It is the following morning and Roths traveling crew make their way to the city of Ezhine. Only this time the ride was a bit livelier. Jeune and Mina were both giggling while playing rock, paper, and scissors. Ifani and Ganzo were happily making conversation about some of their jobs to Roth. Tobias was happily driving the wagon while the only one sulking was Shiana. She mostly kept quiet other than brushing off anytime the group tried to make conversation. She also set her tent away from all the others. Roth was hoping to make some type of peace with her last night but was away sleeping in her tent.
Now it is evening, and everyone is setting up a base near the outskirts of the city. Roth looks over and sees the many buildings of Ezhine. It was twice the size of Galobethrogga but it didn't have a castle wall; the only one that did have one was the massive castle that sat on the edge of the city. Soon two people on horseback came towards their camp and it was difficult to make out who it was. But as soon as they got closer, he recognized at least one, it was Aufnier. "You're here? I thought you were back in town." confused yet happy to see Afunier strangely enough.
"I left as soon as the meeting was over. I wanted to get in touch with the guild master of the adventurer's guild here. I didn't want to risk a leak if I sent a message through carrier birds now can I." As he chuckled, still mounted on his horse. He gestures towards the unfamiliar face.
"This is Zacharey. The guild master and a very close companion of mine." The man on the other horse was wearing fine nobleman's clothing. Had dark red hair that was swept back. His beard was thick but neatly shaped.
"Pleasure is all mine young man. Me and this soft spotted man used to be adventurer's back in our hay day. He seems quite fond of you. I was told you have a very unique gift. I hope I can count on you haha." His laugh was rough and hardy as if his throat was dry. Roth was now embarrassed how quickly word of his powers were spreading. Everyone was now setting up a tent and table for a makeshift meeting for their next move. The tent was large and was quickly set up with only ten people. Mina reached in her rucksack and pulled out her big brimmed hat and was excited to start her quest.
Roth on the other hand was nervous. They walked into the tent as everyone else made their way inside. Yoseph and Shiana were the first ones inside waiting and soon Sillo made his way in. Sillo looked at Roth still disturbed at the stunt he pulled. Now Roth thinks to himself he may have overdone it. But if it keeps one arrogant mouth closed, he's happy that he did it. Once everyone was in place the two guild masters walked in and prepared the briefing. The three high egos stood across the table from Roth and Mina. They stare at them disgusted until finally Aufnier speaks.
"Alright everyone, we need to strike hard and swiftly. We don't know who we're dealing with, but one thing's for sure, Connery is here. Zacharey?"
Zacharey nods and places a map of the surrounding area. " We're here. Just on the other side of this clearing through the forest is a privately owned land. At first no one suspected anything thinking it was only an estate for a noble. Though upon further investigating, unknown groups keep suddenly appearing. We believe it to be a slave trading hub. Once our scouts confirmed it was a hub, they spotted Connerey relaxing on one of the balconies. He should be alone with just his guards in his blood money mansion but keep your guard up. Twenty of you will need to be here at H.Q for anything that arises or medical needs. The rest of us will head to the mansion. Fifteen will head straight through the front, the other fifteen will flank around through the back. Don't let these sons of bitches' escape.
"Yes sir." Everyone responded in unison as they all made their teams quickly. Mina happily walks besides Roth as they were heading to Tobias's group. Before she joined, she was stopped by Roth as he kneeled in front of her. " Hey, for this, I need you to stay with H.Q alright?"
"What? No, I can help too! I've trained so hard! I promise I won't get in the way!"
Roth shook his head, " It's not that I don't think you can handle it, I need you here in case anyone falls back and needs medical attention. And you're the only one with strong light magic. Let's show them all what we're made of 'kay sis?"
