Chapter 47
Yours Truly,
18:00, Day 2
The church in the town's centre was large compared to the surrounding buildings, with a spacious congregation area on the first floor, a second floor with many different rooms, and a bell tower that overlooked the cobblestone streets below. Just like many other buildings on the island, it was overgrown with moss, creepers and weeds. The stained glass windows on the first floor were all shattered while most of the ones on the second were intact for whatever reason. That combined with the fractured pews and the toppled barricade suggested beasts were hiding here way before they came to this island. It was interesting to think how there had been beasts fighting for their lives in the same place they were now. Or at least, Borsen Stonetail thought it was.
Borsen glanced at the steps leading up to the bell tower and grinned with satisfaction. He had finished setting everything up a minute ago so all there was to do now was wait for the mountain hare to arrive. Borsen shivered and giggled just thinking about it. With nothing to do at the moment, he decided to check on the two beasts standing at the top of the bell tower. Besides, he had the feeling that somebeast might need a bit more encouragement. At the very top, he saw Durkfor Ventultro poking his head out a window, coughing violently while Toran Firepool whimpered on the windowsill. Borsen ignored the young otter and headed straight for Durkfor.
Durkfor flinched as Borsen patted him on the back. "Borsen, what're ya doin' here?"
"Just checkin' up on ye. Are ye ready?"
Durkfor shook his head. "Borsen, I don' wanna do this. Can I please leave?"
Borsen sighed. "Durk, I already told ye that-"
"I know that!" Durkfor cried. "But this is bloody sick, ya know that? Do ya know what we're doin' here?"
"Aye, I do," he answered flatly.
"I can't do this. I can't do this to Toran."
Borsen glanced at the otter kid standing on the windowsill. Tears streamed down his face, shivering as the noose around his neck hung slackly on a statue above him with his arms and legs tied so he couldn't escape. For a moment, Borsen's eyes flashed with fear-
A small otter hid underneath a table as he heard bodies fall around him. He shut his eyes as he realised there was nothing-
- But a quick bite into his arm pushed those thoughts away. He turned back to Durkfor and reassured him that, "He won't suffer. Trust me. The rope's set up so the moment it goes taut, he'll go out instantly."
Durkfor whispered, "How do ya know-?"
"Ye don't wanna hear the answer," Borsen warned. "Durk, look, every single one o' the prisoners are gonna die anyway, aye? That's the only way we can leave. He's not gettin' out o' this regardless. If anythin', this is the best way to do so since he won't suffer. I know that some o' the guards back at the ship don't see the prisoners as beasts like they are. They wouldn't hesitate to kill him slowly if it worked."
Durkfor quivered, staring at Borsen with wide eyes. "And ye wouldn't?"
Borsen chuckled darkly. "Not him, at least."
Durkfor whimpered, hugging his arms to his body. "I don't know if I can believe that."
Ye shouldn't. The only reason I'm doin' this is 'cause 'tis the only way I know ye would help. If ye weren't here… I don't know what I'd do to him, but it wouldn't be pretty. "Durk, I wouldn't feel happy killin' him." Which is honestly true… but I'd feel pretty relieved.
"Borsen… I…"
"Hm?"
"… Nevermind. I'll do it."
Borsen nodded. "Good. Remember, ye have to keep yer eyes peeled on all four sides. I'll warn Ahlrath, but if he tries anythin' funny, step closer to the window. If he continues, push Toran off. I'll deal with the rest."
Durkfor gulped. "And… what happens after the fight?"
"Ye can leave. I'll push him. Ye don't need to look."
"What if ye lose?" he whispered.
"I won't," Borsen answered noncommittally. "But if I do, ye can let him go. Or run. I'd bet Ahlrath prolly won't be happy wit' ye."
Durkfor whimpered. "Borsen…?"
"What is it?"
"Ya know I love ya, right?"
"Aye?"
"So… do ya still?"
Borsen blinked. He wasn't expecting Durkfor to ask that. "Aye, I always have."
Durkfor pondered silently for a moment and nodded. "Okay, I just wanted to ask."
"Alright. I'm goin' to wait downstairs. See ye later, matey."
"Yeah… bye."
Borsen walked down the steps, leaving Durkfor alone with Toran. Durkfor whined and fell to the floor. Frustrated sobs filled the tower as he stared up at Toran and the rope around his neck. He buried his face in his paws, forcing himself to think of something else.
"Aye, I always have."
Durkfor had no doubt it was true. The fact that Borsen was still treating him with any kind of amiability whatsoever was proof enough of that, but what did love truly mean to somebeast like Borsen? Durkfor sighed defeatedly and stared at the setting sun.
Durkfor numbly raised a paw to the collar around his neck, dragging his fingers down to the chains hanging from the metal and resting them on his throat.
Borsen was right. All of the prisoners were going to die.
One of the main purposes of showing Toran on top of the bell tower was to make it easy for Ahlrath to see him. In Borsen's eyes, this would hopefully force Ahlrath to fight him and show him what might happen if he broke any part of the agreement Borsen was going to make with him. It might also have the added effect of pissing him off, making the mountain hare much more violent when attacking him. To Borsen's credit, the first part happened mostly the way he wanted it to, but Ahlrath wasn't the one who saw him first.
Gurnilal Speareye weaved through the alleyways and cobblestone streets toward the designated meeting point. A few minutes after she, Ahlrath, and Art ran off to find Toran, Gurnilal suggested that one of them scout ahead so they had an idea of what they were working with. Ahlrath agreed and sent Gurnilal since he didn't trust Art to not do something asinine. Meanwhile, he and Art were supposed to search the town for anything that might give them an advantage. They planned to meet at a shop a few streets from the church.
Gurnilal scanned the streets before walking through the shop's doorway, urgency painted on her face as she looked around for Ahlrath. "Hey, where're ya? I've got something important ter… who is that?" The weasel stopped by a counter where Ahlrath Palaechia, Art Swiftpaw, and a hogmaid wearing a tan habit were sitting. Gurnilal didn't know who she was, but it was Kallius Placent, who had been separated from Toran some time ago.
The hogmaid waved awkwardly. "Oh, hello there. My name is Kallius."
"Hey. Why're ya here?"
"She was wit' Toran 'fore he was nabbed. We found her wanderin' 'round the town," Ahlrath explained. "Nevermind that fer now. Gurnilal, what'cha find?"
"Right." The weasel walked toward the counter and rested her paws on it. "We have a problem. When I got ter th'church, I saw Toran on top o' the bell tower wit' a rope 'round his neck." Ahlrath and Kallius stiffened upon hearing about the circumstances of Toran's capture. Art looked away, uncomfortable. "If I had ter guess, there's a reason he's showin' him off like this, but I ain't sure what it is."
"A hostage situation," Ahlrath mumbled. "The otter's puttin' out a message, 'if ye dinna do what ah say, ah'm puttin' 'im down.' Ah dunno what he wants, but ah'm bettin' my life he has somethin' twisted in mind."
