A Solitary Resistance

Elias went over all the intel the mother and child could provide, and wrapping up the recap with, "...And you were aided by a man named Grayson, you say?"

The mother replies, "Yes, m'lord. He claimed to be with the Aether militia."

Keima thought on it and said, "I have heard tell of commonfolk taking up arms to defend their fellow man."

Elias perked up, and smiled, "He may agree to join our cause. Assuming we can happen upon him before the enemy does."

Keima agreed and replied, "It's worth the attempt, if nothing else. We should make haste."

The little girl spoke up in earnest, "Um... Please stay safe out there."

Prince Elias took a step towards the little girl and knelt down to get face to face. Then with a cheerful smile said, "We shall. The only thing you need worry about is what to do with those flowers of yours."

Emotionally touching the mother and daughter, as they never seen a noble let alone a prince of royalty give them such attentive care before. They smile with great adoration.

The view of the town comes to view, and the Red Drake bandits start to notice an advancing band of soldiers in the distance. One bandit called out, "Hey uh boss? It looks like we've got trouble." and the demi human bandit leader replied, "Then ya know what to do. Get rid of 'em and fast."

On the other side of the field, the liberation army marched and saw a small militia near the town in combat. Keima pointed and said, that archer there is most likely Grayson." and Elias confirmed and said, "And it seems he's in quite the predicament. We should speak to him."

Ranger Jeod and Prince Elias had directed the army to march to separate areas that were infested with the bandits. Elias led a party to help aid the militia and Grayson.

Once reaching the militia, Elias reached Grayson was seen defeating a few bandits in the skirmish. Grayson notched an arrow and took down a bandit. Then said, "Run as much as you like, Red Drake scum. My arrows will cover any distance in pursuit of justice."

Prince Elias and Keima walked up to the archer and greeted him and the militia men, Grayson replied, "Hm? Who are you?" and Prince Elias said, "I take it you're the one they call Grayson," and Grayson replied, "That depends on who's asking."

Keima introduced themselves "We stand with the Liberation Army. We just spoke to a mother and daughter who claimed you helped them to safety." Then Grayson's face filled with relief, and said, "So the girls made it out. More welcome news than I'm used to. It's as you say, I am Grayson, captain of the Aether militia. What militia we have, at least. If you're truly willing to brave these bandits, then I'd be glad to have you join me."

Elias confirmed, and said, "That's precisely why we've come. We confront them together."

With that the two factions merged as one and brought destruction on the remaining bandits, who were turning to flee once the tide of battle turned.

Elias and the Liberation Army made way to the small town that still was held by the bandit leader, Gren. Without mercy, the army slayed all the bandits that were in the region. As Elias wanted to make sure the Red Drake bandits would not try this again in his land even after he liberates it.

Once the prince arrived at the town and lizard demi human Gren saw them, he mocked them. "Ya got some bad luck there, crossin' paths with us. But that's nothin' a slit throat can't solve. As more bandit fell to Elias and Loewe blades. That is when Gren tried to flee, and Grayson saw the bandit leader at a distance. He gave chase and called, "Not another step, thief!" and Gren turned and said, "Oh yeah? N' why not?"

Grayson had a notched arrow was delivered right into the leg of the bandit leader Gren. Elias gave the order to Ranger Jeod to have army go out an slay the remaining bandits. Which he, Keima, and Grayson walked up to the injured bandit leader.

Which Gren starts to beg to be spared. " I beg of ya, sers! Have mercy on a poor, damned soul!."

Angered, Grayson replied, "You dare speak of mercy? What of the mercy you showed all those yoy've robbed and pillaged?"

Gren still begging, "Please. It's my sister. Back when our mum n' dad passed. I was broken. An empty shell of a man. But she never left my side." which then Gren got back to his feet to keep pleading.

"Stayed right there next to me till the day she took ill 'erself. Started fadin' and fast. I carried her slumped 'round my shoulder to the best healer my coinpurse could buy, but it was no use. Only thing I could o was watch her wither into dust. You ever seen that? it's a pain worse n' death itself."

Gren continued, "But I didn't stop searchin'. Day after day after wicked day. Till finally, I'd got what I asked for... but the cost of the cure would make a weaker man faint where he stood. Now tell me, how's a guy who never had the gold for school s'posed to make that kinda coin?"

Gren then explained, "Thievin's all I'm good for... so thievin's how it had to be. Wouldn't've turned to this if I had another way."

Keima put his hand on Elias's shoulder and said, "A word. Your Highness. Somber as his story may be, you mustn't let pity cloud your judgement. Only the town watch can determine the appropriate sentence for his crimes. His fate is not ours to decide."

Then Gren sensing the atomsphere, pleaded again, "My life's square in your palms, noble sers. Please, I'll return everythin' I stole if ya just lemme go!"

Elias did not hesitate and retorted, "Is your sister also aware of you slaughtering innocents to rob, while you laugh at them? You thieving to make a living is one thing. Yet he killed many to fill your pockets. Should your sister benefit from such depravity by your hands?"

Gren was reeling from the words of the prince. Elias then turned and said, "Even the harshest adversity does not grant license to harm your fellow man. Keima, escort this man to the town watch." and Keima replied, "But of course. Your Highness."

Gren muttered, "Heartless bastards."

Then night fall came, the Liberation army clean up and buried the dead and was outside of town make ready for the next region they need to get to so they can get to the Walled City and rescue Lily from the traitor Dessel and Liam's grasps.

Back at the jail cells of the town, where Gren was imprisoned. Some of the Red Drake bandits entered and killed the guards with no remorse. They walked up to Gren, and one bandit said, "Nabbed the key!"

Gren was surprised to see them, and said, "What're you fools doing here? Don't tell me you forgot the code." and the other bandit said, "...'Course we didn't. Money's the only thing tyin' us all together. Just so happens we make a hell of a lot less of it without you 'round boss."

Gren replied, "You dirty pack of... Fine, but make it quick. I'm not keen on stayin' here any longer than I've gotta. Ya think I had it bad, Liberation rats? Just wait 'till ya see what I've got in store for you."

Then the bandits opened the cell doors and they made their escape out of town in he opposite direction of the Liberation army.