Chapter 141 Pt.1:

Anton watched the sun begin to sink low over the open grasslands of Qaiviel. Like Atros and the vast majority of the Kar Kingdom, most of the lands were open with only a few forests and hills to break up the monotony. Their column of soldiers and mercenaries, slowly growing with every town and village they passed, snaked through an open forest following a rough dirt road clearly not often used.

“I don’t like this,” Conrad said quietly to Anton, Cetina pulled her horse close. “It feels just like the Accursed Forest. It’s all too quiet…And there are things rustling in the shadows.”

Some of the grasses and shrubs moved despite the soft wind. However, they mirrored an animal slinking through the undergrowth. Not that Anton was skilled enough to determine that with just a glance. It didn’t seem like the Stitch Soldiers or an army of ghostly Knights.

“I could set the forest on fire if that would make you feel better.” Anton chuckled.

“Don’t you dare.” Belinda’s carriage portal opened, a bundle of bright red hair poked out of the small hole. “Timber and lumber are the main exports for Slihal. And I am planning to gain control of this once the war is over, so don’t damage it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it…” Anton forcefully brought his horse to a halt along with the entire column.

Ahead lay three abandoned carts, their contents strewn across the ground covered in blood. Three large Ix lay dead, still leashed to the carts, their necks slit. Bloody trails led into the forest away from sight. Conrad signalled for everyone to be on alert as several soldiers moved forward.

“Everything’s gone.” One replied softly, his eyes glancing constantly towards the blood trails. “Looks like they took food and weapons.”

He pointed to several smashed crates, a small symbol of a sword and a spear lay on the side. “They were probably supplies needed for the front.”

Belinda wormed her head out further. “Those are…Yes. But they never travelled alone, without an escort.”

Conrad waved to the short grass either side. The short dry blades were crushed and heavily churned up, with many branches either side broken and lay strewn across the grass.

“Any way to tell how many?” Anton asked. He summoned a small Lightning Crow and threw it into the air.

“I don’t see any bodies,” Conrad ordered some soldiers to check the forest. They looked very nervous to be so far away from others in the darkening forest. “So they probably had enough people to overwhelm the guards and retrieve any bodies.”

“Bandits?” Cetina drew her sword.

“Maybe. But it would be stupid for them to attack these carts…Too dangerous for what they’re getting.” Conrad frowned, Anton felt a thought rise through his skull. “Of course we have someone that wants us all dead.”

“I wonder how many of our future soldiers are former bandits?” Anton mused. “At least they would have some combat experience…Though only attacking those far weaker than themselves. Normally at least, I don’t know. I’m not a bandit.”

“Let’s keep moving.” Belinda’s eyes strained through the canopy to the darkening sky. “I don’t want to be camping in the forests any longer. A simple bed is better than this carriage.”

At least the carriage provides you with some defence against surprise attacks. Maybe one day we could get the same…tanks? That would basically make us an undisputed power. How could a Knight possibly hope to pierce an inch of solid steel? Especially with guns and cannons shooting back.

After pushing the carts to the side, having no choice but to leave the heavy Ix where they lay, they continued through the forest. The lights of Slihal quickly came into view, a few lonely flickering torches illuminating the wooden palisade walls. However the walls were heavily damaged from fire, several large holes had been torn through and filled with whatever junk and debris the citizens could find.

“I wonder if this is the work of the same bandits?” Cetina asked. “The Church might be trying to limit the number of people that we can…recruit.”

“And it doesn’t use their own people,” Anton grumbled. “Guess we’re about to find out.”

“Who goes there?!” A Qaiviel soldier, wearing a dull version of the white and green uniform, crouched low behind the wooden palisade.

“Duchess Belinda,” Conrad replied calmly. “With reinforcements for King Leo.”

The soldier nodded and ordered the gate open. Anton wasn’t surprised but the state of the people inside; soldiers and guards lay strewn across the ground, moaning and writhing with bloody wounds and missing limbs. Some cried out for their mothers while others muttered hateful curses to powers and people unknown.

“Who is in command here?” Conrad asked. Belinda’s carriage door opened, she appeared a little annoyed that no one was immediately present to take her hand. She waved off a White Dog mercenary that rushed to her side.

A Qaiviel soldier, tending to the wounded, raised his hand. “Um…I’ll get the mayor. We’ve been under assault since the mid-day.”

“Bandits?” Conrad asked. He motioned for everyone to dismount from their horses.

“I’m not sure.” The soldier shrugged. “They’re pretty well armed for bandits. Much better than we’re used to around here. They had new swords and armour, nothing too good but a lot better than the scraps they normally have.”

