{"sf1_id":1525585,"sf2_id":"k1VvNa71","title":"In The Mist Of The Erie Isles - Episode 19","author":"Mantrid_Brizon","words":10832,"posted_at":"2019-12-23T21:09:41.000Z","tags":["Action","Adventure","Anger","Anthro","Bad Language","Big Breasts","Blade","Blood","Boobs","Breasts","Cabbit","Cat","Climax","Comedy","Cowgirl","Crime","Dark","Death","Depressing","Drama","Elf","Explicit","Fantasy","Feline","Female","Fire","Furry","Gold","Gore","Gun","Heterosexual","Human","Humiliation","Hybrid","M/F","Male","Murder","Never Seen Sex Act","Orgasm","Pain","Penetration","Pistol","Rape","Riding","Rifle","Romance","Sad","Sergal","Series","Sex","Ship","Sorrow","Stealing","Steampunk","Story","Straight","Sword","Torture","Vaginal","Vaginal Penetration","Violence","Violence (Not In Yiff)","deflowering","firearm","knife","suffering"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1525585-in-the-mist-of-the-erie-isles-episode-19","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/k1VvNa71","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/b6/21/b6218091-f152-4a07-ac69-355221ccce1b","description":"Episode 19: The tangled web of Valan's and Steingar's scheme closes in on them, and the families, Braka and Romos, are destined for a terrible confrontation. Will the gunman and the Helngar warrior escape, or will they be swallowed by the tumultuous circumstances that they have helped create?  \n  \nAuthor's Notes: I did my best to publish this chapter as swiftly as I could. Luckily, being the climax, this is an action packed and thrilling chapter (imho), and I hope it's enjoyable! In the future, I'll try not to get so carried away with my mini-arcs. :3","content":"In The Mist Of The Erie Isles\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBy Mantrid Brizon\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEpisode Nineteen: A Fistfull Of Vasariks, Pt. 3\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThumping along the cobblestone streets in perfect harmony, the boots of hundreds of soldiers reverberate throughout the frightened village. Women shiver with a natural fear of the powerful men, while their husbands tremble at the prospect of death, and their wives' humiliation. If they'd known this was coming, they'd have left while they had the chance. Children look curiously, not understanding why the men's armored boots clank in the manner that they do. Their parents race to collect the children and hide them in their homes, all of them praying to the Seraphs in Heaven that theirs won't be the first house visited by the bloodthirsty warriors.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA soldier eyes a woman, focusing on the small gap betwixt her legs. His lips curl into a sinister grin and he promptly shifts his focus. Following his lead, the other soldiers break off, raising their rifles as they open fire on the defenseless townsfolk. Women scream and the men cry out in pain as they're struck. They'll be the lucky ones, and the women know it. May the Seraphs spare their young daughters a similar fate. A soldier marches into a home as if he'd lived there his entire life. Using his empty arquebus as a club, he strikes the teenage son of the man he'd just killed, before discarding it and approaching the terrified widow, who huddles so pathetically in a corner.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Please! Why are you doing this?!\"\n\n“You've been purged, by order of the Crown.\" He grins, unbuckling his belt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShooting up in bed, Irzain gasps and pants. Why would he dream such a terrible dream? Was that a horrible memory or simply a fear? Resting his palm atop his forehead, he wipes the salty moisture from his brow. Somehow, he feels that this is connected to who he once was. Recalling the bounty on his head, Irzain becomes afraid. Where was he in that dream? He did not see Naoma, nor did he see anyone else whom he recognized. Could he have been...?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“No.\" He shakes his head, climbing up from his bed. “That was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA familiar thumping echoes in his mind, but as he turns to look at the balcony door, he makes a horrifying realization. Racing toward the door and pulling it open, Irzain peers down below, seeing a detachment of soldiers making their way through the square. Townsfolk grow nervous at their very presence, reacting as they did in his dream; men prepare for the worst, while women collect their children and disappear inside of their homes. However, these soldiers, most of them human and some of them Falmun, don't appear at all interested in the citizens around them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nInstead, they march through the square, beyond a series of buildings, and heading for the edge of town. Deeper and deeper, they walk inland, undistracted from their mysterious objective. Irzain leans against the railing, watching them for a moment.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I wonder where you're going.\" He thinks aloud.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMarching through the town, the soldiers follow a map help by their ranking officer. As per their instructions, they're supposed to meet the Regent of the town, who will show them the surveyed land where they'll make camp. It'll be the future location of a grand fortress, a new stronghold for King Vashalak's royal army. They follow the dirt path, well worm by shepherds and herdsman, who graze their sheep and cattle. In the distance, they see an all too familiar sight, and the Captain pauses. Lying where they fell, caked in the dried mud from last night's storm, nine corpses wait for them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“By the Seraphs...\" The Captain sighs in frustration. “Search the bodies!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMarching up to the bodies, a small dog pokes his face up from beside the Regent's corpse. With a bloody maw, the year-old pup had been feasting on the Regent's innards.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Shoo! Get out of here!\" A soldier waves a hand.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe dog scurries away, racing into the hills.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I wonder what royalty tastes like.\" A soldier snickers.\n\n“It's a shame he didn't eat his face; he'd look better that way.\" Another chuckles.\n\n“Enough! Look for any clues as to who did this.\" The Captain barks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nObeying his commands, the low-level soldiers search the bodies, while a few search the uncovered wagon. To no one's surprise, the wagon is empty. Perhaps the Regent was hi-jacked, or perhaps he was here to collect something? None of the soldiers were privy to the clandestine deal between the Regent and King Vashalak. Sitting atop a rock, the Captain removes his helmet and runs his fingers through his hair.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Sir?\"\n\n“What is it?\" The Captain asks, leaning forward and stretching his back.\n\n“I think we've found something.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRising to his feet and approaching his underlings, the Captain takes a knee beside the corpse. In the upturned palm of one of his men's hands is a strange medallion, attached to a simple cord that's draped around the neck of the body. Nearby, another man, who looks equally out of place, wears the same medallion.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Perhaps they were a part of a gang.\" One soldier suggests.\n\n“Perhaps...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Captain rises to his feet and places his helmet back atop his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Alright, men, we're going back to town. See if anyone recognizes this sigil. I'll take one and contact the Sheriff, while Sergeant Simok will take the other. Any questions?\"\n\n“Sir, no sir!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSitting at the desk in his room and finishing his meal, Irzain struggles with his thoughts. He'd considered leaving and returning to the Arona-Dahl, but uncertainty holds him in place. The middle-aged human is frozen, too nervous to leave, and yet too anxious to stay. He'd hoped that by taking a moment to eat and gather his thoughts, he'd find the strength to make a decision. Why is he so indecisive? Cleaning off his plate, he takes a drink of ale, chasing down the potatoes and poultry. Returning to the balcony, he looks outside, staring at the Braka's manor. Perhaps he should at least attempt to warn Steingar and Valan?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBefore he can remove himself from the opened doorway, the familiar sound of marching feet returns. Quiet at first and steadily growing louder, the company of over one hundred soldiers returns. Reaching the fountain in the middle of the eastern square, the company separates, splitting into two platoons. They move like an organic mass, a single hive mind birthed from years of intense training. One platoon moves toward the center of town; they're very obviously in search of something. The second platoon begins knocking on doors, moving through the streets and questioning the inhabitants.