Flynn

RL73 - 30 VIG - 14 MND - 30 END - 30 STR - 14 DEX - 18 INT - 9 FTH - 7 ARC

Resa

RL73 - 24 VIG - 19 MND - 12 END - 12 STR - 33 DEX - 9 INT - 34 FTH - 9 ARC

Resa

Our return to Redmane Castle was swift and uninterrupted, starting from the grace and veering sharply downwards from there. We passed by Redmane guards that had just recently been slaughtered by the previous party, and the rest left to fend off the rot-mutated beasts. Torrent was in a full gallop, charging past all of that as we approached. We rushed through a forest of long-dead trees, barely a branch protruding from their trunks as fungus spiraled up from their base. Further ahead was where the Redmane guards had made a once-defended position, with several fires and a barricade erected to try and stop beasts from breaking through.

That barricade was now demolished, all evidence pointing to the raiding party that had passed through just minutes ago. Torrent galloped along, taking to the air to leap over the destroyed barrier and continuing down the trail. A guardhouse was to our right, one lone guard standing at the very top, too shaken by what he'd seen to do anything about us.

Next up, the bridge…the same bridge that fireballs had fired at while we were watching. "Hold on tight, Flynn…this part might not be so easy." I felt Flynn's hands clasp at my waist as I sunk lower into Torrent's fur, our steed galloping even faster as we took our first steps onto the bridge. Almost on queue, I saw a flaming rock catapult through the air, flying directly towards the bridge. I did the calculation in my head - there was no way we were going to outrun it, and we were going too fast to slow down and let it strike ahead of us. In short…there was no avoiding it.

"Brace for impact…there's no way out of this."

"Yes there is. Aim for it." I felt Flynn's hands leave me as the weight on Torrent's back shifted. I looked back briefly to see what my brother was up to only for a shadow to fall over my head. I looked up, seeing Flynn's shield held steadfast towards the sky. He was leaning forward to the point of falling off, barely keeping his balance.

"Flynn it'll send you - "

"I know what'll happen Resa, now line up the angle!"

"Flynn, you'll - "

"Resa!"

The boulder was fast approaching, our options dwindling with each hoof that hit the ground. We had no other options - it was either a glancing impact or…or a direct hit. I sighed…there was no other way. I egged Torrent just a little bit faster, pushing that little bit further so that when the meteor struck, it would -

"Flynn!" My brother was sent careening off Torrent, the meteor hitting him with all the strength and momentum of, well, a meteor. One moment he was right behind me, and the other he was plastered on the stone floor of the bridge. I looked forward, seeing the catapults that had launched the meteor - we weren't out of range just yet. I saw another soldier loading a rock into the war machine, reaching for a large reservoir of oil that he used to start dousing the boulder. Instinctually I whipped a lightning spear at him, sending the bolt screaming through the air as it struck its target. The soldier fell limp, the machine lying dormant. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Then the second machine fired. It was hidden by one of the few leafed trees we'd seen since entering Caelid, perched atop a cliffside behind the first. The flaming boulder arced through the air, this one given a much slower, loftier trajectory than the first. I turned back to the bridge - Flynn was very much still alive, but he was struggling to even find the strength to get up. I dispelled Torrent, running towards him with my seal clenched tightly in my hand. My knuckles white from the pressure, I called out, a pulse of divine healing washing over Flynn, giving him everything that I could. I shook my head…it wasn't going to be enough. He couldn't afford to take another hit from that rock…but perhaps I could.

I rushed back out to my brother, hands fumbling on a clasp at my waist. I looked behind me, seeing the boulder arcing through the air, drawing closer and closer with each passing second. Just as I was about to pass my brother my hands found purchase, unclasping my crystal flask and clutching it tightly. I knelt down, pulling Flynn's facemask back as I forced the contents into his mouth, still wary of what was going to happen. A bubble formed around him…one that could protect him from one hit. I hoped that was all that he needed.

The boulder impacted the bridge and detonated into a maelstrom of rocky shards and searing flames. From my knelt position I was blown forwards, head slamming into the bridge with a thud that left the world around me spinning. Everything else went limp as fragments of rock were launched into me, nearly annihilating me on the spot - but I held on by a thread. My maneuver had given Flynn just the time that he needed, or at least I hoped. The bubble was gone, having served its purpose in giving time for Flynn to get upright. He looked around, assessing the situation. The other war machine was unmanned…we had time to escape.

"Thanks, sis…let's call that even." The words barely registered as he picked me up in his off hand, throwing me over his shoulder like dead weight as he carried me off the bridge towards some barricades further in. "We - you should be safe here. Patch yourself up, and then let's keep going."