“Deserted soldiers perhaps?” Anton asked. As he slammed his feet onto the ground they groaned in pain, one of his claws had twisted strangely and poked into his scaly hide. It took several good hits before it shifted free. Cetina offered a hand but Anton waved her down.

“Possibly.” The soldier stroked his short beard. “But I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some of these bandits before. And they weren’t this well armed then.”

“There’s a possibility that these bandits have been paid off by The Church and King Harold and Giles.” Conrad motioned to the destruction levied against the city, more significantly its people. “Anything to delay our advance.”

“I don’t know about that…But it could be what’s happening.”

“We should deal with the bandits before moving forward.” Belinda frowned lightly. “We are worryingly close to Castle Etoile. If they control the approaches…”

Belinda’s frown furrowed even deeper. “Bandits would know hidden paths and the best ways to avoid patrols, right Conrad?”

“They wouldn’t be bandits if they didn’t. Certainly not mentally capable of ambushing a convoy out of support range of a city.”

Belinda turned to Anton. “Could you please heal those that can be saved? We need every living soldier we can get. Conrad, organise a force to deal with these bandits.”

“We don’t know their location.” Conrad turned to the soldier who simply shook his head.

“Perhaps somewhere in the forest? It’s quite large and you can get lost pretty easily in there. Not our lumber workers…”

“Do you have any of the bandits?” Anton asked. “I can get them to talk, even the toughest will simply bend if I ask him too.”

“We caught a few. But they aren’t talking…” The soldier glanced away. “Even when we tried to make them.”

“Show me to your most grievously wounded.” Anton began. “I’ll keep them from death.”

“Where is this mayor?” Belinda asked aloud. “I need to know exactly what this city can provide.”

---[]---

“You’re sure it’s here?” Conrad asked Anton.

Anton nodded, pointing to the rough map of the forest. “They were quite clear their camp was located right here. Apparently, it’s some sort of ruin, an old woodcutter settlement that was abandoned.”

“And they told you this?” Conrad frowned deeply. “When the soldiers couldn’t?”

“Kind of.” Anton glanced to the city guards and soldiers forming up nearby. “They weren’t exactly capable of speaking…I think they were a little too enthusiastic about extracting information. Honestly, I don’t think they’ll live the night.”

“That bad, huh?”

Anton didn’t respond, turning his attention to the map. At first, he had been repulsed by the injuries inflicted upon the bandits but after remembering what they did, who they preyed upon to survive that compassion left him. He ensured the bandit that talked would live but he didn’t know if that was actually a punishment in disguise. He’d probably be hanged upon daybreak, many of the citizens were left deeply wounded and scarred, though only a few had died.

“However.” Anton coughed lightly. “The approach is, apparently, quite difficult without being detected. So we’re in for a rough time if we’re going to attack this position with a large force.”

“But that’s why magic is so handy.” Conrad smiled. “You killed five thousand by yourself, and I think you’re stronger than you were back then too.”

“I’m running a little low,” Anton admitted. “Healing, even when doing it slowly, takes a lot of mana. By tomorrow I’ll have enough, but we can’t wait that long.”

“We…” Cetina coughed lightly. “We have some people that might be able to help us. Back home?”

Anton rubbed his chin. “They might be willing to help. But it’s barely been a day for them…Does Belinda have any more Mana vials?”

“Not sure.” Conrad folded his arms. “But I can check for you. I doubt this city would have any.”

“Go check please.” Anton turned away from the map. “I’ll see what I can do to get some reinforcements.”

“Are those…Others really going to be that helpful?” Conrad asked softly. “I don’t know how the people will react upon seeing them. They’ve been told all their lives-”

“I don’t intend to bring those.” Anton chuckled. “No. Perhaps something a little more palatable to their sensibilities.”

Conrad raised a brow but asked nothing more. He knew it would be revealed very soon.

---[]---

“So soon?” Leran asked. The old Pirate Lord sat slovenly, while his son and granddaughters sat upright and professional.

“I’m afraid so.” Anton nodded once. “The situation in Qaiviel is extremely dangerous and…If we lose there they will simply roll over Atros. No one here can fight over tens of thousands of…”

The Dark Elf leaders frowned, sparing each other a glance. Anton didn’t know how to truly describe what the Church of The Holy Father had created.

“Creatures. Creatures that I shudder to think of. Creatures that make what you faced look like a pleasant dream.”

“So what do you need?” Leran asked. He pulled himself up and leant forward, his fingers tapping on his knees. “Before we agree or disagree we should talk about what it is you want. Otherwise, you’re just spending your time scaring us out of helping.”

