88 Chapter 16 - Pitchforks, Torches, and a Witch. (1/2)
”I will free our people from the Witch's corruptive ways!” Kenji roared into the great crowd of the people of Essenark. Standing tall, Kenji addressed the crowd as the Mayor, dark suit, white mask and mysterious background all. Roaring back with pitchforks, torches, and old family weapons, the mob's numbers stretched back into the streets and out of sight.
”Thank you to the Hero's Guild, for rooting out the evil curse that had afflicted our people. To think we were being controlled and corrupted? May the Three be blessed!” Kenji might not believe in the Three, but their mention certainly got a huge roar from the crowd.
Caster waved back at them, his collection of Warden Company members and adventurers sourced from the Hero Guild standing right behind. Many of the newcomers looked perplexed with what was going on, but the veterans held to stoic stances, having placed their faith in Caster's leadership.
”And thank you to the guardians of the land, mighty Furbolgs, who have vacated their sacred glades and rites of protection to go forth into the field and assist humanity in dealing with the shadow that stretches across all of Essenark!”
The Furbolgs roared, some few believing their Grandfather had become the Mayor while others simply seemed to have a wet appetite for war. A concerning change - removing the harmonious Furblogs from their glades had swiftly devolved them into violent creatures reminiscent of the werewolves themselves, who growled from behind Grankash who stood right behind Kenji.
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”Thankfully the Witch's attack on our people was dispelled with the Furblog's arrival. The Witch sought to bend me to her will, to sour my rule, and to corrupt our lands. I thank you, creatures of tree and fern, for saving our souls from damnation!”
Another clap, too few of them from the guards and hunters. Those that had survived had largely fled, their true loyalty exposed like a bleeding vein. They were never the Mayor's men, but part of the puppets cage the Mayor had worked within. No doubt they were already close to the Witch's domain, having fled while Kenji gathered his forces, and in Grandfather's form administered his healing powers to pull many back to full health after the terrible battle.
”The Hunter General...has not been so brave,” Kenji whispered as if admitting a hard truth. ”After the deaths of the last few of our enemies, our current Hunter General was informed by the Witch that she caused each's death in turn of those last few to hold his station. Then after threatening him like the last, finally a man of Essenark cracked, and he has fallen under her sway. I would hear a cheer for those that had rather die than fall to her clutches-” and a cheer promptly came ”- and would ask that you fight free of guilt when we are forced to slaughter the traitors, for our enemies have chosen their lot, with the devil of the dark. And we have ours, with the bright light of the Three, may their blessings bring us victory!”
Having well enough of cheering, Kenji directed his peasant mob to follow along with his great many allies. Through the forest they went, the Mayor having been well aware of the rough area that the Witch lived.
As well as the number of her pawns, which now included the majority of the greatly expanded force of Essenark Hunters. The werewolf raid on their slaving camp had been a great blow, but even paired with rooting out those enemies nestled in the Townhall the Mayor's memories indicated many more still remained.
”Grandfather, we should rest. Your too sick, you're- Grandfather?”
As the Mayor, Kenji turned to Arti with eyes welling with tears.
”Do not hate him,” Kenji plead.