He set me down and I reached for my flask, weakly bringing it to my lips and drinking its revitalizing contents. My wounds knitted themselves back together as shrapnel was pushed from me, and finally the world stopped spinning and set itself back into place. "I…I think I'm good now. How are you?"

Flynn helped me up, drinking from his flask as well. "We both took a bad hit there, but we should be past it now. I hear a fight up ahead, I think we may be catching up."

"Then let's give Blaidd and the others some reinforcements. Come on."

I didn't bother bringing Torrent back out, the numerous barricades a bit more than our steed would be able to maneuver past. The path continued to the north, passing multiple barricades behind which were recently slain guards and now-unmanned war machines. Redmane Castle loomed at the top of the inclined path ahead of us, and near the front gate I could now see, not just hear, the conflict that Flynn had mentioned.

To call it an odd assortment of individuals would be doing a disservice to the word. Most prominently amongst the invading party was a pot, nigh identical to the ones we saw in Caria Manor. While it stood tall above the rest, Blaidd's lupine features and thick cloak also poked out amidst the crowd. Besides that, I could see a masked warrior wielding a curved blade similar to my katana, though it was as if the weapon itself was permanently dripping blood along its length. Another notable figure was a warrior that looked like what Flynn wished to be - donning armor that was almost comically oversized and heavy, and wielding a massive stone hammer with a head that nearly rivaled the size of the armor. Despite the frankly unrealistic amount of weight the warrior maneuvered the weapon with ease, bringing it up over his head and slamming it down into the ground. There were others - a woman in white garb that looked to be a healer, a bald man wielding a greatshield and spear, and a heavily armored warrior wielding a rapier. The group was attacking a troll, the beats finally falling due to a weighty blow from Blaidd's greatsword. The wolfman ran up the stairs to the front gate, looking inwards. "They've sealed the front gates, we'll have to find another way around!"

The group looked around, the rapier-wielding man looking around and being the first to notice us. He leveled his rapier at us, taking a step back. "Halt, strangers! Are you friend or foe?"

"Friend. Allies of Blaidd."

Hearing his name, the wolfman noticed us, nodding. "They speak truth Lionel, lower your weapon. Flynn, Resa, glad you could make it. Introductions can happen later, right now we're still searching for a way in. Happen to have seen anything?"

My mind flitted through recent memories, trying to recall anything of note. "There was a war machine on a ledge in front of the castle. The guards must have a way to it…we might be able to circle around and find another entrance."

Blaidd smiled a toothy grin, nodding. "Lead the way."

I turned to the west, following a rocky outcropping around the side of the castle that went for a short ways before coming to an abrupt stop. To our right was another lookout tower, part of the roof lowered down on cables to create a platform, while to our left was the ledge that held the second war machine. I jumped down on the platform, dispatching a lone guard holding the location before circling back around and jumping down to the lower ledge. A trail of warriors followed after me, Flynn following closely behind while Blaidd pushed towards the front of the pack.

"Glad to see that you made it…I was beginning to worry that you'd gotten lost."

"Not lost, but sidetracked. We ran into something that required our attention, but luckily that wrapped up just before we got here. We saw some bodies fly off at the bridge, have you sustained any casualties?"

Blaidd chuckled, shaking his head. "Tarnished are a potent lot, even when they plummet to their death they still come back. The bridge caused us a delay, but the lot you see here is the lot that I found. Varying degrees of skill, but they were all willing to come. You came at the right moment - once we get into the castle, we'll need to be at the top of our game. So far we've just faced the forward guard, not the main defense force."

As we were talking we were winding our way up a narrow cliffside, numerous bats perched along the trail that got dispatched one by one. There were a couple times that the ground simply gave out, forcing us to leap to a ledge a ways off and reach the other side. One by one our merry band made it across, until eventually we came to a landing at the end. This looked like the end of the trail, both a staircase and a ladder leading up and into the castle proper - the back entrance that we were looking for.

However, the landing was also home to several bats that our arrival had awoken, the creatures taking to the skies to strike out at anyone that drew too near. However, they were outnumbered and outgeared - one by one that were picked off, silencing the area once more.

I climbed up the staircase, searching for a way in. At the top was a wooden door, but upon trying the handle I found it securely locked. "Flynn! I could use some extra muscle."

My brother came up, trying the door again before shaking his head. He dropped his stance low, rushing forward and slamming his shoulder into the door. It shuddered, but held steadfast. "No luck…looks like it's locked up tight. The ladder's probably our best bet. I've never come across a ladder that was…locked."

"Don't give them ideas…I'd rather not imagine what that'd be like. Let's see if that's our way in."

