Chapter 18 - Decisive Battle
I really don't want to say that Rocko's death was meaningless.
I...really don't.
But with us slowly being driven towards the edge of a cliff, it's hard not to do so. Even though Rocko gave up his life for us to escape, we have disappointed him. In the end, we still could not outrun our pursuers.
The cliff leers threateningly. We are currently surrounded by the enemy gnolls. They have cornered us to the edge. There are only 5 of us now. Lucas, Ivan, Felix, Zenni, and me. The two other mercenaries were lost in more traps.
Fuck. Is this where it all ends?
How is this any different from my village?
We are going to be wiped out.
I can't let a repeat happen.
But...we're out of options.
We are all tired out of our minds. Is there even hope for a breakthrough?
While I'm stuck in a daze, Lucas tackles me to the side. The same scene in my village flashes before my eyes. A series of arrows have dug themselves in the ribs of Lucas. He clung on my shoulder for balance support while coughing out blood. His lungs must have been ruptured as he gasps for air. The pain has numbed his body unresponsive.
Lucas: "Careful...rookie..."
All of a sudden, the gnolls pounce on the five of us. Given the situation, Felix falls within the first second of the assault.
"FELIX!"
The horror of the scene proves to be identical to one I've experienced once before. Ivan and Zenni struggle desperately to keep them off Lucas and I.
Lucas laughs bitterly as he wheezes.
"I... kind of... expected this coming... It's really... no surprise... to see our end here... We agitated them... hunted their young... skinned their fur... They wouldn't... take this standing down... If we were gnolls... neither would we... This... is our retribution..."
His words enrage me.
"NO THATS FUCKING BULLSHIT! We don't deserve this! None of us do! Don't give me any of that retribution crap! "
What exactly is "this?" Our downfall? I don't understand any of this shit. I just can't believe I'm losing more comrades...
Lucas: "Sorry rookie... We'll be going ahead first... I'm sorry...to drag you into this mess..."
"No! NOOOOO!"
The hand that clutched onto his weapon loosens and his sword is dropped onto the ground. Lucas has left to Paradise, along with the rest of the fallen.
I pick up the fallen sword with renewed vigor. The glimmering blade drips down droplets of blood as if screaming for more. The blood stained hilt covers the gold embedded decorations underneath. With a swing to the side, the blood is flung to the ever thirsty ground.
A stray arrow soon penetrates through the throat of Ivan. His lifeless body falls in front of my eyes. Meanwhile Zenni is trapped between three gnolls attacking simultaneously. His head is smashed against several spiked clubs and pitted to the ground in defeat.
And I...break into a frenzy...
The gnolls shiver coldly by instinct. Something has bursted from within me. It feels as though every single living being nearby has felt that threatening pressure.
The white gnoll leader reactively charges forward. It lunges with incredible speed. Its weapon come close in reaching where I stand. However, I still possess a greater agility.
I step to the side and end its life with a single strike. The swing decapitates the leader gnoll cleanly without a hitch of trouble. The lobbed off head drops down the cliff with open eyes, while still processing it's own death.
With a deadly glare at the crowd, the rest of the gnolls quickly scatter their own way.
After the gnolls dissipate into the ruins, a wave of massive headaches crushes me in my moment of invulnerability. The heavy pressure in my head forces me to collapse among a field of the dead.
Along with the unbearable pain I was in, I barely recognize a faint whisper of...
'Lethita.'
The sound of battle springs me up to attention. I take a moment to collect my thoughts and myself. The headaches have disappeared and my fatigue strains my body further. The repercussions of overexerting my body will definitely immobilize me for a few days to come. I will have to just make do with it. The consequences can wait.
So I'm all alone again in the face of the aftermath. This is the end result of my battles... It is best to steer away from forming bonds now. I can't take anymore losses of friends.
In the distance, I notice a team of Royal Army soldiers fleeing from chasing gnolls. Their battered states reveal various injuries and wounds.
