[Ingham]
I whistled as I saw one of the Gargoyle's head come right off his shoulders as the riot surged on with every bloody moment, and honestly, out of all the days this can happen, it happened now. Quite a disadvantage for me since I have my friend over and one of the "Big Boys" in the Black Dog's army, so I might as well be expecting some of them to rush in and lop his head off, but I can tell it won't be easy... and it all stems from his frame.
You see, with eyes like mine, I can tell who someone is just by looking at them. The man I see right here, has seen many days of war, or should I say years to make it more fitting? Regardless, his hardened face the says the same. The scars, the wounds... Even the burns as well. His muscles large as they are armored like the rest of his body. Even he can kill a man with his own bare hands.
"Now that we're here..." I put a hand on his shoulder, and greeted him with the smile I greet everyone. "Let's go somewhere private."
"Why?" He turned to me, looking at me with his own cold eyes. "is there something for me waiting here? A knife inside my throat?"
I wanted to laugh as I heard him say that. Ironic, if you ask me. Seeing one of the many people who went back on their word, plunging this homeland of my mine and everyone else. Let's not forget what they did, and we all know that.
His eyes may be cold, but his voice betrays it. By my ears, nothing's more satisfying than seeing someone so... scared, and desperate.
"Come with me." I said to him as I walked off to my study. Arguably, the only place to hide as the riot rages on outside.
"Hope you have some wine aging down there."
Worry not, my white haired friend. A man always has his comforts.
...
After a while, we reached my study. Other than the large table I have, it's not much to look at other than all the books sprawled neatly in columns and scrolls.
"Here." I heard him say as he hands me over a red note. "She said that I should take a look at this."
Snickering along with my companion, I did so.
"Hello, Kings from the lands beyond. My name is Volt, king of Eostia. It is my humble, and fair honor to say that if possible, you can come with me, and discuss some things.
A Necromancer plagues my lands, and if nothing's done, all will be gone, and my Kingdom shall be in ashes. Help me come to my aid, and I will see how we can make our kingdoms prosper more."
I let out a hum from reading that. It's rather odd, if you ask me. Volt going as far as too ask foreign Kings to his aid. The riots and the Rebels may be an issue, but the Demonic Legion hasn't done much.
"Could it be that they're scared?"
"Which ones? The Black Dogs, or the Demons?"
"The Demons are easy to explain." She piped in. "A good portion of them went off in a march to find where he is, and by good portion, I mean many. Many of the Hard asses if I can be crass. The ones getting battered outside are the mooks."
I furrowed my brows at that insinuation. "They're looking for him...? In a march? With the dead crawling around in some parts of the continent?"
I looked at the burly man once more. "This is a suicide mission... Even if it's just minor, you're risking your best men in a wild Goose chase. If they don't know where he is, it'll be a long time for them, and their numbers will be nothing more but a handful of seeds." At least I know why he came here now. Especially with my friend.
Volt's a smart man, charismatic and cunning, and many more traits you can fit in for your ideal leader... Yet, this is reckless for someone like him. He is the one that convinced the demons to join his side and take down Olga, and he is the one that started this all in the first place. He turned this empire into a brothel, just so he can be it's manager.
"That's why I wanted to ask you, Ingham." He put a hand on my shoulder. "We conspired with not just the demons, but we conspired with the nobility too. I'm afraid of sending this letter to the far seas... And you can already tell why."
"Then why aren't you in the march?" I asked him.
He let's go of my shoulder and sighed deeply. "Because this is personal. You have no idea how paranoia can affect a man. We built our group through strength and power, and if someone like Volt starts asking for help, we wouldn't like that. Another one is about conspiracies... Think about it. Would any king go as far as to answer this plea for help?"
"The only way I can see this going is that this is some kind of trap." Shiromi shared as she downed the mulled wine I had at the shelf. "That's the only reason why I can see him go for something like this. He's luring the Kings with their armies and kill them. Without the leaders, they'll turn to him."
"But the armies would bear witness to it, and so will the generals, and not only that, they have the next generation groomed to take charge upon their deaths... We may have a Demonic Legion... But we're talking about a united force of many lands with different forces."
"And with that Dragonbone knife you showed us, I'm guessing they'll bring in those scaly bastards."
I whistle as we weigh our options in regards to the contents of the letter, each one less favorable than the last. If my memory serves me right, we will all be troubled, for the kingdoms beyond have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I remember reading about the legends of the Stormborn. How they all claim that they descended from the first Storm King, and draw power from the God. Another with the Kingdom of Fire, rulers of the Eastern Lands, from where Kaguya came. Then for the K;thori.. Ones that rule the Black Lands, where legends claim that all the foulest beings came from.
They're many more lands and powerful kingdoms that can be worth noting, Like the Golden Empire, and the Kings of Winter. And with one more Kingdom that pledges allegiance to one another, it all becomes clear that our chances of survival are weak.
Oh, Volt. What have you gotten us into?
[Kazuma]
He sighs to himself as he threw the last of the ingredients into the pool, courtesy of the Great Lion Tywin himself and by his kin. He muttered the ancient words and watched as the pool turn blue and shimmer with light as magic overtakes it.
"Are you sure this is gonna work flawlessly?" Arcturus said as he keeps a firm hold on Maia. "Don't get me wrong, I've seen plenty of mages, strong and weak, old and young, but I've witnessed some of the most experienced ones make mistakes here and there but... how are we sure she isn't going to turn more into a vegetable than she already is?"
"Faith." He said calmly as he turns to him. "Your concerns are noted, but I made sure this will be the right one. I didn't bring that magical book for nothing."
"So... With that in mind, are we going to throw her in?"
"Lay her in gently." He answered swiftly he walked over to his side. "I'll help you with the placement."
Not wanting to make even more rebuttals, the Knight let him do what he pleases and carries the girl to the pool. With the Necromancer's help, they slowly and gently place her into the pool, but not before closing her eyes and placing her head gently at the brim.
"Now we'll wait. Until then, I'll be checking on the mirror."
"What's there to find? I don't want to berate you, but because of your magic, the dead crawl all over the fields and litter everywhere. It may not be the entire continent, but we can't send a scout out. The dead will eat them alive if they get out."
"Which is why I have ravens out there." He answered politely. "I knew that would be an issue, so I let the birds do the work." His hands trail upon the glass and taps the mirror three times. "If we're lucky, we'll see what Volt has done."
