duddlered
patreon
The Big Oof! Chapter 39: Nobody Cares
🕑 Added 2023-05-02 15:56:41 +0000 UTC"We didn't even get a moment's rest..." Azeline exhaustedly mumbled as she looked up to see the morning light was already high in the sky.
Even though no one responded, Azeline could tell they all felt the same as they all pressed forth through the town's outer walls. As they entered the town, they couldn't help but notice the absence of guards at their posts, as for a female primate beastkin who sat at her booth fast asleep and a furious sergeant charging at her.
“AY YOU FOOKIN’ IDJIT!” The man yelled, taking off his helmet and throwing it at the sleeping guard. “HOW MANY HEAVEN’S DAMNED TIMES DO I GOTS TA TELL YA NOT TO SLEEP AT YER POST!?”
“GYAK!” The woman squawked as she fell over. “I-I’m sorry Sarnt’ Connek!”
Bennett and Elijah exchanged glances, struck by an eerie sense of déjà vu as they observed the two locals. The unfolding scene before them evoked a feeling of unsettling familiarity, as though they had witnessed this exact scenario a little less than a week ago.
“IT’S SERGEANT CONNEK, GUARDSWOMAN! S E R G E A N T!” Connek yelled, giving his poor charge the knife hand. “IF I HEARS YOU CALL ME SARNT’ AGAIN AND YER ON SHIT DUTY FOR A WEEK”
Still trailing a few meters, Azeline just stared at the Sergeant screamed at his subordinate with an unamused and vacant look, pushing her prisoner along.
“WHERE’S YER GODS DAMNED HELMET!”
Elijah's confusion morphed into recognition as he realized they had indeed seen this before. The guardswoman was the same human-like female who had greeted them when they first entered the town, and this time her tail was wrapped around her waist. However, as he scanned the area for the rest of the guards, Elijah noticed that the entire fortification seemed to be unmanned, except for these two.
Shaking his head, Sergeant Connek turned around to face the travelers, “Towns on lockdown, ye can’t enter.” He said dismissively, waving his hand.
Azeline furrowed his brow as she stepped forward. "Lockdown? What's going on? We have urgent business in town," she said, keeping a hand on her captive.
Sergeant Connek scoffed, clearly uninterested in providing further details. "Ain't none of yer concern. This be Inquisition business, now turn around and leave," he replied gruffly.
Tension gripped the crew leading to an awkward silence after the guard mentioned the Inquisition. Each of them exchanged baffled glances, attempting to piece together which of the numerous odd events from the night before could have prompted such a strict response. Whichever of the reasons it may be, they couldn't shake the feeling that Rhea or Salvanius were most likely seething with anger.
“Lady Rhea is expecting us to deliver this,” Elijah grabbed Coachman's collar and dragged him forward “Piece of shit to her.”
Sergeant Connek raised an eyebrow and inspected the young man with a dismissive sneer, "Ye, I’m SURE." he replied sarcastically. “Well no one’s allowed in or out, so piss off before I slap ye in irons!”
Letting out a heavy sigh, both Elijah and Bennett turned around to discuss their next moves with the Azeline. However, when they looked up, they froze at the sight of the woman’s expression. Wearing a fierce glare, Azeline marched past the two without hesitation and displaced a firm hand on the guards shoulder.
“Is that so?” Azeline said, dumping an incredible amount of mana into her grip. “Well, I’m sure you can make a simple exception, can you?” The guard's face started to contort in pain as he mouthed a soundless scream, replaced with the screech of cheap crumpling iron from Connek’s breast plate.
The Sergeant attempted to reach for the dagger at his waist, but Azeline was quick to grab his hand and apply an equal amount of pressure in her squeeze. "Oh, there's no need for that," she said in a chilling tone as the sound of bones cracking echoed from the guard's hand. "I'm certain if you speak with Lady Rhea or any of the Knights for that matter, they'll be quite understanding."
“O-okay! P-p–p-please let go!” The Guard pleaded, dropping to his knees. “I’ll fetch an inquisitor! I swear it!”
