As the five protected the civilization stones the others were moving out. The healers and medics under Adster’s leadership worked on healing the injured. They were currently in the bedrooms closest to the hallway which didn’t have holes. 

The defenders had made it a clear zone of rats, allowing the healers to treat the most injured dwarfs that had their throats ripped up. Adster was sweating heavily trying to heal the damage as the two medical dwarfs tried to keep the injured dwarfs from choking on their own blood. 

As they worked to save lives, the defender dwarfs split up protection for the mages, now protecting the earth mages to seal off the holes. The other half headed to the wall to repel the army of rats. 

Unicy rushed forth with a club in hand and defenders following behind her. They were unfortunately too late to stop the rats from climbing up on the wall. But the three guardsmen were back to back smashing their clubs and feet on the invading rats.

Walking and smashing rats along the way Unicy let out a battle cry as she reached the top, “KILL!”

The guardsman infected by her vigor joined her roar slaughtering their way towards the tired guards. While they worked to take back the wall, Uria led a team of dwarfs to a few barrels containing oil and told them to pour them into the holes.

The two girls had talked before and agreed on a plan to set the shallow trench aflame. With the flames, they would be able to stop the rats from coming allowing them the breathing room to clear the wall. 

Working fast, Uria got the three barrels dumping into holes and that led to the smaller trench. The smell of oil and blood filled the air as she gathered a ball of flame within her hand.

“Damn vermin, burn in hell.”

Unleashing her fireball into the oil she willed her flames to speed across the oil. In a flash, the rats that were trying to come in were baked in flame screeching full of pain running in all directions spreading the flames to other rats. 

The Rat King quickly noticed this and gashed its teeth at the sight. Seeing its plans go up in smoke it quickly recalled the remaining forces to retreat. Those left on the wall fought tooth and nail to injure the dwarfs the best they could.

By then Urist and Fatty showed up to see the lit flames and the dwarfs slaughtering atop the walls. Punching and kicking and smashing the dwarfs fought against the dwindling tides of rats who scratched and bit into the dwarfs. Urist had helped out in the battle by covering a large length of the wall on fire. He was glad that he could control what fire the could and couldn’t burn.

Twenty minutes passed before the last rat was crushed in Unicy’s food. The guards were covered in blood and rat guts, with two dwarfs heavily injured from the fighting. Unicy moved fast and told the less injured to help the wounded back inside. Ten who were uninjured were told to stand guard in case of another wave while the rest went inside.

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Unicy, Uria, Vlad, and Urist carried by Fatty walked together and talked.

Unicy gashed her teeth, “What cunning adversaries to attack use in our beds. We were too careless.”

Vlad scratched his chin and responded, “I told you didn't I? Kings are not to be looked down upon. We were lucky to escape with only that much damage. And it’s all thanks to their leader becoming a human torch and screaming his head off. Haha!”

Although Vlad tried to lighten the mood Urist and the rest weren't feeling it.

In a grave tone, Urist commanded, “Fatty take me to see the wounded. Let's hope no one perished over my mistake.”

Fatty said nothing and carried Urist forth into the cave. Uria watched on to see how small Urist’s back had gotten. She wanted to say something but didn't know what. So she stood there reaching out with her hands as he disappeared inside.

As per instructions Fatty walked towards the sound of dwarfs gagging on blood and wishing for the pain to go away. Within the heartbreaking sounds, four dwarfs were issuing commands to each other.

“Clean the fucking neck wound. The man is about to choke to death. I can't close the wound like this with the little magic I have left!”

“Don't you think I know this? If we don't save him he'll be the third one to die! Water mage I need more water here.”

“Stop Fatty don't go in.”

“Boss?”

“Take me to the crystal room and set me down. I need to think.”

Noticing Fatty leaving with Urist, Vlad was just about to call them when Unicy grabbed his hand. Looking back Vlad saw her shake her head and understood. He could take a hint. Sometimes a person needed to be alone.

Entering the room Urist relieved the dwarfs of guarding and told Fatty to set him down near the pillar and leave him. 

“I just need some time. Come back in an hour.”

Giving a nod Fatty left Urist all alone to sit in silence.

People finally died under my command. After I tried so hard to keep everyone alive I made a mistake like I always do.

Tears began to flow silently down his cheeks as the nature he locked away deep inside himself came out bit by bit. The failure of whom he once was had finally reared its ugly head at him whispering all his faults and shortcomings.

Their deaths are on my hands. I should’ve been smarter, I could’ve asked more questions, If I knew more I would’ve been able to save them.

His mind talked back at him in a sarcastic voice, Heh, you? The useless one who couldn’t save anyone thought he could do it this time around? Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve in the end they’re dead and you killed them.

Urist kept berating himself over the deaths well into the hour. Falling deeper and deeper into a depression he almost didn’t catch the flash of light that entered his vision. Shielding his eyes, the light only lasted for an instant. After his eyes adjusted from being blinded he saw four dwarfs stand before him with their backs towards him.

Three of the dwarfs as acted dazed, but the fourth started looking around the room with great curiosity. 

Making an offhand comment as he pushed up his glasses, “So this is hell. I thought it would have more fire.”

Rat Tide timer activated 3 Days 8 Hours 21 Mins

Beast Swarm timer activated 11 Days 8 Hours 21 Mins

Point Amount:  7221