"Thank you kindly, Ser Renald- however, I do not require one. We need to get a message to Albridge- so I'll be making an overnight trip. Normally I would say it can wait- but with everything happening, the risk is worthwhile."
"I'll accompany Violet there- and I believe Jordan will be too." Jordan nodded confirmation.
"I'll go with you." All eyes turned to Silver. "Thorin and Asriel will be fine here in Highdell. Freeing the rest of us to get to Albridge. And having me on hand means you're less likely to get hurt, should some complication or conflict arise."
Ser Renald looked around, perplexed but accepting. "While this is most unexpected, I will keep the rooms handy- on the chance you need to turn back. But for now, good luck on your journey- may the gods favour you."
~
Packed lightly for a speedy trip, Thorin agreed to hold onto everything they didn't need. Silhouettes stood in twilight against sapphire skies, before disappearing into darkness- heading off on one last journey. Once the group vanished beyond the gates, the little crowd watching broke up. Asriel found himself once more in the now-restored temple, deep in prayers to Tiresias. Everything about these last few days raced through his mind. Who guided mentors in their time of need? When he pulled himself back into the world, Asriel found himself no longer alone. Or within the temple. At some point, he ended up sitting in the courtyard under a moonbeam and against a tree, joined by Thorin.
"Was wondering when yeh would come back. Have a lot on your mind?"
"...You could say that, yes. Everything from the… last days, has left a lot for me to think upon."
"Aye, fair enough." Thorin leaned back, eyes turned skyward. "Should you need some counsel, I can offer it."
Hesitating a beat too long, Asriel sighed. "I'm not sure. The desecration left an... imprint- we lost good people. Not to mention this whole... time has been strange, start to end. To think I- no, we- came, on the word of a... hidden? woman. At worst… a liar."
"Secretive would be the word." Asriel nodded silent thanks- Thyatian was difficult. "Violet means well, Asriel- true, she's hard to know. But once you can, there lies a good woman under it all. Even if she hides it- can yeh really blame her? You've seen what this damned Iron Ring can do to a whole barony. Can only imagine the damage that's done sustained over many years." A pause- Thorin was right. "While I wonder meself- I would say it's become her, in part. Whatever mysteries lie in there, I'm sure there's good reason for hiding them… This isn't purely about how you feel about her, though. What else is on your mind?"
Asriel let out a sigh. "Wondering why I'm here."
"Because you're keeping us together. Can't see how we'd fare without you."
"Not sure of that. For claims of being... needed, it does not feel that way." Leaning back, the goatman looked over. "I went to the chapel. Seeing it... bare, hearing the Sister's sadness... These bastards and their evil touch are a... sickness this world does not need. When I got there, and saw... All these happy people, I..."
"I understand, Asriel. Could tell something was amiss when you didn't settle in to tell the tales, in that way only you can do. Kinda figured something important caught your eye- and the townsfolk were in the celebrating mood. So we went with it." Another short pause- Thorin looking over. "While it may have seemed insincere, I can assure you- she meant what she said."
"Is that so." Skepticism crossed Asriel's mind- translating well as he looked down at the warlord, who gave a curt nod.
"Aye. When we got into the tavern, she was upset you weren't there. Wanted to go look for you. I mentioned you may have had something important to do, and reluctantly she stayed. Whatever you're thinking and feeling right now- it will pass. Everyone has doubts, 'tis natural- and I'm sure you two will make peace eventually. Whether you believe me or not, Violet does care about you. About us all." With that, Thorin got to his feet. "It's late- I'm going to unwind and retire. Rest well, Asriel. I'll see you in the morrow."
Walking off, Thorin left Asriel to his thoughts- the latter slowly realizing he had apologies to give when they next saw one another. If they ever did again, that is; he had a feeling that some kind of trouble was brewing... This was merely the calm before the storm.
~
Creeping out beyond the town, the four stole through the night- making good time, until they got a clearing about halfway. En masse the Iron Ring camped out, the Battle For Albridge having been decided against the slavers. Immediately it became evident Silver would not make it through- he would have to turn back. The trio who chose to go on gave Silver a message to pass- they would be back either late tomorrow or the day after sometime, hopefully through clear roads from the slavers having moved out of the area. Silver crept out of the trees, quiet enough in the clearing he didn't attract attention, while the other three snuck past the encampment.