Roth holds his fist in the air in front of Mina. Her look of disappointment slowly turned into excitement to now a smug look and bumps fists with him and agrees to stay. She runs back towards the tent holding her big hat from falling off. He's happy she can contribute to the cause but at the same time doesn't want another life or death experience with her again. At least this time he has powerful allies with him for support. He goes back with his group as several other members from Tobias's fox fang mercenaries.
"Oh great, so we have you in his group?"
The smug voice was Yoseph walking towards Roth in his clean emerald armor. Following alongside him was Shiana, and Sillo. Shiana was oddly quiet this entire time from Galobethrogga. And Sillo with a cold stern gaze, still troubled by the events the other night, doesn't make his egotistic comment. Tobias walks next to Roth confronting Yoseph. "Look Yoseph I know we have our differences at times but please, just for this mission, don't mess with him. He's part of my group. So show some respect."
"Pftt... fine, but only because I owe you for back in Minuehart. Just try not to slow us down brat." He walks between them bumping into Roth's and Tobias's shoulders. Sillo follows continuing to give him a disgusted look. Shiana slowly follows but stops just behind Roth.
"I really don't care what you do. But seeing you the past few days on the road, and what Sillo told me, I really hope you're what Aufnier says you are. If you put any of these people in danger for your incompetence, I'll cut you down with my great sword. Understand me boy?" She grips the leather wrapped handle tight behind her back. Roth doesn't turn and with a serious tone answers her.
"I understand, you have my word."
She releases her grip from the handle and walks away with the other two. They way she said it made Roth realize that she wasn't just an egotistical person. Rather, someone with trust issues. Someone that actually cares for the people around her without showing it.
"Don't take it personal, kid. We both go way back before, just give her some time alright?"
Tobias says calmly as he puts his hand on Roth's shoulder. Later into the night the two teams quickly and silently work their way through the forest until they reach the edge of the clearing. Hiding behind the trees as the cloudy black and moonless sky covered their presence. The biggest source of light was the mansion. It was glowing like gold in a grassy field. It was a massive H-shape mansion. It had a colorful stone wall surrounding it and an entrance gate with two armed guards.
"Psst hey Ifani, can I borrow your cloak for a sec?" Said Jeune as she annoyingly poked his cheek.
"Damn alright, just stop poking me damn it." He gives her his cloak and giggles thanking him. She quickly puts the cloak on covering herself and walks towards the gate stumbling side to side. Roth stared and was confused on what she was doing.
"Please help me... I'm so... hungry..."
The two guards notice her and draw their weapons.
"Hey! Get the hell out of here! You're on privately owned property."
"Please... I just... just...need..." And Jeune collapses onto the floor. The guards look angry and annoyed by her presence. They both go up to her and demand that she leaves. Jeune refuses to move an inch or speak, convincing the guards she has passed out. Both disgruntled one of the guards kneels down to pick her up. As soon as both their guards were down, she immediately spun onto his back and stabbed deep into his jugular. The other guard was thrown off from the sudden movement and before he could even draw his sword again Jeune reached into the side of the guard. As she reached, she pulled the guard's dagger and quickly tossed it deep into the other guard's skull.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The man stood there dazed until his knees gave out and his body dropped like a ragdoll. She continues to have her knife wedged deep in his neck as he claws at her. His movements begin to slow down until finally he limps. Jeune wipes the blade onto the corpse and happily waves for the group to come in.
"Aww man, she probably got my cloak bloody." Says a disappointed Ifani. The entire group with swords and bows drawn, quickly and quietly, dashed to the front gate. Jeun happily twirling a set of keys waits by the gate for everyone to be ready. She unlocks the gate and the heavy hinges squeak as they begin twisting. Tobias goes in first and signals with his hand for the other group to go around the back. They silently nod and split up.
Jeune grabs the doorknob to the entrance of the mansion. It was windowless and was a heavy dark oak wood door. The handle is locked in place, and she uses the many keys that she had on.
"Damn it, it's none of these, just give me a moment and watch my back."
