They arrived to the front of a church in a decrepit state. The stained-glass windows had long since lost their color. Statues of saints and other figures, their features gone and mere humanoid in their shape and bearing. Vines had stretched out from the ground and the shadows flanking the church, reclaiming the building back to a natural state within this part of the city.

“Well,” said Cid, his head sinking into his neck at first sight, “this is not leaving me with a high degree of confidence.”

“The façade can be a little misleading,” said Laurent, leading the group inside. “This place is still much a part of the life here in the ward.”

“I’m surprised a place of worship would be in such a state,” said Maeryn. “This would have been considered an act of sacrilege.”

“The recent Council, in their push for religious freedom and tolerance, decided none were worth pursuing and that a modicum of religious affiliation was backwards and a near absolute evil.”

“So much for freedom of worship,” said Kveldulf.

“Seems they feel above the need to master a loftiness of the personal spirit and office,” said Silvius.

“Why my good Silvius,” said Benkin, “if I didn’t know better, I thought you’d have a grievance or two with our betters.”

“Betters is becoming a rather loose term at this point,” Silvius replied.

Moving along the broken and rotted pews, they found a metal gate leading down into a dark stairway leading to a lower level.

“Oh, that’s just wonderful!” Leonidas said, looking up at the ceiling and shaking his head.

“It’s going to dark in here,” said Laurent, pulling out a torch to light, “I’d suggest you …” Before he finished he saw each of The Wolves pulling out torches, or preparing an illuminating spell. “Oh, not your first dive, I see.”

“We’ve been into more than our share of dark holes,” said Kveldulf.

Jeanne snorted out a laugh, failing to stifle it.

“Really, really Jeanne?” Kveldulf said to her.

“Can you blame me?”

Kveldulf glared at her. “No.”

“And on that note,” said Cid, “I think we should get moving so we don’t come across anymore of these murmek hosts.”

As Laurent opened the gate and let the others in the sound of deep, ominous chirping punctuated the air outside. “Shit!” Jeanne hissed as she turned back.

“You think they found us?” Silvius asked.

“I have no desire to wait and find out,” said Cid, “Laurent are you able to lock the gate behind us?”

“Already on it, my good man,” Laurent replied, placing the lock on the door. “That’ll by us a few minutes at least.”

“Good, let’s get going,” said Cid, “Maeryn, take point, Kel stay close to her.”

The light from the world above quickly left their sight. Darkness held back by the flickering light of the torches. Maeryn moved cautiously forward, as the tunnel began to gradually move closer around them. The walls, when the light of the torches touched the surface were sandy colored. Some cobbled, but most had a roughly hewed exterior.

Over their heads there was an occasional archway, ancient and well worn. The vibrations of their feet caused small flakes from the ceiling to loosen and fall on their heads.

Jeanne feeling one touch her hair, moved her fingers back and forth to remove the flakes. Leonidas tapped her shoulder. As she turned, he communicated through hand signals, You all right?

Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll be better when we’re back on the surface, she replied.

You and me both.

Benkin had to duck down the most as they progressed.

“This is already becoming my least favorite place in the whole city,” he said to them.

“Oh it’s going to get a lot better,” Laurent said to them, wiping the sweat from his brow.

They arrived to a series of massive chambers. A thin stair case moving down to the lower floor. Laurent turned to the group, leaving his torch to illuminate some of the first chamber they were entering. “I’m not going to lie, these chambers are a little unnerving?”

“That leaves me with even less confidence,” said Cid.

“Fair enough, but now you’ve been warned,” Laurent replied.

As they moved down the stairs, their light began to reveal the walls lined with bones. Skulls, femurs, shin bones, and numerous others from the deceased bodies of humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, gnomes, and all others varieties of species.

“What on earth in this place?” Jeanne asked, turning her body to make room in the pathway.