~
Long and exhausting the night's travel was, the trio were relieved to see a familiar sight in the pinkish light of dawn. Dardun. Currently, their mission was to find Dar- and pass on news, of Highdell's liberation. The Iron Ring had been driven out. Running into town, Violet- simultaneous to Sera and Jordan- realized things were rather slow-going this morning. People were hungover, perhaps still intoxicated, from celebrating all night. Giving a shrug, the trio made their way through, taking the well-worn route to Dar's stables.
Something felt wrong, though, approaching Gremath stables once again. Everything was oddly quiet- but only Sera noticed. Perhaps Dar was out celebrating with them? But he doesn't strike me as the type to do so... Knocking, the trio walked inside.
"Dar, we bring fortunate news! The slavers have been driven back! And Highdell Keep has been libertaed!" Jordan's elation came through strong.
Dar was sitting, facing away from the bunch, but didn't respond. An odd smell was in the air- something… metallic. And burnt. Jordan's smile fell, melting into confusion; Sera tensed up, the motion unnoticed. Violet could feel it- a shift in the aura of this room. Dar would never be non-responsive like this. Sera could feel too; slowly, the trio approached… but Sera stopped Jordan and Violet. "I'll look, you two just hold on for a second." Both of them nodded; neither of them really noticed Jordan holding onto Violet, in silent support.
Sera crept forward... and the way their eyes widened made all blood in the room run ice-cold. Jordan and Violet alike took a look, and were sorry they did. Dar didn't answer, because he'd been flayed from head to toe. Blood pooled in the thick carpet at his feet, alongside various other bodily fluids. He'd been tightly gagged and restrained to his chair- forced to stay alive through it all, judging by the expression of horror, and condition of the body. Char marks ran throughout his entire form- which explained the burnt smell. Horrifyingly, all of Dar's skin sat in scrap piled on the floor around him... And the absolute worst part of it all? Rigor mortis had not yet set in; Dar had been murdered within the last two hours.
Jordan's expression became unreadable, while Sera hardened in anger. Violet stepped back, horrified. Oh gods, not Dar... these people need him... it was him, I know it... This is all my fault- if I'd never come here, Dar would still be alive...
Before anyone could react farther or formulate the next step of their plans, a hand clamped down tightly over Violet's mouth. Searing pain tore through the hin, darkness blurring the edges of Violet's sight. Metallic blood, thick in the air, made her look down to the steaming blade sticking out of her torso; sizzling of flesh and blood drew from the Hin woman paralysis and ice-cold fear... Blood trickled out of her mouth through the fingers holding her silent, cutting off her cries of agony.
Jordan and Sera heard a tightly-muffled scream, splattering liquid, sizzling, a noise of choking... Looking up, the sight stopping both in their tracks. The pair beheld Violet's wide-eyed terrified stare, fingers stained with blood over her mouth, massive blood-darkened steaming blade through her chest... and the man who stood behind her. Ember-bright hair streaked with black, malevolent red-black eyes glaring evil, thin-lipped maniacal grin on his face. Embers flickered in the wake of his cloak. A charred genasi, degeneration of a fire soul. Sickening relation to the two facing him.
"Hello, 33572. It's been a long time since you left." Having leaned down, the voice ended up in Violet’s left ear. Were the situation not so dire, it would almost seem a daring lover’s embrace… Growling more than actually speaking, the near-daemonic tones made all their blood run cold.
Violet's face blanched. Instinctively, they knew. Sera and Jordan moved as one to draw weapons, tensions rising. Combat became imminent. This was the 'Blood Angel Of Karameikos' Violet warned them about... This was Leviticus.
Stepping forward, pain intensified as Violet wrenched herself off his blade, facing Him for the first time in many years. Fear danced in her mind, threatening to take over- but something stood in its way. Determination. Were she alone, she couldn't face the nightmare incarnate that marked the darkest part of her life. But she wasn't alone. Sera and Jordan were with her- and though they were far away, Thorin, Silver and Asriel stood by her side. Despite barely knowing her, the five of them threw themselves into a battle. Her battle. And she would be damned if she quietly surrendered now. They believed in her- and now she had to believe in herself.
Leviticus was surprised. Where He expected fear, tears and trembling, instead received an ice-cold amethyst stare, heavy panting from the damage. A strong, determined stance. Companions, where she once was alone. Vague thoughts crossed the charred genasi's mind, wondering if Nazin had to deal with such insolence. Leviticus paid little mind to the pair standing mere feet away for the moment; he had a likening for tormenting his own kind- but that would come later. The diminutive woman before him- once a mere toy- now made him... uneasy.
"... I go... by Violet now... and I'll ensure you never forget it!" With that, the bullet in her sling found an exposed bit of flesh- the pain that exploded within caught Him by surprise. Seems the little bitch learned a few tricks...
