Mas Bagus

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

Carmen accepted the bundle of white linen, pinched the end, and let the rest roll down to the grass. Placing his hat on a wheel, he noticed a conflagration formed in the middle of the garrison. Thankfully the spreading flames would delay the approaching soldiers, giving him and Mirielle enough time to roll the bandage on his forehead, tie a knot, and let some good portion of it dangle on the back of his head.

"I wish it was that easy." Carmen gritted his teeth when Mirielle helped him stand straight. "There is no magic at play here. But one thing for sure it is no less vile!"

Grimacing when wearing his hat again, the captain looked around. His eyes darted at the gate, that was suddenly breached open by the patrolling soldiers from the outside. At first, their attention was on the fire, broken wall, and burning tents, but their sergeants, (bless his sharp perception) quickly pointed out the main culprit.

Still fighting against dizziness and pain, Carmen readied his blade and turned at Carnathia, unaware that it was a mirror image. "Senorita De Valmont, we are leaving! Mirielle. Amaris! Double time!"

He thought it was a most sensible option, and without waiting, The Captain fished out the compass as he jogged forth, eyes fixed at the unlocked gate, now guarded by at least six soldiers. As far as his limited observation was concerned, they were the only thing that stood between him and his escape. "This is Carmen. Ready our horses, we are escaping from the main gate! Senorita Lynx, do you---"

Suddenly an explosion blasted the wall near the commander's tent.

___

With the rest of her illusionary copies spreading around the group, trying to draw any incoming attacks, Carnatia started to shift through the commander's tent, looking for the familiar sensation prompted by her Golden Prerogative skill.

Sill inside the tent, Carnathia managed to obtain several parchments likely containing important information about the occupation and limited intelligence about their enemies. However, one particular keg seemed to be the most striking object in that humble dwelling. It was no bigger than a lager barrel commonly found in rural taverns, but strangely this one was painted red, had no tap, but it had a valve secured by a metal seal. If one tried to take it from its holder, they would realize that it was surprisingly light for its size, like filled with sand rather than anything liquid.

When Carnathia busied herself rummaging through important documents or valuables, suddenly an explosion shocked the earth and it looked like there was an avalanche bulldozing from the outside. The canvas partition gave in, buckling under the sudden weight of dislodged logs, and the beam that supported the tent broke and fell. Some of the debris wedged the exit but thankfully Carnathia was on the west side of that large tent, knocked down by the falling tent yet unharmed by falling logs.

Not far from her, the lamps had been knocked down and snuffed out under the falling canvas.

Outside, fire from the bomb started to consume the woods, and soon the tent itself. The falling logs, and probably the explosion had crushed the two earthware vates nearby, spilling their contents onto the grass and nearby tent. The liquid was clear, and reeks of strong fish odor. Right now it was just a few inches away from the flames, and both were still spreading with alarming speed.

___

The last sharpshooter on the east tower looked up from his hideout. The flashes from the explosion had deterred him from taking any action, thinking that it could be another burning light from that foreign inquisitor.

Now he braved himself to observe. The commander was dead. Killed by those intruders. The fire was burning the garrison, and half of his friends were in complete disarray. He checked the gunpowder in his musket and aimed. While his friends warned him about the raid, he raised the barrel of his gun, trying to take a bead on the incoming invader. Staying low, he tried to scan the surroundings, from the explosion site to outside of the garrison. In a sense, It was impossible to assemble an army on the north side, so it had to be coming from the east or west.

And while observing, he caught a glimpse of two riders, just when the east wall was suddenly torn apart by another explosion.

With no other distractions coming his way from the fort, Osric focused on the first of the two men still perched on the east tower. There was already enough trouble on the ground for those inside as it were. Having to not worry about what was above them would help increase their odds of victory, or escape. Once he was sure his shot was lined, he pulled the trigger. With a flash and boom, the drum rifle pushed back into his shoulder, his hands keeping it in place. Osric chambered the next round.

Steadying his breath, a female blonde was already in his sight when suddenly a bullet plowed through his lower cheek. Red mist sprayed out from his destroyed jaws. Couldn't scream and in the process of a slow and painful death, nobody could help him now, nor he could call for any.