That is the direction I need to head in. I sprint through the ruins in hopes of catching up. Dragging my tired body onwards, I arrive in a secluded area leading to a dead end.
Skittering life-sized spiders come crawling out of their nearby nests. They have heard my footsteps and prepared for combat. Their height are up to my shins. Though their sizes are small compared to Wendshardt, their numbers fill up the entire area. My whirling blades draft up a bunch of them by the sheer force of my swing.
They don't seem difficult to exterminate. I stomp down on a nearby spider. The crunch crushes its yellow bodily fluids out through the cracked shells and carapace. I take care of them all in no time.
Coincidentally, the previously seen soldiers shortly appear in the same location. Upon seeing my face, the one in front scowl in bitterness. There are three of them left. The others must have fallen to the gnolls giving chase.
"Damn it! A dead end."
"Look, a mercenary. Damn... Why did you have to be here?"
"No time to chat, get ready."
The three turn around and ready for battle. A wave of gnolls arrive soon after with their crude weapons in hand.
My mouth unconsciously curves into a smile. My hands are still itching for blood. Taking the initiative, the three Royal Army soldiers crash hard into the gnolls. It would be cowardice of me to not do the same.
Taking a side step, I then dive into a group of gnolls on the right. A quick Rising Crescent pushes three gnolls off the ground. Following the curvature of my swings, I spin my body forwards with a Blade Tornado. I cut off my movement for a Fanning Slash and another Blade Tornado. The entire combination wipes out the majority of the mob.
The soldiers finish off the remaining few and look at me in awe. With a sigh of relief, they collapse against the wall for a long awaited rest.
"Thanks for that, mercenary. That would have been difficult if it wasn't for you."
One of them jumps up in sudden realization.
"Wait. We have to go back! The commander is still there!"
He looks at my puzzled face as he continues.
"We were surrounded by the gnolls and there were no end to their numbers. So a handful of us distracted their attention and fled the scene. As a result, we diverted their focus and here we are now, with only the three of us remaining. We left many behind but also dragged along majority of the gnolls."
"Mercenary, we are still in need of your assistance."
I nod back in response. My dry throat prevents me from speaking. The Royal Army soldiers get up to leave immediately, ignoring the cries of their tired bodies, and mine.
The three lead me through a trail of death and destruction. Casualties have been heavy on both sides. Given the amount of blood that's been spilt, It's now hard to distinguish between fallen friendlies and foes.
The trail ends with an eerie scene of a bloody battlefield. The amount of dead has piled on one another, leaving little to no room for even walking.
"There!"
One of the soldiers points at a small mound of bodies. There lay several dead soldiers. Among them lies Gwynn battered and bruised. We drag her out to confirm her status. Fortunately, Gwynn is simply unconscious, for reasons unknown.
As we discuss our next move from here. A pack of mercenaries arrive at our location.
"There! The Royal Army!"
One of the mercenaries points at us.
Marrec: "Lethita! There you are. Where have you been?"
Unable to look Marrec in the eye, I stare at the expressionless ground while explaining the situation.
"...I... Everyone... They... They're all dead."
Everyone stare at me motionlessly. A pressuring silence lasts about a minute until Marrec finally connects the dots.
Marrec: "I understand... I will make sure retrieve and honor the fallen. But first... We're regrouping with the rest of the mercenaries outside the ruins."
The Royal Army soldiers pick up Gwynn and carry her with us as we quickly exit the Perilous Ruins.
We meet up with Shaykard and Selbrin at the entrance. Shaykard has cleared the western ruins without much trouble. He has suffered only 17 casualties. It seems like the gnoll forces concentrated in the eastern ruins. We suffered heavy losses. 38 dead and 10 gravely injured.
Marrec: "We have met our objective. Let's return back to Colhen. All units, we leave now!"
Thus, we sail back in dreadful silence. After the attack on the Perilous Ruins, no one is willing to speak. No one. I crash on a free space and pass out from fatigue.
