After an elaborate conversation, Ane came to the conclusion it was best to leave. Mint and Mounty also said that it'd be better to leave Daphne for now and come back for her when it was safer. Sharran's Valley definitely wasn't the best place to be around.226Please respect copyright.PENANAjOj1yyJrDT
The group hurried outside of the grand hall. Ane, however, immediately stood eye-to-eye with Hayres, who had a very malicious glare on her face.226Please respect copyright.PENANAyQYVvSensE
"Going anywhere?" she smirked.226Please respect copyright.PENANAP4HfUm7wGS
"The wedding is done," replied Ane. "You do not need me anymore."226Please respect copyright.PENANA4vnQBghoRY
"Perhaps I do," sighed Hayres. "How about you all come with me?"226Please respect copyright.PENANAloxFxKLbAD
"What if we don't?" asked Mounty.226Please respect copyright.PENANAhA01nZhcvG
"Ah, lovely niece, you've joined this group of nomads?" 226Please respect copyright.PENANARLSpz4nGLb
"They aren't nomads –"226Please respect copyright.PENANADIgmX2Y9PX
"You don't belong with them." Hayres pulled Mounty's wrist and dragged her to Hayres' own side. She then ordered the guards to take care of the remaining group and bring them to their accommodation. Despite the protest gushing out of their mouths, they still were being forced to their huts. Their huts were a bit closer to the edge of the city, making it both easier to escape and less smelly.226Please respect copyright.PENANAtzpCrvPN4K
"Don't try to escape," snapped one of the guards. "The wall guards will shoot an arrow right through your pretty heads."226Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5IdT3TAK7
They were pushed in huts, each one of them, and Ane was left with Bethil and Elliot.226Please respect copyright.PENANALYb9b3MDVO
"Hayres is vile. Her aura is an absolute disgusting burgundy. It is not safe here at all," she hissed.226Please respect copyright.PENANAAk6lMNqf6K
"As if we did not know that," sighed Elliot. "We need Daphne. She would get us out here."226Please respect copyright.PENANA39KM9zAHRX
"I do not think my magic will have much effect here," added Bethil. "The walls are thick, and it is almost as if there is a dome above the city refraining me from giving it my fullest."226Please respect copyright.PENANA4o0AToybVV
"I can feel that too. It could just be the smell as well," replied Anevay.226Please respect copyright.PENANAbHEEdC1tGG
Jarco, Livi and Lewir were sat in their huts as well. They didn't talk, and just looked around the place. It was a small house with one floor. Walls that divided kitchen, living room and bedrooms had a particularly non-fresh scent and a smother of death seemed to linger and stick against the ceiling.226Please respect copyright.PENANAKrChqLwQfF
Hallan, Mint and Marrie sighed deeply. Would they ever really reach their destination? The Western Bay was so close, yet now it felt like a thousand miles away. Hallan could just burn down the entire city, but that was too much of a risk. People would survive, and to risk your own death like this was a sign of mere stupidity.226Please respect copyright.PENANAB48ydqRk0l
"Why were you hanging out with those nomads?" hissed Hayres. Mounty's arms were clutched between the hands of Hayres' guards. Her throne looked like red velvet and it was almost as if blood dripped down the grey base of her seat. 226Please respect copyright.PENANANBk7O769qN
"They are my comrades, Hayres," she said. "Stop calling them nomads. They have a goal."226Please respect copyright.PENANAxEBcnOpe9L
"What?" laughed Hayres mockingly. "Save the world and bring peace to this land?" 226Please respect copyright.PENANAxnkx0vxp9o
The serious glare on Mounty's face silenced Hayres. She showed a rather disgusted scowl.226Please respect copyright.PENANAIXQRJ91fQC
"Since when have you become such a hero? It's tasteless, Mounitilly. They won't bat an eye for you."226Please respect copyright.PENANAIaQPaHfG8T
"Daphnelle will."226Please respect copyright.PENANAbUV4aATnBB
"She's dead to both you and I."226Please respect copyright.PENANAqgaPtXJvjL
"You can't decide that," scowled Mounty.226Please respect copyright.PENANAL4tEvX1Xc1
"You ran off with her leftover boyfriend," Hayres laughed. "Don't think she sees you a friend."226Please respect copyright.PENANACA4s0PTxwv
"I still have –"226Please respect copyright.PENANAv7xhezvq4d
"No. You don't have feelings for her anymore."226Please respect copyright.PENANAEfcFT3ofx3
"Stop deciding my life," snapped Mounty.226Please respect copyright.PENANAY3DCsjTJa0
"I'm your guardian," exclaimed Hayres as a response.226Please respect copyright.PENANAO0bXnHaRTV
