her father long ago.

"There are few old or rich adventurers. They die poor or make it and retire. But there are those who surpass all others. Those become legends."

Those words made the girl wonder.

If that was true what did that mean about those two?

Enri had heard how the two had come from the Forest of Tob. It was a dangerous place to be filled with powerful creatures that would have no qualms about devouring somebody. So for the two of them to venture through with no apparent problem, at least from what Enri could tell, they must've been something special.

"Well, at least they seemed friendly enough."

Putting the thoughts from her mind the teenager continued with her journey.

The village well was situated on the far side of the village from her family's house. Not a terrible distance but not the most convenient when on days of bad weather. Or when having to carry a fully laden pale of water, which each bucket load was three gallons of water.

Hauling that extra way made the distances seem all that much further.

However, this was a trip that Enri was used to making.

In the early hours of the morning, Enri would dress and set out to gather the family's daily water supply. It fell to her being the eldest child and as well with the fact that fetching the water was considered a woman's work. So she'd go with the bucket in hand to the well and then back again to pour the water into the house's holding tank. To fill such a big tank often took Enri three or four trips carrying two buckets each time.

This time Enri was grateful that her mother had only asked her to procure a single bucket's worth. This would make the job much easier.

Approaching the well, Enri set the bucket aside on the low stone wall then reached for the nearby hook. The hook slotted into a notch in the bucket's handle easily enough. Then it was a simple task of taking hold of the lever on the winch and lowering the bucket down the well to the water below.

Enri rolled up her sleeves exposing the untanned upper portion of her arms. Thanks to the many years the teenager had spent aiding her parents in the fields and these hauling trips had done wonders for her physique. Though her arms still retained much of their slender look, the muscles were still well-toned and surprisingly strong.

As of late, she couldn't help but take note of this muscle development in her arms. It was something that brought a slight discomfort to her as this was an unbecoming trait for a woman.

Hearing the tale-tell splash of the bucket making contact, Enri gave more slack to the rope before reversing the crank and drawing the bucket up.

The rope wound itself upon the spit and the pale came back into view, water sloshing over the edges. Hoisting from the well Enri disengaged the hook from the handle and replaced it on its resting peg.

Taking a moment the teenager rested then grabbed the handle and set about heading home.

The teenager had been enjoying the cool breeze and the twitter of the birds overhead when that peace was ended.

A shrill cry filled the air freezing Enri on the spot. A knot taking form deep in the pit of her stomach.

"What?"

It was an odd noise, not unlike the strangled squawk of poultry before its butchering. Yet the sound was deeper and was not from any farmyard fowl.

Though her instincts told her to get away, Enri turned and began towards the sounds. Edging forwards she moved through an alley between two houses. Pressing herself against the stone wall she dared to peek around the corner.

That disturbing cry rang out again and the teen felt her heart lurch within the confines of her chest.

Down the empty dirt street, Enri bore witness to the terrifying source of these dreadful sounds.

A man in full armour stood with sword in hand before a young man who sat upon the ground. The young man sat was propping himself up with one arm, while holding the other out before himself.

From her viewing angle, Enri could not tell who this young man was.

She watched as the knight raised his weapon and swung the blade. The villager on the ground cried out then fell to the knight's blade like wheat before the scythe.

The bucket fell from Enri's grasp as she was forced to cover her mouth lest her audible gasp be heard.

Though its fall was cushioned by the soft earth beneath, its liquid contents spilled out turning dirt to mud. When the knight lifted his gaze towards her direction the teenager ducked back around the corner. Enri's heart raced in terror that held her firmly in its icy grip.

She listened fearing the sound of clanking metal and the approach of this metal-encased terror.

Another scream and the teenage girl found herself peeking beyond the corner once again.

The first knight had turned, now facing the house behind him. There was a heavy thud and heavy footfalls as another armoured knight appeared from the darkened doorway. In one of his hands, he gripped tightly the forearm of a woman as he dragged from the house. The woman looked dazed with her head hanging slack and her legs moving in an uncoordinated manner.

Under the light of the afternoon sun, Enri could see the woman's clothes were tattered. Much of her skirt was ripped with much of her upper leg showing. While the woman's bare chest and midriff could be seen through the torn shirt.

As the first knight approached the second, the man released his hold on the woman's limbs. Unceremonisialy allowing the woman to fall to the dirt with a soft thump.

The second wore an open-face helmet compared to the completely enclosed helmet of the first. It was through this open gap that Enri see the smile spread on his face as he knelt. His gloved hand took hold of a fist full of the woman's hair and roughly hoisted her head from the ground.

From his belt, the first knight withdrew a dagger and held it out in offering to the other.

The knight with the open face helmet took the offered blade in hand and pressed it against the side of the woman's neck. Then in a smooth motion drew the blade across the exposed flesh of her neck.

A horrid croaking gurgle was the only sound the woman could muster as rivulets of crimson spilled down her pale skin.

Soon more screams filled the air.

Now the sounds came from all around.

Pushing hard off the wall to her back, Enri turned and sprinted back down the way she'd come.

Tears streamed from the corners of her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. The screams echoed through her head. Each wail was a person, someone she'd known and now suffering at the hands of the marauders.

The armoured monsters that had invaded the quiet of their lives and now destroyed everything she knew.

Running through the streets she paused briefly to duck behind an overturned wagon. Peeking out the teenage girl's eyes scanned the area. The acidic odor of smoke wafted through the air and to her nose.

Had these raiders set fires?

From the corner of her gaze, Enri could see the horrors left in their wake.

Bodies lie on the ground between houses. Armoured men clattered against the closed door of one house. Others chased after villagers who fled while a man on horseback barked commands to those on the ground.

Unable to stay any longer Enri left the cover of the wagon and set off for home.

Several times the young woman nearly tripped as her feet caught on the hem of her long skirt. But she didn't stop, Enri merely grabbed the cloth of her skirt and held it higher. She moved through the streets in her frantic pace, driven by the ever-present fear.

But strong than that the need to get home. The need to see her family again.

Pushing herself, she could feel the muscles of her legs begin to burn and her lungs ache with each rapid breath.

A rush of relief washed over her panic-stricken mind at the sight of her unmolested home.

"Dad! Mom! Nemu!"

The teen's cries filled the air as she reached for the door handle. The door swung wide in a rapid motion allowing her entry. No sooner had Enri crossed over the threshold than she found herself enveloped in the strong arms of her father.

"Enri," his gruff voice was awash with relief, "Are you alright?"

The teenager could only sod into his chest as he held her close.

With an outstretched arm, Liam took hold of the still-open door and quickly slammed it shut. His arm quickly returned to the reassuring hug in which he held his eldest daughter. He could feel the cloth of his shirt growing damp from the girl's tears.

The sound of shuffling footsteps pulled Enri's gaze.

"Enri!"

Her mother's strained voice called out to the teen.

When her father released his hold upon her, Enri rushed to her mother's side. In the embrace, Enri felt the arms of her younger sister wrapped around their mother's waist.

Sofina wrapped her arms around her elder daughter, pulling her close she bestowed a flutter of kisses to the young woman's forehead. Enri felt the tightness of the embrace grow stronger, almost threatening to squeeze the life from her like a python gripping its prey.

With a struggle, Enri finally managed to disentangle herself from Sofina's iron grip. Ignoring the searching arm of her mother the teen tentatively moved towards her father.

The man stood leaning against the back of the door.

His left shoulder was braced against the door while his right hand gripped the door handle in a white-knuckled hold. Enri could see the sweat dripping along the back of his neck to soak into his shirt collar.

"Dad," Enri's voice was nearly a whisper, "What are we going to do?"

At his daughter's question, the man turned to face her.

Liam looked over the faces of three women with whom he shared this home and his life. Fear was etched deeply into their features distorting them into expressions he'd never seen before. Swallowing hard Liam forced himself to bury his fear for the sake of his family.

o – o – o – o

The Dragonoid's armoured body moved with remarkable speed through the dense growth of the forest. In the background of his mind, he was dimly aware of the presence of the Guardian Overseer keeping pace with him.

Though he was unsure of it, he was certain he'd felt something collide with him several times. Yet if he did, it did not appear to do anything to hinder his pace as he crashed through the undergrowth. His armour clanked and rattled with each forceful impact of his boot-clad foot with the earth. So strong was the blow that he left a series of deep pockmarks in his wake.

At no point in his life could Tiberius recall moving with the haste he did now.

Yuliana and he had nearly reached the clearing within the Forest of Tob when they had set off to return. From there the village of Carne had to be close to two miles away. Yet now as the forest thinned out around him and his keen vision could pick out the outlines of the houses ahead. It felt as though only a matter of moments had passed and he'd covered that entire distance.

After holding such a breakneck pace there was no ache in his muscles, no sensation of being tired. This demonstration left the Dragonoid to marvel at this new body of his.

Breaking out of the thick foliage and into the tilled fields Tiberius was afforded a better look at the village.

Several plumes of thick black smoke rose high above the village. No doubt from houses that now blazed within the village. Even from this distance, Tiberius could pick out the figures darting amongst the buildings.

But it was the way the light shone off some of those figures that grabbed his attention.

Slowing to a stop Tiberius scanned the fields around him.

Here a number of villagers lay strewn out amongst the crops. Their lifeless bodies were left to rot where they had been cut down.

Turning the Dragonoid looked to his escort. With a nod, Yuliana assured her master that she was prepared to continue.

Moving forwards the duo passed through the farmlands and entered the village. Here they received a first-hand introduction to the bloodshed of the attack.

A male villager lay slumped against the stone wall of a house. His clothing was soaked in blood that originated from a deep diagonal slash. Nearby the body of an elderly man lay several feet from his head, the elder's face still contorted in pain.

A third lay on the ground hand's futility gripping at their entrails as they spilled from the gash on the abdomen.

With each step, Tiberius and Yuliana moved deeper into the settlement. At each turn, they were confronted with yet more signs of brutality.

In a doorway, a young man, probably in his late teens, was bent over at the waist. His body continuing to remain upright thanks to the spear which had impaled him, pinning him to the oak door behind him. At his feet an older woman lay, a battleaxe buried deep into the base of her clavicle.

Moving along a dead horse, its body pierced by numerous crossbow bolts. The harness worn by the animal's corpse was still attached to the wagon behind it.

Tiberius moved closer, perhaps the wagon's owner had tried to flee?

Rounding the side of the wagon the Dragonoid found the body of a middle-aged woman. She lay dead against the large wooden wagon wheel, a pair of crossbow bolts protruding from her chest. The bolts had probably come from the same crossbows as those that had killed the horse.

A more sickening discovery lay waiting in the back of the wagon.

The body of a teenage girl was sprawled out across the wagon's contents.

The Dragonoid's eyes scanned over the sight before him.

