MLTO C2, P7

This is the seventh Part of "MLIV:TO" 's second Chapter.
It was released on 02.11.2022.
== Plot ==
All fired up from their previous battles with the nefarious group of bandits that occupy the woods of Goznor and claim them as their own, Geralt and his allies stumble upon a rare find- their main encampment, left unguarded after the attempted assassination on them.
Soon, they shall find the man who directed the entire assault which nearly got them killed. Will he prove to be like every other leader whom they've defeated? Or will he unknowingly become a valuable asset in the uncovering of another fresh disaster?
== Story ==
As Geralt joins his allies in the dark side of the woods, he takes a look around them. Although they seem to be peaceful (for now), there is a strange energy in the air. A presence of evil that gets stronger the further in they go.
And then, he unknowingly looks at Donovan. He notices the flame in his hand, the one that he is preparing for the group of bandits that they're about to fight.
That is when he freezes again, just like he did last time.
"Hmm? Geralt?"- Donovan says- "Is something wrong, child?"
No response. Just shivering.
Aaron notices Geralt's sudden reaction and gets close to him. He waves at him and pokes him in the the shoulder, but soon realizes that this is not working.
"Oh my!"- He exclaims- "He's like a statue! Nothing can get through to him!"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"That's what we've had to deal with recently."- He says- "After the demise of our sister, Geralt has always felt that his soul is rather empty. He's been having dreams of how the world would have been if Kiara was around, pleasant memories and bright images of happiness alike. He was satisfied with what he saw and was willing to move on, for the sake of our family. However, a strange event soon mixed itself into them. Some kind of a malevolent force, perhaps a vision of the future. It's been haunting my brother for weeks. Our entire family's been trying to help him forget what he saw back there, but it's just... impossible. I guess that he's willing to believe that those things could soon be a reality and has no choice but to accept them."
He stares at the sky.
"Not long before we met you for the first time, Geralt was captured by the forces of Redmark. Sector Beta, they used to call themselves."- He says to Donovan- "They played us around like a bunch of puppets on strings. They cut us off from our most valued ally. Made him recall whatever horrible events happened on that day. He even met the emperor himself, wretched viper that he is. And then, the fire that one of those incompetents lit made him get into some sort of trace. A collection of images, both from the past and the future. From that moment, whenever he sees fire somewhere, he knows that a disaster is going to happen. However, he's always helpless and is unable to stop it. It's a fear that we're trying to fix, but it will take time."
Donovan shakes his head.
"A sad scene indeed, my dear friend. To be reduced to such a helpless being takes quite a lot of hard work and concentration."- He says- "It sounds like the emperor who's been tormenting us for so long is using a tactic far worse than simply sending his lackeys against us. Altering one's mind is the plan of a very ingenious person whose mind is not acting in our favor."
Kaiden looks at him.
"Is there a way to stop this phenomena from happening to my brother?"- He asks him- "I'm ready to do anything to save his soul!"
Donovan nods.
"Your enthusiasm is noted, my dear Kaiden."- He says to him- "Perhaps we shall find a solution to this elaborate puzzle and free your beloved brother from the curse that is afflicting him. And, believe me, I really hope so myself. Your father was a truly dear ally of mine, you and your brother even more so. I want to assist you as much as I possibly can."
He stares at the dark woods ahead of them.
"Until then, we must handle whatever mess is up there."
Kaiden looks back at Geralt.
"But... my brother... "
Donovan sighs.
"I guess that we could wait for a few moments. The boy does need some rest, after all."- He says- "But you should know that we are quite vulnerable in this state. If a certain group of hostiles finds out where we're located, well, let's just say that our invasion shall be quickly put out. Like a candle in the dark, we shall be engulfed by the shadows around us as we lose our strength. Don't forget that."
Kaiden shakes his head.
"Fancy words don't scare me, mister."- He says- "No matter how long it takes, my brother must recover. It's in our best favor. We need him."
Aaron smiles nervously.
"Well, I stand with Kaiden!"- He exclaims- "Geralt is a friend of mine and I won't abandon him! We... appreciate your warning, Your Majesty, but we can't just stand helpless! So, I'll be here for him!"
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"Aaron, I must admit- I am pleasantly surprised by your current behavior."- He says to him- "As far as I can remember, I think that you and Geralt have been arguing about a lot of things. Favorite toys, styles of battle, preferred types of girls. You were always on different sides and never dared to stand up for each other. And yet, I can't help but notice that you've changed a lot. I guess that the tensions that happened between the two of you were left behind in the past, just like the events that nearly got you killed out there."
Aaron smiles.
"Yeah, Kaiden. You're quite fastidious about this. It's... true that me and Geralt never got along that well. We've always had those little fights, those arguments about something that was on our minds. In fact, I think that I considered him to be my rival back then."- He says- "And yet, those times are long gone. Friendship has gone quite a long way and it's a good thing that we met again. Supporting the person who dragged me out of the chaos that I willingly put myself into is the least that I could do."
Kaiden smiles.
"So you have changed!"- He exclaims- "Well, I think that I'm starting to like you!"
Aaron nods.
"I thank you for trusting me."
Donovan looks at them.
"Every time you talk about the events of the past that you're trying to recall with your young minds, you keep reminding me of my brother- Aiden."- He says- "You know, he used to be like you back when I finally reunited with him. Young. Energetic. An optimistic soul, stuck in a world of pessimism. His hope was like a candle that burned bright in the darkness around us. His cheerful attitude was motivating us to continue fighting against evil."
He sighs.
"Sadly, the candle that we helped to burn again... was the one that ran out first."- He adds- "One day, we were going to attack an evil wizard in his keep. We were doing well. We even had the chance to eliminate him once and for all. But then, a single mistake from our side ruined it all. As poor Adam stepped in to finish the job, the wizard's archers... they surrounded him. Shot their flaming arrows at him with pinpoint precision. That's when by brother dropped what he was doing and jumped into the chaos to save his dearest friend. And, well, I'm sure that you'll find out how that story ended for us."