Mounty tried to lunge forward and released wave of strong, energised power. It eventually sparked up into a wave of hot fire which rapidly rolled down the room into Hayres' direction. She could shield it rather easily and stood up. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAseG6Uofg6d
"Did you try to burn me, little rat?"226Please respect copyright.PENANAzdLZg6SE4w
"You're the witch that authors write about in fairy tales," said Mounty. "A cliché, sad lady with an attitude that's way too prepubescent for their age."226Please respect copyright.PENANAZMvLeBW5EE
Hayres was lost for a solid second, but then proceeded to slash her claws into Mounty's face. It left a huge scar in the shape of a tiger's claw on her face, caused by mere magic. Sapphires, but close to quartz, because the stinging pain that was left in Mounty's wound was nearly paralysing and stung like a bitch. Mounty just wanted to faint, right there, right then, but she had to stay strong and rely on the hands that held her up.226Please respect copyright.PENANAKM4uOkWK3x
"Too painful, niece?" said Hayres with a dead serious face. "Better get used to it." She lazily waved wither hand and the guards brought Mounty to one of the cellars.226Please respect copyright.PENANAYX3GGg4Rya
"So when will you let me out?" asked Daphne.226Please respect copyright.PENANAIlEHCp31Y7
"Whenever the time comes, which isn't now," replied Sarkhan.226Please respect copyright.PENANAYL4wv1MoAN
The two sat in their private dining room. It was a rather awkward dinner, and both Daphne and Sarkhan just awkwardly sat in the room.226Please respect copyright.PENANAAey4uqBNBB
"Don't you feel the tiniest bit bad that you're just forcing me into this marriage?" asked Daphne, eating her last bit of fish. It had been a while since she'd actually had fish.226Please respect copyright.PENANA38Pqmu9rtD
The square room had a casual, oak table with four chairs to each side. A fireplace was to their left and the big, wooden port to the kitchen on their right. This room was in one of the wings of the luxury building of Sharran's Valley. Everything was shrouded in a layer of subtle, red velvet and some magnolia perfume. Not an ounce of the cruelty of outside was apparent or visible within the walls of Sharran's palace. Very few people actually lived here. About twenty-eight, if not less. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAxeO3yl3pPp
"Of course I do, Daphne." 226Please respect copyright.PENANA1kr2LwyAzs
Daphnelle looked up. "Then let me go."226Please respect copyright.PENANAciNBJByiop
"My parents won't ever let me. It'll have consequences for me, too. I didn't just pick you for no reason. I thought that we still had stuff to talk about and maybe we could resolve the issues that we left behind last time we actually saw each other."226Please respect copyright.PENANAj46jqnhYaG
"Last time we saw each other you ended everything that we were and could be. You shouldn't have left me if you're so eager to beg for forgiveness now."226Please respect copyright.PENANASTNKuNsGnF
"Everyone makes mistakes."226Please respect copyright.PENANAde3uj9IvjI
"I know."226Please respect copyright.PENANAlEvnhjDQJW
"I deserve a second chance."226Please respect copyright.PENANAqyn2bhsXlm
Daphne abruptly stood up and the force field that she created around her shoved the table to the side. Sarkhan stood up too and shot his first attack; an orb of intense energy contaminated by lightning. Daphne easily dodged this and sent back her own attack. The spear made out of fire was shot straight at Sarkhan, who couldn't dodge in time. He yelped in pain and covered his face as he stumbled backwards against the wall. Upon removing his hands, Daphne saw the damage she'd done; a big burn around Sarkhan's bright left eye.226Please respect copyright.PENANAniRcQH6iUq
Instead of waiting for Sarkhan's response, Daphne went ahead and attacked more and more. All four of her strikes of mixed elements were dodged, but she continued, until Sarkhan struck back. 226Please respect copyright.PENANATiz58IAVPS
The attack that he sent towards Daphne left a scar on her neck as if a lion with three sharp nails had just dragged is paw across her neck towards her shoulder. Daphnelle let out a yelp as well and backed off. It didn't take long before both of them were striking and attacking ruthlessly and mercilessly. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAFRkWYKWeNZ
The port of the kitchen slammed open and revealed Sarkhan's father. He immediately ran to his son and cursed at Daphne. She was honestly questioning whether it'd be smart to attack his father too, but her own wise and healthy mind said that'd be a step closer to insanity. Know your boundaries. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAE8CZFVqilO
