"O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, lay your revered hand upon this child's wounds," Priestess chanted as she held her hand out to the prone form of the elf prisoner. With a gentle glow radiating from the cleric's palm, the woman's wounds began to heal; her once strained breathing now seemed almost peaceful.
"Are you able to drink, milady?" Lizard Priest asked the elf as he handed Priestess a potion. In response to his question, the woman gave a faint, weak nod.
With the lizardman helping position the elf into a recline, Priestess unsealed the bottle and held it to the woman's mouth, carefully feeding her its contents. This would fully stabilize her, though she would remain thoroughly exhausted.
From the opposite side of the room, Goblin Slayer and Saltzpyre examined the contents of a battered rucksack. The pair had searched the room, wading through surrounding filth, and found the bag among one of the waste piles.
Within the bag was an assortment of adventuring supplies: a few handfuls of medical supplies, a rope with a grappling hook, and a set of lockpicks were just a few of the items stored inside. The most notable item was a large, rolled-up leaf that had been dried and fashioned into a parchment-like material. Unfurling it revealed a map. The map was noticeably messy, and certain sections seemed incomplete, but the markings were cohesive enough to follow.
"This is a map of the fortress," Saltzpyre realized, comparing it to the map Lizard Priest had given them when they accepted the quest. The layouts of the first floor on both documents were consistent with each other; the other sections on the leaf map were likely accurate as well.
"It likely belonged to her," Goblin Slayer stated, glancing in the elf prisoner's direction. "She must have been trying to explore the ruins. Some adventurers try to search for treasure in places like this."
"I believe you are partially right, master Goblin Slayer," the witch hunter said as he pointed his finger to the map's markings. "Do you see how these markings appear smudged?"
"Yes," the adventurer replied, looking at the spot where the old man pointed to, waiting for him to explain the detail's significance.
"This map was made hastily; it was rolled up before the pigments could set in," Saltzpyre began. "And see this stick of charcoal? It was inside the bag, and its tip is roughly the same width as these lines."
"I see," Goblin Slayer said, putting a hand on his chin in contemplation. "She made this map."
"Indeed," the witch hunter affirmed. "It appears that the leaders of the local military forces grew tired of waiting."
"Is that so?" the adventurer asked.
"It is the most probable conclusion given what we know," Saltzpyre began. "She was likely sent here as a scout to gather information on the greenskins. Knowledge of their numbers and the layout of their encampment would have been integral to forming an appropriate plan of attack."
"I see," Goblin Slayer responded, accepting the witch hunter's conclusion. "We should inform them in case we fail here."
"I was thinking much the same," the witch hunter agreed. "The greenskins, I'm sure we'll be able to handle. But whatever witch leads them could be beyond our capabilities to deal with."
"We'll have to send someone then," Goblin Slayer stated.
"Our elf would be best suited for the task," Saltzpyre suggested. "Her kind will be more likely to heed her. And I believe she lacks the nerve to continue here anyways."
From outside of the waste room, High Elf Archer had collapsed to the ground on her knees.
"I-I don't understand," the elf cried, her tears raining on the tiles of the fortress floor. "W-why did this happen to her? What did she do to deserve this!?"
"She didn't deserve what happened to her; nobody does," Sienna said consolingly, placing a hand on the archer's back. "Sometimes, things like this just happen."
Dwarf Shaman glanced at the pair as he kept watch; looking out for any potential enemies who might be wandering the halls. He appreciated how the wizard was comforting High Elf Archer; although he wanted to do so as well, consolation wasn't something he was particularly skilled in. The sound of footsteps from behind him caught the dwarf's attention; looking at their source revealed the figure of Witch Hunter exiting the waste room.
The old man faced the still-sobbing High Elf Archer. Sienna looked up at her companion; her face wore an expression of concern for what he was about to say.
"I require a task of you, elf," Saltzpyre said with a neutral tone. The witch hunter held out a folded piece of paper and a large, rolled-up parchment. "Here is a letter explaining our current predicament and a mostly completed map of these ruins; I have already made a copy of the latter for our work here. You will take these to the nearest settlement and request that their leaders send reinforcements as soon as possible."
"W-what?" High Elf Archer responded shakily, confused by the man's words.
"You will be taking the prisoner with you, of course," the witch hunter continued. "From her belongings, we presume that she was a scout from the local military forces. She is in no condition to travel on her own and it would be far too dangerous to leave her here unguarded. For this task, I grant you permission to drive the cart; our mare is a faithful beast and shall take you to your destination should you lead her properly."
"You're sending me away?" the elf asked disbelievingly.
"You are clearly ill-fit to serve here," Saltzpyre answered. "With this, you may still-"
"Don't be ridiculous!" High Elf Archer protested. "If I left, who would scout ahead? I'm not going anywhere!"
"You seem to have been mistaken," the witch hunter began, his face turning to a stern expression. "I was not making a request."
"Do-" the elf stopped as she met the old man's glare. Although she had faced monsters and beasts many times her size before without fear, something about the witch hunter's imposing gaze shook her.
"Victor, darling?" Sienna spoke, drawing the witch hunter's attention away from the elf. "Do you think we could have a talk?"
The old man gave one last glance at the demoralized elf before relenting and approaching his companion.
"What is it, wizard?" Saltzpyre asked with clear irritation in his voice.
"Don't you think you're being a bit too harsh with her?" Sienna asked softly as she led the witch hunter into the hall, away from High Elf Archer.
"What exactly are you referring to?" Saltzpyre questioned as he followed the wizard.
"It was all just an honest mistake," Sienna began. "So she didn't see that little greenskin, are you really going to hold it against her? It's not like Priestess or I noticed it either."
"But did either of you attempt to impede me?" the witch hunter asked.
"Well, no," the wizard answered. "But that's because we know you."
"And with that comes trust, " Saltzpyre stated. "But the elf does not trust us. That makes her a liability, one that needs to be removed."
'Oh, so that's what this is about,' Sienna realized. Trust had always been a sensitive subject when it came to Saltzpyre.
The life of a witch hunter was one ingrained with suspicion; it was a line of work that required those to see their fellow neighbors as potential foes. However, even with such paranoia, a witch hunter could typically rely on their fellow templars and retinue.