Kaiden nods.
"And have you managed to cope with that massive loss of yours?"- He asks him- "I know that it must be quite hard for someone like you."
Donovan looks down. Tears start to fall from his eyes as he remembers the one who gave him the strength to become the king of Goznor.
Kaiden sighs.
"I see."- He responds stoically- "So you're just like us."
Aaron shakes his head.
"We all lost people dear to us. It's impossible to keep everyone alive."- He says- "However, it's all a matter of understanding what you've lost in order to prevent it from happening again, just like Kaiden did back in the forest."
Donovan looks up,
"Perhaps I'm being way too sentimental."- He admits- "Aiden's the dearest person in my life, but he's always wanted me to think about the kingdom, as well. He cared about our people and wanted the best for them. So, that's what I must do myself, to honor his memory and my people."
As the three of them continue to speak, Geralt breaks out of his trance. He blinks a few times and looks at them.
"Little bro?"- Kaiden says- "Are you ready to move on?"
Geralt smiles.
"I am... fine. Don't worry about me."- He responds- "Memories or not, this journey must continue. We can't stop when we are so close to our goal."
He stands up on his feet.
"The last bulk of bandits is waiting for us."- He says- "Come on. Let's get moving."
Although his allies are a little worried about his well-being, they decide to join him when he steps further into the woods, in the hopes that they'll be able to keep him alive from whatever threat is lurking in the shadows.
It doesn't take long for them to find the source of the flames that have been weakening Goznor for so long. In fact, there was no attempt to hide it from prying eyes.
The main encampment of the bandits who attacked them earlier is just a few steps ahead, its tents placed all around them in a way that would indicate some sort of a sinister meaning.
"Miserable, aren't they?"- Donovan says and chuckles- "I underestimated those fools for a long time. Allowed them to stay in their territory, as long as they didn't bother our citizens. But they went too far when they started waylaying caravans on the roads. The supplies that they gathered, they are crucial for the survival of my people in dark times like those."
He clenches his fists.
"This insolence shall not stay unnoticed."- He adds- "We'll use this situation to teach the rest of them a lesson about respect and humility. No longer will they use our weakness against us, since they will be the ones who shall become weak."
Kaiden sighs.
"I don't think that the man over there agrees with you, sir."
Donovan raises his eyebrow.
"A... man?"
He stares ahead and notices that somebody is watching them. He draws his weapon, but the person simply shakes his head.
"So this is the fabled monarch of Goznor."- He says- "You're not quite what we expected."
Donovan looks at him.
"And you are?"
The man smiles.
"Just a regular trespasser, looking for glory and fame in places everyone is too scared to explore."- He says- "Those woods have been a benefit to many, but not in the way you'd expect. Perhaps we could put them to a... better use."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"You don't seem like a harmless traveler, stranger."- He says to him- "I can see malice in your eyes. Your intentions are not clear to us, but it is certain that you are up to no good."
The man nods.
"Very ingenious of you, heir of Kaos. Perhaps you're smarter than we thought."- He says- "Unleashing one's true colors is quite a gift for someone like you. Perhaps you would've been more useful to us alive than dead."
He sighs.
"It's a shame that it ended up like this."
Geralt looks at him.
"What is the catch?"
The man sighs.
"There's none."- He responds- "I just wanted to see human faces before... you know."
He pulls out a small glass orb.
"In the past, you've proven yourself to be quite the fighter. A merciless predator who put an end to dangerous groups of villains."- He says- "But can you do it again?"
As the four of them dodge the blast, the man smashes the orb into the ground and flees the scene.
"If you really want to know the truth, seek me out."- He says- "I'll be waiting for you."
Donovan shakes his head.
"Coward!"- He yells- "This is not the way of the true warrior! You're fighting dishonorably!"
Kaiden sighs as two large shadows emerge from the orb and prepare to attack them.
"Well, you can't change them. That's for sure."- He says- "The best thing we could do is to put him out of his misery as soon as possible."
Donovan nods.
"Sure thing."
As the four of them prepare a defense against the twin spirits, they start to circle around them. A series of complicated motions that leave them dazed.
"This must be some kind of a lockdown strategy, meant to keep us busy."- Donovan mutters- "But they aren't good enough to stop us."
Having said that, he hurls a fireball at the shadows. However, just as the swirling ball of flame gets close to them, they fade of out existence and appear again once it is out of sight.
Donovan is shocked to see that the spirits are capable of casting such an elaborate ability.
"What is this madness?!"
Kaiden shrugs.
"What were you expecting?"- He asks- "They're shadows! They're able to bend their way through space and time to reach us!"
Geralt takes a step forward.
"I am not afraid of the shadows!"- He yells- "Bring it on!"
As he lunges forward, the shadows easily slip out of the way and avoid his blow. Left and right, they give him a hard time and make him feel tired, circling around him as he starts to lose his focus.
"Geralt!"- Kaiden yells- "Use your magic to disperse them!"
The shadows are shocked by this revelation. They take a few steps back, as if expecting the inevitable to happen.
"What are you talking about, Kai!"- Geralt asks- "I don't know any magic! I was never taught in the ways of the spell!"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"No, Geralt. You're wrong."- He responds- "When we were still at school, the teachers wanted you to understand that you're gifted. They told you that you have an affinity to magic, but you ignored them. And yet, it's your destiny to learn the secrets of its ways."
He looks at the shadows, then back at his brother.
"The magic runs deep inside of your veins, little bro!"- He yells- "You have the talent! Now, go ahead and use it! Don't waste your purpose!"
Geralt glares at him.
"Are you deaf, Kai?!"- He yells- "I CAN'T USE MAGIC!"
Suddenly, his hands and eyes start to glow white. A wave of pure magical energy forces its way out of them, sending out a power so strong that it's capable of destroying an entire town with ease.
The shadows attempt to float away, but Geralt's magic is too strong for them. The wave incinerates most of their beings and the sun manages to evaporate the rest.
