We've allowed Oswald ample time for his preparations. To wait any longer would jeopardize our plans, Thorian thought.
Determined, Thorian signaled for Magnus to come closer. "Contact Nox. Tell him it's time to return."
Magnus nodded, initiating his telepathic communication, then smiled. "That won't be necessary. He has completed his task and will soon return."
Thorian, surprised and pleased by the news, turned his gaze towards the grand gates of Locksley. Two figures appeared, leaping atop them, before Nox and Alacritas materialized beside him.
"We've obtained the information," Nox declared, smiling. "Whatever they're hiding, it's in their basement."
"That simplifies our task," Thorian responded with a smile. "But what about Oswald? Has he taken steps to minimize collateral damage?"
"He has," Alacritas answered. "He's arranged a small festival in the plaza as a diversion. This will significantly reduce the number of people in the inner citadel when we act."
"Perfect," Thorian chuckled. "Then our work here is done. Let's return to the village and convene the main parties."
With those words, the group hastened towards Wolvendale. Upon entering through the inner gates, they encountered Forlune, Zogarth, and the rest of their allies already assembled and awaiting their arrival.
"How did the reconnaissance mission fare, my lord?" Zogarth inquired eagerly.
Thorian, with a smile, gently patted Nox's head. "We've secured all the information we need. The moment they step into our dungeons, we'll infiltrate the Strongheart manor to uncover their secrets."
"And then we'll strike," Forlune said, his grin spreading widely. "I've been awaiting this moment for days."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves when victory is so near," Thorian cautioned with a smile, then turned to address the group. "Since everyone is here, let's proceed. Noon is quickly approaching."
Leading a diverse contingent of nearly thirty kobolds, orcs, goblins, and dire wolves, Thorian directed them towards the gates of Locksley. Yet, before they reached their meeting point, Thorian signaled for Nox to approach him.
"The time has come for you and Alacritas to take the longer path around to avoid detection. Do not infiltrate until I command it," he instructed.
"Understood," Nox nodded before reuniting with Alacritas. "Good luck."
With that, the two assassins veered right, opting for a route distinct from Thorian and the others.
Shortly thereafter, Thorian and his party emerged from the outskirts to find Nalia and her troops awaiting them. Before advancing, he scrutinized the area to identify the slender man who had been a constant source of trouble. After a moment, Thorian spotted him seated next to Nalia, alongside another high-ranking officer who had previously sought confrontation in their first meeting at Nalia’s hideout.
"Is that the person you warned me about?" Thorian whispered, loud enough for Elder Oom to overhear. The elder nodded, confirming Thorian's suspicion.
Perfect, that means the Strongheart manor is left undefended.
With this realization, Thorian and his forces approached Nalia and her contingent, announcing their arrival.
"You're as punctual as always, Thorian," Nalia greeted, her smile reaching Thorian. "I trust the rewards from our abyss meet your expectations."
"Likewise," Thorian replied with a forced smile as he dismounted from Harald. "I hope your expeditions into the dungeons are equally rewarding."
"As is tradition, Hayden will guide you to the abyss," Nalia declared. "I assume some of your forces will accompany us to the dungeons."
"Just the usual measure," Thorian affirmed. "I'm sure you understand the necessity."
"Indeed," Nalia returned the smile. "Well then, if you'll excuse us."
With that, Nalia signaled her troops to follow her, while Thorian instructed Elder Oom, several kobolds, and a few direwolves to escort Nalia's group through the forest. Thanks to their telepathic link, they could monitor Nalia's movements from kilometers away. Simultaneously, Thorian, with Magnus by his side, sent instructions to Nox. It was time for the infiltration.
Thorian's main group trailed Hayden through the underground tunnels to the chamber housing the abyss portal. Upon entering, Thorian exchanged a glance with Forlune, who promptly ended Hayden with a swift sword strike.
Observing Hayden's fallen body, Thorian reflected, Choosing this path means accepting its consequences.
Moving past Hayden's body, Thorian turned to Magnus. "Has Nox entered the Strongheart manor yet?"
"He has," Magnus confirmed. "He and Alacritas are inside the dungeon in the basement. It appears they've discovered the Lord of Locksley imprisoned there, along with a dozen other humans."
"William is there?" Thorian raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had long resigned himself to the belief that his friend from a past life had fallen victim to Nalia's machinations. The news of William's survival brought Thorian a glimmer of joy.
"How intriguing, I would have thought they'd kill him to solidify their power," Zogarth remarked from the side.
"Could they be keeping him as leverage? Though, that seems like a high-risk strategy with little to gain," Aqua speculated, lost in thought.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
"Hold on, everyone," Thorian interjected, halting the speculation. He turned to Magnus and asked, "Is that all they found? Was there nothing else?"
Magnus furrowed his brows momentarily before replying, "They discovered a new chamber in the dungeon, housing a creature difficult to describe. They reported it as a monster with a hundred faces, something straight out of a nightmare."
Upon hearing this, Thorian paused, contemplating. A creature with a hundred faces, nightmarish in appearance. Could it be... a soulmire?
Realization struck him, and he sighed in understanding. "I see, so it's a hundred-sacrifice soulmire."
"What is that creature?" Forlune inquired, “That name certainly sounds ominous.”
Thorian pondered briefly before explaining, "A soulmire is born from the sacrifice of many souls, fused into a single entity. It seems they've spared William because they intend to use him in the sacrifice, to augment the soulmire's power. However, they can't proceed yet. William's soul is blessed by the god of war, making any premature sacrifice risky. The soulmire would become unstable. They'd need a thousand sacrifices to neutralize the effect of his blessed soul."
Turning back to Magnus, he instructed, "Inform Nox and Alacritas to liberate William and the other humans. Without their sacrifices, the soulmire cannot gain strength."
