The captured mercenaries were handed over to the nearest authority sympathetic to Agatha's guild. Bound by Aiden's hypnosis spell, they offered no resistance as they were transported to a secure dungeon, their fate left to the discretion of the guild leaders and allied enforcers.
The guild's focus, however, remained on the co-leader, a man known only as Kael, whose sinister reputation was matched only by his resilience under interrogation. Seated in a reinforced chamber beneath one of the guild's safehouse's, Kael was chained to a heavy iron chair. His armor had been stripped away, revealing numerous scars crisscrossing his muscular frame, a testament to the brutal life he had led.
Agatha stood before him, her piercing gaze unwavering. Behind her, Aiden, Alex, and Ethan watched silently. The room was dimly lit, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the walls.
The Interrogation Begins
"Kael," Agatha began, her voice calm but carrying an edge of authority that could cut through stone. "We know you're not the one pulling the strings. Tell us where to find your leader, and perhaps you'll be spared the fate you so richly deserve."
Kael chuckled, the sound low and gravelly. "You think I fear death? Do what you will, old woman. I've seen horrors that would make your guild's might look like child's play."
Aiden stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Death isn't the only thing to fear," he said, his voice quiet but chilling. "You'll find that we can be... persuasive."
Kael's smirk faltered for a brief moment as Aiden's eyes glimmered faintly with an unnatural light. The co-leader's confidence wavered, but he quickly masked it with a sneer.
Alex's Growing Resolve
Standing in the corner of the room, Alex observed the exchange with a mixture of unease and determination. He couldn't help but feel out of place. Agatha and Aiden exuded a level of control and power he couldn't hope to match, while Ethan, though out of his depth, seemed to take solace in their guidance.
"We can't afford to let him keep stalling," Alex murmured to Ethan. "If this leader has bigger plans, we need to know what they are before it's too late."
Ethan nodded, his jaw tight. "I agree. But something tells me Aiden has his own methods. Let's see how far he's willing to go."
The Torture Escalates
Agatha stepped aside, allowing Aiden to take the lead. The younger Walbrough began his interrogation with an eerie calmness that sent a shiver through the room. His hands moved in precise motions, summoning a faint aura of magical energy that swirled around Kael. The mercenary's bravado faltered as a pressure unlike any physical force began to press down on him.
"You don't have to speak," Aiden said softly. "Your mind will tell me everything I need to know."
Kael's eyes widened in fear. "You—" he started, but a sharp cry escaped his lips as Aiden's spell began to penetrate his defences.
The Guild Watches in Silence
Agatha remained composed, her arms crossed as she watched her grandson work. She had seen this technique before—a form of mind manipulation that was as efficient as it was invasive. It wasn't a method she endorsed lightly, but the stakes were too high to leave any stone unturned.
Alex, however, struggled with what he was witnessing. "This isn't right," he whispered to Ethan, his fists clenching at his sides. "There has to be another way."
Ethan shook his head. "I don't like it either, but we're out of time. If this leader has plans to target the guild, we need answers now."
A Breakthrough
Kael's resistance began to crack under Aiden's relentless probing. Sweat dripped down his face, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. Finally, he slumped in his chair, his voice hoarse as he muttered, "The... leader... he's in the Eastern Highlands. An abandoned fort near the edge of the Darkwood."
Aiden released his hold, and Kael sagged further, his once-defiant demeanor completely shattered.
Agatha stepped forward, her expression grim. "You've made the right choice, Kael. But know this: if your information proves false, you won't get another chance to redeem yourself."
Kael didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the floor.
Preparation for the Next Step
As the group exited the chamber, Alex turned to Aiden. "Was that necessary?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
Aiden raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. "You saw how stubborn he was. Time isn't a luxury we have, Alex. Sometimes, the ends justify the means."
Alex didn't respond, his thoughts churning as he struggled to reconcile his ideals with the harsh reality of their mission.
Agatha placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, her voice gentle. "This isn't an easy road, Alex. But you've shown great courage so far. Trust in yourself—and in us."
Alex nodded reluctantly. "I'll do what I can," he said, his resolve hardening. "We're not letting this leader get away."
With the leader's location now revealed, the guild began making preparations for their next move. The Eastern Highlands awaited, and with it, the confrontation that would determine the fate of the guild—and possibly much more.
The tense atmosphere in the guild's war room began to dissipate as Agatha addressed the gathered group. Her commanding presence silenced the murmurs of anticipation and worry that had been growing since Kael's interrogation.
"Enough for tonight," Agatha declared, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "Everyone is to leave, rest, and return tomorrow morning at sharp 5 a.m. Fully prepared. We will not approach this lightly."
The warriors and strategists nodded, their respect for Agatha evident as they began to filter out of the room. Only a few remained—Alex, Ethan, Aiden, and a few of the guild's senior members.
A Direct Order
Turning to Alex and Ethan, Agatha's gaze softened slightly. "As for you two," she said, "you've done more than enough for now. I'm ordering you to stay here and look after the guild. You've earned that respite, and more importantly, you're not in any shape to be on the front lines."
Alex opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it. His body ached from head to toe, his energy utterly drained after the harrowing battle earlier. He knew she was right—he couldn't keep up in this state. He nodded reluctantly. "Understood," he said, his voice low but steady.
Ethan, however, wasn't as quick to comply. "Agatha, with all due respect," he started, stepping forward, "I can fight. I'm not injured, and I've trained for situations like this. Let me come with you."
Agatha shook her head, her expression firm. "No, Ethan. You've done well today, but this mission is beyond what you're ready for. We're heading straight into a stronghold. You'll be far more useful here, ensuring the guild remains secure in our absence."
"But—" Ethan tried again, his frustration evident.
"Enough." Agatha's voice, though not raised, carried a finality that brooked no argument. "This is not a debate. You will remain here with Alex and assist in fortifying our defenses. That is your task."
Ethan exhaled sharply, his fists clenching at his sides. He looked at Alex, who gave him a small nod, silently urging him to accept the decision. "Fine," Ethan said at last, his tone reluctant but resigned. "I'll stay."
Aiden's Quiet Confidence
Aiden, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, smirked faintly as he observed the interaction. "I'll make sure things are handled on the field," he said, glancing at Alex and Ethan. "You two focus on what's here. This fight won't end with just one battle."
His words, though meant to reassure, carried an edge of condescension that made Alex bristle. But Alex said nothing, his exhaustion outweighing any desire to argue.
A Moment of Reflection
As the others left to prepare for the next day, Alex and Ethan lingered in the emptying hall. Ethan paced back and forth, his frustration still evident. "I can't believe she's leaving us behind," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We're part of this too."
Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "She's right, though," he said after a moment. "We'd only slow them down in our current state. Besides..." He hesitated, his gaze distant. "This might be the best chance we have to regroup and figure out what's really going on."
Ethan stopped pacing and looked at him. "You're not usually the cautious one. What's on your mind?"
Alex sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm not sure. But this leader of theirs... He's not just another mercenary. If Agatha's leading the charge herself, it means this is bigger than we thought. We need to be ready for whatever comes next."
Ethan crossed his arms, his frustration easing slightly as he considered Alex's words. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he admitted. "Still, it feels wrong sitting back while they go off to fight."
Alex gave him a faint smile. "We've done our part for now. Let's not waste this chance to recover. We'll need all the strength we can muster for what's coming."
The Night Before the Storm
As the two friends left the hall, the quiet of the guild settled around them. Alex could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders, but for the first time in a while, he allowed himself to let go, if only for a moment.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, they would rest. And in the stillness of the night, both Alex and Ethan silently resolved to be ready—no matter what awaited them in the days to come.