Geralt stares at this sudden phenomena in disbelief. He never knew that something like this would happen to him.
"No. This can't be me."- He says- "It must have been another trick caused by the bandits. Yes. That must be it."
Kaiden leans close to his brother.
"Magic, my brother. It's what runs deep inside."- He says- "Deny it or not, it's still there. You have it."
Geralt sighs.
"What is happening to me, Kai?"- He asks- "What have I become?"
Kaiden smiles.
"You became a hero."- He says- "And you should be proud of it."
Geralt looks at his brother.
"I am scared, Kai. Really scared."- He says- "What if my magic gets someone hurt? What if I am not worthy of using it? I don't want anyone to suffer because of my talent!"
Kaiden sighs.
"Believe me, I already know the risks of having such wild, unrestrained power. I once felt the same while I was training at school."- He says- "But shouldn't have any fear. No matter what kind of insecurities you have yet to face, remember that I'll always be there to ease your mind."
He smiles.
"We're in this together, little bro."- He reassures him- "I'm not going to let you go."
Geralt and his brother stare at each other for a few moments. And yet, they feel like entire hours. It is as if time itself has swirled around in their favor, allowing them to reminisce what they once had and think about what they would do to save what they still have left.
A few seconds later, Donovan clears his throat, breaking the silence.
"I don't want to interrupt this, but I just wanted to say that I am genuinely impressed by what just happened to Geralt."- He says and turns to him- "Your power is unbelievable, my boy. First, you pretend that you're nothing more than a simple child, and then, all kinds of bad stuff happen to our foes. You're much better than you claim to be, that's for sure."
Kaiden nods.
"You're implying that we must nurture his talents."- He says- "I like the way you think, sire."
Donovan smiles.
"We'll make a man out of your brother."- He says to him- "I assure you of that."
Kaiden nods.
"I have no doubt."
Donovan looks at something in the distance. Apparently, a secret door opened just as the bandit whom they met escaped from them.
"There's no question. That sly fool whom we met was the leader of this rabble. He led them against our kind and managed to trick us into chasing him down."- He says- "It's clear that going into his lair could be a trap. And a dangerous one, no less. But this is our only choice. We must find out the reason behind his questionable actions, in the favor of both our people and our future. We can't stand back anymore."
Kaiden nods.
"I think we can all agree to what His Highness just said."- He says- "In we go, then."
As the four of them bravely step into the barely lit passage, the entrance is covered by a giant slab of rock, trapping them into the lair of the forest predator. Worst of all, there is no clear way out, so the heroes must step further into the shadows to make their way past this mess.
"Alright, everyone. We have made our choice."- Geralt says and draws his weapon- "Step bravely and carefully. Have no fear. Anything that happens next is just a fraction of what we have yet to face."
Donovan sighs.
"I really hope Sharla is alright."- He says- "If we lose our lives down here, I'm not sure how she could handle it."
Kaiden looks at him.
"Is this what the almighty king of Goznor has been turned into?"- He asks him- "Come on, sir! Chin up! You must stand strong for your loved ones, no matter how few they may be right now!"
Donovan sighs and clenches his fists.
"You're right. There's no reason to be afraid of whatever happens next."- He says- "This one's for all of them."
Geralt nods.
"That's the spirit, Your Highness."- He says- "Now, stand beside us. We must stick together if we want to survive."
Not too far into the secret lair, Kaiden starts to step toward something suspicious. Just as he gets close, Aaron approaches him and tries to pull him out of the way.
"Look out, Kaiden!"- He exclaims- "Tripwire!"
Kaiden gasps.
"Trip... wire?"
A few steps away from a certain trap, Kaiden barely pulls himself away from it.
"Woah. That was... unexpected."- He says- "How many of those things are in here?"
Aaron shrugs.
"I don't know. Maybe hundreds. Or even thousands."- He says- "Something tells me that the whole plan is to cover all four of us with rubble, never to be found by anyone else."
Geralt sighs.
"It all sounds like the plan of a mentally unstable villain."- He says- "No sane man would ever wish such misfortune upon his foes."
Aaron smiles.
"At least we managed to avoid this one."- He says- "Keep it up, folks. We've got more of them coming u-- "
*click*
"U-up?"
Aaron looks down and realizes something which he never saw before. Another tripwire, just a few feet away from the one that they barely avoided. And he just stepped into it.
"Oh no."
Kaiden sighs.
"Nice one, wise guy."- He says half-heartedly- "Now we're, like, totally doomed."
As the four of them brace themselves for the worst, everything grows eerily silent. There is no sound, other than the swirling of the river above their heads.
"Hmm. Was something supposed to happen?"- Kaiden asks- "I'm no expert, but I think that this trap is malfunctioning."
Geralt stares at the ceiling above them.
"Or it could be an unexpected prelude, giving us a chance to escape before something bad happens."- He says- "Come on, everyone. I fear that something will happen. It is best of us to be away from the crash site when it does."
As the four of them carefully step away from the web of tripwires below their feet, a rumbling sound comes from nearby. They escape just in time as a massive cave-in traps them even further down into the lair.
"Looks like the fools had a fail-safe, in case they were being attacked by a group that's actually competent."- Geralt says- "Wise move, quiet one. You got us quaking in our boo-- "
Suddenly, a portion of the walls to the left and right of them open up, revealing a lethal tool of destruction.
"Quickfire!"- Kaiden yells- "Argh! We should've expected them to use something cowardly like this!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"There is no time to blame them for our mistakes!"- He says to him- "Run and keep running! Don't look back!"
As the four of them run as fast as they can from the approaching quickfire, they almost drop into the lake of lava that they stumble upon.
"Boulders, quickfire and now lava?!"- Kaiden yells- "What kind of a madman created this maze?!"
Geralt sighs.
"Someone who is not in their right mind."- He says- "That is for sure."
Donovan looks down at the lava.
"I think that I'll be able to form a bridge for us."- He says- "But it won't be quite sturdy. We need to be careful."
Kaiden looks at him.