Captain Aodhan and the rest of the mercenaries have already gathered around the outpost.
Gwynn woke up during the trip and had said nothing thus far. Upon seeing Aodhan, she steels herself as the Rocheste commander and bows.
Gwynn: "...I'm sorry. I owe you one."
Marrec: "Sorry doesn't cut it!"
Gwynn looks away. Marrec's rage could be felt throughout the entire outpost. He is not the only one feeling this way. Many mercenaries died trying to save a handful of Royal Army soldiers.
Marrec: "Do you know how many men we lost?!"
Aodhan stops Marrec with a wave of his hand.
Aodhan: "Enough, Marrec. The Royal Army incurred severe losses as well. But first, we must deal with the gnolls. They've always been hostile. But now that we've angered them, we must expect the worst."
His gesture feels uncomfortable yet calming. It gives me mixed feelings. Marrec steps back after his outburst after a pause.
Marrec: "...Yes, sir."
Aodhan: "What is situation report, Marrec?"
Marrec: "We found the remaining Royal Army soldiers scattered in various places. We avoided combat as much as possible. However, in the end, we were outnumbered and suffered 65 casualties. ... Objective completed..."
It is true that we met the goal. However his words hold no sense of accomplishment.
Gwynn: "..."
Aodhan: "..."
Fish-eyes suddenly rushes in panting crazily. Without even taking a breath, he bites his lips to deliver his findings.
Gallagher: "Captain!
Aodhan: "Gallagher. Report!"
Gallagher: "The gnolls are mobilizing! A giant gnoll with red fur is leading them."
Tensions fills the air soon after. Slight stirrings and murmurs quickly spread among the mercenaries.
Aodhan: "Gwynn, did the gnolls that attacked the Royal Army have red fur?"
She thinks about it for a brief moment. Then she answers with a firm tone.
Gwynn: "No."
Gallagher: "Eh? C-could it be the chief of the gnolls?"
Aodhan shakes his head in response to Gallagher.
Aodhan: "Impossible. Kirstie says the gnoll chief has black fur. In any case, we can't let them reach Colhen. We'll head out to meet them."
He turns to Marrec after a momentary pause.
Aodhan: "Marrec."
Marrec: "Sir?"
Aodhan: "Make sure all the ships are loaded and ready. I trust you to take point."
Marrec: "Yes, sir!"
Aodhan: "I want all Blades to move out and head to the Perilous Ruins. Don't forget your combat items, either. Bombs and javelins are standard."
When Aodhan finishes talking, he yells a final command to the Crimson Blades.
Aodhan: "Everyone, prepare to move out!"
We set out to the Perilous Ruins once again, this time with a larger force. The remnants of the mercenaries are left behind to defend Colhen in case of any surprises.
Marrec: "So the full-scale battle we wanted to prevent is happening anyway."
Marrec sighs deeply as he looks around. I board the boat alongside Marrec. We arm ourselves with combat items, waiting anxiously to the next battlefield. Several other boats sail with maximum speed to dock at the opposite shore.
Marrec: "This won't be easy. Prepare yourself."
I uncork a bottle of stamina potion and chug it down. The green liquid tastes tangy with a tad bit of bitterness. But I immediately feel its effects as my muscles become more relaxed. Some strength is returning.
Not satisfied yet, I down another bottle of stamina potion. It feels rejuvenating.
We enter the ruins in a large group. We've experienced the dangers of splitting in unknown territory once already. It seems like we're engaging the gnolls in a single battle instead of skirmishes.
Our numbers total nearly 150. The gnolls forces are still unknown. Some scouts have left ahead to survey the areas. They report that all traces of gnolls have disappeared. They speculate that they have gathered together.
We arrive before a large clearing. This area seems to be in front of a temple of some sort. Pillars line up along the path and even larger pillars along the entrance.
The red Gnoll Chieftain sits alone facing the the door to the temple. His right arm grasps a huge metal gnoll hammer studded with sharp spikes on one of the sides.
