Encroachment of the One-Eyed Demon

It’s been a day and a half since a murder took place in this forest. The forest itself was quiet, and the wind was still. Through the burnt remains of trees and dead branches, lay a small hill. On this hill was Conrad Bu’Cannon, and in his sights was Fort Lenora. He turned to his cobbled up team of men, each one terrified of him and defying his orders. With victory within his reach he began to speak to them.

“You see that men, that’s the target. A legacy of the old war, Fort Lenora! If we can conquer this fort, we can regain our lost grounds. Grounds that are our birthright as proud knights of Soleil! For you all even moreso, since this is your homeland! What say you lot? Are you alright with this, with those filthy bandits making your sanctuary their home? Will you let those termites infest your inheritance, or will you exterminate them? There is only one answer to my question. We will reclaim Fort Lenora! We will murder every last low-life! And we will reclaim our antiquity!”

Despite their fear, the words of Conrad echoed in the hearts of the men. They all prepared for battle in their own way, and Conrad called the shield bearers to the front.

“CHARGE!”

With his battle cry, Conrad and his men rushed through the tree clearing and towards Fort Lenora. However as the men rushed through, one of them stepped on something. There was the quick sound of a snap, followed by a mechanism activating through the trees. Suddenly, a sharpened tree log came from the side and tore through some of the knights. Conrad’s followers began to panic, but he did not yield. A knight frantically moved towards the trees for cover, only for a net trap to pull him up. A second after being lifted off the ground the soldiers head and body came tumbling down. The net was rigged to a bear trap at the top, the trap beheaded the knight upon impact. Watching the death of their friend, the knights began to act in a frenzy. Soon one knight tried to run away, only to be grabbed by Conrad and thrown out in front of the party. Before the thrown knight could speak, another tree log came flying in and took his head off. The knights went silent from the brutality, as for Conrad the only thing he did was smirk. Seconds later, he looked at his party and gave this response.

“Music to my ears.”

He began to laugh, like a wild beast howling at night. The knights couldn’t fathom what they were seeing, only for Conrad to stop laughing and immediately give a cold response.

“If you don’t want to end up like them then I suggest you get a move on, and don’t hold me back.”

After saying that, a few knights frantically ran to the front. Some even grabbing the shield of their fallen comrades, and with that they continued their long trek to Fort Lenora.

****

The watchmen of the fort reported what they saw from the front wall, the enemy had begun to trigger their traps and move towards the base. Moe rallied the men and gave them a speech before the battle. However, it was all a ploy, Moe didn’t expect more than half the people who heard that drivel to survive to see him again. The members of the band, not knowing the truth, began to prepare for battle. The bowmen went to defend from the top of the front wall, and the others went to spots on the lower floors in preparation for the ground skirmish. Surprisingly Thief and he gang were placed at the front door, or at least the back line of that defense. That said, the group only had this to say about it.

****

“Yep, Moe is trying to kill us.”

“Huh?”

I found myself puzzled as Steve looked up after finishing his pre-game ale, and tossing the mug.

“The F*** Do you mean the boss is trying to kill us!”

“Well it’s not so hard to figure out, just look at where he placed us.”

The three of them were in clear view on the top of the staircase, easy to get sniped by an arrow or impaled by a throwing spear. However Thief didn’t want to believe it, he wouldn’t budge one bit.

“You’re drunk Steve, there’s no way the boss would do that to us.”

“You’re a naive guy Thief, lovable but naive.”

“I can see facts in both your statements.”

Rat interjects and offers his opinion.

“On one side, The boss might’ve placed us here because it gives me and Thief a chance to lay better suppressive fire. As well as you a chance to dive bomb the enemy by jumping off the staircase. Then again, the enemy will be able to come in a get a clear shot at us upon entry. Either way, we gotta be careful.”

“I’ll take that answer short stuff.”

“I still want to disagree with this whole trying to kill us plot, but I agree with your tactical insight Rat!”

I still don’t like that the guys have such low faith in the boss, but then again it could just be stress. That said, speaking of the boss, we’re missing someone who should be here right now.

“Hey, where the hell is Rich? Don’t tell me that guy is still moping around!”

“Hehe, sorry Thief but the so-called sub-boss has lost his edge.”

“GODDAMMIT!”

Of course that prick is trying to sleep his way outta this. I swear this was his last chance to redeem himself in my eyes, but you know what I’m not giving up yet.