But Saltzpyre was the exception to that rule. His crusade against the Skaven had caused him to become an outcast amongst his colleagues and, despite attempting to keep up appearances, his sour relations with his superiors were an open secret to his companions. His decision to lead an expedition to the Citadel of Eternity was the ultimate proof of his distrust for his order.
A life where you could never trust others nor be trusted yourself was one that Sienna could never imagine wanting to live. For that, she pitied the witch hunter.
"Well, it's not like we were all that friendly back in Ubersreik," Sienna began. "But I don't think we turned out too bad, considering the circumstances."
"Back then, despite not sharing trust, we complied with one another," Saltzpyre responded. "We did not turn against each other on a whim."
"Well, it almost happened a couple of times," Sienna corrected. From the witch hunter's lack of a retort, it seemed that he had conceded that point to her. "How about this: we'll give her another chance and make sure we're all on the same page now. If something like this happens again, then maybe it just wasn't meant to be and we'll send her away like you want."
"Even if I were inclined to accept such terms, there is still the matter of the prisoner," Saltzpyre argued flatly. "We can not leave her here; someone must escort her and our information to the locals. The elf, as a member of their kind, is most suited to this task."
"Well, I guess you're right about that," the wizard conceded. "But just try to be a bit softer about it, she's still shaken up by everything."
"I will keep that in mind," the witch hunter responded. "But enough delays; every moment we waste here is an opportunity for the greenskins to come upon us."
As the pair made their way back to the group, they saw the figure of Lizard Priest exiting the waste room. After exchanging some words with High-Elf Archer and Dwarf Shaman, the lizardman turned toward Saltzpyre.
"Milord Witch Hunter, I am pleased to announce that the prisoner's treatment has been completed," Lizard Priest said. "I was informed that you had written a note explaining the matter for the locals. If all is ready, we can evacuate her to safety."
"Indeed," Saltzpyre replied, handing the lizardman the papers. "One of us will have to depart for this task. Considering the circumstances, I nominate our elf as the candidate best suited for such."
"Oh, that will not be necessary, milord," the lizardman responded. "I have called upon the assistance of my ancestors."
As if on cue, a large, humanoid lizard skeleton came out from the waste room, the elf prisoner, who was now wrapped in a cloth, resting in its bony arms.
Instinctively, Saltzpyre reached for his pistol, ready to put the raised cadaver to rest, but before he drew his weapon, he remembered that he was dealing with a lizardman. Though the children of the old ones were in many ways beyond human understanding, they were adamantly opposed to the forces of chaos and other corrupting influences, at least going by what he read about them. He recalled an explorer's tale mentioning that the mummified remains of one of their kind had assisted them during a time of great urgency. 'Perhaps, it is a similar case here.'
"Don't worry darling, it doesn't seem to be necromancy," Sienna added. Though surprised as well, the wizard senses no traces of dark magic from the skeletal lizardman and she had once seen similar constructs used by students from the Amethyst Order.
"Necromancy?" Lizard Priest repeated questioningly, before realizing the cause for concern. "Oh, no, this is a dragontooth warrior, they are one of the ways the power of our ancestors can manifest. I suppose they can be mistaken for the undead to those unfamiliar."
"I see," the witch hunter said relentingly, releasing his grip on the firearm. "But would such a creature be a cause of alarm for the locals?"
"Those who have worked alongside my kind should have some awareness of them," the lizardman answered. "I have not witnessed much concern raised about them in my travels."
"If that is the case, then you may carry on," Saltzpyre stated, regaining his neutral tone. "The cart and mare would be much quicker than traveling on foot, so it may use them if capable of such a task."
"Of course, milord Witch Hunter," Lizard Priest replied, giving the old man a nod before handing the notes to the dragontooth warrior. The skeletal lizardman rushed down the hall before making a turn to ascend the spiral slope to the entrance of the ruins.
"So, now that's taken care of, remember what I was saying about giving our elf another chance?" Sienna asked, reminding her companion of her suggestion.
"I will... consider it," Saltzpyre answered flatly as the pair rejoined the group.
"No more dawdling, we must press forth," the witch hunter announced as he took the lead.
As some of the other adventurers began following suit, High-Elf Archer remained on the floor, still shaken by the witch hunter's confrontation. His glare alone was enough to get the point across: she was not welcome.
"Get up," a monotone voice said.
Looking up, High-Elf Archer saw Orcbolg standing over her. Despite his features being obscured by his helmet, she could tell that he was looking at her expectantly.
"The prisoner and message have been taken care of," the armored adventurer stated. "Go ahead and help us scout."
At first, the archer was surprised that the grim adventurer seemed to be offering her words of reassurance and encouragement. But it quickly dawned on her that more likely he was simply informing her of the matter: now that there was no task to send her away for, she might as well stay and make herself useful.
Still, as Orcbolg turned to move onwards, High Elf Archer wiped her tears and began composing herself.
"Are you alright?" a gentle voice asked.
To the elf's side, Priestess stood with her hand outstretched in an offer of assistance.
"I'm fine," the archer lied as she took the girl's hand and stood up.
"I know you didn't mean anything bad by it," the girl offered empathetically.
"Huh?" the elf said questioningly as the pair began walking.
"When you stopped Mr. Witch Hunter," Priestess explained. "It all happened so quickly. I think most of us were confused, really."
"I can barely even remember it. It all feels like a flash," High-Elf Archer replied. "I thought he and Orcbolg were going to do something awful."
"They're pretty scary, aren't they?" the girl asked understandingly, having had similar notions on their first encounters. "I felt that way too before. But beneath that, they're really good people and I feel like I can trust them."
The elf remained silent at Priestess' words, her face reflected her lingering unease.
"I'm sure they'll understand if you talk to them," Priestess continued, sensing the archer's feelings. "You were just trying to protect her. I think they would have done the same thing if they were you. And if you can understand each other, maybe you can all become friends."
The elf silently pondered the girl's words. She continued to walk beside Priestess before picking up pace.
"We need to keep up with the others," High-Elf Archer said as she began advancing to the group, but not before turning one last time to address Priestess. "And... thank you."
The girl responded with a comforting smile as the elf made her way to the front of the group, her resolve seemingly restored.