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIrzain's heart races. Who or what are they looking for? Are they here for him? Has the Crown finally caught up to him, and if so, how? He ducks into his room, staying out of sight. Sitting on the floor with his back to the doorframe, he listens as the soldiers question a few townsfolk below. He breathes a sigh of relief when they ask about a sigil, describing what they'd seen on the medallion. The townsfolk seem hesitant to speak, but realizing that the soldiers do not intend them harm, they feel emboldened. Most deny any knowledge of the medallion and return to their homes, leaving the soldiers with nothing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAfter a time, the second platoon makes their way through the town, continuing to question any and all who happen upon them. Soon, Irzain can no longer hear their footfalls on the cobblestone streets. Rising to his feet, the terror of being captured finally forces him into action.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I've got to do something. Maybe I can hire someone to send a message? Maybe I can make a code, or maybe I can just catch Valan's attention from here and-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe freezes in place as he moves by the balcony door. His vision sees something that unnerves him; one of the Braka's men makes his way toward Valan's room. Has Lucerna left? Irzain went to sleep never once seeing her emerge from the room, and when last he checked, the shutter that had blown open during the storm was latched closed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Oh damn... I hope you two are decent.\" He murmurs.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nReaching the door, the guard prepares to knock. A strange noise stops him, however. Placing an ear to the door, he can hear what sounds like creaking wood, accompanied by subdued grunts and groans. If he didn't know any better, it sounds like someone inside is choking. The feminine quality of the voice disturbs him as well; there are only a handful of women in the Braka's manor. Lifting the latch and pushing the door open rather quietly, the guard stands in shock.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Agh-nngf-hhff-ahgh!\" Lucerna rapidly grunts.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt seems that she's struggling to breathe; it almost sounds painful. If it weren't for what he sees, he'd rush in and save her. Nude and covered in beads of sweat, which make her alabaster skin gleam in the sunlight, Lucerna straddles Valan's pelvis. Equally naked, but with his legs and feet covered in a sheet, little of him is visible. All that the guard can see is the gunman's scrotum as it's pushed firmly into the woman's perfect buttocks, and the considerably endowed shaft of his large manhood as Lucerna struggles to take it into her loins. She rides with considerable vigor, rocking and swiveling her hips, bucking against him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLucerna rides him with such force that it shakes the bed, creaking the frame and making it difficult for her to gasp for breath. His hands caress her perfect form; grasping her plump orbs, he fondles her large breasts. Valan cannot see the guard, nor can the guard see Valan's face; he knows only what the gunman is doing from his fingers appearing around Lucerna's impressive bust. Leaning forward and placing her hands atop his chest, she pushes against him. Lucerna begins slamming her loins into Valan, working him even harder. Plop, plop, plop.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Nngf! Ooohh, Val. Hhff!\" Lucerna moans, rocking her hips as she rides him.\n\n“Rrr! By the Seraphs, Lucy. You're so good! I'm...\" He grunts.\n\n“Mmm-I'm, nngf, almost there!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe shakes as she sits atop him, barely able to move as she grinds her pelvis against his, rocking back and forth.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hhf, almost! I'm... I... AHH!\" She squeals as she climaxes.\n\n“RRRRR!!!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSitting firmly atop his lap and throwing her head back, Lucerna lets out a most amusing cry. Valan grips her hips and roars, finishing inside of his half-elven lover. The guard, who's stood frozen in shock for barely thirty seconds, stumbles backward. He silently pulls the door shut as he leaves. The lovers never notice him. Standing on the balcony, Irzain could see the guard's reaction. He knows that whatever it is he'd seen has disturbed him. Safely away from Valan's room, the guard turns and dashes away, racing downstairs. Irzain is certain that he's going to inform Mozafia and Bolum Braka of whatever it was he'd found; Irzain can hazard a guess.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDown below, Bolum and Mozafia sit in ornate chairs, beneath the roof of their gazebo. Another guard arrives, holding a small box. He opens the box, revealing that it's empty, while speaking to a visibly disturbed Bolum. Just then, the guard who'd caught Valan and Lucerna having sex reaches his master. Informed by his other man of what he'd seen, Bolum shoots up from his chair in the gazebo. It falls backward from the force. Mozafia looks unnerved, even frightened.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“This is bad.\" Irzain stumbles back.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBolum turns to a few guards and motions with a hand. He draws a pistol and checks the wheellock's mechanism. Seeing the anger on his face, Mozafia quickly follows her husband.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“This is very bad...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLying naked together, Lucerna snuggles into Valan's side, tucked beneath her lover's arm. Kissing him softly, he nuzzles her head, smelling the sweat in her ruby hair. It's not a repugnant odor; he feels a sense of pride for pleasuring her so. The warmth radiating between their bodies is quite comforting to him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Mmmm... That was amazing.\" He sighs with relief.\n\n“I did good?!\" She giddily asks.\n\n“Oh, yeah!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHer lips curl into a little grin, her face flushing as her lover compliments her skills. Having never been on top, she was quite nervous, but everything came so naturally to her. Not even twelve hours earlier, she was still virginal, but now she's become a woman. It was easier, and far more pleasurable, than she'd imagined it would be. Turning her rosy eyes downward, she slowly slides a hand along his chest and belly, moving it lower and lower. She gently grabs Valan's flaccid manhood, carefully lifting and softly stroking it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I still can't believe I had this inside of me.\" She giggles.\n\n“I can't believe that a woman as beautiful and vibrant as you was a virgin.\" He retorts.\n\n“Yeah... Was.\" Her grin grows wider. “S-so, uhm... Are all men quite so...?\"\n\n“Long-winded? Voluminous? ... Large?\" He smirks.\n\n“All of the above.\" Her pale cheeks flush with embarrassment.\n\n“No. You're very lucky, Lucy. I'm, uh... I'm sorry if I hurt you.\"\n\n“Aww!\" She leans in, kissing him tenderly on the lips. “Only at first. After a moment, it became... The most pleasurable thing I'd ever felt in my entire life.\" She coos.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValan forces a little smile. While he knows that she'd felt some pain when he broke her hymen, that wasn't what he was apologizing for. Guilt begins to wash over him; he knows she'll be heartbroken when he inevitably betrays her and leaves. He begins to wonder if he can even go through with it. How can women like Merna and Jarae do what they do? Are they somehow detached from their victims? He cannot fathom being so cold. Perhaps he should just stay? Perhaps she can give him what he's always been looking for? She certainly seems infatuated enough, and who wouldn't want to grow old with such a beauty beside them?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“C-can we do it again?\" Lucerna innocently asks, her face turning even redder.\n\n“Of course.\" He chuckles. “But I'll need to rest for a minute.\"\n\n“You son of a whore!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBolum bursts through the door, startling the pair. Lucerna shoots up, kneeling atop the bed and facing the door. She doesn't have the time to cover her large, perky breasts before Bolum, Mozafia, and all of their men who accompany them can see her. Mozafia's eyes turn downward, witnessing a few white specks of fluid caught in her daughter's ruby red pubic hairs. She flushes and turns her eyes away, only to witness equally familiar stains on the sheets, both a light brown and off-white.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I invite you into my home, pay you, and you have the nerve to do this?!