"It's not her fault. I initiated the fight," said Sarkhan.226Please respect copyright.PENANAfWuI9H0alp
"We both did," said Daphnelle, understanding that Sarkhan was trying to take the blame on him. "It got out of hand."226Please respect copyright.PENANAH8wLjbyiyA
Sarkhan's father scolded them some more, but Daphne was too surprised that Sarkhan wouldn't let Daphne be punished.226Please respect copyright.PENANAd3DoC9Yf9G
Later that night, they each sat at opposite sides of their bed, their backs facing each other. Silence echoed through the ever so cosy bedroom and it almost seemed unreal for Daphne to find herself in such a luxurious yet calm place – except she kind of turned the calm into calamity. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAf6aKZDYAsY
"I'm sorry," she said. "I couldn't control myself."226Please respect copyright.PENANA2NK5f8B1FU
"I shouldn't have provoked you."226Please respect copyright.PENANAbOzJ5ub4gj
"I provoked you."226Please respect copyright.PENANAWFZfEDeWJ5
"If I'd been wiser, we could've resolved it."226Please respect copyright.PENANApQqkQXNAsA
"If I'd been more forgiving, we could've."226Please respect copyright.PENANAQqqll3UmAD
"Stop blaming yourself."226Please respect copyright.PENANA3uLzEp5suX
"Right back at you."226Please respect copyright.PENANAh98FXGXE9F
Sarkhan was the first to look over his shoulder, to see how Daphne was gazing outside of the window. One day she'd understand his plans.
Ane and Elliot sat on one of the four beds in the hut. Bethil was already asleep, or at least seemed like he was. The sunset poured rays of gold through the windows of the huts and lit up the room majestically. In silence, the two friends sat next to each other. They were both questioning their choices which had let them up to this point. Mistakes were definitely made, but they wondered whether it'd be wise to regret them. It'd be better to deal with them as quickly as possible, right? Yet none of the two friends could bring themselves to not having any regrets in their decisions.226Please respect copyright.PENANAvCfGl1WujN
The hut had two rooms; a room with a kitchen and a cosy corner with a couch and a fireplace and a room with four beds. There was also a tiny room inside of the bedroom which one should call the bathroom. It wasn't all too spacious, but big enough.226Please respect copyright.PENANAbFWS1tNTiq
Bethil lay on his bed, facing away from Ane and Elliot, staring outside of the same window as well. He didn't really care that the light darted right into his eyes; he enjoyed the pain of beauty. He wondered what would've happened if he hadn't ever made the decision to accompany Ane and Elliot on this journey. He had made many new bonds and he had met people he wouldn't ever have thought of meeting. Yet everything still seemed like the biggest mystery, and he was sure that the biggest question mark was yet to come and slash its way into everything that happened.226Please respect copyright.PENANAqMssOqdUXJ
Jarco and Livi were sat in the couch in front of the fireplace that they had managed to lit by the simple flick of a wrist. Jarco wished that magic was a lot more offensive than it was. To some people – those who possessed the quartz – offensive magic should be easy, yet for Jarco it still seemed like a trick hard to learn. Despite his experience and his know-how of warfare with magic, in moments like these he missed every ounce of confidence in his power. Offensive magic was tons harder than defensive magic and it drained everything one was capable of. And here was Jarco, tired of even thinking about how weak he felt between all these great forces.226Please respect copyright.PENANASTcMFqFPfn
Livi glared at the flames licking the stones. An occasional crack would occur. The wood that was spawned inside of the fireplace burned to crisps slowly, but surely. It was calming to see destruction of some sort that, at the same time, brought satisfaction and joy to one's life.226Please respect copyright.PENANAYIbszypdFt
Lewir, who was lying in bed, stared at the ceiling. How did he get here again, he questioned? He could have been feasting with the whores right now, but instead he was in Sharran's Valley, a place that wasn't on anybody's travel list. And although he knew that everything would turn out okay, a sense of fear still lingered within him; not everything was perfectly fine. Some things weren't exposed, but not hidden either – just to everybody's oblivion. He obviously couldn't tell what exactly, but somehow the key answer to all of their troubles felt very close.