Hearing our footsteps, the Gnoll Chieftain gets up, clutches his weapons, and lets loose a frightening howl. A gnoll then appears from behind each pillar. These gnolls are not like the others. They have shed their furs and hardened their tough pale skin. Their size is also larger than the average gnoll. They step forward in an intimidating manner. Their spiked gnoll clubs are laced with iron rings, adding on to the weight of the weapon. Given that these gnolls appear immediately to the chieftain's call. They must be its elite bodyguards.
Heh, elite bodyguards... I unconsciously let out a snicker. The mercenary beside me stares at me for a bit before letting it go.
Even though the gnolls acknowledge our presence, they make no effort to engage. Some confusion soon spreads within the ranks of mercenaries and the remaining Royal Army. Whispers can be heard here and there regarding the enemy's passiveness.
As the Captain of the Crimson Blades, Aodhan takes the lead and walks down the steps to the temple with his hand on his sword. The elite bodyguards reactively drop down in their fours in a prowling stance. Marrec and the others soon follow.
Comparing the numbers of us and the numbers of them, it'll be no surprise if we take the victory here. But that changes when the gigantic doors of the temple are suddenly pulled open and an uncountable force of gnolls rush out in a frenzy. Suddenly, their numbers are overwhelming us.
Aodhan: "All units! To battle!"
As he is the first one to charge, he does so brazenly, clutching his sword over his shoulder. It looks very identical to the legends and stories passed down since ancient times. The heroic figure leads the charge to obliterate his enemies before him.
And the two forces collide.
Blood is spilt on both sides, neither willing to back down from the confrontation. The Crimson Blades fight furiously to push back waves after waves of gnolls. The Gnoll Chieftain holds no intention of joining just yet. It stands at the very back watching the battle unfold.
There's no end to this battle anytime soon if we don't behead their leader. The captain and Marrec are busy engaged with the majority of the gnolls at the heart of the battlefield.
Meanwhile I'm stuck with the boring rearguards behind the main force, simply waiting for a column to open up for the opportunity to engage.
Sigh.
Sometimes I wonder if my luck was shat out. I should have lined up with the frontline.
...
More than anything, I want to avenge my comrades...
Lucas. Ivan. Rocko. Felix. Zenni.
I will not forget your honor and glory.
...
I don't want to lose any more.
So... I dedicate my life to the end of Fomors.
Not wanting to wait any longer, I dash down the steps to the temple and into the messy battlefield.
I sprint over the mercenaries while they're pushing the gnolls back. The aerial assault launches me into the heart of the battle. I immediately swing my swords around. The Blade Tornado clears away some space for me to use. The nearby gnolls quickly surround me once they notice an intruder among their ranks. The immediate attention draws all surrounding gnolls to close in.
I grip my blades tight to exert more threatening swings. The first one lunges forward to meet the tip of my blade through its open mouth. I slice off the upper half of the head and bring the sword down on another victim. Meanwhile my other blade sweeps the opposite side and forces the rest of the mobs back.
A gnoll archer nocks an arrow in its bow and fires the projectile. I side dash out of the trajectory as it flies past to hit a friendly. One of the veteran gnolls whacks the bow out of the said archer while snarling angrily. It must have not liked friendly fire.
I skim my surrounding enemies and lunge in a random direction. Cutting them up individually takes too much effort. With them closing in fast, that is not a good option.
"Hah!"
I take a wide horizontal swing with both swords and knock up a bunch of gnolls. The battle briefly pauses as every nearby fighter takes a moment to see gnolls fly up into the air. The scene greatly boosts the morale of the mercenaries, causing them to fight harder than ever.
Upon seeing its troops knocked up into the air, the chieftain slams its hammer down on where it sat. The slight rumble is soon followed by the roars of the gnolls.
With new reinforced morale, the two sides ram into each more aggressively than it first started out.
