Chapter 3: A Little More of the Same

A few days passed as Irinith and I got comfortable in our new situation, and especially comfortable in our new bodies. We found ourselves sleeping on a regular schedule, though neither of us felt the need. It was just a simple guilty pleasure to provide a much-needed reprieve from all the meetings, reports, and the like.

The guardians proved to be much more self-sufficient than we previously thought, taking on tasks and offering new ideas and plans. I found myself joyfully intrigued by their autonomy and willingness to offer suggestions, especially the first time Abbott spoke out, "My lord, if I may."

I stopped mid-sentence to let him give input on my discussion with Irinith in my office. It wasn't often Abbott spoke without being asked, especially not to interrupt myself or Irinith, "While it has been agreed that making contact with the village would be worthwhile, I can't standby idly when you are currently planning based on outdated information."

His statement elicited a questioning look from Irinith, and a raised eyebrow from myself, "Outdated? What do you mean, Abbott? Shades' scouts gave us this information just a few hours ago."

He nodded and continued, "Of course, my lord, however I received a message from Shades just after you and lady Irinith began speaking just about half an hour ago. I deemed it unnecessary to update you and interrupt the exchange. Now that I know the great ones are planning to make contact today, it sems this updated information provides an opportunity to you both." Instead of waiting for a response, Abbott handed me a bound report.

I couldn't help the excitement welling up as I read through it, "Baby, I don't even need my passive skill to tell something's got you riled up over there. What does the report say?"

I smiled while handing the report to Iri, then turned to Abbott, "Send in more hired hands, I want folks specialized in stealth out there in the next 10 minutes. Once you have confirmation on everything, get dressed. Cecilia, open us a gate about a half mile east of the village and have your brother follow along when he's ready. Raise the Maze's security level to maximum."

Abbott nodded after receiving his orders, though I couldn't miss the crestfallen look that crossed Cecilia's face as she bowed, "I trust no one more, Cecilia, to keep everything in order while we're gone. Make sure everyone is well informed of our movements and be ready to get us back here in a moment's notice."

Cecilia raised her head with a bit more enthusiasm on her face, and Irinith asked me after reading the report, "You really want to help them? What if the people here are more than we think? What if we can't…"

My hand gave a firm squeeze to her shoulder, "We'll be okay, love. Shades' reports have shown the people around these parts ain't much of a problem. Plus, based on this new one, these imposters have it coming. It'll give us a chance to see what we can do."

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my lips, I'll finally get to test these babies out, oh man this'll be great! A swirling black void opened on my right, and I took Irinith's hand, "Ready to go see the world, baby?" Her response was a gentle squeeze of my hand, then she pulled herself closer, "Close this after your brother, Cecilia. If you don't hear from us in 15 minutes, send in the cavalry." Following Cecilia's affirmative nod, Irinith and I passed through the void.


"You see the smoke, Ura? Looks like the soldiers are already there." Over the trees I could see the black plumes rise, though it was hard to focus while taking in our surroundings. We're actually outside! In real nature! Trees, grass, bushes, birds, blue skies, clouds! This is amazing!

A light smack on my head brought me out of my musings, "Come on, boy. Let's get over there and see what the deal is."

I pulled her in for a quick hug before we began walking, "Sorry, Iri. It's just so beautiful out here, like a painting made real. Got a little caught up is all," her grin was all the apology I needed, and I could tell she agreed.

Her wide-eyed gazes across the landscape were evident as we walked through the woods toward our destination. We were a couple hundred feet away from the clearing where the village sat when Abbott caught up, all kitted out.

He had a similar get-up to mine, small metal plates over predominately western-styled clothing. Though his was a bit more like an old sheriff or Texas ranger and less like a bounty hunter or an outlaw like mine. A long-sleeved black shirt with pearl white buttons, and a heavy leather coat on top. His shirt was tucked into a dark pair of blue jeans with chaps strapped over them. His boots were made of leather more reminiscent of an alligator than the snakeskin I had on mine. To top it off, a clean, well formed, black felt hat with a white plume stuck in the leather hat band. His rifle looked a lot more fitting with his current outfit. Even though it looked a bit casual compared to your typical fantasy armor, it offered just as much protection as any worthwhile marksman's would.

He knelt when we turned to greet him, "Come on, Abbott. We gotta stay on guard, no telling what these folks'll be up to. I need your extra set of eyes on point." With that, our short walk continued.

