Meanwhile, deep within the bandit hideout, the three outlaws burst through the entrance, with Kate in tow. Their arrival doesn't go unnoticed. A goblin bandit barks an announcement, attracting the leader Cormac's attention.

(GB1)Hey Cormac, Gordo is back![sniff] And I smell a human with them!

Cormac stands near the bandit. His ears, usually drooped, perk up a bit at the news. He swivels around to see Gordo with the other two bandits riding towards them. A smile spreads across Cormac's face as he watches the group approach. Gordo stops his horse near Cormac and dismounts. As he gets closer, Cormac sees Kate on the horse. She scowls as she stares onward.

(C)Gordo, I’m so glad you're back. Is that her?

(G)It sure is, she gave us some trouble and almost got away. But almost wasn't enough.

(C)Glad to hear that.

(G)Hey you, get down from the horse!

(K)Kind of hard with these restraints. I'd fall on my ass if I got off now since I can’t hold on to anything.

(G)You've been a pain in my ass, I said get off of the horse!

(C)It's okay, Gordo, she's right, go ahead and uncuff her. Don’t worry, she can't go anywhere.

Gordo hesitates, but then complies. He pulls a small key from his pocket and reaches up to unlock the restraints on Kate's wrists. He unties the rope around her, allowing her to dismount from the horse. The moment Kate touches the ground, Gordo grabs her arm and roughly drags her towards Cormac. They stop abruptly in front of him. With a twist, Gordo snatches the hood of Kate's cloak and pulls it off, revealing her face. Cormac gazes down at her, a smile playing on his lips.

(C)I've been waiting to meet you. Kate, is it? My name is Cormac. I'm sure Merig has mentioned me.

(K)Yeah, he told me what a piece of shit you are.

Gordo gets all riled up after hearing Kate's words, shooting her an angry look as he aggressively grabs hold of her hair and confronts her up close. Kate winces in pain, letting out a cry while attempting to break free from Gordo's firm hold on her hand, but she can't quite manage to do so.

(G)Hey! Watch what you say, you filthy human!

(C)It's okay, Gordo, she's free to have her own opinion, let her go.

Gordo's eyes dart towards Cormac, a flicker of reluctance crossing his face. He loosens his grip on Kate, shoving her forward with enough force to send her stumbling. She collides with Cormac, who reacts instinctively. With a gentle hand, he steadies her before she can hit the ground. Kate straightens herself, her scowl deepening as she throws a glare up at Cormac before finding her voice.

(K)What exactly are you going to do with me? If it's Merig you're after, you better leave him alone. I'll endure any pain you inflict on me.

(C)How noble of you, but rest assured that no one here is going to hurt you. That's not the reason I had you brought here. I had you brought here to lure Merig and Larry here to the camp. They are my old friends and I have unfinished business with them. This was the only way to get them to come here.

(K)I swear if you hurt them, I'll raise hell. Merig will find me. He's very protective of me.

(C)That's right, I heard Merig is very fond of you. Rumor has it that he even chose to mate with you. Is that true?

(K)Yes, it's true, I love Merig. What's it to you?

(C)So a human and a Fomor fall in love, how touching. To think that a human was even capable of loving a Fomor.

(K)Well, it's true and frankly, I don't give a damn what you or anyone else thinks. I love Merig and I chose to be with him and if anyone objects, they can kiss my ass. And yeah, we made love. Sorry if that offends any of you.

(C)Fascinating, no offense taken. It’s just interesting how dedicated you are to Merig, that you'd even risk your own life to protect him, but why?

(K)Because he's done a lot for me and he risks his life to protect me every day. He's kind and gentle and would do anything for me if I asked. He holds me every night and keeps me warm. He's a loving person, and I'd do anything for him. I'd even die for him.

(C)I see, but he's not human.

(K)I don't give a shit. He doesn't have to be human to deserve my love. He's more human to me than some. I honestly don't think I deserve him, but he seems to think I do and has given me more love than I could ever ask for. I cherish every second I spend with him, and he treats me with nothing but love and care. I was raised to coexist with Fomors and was taught to treat them as my equals and be kind to them. I just never suspected that I'd fall in love with a Fomor, but I'm more than okay with it. I wouldn't trade Merig for any human man in this world to love the way I love Merig.