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

The commander would indeed reset and adjust his stance. Still gripping the spear, he extended his right foot forward, pushing the polearm toward Mirielle so her arm would no longer be outstretched. All to gain some distance, and he did; with one hand his hammer dived diagonally before returning up and brought down to smash Mireille's shoulder.

But the inquisitor disengaged her hold on the spear, leaving an enchantment so the contested weapon would emit a golden light. The searing light caused Melnik to drop the spear to the grass. Hammerhead landed harmlessly on the ground. As he bent forth, the spear turned upward and orbited for a second before coming down.

Melnik tried to dodge by taking a step backward but was unable to sufficiently predict the strike because of the spear's blinding light. The glowing lance impaled him on his left thigh.

____

Meanwhile, Amaris made her move, leaving the injured soldier at frightening speed after outstretching her chains to intimidate the incoming and surviving foes. But they were still far and would take a while to get here, and we had the carriage lined up between us and them.

So, taking down the commander would be the first priority. Amaris made a turn to attack the commander from behind. Chains fired when a holy lance struck him from above, but while the lance managed to pierce through his lightly protected leg, Amaris's chains could only dent the commander's steel breastplate.

___

Melnik turned, his wound was starting to sizzle but he still managed to muster a will to stand on his ground. Realizing that he had been flanked, his attention turned to Amaris and Carnathia. A lot of Carnathia, because what he saw now was nine carrotheads charging forth. He readied his hammer and swung at the incoming octuplets but his attack was for naught. Staggered as the seemingly invincible enemies were just a hair's breadth away from overpowering him, his fear was short-lived when the real Carnathia emerged from her mirror image and lunged forth, thrusting her rapier into the Commander's neck and cutting it sideways.

Blood sprayed the young baron's face when the commander stumbled backward, his hammer dropped, and his right hand pointed at Carnathia, eyes bulging as he looked at her in the eyes. After spinning and failing to keep his balance he fell, expiring on the ground.

____

Meanwhile, Carmen managed to stand upright. Either because of his fellow's inquisitor miracle or adrenaline, the captain could see the world clearer now; the rows of tents by the north had started burning and the closest path to reach them was by walking through a narrow passage between the fire and parked wagon.

He walked forth, unholstered his gun, and at the end of the front carriage, he aimed and shot. A soldier dead. Holstering his pistol back, he slid the shield back into his grip. The following soldier tried to attack him, but he deflected with his shield and buried his sword deep into the soldier's stomach.

"Stop forcing our hands, you heathens!"

In front of him, beside the wagons, two soldiers with a crossbow, and two with muskets aimed at him. The arbalests fired and Carmen raised his shield. Bolts bounced, and he spun to the side and leaned against the carriage. His sabre was ready, and the next bastard who tried to walk through this chokepoint would have his head cut open.

They had to get out of here, and when he was thinking about it, he witnessed the commander of the garrison fall with his throat sliced open.

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

And with that she lunged forward, her fading divine armor scattering glimmering gold in her wake, spearpoint poised to impale the commander's face clean through. Yet all was a feint, for at the last moment the broad spearhead pivoted to cleave along the shaft of his warhammer and take off his fingers in one clean sweep.

The Commander, surprisingly agile for his size bent his neck to dodge the incoming jab. He was astounded when the spear veered downward and slithered along the shaft, which seemed to be intended to injure his gripping fingers. The blade of Mireille's spear crowbarred into his grip, but rather than move his hands away, he smiled at the shallow tear on his palm, and the opportunity to clutch the spear with his iron grip.

He would not let go. The Captain tightened his grip, both on his adversary's weapon and on the shaft of his war hammer. The blade of the spear bit the skin, but barely blood could be seen, as if under that normal-looking epidermis were bones made of steel and sinews made of metal. With a rowdy strength, he yanked the spear toward him and at the same time shoved the protruding end of his Warhammer toward Mirielle's midsection.

"Uraaaahhh!"

****

Carmen was still desperately trying to overcome the excruciating pain on his forehead. To him, the world was upside down and drowned in the ringing noise that added to the burning sensation in his brain. He tried to breathe, and only by then he could get rid of the ringing and start hearing something else.