"[Dead Silent], [Killshot]," besides the sound of my voice, nothing else was heard except the clattering of metal as one of the two soldiers dropped dead.

On closer inspection, one would find a single entrance wound on the victim's chest plate, right through the heart, and a puddle of blood forming beneath him. Fear gripped the other soldier and their former prey, a pair of young girls. One was maybe 5 or 6 and the other in her late teens. All eyes fell on our group after the words left my lips, the other soldier deciding to simply turn tail and run rather than deal with the new arrivals.

"So, you'll bust into a village and burn their homes down but as soon as someone pokes a little hole in your buddy, you're ready to run like a bitch? [Kneecap]." Still under the effects of my spell, [Dead Silent], no shot rang out. But it didn't silence the man's screams when the shot blew out his left knee completely, almost separating his leg in two.

He began crawling away, shooting fearful glances toward us as he did, "Abbott, handle him quietly. We're gonna talk with the girls." With a nod, I turned back to see my lovely lady already tending to the young ladies.

"[Greater Heal]" There was blood on the older girl's clothes and her long blonde ponytail, but it wasn't spreading after Irinith's spell, "You girls know what magic is, right?" I saw them nod at Iri, and at the same time heard a blade passing through flesh behind me.

Abbott walked back into view, wiping his pocketknife clean on his pants before folding the blade and putting it back on his belt. "Yes, ma'am," the older girl spoke, "I have a friend who knows some magic. He's from the city and visits us from time to time."

There was still fear in the young girl's voice, but slowly faded as Iri smiled at the two, "Good, I hope you're feeling better now. Unfortunately, we can't stay here with y'all. We'll try and help as many as we can back in your village. Y'all stay here and don't go anywhere, I'll put up some magic to keep y'all safe while we're gone." She stood and stepped back, raising her right hand, "[Wall of Protection from Arrows], [Sanctify Grounds], [Holy Ward]."

Three hemispheres enveloped the girls as the spells took effect, while I took out a few items from my inventory and tossed them through the barriers, "If y'all get in a pinch, use these. Just ring one of the bells and it'll summon a pack of wolves to protect you. Don't worry, they may look a bit scary, but they'll listen to anything you say."

I tried my best to offer a genuine smile to calm the girls, and it seemed to work out well enough based on their reciprocated grins. Our small group turned to leave the girls when I heard the little one's voice for the first time, "Wait! Who are you guys?"

I heard some gentle chastising coming from the older one, then looked to Iri. She shrugged at me, so I went with my gut, "My name is Uracan, this is my better half, Irinith. Over here is our aide, Abbott. Don't y'all worry, we'll be back soon."


"Nemu, are you okay, sweety?"

I pulled my little sister tight to my chest, then held her out to inspect, "I'm okay, sissy. You protected me," her growing smile brought tears to my eyes. As they fell, I pulled her back in for a tight hug. A few moments passed before we separated, and I took the time to further examine our situation. I couldn't see anything, but there was a distinct feeling of warmth and safety where we were.

I heard the spells the blue-skinned lady cast, I saw the runes surround her hands just the same as my friend's when he uses magic, I guess I just don't know enough about magic? Or maybe the protection stuff is invisible?

"Hey sis, I can't see anything around us. Are we really safe? What if more bad people come for us?" The growing look of distress on Nemu's soft features hurt my heart, but I couldn't bring myself to think we were in a bad spot.

The power I saw from that group, their strange weapons and magic, "It's gonna be fine, sweetheart. Our saviors will protect us, I'm sure of it." As if on cue, a thunderous noise echoed from the village, followed by several more. All we'd been able to hear was the sound of our neighbors' screams and the soldiers' shouts, now those loud bangs bred silence in the air.

It was terrifying, Was that them? The new people? People, but clearly not human. Their aide was similar to a goblin or something like it, maybe a type of ogre? The other two looked somewhat human, but their skin was oddly colored.

I was brought back from my thoughts as a brilliant gold light flashed from the village, then I saw one of the men from the village, Jim, running my way, "Enri, Nemu, thank goodness you two are okay! Those strangers said it's safe now, come on back with me."

The older gentleman held his hand out as he approached, when an invisible force stopped him in his tracks like he ran into a wall. Dumbfounded, he spoke, "What is this? Some kind of trick?" In response, Nemu and I stood and moved his way.

I picked up the small silver bells the red-skinned guy left behind on our way out, unhindered by anything unlike the guy who came to get us. "What happened? Did they save everyone?"