Marrie and Mint were talking over a cup of tea in the couch. The fire wasn't lit, because none of them would really enjoy the sudden warmth. Hallan was sitting next to Marrie, but didn't join the conversation. He just listened to them discussing magic techniques and how hard or easy certain spells were for them. Casting spells wasn't really from this century, yet the power that stuck behind it was immensely underrated. Offensive attacks would be more precise, thus more damaging and more effective. Yet not everyone possessed magic and most people still preferred weaponry over magic any time.226Please respect copyright.PENANAEyrYzgxGtN
"Why don't you two just combine powers?" asked Mint. "It'd be tons easier."226Please respect copyright.PENANAumJnZunvKZ
"Don't forget they're our race here," said Hallan. "Never betray your own kind."226Please respect copyright.PENANAQr11TjIU2d
"Only make bonds with your enemies," finished Marrie.226Please respect copyright.PENANA4AJo6AoG2X
"I never got that quote. You're still betraying your own kind by working with the enemies," sighed Mint, "so what's the point?"226Please respect copyright.PENANA64YtGlozmf
"Betraying your own kind would mean that you'd bring harm to them, directly or indirectly. Bonding with your enemies merely means you're erasing any risky bridges and replacing them with secured ones. There's an essential difference," explained Marrie. She took a sip of her tea.226Please respect copyright.PENANAvDrxoqp1Qg
"So what do we do, then? We don't have any enemies," said Mint.226Please respect copyright.PENANAWnszIHc3gS
"Oh, don't we?" smirked Hallan. "Mankind is still very much alive."226Please respect copyright.PENANAYwJOqsmNEE
"Isn't Livi human?" asked Mint.226Please respect copyright.PENANAOQ1IvegeWT
"Partially," nodded Hallan.226Please respect copyright.PENANAok17c6MRbx
"What's the other half, then?"226Please respect copyright.PENANA41u7Tzeogi
"We don't know," shrugged Mint. "Elven, probably. Either way. We can contact mankind through messages sent by Druids."226Please respect copyright.PENANA5zNlkJfJK4
"Will they still help us after everything that's happened?"226Please respect copyright.PENANAOTtlTEjiOr
"Mankind doesn't want anything else but make alliances with us again in order to protect themselves and erase any feuds. Plus, it could end Sharran's Valley for once and all. It is worth the shot. It might take a while, as they're in the Eastern Bay, but give it your best try, Hallan," smiled Marrie. Hallan nodded and stood up. His eyes lit up, and Mint curiously watched the ritual. He stretched out his hands in front of him, as if he was creating an entire glow of magic around him. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAoElf57GGXA
Minutes passed by, and Marrie and Mint sat patiently. Hallan came back to the real world and it was as if reality smacked him in the face. Marrie had to rush to support him so he wouldn't collapse. 226Please respect copyright.PENANANd1UhMNFK1
"The message has been sent," said Hallan. "It is time for us to rest now and prepare for an answer – if we get one, at least."