"Carmen! Get ahold of yourself, your work is not done yet!"

Ah yes, Mirielle. He could sense her presence and sense her zeal radiating in the air. Carmen still couldn't open both of his eyes, it was unnaturally warm, and felt like his own blood could sear his eyeballs.

Gritting his teeth and enduring the pain, Carmen reached for his sword, trying with all of his might to open his eyes again. He raised his shield, trying to make sense of where the shot was fired from, he could see a glint of fire, broken walls, and panicking soldiers.

"Mirielle! We have to get out of here!"

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

[quote=@Soldat Elf]
Linceleste decided to detonate the planted bombs as the situation went to south. The bombs went to active and created a devastating explosion that may breached both sides of the northern walls. If the wall is torn down, she will try to blindly steer the drone toward the center of the garrison, relying on pure instinct.[/b][/i]

[/quote]

A fiery explosion erupted at the north of the camp, blasting the wooden structure and everything that held them together. The blast attracted the soldiers' attention, who were ready to swarm Carmen and the other, but now halted to prepare for an incoming invasion.

"The rebels! The rebels are attacking! To arms to arms!" Cried some of the soldiers who scrambled for their weapons and equipment. But no swarm of the enemies were coming. Instead, another explosion blasted the northwest wall, adding to the fire that had started to spread, it ignited the trees in the northwest and was already gnawing the tents in the northeast.

Meanwhile, the only invader would be Lynx's semi-transparent drone, which had stumbled its way through the fiery remains of torn-down fortifications and currently stood unmoving right in the middle of the garrison.

It still had one bomb remaining, and it waited.

______

Seeing the chaos that unfolded, Carnatia sharpened her mind, making sure her divination magic-derived defensive precognition was active, ready to respond to any attack.

Seeing flashes of images depicting two of the soldiers attacking her from her blind spot, Carnatia attempted to sidestep out of the way at the last minute, hoping to use the momentum of them suddenly missing their target to unbalance them. At the same time, she focused her mind on seeking their vital spot, looking to kill the two with a riposte.

Now that it had come to this, there was no longer any need to hold back. She doubted they would be open for cooperation after this

Carnathia stepped aside and turned toward her opponent as they lurched forward. A strike parried, and she thrusted her sword at the first soldier's collarbone, killing him instantly. The second soldier came in, and again she dodged him flawlessly, although the angle for the counterattack was not as perfect as the previous, the blade still bit deep into the second soldier's back, and he fell, face grazing the grass.

With the soldiers already closing in on her, Amaris gave them no time, waving her hand as she spun around making a chain of thorns materialize and spin around herself, forcing whichever enemies might be around to give a step back or be struck by the chain, rapidly spinning around her.

While she could make the chain spin in a wider arc, being amidst enemy soldiers might be the only thing avoiding the enemy musketeers to begin shooting at them in the very moment Mirielle's light faded down and they recovered themselves. As such, Amaris intended to use the other soldiers as cover for musket fire while dealing with them. The smaller, more contained attack perfect for that situation. Enough to hit those too close to her or forcing them to focus on dodging her quick attack instead of attacking her, still keep them close enough from her so that the musketeers might have some trouble hitting her and also not forcing her own allies to have to dodge her own attacks.

"It's been some time since I was allowed to go all out like this! How fun~!" she said with an amused smirk and a blood-chilling chuckle as she spun around together with her chain.

A thorny chain danced and whirled. A small circle now, but wide enough to warn the incoming soldier of the danger she exhibits. One soldier decided to be a fool and charged forth, flaunting its sword only for it to be caught by the whirling tempest and be flung widely toward Melnik's tent, creating a tear on the canvas. The unfortunate Soldier tried to retreat, but the chain started to tear his skin and muscles, blood started to conjoin with the whirling air and finally, his leg gave in, and he dropped himself to the ground.

"I yield!" he cried.

The other soldiers retreated toward the grain wagon, likely planning to join his friends, who weren't distracted by the explosion earlier. "Protect the captain! Here they are! They were with the rebels. Witch! Th-They ha--"

Amids the chaos, one unlucky soldier stumbled upon Lynx's semi-transparent drone. It reacted by pouncing that soldier and dropped the grenade from its hidden storage.

