MLTO C5, P5

This is the fifth Part of "MLIV:TO" 's fifth Chapter.
It was released on 10.03.2023.
== Plot ==
After a long and tedious set of tasks is finally set aside, our heroes arrive in the besieged lands of Avernum. At long last, they can visit the place where true bravery actually happens, where people truly feel free from Law and Chaos. The home of true adventurers is just a few steps away from them and they are close to discovering what makes it so special.
On their way to their next destination, our heroes also encounter one of the most powerful warriors of Redmark's army- the First General known simply as Andras. Such a feared figure is one that they never hoped to see with their own eyes, but they will manage to survive the ordeal that he bestows upon them... somehow.
Either way, their path to the lands below is finally clear. It is time for them to do some real adventuring, meet some truly compassionate people. Adventure is just around the corner and the horrors of Avernum are awaiting to be purged from the sacred lands.
It is time for heroism! Once again!
== Story ==
As our heroes step toward the portal, Geralt looks back at the station behind him. He knows that he will not see his home for quite a while and that he will be staying in a far more dangerous land. The possibilities are infinite, but so are the horrors deep within those wild lands.
"Hey, Geralt!"- Aurelia interrupts his thoughts- "Have you ever wondered how dangerous Avernum could be for us? Maybe we're going to meet some goblins, giant rats, and even a dragon!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"You seem to be quite excited about it, huh?"
Aurelia smiles.
"I've always dreamed of seeing real monsters! And, well, I guess that my dream finally came true!"- She says- "Avernum sounds like a wonderful place for free spirits like ourselves. The adventure. The endless thrill. The enemies that attempt to tear you apart. It's like a dream come true!"
Geralt sighs.
"Well, at least one of us is eager to visit that land of danger."
Aurelia continues to smile.
"And maybe it could be a nice place for our honeymoon!"
Geralt looks at her.
"For our w-what?"- He asks- "What are you talking about?!"
Aurelia realizes that she went too far. She rolls her eyes.
"Oh! Umm... nothing!"- She exclaims- "I just meant that Avernum can have something close to a honey... moon! You know, like that new dessert! Honey moon, or whatever! You should try it sometime!"
Geralt sighs.
"Sure. Whatever."- He says- "Just do not get distracted. We have a mission down there."
Kaiden nods.
"And not just down there."- He adds- "The entire world is on fire. Don't let it burn for more than it already has."
Aurelia rolls her eyes,
"You guys are so boring!"- She exclaims- "I don't like it when you're boring!"
Kaiden smiles.
"That's just what we are, Aurelia."- He says- "The Kaos family is dedicated to restoring peace and honor throughout the Known Lands, both above and below. We do not entertain ourselves with minor matters such as parties and celebrations."
Aurelia looks at him.
But those parties are supposed to celebrate your awesome victories!"- She exclaims- "Why don't you enjoy them while you still can?"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"It's not a matter of enjoying something. All that is important to us is to focus on what truly matters."- He says- "Have you ever thought of how we feel during our adventures? Our journey throughout the Known Lands? Have we ever thought about such... trivial matters?"
He sighs.
"No, Aurelia. Idle banter gives us as much information as searching the void- a big load of nothingness."- He adds- "So, keep your thoughts to yourself and assist us when we need you. There is a long journey ahead of us and I don't want to see you slacking."
Aurelia sighs.
"Yes, sir."- She says, rather unenthusiastically- "It will be done."
Geralt smiles.
"Well, what are we waiting for?"- He says- "Adventure is just around the corner. Let us seize it while we can!"
The four of them step through the portal to Avernum. Their whole world starts to swirl around them as they pass from the shadows into the light. The feeling of nausea is always persistent and the fear of getting torn apart clouds our heroes' minds. It is a painful experience, but it soon passes. They arrive into the light and immediately feel better afterwards.
"Can we not do that again?"- Aurelia asks- "I felt like all of my demons were laughing at me! That darkness, it was so engulfing that I couldn't feel my legs! And that feeling of nausea... god, I barely contained myself!"
She looks down.
"Or maybe I'm not just not fit to be an adventuress."- She adds solemnly- "You guys have always been on the run. Always training hard to defeat the world's enemies and step into unknown lands without any fear. But little me has been living in isolation for so many years. And I... I don't feel like I'm ready for it. Not yet, at least."
Geralt smiles.
