"Wha, what did you say?" Guild Operator had dropped the pen in her hand, the ink splashed along the paper she had been working on.
"That…that knight who comes to visit…he's dead." One of the rookies had a frown on his face as he looked down at the floor of the Guild Hall. "They…they found his remains in the alleyway."
The Guild immediately went silent as the young lad had come rushing through to deliver the news. He had been near the Lucky Centaur's Horseshoe Tavern when he heard what had occurred at the tavern and nearby alley from several knights who had been guarding the area. Many of the young adventurers were saddened as they knew Royal Knight as a friendly individual who would come to spar with them or offer tips on how to effectively deal with situations. The older adventurers had enjoyed drinking with him and occasionally going with him and other knights on quests assigned by the King.
"I…are you certain?"
"Yes. The Inquisitors are speaking with the owner of the tavern and those that work there to see if they know of anything. He's…he's really gone." The young lad wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his right arm while delivering the news to Guild Operator.
Guild Operator and Guild Assistant were horrified after hearing this; both women could not hold back the tears that ran down their faces as they moved to gather a cloth to wipe their eyes. Just then there was a loud clattering behind the women, they turned to see Guild Director standing in the doorway mouth agape as her pipe had clattered to the floor.
"D, Director!"
"He…he's gone. I see." Guild Director fell silent as she then looked to the ground and picked up her pipe before clearing her throat. "I…I'll be in my office. I don't want to be disturbed."
"I, I understand. The two of us shall handle things here." Guild Operator bowed her head toward her boss as she did her best to keep from sobbing.
Guild Director calmly walked back into her office and closed the door, pausing momentarily by the doorway before moving toward the cabinet where she had stored her various liquors. She poured her favorite wine into a glass and then moved toward her desk, bringing the glass to her lips to savor the flavor. She let out a sigh as she set the glass down while anxiously looking at the items on her desk before picking up her glass for another drink.
"…Does that mean you're finally ready to admit your true feelings for me?…"
Guild Director stopped herself from bringing the glass to her lips as Royal Knight's words echoed in her head. Her hand trembled as she struggled to finish her drink before letting out a scream and throwing her wine glass at the door, watching it shatter into several pieces. She found herself breathing very quickly as she stood from her desk and let out another cry of anguish as she threw everything off her desk.
"Damn it! DAMN IT!" Guild Director slumped into her chair and laid her head upon her barren desk as she sobbed. "You stupid fool! Why? Why did you have to die?!"
xxxx
Guild Director let out a contented sigh as her naked form rested on his chest, his arms wrapped around her back as he held her close. She soon rolled off to his right side, careful not to stab him with her horns, as they both looked up toward the ceiling overhead.
"Wow…that was amazing." Guild Director sighed as a smile crossed her face as she brushed aside her sweat-matted hair. "Not too bad for a human."
"I aim to please." Royal Knight too had a large smile on his face as he used his right arm to pull her close to him.
With the new Guild building finally finished with its construction, she and her new staff had gone out to celebrate along with Royal Knight who had been there to act as a guard while she was given control over the facility. There of course was some concern that a demon would be taking over what was normally a human-run establishment, but she had shown that she would be more than capable of working with others. There was a large celebration with the Guild workers, Guild Director had indulged in too much wine and found herself being very flirtatious with the knight, expecting him to push her away yet he was all too happy to reciprocate her feelings as one thing led to another.
"Won't you get in trouble for laying with a demon? I thought you knights were all about putting an end to the Demon Lord and his minions. Or are you after a bit of fun like those humans that visit the succubus brothel?"
"Well it is a knight's duty to ensure the protection of the kingdom's people and that includes you. And who needs to visit a brothel when I'm happy with the company I have right now."
"Oh yeah? You ready to take responsibility if I end up with a kid?"
"Of course."
Guild Director looked up at him, the cloth that bore the demonic sight gone, she swore that she was actually able to make out the smile on his face despite having no eyes.
"If I could spend the rest of my life with you, I would have no complaints." Royal Knight turned toward her, smiling as he saw her shocked expression, then move in to gently kiss her forehead. "Besides, sleeping with you is very enjoyable."
