MLTO C2, P11

This is the eleventh part of "MLIV:TO" 's second Chapter.
It was released on 13.11.2022.
== Plot ==
Having accepted to disguise themselves as mercenaries loyal to the Empire, Geralt and his allies are not aware that the flames of chaos are already spreading. Everything has already gone wrong and it is only a matter of time before they are involved in it, as well.
The ceaseless rage of a certain individual is going to blow their cover. They are going to have to face all of the people in Brigantia and feel their hatred. And yet, there is always a chance for salvation. A tiny sliver of hope that they are clinging to, in the hopes to survive to keep helping others.
Will there be a second chance left for them?
== Story ==
Geralt and his allies approach the caravan. Much to their surprise, they realize that it is much larger than usual. It is capable of housing far more than just twelve refugees, something that truly worries them.
"Umm."- Emela says- "I don't mean to interrupt your thoughts, Geralt. But I have an idea what this caravan could actually be."
Geralt sighs.
"Yes. I am already aware of that."- He responds- "The villains here are using a prison convoy to bring captives and strip them of their freedom. And this is exactly what it is- a dark sanctuary that makes you forget what you once were. A place that turns you into a petty slave."
He looks at the building where Alais Keymoira resides.
"Umm, no offense."
Emela sighs.
"None taken."- She responds- "But what should we do about them? There's quite a lot of guards, but those prisoners still have minds of their own. They're capable of free thought and could stir trouble. We can't just let them condemn themselves like that!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"I hate to say this. I really do."- He says- "But we must stay quiet for the time being. Otherwise, we risk our cover... and our lives. So, I don't want that to happen. Not here."
Emela looks down.
"I guess you're right."- She says- "But it's best if we try to calm them down if they try to cause trouble. It's the least we could do."
Geralt nods.
"And that is exactly what we will do, Miss Emela."- He says- "Now, stay quiet. We shouldn't let them notice us."
Two of the guards approach them.
"Hey, you."- One of them says- "New recruits, right?"
Geralt nods.
"We were hired by Mrs. Keymoira to unload the priso-- umm, slaves."
The guard nods.
"Excellent."- He says- "We could use some help over here. The fools have been gettin' kind of unruly and we can't be guards and peacemakers at the same time."
Emela leans closer to Geralt.
"Wow."- She whispers- "I knew that Redmark's people would be lazy, but this? This is another level of boredom that I was unaware of."
Geralt sighs.
"This is a job that must be taken seriously. And yet, those people fail to realize it."- He whispers- "Perhaps our job will be easier than usual."
He turns to the guards and nods.
"Alright."- He says- "We shall accompany you to the caravan. Lead the way."
The guard nods.
"It's good to see that the boss chose people loyal to our emperor."- He says- "You seem quite competent."
He leans closer.
"But... I feel like I've seen you before. You remind me of a kid who was causing all kinds of trouble not long ago, yet disappeared from sight after he was saved from his brother."- He says- "Are you from around here?"
Geralt nods.
"We've been staying in Brigantia for months, but we had to do other jobs for the emperor and his people."- He says, feigning innocence- "Besides, I have no idea about this person. Is he even real? He seems like a legend of some sort."
The first guard turns to the second one and sighs.
"Well, that explains one thing."- He says, seemingly believing Geralt's lie.
Then, he turns around and motions for Geralt and the others to join them. They do.
When they reach the caravan, they realize that the amount of future slaves is twice as much as they were told. Twenty-four slaves, stolen from their homelands and brought to work for an utter madman and his equally crazed ally- the slave trader Alais Keymoira.
"Alright, you blokes! Come out!"- One of the guards yells- "Show your faces for the last time, 'cause everything you once were shall be erased soon!"
The people slowly emerge from the caravan, not daring to look up at the guards as they pass by.
"This is unfair."- One of them mutters- "I have a wife. Children. What are you going to do with them?"
One of the guards hears this. He approaches the man and slaps him.
"That's none of your business!"
Geralt is disgusted by the guards' attitude towards the future slaves. His hand unconsciously slips closer to his weapon. He wants to draw it and slaughter them all, freeing those poor souls from their control and taking the fight back to their employer. However, he soon realizes what he is doing and stops. Acting on his own is very dangerous, especially in a place like this.
And yet, he can't just stay helpless in the face of such cruelty. He leans forward and stares into the guard's eyes.
"Was this necessary?"- He asks him- "The person was just asking a question! You didn't need to show violence?"