"That is so cruel," Kallius muttered. "Why is he doing this to us? Did we do-"
Art scoffed. "Because he's evil, do we really need to dig into his mind and analyse what the hell happened? I don't give a damn. What do we need to do to kill him?"
Ahlrath threw a warning glare at Art and continued. "Anyway, Toran bein' held like that raises a problem. Wit' Durkfor on th'tower, th'element o' surprise's our best choice here. Ah'm thinkin' it'd be unwise fer all of us tae show up at once since we dunno his demands. If we all came out an' he told two of us tae leave, Borsen an' Durkfor could keep an eye on those two an' make it impossible fer us tae get things done. Ah'm gonna head on alone first, but that dinnae mean the two o' youse'll sit on yer tails. Art, ye deal wit' Durkfor an' figure out a way tae get Toran free. Gurnilal, back me up either when Durkfor's taken care of or Toran's safe."
Art scowled. "We're negotiating with Borsen? Are you kidding me? Why don't the three of us just rush him before-"
"Do ye want Toran tae die?!" Ahlrath snarled suddenly. "Ah will not take any risks if it means Toran may die!"
"But we're giving him exactly what he wants," Art growled through gritted teeth.
"Ah dinna care. Any other questions?"
Gurnilal stroked her arm and glanced at the mountain hare. "Nah, but didja find anythin' useful while I was scoutin' the church?"
Ahlrath snorted. "Not a damn thin'. Well, nothin' useful, at least." He tapped the javelin he stole earlier against the ground twice. "So we're stuck usin' these. Speakin' o' which, Gurnilal, did the otter have any weapons?"
"None that I could see."
"He has a dagger," Art grumbled.
"Aye right. So…" Ahlrath ran a finger through his fur as he thought to himself. "Th'plan may change dependin' on what Borsen wants, but after we hear his demands, the two o' ye'll jump intae action. Ye got tae be very careful an' watch out fer signals from each other. Aye?"
Art's growling was very obvious now, eyes twitching as he glared daggers at Ahlrath. Before the mountain hare could ask what was wrong, Kallius stood and addressed the group. "Um… what about me?"
"Huh?"
"What am I supposed to do to help?" Kallius asked hesitantly. "You kept mentioning only two beasts, so I assume I was not included in your plans?"
Ahlrath blinked. "Ye? Well, ye arenae goin'. Yer stayin' here."
Kallius grumbled nervously and straightened her posture. "I want to help. 'Tis my fault that Toran got captured. I refuse to stand idly by while you three risk your lives. I think that…" She fingered the dagger in his shaking paws and sighed. "I know that I am not as strong or as quick as the rest of you, but it feels wrong to just sit here."
Ahlrath's face softened. "Ah admire yer bravery, but we're dealin' wit' dangerous beasts an' ah dinna want tae put ye at risk."
Kallius' expression fell. Gurnilal looked between the two and suggested, "What if she goes wit' Art?"
"Excuse me?" Art deadpanned. Ahlrath narrowed her eyes at Gurnilal. The weasel gestured towards Art and pulled at her tunic collar as if to warn Ahlrath not to leave Art alone with Durkfor and Toran. He glanced at Kallius. The hogmaid kneaded her paws and glanced worriedly at Art.
"Aye right, then. We could always use an extra set o' paws, then. Be careful, aye right?"
"I will." Kallius nodded.
Ahlrath nodded in return. "Great. So… Ah guess there's-"
"If Sister Kallius is going to deal with Durkfor, then I'm going to fight Borsen," Art coldly declared. Ahlrath turned to the squirrel. His voice made it clear that he was not going to budge anytime soon. "He needs to feel what he did to all of us."
Kallius raised a paw. "Art-"
"What?" He snarled.
"I think that… Ahlrath can deal with it on his own."
Art slammed a paw against the counter, eyes burning with rage. "And I couldn't? Let me fight Borsen, damn it! He deserves to suffer like we did!"
"Art," Ahlrath growled.
"Why aren't you mad, Kallius? Do you remember what he did?! If it weren't for him, Brother Thaddeus and Sister Farshawn would still be alive! They're both dead because of Borsen!"
Kallius shrunk back. "Art, that's not-"
"Not what, huh? Somebeast like him doesn't deserve to live! He needs to suffer for what he did to us! For what he did to me! He betrayed every single one of us and you don't think he deserves to suffer?"
"Art," Ahlrath growled again.
Kallius tilted her head. "So why do you have to do it?"
"Because you know what? I trusted him, I bloody looked up to him! Back home I thought he was the strongest beast in the world, but he's just a goddamn pathetic snivelling dibbun throwing a tantrum whenever he doesn't get his murder fix! I'm going to bloody kill him!"
"Art!" Ahlrath roared and grasped the squirrel's wrist. Art snarled and swung his sickle but was stopped when Ahlrath tore the weapon out of his paws and tossed it aside. Art growled and spat as he struggled in the mountain hare's grip to no avail. Ahlrath narrowed his eyes as he forced the squirrel closer. "Now, ye listen tae me, Art. Ah tried tae be kind wit' ye, but ah ain't gonna do that now. After we arrive at the church, at least one beast is gonna die, an' ah'd rather it be Borsen than any of us here. Now's not the time tae take yer revenge, no matter how much ye want it. Our lives're on th'line an' ah will not have this ruined 'cause yer actin' too much like a babe tae do yer job. Ye said Lavaris took ye under his wing tae be a warrior? Well, welcome tae the battlefield. Ye cannae break from yer assigned role just 'cause yer pissed. Ye have a team relyin' on ye tae do yer job and if ye do, heads will fall. Do. Ye. Understand?"
Art huffed and growled, glaring spitefully into Ahlrath's eyes. "Ah said, do ye understand?"
"Fine," Art snapped. "Piece of shit."
"Glad we understand each other." Ahlrath loosened his grip, but not before saying one last thing. "Ah know yer angry. Good. If nothin' else, use that anger tae drive ye, but dinnae let it control ye." He released Art and looked at Gurnilal and Kallius. "An' that goes fer ye, too. Th'moment we step out there, we willna get a break. Yer gonna be scared, an' that's fine, but remember who yer doin' this fer. This ain' just fer us or Toran. 20 of us came tae this island an' now there're less 'cause of him an' Tiviko. Let's give 'em hell."
Kallius nodded. Gurnilal agreed, "Aye."
Ahlrath looked at the group, taking in their faces for what might be the last time. "Alright. Let's get movin'. Gurnilal an' ah'll head straight tae the church, Art an' Kallius'll take a different path. When we get there, look out fer each other. Gurnilal, watch fer Art or Kallius tae give a signal."
"Got it."
With no other words, all four beasts got up, grabbed whatever they needed, and headed out the door. As they were leaving, Ahlrath whispered to Kallius, "Keep an eye on Art." Kallius nodded and left with the squirrel. Gurnilal looked up at Ahlrath reassuringly. Ahlrath took a deep breath and continued onward towards the church.
Ahlrath and Gurnilal walked through the streets of ruined buildings and piles of rubble. The mountain hare's heart pounded madly with every step he took and for some reason, everything felt extremely light. Ahlrath wiped his face to try to fix his strangely blurry vision and was confused when he pulled his paws away; they were damp. He froze and realised he was shaking. His breathing hitched as he forced himself to calm down.
