Chain the Infamous Chainmaid 22

“You?! What do you think you’re doing?!   

“Making a bad situation better.”

The Bandit King did not turn to face Finch within the body of the Sentinel, Uprooter, as he answered her question as his concentration was needed on successfully blocking Chain’s spear with his spiked iron ball. The scene was as breathtaking as it was terrifying for in an instant the chain of Roc’s spiked iron ball and chain had grew with spiraling violence devastating the throne room and the Bandit King himself had appeared between Chain and Uprooter. Even faced with the giant and the oversized Sentinel behind him Chain’s icy cold demeanor did not change.

“I already told you that I still have a use for you, but if you want to die that badly…”

“I was thinking more of a business proposal between you and me so I don’t just kill you myself Bandit Eater.”

“Now what are you talking about?! I thought killing her was the only way to save the Stormroots!”

As Chain and Roc landed the Bandit King’s toothy grin grew ever wider even as Uprooter leapt back and Finch took aim at the maid and Hero both.

“There’s no doubt that it would, but with ol’ Thurlix free the Bandit Eater isn’t the only threat I have to deal with. In fact, the threat his freedom has allowed to cast its shadow is even greater than that of the Bandit Eater. But, I think the Bandit Eater just might be able to lend me a hand as I have an idea as to what she wants my help for… Hm, hm, hm, hm, hmmm.”

“If a certain idiot I knew was here he’d accuse you of constantly changing your goals you grinning idiot.”

Stepping back away from the Bandit King, Chain pointed the head of her spear down and behind her again as she was faced with the two Heroes and their arguments about saving the Stormroots.

“As for saving the Stormroots, I’ve heard that your death will do just that as well.”

“Only because everyone is ignorant about what I know.”

“The Sacred Sword Shrine? It’s as much at fault for the condition of these mountains as anything else. Probably more so than most since if knowledge of its presence here were to get out it would kill any potential for trade Highroot has.”

“Impossible! The Chainmaid couldn’t possibly know about the Sacred Sword Shrine!”

At Chain’s casual mention of the Sacred Sword Shrine Highperch lost his composure. Stormflock seemed amused by this loss of composure.

“It would seem that your knowledge of the maid you tried to make a pawn out of was incomplete Highperch. Perhaps now you realize that she is not the key to our salvation. No Highperch, we must make our own salvation.”

To Highperch’s surprise Stormflock suddenly shoved him into one of the bandits that made up the ring that stood guard over them. The bandit that Highperch was shoved into was not the only one surprised by the sudden collision and the others also pulled their attention from the standoff between Hero and Chainmaid.

“What do you think you’re doing? If you want to be offed that badly we’ll grant your death wish and feed you to the Bandit Eater ourselves.”

“Don’t make me laugh you punks. I’ve only been holding back for fear of those Heroes over there. But since they’re distracted…”

Highperch finished his thought with action and relived the bandit he was shoved into of the battle axe they held in the same motion that he used it to cut the rope from his hands. The look of surprise on the bandit’s face did not last long as Highperch deftly planted the axe head in its former owner’s facer.

“Now your Majesty, go! I’ll take care of this rabble!”

“Much better Highperch. That’s how you make use of a pawn in a situation like this.”

Stormflock was already on the move as he offered his compliment to Highperch. He was afforded his chance to escape by Highperch’s brilliant axe work and made for the stairs beyond the throne. Stormflock’s escape attempt did not go unnoticed however as Finch turned back Uprooter’s head to see what was going on. Seeing the king of Highroot’s escape attempt she immediately barked out an order to the Bright Rift soldiers who still held their sniping positions.

“Don’t let him get away! If we’re to make this the shortest war in history we need him captured.”

“Understood, IO!”