“Currently it is mostly the city’s ossuaries,” said Laurent, ducking underneath a stone support. “Before then it was a mine where the stone to make the buildings above were excavated. Once graveyards began having problems where to put the bodies, they started being put into here.”

“This feels a little disrespectful,” said Silvius.

“Where I’m from this would’ve started a war,” said Maeryn.

“These aren’t even my kin, and I’m offended,” said Benkin.

“I take it this was another of the Council’s idea?” Kveldulf asked.

“One of many,” Laurent said shamefully.

Maeryn pulled back on her bow and aimed it at something in the darkness.

“Wait!” someone called out. “We’re friends!”

“Then come into the light and be seen,” Kveldulf replied.

Several emerged from the shroud of darkness. Some were city guards, their heraldry torn into tatters, chainmail ripped and cuts and bruises on their exposed skin. Others were civilians, many huddled behind the guard and staring at these strangers with a terrified gaze.

“Guardsman Colins?” said Laurent, sheathing his blade.

“Captain!” the man cried out, rushing to Laurent and embracing him as his voice began breaking. “I didn’t think we’d find anyone down here.”

The captain, patted the man’s back. “It’s all right. We’re getting you and the rest out of here. Is there anymore of the garrison with you?”

“No, about ten of us made it down here to escape those damned creatures,” said Colins. “We brought down as many civilians as we could, but they came so fast.”

“I know, we had a run in with them on the way here.”

“Who are they?” said another guard helping some of the civilians into the light.

“These,” said Laurent looking back to his escort. “These are The Wolves. They’re here to help.”

“They’re mercenaries?” said one guard, with distrust.

“Normally yes,” said Cid, “But today we’re just doing our civic duty.”

“Regardless of their normal profession,” said Laurent, “They’ve been valuable to us in the last few days, and I’d rather not get into a trivial spate about who we pick for help. Guardsmen, do you think you can move out?”

“About as ready as we can be, sir,” said Colins.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Then grab what you can and move out, I think it’s as good as time as any to be rid of this place.”

Moving through the chambers they found bodies old and new resting within the walls of the ossuaries.

Clouds of dust floating in the still air, emerging into the light with little warning before landing on a person walking by. Leaving the chambers they found tunnels submerged in water.

“Oh, this is just grand,” Cid said, before stepping into the muck. The water was ankle deep and he turned to the others. “Not too deep, but be careful.”

Moving deeper inside, the water came up to their waists. Maeryn having to lift both her bow and torch above the water. Silvius turned to Hypatia. “I think I’m going to need a pair of boots after this.”

“I’m going to need a new pair of everything,” she replied.

“Oh you are joking,” said Cid before turning back. “Ben! Get up here!”

“What’s the problem?” Kveldulf asked.

“Look,” Cid said as he pointed to a hole that went as high as Cid’s knee and was roughly as wide.

“Thank goodness I didn’t bring my dress uniform,” Kveldulf replied.

“What’s the situation, why did we stop?” Jeanne asked before see the hole. She looked up at Cid, “Can I tender my resignation now, please?”

“After we crawl through this damned thing,” Cid said.

“You all right, Cid?” Kveldulf asked.

“I do not like tight spaces,” he said as he began crawling through the hole.

Kveldulf turned to Jeanne. “Did you know about that?”

“No, but we’ve never really had to deal with often.”

“Fair enough. Guess we better get this over with.”

“Oh, you first,” said Jeanne.

“You’re senior with time on the job,” he said to her.

“You’re better looking.”

“I think Doc would say different about that.”

“Please don’t bring me into this?” Leonidas pleaded.

***

Entering the Council’s Gardens, everyone stood aghast at the group of warriors covered in muck, grime, and bringing a smell most foul into this paradise of the city. Laurent told The Wolves, “I’ll meet you at their chambers I need to see someone first.”

Cid and the others waved him goodbye and made their way up the stairs. As they reached the guards, one said, “Should I even ask?”

“I’d prefer you didn’t,” Cid replied.