As we started down the staircase, a voice called out from the landing below. "Blaidd, we've found something. Looks like an Ash used by the Redmanes. I - I don't know much more." I saw Flynn's head shift towards it, zeroing in on what was found. The figure in question was the one Blaidd had called Lionel. He was by a lone barren tree, holding up a small cloth.

"Good find. Hand it here - we'll sort out the spoils once we've reached a safe place. Knowing what we do about the Redmane knights and Caelid, best to assume that the Ash employs the use of fire. For now, let's try the ladder and see if that gets us anywhere."

Flynn's attention dropped as soon as the word 'fire' came up - I cried out internally, my heart breaking at seeing my brother still so conflicted about what he held most dear. Fire had defined him for so long - but now, the very thought of it repulsed him. I wanted him to get over it in some way, but it had been a while now and nothing had changed. Perhaps…perhaps Flynn had already moved on, and it was time for me to move on. To stop seeing my brother as Flynn the pyromancer, and see him as Flynn the sorcerer. He'd clearly grown attached to Sellen and the sorceries he was learning from her…I assumed it was just to replace his use of pyromancies, but perhaps now it had evolved into genuine interest, rather than simply filling a void that needed filling. Sure, this was an Ash of War rather than a true pyromancy, but I would understand if he needed that separation…it was something I'd bring up the next time we had a moment of respite.

A moment of respite was not what we had right now though…not with the castle looming before us. Blaidd was the first to take the ladder up followed by me, Flynn, and then the others in a long line. At the top were more guards, one of which Blaidd was already engaged with. I ran over to the other, drawing my katana and slashing at him while our allies streamed in. Soon, it fell quiet - but I could hear the sounds of rustling further in. "They know we're up here. More will be coming."

"Let them." Blaidd hefted his greatsword over one shoulder, walking deeper into the castle. He walked up to the far ledge of the castle roof, surveying the landscape. "There's a ladder to our right, should help us get down. More guards are coming. Tragoth, Flynn, you're up."

Flynn nodded, stepping forward along with the hammer-wielding man. Ahead of us were two guards, likely commanders given their gear - a large black iron greatshield that swept down to a point, as well as a plumed helmet. It made sense why Blaidd picked these two above the rest of us, especially as Tragoth reared back and slammed his hammer forward into one of the guards. All that equipment meant nothing against the thunderous blow of his hammer, knocking the shield out of the way in one swing. As the hammer's followthrough continued Tragoth reached for a crossbow slung over his back and aimed it directly towards the exposed chest of the guard, launching a bolt directly into his unprotected midsection. Meanwhile, Flynn pulled out his halberd, almost identically blowing the other guard's shield out of the way before continuing with the momentum of the blow, swinging the massive blade around before bringing it down onto the guard. It was less an engagement and more of a slaughter, both guards dropping dead within seconds.

"Good. Let's proceed." Blaidd pushed forward, veering to the left and down a staircase as he moved towards the aforementioned ladder. Another guard was dispatched along the way, the area momentarily cleared as Blaidd descended down the ladder to a lower level. Two doorways were the only way forward, one leading back out to where we came while the other opened up into another building. Blaidd pointed to the one leading away. "Resa, see if that leads back to the locked door outside. A quicker means of exit should we be routed will prove useful. Flynn, you're with me to investigate the other path."

I acknowledged and veered off from the group, stepping into the room. Inside were nothing more than peasants with the usual wooden stocks around their necks. Near the back was a blocked door, the wooden bar that kept it locked in place splintered along its length. I pulled it aside and opened the door, seeing the landing we were at not long ago. A way out…or a way back in.

I reconvened with the others, running back out and into the other building, down a staircase. Another doorway had been busted open, the barricade in pieces while the door had nearly been blown off its hinges - Tragoth's work, if I had to guess. Outside was a courtyard near the front gate of the castle. Two large beasts with slick metal blades on their front elbows were currently engaged with the group, leaping into the air and slashing at them while the group defended. Flynn and Blaidd held off one while Tragoth and Lionel were focusing on the other, the rest of the group fighting as well. I threw a lightning spear towards the one Flynn was fighting, moving into engage with it. The beast leaped into the air but Blaidd leaped after it, a glow flaring up across his sword that seemed to propel him unnaturally high into the air. At the top of his arc he plunged his blade into the beast's skull, a magical eruption detonating within the beast's head as it slumped to the ground. It turned to look back at the other beasts, watching as waves of blood erupted from the bleeding katana, lacerating the creature as it, too, fell in defeat.

Again Blaidd sweeped around the terrain, surveying things. "They've barricaded the doors in preparation for the festival. Let's march forward, there's not much left now my friends."