He was terrified.
But why? It wasn't as if he hadn't been in a fight before. Ahlrath looked at the church's steeple standing tall above the rest of the town like a beacon and swallowed the lump in his throat.
So… this is it, huh? Everythin' ah ever did comes down tae this. Am ah goin' tae die?
Ahlrath shivered and the more he thought about that question, the worse it got. Borsen was powerful. Probably as strong as him. There weren't many beasts like that. If the two fought, there was no doubt that at least one of them was going to die, but Ahlrath was certain that the winner would succumb soon after with how equally matched they were.
He was going to die.
Ahlrath brought a paw to his neck and felt the cold metal of the collar. He shut his eyes and instead imagined his pendant, which had been taken away when he was captured. Gurnilal had noticed the mountain hare's anxiety by this point and gazed up at him. "Hey, are ya alright?"
Ahlrath opened his eyes with a grimace. "Aye. Just a bit…" he trailed off and sighed.
"Hey, ya told me 'tis okay ter be scared. Ya don' gotta worry 'bout tellin' me."
"Ah did tell ye that, huh?" Ahlrath laughed weakly. "Yer right, ah'm bloody terrified." He clenched a paw against his neck and grinned. "Y'know, ah've done a lotta stuff ah regret and've hurt a lotta beasts when ah was younger. Ah want a chance tae make things better. Now's one o' those chances, so ah'm a bit anxious, tae put it lightly."
Gurnilal looked down, deep in thought. "I kinda git what'cha mean. I really don' want ter screw up either. The only reason I'm alive is 'cause o' Vhynias an' Tornear, an' I wanna make sure everythin' they did fer me was worth it." She glanced at the steeple and grimaced. "I don' wanna die, both fer me an' them."
Ahlrath stared at the weasel with an odd sense of calm. He closed his eyes and drew his paw away from his neck. "If ah die fightin' Borsen, ah need ye tae promise me somethin'."
"Alright," Gurnilal responded hesitantly.
"Ah need ye tae make sure somebeast looks after Toran. He needs tae live an' go home, no matter what. He cannae die here," Ahlrath pleaded.
Gurnilal nodded slowly. "I will. Is there a reason why, though?" Quite honestly, the level of concern Ahlrath has shown for Toran (and Art to a lesser extent) felt strange to her because as far as she knows, the two met for the first time in the brig. Of course, she wanted the prisoners to go home too, but not this much.
Ahlrath laughed anxiously. "Why wouldnae ye help the lad? He's just a kid. 'Sides, have ye talked wit' him in the brig? He spoke a lot tae me, worrying so much 'bout his family an' how bad he felt leavin' them behind. He's such a good kid. He went on and on 'bout them, ah tell ye. Ah could tell they care 'bout him as much as he does fer them. Ah cannae stand the thought o' a family losin' somebeast like that. It just makes me wish-" Ahlrath stopped, debating how personal he wanted to get considering the extremely high likelihood that he wasn't going to come out of this alive.
Still, Gurnilal said, "Go on," hoping that talking about it would help ease Ahlrath's nerves before the fight. Ahlrath seemed to catch on, but considering this was the last moment of calm they would get for a long time (or for the rest of their lives), he was willing to take it.
Ahlrath took a deep breath and explained, "Whenever ah look at Toran, it just reminds me o' the life ah could've had. A long time ago, ah fell in love wit' a maiden named Emmeline, but 'cause of our… work, we both agreed that tryin' tae start a family would be irresponsible. Unfortunately, ah ended up bein'… let's say really good at mine, and things kept happenin' in the highlands, so they kept makin' me come back. By the time things calmed down enough fer me tae return… she was gone." Gurnilal's expression fell. She stayed silent as Ahlrath threw his paws in the air. "Ah did a lotta stupid things aftae that, lemme tell ye! In her name, too! How 'bout that?! What a disgrace!" He said with a wild laugh. "But maybe if ah can just do this one thing, Toran's family wouldnae have tae lose a child, an' ah could stop Borsen from hurtin' more beasts. Can ye tell ah'm nervous? Ah sure as hell can! Ah dinnae expect forgiveness when ah'm standin' at the dark forest's gates- if ah even get there, but even then, ah could make up fer so much trouble ah've caused."
Gurnilal looked down. "Yer better than me. I wouldn' do all that."
"An' ah ain' knockin' ye fer it."
"Yer a good beast, Ahlrath."
The mountain hare grinned. "Ah dinnae think ah am, but thanks, lass."
The pair fell silent. Ahlrath shuddered as he stared at the sky and saw the steeple getting closer. Gurnilal spoke up again. "Hey, don' look so defeated. We're all still workin' together, aren' we? If we pull this off, all of us can survive, so… I'll see ya later," she whispered.
Ahlrath smiled and chuckled. "Aye. Yer right. Guess there's a chance, huh?" He said softly. "Then, ah'll see ye later." Ahlrath doubted it. He was going to pay for everything he did in his past in a few moments, but it was kind of nice to think that somebeast, no, a few, actually, were relying on him.
Maybe… there was a chance. A very slim one, but it was there, and he'd fight for it.
The time has come. Gurnilal pulled out her sword and hid to the side while Ahlrath walked on ahead to face Borsen. She would come out whenever she got a signal, but for now, there was no one else in front of the church except for Ahlrath and Borsen.
Borsen's tail wagged as Ahlrath emerged in front of the church. The otter's dark eyes lit up, fangs bared in a savage grin as he giggled ecstatically. "Yer here. Yer finally here," he said with dreamlike glee. "Ah, ye somehow look even finer than I remember. Ye've definitely been in a bunch of fights wit' a body like that, probably've killed a decent amount, too."
Ahlrath looked taken aback for a moment but quickly recovered. "Shut up, Borsen. What did ye do wit' Toran?"
"Straight to the point, hm?" Borsen growled and dug his claws into his sides. "I like that. As fer the kid, he's hangin' on top of the bell tower, but I assume ye've seen that already if ye haven't gone and tackled me already."
Ahlrath's face twisted with disgust as he noticed Borsen leering at him. "Ah'm guessin' ye want somethin', so just spit it out."
"I want ye to fight me," Borsen said with an excited whine. "Just us two, paw-on-paw. Anythin' goes, fight as dirty as ye want. But first, some ground rules. That javelin yer holdin'? Toss it. Or else Toran falls." Ahlrath growled and threw it aside. "Second off, if anybeast interferes, he falls. This is just between us two."
"Gladly," Ahlrath replied sardonically. He didn't care if it was feeding into Borsen's ego, he wanted to tear this bastard apart.
Borsen shivered at the mountain hare's tone. "Oh, don't do that, now. Anyway, as fer the goal? I want ye to try to kill me. If ye win, Durkfor'll let the kid go free."
"Oh, right, like ah can trust yer word on that."