For guests who were semi-captured, they were treated surprisingly well. Breakfast was held in the official palace, and they were all neatly seated around the kitchen. They even had the chance to dine with Daphnelle and Sarkhan. More tables and more chairs were placed in the same place where Daphnelle and Sarkhan had their quite uncomfortable dinner.226Please respect copyright.PENANA66lVhglOVt
"Is there anybody listening right now?" asked Hallan, silently and subtly.226Please respect copyright.PENANA2ri6mNG90h
"I can make them leave, if that's what you want," answered Sarkhan.226Please respect copyright.PENANAss144anKYJ
"Please."226Please respect copyright.PENANAo5K5AmZj3V
Sarkhan yelled an order which included the words "leave or I'll behead you", which led to a roaring noise of the kitchen workers leaving their workplace in a hurry. A door slammed open and was shut loudly afterwards. 226Please respect copyright.PENANA0gfO7DIpJI
"So, what did you want to talk about?" asked Anevay, stuffing her mouth with a spicy dumpling. A bit unusual for breakfast, sure, but delicious it definitely was.226Please respect copyright.PENANAP3mIyIGb31
"I sent a message to mankind last night and asked them for help," said Hallan. "This morning, the response was clear."226Please respect copyright.PENANAGCt0hRdgxd
"How did humans send you a message back?" asked Ane curiously.226Please respect copyright.PENANAs8JwokUKlr
"Humans live in the Eastern Bay. The creatures that live there are beyond our imagination," answered Marrie.226Please respect copyright.PENANAqPxT9mKx7H
"Either way. They replied that they'd be more than glad to help us out."226Please respect copyright.PENANAvKV5egPaur
"How?" asked Elliot. "No offence, but I think that the doomed are far stronger than mankind."226Please respect copyright.PENANAvAaxLXTEF4
"Agreed," replied Ane. "Mankind must rely on weaponry whereas doomed can also rely on ruby magic." 226Please respect copyright.PENANANsGfFxaEfO
"Indeed," nodded Hallan. "However, do not forget that the more you practise something, the greater you shall become in that field. Mankind has lived with melee combat ever since they could remember. They are definitely the professionals here."226Please respect copyright.PENANAVnGGHyHfCP
"What about magic?" asked Livi. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAPizbBBBSJh
"The races living in the Eastern Bay use the finest materials for their weaponry and enchant it. Forget not; it's not for no reason that so little is known about the east. You need to travel through that place to reach the core, right? Your eyes will widen greatly."226Please respect copyright.PENANAsIS68XI5QH
A silence which was sometimes interrupted by someone taking a piece of food fell, and all were impressed by the way Hallan's words flowed. It wasn't a Druid's thing either; Daphne didn't share even half of the elegance in which Hallan let his words slither through his lips like a royal serpent. He definitely had a way with words, and seemingly also a know-how with actions. 226Please respect copyright.PENANA8Pfu5pjGeO
"So, when?" asked Ane. 226Please respect copyright.PENANA7pRM7Iqnta
"Later today. They're fast. They use birds."226Please respect copyright.PENANAEU3i8LSfsc
"Dragons?" asked Bethil curiously.226Please respect copyright.PENANA1HGYNwnjhA
"Dragons are no birds," replied Hallan. "Never make that mistake. They'd burn you alive." 226Please respect copyright.PENANAwT07daEDZs
Bethil nodded understandingly. "Then what are dragons?" he continued to ask.226Please respect copyright.PENANAyzIha8NKFl
"Just, dragons."226Please respect copyright.PENANAhCvdB58bLA
The group was trying to be as undercover as possible. They obeyed the orders of some doomed, they listened to Hayres' rambling about how stupid she found some of the commanders - "Why did I even enlist them in my army? They're a disgrace!" - and they sat around, bored and waiting. However, they couldn't suppress the excitement which came later that day. They heard rumours about how strange men were found at the walls, trying to get in. On how new traders wanted to exchange weapons. On how merchants from far away wanted to sell now products. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAEeTqjzALpa
Strange.226Please respect copyright.PENANAkxAZG8B4C7
All on one day.226Please respect copyright.PENANA61YJvyHeEt
Hayres immediately knew what was up. She was sat on her throne, in the palace, and scanned the face of a so-called merchant in front of her, showing off some amazing materials. Mounty was sat next to her.226Please respect copyright.PENANAGc6bSKhv6A
"Are you a human?" asked Hayres, threateningly. 226Please respect copyright.PENANArNfgonNtGJ
"Would you mind, ma'am?" asked the person. He was tall, mature and had blonde, curly locks. He had soft, elven features paired with the brute bits of mankind. Grey eyes, pink lips, sharp jaw and sharp nose. He was too handsome to be a man.226Please respect copyright.PENANAxGPUc7zTeW
"What is your name, weakling?" Hayres taunted.226Please respect copyright.PENANAfRUl2SFkRA
The man didn't bow down to the belittling. He was used to it, for sure.226Please respect copyright.PENANA4iEPrparqI
"My name is Willis. From the Henrics tree," he said. He threw himself in the pit of fire, or he either worked his own way around it.226Please respect copyright.PENANAEJbDFTY7cD
"The Henrics tree? Are you telling me you're one of the people who betrayed us?"226Please respect copyright.PENANAl9CaDrY6KU
"Absolutely. And I've come here to sell you our rarest products in order to beg for forgiveness."226Please respect copyright.PENANAWh6i559UCu
"That is no way to ask for forgiveness," hissed Hayres, who rose from her throne.226Please respect copyright.PENANAKmp1kqgvzd
"Hayres," spoke Mounty, "this is Willis Henrics. He has great wisdom and knows how to fight with a sword better than anybody else. He did fight against the horned, but he also betrayed his own race because he tried to purify our name. Don't forget that. He is a prince, mind you."226Please respect copyright.PENANASq0JybA1Fu
"What the young lady said," nodded the prince.226Please respect copyright.PENANA5wf5ursSZi
"I haven't heard about that," said Hayres.226Please respect copyright.PENANA4CtGVsHaig
"Because mankind tried to get rid of that event," explained Mounty. "They banished their prince for this."226Please respect copyright.PENANAMQzPS7E8fB
"What are you doing here, Willis?" asked Hayres, sitting back down.226Please respect copyright.PENANAoT63tAnW0J
"Selling my products."