(C)I see, there aren’t many humans out there who think like you.

(K)I know that, but there are more humans like me than you think. There are cities and towns with humans and Fomors living together in peace, especially in Tara and back in Tailltean, where I'm from. Merig and Larry said you refuse to believe that fact.

(C)I’m aware of that, but unfortunately, humans haven't been so kind to me. I was betrayed by a human who gave me this scar on my face and turned an entire town against me. The human framed me for something the bandits did and the other humans treated me like I was the scum of the earth, when all I wanted to do was try to live with them in peace. I never hurt them, but they made my life miserable, and I had no choice but to leave my home and I was exiled. My trust in humans faded, and I joined the bandits, where I was welcomed with open arms. Merig, Larry, Barth, and Gordo became my friends, and they were like brothers to me. After some time, I became the leader of the camp and I was happy until they talked about wanting to leave and live in the city with humans. I remembered how those humans treated me back home and I didn't want them to be treated the same way. So as you can imagine, I was very hurt when they left.

(K)That's terrible and I'm sorry that humans treated you that way. You didn't deserve it. You lived with humans who were misled by the one who betrayed you. But not all of us are like that, especially people in Tara. That city is full of humans who accept Fomors into society. There are very few who still have hate in their hearts, but they stay quiet and let Fomors live their lives. Merig and Larry are a part of the Royal Guards and are praised for their bravery in protecting the city from bandits like you.

(C)I see, but there’s no need for you to apologize for the sins of other humans. You're the most accepting human I've met. Barth was right about you.

(K)Where is Barth?! What did you do with him?!

(C)Worry not. Barth is here, and he's safe and sound. If it wasn't for him getting in the way, I could've had you brought here sooner. But he decided to leave and tried stopping my bandits from getting to you, and I wasn't going to let him do that any longer. Although, he did turn out to be of use to me by leading us right to you. Now we just have to wait here for Merig and Larry’s arrival.

(K)Merig won't be too happy when he gets here, especially if you hurt me. And this asshole over here has already laid his hands on me and made me bleed. I can barely even see anymore because he knocked my glasses off of me.

(C)My apologies, it won't happen again. But as long as you comply, I can guarantee your safety while you're here. To make sure that you don't try to escape, you will be confined to a cell underground not far from here. Gordo will have the pleasure of watching over you to make sure you remain there.

(G)Don't worry Cormac, she's not getting away, I can promise you that.

(C)Good, now take her to the cell, but be gentle with her.

A smug grin spreads across Gordo's face as he catches Kate's eye. Cormac can only manage a chuckle at the scene. Before Kate can react, Gordo grabs her cloak, spins her around, and hustles her towards his horse. Without a word, he barks an order for her to mount. Kate, subdued, complies. Gordo swings himself onto the horse behind her, then with practiced ease, produces metal cuffs. Once again, her wrists are secured behind her back. With a firm command, Gordo sets the horse in motion, following the directions Cormac provided. After a period of travel, they arrive at a hidden entrance marked by a set of stone stairs leading down into the earth. Gordo pulls the horse to a halt and dismounts. He roughly orders Kate to follow suit, keeping a firm grip to prevent a stumble. She lands with a thud, and Gordo ushers her towards the stairs. Together they descend into the cool, damp darkness, the flickering torchlight barely illuminating the fifteen-foot passage. A turn to the left leads them into a vast, cavernous chamber, its cavern walls adorned with flickering torches. A large metal cell dominates the far end of the room. Without a word, Gordo shepherds Kate across the uneven floor and shoves her inside. With a clang, the cell door slams shut behind her. He stands guard, effectively blocking any escape attempt. Only then does he remove the cuffs.

(G)Now, you stay in here and be a good human and I'll play nice. But try anything stupid and I'll put these cuffs back on you, got it?

