Bury Ardith was a small village. It consisted of a cluster of houses surrounded by fields nestled in the foothills of a tall mountain range. The distinguishing feature was the stone guard towers that flanked a gateway into the side of the mountain, set into a sheer cliff face. The stonework was worn and crumbling, so ancient it was hard to tell much about the structure. The gates themselves had long since been removed, leaving a gaping opening into the mountain. A recently made portcullis blocked the way now, the wood still fresh and the metal gleaming.

The party made their way along the short trail from the village center towards the entry. They'd stopped to ask if anyone had seen Picker or Tuuka, but the few that didn't flee at their approach just pointed wordlessly towards the tunnel entrance. So they carried on without stopping. They could tell the villagers were watching them go from behind closed shutters and doors. They were afraid, but Quiet suspected it wasn't just the party they were scared of. To be fair, several of the twelve were very imposing figures. Charis and Bion were taller than aa few of the houses, while Zoe and Sar were more massive than most of the houses. The sky-blue cloaks and the flag Bion carried snapping in the breeze were incongruous, but somehow ominous as well.

"Stop! No entry. Tunnel's closed on account of monsters." said a bored voice from one of the crumbling towers as they approached.

"Excuse me? Monsters? Would you maybe like us to help with that?" Quiet responded, peering around to locate the speaker.

There was a rustle in the leftmost structure, then an eye could be seen squinting out one of the arrow slits on the second floor. Moments later the blatting of a horn sounded out, the noise echoing off the mountain face.

The call was interrupted somewhat as Shock barked back, her peals of silence overpowering all other sounds in the vicinity. Quiet picked the dog up and rested her on her hip, shushing her. She gestured for the others to wait but keep their eyes out for threats.

"Hello? Excuse me?"

The eye returned to the slit again, staring down warily. It looked nervous. "What do you want, monster? You should know the host is coming! They'll defend us! Put you and your lot in your place, they will!"

"And what, exactly, is our place? If you don't mind?" Quiet asked sweetly. She held the dog tightly as she felt Shock tensing up.

"Locked up with the other filth. Or dead. PTUI!" was the response, a globule of spit arching down to land near the goblin's feet.

"Right. Would someone make this portcullis go away? I'm done waiting." She said, moving to one side.

Before any of the party could respond, there was an echoing horn blat from well beyond the other side of the village. Shock sniffed the air, then pointed in that direction with her nose, silently growling.

"Threat coming from that way, girl? Guess that's the way it is. Heavies up front. Frisket, cover them. Zoe, take Elwood and Gladwin to the top of the tower. Stay there as high cover. Boys, there's bound to be an entry up there. Find your way in and explore. I want more info on these 'monsters'. V, watch behind. I don't want anyone sneaking up and shooting through that grate. Rose and Darcey, go find out who's coming. Remember scouts--information first, mayhem second. But not too distant a second." Quiet ordered. Her voice was calm and businesslike, with not a hint of nervousness. The squad snapped into action. Sar stepped a few paces forward, with Bion and Charis to either side. The bird and her shrew passenger flew into the sky, vanishing rapidly. The fox and mouse pair clambered onto the giant arachnid, holding on to her cargo vest.

There was a brief pelting of pebbles as Zoe clambered up the tower, her claws sinking into the stone as she propelled her way to the top. Her gargantuan form blocked out the sun momentarily as she ascended. A yelp sounded from within, the watcher cowering away as she passed their arrow slit. There was another frantic horn blast from inside before Elwood loosed a force jet through the opening. After that it was quiet.

Minutes trickled by as they waited patiently. Vieno occasionally glanced behind her to see if anything was coming but tried to concentrate on peering through the portcullis into the darkness. The rest stood easy, leaning on weapons or just nuzzling in for a nap in Shock's case.

"Bird should've been back by now." rumbled Charis eventually, voicing a concern they all shared. They had expected Rose and Darcey to be out and back in moments but had long since lost sight of the pair.

