Mary exhaled and climbed to her feet, the turtlesnake aura around her body receding into her skin. The blood on her armor had dried, adding a brownish-red tint to the black tal. Mary tilted her head to the side, cracking her neck. She tilted her head to the other side, causing another cracking sound to ring out. Her arms moved in circular motions, and she kicked out her legs a few tis. When she was done stretching, she stared at the rcenaries who had been captured and forced to pick grapes. Are there dragons here?
Keith bobbed his head up and down. All of us present were captured by dragons, he said. We arent deserters; Id like to point that out before you punish us for failing to do as you asked. As for why we havent left this place, weve been cursed by a cursed dragon. He pointed at the ceiling. If we leave the area illuminated by those stones, our souls will leave our bodies, and according to the cursed dragon, itll be very hard to put them back inside.
Mary nodded. Dragons, you said? she asked. Plural?
Thats right. Keith scratched his head. There are two baby dragons, a grandmother dragon, and probably Grimmoldesser. Im not sure if there are any others, but just those four dragons alone should be enough for you to change your mind about slaying Grimmoldesser. Its hard enough to deal with one as is. Trying to fight four at once? I dont think youll be able to pull it off. Were a lost cause, but those rcenaries whore still with you dont have to suffer the sa fate as us.
Mary furrowed her brow. She turned her head towards Joseph. Youre the one who led your party during the dragon slaying. What do you think? Is there a viable way to kill Grimmoldesser?
And live to tell the tale? Joseph asked. He shook his head. No. If youre not afraid of dying after killing him, however, there might be a chance.
Mary crossed her arms and stared up at the ceiling. After a bit, her eyes narrowed. If she couldnt protect the peopleor in this caseanimal that she wanted to protect, then what good was living? It wasnt that she was so close to Mary Jr. that she was willing to die for the turtlesnake; rather, she was willing to fight to take control of her own life, even if it ant dying in the process. Mary lowered her head and stared Joseph in the eyes. How can I do it?
Isnt it simple? Joseph asked in return. Find a way to lure Grimmoldesser out by himself. Shoot him full of ballista bolts. Cut off his head. Its the sa plan; the difficulty lies in getting him to co out by himself. If another dragon makes its appearance, the ballistae wont be able to contain both of them. One can easily free the other.
Mary stroked her chin. The thod of slaying Grimmoldesser really was simple, but the difficulty was quite high. How would you lure Grimmoldesser out by himself?
Joseph shrugged. We were able to isolate the dragons we killed because they werent in the right state of mind. He nudged Keith with his elbow. Youre good at coming up with strange plans. Why dont you give her an idea?
Are dragons prideful? Keith asked. What if you challenge Grimmoldesser to a one-on-one duel?
Wouldnt the other dragons want to watch, especially his children? Danielle asked. That wont work.
Keith furrowed his brow. Upon seeing Marys expression darkening, he tapped his finger against his thigh and brainstord more ideas. How about luring him out with his favorite food? Leave a trail of at leading to the ambush point.
Can you think before you speak? Danielle asked and snorted. Do you really think a trail of food would work on a grown dragon? In the first place, how would you even know what his favorite food is?
I dont see you coming up with any ideas, Keith said and grumbled. His eyes lit up. Why dont you insult his mother? Infuriate him into coming after you.
Are you trying to lure out Grimmoldesser or his mom?
Damnit, Keith said, glaring at Danielle. Im doing my best, okay? You dont have to shoot down every suggestion imdiately. He closed his eyes and exhaled. After a second passed, he opened his eyes and nodded. I got it. Worship Grimmoldesser. Make offerings to him. After you gain his trust, tell him you have a gift for him, but you arent able to bring it in here because its too heavy or so other reason. Make him curious enough to go outside to take a look. Tell him its sothing private, so he doesnt bring any of the other dragons with him.
Mary raised an eyebrow. A plan like that could work, but shed have to send soone else to do the worshipping. After all, Grimmoldesser already knew who she was. Luckily, there were plenty of rcenaries outside who she could use to bait the cursed dragon out. Which way is the exit?
It should be over there, Keith said and pointed in the direction Mary had co from. Are you really going to try to kill Grimmoldesser despite knowing youll die afterwards? I imagine we wont have a very good outco either if you succeed. Is this turtle of yours really worth it?
Its not about the turtle, Mary said. And its worth it. She turned around, not waiting for Keiths response. She followed the direction he pointed in, the land shrinking underneath her feet as she walked.
Danielle furrowed her brow upon seeing Mary leave. Is it just , or do her steps curve a little when she walks?
No, I noticed it too, Keith said and scratched his head. Well, I doubt shell get lost. Theres only two ways out of this place, and one of them leads straight to the dragons.
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