Hey there,

In this chapter Sparrow encouters a demon from her past. Hammer helps her overcome the pain that comes with it.

As always thanks for reading and please review it's very helpful

Tigergirl

the Slaver

Hammer went down to the workshop with her brand new dagger safe in it's holder. Sparrow was up already early bird as she was. "Well Hammer what a nice dagger you've got there. Sparrow said with a smile "Ow thank you. It was made by the best blacksmith in Albion you know" Hammer grinned. Sparrow smiled her cheeks a shade redder then before. "Are you ready miss charmer ? If we want to reach the Bandit Coast by tomorrow we need to go now. Bower Lake and Brightwood are big places. Even if we don't run into trouble it's gonna take at least a day. Sparrow said coming straight to business to avoid the sarcastic charms of her friend.

"You're right let's get going then" Hammer said quite peppy. Sparrow was glad Hammers enthusiasm still lurked somewhere within.

They went on their way and as they left Bowerstone people gathered on the sides and started cheering their names. When they were out of hearing range Hammer looked back a bit confused. "With all the fuss they are making you would think were of to safe the world again. Sparrow laughed "this is perfectly normal Hammer they just want to thank us for saving the word from a deranged lunatic. "Okay I get that but that was tree years ago. Hammer said still a bit confused. "True but we did a great service to all of Albion. Sparrow explained. "If Lucien got his way then the world would be wiped clean and he would live with his wife and daughter in the ruins, killing thousands in the process. "Okay you're right we did do the world a solid by getting rid of that power hungry maniac"Hammer smiled. "They're just great-full Hammer enjoy it" Sparrow smiled as well

They arrived in Bower Lake and they could see Beetles blocking their path. Hammer made short work of them by squashing them with her trademark hammer. As she was cleaning the slime of her beloved weapon a man came running towards them, panic in his eyes. Great heroes we need your help."Calm down man. What's the matter ? Hammer asked with a firm but compassionate voice. "Slavers came to the camp and took us by surprise. They took all the woman and they were heading to Thag's old hideout. Please can you help us ? The man looked desperate and was practicably begging them. "Of course we will help you ! Get back to the camp and make sure no one else get's hurt. We'll be right back" Sparrow said before Hammer could say anything.

Sparrow had fire in her eyes. She grew up here after Theresa took her in. Sparrow knew most of these people, Hammer almost felt sorry for the men who took those who watched Sparrow grow up, because if Sparrow found them she would have no mercy.

They arrived at the camp in no time because Sparrow led the way and knew the place like the back of her hand. There was a huge cage with at least seven woman in it but Sparrow went straight for the cabin which was empty. When she turned around though Hammer and Sparrow were completely surrounded. "We got you now" one of the bandits said. He had now idea how wrong he was.

Sparrow moved forward and before he could do anything the tip of her sword came out of his back. She pulled it out and swinged her arm, the head of the bandit next to her rolled on the ground. Hammer charged in to battle as well but was no match for Sparrow this time, not by a long shot. Hammer bashed a head in and crushed some ribs but Sparrow made one kill after another. She thrusted her sword in a man's chin up to his scalp with one hand and shot another right between the eyes with the other.

Soon there was only one man left : the leader. He was big, had a set of antlers on his back and wore a skull like hat. "You killed my gang ! Now your mine !

"Come on, make my day" Sparrow said with a taunting smile and a dangerous fire in her eyes. He charged. She ducked and dodged his sword with ease. She turned quickly and her sword cut right trough the back of his right knee. He collapsed and dropped his sword, she walked around to face him. He tried to stab her with a dagger but she shot it right out his hand. He couldn't run he couldn't attack he was a dead man and he knew it.

She stood in front of him her arms crossed. She looked him in the eyes."What are you looking at" he growled. "I'm looking for a sign of regret but you don't think you did anything wrong did you ? Her voice was calm but cold as ice. "No I don't these maggots are waste of space and I want to put them to good use. Sparrow tensed up "Where are you taking them. "Sorry hun that's classified" he said with a smirk showing his rotten teeth.

Sparrow was going to search him and let him bleed to death but as she got on face height he spat in her face. She got up half turned and wiped the flim of her face. She turned back and he was dead before he hit the ground, a perfectly round hole in his head.

She got his key and freed the ladies from their cell. Sparrow was thanked of course multiple times by all the woman but she only mumbled a few words in response. They offered her and Hammer to stay the night at the the camp but Sparrow declined. Hammer never saw her friend like this and she was determent to find out what was going on. They entered Brightwood and the sun was setting but Sparrow didn't say a single word.

"Sparrow are you alright ? Hammer asked, she was worried. "I'm fine, why do you ask ? Sparrow's voice was a bit harsh.

"You just slayed that man without mercy and I've never seen you like that before" Hammer really was worried but Sparrow only heard an accusation"Do you think that pig deserved mercy ?! She was mad. "No he deserved everything he got but there is obviously a story behind this because your normally not that harsh on these thugs. Hammer said with a patience in her voice Sparrow didn't know she was capable of. "Your right Hammer" Sparrow sighed. If you make us a fire I will get us some food and I will tell you the story

"Sounds good to me" Hammer said relieved that her friend was willing to talk.

Hammer had a good fire going when she heard two shots nearby. Sparrow came back with two rabbits on her. Hammer made stakes out of long sticks which she sharpened with her dagger while Sparrow skinned the and cleaned the rabbits. While the rabbits roasted above the flames Sparrow began with her story.

"You knew I grew up in Bower Lake right Hammer ? Sparrow started. "Yes Theresa told me. "Well it wasn't always like that. Sparrow sighed with sad eyes. Rose, me and my parents lived just outside Bowerstone on a big farm. They went away to get supplies someday and Rose and I were alone. It was a great day, we played till sundown. When we went to bed all was well. It didn't last however. I heard a noise that night which woke me up. The gate was open and I heard noises coming from the path. I went to see what was out there. Rose tried to stop me but I wanted to know what was going on.

There was fire further down the path and dead bodies everywhere. My father and my mother were between the massacre. They died by the hand of a slaver and his gang. My father tried to protect my mother and the other traders. They didn't like that. That's why I wasn't myself today. These monsters have slaughtered my parents and tried to take the people I grew up with. I just felt this rage when I heard they were still doing this to innocent people I couldn't control myself. I'm Sorry you had to see me like this. Sparrow ended her story, she had nothing more to say.

"Sparrow you have nothing to be sorry for" Hammer said with a firm voice, she continued. "It was completely normal for you to act that way. If I was in your place that guy would have been nothing more then a red pile of crushed flesh and bones. You stayed incredibly calm and strong as always. When my father died I took the pubs around Albion on as my second home.I drank to forget. I got chills every time I saw a spire guard. The only reason I didn't drink myself into damnation was you and the quest. You inspired me to be strong Sparrow and to be a part of the solution to all this madness, to put a stop to Lucien. My father would be so proud.

"Will you tell me something about your Father Hammer ? Sparrow asked. "Of course" Hammer said surprised but willing.

...

Hammer began telling stories about her youth in the convent. And Sparrow talked about Rose her parents and her years in the Gypsy Camp. Both of them realized how good it felt to talk about the ones that were gone. They both shared some stories that were dear to them and they went asleep happy and well fed. Ready for the quest ahead.