Almost ready but...

The first pitfall trap is almost ready and the workers who are not working on reinforcing the wall are preparing the cover and crossing platform. What was once an anti-flood embankment has become a massive hill reinforced by logs, overlooking the pit. Although it is not really anyone's fault, just badly timed chain of events, Belina can't stop herself from criticizing the current state of the work.

- The earth is too loose, there's no way to put my weapons there... And building foundation is not an option either, not without giving the earth some time to settle. (Belina)

She looks at the worker angrily, while it is true they are not directly responsible for the current situation, the citizen lack of initiative is what lead to this botched work.

- You nincompoop, is there any way I can procure some large stone slab? Or some heavy wood panels? Anything I can use to fix my weapons. (Belina)

- Sorry Ma'am, let me run back to the city, the masons and carpenters should have what you need. At worst, I can ask the stone cutters. (Worker)

- Do that. See, you louts? That's what initiative looks like, why don't you try to commit that to memory for next time?! (Belina)

The man runs away smiling while the others watch him go enviously. What she said is true, next time they will be the one to speak first and win a chance to get away from that crazy bitch.

On the other side of the pit, standing as far as possible from their angry comrades as possible, the two vanguards are keeping a lookout for incoming threat, ready to ring the alarm and intercept.

- She dumped, as soon as I told her I was getting short on cash, she found went back to her previous man. (Arc)

- Not like you weren't warned. (Chris)

- Is it so wrong to live the dream? It's not like I didn't know we were going to separate eventually, but it still pisses me off that she was faking it. Do you know what she told me before leaving? (Arc)

Chris let a long sigh then answer nonchalantly, with a very faint hope that he'll get the message.

- No, but I'm sure you're going to educate me, whether I want it or not. (Chris)

- I don't want to date a dead man walking! (Arc)

- Clever... I revise my opinion, she's a clever tavern wench. (Chris)

- Still a wench? (Arc)

- I am not going to call her a prostitute, that would be giving her too much credit, she's clearly not that professional. (Chris)

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

- [Laughing] You're evil. (Arc)

- Thank you. (Arc)

The rest of the day pass without accident, and as everyone is preparing for their return Chris catch glimpse of movement in the distance.

- Looks like the little buggers are finally coming for a visit. INCOMING DRAKE-LING, AT LEAST 50. (Chris)

Arc set his helmet visor down.

- Get to the other side and tell them to retract the plank. (Arc)

- Thank you captain obvious. (Chris)

She runs to the other side, leaving Arc alone to act as bait.

- Come on little critters, papa Arc is waiting for you. (Arc)

A dozen drake-lings are running in front of the other, four of them jump on Arc while the other ignore him to cross the makeshift bridge. Too bad for them, the workers and militia-men seeing the lizards running at them, let go of plank, which immediately falls it the pit with its unwilling passengers.

On the other side, the small invaders find themselves incapable of biting through the metal reinforced leather armor, and Arc not bothering to draw his dagger, dextrously catch them one by one, strangling them or breaking their spine.

Seeing their comrades die helplessly, the pack ignore Arc to run around the pit and up the hill, toward the other preys, those with soft skin. But once again, they are foiled by the hunters. Indeed, Chris uses the burning gel thrower to cut their path and the little carnivore, growl and snarl angrily at their preys, too afraid to cross the fire but too famished to leave.

Bad decision though, Chris use their indecision to cut their retreat, drawing an arc of flame behind them. Upon realizing their situation, the small creatures go crazy, running in a circle and attacking each other. A few courageous souls manage to jump across the fire, suffering minor burns and run toward the water but for the other, it is already too late, for Chris, with her targets so close to each other, deliver the finishing blow is just a matter of slowly pouring gel other the pack.

As the creatures scream in agony, Chris tells Belina.

- That's 3 half-silver of gel wasted on those creeps, they better reimburse us for that. (Chris)

- Don't worry, Arc's deal with the mayor included all our expense, he might be rude and arrogant when he negotiate, but he always gets us the best contracts. (Belina)

- I must have gone crazy from the fumes, I think I heard you say something nice about Arc. (Chris)

- He is a good negotiator, too bad his attitude is going to get him killed pretty soon. (Belina)

- And now you're worried about him, that's it, I must be delirious. (Chris)

- Not about him, about us, one mistake can lead to one entire team death. (Belina)

- Just like our mistake killed his entire team? (Chris)

- Gregor was too old, I regret not forcing him out. (Belina)

- Retirement would have killed him just as surely. (Chris)

- But at least he would have died alone. Make sure to teach him well. (Belina)

Chris laugh.

- It's Arc, why are you assuming he's capable of learning? (Chris)

Belina stares silently at Chris until she answers.

- Ok, I will. But I assure you his usual attitude does not reflect on his work, he's just as professional as anyone we've worked with before. (Chris)

- And yet they're all dead. Put things into perspective, right? Damn, I really need to look for an apprentice, I getting too old to handle all this by myself. And the militia is no help when it comes to mechanics. (Belina)

She watches Arc who's coming to join them and yell.

- Since you've got nothing better to do this evening, come help me! I'll even pay your tab afterward. (Belina)

- You're kidding, right? Miss miser is going to pay? Count me in! (Arc)