A moment later another explosion detonated, taking out the drone and nearby soldiers with it.
Chaos gripped that garrison and yellow light washed over the tent and remaining fortifications. The untrained recruits ran like headless chickens, some tried to arrange a formation toward the fiery opening, while the rest scrambled to assist their commander.

Only a few who were not unfazed by the chaos. The Redstripes sharpshooter was trained to remain calm under the mounting stress, and today they will demonstrate that calmness. The Sharpshooters in the east tower shouldered his rifle, aiming at the enemy in the far east. Even if the land beneath them turned into flames they would not be distracted. Even if their tower was burning, their aim must not be compromised:
they already had someone in their gunsight.

Their unshakable focus would be their undoing, however.

Osric quickly shifted focus. He took a shot at the first red-striped man he saw. Letting out his breath, he cranked the lever of his rifle. The barrel spun and locked into place, the weapon primed to fire so soon after the other. He adjusted his aim to the second person, or the first, depending on how they reacted to being shot at from behind.

A bullet hit the first sharpshooter on his neck, right when the last explosion from Lynx's drone occurred. The second sharpshooter, already aimed, pulled the trigger before he could be any more distracted by his slumping friend.

The bullet from the surviving sharpshooter flew straight. And he watched how the shot seemed to be hitting his mark. It was at that moment when the smirk had to stop and he had to see his friends, now gurgling blood on the floor. Hastily he picked up his friend's musket, scanning the general direction where he thought the enemy fire was coming from. Unfortunately for him, Osric's rifle had already been rechambered seconds later, and a follow-up shot pierced him in the chest, killing him.

The firing sound, loud as it may was perfectly masked by the explosive commotion inside. With faces as pale as a dried turd, the patrolling soldiers hastily retreat inside the garrison. As far as their perception was concerned, the attack was coming from the north side of the base.
____

Carmen was ready to press the attack when a bullet struck him on his forehead. The impact felt like something punching him in the side, yanking his right eye socket, and dragging him down to his left side with a sudden force. The captain found himself downed on the grass, disoriented, but soon his dizziness turned into a sharp pain as the blood started to drip from an elongated wound on his forehead.

It felt like someone was ripping his forehead open, he clutched his wound, screaming in pain as the pain started to radiate to his scalp and face. It felt like the fresh wound was touched by burning coal, and the pain was so unbearable Carmen was writhing on the grass.

"Arrrrrrggghhh!"
____

Meanwhile, Captain Melnik ignored the downed captain and walked into his tent, only to return back into the fight with a nasty-looking Warhammer. A fire, almost as bright as the fire burning his wall flickered in his eyes and he focused his attention on Mirielle.

"Suka blyat! You will pay for this!"

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

Is this "full" full, full stop?

@Einherjar 906

Unfortunately, yes. It is very hard to insert a new character into the campaign without leaving a pothole or two. Be seeing you in my next project then :)

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

There was no room to talk anymore, the commander had made up his mind, and so did Carmen.

The fight was on. Melnik lunged into action and rushed forth like a raging bull, breaking the table with his bare hands in a single smash and throwing a powerful punch toward Carmen.

The shield endured albeit with a protesting twang, but the recoil was immense the Captain felt his bones were twisting from the inside. It was like the Commander's fist was a sledgehammer.

"You are not walking out of here. None of you can! Until I say so! You've made your choice, Captain, a regrettable one! Men! Slay them all!" he taunted.

The hornet nest had been stirred awake. The soldiers on the west side of the camp started to arm themselves. The sentries were fully alerted and their Muskets had already been aimed at Mireille, who maneuvered toward the nearby watchtower and called upon the light of faith. Two soldiers who followed her were stunned, shielding their faces with their hands. One soldier on top of the nearby tower staggered and fell from the nest, while the other one hid like a literal bird.

Meanwhile, Carmen took a step back, taking advantage of the small windows in Melnik's onslaught by gaining more distance. The commander retreated, typical of him to let his men have a taste of their adversary first. The first soldier had his faceplate caved in when enraged Carmen bashed the side of his Mentor's shield into his face, knocking him down instantly. After that, his blade would clash with another soldier's longsword, who had a very poor stance Carmen could easily slip his sabre through his defense and slash his torso open.

