Shapeless Hero

57 - Recoup

The commander cleaves through another five assassins at a canter. The back alley cleared, she dispels her magical enhancements to save some mana for the next skirmishes. She'll run out of it soon enough with so many enemies left.

"Why are their attacks so... blatant?", she wonders aloud. The hooded wolf-kin came in numbers so high that a dispute between the intruder's nation and Tyllat is certain, especially since they don't try to hide at this point, acting more like brigands than professional rogues.

Kchink!

The commander's massive sword practically reappears in her hand, as she retakes a battle-ready stance against a quickly approaching projectile.

Or rather, against a person?

Thud. Thud-thud-thud. Thud. Thud.

Following several rolls over the cobblestone, an small fox-kin with white fur lies splayed out on the ground. An equally familiar crow settles on the bleeding and bruised body. "Hehe, I'd argue my aim wasn't too bad."

Tension leaves the commander. "August. Report."

"Assassins everywhere are hunting this little creature. Meanwhile, the shapeshifting abomination is regrowing somewhere after Rev - that guild guy - tried a number on those two. I was busy blowing apart a few of the intruders, when I found them. You?"

"We secured the guild hall. I killed one-hundred-and-fifty of the lower ranking ones. I had to single them out and slash them to avoid the operation leaders. Troublesome magic they have." While talking, the commander administers a potion to Liszka, whose wounds stop bleeding in seconds.

"Scared to take on the big fish?", August challenges in jest.

"It's not about strength. It's about risk-management. The non-leaders can't hurt me, so I can work through them without fearing a fatal blow. The operation leaders on the other hand... a single mistake and I'd be out of commission."

"Who's gonna take on the operation leaders then?"

"Everyone else. I've thinned them out, you wipe the rest. The strength of operation leaders is roughly halved without any units to control, since they need their flanks covered and enemies occupied when focusing on their magic."

"...I'll see to it."

"So, what is the meaning of all this chaos? Any insights?", the commander asks, now holding an emptied flask.

"No idea, but we can ask their target now.", August suggests, tapping the body beneath him.

"All this disorder - just for her?"

"Yep."

As if on cue, Liszka opens her eyes. Her expression relaxes when she recognizes the armored figure. "Ah... you saved me?"

"The crow did."

"I see. Thanks, wronka."

"The name's August."

"Noted... so what do I owe you?"

The crow and the dark elf look at each other, then back to Liszka. The commander eventually answers. "I think a more detailed explanation of the chaos that troubles Ryelope right now should suffice."

Liszka conveys the challenges that Lyomin has been facing. August translates the more complicated parts for the imperial powerhouse.

Both crow and elf stay silent for a few heartbeats after the explanation finished. Then the commander speaks up: "You're right, the docks are not the best option anymore - if it were only us, that is."