Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord
Guide: "words", (thoughts), [sound effects], {quick in story author's note}, SHOUTING or LOUD NOISES. A line means scene change, Bold is important things or supernatural beings speaking.
The Fortress
Under the flickering light of candles in the highest room of the fortress keep three elven women were on their knees, clothed in rags. Another elf male stands over them listening intently a quiet rage building on his face. And an angel clad in shining armor a stern but sympathetic look on her face.
The angel had long flowing fiery red hair held in a ponytail reaching her mid back and warm amber-colored eyes. The sound of clanking armor echoed out as she approached her enraged lord and whispered into his ear "My lord I know this is upsetting for you but as this is a matter of justice you mustn't simply take them at their word to ensure fairness to all parties we should do this in the proper setting and hold a trial. For now, with your permission, I would like to fetch a Couatl to ensure they speak the truth".
For several seconds Theren closed his eyes trying to force down his anger before opening them he turned to the celestial "No it's fine you are correct in this manner please fetch a Couatl to stand witness and ensure their truthfulness and bring the peacekeepers who were there for the humans arrest".
Turning to face the three elven women he smiled to comfort them speaking in elvish "You may stand I ask to you wait a moment before telling me your tale. I need to confirm a few things before making any kind of judgment and must ensure fairness in matters of justice please understand and make yourselves comfortable".
The three women stood heads knelt in respect before the blue hair one respond in the same tongue "We understand lord your position comes with certain response abilities".
A few minutes of waiting passed before a woman came walking in she had long black hair tied in a ponytail vibrant green eyes and wore a simple green dress. "Ah Gabrielle they sent for you personally I'd think you'd be too busy," Theren smiled calling out to the woman.
Gabrielle smiled back before replying "Oh no the prisoners have been very talkative seems they've learned hiding information from me is pointless and that it's less painful to cooperate".
The three elven women's ears perked up at that statement turning to Theren the blonde one spoke with a tinge of fear in her eyes "My lord is this woman your torturer? We swear we would never lie to you please believe us."
The Couatl understanding their words let out a gentle laugh before putting on a reassuring smile "Please be at ease I have no stomach for bringing harm to others I have more gentle means of getting information you see I have the power to read the minds of others".
The three elven women looked both relieved and puzzled at this information "Is that true?" the blonde one asked looking at Theren questioningly.
"Indeed rest assured you are safe in my home she is merely here to ensure you speak the truth the three peacekeepers that arrested your master will be here shortly when they get here I want you to confirm the events that lead to his arrest and please for the benefit of others use the common tongue when you do," said Theren addressing the three women.
"We will," the three elven women said in unison bowing their heads in respect.
After a few moments, the three peacekeepers that arrested Erya Uzruth arrived. The three angles came into the room single file armor clanking as they did the three formed a line in front of their master they knelt heads bowed before the central angel spoke "My lord you called for us".
"You may stand and yes I need you to confirm a few things for me just stand by if I need you," said Theren.
Then turning to face the three elven women Theren smiled "Alright now start by telling me what happened tonight and what led to Erya Uzruth's arrest".
The blue hair elven woman stepped forward and began to speak "Our master first arrived in your territory early this day on a mission as it got late he took us to a local establishment the spider bar and Inn he pay for a room for the night. He said he didn't want to pay for a room for us so we were told to stay in the stables."
"How terrible," said Gabrielle holding a hand over her heart sympathy in her eyes as she sensed the woman's emotions.
"Not really the sables can be surprisingly warm we were grateful normally we'd have to camp out in the woods." the blue hair one said with a sad smile.
"Not relevant please stay on topic I need to know if the crimes and allegations you made against one Erya Uzruth are true," said Theren voice full of calm and authority. He was the picture of calmness the hint of his true feelings was the clenched fist on his sides and white-knuckled grip.
The blue-haired one nodded in apology before continuing "Of course apologies as I was saying we were in the stable trying to keep quiet and possibly get some rest when one of your servants Isabella came in we were afraid we were in trouble but she reassured us otherwise she treated our wounds and brought us blankets and some food".
(I'll have to remember to reward that one later) Theren thought a small nearly imperceptible smile growing on his lips before vanishing as quickly as it appeared.
The blue-haired one continued speaking "After treating our wounds and feeding us she asked us why we were out there and we told her of our situation and she promised that if we cooperated and told you of our master's crimes we could earn our freedom. But we requested a chance to speak with you personally first so she called some of your peacekeepers to take our master in for questioning but as he saw us on the back of that dragon he assumed we'd betrayed him and drew his sword and charged us if that peacekeeper's dragon mount had reacted any slower we'd most certainly be dead".
"You three is this true," Theren asked turning to face the three peacekeepers that witnessed the event.
The three winged women stepped forward before nodding affirmative the central lead angel speaking up for the group "It is indeed at first we made it clear he wasn't under arrest we simply needed him to come with us for questioning once he saw that his slaves were being brought along as well he became immediately agitated demanding to know why they were being brought along I informed him that we would be questioning them as well and drew his weapon in the middle of town and moved to kill them".
"I see now what are these crimes this man has committed other than the ones we were just told about," Theren asked turning to face the three elven women.
At his prompting the blue-haired elf spoke nervousness growing in her eyes "First before I explain I must ask if it turned out we were forced to act as his accomplices in some of his crimes would we be punished".