"Well, I think that you are doing a wonderful job at being our companion!"- He exclaims- "If it were not for you, we would have felt the same way as any other adventurer would- lost in their thoughts and focused on nothing more than their endless duties. You brought color in our lives and made us feel much more special. You improved our view of the world. And for that, I sincerely thank you."
Aurelia smiles.
"Aww, thank you!"- She says- "It means a lot coming from... umm... someone like you."
Kaiden sighs.
"Can we get back to adventuring already?"- He says- "I'm starting to feel like we are losing our precious time to idle banter."
Geralt nods.
"You are right as always, Kai."- He says- "Let us proceed."
The four of them soon discover a small road that heads toward a large city to the west. The lights ahead are rather dim, but are still capable of guiding them further, despite the fact that most of the caverns around them are dark and gloomy.
On their way toward their new destination, they notice an evil-looking person walking toward them. They try to avoid him, but he keeps on following them, even after they move away from the toad.
"I'm starting to think that this encounter cannot be avoided."- Geralt says and sighs- "What a shame."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Like those fateful moments in videogames when you have to experience an unskippable boss fight?"- She asks- "You know, those moments?"
Geralt sighs.
"Something to that extent."
As the man and his gang approaches them, he takes a good look at Geralt. The young hero does the same. Both of them are in the middle of an uneasy stalemate and it will take very little to shatter this delicate moment of peace.
Realizing that he is facing whoever he is thinking about, the man puts his hand close to his weapon. However, he does not draw it for some reason, making Geralt wonder about his true intentions.
"Yes. I can see that I've found my target."- The man says- "But this is not the time, nor the place to make my move."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"And who is the one who wants to see me, if you do not mind me asking?"
The man nods.
"My name is Andras. And I... am the general of Redmark."- He says- "My word has spread throughout the Known Lands and so has the terror that I struck in the hearts of those fools. Many have fallen victim to my wrath and my hands are stained with their blood."
Aurelia rolls her eyes.
"Ohh! Very scary! Very bad! And stuff!"- She exclaims- "Can we just cut to the chase already?"
Andras looks at her.
"Do you think this is some kind of a joke, governor's child?"- He asks her- "When Andras is on the hunt, everyone should run away as fast as they can. Nobody should incur his wrath. Nobody."
Aurelia smiles.
"And by that, you mean the person named Nobody?"
Andras clenches his fists and approaches Aurelia.
"You're such an insulting young lady."- He exclaims- "Perhaps I should teach you a little... lesson about how you should treat your elders."
As Andras walks foward, Geralt stands in his way.
"Leave my friend out of this, servant of darkness."- He says- "This is between you and me. She has nothing to do with your wrath."
Andras glares at him.
"As you wish, heir of Kaos."- He says- "But keep this in mind. Regardless of whether I deal with your friend or not, the darkness will still consume her. She has already lost a part of her soul. What good will it be for her to keep rejecting the inevitable?"
As if scared by the man's words, Aurelia looks down at the ground. Her worst fears had unfolded before her eyes and the most horrible thing that she has yet to experience is losing even more of her loved ones.
Geralt looks back at Aurelia seemingly concerned.
"It is alright, Aurelia. Do not get fooled by this villain."- He says- "Just because Edward was killed doesn't mean that everyone else will die."
Aurelia looks up at him.
"But I don't want to lose anyone else!"- She exclaims- "Not anymore!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"And we will make sure of that. I assure you."- He continues- "This man is trying to play around with your mind. To confuse you and make you question your beliefs. The oath that we kept for so long is in danger and we must stand firm in the face of true evil."
And then, he looks back at Andras. His eyes are filled is justified anger.
"It seems like your pathetic kind is capable of more than just razing our settlements, hmm?"- Geralt says and glares back at him- "Is psychological warfare a specialty for you? Or maybe you are just trying to act cool and utterly failing to do so?"
Now Andras is truly infuriated by Geralt's words. His hand gets much closer to his weapon and he looks like he is about to attack the young hero. However, he stops himself during the last second, sighs and simply takes a step away from him.
"Even though I was sent here to murder you and your friends, I won't make it happen yet. I'm content with simply watching you from afar and noting your progress, hopefully to strike when the time is right."- He says- "I think that I'll take my leave now. But I want you to remember this. The hands of the Empire know no limits. No matter where you are headed next, there will always be trouble."
