Hicks glared on as he stared into the eyes of the men that locked him within the dungeons. He'll never forget their faces, and he swears by his life that he'll get his revenge!

But that's not gonna stop him from hurting them one way.

"Do you really think that I forgot that man?!" He roared as he gripped the bars he's confined in. "Do you really think I'll just walk away, knowing what he plans to do next?!"

Phoeri only rolled his eyes. He knew that was an empty threat coming from the likes of him, and he's not gonna regale him on whatever plan that he has.

He may be a sailor, but he always has a contingency plan.

Then he walked away, leaving him behind like nothing but a scrap of meat to be fed to the hounds.

"I'm not gonna forget this, you scurvy, scabby, brine-reeking dog!" Hicks roared. "Just you wait! When the sun shines on the morning of tomorrow, that pawn of yours will be as good as a smear on the wall!"

Again, Phoeri rolled his eyes. He's not gonna waste his time talking to him.


[Volt]

On the march towards Lion's keep, he and his men got attacked by the swarms of the undead.

It wasn't much of an issue, considering he made use of the large army he had, and put every single man and demon to work their best against those rotting bags that walked the earth. Those are the perks that came with being a great commander, along with carrying Grave and Kin. They definitely proved to be useful.

But as all things go, they set up a camp so they can rest after the onslaught. No point in marching out to the enemy if your army's tired and labored, and he knew that. It also came as a benefit too in case another onslaught happens.

So here we are, inside the tent where Volt, Grave, Kin, and many others came forth in order to discuss the strategies they'll put in place for the siege.

"We have the kegs supplied and ready for combustion sir. We packed enough in the advent that this siege may take longer than expected." Grave voiced out as Kin flipped through the pages of his spellbook.

"Those deads won't be a match for this firestorm spell that I created. In case we get ambushed once again, I can cast the fire spirits, and they will burn away like moths to a flame."

"I'll be needing that in the long term. Any ideas to weaken them?" Volt voiced out as he reviews his strategy.

So far, the idea is straightforward: He sends out a division of his army to attack them by the flanks, and send out the main force in order to attack them while they're occupied. Unfortunately, that was the plan before they got attacked by the dead. They were able to win that skirmish, but it still put them at a bit of a disadvantage as the few casualties they sustained ended up reanimating.

'His magic plague these lands.' He thought to himself as he racks his brain up for more suggestions. 'I definitely bit off more than I can chew... I waited for so long for a good challenge, I ended up putting my kingdom in jeopardy.'

He internally scoffed at himself for that. Has he really gotten that bored? Those two elves getting on their knees and pleasing his cock was his greatest achievement! Sure, it's been five years since they've been successful with this takeover, but he isn't this irresponsible.

But I guess that it is something that he has to accept to himself. Maybe that was the reason why. It's been five years, and he might have to face the music.

He's getting bored of all the sex, bored of the feasts, bored of all the pleasures that didn't involve him running across the battlefield, cleaving his way through all the enemies on his wake. It's still a miracle that for five years, he didn't put on a lot of weight.

He shakes his head and sighs, clearing away all these thoughts. Those were absurd to say the least. Him? Craving the glory of fighting?! HA! That's just pathetic nonsense!

Then it finally came to him. A simple strategy, yet the most effective. He gathered the ones inside his tent, and he tells them everything. Spending the last remaining moments of sunlight to refine it.

They still have a long way to go, but if there's one thing he can promise, he will ensure that they'll make it there in seven days.


[Dennis]

He stretched as he arose from his bed, yawning as he got off and prepared himself for the day that was ahead of him.

He was thankful for the room that they provided as he kept on his duty on tending to the Seven Shields, but the one thing he's focused on is talking to the lords, much less the organizer. He already gave Kazuma the message on what's happening over here, hoping that they can devise a plan.

And hoping that they don't tear him apart since he asked them to lose on purpose. He might have to make it up to them with a feast once they're successful with this plan.

Regardless, as he walked outside, he began reflecting on the past couple of days since he first got here, and to say he was baffled was an understatement. He can never truly forget how he woke up here, falling from the sky, and by how quickly he was thrown into war.

He quickly sighed to himself. He was already glad Rana didn't come along for this journey, knowing how quickly she's going to get raped, and how quickly that would put him at odds against the Black Dogs. He wouldn't be able to infiltrate them and besides, she's already been through enough. He still remembered how he bought her off the pimp that she was forced to work for, and how he even had to fight him off just to help her get a better lease on life.

College was a difficult task for both of them, but he helped her the best he can, and her results show a lot. If there was something to describe their relationship, it's more of a father/daughter kind of deal, and if they decide to become couples, it'll be strenuous for him to balance it out.

He still remembered the time when he first arrived at Westeros, and how surprisingly, able to go through all five Blackfyre Rebellions without him aging, but when he came back, it was a disaster. She got kidnapped by the Clandestine Order, and he had to recruit the Dark Ones and the High Elven Kings just to get her back.

But now, he feels like he should've brought them along. He can always rely on Luis's analytical mind, and his strategic schemes, Savini's charismatic charm, and her sophisticated brutality, and Thompson's iron hide and ferocity, not only that, he can turn into a dragon!

Alas, beggars can't be choosers, and he already has gained a sufficient traction in this place. Kazuma's war has changed the political climate, and he's hoping that if there's any existing rebels, they can join in, and cause even more trouble for the Dogs. At this rate, if the lords here are planning a conspiracy to dethrone Volt, he want's become a part of it so he can merge his own group to help. Ken is a pretty important place to hold, and if the lords are successful with the conspiracy, Kazuma can swoop in with an army of deads and supporters.

It's like the Red Wedding, but it's justifiable!