From the corner of my eye, I see Fiona pressed down by several gnolls. Their clubs pin her to the ground. By the looks of it, everyone else is busy in their own fight. It was hard to even notice anyone in this struggle for domination.
I peel back gnoll after gnoll just to clear a path to reach her. Piercing through the crowd, I finally arrive at her location. She appears to be moderately injured. Her veteran cloak is torn up and cut at various places. The wounds she sustained are revealing the blood stained flesh underneath. She barely has enough strength to hold her weapons.
Seeing a shadow covering over her, she slowly lifts her head up to stare up at me. Her long blonde hair is drenched in blood, sweat and dirt. She brushes away the hair as she widens her eyes upon realization that it was me.
Fiona: "...Th-thanks..."
She then quickly glances back downwards while expressing gratitude.
"Now is not the time to get flustered. C'mon, the fight isn't over yet."
I pull Fiona off the ground and she dusts away the scattered dirt. She pours a bit of a red potion onto her wounds. Fiona winces as each droplet is soaked up with a sizzle. I wonder how much pain the potion gives. I fend off intruding gnolls as she's busy healing up.
We then dive right back in the fight.
I'm not sure why, but Fiona has decided to stick around me. Now I got someone to watch my back.
I should feel grateful.
I should.
However, I don't.
What if her life is also lost while fighting? Just like my brother, my home, my comrades, my fellow mercenaries, Lucas, Ivan, Rocko, Felix, Zenni.
I don't want to think about it...
It's best if I distance myself to prevent my heart from being torn apart.
I need to break away...
This way, no one will be sad when I'm dead.
We are met with further resistance when the elites pop up amongst the gnolls. At least they should provide a better challenge than the trash mobs.
I feel really disappointed when a veteran gnoll is easily pushed back by Fiona. The surprised look on its face tells me that it never expected to be bested in a match of strength. The elite gnoll is forced back at such an impact that it collides with an entire wave of gnolls. Snarling its jaws, the elite climbs back up with increased ferocity. Fiona slams down her shield without a moment's notice. The smash completely cracks its jaws and causes immediate death. Her sword follows a powerful arc to rid the close-by enemies. Gnolls in range of the swing have their faces and throats slit. The agonizing screams pours into the loud open air.
Having observed its elite being pushed back without difficulty, the chieftain takes up arm and personally joins in. A loud thud crashes down on the battlefield as the Gnoll Chieftain enters the fight.
With one big swing, a dozen mercenaries are forced against a pillar and onto the ground, groaning in immense pain. The gnoll leader roars in the small victory.
I notify Fiona of our new target and she nods back in response. We push apart the sea of gnolls and clear a path away with brute force.
Fiona is astounding. She has the strength I will never obtain. With just one kick, she blows back several gnolls obstructing us. I take the opportunity to slice them up while they were still airborne. As I was busy eliminating the enemies that was knocked up, Fiona proceeds onward and engages the next line of gnolls. I follow in her footsteps as soon as I finish off the few gnolls. She quickly breaks the formation of the grouped up gnolls and I slip in to clean up the remnants in an instant.
Just like this, we gradually pave a way to reach the chieftain with the leapfrog tactic. One final bash blows away the surrounding gnolls guarding the chieftain and we meet it face to face.
It turns to face us calm and collected. Meanwhile, our forceful entry has left us out of breath. The Gnoll Chieftain orders the nearby gnolls to back off.
I'm glad it did that. It is pathetic of me to say so but we really could not continue without a momentary break. Gasping and panting, we struggle to cool down from our exhaustive breakthrough. The leader slams down its weapon in a challenging manner. Getting a close look at the figure, the chieftain is armored only at a couple of places. A spiked strap is attached on the right shoulder with a leather belt lining diagonally to its waist. Its burly figure reveals bright red fur covering only the limbs and a muscular abdomen that have withstood numerous wounds. Two sturdy leg armors cover its frontal thighs. And a horned helmet covers its head. The menacing appearance gives off a a terrifying sense.