The young lady had been stripped bare for all the world to see. A wadded pile of tattered cloth that sat on the ground was all that remained of her clothing. The girl's body had been positioned so her buttocks rested on the lip of the wagon bed leaving her splayed legs to dangle limply over the edge. This state of undress and placement of her body spoke as to just what manner of torture she had been subjected to.

Tiberius' eyes scanned over her body.

Blood trickled from a wound on her right breast, here a dagger had been plunged to the hilt into her chest. Further up, more blood oozed from her slit throat, though the wound did not give the impression of being deep enough to be fatal.

Perhaps the killer couldn't do it and had simply stabbed her through the heart instead?

The girl's long blonde hair lay matted and fanned out beneath her. Some of these loose tresses shrouded the girl's face from view.

Taking in the sight before him conjured thoughts of the blonde-haired teenager and her younger sister that Tiberius had spoken to. For a moment he wondered if perhaps this body belonged to her.

Standing at the side of the wagon the Dragonoid reached out with some hesitation. Gently he brushed aside the hair of the lifeless girl to uncover her face. Then withdrawing his gauntlet-clad hand he was presented with a clearer view of the girl's features.

It was not the same girl as before.

This girl had been a beauty in life with soft innocent looks and blue-green eyes. Those eyes that had once no doubt sparkled in life now stared glassily at the sky. The spark having been drained from them.

Possibly before her undeserved end.

Leaving the wagon behind, Tiberius continued onwards to find that even children were not spared being put to the blade. Their smaller bodies lay scattered in the muck alongside those of their older peers.

Through it all, the Dragonoid remained impassive to this massacre.

Why? Why do I feel so little at the sight of these killings? What's wrong with me?!

When the armoured pair had entered the village, the screams of the villagers could still be heard in the air. But now things had quieted down greatly.

From a nearby alley, there came a clatter.

Quickly Tiberius with Yuliana in tow set off in search of this noise. Entering the backstreet Tiberius found the source of the disturbance.

There at the far end of the alley, several armoured men stood with swords in hand faced off against a lone villager.

The knights had surrounded the middle-aged man in a half-circle leaving him nowhere to flee. The villager kept his back to the stone wall of a house, in his hands a gripped pitchfork to which he used to fend off his attackers.

To the knights, it seemed this was but a game for them.

Standing around, each knight would, in turn, make a quick jab at the man. As the villager flayed his weapon about trying to hold them at bay the knights would taunt and laugh.

The sudden appearance of two silver armoured individuals did not pass by unnoticed.

With his back against the wall, the villager was momentarily distracted upon seeing two new figures. This gave his harassers an opportunity to strike. One of the knights lurched forwards, his gloved hand taking hold of the pitchfork and wrenching from the villager's grasp.

Though startled the villager continued to stare passed the knights.

Finally taking notice of the man's sidetracked gaze one of the armoured men turned. Seeing the strangers for the first time the man was quick to nudge another, directing his attention behind them.

"Oi, what do we have here?"

The man at the center of the semi-circle spoke as he and the others turned to face these newcomers.

Soon four men had turned completely, their focus no longer on the simple farmer.

"Would ya get a look at that armour," one of the men remarked, "I bet it cost a pretty gold piece."

"Yeah, I bet we could probably get a good price for it once we strip it off their corpses."

As the knights moved off seemingly forgetting about the villager. The panic-stricken man seized his chance. Scrambling so fast as to almost fall over the farmer sprinted down a side alley.

"Don't worry about him," the man at the forefront spoke, "Not like he's gonna be getting' away."

"So who might you two be, eh?"

"Looks like a pair of fancy pants that are in the wrong place at the wrong time."

From somewhere deep inside the Dragonoid could feel a burgeoning sensation. Raw and restless it urged him forwards. It compelled him to act.

"Yuliana, stay here."

There was a moment's hesitation from the armoured female before she quiet nod.

Satisfied Tiberius turned back to face the brutes before him. Squaring his shoulders and with an assertive stride, the Dragonoid moved to meet the men. As he strode forth to meet his opponent, Tiberius reached across to lay his right hand upon the hilt of the longsword at his hip.

"Oh, looks like he fancies a bit of a go. Well, how 'bout we show a good time."

The largest of the armoured men stepped forwards. The knight moved with the swagger only overconfidence could provide.

As he reached a distance of fifteen feet the knight took hold of his sword hilt with both hands. His arms were stiff holding the blade out diagonally away from his body.

Reaching six feet the man paused, quickly raising his weapon into a vertical position. The man took steps forwards then lunged like a whip. Raising his sword the knight ready himself for an overhead slash.

Though all this was playing out in mere seconds, things were playing out differently from the Dragonoid's point of view.

The moment that man lept at him things seemed to dramatically slow. The man moved at an almost agonizingly languished pace. Tiberius could see the slow spread of excitement as the knight's face contorted.

The Dragonoid's hand tightened its grip on Severance's hilt and pulled. The dark crimson blade slid free in a fluid motion and unrestrained by the scabbard Tiberius maneuvered the weapon. Bringing the longsword up before him, he instinctually angled the sword to block with the flat of the blade.

Ever so slightly his opponent's blade drew nearer and Tiberius braced himself for the coming impact.

A hearty clang rang out as the steel of the knight's blade was intercepted by another.

In that instant, something wasn't right.

Behind his wolven facemask, Tiberius knitted his brow in confusion. He gazed at the man before through the ruby lens puzzled.

He had succeeded in countering the attack with a block. Looking ahead he could clearly see the edge of the knight's sword pushing against the flat of his own blade. But it was this that bothered him so.

On impact he'd anticipated feeling the sword rattle with the blow, he expected to feel the knight's weight to bear down on his defense. This pushback should have been greater since Tiberius was using a single-handed grip compared to the two-handed grip used by the knight.

Yet he felt nothing.

Tiberius watched the sword blade of the knight flex and waver against his sword. Occasionally the blade would slip out of place with a high-pitched squeal. All the while Severance remained rigid and unmoving in his hand. Flexing his fingers the Dragonoid tested his hold on the sword hilt but found it to be as solid as it ever was.

Even now engaged in this struggle Tiberius felt nothing.

Why was he unaffected by this contest of strength? Was this knight just a weakling?

Or was something else at play, could it be that he was just that strong?

At the instant of the knight's face betrayed his thrill to kill another. Yet that excitement evaporated as soon as it had come.

The knight was staggered to find the stranger had put up a block so quickly.

He'd watched the armoured newcomer approach without his sword drawn. Confident of his speed he'd gone for a quick slash. Yet somehow the stranger had drawn his blade so deftly that his eyes had been unable to detect the movement. Now they stood blade to blade, locked into this challenge.

The knight gritted his teeth, resolving to overcome this upstart.

Adjusting his footing the armoured man bore down with more of his weight behind his weapon. He hoped that this would be enough to break this stalemate and throw off his opponent and present him with an opening to attack.

Yet agonizingly the stranger in silver armour appeared to be unfazed, his feet still rooted to the spot. To the knight, it felt like he may as well have been pushing against a mountain.

Tiberius observed the knight's face grow red with his exertion and mounting frustrations. The man's nostrils flared with every breath while his lips pulled back in a grimace. His jaw was clenched as he ground his teeth so hard that it left the Dragonoid to wonder if the man would grind them to dust.

Tiberius inclined his helmet slightly to glance at the man's feet. Below the knight, his boots had dug furrows through the soft earth with his lack of traction.

Deciding to test things, the Dragonoid shrugged and nonchalantly pushed against the knight's bound blade.

To Tiberius the effort was trifling.

To the knight, it was like taking a blow from a battering ram. The overwhelming force of the push had destroyed his poise and sent him staggering backward. The armoured knight flailed his arms in futility as he attempted to regain his balance.

The man's allies stood by and watched as the largest of their number landed flat on his back in a rather comical manner.

"You fools! Don't just stand there!"

Spurred to action by their comrade's words one gutsy knight rushed forwards.

The new challenger readied his weapon and charged at Tiberius.

His body language and positioning telegraphed his attack making it easy for the Dragonoid to read and anticipate.

Outmaneuvering the knight was as simple as performing a quick sidestep. During the transition, the Dragonoid twisted at the waist and swung Severance in a wide arc. There was no resistance as the longsword passed through the knight's flesh separating the man's head from his shoulders.

The momentum of the knight carried his body onwards to tumble to the ground. While his severed head rolled along like a loose ball.

The suddenness of the move shocked the armoured men. However, the moment was fleeting as their anger fueled them and the knights moved to engage.

Two knights strode forwards, their idea was to employ a pincer attack.

It was a simple tactic, one knight would engage the armoured stranger in a frontal assault which would leave him open for the second to attack unimpeded.

The plan had merit and might have been quite effective had the ploy been used against a normal adversary. Unfortunately for these knights, it was not a normal man they faced now in the alleyway.

The two knights remained close together on their approach. Then the second split off as the first knight continued onward towards the waiting Dragonoid. The first knight set himself for a charge while his comrade circled to position himself behind their opponent. Once the second was in position he signaled his friend with a nod.

The first knight dashed ahead.

Shifting his weight Tiberius reacted with a lunge unexpectedly closing the distance between himself and the oncoming knight. The Dragonoid's speed gave no time for the knight to counter. There was the squeal of metal on metal as the deep crimson blade of Severance pierced the knight's steel chest piece like paper. Being skewered through the heart the armoured man went limp as a boned fish as death claimed another this day.

With his opponent still impaled on his blade like a human kabob, Tiberius executed a rapid heel turn. This positioned the lifeless body between himself and the second knight as an impromptu shield.

Unable to disengage from his attack the second knight's arming sword impacted the armour of his deceased associate with a resounding clang.

Drawing back he attempted to recover and prepare for another assault.

But he was too slow.

With a quick flick of his longsword, Tiberius rid himself of the impairment of the first knight's corpse. With his weapon now freed the Dragonoid prepared to make his attack.

The second knight's eyes were wide with fear as he watched Tiberius approach. As Tiberius raised his blade overhead the knight reacted by raising his sword to block the coming blow.

It was a stupid mistake.

The Dragonoid's far superior equipment and strength proved to be beyond his measure.

The longsword traveled with such speed to appear as a gleaming blur and with a single blow Tiberius cut through the armoured man's defenses.

In a rather literal sense.

There was a glint and a whistling sound as the scarlet blade came at him. The knight braced himself and felt a tremor pass through his sword and into his hand. Then came a sharp metallic clink and silence. After that, the man felt as though his flesh had been set ablaze. Searing pain radiated throughout his entire body.

For a moment the knight was aware of the world around him beginning to tilt.

But he was standing, right? Or at least he could have sworn he had been, so then why was the world leaning?

Then the man was met with the ground.

Lowering his longsword, Tiberius stood gazing down at the body of the slain knight.

The Dragonoid's strike had cleanly bisected the knight diagonally across his torso. The blade had entered from his left clavicle, sliced through his armoured breastplate, before exiting near his hip. The upper portion of the body had slid briefly before tumbling to the Dragonoid's left, while the lower share had collapsed where the knight had stood.