Satisfied with the capitulation, Azeline finally let go of the Sergeant as he fell to the ground whimpering as he cradled his hand close to his chest. Meanwhile his subordinate stood there wide eyed, flapping at the mouth. “S-s-sarnt’!? Are you okay Sarnt’!?” She nervously asked, unsure of what to do or say next.
“Stupid girl! Go get a Knight or the Inquisitor!!” He shouted in a hit pitched voice, clearly in an immense amount of pain.
Not bothering to say another word, the guardswoman took off into a sprint through the open gates.
Silence once again dominated the fortification other than the Sergeants' whimpers of pain. Crossing her arms, Azeline spun around to see both of her Crewmates were staring at her impassively.
"I guess violence works too," Elijah remarked, shrugging as he walked into the small guard booth to sit and rest his weary legs. Bennett followed suit, finding a spot nearby to sit as well, shooting the Coachman a glare filled with contempt.
Elijah however, looked over at the injured Sergeant and whispered a curse before closing his eyes. He wasn't particularly keen on antagonizing the local law enforcement, but he understood that their options were limited and their patience was wearing thin under the circumstances. Hopefully whenever someone from the inquisition arrived it won't be too much of a clusterfuck.
As they waited, the crew took the opportunity to rest and tried to make sense of everything that had brought them to this point. However, before they could get too comfortable they could hear the metallic thumps of a running knight.
“Aah!” The Sergeant turned his head towards his subordinate and accompanying knight. “M-My lady! These brigands! These brigands attacked me!”
The knight, however, paid no heed to the Sergeant's complaints. Instead, she respectfully saluted both Elijah and Bennett. "Sir Eli-Jah, Sir Ben-nett!" she exclaimed, causing both guards to stare slack jawed. “Please come this way, Inquisitor Rhea is expecting you.” She gestured for them to follow her.
With a nod, Elijah and Bennett rose from their seats and waved at the guards as they followed the knight through the gates. Azeline roughly pushed her prisoner forward and gave the Sergeant an obnoxiously smug grin as he stared up at her with a surprised look.
Once inside the town, the crew couldn't help but notice the absolute chaotic state the town was in. Both the Inquisition and town guards were out in force herding and corralling the inhabitants towards the city center in segregated groups. The sight of the disarray left the three mercenaries feeling uneasy, as they tried to piece together what could have led to such a drastic response. As they were led through the chaotic streets, they passed by numerous checkpoints and hastily erected barricades, each one appearing more fortified than the last.
“Ummm… if I remember correctly, you’re Lady Rhea’s sister right?” Elijah asked, recognizing the escorting knight’s voice.
The knight turned her head to show her brilliantly red eyes. “Ah yes! It pleases me greatly that you remember me, Sir Eli-jah!” She said with a warm smile that was hidden by her Sugarloaf Helm. "My name is Junior Knight Eira, and I am indeed Knight Captain Rhea's sister."
Elijah nodded, recalling their previous encounters with Eira and how she drank from the boiled well in the temple. "It's good to see you again, Lady Eira. Under better circumstances, I hope," he replied, gesturing to the townsfolk being forced to line up in front of the barricaded checkpoint in a single file line. “What exactly is happening?”
Eira’s expression grew more serious as she surveyed the chaos around them. "Ah, yes… After interrogating the thugs you captured, Lady Rhea deemed it necessary to raid their wretched lair," she explained, gripping her sheathed sword tightly. "We discovered that those vile rats were responsible for the death of my elder sister and the disappearance of the rest of the squad!"
“We owe you a great deal of gratitude for sniffing out their hideout and providing us with such invaluable intelligence.” Junior Knight Eira stopped and knelt in front of Elijah to show her respect.
Blinking in surprise, Elijah quickly gestured for Eira to stand back up. "T-there's no need for that. We were just doing what was necessary at the time, I don’t deserve such treatment." He said in a near panic. Truth be told, there had been so much going on and he had been so tired, Elijah had entirely forgotten that he planted the blood covered sigils in their hideout.