"Zoe, see anything?" Quiet called up to the spider high above.

"Not really, no. I can barely see the buildings from here. But I feel many hundreds of feet moving this direction. Some are hoofed, most are booted. Maybe ... yes. Not in step, so probably not professionals."

"Hundreds, huh? Right." The goblin rolled her head from side to side, her neck popping loudly. "We'll see what they want. Give 'em a chance to surrender. Things go pear-shaped, any sign of aggression, weapons free."

The rhinowoman and minotaur grunted, while Sar just bobbed his enormous head slightly. They heard Zoe reposition herself on the top of the tower, more rocks raining down until the spider stopped moving.

"Girls? If it comes to it, let loose. Just watch the friendly fire. Shock, protect them. If it isn't one of us, it's a chew toy. Got it?" Quiet set the dog back on the ground, giving her ears a good scritch.

The goblin and dwarf teens both nodded, faces pale again. The puppy yawned widely, her tongue lolling about as she flopped against Frisket's foot. Quiet took that as a yes. The goblin pulled out her anti-glamour lens and positioned the strap securely. She left the lens itself and the eye patch up, but ready to flip down if needed. She then moved to stand between the ettin and Bion, spear loosely resting against her shoulder.

They could soon hear the thunderous tramp of a great many feet coming towards them. Whoever it was decided to circle the village instead of passing through, and soon enough the vanguard hoved into view around one of the buildings on the outskirts.

"Militia, looks like. Some mercs, and ... yep. Those are adventurers in front. Great." announced Quiet as she assessed the oncoming multitude. The lead few figures were dressed in similar colors, but not quite a uniform. Behind them was a larger group likewise colour-coordinated. They rode with the easy confidence of people well-used to conflict and violence. At the rear was a much greater number of poorly equipped soldiers. These last were having difficulty moving en masse, shoving and bumping into each other as they advanced, their pikes and spears jostling noisily.

"Nobody in Light regalia, though. That's something. Maybe we can negotiate." the goblin added, more to herself than to the party.

As more of the force came around the village buildings, the poorly trained troops started lagging back, slowing their advance significantly as they spotted the ettin waiting for them. Bion and Charis, large as they were, were so eclipsed by the bulk of Sar they hadn't even been noticed yet. A terrified shout went up when someone pointed out the giant spider crouched at the top of the tower. The party could see the leaders bellowing and gesturing to keep a rout at bay, the warriors close to panic and rebellion. Only the better organized mercenaries and adventurers kept moving forwards, though they too were shaken.

Quiet took another step forwards, raising one hand in greeting as she hailed the approaching force.

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"Howdy! We're just passing through. You lads know any good pubs? Places to eat?"

The mercenary group halted as the group of adventurers continued closer, finally reigning in their horses about fifty feet from the goblin. Two were in heavy armor, one was festooned with pouches and bags. Another had a heavy crossbow he kept pointed towards--but not directly at--the party. The last lurked behind the other four, swaddled in a hooded robe.

One of the armored ones pointed a gauntleted hand at them. "Drop your weapons, monsters! We're here to protect the area from your predations. We'll not let you plunder this village like you have the others. Surrender and we may consider mercy."

"Huh. Well, first off, we aren't here to plunder. You'll notice we passed right through, didn't touch anything. Didn't bother any other villages either, for that matter. We're just looking for some of ours, then we're on our way. But you seem nice, so we'll make you a fantastic bargain, limited-time offer. You yield. That's the deal."

The adventurer scoffed. "You don't deny you are monsters, monster! Yet you fly a flag as if you were civilized. What master sent you here? Who do you serve?"

"Good catch! Didn't deny we're monsters. Some more than others." she glanced back at the dog who was noisily licking herself. "As for master, we don't serve one. But our friend asked us to come. She also asked us to be nice. Which, by the way, is why you're still breathing."

Shock gave one of her short yips. Sar took a large sniff of the air, then nodded. "Elf." he rumbled quietly.