Borsen laughed. "Ye can, but even if ye don't believe me, ye'll still have to fight me. After all, in a few seconds, I'm goin' to try to kill ye," he purred. Borsen stepped closer, eyes wide as bloodlust pumped through his body like a drug. "If ye don't wanna die, yer gonna have to fight back as hard as ye can, and I know ye want to see me suffer."
Ahlrath growled and clenched his fists. Borsen was right. His head pounded with rage and desperation as he glared at the sea otter standing across from him. Maybe he wouldn't mind taking down this sick bastard. Not like he had a choice. Either Art and Kallius wouldn't take care of Durkfor in time and he had to beat Borsen in a fight, or they would and Gurnilal would help him take down Borsen.
Ahlrath cracked his knuckles. Either way, he had to fight. The mountain hare gripped his coat and tossed it aside. Borsen's heart skipped a beat. "Oh my," he purred.
"Shut up." Ahlrath raised his fists in a boxing stance. Borsen's eyes glazed over his body before crouching like a monster waiting to pounce. This was it. For a moment, fear trickled into Ahlrath's mind, but he pushed it out with the rage building up inside of him. There was no way he'd let this sadistic, perverted otter take any more lives. He was not about to let somebeast he cared about get taken away. Not again.
Borsen let loose a ragged howl and charged. Ahlrath snarled and ran to meet him with all his might.
Durkfor's heart jumped as Ahlrath ducked around Borsen's wild swings before swiftly jabbing the otter's temple. Borsen recoiled, roaring as he latched onto Ahlrath's arm and pulled him to the ground. Durkfor backed up and watched in horror as they wrestled on the ground, writhing around like feral monsters, and the roaring…
"What's happening to him?" Toran whimpered. Durkfor turned and saw the otter shutting his eyes, struggling to watch the fight.
Durkfor hung his head in shame. "Ya don' need to know."
"Ahlrath's hurting himself for me." Toran looked over his shoulder and opened his eyes. "I want to know."
"Stop worryin'," Durkfor snapped. "Please, just close your eyes. Everythin'll be fine."
Toran stared desperately at Durkfor. "Why do you always lie to me?"
Durkfor froze. "I- I don't! Whaddya mean, what do you know?"
"You said that your friends knew a way out and you promised you'd protect me. Are you gonna push me?"
"No! I wouldn't!" Durkfor whined. "Really, I mean it!"
"You lie," Toran said, motioning to Durkfor's ears. "Why can't you tell the truth and let me go!"
The hare turned away and spat, "Fine, excuse me for not knowin' how t'lie! Fine, I would push ya if somethin' happened! Ya know I can't let'cha go, but 'tis not like I want to! Do ya think I wanna see ya die? I don't wanna be here, it wasn't as if I had a choice!'
"I didn't, too," Toran retorted. "I wanna go home! I don't wanna see Ahlrath hurt himself!" As if on cue, Ahlrath howled with pain. Durkfor and Toran watched as Borsen pinned Ahlrath against the ground. His fangs dug into his shoulder. Ahlrath hooked his legs around the otter's waist and threw him aside. Borsen scrambled on all fours and lunged, barely missing Ahlrath who swivelled to the left. "Have you seen anything like this before?" Toran mumbled lifelessly. Durkfor wordlessly shook his head. Every flash of teeth or claws, every savage roar or snarl, every drop of blood spilt, Toran took it all in and began to shiver.
Toran knew he'd remember every last detail forever.
Kallius pressed her paws against her ears as the roaring started. She poked her head out from behind a corner and eyed the bell tower. Toran and Durkfor stood at the top while they watched Borsen and Ahlrath's duel. She stepped out of cover to rush to the church when Art grabbed her hood, making her flinch and turn. "No, not yet," he growled. "Look, he's moving." Just like Art had pointed out, Durkfor tore his eyes away from the fight and scanned the streets surrounding the church.
"What do we do?" Kallius whispered.
"See that line of buildings? The one that gets really close to the side of the church? We'll come in through there. We just have time it so that Durkfor is looking away when we do so. Look, he spends more time watching the front and the back." Kallius stared at the hare and just like Art said, whenever Durkfor got to the front, he got distracted watching the fight. At the same time, he seemed to be very nervous about somebeast sneaking up from behind. So much so that he put less effort into watching for the sides. Art and Kallius waited until Durkfor's back was turned before leaving cover and running for the next building. They did it again and again, waiting for Durkfor to turn away before rushing to cover, all to get closer to the side that Art was talking about.
Kallius' head pounded, her sight on Durkfor and Toran's position overriding the deafening howls and roars from the fight. All Kallius could think about was whether or not Ahlrath was okay. Her mind felt clouded and it was only when Art called out to her again that she realised what she had missed. She blinked out of her thoughts and turned. She had missed a window of opportunity and Art was already at the next building. "Sister Kallius, what the hell?" Art hissed. "Get your tail over here!"
"S-sorry!" Kallius poked her head out, watching Durkfor intently. He turned. Kallius ran out of cover, footpaws pounding against the cobblestone as she headed for Art.
Durkfor turned again. She was still in the middle of the street. Adrenaline burned her the rest of the way onward, but it was too late. Durkfor swiveled around and leaned against the side of the bell tower, eyeing the streets with panic. "Hello? Is someone there?" He called out.
"Dear Martin, how did you screw that up?!" Art growled.
"I'm sorry!" Kallius whispered. Art flattened his ears and glanced at the brown roof, which was similar to his fur colour. He scaled the building and poked his head out. Durkfor was staring out of the side.
"Don't move until I say so," Art commanded. Kallius clutched her dagger, shrinking back into the wall. With nothing else to distract her, all she could hear was Ahlrath and Borsen fighting in front of the church. Eventually, Art dropped down. "He turned away. Continue."
The two beasts made their way towards the side of the church. Art looked up. Durkfor was on the other side of the bell tower. "Go!" Kallius' footpaws pounded against the street. She and Art reached the church. Art motioned to an open window and climbed up to it. "Watch your step, there's broken glass." Art easily jumped through the window, leaving Kallius outside. Taking a deep breath, Kallius jumped, grabbed onto the windowsill, and pulled herself up and through.
They were inside the run-down church. Kallius turned to the staircase leading up the bell tower and hesitated. They couldn't go in without a plan. "What do we do?"
Art glanced at the staircase and then at the window. Before Kallius could ask what he was planning, Art turned away from Kallius and uttered a single command, "Stall," before running and jumping out the window.
"Stall? What do you mean?" She tried to ask, but Art was already gone. Kallius groaned and turned to the staircase. She had to talk to Durkfor, that's what he meant, right? Her mind wanted to run up the steps as fast as possible, but she knew she had to be slow. She needed to get high enough for Durkfor to see her so his attention would be on her and not wherever Art would be. Taking a deep breath, she walked up the steps and put her dagger back in her bag.
She picked up speed as fear overwhelmed her but she forced herself to slow down as she approached the top. Kallius sighed. She couldn't force Durkfor away from Toran, but from all the seasons she had known Durkfor and how he acted on the island, she knew Durkfor was a coward. He could easily be stalled if she said the right things. Whether it was because Ahlrath and Borsen's fight drowned out the noise of her walking, or he simply didn't hear, Durkfor didn't notice she was there until she was at the top.
