Chapter 21: The End of the Second Month of Fall
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Day 53-56: Death Spiral
The autumn air carried a chill that seemed to seep into the very bones of those who walked the cobblestone streets of Gremory. August and his crew had settled into a comfortable routine during their extended stay in the city, taking advantage of the respite to resupply, rest, and plan their next moves. The Fernando villa had become a temporary sanctuary, its warm hearths and welcoming atmosphere a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the road they had grown accustomed to.
Meanwhile, across the city, Princess Mee-rka and her loyal bodyguards moved like shadows through the winding alleys and marketplaces. Their investigation had taken on an urgency that bordered on desperation. Each day that passed without finding her brother Marakan was another day he suffered whatever injustices had been inflicted upon him. The princess's determination burned like a forge fire, consuming any thought of rest or comfort until her mission was complete.
Their methodical search had finally begun to yield results, though the path forward grew increasingly treacherous with each clue they uncovered. Bodies had begun appearing in the darker corners of the city—not the random violence of common criminals, but the calculated elimination of those who possessed dangerous knowledge. Each victim had been someone who could have pointed them toward the truth, their deaths serving as both warning and obstacle.
The trail of blood and secrets led them to an imposing estate on the outskirts of the noble district. The mansion stood like a fortress, its high walls topped with iron spikes and its grounds patrolled by guards whose eyes held the cold efficiency of professional killers. This was no ordinary noble's residence—it was a stronghold designed to keep secrets buried and unwanted visitors at bay.
Yet for all its intimidating defenses, the estate could not mask the scents that carried on the wind to Mee-rka's sensitive nose. Her brother's familiar smell was there, faint but unmistakable, mixing with the metallic tang of blood and the acrid stench of fear that seemed to permeate the very stones of the place. But most disturbing of all was the variety of other scents—humanoids and demi-humans of different races, all carrying the same underlying notes of pain and desperation.
The discovery forced them to broaden their investigation, seeking to understand how such atrocities could continue unnoticed in a city governed by law. Their inquiries led them to a troubling revelation: Lord Gremory, the county's ruler, was not ignorant of the nobleman's activities. In fact, the two men had a history that stretched back decades, filled with conflict and uneasy compromises.
The nobleman in question had arrived in Gremory during a period of civil unrest, bringing with him resources and influence that the city desperately needed. But his methods had been brutal from the beginning, and his presence had sown discord among the population. Lord Gremory, bound by political necessity and lacking concrete evidence of wrongdoing, had been forced into a series of agreements that effectively tied his hands. The arrangement had brought a measure of stability to the region, but at a cost that grew heavier with each passing year.
When Mee-rka and her companions finally managed to secure an audience with Lord Gremory, they found themselves turned away at the gates of his manor. The lord, they were informed, was entertaining visitors of the highest importance—Imperial authorities who had arrived in the Principality of Ogind on urgent business. The timing could not have been worse, as these officials were investigating reports of raiders who had stolen something of tremendous value to the Empire.
The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place in Mee-rka's mind. The massacre they had witnessed days earlier, orchestrated by the mysterious figure known as the Blurred Devil, must have been connected to this Imperial investigation. But revealing what they had seen would risk exposing August and his companions, something she was unwilling to do for the young man who had shown them such kindness for allowing them to enter the city to search for his brother.
With governmental aid beyond their reach, Mee-rka made the decision that would change everything. They would infiltrate the nobleman's estate themselves, relying on their natural abilities and determination to succeed where official channels had failed.
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Day 53-56: The Infiltration
That night, under cover of darkness, the three beastmen moved like phantoms through the estate's defenses. Their enhanced senses allowed them to navigate the shadows between patrol routes, while their natural agility carried them over walls and through windows that would have been impossible for ordinary humans to breach. Each guard they encountered was eliminated with swift, silent efficiency—not out of bloodlust, but from grim necessity. Any witness to their presence would doom not only their mission but potentially their lives.
As they penetrated deeper into the mansion, the smell of blood grew stronger, assaulting their sensitive nostrils with its overwhelming intensity. The metallic stench seemed to seep from the very walls, speaking of horrors that had been committed within these chambers over months or perhaps years. Mee-rka fought back waves of nausea, her anger serving as an anchor against the revulsion that threatened to overwhelm her.
