I suppose that is true. The governor said and chuckled lightly.
The blond woman spoke up next to him, I can vouch for her Alistair. She saved and so survivors in Salia. At least Im reasonably sure it was her.
Ilea had a hard ti rembering her na. You the one who helped out the expedition, right?
[Warrior lvl 179]
Valery Stormbound. The woman said and bowed. Im impressed at your growth, healer.
I can also vouch for her. Dale said, looking up once more.
Alistair lifted a hand. I did not question her abilities. I was rely, surprised. He said with a smile. We can share most of the details to the jobs here. For two of them we know very little in the first place. He added and shook his head.
Sure. Ilea said. I know you too. She pointed at the old man, Barrier and light right? Saw you in the tournant years ago.
He chuckled. An honor. To be rembered by a Shadow. I did indeed participate in the tournant. My na is Esteban Cain.
[Mage lvl 110]
Ilea wondered how such an obviously important and old figure sat at such a low level. Maybe participating in tournants was literally all he ever did. Then again, going out and fighting monsters all the ti likely didnt lead to an old age. Definitely not to an old look.
We can continue, Dale. Ilea said. Do inform about the jobs in the anti. If you can share that stuff around here. She added. Start with the monster hunt.
Dale looked at the governor and read out the next na upon receiving approval.
I dont see a problem with that. Alistair said. Not with the monster hunt or the rogue adventurers. Its been going around and Id like to avoid misinformation among our own people.
Ileas ashen armor reford and the next recruit started slashing into her.
The governor seed surprised at the ferocity but after so many failed attempts, the guards didnt hold back anymore, not for a second.
The closest of the abandoned cities in the west, Stormbreach. Are you familiar with it? He asked, watching her ignore the spear thrusts.
Ilea nodded. You an abandoned because the population was slaughtered by elves? She asked rhetorically. I havent been there myself but yea, go on.
A big chunk of the population. Not all. Many are here in Riverwatch, many more yet fled farther east. Weve sent scouts into the area but have failed to gauge anything. Most didnt return at all. Those few who did spoke of demons and other monsters patrolling the forests nearby. The governor explained.
Demons? Patrolling? Youre suggesting soone is controlling them? Ilea asked, starting to attack the recruit with slow movents.
The governor watched with interest. Perhaps. We dont know for sure but no demons have co to bother us here. I dont believe in ignoring potential problems however and would like for a Shadow to investigate. Few of our own can reliably deal with demons, let alone groups of them or the Mind mages they supposedly have amongst their ranks.
Most mind weavers are dead but they do have them. Ill check it out. Kind of the Hands fault anyway that the demon invasion happened in the first place. Ilea said, curious to see Valerys eye twitch at the suggestion.
The governor didnt seem particularly bothered by the comnt. I would appreciate it. We can provide a scout that knows the area.
A description of the city would be enough. Im sure Ill spot it from above. Ilea said, grabbing the recruit and throwing her a couple ters away. You froze up. She said and appeared over the woman. Youre doing it again. An ashen limb smashed into the ground next to her head, digging half a ter into the stone floor.
Next. She said. What about the rogues in the area? Bandits?
Alistair glanced at the recruit and back to her. Partially. If my information is correct, then it was you who took care of lian Serantis.
Who? Ilea asked, turning her head to the man as spears of ice shattered against her armor.
I asked you to investigate. Dale chid in. A year ago, I think.
Ah, that bitch. Yea. What about her? She nodded.
She was just one of many. The west had enough organized cri but with the destruction of their cities and the refugee issues, Riverwatch as well as the closest eastern kingdoms beca pri targets. We managed, in part thanks to you. The deterrence of those murders was helpful. Many ignored Riverwatch and went elsewhere instead. Of course in part too because they expected it to fall to the elves. The governor explained.
With the war starting, Baralia got involved as well. A group of rogue adventurers, rcenaries, cri lords as well as deserters from both the empire and Baralia have made their nest in the forest west from here.
Ilea glanced at him. Why dont you go out and murder them?
They have several level two hundred people. Valery said, stepping forward. They kill and loot rchants coming to Riverwatch. They take the won and children to sell them in the east or just to rape and kill them. She got louder with each word.
Always the sa, isnt it? Ilea frowned. Whats the point? Why are they here?
The governor put a hand on Valerys shoulder and stepped ahead. I suspect Baralia initially paid them. To spread dissident against and our governing body. Fear is rather effective at that. By now, they might have just settled. They know we cant or are unwilling to do anything about them but they also know that they cant take the city.
Sounds like theyre not very ambitious. Ilea said in a bored tone, switching to her attack mode.
Theyre torturing people, right now! Valery spoke up and walked up to her. Do you not give a shit about anything!?
Ilea stopped her attacks, the mage wholly incapable of even dodging her. Next. She said. And you. She pointed at Valery. Didnt I save your asses back in Salia?