“I can assume you’re here for the Council.”

“Preferably.”

“Right, follow me please.”

As they entered the Council Chambers, The Wolves could hear one of the members say, “… And this is why we need to regulate how far of a point these shoes should have, this is just getting outrageous!”

“Members of The Grand Council! The Wolves have arrived,” said the guard.

“Yes,” said Marin Faletro, slowly standing up from his desk. “I see you and yours have been quite busy.”

“The situation over at The Unyielding Fortress has been quite the enlightening experience.”

“Yes yes,” Marin said, waving the matter off. “That ancient woe. Much like a dream long forgotten after you wake up.”

“Perhaps you can visit the Lower Ward and see if they share the same feelings,” said Jeanne.

Marin and the other council members turned to Jeanne.

“I beg your pardon?” Marin replied.

“We visited the area today. There are murmeks running through the streets killing anything they can get their hands on.”

“Murmeks are creatures of the distant past they, are as much of a threat to us as fallen white horse …” as Marin continued his diatribe, Kveldulf grabbed the murmek head from Benkin, walked up to Marin and slammed the severed head in the councilman’s chest. Splattering his fine garments with blood and brains.

“I’d like this explain then, please,” said Kveldulf. “Because I know a fucking fantasy from something trying to kill me.”

Marin, utterly disgusted, was unable to speak. Kveldulf turned to the other members.

“Would any of you like to take a gander? Because I’d love to hear the latest excuse you wretches can muster about this.”

None of the members could answer. Kveldulf felt his hands shake with rage as began shouting. “Do you have nothing! You speak of how high and mighty and better you are from the pitiful squalor that you let die out in the streets. You have parties to aid their plight, which only assuage your guilt for living in luxury. You speak ill of those who have done more in a month to help this city, than you excuses of life have done in an entire career!”

He felt Cid grab his arm roughly, “That is enough Kveldulf!”

“I am tired of being ashamed and hearing my kin being mocked and insulted while these vermin get to commit murder without a semblance of justice!”

“Y – you, you’re a member of the White Horse!” said Marin as Laurent arrived to the chambers. “Laurent! This knave is a criminal and a traitor, he has assaulted a member of the council, arrest him!”

“That, councilman, is not possible,” Laurent said calmly.

“Why not!”

“Because I was given the authority to arrest him.”

“I gave you the authority!”

“You gave an order, one which I will not do.”

“Then I will finally be rid of your incessant presence and put someone in who will do as I say!”

“That will also not be happening, councilman.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I answer to Lady Allania, and she does not wish me to be replaced.”

“Well I would appreciate to hear these words for myself then,” said Marin.

At that moment, Collan’s guard entered the room, with Collan following shortly behind. Their stride was with purpose, the floor shaking with each step. They gripped the handle of their sword tightly as they moved forward. Marin moved the guard, their temper completely gone.

“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded. “I will not –” before finishing, the Guard gripped Marin by the throat lifted him up and threw against the wall behind the council’s desk.

As the Guard removed their helm the council gasped and the color drained from their face. Kveldulf turned to see a woman, blonde hair and pale skin. Her ears were pointed, an elf, with lines of age on her eyes and forehead. She had a scar on her left cheek, much of it faded and she glared at the council with murderous intent with icy blue eyes.

“Long have I stood by and watched the legacy of your kin be humiliated and shamed. Long have I allowed this to happen and all with the hope that you would come to your senses and return to the wisdom graced those long since past. But this, this was the last of many last straws. You would let entire sections of the city be purged by our very enemy than to step up and face him!”

“My lady,” said Marin, “We do not know –”

“You have seen the head of his queen and another of one of his soldiers. What must happen for you to open your eyes and see we are under siege! To have your guts feasted upon and this city on fire! No, I will not stand by and let this unholy incompetence continue.”

“You cannot remove the council,” said another councilman, “it’s been an institution of the city since it’s very founding.”