As the ettin said that, the robed rider dismounted their horse, then ambled forwards, pulling back their hood to show the unnaturally beautiful face of a fae. The elf continued sauntering a few yards in front of the rest, motioning the group back as a smile graced their beguiling countenance. With their hood down, the party could see Rose, the starling riding on the elf's shoulder. The bird settled her feathers and nestled herself more comfortably on her perch.

Quiet reached up to flip down her lens as the elf's smooth, oily voice rang out.

"Friend? I've heard all about this 'friend'. A true creature of the Dark, a little bird told me. Aha. A 'friend' who will be dealt with in time. But no need to bicker! I'm sure you'll listen to reason like these others have." the elf kept smiling as it came closer, now midway between the party and the adventurers. "Just hear me out. You can be my friend, too. We can all be friends, no need to fight."

They felt the tug of the words. They were so reasonable. Fighting wasn't the answer. They should listen to the wise being. That would be best.

The flow of thoughts was interrupted as Shock howled, the deafening hush blanketing them. Then Sar's spear sang through the air, whistling from the incredible strength of the throw. That sound jarred the group the rest of the way from their stupor.

"[Fire Jet]!" yelled Zoe from the top of the tower, echoed almost simultaneously by Frisket's "[Force Jet]!".

Rose was just slightly faster, however. "[Pavise]." said the bird, with just a hint of smugness.

The spear and both spells rebounded harmlessly from the large shield erected in front of the elf.

"Aha. My friend learned a few of your unnatural tricks, too. I think you'll find them wanting, in the end." the soothing voice said, the elf pleased with the bird's work. The shield flickered slightly as Rose strained to keep it in place.

"[Force Jet]!"

"[Fire Jet]!"

Both spells were again blocked by the starling's spell. The bird gritted her beak at the effort to maintain it.

"Thank you, Rose. Ahem. My turn. [Commanding Presence]. [Overwhelming Persuasion]. Peace. Surrender."

Quiet felt her resistance slip away as she forgot the reason for fighting. Her spear clattered to the ground, joining the weapons from Frisket, Bion, and Charis. She ignored the puppy who nipped at her ankles.

The elf grinned, then turned to say something over its shoulder to the adventurers.

A tiny, shrill voice sounded from high in the air above the village, well behind the soldiers. Only the power in the magic words allowed it to be heard from such a distance.

"[Fire Ball]." said Darcey.

The world erupted in a cacophony of flame and heat. The elf and bird vaporized instantly. Along with a gigantic volume of the ground below where they had been. A magnificent mushroom cloud billowed towards the heavens, dirt and rocks raining down as the troops blinked in utter shock. They stared, stupefied, at the glowing crater.

"How you like them apples, you bleedin' traitor? Elf-lover! Drop me midair, I'ma tell you what! Never again!" the shrew raged, although everyone within hundreds of yards had been deafened by the explosion.

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"Parachute." Darcey said, pointing to the bulky lump in the back of his vest. "Olavi helped me with it. 'S not right, bein' that high above the ground." He continued cleaning the thick lenses of his spectacles, blinking owlishly as he glanced around, whiskers twitching. "Never mentioned it. Didn't want to seem distrustful. Hah! Good thing, too. Problem is, I'm so light it took ages to land. Horrible! Just horrible! Thought I'd drift forever up there. Blasted bird knocked me off on purpose, then snickered as I was falling. I could take that, I s'pose, but for a blasted elf? Never again! Good riddance, I say! Fire's too good for the lot of 'em!"

"Never again!" echoed Elwood and Gladwin.

"I can't believe Rose was a traitor! She was one of Alder's own friends. How could anyone want to betray Amelia? And to an elf?" Gladwin growled, still upset at the turn of events.

"I can't believe that greasy elf had us all hoodwinked like that. Slimy bugger. Never trusting one of them again!" Larsen said, shaking his head. His armour rattled when he moved, even with his helmet off.