Theren put on a reassuring smile and spoke "As his slaves you had no choice but to obey and in the absence of choice there can be no blame. I give you my word if you were truly forced then no punishment shall befall you, now speak tell me of this man's alleged crimes".
The three elven women looked at each other and quietly whispered into each other's ears carefully so that others would not over hear after a moment the three seemed to have come to an agreement nodding their heads in unison the blue one came walking forward a few steps to look Theren straight in the eyes her nervousness from earlier giving way to new found confidence.
The blue-haired elven maiden spoke, "First I must ask lord have you ever heard of a worker before".
Theren's eyes narrowed a look of confusion on his face before he answered sounding unsure "I've heard of them in passing yes it is my understanding that they are a kind of adventurer correct?"
The blue-haired maiden shook her head from side to side eyes closed a look of disgust on her face like she had tasted something bitter "Not quite workers are essentially those that do the wet work the adventurers league won't touch theft assassinations that sort of thing. In the course of my master's career, he has assassinated many people throughout Baharuth. And stolen from many a noble or wealthy merchant."
A look of distaste not too similar to the girl's own made its way onto Theren's face as he responded "Ah I had no idea still while I do not doubt your claims if these crimes happened in the Baharuth empire then I'm afraid I do not have the right to punish them as my authority only extends to my lands though I am curious what precisely is such a man doing in my domain".
The blue-haired maiden looked sheepish as she continued "I see I will try to stick to crimes he has committed while within this kingdom then. It all started a few weeks ago when a general of Baharuth named Theobald called our master in for a job we only know this because he let us stand outside the door he doesn't seem the realize how keen elven earring can be. Anway the general told him that large shipments of raw materials wood, iron, steel, and alchemical compounds were being sent to the domain of some new Duke of Re-Estize after doing some digging they realize these materials weren't being used for any construction purposes. Instead, they suspect it might be used in the construction of weapons of war perhaps siege engines for the Re-Estize kingdom's war effort".
(So they know about those shipments still it seems that they're still in the dark about the secret weapon. Still, I should probably send a message to my changeling assassin from their reports they've already dealt with this man if we're lucky there could still be physical records of the contract of some sort that could corroborate their story I'll have to ask them later,) Theren thought to himself while listening intently.
Unaware of Theren's internal musings the blue-haired maiden continued "The mission they gave him was a simple one to confirm what these supply shipments are being used for and report it back to him. And to set fire to and sabotage as many of the fields and farms in the area as possible before escaping. General Theobald even offered protection from the Re-Estize Kingdom in case they attempted to pursue him".
"I see tell me has your master been able to learn anything about these shipments and their purpose," Theren asked a deadly serious look on his face.
The frighteningly serious look on Theren's face made the three elven women flinch back in fear before the blue-haired one continued "N-no they haven't he told us we were supposed to set a few fires to some of the local farms and fields under the cover of night to draw the majority of the local peacekeepers and guards as a distraction then sneak into the fortress when most of it's defenders were busy investigating the arson. This was what he was planning for us to do the following night after he had a chance to rest and gather information. But we haven't done anything yet we swear".
Theren felt a sharp pain of guilt deep down a desire to apologize and comfort the frightened woman but harshly suppressed the urge and refuse it let it show on his face (No now is not the time I do not even know if any of what they're saying is the truth or just lies to elicit sympathy) he thought shaking his head.
Turning to face Gabrielle he spoke sternness in his voice "Gabrielle speak have these women spoken the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth or in any way attempted to deceive us".
Gabrielle gave a gentle smile her voice soft as a melody as she replied "No my lord they have been nothing but honest they haven't the faintest desire to trick or deceive us their only desire and thought at this moment is proving their innocents in your eyes and a faint hope you might free them of their bondage".
Theren let out a sigh of relief the stern expression on his face lightening considerably at the news. He turned to face the three elven women a smile growing on his lips as he spoke voice full of warmth "Then I believe we have all the evidence we need for the moment I will of course give the accused a chance to defend his actions in a propper trial latter when I decide his punishment. For now, as my right as lord of this domain, I find Erya Uzruth guilty of drawing a weapon in a public place, resisting arrest, and espionage. He has harmed my domain and its people threw his actions and as my right, I will be confiscating property as compensation".
The three elven women's brows furrowed in confusion and a small light of hope grew in their eyes the blonde one blurted out "What kind of compensation".
"You will be the compensation as his property you are a seizable asset one I'm taking as compensation now do me a favor and kneel for a moment" Theren explained.
Three elven women looked at each other nervously but seeing no choice they kneeled before Theren a look of resignation on their faces.
Theren drew upon the deep well of magic within using the wish spell to cast a spell he held out both his hands which glowed with white magical light "Twinned Regenerate" he said touching the red and blonde-haired elves on the head.
He then reach out and touch the blue-haired one as well "Regenerate" he said casting another spell.
After touching them the three were surrounded by a bright green light that washed away all their pain.
"What was that for my lord Miss Gabrielle already treated our injuries" the blonde hair one said looking up to face Theren.
Theren merely smiled in response reaching out to brush a few stray stranges of hair from her long elvish ear.
Sudden realization hit the three with trembling hands they reach out to touch their ears expecting the feeling of rough jagged flesh and scarred tissue instead the felt soft flesh and the long slender ears they'd been born with.
Their eyes went wide with surprise tears of joy begging to well up as they could hardly believe what their senses were telling them.
"Now rise you are now slaves to no one" Theren smiling pure joy etched on his face at the sight of their expressions.