“I thought Atros being reduced to rubble would have been enough.” Anton chuckled. “But I think we could get away with fifty, maybe seventy, of your best archers. We’re targeting a hidden encampment of bandits so it shouldn’t be too difficult. And I’ll be there as well.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem.” Leran received nods from the leaders present. “Bandits and pirates fighting each other…Nothing new. Better that we keep our aim true.”

“Are you coming as well?”

Leran laughed. “Hell no. My old body can only swing this cane. And even then for a little while. Thanks for clearing up my chest, by the way.” Leran motioned to his son. “Cagec will lead our forces. I presume that won’t be a problem?”

“No. I have no intention of telling the Dark Elves how to fight. Best to leave it to those who know what they’re doing.”

Leran nodded again. “Cagec. Get eighty of your best warriors and have them follow Anton.”

“Are we going?” Calo asked. Her sister nodded. “We can fight.”

Anton shook his head. “I don’t think so. This will be quite a brutal battle. And we don’t know what we’re going to find there. These bandits are more than likely being funded by our enemy, so they’re not going to just have scrappy equipment. And there are stories that these creatures are roaming the wilds. Probably not true but we don’t know.”

“Better make that a hundred then,” Leran added softly. His eyes turned to Anton, devoid of any joviality. “Make sure they all return in one piece.”

“I shall.”

The Dark Elven leaders rose up and dispersed, Cagec giving a signal they would meet at the portal building. Leran hobbled away, flanked by two leaders, leaving Calo and Sheso behind.

“It’s definitely not a good idea for you two to come with us,” Anton said, cutting through the awkward silence. “Not because I don’t think that you’re capable…Well, I think this battle is mainly going to be archery and magic. And you two don’t know how to do either, for now at least.”

“It’s not that.” Calo looked at her sister. “I…I understand why you’re helping the Dark Elves but not the Qaiviel Kingdom. Why? What do they have over you?”

“Do they know where you live?” Sheso asked. “I know humans, most humans, despise Beast-kin. But they don’t have as much of a problem with us. Well…”

“Not when they find out what clan we are,” Calo grumbled. “I think our clan has made it very difficult for Dark Elves to live anywhere outside of The Shadow Isles.”

“And Atros!” Sheso sniggered devilishly. “I’m sure others could live here quite easily. Much brighter…But it really doesn’t feel like home.”

“They do know where we live.” Anton nodded, sighing lightly afterwards. “They knew before this civil war started, but not exactly who lived here. Just that were heretics, but that’s enough for them. I don’t know if they know that we have Beast-kin.”

“And if you were to say...” Calo swayed her hips. “Hide them, would these people just leave you alone?”

“No. They want us destroyed. And that means everyone that lives here. I don’t know how the Church of The Holy Father regards Dark Elves but it probably isn’t good.” Anton smiled bitterly. “Should that happen we might be living in The Shadow Isles.”

The twins laughed.

“In that case, we’d be happy to show you around.” Sheso chuckled. “Show you what can be eaten safely or not. Where all the good hunting spots are.”

“The Shadow Isles isn’t a bad place to base a fleet.” Anton mused. “A decent place to strike at Seocuria…If we didn’t have the portals. But I’d prefer to stay here. I’ve got some history with this place.”

The tent flaps opened, nearly a hundred Green Moon Clan warriors stood silently outside. They retained their loose clothing, not exactly ideal for absorbing blows but it rendered them almost silent as they moved.

The undergrowth’s littered with dried branches and twigs. Our boots and equipment’s going to make a lot of noise.

Cagec immediately shared the same concerns.

“Could you bring two additional sets of clothing? One for myself and Cetina.”

“The Bebbezzarian woman doesn’t need to come with us,” Cagec said softly. “Eighty Dark Elf warriors will be more than sufficient to put down a group of bandits.”

“Better to be safe,” Anton replied. “Besides, she knows how to move quietly.”

“Certainly doesn’t dress like it.”

“True…We’re working on that.”

---[]---

“I feel so…Unprotected.” Cetina grumbled.

Anton nodded silently. He too was having some difficulty in adjusting to his new set of attire. The upper half was fine, it was his transformed feet that were causing problems. Again. His older boots, while perfectly fine, did make a little noise as he moved. However, and more importantly, the base was completely solid. The Dark Elf’s boots soles were essentially a very thick cloth padding, great for sneaking, not so much when one’s feet weren’t exactly humanoid anymore.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“At least the Dark Elves feet are like ours.”

