The very next day, in a tent, arising from a bed was the Red Queen Maia she stretched her arms a bit before letting out a yawn. She had a somewhat good sleep considering yesterday was a very strange and eventful one.
Getting ambushed by a small group of Mandalorians thankfully no one was killed only had a few minor scrapes, then being escorted by them to be taken to their covert hidden deep in the forest with many more of them, and finally accepted a dangerous tasks by their leader to slay a Nuckalvee in return of aiding our Mandalorian on his quest.
Sitting up from her bed she was the only one there. The Red Queen figures the rest of her company outside trying to mingle with the locals though she thinks they shouldn't. But enough thinking she got up from her bed and proceeded to exit the tent
Swaying away her tent's door blinds, the first thing Maia sees is that the Mandalorians of this covert are going about their business. Some of the adults were doing chores chopping logs for firewood, doing laundry, and whatnot while the Younglings/Fondlings were still having breakfast, playing, or training stuff you would expect to see in a normal village in the morning except this is not exactly a village so to speak.
Every one of them is a trained warrior all likely are wearing the strongest armor that can withstand practically any attacks, armed to the teeth with deadly weapons that can vaporize their enemies into nothing and they all follow a strange warrior culture that from an outsider point of view is consider very enigmatic and strange
It felt very surreal for the Red Queen and she wasn't the only one. Her Shield Princesses friends were taken aback at how this covert is. If these Mandaloirans weren't wearing any armor or armed with a weapon they could've mistaken this as a village so to speak.
"Ah Maia you're finally up."
Catching the Red Queen's attention was the Blond Knight Alicia approaching her she a cup of tea in her hand
"Morning Alicia."
"Hmph It's almost midday now Maia. Hard to believe that we're in a Mandaloirans covert right now."
Alicia said before she took a sip of her tea looking around the covert
"Still strange to see 'The greatest warriors of Eostia' acting so civilized"
The Blond Knight let out a chuckled
"Hmph…I think many of us was not expecting a Mandalorian covert to be like this given how Dredgen is"
"I suppose….Where is he?"
"Who? Dredgen?"
"Yeah."
"He and his friend Branwen had one of his people take him to the den of the Nuckelavee earlier this morning for scouting and to see what we'll be up against. Claudia wanted him to gather more information and they should be returning soon"
"I see. What we've been doing?"
"So far most of us have been waiting. With little information we have now even with the Dark Queen's knowledge about Nuckaleeve Claudia needs more before we can start forming a plan of attack."
Maia just hummed at this so they're really doing this? Risking their necks to gain these Mandaloiran's aid against her former company? It puts a bad taste in her mouth. So far these Mandaloirans here have been keeping their distance from them
"I take it his friend's people haven't been a courteous host?"
Maia asks Alicia as she looks around the covert
"They are wary of presence here given we're outsiders to them but they tolerate us for the time being. So far they've been treating us fairly and respectfully for the most part."
Maia sighed before crossing her arms together well at least they don't have to be worry about crossing them and getting into a fight or something. The Red Queen then noticed something just now as she was looking at the other Mandalorians going about their business some had their helmets off
"Say, Alicia, you noticed some of them have their helmets off?"
Maia's sudden question caught off Alicia off guard
"Hm? Many of us noticed that yes Maia. Why you ask?"
"Well since some of them are walking around without their helmets on how come we never seen him without his on?"
"Dredgen?"
"Yeah. I never seen him take it off before once"
Alicia was taken back by Maia's sudden inquiry about this she didn't expect her to be curious about that, believing she didn't really care about him given her interaction with the Bounty Hunter
"Dredgen he..he prefers to have it on most of the time if not all the time."
Maia let out a small laugh at such a thing believing it was something strange
"Hmph Why? Sensitive about how people would react to what he looks like? Is he ugly underneath that helmet?"
Maia words earned a laugh from Alicia
"Ha Something along that but it's he's mainly following his culture's ways and you would be wrong on how he looks, Maia. If you ever do you'll be surprised...He's…quite the looker he'll even turn a few heads of my Shield Knights if they ever see it"
Maia raised a brow, what does Alicia mean by that? She seen his face? When? And he's quite the looker too that'll make heads turn? She then noticed her friend seems more happy talking about him.
