Interval III: Flood at the Crack of Dawn

“Brutus, not everything is about the amount of coins we can make!”

She isn’t wrong. But the gold coins really keep everything moving and the ale flowing. We get new gear. Yummy food. There's so many uses. Coin is anything and everything you want and need.

“I beg to differ Missy. The amount of gold coins we make means there are more things we can buy. Give us new things to live for. Makes us come alive and work harder to get those things.”

“We should take a Guild contract because people need help and not just because they pay well.”

“Oh I agree helping people is important. But it is nice to be properly paid for doing the helping.”

I smile and rub my fingers together. Years as a mercenary long before adventuring have taught me coin trumps all. Whether we want it to or not. There is no arguing with me on this one.

Without gold coins we wouldn’t be able to get the supplies we need to help people.

I really wish Silence could speak because I think they would agree with me.

I look back and the elf is just twirling their staff as they walk along without a care in the world. I always wonder what goes on in their head.

The rolling hills are a nice change of scenery from all the hay fields. We should be getting closer to the edge of the world. I can taste the salt in the air.

Not like I am really looking forward to getting back to town. There isn't anyone waiting to welcome me home. Well I guess I could go see what Goggles is up too.

“Hey Momo you can hear that sound, right?"

“I hear something but I am not sure–”

Silence rushes ahead of both of us using some type of earth magic to slide over the dirt. They turn around.

In all the time I have known Silence they very rarely reveal what they are thinking. The look of fear on their face is not something I have ever seen them show before. I don’t like it.

I quickly glance at Momo. We rush to the hilltop. We ran as if we were racing each other. I am a competitive person but this is something else–

Standing up here we can clearly see what spooked Silence. There is a horde of monsters pouring out of the dungeon. There are numerous different types all grouped together into a giant flood of death.

Skeletons.

Zombies.

Living Coral.

Frog Warriors.

I have lost count of the types and numbers that make up this horde. This shouldn’t be happening. Monsters have never left the dungeon in this amount before.

“We have to help. Come on!”

Momo pulls her shield from her back and charges ahead. Silence takes off shortly after her. I stand there for a moment trying to process what is happening. I can see monsters flying in the crowd.

Something is launching them. The skeletons break apart. The zombies limbs dismember. I can see a wide hulking mass of black fur in the center of the carnage. I think that's Jim. It's not hard to recognize that minotaur.

I draw my two blades. The weight feels heavier than usual. I sprint trying to catch up with the others. They are trying hard not to show it but I know–

We are all tired from the journey to get back to Freehearken. Our last job wasn't necessarily a cakewalk either and we still have yet to fully recover.

There is no way we can handle this. There will be no escape for us this time. It's clear that it isn’t stopping us.

It won’t stop me. I'll fight till the last breath leaves my chest.

On my honor as an orc…

I will fight and die. It is the way we orcs live. It is one of the ways I can atone for my mistakes.

It doesn’t take us long to reach the main gate. The guardsman seems overwhelmed. I do my best to buy time while Momo gets an idea about the situation we are in.

“Elf stick with me.”

Clack.

We charge. I lay into a group of zombies with my blades. Dicing them up isn’t a struggle but I need to conserve my energy. I have to try and take multiple monsters out with each swing.

I slice through an advancing group of skeletons. Their bones shatter under the weight of my blades.

Silence uses their magic to apply barriers of earth funneling the groups of monsters towards me. Simultaneously they are casting rooting vines that wrap around and tear into the monsters as they try and move forward.

This will work for now but the mana Silence has to expend alone will run out eventually. I am not sure how many mana potions we have left.

There is movement in my peripheral vision. A giant club slams into the endless horde. The Living Coral shatters on impact. I think Momo is really angry.

Good. We are going to need the rage if we want a chance at making it out of this.

“What’s the situation?”

“Keith doesn’t know. The gate was jammed so Jim ran ahead to buy time. Clearly this horde is showing no signs of stopping.”

“Has the Guild been notified?”

“No. They can’t send a runner, they need all the manpower to hold them back with the gate still open.”

“Sounds like we need to relieve our minotaur friend. He can’t get that gate closed for good.”

“You still think you can hang in there? I heard you complaining about how tired you were earlier?”

“Me tired? Never, not when there is a battle to win!”

I let out a cry to my ancestors. If I meet my end here I must give them a glorious show.

“RRRRRAAAAAWWWWWRRRRR!”

I jump charging into a group of frog warriors. They try to leap back in fear. Too late. I already have you. My blades met little resistance on their soft spongy bodies. They are dead before they can even croak.

“JIM!”

“Mroooooooooooooo!”

Now that is the cry of a true warrior. I like the way you fight Jim.

“CAN YOU HEAR ME?”

The big minotaur slams his horns into a pack of skeleton knights shattering them instantly. He turns his large head.

“Mister Brutus?”

He snorts.

“Yeah I made it, Horns. Get that furry butt mov–”

A frog warrior tongue attaches to my arm. I spin, slicing the tongue in a single motion. Momo has finally made it to us. She sees the still attached remains of the tongue dangling.

“Here let me get that.”

She grabs the severed part and pulls as she charges past me. It quickly releases from my flesh. Momo yells out while now trying to hold back more monsters of various types.

“Jim. You are wounded and have been out here long enough. We need you to seal the gate!”

“Miss Momo I can still hold–”

I snort as my blade digs deep into a pair of zombies.

“You're the only one who can seal it at this point Horns.”

Jim shakes his head. He slams his giant arms to the ground.

“Do not give up. I will get help.”

He charges on all fours blasting through the horde. The bodies of various monsters cascade around the minotaur as he makes his way toward the gate. I turn knowing he will do all that he can.

“You bring the elf with you?”

“Are you going blind on me Brutus. Look up.”

Silence is floating over the horde. Their legs crossed and staff floating. They cast small attacks that whizz by to try conserving mana while still dealing as much damage as possible.

If Silence is getting serious then this is going to be one for the history books. Best make my ancestors proud.

“RRRRRAAAAAWWWWWRRRRR!”

“We can do this, Brutus!”

“You're absolutely right Missy!”

I slash.

I slice.

All that is before me is my enemies and they are never ceasing.

I will fight till my blades are dull. Till my arms bleed. Till my fangs break. Till my last breath.

The metal sound of the gate slamming to the ground brings me comfort. The town will be safe.

So long as we hold.