\" Bolum screams.\n\n“Look, I can explain!\" Valan rises to his feet, covering his midsection with another sheet.\n\n“You can explain? ... You can explain?!?!\" Bolum shouts louder. “You can explain defiling my daughter and stealing from me?! How dare you, you arrogant bastard!\"\n\n“Steal?\" Valan furls his brow.\n\n“You're going to pay for this... Take him!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe men charge in and Valan drops the sheet, falling backward as they grab him by the arms. Looking over his form, Bolum shakes his head and turns his eyes toward the ceiling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“And put on his trousers...\"\n\n“Yes, sir.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe men obey, yanking up his black trousers and dragging the shirtless man from the room, all while Lucerna begs and pleads. She slips on her dress, failing to secure the buttons and lace; it's held up only by a single button at her collar. Irzain watches from the balcony, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. He can hear the faint cries of Valan, Lucerna and even Mozafia as they beg for the human's life. Making their way to the ground floor, they emerge into the courtyard, drawing the attention of many of the servants.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Please, Bolum!\" Valan begs.\n\n“Don't use my name!\"\n\n“I didn't rob you! I swear I didn't!\"\n\n“Husband, please, reconsider!\" Mozafia urges him.\n\n“Not now, Mozy.\" Bolum growls. “You can command me any time but now.\"\n\n“Sir, please!\" Valan pleads as he's pushed up against a wall.\n\n“I know you robbed me! You molested my daughter!\"\n\n“Daddy!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLucerna pushes Bolum's arm, standing between her father and the gunman.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Get out of the way!\" Bolum's fingers anxiously squeeze the grip of his pistol.\n\n“He didn't rob you, and he didn't molest me.\"\n\n“Move...\"\n\n“He was with me all last night; he never had a chance to rob you. We were busy, making love. I was willing.\" She continues, speaking calmly.\n\n“Baby, please... Out of the way.\" Bolum's voice softens.\n\n“I claim him, daddy.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEveryone pauses, and Bolum drops his pistol onto the ground. Acting fast, Mozafia steals the weapon before he can realize this and reach for it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“... What?\"\n\n“I'm claiming him. He's mine now, and that means you can't hurt him.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValan looks between Lucerna and her father. What is she talking about? As curious as he is, he doesn't dare ask right now.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“You truly want this man to be your husband?!\"\n\n“I do.\" She nods.\n\n“But you hardly know him!\" Bolum gasps.\n\n“I know enough.\"\n\n“She's chosen, husband. Valan isn't yours to harm anymore.\" Mozafia steps forward, resting a hand on Bolum's shoulder.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBolum snarls, turning his eyes away. Only now does he seem to realize that he's been disarmed. He looks for his weapon, only to see it firmly in Mozafia's grasp and held away from him. He opens his mouth to speak, but before he can utter a word, the front gate is forced open.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Bolum Braka!\" A voice sternly calls out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSoldiers march in, invading the sanctity of their courtyard.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Who are you?!\" Bolum demands.\n\n“Sergeant Simok. You and your men are under arrest.\"\n\n“For what?!\" Mozafia gasps.\n\n“For the murder of your Regent, his four bodyguards, and two of the Crown's soldiers. Take them!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPushing Mozafia aside, the soldiers remove a series of shackles from a burlap satchel.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I didn't do anything! You have no proof!\" Bolum confidently boasts.\n\n“Oh no?\" Sergeant Simok grins.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe holds up a medallion, waving it before Bolum's face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“We found this on the corpses of two of your men. Hardly good work, letting them wear your sigil around their necks as they murdered the Regent. Take them to the jail!\"\n\n“Yes, sir!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nChains and locks clank as Bolum and every armed man is arrested. Seeing the predicament that Valan was in, Sergeant Simok didn't believe that he was one of Bolum's men; Valan was not arrested. Alongside a handful of unarmed male servants, he's one of the few left behind as Bolum and nearly a dozen men are led away. Standing shirtless in the courtyard, only Mozafia, Lucerna, a maid and two elderly butlers watch alongside him. Turning his eyes toward the sky, Valan breathes a silent sigh of relief.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Oh no, mom! What now?!\"\n\n“We have to learn more information. Something is going on...\"\n\n“Oh, Val!\" Lucerna whimpers, throwing herself into his arms.\n\n“It's going to be alright, Lucy.\" He coos, kissing her cheek.\n\n“Valan?\" Mozafia turns to him.\n\n“Yeah?\"\n\n“My daughter has claimed you. In our family, that means that she's chosen her future husband. If you're going to marry her and father her children, you need to prove yourself.\" Mozafia squeezes the pistol grip of her husband's firearm as she speaks. “Family is all that matters, 'Val'... Do you intend to be a part of our family?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nGlancing downward, he can see Mozafia's finger sliding past the trigger guard, caressing the brass crescent that controls the weapon. Lucerna pays no attention to this, her rosy eyes closed tightly as she buries herself into his chest. Valan turns his gaze onto Mozafia's face, their eyes locking. He nods, feigning a warm smile.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Good.\" The matriarch breathes a sigh of relief. “I only need you to visit the Sheriff's office. Talk to Dzhenik and see what's going on. If you can, see if you can talk him into letting at least Bolum go. These are trying times, Val. We need to keep our family together. Remember: _Family is all that matters_.\"\n\n“Alright. I'll get dressed, load my pistols and head there right now.\" Valan assures her.\n\n“Good. The rest of us will stay here, arm ourselves, and wait for your return.\"\n\n“Be careful, my love.\" Lucerna whimpers, before kissing him passionately on his lips. “Come back to me.\"\n\n“I will. I promise.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRacing back up the stairs, Valan pauses at the door of his room. Looking across the square, he can see Irzain watching him. Reaching up a hand and scratching his shaven cheek, Valan makes a subtle motion. He strokes his long goatee, turning his head toward a particular street, staring intently at it. Irzain leans over the railing, glancing in the same direction. Looking back at each other, the message is clear. Irzain gathers his things and prepares to leave, while Valan does the same.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nUsing his powder horn and two more ignition caps, Valan reloads his pistols as quickly as he can, before dressing in his purple shirt, slipping on his boots, adorning his belt and holstering his pistols. Dashing down the stairs, Valan passes Lucerna, Mozafia, and their half dozen servants, four of them male and two of them elderly. Each and every one of them loads an arquebus rifle, while Mozafia and Lucerna each have an arquebus and a wheellock pistol. Before leaving, he gives Lucerna one last hug and a tender kiss. He isn't sure what compels him to do so. Is it guilt, or budding feelings?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHastily walking down the street, a familiar looking, cloaked figure waits for him. With their hood pulled up, it isn't until they turn their head that Valan is certain it's Irzain. He passes Irzain without ever acknowledging him, hoping that he'll follow. Irzain isn't so simple as to allow him to walk by; he matches his pace, a few feet behind him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What's going on?\" Irzain quietly asks.\n\n“I have no idea, but it's all turning sour. Get back to the ship and tell the others what's going on. If you can, get word to Steingar. We need to leave as soon as we're all back aboard.\"\n\n“Got it. Shouldn't you just come with me, now?\"\n\n“Probably.\"\n\n“Oh... So, where are you going?\"\n\n“To the Sheriff's office.\" Valan sighs.\n\n“... Why?\"\n\n“I wish I knew. I'll see you on the ship.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSeparating at a crossroads, Valan continues to the Sheriff's office, guided by Mozafia's previous, vague instructions and a series of simple road signs. Meanwhile, Irzain races at breakneck speed to the Arona-Dahl. Reaching the office, Valan takes a deep breath before stepping inside. Immediately recognizing him, Sheriff Dzhenik rises from his chair, behind a simple desk.