The two stood back and watched as the magic on the mirror starts taking effect. From what was once a reflection on the room, it was now a view of an open, grassy field that is provided by the raven itself. Wasting no words and time, he fiddled his fingers and piloted the bird as it soared through the air.
"Keep an eye out for anything that comes up, I might miss quite a few details, so it would be nice to have some help." He said to the Knight.
With a sigh, he walked over to the side and watched along. But looking for something specific or important didn't last long as they heard the footsteps coming from the north. Only it didn't feel like footsteps, it was a march.
Kazuma and Arcturus looked on with mild fear as they saw the coalition of forces heading towards Lion's Keep. All of them ranging of 100,000 men of both Black Dogs and Noble Soldiers, and supplied with a whopping force of 300,000 of the Demonic Legion. By the armors they wear, it's the best of the best, and the greatest of the great. This won't be some disorganized rabble of soldiers that tried to take him down, no. This! This was the might of the real army! Led by none other than Volt himself. Smiling triumphantly as he sees hordes of undead come into the charge.
"Looks like he decided to take you seriously..." The proud knight mumbled as he watches the Necromancer log out of the mirror and began gearing up.
"This is a fight we have to win!" He shouted as he put on his gauntlets. "There's only one house that supports me and that's your family! No wonder he was biding his time!"
It didn't take long for the knight to understand why. It has been a solid two months since his family took down the banners, and replaced them with their own. Personally, they don't know where he came from, but the words he said to his father was true. He remembered training amongst the rows of golden soldiers with the blade on his hand, and how their home lies in one of the most strategic places in the eves of war. Ever since they came in, they made this place into their own, personal whorehouse!
'Tell your father he's coming! Gather whatever troops you can get and I'll bring the dead over here. The one's already on the charge will give us enough time. Go!" He ordered him as he grabbed his sword.
Amidst the commotion, the water stirred from where Maia is. It didn't go unnoticed as the two men heard the water swish and were taken back as what burst through was nothing more but the angry warrior, screaming in rage.
"I'll have his head for what he did to me!" She screamed as she crawled out of the pool. "I'LL CHOP THEIR HEADS OFF IF IT's THE LAST THING I DO!"
She pushed herself off the floor and roared, uncaring about her stark nakedness, and only caring about the fields that run Red with Black Dog blood.
Arcturus grabbed a sword from the wall and tossed it at her, and she caught it, caught it as if the days of her being used as a sex doll never mattered. Then, she grabbed the necromancer by the hair and pulled him close.
"Where's the armory?!"
He pointed his sword to the door. "Just go left after you leave this room. There will be a sign that says it anyway, so it will be hard to miss."
She growled as she moved closer to his ear. "Thank you." She whispered before giving him a kiss on the forehead and walked away.
"Better snap out of it quickly." Arcturus called out as he also prepares to leave. "We can't afford you being dumbstruck on a time like this."
Shaking his head, the necromancer followed.
[Dennis]
"Not gonna lie. What you did last night was both irresponsible and hilarious at the same time." Bronn scolded him with a grin as he held the mug of ale in his hands.
Dennis groaned just by thinking about last night and what happened earlier today. Truth be told, they were able to apprehend their sneaky little elf, and she's still bound in rope to this very moment. The only thing he wasn't happy to think about was how they avoided getting caught.
The door came knocking, and what came through was the voice of a Black Dog. Bronn gave him the wild idea to continue on and finish what he did last night, and that is to fuck that dark elf into submission.
To say the least, he couldn't believe it worked. The Black Dog barged in, and they moment they saw her bound to the floor, unconscious and everything, they wasted no time in getting down and getting their sloppy seconds.
Sure, the memory of him going down on the elf's cunt, and just hearing her moan out in ecstasy... it's something he can cherish, and he's not gonna deny that the colour contrast between her dark skin and his pale complexion was intoxicating... he felt dirty. Really dirty.
But he knew the reason why, he just wasn't expecting the latter to happen.
"She was a spy, and the reason why I went along is simple." He leaned to the table, swishing the ale in his mug. "I don't know if her starting with a blowjob is supposed to lull me to a fall sense of security, but I went with it because I know why."
"And why's that?"
"Because she is indeed the spy. I had the notebook with me, right?"
Seeing him nod put him at ease, and he's glad about it. There's no point in trying to stall now since they want to know the reason why.
"I went along with it because it's my one chance to apprehend her. To tie her up and shut her mouth because I knew she's a liability."
And of course, he can hear the sellsword chuckle.
"Guess you got a little too excited and became a little too eager." He snickered as he took a swig out of his cup.
He sighed to himself and he felt up the handle of his mug and noticed that it's a little heavy on the bottom due to the Steel band that surrounds it. He now asks, will it make a good weapon?
He never prided himself as the Modern day Sherlock Holmes, and although he's rather good with forensics and the art of deduction, he doesn't feel worthy about having those gifts. Mostly because he studied about forensics out of boredom, and his ability of deduction isn't all that great. Even when he began the conspiracy to take this city, he needed that notebook just to keep tabs on the people he's working with.
He can only remember so much, but it's not a bad thing. It just shows that he's human.
Yet that never stopped him from what he's thinking off right now.
He imagined himself inside a ring, surrounded by an audience of Black Dogs and his companions forced to watch by the side. He eyed the orc as he went in to grab the sword latched on his hip.
'Toss the ale to his face, and dodge the blind slash he'll send you.' He thought to himself as he went forward with that motion. 'Use the mug to your advantage. Dodge the swings, duck on the third one and flip the mug. Once that has been achieved, strike upwards to hit him on his orcish nuts. Clear away as he falls down, then to beat him to unconsciousness, or deliver the killing the blow.'
He was snapped out of his musings as Valera pinched his nose and gave it a little shake.
"I don't know if you're planning a murder, or sleeping with your eyes open."
Truth be told, he probably was now that he thinks about it.
"Speaking of murder... " Torien began. "Isn't it a little boring? I mean, I know we're supposed to hate them, but I like them whenever they're chatting and partying." She looks over at the black dogs and examined their faces. "If you took away their desire to plug their dicks in any girl they find, they would've been great friends... shame that there's nothing you can see to sympathize with them."
"How about we have our friend here do the fighting?"
Everyone in the group turn their eyes towards the foreigner, one who instinctively raised his hands, worried about what they're planning.