We marched up the path, pushing through more guards and barricades along the way. The charge was short-lived, however. At the top of a staircase we encountered a large and haphazardly constructed set of barricades - or so it looked at first glance. As Blaidd approached them, three gouts of flame erupted from flamethrowers concealed by the barricades, repelling our commander back. "We need a way in. Anyone have any ideas?"

"If I can get a visual on one, I can get us through." In a prior life, attacking behind a barricade simply wasn't an option. Now, though, I had Honed Bolt - even if I preferred my classic spears over it in most situations, it was perfect for what we were now facing.

Blaidd looked to our right, seeing a run-down house just to the side. "Flynn, see if you can give you sister a boost up there. That should give you the angle you need."

"On it." Flynn moved over to the wall, kneeling down and forming a foothold with his hands. I stepped into it, bracing as he launched me upwards and towards the roof. I latched on, pulling myself up and onto the rooftops, giving him a thumbs up before continuing on. From here I could easily navigate on top, moving closer and towards the flamethrowers. Each was being operated by a guard - but not for much longer. I held my seal in my hand, launching a bolt towards one guard, and then the next. It wasn't enough to drop them outright, but it was enough to pull their attention away from their current task - and that was the break that Blaidd needed. He and the others stormed in, dispatching the guards.

I took a brief moment of respite for myself, Blaidd's fierce commanding leaving little time to catch my breath. Redmane Castle looked like a warzone, one that had to predate our arrival. Tall wooden poles were erected all around the castle, with clotheslines strung between them. From the clotheslines though were countless weapons, shields…and people, many of which I recognized. Notably amongst the shields were the black and white checkered shields that Flynn still used, wielded by the knights of Stormveil. In fact, as I looked around…most of the strung-up equipment looked like something we'd encountered in Stormveil. Were these spoils of war from a successful raid on Stormveil during the Shattering…or were these trophies from when Godrick and his men had come here? If it was the latter, the battle had decisively fallen into Radahn's favor.

I hopped down from the rooftop, reconvening with the others. Directly past the flamethrowers was a long and empty corridor, leading into a further chamber beyond. To the left was another path that led elsewhere in the castle. To the right though was a small antechamber, inside of which was a grace. I instinctively moved towards it but Blaidd put a hand on my shoulder. "Light it, but don't rest. We can't give our enemy time to catch up. We've pierced the heart of their defenses. Our rest will come soon, you have my word."

I nodded. "I trust you, Blaidd. We're here to support you."

At that the wolfman gave a hearty chuckle. "Well, you're doing far more than that, but I appreciate the sentiment." Blaidd turned around, addressing the group when next spoke. "Alright you lot, split up and fan out. We're reaching the end of this, but there's more to the castle than what we've gone through. Make sure that we weren't followed and that we can't be collapsed upon. Flynn, Resa, you're with me. Ahead is the heart of the enemy's stronghold…if we encounter fierce resistance anywhere in this castle, it'll be here. Be ready."

"And…you're sending everyone else…elsewhere?"

Blaidd nodded, his tone dropping lower as the rest of our group started to disperse. "We have all we need right here. I'm sure of that."

Flynn gave a firm nod. "Alright then. Let's not waste any more time."

We started forward, passing under a raised iron gate and into the corridor. More weapons were strung up, signs of how close the battle had gotten - and by the sight of far more weapons in the next chamber, it didn't stop here. I turned to look at the Blaidd as I coated my weapon with lightning, preparing for whatever was ahead of us. "Blaidd, I didn't realize you were a commander."

"Heh. I'm not, really, but someone had to call the shots. I fetched them from all over the Lands - it only made sense that I continue leading the charge."

"You have a knack for it." Flynn was imbuing his cleaver with magic as well, the three of us now nearing the doorway. "I was a soldier, back in my…three lifetimes ago. You know how to command attention and respect. I had generals back then that could learn from you."

"I appreciate the kind words, but I'm still Ranni's shadow. I may lead this ragtag lot for now, but I'm still a servant. Now eyes sharp, and let's see if anything's waiting for us."

That question was promptly answered as we stepped beneath another iron gate. Once it was a couple paces behind us, I heard a latch slide out of place, followed by the sound of metal thudding into the ground. I didn't even bother to look behind me - it was clear that this courtyard was quickly turning into an arena. I stowed my seal and withdrew my rapier, scanning everything around us. All the clutter of the courtyard made it hard to see exactly what was around, but I saw movements further ahead.

"Spread out. We don't know what's out there." I followed Blaidd's directive, skulking to the right and sidling up next to some large casks along the wall. Meanwhile, Flynn and Blaidd fanned out whilst both advancing inwards with their swords drawn and raised. Their eyes were trained on the open doorway at the back of the courtyard - but I was looking higher, towards the crenulation.

