“Citizens of Arteria, the Chamber of Stalwart Justice has opened a public inquiry on recent matters involving the Braveskull Trading Company and potentially flagrant breaches of the law. We understand that these are difficult times, but we urge those with concerns to present their statements in court.”


    - Official Statement Posted Across Arteria


    <hr><hr>


    The guards braced themselves for a blow that never came. Seeing them take defensive formations, Sophie had simply charged past them, going beyond their reach as they struggled to process what just happened. She moved as fast as her feet could carry her. But it was not enough, those within the township had begun to mobilise.


    Overseers barked their commands and squad leaders regrouped. Sophie now only had one way to the command center, through them. But she had a plan, one that drew upon the experiences of her family. If there isn’t enough chaos, make it.


    She ran straight at where the workers had hastily formed a line, whatever motivation the overseer gave them made their eyes twinkle with greed. Unlike the more beefy and well armed orcs, they were the outliers in where she could punch through. Maximum impact, only one shot at this.


    A few orcs responded at first, charging forward to intercept her. But she had anticipated this, she was ready for them. In combat, she doubted her ability to even overwhelm one, let alone the dozen moving towards her. But that wasn’t what she was here for, she only needed to get into the command center.


    The half orcs, though still confused, knew at least that they were trying to take her alive, relieving her of the burden of avoiding lethal blows. As they tried to lunge and envelop her, she made the most use of her smaller frame and speed, zipping between the guards. Her deftness allowed her to dodge most of their hasty attempts to capture her. They aren’t composed, not yet. Now’s my chance.


    She was in the thick of it now. She could feel her whole body come alive with anticipation, her senses sharpened to grasp at the world around her. The cold musty cavern air, the sweat on her brow, the massed crowd eager to stop her. Sophie was charged up, whatever remaining fears vanished, replaced by the eagerness to overcome this hurdle, spurred on by the desire to right the wrongs done to Sophia however she could.


    With overwhelming might, she launched her assault. Bracing her shoulder, she slammed into the first ranks of the fleshy workers. The miners and servants recoiled before feverishly tearing and clawing at her, all hoping to attain whatever prize the overseer had set. But instead of falling into their trap, they had fallen into hers. The melee began as they ripped and tore at her, a worker even managed to restrain her in a chokehold.


    Sophie lashed out at any nearby groins, uncaring if she bashed men or women. Pain was a potent motivator and somewhere along the way, the person restraining her faltered, his grip slackening just enough for her to spear her elbows outwards and push him off. With calculated panic, she unclapsed her protective leather armor, leaving her with only the tunic underneath. She could feel the press of the crowd against her, sharp jolts of pain when one person or another smashed her in the gut or jaw, but she toughed it out. Soon enough, her plan bore, the seeds of doubt sown as someone forcibly ripped off her leather armor and had it in their hands. To be even more convincing, she punched her way into another part of the undulating mass, allowing them to take even her tunic as a trophy.


    “I got her!” Someone shouted.


    “We got her!”


    “Group effort!”


    “Fuck you!”


    The roar of the crowd in response intensified and they started fighting each other. Above the sea of heads, Sophie caught a glimpse of the orc overseer realising what she had done and she grinned. People behind could only pray they got the reward, and fought their way to the front to perhaps be ascribed with some level of contribution. Those in the front with her clothes had announced themselves too early, now too late to stop the onrush as the desperate workers tried to win the prize.


    “Break them up! All of you stop! Or none of you will earn a pardon!” The orc overseer roared. The bastards! The promise of freedom? Sophie grit her teeth, a shimmering rage building up within.


    Only those at the edges of the crowd wilted at his words, the more meek or already resigned workers retreating at his command.


    “Stop this nonsense! Capture her!” He growled at the other guards.


    Half orcs sprang into action at once and the entirety of the defense line had collapsed on this location.