“Like yours?” Cetina asked. A tiny choke escaped her lips. “I didn’t mean it like that-”

“Don’t worry about it.” Anton gently stomped his boot down. The padding still needed some work but it was close. “How are you doing?”

They stood inside a small building near the wall, Cetina hiding behind several barrels. The small gaps near the joints allowed light to travel through. Anton kept his gaze firmly planted at the opposite wall, not that he expected Cetina to freak out if he caught a glimpse. She had already seen his new legs, though, despite that she had offered something far, far more intimate…

“Okay,” Cetina grunted, he heard her cloth shuffling as she rotated her waist. “It seems that the Dark Elves don’t have to worry about a woman of my…How would Verona put it?”

“Size?” Anton rummaged through one of their packs. Anton held a ribbon of cloth out, where the barrels obscured his view. “Would this help?”

Cetina head poked around the edge before snatching the band of cloth. “This should be good enough. Just give me a moment and I’ll…”

Cetina grunted and continued to shuffle until she stepped out. Now she looked almost identical to the Dark Elves, barring her lighter face.

Anton smiled at the sight, Cetina raised a black brow in response.

“I’m used to seeing you in such bright clothes, even when you’re relaxing.” Anton chuckled. “It’s a bit strange for me.”

Cetina rolled her arms. “You’re telling me. I feel so, well, naked, without them. No metal plates or any sort of padded cloth. I don’t know if this is going to stop an arrow let alone a crossbow bolt.”

Cetina patted around her chest. The loose cloth barely moved underneath her hand.

“We should be alright.” Anton retrieved Cetina’s sword resting against the wall. “I know you know how to handle yourself in a fight.”

“We didn’t do that good against the bandits when you met us…” Cetina scratched her eyepatch. A sense of determination filled her remaining eye. “But I’ll show you how a Bebbezzarian fights.”

Anton wanted to reassure her that she probably wouldn’t be fighting, but quickly scrapped the thought. Cetina gave her body a final check and appeared satisfied.

Outside the Dark Elves had grouped loosely together before the main gate. The Qaiviel soldiers didn’t understand what they were witnessing, they too huddled together and whispered softly, pointing to the new arrivals and then to their own faces.

It’s likely they’ve never seen someone with such dark skin before. I doubt many in this world would leave their birthplace in their entire lives. Maybe a few miles for work…Seems so strange to me.

“Are we ready?” Cagec asked.

“We are.” Anton spied Conrad approaching, the rolled up map in his hands and several small blue vials.

“This is the last of the mana vials.” Conrad continuously glanced between him and the Dark Elves. “Never…Never thought I’d actually get to see a Dark Elf. But given what I saw in…That place, I’m not surprised.”

“Are we to take prisoners?” Cagec asked. He had approached without making a sound, something that unnerved Conrad. “For interrogation purposes?”

“Only the leader. If they have captives with them, obviously try and keep them alive.” Anton turned to Conrad. “Is anyone missing from the city? Someone taken during the raids?”

“A few. But it doesn’t appear to be targeted.” Conrad shrugged. “Sounds like they just took anyone they could get their hands on, anyone that was unfortunate to be near the breaches and didn’t play dead.”

“If we can return them it’ll go a long way to helping the people.”

“Understood.” Cagec nodded. “Any loot?”

Right. Pirates…

“There’s not much to buy back home,” Anton said softly.

“Not now, of course, but you have contacts with other places.”

“So long as it doesn’t directly belong to the people of Slihal.” Conrad nodded in agreement. “Again, you won’t have the chance to spend it anytime soon.”

Cagec remained silent.

Anton clapped. “Let’s go then.”

Their group slunk silently out of the city wall, guided by the final faint light of the setting sun. Anton passed the map to Cagec, his eyes scoured the map and gave a curt nod, as they entered the forest. As Anton wasn’t too confident on leading such an attack he copied the actions of the Dark Elves; moving low and in a single line. Cetina followed directly behind Anton, another four or so Dark Elves behind her.

Anton glanced back. Cetina kept her sword drawn and close to her body, the flat edge against her thigh so she wouldn’t accidentally cut herself, but he occasionally caught glimmers of the bright steel.

“You might want to put that sword away,” Anton said, he received glares from the Dark Elves behind and lowered his voice. “So it doesn’t give us away.”

“Hmm? Oh, right.” Cetina pulled a face and sheathed the sword. “I don’t have a dagger on me-”

A small dagger was thrust before her face, a Dark Elf blade from the increasingly irritated warrior from behind. Cetina accepted the blade with a silent thanks, threw Anton an awkward smile and carried on in silence.