A figure leaped out from above, moving inhumanely fast. It flung itself from beyond the wall, launching through the air and into the courtyard in a flash of orange. It held a crude broadsword in one hand and had a vibrant mane of orange fur around its neck. Lower down, I noticed a pair of infantile wings as well as a green, scaled tail. The beast charged on all fours towards Blaidd, the wolfman planting his blade into the ground and bracing for impact. In one bounding leap the creature lunged at him, raising its sword over its head before sending it arcing downwards. Blaidd caught the blade on the side of his, quickly pivoting to the side to let his own blade serve as a barrier. The creature flew past him, scrambling back to its feet and spinning around. It settled into a hunched stanced, long lupine legs bent heavily at the knee and ankle. Still, it towered over us Flynn and I and stood nearly a head taller over Blaidd. The wolfman kicked his sword up, spinning it around in his grasp and leveling it at the creature. "A misbegotten, aye? Alright then let's see what you've got, beast."

Meanwhile, I noticed another figure looming beyond the wall. This one moved slower, steadier - I felt its presence even when all I saw was a glimpse of a tri-horned crimson helmet. The figure put one foot on the crenulation and stepped over it, dropping down to the courtyard below with the same crash as the iron gate mere moments ago. Its entire armor was the same crimson as its helmet, adorned with flared pauldrons. On its back was a shield - I could see an insect-like stinger protruding from it that curved wickedly. What drew my attention though was the monstrous, two-handed greatsword it held over its shoulder. The weapon was made solidly of stone and in fact barely resembled a greatsword at all - it was more a slab of metal, no bladed point to be found anywhere. Though the front was a sheer face, the back and sides were adorned with swirls and circles, a sort of rusted golden color making a sweeping curve along its length. The weapon was formidable just to look at, though it was doubly so when in the hands of the towering knight that continued its inexorable advance forward.

Flynn shook his head. "A Knight of the Crucible? Resa…help Blaidd, let me handle on my - "

My brother's words were cut short as the knight brought the stone sword above its head. As it did, purple energy began to spark up and down the blade, arcing in greater and greater frequency - and then the sword was slammed into the ground. A fissure was torn through the courtyard as a blast of purple energy raced forward. Cobblestone and dirt was thrown to the side in the wake of its destruction. By the time the energy cleared there was a scar through the ground a foot deep and dozens of feet long. The tail of the eruption had knocked Flynn backwards, my brother still struggling to get back to his feet.

These were the knights he'd fought? One in an Evergaol, and another in Stormveil? The sheer aura of power they exuded, not to mention the sheer strength of arms. It was…deafening. I had no doubts now why Flynn had struggled so much against the one he fought alone. All that armor, that strength, that power…I doubted I would fare much better.

"Flynn!" I rushed towards him while avoiding the locked conflict of Blaidd and the Misbegotten warrior, already sheathing my rapier and grasping my seal. I poured vitality into him, hoping to give him the strength to get back up. The knight was still a fair bit away, simply standing and watching intently for now. I rushed to my brother, taking his hand and helping him to his feet.

"Alright…the other ones just had a sword, not a…not that. I retract what I said…I'm going to need your help."

I nodded intently. As far as I was concerned, Flynn was the expert here. He'd defeated two of these…and this was the first time I'd laid eyes on one. "What do I need to know?"

"Well, that shield is damned near impenetrable, so getting the jump on it from behind won't work. The others haven't had a sword that big, they've opted to hold their shield. I think we'll be figuring this out together. The others haven't been dangerous from afar, but they move faster than they look. I know we haven't rested but…keep your distance, take shots when you have them. And watch out for the tail."

"And what about you?"

"I'll do what I've done twice before. Hit it until it stops moving. Do my best to stay alive along the way."

"Be careful."

To my surprise, my brother shook his head. "Not this time. These knights don't give you many openings to strike back. Best way I found that works is to trade blows, so long as I'm hitting back harder than I'm hitting. If I need assistance, you'll know. I've learned my limits."

"Alright. I trust you. Let's do this together."

We were interrupted by the knight sending another fissure towards us, apparently bored of watching us talk. We both managed to throw ourselves out of the way as more rock and dirt was sent flying into the air along with another blast of purple energy. I scrambled to my feet, strafing to the side while Flynn slowly stood up, brushed himself off, and simply leveled his helm at the knight. He charged forward, the knight slammed the sword into the ground for a third time but my brother was ready, sidestepping it and continuing his charge, bashing his shoulder into the knight before quickly withdrawing, raking his cleaver across the knight's arm.