"W-Wait you've seen his face?"
Alicia didn't respond right away she turned her head away from Maia presumably to hide her blush mark from her. She then cleared her throat to collect herself.
"Y-Yes I have Maia. So has Primm as well."
The Red Queen's eyes widen at this Primm too? The Pink Princess has?
"You both have? When was this?"
Alicia awkwardly laughed it's best she shouldn't tell Maia on how she and her cousin saw Dredgen's face
"Hmph..I'll let figure you that for yourself Maia."
Alicia then went off leaving her friend to her thoughts. When she was gone Maia stood there pretty perplexed and surprised at the information she heard. So he does take it off sometimes she thought but she was kinda curious how her friend came to see Dredgens faces.
Did she and her cousin perhaps walk in with him not having it on? No. The Red Queen noticed how he seemed to be always on guard even when she approached him from behind the other day he didn't let it down. If that's not the case then what? Her curiosity grew a bit she didn't particularly care but if what Alicia said is true of him being a looker well she could only hope she'll get the chance to see it for herself
Shortly while Dredgen returned to the covert with the information he obtained while scouting. In a large tent Claudia and other Shield Princesses were gathered around at a large table in the center with the map provided by Shiro alongside a few other of their colleagues to hear his findings
"So your friend's information was true then?"
Claudia asked Dredgen with a stern look on her face
"Yes it lives in a pit area with only 1 way in or out of the pit area is walking up some slope"
"I see."
Claudia began to think for a bit, but she was unsure how to approach this. She has led a few subjugation hunts before for her Kingdom but this is something she never led against before a Nuckelavee she never thought in her life she would. With limited forces & resources even with the Dark Queen knowledge about them is still making her uncertain.
The Shield Commander doesn't like this but knows she can't back away from this she assures Celestine to bring more Mandalorian aid against their war with the Kuroinu. But doing this is making her unsure if she can accomplish this dangerous task. As prideful as Claudia is as a Shield Knight and Commander she knows this is something out of her area of expertise. She would rather have a professional handle this matter and good thing for her as she has one Mandalorian on the Shield Kingdoms payroll.
The Shield Commander looked at the Mandaloiran
"Sir Dredgen you are more experienced in Hunting than most of us here in this tent. I would like for you to lead us on this task"
A few in the tent were surprised to hear that from the Shield Commander even Dredgen
"You want me to lead you all for this?"
Claudia nods her to him
"Yes considering this is more in your element.I believe you are more suitable to lead us on this hunt"
"I agree with Claudia here. You are a Hunter after all Dredgen"
"Yeah me too! Having a Mandalorian leading us would be fun!"
Alicia and Luu-Luu as well their subordinates were all in favor of having our Mandaloiran even the Dark Queen and her Handmaiden too. Maia on the other hand didn't seem to care but she quietly nodded her head in agreement
"Are you certain you want me to lead this hunt?"
Dredgen asking Claudia
"I wouldn't be requesting you if I wasn't sure of your skills And your friend has tasked you to do this for his favor we're here to help you"
The Mandaloiraon briefly stared at the Shield Commander she had a point there and he was a bit surprised Claudia didn't want to take charge on this hunt. He figures she would want to but can respect her decision to trust him for this
"Very well."
Claudia and others nodded their head in approval and looked pleased to hear this
"Ok… How should we proceed with this Sir Dredgen? Any ideas?"
"I already had something in mind when scouting."
Claudia again was surprised to hear but impressed
"Already? And that is?"
"What we do is we lure it into a trap for it and engage it from a distance"
"A trap?"
"Yes. A trap."
Dredgen nods his head before explaining more
"A head-on attack is too dangerous & reckless for all of us. Our best option is to fight it from a distance and keep it from leaving the pit."
"Keep it from leaving? Why is that?"
"If it leaves the pit we would stand no chance against it in an open area. Having it the pit gives us many advantages"
Dredgen then points his finger at the map.
"We set up barricades on the entrances of the pit to prevent it from leaving and slowing it if it tries to make a break for it. Strong enough for it not to be destroyed so easily and high enough for it not the walk over it."
"I see… but we don't have the means or material to build them Sir Dredgen."