“Imma grab him.”

“What?”

“You heard me Rat, Imma go grab Rich and bring his sorry ass out here!”

“...Are you drunk buddy?”

“No Steve, that’s just you. You what f*** it! I’ll be right back.”

With that I left my two friends and went on my way, or so I thought.

“...How much you wanna bet if he manages to do it.”

“I bet my beef jerky.”

“Two barrels of grog I have stashed away.”

“Deal.”

“ARE YOU TWO TAKING BETS ON ME!”

“Oh s***! He’s onto us.”

Both Steve and Rat look at me like two dazed deer, these pricks are making bets at a time like this. I respect their game, but still. With that, now I go on my way.

****

It’s quiet, well that’s strange. How long was I out, I drank myself till I couldn’t feel my wounds and then I blacked out. Did I sleep through the raid, am I safe? That’s what I hoped, but the heavens had other plans.

“RICH! OPEN THE GODDAMN DOOR!”

“AHHH, FOR F***’S SAKE!”

Why is he here now, it’s like this little weasel is here to torment me. Scratch that, he is my tormenter! This bastard is the reason I’m in this mess!

“GO AWAY THIEF, I DON’T WANT TO TALK TO YOU!”

“Screw that, I’m coming in!”

Immediately, the little turd kicked in my room door. Dust began flying everywhere, and with the lamplights I was finally able to see the room. It’s a mess, my table is smashed, bottles are everywhere, there’s a puddle of my vomit in one corner of the room, and in the other corner...Let’s not talk about that. Dammit all, now I feel even more ashamed than I already do. Despite this feeling of shame blooming inside me, this little troll still decides to mock me.

“Come on Rich, the enemy is on their way. You need to get ready!”

“I’m not coming.”

“Why the f*** not!”

“BECAUSE I’M SCARED OKAY!”

I’m tired of this, I’m so tired. Why couldn’t you allow me my solace. Why did you force my hand like this, do I really not deserve to enjoy peace. Is this my karma, to be tormented and ripped apart by knights. To be tortured by that man again. I still haven’t forgotten it, the feeling of that damned rapier tearing my skin. His jeers as he tormented me, his calm threats about what he’d do to me. He made me feel like less of a man, I don’t want to endure that again. Is that really so wrong, to not want to suffer. That’s why I joined this damned band, why I accepted Moe’s offer when my raid team was annihilated by knights. I still remember his words.

You see those guys there Rich, those guys that just murdered your friends. They ain’t going anywhere Rich, they’ll always act like there the top of the food chain until someone knocks them down.

Join me Rich, you’ll never have to suffer or lose a comrade again.

I don’t want to go out there, I don’t want the knights to hurt me again and most of all I can’t stomach watching more of my men die. Their screams haunt my sleep, they won’t let me forgot. It reminds me of the raid where I lost it all. Goddammit, it’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair!

It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair!

“Hey, I know you’re probably having an inner monologue but can you please get with the program.”

“Huh?”

“We need your strength Rich, we need our Sub-boss back!”

“No! Not happening!”

Of course he wouldn’t get the hint, well I’m not budging, not at all.

“You know Rich, you’re starting to piss me off.”

“Show some respect, I am the Sub-”

“RIGHT NOW I DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU ARE!”

Hearing his voice raised at me made me freeze, did this brat always have this tone of voice.

“Right at this moment, the members of The Mountain Moes are about to fight those knight bastards! As much as I hate to admit it, we need your strength Rich. I get that your going through something, but you need to put that-”

“You don’t know a damn thing about what I’m going through!”

“Fair point, but that doesn’t change the fact that our guys are on the walls right now returning fire at the enemy. It doesn’t change the fact that despite you being an ass right now our men need you. It doesn’t change the fact that despite you being undeserving of your title right now, the Boss entrusted you with a mission and you could at least honor him by doing that.”

“Please what would you-Wait, what did you just say?”

I found myself puzzled by what the weasel said during his tirade. He mentioned that Moe had a job for me.

“Listen up Rich! The Boss told us all, that even though you were down, you would lead us in battle from the front and hold the line.”

“He really put me on the spot like that?”