"You have a way to help us proceed?"- He asks- "Good! Then go ahead! We don't want to get fried in this wildfire!"
Donovan shrugs.
"You don't need to tell me twice!"
Having said that, he uses his fire magic to raise some of the lava. Then, he slowly forms some stepping stones out of the molten rock, allowing our heroes to cross the lava below relatively unharmed.
"Umm, those are still made of lava!"- Geralt exclaims- "Are you sure that we could trust them?"
Donovan raises his eyebrow.
"Well, do you have a better idea?!"
Geralt sighs and takes a step forward.
"You've got a point, sir."
As the four of them jump from one stepping stone to another, the quickfire continues to roar behind them, making them redouble their efforts and keep on running.
Once on the other side, they take a rare look behind them, seeing that the quickfire is spreading on the molten rocks.
"It seems like this fire has a mind of its own!"- Geralt exclaims- "This is not good!"
Donovan shakes his head.
"We're not going to get fried! Not today!"- He yells- "Step back, children! I've got this!"
With a single swing from his flaming spear, Donovan brings a swift end to the stepping stones that brought them on the other side. Like a stack of dominoes, they fall back into the lava, taking the quickfire along with them.
"I don't know how that actually happened, but I am grateful nonetheless!"- Aaron exclaims- "This maze can drive us crazy! Even the smallest things could be helpful for us!"
Kaiden sighs.
"Well, I can't argue with you."- He says- "Some things, weird as they may be, are capable of saving our lives. We must be grateful for them."
As the four of them lay against a nearby wall, they notice something on the wall. A small button, barely visible.
"Don't. Make. A move."- Donovan whispers- "Stay. Close. To-- "
*click*
Donovan looks down and notices that he has stepped on a pressure plate, previously invisible to any of them.
"Oh, for the love of-- "
The four of them duck and flee just as two large pillars of fire attempt to incinerate them. The walls to the left and right of them open and more quickfire heads their way,
"When I signed up for this adventure, I didn't know that it would be this bad!"- Aaron exclaims- "I like it, though! It's great!"
Donovan nods.
"It's good to see that one of us is still having fun!"
As the heroes continue running, they stumble into another cave. A large hole looms over them, barely illuminated by the glowing fungus on the ceiling. 
While searching for a way to cross unharmed, the four of them stumble into a swarm of shrieking bats. Disturbed by the ghastly sight of the flying demons, they almost stumble into the quickfire behind them.
"This is risky!"- Aaron exclaims.
Kaiden chuckles.
"You don't say?!"
He turns to Geralt.
"Well, Mr. Magical Boy."- He says to him- "What do we do now?"
Geralt takes a step forward and lifts his head in the air.
"I can't take this anymore!"- He yells- "Lead us to the coward! Now!"
Suddenly, a wave of light hits them as a spectral bridge forms a path over the chasm.
"Our faith has rewarded us once again!"- Geralt exclaims and bravely takes a few steps forward- "Come on! I think that we're very close now!"
As the four of them step through the barely substantial bridge and cross the dark chasm, the quickfire attempts to give chase. However, the bridge vanishes moments later, leaving the flames to engulf the other side instead.
Somewhere in the distance, they could hear a scream of pure anger. It sounds like someone is not happy that they're still alive.
"Is that the best that you have got?!"- Geralt yells- "Do your worst, dark one! Your traps do not scare us!"
Suddenly, ten archers appear on the ledges around them- five on the left side and five on the right side. They aim their bows at them and shoot without any hesitation.
"They're taking advantage of our moment of weakness!"- Kaiden yells- "We must stop them! Now!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"With what?!"- He yells- "I left my bow at home!"
Kaiden shrugs.
"I don't know, little bro!"- He yells- "Look around! Be more creative! So many people are depending on your skill! Try to be one with your true self, at least for a while!"
Geralt looks at Kaiden.
"Be one... with myself... "
He looks up and gasps.
"That's right!"- He exclaims- "i must become one with the caves, like my father once did!"
Having said that, he and Kaiden rip off a sharp piece of rock and break it down into smaller pieces. They start hurling them at the archers, surprising the trained units and striking half of them down with ease.
"Do you see this, Geralt?"- Kaiden exclaims- "It's not that hard!"
Geralt sighs.
"Whatever you say, big brother!"
The two of them grab more rocks to throw.
"Keep it up!"- Kaiden yells- "They may have reinforcements, but we've got souls of fire!"
Seeing that the Kaos brothers have a plan, Donovan and Aaron soon join them, helping them take down the bandits that replace their fallen allies.
The battle continues for quite a while. Bandits keep appearing and shooting at them. The heroes keep throwing rocks, sending them toward their inevitable demise.
Unfortunately, the small rocks run out before the bandits do.
"Well, this is it!"- Kaiden yells- "We're on the last stretch!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"This battle is far from over!"
Using the magic that he recently remembered, Geralt sends two beams of light toward the ledges, easily shattering them and plunging the bandits who were foolish to stay on top toward their deaths.
As the rest of the bandits yell at them and make obscene gestures, Geralt and his allies step further into the cave, now safe from their deadly arrows.
"Well, we made it out."- Geralt says and smiles- "Unbelievable, but it's true."
As he prepares to lay back against a nearby wall, he stops and forces himself to lean foward instead.
"No. Don't approach them."- He warns his comrades- "It's best to stay clear for now."
Kaiden sighs and shakes his head.
"I'll never trust my surroundings."- He says- "Ever again."
Donovan takes a look at the dimly lit path ahead of them.
"It sounds like there's muttering coming from ahead."- He says- "Perhaps we've found the lair of the beast."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"Or it could just be a record that was left behind to fool us."- He responds- "Bad things like those happen sometimes, you know?"
Geralt sighs.
"Either way, we must take our chances."- He says- "If there are bandits up there, we must not let them get away."
Kaiden looks at his brother.
"I didn't say that we're going to run away!"- He exclaims.
Geralt nods.
"I know, brother."- He says- "I know."