"We do. We cut down a few trees around here to gather the materials for it."
"Cut down trees here? Won't the Tribe Leader Branwen get offended if we did around this covert."
"He won't and this will slightly benefit them as a small expansion to this covert in a way"
Claudia paused for a moment but took his word she then looked at her Halfing friend
"Very well Luu-Luu you and your people will cut down trees around here.
"Yes Claudia! Cutting trees will be a breeze for us!"
Luu-Luu nods her head with a salute
The Mandalorian nods his head at this now
"With the spear catapult Shiro will provide us on this hunt we set them along the edges of the pit giving us the high ground & multiple angles to fire from. We were only given 5 so we must make the most of it."
"My people examined them while you were away. They are able to operate the spear catapultyour friend will give us. We can use one of them to keep the beast pinned if need be."
Claudia said making Dredgen agreeing nod his head at this before looking at the rest
"Other than them, there is another way to harm the creature that will help us."
"You know of another way?"
Alicia asks sounding curious
"I do but I know you and a few others if not all won't condone such a type of weaponry to be used in your hands"
It took a second for the Shield Princesses to realize what the Mandalorian was referring to
"Are you referring to your spearbolt?"
Luu-Luu asks the Mandaloiran looking at it
"Yes particularly my disruptor bolts. They are powerful enough to harm it but not enough to kill it and just me using this type of munition alone isn't gonna help us on this hunt. I can convert what bolts I have into arrow broadhead for your archers to use."
"W-Wait you're gonna give us something that can disintegrate people."
Luu-Luu asks again looking at Dredgen with some excitement in her eyes
"We're not using it to disintegrate anyone but yes I suppose I am Lady Luu-Luu"
His answer made the Halfing jump out of her seat in joy she couldn't believe it
"AWWW YEAH! We should do this! I finally get a chance to use these Mandaloiran cool toys!"
"Now wait a moment Luu-Luu."
The one trying to calm the excited Halfing was Claudia
"Huh? W-Why?"
"We all have not agreed we should use Sir Dredgens disruptor bolts for this"
"What?! Come on Claudia why do you think we shouldn't use his ammo on this hunt?"
"You know why Luu-Luu"
The Shield Commander said with a stern tone in her voice she then looked at the Mandaloiran
"Sir Dredgen as you already know I am a bit uncomfortable for my colleagues to use such type of munition even though you are fine using something destructive like that. It is something a Shield Knight should never wield"
Dredgen was not surprised at Claudia protest he kind of expected that from her
"I understand using my disrupter bolts would go against your Shield Knights chivalry code Lady Claudia but most of the range weaponry we have would do little damage to none due to the Nuckelavee having very thick skin."
"True but the idea of us using them is conflicting for us."
A few of Claudia's knights agreed with their commander however some seemed open to use but dared not say
Dredgen muttered a quiet groan he was slightly annoyed but he remained firm & professional.
"Lady Claudia I advise we should use my bolts. It will boost our chances here of success"
"Perhaps but I don't think most of my Knights would use them even if I allowed it and order them to."
"My people can use them"
Everyone turned their heads at the one who spoke up and most was surprised at who it was
"Maia?"
The Red Queen raised a brow at everyone's reaction
"What? He said his bolts can help us harm this than wasting time on this my people and I can use this Mandalorian disruptor bolt thing of his."
Everyone paused at this for a moment this is rather unexpected to see from the Red Queen
"Maia are you sure you want your people to use Sir Dredgens bolts?"
Claudia asks the Red Queen
"My people will be fine using them even though my company and I are part of the Shield Kingdom we are not technically Shield Knights like the rest of you. And my rangers are good with a bow."
Maia's word raised a brow from the Shield Commander she looked at the Red Queen she didn't expect she would volunteer for it. For the most part, she's been quiet during the meeting but faintly smiled at this
"Very well Maia's people will use these bolts of yours Sir Dredgen. Do you agree on this?
"I... do"
Dredgen said as he stared at the Red Queen he was genuinely surprised Maia would step in and that she would volunteer her people to use his disruptor bolts but he was glad he's got some people who are willing to use them
"What?"
Maia asks when she notices him staring at her
"Nothing."