Violet immediately paid for it with pain- crying out in agony, fire's destructive embrace searing her skin and deepening the massive wound. No time was given to react; two of Sera's water arrows found their mark, cooling perma-heated flesh, creating obsidian-dark patches of skin where they hit. Jordan unleashed a powerful wave of thunder, throwing Leviticus across the room, into the wall. Already, the trio were preparing their next onslaught. Fine, if they want to play... so be it.
Getting to his feet, Leviticus vanished in a wave of flame- only to reappear by Jordan's side. Heat from whatever plane of fire roared through the portal, all of them reeling back in searing pain. His blade cut into the artificer, super-heating the water genasi from the inside out. Jordan collapsed, unable to withstand the blade- especially since he'd been resurrected mere hours before.
"Jordan!.. Damn you, Leviticus!" Violet threw herself over a table, mostly to escape the flame. She let off another bullet; the flinch was visible, and she grinned from satisfaction. "Sera- now!"
With a small nod, Sera's anger focused to singularity. Another two of her arrows found their mark, steam beginning to rise. They hurt like the force of Hell itself. That's for Jordan, you twisted son of a bitch.
Leviticus knew the best course of action, and took it. Another portal of fire opened, sword cutting through the storm genasi without effort on his part. She managed to hang onto consciousness- though blood flowed thick, dripping heavy onto the floor by now. Cut this one down, isolate His property... and remind her just why she didn't dare cross Him; then, now… or ever. Violet and Sera were somewhat outmatched- both of them knew this- but every strike hit true, hailing blow after powerful blow on the charred genasi who had caused so much harm. It was as though the gods guided their shots, their hands. Sera may have not understood the depths of Leviticus' depravity, nor what Violet endured. However, they had their own daemons to contend with- and this was a good way to exorcise them for a spell. He could do little more than open more portals, try and separate the the two. Their shots kept finding the weak points, exploiting them again and again. Black blood dripped now, intermingling with the crimson from those who dated stand before him. As they attacked Him time and again, the heat in Greamth stables rose higher and higher still- the pair could barely hold on.
Just as they were seeming to gain the upper hand, fate changed the battle again. Leviticus pinned Sera to the wall, His sword going through their torso. Blood gushed through the hole in their mouth, darkness dripping onto the floor. Sera collapsed, sliding off His blade as He pulled back- the assault and heat too much to handle. Viviana tumbled from Sera's hand, Leviticus careful to kick her away without care- making sure that insufferable creature was defenceless.
Exactly as I planned... Turning to Violet, the grin on His face seemed depraved, determination renewed. He was re-gaining control, just as He planned.
Violet backed away, losing determination. Like Leviticus siphoned it from her soul. Sera and Jordan were both dying, she unable to get to either one. It was just them, a deadly dance undertaken by His hand. Blows were exchanged, but soon she felt herself backed into a wall, fear threatening to make her crack. ...I can't fight Him alone- I need them!.. We should never have sent Silver back, we never should have come... Sera, Jordan, forgive me...This is how things end, and it's all my fault...
What a terrible way for your story to end. You should write a better one. Another voice popped into her head- Asriel's, of all people. This gave the Hin pause for a second. Someone whom- though Violet wouldn't admit it out loud- was a source of comfort, calming force in a chaotic storm.
And how exactly does that help me here?! Violet barely dodged the heavy blade’s swing, ending up completely cornered for it.
Don't give up, Violet. You're more capable and a lot stronger than you think. Certainly more so than Him. You know that.
I'm not, Asriel. I'm terrified of Leviticus, you've seen it... Do you know what He's done to me and countless innocent others?
No. I can't get into your memories. I'm not really here, remember?
Right, forgot that part. And yet, here we are conversing. Clearly I’ve gone hysterical. Hysteria- or perhaps, acceptance of her fate, as Leviticus closed in. Once more, His blade cut through her, leaving more burning gashes. She was cracking, fear taking over... Dropping to her knees, braced against the wall, she panted just to get air into her lungs. Blood splattered on the ground; she barely moved aside, wood splintering and smouldering under the blade’s impact.
Violet. Listen to me. You really CAN handle him. Get those two back on their feet, or- if you can't do that- keep going. We both know you're strong... even if I've never said it in person. You've been doing pretty damn good so far at showing us all who's the boss. Why stop now? Fight until you have absolutely nothing left.