Durkfor turned with eyes like a cornered beast. He backed away towards Toran. "What're ya- you're not supposed to be up here, go away, I'll push him!"
Toran immediately screamed, "Durkfor please don't, no! Please leave! I don't wanna die, stop! Please!"
Kallius raised her paws and backed away a few steps. "I will, Durkfor, I just want to talk-"
"All the way down, c'mon," Durkfor warned.
"Durkfor, wait, I am sorry, but I need to talk to you, just for a bit."
"Is it just you here?" Durkfor looked around frantically.
"Yes, 'tis just me." She could tell Durkfor wasn't fully convinced so to gain a bit of trust, she decided to admit that, "When you saw somebeast walking outside and you called out, that was me. I am the only one here, I came here with Ahlrath after Borsen took Toran away."
Durkfor didn't move away from Toran, but he seemed to calm down a little. "O-okay, what is it that'cha want to say? Make it quick, I'm not supposed to let ya up here."
Kallius sighed. "Durkfor, why are you doing this? Is there anything I can do to help you?"
"Whaddya mean? Why do ya want to help me?"
"Durkfor, I have known you for a long time, why would I not want to help you?"
"Kallius," Durkfor whined, "Ya shouldn't."
"Why?" Anything to keep him answering. How much time do I have to stall for?
"I don't- Why do ya wanna help me? Don'cha see what I'm doin'? I'm… tryin' t'kill ya. And Toran. And everyone! Why would'ja want to help?"
"Because I still believe that there is a way for us to leave together!"
"No, there isn't! There hasn't been! Don'cha see? You're all gonna die and there isn't anythin' I can do 'bout it! I'm sorry, but this is the only way I can save Borsen!"
Kallius nodded. "I hear you, it feels hopeless knowing there is not much that you can do, but is there not a way you can do both?" Art, hurry up, where are you?
Durkfor groaned. "Borsen'd never agree to stop. He's… he's changed from when we first got here, I think. He's gonna kill himself doin' this, which is why I need to be the one to save him, there's nothin' else I can do! So why don't ye just leave 'cause I'm helpin' a murderer try to kill all my friends, is that what'cha wanted to hear?"
"Durkfor, 'tis not too late, you can always change-"
"No, I can't!" He screamed, backing closer to the edge.
Kallius realised she made a mistake and added, "I meant that everybeast can change, Durkfor, but you are right, nobeast is going to forgive you easily." In fact, I do not think any of them will.
Durkfor whimpered. "So what's left for me then, huh? Just Borsen? A beast that would kill himself if it made him feel good doin' so? There's no comin' back from what I'm doin'. I'm not stupid, I know what I'm doin' is really messed up, so just leave. I won't tell Borsen ya was here."
Kallius sighed. "Durkfor…"
Even if not for the fact she was supposed to stall, Kallius wanted to say more.
She didn't have the time.
Art had climbed up the bell tower and launched himself toward Durkfor, swinging his sickle into the hare's back with a furious snarl. Durkfor screamed and instinctively kicked back, knocking Art in the stomach and throwing him against the wall. Toran yelped as the room shook and he lost his balance. With his legs bound, the otter felt himself slipping and screamed. Kallius' eyes widened and she ran to grab onto his tunic collar. She pulled, but she could feel Toran leaning off the edge. "Art, help, please!"
Art groaned and dizzily shook his head. He pushed himself up and looked around for Durkfor, but the hare had escaped. Art glanced between Kallius and the staircase. Kallius pleaded, "Art, please!"
Art clutched his sickle with a growl and ran down the staircase to pursue Durkfor, leaving Kallius alone to help Toran. "Arthur!" She yelled, but the squirrel was already gone.
Toran squirmed and whimpered in his binds. "Don't let me go, I don't wanna die!" Kallius was about to say something encouraging when her paw slipped. Toran screamed and tilted further over the edge. Kallius pulled on his tunic with all her strength, arms shaking as she struggled to hold on. She was about to let go. Her fingers were aching. In desperation, Kallius leaned back as far as she could until she felt the balance start to shift.
"Hold on!" Kallius grunted. With one more pull, she threw herself back with all her strength. She and Toran fell to the floor, panting. Kallius sat up and turned to the otter with a relieved sigh. "Toran, are you alright?"
Toran stared wide-eyed at the ceiling, breathing rapidly. "Why did you help me?" He eventually mumbled.
"Why would I not?" Kallius asked as she pulled out her dagger and sawed at the noose.
"You could've been hurt," he whimpered guiltily. "You don't have to do that."
Kallius finished cutting through the rope and sighed. Before she could respond, the sound of roaring picked up outside. Toran yelped as he remembered who was fighting for him. He got up and exclaimed, "We need to help Ahlrath!"
"Toran, we cannot," Kallius warned.
"Why?" Toran whined, "Why's he gotta fight the big otter for me while I can't do anything to help?"
Kallius leaned forward and stared gravely at the otter. "Toran, listen carefully, Ahlrath is dealing with a very dangerous beast, one you should not go near under any circumstances. 'Tis his job to deal with him as it is ours to stay safe until he has been dealt with."
"But I-!"
"Remember what you told me? How I should not have helped because I could have gotten hurt? Ahlrath wants you to stay safe, he wants you to stay inside until everything is over, alright?"
Toran's expression sank with hopelessness. He flinched as Ahlrath roared and stared over the edge of the bell tower. "Ahlrath, please, I don't want you to leave me."
At the same time as Art and Kallius' infiltration into the church…
The sky itself seemed to be slathered in blood as rage burned through his body. Ahlrath roared and tackled Borsen to the ground, who then lashed out with his claws and gashed the mountain hare's chest. Fists rained down on Borsen's face and body as Ahlrath let loose a furious howl. Every last drop of anger at himself and Borsen was thrown into every punch, bloodying the otter's snout. Borsen twisted and struggled, whining madly. Out of nowhere, the otter's paws wrapped around Ahlrath's throat, his legs kicking the hare in the stomach and wrestling him onto his back. Borsen laughed and shivered as he pinned the hare down. "Ooh, yer a tough hare, arent'cha?" He growled. "I can tell yer a killer."
Ahlrath swung his claws at Borsen's neck but only managed to slash his chest as the otter twisted out of the way. The mountain hare kicked him off and scrambled to his footpaws. Borsen may be a powerful wrestler, but Ahlrath knew he had him beaten in boxing. Borsen grinned and raised his paws, charging forward. Ahlrath leapt and jumped around his swings, chipping away at Borsen's energy with well-timed punches.
Although they did slow Borsen down, he also seemed to really enjoy it. The otter's eyes lit up as he spread his arms and lunged. Ahlrath snarled as he dodged Borsen's rapid attempts to grab him. The hare's fists shot out like cannonballs, bloodying Borsen's face. The otter howled and pounced, tackling Ahlrath in the waist and throwing him to the ground. Before Ahlrath could react, Borsen drove his claws into his body over and over, wildly tearing flesh and blood out with a feral howl. "C'mon, fight back wit' all yer anger," Borsen demanded. "I know ye hate me, ye want to make me suffer, just let loose and try to kill me already!"
