Hysteric cries echoed through the dark corridors.

Shadows lingered and stretched along the walls.

Creatures waited to strike.

Strong men wilted.

Weaker died.

We had met a forking path and decided to split into groups of four.

A decision made by a dogmatic hunter who called himself party leader, but carried himself like a tyrant.

Real leaders rose to the occasion.

Fake ones grasped and clawed to positions of power

These types of party leaders with egos and everything to prove worried me the most.

Casualties are always high when these men take command.

But who am I to act soo high and mighty?

I always allow rash decisions to go uncontested.

Sitting on top of the wall and choosing silence made me no better.

My three other companions were as follows:

A wrinkled-faced warlock with fingers that curled and bent, who carried himself with a staff that served more as a cane than anything.

A young, much too young, enchantress that jumped with every passing noise. She wore a cloak of green and jewels of ivory. Everything that a lowly geared beginner would receive after a couple of novice quests.

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And, a simple soldier that kept his sentences short and direct. His hair was buzzed and his hand was always on the hilt of his short blade.

This man hummed with silent power. Even with mostly blue-hued gear, he felt capable.

I didn't want any more people to die…

I thought to myself as I inspected my current party.

Then why did you become an adventurer?

The voice inside my head snapped back…

If you really want to protect, then start here. Save these three here.

Prove that you can...

If not, what chance does Ronald have?

I nodded in agreement.

The voices had returned again.

The ones of doubt

The ones that pushed me forward.

Lights from torches or a campfire loomed in the distance.

Manic trolloc shouts cascaded across the walls.

Teeth clattering by the enchantress next to me.

Grumbling by the geriatric warlock began.

A much too taut grip on the sword by the soldier,

And rapid breathing was the final push for me to take charge.

Everyone calm down.

Enchantress rest your teeth.

Old man, enough grumbling.

And boy, rest your heart and the grip on your blade.

If we relax and take things with time we won't have a battle but a simple clear.

Crouch low and against the shadows of the far wall, I can provide us with stealth, and then we can see how many we face.

There was always a chance they wouldn't listen, but these adventurers were fresh and inexperienced.

In a way, it was a blessing to be paired with the ones they sent to die.

It was the rear guard all over.

With conviction, I said.

"Follow my lead and no one needs to die today."