" Let's just kick down the door and be done with it. Let's get this son of a bitch already." Says an annoyed Yoseph. Jeune shushes the emerald man and pulls out two L shape picks. She puts the two picks inside the keyhole and begins to wriggle around. "This lock is a little complicated...but I should be able to get this open..." Jeune is hyper fixated on the lock as she twists and turns the picks. All of the group are tense waiting to go through the door, ready to charge in. Roth holds onto his hilt ready to draw his sword just in case. Then a sudden wave of dread washes over Roth.
He feels the hair on the back of his neck stand, getting goosebumps. His heart beats faster as he looks around to see what's causing it. But he sees nothing. He remembers this feeling from before. He felt this exact feeling just as before Frida showed up. He looks at the others, and they don't react the same way. They are all waiting patiently for Jeune to finish. He looks towards the door and the feeling grows even more intense. He looks back at Jeune and the door multiple times until he snaps himself out realizing what's about to happen.
"Guys get away from the door now!" As he aggressively whispers it out loud.
Tobias looks confused but follows his instructions as well as the others. "What, why kid? What's the matter?"
"Just back away!"
Yoseph is furious as he back away as well as confused, " Kid what the fuck are you doing? We got to go through here!"
"Jeune back away now!"
"I almost got it, Roth... Just a little bit..." He looks back and forth at the door and is fed up and rushes towards Jeune tackling her away from the door.
"Hey what the fuck?!" As she yells being pushed away hard and pinned onto the floor. The moment she lands on the ground the doors to the mansion bursts open as a massive muscular man breaks through them. Shards of wood fly everywhere as the group shielded their eyes. The man was monstrous standing at nearly nine feet tall. He was even bigger than Ganzo. He had a disheveled hair style and baggy tunic clothing. One intimidating featured of this monster was that his whole mouth was covered with a piece of iron that was infused with his skin almost acting as his jaw.
His breathing was heavy as he scanned the whole area. "You're trespassing on private property... leave...now." His voice was deep and rough like sandpaper. His eyes were bloodshot red and had a deep evil look. He turns to his side to the two laying on the floor. "I said...leave... NOW!" He raises his right fist high in the air, ready to strike. Roth senses his powerful strength and kicks Jeune out of the way, making her slide across the gravel. He draws his sword quickly and raises his sword holding onto the hilt and blade flat on to his palm. He braces for the impact and soon the man makes contact with Roth. The punch was so powerful that it created a shockwave. Dirt and gravel shot up as if a meteor had struck the earth. Tobias yelled for Roth but had to look away from the wind pressure and dust that was kicked up.
As the dust settled Tobias and the rest were shocked as Roth was standing firm yet still shaken. The goliath's fist was being held back by the blade as Roth was trembling from his strength weighing on Roth. "Huh? You're still standing? Well, that's new."
Two of the mercenary men from Tobias' team charged in to help Roth and swung their blades at the dangerous man. They struck their blades into his left forearm, but the blades barely sank in and instead were stuck in his arm. The two random mercs were baffled and tried their best to remove the blade. The dangerous man turned, still putting pressure on Roth, swung his left arm at the two. The two men were sent flying and hit the brick wall fence. The impact was frightening as it took a chunk out of the wall. They both laid on their sides against the wall lifeless.
"Son of a bitch its him!" Yelled Tobias
"Wh- who is- he...!" As Roth is still struggling to hold his sword up. his arms feel as if they were on fire.
"He's one of the brothers of Connery, Dante! If he's here, then the family is here too! Connery was only supposed to be here, how in the world did the scouts mess up!" yelled an angry Yoseph. Dante was annoyed, with his left fist he punched Roth in the stomach and was sent flying. He lands against the wall barely cracking it. Roth kneeled and had the wind knocked out. However, he was still alive and able to fight than the last time he was sent flying.