Guild Director was still shocked by his comments and actions, she had convinced herself that he was only acting on the alcohol they drank, yet she could sense the honesty in his voice. Here was a human that did not despise her or only see her as a tool that would benefit him, but someone who genuinely felt affection for her…and that scared her.
"I see. Well, I think this calls for a drink."
Guild Director was quick to get out of bed, Royal Knight was a bit confused by her actions but quickly dismissed the notions. She poured the wine into two glasses and then quickly spoke a demonic enchantment while waving her hand over his drink.
"Here you go." Guild Operator smiled as she offered him his glass of wine.
"Ah thank you."
"To a happy partnership."
"Cheers."
The two downed their win quickly as Royal Knight was eager to continue laying with the but suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He could see his vision blur as he tried to reach out for her but eventually collapsed backward onto the nearby pillow.
"I'm sorry." Guild Director had a sorrowful expression on her face before bending down to gently kiss him on the cheek. "I…I am very suspicious of others and as much as I want to believe in your words, I have this doubt. It's easier for me if you grow to hate me."
Guild Director quickly dressed and then gathered all of Royal Knight's belongings before leaving the inn; as a small act of kindness, she had decided to leave him his helmet to try and shield his identity. The next morning, she was ready to begin her first official day as the manager for the Guild, anxious to see the new adventurers and see the angry expression on his face. It was about an hour before lunch when the Guild was shocked to see a naked man calmly enter the guild, using his hands to cover his nether regions.
"Um…can I help you?" Guild Operator was shocked and embarrassed to see the muscular man standing before her and the others.
"I seem to have lost some certain items and came to retrieve them." Royal Knight had a small smile as he looked around the Guild and locked eyes with Guild Director. "Good morning."
"Well, seems like someone went about misplacing their belongings." Guild Director chuckled before picking up a large bag that contained his belongings and setting it on the table counter. "Thankfully I was nice enough to hold onto these. Would have been a shame if someone had sold them."
"That it would have. You have my thanks." Royal Knight continued to smile as he moved toward the table and took hold of the sack.
"I guess you should be careful of whom you want to place your trust in."
"More like I should be careful of the liquor I drink." Royal Knight picked up the large bundle and used that to hide his nakedness before looking toward the young demoness. "I'm a patient man, I don't need an answer right this moment."
Guild Director was shocked by this comment, she had expected him to come in ready to yell at her but this attitude had completely surprised her.
"Well I'll be taking my leave before I shock anyone else. Oh and Director, I'd love to go drinking again but this time, let me select the wine." Royal Knight left the Guild with a large smile on his face.
xxxx
Guild Director continued to cry, tears running down her face and soaking the cloth that covered her eyes. Guild Operator and Guild Assistant could hear her anguished cries despite the door being closed, they too knew that despite her brick attitude she deeply cared for him.
"Two years ago…if only I had been willing to accept your feelings instead of pushing you away, you might still be here. You kept coming by, smiling at me and the others as if nothing bad had ever happened between us. Why couldn't I just have been honest and told you how happy I was to hear you say that?" Guild Director used her hands to wipe her tears, yet they wouldn't stop, she slowly looked up from her desk at all the items on the floor when she spied the ledger he had given her. "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Guild Director let out an almost bestial growl as she quickly stood from her seat and rushed to pick up the book from the ground. She held the ledger in her hands, clutching at it with her clawed fingertips, wanting to tear it apart with her bare hands, but instead held it with her left hand as she gathered her demonic fire in her right hand.
"YOU! THE INFORMATION WITHIN GOT HIM KILLED! I'LL DESTROY THIS CURSED THING THIS VERY MOMENT!"
"…if something happens, can I count on both of you to pass this along to Dragon and Raven…"
Guild Director stopped herself as she remembered Royal Knight's last words; the flames in her right hand faded as she threw the book on her desk, a visible scowl present as she looked toward the item as if it was a piece of rubbish.
"Damn piece of shit. The information within will help those two find those who took away my knight and make them pay." Guild Director took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled as she wiped away the tears from her eyes.