The group wandered long through the fortress halls, getting closer to the heart of the goblin den with every step. The occasional guard and trap appeared in their way, but such nuisances were easily neutralized by the skilled hands of the group's scouts.
"We're pretty close to the gallery," Priestess said as she observed their map.
"If I am not mistaken, it should be three rooms ahead of us," Saltzpyre stated having memorized the map, an often life-saving habit that he and the rest of the Ubersreik Five had developed while navigating the many maze-like locations in their missions.
"Yes, that is correct," Priestess confirmed. "I think we should stop here for a moment to rest."
"We've come quite a ways," Dwarf Shaman commented. "This seems a good time for it."
"Well, considering what might be up ahead, it wouldn't hurt to take a second to get our bearings in order," Sienna added in agreement before turning to Saltzpyre. "And maybe to resolve some issues."
"Very well then," Goblin Slayer said as he sat down and began looking over his supplies. "How many spells do you all have left?" He asked, wanting to review the group's resources.
"Two," Priestess answered. "I used minor heal earlier."
"For myself, three more," Lizard Priest stated before taking out a handful of what appeared to be sharp teeth from his pocket. "But a dragontooth warrior requires catalysts and I only have enough for one more."
Saltzpyre eyed the 'catalysts' in the lizardman's palm. They appeared to be fangs, seemingly reptilian by their structure, and each was decorated with an esoteric marking. He knew, at least judging by what he had read about the lizardmen, that whatever magic the Saurus was using was likely mostly free from the corrupting influence of Chaos, but that didn't mean he could spare it from his scrutiny.
Noticing her companion's concern, Sienna rested a hand on the Witch Hunter's shoulder. As he turned to look at her, the Bright Wizard's expression gave a silent reassurance that it was fine, which seemed to be enough.
"I've got maybe four or five, I suppose," Dwarf Shaman answered.
Sienna gave a look of intrigue at the dwarf. To her knowledge, dwarfs were incapable of using magic with the exception of those who had fallen to Chaos. Using her witchsight, she saw concentrations of magic around the dwarf and in his belongings but none within himself. She concluded that the dwarf must have been referring to runic magic, and judging by Saltzpyre's lack of scrutiny it appeared that he had assumed the same.
As the Bright Wizard's gaze returned to the group as a whole, she saw that each of the members was staring at her in seeming anticipation. She then remembered the topic at hand and realized she hadn't answered yet.
"Oh, it's kind of difficult to say," Sienna said, thinking of how to put it. She wasn't familiar with how the people of this land came to the notion of spell limits or how exactly they were measured. Perhaps it was just a method taught to prevent magic wielders from overexerting themselves, a soft limit rather than a hard one. She had been taught to have similar discipline during her time at the Colleges of Magic but had regularly broken such limits since her departure. "But I can tell you I won't be running out any time soon."
"You must be joking, Fire-Head," Dwarf Shaman said, looking at the wizard skeptically, only to find no signs of jest. "But you aren't, are you?"
"It's true," Priestess added. "Ms. Bright Witch never seems tired no matter how many spells she uses. It's really amazing."
"I see," Lizard Priest began. "It is very fortunate that we have someone of your abilities with us."
"Oh, you don't have to be so flattering, darlings," Sienna said with token humility. "But since you are, I'll take it."
"If this matter is settled, then let us proceed to other issues," Saltzpyre interjected, looking at High-Elf Archer as he spoke.
Once again, the elf felt an oppressive air around her as the witch hunter glared at her. She averted her eyes from the old man and felt the urge to back away, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Looking to her side, High-Elf saw Priestess reaching out to support her, once again giving a comforting smile. In that moment the dread she'd been feeling faded slightly.
Noticing the situation, Sienna lightly jabbed her elbow at the Saltzpyre's side, giving the witch hunter a look that she'd given him many times throughout their exploits.
'Remember what we talked about,' the wizard's expression said silently.
"I will apologize for reacting in the manner I did, it was unbefitting of me," the witch hunter began as he relented his glare, taking the wizard's hint. "However, I stand by the crux of what I said. You are ill-prepared for this duty and on that, I will once again offer you an opportunity to leave for our and your sake."
"I already told you: I'm not leaving," High-Elf Archer said through gritted teeth.
"There's no reason to act tough," Goblin Slayer stated. "If you can't handle it, just go back."
"Don't insult me! Do you think I can leave after all the horrible things that they did to her!?" the elf yelled back; her eyes tearing up. "My home isn't too far from here, they'd do the same to everyone there if they ever got the chance. So, I can't leave. I won't leave."
The witch hunter's expression shifted slightly as the elf finished speaking. What he had previously seen as the arrogance of a fool in over their head he now realized was the resolve of one dedicated to protecting their home. In that, he found a morsel of respect for the elf.
"I see," Goblin Slayer responded, seemingly satisfied with the elf's answer. "Are we done here then?"
"Unless anyone else objects, I would believe so," the witch hunter replied.
"In that case, let's go," the armored adventurer said as he stood up and continued going deeper into the fortress with the witch hunter following at his side.
'Well, I guess that's the best it could've gone, all considered,' Sienna thought as she looked at the pair. She turned to see the rest of the group who were offering encouragement and support to High-Elf Archer. 'They seem to get along much better than we did back in Ubersreik at least.'
As the group finished traversing down a long hallway, they finally arrived at the gallery. Looking over the railing of the spiraling slope down, they had an open view of the atrium below. Beneath them lay a vast host of goblins numbering multiple dozens.
"It looks like they're still asleep," High-Elf Archer observed, her natural night vision allowing her to see the lower gallery clearly. "There's got to be at least fifty of them down there."
"There are likely more hiding behind pillars and in nooks," Goblin Slayer added, well aware of potential hidden threats.
"Maybe we could use fire?" Priestess suggested, looking toward Sienna.
"We could, darling," the wizard began. "But do you remember that magic presence I mentioned before? Well, it's much closer now, maybe only a room or two away."
"Oh, so their leader is nearby then," the girl deduced.
"As much as I'd love to just burn all these little dung lickers to cinders, I don't think it'd be good to get their leader's attention just yet," Sienna explained.