He takes a step forward.
"Well, break time is over."- He says and draws his weapon- "Let's rock and roll."
As the four of them step into the hall of the bandit leader, they notice him talking to someone in the distance. Hiding in the shadows, they manage to overhear some of the conversation.
"Looks like we've got prey on the loose, mon ami."- The leader says- "You know what they say- some people are far too brave for their own good. And yet, they shall soon be purged away for good."
The bandit shakes his head.
"That's pretty bad, master."- He says- "Should we sent the rest of the gang to get 'em?"
The leader sighs.
"There's no need for that."- He says- "They may be smart, but they're not smart enough to outsmart me. Soon, they'll become victims of the traps that I left for them. I bet that we won't hear from them ever again.
The bandit raises his eyebrow. Then, he bows.
"As you wish, mighty master."
The leader nods.
"Anyway, we've got more pressing matters to handle."- He says- "Now that the people of Goznor know where we are, they'll surely try to hunt us down. It's in our best interest to run away before anything bad happens to any us, just like it happened to poor, useless Dennis."
Geralt gasps quietly.
"This must be the spy who tried to kill us back in the forest."- He whispers- "It sounds like this man and his gang are allied to his employer. They knew who he was before he met his demise."
Kaiden shakes his head.
"I still can't believe how he could have been a useful asset to them."- He whispers- "A spy with no innate talent whatsoever, sent to track down a group of experienced heroes on their quest to stop a group of notorious bandits. Surely, they could've sent a simple peasant. He would have done a better job, that's for sure."
Donovan looks at them.
"Shush, you two!"- He whispers- "I'd like to know what they're planning to do next!"
Geralt sighs.
"And so do we."
The four of them continue to listen.
"But master! Brigantia's too far away from us!"- The bandit exclaims- "How are we supposed to pack our wares before they actually find us?"
The leader shakes his head.
"Say no more, mon ami. I've got this covered."- He says- "Once an unfortunate caravan happens to pass by, like they usually do, we shall use this opportunity to seize it and take most of our supplies to the imperial city. Under the protection of emperor Redmark, we shall remain untouched by the militia. Nobody will find out that we had a part in the capture of that kid... what was he called? Geralt Kaos, I think."
Kaiden gasps quietly.
"They had a part in my brother's capture?!"- He whispers- "Oh, I'd like to have a word with them!"
Donovan smiles sadly.
"Easy, boy. It's not wise to burst out at this moment."- He says- "You'll get your chance. Just keep quiet."
Kaiden sighs.
"I have no other choice, I suppose."
The bandit looks at his employer, confused.
"Master. I beg you pardon, but didn't they already close the travel for caravans to Brigantia?"- He asks- "Maybe we're stuck down here! Maybe we can't do a thing!"
The leader suddenly snaps.
"Oh, for the love of everything that's wicked!"- He exclaims- "Get out of here, peasant! I need some time alone!"
As the young bandit runs through a secret passage, he stumbles upon a group of hunters. His screams can be heard as he is shot to death by them.
The leader looks up as the passage closes and snaps.
"It seems like they're quite close now. Filthy militiamen."- He mutters- "Once Redmark takes over this region, they'll be the ones who are paying taxes, not the regular townsfolk. But not yet. First, we must save ourselves... whatever's left of us, anyway."
He turns his head toward the giant rock where the four heroes are hiding.
"Come out, brave ones."- He says- "I know that you made it. Don't be cowards."
As the four of them emerge, he smiles.
"Good to see you again."- He says, his face covered in the blood of a militiamen that he recently killed- "Looks like your bark was stronger than my bite."
Geralt looks at him.
"So."- He says- "What is this about Brigantia?"
The leader raises his eyebrow.
"Oh? The bandit city?"- He says and chuckles- "Well, it's always been a safe haven for bandits like ourselves. Normal people just left us alone, most of the time. But now, Redmark came to the leader and offered him a chance to make a difference. So, the place in under his protection now. We're safer than ever."
Kaiden smirks.
"That's what you think, vagabond."
The leader turns to him.
"And what do you have to say about this, young one?"- He asks him- "Do you think that you have what it takes to defeat us?"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"Not on my own."- He replies- "But with my friends and my family by my side, I know that we can beat you!"
The leader nods.
"Wise words, morsel."- He says- "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
He turns to Geralt.
"I suppose that you want to hear some kind of a story about me. Some kind of speech that will make you hate me even more than you. Perhaps a nice bit of revelation or two, for spice."- He says to him- "Well, I'm afraid that the secrets will stay in this place forever."
Geralt sighs.
"We know that you have done a lot of bad things against humanity, but this doesn't have to end up like this."- He says- "Drop down your weapons and surrender. We promise to show you mercy."
Donovan looks at Geralt.
"You're being far too merciful."
Geralt nods.
"I have to give it a try."- He says- "It might even work."
The leader shakes his head.
"A tempting offer, mon ami. You've got a way to convince others, that's for sure."- He says- "But my blood is far too tainted. I have gone through many problems with the law, just to get a high reputation amongst my peers. My heart is pitch black, unable to be cleansed by anything. If you're trying to get something done, I suggest that you put me down instead."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"So, this means that there is no other way?"- He asks- "We must fight?"
The leader sighs.
"You might be a fast learner, but your heart is too pure to understand."- He says- "Perhaps a bit of old-fashioned combat shall show you my true intentions."
As Geralt draws his weapon and approaches the leader, a huge gust of wind blows in his direction, despite the fact that the heroes are in a cave. Although he and Aaron are capable of standing their ground against this violent force of nature, Kaiden and Donovan are not so lucky. They are thrown back toward the entrance as a secret gate slams shut, trapping them on the other side.
"Are you alright out there?"- Geralt yells.
Kaiden nods.
"We'll be fine!"- He yells back- "Take the fight back to him!"
As Geralt and Aaron prepare to defend themselves, a swarm of bandits and wolves emerges from the shadows.
"It seems like they're trying the same tactic again!"- Aaron exclaims- "We're in trouble!"