As he turns around and prepares to leave with his allies, he looks back at Geralt one last time.
"Oh, and one more thing."- He adds- "Make sure to survive the arduous journey to your true goal. It would be a shame if someone else claimed your life instead of yours truly. Be on your guard and don't let the world deceive you. You're always in danger."
With that, Andras and his lackeys leave the area, allowing Geralt and his allies to approach the city unscathed.
"What a strange person this Andras is."- Kaiden says- "It almost feels like he has known us for as long as we have been heroes. As if he has been waiting for this moment for a long time. And I have the bad feeling that he is more than just a simple general. A well-trained soldier, even ones who have soldiers under their command, can never exude so much malice. So much... terror."
Dante takes a step forward and looks up.
"I think that I know a little bit about this person."
Everyone looks at him.
"Well, what are you waiting for?"- Kaiden asks him- "Speak up!"
Dante sighs.
"The person that we just saw is Andras. That is true. However, he is much more than just a simple general in Redmark's army."- He elaborates- "You see, this man is what came to be known as Redmark's "First General". The most powerful officer in the vile man's army, his most bloodthirsty killer. He lives only to serve his master and never backs down, even when the odds are against him.
He sighs again.
"I just hope that our battle won't be as fierce as I had anticipated."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"First General, hmm? That explains his iron resolve and insulting attitude."- He says- "To think that Redmark would dare to send one of his most esteemed warriors to put an end to my existence, it is both exciting and shocking at the same time."
He stares at the lights of the city ahead.
"But we must not worry about him now. Not yet, at least."- He says- "Let us proceed toward our next destination. I suspect that our troubles in this region have barely begun and we must do our best to help those people however we can."
Geralt and his allies arrive in the mysterious city, which soon turns out to be Almaria- one of Avernum's most prominent cities, as well as the gateway that leads to the heart of the mighty nation. Once they get near the gates, they meet an entire platoon of soldiers and realize that not everything is well in the lands of Avernum. The guards at the other side of the gate are watching them suspiciously and their hands are never too far from their weapons.
One of them steps forward and asks our heroes for the bridge toll, a tariff that is know by many of the inhabitants of those lands. Aurelia and Kaiden attempt to argue with him, but Geralt stops them before they can cause any trouble.
"If it is a toll that they want, it will be a toll that they will get."- He says- "Besides, the price isn't even that high, so what is the point of arguing with someone for such a minor dispute?"
Geralt steps forward and pays the guard, guaranteeing himself and his allies passage through the city of Almaria. But then, something strange happens. The guard looks at the money, then at Geralt. Something in his mind tells him that he is quite familiar, but it isn't until another guard points out the truth that he finally realizes it.
"Wait, I know you! You're the folks who have been keeping our lands under control for so many years!"- He exclaims- "Kaos family members and their buds are always welcome in our humble place. Feel free to enter."
As he hands Geralt's money back, he leans forward and smiles.
"One more thing."- He says- "I think that the mayor wants to see you. He said that he needs a brave adventurer's help regarding something... quite sinister."
Then, the guards open the gates and watch as Geralt and his allies enter the city of Almaria. They immediately walk toward the city hall and meet Mayor Williams, the current mayor of the city. He welcomes them and informs them about a certain threat that has been plaguing them for months. Apparently, a group of especially vicious drakes has decided to settle into one of the nearby guard towers, forcing the soldiers that were staying there to run for their lives. Judging by the mayor's explanation, the tower is quite big, and it was hard for the Castle's eradication squad to get rid of the incredibly obnoxious pests. Many unfortunate souls have met their end during the initial attack and even more perished when Avernum attempted to retake the place. Thus, the humble citizens of Almaria depend on wandering heroes once again, hoping to tempt a group of them to settle this matter once and for all.
Geralt, of course, accepts the mission. However, he only does so because he wants to help the unfortunate people out, not because he needs the money and fame, like any other hero of his legendary status would. This pleases the mayor and he is more than eager enough to send the heroes on their way to rescue what is rightfully theirs. A little bit of diplomacy always does wonders for strained relationships and Geralt just played a good card.that will mend the flaws that were caused by years of mistrust.
Once Geralt and his allies are out of the city of Almaria, they realize that everything is much worse than they imagined. Bands of warriors that look like ragged mercenaries pass them on the road, greeting them with nothing more than simple nods. Flocks of bats circle around them, serving as a sign of a widespread disaster. This makes our heroes think that Avernum's army is in shambles (or is close to that state) and that Andras's words may soon be proven true.