“Nonsense! Not only have we found who was responsible for the attack, but we’ve also found more evidence that they were responsible for the corruption throughout the entire town!” Eira exclaimed passionately, her eyes alight with determination. "The discovery of their misdeeds has shaken the very core of our order, and your actions have played a pivotal role in unveiling this sinister plot.”
Elijah's face wasn't the only one to contort in astonishment at the mention of the temple. He had been partially responsible for the deaths of a few knights at the cabin and framed it on the local gang, but he didn't expect his scheme would set off such an uncontrollable chain of events. "Well… I'm glad I could have helped," he said, scratching his head. "But what do you mean they were responsible for the corruption?"
Raising to her feet, Eira motioned for them to keep following. “After our raid, we had discovered various items, potions and artifacts that linked this gang to The Hungerer Himself!” She said with hostility. “And in our wider investigation as you can see,” Eira motioned to the townsfolk being interviewed by guards and knights. “These FIENDS have been bribing, blackmailing, and coercing everyday townsmen and officials into orchestrating their heinous activities!”
“Not only that, our scholars have found miasmatic potions that poisoned the temple!" Eira's voice was filled with disgust as she continued, "It's a complex web of villainy that we're only beginning to unravel…"
Looking back, Elijah could see that Bennett was shaking his head in disbelief while Azeline had an expression on her face that said her mind had completely shorted out. Who would have thought that a simple attempt to escape responsibility would lead to the exposure of a far-reaching conspiracy that threatened the very fabric of the town?
“I, uh…” Elijah tried to find the words to articulate what was going through his head, but they seemed to elude him. “Wow…” He uttered, glancing back at his companions, hoping they might have something to add, but they seemed equally at a loss for words.
“I completely understand. I too felt the same stupefaction when the full extent of their treachery came to light," Eira empathized, her voice somber. "But we both must recompose ourselves and see to it we bring these craven scoundrels to justice. It is our duty, after all." She maintained her determined stride, leading the group towards Lady Rhea and His Grace Salvanius by the docks.
As they followed Eira through the winding street, the once hustle and bustle of the town had been replaced by a palpable quiet tension that hung heavily in the air. The normal sounds of merchants peddling their wares and children playing had been replaced by the barking of orders from the town guards or their Inquisitorial counterparts. And when they started to near the docks, the sounds of screaming and crying echoed throughout the air.
Squinting his eyes at the sky, Bennett noticed something odd. “Is that smoke?” He asked, pointing at the dark billowing pillars in the direction of the docks.
Glancing back at Bennett, Eira nodded solemnly. "That's correct, Sir Ben-nett," she confirmed, addressing his suspicions. "We're setting an example and purifying those who have been carrying out the will of The Hungerer."
“Wait… Purifying? What do you mean by-” Elijah tried to inquire further, but stopped himself as they turned the corner.
The visage of hell awaited them.
As the group's gaze fell upon the dock, they recoiled in shock. The once vibrant and bustling streets of the town had transformed into a chilling and grim sight. Rows of merchant and food stalls, which previously stood as a testament to this side of town's prosperity and life, were brutally torn down. Their wooden frames were either recycled and repurposed or scattered across the cobblestones.
In their place stood an oppressive and macabre array of gallows and pyres, casting long shadows over the scene. The thick ropes of the gallows swayed ominously in the breeze, each noose a reminder of the fate awaiting those who had dared to defy the law. The pyres stood tall with their victims tied tightly against the wooden stake as they screamed their lungs out. A sickly sweet scent of charred flesh hung heavily in the air, a testament to the ruthless and unforgiving nature of the punishment.
“My god…” Elijah whispered to himself.
Yana scowled as she peeped her head out of his jacket’s pocket while rubbing her eyes. “Why in the world is everything so LOUD? Why is it whenever I try to sleep you idiots are always so noisy!?” She complained, flying out of his pocket.