Geralt takes a step forward.
"Not on my watch!"
As the bandits and wolves approach them, Geralt casts a light spell and blinds them for a few seconds. The gust of wind from earlier, now under his command, takes the vagabonds and their pets on its wings and blows them into the air like a bunch of helpless puppets. They keep hitting the ceiling as they attempt to get down, damaging themselves even further.
And then, just as fast as it happenned, the gust stops and throws them at the nearby walls of the cavern, killing all of them on the spot.
"Manipulating the wind to work out for you is a wise strategy, mon ami."- The leader says and pulls out a curved dagger, tipped with what seems to be potent poison- "But now, it's my turn."
Suddenly, the bandit lunges at Geralt and trips him. As the hero jumps to his feet, he attempts to stab him with the vile weapon, but misses, allowing the boy to retort by creating a feeble magical shield around himself.
As he pushes back against the rising current that is the bandit leader, he looks back at Aaron. He also notices that his brother and Donovan are being surrounded by a group of bandit archers, unable to keep up with them.
"Aaron!"- He yells- "Help them! Help them out!"
Aaron is shocked that Geralt does not want any help for himself.
"What about you, my friend?!"- He asks him- "You need help more than they do!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"A lone hero is never afraid of the obstacle in front of him, no matter how big it may be!"- He responds- "Now go out there and be a hero, just like me!"
Aaron takes a look at Geralt as he keeps defending himself against the vicious bandit leader. Even though his eyes are not staring at him, he can still see the determination in them and feel his courage as it pours over to him.
"He always puts others above himself. He thinks about their safety and always feels sympathy for those who have been wronged, even the wicked villains who are trying to get us killed."- He says to himself- "Perhaps he's right. Perhaps I'm being too harsh on myself. I must work hard to prove that I'm his friend. And I won't stop until I'm ready to stand beside him. As an equal... and as an ally."
He grabs a few rocks from a nearby pile and starts throwing them through the gates, right at the bandits' heads.
"Come on, you stinking fools!"- He yells- "I'll cleanse you, you hear me?!"
As Aaron bravely distracts the archers and takes their wrath upon himself, Geralt loses his focus for a second and is stabbed in the arm by the bandit leader. As he leans back, the man laughs.
"Well, it looks like you've been marked, mon ami."- He says to him- "No matter what you do next, you're not getting out of this alive."
Geralt smiles as he wipes some blood off his lips.
"That is what the last guy said, too!"- He exclaims- "But he didn't last long enough to see how wrong he was!"
The leader raises his eyebrow.
"What are you trying to say, boy?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"There is no poison that will ever stop me, be it literal or figurative."- He responds- "By injecting that vile substance into my body, you only managed to make me stronger!"
The bandit is shocked by this. He takes a few steps back.
"No! This can't be right!"- He exclaims- "This poison is supposed to kill you on the spot! And yet, you're still here!"
Geralt takes a few steps back as he prepares to strike again.
"I shall outlive you, bandit!"- He yells- "Then, your employer shall see how wrong it was to mess with our family!"
As Geralt charges, the leader continues to step back, as if waiting for a new opportunity. Seeing that there is none, he lunges forward and meets the young hero's charge with his own.
"I never worked for Redmark and I never will!"- He exclaims- "You're only wasting your time, mon ami!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"There is no waste of time here, dark one!"- He exclaims- "Your actions hurt the people on the surface! They suffer from your mistakes as you swim in piles of supplies, stolen from them! If there is anyone who is wasting their time here, it is you!"
Hero and villain continue to fight against each other, seizing every change to strike grievous blows at their targets and weakening them. And yet, even their greatest efforts are unable to make a difference. All that they are managing to do is to prolong the battle even further. Both of them are evenly matched, so there is no clear result.
As the bandit leader leans back, he notices that one of the rock outcroppings is getting a little shaky. He pushes it a little bit, causing a stalagmite to fall on Geralt's head, throwing him a few feet away and stunning him for a few seconds.
"Hah!"- The bandit exclaims- "Now that was a rocking success!"
Even in his nearly helpless state, Geralt is still able to fight back. He raises his sword just as the leader prepares to strike, blocking his attack and preventing himself from getting killed in such an unfair way.
"Get this thing out of here!"- The leader exclaims and pushes Geralt's weapon out of the way- "Nothing can save you now, mon ami!"
Seconds later, the man tries to strike again. Geralt reaches for something in the distance, barely able to move his fingers.
Then, just as the blow is about to connect, something snaps. The bandit leader stares down, shocked, as a small twig prevents him from murdering Geralt, being held by his hand as he continues to defend himself.
"You unruly little brat!"- The man yells, finally angered by Geralt's prolonged survival- "Just perish already!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"Not while my heart is still beating!"
The bandit sneers at him.
"We'll see how long that will last!"
As he prepares to stab him again, Geralt grabs a small rock and successfully blocks his attack again. When he pulls his dagger out and strikes for the second time, the rock prevents the blow from connecting once again.
And then, a third time.
And a fourth time.
The bandit is absolutely infuriated by Geralt's creativity in this perilous situation.
"When will you surrender?!"
Geralt glares at him.
"Never!"- He yells- "I will never surrender to you!"
The bandit leader shakes his head.
"I should've known you were trouble since you came here."- He mutters- "Now I-- Aargh!"
Using this moment of weakness, Geralt springs to his feet and smashes the large rock into the leader's skull, nearly fracturing it.
Then, he looks back at his companion.
"Alright, Aaron!"- He yells- "Do you want to be helpful to me? Well, this is the best time! Go for it!"
Aaron nods and runs toward a nearby table. Not finding any useful utensils that he could use against the bandit leader, he instead grabs a large chair. As the vile man stumbles toward him, he fearlessly leaps forward and strikes him with the chair, just like a true superhero.
The screams of the wounded bandit leader attract a small group of undead into the cave. Geralt notices them and shakes his head.