Don't give him that look! He knows it's sad, but it's the best shot they got to take these bastards down.

Regardless, he keeps on moving until he abruptly stopped as he heard the rasp of a blade being unsheathed.

'Crap! I forgot my axe back there!' Beads of sweat started to come as his eyes widened. He can fight back with his bare hands, but he hopes that they're not getting chopped of during the confrontation.

He took a deep breath and calmed his nerves, and blindly ducked down to avoid a slash aimed to lop his head off. He quickly rolled away from his attacker, and he looked at them to gauge what kind of person he's facing up against.

'Another one?' He thought to himself as he gazed upon a dark elf, small and petite, and judging by her clothes and choice of weaponry, and how silent her footsteps were... she is an assassin through and through.

He grits his teeth as he looked into her eyes, noting how focused they were into a pointed glare, and the chances of him being able to negotiate is slim... too slim. He clears his head and focused on how to beat her, and maybe his surroundings can help with this endeavor.

She rushed at him again, but he dodged her slashes and punches her right on the side, and slaps her upside on the back of her head. Keeping the momentum, he grabs one of her hands and slammed her against the wall, punching her repeatedly in the face. Yet, she was undeterred as she sliced his fist and stabs him right at the thigh.

Dennis gasped in pain, but he forced himself to hold it in, he glared at her and slams his head up against hers. Both of them are not going to lose, regardless of what's happening. Even as she's there, on top of his shoulders, trying to stab him dead center on the head, Dennis just grabbed her legs and slams her down on the floor, and pins her down regardless of his injuries, and batted her blades away as she nicked him several times in the face.

"You're pretty sturdy for a human." She quipped at him. "If you weren't fighting for him already, I would be glad to recruit you."

"If you think you're gonna get me to join just by offering your cunt, you're sadly mistaken!" Then he punches her in the face again, only to get kicked off as two of the Black Dogs come in to her aid.

Dennis coughs to himself as he tries to fight the haze and delirium beginning to form in his head. He has already been dealt with several blows to the head, and considering how she has punctured and cut him during their solo scuffle.

He mustered his strength to get up, and pushed himself even further, trying to become the winner of this melee. Now, he gets up and tries to stand tall, and he's not going to lose like a puss. So when one came to him, sword aloft in the air, he risked his palms getting cut as he grabbed the blade and yanked it away. He swung it like a club, and with him dazed, he ended his life with one precise murder-stroke to the throat. He stabilizes himself and quickly engages the next one that came after, both of their blades clashed, he parried his thrust, and crippled him by hitting him in the thigh. As he yelped in plain, Dennis came to deliver the final blow, only for him to stagger back as a dagger lodged itself into his shoulder.

He groaned in pain and more embedded into his chest. Is this how he's going to die? Failing to save a Kingdom, and lie there in a pool of his own blood? He wished for the Gods to bring him back if he did, they're generous enough, right?

Silently, he prayed... prayed that he can still come back. And as his strength began to dwindle, he quickly killed the Dog, and rushed with the last of it to the assassin. One by one, here daggers were thrown, but he valiantly deflected them and kept on pushing.

With a scream, he swung the blade as hard as he can. His vision began to blur, and he couldn't even tell if he even hit her. Sure, he heard her yelp in pain, but now... he can't be sure.

Whether she escaped or not he couldn't tell. His injuries are catching up to him, his blood loss is literally apparent. He slumped to his knees, but not before trying to crawl to the wall so he can rest, and tries to put a hand on his wounds.

"Help! HELP!!!" He yelled out amidst the pain, trying to keep his consciousness afloat and making sure his voice can be heard. "I'VE BEEN ATTACKED!!! I'M BLEEDING HERE!!!"

He coughed from the yelling and his throat hitched. He began to breathe softly, trying to calm his heart, but he can't avoid the black borders starting to form in his eyes. His vision began darkening more and more.

His eyes closed... And he went limp...


It was a sight to behold, much less a grisly disaster.

Bronn being shocked was an understatement. When he heard the screams, he quickly ran, and he saw the bodies strewn about. Bleeding pro unconscious, he couldn't tell. But the one thing that put him off was the sight of his friend, slumped against the wall.

"By Celestine..." He murmured as he went over to him, hoping that he is still alive.

"What happened here?" He heard someone coming in, and he turned around. It was none other than the man that recruited them for this celebration.

"Before you ask, I didn't do it." Bronn quickly yelled out as he raised his arms. "My sword is clean if you want any evidence."

The man looked at him as he knelt down, inspecting all of the bodies. Judging by the look on his face, he wasn't happy.

"I'll call for help." He ordered. "Stay here, and if you can, find the last one, see if there still alive. We'll need all the answers we can get."

With that, he stormed off, and Bronn went off his way and began looking. Luckily for him, he saw a trail of blood leading away the altercation. He followed, yet he still drew his sword. He's not going to kill the last one, that's for sure, but that didn't mean he'll leave them unscathed if they choose to fight.

It didn't take long for him to find the last one.

"You!" He yelled out to the Dark Elf limping away. Her eyes widened, and she tried to run despite her injuries.

He didn't give her the luxury. He ran after her as fast as he can, and once he gets close, he parried her desperate attempt of shanking him with a knife, and bodies her to the wall with as much strength he can muster.

He quickly put a blade right at her neck, and she stopped resisting.

"I would love to kill you right here, right now." He lied, but he had to go with it. "But I can tell you're the last one, and you have all the answers we'll need."

"You should kill me then." She bit back. "You're not getting anything out of me, and you wouldn't even have the strength to rape me here. You're too good for that aren't you."