Kate's scowl deepens into a low growl as Gordo approaches the cell door. A smirk playing on his lips, he swings the door open and steps out. With a clang that echoes in the chamber, he slams it shut. But he's not done yet. A large key appears in his hand, followed by the satisfying click of the lock engaging. Gordo positions himself to the right of the entrance, clearly basking in her frustration. Kate, resigned to her fate, pulls the black cloak tighter, seeking some warmth against the cold stone. Back in Tara at the training grounds, the urgency to find Kate hangs heavy in the air. Merig coordinates the assembly of a fifty-strong search party. The metallic clang of armor fills the air as guards don their gear, while others select their weapons of choice. Larry hefts two gleaming new swords and a pair of hefty axes, a determined glint in his eye. Ashley, the alchemist, meticulously fills a larger cylinder with vibrant crystals. Merig, ever practical, secures a hefty bow, a sturdy crossbow, and a quiver overflowing with arrows and bolts. The autumn sun dips towards the horizon, casting long shadows. The trio finalize preparations. Fifty guards sit astride their steeds, a formidable force poised for action. Merig, Larry, and Ashley mount their own horses, double-checking their supplies. With a determined turn, Merig faces his companions, and the assembled guards, his voice ready to ring out with the command to find Kate.

(M)Alright, is everything ready?

(L)Yep, the guards are armed and ready to go, and so are we.

(A)I’ve got my traps and crystals. I’m ready when you are, Merig.

(M)[nods] Alright! The search is about to commence! Everyone follow my lead and try not to stray off the path! A few of you have torches, and I myself will be holding one to light the way. We will not stop until we reach the bandit’s hideout and until Kate is found safe and unharmed. When we get there, do not attack until I give orders to do so. I don’t want to risk Kate getting hurt in the middle of it if Cormac has her! He and his group will not be easy to fight, so do not let your guard down! As soon as we reach the camp, draw your weapons and prepare for a battle! Cormac has made the biggest mistake of his life holding the woman I love hostage and he won’t get away with it, not if I have anything to do with it! Are we ready?!

All fifty guards confirm they are ready for the search for Kate. Merig swings his horse around, barking commands as he rides to the front of the search party. He snatches a torch from Larry before taking the lead position, preparing to move out. Merig casts a glance back at Ashley and Larry, about to address them.

(M)Alright you two, I’m counting on you and all these guards to help find Kate.

(A)We’ll do whatever it takes. She’s practically my sister, Merig.

(L)Exactly, I know she’d do the same if it was one of us in this situation. Cormac is going to regret doing this shit.

(M)Oh, you better believe it, he’ll regret his entire goddamned existence. Alright! Let’s head out!

Merig surges forward, Ashley, Larry, and the remaining guards hot on his heels. They thunder out of the training grounds, their forms swallowed by the dark, empty city. Northward they ride, past flickering lamplights and into the brooding forest. The search for Kate is well underway. Back at the camp, Kate remains a defiant figure in her cell. Leaning against the bars, a scowl etched on her face, she fixates on Gordo, who smirks back in return. Their silent standoff erupts when Kate straightens, charges her fist with crackling lightning, and unleashes it upon the cell door. The first bolt explodes harmlessly against the metal. Undeterred, she fires two more in quick succession, frustration mounting with each deflected blast. Finally, she unleashes a barrage of furious lightning strikes before Gordo's voice booms across the room, demanding she stop.

(G)Stop that! Knock that off or I’ll cuff you again!

The crackle of building magic dies on Kate's lips. Her glare intensifies into a menacing smirk as she extends an arm through the bars. Lightning gathers at her fingertips, then explodes in a bolt aimed squarely at Gordo. He reacts with surprising agility, diving for cover just as the spell streaks past. Springing back up, frustration etched deeper on his face, he throws his hands up and yells at Kate once more.

(G)Hey, quit that! What the hell?!