I had to ask because last I saw of our mother and father… "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Enri," the old man spoke, "It was a lot to take in, let's see what the chief has to say, and I'll fill you in later if we have time." I nodded and followed our neighbor toward the village square, I'll have to thank them properly, if I get the chance. I owe them my life, and my sister's life, too.


Irinith frowned slightly, watching the funeral service, "We could help them all, baby. You know I have the ability, why don't we?"

I shook my head and wrapped my arm over her shoulder, "There's that beautiful heart of yours. I agree, and I know you could, but think of what that could cause. We already displayed power and ability well beyond anything these villagers or soldiers have ever seen. But bringing people back from the dead? It's not unlikely that we'd be nothing short of gods to these people, and that's definitely not a responsibility I'm keen on. We did what we could, protected dozens of people, and this world has," I started pointing toward corpses as I counted silently, "about thirty less shit heads than it did 10 minutes ago."

A grin rose on my face at that, though Iri still looked distraught, "I know you're right, but it still feels wrong, you know? We can help them all, and we still choose not to act, how are we any better than these soldiers?"

Her words had an air of truth to them, but Abbott seemed distressed at her statement, "My lady, your feelings toward these humans is what puts you above those miscreants who dared stand against your will. They were heartless criminals and dishonorable beyond measure. Though I share in your sentiment that the humans' deaths can, and perhaps should, be saved, my lord's words ring true. Considering the skills and abilities we used, along with the information from the scouting reports and the village chief, I believe that the use of resurrection magic would bring a great deal of attention to yourselves and the Burning Maze."

I couldn't help but beam in pride at Abbott's words, so I placed a firm hand on his shoulder and gave him some well-earned praise, "Couldn't've said it better myself, bud. You got quite a head on your shoulders, not to toot my own horn."

This time, Irinith smiled and let out a cute chuckle, "Alright, don't let that head of yours get any bigger. Let's be respectful for a bit and we'll go talk to the chief before we leave and…"

I felt the connection as a message spell reached my mind, followed by a low, gravelly voice, "My lord, a new band of soldiers approaches. They are all on horseback and, by our estimates, will be upon the village in fifteen minutes. They all seem to be dressed differently than the soldiers who attacked the village but move in a uniform manner. Any orders?"

I shook my head, then remembered I was having a telepathic conversation with one of the mercenary NPC's, "Negative, keep me updated on their position. If they draw weapons or make any moves to attack, bring them to their knees for questioning." With a quick affirmation from the shadow demon, I turned to Iri, "Apparently there's more on the way, different guys than those Baharuth Empire folks. Shadow demon said we got about fifteen minutes. Abbott, go inform the village chief, me and Irinith will go greet our guests."

Abbott bowed deeply and took off in a fast walk then Irinith spoke, "Ugh, how unlucky can this village get! Can we at least try to talk to these fools first, I'm getting tired of seeing all the body parts flying from your gunshots. It's kinda gross," her face scrunched up in a cute look of disgust.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her when I spoke, "Yeah, baby, we'll give it a shot. Let's go see what these guys got for us."

I waited patiently while a large group of men on horseback crested the small hill a little way down the road. I studied the group closely, mismatched leather armor and metal plates hung in varying places on each soldier's body. Leading the group was a burly man wearing what one would consider half-plate.

His shoulders, chest, forearms, and knees were covered in metal armor while the rest was covered in basic, but uniform, leather and cloth garb. Only his upper arms and face were uncovered, revealing his muscular nature and a lightly bearded, straight-jawed face. He hopped off his mount about thirty feet from our greeting party, Irinith, Abbott, the village chief, and I.

His voice was that of a military man, firm and commanding, "I am the chief warrior of the kingdom, Gazef Stronoff. I've been sent by the king and his council in response to attacks on our border villages. Identify yourselves."

I could tell Abbott was not pleased to hear someone try and boss us around. The half-orc tensed, leaning forward like he was prepared to strike back as a response. Placing my hand on Abbott's shoulder with a glare, I turned my eyes toward the warrior and spoke for the group, "Name's Urucan, this fine lady is Irinith. My friend here is Abbott, and the older gentleman there on the end is the chief of Carne village." I gently tilted my head after I said my name; this action was emulated by the others as I introduced them.

The chief spoke up, "It's as he says, chief warrior. I am the chief of Carne village, and these folks here saved us all. Warriors from the Baharuth Empire attacked us without warrant and this group here stopped them before our whole village was razed."