Six more remained. Two were at Carnathia, attempting to strike her from a blind spot with their swords. Meanwhile, the two were attacking Amaris using the same strategy.

While Mirielle had 2 soldiers stunned, one fell and another in hiding, the soldiers from the west tower were still aiming for the party. If Mirielle was too bright to shoot, then they would only need to shift the muzzle of their rifled muskets toward the kingpin of the enemy's party.

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

---

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

Melnik seemed to be whispering something to his quartermaster, who after retrieving the shield, then left the premises with brisk paces. Soon after Amaris broke the silence between them.

"We are very grateful for the valuable information you have provided us, commander. I am sure you are aware that the death of a paladin, especially one that came to offer help and relief is a very grave matter. If you don't mind, we would like to know how exactly you came to possess such shield and how are you sure Paladin Thomas is already dead. Any information would be of great help. Where did you find it, in which state it was... Anything."

"It is a military secret," Melnik said again his trademark refusal, at least this time uttered without a smile or manipulative body language.

"Melnik," interjected Carmen, glaring at the Commander forebodingly. "Where did you find this? Tell me, and don't hide behind your military code."

"Captain Friston, I understand your grief and there are no words worthy enough to ease your pain."

"Just tell me, damn it!"

"Now everyone calm down." Melnik raised his both hands and shook his head. "See? Not so wrong, am I? What would you do If I tell you, I wonder? Seeking retribution? Find those who are responsible no matter the cost? Ain't that just pushing it?"

"I don't care!" Carmen blustered as anger and frustration rose inside him. He had prepared himself to hear the news, but unbeknownst to him it was this... much, and it turned out he wasn't ready.

Who would?

"I don't believe you. Not until I see his remains myself!"

"Then after you see his remains you will leave back to Westernant, in peace?" Melnik laughed, behind him, eight soldiers approached the premises with their weapons ready.

And Melnik stood up, shaking his head gloomily. "I am sorry Captain. But this is the reason why I can't let you go. I hereby declare you and your friends persons of interest! You may not leave my garrison until the Governor Lieutenant decides what to do with you. Hopefully, he will deport you back to Westernant."

Carmen's eyes widened when the soldiers started to surround them, and he got up from his chair. "This is an outrage! You have no right to detain us!"

"I do have!" Melnik badgered. "Listen, Captain. You've got what you are looking for; the fate of that Paladin. And I have retrieved you the memento to prove my words. But since you are thick-headed and know nothing better, you and your friends are a threat to our operation. I have to lock you up! Not only it is proper to conduct according to the military codex, but it is also the wisest option considering your ties with Westernant. Please do not resist!"

Carmen unsheathed his sword and pointed it across the table. "We will not be held captive!"

"Look around you, Captain Friston. I want you to consider your position carefully. Comply and you will be treated humanely. Resist and you and your brethren die!"

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

The commander made an upset expression upon realizing his mug was empty but did not ask his henchmen for a refill. In the end, he just shoved his mug aside and leaned forward.

"Interesting, so you are really sponsored by the Westernant government, our old friends." he grinned. "Well, then. To your question. The rebels! Ah, those pesky traitors. We had a pretty good run for the past 20 years. After Feredin kicked the bucket, the top Commissars in Vesnaggrad thought it would be a great idea to involve the locals, make them join the cause, to give them purpose... ideas that liberation is something you have to fight for. I'd say it worked, and it worked too well even. We squashed the loyalists like cockroaches, and we maintained that status quo for nearly decades. But all good things must come to an end. Yesterday's recruits are tomorrow's enemies, infighting led to a full-blown civil war, and they are the traitors of the cause. Sorry, but I cannot say anything more. Military secret you see."

"About the witch." Melnik paused and clicked his tongue in mild disgust. "Turns out the crone has been here before the revolution in the capital took place. One of the old relics from Feredrin's tyrannical regime who was smart enough to foresee the sinking of the old empire. Why you want to know about the harbinger of plague and chaos is beyond me, but the deal is the deal. I've been here for 15 years at least and the story about her crimes has only been prominent enough to earn our attention since five years ago. Kidnappings, experiments, and Hexings... just to name a few. What we know today is that her hut is deep inside the rebel's territory, and sadly we don't have enough manpower to deal with that cursed woman."