The discovery of the hidden door came almost by accident—a slight draft carrying familiar scents from behind what appeared to be a solid wall. The mechanism that opened it was ingenious in its simplicity, hidden behind a fireplace that swung away to reveal a narrow staircase descending into darkness. The steps were worn smooth by countless feet, and the walls bore stains that looked disturbingly like dried blood.
The underground chamber that awaited them was a vision from the deepest nightmares. Row upon row of cells stretched into the gloom, each one barely large enough to hold a single person. The construction was recent but solid, designed not for temporary detention but for long-term imprisonment. The air was thick with the smell of unwashed bodies, fear, and despair—a miasma that spoke of systematic cruelty conducted over an extended period.
Their enhanced night vision revealed the full scope of the horror. Every cell contained at least one prisoner, and many held two or even three individuals crowded into spaces meant for one. The captives were a mix of races—elves, dwarves, beastman and various demi-human species. All showed signs of prolonged abuse and neglect, their bodies bearing the marks of torture and their eyes holding the hollow look of broken spirits.
Most heartbreaking of all were those who had already passed beyond help. Bodies lay motionless in several cells, their deaths having gone unnoticed or deliberately ignored by their captors. The sight sent waves of rage through Mee-rka's companions, their warrior training warring with their compassion as they struggled to process the scale of the atrocity before them.
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Day 53-56: The Rescue
Following her brother's scent through the maze of cells, Mee-rka finally located Marakan in the furthest corner of the underground complex. The sight of him nearly broke her resolve—his once-proud form was reduced to a shadow of its former self, his body bearing the evidence of systematic torture and abuse. Yet he still lived, his breathing shallow but steady, his heart still beating with the stubborn determination that had always characterized their family line.
The decision of whom to save was an agonizing one. With only three of them and limited time before their presence was discovered, they could carry perhaps three or four prisoners at most. The choice felt like a betrayal of all those they would be forced to leave behind, but the alternative was to save no one at all. They selected those who seemed most likely to survive the journey, including her brother and two others whose injuries, while severe, were not immediately life-threatening.
The alarm was raised just as they reached the main floor of the mansion. Shouts echoed through the corridors as guards discovered the bodies of their fallen comrades, and the sound of running feet filled the air. The escape became a desperate race through the city streets, the rescued prisoners weighing them down while pursuit could very well be closed in from behind them at any given moment.
"Princess, there's commotion above," Senna warned, her ears twitching as she picked up the sounds of organized search parties. "They've found the bodies. It won't be long before they organize a proper hunt."
"Then we need to find sanctuary quickly," Mee-rka replied, her mind racing through their limited options. "But where can we go? Anywhere in the city will be searched eventually."
Kira shifted the unconscious prisoner she was carrying, grimacing at the dead weight. "Princess, where can we possibly hide? They'll tear the city apart looking for us."
The image of August's face flashed through Mee-rka's mind—the young man with golden hair who had shown them such unexpected kindness on the road. His companions had seemed trustworthy, and more importantly, they had power enough to stand against enemies when necessary. "To the Blurred Devil," she said with sudden certainty. "I know he will understand our plight. That young man has a heart greater than most nobles."
They moved through the predawn darkness like ghosts, using their acquired knowledge of the city's layout to avoid the main thoroughfares where search parties would be concentrated. The weight of their burden slowed them considerably, but desperation lent them strength as they navigated through back alleys and over rooftops toward the Fernando villa.
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Day 57.1: Early Morning Disturbance
The events of that horrific night had occurred three days prior, but the memory burned fresh in Mee-rka's mind as she stood before the doors of the Fernando villa. The heavy knocking that echoed through the nighttime quiet was desperate, urgent, carrying with it all the weight of their impossible situation.
The servant who answered the door was clearly taken aback by the sight that greeted him—three blood-soaked beastmen carrying wounded prisoners, their eyes wild with exhaustion and desperation. "Is the Blurred Devil here?" Mee-rka asked frantically, her usual composure shattered by the events of recent days.