Bronn rolled his eyes at that remark. Is that how she thinks it's gonna go? Getting plundered by a pack of Black Dogs, and comparing it to his group? He knew Dennis and the rest of them wouldn't go that far, sure, Torien told him about what happened, but he was able to stop her in the end. It was supposed to lure her in anyway.

Maybe he should threaten her more.

"Is that what you think is gonna happen?" He said, putting on the most wolfish grin possible. "You think I wouldn't have the guts to do such a thing, is that right? You think that just because my friend over there is too nice for his own good, so will we? I'll let you know such niceties don't extend to me."

The way her eyes widened made him laugh. Guess you shouldn't say certain threats or bets if you're not up to it.

"What's wrong? Do you want to be taken like an animal amidst the bodies? Do you want me to strip away any kind of dignity I have, and hold myself in the same regard as them?" He barked at her, and the way she whimpered made him chuckle cruelly. "We'll make you squawk one way, or another. In the end, you're coming with me."

Then so he did. She tried to resist, but she didn't scream. Maybe he should keep up the act and scare her some more?


Hicks sighed to himself. How long has it been since he's been locked inside these dungeons? Sure, it could've been hours, but he can't tell if it's nighfall now. Doesn't even help that he doesn't have a single girl with him to rut the time away.

"Stupid bastard..." He cursed to himself as he gritted his teeth in frustration. His boys haven't returned to tell him the news if the assassination is successful or not, and that angered him to say the least.

Then, his brain became hopeful, and dreaded the footsteps coming his way. He wondered if it's going to be one of his boys, or John Mandeville. A part of him wishes it was Pantielle, but he was a spoiled brat that enjoyed sneering at anyone, regardless if they're his allies. It pissed him off to say the least.

As the fates answer his question, he smiled, as he saw that it is indeed, Mandeville himself. His men carrying a large sack to show to him.

"I can see that you received the short end of the stick." The elderly man joked at him just as his boys opened the sack.

"What's inside?"

"You'll see it yourself, and I can guarantee, you will be happy."

And to satisfy his curiosity, his men dumped out a plethora of heads. A whole bunch of heads, and it's none other than the heads of the lords planning the conspiracy to betray them.

"My men found one that ratted them out, and we brought them all together to the public square, and as they all plead for mercy, we chopped their heads off like the criminals they are!" Mandeville proclaimed as he proceeded to unlock his cell with the key he stole.

"Volt's gonna be so glad when he sees this!"


[Kazuma]

Hours passed on and on. Their formations were already set and secured, traps were at the ready, and enough provisions should the siege last for days.

And now, the main event has come. Volt has finally arrived, and there he stood at the front of his army, gallant and smirking, confident that he will win this fight.

"This is the place where you first made your mark, correct?" He said to him. "Then you also made a landfall over there at Rad. I would have loved to start over there, but... I might as well hit it where it hurts!"

Kazuma scoffed and the sounds of the opposing army jeering and howling, praising Volt as if he was this sacred hero that came from legends.

"I want my whore back! And I want to smear and humiliate the family that dared to betray me! I would've been glad to retake Rad, but I know this is where it all began! You hear me?! You've been terrorising my land, my people, and even plagued it with your own magic! What do you have to say to yourself?!"

"I regret nothing." He said sharply, like a whip cracking against the ground. "For the five years you've dethroned Celestine, you terrorised your own people, and even made a mockery of the Houses except for the ones that welcomed you."

It annoyed him to see that his smirk was undeterred, and he gave him a challenging grin.

"I would like to request a duel!" Volt declared. "If you win, I'll gladly step down, along with my army! You lose, I'll do as I wish! I'll rape the women, I will rape the wives, and I will punish the men who try to betray me!"

Kazuma glared, his hand clenching into a fist. He looked at Maia, he looked at Tywin, and he looked Arcturus. Their faces stone cold and hardened.

"So be it!" He yelled back and went down with his sword in hand, his companions following him to meet face to face to with the self-declared mercenary king.

The gates opened, and they approached him on foot. Volt grinned at the thought of freeing his sword off of his back, and beating him senseless in front of his followers. Hell, he'll even laugh once they quickly surrendered.

"All this trouble for a greenboy who pisses grass!" He sneered at him. "Well?! Shall we proceed to our welcome fight?"

Kazuma only glared at him, and he quickly put a hand on his sword before stopping as Arcturus put a hand on his shoulder. Confused he turned to him.

"What is it?" He asked him.

"The deepest wish of good luck, my friend."

Then without any warning, he stabbed him deep into the gut with his dagger.

Kazuma's eyes widened at the sight of him doing such a thing. Then, his shock continued as Tywin grabbed a spear from his guard, and stabbed him straight at his midsection, and to add insult to injury, Maia plunged her blade deep into his chest.

He looked at all of them in shock, and in disbelief. He couldn't believe it. The very people he saved, betrayed him without a second thought, and even Maia herself is a part of it. He slumped to his knees, trying to keep it all together... then he collapsed like a sack of potatoes, lying on an ever growing pool of blood.

Volt was amused to say the least, yet, he welcomed it. Walking over to the fresh corpse of the necromancer, he grinned at his traitors.

"Save your words, you three!" He boomed at them. "It was wise to commit to such an honorable thing."

"Even then, we played along." Arcturus chuckled. "Why should we follow such a coward that relied on such dark arts for his goals!"

Then Maia threw herself to Volt's arms, clutching and groping his own form, regardless of everyone's eyes watching them.

"Take me, Volt~!" She moaned at him. "Take me and stuff me like the whore you know I am!"

Volt grinned even more. Today just couldn't get any better.


=Meanwhile=

Dennis groaned as he opened his eyes. How long has he been unconscious for? He thought as the tried to get up. He felt weak, he felt pale, but it didn't take long for him to remember what happened to him.

