Read the end of the chapter for details. With that being said, hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Resurrection - III
Prior to the Black Dog's takeover, the existence of Brothels within the Shields is none existent. A surprise to those travelling to the Seven Shields - whether they may be from the forested kingdom of Grimwald, the deserts of Nakha'i or the ever-expansive Aurelian Empire.
The reason for the lack of such establishments is in relation to the nation's purpose as a bulwark against the Dark Queen, and - even if it isn't openly admitted by those of higher positions - as "cannon fodder"; a sacrificial wall to shield the southern nations, and their own selves. The irony of such a name.
Then again, they provide a constant yet questionable number of troops, supplies and weapons to the shields. Even if it was to appease the wider public and the Goddess Reborn, the southern lords and nobility would realistically never fully commit themselves. Why should they when they have someone else to do so instead?
But alas their stagnant responsibilities would come to bite them in the arse. Words that one particular magician of the Myrmidons would comment bluntly.
The other reason for the prohibition of brothels is the Church of the Goddess itself. Believing such establishments as unnecessary and distracting. "A bane in the eyes of the Elf Goddess herself, a vile contraption of fornication and unbound lust." Taken from the very mouth of the pope himself.
Hypocrisy. Though that is a different story for another time.
When the Black Dogs usurped the Goddess Reborn and the Shield Princesses the existence of such establishments became apparent.
The prostitution system flourished under the usurpers. Disregarding the rigid laws of the previous nation just like their oaths and fealties, many such establishments were built across this excuse of a nation.
Many such establishments have been built in Judas' reconstruction, with the most prominent being Redhorn Entertainments; named after its first service Thalia Redhorn.
It is also the birthplace of a certain minotauress by the name of Almira.
Redhorn is Almira's birthright. Something that she made absolutely clear to those wanting to take the establishment for themselves.
Once reaching the appropriate age, she immediately asserted her dominance. Removing those foul pests from Judas and usurping the previous owner; even going as far as raping the Schlemiel's wife and daughter.
With no one to threaten her position, she was free to do whatever she wanted. What else? This is her home. Her birthright. She can do what she pleases with it.
Though she'd have to follow the commands of that fat, useless slob that is the major of Judas, though he does make up for his uselessness with funded "expeditions" to the north.
There had been old stories of an enclave of Elves, isolated but independent from both the Goddess and the Dark Queen themselves. Elves with skins of twilight, led by their own representation of the Goddess; The Sovereignty of Twilight… or something like that.
She's been keen on finding this "lost enclave" of elves. From the sound of it, they seem really special. She wonders just how good they'll be when she-
"Hey! You stupid blue-skinned snow-hugger! I said to tighten your throat damnit!"
The minotauress delivered a devastating punch to the elf slave currently piked on her abnormal appendage, earning a mixed cry of pain and pleasure from the slave.
The brothel is her home. It is appropriate that she can do whatever she desires here. It is her playground.
Hence, here she is, doing exactly that. Taking a Frost elf from the weekly batch of spoils (courtesy of the Black Dog's expeditions) for her own fun and amusement tonight. Locked in her personal room, away from the main orgy happening outside, her muscular form lazily reclined on an exquisite-looking chair, ruined by many nights of uncaring sex. She is to remain undisturbed and she prefers it that way. The last person who didn't was torn apart by the exotic insects of the Sakura Circus and she watched the act with wicked glee.
"Ahhh! Nothing beats the feeling of having an elven whore deepthroating ya~!"
Grinning wickedly, she plunged more of the unfortunate elf's head down onto her cock. The elf's eyes rolled further into their heads. Painful yet seemingly exhilarating.
She could only hold on to her dear, worthless life. The minotauress gave no ounce of mercy. The thing gripped in her hands is nothing more than a toy to be used at her disposal.
Her hips quickened, and her teeth gnashed. Her face was of an animal.
"Fuck! I'm getting close! Better open up, slut! Gonna dump a huge one down your throat! Dinner is about to be-!"
And in her highest of moments, just as she was to fall off the edge. Her near-nirvana was ruined by the sound of the door opening and the cry of a lone individual.
"LADY ALMIRA! THERE'S SOMETHING THAT YOU-!"
"YOU EXCUSE OF A MAN, YOU DARE TO RUIN MY-!?"
*BOOM!*
The clamorous sound of a massive explosion shook the entire brothel. What manner of despicable acts that were occurring, was effectively ceased, the onlookers looking around in confusion and slight worry.
"WHAT THE-!"
Nero
"What the-that was a huge explosion!" Nero couldn't help but gawk at the aftermath of his explosion.