"OK, I don't want any trouble. Besides, we have to keep a low-"
"Well, looks like we have two lovelies here that needs a good dicking if you ask me."
Dennis and the rest of his group watch as the Black Dogs rise from their seats, all of them giving Valera and Torien lustful sneers. Everyone here, wants a piece of them.
"I don't think that would be necessary." Dennis said out loud, but he quickly covered it, realizing the implications that came with it, but they caught on...
"What makes you think we can't have them, hm?" The one with the eye patch told him. "Do you own them~? You don't even look like you're one of us, so unless you want to have a knife fight here, you best back off."
"Hey, I remember him." Another chimed in. "Weren't you the man that said these girls we're going to Volt?"
Dennis looked at him, and it didn't take long for him to recognize who he is. That ashen hair and gentle features, he was the one at the gate, the smarter one besides the dumb oaf yesterday.
"Yes." He replied. "I'm taking them to Volt. They're worth more to him than the likes of you."
"Oh Volt can piss off!" Eye-patch yelled as he pulls out a long knife. "These girls... In this tavern... Who cares what he thinks?! He's out there fighting the Necromancer, him and his enforcers! He's as good as dead, and that ain't stopping us from taking them!"
The two girls grit their teeth, and you don't need a genius to tell you what's going to happen. Torien's ready to get up and pepper his face full of darts that are surprisingly stashed away in her gloves, and Valera's ready to throw the table over and kill all of them. You don't want an Amazon raging inside an inn where everyone can get caught in the crossfire.
Dennis quickly put a hand on Valera's own, and by a mere string of luck, the ashen one put a hand on Eye-patch's shoulder.
"You can't do that! Can't you see they're going to-"
"LIKE I CARE!" He roared out and stabbed him straight in the chest.
He grinned as he saw his own comrade spit out blood, and he watched as his shaky hands come up to hold, but he twisted the blade and pulled it out. Without any mercy, he kicked him down, but he felt disappointed that he won't be able to watch him bleed and die.
"Last warning! You either give us the girls, on we'll take them by force!"
Dennis can only stare at him. Bronn put a hand on his sword and drew it out, but Dennis stopped him as well. He knew that threat was aimed at him, but the sellsword was reluctant... but he complied.
He appealed the idea to the knife fight. He opened the bag he had in hand, and stuck his hand in. He drew out the knife, a big Bowie Knife. One with a blade that's nearly as long as a man's arm, and a protective d-guard to boot. More of a short sword,but he could care less. He got out off his seat and walked into the ring of Black Dogs, and waited for his to emerge.
And with the eagerness of a lanky dog with rabies, he lunged at him with two knives. "I'll kill you if it's the last thing I do!" He yelled as he swung the blade he had on his right.
Dennis quickly pushed his arm to his side, and blocked it, and with the knife on his hand, and he parries the other blade and punched him across the jaw with the guard present on it, and just as predicted, he watched him reel away from the pain. He could use this window to kill him right here, right now, but he didn't. He wants to entertain them now, but that's mostly to show how good he is as a fighter. If a display of skill would get them to back off, then he might as well.
He lunged at him again, and with the slashes he made, he blocked them with his own. Sparks flew as both of them went on, their blades meeting together again and again, and just to mess with the playing field, Dennis circled around his opponent and kicked him on the side, and nicks him down on his thigh, but he caught a surprise on his own.
Eye-patch was able to do the same. Both of them are now wounded, but still ready to fight.
"Ready to give up, you bastard!?" He taunted as he flashed the knives again.
He was undeterred. He stared at him, and just like before, he started calculating the odds on how he'll attack. Will he run up to him, both of them in hand and close in on his head? If he does, he'll duck to the side, and deliver a punch to the liver. Then he'll slice him across the gut the moment he swings his left hand, and he'll finish it off by delivering another punch to the jaw, and stab him through the chest like what he did to the other one.
If he attacks by going for a roundhouse, he'll reply before slashing at his leg, if the chances are present, he'll cut his leg off like a piece of butter, crippling him, and deliver the finishing blow by chopping his head in half.
Both fighters stared at one another, and it felt like hours, both of them trying to see if they can even get a decent sense of ground. Dennis' strategy is at place, but he has to be sure he'll attack the way he thinks he will. If he doesn't, it'll fall in shambles, and he'll be the one that's getting flayed.
The foreigner's fingers curled tightly at the handle, anticipating his next move until the door opened, and he suddenly felt a twinge of dread for some odd reason... Almost as if someone worse is here with them.
"Having a fight without me, eh~~~?" A woman's voice rang through and the sound of her footsteps rang through the inn, no one daring to look at her except for Dennis and his friends.
Oh how Dennis wish he didn't look. Unlike his friends, he felt fear the moment he looked at her body. Sure, it's not unsightly, and by the way how her armor and clothes fit snugly against her slim frame, she loves to show it off. The way how her cleavage spills out from the breastplate, and the way how her modest muscles bulge against the black apparel brings it's own kind of alluring appeal. But it's the way her face looks is what made him feel fear.
A face all too familiar from that fucking world.
Yet, he'll admit her hair was corrupted. It may cascade down her head beautifully, and the way her bangs frame it made it sweet, but the color was odd, it was a sinister gradient of purple and red, and the tips blacker than coal. Her smile, her evil smile. Dennis shivered just by how manic it looks. Those rows of sharp, needle-like teeth are bared by her own accord, and her one eye was filled to the brim with whatever kind of dark foul magic she has been practicing in her time.
He looked away, and prayed he'll never look again, but that was stopped the moment she grabbed his opponent's head, and forced him to gaze at her face.
"Tell me..." She began, her head approaching slowly like a predator. "Why did this happen~? This petulant little fight of yours, hm~?"
Eye-patch stammered and mumbled as he racked his brain for any responses, hoping that the seconds that pass by, hoping that they all don't ruin his chance of survival.
"He killed Fenri." The burly orc told her simply as he walked forward. "He was trying to steal the two girls that were supposed to go to Volt."
The strange woman grinned in glee as she looked at the man in the mercy of Her hand. She looked over to the body and finalized on what she's going to do now.
"You broke my toy..." She began as she licked his jaw. "You know what that means~?"
"I-I get to replace him?"