Ignoring his enraged shouts, Kate throws her defiance into another crackling spell, aimed directly at Gordo. He ducks with practiced ease, the bolt sizzling past his head. Not missing a beat, she unleashes a barrage of lightning, each one forcing Gordo into a desperate dodge. But he's agile, weaving through the electric storm she creates. Closing the distance, he lunges for the cell bars and grabs her wrists, effectively shutting down the spell flow. Kate, caught off guard, lets out a frustrated growl, struggling against his hold. Her scowl deepens, but the defiance flickers as she realizes her futile attempts.

(G)[panting] It seems you’re not going to be a good human like we agreed.

(K)I never said I was going to listen to you.

(G)Fine, if that’s how it’s gonna be, I guess I have no choice!

Gordo releases Kate's wrists and strides purposefully towards the cell door. He withdraws a key from his pocket, the metallic glint a cruel counterpoint to his smirk. With a satisfying click, the lock surrenders. Gordo enters the cell, the heavy door clanging shut behind him. Kate, fueled by desperate hope, lunges for the gap, but Gordo reacts like a viper. A powerful shove sends her sprawling back. She scrambles to her feet, hands instinctively grasping the bars for support.

(G)Nice try, but I don’t think so! You’re not going anywhere.

The cell door swings shut with a final clang, trapping Kate inside. Gordo, a predator with a glint in his eye, fishes out metal cuffs from his pocket. He stalks towards Kate, who stands defiant despite the bars separating them. With a swift movement, he snatches her arms, twisting them behind her back. The glint of steel flashes as he snaps the cuffs on her wrists, effectively binding her. A smug smirk curls Gordo's lips as he leans in, his face inches from hers. Kate glares back, her anger a simmering inferno beneath the surface.

(G)Now you can’t charge your magic, so you have no choice but to behave.

Gordo releases Kate with a final shove, sending her stumbling back from the cell door. Gordo turns with a flourish, slamming the door shut with a resounding clang. A satisfying click echoes as he secures the lock. With a triumphant smirk, he strides back to his post at the room's entrance, resuming his watch. Defeated, Kate scans the confines of her cell, her gaze landing on a nearby wooden crate. Slumping down onto its rough surface, she throws a withering glare at Gordo, who basks in the satisfaction of her thwarted escape attempt. Meanwhile, miles deep within the forest, the search party presses on. Merig leads the charge, the crimson glow of the torch reflecting in his determined and enraged eyes. Ashley and Larry ride alongside him, their faces grim as the goblins sniff the air, desperate to catch any trace of Kate's scent.

Stolen novel; please report.

(M)Her scent is starting to get stronger. Whoever took her, rode through here and I also smell those three other scents, the same ones I smelled back at my house.

(L)Yeah, I smell it, too. The further we go, the stronger the scents get. Which means Cormac’s camp shouldn’t be too much further. From the information we got from the bandits, his camp never moved, which means we know where he is.

(M)Yeah, this path looks familiar now that I think about it.

(A)I can always use one of my dolls to make sure they didn’t lay traps. I also have something that can help look for traces of Fomor presence on this path. There’s a chance that whoever took Kate wasn’t human, so that ability will be useful.

(M)Good idea, Ash, anything that you think would be useful, use it.

(A)You got it, Commander.

Ashley digs into her horse's bag, pulling out a doll and tucking it into her pocket. She's on the lookout for traps on the road. Next, she reaches in again and retrieves a small, peculiar-looking fruit. Taking a bite, she gains the ability to track Fomors. After a few moments scanning the area, Ashley spots traces of Fomor aura on the ground and breaks the silence.

(A)You were both right, whoever took her was a Fomor, and they came through here. We’re on the right path.

(L)Good thinking, beautiful. My woman is perfect, isn’t she?

(M)She’s something else, Larry, just don’t piss her off, though, or she’ll track you down.

(L)[chuckles] I know, right? I better be a good boy…or maybe not. I’m a bit of a glutton for punishment.

Larry smirks, glancing over at Ashley, who rolls her eyes in response. The three share a laugh before continuing on the path, riding deeper into the darkening forest as the sun dips below the horizon. Back at the bandit camp, Cormac, with a smile lingering on his face, prepares himself and his bandits for the coming fight with Merig and the guards. He's in the midst of equipping himself when Barth emerges from the shadows, still with cuts and bruises on him, approaching Cormac with something to say.