There was a knock at the door, she turned to see the door slowly open and in entered Guild Operator, a worried expression present on her face.
"Apologies for entering without permission, I was concerned when I heard several different sounds." Guild Operator looked to the ground and saw the broken glass and papers all tossed to the side. "Are you all right ma'am?"
"Fine. Just decided on a bit of redecorating of my office."
"I understand, I shall quickly take care of these matters immediately." Guild Operator bowed her head toward her superior, understanding her reactions to a cherished person's passing.
"Yes…thank you." Guild Director cleared her throat, doing her best to sound like her old self in front of the others. "Hey."
"Yes ma'am?"
"We need to be careful with what was left to us, no one else must know about it. Not even those two until the time is right."
"Yes, I understand."
xxxx
The knights in the courtyard were angrily grumbling amongst themselves as news of Royal Knight's death spread around them. Many of them knew Royal Knight as they had fought side by side with him or happily drank with him whenever they met at the tavern. There was talk of razing the City of Shadows until they found the guilty party, and even if the didn't immediately find the culprits they could eliminate any Demon Lord sympathizers. As they all angrily spoke with the banquet hall, Grand Inquisitor and his fellow Inquisitors silently entered standing near the front,; all voices fell silent as the knights looked toward the Grand Inquisitor to see what he would say.
"As I am sure you are all aware now, one of our fellow knights had been killed while making his rounds at night." Grand Inquisitor had a stern expression on his face as he looked over the knights within the castle. "When we decided to become knights of this fine kingdom, we fully understood this would not always be the safest occupation. However, to be killed by the very people we have sworn to protect is unforgivable! Know that we shall do all in our power to punish those responsible."
The knights all gave a triumphant cheer as they raised their fists into the air as they were ready to avenge their fallen friend.
"I say we start with the demon district." Hawk Inquisitor had a visible sneer as he leaned against the wall with arms crossed. "Those filthy creatures claim to no longer be associated with the Demon Lord, but for all we know they could be lying to make us lower our guard so they can kill us all."
There were several knights who were in agreement as they always resented their enemies living so close to them, even taking their money for various services they provided.
"Yeah! And those damn succubus bitches are always trying to seduce us to steal our very essence for their survival!"
"We should do the same with the fishfolk! Fry them up and serve them on a platter! They are able to make their livelihood on our shores and still have the audacity to charge us for items!"
Dragon Inquisitor and Raven Inquisitor could see many of the older knights eager to spill blood, any blood would seem to satisfy their anger, and this was growing quite concerning. They knew Royal Knight as one who would be friendly with just about everyone and treated them as equals, he would not want to see others indiscriminately killing others to avenge him.
"A moment Grand Inquisitor!"
The hall was silent as eyes fell on Dragon Inquisitor, while raven Inquisitor was concerned with what he would say Hawk Inquisitor could not hide his anger at this man stopping them.
"Dragon Inquisitor, what do you have to say?"
"Sir, we should exercise caution in our investigation. If we were to go in with full force we run the risk of the true criminals escaping while we waste our time with innocent people." Dragon Inquisitor was nervous that others would argue against him but if he could convince the Grand Inquisitor, the others would have to listen.
"Have you forgotten what the hell lives in that wretched place? Demons and monsters who have killed our fellow knights in the past! It was the king's grandfather was granted them amnesty and look at how they have repaid this kingdom's generosity!" Hawk Inquisitor grew more annoyed with his comrade's timid personality. "Not to mention it was your friend who was butchered! I'm sure he's ashamed to find you not wanting to avenge him."
"Yes he was a dear friend, and I know he would not us to act in a way that would tarnish our reputation." Dragon Inquisitor was stern in his reply, keeping himself from lashing out as Hawk Inquisitor insulted his deceased friend. "We must not be rash in our actions. Our Kingdom has profited much from their businesses, so if we were to openly attack them it would cost us many lives as well as diminish profits toward the King."
There was some murmurs among the knights and Inquisitors in the banquet hall; though it would appear that Dragon Inquisitor was acting cowardly, there was some truth in what he was saying.