...Remind me to thank you properly when we meet again, should we all survive this. Violet looked over at Leviticus advancing- every memory of Him flashed through her head, and she came to one conclusion: Leviticus has to be stopped. Right here, right now, no matter the cost. Already He had taken too many lives- and taking Sera and Jordan away was too much. Leviticus stood before her now, poised for the kill. Internally steeling herself, Violet looked Leviticus dead in the eyes. "...Do your worst. I'll fight you... until the very end."
That same uneasiness returned, but with a vengeance. Deep within, He knew if she didn't fear Him, then His advantage was gone. In that instance... Leviticus grinned deeper, twisted insanity crossing His features. Slashing her again, the impact threw her against the wall. Striding over, a foot pressed down on her throat- chest gushing more blood. "I would be happy to... I've waited far too long for this- ever since you escaped, to be exact."
"...Take me down... properly first, then..." Jordan's voice cut into the tension, making both their glances whip around. There Jordan stood, emanating fading wisps of pale golden light. Having been resurrected so recently, the magic of life within still vibrated his soul- giving the artificer a second chance, right when all three of them needed it most.
Downing a healing potion, he cracked his neck gently. Leviticus' expression turned to one of rage; Violet's, relief. Jordan didn't care, though- his goal was to protect Violet and Sera. The best companions he ever had. The ones he would- and indeed, had- died defending. And would continue to do. With a grin, he worked his alchemical magic- weakening Leviticus, distracting Him. Giving Violet every chance he could, that she needed, to face this particular daemon that haunted her for so many years. The water genasi could help, but this was a battle she had to fight. Not just because she was much more adept at it, either.
Violet ran with every advantage Jordan laid out, from healing to acid and ice, hitting with everything she had. Rage, fear, memories, tears, bloodshed, determination- all of it behind the force of each and every one of her shots, all of them finding their marks. Leviticus began looking worse for wear by this point, even as He attempted to take Jordan down once and for all. He kept thinking if He isolated her, He could control her. A mistake proving to be his undoing. He could only take so much, and His resolve now began to crack. Never had any of His victims dared return to face him- and yet, here she was. Fighting for her friends. For her loved ones. For all the innocents the Iron Ring had taken, and would take before this ended... for all His victims... but most of all, for herself.
With one final adrenaline surge, Violet loaded up another bullet. "This is for everyone you and your kind ever hurt. For my friends. Most of all, this is for me. Now die already!"
The bullet found its mark- piercing straight through the void of a heart, tearing the blackness within to shreds. Violet’s accuracy, paired with her force of determination, proved to be too much. Leviticus dropped to his knees, roaring in agony as He collapsed to the floor. Embers flared, glowing brighter... Glaring with all the hate He could, before life left Him, fire met ice one last time.
"Who. Am. I?" Dropping to one knee, she glared down at him. He glared at her, she narrowing her gaze. "Say it."
"Fuck you... 33572." Violet kicked him back, risking burning as ashes began to fill the air. Crouching over Him, her hand reached out and gripped the collar of His jacket- pulling Him close. Forcing Him to look her in the eyes, the last thing Leviticus would see for some time- if not ever.
"Say it!" Her voice rose to hysteria, punching Him in the face, to much satisfaction. "Who am I?"
"...Damn you to Hell, Violet!" Leviticus exploded, throwing her back. Ashes danced in the air, embers glowing vividly. Jordan watched her get to her feet, sensing the magic in the air. Leviticus was still here- in the ashes and the embers. Violet stood there, watching. Panting heavily, bleeding profusely, trembling from adrenaline and the intense emotional surge she just underwent. Embers danced in the air, reflected in her stare- the moment something Jordan would later record on paper. Neither spoke, for what felt an eternity. It was the artificer, who finally broke the silence.
"...Violet?" His voice was soft, tense- unsure of what to expect. Looking at her, he couldn't help but admire what he was witnessing. Victory and agony danced in the ashes, spark of fire and life ignited in those beautiful amethyst eyes. When she spoke, it was thick- from blood in her throat.
"...Get Sera on her feet. It's over. I- where did he go?..."
"In the embers and the ashes. He's still alive... If you gather enough." As he spoke, Jordan moved, stabilizing Sera as he spoke. Violet gathered the ashes, placing them into a glass jar. Even then, it glowed with those embers of evil. Knowing he was close, where he could hurt nobody else... Knowing she now controlled Him... And He could be even revived one day, for her to do more with as she wished... Violet shook her head. Darkness had seeped into her soul, but she would resist for now. A major victory was held here, and they knew it.
Today, Leviticus. Tomorrow, the Iron Ring. One day, all slavery in existence.