Ahlrath spat out blood and hammered his fist into Borsen's temple. The two rolled around and traded blows briefly before Ahlrath ended up on top, clawing Borsen's body. Despite the stakes and the intense and crippling fury he felt for the otter, he didn't want to succumb to it. He didn't want to degrade back into that version of himself, he couldn't-
Borsen wrapped his arms around Ahlrath's back and pulled him close, burying his fangs in the hare's face. Ahlrath screamed as Borsen pulled away, tearing out a piece of his cheek in a spray of blood. Pure, unbridled rage exploded through Ahlrath like a drug as he roared and descended onto Borsen with wild swings. Rabid grunts and howls filled the air as all strategy and technique were thrown out the window in favour of inflicting as much pain as possible. Blood sprayed onto the ground as flesh was torn and shredded wherever they could hit. It was a bloodbath. Ahlrath's mind pounded with animalistic intensity, memories slipping in and out as he pounded Borsen into the ground.
First, he was in a field sparring. Then inside a mansion helping mow down lines of beasts. Fire burned around a ruined town as he faced off against a stubborn ferret. Sun setting over a beautiful isle as bodies fell around him. Darkness followed by screaming as he cleared a fort. One fight after another, carrying on his life in a wave of blood. Was this how he was always destined to be?
Borsen's arms curled around Ahlrath's neck in a chokehold. The mountain hare thrashed around in his grip to little effect. Borsen snarled and pinned Ahlrath's stomach against the cobblestone street, panting raggedly as blood seeped from his deep claw wounds. "There's no way somebeast who fights like ye has their paws clean," he growled huskily, dragging a finger across Ahlrath's jaw. "Yer a monster just like me. 'Tis a shame ye decided to focus so much on savin' other beasts instead of lettin' loose now that ye finally have the chance-" Borsen stopped as Ahlrath's teeth dug into his finger and bit down. Borsen howled as the bone was severed from his paw. Ahlrath kicked Borsen in the stomach and tackled him, stabbing him over and over with his claws. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he could hear a familiar voice screaming, "Don't let me go, I don't wanna die!", but all that he could focus on was the otter beneath him.
"Aye, ye know what?" Ahlrath snarled. "Yer right, ah am a monster, ah wouldnae have survived this long if ah didna enjoy it at least a lil'. Ye know what? Ah do a lot, sometimes." He shoved Borsen onto his back, pressing an arm against his neck. "Difference is, ah have beasts an' reasons tae live fer besides fightin'. What have ye got other than murder?" Borsen gnashed his teeth as he tried to bite Ahlrath's arm, but the mountain hare pressed harder, preventing the otter from moving his head at all.
Borsen's eyes bulged, blood dripping from his fangs as he glared at Ahlrath. His paws shot out, burying his claws into Ahlrath's arm. Before Ahlrath could react, Borsen ripped his paws away, tearing open the mountain hare's arm and spraying blood onto his tunic. Ahlrath howled and fell to the ground, clutching his arm.
Borsen and Ahlrath panted violently, most of their energy sapped away from the fight. Borsen coughed and spat a mouthful of blood as he and Ahlrath struggled to push themselves up. The otter giggled tiredly and leered at Ahlrath. "If only I could fight ye forever. Yer sooo fine. Come on, Ahlrath. I ain't done yet. Put yer paws up, make it…" Borsen trailed off as he saw somebeast running at him out of the corner of his eye. Ahlrath formed a bloody grin as Gurnilal came into the fray with a sword and swung at Borsen. The otter jumped out of the way and snarled, "What the hell? What are ye- ye aren't supposed to be here!"
Gurnilal aimed her sword at Borsen and bared her fangs. "Yer time's up, otter!"
Borsen's body twitched with genuine rage as he flexed his claws. "Get out of my way, this is just between me and Ahlrath, and I won't let anyone take this away from me!" With newfound energy, Borsen lunged at Gurnilal. A split moment of fear exploded in the weasel as the otter came at her, which was enough for him to gain the offensive.
Gurnilal weaved around Borsen's swings, even blocking a few with her sword. She stabbed at the otter a few times but Borsen either dodged or withstood every attempt. Her paws shook, vision blurred, and Borsen's rabid screaming hammered into her brain that she was up against a hulking, sadistic, enraged monster who wouldn't give up until she was dead. After a wild swing from Borsen, Gurnilal took a risk and swung for his head to end the fight as fast as possible.
Borsen simply ducked to the side and grabbed her wrist. Gurnilal's blood froze as Borsen pulled her closer, butting her in the chest and tackling her to the ground. She fell without so much of a scream, eyes growing wide as she realised she made a fatal mistake. I'm goin' ter… die…! I don't-!
Before Borsen could swing at Gurnilal, Ahlrath wrapped his arms around Borsen and wrestled him away from her. The two fell to the ground in another thrashing mess while Gurnilal backed away, placing a paw on her rapidly beating heart. I don' wanna die, I don' wanna die, I can' let Tornear and Vhyn's lives amount ter nothin', I don' wanna die, I don'… I don' want Ahlrath ter die… I can' let what he did fer me go ter waste, either… pick up the sword, Gurnilal, help him…
Gurnilal whimpered, paws shaking frightfully as she picked up her sword and ran towards Borsen. Ahlrath kicked Borsen away so Gurnilal swung her sword at the otter, who squirmed to the side and rolled to his footpaws. Borsen's eyes burned with rage as a red line ran from his hip to his chest. He glared spitefully at Gurnilal. "Ye again?! Yer pissin' me off! Durk! Push the kid! Durk!? Durkfor, where are ye!?" Borsen glanced at the bell tower and saw the severed noose hanging from the statue. His gaze slowly turned back to his two attackers as they advanced on him. "I won't let ye take this moment away from me, if ye want to try, be my guest! I'm not givin' up until ye kill me, so why don't ye come at me already!"
Ahlrath cracked his knuckles. Borsen glanced at Gurnilal out of necessity and snarled. "Yer mine!" He roared, lunging at Ahlrath.
Kallius and Toran headed down the stairs to look for Durkfor and Art. Toran flinched and covered his ears as the fighting outside seemed to worsen. Meanwhile, Kallius was distracted by the sudden bloodstain by the window.
The broken glass dripped with fresh blood. She covered her mouth as she saw a strip of familiar green cloth dangling from one of the shards.
He was supposed to be in control. That was the entire reason he had set up everything like this, but now, that control was ripped away from him.
And Borsen was pissed.
The otter's howls dripped with indignant fury as he swung wildly at Ahlrath and Gurnilal, both taking shots at him whenever they had the space to. Borsen's body burned with blinding pain, and underneath the dizzying amount of pleasure he felt, he was also exploding with rage. A stab to the stomach from Gurnilal, a claw to the face from Ahlrath, bits and pieces of his fur and flesh scattered around the front of the church as he could feel his energy dwindle.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to have control.