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What're you doing here?!\" He asks in shock.\n\n“What are they being arrested for?\"\n\n“Look, you need to go.\" Sheriff Dzhenik grabs his arm.\n\n“Answer me, damnit!\" Valan pulls away. “What's going on?!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nResting a hand on his shoulder, Sheriff Dzhenik leads him away from his desk. Down the hall, Valan can hear Bolum and his men yelling for the Sheriff, decrying the obvious injustice they're suffering.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Look, mister... My hands are tied. Just get back to the manor and look after the women.\" Sheriff Dzhenik pleads with him.\n\n“Just tell me what you know... Mozafia wanted me to find out.\"\n\n“Fine... These soldiers are a part of a garrison that was intended to be built here. Lord Truskym left to negotiate with King Vashalak about a month ago. He wanted to stop it. The Regent was apparently supporting it in secret, against the wishes of Lord Truskym. Unfortunately, the Regent was found dead this morning, alongside several Crown soldiers.\"\n\n“Shit...\" Valan murmurs.\n\n“Yeah... Shit. These soldiers have the full authority of the Crown, and they're making sure whoever is responsible for ruining their plans and killing Crown soldiers pays for it. They've found a few bodies with Bolum's sigil on medallions. Bolum doesn't even make medallions for his men; he's too cheap. That doesn't matter to these soldiers though. He's going to be dead within the day, and if you're really one of his men, you need to look after what's left of the family.\"\n\n“Can't you do something?\"\n\n“Like what?!\" Sheriff Dzhenik scoffs.\n\n“Let them go...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Sheriff's eyes grow as wide as saucers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Bolum is your friend. If his life is really in danger, at least let _him_ go, and then he can take his family and leave.\" Valan pleads.\n\n“How do you expect me to get away with that?\"\n\n“Make something up. He's a powerful man; he has minions other than you.\"\n\n“Sorry, mister, but we had a good run. Eventually it all comes to an end.\"\n\n“You're giving up? Just like that?\" A stunned Valan blinks.\n\n“I'm looking out for me. Once Bolum and his clan are gone, the Romos will be the only game in town, and their payroll is better than no payroll.\"\n\n“... Where's your heart?\"\n\n“Next to my coin purse.\" Sheriff Dzhenik sternly replies. “Go back to the manor, get his family and get the hell out. Soldiers of the Crown have total authority during a declared crisis, which this Captain guy has done. They own the town, and me, by extension. This is your last chance.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMoving away from Valan, the Sheriff returns to his desk.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“No. It's yours.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nGlancing back, he can hear the sound of cocking hammers. Valan holds both pistols on him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“You'd better think about this, mister.\"\n\n“I have... Open the cells, or I'll blow your brains out and do it for you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLeft with no options, Sheriff Dzhenik obeys. Leading Valan through the otherwise empty building, as all of the soldiers have left to patrol the streets, Bolum and his men aren't under guard. In their tiny and filthy cells, they sit and await their fate. All are stunned when Valan and Sheriff Dzhenik enter the hall. Bolum cannot help but grin as his future son-in-law breaks him out of jail. With Bolum and his men freed, they push the Sheriff into a cell and lock him in, before tossing the keys into a half-full chamber pot in the cell beside him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBefore Bolum can thank Valan, he silences them, urging him to follow. Racing through the hall, they enter the main room of the Sheriff's office, burst through the door, and right into an awaiting group of men. Pushing Valan away from him, the gunman looks up, staring right at Steingar, who struggles to subdue his own shock.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Well, well!\" Rokig chirps. “Look who saved me the coin! And I was about to buy you out of jail!\"\n\n“You came to post my bail?\" Bolum raises a brow.\n\n“I said 'buy', not 'bail'. You're not free, far from it. Take them!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nUnarmed, except for Valan's pistols, they're easily subdued by the gang of over a dozen men. Steingar locks Valan's shackles himself, quietly whispering his apology to him as they click shut. Marching them through the streets, Bolum and his men are all surprised when they seem to be returning to the Braka's manor. The Romos' manor is on the other side of town. Why are they taking them home?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I was surprised when those soldiers left you all alone like that. I didn't think they'd take bribes so easily! I was prepared to kill them all, and Gozik actually had a dozen medallions made, you know. We only needed two when we killed the Regent. That would've been how we finished this, but that chest of gold bought us everything we wanted. Now I know why the Crown has an army; they're cheaper than my average man!\" Rokig laughs. “I probably won't pay them though.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPushing them through the streets, gunfire and screams echo throughout the town, growing louder as they make their way toward the Braka's manor. Turning a corner, Bolum, his men, Valan and even Steingar are horrified. The wooden manor is already ablaze, torched by the Romos' goons. Several corpses lay strewn before it. It's hard to imagine that the Romos' men could've assaulted the compound, in broad daylight and in front of the bribed soldiers. Even a bribe shouldn't buy a massacre.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Val! Val!\" Lucerna screams.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLeaping from a third-floor window, an engulfed maid shrieks before landing with a sickening thud on the ground below. Mozafia stumbles from the gates, wounded by several gunshots. She reaches out toward the crowd, only for the Romos' men to open fire, striking her several times and killing her in another volley. Dragging Lucerna by her wrists, two guards drop her beside her mother's corpse. She swiftly pushes herself up, rolls over and kneels before the men.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Please! Please don't!\" She reaches out to them. “I think I'm pregnant! Please don't ki-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBang, bang! The men murder her with only a brief hesitation, and not because they were unnerved; they were enjoying her pleas for mercy. Falling back dead, Valan stares in horror, while Steingar turns his head away. Watching innocent women murdered is always difficult for the Helngar.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“NOOO!!!\" Bolum cries out, his voice cracking from the strain.\n\n“Oh, don't worry.\" Rokig lifts his wheellock pistol. “You'll see them very soon!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBang. With a single shot to his head, Bolum is murdered. The men throw his body beside the corpses of his wife and daughter, before turning their attention to the others.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Alright, I'm done with them. Make them go away, please.\" Rokig smiles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDrawing knives and swords, they slash, stab and hack the other men to death, killing each and every one of them. Steingar, however, hesitates. Gripping gently to Valan's shoulder, he holds his knife to his throat but he refuses to act. Rokig notices, as do the others.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What are you waiting for, Mister Helngar?!\"\n\n“This one... I think he was the one who killed your men earlier.\"\n\n“Oh?\"\n\n“Yes. He's the outsider!\"\n\n“Really?!\" Rokig raises a brow in surprise.\n\n“Hey, yeah! He had two pistols, and he matches the description.\" Another minion remarks.\n\n“Oh, what fun I'll have with this one!\" Rokig gleefully exclaims, clapping his hands together. “Let's take him with us!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith Valan now the sole survivor of the Braka clan, he's dragged through the streets like a slain animal by the Romos' minions. Seeing the inn where their foolish scheme had taken shape, Steingar suddenly has an idea.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I need to pay my bill. I'll catch up with you.\" He says to Rokig.\n\n“Hm? Oh, yeah, whatever.\" Rokig waves a hand dismissively.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nCasually approaching the inn, he pulls open the door and steps inside. Aside from a few patrons, few are within. He breathes a sigh of relief. Racing up to the bar, the barkeep raises a brow and takes a step back. He'd heard what just transpired, and the fear is visible, worn on his face like a veil. Reaching into a coin purse, Steingar collects a handful of coins, before selecting two and returning the rest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“This is ten vasariks, for my room.