~
Soon the trio were recovered- though Jordan erred in healing Violet, the pain too much for the Hin to take. She fell unconscious- but would be fine. Sera, for the most part, recovered well- she and Jordan shared a quiet moment in the stables, letting the edge of adrenaline temper off before moving on. Travelling into the heart of Albridge to find Kathrid, the trip held sombre expression; a dark spot amid the cheerfulness of all those liberated. Jordan filled Sera in on the way, carrying an unconscious Violet in his arms. The day was spent in Albridge- and the night would be too. Kathrid, while saddened and horrified to hear of Dar's horrific death, assured the pair that everything would be taken care of. Marring an otherwise sweet victory- but all of them knew, with great victory came great sacrifice.
Come nightfall, the trio came to rest in The Mallard Inn. All three shared a room, so Sera and Jordan could keep an eye on Violet. It wasn't until dawn's light, that she finally woke once more. Healed of her wounds, devoid of armor, ashes, grime and blood. Cleaned gear on the floor beside her, waiting. She looked to the two sleeping in two of the three other beds- Sera sitting up with Viviana in hand, Jordan with his sling and a healing infusion vial nearby. Once more, her eyes welled with tears. Violet crawled out of the bed, opening the window. A gentle breeze flitted in. She sat in the windowsill; emotional pain caused tears to break through. Her voice the quietest of whispers to herself, unable to contain her agony.
"...What was I thinking?.. What will they think of me, knowing they almost died, for a foolish girl they barely know?"
"We think you’re incredibly brave, in ways many could never hope to be." Jordan's voice made Violet's glance whip back. The pair of them were beside her, concerned. Each moved to check up on the emotionally fragilehHin, the breeze and whispers enough to wake them both.
"We also would fight by your side over again, in a heartbeat, Violet. And we're proud of you." Sera had a gentle expression on their face... one that said she understood, more than words could ever let on. Jordan nodded, having a similar wave of thinking. Both of them offered Violet comfort as she let them guide her to her bed, the Hin crying her eyes out for the third time in as many days. Each of them offered comfort- a rare thing for either to do. Given everything that happened since she received that letter, it was the least the pair could do. Violet was grateful.
-
Exhaustion of the spirit has overtaken me. These last few days- only four or five in number, have taken more of a toll on me than all the time I spent in the Iron Ring’s unforgiving embrace. Nazin Redthorne and Leviticus Emberstride- the Blood Angel Of Karameikos- have been vanquished. As proof, I have Nazin’s flail, Leviticus’ sword- and a jar of ashes and embers. Jordan assures me Leviticus lives still, hidden in the dust. Whether this is true or not I do not know- but all of these will be taken to Mistamere Manor, placed within the library. Bittersweet victory has come to the people of Highdell- the Appleseed Clan has fallen, homes razed, fields salted, and Dar flayed toe to head. But the Keep has been reclaimed, the people liberated; a very good thing. Catharsis of the soul has begun- while other slave-owners of mine are out there, this has broken some of the strongest chains. One last encounter remains, however; before we left, Asriel had some unpleasant things to say. But he saved us all, in a way- so when I return, I will offer myself to him. It is the least I can do, for everything he has done… and all I have put him through. Maybe I should give the others the same, for similar reasons.
-
After breakfast, the trio made the trek back to Highdell castle. Violet gave some more emotional insight about the battle... Including the strange conversation she had with Asriel, of all people, in her mind. It made for a good tale, if nothing else. The winding road up to Highdell Castle was arduous, but a trip well worth making. As the gates opened to let them inside, the other three stood waiting- Thorin in front, Silver behind to his right, and Asriel behind them- slightly to the left of Thorin. Where the first two waved, Asriel merely looked away, eyes cast downward.
Before leaving, he said some terrible things. Things he came to regret. Ever since they left, his words- and the guilt behind them- haunted him. It was bad enough, when they did not return by the deadline Silver had given. They agreed to give it a day or two, before venturing forth. Seeing her now was a relief- but it brought up the conversation that evening in the street.
Therefore it surprised him- and all others present, save for the two who went- when Violet ran past them all, throwing herself into Asriel's arms. She held tight as she could, his confusion something to behold. Staring down at the hin, he saw Violet's amethyst eyes shining up at him- and a smile. An actual smile.
"Thank you, Asriel. You saved us all, from a truly terrible fate."
He could only stare in bewilderment as she hugged the other two with the same energy- who were just as confused. Just what did we miss in these last two days?!
Chapter 22- Chaotic Assault On Highdell, Summation