"Stay down. We don't our finest piece dying just by trying to get up."

"Huh?" He muttered as he looked over, and lo and behold, it was them.

"For a moment there, I could've sworn we lost you." Phoeri said to him, dropping the mute act as he poured him a glass of water. "Here, something to help ease your mind."

Without any warning, he grabbed it and drank it. Yet, it tasted odd, like it had a hint of a fruity flavor, and having a slight bitter after taste. Maybe it's a healing potion? Poison? Nah, considering that Ingham told him he's the most important piece of whatever it is, he ain't dying anytime soon.

So there's one thing left to do.

"Let's cut to the chase and start talking... There's a reason why you need me, is there?"

"There is." Ingham answered without a moment's hesitation. "There's a reason as to why we chose you and your specific group. You are the ice breaker for this cold, barren conspiracy."

He took a deep breath and sighed. He knew it, and it has now been confirmed... But what happened next while he was out? If he got targeted out of all people, then there's someone out there who's trying to stop.

"Improvisations had to be made." Ingham answered his mental dilemma. "Your friends are good, well, and fine, but the lords... we have to improvise for them. To put it simply: we faked our deaths just to tow away prying eyes."

"We killed some Black Dog guards for each and every Lord, and we glamoured the heads to look like them. So far, they bought it."

"So what's happening now?" He asked them.

"Our spies we're able to dupe them in and carried out the plans while we improvised. Rest assured, the plan hasn't been compromised by a substantial amount."

Dennis nodded and he looked at his injuries, and he will admit... He didn't have a single piece of scarred skin or anything. He's as slick and smooth as a baby's bottom, but that's only skin deep. He lost quite a lot of blood, and that might put him in a bad situation.

But he has to help somehow, but what can he do?

"I suggest you gather your strength for now. Keep on drinking the potion to help build yourself back up. I can assure we're all trying our best."

"But how can you be so sure?"

"Because we didn't make it this far just by talking and waiting." He answered with a stern tone. "It was hard for us to strike when the necromancer wasn't around. Most of our friends and allies and even our soldiers and guards have been replaced by Black Dogs, all loyal to Volt. We only had ourselves to trust, but even then, it's hard to weed them out. We were all surrounded by enemies, yet, when he came. A window appeared and we planned to use it while it lasts."

Dennis nodded understandingly. With that, Phoeri and Ingham walked away without another another word. Leaving him to his thoughts.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Well... this is gonna be boring."


[Volt]

The days felt like it went by a blur. The dead no longer ambushed them, and the time was cut short as Ken was able to cast a spell that sped up the speed of the horses they rode on. Even then, some stops had to be made, but that's mostly because the horses don't get overworked. The spell was fairly new, so they didn't want to risk marching for more days on foot because the horses died of exhaustion.

Not only that, Maia personally entertained them. He even remembered how she eagerly took all of her clothes off and greedily took on the waiting army. Everyone had a turn, and they all bred like rabbits.

Well. All except Tywin and his son. They all kept on marching and marching, sometimes, they talked to one another.

"You know that she's open for everyone, right?" He boistered out to them with the slyest grin on his face.

"A tempting offer, but I have to decline." Twin replied as he looked over at Kazuma's cold corpse, deep in thought. "I already had a wife, one that passed many moons ago. She gave me my children, and that's all I needed."

"But there's always more. Come on, my Lord. Ever since we claimed these lands, and didn't I declare it law to take any woman that fancies you, regardless if they loved anyone. That's the rightful rule of Prima Noctae, don't you agree?"

'As if you knew how much I loved her.' He thought to himself with venom, he was even tempted to say that. Much less pulling out his sword and driving it deep it deep into his throat, but he couldn't. Volt may be aged, but he's still younger than him by comparison, and even if that isn't an issue, he couldn't remember the last time he pulled out a sword, and danced with his enemy.

"A tempting offer..." He said, hiding the bitterness and reluctance in his voice. "But I'll pass. For my bones are old, and my time has passed."

Volt only raised a brow, but he didn't press on, only settling it by ending it there and walking away to Maia to have his turn upon her naked body.

"What did he say?" Arcturus asked his father, no louder than a whisper. He may be out of ear shot, but he can't risk it. "What were you talking about?"

"Asking me for a turn to the whore he made." He whispered back. "This better work, for it's the only chance we have."

Both of them looked over at Kazuma's corpse. Happy at the thought that when the stabbed him, they pierced the blood bags and upon the final strike, giving him enough poison to enter mortuary paralysis. They went with what Dennis said, and so far... it better work. Maia had to revert back to being a whore, and even though she made it clear that she'll never go back to it... it better be worth it.

As Arcturus looked over to his comrade. She looked at him with one eye, moaning, she clinged onto Volt's back and gave him a subtle thumbs up. Letting them know that she's doing hell and hasn't lost her mind yet.

'This better work, Dennis... It has to be.'


[Nightfall]

Granted, the march took a while, but they returned to Ken, safe and sound. Not only that, their numbers grew further as some bandits and slavers came to them, and Volt hired them all, and even went as far as to treat them like high paying veterans.

Arcturus scoffed at the notion, but he kept it in himself. As far as he remembered, he trained with a sword, no older back when he was 12, and every Day, every week, and every time, he always swung the sword with grace, finesse, and even hard brutality. If he wanted to, he can go to twelve armed men, and they'll fall to his sword before he can break a sweat, but that's not the point now. He focused as the gates opened, and they were welcomed in. Although, not all of them gave such warm welcomes.