"My brother shall not be disturbed; we swore on our lives to protect him. I'll rip you all apart limb from limb!" He grabs the two swords that were still attached to him and yanks them out aggressively. Jeune was close to Roth, and she quickly crawled towards him. "Dear god are you alright? I- I didn't know!"
"It's alright... we just have to get past him."
"It's foolish to turn your back to an enemy you wench!" Jeune quickly turns around and sees Dante ready to strike down upon her. Her eyes widen in despair and covers her head waiting for the impact. Just moments when he strikes Ganzo steps in and blocks the punch holding his fist with both his hands. Jeune sees this and thanks Ganzo with all her heart. The others rush inside the building and Tobias helps Roth and Jeune up.
"Quickly, Ganzo will hold him up. We have to get to Connerey before we find more of those family freaks." He quickly gets Roth up and they head towards the mansion.
"NO! I WILL NOT LET YOU STAIN OUR LORD'S MANOR WITH YOUR COMMONER FILTH!" Dante is enraged and tries to chase after him but is being held back by Ganzo. Dante Dwarfs Ganzo with his size and is surprised at how he's holding him back. A dark blue aura glows around Ganzo's fist and strikes hard in Dante's gut. He bends over from the sudden pain and is shocked at how he punched him. The moment he bends down Ganzo upper cuts him and catches his balance off guard toppling him over. Roth just barely sees this and continues down the corridor healing himself.
Yoseph, Shiana, and Sillo are in the lead as they scurry around each room trying to find Connerey. Voices of people fighting can be heard around the corner. They rushed in and found themselves in a ball room. It was some of the men from Tobias's mercenary group that went to flank the side of the mansion. It was only seven of them fighting off several people wearing the same clothes. They all had cargo style pants and a dark red cloaked hoodie. The group's faces were in shock for not only did they have the same clothes but also had the same faces. It was a scrawny person with a devilish look as if he was pleased with fighting them. His weapon of choice was two sharp daggers that had a serrated edge on the back of the knife. One of the men blurted out that Connerey was in the back courtyard of the mansion fighting off their other half of the group.
"You guys go on ahead, me and Ifani will stay and help these guys." Said a determined Jeune. Ifani agrees and draws his bow to take aim at the many clones in the ball.
"Right, don't die on me guys. You both still owe me on my tab at the tavern." Said Tobia's jokingly to boost the two's morale.
The two chuckled as they and some of the other men charged into the room. Now it was only the five of them as they headed their way to the courtyard. The mansion seemed to stretch forever, and every ornament was extremely valuable. "Listen kid, you got lucky alright. Us three will try and subdue him with overwhelming force. Be our support and let us know if he escapes towards your way alright?" Roth can't believe after all what Yoseph has seen; he is still looking down at him as if he were just a nuisance in this operation. Roth looked at Sillo only for him to be glared at. Sillo is now hesitant on Roth's abilities.
They finally made their way to the courtyard and saw a stunning water fountain with a statue sculpture in the center. Bushes made into the shapes of animals and people. Flora that was unique and exotic filled the gardens. They then spot a man wearing shiny silver grey armor. The collar of the armor had a white brown fur that wrapped around his neck. His gauntlets had spikes and were designed with elegance. His half asleep face seemed to be bored as he was holding a man in the air by his throat. He yawned and began to crush the man's windpipe.
"How very dull. I thought they would put up more of a fight. Hm? Well now, isn't this fun... more came to meet the same fate..." Connerey's voice is slow and yawns mid-sentence. Truly living up to the name as the sleepless tyrant. His one eye only opened and giggles as the dead bodies of Tobias's mean scattered everywhere around Connery. "I do hope you enjoyed my greeting. I expected all of you to come in but... oh well... my sister can finish the rest of you off back at your little sorry excuse of a camp." Roth felt a chill through his whole body as Connerey only giggles at them. He left Mina behind so she wouldn't have to face the hardship and trauma she felt when he nearly perished. The same twisted mind as if he was facing Frida was here all over again.