The guard turns toward him.
"I see you still have some sentimentality left."- He says and sighs- "Don't worry. It'll be gone soon enough."
Geralt sighs.
"I am not so sure about that."- He whispers.
The guard shrugs and turns around.
"Anyway, we've got a lot of work to do."- He says- "So get on with it, you pigs. We haven't got all day."
The rest of the people look down and continue to walk as the guards escort them to the large mansion.
Everything is going smoothly for the next few minutes. None of the future slaves dare to say anything and the guards also stay quiet. However, there is a silent tension in the air. Both parties are worried about something, although they would never dare to speak out loud about it. 
And then, something bad does, indeed, happen.
Another group of slaves, former members of another slave trader's group, approach them. They have managed to salvage crude weapons from their master's household and are intending to use them.
"What is this? A riot? In our emperor's lands?"- One of the guards says and draws his weapon- "Do you know just how doomed you are, folks?"
Geralt stares at them, sympathetic yet analytical.
"Why did you do such a thing?"- He asks them- "Why did you throw your lives away like this?"
One of the men, clearly the slaves' leader, takes a few steps forward and glares at the guards.
"They took our lives. Our homes. They slaughtered our children, made our wives cry. Everything we once were was brought to ruin."- He says- "But no more. We are tired of what they've done to us. It was our decision and we shall be free."
He raises his crude sword in the air.
"We shall be free!"- He yells- "Do you hear this, you tyrants?!"
The guards draw their weapons.
"It may be the first day of your freedom!"- One of them yells- "But it shall also be your last!"
As the renegade slaves attack, the caravan slaves become very scared. They cower behind a very large rock, afraid of becoming the targets of their anger, and watch as the two guards foolishly get into the battle, slaying two slaves as they approach them.
Much to their surprise, this small force manages to put up a big fight. They easily surround the guards and deal blows left and right. Their weapons are not very sharp, but they are still able to injure them. Soon, the fools are backed into a corner, barely able to fight for their lives as the brave slaves manage to bring them down. 
And then, one of the guards is stabbed in the chest. He dies from blood loss not long after, leaving his companion to fight for his own life as Geralt and his allies watch from a distance, keeping watch of the slaves they were sent to protect.
"Impressive."- Aaron says- "I thought that the slaves were peaceful folk. And here they are, making Redmark's people question their own loyalties."
Geralt sighs.
"They are brave and determined. I could never deny that."- He says- "However, their success is only temporary. I hate to say this, but their resistance shall be broken soon."
Emela shakes her head.
"I must agree with what Geralt just said."- She says- "The poor slaves have just condemned themselves. And we can only watch as they wither away."
Eight more guards join the lone warrior as he keeps fighting against the renegades, but are easily subdued by their enemies. Soon, they suffer the same fate, forcing the lone guard to wildly swing his sword, effectively pushing the slaves back.
And yet, it is not enough. Not quite.
Like a group of ferocious lions pouncing toward their prey, they easily manage to make a dent into this mighty defense. It seems like Redmark's people are not quite as strong as he claims them to be and this particular event proves just how weak they are on their own.
But their luck can only get so far. And, unfortunately, it has already run out.
A force of Brigantia's finest militia joins the wounded guard, attacking the slaves as soon as they arrive. The brave souls fight valiantly for what is rightfully theirs, but are no match for a combined force of the villains who took their freedom away. One after the other, they are crushed by this sizable force of evil. Soon, only their leader remains.
The man looks around, horrified. All of his allies are dead and he is the only survivor of this short skirmish.
"You... you monsters!"- He yells- "How dare you?! We... we just wanted our freedom! Nothing else!"
The surviving guard shakes his head.
"Freedom is something you can never have."- He says- "You already signed the contract when you decided not to work with us. Your fate was sealed from the very first day."
The man shakes his head.
"I don't want to end up like them."
The guard glares at him.
"You don't have another choice, fool."
The man looks up and sees Geralt and his allies staring at him. Since they are disguised as guards, he doesn't recognize them, yet sees the kindness in their eyes.
"If this is how it has to be, then I have one last wish."
He slowly stumbles toward Geralt and stares at him.
"You. You seem to be better than them."- He says to him- "Perhaps you could give me my rightful punishment? I'll be glad to die like this, if it was by your hand."
Geralt is shocked by the man's words. He takes a step back and shakes his head.
