“My dearest apprentice,

Surprised a letter got here before you? Don’t be, I sent this well in advance in case I forgot to tell you in person. But I would like to tack on an addendum to your recent assignment back to Arteria. I’ve taken the liberty of enrolling you in the Academy of Arteria. Think of it as a chance to relax whilst still performing your duties and learning at the same time. I know it might not be your first choice but that’s where I heard your friends are now. Catch up, rest a little. You’ll need it.

Blessed by the Stars,

S.”

- Inquisitor Serilda, Letter to Mila, “Letter Received From Church Official”

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“Ye know what you’re doing won’t change anything, right? They’d let me die in a heartbeat.” The Meltonian quipped.

“Keep moving.” Sophie growled and pushed the hostage along.

The two were at the front of the group, Sophie being forced to bring him along given how vengeful some of the other prisoners looked towards him. He was also being cooperative for now, and for that Sophie couldn’t fault him. What it did end up in, was a very frigid start to the escape plans, the prisoners far less enthused about the sudden change inclusion than she had thought.

So, with Keely bringing up the rear alongside a few other more motivated prisoners, the escape had begun. Without the watchtower in operation, the initial escape had moved along smoothly. Despite the hiccups of the cleanup crew’s arrival, almost everyone was able to flee. They even managed to get past the eastern tunnel entrance without trouble, prompting Sophie to direct them to forget about the minecarts in an attempt to keep their flight quiet. It meant leaving the rear unblocked, but she doubted the minecarts would stop a determined orc from just tossing them aside anyway.

With no sense of time or any timekeeping devices nearby, Sophie could only grumble in frustration as they kept following the tunnel, finding little else but more tracks and more twists and turns. A part of her was just relieved they were on the move, not sitting targets waiting to be slaughtered. Another part of her worried that she was leading them all into a slaughter.

The Meltonian also didn’t help beyond trying to demoralize her, ranting on and on about the futility of their mission despite being a prisoner. More than once, she had been tempted to just leave him to the prisoners, but he always shut up just in time to avoid pushing her too far. Most certainly aware of his infinitesimal chances of survival in that circumstance. Given that he had already proven himself to be a coward, the man admitted that there was no need to change that perception if he could make it out of this alive.

She looked back at the crowd behind her. Their solemn, quiet forms shuffled ever forward. At least it doesn’t look like there’s any trouble so far. Her half elven eyes had adjusted to the darkness far better than her human counterparts, managing to catch even a glimpse of Keely somewhere far in the rear.

A few of the nearby prisoners looked at her warily, fatigued from the march yet also somewhat distrustful of her for letting the Meltoninan live. But it’s not just that, is it? In the time it took for her to clear the watchtower, word had spread of the ‘savage elf’ that fought more like a beast than a human. She’d even occasionally catch the whispers of doubt, of people wondering if she was actually here to help them or just leading them into another hell.

Keely too, had slowly turned what little hope she had into an apprehensive acceptance. Though the girl had been more affected by what had happened to her and the more recent assistance dispatch in killing the guards. Sophie could also tell that the worries of the prisoners’ weren’t unfounded as even Keely seemed frightened of her. She grunted at the thought, never going to fight as elegantly as Taurox, eh.

“Oi, oi.” The Meltonian hissed.

“What?” Sophie snapped.

“Up ahead, lights. Far forward.”

“You… oh.” Sophie mumbled, “Oh shit!” She exclaimed upon processing the words.

Panicked, she quickly waved at the people behind her, ordering the group to come push up against the cave walls. At once panic spread throughout everyone, though the fear was muted as they knew even hushed whispers could carry in the mines. She could feel the overwhelming wave of horror wash over her from behind. Fuck, not like this.

Sophie prodded the Meltonian and tilted her head. The man looked at her before shooting her an aghast expression, pointing to himself then out into the open with pure confusion. Yes you, Sophie narrowed her eyes at him. He still seemed reticent so she lifted her blade and pointed it at him. He glared daggers in return but reluctantly shuffled out into the open. Sophie kept her blade pointed at him as she moved behind by a few paces.

“Oi! Brittleback!” The Meltonian shouted down the tunnel. What the?

Sophie moved right behind him, pressing the blade against his back.

“Hey, hey. Trust me. It's code.” The man hissed angrily.

Sophie wavered, unsure if his cowardice would lead them astray. In another moment, she might have struck and charged. But she noticed the sweat on his brow. Her doubts had almost calcified when he turned to look back at her.

“This is bad, that was the code phrase I was told. They’d shout back boar in response.” The Meltonian gulped. Really? Brittleback boar? The animal's name is the code phrase?

“And?” Sophie asked.

“Means I don’t know who the hells those people are.” He mumbled, his eyes now more worried about his front than her blade.

“Alright. Then… let’s go.” Sophie declared.

“What? Did you not hear me? I have no idea who the hells those people are!” He glared at her.

“I did. But they sure as hells know we’re here now. No point dragging this out.” She wiggled the blade.

“I-I… fuck.” The Meltonian grunted, once more turning away from her and walking forward.