\"\n\n“That's... Well over what it actually costs.\" The barkeep's eyes widen.\n\n“I know, and here's twenty more, if you'll agree to send a message for me.\"\n\n“... What kind of message?\"\n\n“Are you agreeing?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAfter a brief moment of hesitation, the barkeep snatches both coins.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Good. I need you to go to the harbor, find the crew of a particular ship, and give them this message...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith his business concluded, Steingar catches up to Rokig and his minions. They don't even pay any attention to his brief absence. Eventually reaching the stone manor, Rokig dismisses many of his men, who return to their own rooms in a large, wooden servants house placed behind the manor. Steingar, however, continues to lead Valan deeper into the mansion, taking him toward the basement. Entering a dungeon, only Rokig and two of his most trusted minions stay with them. Rokig leaves to collect his tools and more shackles, allowing Steingar a moment to lean closer to Valan.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I don't know if I can do anything else for you, but I'll try. You have my word.\" Steingar whispers.\n\n“Thanks, regardless.\" Valan whispers back.\n\n“Maybe the others will be able to help us?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIrzain sits in shock, unable to believe his ears. After all that he's told the others, he was expecting more. Instead, Kirsta, Mairlynn and especially Trellan seem to mourn Steingar, Valan and the missing Jarae as if they're already lost. Not once did they consider leaving the ship to aid them. Admittedly, Irzain can't think of a way to do it without any of them dying, considering the danger that Steingar and Valan foolishly placed themselves in, but their willingness to accept their fates boggles his mind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I'm going to miss that big, fluffy guy, and Valan's pretty face.\" Mairlynn sighs.\n\n“I think I need a drink.\" Trellan murmurs, resting his head against the wall.\n\n“Did you want the sack of wine? I'm thinking about having some, too.\" Kirsta rises to her feet.\n\n“Actually, I have a special draught in my cabin.\"\n\n“Like a tonic?\" Mairlynn cocks her head.\n\n“No. Like the most fiery of fire water. I save it for these sorts of... Unpleasant occasions. Last time I opened it, my best friend died.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSliding out of the dinning booth, Trellan slowly shuffles his way toward the archway, moving past Irzain. It's clear how affected he is by the news, but why won't he act? Following behind the towering Vizhek, Irzain leaves Mairlynn and Kirsta to drown their sorrows with the fortified wine. Trellan climbs the steps and emerges onto the main deck.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“You look upset.\" Irzain remarks.\n\n“I am upset. Valan was the only one I believed intelligent enough to help me work on Arona, and Steingar was a swift study. He could've been an excellent helmsman... And he was fun to talk to...\" Trellan sniffles. “He reminded me so much of myself, back when I was young and filled with piss and vinegar.\"\n\n“And you're just going to let them go?\"\n\n“Yes, and you should too.\"\n\n“You say that like you _want_ to leave them behind.\" Irzain remarks, trying to get a rise out of Trellan.\n\n“How dare you!\" Trellan whirls around. “Do you think I want them to die?! Do you think I enjoy seeing good people shoveled into their graves?! Don't you _ever_ pretend to know my heart.\"\n\n“Then do something!\"\n\n“Listen, kid... I'm over one-hundred and sixty years old. I was chasing girls when your great grandfather was still picking his nose. I've seen this kind of thing, many, many more times than I ever should've... They're gone... The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can sleep at n-\"\n\n“Are you Trellan?\" A voice interrupts them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpinning around, the pair find themselves looking at a man, unfamiliar to Trellan but familiar to Irzain. He walks across the gangplank, admiring the Arona-Dahl's unusual construction.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“He was right; I could never have mistaken this ship for another!\" The barkeep chirps.\n\n“Who're you?\"\n\n“He's the barkeep!\" Irzain steps forward.\n\n“Hey there! You three just keep popping up, don't you?!\" The barkeep laughs.\n\n“What're you doing here?\"\n\n“You're Helngar buddy paid me to deliver a message. He says, 'the pretty bird is caged and the matchbox has burned, but keep Arona awake and wait for us to return'.\" The barkeep speaks, swaying a finger to an imaginary beat.\n\n“You remembered all of that?!\" Trellan raises a brow.\n\n“Yeah. He paid me thirty vasariks and made me repeat it five times before he'd leave. It's easier when it rhymes. He said you'd know what it meant.\"\n\n“Oh.\"\n\n“Anyway, I've got to go. I want to watch that manor burn, before it's nothing but ashes.\" The barkeep remarks, before turning and leaving.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTrellan and Irzain glance to each other, the full weight of Steingar's message sinking in.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Maybe we should help now?\" Irzain suggests.\n\n“If you think you have the sand for it, be my guest. I'm following his instructions. If he thinks he can make it back, I believe he can, and we'll want to be ready for a quick escape.\" Trellan retorts.\n\n“Why are you so passive?!\"\n\n“Listen here, you little shit!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTrellan growls, grabbing the human by the biceps and leaning over, his nose mere inches away from Irzain's as he glares down at him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I was a soldier in my youth. One of the few Vizhek who actually decided to take up arms for his people. Most of them would rather the Helngar, Falmun or your kind do it for them. Thirty years. That's how long I served. Thirty years of blood and gore. Thirty years of the most painful memories of my life, memories that I _wish_ I could forget... How happy I'd be if I could take your amnesia for you... I'm not going to fight or kill anymore. Why do you think Arona doesn't have a single cannon? Why do you think I went through the trouble of inventing the propulsor and the turbine?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhy else would I invest a decade into harnessing steam power? Why else would I spend a year custom-building the 'Power Conversion Apparatus'? I'd rather be the fastest ship on the ocean and run from danger, than to ever have to raise a gun or a sword to a living being again. In my time, I've learned that some things are beyond your control; no matter how much you'd like to fix things, often times you simply can't. Fighting is the first and most foolish method most choose to resolve a situation, but you're likely not old enough to realize that yet... You will... If you want to fight so badly, then do it yourself, and keep me out of it! I have other things I can do...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith that, Trellan releases Irzain's arms, pushing him with considerable force. Turning his back on the human, the old, towering, blue-skinned elf makes his way toward the pilothouse.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I'm sorry.\"\n\n“It's alright.\" Trellan replies, climbing the steps. “If you really want to be helpful, just tell the women what's going on and wait up here with me. I'll show you what you can do.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNodding his head, Irzain heads for the watertight hatch. As he races down the steps and toward the lounge, he ponders Steingar's message. How are they fairing? Will they truly be able to escape?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“AHH!\" Valan screams.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar struggles to watch the inventive methods of torture that Rokig himself has devised. Strapped to a wagon wheel – a common method of slow and painful execution via beating – Valan's purple shirt and black trousers have been removed. Instead, he now wears nothing to cover his legs or his endowment, and a shirt of chainmail with sharp barbs poking through it has been placed over his torso. Using relatively thin sticks, so as not to break his bones, Rokig's minions beat Valan, piercing his flesh with the barbs of the chainmail shirt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“That was quite an impressive shot you made to kill... Whoever those guys were that you killed.\" Rokig remarks. “More.