"As you command," Magnus acknowledged, then sent the instructions telepathically to Nox.
"And the creature? How formidable is it currently, without William's sacrifice?" Forlune queried.
Thorian took a moment before responding, "It's troublesome, as it can't be killed without complete purification. But it's not particularly strong now. You could likely defeat it by yourself in its current state."
Zogarth laughed at this revelation, "It seems we've overestimated Nalia."
"Exactly," Forlune chuckled for a second. "Still, had we acted rashly, she might have sacrificed William, unleashing an uncontrollable force. Our caution saved us considerable trouble."
Thorian was taken aback by Forlune's maturity. He's grown more composed and thoughtful. The old Forlune wouldn't have shown such restraint.
With a smile, Thorian formulated their next move. "Now that we understand the scope of Nalia's capabilities, it's time to act decisively. Eliminate any of Nalia's followers you encounter in these tunnels."
At Thorian's command, Forlune and Zogarth nodded in respect, "Your will is our duty, my lord."
With that, the group dispersed, moving swiftly to dismantle any remnants of Nalia's network within the underground.
* * *
Nox’s POV
As Nox observed the hundred-faced creature in the chamber, he felt a chill run down his spine. The entity seemed to have leaped from the depths of a nightmare, and the whispers of ensnared souls caused his blood to freeze.
What level of evil does it take to create such an abomination? This is absolute madness.
With his resolve tested, Nox bit his lower lip and signaled to Alacritas; it was time to leave. The sight of the creature was too much to bear any longer.
"Did Thorian issue any instructions regarding the prisoners?" Alacritas broke the heavy silence.
"He told us to set them free," Nox replied, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
He approached William's cell and unlocked it. Stepping inside, he found Lord Locksley stirring awake, coughing. Their eyes met, and a look of confusion crossed William's face.
"Are you the monster lord Henry warned me about? The one with red fur?" William inquired weakly, his mind foggy from his ordeal.
"My fur would have to be red for that to be accurate, wouldn't it?" Nox responded with a light-hearted jest.
At this, William managed a chuckle, which morphed into a cough. "Right, my apologies. Just the delirium of a man close to death."
"You're not going to die," Nox assured him, snapping the shackles with sheer force. "And the 'monster lord' you mentioned is actually my friend. So, you weren't entirely wrong."
"Why?" William gazed at his liberated hands, bewildered. "Why are you saving me?"
"You'll have to ask my friend that," Nox replied with a smile, glancing back towards the chamber housing the monstrous creature. "Though, even without his directive, I'd have saved you regardless. No one deserves such a fate."
"You're an honorable one, aren't you?" William's voice was weak. "You remind me of my son."
"Tristan?" Nox ventured.
At this, surprise flickered across William's face. "You know my son?"
"I do," Nox nodded, his tone playful. "It's a long story, but I ended up meeting him. I'd really like to be his friend."
"That would indeed be wonderful," William chuckled, then drew a deep breath, attempting to stand.
Observing William's unsteady stance, Nox offered his support as they exited the cell. By this time, Alacritas had also liberated the other captives, though they, too, were in no condition to walk unaided.
"Nox, I think we need to address the situation upstairs before we can fully free everyone," Alacritas suggested.
Frowning at the predicament, Nox turned to William. "Can you hold on for a bit? We'll wrap this up quickly."
"No, wait," William interjected, shaking his head. "I need to confront that bastard Johannes. I'm curious to see his face when he realizes I'm alive and free."
Amused by the idea, Nox shrugged. "Sure, let's do that." He then addressed Alacritas, "Sorry, but you'll have to handle the heavy lifting."
"Don't worry about it," the silver-furred assassin dismissed the concern. "Nalia’s guards are no challenge; I could take them down in my sleep. But for a discreet approach, we’ll need your skill."
"Sure, come over," Nox agreed.
As Alacritas drew closer, Nox placed a hand on his shoulder. Utilizing his Shadow Transportation ability, Nox seamlessly transported them outside the dungeon, directly in front of two unsuspecting guards, with William and Alacritas at his side.
The guards had no time to react before Alacritas swiftly decapitated them. He then hurried upstairs, with Nox and William making their way more slowly behind him.
"Your powers are fascinating," William remarked as they ascended the stairs. "I've never encountered anyone capable of teleportation, especially not someone who can bring others along."
"It's just one of many skills," Nox replied modestly. "Our village is home to many with incredible abilities. Even I find it overwhelming at times."
"You belong to a village?" William's interest piqued. "I'd be keen to visit."
"You'll have the chance soon enough," Nox assured him with a smile.
They continued into the grand foyer of the Strongheart manor, navigating past the bodies of servants and guards strewn across the floor.
Alacritas, having just eliminated another of Nalia's men, joined them. "All these were loyal to Nalia. The true servants of the manor have been gathered in the plaza, save for Arnold," he briefed them.
Acknowledging with a nod, Nox and his companions proceeded upstairs, heading straight for Johannes's study. The sound of Johannes berating Oswald and Arnold, his voice thick with anger and threats, was audible even before they reached the door.
I guess he didn’t like the fact Oswald gave the servants a free day. How grumpy.
Without hesitation, Nox pushed open the door to the study, William by his side.
"Who dares to enter unannounced?!" Johannes bellowed, only for his outrage to choke off abruptly as his eyes landed on William. His face morphed into a mask of terror.
Oswald, who had been enduring his father's tirade, stared in disbelief at the sight of William, supported by Nox.
"I'll take it from here," William stated, drawing a deep breath as he straightened up and advanced towards Johannes, unaided by Nox.
"Johannes," William's voice was laced with a cold fury, his gaze piercing. "Your transgressions are too numerous to list, but for the grave offenses of treason, betrayal of your lord, and collusion with our foes, your life will end."