Michelle Pantielle sneered at him, goading at him and his father on how dumb they were to even let the necromancer to have a footing in the war he waged. It took him every nerve to stop himself to draw his blade, and slashing it straight on his exposed pot of a belly. The Mortadella Brothers were less scathing, but it still pissed him off to know that they'll turn his home into a slavers auction as punishment. If his loyalty to the necromancer hasn't been solidified then, it would definitely be now. The Dogs made a mockery of his home and lands, now he'll make sure they suffer for all of it.

"Shall I commence the feast right now, Volt?" John Mandeville proclaimed as he approached him, Hicks following suit.

"What's with the heads?" Volt asked as he looked over at the heads mounted upon the spikes.

"They were planning a conspiracy, sir." Hicks answered with the smug smirk plastered on his face. "I heard them whispering amongst their goblets, planning to seize your rule. Fortunately, Mandeville and I killed them all."

Volt grinned at the two of them, and with no other word, he declared to his men that the feast shall be held, one to end all feasts. Victory was declared now that Kazuma is dead.

If only they we're right.


They all sat upon their seats, and they all look at Volt. Yet, it felt odd... Something doesn't feel right in Arcturus' gut. When he looked at their eyes, he saw ecstasy and glee, but for others... their smiles and hopeful eyes felt... shallow and fake, and if the tension can already be felt, Arcturus can cut it with a knife. Is this what Dennis had planned?

And now he starts hoping that he doesn't get killed in the crossfire. Even wishing the same for his father.

Volt clinked the goblet as he looked at all of them. "Men!" He began. "Tonight, marks the glorious we have crushed him, and his rebellion!"

Arcturus rolled his eyes at the cheers they gave him. He started to wish that he fell in glory, fighting against him right at the gates of his home.

It's pretty bad, knowing that he witnessed the sight of his paralyzed comrade being stripped off his clothes, and tied up on the crucifix by the suggestion of Mandeville, just before he left to check on the maidens.

He hated it, because he knew it'll be a sight to behold to them, and a warning for those who dare betray him.

At least they didn't know about the blood bags, but now... He hopes that whatever Dennis has planned, it better pay off.

"We showed him our might like how we should it to Olga and her forces, and look what we did to her! Do not deny, you all enjoyed plundering her like there's no tomorrow, and I am proud. Then, we struck at Celestine and took them down as well! And we showed them what use they are for! We men shouldn't be bossed around by those pretentious cunts with their pretty faces. We shouldn't be serving them, they should be serving us, and we succeeded upon that! We succeeded like how we won against him! This shows that we are not to be trifled with! Now enjoy your feast, and plunder their cunts like what we always do!"

They japed and jeered, and Arcturus sighs. He can already imagine the catastrophic mess this can result tomorrow, and he even felt pity for the whores and the slaves present. Just look at it! They're getting picked around, getting punched, and some even forced to rape the whores like they're one of them. If this is what Dennis had planned in store, he's not liking it one bit.

He looked over and heard the sound of one of the maidens screaming, and he looked as an orc harshly grab her by the throat, and slamming her by the table. He would've drawn out his sword and stopped them until he realized something. Where are the Seven Shields? Where's Olga? Are they saving them for the main event, or later? He's even surprised that they're considering to save them.

Then the doors opened. And he saw Mandeville and the Mortadella Brothers hauling them in... All of them dressed in white robes, and clean. Clean the most tiny, miniscule detail. Shame they're gonna get soiled later as they rip it apart and plow them...

But then, he relieved the biggest surprise of his life.

"Volt. Forgive me for saying this, but I'm afraid that I have been remiss in my duties. I may have given your friends meat, salt, and wine. I even went as far as to even execute the lords that planned your betrayal." He began, ignoring the confused, bemused looks on the Pigmen's faces. "I even had the most loyal boys to clean and wash your most prized possession, but there's one more gift that I want to give."

"Out with it then." Volt said. Mildly annoyed by what the old man said.

"My greatest gift upon to you... Is a chance to run away!"

Then he grabbed his jaw, and peeled it off. It wasn't Mandeville at all... It was Shiromi, grinning and smirking at them as she dropped Mandeville's face to the flooring.

"What is the meaning of this...?" Volt demanded, and as if to answer his question... Kin gets shot in the leg.

Kin dropped to the ground and wailed in pain. Then, five of the Black Dogs twist and turn as they fell to the ground, bolts nailing up on their heads and bodies. It didn't take long for them to know they were being shot from above.

Then the knights from within their ranks drew their swords, and began slicing away at the Dogs as they were recovering from the shock and surprise by the sudden attack. Arcturus drew his sword, and braced himself as he saw the feast devolve into a brutal melee. The slaves even joined in on the fight by drawing out daggers from their tattered clothes, and assisting the knights as they charge at the enemy.

Arcturus grinned. This is one calculated risk that he's proud of. And he too, joined in on the slaughter.

If this is the plan that Dennis had, then by the will and name of Celestine, he shall enjoy it.


[Dennis]

It was a success! The idea of bringing the maidens as a diversion distracted them for the bowmen to take their positions upon the balcony, and the fact that the loyalists are within the ranks was the icing on the cake. Yet, he knew they weren't done.

He left Shiromi have her fun, fighting amongst the ensuing melee. Slicing and stabbing, kicking and punching, she showed that she can fight, and she's having the time of her life. Ingham is also going to the feast with reinforcements as well in order to overwhelm them from within. But, of course, every plan needs a fail-safe, and this is where he comes in.

The City Guard will most likely be called, considering on how loud the brawl is, they have to prepare for an onslaught of Olga's horde, and Black Dog watchmen. Sure, the loyalists are there, but they won't be enough, and they'll most likely be overwhelmed when they turn their cloaks.

And sure enough, here they are, charging from the east from where they stand right now. Bronn, Torien, Valeria, and the others are all huddled up with the soldiers the lords were kind enough to offer.