Borsen tried to distance himself from Gurnilal and force Ahlrath between them, but the damn weasel kept getting too close. Borsen gazed longingly at Ahlrath's muscular body and growled. It was just supposed to be between him and Borsen, not this third party who decided to join and try to ruin his moment. Who the hell did she think she was?
Borsen clawed his chest with frustration. Spittle dripped from his mouth and he was considering just throwing all caution against the weasel aside to get one last bit of satisfaction from the mountain hare when a different scream pierced the air. Borsen froze.
It was Durkfor. The hare was in pain. His hare.
Borsen let out a whimper. Although it was just for a second, panic overwhelmed his senses as he contemplated what to do. His hare was in danger. One of the only beasts he could control was getting attacked, probably by Art. Durkfor belonged to him, nobody else could touch him, yet Art thought it was okay for him to break Borsen's rules. Was Durkfor alright? Borsen was so focused on Durkfor that he forgot for a second that he was still in a fight.
And that second was all that Ahlrath needed.
The mountain hare wrapped his free arm around Borsen's throat. Borsen thrashed around to escape when he saw Ahlrath's other paw hovering in front of his face.
Borsen's world exploded into darkness as his remaining eye was gouged from his face. For a moment, all noise had stopped. Borsen shoved Ahlrath away, mouth gaping silently as he processed what had just happened. Then the bloodlust returned in full force. Pure, overflowing rage bubbled in his fractured mind as he turned and threw himself at Ahlrath with a primal howl. The two fell to the cobblestone as Borsen mauled Ahlrath with every last drop of energy he had left. Ahlrath screamed with pain as Borsen tore open his body, jamming and twisting his claws and fangs with reckless abandon. There was no pleasure, no playfulness, no fun to be had. Ahlrath was his and he wanted the mountain hare to go down with him.
Borsen felt the wind get knocked out of him as Ahlrath kneed him in the stomach. He scrambled up, head swivelling around wildly in the black void when something slammed into his temple. Borsen fell to the ground.
Ahlrath spat out blood, growling madly as he stared at the downed otter. Channelling all of his rage, Ahlrath stomped and beat Borsen into the ground, roaring with primal fury as the life oozed out of Borsen and onto the cobblestone in a bright red puddle. Thuds, cracks, and snapping filled the sky as Ahlrath released all of his energy into making sure the otter would never be able to get up again. Even after Borsen had stopped making noise, Ahlrath knelt on his chest and tore as much as he could see apart with his claws until his fingers bled. Blood and sweat dripped from the mountain hare's body as he ambled up, releasing the rest of his rage in a victorious howl.
And thus, after 42 hours of causing misery and suffering on the island for no other reason than his own twisted pleasure, the monster had finally been slain. Borsen Stonetail was dead.
Somehow, Durkfor had gotten away. For the last several minutes, Art had been searching the town for his escaped quarry. The sickle in his paws twitched as he pined for the hare's blood. Durkfor's not getting away this time. The next time I see him, I'm going to kill him.
To be honest, though, Art was starting to lose a bit of hope. Although Durkfor would be the first to admit he was out of shape, he was still a hare. Durkfor could run fast if he really wanted to. Art's ears twitched momentarily as Borsen and Ahlrath's roaring seemed to pick up. He scoffed. As long as the otter was occupied, he'd be fine. He just needed to keep searching for Durkfor. However, no matter how much he tried to focus solely on his goal, he couldn't draw his attention away from the sounds of fighting coming from the church.
Art scowled and muttered to himself. How screwed up is this, huh? You used to look up to Borsen. Ahlrath cared about you for some reason. Now they're both fighting to the death. All for what? Will it even matter in the end if Toran is saved anyway? He's probably screwed later down the line. Most of us are.
Art sighed and kept on walking. Suddenly, Borsen's roaring intensified. Art froze and turned towards the church. Those weren't normal screams. Those were the roars of somebeast who was dying. Did Ahlrath really manage to do it? Art couldn't help but shiver at the thought of it, but then he realised something.
Durkfor likely heard it too.
Art readied his sickle and sprinted towards the church. If Durkfor really cared about Borsen that much, there was no way the hare could ignore his friend's last moments. Art wouldn't be able to, at least. He was about halfway there when he heard Durkfor distantly howl, "Borsen!" Art picked up the pace. "Borsen! Borsen, stop, please!" He screamed again. Art blocked out the sudden spike of panic and forced himself onward.
Once he reached the correct street, he slowed. Given the direction of Durkfor's screaming, the hare had reached the church before him. "Borsen! Dear Martin, why?! What happened to ya?!"
Art muttered quietly and padded to the church. Every step was a battle as his heart pounded violently in his chest. His breathing hitched and sweat dripped from his forehead. He finally got close enough to see what had happened and froze. Ahlrath leaned against the side of the church in a bloody mess while Gurnilal crouched next to him. Durkfor knelt next to some crumpled lump of flesh on the ground. Art didn't need to see its face to know who it used to be. The squirrel gulped and raised his sickle, eying Durkfor's back.
Durkfor either didn't notice or didn't care. He held the body on the ground, sobbing inconsolably. Art shivered and shuffled over. He was only a few steps away now. Art felt like his heart was about to explode, but he ignored it and raised his weapon, eyes affixed to the hare crying next to the body…
It wasn't a hare anymore. Arthur blinked and found himself back to that fateful scene a season ago. There was no town. No church. Nothing except for a barely conscious mouse in front of him. Arthur looked down and whimpered. Blood poured out of the stab wounds in the mouse's chest while all he could do was stare. "No, no, please, don't do this," he heard himself say. Arthur knelt next to the mouse's body and cried. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I didn't- I didn't know what to do!"
All Art could do was stare at himself- Durkfor. Who was in front of him again? Everything came back too quickly. His legs wobbled, body shivering with panic as he backed away. It was happening again. Why was it happening again? No, this didn't mean anything. Durkfor just happened to have the same reaction he did. A close friend of his had just died, after all. A close friend that Durkfor obsessed over, basing his entire well-being on his. A close friend that Durkfor constantly thought about. A close friend that Durkfor claimed he couldn't live without.
It was happening again and Art didn't want to stick around to see it.
It took a while for somebeast to notice Art was nowhere to be seen. A bloodied sickle lay discarded on the ground next to Durkfor, who was still crying over Borsen's body.
Things were quiet now. It felt strange thinking about how he was fighting Borsen just a few moments ago and now he sat by the church, staring at the sunlit cobblestone streets. So much destruction and death had terrorised the town and the island, but he managed to rid the world of one more monster, and for that, he was glad. Gurnilal crouched next to him, staring at his wounds with nervous eyes. "Ahlrath, there's… so much blood. I don'…" The weasel trailed off, but Ahlrath knew what she was going to say. I don't think you're going to survive.
Ahlrath chuckled weakly. "Dinnae look so down, aye? We did it. We got rid of 'im."