"It is often best to execute a witch whilst they remain unaware," Saltzpyre added. "Lest they be given the opportunity to enact their trickery."
"So then, how are we going to clear them out?" the dwarf asked.
"That won't be a problem," Goblin Slayer stated.
"You have a plan then, milord Goblin Slayer?" Lizard Priest questioned.
"Yes," the armored adventurer said as he began instructing the group.
"Drink deep, sing loud, let the spirits lead you! Sing loud, step quick, and when to sleep they see you, may a jar of fire wine be in your dreams to greet you!" Dwarf Shaman chanted while spewing a mouthful of alcohol on the horde of goblins below, causing the few alert guards among them to fall into an enchanted slumber.
'Never knew that rune magic could be applied to drinks,' Sienna thought as she observed the mist of magically infused alcohol lingering in the air. 'Maybe that's why Bugman's tastes so good; it must be some kind of dwarf secret, otherwise, Bardin would've said something about it.'
"O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, grant us peace to accept all things," Priestess chanted as the room of snoring greenskins suddenly turned to complete silence.
'Another successful miracle, good for her,' the wizard thought, looking at the girl with a smile.
Sienna's thoughts were interrupted by a hand on her shoulder. She turned and faced Saltzpyre, his expression silently telling her to stop being distracted and follow the rest of the group, who were making their way down to enact the second part of their plan. The wizard nodded as she followed the witch hunter down the slope.
High-Elf Archer struggled as she plunged her knife into the throat of yet another sleeping goblin. The fat and blood that coated the stone knife impeded its effectiveness as the blade became dull and its handle harder to grip. Looking around for a solution to her predicament, she observed her companions and how they went about the task.
Lizard Priest wielded a blade created by a miracle, a magical weapon that seemingly never dulled. She, however, had no such luxury nor the means to replicate it.
Witch Hunter used his rapier to forcefully stab a goblin through the eye and seemingly into its brain, pinning the creature down with a boot on its abdomen as it spasmed momentarily before going limp. As he made his way to his next target, he flicked his wrist, sending the excess blood and viscera flying off the blade before repeating the process. The old man's method seemed equally reliant on both strength and precision, the former of which she was unfortunately lacking.
Bright Witch used a sword to split a goblin's head apart. After every kill, she wiped the blade with her hand, creating a small burst of steam as the fat and blood burned off and evaporated with her touch. Again, High-Elf Archer found herself wishing for the ability to use fire magic.
Finally, there was Orcbolg, who simply took a weapon off of a goblin corpse once his current weapon wore out. It was a method that she could use at least. As High-Elf Archer picked up a crude dagger out of the hand of her most recent kill she wondered how Orcbolg could stand doing this regularly, she then wondered if experiences like this were the only kind of 'adventures' he'd experience throughout his career. If that was the case, she pitied him, as odd as that sounded.
After confirming that all of the greenskins had been dealt with, Goblin Slayer signalled for Priestess and Dwarf Shaman to come down. The pair of casters quietly made their way down the slope and as Priestess reached the floor of the atrium, she felt the miracle of silence end, her footsteps becoming audible again.
All of a sudden, the ground began to shake. The sound of heavy impacts echoed from the hallway and grew louder with each thump on the stone floor.
"What is this!?" High-Elf Archer yelled in shock, trying to keep her footing.
"Trouble's coming!" Dwarf Shaman shouted as he steadied himself.
"Gracious!" Lizard Priest said in surprise as he adjusted his stance.
"Ah!" Priestess gasped as she leaned on her staff for support.
Goblin Slayer stood still, bracing himself for the coming foe.
With her witchsight, Sienna could sense the source of the magical presence growing closer.
"I guess catching it by surprise is off the table," the wizard commented as she began to draw the winds of magic around her.
"I thought the goblins were too quiet. Good help is so hard to find these days," a booming voice from the hall spoke. "I can't even trust them with the simplest of duties."
After a few more steps, the approaching figure had come close enough to be visible. It stood easily at the height of at least three men, spike-like horns extended from its forehead and shoulders, a pair of tusk-like teeth jutted upwards out of its mouth, its unnatural yellow eyes carried a mix of contempt and cold sadism, its jet-black skin tightly stretched across its muscular body, and around its waist hung a loincloth that was decorated with the skulls of its victims.
"You filth have trespassed into my domain," it sneered as it stomped on a couple of scattered goblin corpses and glared at the gathering of adventurers at its feet.
Saltzpyre stared wide-eyed at the creature towering above him, its appearance and stature alone were enough to tell him what they were facing: a chaos giant. Judging by its seeming intelligence and supposed magical potency, it was likely one empowered by Tzeentch.
The witch hunter had never faced a giant up close, however, he understood that the creatures wielded extraordinary strength and fortitude and that their group was overwhelmingly outmatched. Still, there was a way for them to succeed.
As Saltzpyre finished quickly forming his plan he began to subtly signal instructions to Sienna. Though the rest of the group was still too unfamiliar with the witch hunter to understand or even notice his signs, the wizard fully comprehended her companion's message and began channelling the winds in preparation for her spell.
High-Elf Archer looked in fearful awe at the monster in front of her, she knew exactly what it was, she'd heard the stories. It was said that a knight with an unbreakable shield had once tried to block an attack from one, only to die crushed underneath her shield. That a great warrior had challenged one to a battle, but the monster never took a scratch and the warrior eventually fell from exhaustion before being executed. That a masterful wizard who wielded many spells had tried to match with one but was immolated to death by a superior spell. Any silver rank would struggle against such a foe, and anything below that might as well be insects in comparison.
"Og-" High-Elf Archer began to say the creature's name but was interrupted by a sudden loud booming sound. A cloud of smoke appeared before quickly rising and dissipating. The elf's ears rang momentarily as she looked around, disorientated. She saw Witch Hunter holding a small, smoking hand cannon.
"ARGH!" The ogre cried out in pain as it covered what remained of its eyes which had been shredded by the barrage of shrapnel.
"Aqshy! Go for its ankle, little one!" Sienna shouted as a burning skull emerged out of thin air and rushed towards the back of the ogre's right foot, biting deep and burning through its tendon before fading, leaving behind a puddle of molten viscera where the ogre's ankle had once been.