The light had almost faded away completely when the thin column ground to a halt. Anton watched the Dark Elves signal something along the line, a complex hand gesture, as they readied their bows and double checked their arrows. The four behind Anton rushed forward and signalled for them to follow as well. Cagec found a small rise in the soil and knelt low, his black wooden bow, red marbling running throughout, resting on his legs. He motioned for Anton and Cetina to crouch low and pointed ahead. A faint orange light flickered through the trees.

“Is it smart for them to light a fire after attacking Slihal?” Anton asked, lowering his voice as low as possible.

“No.” Cagec shook his head. “My father would throw you overboard if you did after raiding a ship. You never know if someone’s looking for you, a scout for a larger retaliation force.”

“Bandits aren’t always the smartest,” Cetina added. Cagec nodded.

“Dumb bandits don’t live long.” Anton continued. “But they’ll go out with a bang.”

“Stay low and quiet.”

Anton followed behind the Dark Elves as they slinked through the sparse undergrowth. Compared to the Dark Elves his and Cetina’s faces were extremely light and would reflect light extremely easily. He signalled for Cetina to cover her face as best she could, Cagec gave an appreciative nod.

As they approached the sounds of laughter and shouting began to grow. Whomever these bandits were they weren’t too concerned with security and remaining hidden, despite the potential of a counterattack from the Slihal guards. Anton and Cetina were stopped by an outthrust hand. Six bandits lay dead on the ground, their necks cut deep and hidden roughly underneath the shrubbery.

Not even a sound. I definitely need better security in Atros, not that I intend to get on their bad side.

Without the scouts their force approached the bandit camp undetected, their encampment was based in a small depression, a dozen huge tents surrounding the few flickering fires. Hundreds of people moved throughout the camp, coming and going from the tents while laughing and rummaging through piles of loot and food.

“I count three hundred and fifty,” Cagec ordered everyone to lie prone. “At least.”

“And not all of them are men either.” Anton mused.

About ten percent were women, wearing the same ragged and scrappy armour as the men. Anton wasn’t too concerned, they made their choice and they would have to deal with the consequences.

“Does anyone look like a leader?” Anton asked. “No way that this many are being run without someone in charge.”

Cagec signalled something along the line of Dark Elves. Another hand signal returned along the line, one that made Cagec frown.

“There’s someone on the far side that’s a bit better dressed than the others. But they’re dressed in white.”

Anton grumbled. “Well, we thought it was a possibility. Can you take us there? I want to listen in.”

“We can’t get that close without giving ourselves away.” Cagec looked to his bow. “It would be easier just to kill them and leave him alive.”

“I have a way of dealing with that.” Anton smiled. “Trust me. I might overhear something important, you never know.”

Cagec wasn’t about to continue the debate. They crouched low and scampered along the line of Dark Elves, all waiting for the order to attack, to the far end. Anton saw the larger tent, not that much larger but certainly in better condition than the others. Outside three people sat before a fire, two men and one woman. The older man wore simple white clothes, covered loosely by a brown cloak, while the man and woman wore bandit attire.

“Let’s see what they’re saying.” Anton lay prone next to Cagec. “Cetina? I won’t be able to see or hear anything nearby for the next little bit. If something’s happening you’re going to have to tap me on the shoulder.”

“Got it.”

Anton enchanted his sight and hearing.

“Give us another day.” The male bandit leant forward, one hand reaching for a mug of beer. “The wall’s broken, but there weren’t enough of us to burn down the city before the guards managed to rally.”

“We’re still getting paid? Right?” The woman asked. She had many scars, mostly on her face. She appeared to have been in more fights than the man.

“Of course.” The white robbed man said softly. He was much older than the others, probably in his late fifties. “We don’t back down from an agreement. The damage you have inflicted is probably enough to cause a delay to Leo’s reinforcements. So that will have to do. For tonight, at least.”

“Good.” The male bandit swigged the entire mug of beer in one go. “If we get those reinforcements you promised we could easily destroy the city.”

The Church Representative frowned. “Those aren’t for you.” He chuckled, leaning back towards the tent. “Do you think that you, a group of bandits, would honestly lead actual Knights?”

The man stood up, kicking the rickety wooden chair over. “Don’t you fucking talk to me like that, you stupid old man. If you were so great you wouldn’t need us.”

The Church representative said nothing, blinking once at the male bandit as he slowly calmed down. The woman reached out for his hand and brought him back down, not caring that his seat was still tossed to one side.

“So long as you can guide them through the nearby forests and farmlands without being spotted…” The Church representative took a deep breath. “Then there shouldn’t be a problem.”