Though the snarls and growls of the surrounding gnolls are intimidating, none of them were on my mind as I rush forth to land the first strike.
My blade meets its large gnoll hammer on its course and the collision knocks me aside. Fiona grabs me steady and she in turn charges forward with her shield raised. I fill in the gaps in her defenses closely behind her. The chieftain slams down the hammer in an overhead swing. I assume the impact will definitely take away her life, thus I jump forward and meet its swing halfway. My dual weapons clang harshly against the handle of the hammer as the power struggle begins. We make contact for a couple of seconds before I am taken down by sheer force. The impact propels me backwards a few feet and I quickly get up from the ground. Fiona takes the opening to drive her sword through the chieftain. But the chieftain drags the gnoll battle hammer around parries her thrust.
Having re-established my foothold, I dash straight back into the fight. A series of blows exchanges in the next few minutes. It seems that neither side is showing any hint of backing down. The constant battle has worn us both down. Wounds have appeared in various places on our bodies. They were not used to strenuous and extensive long fights. The lack of experience is killing us, somewhat literally. My body fatigue has caught up even after the two stamina potions. Fiona's condition isn't exactly great either. The spontaneous exertion of her maximum strength must be overwhelming for her. Both of us are staggering as we move in to deliver another blow to the chieftain. We must make a winning move soon otherwise we'd be dead.
A noticeable rumble reaches the ring. The mercenaries have finally pushed through the waves of gnolls and have arrived into the ring. The distraction is enough to interrupt the fight we had and turns into an all-out brawl. Given this chance to turn things around, I slip under their detection and immediately swing a Rising Crescent upwards. The chieftain never saw it coming. The slashes penetrate through the flesh with resistance but I manage deliver a mortal wound. The pained howl of the chieftain signals the sway in the flow of the battlefield.
Seeing the fall of the Gnoll Chieftain, the mercenaries break through the formation of the defending mobs. Nearby gnolls around me have taken upon themselves the task of avenging their leader and lunge themselves desperately to eliminate me. But I evade to the side and counter with a horizontal sweep. Since my blades are longer than their reach, I injure the attackers as soon as they begin their assault.
The slow and gradual push eventually forces the gnolls to retreat. Victory is finally within our grasp. However, nothing is ever that easy. Within the flood of gnolls pouring out of the temple entrance, amongst them are two larger commander type gnolls. One of them has a jagged tooth along its sharp teeth while the other has a long wolf tail. Jagged Tooth is armed with a plain wooden bow and a leather tunic dyed in orange. It has an orange cloth wrapped around its head. The other commander, Wolf Tail, wields a heavy gnoll battle mace that is shorter and armored with black leather armor.
As soon as they arrive, Wolf Tail slams a bunch of mercenaries out of the way with ease. It crouches down as Jagged Tooth draws his bow horizontally. A terrifying premonition hits me like a horse's carriage. I yell at Fiona to take care of the crouched Wolf Tail as I dash forward to meet the tip of Jagged Tooth's first shot. Fatigue is no longer my worry if the cursed gnoll is about to fire off a devastating volley of arrows.
The first arrow flies on through my shoulder, causing a long throbbing pain whenever I try to move. The fabric of my cloak and armor helplessly watch as it pierces without much resistance. The pain stuns me for a brief moment. I limp away from the direction of the following onset of arrows. Seeing my helpless state, Wolf Tail aims his charge at me instead. Jagged Tooth then draws its bow diagonally, preparing to launch another barrage of arrows. I want to move away but...my body isn't responding properly. The unsteady sway of my limbs, sluggish body, and on top of the increasing fatigue, are definitely not enough to dodge the oncoming fast projectiles. My carelessness is going to be the death of me...