(B)Are you happy with yourself, Cormac? I can bet you anything that Merig is almost here, and I’m sure he’s not happy in the slightest, either.

(C)[chuckles] If you’re not going to join me in this fight, Barth, you’re more than welcome to join that human in her cell or simply stay out of my way.

(B)You have no idea what you’re doing. Merig has hundreds of men at his command and he’s a trained warrior and he’s a lot stronger than when we last saw him. He’s a completely different person, Cormac!

(C)Oh, I’m sure he is stronger. That’s why I have all these bandits here ready to fight. It shouldn’t be too hard. I only want to talk to Merig, first. It’s his choice if he wants to make the first move.[smirk]

(B)Trust me, you're underestimating him, and I’m positive that kidnapping Kate was your declaration of war to him. He’s very protective of her. You have no idea, but I guess you’ll see for yourself. As long as no harm comes to Kate, he won’t hurt anyone.

(C)To think he values that human more than someone who he once considered a brother. But he had you, Barth. He always had his big brother to protect him. Especially when you two first showed up here before I ever became leader. Poor Merig and Barth Flynn were picked on because they were raised by humans and sympathized with them. They wanted to coexist with them again, even after being rejected and unaccepted by them when they went out on their own as adults. Larry, Gordo, and I protected you and accepted you both as brothers and we were all happy. This will be a nice reunion, don’t you think, Barth?

(B)You changed after you became leader, Cormac, you didn’t want to listen to reason. You even considered going with us to live with humans, but your bitterness toward them only held you back from bettering your life and living comfortably. Instead, you led the camp, continued your banditry, and have been holding a grudge for a decade now. Just let this go and release Kate and I’ll take her back to Merig, and no one has to get hurt.

(C)Not a chance in hell am I releasing her! I’ll admit, Kate is a rather nice human, and she’s nothing like the ones I’ve met. But this is something I’ve been waiting for and I’m not just going to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

(B)Whatever you say, Cormac, it’s your funeral, not mine.

(C)You’re free to leave now since Merig should be on his way. Unless you’d like to fight alongside me.

(B)I don’t think so, I’d rather not fight my little brother.

(C)Alright, then just stay out of my way like I said and we won’t have a problem.

Cormac lets out a chuckle, earning an eye roll from Barth. Barth turns to walk away, then throws a quick glance back at Cormac before continuing on. He casts a cautious look around, checking for followers, before taking slow, deliberate steps towards Kate's cell. Inside the cell, Kate remains perched on the crate, glaring daggers at Gordo, who smirks back, arms crossed. She scans the cell, her mind racing before her eyes narrow and fall to the floor. Anger melts from her face, replaced by a crushing defeat. A frown creases her features as tears well up and spill down her cheeks. She mutters to herself, her voice laced with lament.

(K)Merig, my love, I’m so sorry I got myself into this mess. It’s all my fault. I had always dreamt about starting a new life in Tara for years, and that's all I ever wanted. After what happened to me in my past, I just wanted a better life and to forget everything that I went through. Turns out I just made life harder for you in the process when you met me. I'm so sorry and I'm sure you hate me now. You made me forget about my past and showered me with more love than I could ever imagine. You gave me the chance to be happy again, and I fell in love with you for it. I love you more than my own life, and I don't care that you're a goblin. In fact, I love you even more because you're not a human and I want to be with you forever until I breathe my last breath. You stole my heart and now it belongs to you and so do I, and I'm okay with that. I just wanted to be happy again, and this is what I got.

Gordo's gaze shifts towards Kate as the sound of her lament reaches his ears. His expression darkens, and he narrows his eyes to the ground. A flicker of sympathy ignites within him, but he remains silent for a moment, wrestling with the feeling. With a sigh, he pushes himself towards the cell, coming to a stop in front of Kate. The sound of his footsteps alerts Kate, and she slowly raises her tear-streaked face, resentment burning in her eyes as Gordo opens his mouth to speak softly.