She smiled sweetly, her ears fluttering playfully as she put two paws on his face, and slammed them harshly again the column. It wasn't gentle at all, it was hard. real hard! Everyone swore they heard his skull crunch against the might of that.
If there's one thing Dennis knows, is that Hellhounds. Hellhounds are not to be messed with.
"This is why I preferred to come alone." A man said as he came in with a bunch of knights, all of them bearing the digits of the houses they belong to.
Dennis doesn't know the specific name, but he'll take their coat of arms. After all, he can see them bear the sigils, and what he sees is a draconic goldfish, a boar's head that gleams red eyes, and a black scythe that fells the field.
"Where's the barkeep?" He questioned them as he looked around, but his face deadpanned as he saw where she is, passed out on a table, covered in cum.
The stranger sighs as he scratches his strawberry blonde hair before pulling out a notebook. He turned to the guards and ordered them to grab Fenri's corpse and take him away. While that's going on, he turned over to Dennis and whistled over to the wenches.
"You lot will do good enough." He stated as he looks at all of them. "Where's the cellar? Volt told us that he'll be out there, leading the best men to take him down, and he promised to get it done in seven days time."
"But what about the Wild Hunt?" The orc asked him.
"Out there in the field. Volt acted as the vanguard in order to be a distraction to the necromancer. The Wild Hunt will come in for an ambush and he'll be there to collect the remains. So they say."
Getting back on track, he gets them all to take him to the cellars to gather the wine. Normally, Dennis would protest immediately, but he recognized that if he just goes along, he'll be able to get the lords in on the conspiracy to retake the city, or help them out if there's already one at play.
Sure, he'll have to know first, but... It's the best he got.
Thankfully, the trip to the cellar wasn't long, and when one of the wenches grabbed a key and opened it, Dennis stood by the man, and began the first phase of his plan.
"How much wine do you need?" He asked him.
"I don't need the entire cellar, just the finest ones, ones for his men and the Wild Hunt that went with him. This will be the glorious day, and just so they can be rid of that necromantic nuisance."
Dennis went speechless, that was easier than he thought. He wanted to stop him and suggest that maybe he should taste the wine first, and when the booze takes it's toll, then he'll interrogate him without the need for torture or intimidation. He doesn't have the Lasso of Truth after all.
The only way that can go wrong is if he catches on to his bluff and that might get him executed. Out of all the skills Dennis has, wine tasting is one of his weaker points. The only time he drank high quality wine and judged how good taste would be the time Sophia celebrated her graduation from her overseas education over at the University of Cambridge.
Also the one time he knew he goes hyper when he gets drunk instead of shambling around like a normal drunkard.
Nonetheless, he stood by until he heard him whistle for the soldiers to come over.
"You seem to be a capable man." He began as he looked at him. "I wonder... can you help me with the preparations?"
Dennis pondered with that decision. Sure, he already called for him anyway, along with him already being there in front of the man, but he disregards it.
Speaking of... This can work.
"Excuse me for a moment, I need to get everything ready." He uttered to him and quickly ran out.
"Where are you going?" He yelled out.
"Getting some things ready, because you sir, are lucky!" He proclaimed as he reaches the door. "Me and my friends happen to be amazing at this line work!"
Without wasting anymore time, he ran off. Dodging through the Black Dogs and the Knights, he made it to the group and whispered into their ears.
"I hope all of you are good at throwing parties because that's how we're going to take this city."
Torien gave him a quizzical look, but she's hesitant to say the least.
"I can help with the interior, but... What if we get caught?"
"You know how to punch someone in the face, that's what you need to keep yourself safe. Same thing goes for you, Valera."
"It's a risky plan... The houses could be plotting something, but I'm not sure if they can trust us to help them." Bronn muttered. "How can you talk them into letting us help?"
"I told the guy that he can count on us."
The Sellsword gave him a deadpan look, but he complied.
"OK, it's settled. I hope you know how to improvise, because this is our only shot at doing this!"
"Everything OK with your group?" Speak of the devil, the man came in and walked over to there table.
"Yes! Rest assured, all will go well."
The man glanced towards his group, and his eyes stare at the girls. His eyes narrow at them, but it wasn't Lust. It was something else.
"Are you sure the girls can help?" He asked.
The foreigner nodded enthusiastically, and gave him a small smile in order to secure the deal.
"I'll make sure your girls are well protected. The last thing I need is you lot slacking off because they couldn't be bothered to keep it in."
With that. He walked off, but he stopped and looked at all of them.
"Get in the cart. There's enough space for all of you."
None of them protested as they walked out and got in.
As the Day went on by, Dennis watched as they made it to the main part of the city, the keep of which the party will take place in.
The guards opened the gates without objection and let's them in. Dennis hopped out of the cart with the rest of his group as they follow the man inside.
"The room's rather spacious, so it might take a while to get everything sorted out." He said as he stops at the main hall. Letting them gawk at the scenery of it.
He quickly points at the elf.
"You're an agile thing, right?" He nods as she muttered a quick yes. He whistled again and two knights come in. "They'll keep an eye on you as you place the decorations, and rest assured, you are under my care. If any of the dogs come, I'll personally see to their execution."
Then he looked at the remaining members of the group.
"Follow me to the dining hall. There, you'll meet with the lords and you will prove to them that you are the right ones for the job."
The group hastily followed him, and before anyone forgets anything, Bronn uses this chance to whisper something in Dennis' ear.
"Here in Ken, Volt has the prides of his conquest."
"The elves, right?"
The sellsword nodded. "I need you to get Celestine and show her off to everyone. With her being in the picture, people will rise and strike back."
"But what if she's already been reduced to a whore?" He whispered to him. "You've been here ever since they rebelled, I wouldn't be surprised if the people here already used her as a public use kind of slut."
The sellsword only gave him a pat on the back. "You might as well be the only man that can do something to snap her out of it. Just remember that only she matters. Everyone doesn't have a good opinion on Olga, so it'll be pointless if you choose her."
Dennis took a deep breath and starts thinking about it. Is he really the best man for this job? He can go in and steal the elf, just fine, but curing her from the trauma? He's not a psychiatrist! Maybe Rana can help, but she's not here is she?
Not only that, he doesn't even know if he can improvise...
Bronn gave him a worried look, and gave him a pat on the back. "Maybe we can do something to bring her back."
"Y-yeah. I'll focus on taking her."
The two shared a comforting smile before continuing on.