I thought I was going to die... Until Fiona pops up before me and blocks the spread of arrows. Wolf Tail immediately slams into her defense as soon as the last arrow hits. The force of impact pushes her back a few steps yet Fiona is able to stand her ground against a force that is more than twice her size. Utilizing the time to re-establish my footing even with the arrow lodged in my shoulder, I jump over Fiona with great pain and drive both swords into Wolf Tail from above. Blood spurts out profusely and causes death instantly.
Enraged by my act, Jagged Tooth fires off a fury of arrows. I bite down hard on the edges of my teeth to ignore the tremendous shoulder pain and spin the dead commander around to block the set of arrows. The projectiles dig deep into the corpse while I feel the hard impact penetrating into the dead flesh. Fiona quickly sprints forth from below and with a fluid motion, she chops off the paws of Jagged Tooth. Not having enough yet, I pull my swords out dyed in red and plant my sword into its face as it howls in the absence of its paws. The blade buries deep between its shocked eyes and mouth. I grin from ear to ear as I draw out my sword horizontally. Blood spews out from the opening I made and Jagged Tooth falls down on the ground lifelessly.
I drop to my knees after my execution. I am completely drained of strengths now. The death of the gnoll commanders reinstills fear into the gnoll army. Seeing its commanders slaughtered by two humans, the Gnoll Chieftain pushes aside a wave of its followers and appears before us despite the heavy injury I left on its chest. Clutching its hammer and its breath heavily, the Gnoll Chieftain proceeds to swing the weapon sideways, creating a whirlwind smash. Everyone in range steer clear out of the way. Fiona notices my helpless state and stands her ground in front of me.
"Get away Fiona!"
Fiona: "...No."
The Gnoll Chieftain gears up to deliver its strike while Fiona prepares to take the blow head on. The red gnoll roars as it swings its enormous hammer up like a hurricane. But Fiona was swift to react, the hammer glances off her shield as she steps onto the arm of the chieftain to deliver a frightening kick to its head.
The impact forces the chieftain back a couple of steps before shaking off the shock that accompanied her incredible kick. It snarls at us before turning around in an attempt to withdraw. Fiona lets out a sigh of relief as she observes the smaller gnolls follow in its stead. For me on the other hand, growls in irritation seeing the gnoll leader escape with its life intact.
With a final breath, I grab a nearby javelin sticking out of the ground and throw it at the fleeing gnoll army. The javelin soars through the air violently. It is by mere coincidence that it lands on the back of the head of the chieftain. As helmets are designed to protect the head, the javelin smashes against the iron helmet of the chieftain and snaps it in pieces. Unfortunate as it is, the last blow to the gnoll forces sends every one of them in full retreat.
"Hah... Hah... Hah..."
Everything hurts. I can't move any part of my body. I watch as the sea of gnolls quickly flees from the bloody scene. Every surviving mercenary marvels at the sight. We have obtained victory. Captain Aodhan signals us to give up on chasing and regroup.
And so the battle draws to a conclusion. With almost 150 mercenaries that came, we leave the Perilous Ruins with 100. We suffered 50 casualties. Given that we were outnumbered close to 6 to 1, this amount is…acceptable. I'm not happy to hear that but I do appreciate the ending result.
We return to the Mercenary Outpost in a bright mood. We have achieved victory against their numbers. Though it was harsh, we managed to prevent an attack on Colhen. I finally experience what it's like to have red potions poured onto my wounds. The pain was negligible in comparison to what I was already experiencing but it still stacked up in my tolerance. I nearly blacked out from my healing wound.
Marrec: "Captain, the rookies are back!"
The Outpost is more rowdy than ever once I step in through the door. Marrec is the first to notice our presence since we got back.
Ceara: "Lethita! You're all right!?"
I nod to Ceara's question and give her a tired smile. I barely have enough stamina to remain standing.
Aodhan: "Well done, Fiona, Lethita. I just got a report that the area has quieted considerably."
Aodhan pats us on the back. His pat almost knocks me to the ground. I stumble a bit before standing straight again. The scene provides a good laugh to all that are present in the building.