The Mandalorian turned his head away from her still a bit surprised by her but nonetheless this was a good thing for all of them
"Oh so does that mean I can use his bolts too?"
Luu-Luu suddenly ask hoping she can
"No."
The other Shield Princess and almost everyone in the tent was in disagreement about having Luu-Luu use one of the Mandalorian bolts in her hands. For their sake mostly
"Hmm..N-No fair"
THe Halfing pouted puffing her cheeks at this
"Ahem..Ok with another means to harm the Nuckeleve, what trap do you have in mind for the creature"?
Claudia asks Dredgen who already has a solution
"During my scouting, the top cave entrances caught my eye. If we lure it underneath and destroy it it the falling debris will do significant damage to the Nuckelavee if we're lucky it may kill it"
"Destroy its cave entrances? How do you propose we do that? I don't believe we have anything powerful enough to make that possible nor any gunpowder. I doubt your friend would spare a barrel of black powder"
"I'm afraid not but I have a few assortments of bombs at my disposal that will be powerful enough for the job."
Dredgen said as he placed a hand on his satchel
A few in the tent raised a brow even Claudia"
"Are you certain it'll be enough?"
"If I set them along right then and well place a shot then yes."
Claudia could sense the certainty in his voice he could do it but she can trust his skill she nodded her at this
"Very well How do we lure it out to this trap then? Use a dead deer as bait to draw it out?
Dredgen waved his head at her question they have to be more bold and a bit drastic on this one
"No it'll know something it is up. Someone has to go down there and…..provoke it…. enough that it'll chase them out of its lair"
Everyone in the room's eyes widened what they heard they all looked at the Mandalorian
"Someone has to…"
"Yes."
Dredgen nods affirming them
"That's crazy! We can't send someone down there it'll lead them to their death!"
Alicia protested the idea so did a few of her knights as well believing it was suicide but the Mandalorian did expect this kind of reaction from all of them
"That is why I'll be the one doing it Alicia. I have a few flashbombs that will get it angry enough at me and with my jetpack, I can get in and out quickly."
Again everyone in the tent was shocked and Mandalorian didn't seem fazed at all as what he just said
"You want to go down there?"
"None of us can't outrun a Nuckelavee on foot especially when it's agitated"
"B-But you going down there is extremely dangerous even for you Dredgen."
Alicia said sounding a bit concerned.
"Yeah! It's too crazy! Even for you Mando!
Luu-Luu also agrees with her Blond friend
"I agree with them I don't like the idea of sending you to what's basically a lion's den Sir Dredgen"
Claudia too agreeing on this
"Your concerns are appreciated but this is not the first time I've used myself as live bait to draw out a beast when hunting."
The Shield Commander and others were unsure about letting the Bounty Hunter go through with it but if he is willing to do so they are all gonna have to trust him on this
"If you are sure about this then we'll entrust you but still be cautious."
With everyone calmed Dredgen looked back at the table
"If the Nuckelavee survived our initial traps it'll mostly likely be heavily injuried. The spear catapult will deliver the killing shot to it. From Olga's knowledge of them a shot to the horse's head or heart will do the job. The same goes for the Humanonid body attached to it though we have a better chance of hitting the horse. If we do this right we should be able to succeed"
"Should?"
Everyone took note of that word he said
"Hey you all wanted me to lead on this and this is the best I can come up with."
Our Mandalorian retorts in a professional manner stating that there is no guarantee this plan of his will succeed
..
..
"Hmph!"
A sudden chuckle broke the silence it was the Dark Queen with a smile on her face
"I must say his idea does seem very excellent as expected from a Mandalorian having another means to kill it if the first attempt fails.I look forward to seeing how this goes.
Dredgen and the SHield Princesses looked at the Dark Queen confused what does she meant by that?
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh? That I'll be tagging on this hunt. You need my insight for this"
Everyone in the tent looked at each other for a moment then back at Olga
"No..You'll be staying here Olga so will Chole too."
Dredgen said causing The Dark Queen to be startled at what she heard
"H-Huh? Why?"
"With all due respect Olga you've already provided enough information for us and as of your current state, you won't be much help in this hunt. You'll only get in the way and put yourself in unnecessary danger….no offense."