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe minions take up their sticks and strike him over and over, as fast and as hard as they can, until they both become winded. Valan's cries drown out the sounds of the chainmail clanking and the sticks thumping against his trunk. Blood runs from dozens of painful cuts, which are only irritated by the metal grinding against his flesh. It streams over his bare legs and manhood.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“If you hadn't insulted me by killing our men, I'd have loved to employ you. But, alas, you need to be punished! ... Let's try 'the water' now!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith twisted grins, the minions unshackle Valan from the wagon wheel, before throwing him against a bench. The barbs of the chainmail shirt cut into the flesh of his back, causing him considerable pain. Holding him down, they shackle him to the bench, while Rokig collects two items. With a rag and an empty bucket in-hand, he fills the bucket with water from an iron tub and whistles a tune as he approaches the flailing Valan. He looks down at his victim, a twisted little smile on his face. Suddenly and violently, Rokig stuffs the rag into his mouth, then pours the bucket of water over Valan's face, simulating the sensation of drowning. Steingar turns away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What's the matter, bloodforge? No stomach for a little fun?\" A minion laughs.\n\n“Killing is not the same thing as torture.\" Steingar murmurs.\n\n“That doesn't mean we can't enjoy it!\" Rokig chirps.\n\n“Mister Helngar!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar turns toward the voices, surprised to see both Gozik and Elium approaching him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“May we have a word with you?\" Elium asks.\n\n“For what reason?\"\n\n“You've done so well lately. We'd like to put you in charge of another mission; a mission of great importance.\" Gozik explains.\n\n“I can do it!\" Rokig chirps.\n\n“No. Stay here and do... Whatever the hell this is...\" Gozik shuts down his youngest brother.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRokig's pride is stung, damaged by the rejection of his eldest brother. Gozik snickers as he leads Steingar away, treating him with a level of respect that Rokig has never experienced before. Elium cannot help but smirk, following the eldest as they leave the dungeon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What now, boss?\"\n\n“Give me that!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRokig snatches the stick from his minion's hand, pushing him out of the way quite violently before raising the stick and bashing Valan in the chest with it. Over and over he strikes him, pushing the barbs of the chainmail shirt into his flesh. With every cry of pain, Rokig becomes increasingly vicious, assaulting him like a rabid animal. Strike after strike, he pummels his victim, before breaking the sturdy stick across his chest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Damnit!\" Rokig snarls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe swings the stick, bashing Valan in the face with it and promptly breaking his nose. Throwing the stick aside, it bounces on the floor an rolls away. Kneeling against the bench, Rokig grasps Valan's throat, strangling the life from him. Valan's face slowly turns purple as he struggles to breath, the blood vessels in his eyes bursting from the force. Rokig's minions look between each other, concerned that Rokig is losing control.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Sir? Do they you think Gozik wants him dead?\"\n\n“Yes. Shouldn't you stop?\"\n\n“Damn Gozik. I don't care what either of them want. _I_ want him dead. It'll make me feel better!\"\n\n“But sir, shouldn't we-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe minion's words are stolen from him, his eyes widening as his throat is pierced by a small arrow. From back to front, the bolt blasts through his flesh. He falls to the ground, paralyzed from the neck down, a result of the damage done to his spine by the bolt. He drowns on his own blood. Before his body lands atop the earthen floor, a loud bang startles Rokig. The smooth ball blasts through his other minion's skull, blowing a chunk of his face away from his body. They land beside each other almost simultaneously.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning back, Rokig doesn't even have the time to stand up, not before he's struck in the face with the broken stick he'd discarded. Falling back, a slender being leaps upon him, straddling him as they place a hand atop his chest. He grabs for their arm, blinded by the blood that spurts up and into his eyes from the bridge of his broken nose. That's when he feels it. The cold metal of a razor-sharp blade presses into his flesh. The knife cuts deeply, severing his windpipe and both arteries in a single stroke. He dies in less than ten seconds.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPanting from exertion, the being rises to their feet. Valan struggles to see who's just saved him, even as they loom over him. He calls out, but the being ignores him. Collecting their weapons first, they find the keys to his shackles, before returning to his diminished vision. Removing their hood, Valan can see the outline a familiar face, and the unique shape of their head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Looks like I came just in time.\" Jarae remarks, unlocking his shackles.\n\n“Thank the Seraphs. I thought I was a dead man.\"\n\n“You were, from the looks of it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJarae helps him up, allowing Valan a moment to recover as he sits atop the bench. Her clawed hands stroke his cheeks as he breathes deeply, her soft fur comforting him considerably.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“You don't look so pretty anymore.\"\n\n“Thanks...\" He sighs.\n\n“What the hell were you thinking, anyway?! What kind of idiot are you?!\" She suddenly growls at him.\n\n“I was thinking about-\"\n\n“Shut up! You obviously weren't thinking at all! You nearly sealed your own coffin, you stupid human! Do I have to babysit you or what?!\"\n\n“I'm sorry...\"\n\n“You'd better be. I don't appreciate coming out here and saving your worthless ass.\" Jarae growls.\n\n“... I'm glad you did, though.\" He says.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning his bloodied eyes toward her, he manages to crack a little smile. Softly chuckling, Jarae shakes her head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“How did you know I was here, anyway?\"\n\n“When Irzain told us what you and Steingar were 'planning', and I use that term loosely, I decided to keep an eye on you. I've been lurking around all night, waiting for the right moment to pull your dumb ass out of here.\"\n\n“Oh...\"\n\n“Get your clothes on; you're indecent.\"\n\n“Where are they? I can't see too well.\"\n\n“By the Seraphs...\" She sighs in frustration. “Now I need to guide you, too?! You're pathetic... Take my hand.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLifting him from the bench, Valan groans from the pain as they move across the room, collecting his shirt, trousers, boots, belt and weapons.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“I apologize for that.\" Gozik remarks, taking a seat in a parlor chair.\n\n“For what?\" Steingar asks, taking a seat near him.\n\n“For Rokig. He's a... Troubled young man.\"\n\n“That's putting it mildly. He's insane.\" Elium interjects.\n\n“He's still family.\" Gozik growls.\n\n“For now...\" Elium mutters, pouring a drink from a crystal decanter.\n\n“Yes... For now...\"\n\n“So, about this job?\" Steingar gingerly interrupts them.\n\n“Yes... It's about Rokig.\" Gozik sighs.\n\n“Oh?\"\n\n“He's unstable, and he's getting worse.\"\n\n“Getting worse?\" Steingar chuckles from surprise.\n\n“Yes. I've never seen that garment before today. He feeds on people's suffering, and it's disturbing.\"\n\n“It's also very bad for business!\" Elium interjects, before swigging his drink.\n\n“So, what do you want me to do?\"\n\n“... Kill him...\"\n\n“I'm sorry?!\" Steingar looks around the room.\n\n“Quickly and painlessly, and try not to make him unsightly for a funeral.\" Elium instructs.\n\n“We've discovered this...\" Gozik remarks, holding up a book. “He's been taking notes; he plans to kill us and take over the family business. If Rokig where in charge, unrestrained, this town will burn. Do it fast and put the rabid dog out of his misery.\"\n\n“I-I, uh...\" A stunned Steingar stammers.\n\n“I know this is difficult, but we wouldn't ask you if we didn't-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA muffled bang distracts the two brothers, who quickly turn away. The only two guards in the room with them, trusted men loyal to Gozik alone, swiftly head for the door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“That must've been Rokig.\" Elium remarks, a distressed look on his face.\n\n“Damnit! I told him not to shoot guns in the house anymore! He probably killed that man too. I was going to question him.\" Gozik growls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRising from his chair, Steingar also stands to his feet. He finds himself alone in the room with Gozik and Elium, both of whom have their backs turned. With four distracted guards, two near the doorway and two in the hall, he just might have a chance to escape.