"Ah, I see you decided to bring some new recruits to help with the preparations! A little unneeded, but the more hands the merrier!" The fat man bellowed as he laughs gingerly.
Dennis couldn't help but look at the Lord, noting the lavish gems and jewelry that bedazzled his overly large coat. If he's to be honest, he remembered how fat he was back then, but even he was impressed that the Lord can still walk on his own two feet despite him already looking like he can create his own atmosphere.
Was it discriminatory with the way he thought? Maybe, but as already mentioned, he was fat back then. When you travel to other worlds to have fun, document monsters, on take part in any kind of adventure. Like partaking in wars and such, you tend to lose quite a lot of pounds. After all, if you're being chased by a Galvanosaurus, you can't afford to slow down and catch your breath.
Even then, he can feel his eyes studying all three of them curiously. He's not sure if he's being paranoid as such, but he wouldn't exactly deny that maybe, just maybe... He's smarter than he looks, but he couldn't be sure.
"I am Augustus Waterway, from House Waterway. A pleasure to meet you three." He declared gleefully before motioning to gruff man with a beard that reeks of salt. "This fellow is my son, Phoeri Waterway."
He gave a nod, but he never said anything else, only giving a stern glare.
"Forgive him if he doesn't speak much, his tongue got lopped of by pirates during one of his expeditions." The Lord declared before continuing. "Ingham has been a good dear helping me organize Volt's return! I hope you are as good as he hoped."
"We will nod disappoint, Lord Augustus." Valera declared as she bowed. "We will do what we can."
Ingham coughed into his hand as he looked at her. "What can you do?"
"I may be a warrior woman, but before I came here, I worked as a caterer from Claw Island. I can cook, I can clean, I can even fight. It's customary for women to go to war back there. Pirates tend to raid us, and the like."
The man nodded and stationed her to the kitchen. "You're a sellsword, right?" He nodded back to Bronn and placed him at the position of security.
"As for you, sir." He turned to him. "I need you to run up to his private quarters and round up his precious whores."
Dennis' eyes widened and mentally threw a fist pump in the air. Luck goes into his favour, and the chances of him getting Celestine is as close as ever.
"My son will lead you to his private quarters." Augustus bellowed as his son walked over to the foreigner. "Do not disappoint, my friend. We don't just hire random blokes for nothing."
"I shall deliver, my Lord. I will keep that to my promise."
And with that, he walks off with Phoeri leading the way.
The walk towards the room was a silent one, of course that was to be expected due to Phoeri's obvious condition, but he couldn't help but feel him taking a glance towards him. Almost as if he was studying him.
He isn't sure if he's debating on whether it was a good idea to have him tend to the Grand League sluts, or it was a good one. The only thing Dennis is hopeful for is that he's playing into a conspiracy by their accord, and he can give you one reason why he's hopeful for that.
He is a foreigner, but also an average man.
Sure, he may not have glowing blonde locks, but he made sure that his brown hair is at least presentable. His blue eyes haunting to some, but last he checked, they were pretty normal. The point is. He looks average to say the least.
Why would they give him a task that's so important? A task so important, yet they entrusted him with this responsibility.
His brain thought a whole bunch of theories and guesses, and if his theory of a conspiracy there is true... He can get his friends in on the scheme.
Phoeri snaps him out of his theory driven stupor as he opens the door, and Dennis' eyes widened at the sight of all of them.
All of them radiate beauty and grace, and they all gave the two of them the pleasure of seeing their hungry eyes, and lustful smiles, but if Dennis has one objective in mind, and that is to take Celestine Lucross, and bring her back from the dark depths of her sex-driven mind.
But it brings a complication... He only knows her by name. Not by looks.
And it didn't help that Phoeri closed the door, and heard him walk away.
Clasping his hands together and giving them a good rub. He looks at all of them, trying to guess which one is Celestine. Not really too hard as he knows that she's an elf. Now that he thinks about it, he conked himself in the head. He knew that detail, so why was he making a fuss?
Sighing to himself from that lapse of memory, he went up to her, but the more he looks at the other girls, his blood nearly boiled as his eyes wander to two of them.
One is a little girl with orange locks of Her hair, and another is a girl with pink air, no older than 14. He tried not to get mad, but he can't stop. Maybe the orange one is a Halfling, but the fact that these girls are here, dealing with the fates that have been given to the women in these lands. He is having none of this!
He steeled himself as he looked over at the one on the bed, right next to the elf with dark skin and long hair. Though he did soften his gaze a little as he noticed her wither underneath his gaze, he walked up to her and puts his hands on her shoulders.
"Celestine Lucross?" He smiles as he sees her nod. "My name is Dennis Whaiteley Moore, and I'm here to rescue you. Please do not resist."
She regarded him with wide eyes, but they became solemn... and she looked away. "You're only wasting your time with me..."
"No, I'm not!" He grabs her by the shoulders. "The people out there. They need you more than ever! You can't just lie in here with the rest of them while they bleed outside!"
"The only thing I can do is be a whore to them! I... I can't help them anymore."
To say he was baffled is an understatement. It was more than that. Frustration? Anger? Pity? He just stared at the High Elf in front of him, refusing to believe that she had given up on her own people. Thoughts rushed to his head until he felt her hand grace his cheek, and she looked at him with the same forlorn eyes.
"I appreciate your kind, noble gesture, but my time as a leader has long been renounced." She told him with a forced smile. "Everything fell, and I have been betrayed... I believed the war was dealt with, but I wasn't expecting them to turn their backs."
Then she puts a hand on his shoulder.
"I want to return to them, let them know that despite what's happening, things will still be okay. I want to, but even they... They did the same to me as what Volt did to me. I am now sullied, my friend. Stained and defiled... It pains me to know that my people are bleeding, but I don't even know if there's any loyalists wanting to free me from this foul fate of mine."
Loyalists? an idea sought out and Dennis is all too glad to let her know.
"Would you believe me if I said there are?"
She only gave a sullen, grim chuckle as she looked at him.
"I want to believe you... but it's already too late for me, and everyone else..." Then her smile faded to a frown. "This is a pain that I can never recover from... you're only wasting your time, I am of no use to them anymore... I'm no longer there ruler, I'm only a sex slave..."
Then she let's go...
He couldn't believe it. She has completely given up on saving them. He can't blame her that things look so bleak, but how is he going to convince her that none of them have given up on her, and they still have faith in her?!