Her chest tight with doubt, she gestured behind her for the prisoners to follow, albeit maintain some distance. I’ll hold back the danger if shit goes wrong. But if their option is just to head back down the tunnel… Shaking her head, she joined the Meltonian. The two cautiously advanced, moving closer and closer towards the light until she could see figures moving around. Then the warning.

“Here they come!” A throaty voice shouted from the front.

“Company troops!” Another announced.

Sophie looked behind her and rapidly gestured for the prisoners to hug the walls once more. Hoping that she and the Meltonian would be enough for an engagement. The rest of them have done enough.

Her eyes caught an almost imperceptible dot being launched from ahead of them. Sophie shoved the Meltonian to the side and ducked. A crossbow bolt flew past them and slammed into the wall of the tunnel. Damned hells! That was meant to be lethal.

The two scrambled behind a small rocky bit that jut out. Confusion and the fear of death on the Meltonian’s face. Whilst Sophie was more concerned about this unknown force hurting the prisoners. The man suddenly stared directly at her. Creeped out, Sophie pulled back a little.

“Well?” He asked.

“Well what?” She snapped.

“Those certainly aren’t my people!” He looked at her incredulously.

“You sure?”

“What-? Of course! They fucking tried to shoot us you daft bastard. Are they your people?!”

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“I… oh?! But… but none of the others are supposed to move in. Whoever these guys are, if they’re here, doesn’t that mean…?”

“Aye, they fucking killed the shit outta everyone at the entrance to the mines like they’re trying to do to us!”

“I… right. Right.” She nodded at him.

She watched as the few crossbow bolts stopped. Assuming that they were simply waiting, she took this moment to shuffle forward. Unsteady but determined. She sucked in a breath and got ready to deescalate the situation.

“There!” Someone shouted.

“Hold-eep!” She squeaked as a bolt nearly took her eye out. She felt a hair or two get caught by the projectile. She dropped to the ground and tracked the bolt. To her horror, they were getting dangerously close to the prisoners. Sophie retreated to the rocky jut, much to her consternation and the Meltonian’s amusement.

Keely had also clambered forward from the rear to see what was happening, remaining at the head of the group but not pushing much further up. Smart girl.

“Who the hells are you guys?” Sophie shouted at the assailants.

Predictably, there was little response.

“Hey! Who the fuck are you?!” She shouted a little louder.

“Surrender now and you’ll be tried for your crimes.” Was the only response.

Huh? That certainly doesn’t sound like what a company guard would say. Though the barrage of bolts had stopped, she could tell that the sharpshooters were simply waiting for her to poke her head back out. Some surrender offer that is.

“Hey! I’m not with the company!” She declared, “I’m escorting survivors and a prisoner of war!” She tried to get the message across. Another bolt slammed near her position. Dammit, did they not hear me or what?

Only now did she look down at herself, her looted armor was effective at disguising her at range as a company guard. Unfortunately, that seemed to work a little too well. Glancing at the Meltonian, she could only sigh at her own ineptitude. Of course.

“Lass!” The Meltonian gave up all pretenses of being subdued.

“Huh?” Sophie snapped out of her stupor.

“Think faster! They’re getting closer!”

She listened for their footsteps. Leather and armored boots stomped against the stones. It sounded almost like the company patrols if a little off. But they were hostile to the company, so who are they? Raiders? Competition? The rangers!? No, can’t be. I don’t recall seeing any of them have iron or steel armour before we began… unless… dammit! How long was I actually out for?

“Lass!”

“Fuck! Right!” Sophie tore herself back into reality.

“Over there!”

“Don’t move!”

Voices echoed down the tunnel. Shit, they’re close. Think dumbass, think!

“Hold fire! Hold fire! I’m from Arteria! Arteria! I'm an Arterian infiltrator!” Sophie hastily shouted.

That seemed to catch the advancing party off guard, their footsteps temporarily halting. There was an eerie silence as both sides simply waited for the other to act. Knowing that she was at a numerical disadvantage, Sophie decided to take the initiative.

“I’ll come out with no weapons! But I’m wearing company armour! Don’t shoot me!”

She waited. Hushed whispers echoing beyond the tunnel.

“Slowly now! No sudden movements.” Came the cautious response.

She looked to the Meltonian who now seemed overly encouraging at this new course of action. Coward.

With her hands raised and her sword unclipped from her belt, she shuffled past the rock and into where a radiant shaft of magelight half blinded her.

In front of her were several armed figures. Two shieldbearers, two crossbowmen, a mage, someone with a greatsword, an armoured sword wielder who looked like the captain, and two lightly armoured axe wielders flanking the sides. Well shit, that’s quite the sword. But upon inspecting what little she could, she came to a curious observation. They were dressed nothing like company troops. So outsiders. Maybe rivals? They do look pretty organized.

“Easy now.” One of them, maybe a shieldbearer, called out.

Sophie took the chance to unclasp the armour straps, revealing her threadbare outfit underneath.

“Who the hells are you then? Arterian.” The armoured captain asked, his face hidden behind a helmet and visor.

Sophie swallowed a little, the tone in the man’s emotionless voice offered no quarter.