"So how do you think we should handle this situation?" Grand Inquisitor had a look of annoyance on his face but would allow the young man an opportunity to properly explain himself.
"Openly we continue with our normal rounds as we do, but from now on for nighttime duties we have our people move in pairs. It would appear to the attackers that we have given up on locating them but we Inquisitors can find the information as the Kingdom's Shadow. Once they have let their guard down and we find the truth, then we make them pay with their lives."
The other knights all spoke among themselves, the plan did sound good and had a high probability of success as the Inquisitors were considered the best as moving around unseen. Grand Inquisitor was silent for a moment as he thought about what had been said but eventually nodded his head in agreement.
"You are correct, we must not be hasty otherwise the true culprits may elude us. I shall lead the investigation to you and the other Inquisitors. The rest of you, continue your rounds but do so with a partner and keep your eyes open for any suspicious activity. Dismissed!"
The knights in unison all brought their right arm and placed it across their chest to salute the Grand Inquisitor before dispersing to continue with their normal duties. As everyone departed, Hawk Inquisitor remained behind to meet with Grand Inquisitor, both watching Dragon and Raven Inquisitor exit the hall together.
"Those two…they're going to be trouble. Should I…"
"No. There is too much activity about for us to remove any other curious individuals." Grand Inquisitor watched as everyone exited the hall way and he could then freely speak with Hawk. "Keep a close eye on them, ensure no one else can find a way into the lower levels of the dungeon."
"Of course."
"We still need to finish off the last of those merchants who have been discussing collaboration with the filthy demi-humans in the City of Shadows. Our assassin shall be ready the moment a date and target are determined."
"Of course sir, with this we are one step closer to destroying this kingdom and attaining power and wealth beyond measure." Hawk Inquisitor had a sinister smile on his face as he clapped his gloved hands together and began to rub them back and forth.
"Indeed." Grand Inquisitor chuckled before motioning for Hawk Inquisitor to follow him.
xxxx
"Where are we going?" Raven Inquisitor quickly followed behind her friend as they maneuvered down the busy street.
"First, to the Lucky Centaur Horseshoe, I want to check in with the barmaid to see if there is anything else she knows. Second, we head for the Guild, that's the last thing he told us."
"Understood. I too feel we should check on the barmaid to make sure she is alright."
"I never expected you to be so nice to a potential love rival." Dragon Inquisitor turned back toward his friend with a smile.
"Now isn't the time for such foolishness…besides I was clearly the winner in our competition."
xxxx
The tavern was busy as usual, the tiger barmaid quickly continued to move about to serve her customers, but her smile was not as bright as before. She knew she had to keep up appearances as not to bother the others, but whenever she had a break she would move to the kitchen to where she could rest for a moment and wipe the tears she was forced to hold in. Three days had already passed since the Knights had come to investigate the murder of Royal Knight and since he would frequent this establishment, there was some concern that someone may have targeted him.
"They even believed that I had some murderous agenda to hurt him since he would flirt with other women. I would have never done anything to hurt him…I loved him." Tiger barmaid sighed as she wiped the tears from her face with the cloth. "Yes he may have been shameless, but he had a good heart. I should have been honest and declared my true intentions to him."
"Hey, we have customers!"
"Yes sir…I understand." Tiger Barmaid sighed as she wiped away her final tears before once again putting on a smile.
"Hey…" The owner moved toward the beast woman and placed a hand on her shoulder to temporarily stop her. "I know you're hurting and if you need to take some time to rest, you let me know."
"I'm okay boss. Too much time off and I'll…just end up thinking too much. I'll be fine, thank you."
Tiger Barmaid exited the kitchen and moved toward the serving window to pick up the dishes and take them to the waiting customers. Once she finished passing out the dishes, the swinging doors opened and she quickly moved to greet the new customers.
"Welcome, how can I help…"
She paused when she saw the two Inquisitors enter the tavern, she was quick to bow her head as the two entered.
"Pardon our intrusion, could we have a moment of your time?" Dragon Inquisitor had a sympathetic expression on his face as he looked at the beast woman.