He wasn't expecting such a violent explosion like what he just witnessed. He expected something more… controlled… less loud to add.
That… was loud and probably had woken up the entire town.
He wouldn't be surprised if anyone outside could have heard that.
"That was rather… unexpected, sire. Are you sure it was just gunpowder?"
"They all had the label. Someone must have mislabeled one of them. What the mistake was I do not know."
"But regardless of that, sire, it would seem that they know."
The sound of ringing bells echoed through the air. The entire town has ceased its despicable behaviour, awoken by a harsh reality. That they were under attack.
"Yeah."
He gazed at the open gate, a somewhat stern expression on his face, ears hearing the growing noise of people. Nero adjusted his stance and drew Surtr from its scabbard. The vengeful flames ignited across the ancient blade.
"Here they come. Remember, kill them within the boundaries of the circle. The more we kill, the more the circle fills and the ritual will be fulfilled. Show them no mercy! There is none to be given. Kill them all!"
The Minions cheered, their excitement uncontained. They waved their weapons in the air, banging daggers and clubs against small shields and gauntlets. Perhaps a bit too excited - one of the Brown Minions; charged with holding their tribe banner, swatted their own comrade in the face, sending him tumbling into the nearby well.
They prepared themselves. Assuming their own ready stances. Spears pointed to the gate. Daggers, clubs and axes poised to swing and strike.
The voices grew louder and louder. The Minions atop the tower aimed their arquebuses at the entrance.
Nero cast his gaze behind him at the shed where - through a small gap in its foundation - concerned eyes stared back at him.
An assuring smile and a small nod were his response. Conveying the message that everything will be alright.
As long as they can achieve their plan
The shouting had become substantially loud, returning him to the real world.
He resumed his focus on the gate once more.
They will triumph.
They will prevail.
He will have his revenge.
The first wave ran through the gates. Clad in simple clothing you'd find on regular citizens. Some wielded spears and axes. Others nothing at all. Fewer are those fortunate enough to wear leather armour.
Militia. Nothing special. Only charged with defending their local towns and villages. Though, he'd wished they were better armed or prepared.
They've fallen into the trap.
Within seconds, a volley of spears, rocks and a… frying pan skewered and disfigured the unfortunate men. Those fortunate enough to survive the first volley were met with a more devastating volley; this time from the gunners atop the tower.
The first wave of enemies was cut down without any problem. However, a larger surge of militiamen came forward. Packed tightly they were, it's almost like they were using mass to overcome his Killzone.
"Or they're simply using each other as shields." Nero grimly thought. A despicable tactic.
Witnessing this, Nero ordered the Browns to advance. The Browns fell upon them with frenzied excitement.
They hacked and sliced with jagged swords and blunt axes. Some skewered the enemy with halberds and short spears. Others launched themselves onto unfortunate militia's heads, a relentless flurry of scratches, stabbing and even gouging of their eyes. One… overly enthusiastic Brown even bit an enemy's nose.
That will surely leave a mark.
Regardless of how they fight, they showed no ounce of mercy. Their fighting style lacks order. Yet, that doesn't matter. Why should it matter when they make it up for their numbers and strength?
Some Militia men did manage to slip through the Browns' onslaught and made contact with hails of infernal fireballs. The night sky was filled with their pitiful screams and was immediately silenced by his Minions, though for some, they would be left to burn to their deaths.
Miraculously somehow, two Militia seemingly slipped through the Minions, dashing madly towards Nero. One held an axe in both hands and the other a short sword and round shield. Heedless of the Minions chasing them. Ignorant of their dying comrades.
Their senseless pursuit of glory at the cost of their dying comrades.
Believing that they could undo this bloodshed.
Blindly flying so terribly high, just to achieve that glory.
Only death awaits them, like the lauded man that flew close to the sun.
The axe-wielder reached Nero first, greeting him with a heavy, sluggish swing of his weapon. Nero simply sidestepped, watching the bit of the axe smashing the spot he previously stood. He cleaved Surtr into the man's head and sunder down the rest of his head.
Such blatant foolishness.
The other one charged forward with a cry of rage. Swinging his sword wildly at Nero, snarling and cursing like a rabid dog. The man was emboldened to enact vengeance for the death of his friend. He was relentless to see it through, yet his own fervent wrath denied him victory. It was more of a hindrance than a boost of strength. An impediment that Nero took full advantage of as he swung low - separating left arm from shoulder - and cleaved Surtr into the man's head.
Such absurd rationality.