Tears of joy began to run down their cheeks with shaking hands they tried to rub the tears away.
"Now would you do me the honor of telling me your names," Theren asked grinning ear to ear as he helped the three to their feet.
The blond-haired one got to her feet wiping her face clean her forest green eyes red and puffy from crying she gazed at Theren an absolutely radiant smile on her lips as she answered "My name is Jelenneth,"
The red-haired one stood next to her rust-red hair swaying as she did unlike her companion she had already stopped weeping her smile more subdued than Jelenneth's but just as kind "My name is Althaea you have my eternal gratitude for this thank you".
The blue-haired one hiccuped a bit wiping her eyes with her sleeve as she did so her forest green eyes like those of her two companions were red and puffy from the recent crying now dry she smiled bowing her head in thanks "My name is Birel please tell me how can we ever repay you for this kindness".
Theren chuckled before replying "For now rest and regain your strength you are the guests in my home please make yourself comfortable the servants will see to it you are bathed new clothes and a hot meal then show you to the guest rooms. You are no longer slaves and are free to travel as you wish though I'd ask you to stick around for at least a few days I want you as witnesses in your former master's case. Plus you're going to want to be there when I punish Erya Uzruth" Theren said his kind smile growing dark for a second as he spat the human's name like venom.
"Thank you we shall," the three said respectfully.
"Oh, and I want to talk to you tomorrow after you've had a chance to rest I still want to hear your story and everything that humans did to you," Theren said with the same dark look in his eyes.
After that, the Peacekeepers filed out the door to Theren's quarters in single fill the sounds of their armor clanking as they walked away to return to their duties the three elven women soon followed being escorted to guest quarters by one of the peacekeepers till only Theren and Gabrielle remained.
"Now my Lord we must discuss the situation with Baharuth," Gabrielle said after she was sure no one was around to hear a cold look in her narrowed eyes.
Carne Village, Dawn
A reddish-golden hue was seen coming just over the horizon illuminating the village below. Though calling such a place a town would be an understatement no longer a small village thanks to the huge inflow of refugees from E-Rantel after it was overrun with undead combined with the investments and work projects funded by the village's new lord had turned what had been a tiny village in the middle of nowhere into a bustling town of nearly a thousand people. Dirt roads were replaced with proper stone streets simple wooden homes replaced by proper ones made of brick and mortar.
In the northwest corner of the town among a slew of freshly built homes a scene was playing out standing outside a simple one-story brick house was Genevieve the angelic woman and her silvery dragon mount landed in front of the home kicking up a small cloud of dust and grass as they landed.
Sliding off the saddle of her dragonic mount she landed with a thud turning to face her mount she placed a gentle hand on their snout smiling "Orn wait here while deal I deal with this but remain if I need you".
Orn the dragon snort in response "As if you'd need my help to deal with a few rowdy villagers".
"Don't be a smart aleck, sour scales your just grumpy cause you're tired" Genevieve teased a small grin on her lips.
"Well unlike you I actually need rest you know" Orn replied pulling his head from her hand annoyed.
"Fine after my shift I promise to take you hunting. It's been a while since you've had anything beyond basic rations" said Genevieve.
"You promise" Orn asked eyes narrow his tail waging behind him betraying his true feelings.
"Promise" Genevieve rolled her eyes at the indignant reptile.
Turning from her now satisfied mount she turned to walk toward the simple one-story brick home in front of her. The sound of clanking armor echoed out as she walked up to the simple oak door. Raising her steel-clad gauntlet she gave a firm knock on the door. After several moments of silence, she heard footsteps from the other side and the door opened with a soft click.
On the other side of the door was a tired woman who had straight black hair held in a bun at the back of her head. She had warm brown eyes bloodshot like she hadn't slept in days a faint sign of crow's feet on the women. She wore a simple tan-colored dress. Her tired-looking eyes widened a bit at the sight of Genevieve before relaxing. "I'm so glad your here I need your help you see, it's my husband," the disheveled woman said annoyance and fatigue evident on her face.
"What seems to be the issue mama," Genevieve asked in an even tone of voice.
Right as those words left her lips a crashing sound like breaking glass was heard as a man's voice was heard screaming "DAMN IT".
Genevieve expression remained calm save a single arch eyebrow as she replied "Ah I see the problem".
The other woman signed in exasperation scratching the back of her head as she spoke "Yes he's been like this for the last few weeks though it's been especially bad these last few days I was wondering if you could take him take to jail for a few days get him out of my hair".
Genevieve let out an annoyed sigh pinching the bridge of her nose as she replied "Look I understand but that isn't my job unless he's done something illegal I can't arrest him for nothing".
The tired woman with a look of exasperation replied "He has the neighbors have complained several times about the noise. And he's come back from the bar the last several days with bruises like he'd been in a brawl. Look I love my husband he wasn't always like this but ever since we were forced to move here he's been like this I just want him to stop drinking and get another job."
Genevieve replied, "If that is true I could take him in for a few days under the guise of questioning still tell me what caused this change in behavior".
A look of sadness fell on the woman's face as she answered "After E-Rantel was overrun with undead we were forced to abandon our homes and business when we were forced to flee here I lost my job as a seamstress and my husband lost his workshop. You see my husband is a blacksmith and proud of it learned to do from his father and was respected as one of the best smiths in the city. It took us over fifteen years of hard work to save up enough money to buy him his own shop. So when we were forced to flee E-Rantel we lost everything he was understandably quite upset. I tried to convince him to get another job but he refused. He doesn't know any profession but smithing and he's too prideful to work under another smith".