The commander returned to Carmen again.

"Anyway, aren't we a bit sidetracked now? I thought your mission was to find this Paladin."

"Yes, but every bit of information could help us greatly," answered Carmen.

There was a brief pause as if The commander was trying either to refresh his memory or memorize this entire conversation. Not long after, he looked at Carmen in the eyes. There was no smile, or joviality this time.

"Captain Friston. I have seen this Paladin of yours and I know what he looked like. What I am going to tell you might be something you don't want to hear, but it is definitely news you seek."

Melnik gestured for his quartermaster to fetch him something from his tent, meanwhile, Carmen's previously deadpanned expression now turned stern.

"What are you talking about?" Carmen hesitated, with brows already furrowed.

"I am talking about this. I am sure you are familiar with it."

The quartermaster returned with a wide object covered in white clothes that once its covering was removed revealed a heather shield plated with gold and adorned with the ornament of the golden sun. It had bloodstains on its handle, and the surface seemed to be scarred by dents from musket balls, sword bites, and spear thrusts. Melnik placed the shield on the table for everyone to see, and it was the moment when Carmen felt his blood freeze and his own tongue had sunk and blocked his throat.

"Captain Friston. I am sorry to be the bearer of this ill news, I know it must be hard for you, but I have to say it to honor our agreement. Paladin Thomas is already dead."

@Randomguy

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

"Let us not forget, Commander, that when Westernant opened its border to accept refugees of your Civil War despite our status as enemies, Tretagor repaid that gesture by sending in spies along with the refugees. But, just as I am sure you are about to say that you had nothing to do with that, so do we have little to do with that debacle. So why not we put the past behind us? As for our intent, I would like to point out that we did attempt to de-escalate, only for your men to shoot at us. But even disregarding that, we do not cause any further harm than necessary, one of our own even helped heal their wounds. We could also continue to avoid law enforcement, but here we are to clear the misunderstanding. I'd like to think that proves we are coming in good faith. That said, it was undeniable that our side started the conflict, it was a rash decision by some among our numbers. For that, we do apologize."

"Bless the great Czarnia!" scoffed the commander. "Westernant sent out someone so naive I almost believe this entire farce! Lady, in war, all is fair among the combatants. And both nations employed some of those lousy tactics for information. Still, the entire enterprise of shooting civilians must not be justified, nor your role in intervening in the proceedings of the local law and trespassing or domain."

It was Carmen next who responded, for whatever mental burden the Redstripes Commander had caused by reminding him of that last accident, the Inquisitor was trained to temporally set aside guilt to focus on the task at hand.

And for Carmen, being a noble himself granted him an additional advantage in diplomacy.

"And we are here to amend that, Commander Melnik. I think that should be clear enough at this moment. And I too humbly apologize for the misgivings we caused earlier." pausing to eye at Carnathia, he added. "Though I shall not address the accident you mentioned, for We are not the actors of that past accident, and we are here to discuss matters of the present time."

The commander rubbed his chin and laughed and boomed at the same time at one of the conscripts. "Hey, you! Drag some chairs and table for our guest!"

A long table, a bench, and four chairs were dragged away from the neighboring tent that seemed to be the place where the commander kept his belongings. He was the first to sit at the bench, placed too conveniently at the south side of the table, facing Carmen and the other, who sat in the opposite direction.

"Sit down, will ya! Can't say I hate our little banter so far, so yeah... time for us to be the bigger men and show you some amount of proper hospitality!"
Seeing the reluctance, he winked at Mirielle. "Please, don't be so tense. Come in peace, aren't you? At least none of us here is having their hands on the pommel of our weapon. Yet. Or... handle, or whatever."
Letting the particular guest choose for herself, The Commander returned to Carmen again, who at least appreciated the hospitality by taking a seat for himself. "Say, Captain Carmen Andario Friston. Are you allowed liquor in your new... guild?"

"It is allowed."

Melnik clapped his hand again.