From the gaping wound, the man's entrails had spilled out on the ground. Jets of crimson essence spurted from the severed blood vessels to seep into the earth.

A sudden shout broke the Dragonoid from his thoughts.

Like a whirlwind, Tiberius spun to face the remaining enemy.

The knight stood at arm's reach with his sword raised overhead. His expression was one of frenzied fury. The man's mouth hung open in his rage-filled yell. This fierce bellow, however, quickly became a hoarse gurgle.

Tiberius looked on with surprise as a gleaming blade projected from the knight's open mouth like a proverbial silver tongue.

Behind the knight the source became evident.

Looking beyond the knight the Dragonoid could see the Guardian Overseer.

Yuliana stood one of her twin elven swords in hand. Just as the knight had hoped to take Tiberius in a surprise attack, the Guardian Overseer had done the same to him. Yuliana had circled behind the armoured man and plunged her blade through the back of his skull.

With a sharp yank, the blade was withdrawn and the knight collapsed. A trickle of blood leaking from the corner of his gaping maw.

The Dragonoid stared at the armoured female.

"You disobeyed."

"I beg your forgiveness, my lord." The Guardian Overseer fell to her knees, "But I could not allow such a pathetic creature to raise a hand against you."

Tiberius did not respond, he merely turned his gaze away and to the inert body of the knight lying between Yuliana and himself.

While Yuliana remained in her knelt position, her master's silence unnerved the Guardian Overseer and left her mind in a state of uneasiness.

Was her master thinking of punishing her for disobeying?

The sounds of hurried footsteps and fervor shouts rang out. These cries grew closer by the moment.

Still, the Lord of Tyrnaust stood unmoving.

From either end of the alleyway, the racket grew as two groups of eight knights emerged from around the corner. Stepping into the alley the knight's slowed their pace from their frenzied gallop to a casual stroll. The knights scanned over the area, their collective gazes transfixed by the bodies of their fallen compatriots.

Yuliana eyed the group of armoured men opposite the end of the alley from her position.

Perhaps the scream of the last knight to fall had drawn their attention. Or maybe they had happened across the villager who'd fled the scene.

The Guardian Overseer was unable to discern which scenario was most probable. But it didn't matter, these men had come and would soon be joining the others to lie in filth. That much Yuliana was certain of.

From her kneeling position, the Guardian Overseer tracked the staggered movements of the men behind her master. She studied their faces, visible through the open-face helmets they wore. Some wore looks of shock and others showed their anger. But beneath that veneer of fury, she could see the uncertainty and fear that clawed at the back of their minds.

"Lord Tiberius," Yuliana spoke in a gentle tone, "More of the vermin have arrived, what would you like done with them?"

The wolven helmet of her master remained inclined as he continued to stare down at the corpse. The Dragonoid gradually lifted his head and at an equally slow pace turned. The helmet's metal snout traced an arc through the air as his eyes passed over each of the human knights in turn.

Yuliana could hear the creak of his gauntlet as he tightened his grip upon his longsword's hilt.

"My lord, I await your commands."

At her words, the Dragonoid's gaze once more found itself turning back to the Guardian Overseer.

"Kill them all."

The Guardian Overseer suppressed a shudder at the cold sound of her master's voice. It was such a strange tone she'd not heard him use before.

Since their arrival in this world, Yuliana had heard Tiberius utilize a variety of tones in his speech. The deep rumbling timbre when he was thinking over a matter. She'd heard the animalistic savagery of growls when his anger would surface. Then there was the soft and compassionate tenor his voice had taken on when had spoken to her that first night.

But this was something far different.

His pitch was low and tonally flat yet it carried a terrible resonance within it. There was also a finality to it, the resignation of his judgment.

Though it was not the sound of nor the context of his words that bothered the Guardian Overseer. No, it was the lack of emotional inflection. It was almost as if another person had been speaking through him.

Forcing her feelings aside Yuliana acknowledged her lord's words.

"By your will, it shall be done."

The Dragonoid strode passed the knelt guardian, making his way towards the knights.

Craning her head, Yuliana watched him march towards them with slow purposeful steps.

Perhaps they thought their numbers would provide them with an advantage. They thought wrong.

The knights rushed forth attempting to overwhelm him.

The first knight fell, his strike parried with ease and his arms removed with a quick repost. The next armoured human came at him only to be split from head to groin. One tried to maneuver around behind him. As he thrust his weapon at the Dragonoid, he spun catching the man's arm in the crook of his sword arm. Then reaching up he took the knight's throat into his gauntleted hand. There came a gurgling scream and with a quick movement, the knight's throat was torn open with a shower of life essence.

The liquid red sprayed over the silver armour of her master before he turned and went after the nearest target. One after the other the knights were met with the same grisly fate.

Yuliana could not help but admire the grace with which he moved, swift as a dancer and deadly as any assassin.

Feeling assured that her liege was not in any danger she turned to the task at hand. Yuliana rose from the ground started towards the remaining group of knights.

The knights raised their weapons, readying themselves yet did not advance. In seeing this individual's companion killing off their fellows with such ease it had given the men pause. The fear gripped them tightly in its relentless embrace.

The closer Yuliana got the further the armoured humans retreated. That was not something she could abide by. After all, her master had given his orders and she would see them through.

Reaching Yuliana laid her hand upon the second of her elven blades and drew the gleaming sword from its scabbard. With her dual blades in hand, the Guardian Overseer held them at the ready. There was a crack like thunder as Yuliana pushed off from the earth and launched herself at the mass of armoured men.

Terror embedded itself within their souls as the first of their number was struck down.

The Guardian Overseer moved amongst the trope of knights with the fluid grace of a predator and struck with lightning-quick strikes. Like a serpent, she wove her way around the men. With each strike, she would fade back effortlessly avoiding their counterattacks only to strike again.

Yuliana lunged pinning a knight to the stone wall at his back. On either side of his neck, a silver blade shone brightly under the sun. The crisscrossed swords appeared more like a massive pair of shears to him. The thought to beg but his words fell upon deaf ears.

His life was ended when the silver blades were drawn apart.

As their patrol's numbers fell two of the knights could no longer ignore their fear. The pair of armoured humans threw down their weapons and fled in an attempt to escape the certain death.

Yuliana spun around at the sound of their hurried footsteps.

She grinned.

"[Swarm of Serpents}."

There was a flash and the two fleeing men froze. Beneath their feet, the ground became unsteady as the once flat earth seemed to undulate. With great trepidation, the knights turned their gaze to the ground below their boot-clad feet.

Gone was the earthen street, no longer could it be seen beneath the writhing mass. The air filled with a multitude of angry rasping hisses. From the ground rose thick tendrils to wrap about their legs binding them and forbidding escape. It was as they looked upon the ground that the truth became apparent.

All around them the very earth had been transformed into a mass of slithering serpentine forms.

From this mass large muscular constrictors extracted themselves from their squirming kin. Slithering along the bodies of the knights the large serpents soon engulfed them within their coils. The two men screamed as the constrictors began to showcase how they got their names. However, as the pressure mounted and their armour groaned their frantic movements only riled up their smaller snakes.

Almost intelligently the smaller serpents aimed for the areas of their bodies that lacked metallic protection. Soon they felt the white-hot pain as numerous tiny fangs pierced through their clothing and into the pliable flesh beneath. Like liquid fire, the venom seared their veins as it coursed throughout their systems.

The venom went to work, flesh at the site of the bites turning black as the rot quickly set in. The black poison spread throughout their bodies creating a spiderweb-like mosaic across their flesh. Their complexions grew pale then sickeningly yellow, purple blotches appeared as blood vessels burst to create great bruises on their skin. Their former screams became wheezing gasps as their tongues and throats swelled to twice their normal sizes. Their saliva turned to bubbly froth as blood leaked from their eyes.

With a languished gasp the knight succumbed to the lethal toxin.

As Yuliana swung her elven blade the last of the humans was dispatched to join the rest in the grave.

Standing amongst the corpses Yuliana surveyed her work and was pleased. After all, the world would not miss these impudent creatures who would stand against their betters. Her only regret in the matter was that their ends had come all too quickly for her tastes. Those who would stand against her master deserved to suffer.

It was in the silent wake of the massacre that Yuliana was left to wonder, where had her master gone?

Looking over of the opposite end of the alley only the messy remnants of Lord Tiberius' unfortunate would-be foes could be found.

o – o – o – o

Liam pushed off from the door and made his way to the nearby window. Pressing himself against the wall the man slowly peeked his head out. Through the hazy glass of the window, he could see the surrounding houses of the village. His eyes scanned over the streets and found them to be clear of any of the intruders. At least for the time being, anyway.

Swallowing back his fears he turned to face his family.

"We can't stay here," Liam drew closer to whisper, "We're gonna have to take a chance and flee the village."

Enri felt her mother take hold of her hand in a tight grip. She squeezed Sofina's hand back in reassurance.

"It's too dangerous out there," Sofina's voice was perilously higher than a whisper, "We can't! What if they see us? What if they catch us? They'll…

"They will find us if we stay."

Liam's harsh truth quieted his wife.

Stepping closer Liam cupped the woman's face with his calloused hands. Sofina gazed at him with fresh tears in her eyes, her mind filled with terror at the possibilities that lay outside that door. His hands slid to her shoulders as he pulled his wife into a tight embrace.

"We have to take that chance."

The family knew this was the terrifying truth.

The longer they stayed within the village the greater the peril in which they placed themselves. It was only a matter of time until the invaders came upon their house and them within.

As the family began to muster their courage there came a heavy thump against the door.

At the substantial impact, Liam whirled around to face the source. Instinctively he placed himself between the door and his family, his arms extended as if to form a protective barricade around his loved ones.

Sofina pulled her daughters tighter to herself. This time Enri had no objections to the tight embrace. While Nemu began to cry as she gripped her mother's gown in her small fists. In response, her mother only held her that much tighter trying to soothe her youngest child.

Again the door was hit but by a stronger force than before.

The Emmot family could hear the door creak under the strain, but it held firm. However, for how long it would hold was something they could only guess at.

For a moment Liam considered taking his family to the back room and attempting to escape through a window.

But before he could usher them from the room there was another collision with the oaken barricade to their home. This time the impact was too powerful for the door. With a loud crack, the door lock gave out and with it so too did the last measure of safety for the terrified family within.

With speed, the door was flung open to impact the wall behind it with a resounding thud.

In the now open entryway stood the figure of a man silhouetted by the brighter light of the afternoon sun outside.

As their eyes adjusted to the light, the Emmot family could better see the home intruder.

The man stood at an average height with an unremarkable face. He wore a set of dark blue trousers with a dark green long shirt that fell to mid-thigh. Over this ensemble, he'd donned a blue surcoat with white trim along the edges. Atop it all, he was adorned in pieces of polished steel plate armour.