Genevieve stood there in silence for several seconds in quiet contemplation before she remember an offhand comment from her lord a week ago about having trouble finding more skilled smiths for the war effort. "Alright I'll take him in for disturbing the peace for a few days let him dry out I'll also talk to Lord Theren if he can hire him he is looking for smiths to help with the upcoming war with Baharuth."
The woman nodded in appreciation before heading inside there was a faint call from inside "There's a peacekeeper at the door they say they need to talk to you"
"Yeah yeah I'm coming," a deeper male voice grumbled out as a clearly intoxicated man came to the door he stood at least six feet tall and was heavily muscled he was an older man likely in his late forties he had grayish black hair that appeared to be receding and gray eyes.
As the man walked out the door Genevieve almost immediately wrinkled her nose at the overpowered stench of alcohol. He sways back and forth trying the find his balance.
Trying to recover from the overpowering stench she composed herself looking into the inebriated man's bloodshot eyes "Sir we have received multiple complaints and reports of you disturbing the peace I will need you to come with me for questioning,"
At hearing her words the man's glazed-over eyes came into focus as a scowl made its way onto his face "What's that who's been talkin' about me behind my back" the man slurred.
"I can't reveal that information now I need you to come with me" Genevieve spoke with stillness.
But the inebriated man was unmoved only becoming more agitated "NO I ain't going nowhere till I hear some names" the man half screamed.
Growing irritated at the drunk man's noncompliance and fearing an escalation of the situation she drove her steel-clad fist into the man's stomach. Layers of fat and thick cords of muscle gave way as she buried her fist deep into the man's gut. The man's eyes buckled before relaxing his large body slumped starting to fall. His head was just about to reach the floor when Genevieve's hand caught the back of the man's shirt.
With one hand she hefted the man onto her shoulder smiling at the woman before turning to leave but stopped when she heard the woman call out "Thank you please wait a moment".
The woman hurried back into the house before returning a moment later with a basket in her hand. It was then Genevieve noticed a small child hiding behind the older women's leg. "And who is this?" Genevieve asked taking note of the small child.
The older women's eyes took on a look of annoyance upon looking down at the child "My daughter who SHOULD be in bed right now".
The small girl growing bold steps out from behind her mother's leg looking at her with big gray eyes half hidden behind long black bangs "I heard daddy shouting I thought something was wrong so I came to see. Is daddy in trouble?" the girl asked concern in her eyes.
Genevieve crouched down so she was at eye level with the small girl giving her a comforting smile her heart swooning at the adorable sight "No no he's just sick right now I'm taking him to get better I'll have him back in a few days I promise" she said speaking softly to the child.
The girl nodded at that before going back inside after she did Genevieve spoke to the older woman the sternness from before returning but with a hint of a small smile still on her lips "A few days in jail should serve to sober him up I'll also talk to Lord Theren about hiring him,".
"Thank you I truly appreciate it here take these as a thank you," said the woman with a smile handing Genevieve a beautiful basket of red and green apples.
Genevieve eyed the basket greedily before practically snatching it up thanking the woman and walking back toward her mount. Carefully she laid the unconscious man on her shoulder over the back of her mount before securing him in place. Then gingerly placing the basket and its contents into the saddle bags attached to her mount.
As she climbed up into the saddle the dragon sniffed the air and growled shortly before replying in a bored tone of voice "Joy another drunkard this is the fifth one this week I swear this smell is never going to wash out".
Genevieve rolled her eyes as she flicked the dragon's reins "Oh stuff it Orn comes with the job besides I haven't forgotten our promise I'll take you out hunting just as soon as we drop this one off".
The dragon flapped its wings kicking up dust as it took to the air tail wagging excitedly as it raced off.
The Fortress, Theren's POV
I walked down the stone hallways of my fortress sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows to my right the sound of clanking metal following behind. (They don't really need to follow me in my own home do they?) I thought growing annoyed at the sound. Trying to ignore the sound of my angelic bodyguards I reached the base of the spiral staircase before turning to face the two behind me.
Two of the battle force angels I'd summoned stood clear looking as stern and stiff as ever the one to the right with fiery red hair framing a face carrying a no-nonsense expression spoke up "Is something wrong, my lord".
Scraching the side of my head nervously I replied trying to hide the annoyance in my voice "Look I know your job is to protect me but do you really need to follow me around in my own home".
The fiery-haired angel replied her red eyes narrowing into a burning glare "Yes my lord have you forgotten just a few months ago in this nation's very capital you were attacked and nearly killed."
"Well, that was… fine," I said, raising my hands in surrender.
"I'm glad you're seeing this our way my lord please bear it for it is for your sake." The fiery-haired angel said eyes relaxing and for just a second a small smile appeared that vanished as soon as it appeared.
In silence, I climbed the spiral staircase till the reached door to the fortress guest room the three elven women from earlier were staying.
"All right I'm going in to talk to them remain here as I do" I commanded.
The two nodded their heads in affirmative and the red-headed angel answered "Very well we shall be just outside, if you need us we just call and we won't hesitate to charge in".
"Please DON'T do that," I said letting out a sigh as I did.
Reaching up I gave the wooden door a good knock before calling out "It's Duke Theren I want to talk".
After a few seconds of waiting a feminine voice called out "Please come in".