"We’re not the ones being noisy this time," Bennett said dryly, gesturing towards the grim scene before them. Yana's irritation quickly turned to disbelief as she surveyed the destruction and chaos that had taken over the once bustling town.
An unholy and distorted giggle escaped Yana's mouth as her eyes darted around the nightmarish landscape. "Well, isn't this just… Delightful!" she exclaimed excitedly. "To think I assumed you mortals were uncultured!"
Eira's reaction was one of stunned surprise as she stared at the tiny fairy buzzing around with excitement. "His Grace mentioned you were a Vanir's retainer, but..." she said, her voice filled with amazement. "Seeing one in person is... intriguing. I'm not sure if I should offer congratulations or condolences."
Elijah sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yana is... unique," he admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed by her enthusiasm for the grim scene. "But let's not think about that right now, we still need to deliver this asshat to Lady Rhea." Elijah pointed his thumb over to the cowering and terrified Coachman.
"Ah, yes! That's right!" Eira shouted, quickly regaining her composure. "I do apologize, Sir Eli-jah. Please follow me." she said, walking forward in a hurried fashion.
The group trailed behind the knight, navigating through the harrowing scene of torment and despair. It was as if they were walking through a scene of a macabre horror film. All around them were wailing souls engulfed in flames on pyres or the mournful cries of those standing precariously on stools or chairs with nooses being tightened around their necks.
To add to the unsettling atmosphere, Yana cackled wildly as she darted around, seemingly reveling in the chaos that engulfed them.
However, that was short lived as they all found themselves walking towards where both Salvanius and Rhea stood at the edge of the rock. The two looked as if they were having an intense conversation when Eira approached and fell to one knee.
“Your grace, My Lady.” Eira greeted the two. “Sir Eli-Jah, Sir Ben-net and Madam Azeline wishes to have an audience with you.”
Rhea glanced over the group, noticing how exhausted they were before her penetrating gaze landed on the shivering Coachman. "Well done, Eira," she replied, her voice calm yet commanding. "Leave us, and return to your duties."
Eira’s head lowered in respect before she stood up and turned to leave.
Looking back at the coachman, Rhea furrowed her brow and gave the young man a hard look up and down. “Is this the ‘parasite’ you were speaking of?” She asked, turning her head back towards Elijah.
A frown spread across Salvanius’ face at Rhea’s words as he sent an intensive glare towards the coachman. “So this one was responsible for the disappearance of my magical tool…” He said with a dangerous edge to his voice. “Odd, I was informed there were two.”
“The other was consumed by Kobolds!” Yana interjected with a happy voice, appearing in front of Salvanius.
Salvanius's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Yana. "I’ve heard how your kind had a deep fondness of both contracts and the pain of others…" he muttered, rubbing his smooth chin. “But find it unsettling that it’s not just an exaggerated folk tale.”
“I shall ignore this just this once due to our relationship. Rhea, take care of the rest of these…” Salvanius stopped and stared at the horrible scene in the background. “Parasites and direct our guests to my tent.” He finished before marching off.
Rhea gave a crisp salute before turning around with a resolute expression. "How do I wish to proceed from here on out? Shall I have him interrogated like the thugs you left me?” She asked, with a hateful look in her eye. "If he also holds responsibility for the death of my sister and her squad, then I wish to deal with him myself.” Rhea growled at the teary eyed coachman.
Elijah glanced at the youngman who was trying to pull back from Azeline’s grip. "Nah, he was just dumb enough to help in orchestrating the theft." He said, "but the only thing he’s guilty of was being swept up in a stupid plan and taking bribe money.”
"I want him hanged." Bennett chimed in with a sour look on his face.
Even though her expression softened ever so slight, Rhea’s eyes remained cold and fixated on the poor man as he continued to struggle. “Very well, if he had no part in the deaths, then I shall spare him from being slowly purified.” She glanced towards a certain pyre with a half burned corpse with green hair strapped to it. “Be grateful, knave. Your fate could have been much more unpleasant.”