"I am sorry, but I'm just a simple recruit."- He says- "I'm not qualified enough to carry out such an order."
The man looks at him again.
"Please. I beg you."- He says- "Most of the guards are too cruel. And you, you have the look of an honorable person. I want you to do it."
The guards stare at Geralt expectantly. They seem to agree with the slave leader's words.
However, Geralt is still reluctant about this. He knows that he is going to do the wrong thing, so he hesitates to get it done.
"I cannot do this."- He says- "I... have never killed a good p-- I mean, a fighter for freedom. I am not ready for such a thing."
The man looks up.
"Then I shall steal my freedom from you!"
Having said that, he leaps to his feet and runs toward the gates with all his might. Unfortunately, he does not make it very far. One of the guards aims his bow at him and gets a clear shot, piercing his head with a single arrow just as he is about to escape into the wilderness outside.
The guard from earlier approaches Geralt and shakes his head. He leans forward and glares at him, seemingly unimpressed by his attitude.
"You're a weak one, kid."- He says- "Perhaps you're not worthy of being a mercenary."
He looks at the cowering slaves and sighs.
"Still, the job is done. The servants are safe."- He adds- "Your work here's done. Go to Mrs. Keymoira and grab your reward... even though you don't deserve it."
Geralt notices someone staring at him through a nearby window. He looks up and sees the face of Aurelia- the Governor's daughter that he was sent to rescue. She stares at him with a sad look in her eyes. It is almost as if she pities him, as if she sympathizes with his pain. He looks up at her and shakes his head, as if telling her that he is very sorry about what happened.
As Aurelia is called back into the household by her mistress, Geralt looks back at the guard and shakes his head.
"Every person has a different personality. And I guess that I am still too... kind."- He says- "I will change as time passes. However, it might take a while."
He sighs.
"I will still serve our mighty emperor."- He adds- "But I will need some time to recover."
He takes a few steps away from him. His allies do the same.
"So, we shall be on our way now."- He says- "Farewell."
As the three of them walk away from the slaves, the guard stares at them until they get out of sight. Then, he sighs and shakes his head.
"Kids these days. There's always regret in their hearts."- The heroes hear him say as they go- "They should leave their dignity behind while they still have it."
Geralt, Aaron and Emela manage to get away from the sad sight they were forced to endure. It is hard for them to look back, so they don't. And yet, they still feel bad about having to leave them in the care of a person who has clearly gone mad. But they don't have another choice in this matter, so they are unable to do anything else, but watch as the chaos unfolds.
As they wonder what they must do next, they hear a person's voice, beckoning them to join him.
"Over here, heroes."- He says.
Unsure whether they should trust him or not, they decide to shy away. However, the man does not give up. He continues to call for them, eventually getting their attention.
"You're the people who were sent to rescue my daughter, right?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Your... daughter?"- He asks- "Are you Mr. Moonglow?"
The man smiles.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, as well."
He shakes his hand and looks around.
"Bad times are coming and I had to make sure that my dear Aurelia was somewhere in here."- He says- "I tried talking to her, but it is almost as if my poor girl was brainwashed by that monster. She didn't even recognize me."
Geralt sighs.
"We are currently working on setting her free."- He says- "But the mission is getting harder and harder. More guards are ganging up near the slave trader's household and Aurelia's becoming more desperate with each passing day. Sometimes, I am unsure if we could even convince her to run away with us."
Marlon Moonglow thinks about this. He wants to rescue Aurelia on his own, but fears that he might be killed in the process. So, he decides to trust Geralt and his allies, hoping that they could make a difference in the face of all this chaos.
"I think that I might have a way to get the job done."- He says- "However, I need someone else to help me out."
He looks at Geralt expectantly.
"Can I trust you folks with this dangerous task?"
Geralt sighs.
"We have already faced a lot of trouble in Brigantia."- He says- "Whatever happens next will be like a reckoning mission- dangerous, but not impossible to deal with."
He smiles.
"So, this means that we are in."
Marlon nods.
"Wonderful."- He says- "Then maybe you need this more than I do."
He hands a small bracelet to Geralt. It is small, white and relatively simple. And yet, it is seemingly adorned with what seems to be tiny sapphires- something that is quite unusual to be inserted into such an item.
"Wow."- He says- "What a gorgeous little object."
Marlon nods.