I grasped the polished brass door handle it felt warm to the touch and the door opened with a click. As it swung open I saw the three elven women from earlier Jelenneth the blond one was standing just on the other side of the door to greet me while Althaea the redhead and Birel the blue hair one was sitting on their beds legs lazily draped over the sides of their bed attention fully on me as I walked in.
The room itself had a varnished hardwood floor and smooth stone walls light filtered through the stained glass windows in the back over the beds illuminating the room. To the right side of the room was a door leading to a bathroom the steam steeping out from the crack and the redhead's wet hair indicating it had just been used. There were three single beds in the center back part of the room. Next to each of the beds was a wooden nightstand. To the left of the door was a desk and chair.
Closing the door behind me I grabbed the desk chair to my left and sat down the three looked completely different from when I'd seen them last beyond their injuries being healed a hot bath a change of clothes and a good nights rest seem to have done the three a world of difference they were still a bit too thin and sickly looking for comfort but I couldn't help but smile at the improvement.
"If you wouldn't mind I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me your story," I said my language almost instinctively slipping into elvish.
"Very well first I must ask how much do you know of the Slain Theocracy's war on our nation," Jelenneth asked doing the same.
"All I know is that allegedly the war starter when the kind abducted one of the Theocracy's top agents," I said trying to recall what little I knew on the subject I spent the last several months digging into the subject but when it came to who was abducted I just couldn't seem to get any straight answers.
"Yeah, I figured not many know the truth it makes sense that the Theocracy wants to keep it under wraps. Frankly, the only reason I know what I do is because my mother who was working at the king's palace at the time was one of his concubines. From bits and pieces of conversation she overheard she told me the king had abducted the ace of the black scripture" Jelenneth explained.
"For what purpose," I asked eyebrow raised curious about what could have motivated such a moronic move.
Jelenneth hesitated to avoid Therens gaze before slowly answering "The king is a madman obsessed with strength he has dozens of concubines at one time determined to create a powerful child yet all his children failed to live up to his standards he's sent countless numbers of them to their deaths. Eventually, he decided the women were the problem he'd heard tales of a woman, the trump card of the Theocracy, supposedly a descendant of one of their six gods. He kidnapped her so he could… breed her".
Theren was utterly god-smacked at that statement his brain blue-screened at the sheer selfish stupidity of the man. "You're telling me untold numbers of our people were put in chains and subject to a war extermination all so a selfish degenerate could have his jollies with some human".
The three looked ashamed avoiding his gaze and softly nodding.
Theren that their in silence for several moments just trying to wrap his head around the sheer selfishness and cruelty to motivate such an act after a minute of this he recovered enough to ask a question "Why.. why in Corellon's name would he do that start a war with one of the strongest nations in the world for such a stupid reason. And if he's so powerful why has he not ended the war".
Jelenneth let out a saddened sign before replying "Because he does not care, for the great crime of failing to live up to an impossible standard he's decided we aren't worth saving he'd sooner watch our whole nation be exterminated than pry himself from his palace and concubines to help what he sees as weaklings not worth the time or effort to protect".
(I swear once this mess with the Theocracy is over I'm visiting this so-called king he'll pay for all the pain his selfishness has caused our people.) thought Theren mind filled with thoughts of blood revenge.
Refocusing his thoughts on the present Theren took a moment to try and regain control of his emotions now stone-faced he spoke calmly "Thank you for telling me I had no idea the situation in the elven kingdom was so dire. Now if you'd indulge my curiosity please tell me how did come to find yourself in this state tell me your story if it's not too painful".
The three look at each other like they were going to be sick at the memory before Jelenneth steps forward with a nervous swallow voice quivering as she spoke "The others would prefer not to speak of it the memories are too raw they lost most of their families in the raids I guess I was fortunate in that regard I have been an orphan for most of my life so it's easier for me to talk about it than the others besides I think you'll find little differentiates their stories from my and they all end the same, please understand".
A bit of softness came over Theren's expression as he answered "I understand it's fine if the others don't wish to speak of what happened please tell me what happened from your perspective".
Jelenneth nodded wearing a sorrowful expression as she began to speak "It all started about five years ago I lived in a small village near the kingdom's border. I worked as a seamstress for the village. For that, last few months up to that point we'd heard rumors of sightings of Theocracy soldiers encroaching probing deeper and deeper in the forest raiding villages and burning them along with the surrounding forests to the ground".
"And you never considered moving further from the border," Theren asked a quizzical eyebrow raised.
"And if we did who would be there to defend the forest, our village had rested in those woods for over a thousand years it was our home where our roots lie if we would not defend it then who would? And besides even if we did run the Theocracy would just keep pushing and pushing until there was nowhere left to run. At some point someone has held the line and we'd rather run than fight and leave someone else's village to take the hit that's what we told ourselves but perhaps we were just being stubborn" Jelenneth said turning her head to avoid Theren's gaze.
Theren felt a sense of deep respect for the woman in front of him well up in him he reached out gently laying his hand on her right shoulder she looked up surprised at the sudden contact. Theren stared into her green eyes as he spoke "Your wrong it's not stubbornness if it were you wouldn't show such care for the forest or of the other elves that might have been attacked had you retreated. It's easy to run away but to hold your ground in the face of overwhelming force to protect your home and people that takes true bravery you have my respect".
Jelenneth smiled warmly as Theren withdrew his hand before replying warmly in her voice "Thank you it means a lot".
"So what happened next," Theren asked eager to hear the rest of her tale.
