120 Spoiler, so no title (1/2)
”By Oslo, what did we do to deserve this?”
”Nothing, like those living in Pankow suffered a similar fate. Sheer bad luck.”
The two humans were looking at the gruesome bloody plain that was in their sight, just a little farther away from Archet. When they had heard the horn of the army nearby, they had rushed toward the ramparts, but could only see the scene happening without being able to do a single thing about it. In the short minutes that were used to completely dry the green herb red, they were joined by nearly every officers and elders of the important families. Some even began to throw up, after witnessing so many brutal executions.
The only one that was still capable of ushering anything but prayers or mad thoughts was Gwendoline. Even if it was still visible that she was shaken by the ordeal, she still managed to maintain her smile, albeit stiffened. For that, even those that were displeased by the fact that she earned her position thanks to a miracle in their eyes were a bit reassured to have someone to rely on. Thinking inwardly that if it was them in her shoes, they would have already begun to flee in panic, knowing that the Mayor of Archet will probably have an early end.
”I pray you, Aria, for in those dark moments ...” Murmuring the last song of that country, Andre was looking with worry at the young woman next to him. He would have never thought that his gift would turn out to be a trap. But he truly knew that she was one of the best candidates, if not the best, to appease the citizens living in the city. And she had proved that there was only a very slight amount of chaos after the knights of Kirov left. Without the guards to protect the houses, pillages, murders and rapes could have happened, spreading across all the districts of Archet.
But fortunately, by personally helping everyone to return to their normal lives, she had alleviated that risk by a lot. Coupled with a redistribution of many goods that were without any owner, the inner greed that was growing was satisfied. Of course, those that received the largest amount of gold from this operation was the surviving guards, to which no one had any complaints. As for the adventurers, some tried to conduct improper actions but were met with the resistance of the entire population. Even they couldn't fight hundreds of mourning and angry civilians and expect to escape with their lives.
”Mayor, we will talk about our ... mutual problem later. I wish you good luck.” The only elf in the tall stone wall began to walk away with great speed. As a representant of the elves, he was here to deal with rumors about elven bodies found in some basements. With the abolition of slavery and the friendship between the two nations, it had become a pressing issue for Gwendoline. Even the day before, she had to prevent the elf to capture a few aristocratic families and bring them to justice inside the forest.
As for whether the rumors were true, well ... they were. It came as a surprise for the woman, but she had managed to become so trustworthy that they had come clean before her. Expecting the Mayor to defend them against the representant. Faced with the fact that, even if they were guilty, she would need the help of everyone to rebuild Archet, she could only delay as much as possible the cunning elves. She had also bribed many mercenaries to, fortunately, patrol near the inn where the pointy ears were sleeping, to prevent any of them to sneak out in the dark. While also denying her responsibility when the envoy came knocking on her door the next day.
So, when they all saw him virtually flying in the air to flee as quickly as possible, she could only sneer in contempt. But that spectacle did not bring a smile to anyone, even those that were guilty. When he was too far away, she turned toward those that were sighing in relief. ”If we survive this, I hope all the prooves will be truly destroyed. For good this one.” For the dumbfounded officers, they couldn't understand what she meant, but those elders and wealthy men quickly got the intent.
”Of course Mayor, nothing happened in Archet.” ” Those were groundless rumors in the first place.” ”Thank you, Mayor.” Those that had a free conscience, for this crime at least, looked toward the air like they had not learned everything. Of course, some still threw a black stare at those men, that couldn't even manage to keep their secrets secret, as the Lord Eltritch did. With this, she finally looked at the man in uniform next to them, that was looking with horror at the grand massacre. He was part of the group that barged in her office the other day, with the Butcher of the North.
”Commandant, I don't think Archet needs you anymore. You should personally transmit the news to the capital.” The soldier tried to speak a few times, but he was still shocked by what his eyes transmitted to him. At the same time, he wondered what this bunch of old and young people had experienced here to be so quick at regaining their spirits. But seeing the smile of Gwendoline slightly warmed his heart, he still bowed in front of the Mayor.
”Yes Mayor, I will leave right away ...” but after only two steps, he realized what she implied by this. Looking at the fearless woman, he could only lament about the way the general treated her. If the later had known her even a bit more, he would have not acted as he did. ”Are you sure you don't need an experienced officer for the defense?” The only answer he received was Gwendoline shaking her head. Both ashamed and grateful, he silently left, only looking back when they were just dots in his vision.
”You truly think it is hopeless?” Andre was starring at the leaving man, that was visibly conflicted with his new orders. All wished that they were him, for he was escaping Archet before the arrival of the Dark God. As for them, it was a bit too late, even if they were to begin their preparations right now, they wouldn't be able to outrun the black army approaching. And seeing the fleeing soldiers being hunted like it was nothing, any hope was utterly crushed.
”An army composed of all the troops available in Avenio, led by the most accomplished general of this country managed to last ... a minute? Less than a minute? If it had been that undead army we faced, I am certain they would have defeated it in an hour. But now ...” Her young voice faded silently in the air, the worries inside it not concealed. Truthfully, Gwendoline did not know about that attack and was a bit fearful. Remembering the legends, it said that not all the Dark Gods were allied, so it could be the same right now. Meaning that her Mistress and those monsters were not working together.