The trio of mercenaries momentarily exchanged glances, and in that brief moment, they reached a tacit agreement to never speak of that fateful night again.
With a nod of agreement, Elijah seized the coachman's arm and forcefully handed him over to the Knight Captain. The woman's grip was harsh as she grasped his hair and dragged him before her adjutant. "See to it that this man is prepared to hang," she commanded.
The adjutant gave a quick salute before taking hold of the frightened young man and led him away as he cried for mercy. Following close behind, Rhea turned to Elijah with a soft and sad look on her face. "You have my deepest of gratitudes, Sir Elijah." She said quietly, fighting back the tears. "You don’t realize how much it means to me to bring the fiends that unleashed an abomination on my sister to justice..."
Elijah looked to the side for a moment and realized that while he was responsible for some deaths, Rhea’s sister was not one of them. He hesitated for a moment before responding, "You have my deepest condolences, Lady Rhea. I wish I could have done more to prevent the situation.” Elijah lowered her head.
“Please, just Call me Rhea.” The Knight Captain said, giving him a soft smile. “We’re extremely fortunate you were present in this town. His Grace Theodius has a great deal of eccentricities, but his moments of lucidity are awe inspiring.”
After the exchange, the group quietly trailed the adjutant to a free slot in the makeshift gallows. Their expressions hardened as they watched him forcefully fit the noose around the coachman's trembling neck and pushed him on top of the chair.
"NO! NO, PLEASE, NO!" The coachman cried out, thrashing about in desperation. As the noose tightened, he strained to stand as tall as possible on the chair beneath him, attempting to stave off the inevitable suffocation.
Just as the adjutant knight was about to yank the chair out from under the coachman, Elijah spoke up. "Wait!" he called out, stepping forward.
Everyone fell silent as the adjutant turned to Rhea, awaiting further instructions. Rhea simply gave a nod, allowing Elijah to speak.
Both Elijah and Bennett looked at each other and stepped forward in front of the Coachman who was balancing on his toes. “Why’d ya do it?” Elijah asked the terrified young man, searching for a deeper understanding of the situation.
The coachman started breathing heavily as his eyes snapped towards Elijah. "I-I… Afton… I…” He stammered before going quiet for a moment. “Y-You… You could have saved him! You could have saved him like you saved Sorcha!”
Elijah gave an incredulous look as his eyes looked off to the side in thought. “You mean the guy with another ROTTING FUCKING LEG SOWED ON?” He asked in disbelief.
A hateful look spread across the Coachman’s face. “I heard of the miracle you performed! He was still alive! YOU COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING!” He shouted back, but terror gripped his face as he almost lost balance.
“You’re patently insane if you think some random peasant was going to be anywhere near worth the time, effort and cost it would take to save them from whatever the fuck that was.” Elijah replied, looking at the young man as if he was growing an extra head. “Even then, there are limits to what even I can do.”
The Coachman's face contorted with rage as he struggled to keep his balance. "YOU DIDN’T EVEN TRY! ADMIT IT! YOU NEVER CARED ABOUT US!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME! YOU'RE JUST GOING TO HANG ME LIKE I'M NOTHING!" He frothed at the mouth, spittle flying from his lips. "ALL OF THAT WAS JUST SO YOU COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SORCHA AND OUR VILLAGE! AFTON WAS RIGHT!"
A snarl formed across Elijah’s face as he opened his mouth to respond with a scalding remake, but Bennett gently put his hand on Elijah’s chest and stepped forward. “And what is your name?” Bennett asked, with an emotionless look on his face.
Caught off guard by the question, The Coachmen hesitated for a moment as his mouth flapped. “It’s… It’s Ro-”
At that moment, Bennett kicked the chair out from underneath Coachmen and watched as the man flailed in the air.
“Nobody fucking cares.” Bennett said with a hateful look on his face.
An unholy giggle erupted from the little fairy as they all watched the life slowly drain from the hanging Coachmen.