"Beer then!" He called. "And ladies, don't be too shy!"

When the beer arrived it was frothy but a bit tasteless. "There used to be a decent distillery around these parts, but the owner was on cahoots with those damn rebels... well before we split anyway. So we hanged the owner and burned the place to the ground. A terrible mistake. Really! But Order is much more important than a stiff drink, don't you agree?"

Carmen nodded, while Melnik took a deep gulp from his tankard.

"Well, not here for a small talk I see. Alright! Alright! I will start then. I know you are from Westernant, you bunch crossed the border some fifteen days ago. There were nine of you, but somehow I only see four tonight. Can't blame your friends if they find a military installation an unsettling place to visit. Just ask Leroy there," turning to one of the conscripts, he barked. "Roy! Do you like working here?"

The young man, battered and rattled, answered reluctantly without even looking at Melnik. "Of course sir. I like it here!"

"Course you are! Cheeky bastard, I will give you five less lashes when you mess up!"

Now returning to Carmen and Carnathia, he continued. "Back to our little talk. Where were we?! Ah, on why you are here. And that would be to find your most beloved Paladin Thomas, correct?"

Carmen, again only responded by nodding, seemingly saving his energy to deal with more hammy exposition from this commander.

"Ah, bingo! Now, before I let you ask me to divulge what I know about your itinerant cleric. Allow me to ask you one thing; did you get anything useful from that charlatan? I hope you did, really, considering the price..."
At that shallow jab, Carman did not bother to utter any word of defense. He seized the opportunity to be on point, and remembering it almost made him lose his calm. "Plenty, we found corpses of our brother in sisters in faith, tied in a log, burned to death, and left to rot in the wilderness. The site is just six leagues southeast of your garrison."

Melnik bared his teeth in a smile. "Ah, so we are your prime suspect then?"

Carmen gulped his tankard and adjusted his hat upon realizing that his emotion was showing. "No, but since it is within proximity to your garrison, I reckon the commander should at least know something about it."

"Maybe, or maybe not..." Melnik shrugged, but then it seemed he finally toned his faked joviality a bit. "Tell me, Captain, what is your mission, really? To find Paladin Thomas or investigate the death of your 'brother and sister in faith'?"

"We believe knowing anything about the death of our brethren could lead us closer to Paladin Thomas."

"Fair enough," murmured the Commander. "All I know is it was the work of the rebels. But they are not here anymore. We drove them out of this region and pushed them to the mountains three months ago. But it seemed some of the charlatans from their ranks still wander about in our territory like damn rats. Can't have my men patrolling every corner of this region, you understand? We have a lot of firepower but not enough hands to use it."

Come to think of it, the number of soldiers equipped with firearms in this God-Forsaken land was indeed unusually high, but Carmen decided to put that aside for now.

"You say it was the work of the rebels. Do you have any evidence that supports that?"

"Aha!" Melnik smacked the table and smiled jovially. "That's why I love this talk! You just don't give up, do you? Listen, Captain, if I am going to answer your question, then it is only fair if you answer mine too. For example, why don't we start with a little background? Who sent you? Who do you report to? Assuming you have no problem answering that... of course."

Carmen sighed. He knew from the start this Melnik would be a pain in the neck, but his back-and-forth has eroded a fair bit of his patience.

"We departed from Helvetia. It was the Order of the Sun, Melnik. The Order sent us because they care about our brethren." as the Captain's zealousness began to show, the more it seemed that Melnik was making a mental note. But why should he care? Carmen thought. All he was going to say was the truth and the truth only. "Now, do you have that evidence or not?"

Smiling, Melnik rested his elbow on the table and massaged his palm. "To be honest with you, Captain. My words are the only evidence you can get. Whether you believe it or not it depends on you, we trade words with words, and the way I see it the quality of my words is no less invaluable than yours. It's my turn then? That's a long way from Helvetia to Sielse, was your journey sponsored by any nations? I remember you looked pretty offended when I recalled the accident 7 years ago. And why enlist a Westernant noblewoman in this... rescue mission, if you don't mind me asking?"

Melnik glanced alternately between Carmen and Carnathia before raising his mug again, this time, sipping it slowly.