Believing themselves exalted, when they are but animals in human skin.
Was this what they believed? What Volt, his accursed Black Dogs and the despicable souls that follow them? That they could do anything and everything that they want? Whatever they wish, without repercussion or care just to satisfy animalistic cravings.
Such absurdity does not belong in Eostia.
Such inexcusable profanity, he'll-!
Nero stilled himself. Closing his eyes, soothing the growing storm within his chest. Breathing strongly through his nostrils. His anger - which had become more frequent - was getting to him.
"Sire! Sire-!"
"Grr, what is it, Gnarl!?"
"Belch sighted some Orcs and Goblins heading your way!"
"The typical bunch. Any sign of anything more aggressive coming?"
"No sire, but I suspect those 'aggressive' things won't be far behind."
"Really stirred the hornet's nest huh," Nero muttered amusingly. He swiftly ordered more Browns into the fight, whilst coordinating some Reds to take the high ground i.e. the roofs of the nearby barrack buildings.
"Yeah…I think we can effectively hold the line."
Unsurprisingly, after saying that, he was tackled by an enemy.
As the fighting in the barracks became chaotic, the town became mired in its own mess. The large silver bell atop the town hall resoundingly tolled in the air. Confused yet frantic citizens fled to the city centre; the one place considered to be safe. The four roads that led to it were protected by small formations of militiamen; guiding the fleeing people to safety whilst placing barricades to protect it.
A few blocks from the fighting was a small plaza; the site of numerous fleeting citizens and disgruntled Black Dogs, guiding them to their safety.
A peculiar sight stood amongst the two groups. A hound-like beastman of impressive height, clad in the infamous greyish-black armour of the Black Dogs. A colossal sword rests on his back; its royal purple hilt - besides its grip - was encrusted with precious jewels.
The hound bellowed commands to the fleeing citizenry and to the 'fighters' preparing barricades to hinder the invaders.
As much as he would like to join the battle, begrudgingly, the people's safety was most significant. Who else would handle things around this town?
He rather the slaves be the ones within the town centre. Honestly, leaving them behind is such a waste; especially the new desert boys the caravans had brought from the capital. He had heard peculiar stories of such treats from fellow compatriots residing at the capital.
He pondered. Perhaps, if Maria isn't looking he could sneak back to the District and save them. He has yet to have them eat him out.
"Khoros! There you are!"
A shiver went down the beast-man's spine. Not of pleasure but of fear. It is a voice that inspires fear - with a little amount of praise - to the Black Dogs of Judas.
The Ravenous Predator: Almira strode with furious fervour to the startled goatman. Behind her marched a formation of Black Dogs equipped in heavy armour and carrying short yet vicious halberds.
The Raving Bulls. Handpicked warriors; sharing the same unbound hunger as her.
They marched with her into many battles and raids. Delivering a bountiful amount of loot and slaves to the Capital. Like their leader, their services rewarded them with the city of Judas by the great Volt himself. To do whatever they wish, to do what they see fit.
"Lady Almira. The civilians and slaves are being evacuated-"
"Save me the unnecessary details, Khoros! What's going on over there!?"
"Not sure, my lady," he replied. "But there is heavy fighting in the barracks. The attackers have fortified themselves there."
"Humph, what a bunch of idiots. What are they thinking, cornering themselves?"
"I believe they're using the gate to funnel our troops to their deaths, my lady."
"Khoros. I said no unnecessary details."
"A-apologies, my lady."
She sternly gazed at Khoros, before shrugging and striding past him. "Whatever. Let's just get this mess cleaned up. Have better things to do than this… Have a small contingent finish up things here. You're coming as well."
"Yes ma'am. Alright, you heard her! Let's move out!"
They marched towards the barracks. Intent on ending this unnecessary drama. It didn't take long for them to reach the gates of the barracks. In time to witness another assault being repelled by the perpetrators within the barracks.
"Stinking buggers just seem to throw themselves to their deaths." A Black Dog remarked, though his comment lacked any sympathy.
"Hmm, they're doing their job at least." remarked another shrugging.
"No doubt they're gonna run if we don't do something. Should we engage, my lady?" Khoros questioned, to which Almira laughed in response.
"And march to our deaths as well, Khoros? Nah, don't think so," she answered with a grin.
"So what do we do then?"
Almira carefully thought about how to best approach this situation. Though easier said than done when you're feeling not only a bit frustrated but also horny as well. Bastards within the fort robbed her of breaking her elf toy in half…
…
…
…
An idea suddenly came to mind.
"Hmmm, say, John," She addressed a different Black Dog soldier. "Today is Friday, right?"