The servant's confusion was evident as he struggled to process both the request and the dire nature of his unexpected visitors. "Miss, I'm afraid I don't know who you're referring to. This is the residence of the Fernando family. Perhaps you've mistaken this place for somewhere else?"
The realization that she had forgotten August's actual name in her desperation brought a moment of panic. "There was a young man with golden hair among a group of travelers—merchants, I believe. They would have arrived here recently."
Recognition dawned on the servant's face. "Ah, you must mean young Master August and his companions. Yes, they are indeed staying here as guests of the family. Please, come inside while I fetch them. You and your companions look to be in desperate need of assistance."
The head butler's efficiency was remarkable as he coordinated the household's response to the crisis. Servants were dispatched to alert the family and their guests, while others prepared spaces for treating the wounded. The Fernando family's reputation for hospitality was clearly well-deserved, as they moved to assist without hesitation despite the obvious danger their new guests represented.
Within minutes, August and his companions had assembled in the main hall, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern as they took in the scene before them. The blood-soaked clothing, the unconscious prisoners, and Mee-rka's obvious distress painted a clear picture of violence and desperation.
"Uncle Andy, do we still have those healing potions?" August asked immediately, his instinct for action overriding any questions about the circumstances.
Andy's weathered face showed clear concern, not just for the wounded but for the implications of their involvement. "Are you certain about this, lad? Whatever these folk have done will surely bring trouble to our doorstep. Those who hunt them won't hesitate to search everywhere, and I don't fancy explaining this situation to hostile people."
August paused, weighing the moral imperative against the practical dangers. His companions' safety was his responsibility, but so was his conscience. "Let's hear their explanation first," he decided. "But yes, give them the potions. Some of these people are dying."
The healing potions worked their magic slowly but surely, closing wounds and stabilizing the most critical patients. However, the blood loss and trauma they had endured would require more than magical healing—they needed rest, proper nutrition, and time to recover both physically and mentally from their ordeal.
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Day 57.2: The Full Truth Revealed
As the wounded were tended to and the immediate crisis passed, Mee-rka found herself able to tell the complete story of their investigation and the horrors they had discovered. The tale that unfolded was more disturbing than any of August's companions had imagined—a systematic operation of kidnapping, torture, and murder operating under the very nose of the city's authorities.
"The nobleman who accused my brother has been conducting these activities for years," Mee-rka explained, her voice heavy with exhaustion and grief. "The estate is essentially a private prison where he tortures humanoids and demi-humans for reasons we couldn't determine. Some may be political prisoners, others perhaps kidnapped for ransom or darker purposes."
Marcus, drawing on his knowledge of legal matters, provided crucial context. "If what you describe is accurate, then this constitutes multiple violations of the kingdom's law. The Kingdom of Ogind and its Principality have expressly forbidden the torture of civilians, regardless of their race or species. Such methods are permitted only in the most extreme circumstances of national security, and then only by authorized military personnel against confirmed enemies of the state."
The political dimensions of the situation became clearer as Marcus continued his analysis. "The fact that Lord Gremory has been unable to act despite his obvious desire to do so suggests that this nobleman has protection from higher authorities—possibly external backings or connections to powerful noble houses. The agreement you mentioned was likely a compromise that allowed him to continue his activities in exchange for some service or payment to the region."
Susan Fernando, the matriarch of their host family, immediately began organizing additional accommodations for their unexpected guests. Her servants moved with practiced efficiency, preparing hidden rooms and ensuring that their presence would not be easily detected by casual observers. The family's willingness to harbor potential escapees spoke volumes about their character and their trust in August's judgment.
"This cannot be allowed to continue," August declared, his voice carrying the weight of absolute conviction. "If this has been happening for years without intervention, then it falls to us to stop it."
Both Andy and Marcus immediately voiced their concerns, recognizing the dangerous path August's righteousness was leading them down. "Listen, lad," Andy said with the gravity of hard-won experience, "I understand your desire to help, and I admire your moral courage. But please consider the full scope of what we're facing. If even the local lord with all his authority couldn't touch this man for decades, then we're dealing with forces beyond our current understanding or capability."