Gazef's eyebrows perked up at this bit of info from the chief, and took the following silence as his cue, "If that's the case, then you have my thanks, strangers." He approached and stuck his right hand out toward me in a familiar gesture. I shook it, surprised by his firm grip, as he went down the line to give his thanks.

"Well we're not strangers anymore, Gazef. If y'all want more details, my buddy Abbott can fill you in on anything you need," I briefly paused while talking when he thanked Irinith with a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. Clearing my throat to get his attention I continued, "We were getting ready to head out, but we're not in any hurry. Why don't we get back to the rest of the villagers? Your reputation precedes you and I'm sure your presence will calm 'em all down a good bit."


I felt her tug on my sleeve gently as we watched the discussion unfold in the chief's home. I turned to see a concerned look on Iri's face, and she leaned closer to whisper, "Don't you think we oughtta tell Gazef those guys were from that other country? I understand not telling the whole village, but this chief warrior guy should probably know."

I nodded and whispered back, "I plan on telling him when he inevitably asks to speak to us alone. Watch him, he never leaves us out of his line of sight. He knows we haven't told him everything. I bet you he'll come up to us with some sweet talk and praise then try and sneak some questions in there all innocent like. He ain't slick."

She gave me a sweet little grin and replied, "I'll take that bet, what's the buy in?"

I couldn't stop the smile that grew on my face when I whispered back, "If you win, I'll cook you whatever meals you want for a week. If I called it, it's a surprise. I promise you'll love it just as much as I do, though." I could tell I had her hooked when the mystery of my surprise turned her grin into a beaming smile. I unwrapped my fingers holding her hand and held it out to seal the deal. With a shake, the bet was made. It was perfect timing, since Gazef and the chief were wrapping up their conversation.

The men stood from the table and shook hands while Iri and I pulled ourselves up from leaning back on the wall. I beat them to the door, propping it open for everyone to file out. The last to pass, Gazef stopped and spoke, "Mister Urucan, would you mind if we spoke a bit in private? I'd like to thank you and your companions properly for your service to the kingdom." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Irinith glaring at me.

With a grin I replied, "Of course, Gazef. Let me find Abbott, he should be out there talking to a few of kids we met when we arrived."


Giving the sisters a parting hug, Abbott turned back to join us. We found a secluded spot away from the village square and Gazef spoke, "Again, I can't thank you three enough for the aid you offered the villagers today. Without your help, I'm afraid my men and I would've arrived too late to save a single soul. Truly, I am in your debt." He bowed low and continued, "I have to ask, who are you exactly?"

I didn't have to look over to know my lady was drilling holes in my face with her glare, "You three are clearly not human. I thought adventurers at first, but I've noticed none of you carry guild plates. You're not monsters seeing as you stepped in to defend a human village at your own risk. I can't begin to concoct an idea of what might be your reason for being here."

Well, no shit we're not human, but he's definitely smarter than the average human. At least from who we've seen, quite the critical thinker. Granted, he is working with a lot more knowledge of the world than we are. Probably should've thought this out a bit more before jumping in to save these folks. Oh well, guess I'll just send it.

"You're right Gazef, we're not adventurers. Not from around here, at least. We come from a distant place, and we didn't adventure as part of an organization like y'all's adventurers' guild. Our group traveled together for many years, killed a lot of crazy monsters, and used our hard-earned money and material to settle down in a shared home we conquered together. We figured our adventuring days were over but strange circumstances, currently unknown, brought us here to this new land. We find ourselves critically uninformed of our position and status in this new world. To answer your question, we are part of the guild, The Ruined Immortals. We came to this village because one of our friends saw trouble, so we stepped in."

Irinith and Abbott sat a bit dumbfounded by my blatant honesty, I planned to explain myself later, so I ignored their shocked faces for the time being. Gazef maintained a rather stoic expression, only a hint of surprise broke through, "Well I can't say it's a particularly believable story, Mister Urucan. But if what I've heard about you and your companions' abilities is true, I can't find a good reason to think you're lying. If what you say is in fact true, I would like to help you with your lack of information. You saved this village, I'd like to offer something in return…"

Our conversation was interrupted by hurried footsteps falling on the grass nearby. One of Gazef's men was rushing toward our group, his breath ragged and strained, "Sir, our scouts… dozens… surrounding… casters… the Theocracy."

The young man struggled through heavy, labored breaths, but Gazef got the idea, "I hear you, soldier. Gather the rest of the men in the town square, seems this village still needs our help after all."