"Bronn! I need you to take Torien and half of the troops to guard the west flank. We need to be ready upon the event that they swarm us!" He commanded, and watch them do as his told. "Valera, come with me!"

"I won't disappoint." She declared as she held onto her greatsword, facing upon the enemy that marches upon their way.

Dennis ordered the riflemen, and had them all form a firing squad. They all held their breaths, and when he gave the order, they began firing upon the imps and Black Dogs that head their way. The archers gave a helping hand as they loosened the arrows knocked upon their bows, impeding the enemies charge and giving the riflemen sweet reprieve as they began loading their rifles. However, they're still inside enemy territory, and they usually have their fair share of tricks.

Gargoyles flew from the air, carrying the imps as they shoot down the loyalists and Dennis' contingency. He hoped that the lords can bring in reinforcements, he can't tell if they'll be able to pull it off once these flying mongrels have been introduced.

"Take cover!" He ordered the ranged units. "With those things flying at the air, we'll end up as nothing more but pin cushions!"

"We can't just leave you here! After the necromancer's defeat, we can't afford to lose you!" One of them argued.

"Just do it! If possible, find yourself a place and gun them down!" He yelled out once again, this time, they went with it as they dislodged from their position.

Dennis looked at Valera, and the soldiers that we're given to them, and without another word. They charged upon them, crushing the imps from their stampede, and finishing off the wounded Dogs and demonic forces. He smashed the blade of his axe down upon their heads, and he didn't hold back. He put all of his power in every swing, even going as far as to sweep them off their feet, smashing their heads in, or just spinning like a whirlwind of death.

Valera fared as well, the swings she delivered with her sword was devastating, and she showed that she is as capable of fighting them amongst the soldiers. Orcs, Ogres, even the men, they all fell and crumpled from the mighty swings. Even the downed, fallen Gargoyles only proved to be more of a nuisance at most, but that didn't stop her, nor will she let it stop any one.


Ingham watched the battle raging on from the higher levels of the castle. Every single moment and times of planning has led up to this moment, and now, he'll see to the end of it.

He looked over to his entourage of crossbowmen and assassins and ordered them to shoot down the Gargoyles from outside. Such action can be considered careless, if it weren't for the fact that the balconies a great closed off view. If the Gargoyles detract their attention from the ensuing battle and onto them, they'll have to fight at their level, and the roof can provide a choke point. Now that that ox taken care off, he took the stairs as fast as he can to meet with Phoeri.

As for Phoeri, he has received the news from his spies that Tywin, Arcturus, and Maia drugged the knives they used, and they just pierced the bloodbags that were hidden in his armor. In accordance to that, he was able to get the chemists to work on a stimulant, or an elixir that can wake him up from his mortuary paralysis. Which brings him another problem, now that the battle is raging on, the Gargoyles have taken flight, and as they soar through the air, it's making it difficult for him and his firing squad to take aim.

"I told my men to shoot down. Once they pick up on it, we can get ourselves a clear shot." Ingham declared as he made it to them.

"We only have 12 shots, so we only have 12 chances. We need to make sure at least one of them counts!" He yelled out as he took aim once again.

His eye twitched in frustration as he sees their wings flapping frantically from the air. The fact that the necromancer is tied up on the crucifix seemed like a good idea on paper, it is starting to bite them back on the ass. Ingham theorized that maybe, just maybe, the higher he is, the bigger the range that he can call upon his army from outside, kinda like a broadcasting tower. Deciding that it's pointless to argue now, he left it up to fate, and shot his shot.

He held his breath as he saw the dart zipping through the air. As every single moment that passed, hope replaced his annoyance. Once he awakes, it'll be all over now, and if they're lucky, they might be able to slay Volt in this faithful battle.

But by the stroke of bad luck, it missed by the last second.

"Fuck!" He cursed out as he loaded another one, but this time, he repositioned himself to another spot, five of his men following by with their own, stimulant loaded firearms.

He tried again, but cussed again as it just landed itself on a gargoyles head. Now, the guys down there have to deal with a gargoyle flying on the frenzy. He bit back however, and tried again.

He calmed down, and steeled his nerves. Looking into the iron sights on his arquebus, he checked to see if he'll reach his mark, and fired. This time, making sure that it does indeed hit.

Seconds felt agonizing, but then, it hit! It landed on the nude body of the necromancer, and now, they have to wait for it to take effect. Now, just to make it easier, he grabbed a torch, and started waving it around as he stood by the edge of the balcony. Ingham knew what it meant, but just to make it easier on him, he pulled out a mirror from his pocket, and with the light from the torch, he used it to flash them down unto the ground.


[Klaus]

He never knew that he'll be out here, in this fateful night, fighting against the Black Dogs with the loyalists to Celestine. He never thought that he'll contribute much at all.

He never thought that he should've taken his life back then.

It's easy to fall into a depressing slope when things fall and crumble down. Hated by his own monster of a father, and forced to bear witness at the sight of him raping his beloved wife. He wanted to stop it then, but he knew he couldn't, but because they were behind the grates, and two armed men that can kill him if he even tried.

When that fateful day came, it all changed, and it all began with Kin having a nightmare about what was going on in his fortress. He didn't understand why they wanted him to join. Sure, it can be because he can mark it on the map, but he felt like as if they only brought him there as bait, or a sacrifice in case things go awry.

Sure enough, they did. Surrounded by Wraiths, Ghasts, Ghouls, and the living dead itself. He still remembered how he saw his comrades having to run like startled mice as The Mountain charged after them. Then, he could've sworn it was the end as he saw him, and when the dead came in and trampled on them.