Upon his upper body, he was protected by a shining breastplate along with the pieces for his shoulders and much of his arms. Much of the knight's face was well hidden behind his helm with only a narrow gap that showed his mouth, nose, and eyes. As for the man's lower half, it was mostly bare of armour. Save for armoured shin guards and partially armoured boots. His hands were covered by thick leather gloves, and in his right hand, he carried a one-handed sword.

Yet it was the insignia emblazoned on the chest plate that captured their eye more than that of the sharpened blade.

Inscribed on the steel plate was the sigil for the Baharuth Empire.

These were not mere bandits or some rogue mercenaries. These were imperial knights who were carrying out this merciless bloodbath.

Even behind her father's outstretched arm, Enri could the cold gaze of the armoured man as he stood blocking their only chance for escape.

The man didn't move. He simply stood watching them from his place on the threshold. The grin he wore told that he was enjoying seeing the terror he was inflicting upon them.

Tightening his grip on his sword the man took several steps towards the home's frightened inhabitants.

"Aaahh…"

With a mighty warcry, Liam charged the armoured man.

From her place at her mother's side, Enri watched as her father collided with the knight and bore him off his feet. The force of her father's bull-rush propelled both men out the open door and into the street outside.

The knight's armour rattled and clanked loudly as the two grappled on the ground.

Laying on his back the knight was pinned beneath the villager with surprising strength. Raising his arms, the knight attempted to fend off this madman. For a moment he was able to dislodge his attacker. Temporarily freed the knight attempted to roll and reach for his weapon. Only for the villager to once again set himself upon him. In the scuffle, the man had dislodged his helmet, and bereft of its protection the villager set about hammering him. Two strong blows cut across from the knight's right.

The first blow struck his cheek. He'd barely had the time to feel the pain before the second landed on his jaw. He could taste the rich metallic taste of blood after the impact.

Angered the downed knight retaliated.

Forming a fist the knight struck out at the man atop him. Though he managed to land several strikes it did not deter the crazed villager. Instead, the villager only pressed down with more of his weight. Rough hands now seeking out his throat.

Forgoing his nearby sword the knight now reached for the dagger that hung on his belt.

Liam could recall the pain in his shoulder as he barreled into the armoured man in his doorway. How they landed, the man's armour clattering loudly. Then how he climbed atop the knight pinning him to the ground as best he could.

The imperial knight had tried to push and shove him from his position. But Liam would not, could not, budge. He had to prevent this man from standing and threatening his family's safety.

When the knight had somehow found new strength and managed to free himself. Liam rushed to again grapple the knight. The armoured man's left hand was pressed hard against the side of his face. From the corner of his eye, Liam could see the knight's right hand wandering, grasping for his nearby weapon. Taking notice that he had lost his helmet, Liam raised his left fist and struck the man.

His hand ached with the impact. He had intended to strike again only to be disrupted by the knight landing his own blows upon him. Undeterred Liam reached for the knight's neck intending to end this.

However, as Liam wrestled for a grip on the other man's neck he noticed movement. The knight's right hand had drawn a hitherto unseen knife.

Releasing his hold, Liam instead pressed his right forearm against the man's throat and chin. Quickly his left hand took hold of the knight's right wrist as he attempted to stab his assailant.

Liam directed his gaze towards the open door of his house.

"Hurry! Get away from…"

He didn't get the chance to finish his statement.

In his frenzied clash, Liam had missed the sounds of shouts and the heavy footfalls approaching.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a boot rammed into his ribs, forcing the air from his lungs. The force of the blow was enough to send him rolling several times over.

Lying on his back, Liam grabbed his now fractured and very pained side.

Seizing their chance Sofina grabbed her daughter's by the hand and rushed to the door. The trio had only made it halfway out the door before they froze. More of the imperial knights had come and blocked the street at both ends. Sofina reacted just as her husband had done and pushed her children behind her as she tried to back away and back towards the house.

From her position at her mother's side, Enri watched as the knights doled out their punishment to her father.

The first knight rose from the dirt, his helmet gone, wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. He spit at the ground before bowing to retrieve a knife from the dirt. With anger clear upon his features the knight joined a handful of others to stand over her father.

"Damn you!" the armoured man growled his words.

Rearing back he unleashed a ferocious kick to Liam's abdomen. As her father tried to curl into a ball and shield himself, the knight raised his heavy boot again.

For a moment, Enri thought that he might be readying to deliver another kick. However, it was not so. Instead, the man brought his armoured foot down in a vicious stomp. There was a crunching sound as her father gasped and his arm flopped upon the ground. Again, the knight lifted his foot and this time it landed upon Liam's hand. He ground the flesh beneath his heel while her father howled in pain.

Removing his foot, the knight spit on him. Striding over the knight snatched his helmet from the ground and returned it to his head.

"Pick him up."

Two of the other knights stepped forwards, bending down the men hoisted the injured man from the ground. The armoured pair then dragged him back towards his house.

At their approach, Sofina guided her daughters back through the door into the dim confines of their once joyous home.

Their boots echoed on the wooden floor as the knights made their way inside. The two knights carried Liam into the kitchen and held him aloft as he sagged in their arms.

The head knight was the last to enter, shutting the door behind him.

The knight made his way across the room and paced the width of the room before the group. Occasionally the man could pause to act as though he was inspecting something before continuing. He kept this up for a bit before he strode across the room to stand before his prisoner.

The knight balled his fists and unleashed a solid punch to the prisoner's side. Again and again, he landed blow after blow on the incapacitated villager as he released his repressed aggression.

With each impact, Liam felt a new wave of pain explode as he was pummeled. Whenever he would cry out, he was met with a steel gauntlet to backhand him. By the last strike, he was sent into coughing wheezing fit. At the back of his throat, he could taste the awful tang of bile and blood.

The two older women of the Emmot family looked on in abject horror while the youngest hid her face in her mother's gown. This was something that Sofina made certain of as Nemu did not need to see this if it was to be their last memories of her father.

Seemingly satisfied the knight turned away from her father and gazed at them.

As he stepped away Liam groaned and spoke again.

"Ssstay ahway frooom vhem."

His speech was slurred and half mumbled but it got the knight's attention.

Turning back the knight moved closer before striking the prisoner.

Liam's head whipped backward uncontrollably as his vision grew hazy. His jaw radiated with fresh pain and in the back of his mind, he wondered if perhaps it had been broken.

Through his foggy mind, Liam was only partially aware of the knight saying something to his family. Or was it to him? It was difficult to think with the terrible throbbing in his head.

From his belt, the knight brandished a dagger.

In a show of skill, the armoured man performed a quick flourish with the small blade before holding it aloft. Then in a deft motion, the knight spun and plunged the dagger to hilt into the prisoner's stomach.

The world around Enri seemed to fall away. Between the gurgling cough of her father and the heartwrenching scream of her mother, there was nothing else.

In her moment of despair, Sofina was no longer able to stay away, rushed to her husband's side.

Enri in her shock moved without thinking, taking her mother's place as Nemu cried out. Unable to doing anything else the teenager merely watched.

Sofina had nearly made it to her spouse when she was blindsided by a powerful slap from the knight. The woman unable to maintain her balance was sent careening to the ground. Propping herself up, Sofina stared up at her husband with wide fearful eyes and fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.

She wasn't on the ground long before the armoured man seized her by the upper arm and yanked her from the floor.

Enri tightened her hold on her younger sister and fled to the far side of the room at the man's approach. Putting the wall to her back, she inched along the hard surface until she and her sister were nestled in the crook of the fireplace. Unable to shrink away any further Enri fell to her knees, her hold pulling Nemu down with her.

Powerless Enri looked on as the Knight whirled her mother around and shoved her roughly against the dining table.

The knight pinned her between himself and the table as he gripped her mother by the back of her scalp. He gazed at the older woman for a moment before shifting his gaze to the other two females.

Enri couldn't suppress a shudder as she felt his eyes roam over them. His ill intentions for them were made all the more clear by the cruel smirk he wore. But more telling was the lustful gaze in which he looked at them. The teenager felt a lump of dread bury itself into her heart and sickness settle into her stomach as she saw the slow draw of his tongue across his lips.

Turning around the man again looked to her crying mother.

He raised the bloody knife and gently ran the blade along the older female's cheek. The scarlet liquid the covered the blade was smeared on her flesh from the cold steel. Carefully he drew it along the skin of her face down her neck and around to her cleavage. Sliding the blade amid her breasts the knight held it there for a moment before yanking it forwards.

The razer-sharp edge had little problem slicing cleanly through the flimsy material.

Sofina cried out as the cloth of her shirt was cut opened leaving her breasts bare before this vile man. Impulsively her arms moved in an attempt to shield herself.

This action only served to earn her another heavy backhanded slap from the armoured man. The blow to her face sent her head ricocheting to the side and forcing her to brace herself against the tabletop. Throbbing pain radiated across her cheek and she could taste the blood of her split lip.

The man gripped her by the arm again and spun her around to face him.

"Don't do that!" the man hissed in a low husky tone, "I desire to see what gifts you have to offer us. A filthy heathen such as yourself should feel privileged for the honour of our divine touch."

The knight's voice lifted in a pious tone, "After all, the scriptures say to bring forth the divine touch to all unbelievers."

These words earned deep chuckles from the other two armoured men in the room.

Once more a twisted smile lifted the corners of the man's face as he took delight in seeing the reactions of the women.

Taking ahold of a fistful of her hair he made sure to hold her in place as he took his pleasure. As Sofina felt the man's rough leather glove upon her bare skin a fresh wave of tears descended her cheeks.

Enri made sure that Nemu was turned away from the perverted sight. Hugging her closer, if it was possible, Enri could only pray for a miracle.

Above the cries of her mother and younger sister, Enri could hear another in the background. Sounds of shouts and clashing steel.

The hinges creaked as the door slid slowly open allowing the light from outside inside. In the threshold of the open entry stood another of the armoured men.

The leader turned at this, his frustrations for interruptions boiling over.

"What do you want?!" he barked at the newcomer, "You know better than to interrupt me as I work."

The other knight did not reply.

"Speak you imbecilic peon or be gone! Or I shall see to it that you forfeit your portion of the spoils."

The other knight did not answer save for a slow exhale. Then he swayed briefly on his feet before collapsing to his knees and falling face down on the wooden floor.

Releasing his hold on the woman he stepped away and moved closer to the fallen subordinate. His movements showcased his extreme caution.

Looking over the body of the other knight did he then notice the distinct injury.

The steel plate of his cuirass had been torn open upon his back. Through the gaping hole fresh blood leaked from ragged flesh.

"Wha…"

He was silenced as a shadow darkened the entryway.

The sudden appearance of the shadow caused the knight to give a startled jump. Looking at the open door the man began to back away from the figure which blocked the way.

At first, Enri had thought it to be just another imperial knight. But this was not so. As the figure stepped into the house the teenage girl was afforded a better view of the new arrival. The armour of this individual was nothing like those of the imperials.