Well then…time for me to do what I could. While Flynn and the knight duked it out, I hung in the wings, striking when I could. I avoided getting close - between the fissures that were being thrown around as well as other eruptions of earth from the knight, Flynn didn't need me darting in and out and potentially getting in the way. I lashed out with lightning spears, striking whenever there was an opening, all while watching Flynn weather the unending storm that was the Knight of the Crucible.

And what a storm it was…as each crashing blow rang out I only had more and more respect for my brother, somehow pushing through and surviving each one. Despite his claim that the other knights didn't wield such a weapon, he seemed to know what to expect - whenever a sword slam sent a localized eruption of rock upwards, Flynn was narrowly out of the way and poised to strike back. Whenever the knight was gearing up for a thunderous blow, Flynn's shield was in the way, protecting himself. However, his stance on 'trading blows' became all the more obvious as time drew on. Despite the bulk and heft of the knight's weapon, it wielded it with surprising finesse, sometimes chaining multiple swings together in quick succession. Rather than finding a time to strike back, Flynn forced a time to strike back - harder. When the knight's sword would come down against his arm, Flynn was moments away from crashing his cleaver into the knight's ribcage. When the knight was about to strike his thigh, Flynn was at the knight's neck. My brother recognized that not everything was avoidable - and when a blow was coming in that he could shrug off, the better choice was to deliver one that couldn't be shrugged off. The knight seemed far hardier than he was though, and several times I had to stop what I was doing and tend to his wounds when he was looking particularly rough or when he misjudged an incoming strike.

And then…the tail. After Flynn delivered another impactful blow to the knight's chest it reared back - and when it did, wings sprouted from its back, launching it into the air. It launched itself at him, dragging its blade along the ground as an ominous fissure was carved in its wake. Purple energy erupted from the ground as Flynn was forced to dive out of the way, but even that dive wasn't enough as shards of rock erupted behind the knight's trail, lancing into Flynn and puncturing thick holes into his armor. As my brother stood up the knight whipped around, a spectral tail forming where one ought to be just long enough to bludgeon him back into the ground, his head bashing into one of the spikes. This time…he didn't get up so quickly.

I ran over, pouring ever more of my dwindling magic reserves into Flynn, vitality flowing into him to get him off the ground just before a fissure from the knight made things worse. I dove towards him, grabbing him by his collar and pulling him out of the way of the incoming fissure. I felt the magical presence of the energy wash past me and the rumble of the earth as the spikes erupted from it - but the two of us were alright, at least for now. Flynn and I got back to our feet, my brother standing in front of me and raising his shield.

"How much longer can you keep healing me?"

"Not long…I'm starting to run dry."

Flynn's eyes never left the knight, but from behind I saw him nod. "Alright…time to shift the timetable forward then. Get in close, don't give it room to breathe. I'll keep myself alive…focus on yourself."

"Whatever you say."

Without a word, Flynn's defensive posture broke as he rushed forward , shield raised, cleaver in his other hand. While he was still a few steps away though that all changed - the shield was thrown to the ground, and the cleaver was held in two hands…but only for a moment. Flynn brought the cleaver up and then hurled it forward. The heavy chunk of metal hurtled through the air towards the knight whilst Flynn's hands reached for his halberd on his back. The knight spun around, positioning the heavy shield on its back to intercept the oncoming cleaver and send it careening off in the direction of Blaidd and the Misbegotten. While in motion, that spectral tail whipped out once more, lashing at Flynn. Still, my brother pushed forward - and by the time the knight spun back around, it was woefully unprepared for the halberd that was brought crashing down on top of it, slicing a deep gouge into one shoulder so brutally that Flynn had to twist and rip the heavy blade out of the wound. The knight's stance faltered - it was powerful, but that blade it wielded was heavy. With a lame arm…perhaps that speed and finesse would start getting sloppy.

Flynn wanted me to get in close, and that was exactly what I did. While the knight still recovered from Flynn's entrance I willed my legs forward, dashing in while lightning crackled along the length of my katana. The knight was heavily armored, but then again so was Flynn, and we'd managed to defeat him at the colosseum. All it meant was a little more strategery, a little more aim, to ensure that the strikes found the weak points in the armor rather than just bouncing off thick metal. Once I was in close I dropped to both knees, momentum carrying me forward as I slid past the knight, bringing my katana up to slice just above the knee, right along the joint where the plates didn't overlap. I brought my foot up to bring myself to an abrupt stop, springing up and swinging my katana where the arm met the chest, finding another weak point.

The knight's response was swift and definitive. It raised that sword up and smashed it into the ground, more fissures erupting across the now-ravaged courtyard. More stone shards lanced out at Flynn, my brother simply powering through the pain and slashing back in retaliation. The purple energy seemed to swell and thrum with latent power, my brother's armor starting to dent and bow inwards just from the close proximity.