(G)Listen, I only did what I was ordered to do. Cormac has been crazy these past ten years, and he's driving everyone else crazy. We're bandits. We don't usually kidnap people or take them hostage. But he threatened me if I didn't obey him because he's a tyrant. But no one can say anything and there's really nothing I can do. I'm sorry.

(K)Do you honestly think I want your sympathy? You're a bandit, why do you care?

(G)[sigh] Believe it or not, I wanted to leave the camp after Merig and Larry did. Cormac wasn't too happy that I even considered it, and when Barth said he was leaving, I begged him to take me with him. I couldn't stand being here anymore, especially after Cormac became leader. I’ve always been his go-to when he needs someone to do his dirty work. When Cormac threatened Barth when he left not too long ago, I knew I was screwed and couldn’t leave either. I’ve been miserable here ever since and for the past ten years.

(K)Why not just leave? Get on your horse and just go somewhere far away?

(G)Cormac watches everyone like a hawk, especially with his cronies around. It’s hard to even get any sleep and I don’t think he sleeps either. He’s been so obsessed with getting back at Merig and Larry for leaving and has sent countless bandits to fight them for ten years now. And this more recent plan of his has been in the works ever since you and Merig confessed your feelings for each other. Someone from the camp was watching you that night and came back to tell Cormac and I heard about it, too. And ever since Barth left, it drove him completely mad, and he’s been hell-bent on this plan of his. You’re literally the first and only person that I’ve been able to talk to about this outside of the camp. And when Cormac talked to you, I honestly thought he’d change his way of thinking or at least see a glimmer of hope, but alas, he’s still hell-bent on all of this. Hearing you talk about Merig and how much you care for him makes me believe what you said about there being more humans like you out there. Ignorance and being close-minded are the reasons we are still here and the reason Cormac is like this. It would take a lot to snap him out of this madness, but I think there’s no helping him. He’s just too far gone.

(K)There are more humans out there that accept Fomors into society. Trust me, I live with them and they are all wonderful people. I’m one of those people that grew up around Fomors and I was raised and taught to accept them as my equal.

(G)You weren’t raised to have hatred in your heart for others. I see that. It explains why you were so willing to be with Merig because you thought of him as another human even though he wasn’t because you were taught to think that way.

(K)That’s right, and I love Merig because he treats me with the same kindness and respect, among other things. But that doesn’t matter. I need to get out of here. I’m sure if we tried, we could talk Cormac into letting me go.

(G)No, I’m not risking it. He could kill you and me. Honestly, that guilt would weigh heavy on me, and Merig would be devastated, I’ve heard about how much love he has for you. It’s best you stay here until the fight is over.

(K)If Cormac is waiting for Merig, he’ll be too distracted. So just let me out of here and we can run far away from this camp.

(G)I wish I could, but I won’t take that risk. I used to like being a bandit, but over the last ten years, I’ve hated it more and more. If Merig can somehow bring Cormac down, then I’ll be free, along with Barth and the rest of the bandits who want to leave. Merig and Larry wouldn’t have to worry about any further harassment, so I sure as hell hope Merig does bring Cormac down. Last I remember, Merig was a passive person and not a very skilled fighter, but from what Barth said, he’s a lot stronger.

(K)It’s true, I’ve seen Merig fight and he’s strong, especially with a bow and arrow. His anger is frightening and his eyes turn red and he nearly tore a man apart when the man laid his hands on me not too long ago. He knows how to control it, though, but his strength is incredible and he can be intimidating, even if you’re not his target.

(G)Wow, it sounds like he’s changed a lot.

(K)But he’s good to me and he's never hurt me, not once. And he’s a wonderful person. I can go on about all the good things about it.

(G)You refer to him as a person, even though he’s not human.

(K)It’s like you said, I think of him as another human. He may not be, but that’s okay, he’s my wonderful goblin. Merig and Barth both told me that they were raised by humans and I’m not exactly surprised, but Merig is still very much a goblin, the goblin that I fell in love with. I too, hope he can defeat Cormac, and maybe you and Barth can come to the city, you’d love it there.