"Everyone fall back!" Saltzpyre commanded as began backing away before he fired a heavy shot into the ogre's left knee, causing the monster to lose its footing. "We do not have the means to slay a giant! Retreat!"
Goblin Slayer was the first to react.
"Do as he says!" The armored adventurer shouted, trusting the witch hunter's judgment as he began rushing to the exit of the gallery.
With that, the other silver ranks followed.
"You heard the lad, get moving!" Dwarf Shaman yelled as he ran.
"Understood, milord," Lizard Priest said, going along with the order.
"I hate to admit it, but I think you're right!" High-Elf Archer called out as she left loose a volley of arrows whilst retreating.
Priestess remained frozen in shock, still processing all that had happened so quickly. One moment, they encountered a monster far beyond their capabilities, and in the next everything had turned to chaos. Suddenly, she felt something warm grip her hand and pull her toward the slope.
"Time to go, darling!" Sienna said as she ran, dragging the girl along. "We don't want to trail behind this time!"
"Ah!" Priestess gasped as she came out of her confusion and began running alongside the wizard.
With everyone else now moving up the slope to the exit, Saltzpyre holstered his spent firearm and began sprinting to follow the group out of the gallery.
"You insolent curs! You think that I'll just let you escape after this!?" the ogre shouted in fury, having heard their intentions. Though its knee and ankle had been disabled for the moment, its eyes had regenerated, expelling the shrapnel that had once blinded it as the flesh healed. "I don't need to move to destroy you! Carbunculus Crescunt..."
As the ogre began its chant, the entire gallery began heating up. A giant orb of flame appeared above the ogre. The corpses of the goblins around the ogre's feet began to boil and char from its mere presence.
"He's summoning a fireball!" Dwarf Shaman shouted.
"That's too much even for me to handle!" Sienna said concernedly.
The size of the fireball in its current state was enough to engulf a small building, its explosion would surely consume the group regardless of where it landed.
"We're not going to make it in time!" High-Elf Archer realized. The ogre's spell was nearly complete and there was simply too much distance between the group and the gallery's exit.
The other group members knew the elf was right, but what else could they do? An idea came to Priestess.
"Everyone, come close to me!" the girl yelled as she pulled away from Sienna's grasp and stood in place, focusing on a prayer. "O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, by the power of the land grant safety to we who are weak..."
Realizing the girl's plan, the wizard grinned as she stood behind her.
"Get over here if you don't want to be burnt to a crisp!" Sienna shouted to the others.
Hearing the pair, the rest of the group immediately changed direction to join Priestess, trusting her as their best and only hope.
"Iacta!" the ogre finished chanting as he completed his spell and threw the fireball at the group.
"Protection!" Priestess finished as well, causing a wall of light to appear in front of her.
The fireball crashed into the glowing barrier, its flames eager to force their way through the shield and consume the group that hid behind it. Priestess could feel the assault of the intense heat, she began to struggle as sweat formed on her brow, her arms and legs began to shake, and then the barrier suddenly started to crack.
"Do you think you can stop my magic with a feeble human miracle!?" the ogre questioned tauntingly. "It will be sundered and you shall all burn!"
Somewhere deep down, Priestess knew that the ogre's words were true. The fireball continued to rage on and the cracks on her protection miracle were growing. But even so, she needed to hold on, for everyone's sake.
Then the cleric saw someone moving to her side, Bright Witch had stepped forward and reached out her arm toward the fireball.
"You look like you need some help, darling," Sienna said with a smile. "Let's see how much I can take off of this."
The wizard reached through the barrier, plunging her hand directly into the raging flames. Her skin began to glow as the inferno beyond the barrier started dying down. The air around the wizard grew hotter with each passing moment until the last sparks of fire finally cleared with the barrier still standing.
"That wasn't... so bad now... was it?" Sienna groaned out; her body and mind struggling to handle the magical energy she'd absorbed.
"Thank you," Priestess said gratefully, looking up at the wizard with admiration.
"You impudent little girl," the ogre sneered, his pride insulted by the fact she had, albeit with assistance, managed to repel his spell. "When I capture you, I will force you to watch as I slowly torture and execute that fiery hag!"
"Fiery hag? That's a... new one," the wizard croaked. "But I've been... called worse."
"Do not delay, continue retreating!" Saltzpyre commanded, causing the group to continue advancing toward the exit.
Even with the ground the group had covered so far, the gallery exit was still a considerable distance away. A fireball would still be able to reach the group, and the ogre knew that.
"Carb- argh!" the ogre began chanting but was interrupted by an arrow piercing its eye.
"You're not doing that again!" High-Elf Archer yelled as she let loose a volley of arrows, continuing to run as she did so.
With the ogre interrupted, escape was now within the group's grasp.
"You think that will stop me!?" the ogre shouted in fury as it picked up a large chunk of debris from the floor and hurled it at the gallery exit.
"Ah!" High-Elf Archer gasped, she was the furthest ahead of the group and the giant stone flew directly at her. The elf dove backward at the last second, narrowly avoiding being struck by the enormous projectile.
But the ogre had achieved its goal.
"No!" Priestess cried out as she looked upon the now collapsed exit.
"Don't worry, I've got a way to clear it," Dwarf Shaman stated as he approached the debris blocking the exit.
The dwarf was suddenly pulled back by Lizard Priest right as a second chunk of debris was hurled at the spot, further obstructing the exit.
"It seems he will not be allowing us such an opportunity," Lizard Priest remarked, looking toward the ogre.
"Then our only way out is to kill the giant!" Saltzpyre announced as he observed the monster. Whatever foul 'blessing' it had received allowed it to recover at an extraordinary rate, by now its knee and ankle had nearly fully regenerated from his and Sienna's initial attacks. "Master Goblin Slayer, this may be the time to use your scroll."
"It seems so," the armored adventurer agreed as he fished the parchment out of his bag. "I'll need a distraction."
"Then we shall provide one," Lizard Priest said as he tossed a handful of his catalysts onto the floor. "O horns and claws of our father, Iguanodon, thy four limbs, become two legs to walk upon the earth! O sickle wings of Velociraptor, rip and tear, fly and hunt!"