Barking out their confirmation of their orders two of the remaining Sentinels leapt down from the balconies above at their pilot’s command. Stormflock frowned heavily as his hands were still bound behind his back though he was powerless against the three meter tall clockwork automations regardless. What he did not realize was that his attempted escape and Highperch’s attempt to buy time for him had created a distraction. Finch had obviously taken the time to observe the situation and give orders to the soldiers who had fallen under her command and even Roc had taken a warning shot with his hand cannon in Highperch’s direction. It was such a brief window however that as the spear burst from his chest and impaled him to the ground before him he could hardly believe his life was over. Then, as a gout of blood exploded from his mouth he heard the cold and chilling voice of a maid who had naught but hatred for him confirm that horrible truth.

“You aren’t needed anymore so you can die now. Be grateful that your death is so swift as your negligence is part of what drives my fury.”

“Guh–”

Stormflock had almost no intelligible response as his own blood prevented him from speaking. That unintelligible gurgling would become the last words of Peregrine Stormflock VI as he followed them by slumping lifelessly against the spear that had ended him. The sight bewildered all in the throne room and Highperch screamed out in disbelief.

“YOUR MAJESTY! NOOOOO~!!!!!”

“What… what just…?”

Finch’s disbelief near terrified her into a stupor but even as she looked dumbstruck upon the late king she recognized the spear that pinned him. Turning Uprooter’s head back around slowly to where the Sentinel’s gun was still aimed she saw for herself that her guess was right. Standing slumped over with her arms dangling Chain stood no longer with a spear in hand.

“You monster! What were you thinking?!”

“I agree Bandit Eater. What would ever drive you to commit regicide?”

The Bandit King was far calmer than Finch and Highperch but there was no questioning the disbelief in his voice.

“I’m far from done killing royalty. There’s still his daughter and if need be the king of Bright Rift and even you Bandit King. Until Melody is safe and everyone who has threatened her life and way of it lies dead I’ll kill as many as it takes.”

“You’ve gone mad Bandit Eater.”

“Damn you Chainmaid! Damn you to the heart of Cometia and the fury of Nightyr!”

In strong contrast to Roc’s calm Highperch had flown off the handle and had taken his commandeered battle axe in both hands and charged at Chain with a fire in his eyes. Chain shifted her head in his direction and seemed to watch him from behind the shadows of her bangs. Unarmed, slumped over, and covered in blood she appeared defenseless yet she did not show any fear. With a slow deliberateness she lowered herself onto her knees as she listened to Highperch’s raving.

“Everywhere you go disaster follows! The bodies pile up and the blood runs and runs! And now even a kingdom falls to your curse! Even now my future is destroyed by you! Why couldn’t you just let the Bandit King kill you, you worthless whelp?!”

“Because Melody still needs me. As long as this world sees a harpy first and Melody second she needs a monster beside her that blinds people to the harpy, and I am that monster Highperch. As for you, you’re guilty of political conspiracy which is enough to warrant your dismissal from Soarmont’s Adventurer Company. But that’s just an aside. You’re guilty of being affiliated with the Hero who has Melody and since I have no use of you it’s time that you die as well.”

“I won’t let you continue this rampage of yours Bandit Eater.”

“Ugh?!”

Highperch’s fury dissipated with his courage and he skidded to a stop as the Bandit King suddenly appeared before him. Beneath the gaze of the giant Chain looked as a child where she rested on her knees at his feet. Turning his hand cannon onto Chain he fingered the trigger of the weapon but did not fire immediately. Instead a look of pity appeared in his eyes.

“But that you would make yourself what you are for another is commendable. Know that I will give the harpy a home and rest now in peace Bandit Eater.”

“There is no peace for me you grinning idiot…”

Rising to her feet Chain reached up and placed her blood drenched left hand on Roc’s stomach to support herself.

“Then I’ll hear your last words Bandit Eater so that you can let go of all that holds you to this world.”

“No you fool! She’s going to kill you!”

Finch’s voice suddenly erupted from Uprooter and only for a moment was Roc surprised. It was too late however as he realized what Finch already had and his eyes widened as he looked down at Chain’s hand on his stomach.

~ Dar Lat… ~

Copyright © 2018 Joshua D Tarwater