"I can come to amends with you, Henrics," spat Hayres. Willis had to keep his honour a bit low and accept this if he wanted to be of aid to the others.
"Thank you, majesty. That means a lot to me, and all of the human race," replied Willis.
"We don't do discrimination when it comes to races, Willis," spoke Mounty, ignoring Hayres' irritated glare. "Thank you for this all. I shall show you around town."
She rose from the seat and walked outside while Willis followed her, his materials being taken by soldiers beforehand. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAdmbunzHmcv
"What are you doing here?" asked Mounty.226Please respect copyright.PENANAXGLtCmD6qc
"Hallan has sent us a message," said the prince. "I'm here to help you out."226Please respect copyright.PENANAuUn8Skg4jO
"So you think one sole person can save us?" whispered Mounty, heading to the littler, emptier streets of town.
"Milady, I have brought my comrades," grinned Willis. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAVUd9H82WA1
"And what will they do?" Mounty asked. "Magic exceeds strength."226Please respect copyright.PENANAeCi4M9ii7z
"You say that because you lack strength," answered Willis. "Your sharpness and wits might bring you places, but once stripped of your gems, you are nothing."
"If I rip off your arms, neither are you," answered Mounty.226Please respect copyright.PENANA43lTZ4UDWX
Willis let out a little laugh. "Of course."226Please respect copyright.PENANAfEdFvz4ztr
"Magic is also faster and more flexible," said Mounty. "A lot more dangerous overall."
"You are underestimating us, dear," Willis sighed. "You will be the last one we'll protect."226Please respect copyright.PENANAZYR7mxUvdA
Mounty abruptly turned around. "Are you serious?"226Please respect copyright.PENANAgMGYyfnXGI
"Even a man has their honour," nodded Willis. "You're trying to carve in it."
Mounty scowled. She couldn't ditch him; this was her rescuer. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAjxcLeXLAjV
"Forgive me," she eventually said. "I hope you can rescue my friends."226Please respect copyright.PENANAJWk2RkoeuT
"We'll start our plan tonight. Look out your window every once in a while, dear. Now, where's the nearest restaurant?"