The fang-like catalysts glowed brightly before suddenly transforming into a dragontooth warrior and a swordclaw blade for it to wield.
Though Saltzpyre still felt unease at the skeletal lizardman's appearance, he was relieved to have confirmation that it was in fact not necromancy. And in a situation as dire as theirs, it was best to have as many hands assisting them as possible.
"I still don't know what that scroll is supposed to do," High-Elf Archer began. "But I'll trust you on this, Orcbolg."
"Aye, same here," Dwarf Shaman added supportively.
"Onwards to glory!" the witch hunter shouted commandingly as he, Goblin Slayer, Lizard Priest, and the dragontooth warrior rushed down the slope while High-Elf Archer and Dwarf Shaman circled around the platform to get a good vantage point. With her body still working to process the magical energy she had absorbed, using any more magic was out of the question for Sienna, the same could be said of Priestess who had exhausted all of her spell slots.
"We should... find somewhere to... lay low, darling," the wizard groaned. "It'll give... the others... less to worry about."
"Okay," Priestess said, following the older woman's suggestion.
As the melee combatants arrived at the floor, the heavy shot that had once been embedded in the ogre's knee had finally been pushed out by its regenerating flesh and bone.
"I will admit, you insects have all been a formidable nuisance," the ogre stated as it pulled the arrow out of its eye and began to stand up once again. "I will ensure that every humiliation you have inflicted upon me will be compensated for twice over."
"The crime of your existence will be compensated with your death!" Saltzpyre shouted, quickly firing off his pistol at the giant's eye.
But the ogre had expected such an attack and blocked the projectile with its arm. Although the witch hunter's heavy shot was capable of temporarily shattering the giant's bones, his standard shots seemed to only inflict mild flesh wounds.
"Your tricks are predictable and tiring," the ogre sneered before swinging at the old man with his club.
Saltzpyre dodged backward, continuing to fire his shots at the giant's eyes. Once again, it blocked the projectile as he advanced upon the witch hunter.
As he was distracted, Lizard Priest and the dragontooth warrior rushed at the ogre's legs, slashing at each of the monster's ankles... only to cause small scratches that healed nearly immediately after.
"He is impervious to my blades!" Lizard Priest realized as the ogre's attention was redirected to him and the dragontooth warrior. The lizardman was able to dodge out of the ogre's swing, but his summoned companion was much less fortunate. The ogre's club came down hard on the dragontooth warrior, shattering its bones and sending pieces of it flying across the gallery.
"The rest of you will not have as merciful a demise!" the ogre announced before it was suddenly pelted by arrows. "Buzzing insects!"
High-Elf Archer rushed around the platform, firing volleys of arrows as she ran. The ogre swung its club at a spot just ahead of the elf, destroying the platform and causing her to lose her footing.
"Ah!" the elf gasped in surprise before adjusting her form, landing on her feet, and narrowly dodging a follow-up swing. "This is nothing!"
"Come out, you gnomes, it's time to work, now don't you dare your duty shirk—a bit of dust may cause no shock, but a thousand make a lovely rock!" Dwarf Shaman chanted. "Stone Blast!"
As the ogre focused on High-Elf Archer, a barrage of stones suddenly struck across its entire body.
"Is that trick all you are capable of, pest!?" the ogre shouted before a bang rang out and a bullet was sent straight into its eye as it was distracted. The ogre glared furiously at the witch hunter, contempt filled his face at the notion that the old man had once again managed to pull off his 'trick'.
Saltzpyre holstered his pistol, it had been his last loaded one and there was no chance to reload now.
"You should know by now that you cannot defeat me, so what is your goal!? To annoy me so much that your demise will be the most agonizing I can ensure!?" the ogre shouted angrily. "If that is so, I will oblige!"
"Our goal was never to defeat you, abomination!" the witch hunter retorted boastingly. "Now, Master Goblin Slayer!"
"Goblin Slayer!?" the ogre said with a tone of shock as if something had clicked in its mind. It quickly scanned the gallery before eventually spotting a raggedly equipped adventurer, one holding a scroll.
"What have you dithering fools called my attention for?" the ogre questioned sternly.
As a commander serving under a general of the Demon Lord, the ogre had been tasked with the duty of raising an army deep within their enemies' territory. Such a threat would compel the forces of Order to act, diverting their attention and weakening their front lines. He would've considered such an assignment a great honor if it hadn't been for one thing.
Looking down at his goblin underlings, he felt nothing but frustration and loathing. Of all the soldiers his general could've given him, it had to be the most worthless and pathetic ones on hand. It was practically an insult that he, a mighty ogre, was assigned only lowly goblins to lead, especially since that self-serving vampire wench was allowed free reign to enact some secretive scheme in the snowy mountains. If the little green pests weren't so blatantly incompetent, disloyal, annoying, and overall inferior, then perhaps they would be somewhat tolerable, but that was not the case.
Still, all of this was merely a temporary embarrassment. In time, he would prove himself worthy of positions truly befitting his capabilities, just as his brother was doing now elsewhere. The day of their ascension among the Demon Lord's generals would come eventually, and when it did, the two of them would lead their own grand armies in their conquests against the forces of Order.
A shout from one of his goblin guards brought the ogre out of his thoughts and back into the present. For now, he was still just a leader of goblins.
The jittering guard motioned toward the entrance, trying to convey that something had entered the ruins.
"Have you forgotten how to perform your duty?" the ogre questioned with annoyance. It seemed that his underlings were incompetent in even the simplest of tasks. "Take your worthless brethren with you and handle it as you did that foolish elf from before."
The goblin guard, understanding that his leader was being dismissive of him, attempted to elaborate. From what the ogre could make of the creature's babbles and gestures, it seemed that the intruder wished to meet with him.
"Bring them to me," the ogre ordered.
Registering the command, the goblin guard quickly ran up the spiralling slope, heading through the hall toward the ruins' entrance. A short while later, he returned with a figure trailing behind him.
Following the goblin guard was an old, balding man with grey hair. The man walked with a limp, using a crude staff to support himself as he moved. His withering visage was as dishevelled as the dark, tattered robes in which he shrouded himself. Hanging across his chest were trinkets fashioned from the fangs and claws of beasts, along with a line of circular plates engraved with strange symbols. As the man looked up at the ogre, he revealed a pair of milky, clouded eyes.