'Think, Dennis! THINK!' He screamed into his head as he thinks of all the many things to convince her that hope and faith still lingers.
He sighs and sits down on the bed, appreciating on how the other ones haven't began to touch him inappropriately... He hasn't forgotten about them, he was only focused on her.
Maybe he should give up. They can still fight, and keep on fighting. Maybe mounting Volt's head on a spike will be the one thing to inspire hope...
Maybe he can try something else... Or he could just press on and have her relent.
"Okay." He began and as he patted a dark elf's head, the one that's shorter to the other one. "I can't convince you to come with me. You have completely given up."
She looked at him with a curious gaze. Truth be told, she was impressed he's still going. She wasn't annoyed, or miffed. If she is, she's aiming it at herself. How she felt completely hopeless when she knows her people bleed. She wants to help, but how can she if she's confined to the bed. The company of her remaining Shields, and her old friend were the only ones to keep her company.
She hasn't forgotten the Necromancer either, and she wanted to hope that they will be her saviour, the people's Knight in shining armor. But how can she trust that dream, if she's not sure that they're a friend or foe.
"But I want to let you know one thing." He continued. "Are you perfectly okay with this being your only purpose in life? Some worthless whore that they can dump their seeds in and forget about? It pains me to know that your people suffer, but you gave up on them."
He stopped petting the dark elf, and gripped her shoulders once again. "I'm not blind to your pain as well, but I want to let you know that pain... pain is something you can heal from, especially if you have people to help along the way. I know this because I went insane for three months over a magical book!"
Seeing her bemused expression, he began to tell her his story.
It was just another day inside the museum he worked in. Patrolling the aisles, the wings, and all of the exhibits there, making sure no thief gets the gutsy bravado to steal them.
He sighed to himself as he contemplated his life as he ate the last donut."I really need to quit this job." He said to himself as he waved the flashlight around. "Boring, repetitive... I need to lose some weight too. The idea of a fatass like me catching a thief has to be the funniest thing in existence."
He sighs once more as he groped his lard-filled stomach. To him, it was a miracle he stayed alive in his state. He looked like he can fall down from any second, and from the slightest gust of wind.
Just before he can even consider moping once again, he noticed something odd... Was there even a green glow? He knew some exhibits had green lights, but... none of them have the capacity to glow aggressively.
And as curiosity killed the cat... He went in and took a closer look.Lo and behold... that book, that darned, damned book!
He never seen such a thing before, a wonder of beauty, and unknown horror. He walked closer and closer, wondering why such a phenomenon was occurring. Then he saw it's ugly eye, from within the gem that decorated the hardcover.
And next thing he knew, it opened up, and he heard himself scream.
"You can figure out the rest from there." He said as he slumped his shoulders. "I'm not usually the Guy who has dark, tragic pasts and shit... but it happened to me. The only way that was ever good for me was that it showed me magic is real..."
Celestine held his hand in a comforting way. "I'm sorry for the troubles you had to go through."
"Don't be." He replied dryly. "It took three months for me to regain my marbles, and my clarity... But the point is... that's a devastating pain to go through. Yet, despite all odds, I healed from that event."
She hummed to herself as she thought it over. Should she trust the words of a stranger? He also explained to her how he is a foreigner, and came from another world. But the focus remained on his words, should she.
"I know it's hard... but trust me. They need you more than ever... Please, Celestine... Come with me."
"But I don't know where to begin." She replied. "I don't know where to take the first step."
She sighs and pulls him in for a hug. "I guess I can try to the best of my ability, but the problem still stands... how am I supposed to help?"
He thinks about it, and truth be told... she's right. Even if she does want to help, how is she gonna go around doing that?
"I'll tell you what I got so far." After seeing her nod. He continues. "I got the bizarre job of organising all the Shields and the whores for Volt's victory, and we have seven days or less to prepare..."
He scratches his head and sighs. "I guess I am just wasting your time... Ultimately, you're just gonna do nothing but get wet for the Dogs while we carry the plan out in shadows... Unless..."
"I can give them a speech about how the time of the Black Dogs have ended... But I'll waste my breath, and they'll rape me twice as hard, or even more... It'll only be good if you have all of the Houses supporting this plan of yours, and as you present the head of a black bull."
He nods at her words and hugs back. "I'll see if there's things I can do to keep the flow. Now... let's do my job, shall we?"
Celestine shrugged as both of them let go. "Try not to fuck me as you prepare even, along with everyone else." She teased him lightly and gave a soft chuckle.
Rolling his eyes, he went to work by fixing her bed ridden hair. Combing all the knots in the strands and touching on the areas that need the most attention.
"You know magic, right?" He said to strike up a conversation. "For someone who's revered as great as you... it should be obvious, right?"
"They didn't call me the Goddess reborn for nothing." She replied curtly. "There's many things I'm good at."
he gave off a light chuckle as he continued on until his eyes widened and his hand stopped moving. It didn't go unnoticed with the High Elf, along with the rest of the Shields.
"What's wrong?" She asked him.
"Where's the mirror?" He said as he looked around. "If you can do magic, I can actually let them know what i have in mind!"
Quickly abandoning his post, he ran off the bed and ran up to the biggest mirror there. Thankfully, the girls didn't give him much trouble as he went there. When it came to that, he was slightly hopeful that their minds can still be salvaged.
"I need to send a message to them!" He yelled out as he stood in front of it.
"You have to make it quick!" Celestine warned as she walked over to him. "It's been a while since then, and I'm fearful that my powers have dulled significantly. We have to make the seconds count."
"Then work your magic. It's time to let my friend know!"
"Make sure the Tar's ready to boil! More archers on the balconies, and secure the passageways!" The Sergeant's voice bellowed as he commanded the troops for the incoming siege.
In another room. Tywin, Maia, Kazuma, and Arcturus sat by the table, a board with the pieces on, and the plans surging fort.
"I was able to distract Volt's forces by calling for the dead that scatter the lands. I was also able to call for the rest of my army, and they have complete the march here." Kazuma declared before pointing around the surrounding area. "We may have the best strategic position, but we must be mindful of the tricks they're planning to deliver. One trick I have is have my army bury themselves deep down around the circumference of Lion's keep. Once Volt declares the charge, they can pop from the ground, and it'll disorganise their formations."