It takes them about fifteen minutes to approach the tower in question, but they soon get there without any trouble. Once there, they notice that the place is nearly in ruins. Even if they managed to liberate the tower from those vicious creatures, it would take a long time to actually repair all the damage that they had done to it during the initial raid. Three drakes sit on top of the building, watching as the heroes approach it. Annoyed by their determination, they sent a reckoning squad to scare them away before they are able to any serious damage to their new home.
Six smaller drakes, possibly their kin, descend to the groud with mighty thuds and bare their fangs at the approaching heroes. They are not intending to fight them just yet, but are ready to protect their stolen territory if they have to.
"Are you seriously think that we are the invaders in this place?"- Geralt asks- "Look at yourselves, lizards! You are a bunch of greedy fools that always take an opportunity when it arises, with no qualms about harming our kind to get what you want! So, we should be the ones to ask you to stay away from this place, not the other way around!"
The drakes think that Geralt's party is too stubborn to leave peacefully, so they quickly assemble a battle formation, in the hopes of pushing them back with force. However, the group's ordeals on the Surface allow them to strike back at the insolent beasts, knocking down their defense with ease and slaying each one of them in little more than two minutes.
On top of the tower, the three drakes roar in fury. They beckon the heroes to come closer and they do so, completely unafraid of the vile creatures. Walking through the tower is quite an experience and they get to see how many people lost their lives in this place. However, this doesn't make them feel desperate. Far from it. It strengthens their resolve, and when they finally arrive at the top of the tower, their glares of vengeance are able to penetrate any soul, even those of the proud, insolent creatures in front of them.
One of the drakes flaps its wings in an intimidating way and attempts to send the heroes back one last time. Seeing that it won't work, it takes a step back and smiles.
"So you're the ones the people of Avernum trust so much. To be honest, you don't seem to be anything special or unexpected."- It says- "Just another band of unwashed, righteous, law-abiding souls, determined to achieve peace at any cost."
Kaiden nods.
"We may not look like much, but we have the trust of our fellow humans on our side, as well as the knowledge that we discovered along the way."- He says- "And what do you have, scaly fiends? Nothing like that, I would safely assume. You're volatile and mercurial. You never did anything good for this nation. And thus, the world would be a better place if you were removed from the face of it."
The drakes glare at our heroes.
"Enough of this idle banter!"- The second drake yells- "We shall see you burn in a world of fire! And you cannot put it out!"
The other drakes nod.
"Let's end this farce once and for all!"
Geralt nods.
"We could not agree more."- He says- "Come on, creatures of evil! Show us how strong you truly are!"
The three drakes move on three different sides around the heroes. Then, they start to chant a powerful spell that will decimate them in a very short time, possibly one of their most powerful abilities.
At this time, Geralt notices the crude circle engraved around them and realizes that the creatures led them into a trap. He tries to push his way out, but invisible magical barriers keep him from simply running away.
With no other way out, our heroes take a brief moment to hold a meeting on the battlefield, in the hopes of finding the answer that they seek. They look around fervently, as if they expect that the answer would pop out at any minute.
"It is futile, mighty heroes!"- One of the drakes yells- "Lay your heads down! Make our victory more sweet! Many heroes came before you and they ended up in the same situation! Why do you still think that you're better than them?"
Geralt glares at the creatures.
"Dream on, foolish beasts."- He says defiantly- "We may not be perfect, but neither are you!"
Then, he notices the skeleton of a fallen guard, slain by the drakes during the initial raid from the looks of it. He seems to be holding a small dagger in his skeletal hand and was trying to carve his way out of the magical circle. Unfortunately, the creatures were able to slay him before he could do any real damage and his corpse was left undisturbed for quite a while.
"This is our chance!"- Geralt exclaims- "Protect me, everyone! I am going to make a breakthrough! A literal one!"
Geralt's allies watch his back as he rushes toward the end of the circle. He tries to reach for the blade, but the barriers block his progress, rendering him unable to grab it.
"We already told you! You cannot win this fight!"- The third drake exclaims- "All of your hopes and dreams have been shattered! Only the darkness remains!"
Geralt glares at the creatures once more.
"Not while I still have that single mote of light inside of my heart!"- He yells- "And, believe me, it will shine the brightest!"