Had it not been for the magical energy that seemed to radiate from the old man's wretched form, the ogre would've immediately executed both him and the goblin guard for so shamelessly wasting his time.
"Greetings, great and mighty ogre," the man spoke. His eloquent voice seemed unbefitting of his pathetic appearance. "My lord has sent me here to advise you on an urgent matter. I humbly ask that you hear me."
At the very least, the man appeared to comprehend the respect an ogre was owed. That alone made old wretch better company than all of his treacherous goblin underlings. Perhaps he was worth tolerating for the moment.
"You may speak," the ogre replied flatly, willing to entertain the self-proclaimed advisor's request. "But try my patience, and you'll regret it as a slow death takes you."
"I would not expect anything less," the advisor began. "You and your burgeoning army will surely accomplish many grand feats when the time comes to execute the next phase of your general's plan."
The advisor's words roused the ogre's suspicions. He was familiar with the agents of his general, and this withering human was not one of them. That he knew of their plan implied something treacherous was afoot. Someone had leaked the information, but why? Was it to sabotage him?
"Who is this 'lord' you serve?" the ogre questioned sternly, thinking about his rival commanders who would've benefitted from his failure. "Is it that damned Ice Witch?"
"I can assure you that I do not work under the vampire whom you rightfully hold spite against," the advisor answered confidently. "She is largely irrelevant to the greater picture; her schemes will bear few fruits for the Demon Lord. Any and all of her accomplishments will be mere footnotes compared to yours, should you succeed."
The old man's knowledge was beyond what any outsider should know. That only made him more suspicious, yet he didn't seem to be lying about his intentions.
'I should just crush this pretentious lout where he stands and be done with it,' the ogre thought, but something compelled him to keep listening.
"Continue," the ogre ordered, choosing to hear everything out before making his decision.
"Of course," the advisor complied. "I bring news that in the coming days, a force shall arrive to attack your fortress."
"So, they finally sent an army," the ogre thought aloud. If what the man said was true, his task had already succeeded. All he had to do was wait for them to come. Whatever force had been sent would only be expecting goblins; they would not have prepared to face an ogre. His victory was assured.
"You are mistaken. It is not an army that targets you," the advisor corrected. "A group of adventurers has taken on a quest to exterminate the goblins of these ruins."
"Adventurers?" the ogre repeated disappointedly. It seemed that the enemy forces still weren't treating him as a serious threat. Clearly, he needed to escalate his operations. He considered ordering more raids, razing down a few nearby villages, maybe targeting a local noble or two. Perhaps then they would start sending actual soldiers instead of the fodder. Still, he supposed that more food, equipment, and breeders for his underlings would at least be useful. "How many?"
"Five," the advisor answered.
"You came to warn me of five goblin hunters?" the ogre questioned disbelievingly, his brow furrowing. "Do you insult me by implying that I might be threatened by a mere five of those weaklings!? My underlings will outnumber them by over a dozen times; not even they, the worthless excuse for soldiers they are, would be threatened by a mere five adventurers!"
"These adventurers are not the fledglings you assume them to be," the advisor calmly responded. "Most of them are skilled veterans, and they will slaughter every goblin within this fortress."
"And you believe I wouldn't be able to do the same to them?" the ogre asked unamusedly. The old man's novelty had overstayed its welcome, and now he was getting on his nerves.
"They will, for the most part, struggle to even make a scratch on you," the advisor answered. "But one of them will defeat you with a single attack, with a tool so simple that even a child might use it with minimal effort."
"And who exactly is this great adventurer that will strike me down?" the ogre questioned, his voice reflecting his growing irritation.
"I was informed that he is referred to by many names," the advisor began. "But most know him as 'Goblin Slayer'."
"Goblin Slayer!?" the ogre shouted angrily. Whatever joke the old man had been playing on him finally wore out his patience. "You claim that I will be bested by a mere slayer of goblins!?"
"You may heed my warning, or you may not," the advisor stated as he turned and began walking back to the ruins' entrance. "Should you survive, I shall return to assist you once more. And if not, so be it."
"You come into my domain, make a mockery of my capabilities, and now turn your back to me!?" the ogre yelled as he raised his palm, readying to cast a spell. "You insolent little wretch! You will be executed here immediately, and I will ensure that every shred of your pathetic existence is rendered to nothing but ash!"
Before the ogre could start chanting his spell, a pure white crow flew down and landed on the advisor's shoulder. With a loud 'caw', a blinding flash of light suddenly filled the room, and in the instant it faded, both the man and the bird had vanished.
Still furious, the ogre looked down at the goblin guard who brought the old man into the ruins; an example would have to be made.
"Sagitta inflammarae raedius!" the ogre chanted, sending a bolt of fire flying directly at the guard.
The goblin looked on in terror as a fire bolt larger than his body struck him. As the bolt impacted him, his entire body became alight, turning him into a flailing bonfire. His tormented scream suddenly cut out when his vocal cords seared shut. In the brief instant before his immolating death, he felt every ounce of his flesh liquify and blood vaporize. Within seconds, the fire had burned away everything it could feast upon, leaving only a pile of smoking ashes.
The ogre looked over the terrified goblins who all cowered beneath him, taking a moment to savor their pathetic cries.
"If any of you imbeciles even think of wasting my time like this again, know that the next one will suffer a death ten times more painful!" the ogre shouted.
As the ogre returned to his quarters, the advisor's 'warning' remained on his mind.
'A 'Goblin Slayer' will kill me? What a ridiculous farce,' he thought, making a note to report the old man to his general and recommend that he be killed on sight. Both for the sake of ensuring the integrity of their plans and for soothing his slighted ego.
"Magna remora restringuitur!" the ogre chanted, quickly completing a spell.
Goblin Slayer allowed the scroll to unfurl, expecting a massive jet of water to shoot out and disintegrate the ogre. But nothing happened.
"Counterspell?" Dwarf Shaman said, realizing what the ogre had done.
'So that wretched dotard knew something after all,' the ogre thought as it swung its club sending the armored adventurer flying into a pillar, with the scroll falling uselessly at the ogre's feet.