"Ah yes, where was I… oh now I remember I'd just finished a long day making clothes for the other villagers at my job as a seamstress. I remembered getting home late before passing out. It was the smell that woke me up then I heard the screams. I ran out the door as fast I could and saw hundreds of Theocracy soldiers cutting down any who resisted. I tried to run but a man on horseback chased me down. We tried to fight back but they had us outnumbered ten to one at least. After they finished killing most of our men they gather everyone in the center of the village" Jelenneth spoke eyes downcast as she relieved the unpleasant memory.
"What happen next," Theren asked grimly, feeling a pit form in his stomach.
"After they finished butchering the last of our men they gathered the women children and elderly in the center of the village. Then they separated the elderly and children and killed them they dumped them in a big pill in front of us as we watched" Jelenneth said voice beginning to crack as the two other women began to weep.
Theren was at a loss for words at what he was hearing he felt like screaming or crying but all he could do was sit there and listen to the woman's tale as if in a trance.
"I only found out later the reason those barbarians did this was they were afraid the elderly and children wouldn't sell for enough to be worth the effort of dragging them off to market. They lined us up and put us in chains before setting the village on fire. We were forced to march for days on end seeing the countless miles of burnt forest and smoldering remains of other villages in the distance. We received little water and had only the soldier's scraps to eat. When we arrived in the capital we were marched down the street like some kind of prize where hordes of filth humans jeered and threw things at us. Then we were taken to the slave market where they sliced off our ears and shoved us in cages like animals" Jelenneth said now openly sobbing at the memory.
Theren felt the sensation of running water running a hand across his cheek wiping a few tears away as he listened intently.
"It was there I met Birel and Althaea after talking to them I realized their story was more or less the same as mine. After rotting in that hellish place for months having humans judge us like pieces of meat Erya purchased us afterward the market staff took us to the back where Erya branded us so if we ever ran everyone would know who are owner was. I still remember the blistering pain of the hot iron on my back. After that, we began traveling with him forced to aid him in his various jobs as a worker some legal, most not. We were forced to wear rags and eat his scraps and he beat us at every opportunity and said it was to quote remind us not to forget our place. Same reason he made us wear collars at all times so everyone that saw us would know we were his slaves. Eventually, his work brought him here to Re-Estize and I think you know the rest" Wiping her tear-stained eyes the woman finished her story.
Theren stood there for a moment absorbing what he'd just been told before a dark look made its way onto his face the faint glow of magic and hate in his violet eyes and voice dripping with malice "I swear this injustice will not go unpunished this animal that dares to think it can harm its betters will pay the ultimate price this I swear".
Great Forest of Tob
In a clearing on the edge of the great forest of Tob Genevieve and her silver dragon Orn sat basking in the sunlight flittering through the tree branches. Orn was busy devouring a freshly killed dear the sounds of tearing and biting were heard as he tore one of the deer's back legs off swallowing it in one bite.
Genevieve lay back pressed against her partner eyeing the shiny red apple in her hands "I swear your such a messy eater Orn" she said eyeing her dragon tearing into the deer carcass before biting into the apple.
The dragon turned from its meal for a moment to stare at the pile of dozens of discarded apple cores laying at her side "Unlike you, I actually need to eat so what's your excuse" Orn said with a snort.
Genevieve's eyes narrowed in annoyance before replying "True I don't which is why I like to indulge when I can it's something I don't get to enjoy very often and apples are my favorite".
"But I see you haven't eaten any of the green ones," Orn said eyeing the basket of apples at his partner's side.
"I hate the green ones they're too sour," Genevieve said turning her nose up at them.
"Those apples were a gift it'd be rude to not eat them" Orn insisted.
"Then why don't you eat the-" Genevieve began to retort before stopping mid-sentence quickly reaching into her pocket to pull out her sending stone.
"What is it?" Orn asked concerned.
"We're needed at the fortress at once, it's important," she replied expression growing serious as she quickly climbed up onto Orn's back.
The Fortress
In a dimly lit windowless room on the lowest floor of the fortress, two women sat across from an oak table. On the table lay a map covered in various markers. On the right-hand side of the table lay a single solitary candle illuminating the faces of the two women. Gabrielle and Genevieve sat across from each other staring into each other's eyes.
Finally, Gabrielle spoke up "Thank you for making your way here so quickly I appreciate it. Now please forgive Lord Theren's absence he's attending to other affairs at this moment. Now please turn your attention to the Map".
Gabrielle pulled out a long wooden pointer which she directed at the map on the table with an audible tap pointing at a spot on the map before speaking "You see this spot here this is Falconreach castle where you and your team will be going. According to our intelligence, it is being used as a delivery site for Fort Warwick which according to the same intelligence is where the Baharuth plans to launch its attack on any questions".
Genevieve trying her best to follow along spoke up "Yes what is it delivering and why is it so important that we intervene?"
Gabrielle grimaced before answering "Ah I expected that question before I answer that question I need to explain the current political situation. You see after our lord's interference in Carn village the Slain Theocracy took note of him. From the beginning, they feared him allying with Re-Estize. Their ultimate goal is to unite all of humanity under their rule to subjugate all other races. So after lord Theren became a Duke of Re-Estize the Theocracy put harsh economic sanctions and trade embargos on Re-Estize in an attempt to starve us out. But when our lord used his magic to solve the food issue it disrupted their plans. So now the Theocracy has decided for daring to ally themselves with an elf Re-Estize must be conquered are you following so far".