A vile smirk crept up his lips. “A thousand Knights will be more than enough to ravage the land. You and the rest of your bandit friends will have freedom to loot what and whomever you want, so long as you continue to support the Knight forces.”

“We don’t exactly have much food to spare.” The woman looked at the tents. “Nothing for horses or a few thousand soldiers.”

“We have that all under control.” The Church representative gently waved them down. “So long as you uphold your end of the agreement, everything will go just fine.”

“Good.”

The Church Representative chuckled. “And you’ll get enough of your vices to keep going for some time. I’m sure the Holy Father will accept your daily repentance.”

Both bandits shared a glance, filled with worry and annoyance, but said nothing. The Church representative drew a small sheet of paper, moved closer to the other two bandits and began to discuss the paths through the countryside.

Anton deactivated his enchantments and turned to Cagec. Before he could speak the Dark Elf was already frowning.

“I presume the man in the white robes is the leader?” Cagec said softly. “I didn’t need to use magic to determine that.”

Cetina nodded. “The way he carried himself and how the other two treated him.”

“The bandits are bringing in Knights and Church Soldiers to harry Leo’s rear.” Anton mused softly. “If that happens they’ll have to abandon Castle Etoile and then…Atros will probably burn.”

Both grunted.

“So, try and keep those three alive. Doesn’t matter how bad, I can fix them.” Anton looked above the centre of the camp. “Do you want a distraction or do you work best in silence?”

“Silence.” Cagec drew his bow. “But we’ll let you know if we need a distraction.”

“A few Lightning Crows could easily deal with them,” Anton said softly, Cetina nodded. “Unless they have a Principle Mage with them. Might want to incapacitate that old man first.”

Cagec signalled the Dark Elves. A line of shadows rose up, like a black hump riding underneath a wave, and advanced on the camp. Twangs of Dark Elven bows, quieter than humans, preceded the thunk of black arrows sinking deep into flesh. The three leaders were completely unaware of the sounds of dying men and women around them. Even the crackle of the small fire was sufficient to muffle their voices. However, it was not to last. A bandit spotted a dead companion and shouted, everyone instantly leapt to attention.

“How did they get past the sentries?” A bandit shouted.

“You told me you crippled them.” The Church Representative snarled at the bandit pair.

“We did!” She shouted back. She drew two small daggers and readied to fight, but she couldn’t see that far into the forest, being so close to the fire had dulled her night vision. “They got here faster than we thought.”

Not the smartest bandits then.

“Fight then!” The male Bandit yelled. “Fight these bastards-”

A black arrow sunk deep into his chest, silencing the man as he staggered back and forth, a hand shakily moved to the blood coated stump.

“No!” The woman shrieked.

Despite her cry she refused to go to his side, instead furiously scanning the ink dyed forest. A black arrow sunk into her stomach, she dropped her blades and clutched at the arrow, furiously trying to rip the arrow free, all the while muttering something.

Anton summoned several small Lightning Crows and threw them into the fight. The bandits, just like the mercenaries in the Accursed Forest, had no way to defend against such a fast and dangerous creature. Their few archers focused on the small crows, distracting them while the Dark Elves moved through the camp with the element of surprise regained as the crows swooped above their heads. Cagec ordered his Dark Elves to rush the three leaders, the two bandits were completely immobile, writhing on the ground in pain and shock while the Church representative stood completely still, stunned by the sudden attack. Upon seeing the Dark Elves, still wrapped in their cloaks, he grimaced but dutifully raised his hands over his head.

“How did Dark Elves get into Qaiviel without being spotted?” He asked, his eyes scanning the tree line. “There was one group coming from Bebbezzar but they didn’t look like this.”

“Don’t let him speak.” Cagec harshly whispered. “Strip him, make sure he doesn’t have anything hidden.”

Two Dark Elves forcefully removed his clothes, another three kept their bows trained upon his chest. He had nothing on him, no hidden charm or poisoned weapon, and was hurried out of the camp completely naked. Anton kept his comments about the man’s physique to himself, so too did everyone. He was allowed some dignity to cover his crotch with his hands.

Within a minute the entire Bandit camp was completely devoid of fighting. Anton and Cetina were finally allowed into the camp. Aside from the three leaders every other bandit was dead; the few that weren’t silenced by arrows were finished off with a quick slash to the throat. Their frantic, desperate pleas went unanswered.

Anton stopped before the two struggling Bandits. Both still had their arrows embedded deep, the man was beginning to pass out while the woman frantically pawed at her bleeding belly. If anything it appeared to have a slight bulge.

“Is he the father?” Anton asked, kneeling before the woman’s legs and out of any strike range. Cetina readied her sword, just in case.