    Bruised, battered, and effectively topless, she looked more like a plaything of the miners than an armed assailant. Crawling through the throng of legs above her, she endured the steps against her back and the scraps against her chests and stomach whenever she was pushed against the ground. For the first time in a long time, she also let down her hair or perhaps someone had simply torn out her hairtie, she did not know. What mattered was that unlike most elves with brighter hair, her black hair resembled that of Traxians, of humans. With her hair covering her ears a little, she managed to make her way to the edge of the crowd, in pain but more pitying than anything at the people fighting over the scraps of her clothing.


    “All you welps back the fuck up! I’m not warning you again!” The overseer barked.


    A few orcs roared their support and Sophie joined the ones that had retreated from the main melee.


    “All of you! Get yourselves back to your quarters now! Get back!” A half orc officer barked at the crowd.


    Those on the outer edges or whoever had already retreated somewhat slinked further away into the shadow, out of notice of the company troops. Sophie merged with them, slowly shuffling her way towards the command center. Looking around, she managed to avoid the gazes of the company troops, the half orcs present now too agitated by the desperate workers.


    A frail looking lady stared at Sophie, having noticed her disheveled state. But when their eyes met, Sophie saw how her eyes walked down to her waist, and at the sword. She could also see the exact moment the worker’s eyes widened as she slowly realized who Sophie is. Sophie frowned and just scowled in return, giving the worker a gentle shake of her head, her hand wrapping over the blade’s hilt in response.


    It took a moment before the lady got the message, her face turning pale. Sophie pointed to the headquarters building. The worker seemed to wilt and her face seemed wracked with doubt. After a few seconds, she closed her eyes before shaking her head, beckoning Sophie to get a little closer. Curious but still feeling in control, she acquiesced and shuffled over.


    “Please don’t hurt me.” The worker whispered.


    Sophie tugged at her hand, imploring the two of them to keep moving to seem less out of place, lest she got noticed by the guards.


    “Offices.” Sophie hissed.


    “Th-the doors are locked.”


    Sophie growled in frustration, a hitch in the plan. Her little noise made the poor worker flinch, the lady looking more frightened than ever.


    “S-side windows. S-some should be open. For vent-ventilation.” She mumbled.


    Sophie bit her lip, taking a better look at the worker. Seeing her beaten down demeanor and meekness, Sophie felt a pang of guilt for sounding so hostile. She gave the lady a small squeeze of the hand, an act that almost made her new acquaintance yelp.


    “I’ll get you guys out of here. Don’t worry. Just be patient.” Sophie whispered back.


    The worker seemed skeptical, just waryily looking back at her, too frightened to be of any more use.


    Pulling away from her and the group, Sophie kept a close eye on the company troops. Most were still too concerned with the pit of workers fighting over the scraps of her armor, a few however, kept some form of overwatch on the others, in particular, two who guarded the headquarters. Their heads were on a swivel and Sophie only barely avoided their attention when she was with the others.


    They hadn’t noticed her yet, the element of surprise was still on her side. She weighed out the options and found none that could guarantee her success. Then, impatience and fate intervened.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    “That’s enough! Break them up!” The overseer roared.


    With stern faces and sterner steel, the company troopers began pulling or battering at members of the crowd. Whatever microcosm of order that remained vaporized as the people started scattering every which way in panic, amplifying the chaos that had gripped the town. Some even ran around her direction, prompting her to quickly join the flight.


    She dashed towards but focused on the side of the headquarters where a few people had already run past. Though she had assumed the guards would’ve noticed her sword, their attention was still mostly on the main mass of people. It was fortune that she couldn’t have foreseen and she prayed dutifully to Stellesia for the Goddess of luck’s blessings that have carried her forward so far.


    Not letting this chance pass her by, she bounded towards the sides of the building, ignoring the few workers who turned to watch her strange movements. Dragging herself along, she caught a glimpse of the first floor windows. To her relief the frightened lady had been right, a few of the windows were slightly opened. Feeling excited, she moved to the furthest one and forced it up the rest of the way. By the blessed stars!