“I am not getting rid of the council, it will stay and once this threat has been dealt with and a new group have been selected, provide the service it was supposed to. But I am getting rid of all of you, on it, and whatever good can be gained from the material hoarding you have collected will be used to aid this city. Captain Laurent!”

“My lady,” Laurent said, standing at attention.

“Please accept these former members of the council into the city guard. I believe there is a section of the city needing to be cleanse of foul beasts.”

“There is, my lady. And I shall happily accept them for our forlorn hope.”

“Even that is more of an honor than your lot deserves.” As she finished, several more guards entered the room and forced the councilmembers from the room.

Laurent turned back to Allania. “I would like to personally thank you for letting me watch that, my lady. Is there anything else I may do for you?”

“No,” she said to him. “If there is anything more, I will get in contact.”

Laurent bowed his head and left the room. Allianna turned to The Wolves, who were still processing what happened. “I would like to speak with you, if you would please.”

Leonidas tapped Jeanne’s shoulder, saying in code. Did we pull our weapons out on her?

Jeanne replied. I do believe so, yes.

Well, we’re all dead.

Allianna sat on the edge of the table letting out a heavy sigh. “I cannot begin to thank you all for what you’ve done for this city already. I know this is not the typical situation most starting lancing companies undergo in their initial months,” she said to them.

“It’s certainly been something to say the least,” said Cid.

“And it pains me that random strangers have done more to combat this growing threat than those I entrusted with the task. No offense meant,” said Allianna.

“We were thinking the same thing, Lady Allianna,” said Kveldulf.

She looked up at him, studying Kveldulf intently. She stood up, walked over to him calmly. “Kveldulf Einarsen. I was wondering when one from your house would return home.”

“We weren’t exactly given an invitation back, Lady Allianna.”

“No, no you were not,” she turned her gaze down for a moment before looking back at Kveldulf. “I heard about your parents; I regret never have the honor of meeting them myself.”

Kveldulf was silent his jaw clenched and fist shaking.

“I know there is much you would like to say, much of it against your captain’s discretion…”

“Ever do much,” interjected Cid.

Allianna chuckled. “… Though I think it might be good for us to speak when hearts have soothed and spirits refreshened. I say we give ourselves a day to regain our strengths.”

“And the Lower Ward?” Kveldulf said, holding his anger.

“Right,” Allianna said, turning to the door, “Shadowmaster Roland?”

The man they had called Collan spoke. “Yes, my lady?”

“Please inform Captain Laurent that the first, second, and third regiments of foot will be at his disposal aid in restoring order to the Lower Ward.”

“At once, my lady,” Roland said, bowing and then moving out of the room.

Allianna turned back to the others. “I am so confused right now,” said Leonidas.

“I think we all our, Doc,” said Benkin.

“I’ve learned over the centuries the importance of having a good network to inform me of the goings on in my city. Though recently events have not been the most comforting,” Allianna said to them. “But like I said, we’re all could use some time to recover our strengths.”

“And I think our gear could use a nice cleaning,” said Hypatia, swatting away the stench from her nose.

“I didn’t want to say, but that would be a little nice. One of the downsides of elven senses, I’m afraid.”

“You’re telling me, my lady,” said Maeryn, pinching her nose.

Cid simply tied a kerchief over his nose.

“I’ll have some of my guards escort you to your residence. And I’ll have my smiths and armorers tend to your equipment personally in the morning.”

“That is most kind of you, Lady Allianna,” said Cid.

“Consider it a small repayment for the services you have done for this city. Hopefully, we have bought ourselves some time to prepare for the enemy’s next move.”

“Hopefully we’ll have an easier time figuring out what that is,” said Cid.

“Just let me know what you need to help, and its yours,” Allianna told them.

“Could we have a castle?” Leonidas asked. As everyone turned to him, he followed, “Oh come on we know that was a joke.”

Allianna laughed. “If we make it through this with our lives intact, we can revisit that matter later.”