"I have already told the other knights all I knew about the incident. I'd rather not discuss things any further if that is okay?"
"I understand. I'm sorry for forcing you to remember something so difficult." Dragon Inquisitor nodded his head, he could see the saddened expression on her face. "He always spoke of how much he enjoyed the atmosphere of this tavern as well as the excellent service he received."
"Yes…he was a sweet man…please I need to…"
"Please, we could use your help in any way." Raven Inquisitor reached out to take the young woman's pawed hands and gently squeezed. "And yes, I was jealous that he would come here to pinch your ass."
"…and I was jealous that he would try to grope you." Tiger Barmaid had a weak smile but was happy to share this moment with the female knight. "I had no ill will against him, rather I wish I had confessed much sooner. How can I help?"
"What can you tell us about him leaving from here? Did you notice anything strange about him that day?"
"That day he was enjoying his meal and beer but I did see him reading something."
"Reading something?"
"Yes. I was not sure what he was reading but at one point something within seemed to have shocked him and then he quickly left the tavern."
"Hmm, I see." Dragon Inquisitor rested his gloved hand upon his chin as pondered Royal Knight's actions. "What did you find? What would have spooked him so much?"
"Thank you for your aid." Raven Inquisitor smiled and bowed her head toward Tiger Barmaid then quickly looked back toward her comrade. "We should go, there's one more source for us to talk with."
"Agreed."
"Wait!"
Before both Inquisitors could leave the tavern, Tiger Barmaid reached out her hand toward them but then drew it back and placed hands over her chest.
"Promise me…promise you'll find the ones responsible and make them pay."
Raven and Dragon Inquisitor looked toward the beast woman, they could see her trembling with anger; Dragon inquisitor walked over toward her and placed a firm hand on her shoulder.
"I swear, I will do all in my power to find the ones who killed him and end them."
xxxx
"Okay then, so you'll be taking the quest to explore the ruins near the southside of the mountains." Guild Assistant smiled as she noted down the information as the adventurers stood ready to disembark. "Okay, I have it noted so you're all set. Please be safe."
Activity in the Guild had been steady, most of the adventurers had departed in the morning but there were still who happily enjoyed a drink or meal, calmly waiting for other quests to be assigned. Guild Director exhaled the smoke from her pipe while looking over the expenses.
"Everything looks good, food and drink expenses are all within the target range and we've been steadily receiving quests from the kingdom as well as the surrounding villages. The number of healing potions and stamina potions is still pretty high, too many of these damn fools are surviving…I mean that's good but…"
The doors to the guild opened, the staff and adventurers expected to see a party returning after a successful quest but were surprised to see two of the Inquisitors standing there.
"Good afternoon, how may we help you?" Guild Assistant had a calm smile as she bowed her head toward the two knights.
"A few days ago, our comrade came to visit this establishment. We need to know what he came here to speak with you all about?" Dragon Inquisitor kept his expression calm as he looked toward the Guild staff.
"Right…the knight that was murdered." Guild Director slightly looked down to the ground before raising her head to look toward them. "Yes, he was here to speak with the rookies about their quests and then flirt with Cow Tits over there."
"Director…please." Guild Assistant frowned as she covered her chest with her arms, still embarrassed by her ample frame.
"Not sure how much I should let on with these two. Carefully gauge their reactions and see if they can really be trusted."
"Director…I know that he came here for more than just a simple friendly chat." Dragon Inquisitor's expression grew more serious as he looked toward the demon. "A knight of the kingdom was killed doing his duty and you all were the last to speak with him."
"If you know who was responsible for what happened to him, then you are obligated to tell us." Raven Inquisitor too was growing angry with the demon's evasive attitude.
"You two may be knights of this kingdom, but this is my place of business. I will not tolerate rude individuals…I'm the only one allowed to act like a bitch here!" Guild Director had a scowl on her face as she placed either hand on her hips.