Recognition flashed across the teenager's face as the memory of the stranger came to her.

It's him!

For a time Enri wanted to cry out. To call out and beg for aid from the adventurer.

But her voice froze in her throat as she gazed upon the stranger.

The armoured stranger stood silent just inside the entry. The formerly spotless silver armour was now soiled by splatters of crimson. The once placid wolven face of the helmet was twisted by the shadows. The canine showed a sinister feral face to the world. As the blood painted across the snout gave the impression of a wolf fresh off a carcass.

But most frightening was the eyes. Those glowing red eyes blazed with scorching light.

This could not be the same adventurer who spoke to she and her sister earlier that day. The same who had been so cordial in greeting and friendly in tone.

No, this could not be the same one.

To Enri, it was as if some beast had donned that armour and was now hunting for its next victim.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of creeping horror overtake her mind at such a sight.

"Who the hells are you?!" the lead knight snapped.

The armoured adventurer loomed like a giant over the imperial knights. His every step into the room echoed like thunder in their silence.

"Get him!"

At their leader's command, the two auxiliary knights were prompted into action. Releasing their hold on the prisoner the pair drew their weapons.

Enri gasped watching as her father slip from their grasp to land on the floor with a heavy thud.

Together the knights advanced on the stranger while their more timid leader held himself back.

To any observer, the following scene seemed to play out in a matter of moments.

The first of the knights to attack moved forwards, his aim a low slashing attack at the joint of the stranger's knee. To his astonishment, the stranger made no move to avoid or defend himself against the attack.

The blade made contact, the reverberation in the sword made the metal sing.

Then in an instant, the knight was seized by the neck. He gasped and spasmed about as he was hoisted effortlessly into the air. His struggles were brief before his eyes rolled back into his head and his flailing body fell still.

The lifeless body was released to collapse onto the floor. Before the Dragonoid turned and rushed to the second opponent.

The second knight had barely time to react before he was pushed back, colliding hard with the wall. He was pinned staring up at the metallic canine face when there was great pain in his abdomen. The stranger had backed away and now looking down the knight could see the hilt of a sword protruding from his armour.

Tiberius watched the man grip the sword hilt feebly trying to remove the object that held him pinned to the wall like an insect on display. The knight's hands faltered and his body went slack.

Bearing witness to the swift ends of his subordinates the lead knight hastily retreated. Cowardly he scrambled back to where he'd left his female prisoner laying hunched over on the ground.

The knight reached out, grappling with the woman briefly as he hauled her to her feet. His left arm entwined itself about her waist holding her tight to him. While his right hand searched the table behind him his misplaced dagger.

Sofina struggled. With her left arm, she attempted to preserve some modicum of modesty by covering her chest. While her right arm was busied with trying to free herself from the vice-like grip in which she was ensnared.

Only when the marauder's arm snaked its way around her neck like the coil of a python. Only when she felt the cold steel of his blade did she cease.

The knight tightened his grip about her neck.

"Stay back," the frightened man snapped his eyes wide with fear, "Or I'll kill her!"

Hearing those words brought a fresh cry of anguish from the little Nemu as she buried herself into her sister's embrace.

However, the threat did not seem to reach the armoured stranger. As they approached Sofina felt the biting sting of the dagger as the tip was pressed harshly against her skin. Fearing this she renewed her escape attempts. For this, she only received a harsh grunt from the man and sharp anguish as he dug the knife into her shoulder.

Tiberius stopped when he heard the woman's cry.

This action made the knight smile upon finding a means to gain the upper hand. Perhaps there was a way for him to get out of this situation. So long as he retained his hold on the hostage.

"Now back away, I'll be taking this woman with me and I don't suggest you try to follow."

The Dragonoid, however, showed no signs of complying with the man's demands.

"Did you not hear me?! I said I'll…"

Enri felt her breath hitch in her chest in surprise with what came next.

The man had foolishly brought the dagger away from Sofina's neck to point it at the stranger blocking his path. Like a silver streak of lightning the adventurer's arm shot forth. His gauntleted hand clamping down on the forearm of the other.

With tremendous ease, Tiberius twisted the man's arm skywards causing him to cry out in pain, dropping his knife in the process.

Shock and pain were shown clearly on the knight's face. Pain raced through his arm where the stranger's hand gripped him like an iron vice. Releasing his hold on the captive letting her slip free.

Unrestrained Sofina took a moment to cover herself before striding quickly to the side of her wounded husband.

Enri's heart raced with elation at the sight of seeing her mother freed from the marauder's clutches. She watched as Sofina cradled Liam's head in her lap. Although the teenager yearned for nothing more than to race her parent's side. Something compelled her to remain where she was. Some quiet voice telling her the danger at hand had not yet passed.

Tearing her gaze away from her parents, Enri observed the two armoured individuals standing at the center of the room.

Though she would never admit to it, seeing the knight who had taken such joy in tormenting her family. The one who hurt her father and threatened them with unspeakable acts, now tasting fear for himself.

It gave Enri a sense of satisfaction in seeing this. In knowing that justice would be visited upon him.

Gone was the man's bravado, replaced by cowardice. His smug cruel words turned to nothing but pitiful sniveling.

"I have money… I can make you wealthy. You'd like that right?" the knight's voice quivered, "I beg of you to let me go."

There came a sound like that of a branch breaking followed by a bestial howl of anguish.

The knight crumpled to the ground after being released.

Resting on his knees the man supported his now ruined left arm. The vambrace worn upon his forearm was bent at an odd angle forcing the limb to follow suit.

Yet this was not the end of his punishment.

Enri watched as the adventurer extended his arms to place a hand on either side of the man's helmeted head.

At first, it seemed to be a move to remove the knight's helmet. However, this was not so. The sound was faint, barely audible. But Enri could hear it, a low groaning resonance. It was the sound metal made when placed under strain.

A sound that Enri learned of when she had attempted to stand atop a rather old and rusty bucket. The bucket had creaked and groaned then collapsed in on itself sending her tumbling to the ground, earning her a bruised knee and a scraped elbow.

Understanding the meaning behind that noise Enri looked to her younger sibling.

"Don't look, Nemu."

The older sister held her sister ensuring that her face was turned away and placed her hands over the girl's ears.

The Dragonoid stared down at the knight kneeling before him. His hands gripped the man's helmet and a slow deliberate pressure began to press inwards. Given how easily his previous had been dispatched Tiberius knew that his greater strength would have little trouble ending this man's existence.

Yet he could not allow it to be so quick. No, this man deserved to suffer for his transgressions against these people.

Something about this particular knight had tapped into a darker part within him. Now, this impulse drove him to exact his punishment.

The knight's eyes were wide with panic as the confines of his helmet grew tighter around his skull. It took a moment for the man to understand the reason behind this. But as the mounting gravity of the situation sank in it became clear. With his good arm, the knight desperately reached for the stranger's gauntleted hands. He clawed at them franticly, his fingers seeking any point where they may find purchase to pry the man's hands off him.

Soon he could the helmet pressing prominently against his temples like a growing headache.

"STOP!" he screamed, "PLEASE STOP!"

As his desperation grew the knight flailed his useless left arm at his tormentor. The mangled limb battered against the armoured figure only to be rewarded with new and intense pain.

The knight's movements grew more and more frenzied.

All around him, he could hear the groan of the distressed metal and feel the material buckle under the strain. With the pressure, the knight's face began to compact and elongate as the sides of the helmet closed in around him. Throughout all this, the knight continued to scream and plead with the Dragonoid.

The steel shell closed in further and with it came a noise like the cracking of a nut. This was the sound of his cheekbones no longer able to take the strain as they shattered. The man's eyes bulged so far they threatened to pop from their sockets. The whites had begun to cloud over, turning a ruddy red as blood vessels ruptured.

Still, the Dragonoid applied even pressure.

Enri who had closed her eyes at the start did her best to ignore the horrifying screams of the knight. Telling herself he deserved it. In this mantra she repeated to herself a dark temptation began to take hold. Chancing it she opened her eyes and glanced at the scene playing out.

The knight's limb flailed in his desperate bid to break free.

Looking beyond the man and his punisher she could see her parents on the opposite of the room. Her mother was bent over her father as she covered her ears. For a moment Enri felt a pang of jealously, for in ensuring her sister would not witness the happenings it left her unable to fully block it out herself.

By now the man's pleas had lost all semblance to anything a human would produce. Instead, they were the sounds of a terrified and wounded animal.

Then it came.

The groan of metal reached a crescendo accompanied by a nauseating gagging noise. Then there was a sound like that of the splitting of a melon with its telltale wet squelch.

All sound seemed to disappear from the room.

This silence was more unnerving than any of the knight's cries had been. A shiver passed through the girl's body as her breath came in rapid pants.

The knight's body sagged, his once thrashing limbs hung lifelessly, though still held in position by the blood-stained adventurer. When he released his hold the corpse flopped forwards with a dull thump.

No longer could it be said that the knight's head was round in shape. But instead, it was rather flat. His features were deformed and jumbled as if his head had been replaced with a bag of stones. A trail of blood ran freely down the length of his forehead from beneath the mangled steel shell.

It was then Enri took note of the Dragonoid's shift in direction. He turned and inclined his head setting his gaze upon the pair as they huddled by the fireplace.

As those crimson lights of his eyes fell upon her, Enri shuddered as she stared up at him with fear. While it was true he had just saved her family from those vile men, but after seeing what he was capable of. She couldn't help but worry about their safety.

At his approach, Enri closed her eyes attempting to shrink back as if to meld with the stone at her back.

"It's okay, you're safe now."

Enri opened her eyes and peered at the armoured adventurer as he towered over her. His voice possessed the same rich timbre and calm tone as when they had spoken earlier. But more than that the light had disappeared from the helmet's eyes.

A shadow of disbelief drifted over her features briefly. How could he commit such an act and yet remain so calm about it?

However, the question was quickly brushed aside by a more immediate concern.

Dislodging her younger sibling the teenage girl stood before bringing little Nemu to her feet as well. Together the sisters raced across the room to be with their parents.

From her place on the ground, their mother pulled her daughters into a hug so tightly so as to never let go again.

"Da…d…dy," the youngest child's words were heavily distorted by her crying.

Enri stood to her mother's side, looking down at her father.

"Mom… Is he…"

She couldn't bring herself to finish the question.

Sofina didn't answer her daughter, instead, turning her attention to the love of her life laying before her.

Liam lay on the floor, his head resting upon his wife's lap. His breathing was coming in slow and shallow wheezes. While his skin had begun to take on a pale sickly colour from the continued blood loss. Gazing at him it was clear life was ebbing away from the man and it was only a matter of time.

As the trio of women gathered around their tears fell freely.

No longer necessary the Dragonoid turned away. Making his way back to the entrance he paused momentarily at the body of the knight still pinned to the wall. Reaching out Tiberius took the hilt of Severance in hand and drew the sword from the body, which slid to the ground.