He didn't mind dying back then. Better to be dead in a shallow grave, knowing that his life has been misery ever since his wife doesn't recognize him anymore, and neither can he. Yet, he approached him, regarding him with a warm aura, and talked to him like he was an old friend.

'I guess it is like that.' He thought to himself as he looked back. He was surprised to say the least, seeing it was none other than the bastard named Kazuma.

He never thought that telling him all those things actually pushed him to start this war, he could've sworn what he said to him was shallow, and mindlessly driven by the urge to have his revenge upon the ones that put him in this moment of life. He did, and that surprised him. Along with the conspiracy that was brewing long before he waged his war.

'I should've been more aware back then. I could've tried to help, even if it was minor.' He bitterly thought to himself once more, but he buried it down, and decided to focus, and follow along.

He sees the flames, and the shimmer of light from the balconies up at the castle, and he knew what it meant, and thanks to the city guard being distracted by the ensuing battle, and the rest of the armies being confused, he hit one final nail on the coffin.

He pursed his lips against the ferrules of the horn, and he blew on it until his lungs it gave out. He even covered his ears from it's sonorous wail, but he knows it'll be a good sign. To them, they'll think they will receive reinforcements, and they shall, but it won't be for the Black Dogs, and their comrades.

Two of the limber lords also joined in, they've already sent their message to their fellow conspirators, and they opened the gates to let them in. They watched as the Golden Horde of Tywin's might march in upon the gates. They patted each other on the back as they stepped away from the walls, to rally their own men. This will be the night that they show Volt and his collaborators that they will be punished, and they will have the last laugh.


[Kazuma]

He opens his own eyes wearily as he shook his own head, feeling a little dizzy from the drugs that put him to sleep, and the one that woke him up. He looked around as best as he can, and judging by the wails, the clashing of blades, and the immense struggle. It didn't take long for him to realize he is, indeed, witnessing the midst of the battle.

He can see Dennis and the soldiers fighting off against the mercenaries and Olga's demonic forces. Sure enough, he cracked a small smile at the sight. This is probably what Dennis had planned in the first place. Now that he's awake, he can help them along by raising the dead men, and have them fight. He was even about to break free from whatever bound him until he realized he was up high. Really up high, and tied to a crucifix.

Sure, he can see that he's naked, and yes he knows up above the ground. Yet, it feels like it wasn't done to show him off to the peasantry, but more of a beacon disguised as an effigy. Guess it probably has something to do with how high he is. Unfortunately... He doesn't know if it can work, and he never really tried.

Regardless, he decided to help, and the first thing he did was to use his magic. His hands glowed, and he raised the dead men up, and they fought for Dennis. The action shocked the City Guard so much that their morale drained and they fled. Even the Gargoyles fled in terror, but an idea sprung from his head.

He commanded one of the resurrected Gargoyles to fly up to him. He burned the bindings on his hand, and he jumped down onto the beast's back. He flew down to meet with the rest of them.

"I take it that this is your doing." He said to Dennis as the beast landed to the ground.

"I'm not the only one who planned all this, believe me. It was a group effort." He replied in baited breaths as he tried to wipe away the blood splattered on his face. He maybe unscathed, but that still tired him from all the swings he dealt to dogs. "Volt is still inside the hall, feasting. We need to go inside as stop the fight. It's time to make it clear that he has lost."

The necromancer nodded, but he did stop and looted a jacket and a pair of pants from one of the undead. If he's going to march in there, he will do it when he's fully clothed. Once he was done, they didn't waste any time and marched into the dining hall, the dead can handle them from the outside if they wished to strike once more.

Bronn kicked the door open, and the fight inside has stopped as they heard him barging in. With that, they all walked in, every single last one of them.

Kazuma will admit that the awe-stricken eyes glued on him made him feel powerful, and prideful, but he knows that he waged this war to put an end to the lands suffering. He didn't care if it was ironic that a Dark Lord that people have unofficially given to him will be the hero that the land needed. Yet, he knew it has to be done. People will die, and it is a risk that he's willing to take.

"You...! I thought you we're dead!" Volt growled out. "I saw them kill you! I saw Maia betraying you! How are you still alive!?"

"Maybe it's the unwavering hope that people have?" He joked. "In all honesty, they did it to fool you, but I'm not sharing my tricks on how I was able to dupe you. There's only one thing that matters is that you, you are to be taken away to the dungeons for the crimes you have committed against Eostia and it's people."

"You're insane! I took it from her, and the people here are mine to rule! Do you have any idea how grueling it was, and how many people died just to make "Cuntry"?!" Volt argued just as he lowered his sword. "I am Eostia's king, and you're nothing more but a Dark Lord that came to take it from me!"

"That's where you're right and wrong, Volt!" Kazuma countered as he gritted his teeth, his face turning serious as he stares him down. "I did it because people have suffered underneath your rule, and it wasn't out of a petty reason as to why. I started this rebellion, and I waged this war, because by the words that came from Klaus' mouth. You many have been this Land's king, but we know from our hearts that you're on of the worst that came."

Volt glared at him, his grip on the sword tightening as it went. Grave Levantine shared his disgust, but only because he heard his own son's name. He couldn't believe it, that all of this started because of his own son. Claudia looked at him in shock at the mention of her husband's name. She slowly drew her sword out of the Black Dog's gut, and she elatedly held back her tears. It's not everyday you hear that you're husband is the reason why a war has been waged to give them freedom.

"It's over, Volt. Just admit it. This is where your rule ends, and this is where she returns."

"Tch. Do you really want a bitch like her to go back in power? Do you really want to be ruled over by a woman who can only flaunt and strut herself?? Is that what you really want?!"