The woman opened her eyes wide but didnt relent. Then you should understand how I feel. But youre playing with recruits while theyre out there, an hour away while the families of those abducted and murdered grief and cry.
You know where they are then? Ilea asked.
The woman glanced at the governor and back to Ilea. I do, whats that supposed to change?
How many level two hundred, how many below? Ilea asked and walked over, ashen wings forming behind her.
Valery took a step back.
Alistair answered for her. At least three above two hundred. Ten or more close enough. We want them gone, one way or the other.
Then lets go right now. Ilea said and smiled. Dale, Im getting hungry. Can you organize so food for everyone while Im taking care of this?
Ehm Ill of course. The captain said and gestured a bunch of guards towards himself.
There are probably close to a hundred people out there. Alistair said. I dont an to question your ability but perhaps so preparation would be in order.
Ilea looked at him and stepped over to Valery, grabbing her arm. You want to get this done. Then lets get this done. She said to the woman before glancing at Alistair. I can tell youre speaking from experience but Alistair may I call you Alistair? Theres a reason I was allowed to take these jobs on my own.
The man smirked lightly. You may. I will wait. He said and looked at the two n that had co with them. Can you get so cooks as well? And do help however you can.
They nodded quickly and rushed off.
We will continue shortly. Ilea said to the waiting group of recruits, governnt officials and officers. Her wings moved, sand sent flying to each side as she ascended, holding on to Valery with three ashen arms.
_________________________________________
What the fuck is she doing?! Valerys thoughts were in a turmoil. Why is nobody helping ? Im being kidnapped! She felt the familiar sensation of healing magic flowing through her.
Ashen limbs held on to her body, her own arms tightly gripping the strong elental manifestations as the ground quickly moved farther and farther away.
Dont freak out. Where is the rogue camp? The armored healer said, floating above the city as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Dont freak out? Valery asked in a dry tone, gulping hard as she looked at the houses and walls, so small in the distance. The forests and fields spread out as if she was looking at a map. She was most certainly freaking out.
Where is it? Ilea asked once more. You wanted to take care of it, didnt you?
Take care of what? Were so high up, She felt the cold winds flow over her. The rogue camp Clarissa. Forcing herself to calm down at least a little, she pointed towards the patch of forest she knew the camp to be at.
Valery had stalked it several tis in the past weeks, tried to find a way in, past the guards and to the captives. She had failed, each ti.
Ilea nodded and sped up.
It was so fast that Valerys head whipped back. She forced herself forward and kept her muscles tense. What is she made of?
Smoke and fires were visible in the distance, just a couple minutes of flying later. They will spot us, She whispered.
Thats the point. Ilea comnted and rushed downwards, landing in the middle of the camp with a deep crouch.
Valery stumbled to her feet, the ashen limbs let go as she stabilized herself on her knees. She had to concentrate not to puke from the insane descent.
Who are you! A mans voice resounded.
A healer?! Sound the alarm! Another voice spoke.
The ringing of bells resounded, steps and shouts of dozens of people audible all around them.
Shes killed us both shes mad. The thought ca over Valery as she looked at all the powerful adventurers converge upon their position.
Dozens of them, all dressed in various states of gear. So naked, so in pajamas and others again in heavy steel armor. The only thing they had in common was the fact that they were ard.
[Warrior lvl 152]
[Mage lvl 187]
[Rogue lvl 128]
[Cook lvl 59]
[Smith lvl 81]
The various classes and information flowed into her mind, Valery overwheld as she activated her skills, ditation most of all taking over. She kept her sword sheathed, ready to defend herself imdiately, should the situation escalate.
I will die here who am I kidding. She kept herself steady nonetheless, focusing on not letting the panic take over.
ding Fear Resistance reaches lvl 16
The sound startled her but the eyes of the people around them quickly made her focus again.
Welco! Ilea spoke and lifted her arms. Now, I heard youre a group of horrifying criminals prowling these forests. Selling people into slavery, raping, murdering and looting. The usual boring shit you lot seem to revel in. Im a Shadow, here to bring an end to this. Any of the charges made up?
They were looking at each other, so of them chuckling while others looked nervous and ready to ditch.
Valery knew Ilea wasnt a pushover, she knew many would die here but it was simply impossible. A single Shadow without support, with no preparation and surrounded had no chance of standing against all this.
The charges are true but were just trying to make a living here. Even if we werent, so what?! Youre just better paid than we are. One of the rogues shouted back, brandishing his wicked curved blade.
Ilea laughed at that. Maybe. Doesnt change your situation. Put down your weapons and co with to Riverwatch. You will be questioned and judged.
And executed. We know how this works, Shadow. One of them said with a grin.
Why the fuck are we even talking to her, shes alone and a healer. Even if shes level three hundred, what the fuck is she gonna do? Lets kill her before her team arrives.
Theyre ignoring completely. Valery thought and gulped.