Atomizing a spell caster was a potent way to counter any mind control spells they had active. The elf had ensnared not just the adventurers and mercenaries, but most of villagers as well. Freed from its hold, they had agreed to parley with the party. Which was best done in the village pub, where they all were now, some time later. Much less thirsty and hangry.

"Glad we didn't end up tussling with you lot. That's some impressive, um, firepower you guys are packing." He rubbed Shock's belly, ignoring the slobber that was staining his tabard as the dog wriggled happily in his lap, tongue flapping about.

"You can say that again! Bet there isn't much that scares you, is there big guy?" Nidra asked, raising a flagon towards Sar. The ettin was practically curled in a fetal position to fit inside the pub with the rest, roof beams straining to contain his broad shoulders.

Sar thought for a moment, then gave a half-grin. "She does." He rumbled slowly, pointing at the puppy. "Saw her dam get mad once. Aelfstan Peak."

The adventurer frowned in confusion. "Don't you mean Aelfstan Lake? I'm pretty sure there isn't an Aelfstan Peak."

"Not anymore." The ettin nodded sagely, a strange grimace on his huge face as he quelled the horrible memory.

"Oh. Oh! Ooooh!" exclaimed Larsen as he looked down at the puppy in his lap. Shock took that moment to lick his face.

"Just wait until you meet Pancake. He's the one that taught us those spells!" added Vieno. She and Frisket had been allowed a single mug of ale each. A rather strong ale, apparently. They were both red in the face and quite giggly.

"Mighty enchanter?" Nidra asked.

"Snarky goat." Frisket snickered from her place leaning against her father.

"Who's getting an entire barrel of brandy to hisself when we get back! Cheers!" shouted Tuuka, raising his flagon. His own daughter snuggled under his arm. "I thought he was joking about that fire ball spell. Owe him a few, sure enough!"

Once everyone had been freed from the mind control, it hadn't taken long to convince them that the elves were the ones pillaging and despoiling villages. They'd realized they'd falsely accused the group of goblins and dwarves Picker and Tuuka had been leading, trapping the migrants in the depths of the old fortress. Elwood and Gladwin had found the pair and had been just about to destroy the portcullis to lead them out, when the villagers raised the barrier themselves. There had been a little tension, but once everything was explained to all parties, the confrontation turned into a giant party. The great cargo wagons had been driven out of the depths and parked near the village, circled around large bonfires while everyone celebrated not having to fight.

"So, this hollow. Nice place?" asked Nidra.

"The best!" returned Vieno, her words slurred slightly as she toasted with her empty mug.

Quiet eyed the woman. Nidra was the engineer of the group, festooned with the tools of her trade. "It's a great place. As a matter of fact, we have sole access to a dungeon you lot might be interested in. We're doing some renovation work and parts still need clearing. Could probably put you to work, if you're interested."

Picker and Tuuka both looked at Quiet in surprise.

"Dungeon? When did that happen?" Tuuka asked.

"You boys missed a few things. We've, uh, had some growth since you left." Quiet gestured towards Darcey, Elwood, and Gladwin. "The Fur Folk have joined us, as have the Elarans. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!"

"Amelia conquered the Night Market!" yelled Frisket, raising her own empty mug above her head with enthusiasm.

"We heard about something going on there! That was your friend?" gasped Larsen, leaning closer in interest.

"Ah, well, some Light thugs tried her patience, let's say. She was ... merciful." Quiet answered.

"Blew 'em up! Pow!" slurred Vieno, flailing her cup around to emphasize the point. "Then Blue and Mr. Ainsley ate 'em! Hunnnerd's of 'em! Ulp!" The young dwarf suddenly went green at the thought, covering her mouth as her cheeks strained.

"Yes, dear. Perhaps it's beddy bye time for you girls? Big day today, wasn't it?"

"I have got to meet these people! Can we come with you? This hollow sounds amazing!" gushed Nidra.