"I think so but what does that have to do with this fort we're attacking," Genevieve asked a confused expression on her face.
Gabrielle smiled patiently before explaining "Baharuth has been attacking Re-Estize for years now in attempt an attempt to wear them down and absorb them into their empire. And now that the Theocracy wants Re-Estize crushed their willing to help Baharuth do it. To that end, they are providing large sums of gold weapons and magic items. They believe these supplies will be enough to finally put an end to the annual war between Baharuth and Re-Estize. Falconreach Castle is where these supplies are stored before being sent to Fort Warwick. We can't allow these supplies to arrive if they do it could be enough to break the stalemate and allow Baharuth to invade Re-Estize. So to prevent this we are going to stop them".
Genevieve eyes widen in understanding as she chimed in "And that's where I and my team will come in".
Gabrielle nodded as she continued "Precisely, now Falconreach Castle is deep behind enemy lines so it'd normally be impossible for the forces of Re-Estize to attack but not for us thanks to our lord's magic. For this mission you will be provided with several bags of holding they will contain both the tools needed for your mission as well as provide a means to transport the stolen supplies. At dawn tomorrow you and a team of your choosing will convene at the fortress there a Glyph of Warding stored Teleportation spell has been prepared that will transport you and your team to Falconreach Castle once there you are to kill any who get in your way and load these supplies into the provided bags of hold. After doing so you are to use a glyph of warding stored Earthquake spell that will be provided in your bag of holding to demolish the structure to deny to enemy use of it. Once you've gone that you are to use a Glyph of Warding stored Teleportation spell to return".
Genevieve felt a bit uneasy about an unprovoked attack like this but understood the cruel necessity of it "I understand" she nodded in understanding
Midnight the Fortress
It was late at night in a large open room on the lowest level of the fortress Theren sat at a desk. To the side of his desk were the three elven women he'd met earlier Jelenneth, Althaea, and Birel. Both desk and chair are made from finely crafted cherry wood. Standing at either side of the door were two of Theren's peacekeepers.
There was a sound of shouting and the rattling of chains as Erya Uzruth was dragged through the door. Gone was his armor and sword he was now dressed in a simple grey prisoner's uniform his blonde hair a mess of dirt and sweat. His hands were bound by thick steel shackles behind his back. Leg irons attach to his foot dragged across the floor. A look of pure loathing on his face as he was forced to walk.
The clanking of chains was heard as the peacekeeper followed close behind shoving him forward. The peacekeeper holding his chain in her right hand stepped forward to speak "I have brought the prisoner you requested my lord".
Theren watch the enraged human before him talking no small amount of satisfaction in seeing him the one in chains. And based on the amused smiles of the women beside him they shared his amusement. Standing up from his desk Theren scowled at the human as he spoke "Erya Uzruth you have been found guilt on the charges of foreigner espionage and attempted arson do you have anything to say for yourself".
But Erya barely heard him focusing his attention on the three women standing next to Theren with a look of pure loathing "Filthy long-eared thrash what are my slaves doing here?" he demanded.
Theren narrowed his eyes at the human upon hearing his words but suppressed his anger enough to speak without screaming the contempt was clear on his face "They are here as witnesses to your crimes. And they are slaves to no one since earlier today when they were granted them their freedom".
"Wh-what you can't do that their my personal property" Erya sputtered out.
"And as lord of this region I have the right to seize private property, especially in response to crimes against me and my domain. When you were initially arrested you drew your sword in a public space and resisted the lawful authority of my peacekeepers. As punishment for that crime, I have seized your property as is my right. And as their new owner I had every right to grant them their freedom" Theren explained slowly like he was speaking to a slow child.
"You can't do anything without evidence" Erya sneered straining against his restraints and glaring at Theren all the while.
"On the contrary, I need no evidence I think you'll find as Duke my authority on matters of justice within the bounds of my domain is entirely within my power to judge as I see fit. I could have you killed on sight if I so choose evidence be damned and none save the king could overrule me. The fact that I bothered gathering evidence at all instead of killing you myself is a testament to my patience. You have been accused and found guilty of the previously mentioned crimes understand this is not a trial to determine guilt or innocence your guilt has been proven to me beyond a shadow of a doubt both by these three women's testimony and my servant's integration and delving into your mind. The purpose of this meeting is to determine how you are to be sentenced" Theren explained in an icy tone eyes narrowed.
Erya was glaring daggers at the three elven women next to Theren red faced and practical foaming at the mouth in outrage at their perceived betrayal he snarled as he spoke "YOU THINK YOU CAN DO THIS TO ME. I KILL YOU ALL THE MOMENT I GET OUT OF HERE".
After Erya's outburst, there was a moment of silence broken by the sound of Theren's laughter.
Everyone in the room turned to face Theren who'd practically fallen out of his chair at this point in laughter.
The sight of the downright hysterically laughing elf was enough to shake the human's confidence "What's so damned funny" Erya asked confusion and anger on his face.
Recovering from his fit of uncontrolled laughter flashed a cruel smile at the human amusement in his voice "Oh you poor dumb little animal you have no idea what's in store for you if you did I assure you, you'd be much more respectful after all its unwise to say such words to your executioner".
At that, the room was dead silent as if a pin had dropped "W-what" Erya all but whispered all the previous anger and bluster gone from his voice eyes wide in shock.
"You heard me as lord of this land I sentence you to beheading. Now take him to the execution site." Theren said with contempt.