“Why?” Tears streamed down her face. “You killed them all.”

“Well…That’s pretty obvious.” Anton shuffled to the man and ripped the arrow free, a burst of clotted blood and shreds of flesh. “But he’ll live. For now at least.”

Anton healed the bandit so he would live, nothing more. He had the feeling that it was wasteful otherwise. The open wound knit itself together and his breathing calmed.

“But I want to ask you three some questions.”

“You’ve killed the only thing that matters to me.” The bandit glanced at her stomach. “Why-”

“Shut up.” Anton ripped the second arrow free. The woman screamed, holding the wound tight as she thrashed about violently. “If there was a baby in there it was already dead. And I can’t fix that. I’m not in a good mood to deal with bandits who prey off the innocent and slaughter travellers in cold blood.”

Anton healed the woman. She finished thrashing but continued to stare at Anton, her eyes filled with pure venom.

“What do we want to know?” Cagec asked. He drew an extremely thin blade, identical to the blade Tuccac had used on the Pirate Captain. “There’s no point in torturing them just for pleasure.”

“Not effective?” Anton asked.

“Not efficient.” Cagec lightly pressed the blade on his finger. “It also breeds animosity, which could be extremely dangerous in the future.”

Only if someone speaks of what happened here.

“Didn’t think there could be honourable pirates,” Cetina grumbled. “All the bandits I’ve met are pretty vile.”

“They might be better looked upon.” Anton glanced to the Dark Elves. “But then again, we only have your words to go on.”

Cagec nodded once and threw the Church Representative with the two onto the ground. A piece of cloth was passed over, a tiny hint of thanks on his face. The Church Representative loudly clicked his tongue, shaking his head as he adjusted the small piece of cloth.

“Or do we just bring the three back with us? I’m sure the other humans have some better question for them.”

“I-”

A Dark Elf approached, not able to carry himself properly.

“Are you hurt?” Anton asked.

“No. We…We found something.” A Dark Elf awkwardly scratched his head. “Not really sure what…”

“How bad?”

“Pretty bad.”

They stopped before one of the smaller tents, the Dark Elves outside looked identical to those standing outside. A creeping feeling traced up Anton’s spine, memories of The Shadow Isles.

“Dead?”

“No.” The Dark Elf sighed. “But I wish they were.”

He pulled the cloth back. Anton’s eyes couldn’t understand what he was seeing, what lay on the tables. When he understood his blood ran cold.

“Cetina?” Anton reached for her hand. “Give me your sword.”

“Why?” Cetina hadn’t seen yet.

“Just do it.”

Cetina begrudgingly relinquished her sword, unwillingly but she followed his order all the same.

Anton returned to the three leaders, still lying on the ground with three archers ready to strike them down.

“Why?” Anton pointed the sword back to the tent, almost catching Cetina as she ran after him.

“What did they do?” The Church representative raised a brow. His hands continued to cover his crotch but he was far calmer with his nakedness now.

“I’m surprised that you’re actually concerned about your child’s safety.” Anton twirled the sword in his hand. He was surprised how heavy it felt, and yet Cetina could swing such a heavy implement seemingly without breaking a sweat. “After what I saw in there. You’d probably just sell yours for a few copper coins once it’s old enough.”

“What was it?” Cetina glanced to the tent. “I didn’t get a look before…”

“Turns out these bandits.” Anton thrust the sword into the woman’s leg. She screamed and held the sword tight, cutting deep into her skin as Anton slowly twisted the blade. “Enjoy them young. Makes me wonder…”

Cetina’s eye widened. “Are these the children taken from Gresir?”

“Probably.” Anton ripped the blade out, this time he wasn’t going to heal the wound. He turned to the Church Representative. “I presume this was your doing?”

The Church Representative loudly snapped his mouth shut. “It was. Money and special items. They were paid quite a handsome amount to follow our orders, more than they could expect to steal in half of their lifetimes. Short lives, probably, given their line of work.”

The man licked his teeth and continued to smile lightly.

Anton steadied his hand, resting the point of the sword into the ground. “You seem rather willing to give up such information.”

The Church Representative shrugged. “Why not? What do I have to gain by resisting?” He nodded to the blood-stained sword. “I’d prefer not to be skewered by that blade anytime soon.”

“So that’s enough to get them to join you?” Anton crouched down, resting his hands on the pommel of Cetina’s sword. “Four kids for them to do with what they please…And the rest?”

“That and weapons and money.” The man flashed a smile. “The rest have moved onto Clausonne. For what end, I’m not sure. I’m not sure which is worse though.”