"This bracelet used to belong to Aurelia's mother. She gave it to her as a gift for her fourth birthday, the time when she was forcefully taken away from us."- He says- "However, it was ripped away from her arm when she was captured by Redmark's people. As I heard her screams for help, I found the brooch on the ground. And it... it kept reminding me of her. I always kept it close to me, even as my wife kept telling me to leave it behind. I never gave up on it, just like I never gave up on my little girl."
He looks at Geralt.
"I want you to give it to Aurelia. In secret."- He adds- "Perhaps she will recognize it and revert back to her normal loving and caring self."
As Geralt reverently takes the bracelet in his hands, he places his hand on the young hero's shoulder.
"Young Geralt, I've placed a lot of trust in you. My dear Aurelia is in danger and you're the only person who could save her from a fate worse than death."- He says- "Please. Hurry up and take her back. Tell her that daddy is still here, that I haven't forgotten about her. I only want the best for her and I'll make sure that she is loved."
Geralt wipes a few tears from his eyes. The mention of how much Marlon loves his daughter reminds him of his own father. He remembers how he used to spend time with him. How he took him to the mountains when he was little. How he showed him the entire world and told him that it would be his very own sanctuary when he grows up. 
"Someday, you will become just like me. You're destined to be a hero, after all."- He hears his voice in his mind- "Even though the winds of justice shall take you away from me, I want you to know that I'll always love you. I'll always care about your well-being. We're one and the same. Nothing can ever separate us."
Geralt looks down.
"Dad... "- He mutters- "I... I love you, too... "
Marlon raises his eyebrow.
"Umm, Geralt?"- He says- "Is everything okay for you?"
Geralt looks up and sighs.
"I... I am alright."
He looks down at the bracelet.
"I will take this object to your daughter."- He says- "No matter what it takes, I will free her from the vile control of the fiend that has managed to charm her."
Marlon smiles.
"Good."- He responds- "I shall await your return."
Geralt nods.
"But.., where could we find you?"- He asks- "It must be dangerous for you to be out here alone."
Marlon sighs.
"I'm afraid that you're right. If the militia knows where I'm hiding, they'll murder me without hesitation."- He says- "I'm forced to flee as soon as you leave. But fear not, as you will find me back in the capital of Goznor. I shall make negotiations with King Donovan, in the hopes that I could convince him to send a large force of warriors to help you out."
Geralt nods.
"As you wish, sir."- He says- "We shall join you as soon as we rescue Aurelia. And, mark my words, I shall make that witch pay for her crimes."
Marlon sighs.
"I would love to hang that fiend myself. I really would."- He says- "But I'll trust your judgement. Perhaps you'll do better than I ever would."
Having said that, he bids our heroes farewell and, as promised, sneaks away from the town as they walk away.
"So, this was Governor Moonglow? The man who's in charge of one of the mightiest nations in the Known World?"- Emela asks- "To be honest, he didn't look very impressive. He was like a simple daughter, worried for his child."
Geralt sighs.
"Perhaps the years of concern for his daughter have taken a big toll on him."- He says and shakes his head- "He looked like he had been crying for a while. Such a thing is hard to comprehend, and it is clear that most people are unable to endure it so well."
Emela looks at him.
"What about you and Kaiden?"- She asks him- "Did you manage to get over Kiara's demise?"
Geralt sighs again.
"It has been quite hard for us."- He admits- "But we are learning. And we will continue to do, for as long as we are here, in this world."
Aaron looks around.
"Speaking of Kaiden."- He says- "Where did he go?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"He said that he had some business to take care of. That he would be back soon."- He responds- "It's curious that he hasn't made it back ye-- "
Suddenly, a loud shriek emerges from the nearby mansion. Our heroes hear something breaking, possibly porcelaine.
"Don't flee, you fiend!"- A familiar voice is heard from inside- "I've got you in my sights! You're not going to make it out of this one!"
"I-I don't even know what you're talking about!"- Another familiar voice emerges.
"Stop pretending, traitor!"- The first voice yells out- "You're the reason why she died! You're the one who killed her!"
Geralt looks up.
"Could it be... ?"
He listens for a while. It doesn't take long for him to realize what is going on.
"Oh... oh no."
Emela looks at him.
"Geralt?"- She says- "What is it?"
Geralt turns to his allies.
"We need to get into the mansion."- He says- "Now."
Aaron gasps.
"But... what about our mission?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"As much as I would like to break Aurelia free from that slave trader, there is someone else that I must rescue first."- He says- "Come on! We don't have much time left before the militia arrives!"