Dont underestimate her, shes not faking that confidence. Ranged first. Lets keep casualties low. A warrior above level two hundred spoke up.
Many of them nodded.
Just trying to survive? Ilea asked and walked around, looking over a nearby ledge. Ah, there they are. A cage made of wood? Really? She turned and shook her head. You still have the choice of course. Drop your weapons and avoid conflict or die, right here, right now. She spoke with intense words.
Valery felt the hairs on her neck stand up. Sothing changed. She saw that so of the watching group had noticed too.
More were still coming, so still putting on boots or readying their weapons.
Kill her. The warrior said. Try not to damage the blond one.
Your choice. Ilea said, her voice cold and without the mockery she had talked with before.
It felt like the air was standing still, everyone ready to spring into action. Valery saw their eyes, their fear, their anger, apathy, excitent. There were too many. Simply too many.
Cold air moved by in a gust of wind, the slls of a nearby bonfire, sweat and fear mixing up in the early morning light.
Valerys eyes moved over the n and won. And then she tensed up, her hand moving to the blade on her hip. Magic surged through her body as it strengthened, her senses accelerating, her breath more steady.
Colors of spells lit up, arrows loosed and daggers thrown.
Her blade flashed out, lighting up with power as she deflected the arrows and dodged to her right, a bolt of lightning flashing by.
Ilea was gone. And then she appeared. A wraith in black, too many limbs of ash to count. They flashed in and out, ripping through shields, armors and skin alike. Blood and brains spread out, guts ripped out of bodies as people were flung around.
Notifications started to co to her mind, Valery unable to take her eyes from the healer.
She wasnt the only one, no more spells or attacks coming her way as she stood in a defensive stance.
Ilea moved nearly too fast to track. Lances of ash ford in the air, independent of the quickly moving woman who ignored all the spells, swords and arrows that crashed into her impregnable dark armor. For every enemy spell that hit, three of them were slaughtered.
Dust, fire and mist rolled over the clearing, obscuring her view more and more. Still, she heard the screams, shouts and running steps. So of them had fled imdiately, when the fight had started, gauging a part of the healers strength that even Valery couldnt discern.
Shes a monster. The wet sounds of skin being torn and ripped was overwhelming, familiar and terrifying. Focus. Do sothing. Valery felt the power flow through her, the shock and awe of Ileas display shaken off. The captives.
The spellsword turned and rushed towards the ledge Ilea had looked over. She jumped and landed in a crouch.
The steam and fire hadnt reached so far yet, slowly rolling overhead.
The sounds of fighting were still loud in her ears. Her blade flickered with a purple fla, her hands steady as she concentrated on her breathing. We could survive this. She focused on her goal, ignoring the small voice in her head telling her to run. Monster. It whispered.
Not a step farther! The man in front of her shouted, stuttering and nervous. The glistening sweat on his forehead reflected the raging flas. A blade was pressed to a young girls throat. Blood slowly rolled down from the shallow wound.
Four more people stood nearby, each holding on to one of the captives.
Reasonable. Valery thought. Their only chance. She wasnt sure if it was true. If the Shadow would care or if she would slaughter everyone here. Run. Shut up.
Your only chance is to drop your weapons. You heard her. Valery said with a steady voice, her eyes focused on the n and won before her.
Eyes darted over her and the chaos behind.
I can only take down one or two with my teleport. I need to stall them.
Are you fucking kidding ? Do you hear that?! One of them shouted.
Thats Thane, another said.
A deep voice scread and was silenced. Barely a minute had passed and an uncanny quiet returned to the camp. Nervous steps and rushed breaths were the only sounds that remained.
Valery, the rogue adventurers and the captives were waiting together, each hoping that sohow the monster they heard would ignore them.
Soone in gray full plate armor appeared and casually stepped over to the cage, nearly a dozen people still remaining inside. A thin mist of gray suddenly ford around the cage and all the people present.
Valery jumped back and prepared her blade.
Did you bring that upon us, Stormbound? The man said, slowly stepping through the confused adventurers. I was so close. It was clear he was agitated and not just by the fact that they were getting slaughtered.
Two more people appeared, both in better gear than anybody present, both above level two hundred, sa as the man in gray.
Valery didnt know any of them and simply waited. The gray mist worried her but she didnt move.
It was you, Vincent. I knew youd turn on us sooner or later but to involve the Hand? I would have expected more. A woman said, twirling her dagger, her eyes darting around as she moved closer to the waiting group. She completely ignored Valery.
I didnt involve her. If you move closer, Ill ignite everyone here. The man in gray said, his voice steady and sure.
This is Baralia property, you will not move rashly. Do I have to remind you of the consequences? The man who had appeared said, frost forming near his feet.
A stalemate. Where the fuck are you, Ilea? Valery hoped the two wouldnt focus on her. She didnt feel particularly safe with how the woman was glancing her way.
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