"Orcbolg!" High-Elf Archer shouted in shock.
"Goblin Slayer, sir!" Priestess screamed in horror as the armored adventurer fell to the floor. The girl rushed out from her hiding place to aid her fallen companion.
"Darling, no!" Sienna called out, trying to stop the cleric, but had acted too late.
"So, that's where you were hiding," the ogre said with sadistic amusement as it focused on the girl and began approaching.
"You will not go any further!" Lizard Priest shouted as he leapt at the ogre, slashing at it with his blades.
In response, the ogre batted the lizardman away, sending him skidding across the floor, before continuing its advance.
"Hit him with everything you have!" High-Elf Archer yelled as she let loose a rapid volley of arrows.
"Stone blast!" Dwarf Shaman shouted as he finished his chant and sent a barrage of stones flying.
The ogre flinched slightly at the projectiles but continued onward. It had a sadistic plan in mind, and it wasn't going to let the other pests interfere.
A loud boom echoed throughout the room. Once again, the ogre's knee had been shattered, and it was brought down kneeling.
"Argh!" the ogre cried in pain as it saw the witch hunter holding a smoking firearm.
In the time that the others had distracted the giant, Saltzpyre had managed to reload a heavy shot and fired it into the monster's leg. It was a sure method to impede the monster, but only temporarily.
The ogre retaliated with a swing, which the old man thought he had dodged until he realized that the ogre had feinted, and what he believed to be a swing turned into a thrust. The impact sent the witch hunter across the room, leaving him struggling to get up.
"Goblin Slayer, sir!" Priestess yelled, panicking as she attempted to shake the collapsed adventurer awake. She eventually got a response and began following the armored adventurer's instructions, pouring a healing potion into his mouth.
Although the ogre's movement had been stalled for the moment, it saw no reason to delay its plan. It raised its hand and aimed at the girl. As it did, Priestess noticed what it intended and began to brace for what was about to come.
"Sagitta inflammarae raedius!" the ogre chanted, sending a bolt of fire at the girl.
"O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, by the power of the land grant safety to we who are weak!" Priestess chanted. Although she had spent all of her miracles, her desperation forced her to act, drawing on every shred of her faith and hoping for her patron to hear her. "Protection!"
A glowing barrier appeared in front of the girl, shielding her and Goblin Slayer from the bolt of flame approaching them. The barrier stopped the firebolt in its path, however, Priestess could feel the difference in the attack. Unlike the fireball which was spread out to attack an area, the firebolt focused on only a singular point and was much more potent as a result. The barrier began to crack and it did so much quicker than when it was used against the fireball. As she closed her eyes and prayed desperately that the barrier would somehow hold, Priestess felt a presence rush in front of her. The girl opened her eyes to see Bright Witch bracing for the impact.
As the barrier finally shattered, Sienna held the bolt at bay with her hands. As she absorbed it into her body, her skin began to char and crack, and her eyes burst into open flame. When the bolt had finally dissipated, the wizard's arms fell to her sides and she stood silently, shaking.
"Ms. Bright Witch?" Priestess asked, full of concern. The girl felt exhausted, casting beyond one's limit had that effect. She wanted to collapse onto the floor right then and there, but she needed to make sure that the older woman was alright before she did. She placed her hand on the wizard's shoulder.
The moment Sienna felt the Priestess' hand touch her, she turned to the girl and forcefully shoved her away before hastily limping in the opposite direction.
Priestess' face bore a look of shock and confusion, wondering why the wizard had done what she did. Suddenly the wizard shrieked as her entire figure exploded into a violent open fire before collapsing, screaming the entire time.
"No," the girl said in disbelief as tears formed in her eyes and she realized what was happening. "No no no no no! Stop! Please! Stop it now!"
The ogre started laughing maliciously, his face filled with contempt and glee as the cries of Priestess and Sienna caused the still-standing group members to falter.
Victor looked on at the scene from his position, collapsed prone on the floor. Thoughts raced through his mind as he struggled to stay conscious. He wondered how Kruber would have handled this mission. The sergeant had always been the one to pull their group through the toughest of situations, perhaps he would have done so here as well, or perhaps he would have failed just as he did. He questioned why things had gone so wrong, surely there was a reason for his failure, he refused to believe that mere simple misfortune would cause his downfall. He thought about the one thing that had failed in their plan: the scroll.
Victor looked for the parchment, it lay on the floor, the ogre standing right above it. What was he thinking relying on a magic trinket of all things to save them? He loathed his naivete. Those who consort with witchcraft fall to witchcraft, that was how it always went and it held true now as well. It was a lesson he was taught throughout his training in his order and one he had compromised on significantly in recent times. He decided that if it was time for him to be taken by Morr, he would end things with a prayer to Sigmar, he had sworn to his patron that he would never doubt his will again, and he would at least die having succeeded in keeping that promise.
"Blessed Sigmar watch over these souls who follow you not, grant them fire to weather the storm," The witch hunter began, a desperate hope in his heart that somehow the others might survive. "Sigmar, I lay before you as a supplicant and a repenter, forgive me for my failures, for having heeded the witch. For the heretic, there is only death. For the unclean, there is only death. For the witch, there is only death. So shall it be."
As he felt himself nearing the end of his consciousness, Saltzpyre glared at the chaos giant. As unconventional as it was, it was the very definition of a witch, with its sorcery, its unnatural capabilities, its malice. He felt hatred for the abomination in every fiber of his being and hoped desperately that whatever reinforcements the local military sent would be enough to correct the mistake of its foul existence.
"Suffer not the witch to live," Saltzpyre muttered, concluding his prayer.
In the moments before he passed out, he saw a comforting sight: the fires that had painfully engulfed Sienna suddenly extinguished, leaving her at ease. He knew better than to trust such a delusion, but at that moment he wanted so badly to believe them to be true. And so as he finally collapsed, he indulged in the delusions. He imagined a scenario where Goblin Slayer's plan had worked and water had come shooting out of the scroll, obliterating the giant where it stood. He imagined how it would sound, with the water gushing out and flooding the room and chunks of the giant's body making splashes as it fell. He imagined the feeling of wet stone as his face hit the floor and everything turned dark.