"No! Not this time!"- He exclaims and turns to Aaron- "I know that it is cruel of me to ask you about something like this, but-- "
Aaron smiles and nods.
"Yeah, yeah! I got it!"- He says and readies his chair- "I'll pummel those deadheads! You take care of Mr. Mysterious!"
Geralt places his hand on Aaron's shoulder.
"Thank you, Aaron."- He says- "Thanks to you, we could make a difference here."
Aaron grins.
"Hey, don't mention it!"- He exclaims- "We're in this together! We shalk prevail!"
Geralt smiles.
"Of course we will."
As he looks back, he notices that the bandit leader has stumbled near the gate which he used to lock Kaiden and Donovan on the other side. Unfortunately for him, the two heroes have already dealt with the bandits who were trying to murder them.
While trying to attack Geralt again, he is grabbed by Donovan and forced against the metal bars of the gate.
"What do you think you're doing, king?!"- He yells- "Let me go right this instant!"
Donovan shakes his head.
"You brought this upon yourself, mon ami."- He says to him- "And now, you're about to pay the biggest price of them all."
He turns to Geralt, still gripping onto the man's vest.
"Go! Get him!"- He yells at him- "This is your only chance! KIll him before he rips off!"
Geralt nods and grabs his sword from the ground.
"This one is for all the people that you wronged!"- He yells as he runs forward- "Die, servant of the dark!"
As screams of defiance emerge from both the hunter and the hunted, Geralt jumps forward and delivers a sharp, lightning fast stab into the bandit leader's chest, plunging his blade into it as he descends back to the ground.
The bandit leader looks down at his wound as he starts to cough up blood. He slumps to the ground as Geralt uncovers a hidden button to the right of the gate, pushing it and letting the rest of his allies inside.
Now surrounded by them, he finally sees that all of the things that he did were in vain. All of the sacrifices that he made. All of the caravans that he robbed. All of the traitors that he punished. It was all futile.
"So, you got me... mon ami."- He says and smiles- "Who would have known? The expert of the caves was defeated by the one who always dwells on the surface, unaware of them."
Geralt nods.
"Do you you want to know why you lost, bandit?"
The leader looks up at him, eager to hear his words.
"Because we are heroes. We got through a lot of pain to be here and we prevailed once again."- Geralt continues- "Your people were crafty and power, that I shall admit. But their will to fight for the future was not stronger than ours, so they perished. And now, you shall join them."
The bandit leader sighs.
"You're just like your father. Caring. Brave. Intelligent."- He mutters- "I should've known that messing with a heir of Kaos would be my ultimate undoing."
Donovan approaches the man as he continues to cough up blood.
"Earlier, you said that we should seek you out if we want to know the truth."- He says- "What does that mean? What are you trying to hide from us?"
The bandit leader smiles.
"There's nothing to be hidden from you, king. Or, at least, not by us."- He says to him- "Perhaps you want to know about it."
Donovan raises his eyebrow.
"You are talking about the grand mystery, right?"- He asks- "The one that baffled our kingdom's greatest sages for ten years."
The bandit smirks.
"Then you know it as well as I do."- He says- "The governor's daughter has been put up as a simple slave. She's been forced to do things against her will, beaten up and humiliated by the same woman whom she tried to trust as the wealthy children laugh at her."
Donovan glares at him.
"What do you know about that?"
The bandit looks up.
"Are you familiar with the name of a fair maiden whose name is Aurelia Moonglow? The tiny ray of hope that was snatched away from her parents when she was only four?"- He asks- "Poor thing was so depressed when they brought her in. Since she was originating from an influential family, the people of Redmark sent her to dwell in a place away from her home instead of simply murdering her, although the clutches of demise might have been much better than what is happening to her now."
Donovan gasps.
"So, you're saying that the girl is still alive?!"- He exclaims- "And that Redmark's army is responsible for her disappearance?!"
The bandit leader nods.
"But that is not all."- He says- "You see, there is one person who must truly be punished. She is an elven woman with fair, silver hair. She's the one who brought the girl in, the one who mistreated her so badly. She's the one to blame."
Donovan raises his eyebrow.
"So, you expect us to find someone who matches this description?"- He asks- "There are hundreds of elves in the higher regions! We can't just point our fingers at whoever we think is guilty of this crime!"
Geralt takes a step forward.
"Forgive me for stepping in, but I wanted to say that I know how foolish and greedy the high elves can be. I met some of them when I was on a family trip and their own greed caused their demise during that day."- He says- "Drawing her out will be our best choice in this matter. But we also need some evidence to blame her once she is taken to the court."
The bandit leader smiles.
"Ah! Now that's a boy who has seen a lot! Bravo, heir of Kaos!"- He praises him- "Perhaps you're the one who should know about it, due to the fact that she's as old as you."
Geralt smiles.
"I would love to save a damsel in distress!"- He exclaims- "It is my duty to protect the weak, so I will not hold back!"
The bandit smiles.
"Wise choice. Now, listen closely."- He says to him- "The greatest darkness falls in the shadiest of places. Even the most untrustworthy individuals can bring you to the light, for the right price... "
Kaiden and Aaron roll their eyes.
"Ugh! More riddles!"- Kaiden exclaims- "Why does it have to be riddles?"
Aaron sighs.
"Just smile and nod, Kaiden."- He says to him- "Smile and nod."
The bandit leader nods.
"... and the tower of evil shall crumble before your very eyes."- He finishes his sentence- "That is how you shall save the princess."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"You know. All of this sounds pretty shady. I am not sure if I could trust you."- He says- "And yet, you gave us some good advice. Perhaps the darkest places are not quite as useless as we thought."
The bandit leader nods and smiles.
"Don't mention it, kid. It's nice to do something good for the right price... no matter how painful it may be."- He says and looks down at his chest- "Just go out there and get the girl back. I don't want her father to... blame... us... anymore... "
As his voice finally trails off, the bandit leader slumps to the right side and closes his eyes, his energy depleted and his mission done.