"We also need to make sure our soldiers stay safe." Maia piped in. "We were able to secure Black powder cannons, but we don't have enough ammo."
"We have to aim it right, and true for the siege weapons they bring." Tywin declared as he brought his own piece to the table. "We have to deceive him into believing that we are at worst for wear. As bad of a tactic it is, I may have to bring out a few squadrons of our hoplites to the front."
"But what if you get killed, father?" Arcturus chimed in out of concern. "Volt may not consider negotiating with you. He might kill you outright!"
"My death doesn't concern me, neither should you." He told him in a stern, yet calm tone. "You are my son, and you're mine, as your sister. I have lived long, and I'm old... My death will come one way, or another... and I'd rather die fighting against Volt if it's the last thing I do."
Maia sighed as she looked over the battle plans in preparation towards Volt's upcoming assault. So far, they had the advantage as Kazuma is stationed here, and with his army distracting them, it gave them enough time to plan out a defensive strategy, along with future plans to sabotage their encampment if they need to. It's also worth noting that since one of Kazuma's generals, Orella, has taken control of Rad. She can be called upon to march down with a cavalry charge once push comes to shove.
Then, as things begin to add up, another variable comes in. The mirror in the room glowing a bright white sheen tat threatened to swallow the room.
"Hello? Can anyone hear me? I have a message for the Necromancer, Kazuma. Is.. Is he here?" A voice called out. All unfamiliar except for one.
"Dennis..." He whispered as he ran up to the mirror when the light dimmed down.
"Kazuma! Great to see you, bud, but I have to make this quick!" Dennis yelled out from the other side. "I'm over here in Ken, and I'm here to tell you that we're preparing a party for Volt's victory. Now, that doesn't mean I have betrayed you. I'm actually preparing the biggest surprise he'll ever see!"
"Hold on. How did you get your hands on magic?" Maia yelled out as she joined over to the necromancer. "Is... Is Celestine there with you?"
And as if her question has been graciously answered, the lady herself appeared before her. "I hope everything is doing well for you, Maia."
Seeing her with that smile, and seeing how okay she is. She just wanted to squeal in delight as she's able to talk to her once again. She doesn't know how this guy was able to bring her out of the fucked stupid haze that lingered in her brain, but she's not complaining.
"I can assure you that what he says is true." She told them all in case they are doubting what Dennis said. "And I'm glad to see that one House has betrayed them. Seeing such a sight gives me hope."
"We are prepared to face Volt's forces as we speak. Right now, we are playing on his ego to bite him in his ass." Arcturus piped in as he joined in on the message with his father. "He doesn't know where the necromancer is, and he was able to distract him with his army... We have enough days to plan out our defense."
"That's nice to hear, but we have a major problem with that." Dennis said solemnly as he looked away. "You guys have to lose that fight."
Silence lingered in the room as he said those words. All of them couldn't believe that suggestion. Not even the Necromancer can understand why, considering that they can plan out all of the advantages that will be needed to win it all.
"Why? Why do you want us to lose?" Kazuma said calmly. "I already secured this keep and Rad, but if I lose this fight, I'll lose control of both. I'll be wasting the army that I gathered since I started marching out of Klaus' wishes. My campaign is to not just free the people that suffered this brutal affair, but to reinstate Celestine as the ruler of this continent. If I can crush him now, it'll further derail his supporters, and they'll march over to me."
A fair argument it is, but how can he persuade them into it? He's well aware of the risks it'll bring, and considering how he already has control on two significant fortresses, it'll be a waste if he loses this one.
Maybe that visit from Yog-Sothoth can convince.
Of course he can't say his name, but maybe it's worth a shot.
"I had a dream visited by the God of Knowledge and Future himself" He began. "From that dream, he showed me two visions. One is Volt, who wrote a letter to the kingdoms far beyond the continent we stand in. If he succeeds in delivering that letter, you might get crushed."
Kazuma sighed and looked over to his comrades. That is a troublesome thing. Freeing the other Fortresses from the Black Dogs is already a task, but other kingdoms?! He may be a Necromancer, but it'll be one troublesome chore if they get involved.
"What's the second one?" He asked.
"The Houses betray them all." Dennis declared. "I saw the Black Dogs celebrating your defeat, and they were preparing to chop your head off once they were done with the feast. But before they can, they were attacked by the slaves, and by the soldiers that belonged to the Houses. That's why I was hoping you'd lose. Once they see your defeat, they will know that their plans are at stake. So in an effort to save everything, they betray the dogs, and swear themselves to you."
"What if they don't?" Tywin brayed out. "Can we truly believe your dream can lead us to victory?"
"It's worth a shot." He replied. "I know it's risky, but it's the best chance we got."
Everyone mulled it over. Should they really risk everything they worked for, just to believe in a prophetic dream about the Houses betrayal?
"I know it's bad, but like I said, it's worth a shot." He told them once again. "OK, I have to go now and finish the call. I have a job that needs to be done, so see ya!"
And with that, the mirror stops glowing, and they are now left to mull over what to do next.
"Can we really trust them on betraying the dogs?" Maia voiced out her concern.
Kahuna sighed as he put a hand on the hilt of his sword to help him think.
"We might..." He said as he looked at all of them. "But that doesn't mean we can't give them a fight they will never forget."
He walked off and poured themselves a drink. "Cheers to the most suicidal plan we can muster... Let's hope he isn't wrong about what he said."
=Hours Later.=
[Nighttime]
Augustus graciously guzzled down the wine from his goblet as he sees the rest of the lords gather around the table.
Ones that had the same idea as his, and everyone else's.
As he finished his wine, he coughed, getting there attention as he prepared his speech.
"Gentlemen." He began. "As you all know, Volt has graciously taken the finest of his warriors on to the march to Lion's keep!" He grinned as the others looked at him. "In this precious occasion, we are now preparing for his gracious return, dragging his enemies to the dirt! And humiliating them for our pleasure!"
He nods and nods as they all clapped, and gave them their pleased hums and chortles of joy.
"Now! Let us not waste any more time! We all know why we're here!" He declared as he laid his goblet down. "We are here... Because we haven't forgotten the atrocities they brought to our lands! And our kingdom!"
Lord Fenwick Brayer bolted up from his seat and drank his wine.
"I remember!" He said. "I remember how they butchered my son when he defended Geofu from those dogs!"