Aodhan: "But we can't let down our guard. The gnolls and Fomors seem to be working together again. Though you both have been here for a short time, you've accomplished a lot. You have distinguished your value through this battle. You're no longer a rookie. You are hereby promoted to veterans. Well done."
Ellis appears out of nowhere to congratulate me. Where did he even come from? Well I guess it's hard to notice anyone when the Outpost is so crowded.
Ellis: "Wow, Lethita! You're the best! I-I mean, Gwynn is the best, but... What I'm trying to say is that you're the second best, next to Gwynn! You were amazing!"
"... Thanks Ellis..."
Despite being annoying almost all the time, I still can't help but be thankful for his words.
Ellis: "So, uh, there's something I want to ask of you... I know that you must be extremely exhausted right now, but can you help Gwynn out? It breaks my heart to see Gwynn so devastated."
His eyes show extreme sorrow and sadness. He must really care about the Rocheste Commander to be begging me like this. But… what can I do for her? Captain Aodhan stands beside Ellis and grasps him on the shoulder for moral support.
Aodhan: "... In fact, the Royal Army is the one suffering the greatest loss because of the battle. She must've lost a countless number of her comrades. So, he has a point... Go talk to her when you have time."
"... Yes sir."
Aodhan: I'll let you know if anything requires your attention. Take a short break. You've done well."
Thus Fiona and I separate and go our own ways, exchanging no words in between.
I visit Gwynn in one of the back rooms. She looks absolutely crestfallen while staring at the wooden floor. Upon hearing me come in, she drops her head further downwards. Without even my asking, she tells me what happened.
Gwynn: "... I have nothing to say about the battle. We were ambushed. A passage with no way out... The darkness... I was foolish. I didn't expect a gnoll ambush. And I am to blame for that. I don't even know how many of my soldiers were slaughtered in combat or where their bodies are... When I awoke, I was being dragged to safety."
She continues after swallowing her pride as a Rocheste Commander.
Gwynn: "I heard about what happened from my remaining men who survived… Thank you... Thank you for avenging my men. They can rest in peace now. I won't forget what you've done, Lethita. May the souls of those soldiers rest in peace. I will ask the town oracle to perform a memorial rite for them. I can't thank you enough."
"…"
Having nothing to really say, I leave the room as Gwynn mourns her losses as a commander. I can feel her grief. Though I am not a commander, I felt the same pain as Gwynn being one of the survivors of a losing battle.
I enter the Forge for Ferghus to repair and refine my brother's blade and Lucas's sword. Shayla is in the Forge wrapping newly acquired leather in a sack. She looks me over with a critical eye and a head shake of disapproval.
Shayla: "So you slew the Gnoll Chieftain. Did you even know who he was? Of course you didn't. The Blades care nothing of gnollish politics."
Shayla shakes her head once more. Quite hypocritical of her to be playing with gnoll leathers while talking about this with me.
Shayla: "Listen, that chieftan you killed... He wanted the gnolls to LEAVE the Fomorian army. His ideals started a civil war amongst the gnolls. Eventually, the gnolls split. Gnolls in the Perilous Ruins, led by the Gnoll Chieftain, lived free of the Fomors. Gnolls in the Northwestern Ruins, on the other hand, THEY are your real enemy... But of course, Aodhan commands anything that even swings a sword in his general direction slaughtered."
Wait, if the gnolls wanted to leave the Fomorian army, why would they attack Colhen? There wouldn't be any reason at all. Unless...
"So you're saying the gnolls were framed. Someone purposely left clues at the bell tower for us to fight the gnolls..."
Shayla's eyes turn cold at once.
Shayla: "Possibly. But it is of no matter to me. What I care about is filling a client's request for undyed leather. I suppose I should thank you for your hard work, for creating the opportunity to open up trade."
Shayla's words make no impact on my future actions and decisions. I don't know why she even bothered. I don't know why I even bothered listening. I leave my swords with Ferghus and head out for that long awaited rest.