Returning the blade to its scabbard he hesitated to take a last look at the grieving family before turning away again.

"Wait!" a soft voice spoke up, "Please, wait."

Hearing the plea the Dragonoid turned back, his eyes falling upon the elder daughter.

Stepping away from her family, Enri approached the armoured adventurer in the doorway. Clasping her hands together the teenager stared up at him.

"Please, sir. Help my father if you can," her eyes sparkled with tears, "I beg you."

The moment stretched out between them like an eternity.

Finally, her answer came when the Dragonoid nodded and turned to follow her. Standing over the family members huddled on the floor, Tiberius looked down at the dying man.

I guess first things first.

"[Life Essence]"

[Life Essence], a common spell used by magic casters within YGGDRASIL.

Once invoked the spell would allow the caster to visualize a target's health pool as an aura. The more health points an individual had the further the aura would extend from the body and into the surroundings. While those with low health would have a smaller aura that would gradually fade and disappear when their stats reached zero.

However, that was not to say this spell was foolproof. There did exist various ways of countering the spell.

Looking over the man, Tiberius examined him closely.

At first, the air around the man was bereft of any change. But then there came only a faint outline around the man's body.

Seeing this the Dragonoid began to mull over his options.

His health points are nearly gone. I doubt a regular recovery potion would be enough. Likewise, I doubt a lower-tier spell would work. So I guess then I'll just have to try a higher one instead.

The Dragonoid stretched forth his arm positioning his hand above the wounded man.

As he'd done before Tiberius focused his mind delving within himself and the world fell away. All but the villager laying upon the floor lost their colour, becoming but shadows of their former selves.

"[Greater Heal]"

Enri heard the words he'd spoken and looked on as the adventurer's gauntleted hand began to glow. The same glow shone from her father before quickly enveloping his body.

His face which was once contorted in a look of pain began to relax returning to a look of serenity. For one terrifying moment the girl had thought the help had come too late and her father had passed on. But as she saw the calm rhythmic movements of his chest were those fears laid to rest.

Scanning over his body, Enri watched as the swelling and bruising of his face diminished and disappeared. His flesh previous sickly and pale was now returned to its proper tone as the revitalization magics performed their duties.

Just as her mother's eyes had, Enri too found herself looking to the location of his terrible injury.

In astonishment, the women of the Emmot family watched as the blood which had previously Liam's clothing vanished. Not even a stain was left upon his tunic to mark its existence.

Sofina gasped audibly in her disbelief as she bore witness to this miracle. Reaching out she yanked upon his shirt to expose his abdomen. Where had been a deep gash, open and oozing was now but smooth and flawless skin.

Liam groaned with the fleeting feelings of soreness that lingered in his muscles. His brown eyes fluttered open as he squinted at the light. From his position on the floor, the man looked up to be met with the tear-streaked faces of his family.

As he wondered why his memory came back to him.

He remembered how the armoured knight had invaded their home. How he tried to protect his family by attacking the marauder, only to be blindsided by his compatriots. Then the beating he had received at their hands, and the glint of a blade accompanied by intense pain.

At that memory Liam's face contorted, his hands reaching for his stomach. He groped his abdomen searching for any trace of the wound done to him.

"How?"

With tears of joy, Sofina leaned down pressing her forehead to that of her husband.

"Shh," she cooed to Liam, "It's okay… we're okay… you're okay."

Gazing into his wife's eyes, Liam brought his hand up to cup her cheek. He opened his mouth to speak only to let out a groan as a heavy object suddenly landed upon his stomach. Shifting the man and woman looked down at their youngest daughter draped across him.

"Nemu," the mother cried out.

However, neither she nor her husband made a move to dislodge the child. Instead, Liam's outstretched arms encircled the girl in a hug as she cried.

Sofina planted a soft kiss upon his lips and another on his forehead before joining her daughter in embracing him.

From his spot, the Dragonoid looked on the proceedings with a mix of interest and embarrassment.

His interest lay in how the magic had worked upon the now healed man. While his embarrassment came from watching the married couple share tender kisses and gentle whispers.

This was a private moment not intended for his prying eyes.

Tiberius turned away and made his way to the door. He paused briefly as the sound of footsteps came from behind him.

"Thank you."

Tiberius craned his head seeing the eldest daughter over his shoulder. She shared the same joyous tears as her mother and sister.

"Stay indoors and you'll be safe."

Tiberius was only dimly aware of the further words of gratitude being offered up before he passed through the doorway.

o – o – o – o

The Guardian Overseer strode along the village streets continuing in her search for her wayward master.

Approaching an intersection Yuliana paused, her eyes scanning the paths laid out before her.

The streets which had been littered with bodies of villagers were now joined by the mangled corpses of fallen knights. A smile graced her lips, her master may have wandered off but at least he was kind enough to leave a trail of bread crumbs to follow.

Looking over the bodies Yuliana could not help but feel a sense of approval.

These humans were pathetic fools. They'd witnessed the combat prowess of her master, seen his superiority for themselves yet still they persisted in standing against him. In doing so they had proved to be unworthy of existence and had received what they deserved.

It was the undeniable law of nature that the weak yield to the strong. Those that fought against it were doomed to fall.

Yuliana paused in her stride, staring down at the bodies of the slain knights scattering the street.

To know that these pathetic beings would dare to harbor such thoughts of harming the Lord of Tyrnaust. It filled the Guardian Overseer with unfathomable anger.

It was unfortunate that her master had already cleansed this area and left her with no outlet.

She had only taken a step before stopping again as a flitter of movement caught her eye. Turning her head, Yuliana examined the spot.

Laying amongst a pile of armoured bodies it appeared that there was a survivor. By a stroke of sheer luck, this individual had managed to elude detection and thus escape her master's wrath.

Now the knight remained low as he attempted to crawl along the ground unnoticed.

With a grin gracing her hidden features, Yuliana made her approach. She did not make an effort to conceal her movements. No, she went as far as to make more noise hoping to unnerve the knight.

Extending her arm, she held one of her swords perpendicular to her. The tip of the blade making contact with the stone wall of a nearby building. This created a harsh racket as the metal ground along the stone.

Her plan had worked as the armoured man froze.

With the use of her right foot, Yuliana rolled the knight over onto his back.

The knight recoiled as he stared up at the armoured figure above him. Shakily the knight reached up, pulling his helmet off with unsteady hands allowing the other to look upon him.

Yuliana examined him.

Judging the young man's features he was probably not long out of his adolescent years. Overall he could be said to be attractive with youthful ruggedness and a boyish charm about him. At least, that is what Yuliana could assume by human standards. But most of all she noted his soft brown eyes. Eyes that gazed up at her wide with terror.

"P-p-please…" the young man stuttered, seemingly on the verge of tears, "I beg you…"

Gracefully Yuliana lowered herself to kneel beside him.

"Shhh," she cooed softly.

Reaching out she placed a gloved finger against his lips before cupping his chin.

Lifting his head the young man looked up at the beautifully sculpted face mask worn by this stranger. The jeweled lens of the eyes seemed to glow softly and he could not help but feel drawn to them.

As the youthful knight calmed, Yuliana withdrew before striking. Raising the sword in her left hand she placed the tip over his armoured chest plate. There was a crunch and the sound of rending metal as she pushed it forwards. The blade passed through the metal barrier with no signs of resistance.

The young man gasped harshly at the sudden penetration into his flesh beneath the steel plate. Still, he made no move to defend himself as he instead gazed upon the glowing jewels.

Yuliana leaned in closer to the young man.

"There can be no mercy for those that would seek to harm my lord." Her voice was but a whisper in his ear.

Watching the knight expire at the end of her blade did help abate some of the anger that she had felt. Yet, it was not enough as knowing there were more out there only brought with it a new wave.

Extracting the blade Yuliana gave the weapon a sour look. With a small huff, she reached down tearing a piece of cloth from the knight's clothing. With it, she preceded to wipe away the offending crimson liquid. Once the sword blade was returned to its spotless state did she toss away the soiled rag.

Turning her attention back to her original task the Guardian Overseer set forth.

Making her way through the village streets, Yuliana approached the small open area at its center. She paused in the shadow of a small house as she scanned the plaza.

It seemed that fear had gotten to what remained of the invading force. So it was they had chosen to regroup, hoping that their numbers and the open environment may afford them an advantage.

Yuliana chuckled at this.

Foolish, as if anything could help them now.

Yuliana felt a level of conceit creep over her in watching these men mill about.

In all her time as a guardian of Tyrnaust, she'd never gotten the opportunity to face an opponent. And though these humans had proved to be pitiful, unable to stand up against her, it felt good to be able to exercise her abilities.

"[Triplet Maximize Magic - Magic Missile]"

The Guardian Overseer's eyes widen as a voice boomed across the plaza.

From the opposite side of the village square came a volley of magically created projectiles.

The bolts of magical energy sailed through the air with inhuman precision to find their targets. On impact, the energy contained within those bolts was released.

With explosive force and a searing flash, the magic superheated the metal of their armours melting it away in an instant. With its tremendous kinetic force, the bolts drove through the weak flesh beneath leaving behind nothing but a charred borehole.

As the mounted knights were knocked from their steeds the others turned with fearful looks. The armoured men marshaled together and readied to fight.

"[Acid Splash]"

Yuliana's outstretched hand directed the spell.

Above the heads of the knights, an orb began to take form. A mist of yellow-green liquid coalesced from the atmosphere into an ever-growing blob. Larger and larger it grew until the globule had reached a size of ten-foot across.

Having attained its apex the orb of liquid descended from the sky.

A few of the knights below had taken notice of the looming shadow. But did not take action until it was too late.

Tumbling through the air the large bubble of liquid splattered on impact with the earth. A shower of yellow-green rained down upon those closest.

Had this been a simple rain of water there would have been no trouble. Yet, this was a ball of concentrated acid.

Small wisps of smoke began to rise from anything the caustic liquid had touched. The acid wasted no time in eating through the hardened steel plates. The metal offered no protection against this type of attack. Metal rain like candle wax and it wasn't long before the acid reached the skin underneath.

The knights began to scream as their flesh was dissolved by the corrosive.

Men dropped to their knees. Others thrashed about in a wild frenzy as they attempted to rid themselves of their armour. With their meat liquefying, blood ran freely from open sores that pockmarked their bodies.

The most unfortunate were those nearest the splash.

One man had been drenched by the bursting of the acid bubble. The majority of his body had dissolved into a putrid goo. Another knight stood clawing at his face as the flesh began to melt away into a bloody mess and dripped from his skull.

It was into this chaos that the Dragonoid strode with sword in hand.

With every swing of Severance, an enemy fell before him. Their numbers fell at a steady pace until finally, none remained and Tiberius stood alone.

From behind the ruby lenses of his helmet, the Dragonoid observed the consequences of the battle.