The two of us kept at it, trying to chip it down. The knight constantly swung around to face whichever one was on its back, conjuring the tail to whip at both of us. I started to find the rhythm of it, leaping into the air to narrowly jump over it before coming back down on my feet, slashing at whatever was exposed. Flynn, again, powered through, my brother's ragged breaths starting to become more and more apparent. The knight's sword arm was growing faulty, and I concentrated my attacks on its remaining good arm, whittling down its defenses.

From the side, I heard a howl ring out. I looked over to see Blaidd with his greatsword plunged directly through the chest of the Misbegotten, his foe finally slain. He looked over to the two of us, seeing us still locked in combat with the Knight of the Crucible. In one fluid motion he darted to the side where Flynn's cleaver had been deflected, picking it up. "Flynn, eyes up!"

As the cleaver was once again hurtled into the air, but this time not at the knight - per se. Rather, it was hurtling right towards its sword…in a moment, I knew what Blaidd was going for, and I moved in to support. Right before the cleaver was about to strike I ducked low and sent my blade surging upwards, striking right through the plates of its armor as electrical energy arced into the knight. I kept the blade lodged in, wrenching it to the side and drawing more blood.

When the cleaver collided with the massive stone greatsword, that along with my interference was enough for the knight to lose its grip. The stone sword slipped from its grasp - but Flynn was there to retrieve it. His halberd already discarded he grabbed it with one hand, and then another - even then, it seemed like it was far heavier than he was expecting. With great effort, he lifted it over his head, crackling purple energy starting to form along the blade.

I removed my sword from the knight, slinking backwards moments before Flynn sent the blade crashing downwards. He was a natural with it, a fissure of energy erupting forwards, slamming through the knight and only stopping when it collided with an outer wall of the courtyard. It tried to form its wings and take to the sky, but the purple energy seemingly latched onto it, forcing it groundward. As it fell, the erupted shards pierced its armor all across its back, and the knight's body went limp…and finally, its body went limp.

I looked over at Flynn, his eyes on the stone sword. He set it down, his chest rising and falling with every gasping breath. "That's…intense. I'm not sure I'm ready for this yet…but one day, I will be." He raised the sword up, letting it come to rest on its top.

"Well fought, both of you…I was right to bring both of you here. By your words, I take it you've encountered Crucible Knights before?"

Flynn nodded. "Twice. One in an Evergaol, one beneath Stormveil. Just what are they…and who do they serve? Why would they be here?"

"I'm afraid I don't know who they serve, but I do know that they are rumored to pre-date the Erdtree itself. They are an ancient force, one that opposes the Erdtree. The legends say that there are but sixteen of them. To have claimed the life of four by your own hands is…quite the feat indeed."

"Well, I'm glad I had help on this one. This blade is something else…I've never seen anything like it. I only managed to swing it that once due to the heat of the moment. Now…it's been a while since I've found a weapon too heavy for me."

"Hold onto it then. Like I said, we'll be splitting up spoils soon. I think Tragoth might be the only one to have an interest in it, but he's rather enamored with his hammer. It might mean that someone else may lay claim to that Ash of War outside, but…I'll leave it for you to decide what's more important."

Our conversation was cut short by the sound of the iron gate rising behind us, as well as a powerful voice calling out from the opposite end of the courtyard. "Champions, welcome! The Radahn Festival is upon us!" When I looked around I noticed a bit of an eclectic figure. He looked somewhat like a court jester if one was a battle-hardened warrior. Colorful garb with striped bright colors was offset by protruding armor plates and a dark hood, He held his hands out, shouting towards seemingly whomever was listening.

Slowly, the other warriors filtered back in, many of them looking weary after fighting off the remaining forces in the castle. They all looked just as worn down as we were, the trials and tribulations of the siege having taken their toll. We all stood, listening to the figure continue their speech.

"The festival is nigh! General Radahn, child of Radagon and mightiest demigod of the Shattering, awaits you! Prepare for a celebration of war - the Radahn Festival!"

It seemed as if he was expecting a cheer or a cry of jubilation, but none came. The day had taken its toll on us. We simply stood there and nodded, hearing his words.

"Once you are prepared, step forward, and through the doorway beyond! The General awaits in the Wailing Dunes to the east!" With that, the figure fell silent, clasping a wicked two-handed greatsword with a jagged and snake-like blade, standing tall and proud.