    Clambering over the window sill, she landed with a soft thud against the now far more polished stone floor. Breathing a soft sigh of relief, she then moved to lower the window back down. Keeping her ear close to the ground, she tried to listen for any movement, only picking up one or two sets of feet on one of the floors above. At least beyond the next floor.


    Not picking up any other footsteps beyond those outside, Sophie finally released the tension in her muscles, flopping to the floor with a relieved sigh. She no longer cared how dirty she got, ignoring that her cheek and breasts were simply resting on dust covered floors. She let out a small huff and just laid there, allowing the adrenaline to fade as she was merely thankful for the brief reprieve. Exhausted but delighted by the chaos, she murmured a small prayer and hoped the blademaster would come through.


    <hr><hr>


    In the deep, it rests.


    In the dark, it awakens.


    Be prepared, Little Sofi.


    The Dawn’s flight hath begun.


    Sophie darted upright with a jolt, sweat beading down her forehead as her eyes were fully wide and alert. Without even being aware of it, her sword was already drawn, pointed at nothing in particular as her arm trembled. So heavy had the feeling been that her heart still pounded with anxiety. She felt sick to her stomach yet oddly relieved at the same time. It was the oppressive feeling that haunted her dreams so long ago, making its appearance once more. A blip, a minute tap, yet one that reverberated throughout her very soul.


    The feeling was so alien that it was familiar. The Entity. She clutched at her chest, trying to pinch the uncomfortable feeling away to no avail. The words themselves held little meaning, for so long had she slept and dreamt without nightmares. Yet there was no mistaking the sensations that lingered afterwards. A warning. But after such a long silence... about what? She shook her head, doesn''t matter right now, focus.


    Sophie coughed a little only to freeze as she took in her surroundings. Drab stone walls, dusty tiles, wooden desks and bookshelves. It owas only now that she remembered what had happened. She had pushed herself in the rain to the point of exhaustion, closing her eyes for a minute of rest. Saint damned hells, how long has it been?


    Thankful at not having been discovered, she gingerly stood up, keeping away from the sole window in the room as she crept around. Goddess, how long have I been out? Annoyed, she decided to start her search immediately. She rummaged through drawers, papers and whatever she could see, searching for anything that might look even vaguely important.


    Finding nothing, she felt her restlessness finally calm a little bit more as she got underway. Though the first search had been disappointing, she had the rest of the building to search through. She shuffled over to the doorway and peeked out into the hall outside. Everything was now darkened or dimly lit, whoever had been around before had clearly left. A small boon for such an operation. But that then fostered another question within her mind, what the hells happened with Taurox if he’s not here? Hells, where is he? Damn, damn, damn.


    Stepping into the empty halls, she could still hear some commotion outside. But whatever chaos she had caused earlier had long dissipated, only the anguished cries of slaves being punished for the melee could be heard. She shuddered at the noise but tried her best to ignore it, she had to grab whatever she could before anything. Still, as she searched another small office after breaking in, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything more she could do for the poor souls outside.


    Pressing past her disgruntled thoughts, she continued checking room to room. Eventually finding a half tattered coat that she tied up and formed into a makeshift sack. Seeing the silhouettes of guards outside, she resolved to be extra quiet as she skulked around. Any papers, ledgers, in particular anything with lists of names, and even a stray logbook, she threw into the sack. After only three rooms, she realised that this would not be enough. She needed more carrying capacity.


    Ransacking the officers, she found scant items to help her be more efficient. Frustrated, she moved up to the second floor, deciding to save the first floor for later. Here, the space was noticeably more well maintained. The decor on the walls, the occasional etchings on the walls depicting who owned which office. There were even display cases showing things that miners had found or little paraphernalia pieces from the Braveskull Trading House.


    Having just realized that the first floor offices likely had little useful information, she grunted in disappointment. She was dismayed at her efforts so far being for naught, but perked up a little when she found both the foreman’s office and one meant for company representatives. Ah hah! Her eyes twinkled with a small amount of mirth. Not all for naught.