Marcus nodded in agreement, and Andy continued his explanation. "We must also consider our responsibilities to the rest of our group. We have orphaned children under our protection, and we are guests in this house. Our actions could bring retaliation not just upon ourselves but upon innocent people who have shown us nothing but kindness."
The weight of their arguments forced August to confront the complexity of the situation. His initial impulse toward immediate action was tempered by the realization that rash decisions could doom more people than they saved. "Then what do you propose we do?" he asked, his frustration evident but controlled.
The answer came from an unexpected source—their own cover identities. "We are merchants," Marcus pointed out with growing excitement. "That gives us legitimate reasons to approach Lord Gremory and potentially provide him with the evidence he needs to act."
Andy's eyes lit up with understanding. "Of course! We can request an audience under the pretense of establishing trade relationships. If we can present him with testimony from the rescued prisoners and details about the estate's layout, he might finally have the justification he needs to move against this nobleman."
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Day 57.3: Planning for Justice to be Served
The discussion continued through the remainder of the night, with various plans proposed, debated, and refined. The complexity of their situation required careful coordination and timing. They needed to ensure the safety of the rescued prisoners while gathering evidence that would be legally admissible and politically actionable.
The rescued prisoners, as they recovered consciousness, provided additional details about the nobleman's operation. The torture appeared to serve multiple purposes—extracting information from political prisoners, breaking the spirits of those intended for slavery, and satisfying the sadistic appetites of the nobleman and his associates. The scope of the operation suggested a network of collaborators and customers that extended far beyond the immediate region.
Susan Fernando proved invaluable in coordinating the logistical aspects of their plan. Her family's connections in the city provided intelligence about the nobleman's movements and the current political situation. The Imperial investigators' presence had indeed created an opportunity—their focus on the Kirin Raiders incident meant that other activities were receiving less attention than usual.
As dawn approached, the group had outlined a preliminary strategy. They would spend the next several days gathering additional evidence and preparing their case, then approach Lord Gremory through official channels. The rescued prisoners would be kept hidden and safe until they could testify, while Mee-rka and her companions would maintain a low profile to avoid detection.
The plan was not without risks. Discovery would mean certain death for all involved, and even success might bring retaliation from the nobleman's unknown backers. But the alternative—allowing the atrocities to continue—was unacceptable to everyone present.
As the first light of dawn crept through the windows, the exhausted conspirators finally sought their beds. They had perhaps a day or two before the nobleman's forces would begin a systematic search of the city. Time was running short, but for the first time since the rescue, they had hope that justice might finally be served.
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Day 57.4: The Third Month Begins
Two months had passed since the day August journeyed to the outside world began and it had been just a few days since they first arrived in the city of Gremory, seeking nothing more than trade opportunities and a chance to establish his mercantile operations. Now, as the third month began, he found himself at the center of a conspiracy that could reshape the political landscape of the entire region.
The morning brought news that the nobleman's forces had indeed begun searching the city, but their efforts were hampered by the need to maintain secrecy about their activities. Open searches would raise questions about what exactly they were looking for, potentially exposing the very crimes they sought to cover up.
Meanwhile, in the hidden chambers of the Fernando villa, the rescued prisoners continued their recovery under the careful attention of the family's servants. Their testimonies were being carefully documented, providing a growing body of evidence that would be difficult for even the most corrupt officials to ignore.
But August could sense that their enemies were not idle. Something was stirring in the shadows of the city, a presence that felt both familiar and threatening. The calm before the storm was ending, and the real battle for justice was about to begin.
As he stood at the window of the villa, watching the city wake to another day, August reflected on how much his life had changed since leaving his village. The simple merchant's life he had envisioned seemed increasingly distant, replaced by responsibilities and dangers he had never imagined. Yet he felt no regret about the path he had chosen. Some battles were worth fighting, regardless of the cost.
The third and final month of fall was beginning, and with it would come challenges that would test not only his resolve but the very foundations of justice in the kingdom. The darkness was gathering, but so was the light of hope—and August intended to see that light prevail, whatever the cost.