"The only thing that's bad about her is the war with Olga that lasted for generations... Your rule has peasants home being raided, homes destroyed, sons and daughters enslaved, and a whole lot more atrocities... I would be glad to sit on the throne, but I don't know how to run a continent."

Volt growled once more, yet Kazuma kept calm. Even when he doesn't have his sword in hand, he will never back down. The two opposites were staggering to say the least, and yet, it's clear who won the argument. Sure, some might find it odd, some can say that Kazuma's war is nothing more but an excuse for him to get stepped on by Celestine, yet, what he said is true. That's the only thing that's bad, and as Celestine looks at him, she felt guilty for not ending it sooner. Olga was her friend after all, and the fact that both of them let a war brew and roared for multiple generations knew that both of them wouldn't be in this situation.

For Volt, the words he argued are weak. They all violated the customs and made a mockery upon dignity, honor, and pride. Sure, you can benefit from it by living your life in debauchery and plowing any girl you wished to have, regardless if they have lovers or not. But yet, look at the chaos and destruction it brought. People were slaughtered for sport, the girls suffered fates worse than death, and in the end, they built their Kingdom upon a rickety foundation that was doomed to fall.

Dennis looked at his friends out of uncertainty, and truth be told, even they were silent. Torien had her bow at the ready at the advent that Volt decides to come down and behead Kazuma, but none of them did, and the rest never bothered to make another move. The silence was unbearable.

Yet, he ended up hearing something, feeling something. He felt the vibrations faintly ringing on the ground, and he isn't the only one that felt it as others began to pick up on it. The two groups began to panic, and they ended up forgetting that they were enemies in the first place. All of them scrambling onto their feet as the sensation grew louder and louder until it finally came.

From the wall behind Volt, a large, hulking beast destroyed it with the most thunderous strike, and Dennis' eyes widened as he gazed upon it. He nearly puked, and yet, he has already seen his fair share of abominations.

The creature had many heads, each one opening it's mouth as if it was tasting the very air it breathed, and it irked him to see it's tongues flailing at the air too. It even lacked skin, leaving people to see it's pink flesh, the ligaments on it's joints, and another thing that made it gruesome. For it has been geared and equipped with technology that reminded him of the Skaven that he dealt with when he spent two months in the world of Warhammer.


[Shamuhaza]

He hummed to himself as he held onto the cockpit of his most profound creation. With the dead that littered the lands, he spent ages capturing them for the bones and flesh in order to create this wonder, and even recruited the help of Gruntik the Tinkerer to create the ultimate creation.

He was so overjoyed by the raw power it exhudes, he nearly forgot that he came here to save Volt before his demise, a demise he saw from his dreams all those moons ago.

"My leader." He began. "Forgive me, for it has been a long time that we have last spoken to another, but this creation wouldn't have been completed without him. The dead that walked provided me the bones and flesh for it to witness it's creation!"

Volt gave him shocked look, but yet, he grinned. He was impressed by the fact that a creature that large and powerful took less time than it would have taken. This looked like it could've taken years for it to be completed, and yet, here it is. Done in two months.

Shamuhaza wasted no time as he commanded the beast to save him, and so it did, grabbing Volt by the waist, and placing him onto the cockpit. Gruntik laughed maniacally in joy, the mad Goblin proud that he too, had the privilege of using it. But mad as he is, he is also smart, and he knew that with all the people inside, they may overpower it, and it'll all be a waste. So it fled, fled with them on tow. Leaving behind the other Black Dogs, and Volt's other comrades.

"This isn't the last time you'll see new, Gravedigger!" Volt roared just before they can escape ear shot. "I'll be back, and you will see that I will fight to the end to keep my land!"

And with that, Volt grinned just as the beast kept on moving.


Kazuma's eyes widened just as he and the others came out from beyond the broken wall. They couldn't believe it. They had him right where they want him, and yet, he fled, as if the universe mocked them that the victory won't be given easily.

"Jesus Christ..." Dennis mumbled to himself. No matter how many times he dealt with Shoggoths, Elder Things, Space Polyps, Mi-Gos, and other Eldritch Horrors along with Gods. He'll never get used to it.

"NOOO!!!" Claudia yelled in anguish. "WE HAD HIM RIGHT HERE!!!"

Murmurs start getting thrown around, but yet, it has been quickly silenced as Kazuma looked at them. Specifically, the collaborators that worked with the Dogs that are trapped in the room with them.

"He may have escaped... But he left you all behind." He uttered, and then the soldiers quickly followed as they began apprehending them all, along with injured or wounded Black Dogs and monsters.

"What are you gonna do to them?" Shiromi asked him as she went up to him, intentionally stomping upon the injured bodies of the surviving enemies.

"I'll think about it for now. Until then, lock them up in the dungeons. There's still we need to discuss." He said as he looked at everyone and there was an unspoken agreement, an agreement that is crystal clear.

And that is that everyone needed some rest. Who knows, maybe they can start eating the food that has been left behind. They may have planned the betrayal in the feast, but they're not going to waste it.

In fact, they started eating while the soldiers go ahead and tie the enemies up.

"At first I found it odd that Lord Waterway didn't want to poison the food... I guess I can see that now. He doesn't want it do waste." Valera uttered as she sheathed her broadsword.

"Let them have their fun, I guess." Dennis shrugged as he wiped the blood off his axe. "Volt's still out there, but I guess this War might continue on regardless if he's dead now... We have loyalists for Celestine, and it's fair to assume that he may have loyalists as well."

"I guess that's fair." Bronn muttered as he snagged a goblet and drank it. Savoring the ale that gushed down his throat.

With that, the others shrugged and decided to join in. In the end, they deserved the rest, and the War that will soon go hotter.