(G)Yeah maybe, but with everything you said about Merig, he would probably kill me for what I’ve done to you already.

(K)I understand you’re being forced to be this way. As long as you feel remorse, I can be a forgiving person. I’ve had a lot worse done to me, however, I’m not so forgiving to people who have constantly hurt me a lot worse than you have.

(G)I get it, and I don’t expect your forgiveness. To be honest, I’ve actually enjoyed talking to you and this is the first time I’ve ever been able to vent about anything. I’m so angry all the time and I don’t like it.

(K)When this is all over, just get out of here and better yourself and maybe I’ll forgive you. But I have a hard time forgetting.

(G)That’s understandable, but let’s wait until this fight is over, then we can get out of here.

A sudden clatter of footsteps on the stone stairs pierces the tense silence. Kate and Gordo swivel their heads in unison, eyes searching for the source. As the sound grows closer, Gordo bristles, adopting a fighting stance and moving closer to the cell entrance. The figure reaches the bottom of the steps and rounds the corner, emerging into the room. It's Barth! Relief washes over Kate's face, a wide smile replacing her tears.

(K)[gasp] Barth!

(B)Hey, Kate, sorry I’m late and I’m sorry you got captured.

(K)It’s fine, it’s not your fault.

(B)I’m sure Merig is on his way, so I should probably get you out of here.

(G)I can’t let you do that, Barth, Cormac will kill both of us if I do. He might even hurt Kate.

(B)Then I’m sorry, Gordo, I have no choice but to force you to let her out of there. I’ll be taking her to Merig and I’ll protect her.

(G)Then I guess I have no choice, either.

The tension explodes. Gordo whips out a pair of brass knuckles, slamming them into his fists with a metallic clang. He sinks back into a fighting stance, eyes narrowed on Barth. Reacting instantly, Barth snaps his fingers, crackling electricity gathering around his hand as he charges a lightning spell. Gordo, known for his agility, weaves, and ducks through the cramped cell, narrowly avoiding the charged air sparking around the room. Barth unleashes the spell, a bolt of white-hot lightning arcing toward Gordo. Their fight has begun. Meanwhile, on the surface, Cormac and his bandits finalize their preparations. Cormac hefts his crossbow. A gleaming bolt slotted into the chamber. He clambers atop a wooden crate to better address his bandits. Their attention snaps to him, faces grim and determined.

(C)Listen up, bandits! Finish preparing yourselves for this fight! It’s been ten years since Merig and Larry left to live in the city with those filthy humans! We even captured his precious human mate. I’ve waited this long to get my revenge and they should be here any minute. So let’s give him and Larry a warm welcome as we are all joined in this reunion. I’m sure he’s bringing those guards along with him, but do not attack them until I give the commands! Do not kill Merig or Larry, that is not our objective! I’ll fight them myself and those two will pay for leaving! So get ready, I’m very excited to see them again. They should be here any minute.

Moments tick by, tension thick in the air. Then, the bandits swivel as one, their attention drawn to the forest. Cormac's drooped ears, perk up as a booming, maniacal voice shatters the silence. It echoes through the trees, followed by the pounding of hooves, a search party on horseback, fast approaching. Cormac whips his head around, spotting Merig and his guards charging towards them. A split second later, another voice cuts through the din, a familiar roar of fury belonging to none other than Merig himself, calling out directly to Cormac.

(M)CORMAC!

As the search party thunders towards the bandit camp, Merig and his guards mirror Cormac and his bandits by readying their weapons. They surge closer, a tide of steel and fury, before Merig barks out an order. Horses whinny and snort, rearing back as the search party slows to a halt just outside the camp. Larry, ever the voice of reason, echoes the command, his voice a loud bellow that cuts through the tension.

(L)HALT!

Merig and the guards slow their horses, eventually coming to a complete stop. Merig, Larry, and Ashley form a group at the front, glaring intensely at Cormac. Cormac and the bandits, in turn, keep their eyes fixed on the search party. Merig breaks the silence, a growl building in his throat before erupting into a loud shout. His voice, laced with anger and mania, demands to know where Kate is.