Geralt sighs and shakes his head. He draws his weapon and stabs him in the head before he could come back.
"He was a bad person. There is no doubt in that."- He says to his allies- "But at least he did something good. Sure, it was one in a million, but it was still something."
Kaiden nods.
"And that's what will help us make a difference."
Before the four of them could ponder the consequences of their recent victory, one of the walls breaks, revealing another wave of quickfire.
"I'm starting to get tired of this!"- Aaron yells- "Can't we just put it out?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"It's magical fire, Aaron. Even if we try to put it out, it will only get stronger."- He says- "Our best bet is to escape from this place before it goes wild."
And then, they notice two more of the walls breaking, revealing more quickfire.
"Which will happen very soon!"
As the four of them quickly run toward the exit, a giant rock falls from the ceiling, on its way to block their only way out.
"Nope!"- Kaiden yells as he rushes forward- "Not this time!"
Using his large greatsword, he makes a leap of faith and manages to push the giant rock back into the air. Then, as the massive piece of rubble prepares to fall down on him, he performs a spiral slash attack and easily slices it in two, preventing it from blocking the entrance.
"Well done, Kaiden!"- Donovan exclaims- "Now, get moving! We're almost out of this!"
On their way to the exit, Aaron accidentally trips on one of the smaller rock formations. As he falls to the ground, Donovan notices him and attempts to help him stand up.
Unfortunately, the quickfire gets unnervingly close to them, forcing the sovereign to push Aaron back and hold the magical fire back with a shield made of fire.
"I am no expert in magic, but I don't think that this should be possible!"- Kaiden exclaims.
Donovan turns back and shakes his head.
"The fire is getting too strong, children!"- He yells- "You must run without me! Save yourselves before you meet the same fate!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"We are not going anywhere, Your Highness!"- He exclaims- "We shall fight this fire with fire! Together, we shall succeed!"
Donovan sighs.
"The only fire that I have left to fight is my own."
He looks up at Geralt.
"There is no time to waste!"- He yells at him- "Lead the other boys to the surface! Now!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"But... Your Highness... !"
Kaiden places his hand on Geralt's shoulder and shakes his head.
"Come on, little bro."- He says- "Mr. Donovan's already made his choice. Now, it's time for us to make ours."
As the raging quickfire finally engulfs the lower levels for good, the three heroes escape from the cave, barely closing the hidden trapdoor behind them.
They look back, but notice that there is nothing left to see. The trapdoor was closed, leaving whoever was in there to be trapped inside forever.
"No... "- Geralt says- "Your Highness... "
Kaiden sighs and shakes his head.
"He was a good man."- He says- "He shall be missed."
Aaron looks up and points at something nearby.
"Hey, guys! Look!"- He exclaims- "The militia are here!"
As the three of them stand at attention, some units from Goznor's militia approach them.
"There you are, filthy bandits. We finally caught you."- Their leader says- "Drop your weapons and surrender peacefully or you will see no mercy from us."
One of the soldiers takes a closer look at the three heroes. He whispers something to the captain.
The man turns to them, surprised by the revelation.
"Hold on! You're not bandits!"- He exclaims- "You're the three great heroes who saved us from them!"
He looks around.
"But where is our liege?"- He asks- "Wasn't he supposed to be with you?"
The three of them look down, not saying anything. That is when the captain realizes what happened to them.
"Oh. Oh god."- He says and shakes his head- "Did he go out with honor, at the very least?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"It all happened too soon. We were unable to convince him to step back."- He says- "His Highness perished, protecting what is sacred to us. We... we are truly sorry."
The captain sighs, turns around and takes a few steps forward.
"Come on, children. Let's lead you home."- He says grimly- "I'm sure that our queen will need to know the news of your... success."
As the group walks away from the ruined bandit camp, a large spear emerges from the ground. It tears the dirt apart, revealing the same passage that was concealed a minute ago.
Once the way is clear, a familiar figure makes his way out of the wreckage, brandishing the same weapon in his two hands.
"My fire... is still burning."- He mutters as he marches toward the capital alone.
----At Castle Goznor, Sharla meets the three heroes. With great enthusiasm in her eyes, she asks them about what happened out in the wilds. They give a full description about the danger that they willingly put themselves into, the people that they met on the way, as well as the fact that the daughter of the Governor is still alive.
"So, you're telling me that little Aurelia was not beaten to death?"- She asks and claps- "That's so good! We can still save her!"
She looks around, expecting her husband to join them. She becomes concerned when nothing happens.
"But... where did my beloved king go?"- She asks Geralt- "Did he make it out?"
Geralt looks down and sighs.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty."- He says- "We tried our hardest to get out of there together. But he was too persistent. The flames, they were too wild. And then... "
Realizing that her worst prediction is now a reality, Sharla almost falls out of the throne, shocked by the news. Jared and Amber are barely able to hold her still as she starts to wail for her beloved Donovan.
"He was so young! So vivid!"- She yells- "Why did he have to abandon me like this?!"
The chancellor looks at Geralt and shakes his head.
"In the name of our glorious kingdom, we apologize for putting you through this mess alongside our king."- He says to him and sighs- "We know how much you suffered back there, so try to get as much rest as you can. Tomorrow, we shall-- "
Suddenly, the doors to the throne room swing open. Everyone looks forward, surprised to see that someone else has joined them in the room.
Sharla immediately recognizes the new arrival. He jumps down from her throne and runs toward him, overjoyed.
"I knew it! I really did!"- She exclaims- "You were still out there! I never lost hope!"
Donovan takes a few steps forward and embraces in his wife.
"I'm so glad that you made it out, my dearest!"- Sharla says- "But... how did you do it? What did you do to get out?"
Donovan smiles and raises his eyebrow.
"What did we do, my dear?"- He says- "Well, we survived."
== Trivia ==
* The words said by Geralt in this Chapter ("I can't use magic") are a reference to "Avadon 3-4: The Darkthrop Prophecy" where protagonist Mel Darkthrop says the same thing when she is told that she can cast magic.