Both Inquisitors instantly placed their hands on their swords, determined to get the answers they sought no matter what needed to be done. Before they could react, they looked around the Guild to see the various adventurers all standing with weapons ready to fight them. Those in the front had their swords or axes ready while further in the back were the archers and spellcasters with magic and arrows targeted at them. Even if she the manager of the Guild was a demon, these various adventurers were ready to fight and defend her.
"If you want to continue on this path, know that you will have to fight every step of the way." Guild Director raised her right palm as it too was surrounded by purple flames.
Dragon Inquisitor looked around at the adventurers, he could see the determined look on their faces and then thought carefully about his own actions.
"Raven…stand down." Dragon Inquisitor removed his hands from his sword and set them by his side.
"…understood." Raven Inquisitor let out a sigh and removed her hands from her blades.
The adventurers were hesitant but then lowered their weapons and went back to sitting in their seats but kept a close eye on the knights.
"I apologize for my actions. We have lost a very good friend and want to find the ones responsible for his murder." Dragon Inquisitor clenched his fists but soon exhaled as he calmed himself before bowing his head as low as he could toward the Guild Director. "He always spoke well of the people here and the energetic, if not rude, manager."
"He would say something like that…ass."
"Please, if you know of anything that might help us, we'd be very grateful." Raven Inquisitor also bowed her head toward the Guild staff.
"I'm sorry…in all honesty, when he came by to see us, he only went about being friendly with the young adventurers and bothering with my employees, he never mentioned anything about problems." Guild Director felt bad lying to them as they were his trusted friends, but for now, she would need to keep this secret. "I'm sorry for your loss. He was a jerk and as ass, but he wasn't too bad a person…for a human."
"I understand, thank you for your time."
Dragon Inquisitor and Raven Inquisitor gave a final bow before finally exiting the Guild Hall, both could tell there was more to what the manager was saying but causing a scene right now would not help them.
"Director…was that wise?" Guild Assistant looked toward her boss with a puzzled expression on her face.
"For now, yes. Things are too complicated right now and I feel other Inquisitors are likely to be watching us." Guild Director breathed a sigh of relief, worried the two knights would actually fight her to find the truth. "We shall keep the ledger hidden until I find a more appropriate time to tell them the truth."
xxxx
Things had been rather peaceful within the village throughout the day with farmers tending to their small fields and flock while children laughed and played. It was a simple settlement with a single mill to help in creating bread from the grains they would harvest from the fields and a large rock grinder that would break down the large stones to aid them in breaking apart the rocks from the nearby mine in hope of finding any precious gems. At the edge of the village was even a small temple where worshipers of the Earth Mother acted as teachers to the children and offer medical aid if need be.
Yes, it was a peaceful village…that is until they arrived.
The sisters in the temple sobbed quietly due to the cloth gags in their mouths as they were taken out by the bandits, a mixture of humans and beast men who dragged them away for their own pleasure. Once outside the women were horrified to see the state of the village much of it still ablaze and various screams and sobs from the survivors yet around the floor were several dead bodies of those who had tried to stand up to these bandits and their leader. There in the center of the village, overlooking the burning barn, was the massive figure with a war hammer resting on his right shoulder and beside him was a smaller man dressed in green clothing.
"I would have preferred more dragon meat, but these cows will do fine for now." Dragon Executioner chuckled as he could hear the screams of the animals from within the burning structure.
"But Master, wouldn't it have been wiser to have first killed the animals and then cooked their meat?"
"Nonsense, this way I can do two things at once." Dragon Executioner turned to look at Slave Bard but soon his attention was drawn to the other bandits who brought forth the captive Earth Mother acolytes. "It will take a while for the meat to fully cook so we should find something to occupy ourselves with."
Dragon Executioner tossed his weapon to the side and made his way over toward the bandits looking over the seven women as he wanted to pick out his favorite.
"Hey Boss! We brought you the captives like you asked."
"Perfect. I'm feeling a bit bored and need to kill some time." Dragon Executioner sneered as he looked over the frightened women but then turned toward Slave Bard. "I'm feeling generous. Since you've been loyal all this time, take one for yourself. Otherwise, I might break them all before you get a turn."
"V…very generous my lord."