(M)WHERE IS SHE?!

(C)[smiles] Merig, Larry, so good to see you both. It’s been so long and I’ve missed you.

(L)Cut the shit, Cormac, where is Kate?!

(C)Oh your beloved human, don’t worry, she’s safe, I promise.

(A)Then hand her over, you piece of shit!

(C)Not yet, you know damn well I have a score to settle with these two.

(L)It doesn’t have to come to this Cormac! Just let her go and we’ll go peacefully.

(M)Oh, we’re way past that! These assholes are getting a fight just for touching her, whether they like it or not. I swear to Cichol, if you’ve hurt one hair on her head, you’re dead, Cormac!

(C)Rest assured I haven’t laid a hand on your precious human in a negative manner. But I can’t say the same for the ones who capture her, though.[chuckles]

Cormac meets Merig's glare head-on. The red glow in Merig's eyes intensifies as his face contorts into a mask of fury. A bloodcurdling war cry erupts from his throat. Merig throws himself off his horse in a single, swift movement. He snatches his bow from his back, nocks an arrow, and draws it taut, aiming directly at Cormac and his bandits. A flicker of worry crosses Cormac's face, but he quickly attempts to hide it behind a smirk.

(M)I won’t hesitate to kill you and every last one of these bandits, Cormac! I’ll give you one more chance to tell me where Kate is, or hand her over to me right now! And you better hope she isn’t hurt, you son of a bitch!

(C)Go ahead, kill me. You never had the spine to kill anyone, let alone your good old friend.

Fury contorts Merig's face. He doesn't waste a moment, his bowstring singing as he shoots the arrow aimed straight for Cormac's head. Reacting with lightning reflexes, Cormac sees the arrow streak towards him and throws himself down. The arrow whizzes harmlessly over his head, embedding itself in the trunk of a nearby tree. Cormac can't help but glance at the quivering arrow before springing back up. The shock on his face is fleeting, replaced in an instant by a cynical smirk as he meets Merig's gaze.

(C)So you have grown a spine, Merig. Your brother told me you’ve gotten a lot stronger. I guess it’s true.

(M)Barth is still here?! Where is he?!

(C)Indeed he is. He left the camp not too long ago and got in my way of obtaining your precious human. So I had him brought back here, so he wasn’t a thorn in my side.

(M)First, you take the woman I love hostage, and now my brother? You’re digging your own grave, Cormac! This was all a ploy to start a fight?!

(C)Not a fight per se, more like a test to see if you were brave enough to come to rescue Kate, and so I could make you and Larry pay for leaving me. But if you insist on fighting me, I won’t turn down that opportunity. You and Larry abandoned me to live with humans, and you even mated with that filthy human of yours!

(M)You better watch your damn mouth about Kate! I’ve run into some terrible humans, but most of the ones I’ve known have been nothing but kind to me since I was raised by them and lived among them in Tara, especially Kate. I fell in love with her the moment I first saw her and she’s been good to me and accepted me for who, and what I am. She’s my entire world and I’ll kill ANYONE who threatens or hurts her, even you Cormac! She means more to me than life itself, so if you’re smart, you’ll hand her over and we can begin this fight. Unless you want me to fight for her, in which case I’d be more than glad to do so.

(C)That’s exactly what I was hoping for, you and me Merig right now, as well as our comrades!

(L)I’ll fight Cormac with you, Merig.

(M)No, he’s all mine. GUARDS, WEAPONS READY!

(C)BANDITS, READY UP!

All of the guards get their weapons up and a few even hop off their horses to gear up for the fight. Ashley and Larry also dismount, getting ready with their weapons while Ashley sets out her ice mines and traps nearby. Meanwhile, following Cormac's lead, the bandits arm themselves and wait for his signal to strike. In a tense standoff between the two leaders, Cormac aims his crossbow and Merig readies his bow. Two goblins loudly urge their gang to charge ahead without hesitation.

(C)BANDITS ATTACK!

(M)GUARDS ATTACK!