They ran into Petris when they came out of the hole and onto the first floor of the mine. The man was visibly gasping for air as he fished out the potions he got from Elland.
“Tenris, you are alright?” he asked in shock as he was watching Duncan and the other guy pry the men’s mouth open and pouring in the potions.
“Yeah, never better,” Tenris replied.
“What about the Shades?” Petris asked.
“He took care of them,” Tenris replied eyeing Duncan.
It was weird for him that a guy, who could not lift a body could kill the two Shades and rescue them.
The black veins disappeared and the two men were starting to wake up as they were fed healing potions.
“Captain are you alright,” Petris and Tenris asked in unison when the biggest men opened his eyes.
“Where are we?” the man immediately asked as he looked around for any threats.
“Captain we are safe,” Tenris replied.
“How did we get out? I remember nothing worked on those damn things and then nothing,” Captain asked.
“How is Rosen?” he asked Duncan who was watching over the still unconscious guy.
“He should be alright. He is just enjoying his sleep like usual,” Tenris replied before kicking the sleeping guy, “Get up!”
“Aaaagh. Five more minutes,” the guy said without opening his eyes.
“You are not in the barracks you bloody moron,” Tenris said and kicked harder.
The Captain stood up now and walked closer to Duncan.
“You are?” he asked inspecting Duncan from head to toe.
“I am Duncan Russel.”
“He is the guy who went in with the dwarf. I found him when I was running for help. Then he asked me to go to Elland’s for the death magic antidotes and volunteered to come here by himself,” Petris hastily explained.
“So, it is you I should thank for coming out of there alive? Also, Petris it’s good you went for help. You getting unconscious down there with us would not help at all. Good thinking,” the Captain said.
Duncan was a bit embarrassed by all the attention and scratched the back of his head.
“Yeah. I guess so,” He replied nervously.
“Let me introduce myself properly. I am Fenris Bloodhorn the local Captain of the guard. They usually just call me Captain. You can call me Fenris or Captain or whatever you want from now on. I owe you my life and those of my men.”
“It was no big deal,” Duncan said nervously.
“I don’t know if I should be offended by that. You saying my life and my subordinate's lives not being a big deal,” the Captain said as he laughed.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Duncan hastily retorted.
“I know. I am just teasing you,” the Captain replied.
“I heard reports from Petris about you going into the mine three times. Once you dragged out the dwarf. Bolgar I think is his name?” the Captain said and Duncan nodded.
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“So, we figured we would make an expedition to handle any threats to the village and also to level up. There are not many encounters near the village you can level these days. We didn’t know the bastards used mental attacks and dark magic. I see you used lightning magic attack on me. For what purpose if I may ask?” Captain asked.
“I gave Tenris the antidote first since he was most affected by the death magic. It didn’t clear it completely. So, I used lightning magic to try clear the rest. I knew it killed Shades but it took time. One or two shots would not kill Tenris but might clear the toxin and I needed a helper to bring you up. It worked and the healing potion fixed the minor damage anyway.
I used a few on you and Rosen to lessen the degree of poisoning but didn’t try to clear it completely. I knew Elland had antidotes and Petris would be here soon,” Duncan explained as Captain Fenris nodded.
“How did you know Elland has the antidotes?” he asked afterwards.
“We made some from the remains of Shades I killed when Bolgar was attacked and when I came back alone. It turns out the purified Shade essence is the main ingredient,” Duncan replied.
“I am sorry I have to ask so many questions from my savior. Call it professional curiosity. I need to know how to handle any threats to the village,” the Captain explained.
“I understand. The Shades are not the only thing down there. I fought a Guardian Skeleton too,” Duncan volunteered the information.
“I don’t think anyone in this village is fit to fight the Shades, so the mine will be off limits to the guards unless they are following you. Now let’s get out of this godforsaken place. Do come with us to the barracks for a small celebration,” the Captain replied after nodding.
They quickly made their way out.
“Ahhh. Fresh air,” the Captain said as they turned towards the village wall.
“The barracks are to the right of the entrance of the wall,” he said and continued walking along side with Duncan.
“Go prepare a meal and some beers for our savior,” he suddenly ordered and his three subordinates acknowledged and started running ahead.
“You really don't have to,” Duncan said afterwards.
“Nonsense. I Fenris Bloodhorn always pay my debts in full. This is just an advance. Anything I can help you with just let me know. Well, as long as it doesn’t break any laws,” the Captain replied looking intently into Duncan's eyes.
“Hmmm. You are nothing like I imagined you would be like,” Duncan said and Fenris looked at him intensely.
“Who, told you about me? Was it Elland, the dwarf or Wazsh?” Fenris asked looking at Duncan’s face intently. Duncan's eyelids twitched a bit at the mention of Wazsh.
“So, it was Wazsh,” he continued and sighed.
“We used to be friends. Until the adventurers all left and the mayor started making changes. The guard is supposed to have no contact with the townsfolk according to her,” the Captain explained.
“And you obeyed?” Duncan asked.
“I was forced to,” he replied.
“What do you mean forced? Is she stronger than you are?” Duncan asked.
The Captain looked around and then whispered.
“You know how Wazsh can’t leave his place? She did it to me. Locked me in my room. Well sort off. I could open the door but could not walk out. Then the next day she came gloating.”
“I don’t know how she does it. I can’t move past the perimeter of the village and neither can any other guard. It’s like we are prisoners here. She threatened to lock us into our rooms until we starve if we do not obey her. I am only telling you this since you are obviously not from here so you have a chance to get out and run,” Fenris explained in an increasingly more agitated tone.
“I guess being the mayor has some perks and she used them on Wazsh right away since he doesn’t know about it,” Duncan thought.
“Why don’t you tell Wazsh about it?” Duncan asked.
“She set exclusion zones. We can’t visit any shops. All we need is delivered. We can only go to the wall, the barracks and our home. Besides if we talked about it to the normal people, it would only spell doom for them too,” Fenris replied in whispers.
“I need to tell Wazsh about it,” Duncan replied.
“No. Please don’t. It will only bring him greater frustration,” Fenris replied.
“I guess you don’t know Wazsh as much as you claim you do. This will give him hope,” Duncan replied at the stunned Fenris.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Until he knows about it, he will think there is nothing we can do about it. Once he knows, he will start thinking about a solution. Maybe the mayor can be reasoned with or we can find a weak spot,” Duncan replied.
They finally came to a big wooden house not far from the gate. Fenris led Duncan around. He showed him the bunk room, bathrooms, training facilities and his office. Lastly, he showed him the canteen where the other three had already prepared a meal.
“I hope you like roasted venison?” Tenris asked.
“Sure. Finally, something other than rat meat,” Duncan said with a smile.
“First let’s have toast to our savior!” Fenris said and raised a beer.
“Some of us owe him our lives and all of us owe him our gratitude. I think I can speak for all of us present that if you need anything we would be happy to help you. Cheers to Duncan!” Fenris said and raised the bottle. Duncan and the other three followed.
“Here is to me!” Duncan thought to himself in embarrassment.