    Trying the handles to the doors however, she found herself facing another conundrum. They were locked. Geh, figures. Probably more important the rooms downstairs.


    Tampering with the doors, she found no give or way to open them without bashing them down. Nor did she want to, considering then noise might just bring the entire settlement over. Wracking her brain for solutions, she even tried jamming a makeshift lock pick created using spare office supplies. Unfortunately, she lacked the know-how to use it, pointlessly shoving it around the keyhole to little effect. Disheartened by her failures, she searched for a more outlandish route to solve her problems.


    Leaving her sack behind a display case at the end of the hallway. She pushed a window upwards and shimmed out onto the tiny ledge that formed the sides of the building. Simply getting here had almost made her slip, the back of her feet barely standing onto anything. Lightening her load, she unclipped her sword and sheath and left them with the sack. Swallowing her fears, she slowly but surely managed one tiny step, then a bigger one, until she was fully beyond reach of the original window.


    Turning her head ever so carefully sideways, she could see the patrols now ranging far further from town, likely on the lookout for stragglers. The kolonia guard itself seemed to be no longer present near the town square, Sophie only hoped that they weren''t hurting the workers too badly for the chaos she caused. Her only worries now were that the few guards who watched over the headquarters would either hear or spot her. It was a daunting prospect given that she estimated the representative’s room was at the front face of the building, exactly above where the guards were.


    Can’t go in directly, maybe… She carefully slipped her feet out of her boot, her toes wiggling angrily at being exposed to the bare stone ledge. She tried to remain straight as she picked it up, then hurled it off towards a nearby building. Her aim was rotten, but the luck for people below was even worse than that. Although she intended to hit only a rooftop, she missed and could hear something glass related shatter in the distance. The noise was loud enough to alert everyone nearby, including the guards.


    She peeked over the corner to check, and sure enough, the guards were on alert and quickly raced to assess the situation. My chance. Shimmying over to the window, she desperately tried to pry it open to no avail. Fuck!  With little choices left and the guards decently away that they wouldn’t immediately notice, or so she hoped, she put all her strength behind her and punched the window.


    She didn’t know if the window was excessively durable or just that the company had cut costs in construction. Nor did she know if she had gotten stronger. All she knew was the massive crack of glass shattering echoed a second time into the night. Ignoring the bruise on her fingers and the potential cuts, she quickly pushed what glass pieces she could inside and hopped inside.


    She grit her teeth and teared up, the forceful entry had left a shard digging deep into her unprotected foot. She wanted to cry, to scream, to express her agony, but she could not. Violently shivering to let the sensations flow, she gingerly reached down and extracted the piece that was embedded within her, nearly gasping out loud as blood came with it.


    Finding both a desk and a cabinet awaiting rummaging, she scrambled to get everything before the guards returned. She winced every step of the way, each movement bringing its own stinging pain as she moved. Left with little other options to both carry anything she found, or to pad her injured foot, Sophie simply stared down at it for a few seconds. With a sigh, she took off her pants and cut the bottom hems with a glass shard to fashion bandages for her foot. She then tied the rest together around her neck like carrying a child and quickly started throwing whatever documents she could into it.


    Ah! A list of people in debt and acquisition methods, the curs.Forcing open a drawer on the table, she palmed another few sheets of paper, catching sight of one in particular. Stars above! This is… logistics about getting enough supplies for an army. What the hells are they trying to do? Overthrow the city? A shiver went down her spine, the idea alone making her uneasy.


    “What the hells is with today?” Someone growled from outside.


    Sophie froze and gulped. I need to hurry. Stuffing anything and everything into her new bag, she quickly tied it up and unlocked the door. Making her way towards her discarded things, she picked up her sack and sword, now feeling a little unbalanced from the makeshift bags. Still, there was nothing she could do. That left her with another hard question to answer, one that she did not look forward to. Can I even do anything for the people here? And how the hells am I supposed to escape like this?