Olga twitched as an agitated mark appeared on her head a little hurt by Dredgens words but she remained composed
"My Queen, he is right"
Chole jumped in agreeing with the Mandalorian
"C-Chole? You as well?!"
The Dark Queen was surprised at her handmaiden she usually sides with her in everything
"She is right Sir Shiro and his people will keep you and your Handmaiden safe."
Claudia said agreeing with Dredgen
Olga paused for a moment before turning her head away and pouting a little guess she wanted to tag along
"V-Very Well. My Handmaiden and I will stay here then."
Dredgen nods his head at this it's best for her to stay here where it's safe. He knows Shiro and his people are capable if anything were to happen here.
"Well with no further questions do we all agree with Dredgens plan?
Claudia asked her colleagues
"Yes"
"Yeah!"
With all agreement, Claudia smiled in approval
"Good, now then let's begin preparing."
With a plan set everyone began to get to work for their dangerous hunt. Luu-Luu and her Halfing people began chopping down trees while her other Shield Princesses colleagues covert the logs into barricades they will need.
As most of the SHield Knights were making preparations Dredgen was too at the edge of convert. With his bolts converting them into arrows broadheads for Maia's people to use he doesn't have much to make a quiver's worth of them but he's trusting the Red Queen and her people to make every shot count.
"Hey"
Just then he heard the Red Queens voices calling him. Turning his head he sees her approaching him behind her some of her female merc colleagues he assumes that will be using his disruptor arrows
"Hello there Maia."
The Mandalorian greeted her back
"These are my archers who will be using your disruptor arrows. They are the best in my company"
"I see"
The Mandalron briefly examines them for a moment they all look fairly professional in using a bow and they seem eager or nervous for a reason. Perhaps because they're meeting the Wolf either way it doesn't matter having more people using this type of ammo will boost their chances in there hunt
"I already told them what type of arrows they'll be using from you and all of them are okay using it."
"Good. I've already converted a few"
Maia then glanced at the arrows she was taken aback that he had already made some it's only been a few hours after their meeting
"So these are the disruptor arrows we'll be using?"
Maia asks looking at them and examining them very closely they look like normal blunt arrows but with steel not what she and her archers expect
"Yes these will help us against the nuckelavee"
Our Mandalorian was not surprised at their initial reaction to these disruptor's arrows he too had the same one when he first saw 1 during his Foundling training.
"Can they even do what your bolts do?"
One of Maia's mercs asks
"Yes…Do you need a quick demonstration?"
"Um… no need these will do well for us."
Maia assured the Bounty Hunter
The Mandalorian raised a brow underneath his helmet at the Red Queen's word
"Us? You'll be joining them, Maia?"
"Yeah? Do you have a problem with that?"
Maia asks almost sounding a bit offended at his question did he really expect she wouldn't even after she said her company would use his arrows.
"No, only I heard you are skilled with twin duel blades but how are you with a bow?"
His question earned a smirk with a brow raised from the Red Queen and a few snickers from her merc colleagues rather than answering him Maia grabbed a bow and quiver nearby by. To her luck there was a little target board across from them that was left out
The Red Queen pulled out 3 arrows holding them all in one hand she pulled 1 and took aim. After an exhale of air she released and it the mark center bullseye but she wasn't done yet. Just after firing the first arrow, she fired the remaining 2 in quick succession. In the span of 1 second, she fired 3 arrows all in the center creating a pointed triangle
Does that answer your question?
Dredgen looked at the target he's impressed the Red Queens accuracy is remarkable he could tell she's skilled with the bow and perhaps with other weapons. Unexpected to see but He kinda likes that of her
"It does."
3 days have passed and the Shield Knights have gathered all that they needed for hunt. It was late in the night but dawn will approach in a few hours.
Shiro alongside his advisor Orion and a few other Mandaloirans were gathered outside of their covert watch Dredgen and his Shield Allies go off hunting the Nuckelvvee.
Claudia alongside Alicia, and Maia oversaw their people getting ready. They felt somewhat uneasy with themselves even with everything they planned. This is not a normal hunt given the situation. If they would they would've had an entire platoon of her forces to subjugate the beast but with a small number of them and equipment they are not liking the odds
"Do you believe we may have a chance of succeeding on this Claudia?"