"Yes, my lady," the soldier confirmed, as a knowing smirk manifested on his lips. "In fact, it's Troll Friday."
"...You still got the key to its cage?"
A furious roar resonated deep within Nero's throat. Swinging Surtr with weight and power, the indignant Overlord separated the upper half from the lower body of an unfortunate enemy and with the momentum of the swing cleaved another man and his spear in two. Nero's infuriation with the ritual circle was beginning to reach its boiling point and the delivery of his attacks show.
"What is taking the ritual so long!? It should have been activated by now!"
"I can't quite tell you that, sire, I'm not even there-"
"Shut it, Gnarl! I need answers not excuses-!"
A furious scream from behind alerted him to an incoming attack. With swift fury, Nero grasped the axe and delivered a hard headbutt that knocked the attacker to the ground. Heavy, obsidian-coloured metal was the last thing that man saw as Nero viciously caved his face in with the heel of his boot.
"They're falling back, signal the other Minions to hit them from behind! Motivate them to keep coming in!"
"At once sire!"
*CRASH!*
"What the-?"
Nero's questioning was cut short. Abruptly, a section of the left wall bent forward - even uprooting one of the wooden pillars off the ground. The sudden pounding of the wooden walls almost ceased any fighting near the gates. At first, Nero quickly concluded that the enemy had brought in a battering ram. Where and how he could have missed such a cumbersome device within the town was questionable enough. But he was proven wrong.
*ROAR!*
The bellowing howl emitted from the other side immediately threw that assumption out of the window. What followed next, however, was three of the five wooden pillars collapsing onto the ground. The crumbling section of the wall reveals the perpetrator of its collapse and safe to say Nero was surprised.
A hideously obese Swamp Troll waddled itself through the hole in the barracks wall. Its oversized, disgusting belly actually wedged the creature in the hole, before it managed to free itself with a couple of shakes.
"...You've got to be kidding me."
"It seems that they have a Swamp Troll."
"Oh, so now you can see," Nero snarled. "How nice of you to clean the viewing orb at this moment in time."
The obese abomination bellowed again, cutting their conversation once more. Picking up two fallen militia, it flings them like boulders at the stunned onlookers. The monster-made projectiles crushed a couple of minions and snapped the neck of an unfortunate militia man.
"That's right Grungy! Fuck'em up!"
"Come on boys! Put your backs into it!"
The Swamp Troll - as much as an atrocious obscenity as it is - was a distraction to the true perpetrators of this surprise attack. A host of Black Dogs - better equipped and armed than their uncourageous allies - hastily placed wooden planks over the moat, establishing a bridgehead for them to advance. Almira was the first to cross - jumping over the large gap onto the other side.
"Come on boys!" She yelled, pointing her battle axe at the enemy. "Let's kill them all!"
A ferocious chorus of cheers erupted behind her.
"Yeah!"
"Kill them, kill them all!"
"Yeah!"
"This does not look good, sire."
"We're being flanked!" Nero exclaimed. He glared at a group of Browns and pointed "Fill that gap! Now!"
TO BE CONTINUED!
Good day everyone, hope you're all having a nice day. Yeah, it's been a while since I last updated and I sincerely apologise to my readers for leaving you all in the dark without an update. Much as I was looking forward to completing this chapter and bringing back the Myrmidons, not gonna be the case with this upload. I originally aimed for the chapter to be at least 3k words, but it has exceeded that and there had been a lot of rewriting of the chapter.
In addition, my final year in college ramped up. A lot. I basically had to neglect all forms of enjoyment just to get my final-year college project completed, and I can proudly say that I have completed everything. All I have to do now is to present my project, do some graduate show and that's it. Four years of college and I'm finally done with it. I can now get a job or internship.
But yeah, life on my end ramped up for me, and as much as I like writing, my college took priority to finish compared to everything else. Especially since it's my last year. But now, I am free and can now rest easy. Well, if my Internship gets approved, that's a different story altogether.
Anyways, the chapter I've posted is the first half of the entire final part of Resurrection. I'm in the midst of rewriting the fight scenes for Nero, Khoros and Almira. Not exactly flowing the way I want it. In addition some changes to certain scenarios that happen in the other half of the chapter. Rest assured that I will get the second half done so that we can at last conclude this part.
But yes, that's all I have to say. Once again, I apologise for the long delay and for leaving you all unanswered. If you have any questions, let me know in the reviews and I'll see you all in the final part. (Which I will aim to upload by June)
Thank you all for reading! Have a nice day!