"Warriors - we've done it. The Festival is here, but we must prepare for it. Let us retreat for now and partake in a bit of revelry, yeah? We've earned ourselves that much. Once we're all good and ready we'll enter the Festival." When Blaidd spoke, it was a night and day difference from the other figure - people listened, and people acted. When Blaidd retreated to the previous room where we'd found the grace, everyone followed. We all moved to huddle in the room, the space a bit cramped given the number of people that were in our party. Some of the larger individuals like Flynn and Tragoth sat with their backs to the walls, letting others get closer.

"Now…I said we'd get to introductions when we found a reprieve, and I believe that we've found it. We'll be fighting the Great Radahn soon - at a minimum, everyone should know everyone's names so you can call out and be heard. To avoid the awkwardness, you all know me but I can start - the name's Blaidd. I shadow Ranni and carry what she needs me to carry out. Now, let's go around the horn here - no uncomfortable volunteering on who's next."

I had been operating under the assumption that we were the outsiders here, and that everyone else had established connections…but the way Blaidd worded it, it sounded like that wasn't the case. On Blaidd's right was the swordsman from earlier, his blooded katana in his hand as he ran a whetstone along its length, bringing the blade to an even-greater sharpness. "You may call me Okina. I hail from far to the north, in a land of snow and ice. I serve no master."

Next, the largest figure - the jar-creature. "O-ho! My name is Alexander the Iron Fist! I hail from Jarburg, nestled in the foothills of Liurnia. I am a great Warrior-Jar, a paragon of my people, but I know I have much to learn! I wish only to see a great and stupendous fight tomorrow, one that can be sung about for ages to come!" Compared to everyone else's somewhat dour, fatigued looks, Alexander seemed as good as ever - though it was hard to gauge when he bore no face or expression. Still, he spoke with a bright, jubilant tone, as if the challenges of the day were no match for him.

Next to Alexander was a slender figure in a white hood and robes. She had her head down, simply looking longingly at the grace and paying no mind to the others around her. Blaidd actually spoke up, rather than her. "I'll step in here…the Lady's name is Therolina. She's an old ally of mine, a…friend of a friend, I suppose. I can't say whether she's taken a vow of silence or if she simply can't speak, but she doesn't. She's a very competent healer and she can hear you. If you're injured tomorrow - call out her name." Therolina nodded in agreement, almost robotically looking from person to person, looking eyes for a millisecond before moving on. Once she had looked at everyone she returned to staring at the grace. A chill ran down my neck - something felt off about her.

Following her was the figure in black armor that sported a wide metal brim and an almost spherical chestpiece. "Well then it seems I am the next one that must speak. My name is Lionel, and I am a servant and champion of the great Lady Fia. It is a pleasure to meet you all, and I am awaiting a victorious confrontation tomorrow. Hurrah!" Lionel raised his rapier in the air, punctuating the remark. I didn't pay any heed to the fact that he served Fia - at least not yet. Perhaps at a later date that might prove sticky, but for now we were allies, nothing more.

Next to Lionel was a bald man that wore thick leather armor and held a greatshield and spear. "Oh well, I - I'm Patches. I'm…I'm here from Volcano Manor, I guess. Rykard's lot, if you don't travel much. This is…well, it's a bit more than what I'm used to, but it could be worse. I'll do what I can." The man gave a meek but forced smile, not quite making eye contact with anyone. Patches…that name tickled a memory somewhere deep in the back of my mind. I couldn't quite place it…but for some reason I felt like I knew him. That couldn't be though…it would mean that he came from Lothric or Lordran.

"Well, then I guess it's my turn. Some of you may have heard of me, but if not you can call me Tragoth. I'm something of a sellsword, and nothing more. Blaidd came and found me, and I can think of no better use of my talents. Our battle against Radahn shall be a tale for the ages, I will personally ensure that. Should you all see me out in the Lands Between and need my aid, you need only come speak to me and my hammer shall be yours." What a hammer it was…we'd seen it in action quite a bit, but the sheer size and presence of it never wore off. It rivaled some of Flynn's largest weapons in size, and seemed as unburdened by it as Flynn did in his prime.

Finally it fell upon Flynn and myself - the final two. Flynn spoke first, being next around the circle. "My name's Flynn. My sister and I haven't been in the Lands Between long, but we know Blaidd through Ranni. We're looking to make it into the capital at some point for an acquaintance of ours. Taking down Radahn is the next step of that."

"I'm Resa - Flynn's brother. I think Flynn covered who we were so all I'll add is that I'm also a bit of a healer when that's what's needed. I tend to stay on the offensive though, so if you're wounded and need healing please call for me."

Blaidd clapped his hands once, leaning back in the cramped quarters. "And now everyone knows everyone…at least, well enough for what's to come. Rest up and gather your energy everyone. Once we begin the Radahn Festival…it won't end until the General's been taken down.