Gurnilal shook her head. "But we're still here, we're still stuck on this damn island wit' no way out, an' yer…"
"No' gonna make it?" Ahlrath finished. Gurnilal nodded slowly. The mountain hare flashed a grin before coughing out blood. "So what? Yer still alive, ain'cha? Ye still got a chance, an' ye've been doin' a good job so far… just keep that in mind."
Gurnilal backed away, staring solemnly at Ahlrath. The church's door opened and out came Toran and Kallius, both of whom looked winded, but safe. Ahlrath's eyes lit up as he saw that the otter was safe. He couldn't help but laugh. "Yer alright. Ah knew ye'd be alright."
Toran's eyes widened. He ran up to Ahlrath and knelt by his side. "A-Ahlrath? What happened? You're- I'm sorry, you didn't-," he choked out, whining as he curled his legs to his chest.
"Hey, laddie, why do ye need tae say sorry? Ye… have nothin' tae apologise fer, ah knew this'd happen," he panted.
"But you're hurt! If I didn't- if I didn't get taken, you wouldn't've come here! I didn't mean for you to get hurt! I'm sorry!"
"Toran, ah dinnae blame ye fer any o' this… ah'm just so glad yer safe," he said with a chuckle.
Toran pulled his cape over his body and curled his tail around himself. "I don't want you to go." Ahlrath looked past Toran and saw Durkfor grieving Borsen's body on the cobblestone. Even from here, he could see the otter's crushed face, unrecognisable beyond repair. Ahlrath shivered. Toran turned to where the mountain hare was staring and whined. He cast a hesitant glance back at Ahlrath. Ah cannae believe ah did that. Is Toran scared o' me? Ah dinna think ah'd blame him.
To his surprise, Toran gingerly wrapped his arms around Ahlrath and hugged him. Ahlrath froze, listening as Toran cried. He nervously returned the gesture, gently pulling the otter in close. Ahlrath's face grew hot and he knew that he'd cry if he still had the energy. "Thanks… Toran," he mumbled. It means more than ye could ever know. Return home safe, please. Ye have so many beasts waitin' fer ye. Just go back home an' return tae bein' a kid away from all this death, aye?
Toran nodded silently, unable to form any words so he instead hugged tighter.
Ahlrath had so many things he wanted to say to Toran, but it was already hard enough to keep himself awake, so instead he simply held the otter close as darkness began to take over.
It felt… nice.
Maybe he hated everything he did in the past. Maybe he was ashamed of what he did after he lost Emmeline. Maybe he regretted going down the path he did. But it all led him to this moment, helping to protect Toran, Gurnilal, Kallius, and Art wherever he may be, from Borsen.
And maybe, that was good enough for him.
Soon enough, everything was gone.
Just the way it should be.
Kallius Placent gazed out from the church steps with a sigh. Her eyes landed on Borsen and Ahlrath's bloodied and beaten corpses. Gagging, she turned away and looked around for Art. He was still missing. The hogmaid padded over to the dropped sickle and picked it up, gazing at the amount of dried blood on the blade. Art did this, huh? I did not get to see him until now, but I wonder who he hurt? How many? Did he end them quickly, or were they…
Kallius couldn't help but look at the sheer state Borsen's corpse was left in. Durkfor was still crying next to him. Borsen's corpse. It still feels strange to think about him like that. I never thought he would go out like this, she mused. Kallius tucked Art's sickle into her belt and walked around Durkfor to reach Gurnilal. She noticed that Durkfor moved always to cover Kallius' view like he was still protecting him.
Gurnilal stood leaning against the church and flicked her tail in thought. "Oh, yarr here." She pushed off the wall and stood up straight. "Ya need somethin'?"
"No, just checking up on you."
Gurnilal snorted. "Aye," she said quietly. "I'm doin' good, but I think th'one ya need ter focus on is him." Kallius turned to Toran. The kid still hugged Ahlrath's corpse, whimpering softly.
"I hope this does not mess with him too much," Kallius sighed.
"It will," Gurnilal declared, not elaborating further. The weasel wiped her paws on her tunic and buried her paws in her pockets. "So, what're we gonna do 'bout Durkfor?" Kallius and Gurnilal looked at the hare. Durkfor's ears twitched, yet he did not face them back.
"Well, what do you want to do?" Kallius asked, even though she felt that she already knew the answer.
Gurnilal scowled. "I want ter kill him."
Kallius blinked with surprise. "What? Why?"
"If there's one thin' I'd agree wit' Art on, 'tis that Durkfor's a traitor. He put all of us in danger by workin' wit' Borsen."
Kallius kneaded her paws together. She didn't expect Gurnilal to be so ready for vengeance. "Um, what about you, Toran?"
Toran tiredly looked up. Gurnilal repeated the question for him and the otter shook his head. "I don't like Durkfor anymore. I don't want him around."
Kallius backed away. "You want to kill him? I know what he did was awful, but he is not Borsen! I know in my heart that he can and will help us. Durkfor, say something." Unfortunately for Kallius, the hare elected to stay silent. Kallius' expression fell as she stared at Durkfor's tired, desperate eyes. It reminded her too much of Art's, especially in the days after Ravi's funeral.
Kallius jumped as she heard Gurnilal draw her sword. "Well, unless ya have a good reason not ter kill him, I'm gonna."
"He…" Kallius wracked her mind for an answer, but all she could come up with were personal, emotional reasons for not wanting a friend to die. Was Durkfor still Kallius' friend? She didn't know, but she still believed that anybeast could change. She hated what Durkfor did, yes, but she wanted him to live with his mistakes. That's when it hit her. "We are the only one who knows for sure that Borsen is dead. We can use that to our advantage if the guards still want to give Durkfor his immunity."
Gurnilal narrowed her eyes. Kallius stared back with conviction. "Fine." Gurnilal tucked her sword into her belt and trodded over to Durkfor. The hare looked up tiredly as Gurnilal warned, "Ya hear that? The only reason we're keepin' ya alive is 'cause nobeast knows Borsen is dead. If ya mess up or do anythin' else, we'll kill ya." Kallius grimaced. She would prefer if Gurnilal didn't threaten Durkfor at all, but at least Durkfor was still alive. For now.
"We should prolly leave," Gurnilal muttered. "Ahlrath an' Borsen made a lotta noise. Somebeast might be comin' ter investigate, soon."
"Ok." Kallius padded over to Toran and knelt down. "Hey, Toran? I am sorry, but we have to leave, alright?"
Toran sniffed and slowly pulled away from Ahlrath's body. "But what'll happen to him?" He choked out. "We can't bury him?"
Kallius shook her head. "Sadly, no. We do not have the time. I have an idea, but we need to get somewhere safe, first. Is that okay?"
Toran whimpered and wiped his face. "Maybe?"
Kallius forced a reassuring smile and helped Toran stand up. "Alright. Come on, we have to go." Kallius and Toran ran up to Gurnilal and took stock of their belongings. It took surprisingly little to convince Durkfor to leave with them. The four survivors scanned the town before running to the south, leaving the two bodies at the church behind. After all, Borsen may be dead, but there was no time to rest. They still had to get off the island. The living had to keep on going. No matter how tired they were, that's just how things had to be.