Geralt continues to fervently reach for the small blade and hope for the best. He refuses to give up, even though the barriers are hindering his progress and slowing him down. A great deal of determination prevents him from simply backing down, so he keeps on fighting against the current. And fighting. And fighting.
Eventually, the palm of his hand finally reaches the small weapon. Excited, he grabs it with a firm hand and pulls it into the circle, proving his theory to the foolish drakes around him.
"Hmm. It seems to be smaller than what it looked like from afar."- Aurelia says- "Are you sure that it'll help us out, Geralt?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"It might look small and insignificant, but the power radiating from its blade makes it all worthwhile!"- He exclaims- "Now, stand back! I have some business to take care of and I need to get it done now!"
Geralt bends down and starts to carve random lines on the crude circle with his dagger. Even though the blade itself looks relatively normal and ordinary, the trails that it leaves start to shine almost immediately, dispelling the foul magic that the circle uses to keep the heroes in place. A stroke there and a strike elsewhere, and the circle's dark magic has been banished from this world forever.
"Hold on a second! I think that I recognize this item!"- Dante exclaims- "It's the Blessed Athame, isn't it? The little blade that cuts down magical wards and destroys evil circles like this one?!"
The three drakes gasp.
"What? The Blessed Athame?!"- They yell in unison- "No! It cannot be!"
Geralt nods.
"Believe it, creatures. This is the power of true faith."- He says- "And now, you will pay for your mistakes."
The crude circle cannot take the heat for any longer. It explodes as soon as Geralt delivers the last stroke, disrupting the drakes' magic and sending them flying in the air. But Geralt doesn't just allow them to float away into the vast cosmos, no sir. He soon jumps in the air, sword drawn and ready for more battle.
"You incurred the wrath of a heir of Kaos, insolent pests!"- He yells- "Your treachery toward the noble people of Avernum shall be paid with your blood!"
Then, he strikes all three of the drakes with a single, extremely powerful blow, sending them to plummet toward the ground below instead. The drakes attempt to flap their wings, but they are far too wounded to be able to save themselves from the impact. They curse the hero as they fall down from the tower and on the ground below, never to return again.
Geralt gracefully descends on the tower below his feet, stares at his allies and sighs.
"Well, this is another job well-done. Our efforts were not in vain. We won the battle together."- He says- "But there is one more thing that still needs to be done. Another mission of relative importance."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"To discover whether those scaly fiends have allied themselves with Redmark or not?"
Geralt nods.
"Exactly."
The four of them soon find a corpse with a pile of papers in its skeletal hand. It seems like the soldier was an envoy of the Empire and that he was slain a short time after the tower was captured by the drakes.
"Well, would you look at that! A sign of evil!"- Aurelia exclaims- "I wonder whether they actually agreed to the contract or not."
When Dante picks up the papers, they almost immediately crumble in his hands, a clear sign that the drakes struck them down with their sharp claws.
"I hope that this is good answer for you."- Geralt says- "Because I think that we have it."
Aurelia smiles.
"At least we know that not all creatures agree with Redmark's rules."- She says- "That's quite reassuring."
Kaiden nods.
"I can't help but agree with our fair maiden."- He says- "Less allies for Redmark means an easier job for us. If we can reach his final stronghold, that is."
Geralt sighs.
"Then the matter is finally settled. Redmark is unable to work with the humanoids of this realm, they are too wild and unpredictable to ever join forces with him."- He says- "Let us report to the mayor and proceed to our next destination."
As the four heroes emerge from the crumbling tower, they come face to face with another band of warriors. And not Avernite warriors, from the works it. No, they are enemy units, evil and determined. And they won't take "no" for an answer.
"Alright, adventurers. You've caused too much chaos in this world."- One of them, possibly their leader, says- "Step forward and accept your fate. Don't make us count to three."
Aurelia looks around, shocked.
"Oh no! We're surrounded!"- She exclaims- "Have Redmark's warriors finally discovered us?!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"No. They are far too disorganized to be a part of his army."- He says- "But they are not ordinary vigilantes, either. I can see it in their eyes. They are far more powerful to be a band of simple thugs."
The band's leader laughs.
"Very perceptive of you, Mr. Kaos."- He says- "Yes. We're a part of Baron Bridges's group. We are known as "Avernum's Saviors". And you're our prime targets. You can never escape from us."