Alicia asks with her arms crossed sounding a bit worried
"With Sir Dredgens plan and preparation we all did. I'm not entirely sure Alicia."
The Blond Knight frowned a bit she was expecting her friend to give some optimism to them.
"But I trust his professional skills will get us through this..hopefully none of us gets killed."
Claudia said causing Alicia to faintly smile there it was and she too trusted Dredgens professionalism after all he played a major role in the first for the Shield Kingdoms first major victory against the Kuroinu
"Hmph..don't be so sure of this yet."
Both Shield Princesses looked at the Red Queen who just said that. They raised a brow at her
The Mandaloiran's plan is not a bad idea or anything it's just like he said to use there's no guarantee we will succeed even with all the preparation we did
"You should really put more faith in Dredgen's plan Red Queen
The 3 turned their heads where the voice came from they saw the Tribe Leader and his Advisor approaching them
"Sir Shiro, Sir Orion"
The Shield Commander and the Blond Knight greeted them with a respectful nod as they got close so however the Red Queen crossed her arms together.
"Oh why is that? Is it because he's a Mandalorian?"
"Well that and it's because he's quite adept in these types of situations"
Shiro said with a grin on his face which annoyed Maia for some reason
"Forgive Shiros' ill-manners toward you Red Queen but it is true what he says Dredgen is quite experienced in these... hazardous situations he often gets himself into but manages to succeed despite the low odds against him"
Orion said sounding confident in his fellow brethren
"You sound certain Dredgen can get us through this."
Maia said with a brow raised almost finding it hard to believe
"I did not say I am certain Red Queen I am merely confident he can."
Maia looked at the Advisor which he just humbly nods his head to her. Strangely his words of having confidence in Dredgen getting them through made her feel a bit determined in a way.
You Shield Knights should feel honored to partake a noble hunt such as this. Many of us adults envy you all but as you know our responsibility is here among the covert.
Shiro said
I don't think honor is the word we're all feeling here Branwen. None of us have ever fought a beast that is vicious like a nuckelavee before just thinking about it makes me feel nervous and I'll admit...a bit fearful.
Alicia said sounding unease of herself.
"That is a natural feeling young lady for every warrior even seasons ones like myself too feel that way at times in any upcoming battle or conflict but with Dredgen leading you all in this noble hunt you can trust him he'll get you all through."
The Blond Knight chuckled a little even the Greatest Warriors of Eostia too can feel nervous as well but she smiled a little at the Advisors words she does trust Dredgen and his plan it's just this may be the most dangerous thing she has ever done apart from repaling a Kuroinu invasion of Feoh.
You both seem to have great faith in Sir Dredgen.
Claudia said a bit surprised at how much they believe in Dredgen
Of course but that does mean we are absolutely certain of him. His plans is a good one and the preparation you all did as well but as you know Shiled Commander in the field of any conflict, battle, or hunt it also comes down with violence and timing.
The Shield Commander raised a brow the Tribe leader's words before smiling a little
"Violence and timing as well? Well, I'm glad we have someone who can do both."
Shiro chuckled at this
"Hmph..happy you see that way."
"My Lady we are all ready to departure"
Just then one of Claudia's knights arrived
The 5 looked at each other for a moment so their hunt finally begins
"Well then…guess this is where we must part ways for now"
Claudia said
"I wish you good luck and happy hunting. Bring victory, honor and glory to yourself and to your Shield Kingdom"
Shiro said as he placed his onto his breastplate nodding his head to them
The SHield Princesses nod their heads as well Alicia and Maia went ahead but before Claudia would go with them she looked back at the Tribe leader
Sir Shiro you intend to keep your word to Sir Dredgen aiding him on his quest Yes?
Claudia's question only earned a chuckled from the Tribe leader what kind of question is that to Mandalorian and all he said was
"This is the way"
(Author Note)
And done finally! I know it's been a year since the last chapter sorry been busy with IRL stuff, writers block, and other art work I do. If you didn't know already I'm a NSFW koikatsu content creator making short comics from all various of media like anime and hentai of course!
This chapter was a bit hassle to do but it turned out alright but next chapter will be challenge for me to do but will be fun!
Hope you enjoyed it and I'll see you on the next!