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“This needs to stop. I won't live in fear of my baby brother. Will you do the job or not?!\" Gozik asks with decreasing patience.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWithout bothering to answer him, Steingar acts on impulse. He grabs a brass oil lamp from the table and slams it into the back of Gozik's head as hard as he can. His skull makes a strange cracking sound from the force of the blow. Falling to the ground, Steinar rushes Elium before he knows what's happening. He drops his glass, shattering it on the wooden floorboards. Drawing his exotic blade and gripping tightly to the crossbar, he plunges it into the elf's chest, stabbing upward from beneath his sternum and striking his heart. Blood spews from Elium's lips as Steingar drops his body to the ground.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“HEY!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning his head toward the door, a guard raises an arquebus, firing the matchlock weapon. Ducking down, the already inaccurate round misses him entirely. Grabbing hold of Elium's corpse, Steingar rises to his feet, roaring as he heaves the diminutive Falmun across the room. The air is knocked from their lungs as the corpse slams into the guards standing in the doorway. One drops his arquebus, causing the powder charge to pour from the match port. He struggles to lift the weapon, squeezing the trigger and stuffing the burning ember into the port. Nothing happens.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar grabs the barrel and yanks, stealing the weapon from him. Raising it high above his head, he bashes the defenseless guard in the face, breaking it in only a few blows. The twitching corpse would be unrecognizable to his own mother. Elium's body moves, pushed away from the guard who'd managed to fire his weapon. Dragging the corpse away with one hand, Steingar raises his arm that bears the exotic blade and plunges it into his throat, severing his spine, windpipe, and an artery. Just then, he can hear a strange sound. Someone crawls on the floor behind him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWithdrawing his blade and spinning around, Steingar races toward Gozik, who tries in vain to open a box at the base of a small table. The box slides out of its place, falling open and revealing an ornate wheellock pistol, decorated in gold leaf and with the darkest bluing the Helngar has ever seen. It's picture perfect, but it's also loaded and ready for use. Steingar's boot-clad, digitigrade foot kicks the box and pistol away, before stepping on Gozik's back.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Not today! Today, it's your turn, but don't worry. You'll see Rokig very soon. I accept the mission.\" Steingar smirks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nKneeling down and raising his arm, he strikes; Steingar pierces Gozik's back, striking between his ribs and puncturing his heart. Rising to his feet, he approaches the box, collecting the pistol and its ammunition kit. He places the bullet mold into a pouch, deciding to keep the weapon as a souvenir. Heading for the door with the pistol in one hand and his blade in the other, he stops in his tracks. The hallway guards appear. They shout orders to halt and raise their weapons, but Steingar is faster. He pulls the trigger, spinning the wheel and sparking the charge.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBang! A soldier is struck in the arm and lowers his arquebus, but his hand squeezes the trigger. The rifle fires, blasting a lead ball into the leg of the guard beside him. Falling backward and onto the floor, his arquebus discharges a round into the ceiling. Leaping over the three corpses in the doorway, Steingar jams his blade so deeply into the standing guard that it impales him and becomes caught in his bones. The mighty Helngar struggles to pull the blade from his body, causing the tip to tap the wood beneath him. Knock, knock, knock. It disturbs him, giving him a horrid flashback and causing him to let go of the blade.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDropping the pistol, he covers his tapering ears. How he hates that noise. Suddenly remembering that there's another assailant, he turns his attention toward the wounded guard, who tries to draw a dagger as he crawls away. Pushing himself over him, Steingar knocks the blade from his grasp, takes hold of his head with both of his clawed hands, and twists as hard as he can. The Helngar closes his eyes and grunts from his own exertion. His victim's neck breaks, and Steingar opens his eyes to see that his head is facing backwards.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Ahh!\" He briefly shrieks, startled by the sight.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSlowly rising to his feet, he looks around for his weapons, unnerved by his own actions. Finding the empty pistol, he reclaims the weapon, slipping it into the waistband of his trousers. Taking hold of the crossbar of his blade, he pulls with both hands, wincing and looking away as he raises the guard's corpse into the air. Slowly, gravity and the body's weight pull it away from his blade. THUMP. It falls several inches, landing onto the floorboards. Steingar quickly heads for the basement, surprised that he doesn't see any more guards on his way down.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nReaching the staircase, he barrels down to the basement, eager to discover Valan's fate, and kill Rokig, should they cross paths. He hears noises as he makes his way toward Rokig's torture chamber, slowing his pace and preparing to use his blade. Peeking around a corner, he's surprised to find Valan alive, and Jarae beside him. Where'd she come from? Across the room, both guards and Rokig lay dead. Valan groans as he tries to remove the chainmail shirt. Pieces of his skin are stuck on the barbs, causing him to hesitate.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Oh, for the Seraph's sake!\" She growls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJarae grabs the shirt and gives it a yank, tearing a few pieces of skin from his body, but peeling the torturous garment off of him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“AHH!\" He cries out as he falls to his knees.\n\n“Shut up. Take my hand; we're getting out of here.\"\n\n“Wha... What about Steingar?\" Valan pants from the pain.\n\n“What about him?\" Jarae retorts.\n\n“I'm alright.\" Steingar speaks up.\n\n“Is that you?!\" Valan gasps, turning his bloody eyes toward him.\n\n“Yeah... Wow, you look like shit!\"\n\n“Thanks.\"\n\n“Alright, sweethearts. Can we _please_ get out of here? ... NOW?!\" Jarae growls.\n\n“I second that.\" Valan nods, struggling to his feet.\n\n“Come on. This way.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar motions for them to follow him, heading for a hallway on the other end of the dungeon. Jarae takes hold of Valan's arm, speaking sweetly to him as she drapes his arm over her shoulders.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“It's going to be alright. We're getting you out of here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHolding tightly to his wrist and with an arm around his waist, she leads him toward Steingar. Taking them through the hallway, they make their way toward a rear entrance. Steingar had seen it before, and knows that it'll avoid the large servant's house, where most of the guards are likely staying. Passing by a room, Steingar pauses. He steps back and peers inside, his glowing, golden eyes widening.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“What's wrong?\" Jarae asks as they catch up to him.\n\n“Look.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPointing into the room, Steingar directs them to a chest. Jarae and Valan are unaware of the significance, but Steingar is elated to see it. Racing up to the chest, he fiddles with the latch.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“We don't have time for this!\" Jarae growls.\n\n“Oh, yes, we do!\"\n\n“Damnit, man. I feel like death. Let's just go.\" Valan pleads.\n\n“Two seconds!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nReleasing the latch, which was developing a light coat of rust from the rainstorm, Steingar lifts the lid. Jarae and Valan find themselves staring at a treasure unlike any they'd ever seen before. Even with his damaged vision, Valan knows what he's looking at.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Woah...\" Jarae murmurs.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHer hands release Valan, who slips and stumbles, struggling to hold himself up as she approaches the chest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“We'd stolen it after we killed the town's Regent last night.\"\n\n“That was you?!\" Valan growls.\n\n“Well... Yeah!\"\n\n“This is...\" A nearly hypnotized Jarae shakes her head, snapping out of her trance. “Too heavy for us to carry. We should go.