I killed them. I killed them all and I still feel nothing for these men. No, that's not true. I do feel something…

Raising his arm, pointing the tip of his longsword towards the sky Tiberius watched as the blood slid along the length of the dark blade. A droplet formed and oozed over the crossguard and along his gauntlet before falling to the stained earth.

I feel angry… Angry that these men had attacked these people. Angry that it ended too quickly. They deserved worse than this.

In the light of the sun, Tiberius could see a distorted reflection in the metal of the messy blade.

I want more… I feel it like a hunger burning within me.

The soft clink of metal brought him back to the moment. Pivoting on his heel, Tiberius turned and raised his longsword to defend.

The Guardian Overseer halted immediately upon facing her master's blade.

It took Tiberius a moment before recognizing his companion.

"Yuliana."

"I am sorry I did not announce my approach, my lord." The Guardian Overseer bowed deeply, "I have seen to your commands, none of the offending humans remain within the village and none have fled."

"I see… Are you sure?"

"I am, Lord Tiberius."

"Very good, come with me."

Turning the armoured pair crossed the plaza, following a familiar path to arrive at a particular house.

The Dragonoid knocked several times on the oak door.

"Chief Wyllam, are you in there?"

Nearly a minute had ticked by before the two heard the sounds of life from within the home. Several heavy thumps echoed as things were shifted about behind the door. Then the door creaked open and through the slim crack appeared the face of the older man.

"What… It's you!"

Recognition sparked in the man's eyes and for a moment his expression lightened. Only be replaced by a wave of fear as his eyes began to search the surroundings.

"The Knights! They…"

"They have been dealt with," Tiberius interrupted, "The village is safe now."

The man regarded the adventurers at his door skeptically. But eventually, he allowed his optimism to win out and emerged out from behind the door. Stepping out into the world the chief examined the two more closely. The crimson splatters on the armour was most off-putting to the older gentleman.

As he looked over the pair a dark thought crept into his mind.

When the attack had come, Wyllam and his wife had barricaded the door as best they could before taking shelter in the back bedroom. Even there the couple had taken precautions and shoved the dresser against the door and huddled in the corner. There they had each other listening to the screams and shouts that filtered through the walls of their home.

All the while Wyllam and Annora were left to wonder when the marauders would come for them. When would they hear the banging at the door?

The screams had faded and then came the unnerving quiet.

In that silence the chief had mused if perhaps the knights had moved on, skipping over their house. Had they been lucky enough to survive the ordeal while so many of their fellows had not been so fortunate?

It was the thunderous knock on the door that had nearly given the man and woman within the house a heart attack. The thought did come to him that this was the end, the invaders had come.

However, then came the voice calling out to him by name.

Although Wyllam was loathed to admit to it he couldn't help but wonder. Was it possible that these two had been involved in the attack upon the village?

That thought was quickly banished as he now looked out at the devastation visited upon the attackers.

Never in all his life had he seen such carnage done to a person.

The village chief felt a wave of nausea come over him. Hastily he turned away in hopes of keeping the contents of his stomach on the inside.

"Are you okay, Chief Wyllam?"

"Yes, yes," the older man took a deep breath, "I'll be fine. It's just seeing this… it's rather unpleasant."

Tiberius once more gazed out at the bodies of the fallen invaders.

"Do not worry about the cleanup. I shall see that it's taken care of."

"Very well then, I'll tend to the village." Wyllam cast his eyes to the blue sky overhead, "I fear there will be much to do before the day is through."

Turning away from the sight before him the village chief and began to trek back to his home. Opening the door the older man spared a few moments to speak with his wife through the gap. No sooner had he finished than the door was shut once again, and the chief moved off into the village.

Tiberius looked away.

Now how do I clean this mess? I should really think things through before speaking sometimes.

It was as he thought of the task of disposing of this mess, which to be fair he had created, an idea came to him. There already was a means of cleaning available to him.

"[Message]"

"[My lord,]" the voice of Mathias echoed through the Dragonoid's mind. "[I have been monitoring you with the Divination Crystal. Are you in need of assistance?]"

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

"[Shall I alert sirs Aeon and Koraboros?]"

Tiberius could detect the concern in the Fae Abomination's voice.

"No, Yuliana and I are quite alright. I want you to use a [Gate] and send through the six golems from the Grand Arena to my location."

"[Are you sure that is all you require, my liege?]"

"Yes."

"[Then it shall be done.]"

The Dragonoid envisioned Mathias performing his customary bow after his reply.

The conversation ended Tiberius joined Yuliana to await the arrival of the golems. His eyes roamed over his companion's armoured form.

"It seems we've both gotten a bit messy in this," the statement was punctuated with a small chuckle.

Although he had meant his words to be in jest. The attempt at humor had apparently been lost on the Guardian Overseer.

"I am sorry, Lord Tiberius," the armoured female bowed, "I shall rectify the situation immediately."

Before Tiberius could say a word otherwise, Yuliana set to work.

Moving closer she lifted her hand and spoke a hasty incantation that sounded like the word "cleanse."

With the spell, the pair were shrouded in a subtle aura and for a moment Tiberius thought he could smell a fresh minty scent. Then as the aura faded so too did the numerous bloodstains. The splotches of crimson evaporated into the ether leaving the armour spotless with a well-polished sheen.

"Uh, thank you, Yuliana."

"It was truly nothing, my lord. For you to be seen in such a state, I would never hear the end of it from Nido."

Behind his helmet, the Dragonoid smiled feeling surprise at the Guardian's attempted humor.

"[Lord Tiberius,]"

"Yes?"

"[The golems will arrive shortly.]"

"Very good, Mathias."

Several yards away the air shimmered and rippled as an oval of darkness was made manifest.

The oval was roughly ten feet tall and impossibly black, seeming to swallow all light around it. Around the portal was a ring of violet flames.

From out of this well of black ink a figure emerged.

It was the seven-foot-tall form of the stone golem that stepped into view. Soon another and another came forth in single-file they marched until all six golems stood together awaiting their master's commands.

Okay, I know they can follow orders and can clean up the arena. But I don't know if they'll have problems cleaning up a village. I mean it's still just clean up.

"Golems," Tiberius moved to stand before the gathered stone men, "Seek out the bodies that look like these."

The Dragonoid's hand gestured to the form of a fallen knight.

"Gather them, clean up, place them in a wagon, and dispose of them outside of the village."

For a time the six servants stood unmoving. Perhaps they were taking time to process what their lord had commanded. Or more likely as Tiberius felt, the golems removed from their normal locale were unable to perform.

But finally, after the collective contemplative pause, the stone figures began to move.

Five of the golems spread out through the village square. While the sixth golem instead strode along the dirt paths into the village.

It was this one that intrigued Tiberius.

Why was it leaving its brethren to carry out the task?

The answer came when upon its return the golem had brought with it was a wagon.

Unfortunately, the golem had neglected to unstrap the deceased horse from its reins. Now the poor beast of burden was being dragged behind the wagon.

The Dragonoid sighed.

Well, I did tell them to get a wagon.

The golem parked the cart amongst the bodies and joined the others in carrying out their commands. Their broad, strong hands took hold of limbs and hoisted bodies with ease from the soiled earth. With tireless efficiency, they collected the dead and swiftly deposited them into the back of the waiting cart.

The commotion of the clean-up wasn't lost on the people of the village.

Attracted by the strange stone creatures a crowd had begun to form. Though their numbers were still relatively small with most being preoccupied. Standing amongst the Dragonoid spotted the familiar face of the chief as he spoke with several men.

Finishing his conversation, Chief Wyllam left the group and approached the armoured pair.

The older gentleman wore a solemn look upon his troubled brow and carried himself with a slow pendulous stride of exhaustion.

Tiberius could already guess the reason for the man's expression.

In his sojourn, through the village, he'd spoken to his friends and neighbors and from them, he'd no doubt come to learn of the extent of the damages caused by the band ravaging brigands.

The Dragonoid could only call them by such names because the thought of referring to them by any other name was infuriating. Even in this limited human form, Tiberius couldn't hide his contempt as a low rumble left his throat.

These men were not knights and now they were nothing.

"How bad is it?"

The Dragonoid inquired of the approaching man without thinking.

Chief Wyllam sighed, "We lost a number of people in the attack. Including several families." He paused as if to say the words aloud was to make them true, "In total the dead number nearly a third of the village."

"I am sorry for your losses."

The older man lifted his gaze, "But without your aid, I doubt any of us would be here." The chief moved closer, "For this, we owe you and your companion everything."

Standing for the village savior, Wyllam retrieved a small pouch from his belt and held it out in offering.

Extending his hand, Tiberius accepted the gift. As the small bag was laid in his open palm he heard a familiar metallic jingle.

"What is this?"

"It is a payment for services provided," the village chief spoke in a tone that was meant to remind Tiberius of his previous words. "I know it is not enough to repay our debt. And I doubt anything ever will, but we will do whatever we can."

Tiberius held the gold-laden pouch in his hand for a moment.

"Very well, Chief Wyllam. I accept your terms."

With a quick gesture, the coin-filled pouch was swiftly deposited within the Dragonoid's inventory.

The village chief watched this with a sorrowful smile and a brief nod. Turning Chief Wyllam focused his attention on the bizarre stone men.

"Who are they?"

"They are called Golems. Beings animated by magic to carry out the bidding of their master."

"I see."

Again the chief was given pause as he regarded the man who had such things at his beck and call.

The golems moved in their mechanical fashion clearing out the mess from the village square. In doing so they paid no mind to the gathered observers.

Progress was made at a steady pace as bodies were collected, gore expunged and then loaded up. Before too long the grounds were clear of the former mess, save for the body of the horse after Tiberius had cut it free from the wagon reins.

As it had done before the sixth golem moved to take hold of the wagon tongue and began pulling. The others of its brethren followed close behind and together the group left the village square.

The villagers parted ways before the approaching golem band and allowed them to pass unimpeded.

Allowing his curiosity to guide him, Tiberius chose to follow as well.

The golem troupe made their way through the village and to the fields nearby.

Here the lead golem released its grip on the wagon tongue and moved around to the stand alongside the cart. Then the golems placed their hands on the wagon's side and in unison, they pushed the wagon over.

Bodies tumbled out from the cart's bed to amass a small pile on the ground.

With this portion of their assignment complete, the cart was again righted and the golem team made the trek back into the village.

The golems roved throughout the village. At times the golems entered a residence to clean. But oddly it was only those homes where the body of a knight could be found. It seemed the golems had a kind of sixth sense of detecting them.

Several times the process was repeated, and each time the stacks in the field grew taller.

As the stone men busied themselves with removing the remnants of the vanquished marauders. The villagers went about their solemn task of taking care of their fallen neighbors.

In this, the village inhabitants were split.

Half the men had departed the town for the nearby hillside where they were set to the task of digging graves. Those that remained in the village worked with the village women to take care of the lost. This, in turn, left the older children and teens to look after the youngest of residents.