Anton nodded. “Alright. I can understand. You, and I presume some helpers that have already returned home, brought them their weapons across the countryside? Without anyone stopping or even spotting you?”

“Yes. We-”

“What are you doing?” The woman growled. “Why are you telling-”

“Time to be quiet.” Anton rose up and thrust the sword into her throat. Despite the sharpness of the blade, it took considerably more effort than Anton expected. Though thin, the skin and flesh some resistance, more so when the blade found her spine. A spurt of blood gushed out, coating the blade and smothering her neck. She kicked and squirmed for a moment before falling still.

“No!” The male bandit forced himself up and held her hand, his eyes searching for any sign of life as he muttered underneath his panicked breath.

“Cagec, if he moves to attack your archers are to shoot. Understood?”

Cagec nodded once, completely uncaring of Anton’s murder. Anton stepped back and returned the blade to Cetina. She looked at him worryingly; Anton didn’t feel anything, beyond the physical, of killing the woman, perhaps Verona and Kal had warned her to ensure he didn’t go too far.

“Do these bandits know anything?” Anton hesitated. “Well, I suppose there’s only one left now.”

“Only pathways around the guard’s patrols. Ways that we can move large numbers of people and soldiers behind Leo’s forces to cause havoc and destruction.”

“So…This is a little strange.”

“It’s only a matter of time before you extract this information from me.” He pointed to the slim blade. “I’ve seen those blades rip fingernails and blind people before.”

“What do you know about the Stitch Soldiers?” Anton asked. “We’ve met them in Gresir, where you got the children from, but what do you know about them?”

“Very little. Only that they’re made deep in the dungeons of Clausonne.” The Church Representative shrugged lightly. “Obviously they were made somewhere before but now we have complete control of the capital…”

Anton held his head and repeated the question. The man was telling the truth.

“What magic is that?” The man laughed. He tried to stand up but Anton pushed him back down. “You could earn a fortune working for The Church of The Holy Father.”

“Recruiting me?” Anton chuckled. “Why not try, I suppose? But that’s not going to happen. Now, what type of forces are trying to attack us? Give me every detail of their armies in the region.”

The Church Representatives mouth cracked, his eyes flicked left and right before falling completely limp. Anton cursed aloud and chanted a healing prayer. The man was dead.

“The hell was that?” Cagec asked. “I’ve never seen poison work so fast before.”

“It should have taken a few seconds at least.” Anton mused. He waved for the male bandit to be taken away. “But he was jabbering for a long time.”

Anton pried his mouth open. Already his tongue had turned a dull green, the roots of his teeth turned black with great veins engorged in his cheeks.

“I can see four teeth at the back that are broken.” Anton took Cagec’s small blade. “Three with some sort of blue residue, the other a green.”

Cagec knelt beside Anton. “The green is newer. He mustn’t have been able to break it until now.”

“Suicide?” Cetina asked.

“Yes….” Anton sighed. “Probably wasn’t actually planning to be helpful, since it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what’s waiting for him. And it’s not a noose.”

“I see…” Cetina looked to the tent. “So what was happening in there?”

Anton stood up and looked to the remaining bandit. “There aren’t many women in this group. And they’re probably not going to like having ten odd men to deal with each night. So why not use someone that’s not going to complain, or have the ability to slit your throat in your sleep.”

Cetina blinked before she understood. Utter revulsion drenched her face, so too did the nearby Dark Elves.

“About three hundred men for four…” Anton shook his head. “We’ll take them back to Silhal. See if they can be saved. Cagec, do you know anything that could remove some painful memories?”

“Alcohol mainly.” Cagec faint smile faded. “But I know that’s not what you mean. They’ll have to get over it. Or…Or they won’t.”

“I wouldn’t blame them if they took that route.”

Anton remembered the women beneath Mount Aspire; their dead eyes and the single moment of joy, knowing their nightmare was about to end.

“And him?” Cetina asked.

“Bring him back. I don’t think they know much.” Anton kicked the man crying over the body of the female bandit. “I doubt the Church wanted them afterwards. Probably would just dump them in some pit. Probably not even that, just leave them in the forest for the wolves.”

The surviving bandit slowly rose to his feet, blood dripped from his clothes and hands. “We just wanted to survive-”

“Don’t give me that shit now.” Anton cut him off. “I bet if I were to ask one of those girls they’d say you were one of them.”

The man didn’t respond.

“I hope you’re ready to deal with Slihal. They’re going to have fun with you.” Anton chuckled as the man began to panic. “Not so tough now, are we? Don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t take too long.”