Time had passed quickly. Ane had been restless the entire time. A strange vibe just hung around everyone tonight and Ane wasn't very sure of her own security at that point. She sat in her cabin and awaited. Elliot sat in front of her, and both were just drinking a cup of tea and staring at each other's legs.226Please respect copyright.PENANA8cP1EQDF5x
"Attack!"226Please respect copyright.PENANA35WpatBBlJ
The scream was from outside. A roar, more like. One of Hayres' commanders. Everyone left their cabins immediately and headed to the sound. Between the uproar of panicking men, Ane saw one of Hayres' men swinging his hammer at man in very casual clothes – a human. He dodged it easily. Was it safe for Ane to summon her soldiers, or would that be too risky for her? 226Please respect copyright.PENANAZmPT4SwNtK
"Get out of here!" yelled Jarco. "We will take care of it. Find cover."226Please respect copyright.PENANAEGfiX5uXqV
"Jarco, I can fight as well," replied Ane.226Please respect copyright.PENANAbz4TuUdmUE
Jarco hesitated for one second and then let Ane draw her sword and fight along. Sharp metal appeared everywhere, along with flying bolts of acid fire. Arrows split heads and hammers slammed bodies. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAl3e2sNpE2k
Willis ran into Mounty's room.226Please respect copyright.PENANAP6jMszk2n5
"How did you get here?" she asked, still standing at the window where she saw chaos explode.226Please respect copyright.PENANAE8ib8eRC9a
"Let's just say there fewer guards," grinned Willis, the blood dripping on the recently cleaned floors of Mounty's room. "Let's get out of here."226Please respect copyright.PENANAkvzeMvh4KO
Mounty followed. She drew both her rapiers and helped Willis in the fights with the few guards running up to them. It felt like slow motion. While the soldier's sword came crashing down, aiming clearly for Mounty's shoulder, she could neatly duck and dodge it, following into a pirouette where she used the flexibility to drag her rapier through the guard's stomach.226Please respect copyright.PENANArtVaDD0LL7
Mounty caught up with Anevay soon enough. The two nodded at each other, and Anevay's double-wielded sword suddenly weighed heavily as Ane just stood there now. Layers of blood had piled up on the iron of her blade, but she was ready to keep piling it up.226Please respect copyright.PENANA2CNYuMRrpb
Anevay saw the bloody red aura of someone in her vision, coming straight to her. Double axe. Ane let one hand go and used the freed one to send a bolt of acid in a fire orb straight at their face. As soon as the orb splattered open on his face, sending him into a state of pure pain, she grabbed the grip with both hands, raised the weapon above her head, and sent it straight down to slice his skull in two, perfectly equal parts. He fell backwards on the floor, the face burnt throughout and split in half. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAtvgVWp71lE
Hayres watched as her men were being tackled by her guests and the humans. Enough, she thought. Not with my own men. In the midst of the chaos, between puddles of blood and spit, she noticed Daphne with Sarkhan. The two were fighting, back to back. It was an old image, one that was pure and could be cut and placed several years ago before Sarkhan became the coward he was.226Please respect copyright.PENANA2sJlDs523H
Hayres opened her hand and let the energy that rose between her fingers forge itself into a sword with a thick, sharp blade. While sparks of fire were still spattered off the weapon, Hayres made her way through the crowd. Cloudy mist coloured a pitch black followed her and spread itself through the entire piece of hate.226Please respect copyright.PENANAb34FJT5ay0
Her men got out of her way and the humans went even further. Her cloud was toxic and felt like itchy acid on everybody's skin. The smell was rotten and the smother made it hard for everybody to breathe. People on the entire other side of Sharran's Valley felt the black death creep over their shoulders as well, even though they were merely hiding from craziness. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAyHlYRTiTSE
Daphne and Sarkhan, being put straight in the spotlights because of the gaping road towards them created by the now bystanders. The pair was thrilled with both excitement and fear. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAHCwezCCKbB
Daphne felt her fingers tremble around her claymore and awaited Hayres' arrival. The feeling in her chest became thick yet hollow and made her more aware of her breathing. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAac2ZgXj7ls
"You," Hayres spat. "It's all because of you!" 226Please respect copyright.PENANATaez62cItH
"I haven't done anything," replied Daphne.226Please respect copyright.PENANAMoHPZAC92e
"You led them here!"226Please respect copyright.PENANA1ihAzL9PEI
"How could I have done that?" 226Please respect copyright.PENANAPsTabgrlJP
"Druidical messages," hissed Hayres. "Don't act dumb, you swine."226Please respect copyright.PENANAqPdgaglkXs
Her words were spits of fire and Daphne couldn't be bothered to wipe them off.226Please respect copyright.PENANAtal1DArDo1
"I haven't done anything," repeated Daphne.226Please respect copyright.PENANAPBGX4xsWvl