Slave Bard looked over the terrified women, feeling sorry for the situation they were in but he too did not want to incur the wrath of his master.
"This one will do fine." Slave Bard took hold of the young priestess with silky black hair and green eyes.
He struggled a bit as he pulled her towards him all the while she cried and shook her head, not wanting to be hurt or leave her fellow sisters.
"A fine choice. Then that leaves me with the others to…play with. I think I'll start with this one." Dragon Executioner had a wicked smile as he grabbed one of the women, a priestess with blonde hair and bright blue eyes, by her neck and pulled her closer but looked toward the other women. "Don't worry, you'll all get your turn soon enough."
"I uh…don't quite feel as comfortable… performing in front of others my lord. Might I take my captive to one of the houses?"
"Suit yourself. The rest of you; eat, drink and take all the valuables you can grab. Very soon we'll need to plan for a trap." Dragon Executioner chuckled as he proceeded to tear at the young woman's clothing, laughing at her futile screams in an attempt to stop him.
Slave Bard dragged the woman away to one of the undamaged houses and closed the door, our side they could both hear the cries of the women and the crude laughter of the bandits who went about looting the place. Slave Bard carefully looked around the place and when he was sure he was alone approached the terrified young woman. She scooted away from him the best she could, praying to the Earth Mother that she would not suffer and flinched as he placed his hands on either side of her face.
"Please listen carefully. I'm going to untie you, I need you to run away while the others are distracted."
The young acolyte was surprised by his comments, not sure if she could trust him, yet noticed the various shackles attached to his feet. He removed the rope from around her wrists and removed the cloth that had been used to gag her.
"Th, thank you…"
"This…this is uncomfortable for me to say but I need you to scream out as if I was attacking you, can't have them being suspicious."
The Acolyte nodded her head and understood what he meant as she let loose a scream, pleading for him to stop; while this was going on Slave Bard moved toward one of the windows along the back wall and opened it, once again checking for signs of the bandits.
"Okay…here we go…"
Slave Bard pulled down his trousers which immediately terrified the acolyte, she now believed he would assault her as his master had done to her sisters outside.
"Please don't be alarmed. I need to make things look as convincing as possible." Slave Bard looked around and found a wooden chair and motioned for her to grab it. "I need you to hit me as hard as you can with that chair."
"Y, you want me to strike you, but…but our teachers forbid us from…"
"You need to hurry, this might be your only chance to escape. I need you to strike me then you go out that window and escape this village, maybe you can find help." Slave Bard nervously looked around, expecting someone to barge in and discover his plans. "I'm sorry I couldn't save your friends, but this is all I can do."
"But…what about you? What will happen if I…"
"No time. Please, just…just let me do this one good deed."
The Earth Mother acolyte felt sorry as she looked toward the man, she would be able to escape but he would still be trapped. She once again heard the screams of her sisters and knew if there was any chance of saving them, she needed to escape. She took hold of the chair and raised it up high before bringing it down as hard as he could. Slave Bard let out a small grunt of pain as the piece of furniture struck his body and he collapsed to the ground. The young acolyte was distressed at the sight of him groaning on the floor but knew this was necessary for her to help this village.
"I'm sorry…"
She rushed for the window and jumped out before making a mad dash for the forest. Some of the bandits could no longer hear the scream of the woman in the house and moved to investigate only to find the Slave Bard on the floor groaning.
"What the hell happened?"
"I…she struck me…"
"Damn worthless fool! She must have escaped! We need to…"
"What's all the noise about?" Dragon Executioner stepped forward, still exposed after having satisfied himself with the acolyte, her body quivering on the grass some distance behind him.
"Sorry to interrupt you boss. This damn fool let that other slave get the drop on him and get away."
"Hmm. So she escaped…good."
"What?"
"She'll go rushing for help, which means we'll be having some uninvited guests showing up soon. Maybe even the prey I'm searching for." Dragon Executioner turned back toward the other acolytes, each of them terrified after seeing what he had done to their sister. "I'll just have to make sure you all receive her share of the fun. The rest of you, finish your celebrating then get to work preparing for our guests!"