At his command, the peacekeepers at the door began dragging the shell-shocked man through the door.
Fortress Courtyard
The fortress courtyard was bathed in the silvery light of the moon as Erya was literally dragged to his execution site. He kicked screamed and straining against his restraints as he was dragged forward. Following close behind were Theren, Jelenneth, Althaea, and Birel. As they reached the center of the courtyard the peacekeepers holding Erya stopped giving him the chance to see the object of his demise a guillotine.
A look of horror slowly came upon his face at the site of the machine, he turned to face Theren "This has to be a joke are you really going to kill me over a crime I haven't even committed yet that's hardly fair" he said a look of desperation on his face.
"Yes your right," said Theren causing those around him minus Erya to give him a look of confusion.
A spark of hope appeared in Erya's eyes before Theren explained "If this were truly about the foreign espionage and planned arson maybe you'd have a point. If that were the extent of your crimes I would have settled for giving life imprisonment but I think we know that's not really why you're going to die today. No human you are going to die today because you dared to bring harm to my people a crime you will pay with your very soul."
At hearing those words the small glimmer of hope in Erya's eyes died "What do you mean my soul" he asked with a deep sense of dread in his voice.
A cruel smile blossomed on Theren's lips as he made his way over to the guillotine pointing his finger at the razor edge "See the guillotine's edge doesn't it seem a bit unusual to you".
Every eye in the courtyard turned to see the blade and widen in surprise at the sight of it where the expected smooth gray steel they saw crude iron black as night and veins hellish red flames licking out from them as the blade gave off a faint red glow.
"The guillotine itself is fairly ordinary but the blade itself came from a magical item a sword wielded by a mighty demon me and my companion slew forged from infernal iron these hellfire weapons as they are called have the power to send the souls of all who are slain straight to hell," Theren explained cruel smile on his lips and hatred in his eyes.
A look of pure shock and horror broke out on the human's face at those words Erya fell to his knees with a thud his shackles rattling as he did "FORGIVE ME PLEASE" he screamed as he did fear and desperation in his voice.
"It's not for me whom you should be begging now peacekeepers secure the condemned in the guillotine then you are to leave the courtyard this is not something creatures such as you were meant to see" Theren commanded.
At his command two of the peacekeepers present grabbed the shell-shocked Erya dragging the man forward before firmly securing him into the device before all the peacekeepers present left as ordered.
After Theren was certain all the peacekeepers had left he turned to face the three elven women who'd been watching in silence till now "Jelenneth, Althaea, and Birel of anyone here you are the ones he's wrong the most so it's only fair you be the one to decide his fate if you wish I will spare him send him to prison for life let him go or condemn his very soul straight to hell both his life and very soul is in your hands".
The three women's eyes flew wide at that Birel was first to speak her pale blue hair reflecting the light of the moon as she did "So we are the ones who get to decide" she asked surprised.
"Yes, whatever you decide I will abide by your decision" Theren explained.
"Kill him," Birel said glaring hatefully at the human.
"Death he needs to die" Althaea nodded her head.
"Make him pay" Jelenneth agreed.
Theren paused for a moment as if lost in thought before answering "Very well then I will be the one to do it" his eyes revealing his resolve.
He felt a mixture of anxiety and righteous fury as walked toward the guillotine, he then felt a cold iron handle that would release the executioner's blade. He was just about to press the lever when he heard a desperate cry from the man firmly secured in the device "WAIT PLEASE".
For a moment Theren hesitated "Fine I'll let you say a few last words" he said deciding to humor the man.
Erya looked up at the three elven women standing over him judgment and hatred in their eyes the formerly proud man was now openly sobbing and hiccuping as pleaded with them "PLEASE FORGIVE ME I SWEAR I'LL NEVER HURT ANOTHER ELF AGAIN I'LL PAY YOU EVERYTHING I OWN ALL MY MONEY AND POSSESSIONS PLEASE JUST LET ME LIVE".
He tried to catch his breath after shouting out his plee eyes shut and head bowed tears of desperation streaming down his face. When the sound of feminine laughter got his attention he saw the three elven women were all chuckling as they looked down at him in amusement "Wh-why are you laughing" he asked blurry red eyes wide in surprise.
"They're laughing because now the shoes on the other foot before they were at your whim not once did you show them the tiniest hint of mercy they were nothing more than tools to you and yet after all you've done you have the audacity to shamefully beg like this of course they'd laugh. I won't show you any mercy. You deserve damnation now burn in hell." Theren said hate burning in his throat.
He felt a cold sense of calm as he pulled the lever and released the guillotine's blade which flew down at great speed and cleaved the human's head off with a sickening clunk sound. The severed head of Erya Uzruth rolled across the grass of the courtyard as a bluish colored mist like substance began to leak out from his eyes nose and mouth flying straight into the infernal executioner's blade which glowed with a hellish red light as it absorbed the man's soul.
Still filled with rage at the crimes committed against his kin Theren turned to face the three elven women a look of calm and hate on his face as he spoke "I swear the injustices committed against elven kind will not go unpunished I swear in Corellons name I will hunt down those ignorant hairless apes that think they can enslave and slaught my people and not even their souls shall be spared my wrath".
Chapter End
Author's Note: If you liked the chapter or have any advice let me know in a review, please let me know in a review.
Spells Used
Regenerate-A very powerful healing the spell last for a full hour causing those under its effect to constantly heal from any injury received the spell is even capable of regrowing whole limbs.