"Then who else would have?" exclaimed Hayres.226Please respect copyright.PENANA1j4q39ltxc
Stuck. Daphne couldn't point the finger at anybody else, but neither did she agree to take all of the blame solely on herself.226Please respect copyright.PENANAI8uvCYaBXA
"What are you going to do about it?" asked Daphne.226Please respect copyright.PENANAdRsQmuMMos
"Just leave her alone, Hayres," snapped Sarkhan, pushing his shoulder in front of Daphne's. "She hasn't done anything. You can't do anything anymore."226Please respect copyright.PENANAF0MnnBGa91
"Oh dear, you've miscalculated that," snarled Hayres before she rose her weapon. Instead of slashing it down, a spiral of whirlwind released itself into the toxic cloud. The aura was strong and bright but viciously evil. The air broke open and made space for the hatred awakened within Hayres.226Please respect copyright.PENANA8bv9nRauTe
"How dare these humans set foot in my domain!" she yelled, her voice roaring and threatening. "Everyone shall pay!" 226Please respect copyright.PENANAPicJSMt9P8
The next moment, everything happened fast. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAG5SbU8oVA7
Birds that were a mix of ravens and eagles, black like the night and ugly as sadness, crashed down the whirlwind still emitted from Hayres' weapon. The birds screeched and shrieked and deafened everyone around them. 226Please respect copyright.PENANANlGcA88wQi
"It has been enough," said Ane. She stomped on the ground, and each two square metres of ground opened as a spawning point for Ane's soldiers. Ready for battle, her men crawled out of the ground, scaring both humans and horned. It was a feast for the horror-fans. While one soldier had their eyes picked out by the birds, the other had its skin tore off by one of Ane's men. Blood was spilt. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAyAirLzgYBJ
Hayres raised her weapon swiftly, but Sarkhan could dodge it with a lot of effort nonetheless. 226Please respect copyright.PENANA1CUPYjtCzn
"Stop this madness, Hayres! Let them go and stop your soldiers," he uttered.226Please respect copyright.PENANA8d80Oj9szI
"I'll never stop, Sarkhan," hissed Hayres. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAuLpVghkciF
"Power has taken its toll in you," said Sarkhan. He said it with an ounce of regret, sorrow.226Please respect copyright.PENANAQJws8UkbUh
"So be it."226Please respect copyright.PENANAjYqlgKUqtQ
Hayres pushed Sarkhan backwards, but he was a stronger swordsman than her. The fight got heated. Daphne backed Sarkhan up by taking care of any of Hayres' men trying to approach him. She also got help by Ane's soldiers, and when Daphne had the chance, she winked at Ane who smiled back, before they both went back to dodging strikes.226Please respect copyright.PENANAObB67vmL4q
After a bit too long of a fight, Hayres spoke again.226Please respect copyright.PENANAMdHpOjt4z4
"It's time for you to leave, Sarkhan," she said. A simple flick of the wrist made Sarkhan collapse and fall right down on the floor. Daphne whimpered for a solid second before gathering herself again and facing Hayres courageously.226Please respect copyright.PENANAhss45NJWDS
"You stand no chance, Hayres," spat Daphne. Hayres knew that. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAfono4Phhwx
"Make one move, and I'll end all of your friends one by one," said Hayres. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAeLHRKyiRyw
Daphne could make one move and kill her. That'd mean it'd immediately be her own end as well, though, if she wouldn't be able to make it in time. Daphne's eyes searched Ane's in the crowd. She was having issues. A ton. A bunch of Hayres' men were closing up on her. Elliot was near rescue, though. Jarco and Livi backed them up. Lewir and Bethil were doing their own thing on the other side. Daphne could've sworn that she heard Bethil yell "go for it, Daphne!". Hallan and Marrie had transformed themselves into short-ranged archers. Mounty was protecting Mint whilst Mint was launching spells at whoever she could find.226Please respect copyright.PENANAoq6w2gy4Wb
Sarkhan slowly got up in the meantime. 226Please respect copyright.PENANADKeg9R3P1j
Hayres got ready to use her weapon. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAgZQOyaVpFe
She swung it above her head. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAC1bZyPmHPp
Two seconds passed by, and in those two seconds Sarkhan threw himself in front of Daphne to take the hit. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAimoXxWl90T
Two more seconds passed, where Daphne pushed Sarkhan away and screamed "Hayres, no!". 226Please respect copyright.PENANAACqaBJXjLV
Another two seconds passed. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAMHtSHro1A3
Blood dripped down the face. Daphne screamed. It was a scream that would ring in your mind hours later, days later, maybe. 226Please respect copyright.PENANAQM4Z70LzkF
Daphne's horn rolled over the ground, together with little bits of remains that broke whilst Hayres' blade cut through it. Daphne dropped her claymore and Sarkhan dropped his as he held Daphne before she dropped. 226Please respect copyright.PENANA1sgHCQgVo7
Whilst Daphne's image was slowly fading to an unnatural black, she tried to reach out to her beloved horn that once was her pride.