\"\n\n“Oh, come on! You can't be serious?! Let's at least make this all worthwhile!\" Steingar urges.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWithout giving them the chance to answer, he searches the room for anything they can use. Several empty bags, small and likely used for tobacco snuff or the like, serve him as coin purses. Atop a simple table is a ledger, and beside that ledger is a box with a lid. The box is modest, and filled with writing supplies, but it'll do. Taking the box, Steingar dumps the contents onto the floor. Jarae decides to help him, finding a burlap sack just big enough to fit an adult human's skull. The pair meet at the chest, scooping gold into every container they have.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar fills every pocket of his vest and trousers, and filling six small bags as coin purses. Jarae shovels gold into the larger sack. Steingar then scoops coins into the modest box before struggling to close the lid, fitting every last coin he can into it. Realizing that he cannot stop them, Valan joins in; he stuffs his pockets and an accessory pouch on his belt full of gold coins. Soon, they're laden with treasure, carrying a little over twenty pounds of gold vasariks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Wow... That hardly made a dent in the pile!\" Steingar exclaims, looking into the opened chest.\n\n“There... Are we done now?\" Valan asks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar and Jarae glance toward each other, then their loot, and then to the beaten, tortured and nearly strangled Valan.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Yeah.\" Jarae speaks softly, taking hold of his arm and draping it over her shoulders once more. “We're done.\"\n\n“One score, right? That was the plan.\" Steingar remarks.\n\n“Some plan...\" Valan coughs. “I want to lie down.\"\n\n“Shut up and move those feet.\" Jarae says as she pulls him along.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMaking their way through the hall, they find a series of stairs and climb. Reaching a door, they emerge into the side yard of the manor's grounds. Easing Valan over the wall, they help him through the thinner, rarely traveled, back alleys of the town. The trio gradually make their way toward the harbor.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Hey...\" Valan speaks softly, glancing at Jarae. “Thanks for helping me. It means a lot.\"\n\n“Don't thank me. You're too valuable to the ship to die.\" She swiftly replies.\n\n“Still, I'm glad it was you.\"\n\n“... I didn't want to. I did what I had to do. If you weren't so stupid, I wouldn't have to carry you right now.\" She coldly retorts.\n\n“Well, I'd have done it for you, even if you weren't important to the ship.\" He remarks.\n\n“Are you saying I'm important?\" She raises a brow.\n\n“I think so.\"\n\n“... Shut up. I think that beating gave you brain damage, aside from making you uglier.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning a corner, they can see the ships in the distant harbor. They're less than a quarter mile away. With a spring in their step, even Valan manages to move faster. Reaching the docks just after noon, they head for the Arona-Dahl. A detachment of soldiers makes their patrol, paying little attention to them, until one takes a second look.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Is that... Steingar?!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHearing his name, Steingar impulsively turns back. His heart sinks as he looks at a familiar soldier. The human's eyes narrow; he recognizes Steingar's two-tone medium gray and burnt orange fur anywhere. Their eyes lock; Steingar knows he's been caught.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“STEINGAR!\" The soldier screams, raising his arquebus. “You're under arrest!\"\n\n“Go!\" Steingar passes the box of gold to Jarae.\n\n“Here!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nValan pulls out a pistol handing it to Steingar. He then hands him the second as they continue their slow gait toward the Arona-Dahl. With a pistol in each hand, Steingar fully cocks the hammers and takes careful aim. He fires both rounds as his former comrade does the same. The arquebus misses by a mile, but Steingar's rounds, shot from Valan's custom-built pistols, strike true. A soldier drops dead, but the man who'd recognized him escapes harm. He turns and dashes away, screaming for help the entire time.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Go! Go! Go!\" Steingar growls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe grabs onto Valan's other side, pulling him along with his incredible strength. He yanks the human right out of Jarae's grasp, dragging him along the docks while Jarae carries the majority of the treasure. Kirsta and Mairlynn see them coming, standing on the main deck of the ship. Racing across the gangplank, Kirsta and Mairlynn level their crossbow pistols, preparing to fire as soldiers rush toward them from the other end of the docks. Reaching the ship, Steingar drags Valan across the gangplank before dropping him coldly atop the deck. Jarae reaches the ship, plopping the loot beside Trellan's cabin door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Now!\" Trellan yells from the pilothouse.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIrzain pulls a lever, then another. The clamps that hold the ropes disengage, allowing the ship to drift away. Kirsta and Mairlynn both fire their bolts, which whiz by the soldiers and cause them to duck. The women dart across the gangplank before Irzain pulls the final lever, retracting it. With the steam engine roaring to life, kept at a low idle after he'd received Steingar's message, Trellan pulls the lever into reverse. The Arona-Dahl slowly backs away from the harbor. Soldiers make their way to the end of the dock, but it's too late. Whipping the wheel as hard as he can, Trellan turns the ship.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nPushing the lever forward and spinning the wheel the other way, the Arona-Dahl briefly turns in place, before lurching forward. The crew slide across the main deck as the ship moves faster and faster, accelerating at a frightening pace. They escape the harbor in a matter of moments. Before they know it, they're moving at least forty-five knots across the open ocean, easily seven times the speed of any conventional sailing ship they know.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Woo! Let's make the Seraphs sprint after us!\" Trellan exclaims from the pilothouse.\n\n“Argh...\" Valan groans, seeping blood from his wounds.\n\n“What happened?!\" Irzain asks.\n\n“It's a long story... But at least we got some gold!\" Steingar chuckles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMairlynn races to Valan's side, kneeling by him and lifting up his head. Irzain feels horrendous guilt as he looks over the shirtless and wounded gunman. Guilt for not being strong enough, for not being stern enough, and for not being able to spare him the pain. As his guilt overwhelms him, Irzain rests a hand on Valan's shoulder, hoping to comfort him. Suddenly, his hand begins to glow. Realizing that his Halcyon magic has reemerged, Irzain gently taps Valan's broken nose. It resets and stops bleeding. Waving his hand over the torn flesh of his chest, the wounds begin to heal.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSitting up, Valan's eyes widen as he finds himself able to breath without pain. Irzain hovers his hand over his back, sealing the worst of his wounds, and without leaving a single scar. Soon, his hands cease to glow.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Wow! I didn't know you could do that!\" Mairlynn exclaims.\n\n“You're full of surprises, aren't you?\" Trellan chuckles, emerging from the pilothouse.\n\n“He's done that before.\" Valan remarks.\n\n“Yeah. He fixed my broken ankle when we first met Valan. I thought you couldn't control that?\" Kirsta asks Irzain.\n\n“I can't. It just happened, so I used it, same as with you.\" He replies.\n\n“Well, I guess you're not as ugly after all.\" Jarae snickers, glancing at Valan.\n\n“That's for sure.\" Mairlynn coos.\n\n“So, what's in the box? ... And all of those bags?\" Trellan wonders.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSteingar and Jarae cannot help but grin, eager to reveal their plunder to the others. Valan, however, turns his eyes toward the horizon, looking back at the rapidly shrinking island. All he can feel is guilt over what happened to Lucerna and the rest of her family.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n“Wow, that's a lot of gold!\" Mairlynn exclaims.\n\n“Well, that shows us to doubt your plans.\" Trellan interjects.\n\n“See? We had it covered. Everything worked out alright in the end, didn't it Valan?!\" Steingar boasts.\n\n“Yeah... Alright...\" Valan sighs. “... I need a drink.\"","series":{"name":"Series: In The Mist Of The Erie Isles","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1525239-in-the-mist-of-the-erie-isles-episode-18.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1530991-in-the-mist-of-the-erie-isles-episode-20.json"}}