Then came Gerold Hardyg, who curled his fingers into a fist, and he yelled. "I remember how they raped my wife and my daughters! They looked at me with pleading eyes, begging it to stop! Do you know how hard it is to force a smile, and swear fealty to them?! How hard it is, to force yourself to the one's who ruined and tortured our families?!"
A collective "aye" resonated, but they were silenced as the fat man clinked his goblet.
"My son was able to procure four people. Four people that had the same idea as ours. All the spies in the taverns, only one was able to report to him. These people, this group... They are one of the many keys for this plan to happen."
He continued on as they were listening to what he's about to say.
"I know it is a hard time for us ever since they rebelled... but now... the time. The time has come for there reckoning... I remember all of the horrible things they did, as much as you all remember it too." He declared to them before continuing. "This party, this celebration. It'll be a party they will never forget! And it will be red! Redder than the wine we drink! And it will be as Red as the blood that flows on our beloved maidens thighs...! It'll be a party they will never forget!"
Then he raised a fist to the air as with the rest of the lords.
"They will rue the day they made us suffer! They will regret the day they crossed us! They think we have forgotten, but we didn't! Eostia remembers, my friends! And the mummer's farce, is almost done!"
Then they cheered. Cheered as they know that their revenge shall be sweet.
Ingham chuckled as he overheard it all. He joined in on this plot just so he can put his mind at work once again. Better than putting on a drunken fool's act so people can lay off him.
"I'm glad that you have the skills to be a spymaster, Mr. Phoeri." He said as he turned to Augustus' son.
"Everything if it ensures our victory." He replied, dropping the mute act just as the same Dark Elf spy came to them.
"I hope that he didn't give you too much trouble when dealing with him, Faye." Ingham chuckled as he offered her a flask.
She only sighed and took a swig from his flask, drinking down the booze that slides down her throat, bearing through the strong sensation of alcohol. Theoretically better than getting gagged and fucked with a gun aimed at your head.
And at least she was glad that she got taken by one of Phoeri's spies so she can relay the information.
"Okay, let's not get too ahead of ourselves." Shiromi chimed in as she snagged the flask from her hands. "There's still work that needs to be done."
Faye sighed again as she had to listen to what she said. She never liked her to say the least. She can't help but feel as if she's planning something wicked, vile, or something sinister. She doesn't have any proof that she could be a traitor... but she was the one that suggested Phoeri to have the spies.
She has a plan to say the least, but she hoped that she's with them to the fullest. She can be unpredictable, mischievous even... But the Dark Elf knows that looking at this white- haired tomboy's... eccentricities... has more things laying underneath.
"I hope you're plans aren't exactly within the unsavory kind... From what these lords have to say... Looks like we have some that deserves to be hanged!"
That voice... Of course it belonged to that asshole.
"Hicks..." Phoeri said in a low growl as he drew out his sword.
"Miss me?" He chuckled snidely as he snapped his fingers... and Black Dogs surrounded them.
Then he drew out his daggers, grinning at them tauntingly as the rest of his comrades drew out their weapons. Smugly, he flourished the blades skillfully with the grace of an assassin.
"I didn't know there were a bunch of weasels planning a conspiracy right under our noses!" He yelled out. "It's a good thing I stayed behind to deal with you all. Because if I joined the march with Ken and Grave... I would have missed out on this...!"
He chuckled some more, savoring the groups angered faces.
"I also saw that man tending the whores that we rightfully claimed." He snarled out with a grin. " I even saw how he gave his Necromantic friend a message about us. I should've plunged my knives into his back since them, but you know what? I want him to live! I want him to live to see this intricate plan of yours fail!"
"Not if I have something to say about it!" Another voice piped in, along came with a clattering of armored feet.
Ingham and his cohorts looked over, and they grinned in delight as they saw who it was.
"Marthos..." Ingham chuckled. "Glad you can make it!"
He rolled his eyes at it as he stared Hicks down, meeting his taunting gaze with his stern glare. "This is the end of the line, Hicks. It's time that things go back the way they are."
"Are you really gonna waste everything we worked for?" Hicks taunted. 'Are you really gonna throw away everything we worked for?! We live like kings, and all of the girls here in this continent belong to us, for crying out loud! Do you really wanna throw it all away?"
"I didn't" He replied swiftly. "But I thought about it for a long time, and I found that it's really... Boring and chaotic."
For once, Hicks dropped his smirk, and he raised a brow. He was confused to say the least. How is it boring? All of the girls you can think off, you have the right to pick them up and fuck them, and whatever you lay our eyes on, it's yours! Why does he want to throw that all away?!
"I find it boring and bad because it doesn't just go against my reasons for joining you all.. It's because I've seen how shitty we all are as kings. It's not about raping all the women, it's about the anarchy! Before I joined this group, I trained a militia force on my own, because I know that every man deserves to fight to protect themselves, and the things they hold dear! I betrayed you all, because I remembered the days where we are all hired to be escorts, soldiers, everything. What even happened to the glory and dignity we once had?"
Hicks growled at him, turning his attention towards this man that dares to defy and throw away what they all worked for.
Marthos drew out his sword, along with the rest of his soldiers. "I would be glad to be the guy that slices you open right here, right now!" He declared. "But I know someone who deserves revenge more..."
"And who would that be?"
And as if to answer his question. Marthos and his men cleared the way, and two figures came, all too familiar for all of them.
"I'll break you if it's the last thing I do!" Luu Luu roared, holding her prized warhammer by the palms of her hands, and by her side, Alicia drew her sword, glaring at all of them.
"Rehabilitation surprisingly does wonders, Hicks." Alicia taunted at him. "And now... It's time to tie up loose ends. You have no idea how long I waited for this day!"
All of them stared at one another, both groups eagerly waiting for each other to make the first move. All of them here, each with their own loose ends up to tie up.
Then all three of them charged from within the hallways. Blades clashing through the night. All just to protect this delicate conspiracy.
A:N.
Yeah, I wasn't too happy with the way how it first turned out. Rushed sentences, surprise plotlines that are poorly developed. Of course, you guys have already seen what happens, how Kazuma has to consider losing a battle despite the advantages he can place in to earn a victory.
Don't worry, the canon characters will appear. Just because they don't appear in certain chapters, doesn't mean they don't do anything.
Rest assured, all things will come to a closure, and loose ends will be all connected, so just wait. many things are in store.