Of course he would, Moe was always like that. He always put me in places where I’d get the hell worked outta me, and most of the time he was right for it. He’d put me in a position to succeed, and my pockets would be lined with coins because of it. Even in that trap raid we were sent to, I survived didn’t I? So who am I to complain? I’ve been loyal to Moe’s whims and then come back reaping the spoils. Can I really sit this out? When he’s counting on me again, when he has such high hopes for me again. After what he’s given me, the least I can do is give him one last victory. Then there’s this guy, standing there expecting something of me. Looking just like Moe did back then, looking down on me yet expecting great things from me. Dammit, I can’t even stay mad at this guy anymore. I begin to come to my feet, and look at that scrawny bastard.

“Fine, I guess if Moe expects me, I can’t let the Boss down. Also Thief, when this is over I’m teaching you some proper respect.”

“Fair enough Rich, no fair enough Sub-boss.”

“Let’s go fill my pockets up with coins.”

I grab my plate armor, and walk out alongside Thief. That’s when I remembered the last part of what Moe told me.

If you truly want to honor your fallen brothers, then live long enough to get vengeance for them!

You’re right Moe, today is the day that marks the start of my revenge!

****

The knights’ numbers have dwindled though their number is still many, and so was their might. As Conrad and his knights reach the front of the Fort, the bowmen make it their mission to rain hell on them. Sadly for them however, Conrad had other plans. By his order, Conrad calls the pikemen forward. With their mighty throws, the pikemen hurl their spears. One managed to hit its target straight through the chest, the other grazed the bowman’s shoulder. The bowman’s comrades nodded at him to go retreat, so he did and announced the arrival of the enemies as well. His comrades tried to return fire, but were soon purged by the spears of Conrad’s men. With victory almost in his reach, Conrad ordered his men to knock the doors down.

****

“The enemy is sieging us! Prepare for battle!”

The bowman ran in shouting at his comrades to prepare. One bandit finished his last drink, one actually prayed, one took up a pitchfork with trembling hands, and one even shat himself. However, they stood strong all the same and prepared for battle. That said, two of bandits were wondering where their friend was.

“S***, where the hell is Thief?”

“Hehe, maybe he decided to turn tail.”

“Nah, if he did he’d know we wouldn’t let him live it down.”

“So where do you think-”

“Sup guys!”

Out appeared Thief, Steve sighed for relief but then began to gasp in horror seeing the person next to him. There stood Rich, with the face of a man that meant business. Steve then trembled as he turned to Rat. Rat snickered at him, making a gesture with his hands signaling that he owed him. Thief stood alongside his comrades while Rich made his way down, the bandits waiting on the ground level watching him in anticipation.

****

“Where is my axe?”

“Here sir! It’s properly sharpened just for you too!”

“Good, alright maggots back away from the door!”

I can hear them, the enemy preparing to bust down the damn doors. They probably plan to kill us, to make an example of us so no one tries this again. Well they can try, even if today’s my last day, I'll take out as many of those bastards as I can. Today’s the day I honor my long standing promise.

*SMASH*

There goes the doors, who’s this orange haired twat in the front. Know what, it doesn’t matter, he’ll be dead soon. Just when I thought that, the bloke starts speaking to me.

“Good evening thieves! I’m in a pleasant mood right now, so I’ll give you a chance to prove yourselves to me. I’m looking someone, and if you tell me-”

“We aren’t gonna tell you jack s***! On top of that, you must be smooth-brained if you think we’re gonna help you with anything when you knock our doors down and kill our bowmen.”

I seems I hit a never, the prick’s one good eye twitched when i called his s*** out! He seems to be the leader, well if he’s not Goltas I can beat him.

“Why don’t we skip the bullcrap and get straight to business. You and me, who’s gonna be left standing.”

“You know I was planning on saving my strength for my main target, but I can used some target practice.”

“Heh, so you think I’m just a target. You’re a bigger fool than I thought!”

I’ve been a coward, a dullard, and a drunk. However, I still have enough honor and sense to keep my promise. Moe, I swear on my axe old friend, as long as I breathe no one will get through. The flame haired fool begins to reach for his sword, so I rush up to him with my axe over head. May this be the first kill I put towards my promise.

“Listen before you die chump, I AM RICH! POCKET FULL OF COINS RICH! AND I’VE NEVER-”

****

An instant, that’s how fast it took for Rich to lose his neck and his head to hit the ground. The bandits were baffled and so were the knights. Conrad simply wiped his sword, and off his face. He took a deep breath to contain himself, and began his negotiations again.

“Like I said, you would only serve as target practice. Like I said before, I’m looking for someone. If you wish to live then you’ll do as I say, and bring that loser out here.”