“Sophie Kastiane, Lily Knight and last knight of the lost House Rutley of Melton, former servant of House Rosengart of Carrador. I snuck in to investigate the place alongside an Arterian contingent. Now who the hells are you?” She fired back.

Her proclamation must’ve caught them even more off guard. She could see a few of the figures exchanging words. There was a hint of doubt in their motions, but also one of belief. After all, the situation itself would be pretty unusual.

“A fucking knight, my rotton luck.” The Meltonian hissed to himself. I can still hear you.

“Assuming what you said is true. What reason do you have here?” The captain asked.

“Like I said. Investigating the Braveskull company. For right now though, I managed to free around two hundred prisoners and was leading them out.” Sophie stated.

“Two hundred?!” One of the soldiers gasped.

“Quiet.” Another clicked his tongue.

“I… what? Can you bring them forward?” The captain shushed his subordinates with a gesture and asked.

A little worried but equally relieved. Sophie turned and clapped her hands before motioning for Keely to bring the others over. Hidden from view to the others but not to her, the frightened girl seemed almost excited that the ordeal might be coming to an end. Sophie’s shared relief was replaced by horror as her mind caught up with the situation. Oh no no no! Some of they are wearing-

“W-wait!” Sophie tried to call out.

The tunnel froze at her shrill voice, she could see the crossbowmen had their fingers on the triggers. Both sides now waiting for her next words.

“We killed a few guards and took their armor. So hold fire, please.” Sophie pleaded.

The captain seemed to mull this over before gesturing at his subordinates, their crossbows pointing slightly down to the ground. He nodded at her.

Relieved, she motioned for the prisoners to continue. Now aware that there was more at stake, whatever excited optimism they had was tempered by a healthy dose of fear. But as they all shuffled within visual range behind Sophie, she could see the soldiers seemed to lose their composure. Battle hardened faces turned into ones of shock and horror at the sight of the prisoners. Dozens and dozens of half clothed, battered women with a large proportion carrying rounded bellies stepped into view.

"What the..." One of the axewielders muttered.

"Did they..." Someone hissed.

"By the stars." Another closed his hands for a quick prayer.

One of the shieldbearers even lowered his weapons. Soon the others followed and the even captain seemed rattled.

“My apologies, lady knightess. We… had to be sure.” He spoke, a faint hint of anger and hatred bubbling underneath his helm, “Don’t worry. We’re an adventuring team commissioned from Sturmbreaker, here to help.” His reassurance lifting a weight off Sophie's shoulder. The combined operation, hah, I almost forget. Thank the stars they’re more productive than I thought they would be.

“It’s okay, sir.” Sophie managed to speak, trying to hide the deep sigh that escaped her body, “I do need to get these people to safety and administer whatever aid I can. Then… shit, did you say Sturmbreaker? As in the Ascari League, Sturmbreaker?”

“Aye mam, we're a gold ranked adventurer team, the Boom Hammers. Troops from Ashford and a platoon from Foreach are just beyond the entrance. Which…” He turned to his team, “Jamie, Taylor, clear the road back. Double time it Major Bannick, tell him about everything and that we’ll need a field hospital and… a shit ton of medics and supplies. Now.” A gold ranked team, huh? No wonder they were so vicious. Though I thought they’d look more spectacular. But then again, they probably can, just choosing to dress more practically which, fair enough.

“Got it boss.” One of the crossbowmen tipped his helmet as one of the flanking axe warriors moved to follow.

“The road out should be clear, just follow them. They’ll clear out anything that’s left behind if there’s any. We’ll hold the rear. Do you know how many company troopers there are?” The captain addressed her.

“Inside the mines? Hundreds? Maybe not a thousand but hundreds, for sure. I freed everyone here from a military camp and we didn’t even touch the majority of the orcs. Before that there was an entire township. But that might be on the Arterian side.” Sophie tried her best to answer.

“Fuck.” The man hummed to himself before pointing towards the figure still hiding behind the rocky jut, “What about him?”

The Meltonian looked positively mortified that attention had been drawn to him, “I’m her prisoner of war, fair and square.”

Sophie just looked at him, audibly sighed her disappointment and then reluctantly affirmed his statement, “I did take him prisoner, yes.”

“You plan on taking him to Arteria? Might be worth just leaving him with us or Major Bannick’s boys.”

“We’ll see.”

“Fair enough. And uh… sorry for almost… well sorry for firing on you.” The captain mumbled an apology, his men following his lead and dipping their heads apologetically.

“Doesn’t matter now.”

“Right. Go, go. If you can’t find the major, there’s also another adventurer team stationed outside, the Slender Swords. Talk to them and they’ll probably have something set up. We’ll either clear out the orcs or keep a foothold until the ground troops arrive. Go.” The captain vaguely gestured towards the end of the tunnel.

Grateful that everyone had been able to escape unscathed beyond a few bruises and scrapes on her end. She started walking past the small gathering of adventurers and prompted for Keely and the others to follow her. Does this mean we did it? That they’re all going to be safe? Sophie could just about pass out from exhaustion as it took the place of her adrenaline. Just a little bit more.