Amongst those selected caretakers, Tiberius had noted the young woman, Enri, and her younger sister, Nemu. If he recalled their names properly.

The pair were working in hand with a few others to herd the children into a large house and out of the way.

Occasionally a cry of anguish would erupt from somewhere as a villager would come upon the body of someone particularly close to them.

Soon the dead were gathered and wrapped in simple sheets of cloth and laid carefully on the beds of several carts. The care and reverence were markedly different from the cold and clinical way the golems handled things.

With their grim undertaking completed, the villagers gathered and led the loaded wagons to their destination. The entirety of the community, save for those too young to participate trailed behind the wagons. Together the procession marched along the rough-hewn roads towards the hillside.

Here overlooking the rural settlement was the communal graveyard.

It was an unassuming and peaceful setting.

A simple patch of grass-covered earth surrounded by an old rustic fence. There were numerous gaps in the fence where the old wood had fallen or simply rotted away. Scattered throughout the place were the stone markers of the graves. Cut roughly into oblong shapes. Some were small, measuring a mere foot in height. While others stood nearly three feet tall. All of them shared the same bleak duty of marking the place of a loved one. A silent sentinel, ever watching over the final resting place of some poor soul.

Tiberius too had followed by kept back from the proceedings. So from his position further up the hillside, the Dragonoid watched.

With deference, the cloth swaddled bodies were taken from the carts and carried to the fresh dug pits. Then with the aid of ropes, they were lowered into the waiting earth.

There was plenty of tears to be shed. Men, women, and children shared their grief openly as they bid farewell to their friends and family.

It was Chief Wyllam who presided over the burials. During the interments, he recited verses of a sermon meant to comfort the survivors and ease the spirits of the departed.

Again the Dragonoid could identify the two sisters and their parents. The girls' mother held them close as their father spoke with another man. He placed his hand on the man's shoulder, who mimicked the move.

Attending a formal funeral, even if from afar, was something Tiberius had never participated in before.

Typically back on earth when someone had passed away their friends and family would receive a customary notice, a small stipend, and given leave from work. However, depending on your job, or what corporation you worked for, you may not even be given time off.

Then the family would have the responsibility of choosing what to do with the deceased's remains. Given the poor situation many lived in, the body was commonly given over to the state for disposal.

Burials, like what he was witnessing, were something reserved only for the truly wealthy who could afford to bury their loved ones on the few undeveloped parcels of earth left. These also came with high tax rates and a yearly fee requirement otherwise the plot was repossessed by the corporation who owned the land then rented over another willing to pay.

As the final body was laid to rest, the villagers paid their final respects to those they had lost on this day. Then together, they began to file out of the old cemetery and head back towards home.

Though not all chose to leave so quickly as some lingered.

Tiberius upon seeing the ceremony drawing to a close had already turned away and had begun the trek back. Making the journey with him was his ever-present chaperone, Yuliana.

Accompanying the pair on the sojourn was a strained silence.

Casting a glance over his shoulder, Tiberius found the Guardian Overseer watching him.

"Is there something on your mind, Yuliana?"

At the sound of her name, the Guardian Overseer perked up.

"No… Well yes. My lord, may I ask something of you?"

The Dragonoid paused, "Of course you may. What is it?"

Yuliana similarly halted, "Why did you choose to save these villagers? Our purpose in coming here was to gather information about this world, was it not? We accomplished that goal and had these villagers perished then our presence would then have passed unnoticed. So why did we change that?"

Tiberius considered her words carefully as he sought how to answer the question.

She's right. If the people had all died in the attack then there'd be no one who knew about us. But I couldn't let that happen, not after they helped me. In YGGDRASIL, the Sanguine Dragons stood up against PKers, this was no different.

The Dragonoid thought of those last words. It seemed to be as good as an answer as he could find. Yet he felt that such an answer was not quite what Yuliana was looking for.

"Tell me, Yuliana, what do you know of the Sanguine Dragon's actions outside of Tyrnaust?"

The Guardian Overseer lowered her head in shame.

"I am afraid I know nothing, save for the brief conversations of the Supreme Beings I have overheard during their time in the Throne Room."

That was an interesting statement and it caught the Dragonoid's attention. Was it possible the NPCs had memories of the times before now?

"Outside of Tyrnaust, the Sanguine Dragons traveled across the lands of YGGDRASIL. In our journeys, we'd seen many come under attack by others. So we decided to lend our aid to those under threat. In doing so we gained many allies, who in turn repaid our kindness by lending their aid when we asked."

"I think I understand, my lord." The armoured female cupped her chin, her tone holding a peculiar inflection. "In saving these people it indentures them to you. This debt will in turn make them an asset for your use in the future. It is a brilliant strategy. As to be expected from the leader of the Creators."

From behind his helmet's closed face, Tiberius could only stare at her dumbfounded.

That's not what I meant at all! Saying it like that makes it sound like I am tricking people into slavery.

With a heavy sigh and shake of his head, the Dragonoid turned and continued towards the village.

The rest of the trek passed by without fanfare.

By now much of the day had been spent and the sun was starting its journey to the horizon.

I think it's time for us to be getting back.

Making their way through the hamlet the Dragonoid and his companion headed for the village square. It appeared having finished with their assignment the six golems had gathered at the point of their summons.

"[Gate]"

With a wave of the hand the same portal that borne these beings stone to the village reappeared. Only now the gateway waited to ferry them home.

"You have done well. Now go and return to Tyrnaust."

As one unit the golems turned and began to move through the waiting portal. Around the square, some villagers had gathered to watch the departure of the stone men. Perhaps they hadn't gotten to witness their arrival. Or perhaps they simply wished to see more of the magical wonders.

As the last golem crossed the threshold the magical vortex evaporated into the air.

"Now that this is over with I believe we should be…"

The Dragonoid didn't finish his statement.

Standing across from Tiberius and Yuliana was the village chief. The man appeared to be talking with several men, and if the look on their faces was anything to go by. Then whatever the topic of discussion was it certainly didn't bode well.

Aww, what now?!

Deciding to not wait for the man to bring the news to him, Tiberius strode across the grounds to meet him.

"Chief Wyllam, what seems to be the trouble?"

The older man regarded the armoured duo. His glum expression seemed to brighten if only marginally.

"Some of the men who had taken to keeping watch of the area have returned. It seems they have spotted a large number of men approaching on horseback. From the descriptions, they sound to be a band of warriors."

The news spread quickly through the crowd. Already looks of fear could be seen cresting the faces of the villagers. Some of the villagers hastily left the square for the relative safety of their homes, no doubt to barricade themselves within.

Not wishing to see a full panic the Dragonoid was prompted to speak.

"Please calm yourselves," Tiberius held his hands aloft to capture their attention, "I shall handle these newcomers."

At his words, it was like a blanket of tranquility had been pulled over the crowd. The looks of dread slowly evaporated, replaced by expressions of relief and hope.

"Chief Wyllam, I need you to send everyone back to their houses. Meanwhile, my companion and I shall head outside of the village to meet the band and determine their intentions."

"But what if they make it into the village? If we are inside our homes then we'll be trapped."

Tiberius took several steps closer to the man, "I promise you. None of them will get passed us if they are indeed here to fight. Now can I count on you?"

Those closest to the armoured warrior shrank back by several steps. The low tone of his words was laced with menace and it served to remind them just what this pair was capable of.

"Yes, I shall see to it at once."

Taking charge of the situation the chieftain began to bark orders to those around him. Soon the group dispersed as people rushed back to the limited protection of their homes. Others were sent to act as messengers, carrying the chief's orders to those not currently present.

Shortly the village streets were cleared, and the Village of Carne was transformed into a virtual ghost town.

Sharing a final word, Chief Wyllam wished the pair good luck before making his way to his home and his waiting wife.

"Yuliana, let's go."

o – o – o – o

The Dragonoid and his female guardian stood in the field outside the village. Their placement ensuring to have left a sizable gap between them and the village at their backs.

Good. This open terrain will be easier to move about and make use of AoE spells. Well, that is as long as I keep it to lower-tier spells. Don't need to blow up the village with the enemy. So I guess we wait now.

The duo didn't have to wait long as a large cloud of dust rose above the horizon.

It was a cloud kicked up by the many horses being ridden by the coming host. While thunderous hoofbeats echoed as they drew ever nearer.

On the flat and open field, the approaching forces had little trouble in spotting the pair ahead of them.

The heavy thuds of hooves grew duller as the mounted soldiers slowed from their original breakneck pace.

As the distance grew shorter the horses were now moving at a mere trot.

The skill was evident in their riding as every man managed to keep their horses in formation with the rest, leaving no significant gaps between them.

From his position, Tiberius looked over the men as they stalled across the field. Taking note of how strikingly different each of the men was equipped.

The brigands, or Knights of Baharuth as they'd been identified, had a look of uniformity and even some regality to them. Each man wore matching armour, each one outfitted with identical equipment.

The riders present before the Dragonoid now were a far cry different.

The armour and equipment these men wore seemed to vary from man to man. Sometimes the degree was small, other times the difference was far more apparent.

The horsemen wore uniforms of dark earthen tones with trousers of muddy brown and lighter coloured jerkins over the undershirts. Overtop they wore chainmail and plate mail cuirass to protect their torsos. The armour looked to be of poorer quality than those of the previous invaders. The breastplates were dull in colour lacking the sheen of polished metal and many appeared dimpled from ill mending. Some of them wore greaves to guard their legs, while others only had knee pads and shin plates atop their near knee-high boots.

There were a few towards the front of the host that looked to be wearing a more complete set of armour. Something akin to half-plate.

Equally, their helmets were a mishmash.

Men wore helmets reminiscent of the one worn by Floor Guardian Aeon, being semi-enclosed barbute style. Others wore helmets that bore resemblance to a construction hardhat than something meant for the battlefield. Surprisingly there were even some who wore no form of protection atop their heads at all.

But with all of them, their faces could be seen clearly.

These differences were carried down to the weapons they carried.

There were swords, one-handed and two-handed, hung from their belts and shields strapped to their horse's side. There were bows with fully laden quivers. A number of halberds and spears were carried high. While maces, morningstars, and warhammers dangled from the belts of others.

However, their appearance was deceiving.

Each of the horsemen had the bearing of a veteran soldier as they sat tall in the saddle.

Still, the wide range of variance between each man's gear made the group seem more like a ragtag militia unit than a regiment of trained professional warriors.

Finally, the riders halted their advance. Falling into tightly regimented rows behind the man at the head of the band.

The leader urged his horse forwards a short distance.

The man's keen eyes scanned the surroundings. He spent a fair amount of time looking towards the village that lay beyond Tiberius and Yuliana. But his gaze shortly fell upon the pair of figures who stood imposed before him.

As the man opened his mouth to speak, the Dragonoid acted first. Lifting his arm, Tiberius held his hand up in a simple gesture to halt the man.

"Come no further if you value your life."