After leaving Emberfall, the rag tag group walked and walked for hours to even days to the next nearest town, all in hope to find other survivors to aid and unite under his banner so that Humanity may have a chance to win this war. Or a one-way massacre in other words.
The sun was sinking fast by the time Eryndor, Malum, and the ragged group of refugees approached the village. The faint glow of light in the distance promised safety, but Eryndor knew better than to trust appearances. As they drew closer, the village's crude walls came into view planks of mismatched wood and jagged stones hastily erected, more a desperate plea for protection than a true defense.
Malum scoffed, spinning a knife between his fingers as he surveyed the walls.
Malum: "Well, isn't this a sight. Think they've got a five-star inn in there?"
Eryndor ignored him, his gaze fixed on the gates. Smoke drifted lazily from chimneys inside the village, mingling with the scent of damp earth and ash. At least someone here was still alive. He raised a hand to knock on the heavy wooden gates, but before his fist made contact, a sharp voice rang out from above.
Guard: "Turn back! We've got nothing for you!"
Eryndor looked up to see a gaunt man leaning over the wall, his face smeared with dirt and his eyes sunken from exhaustion. He gripped a rusty spear as though it were the only thing keeping him standing.
Eryndor: "We mean no harm. These people need shelter, and I can offer protection in return."
The guard laughed bitterly, a hollow sound.
Guard: "Protection? Against what? You think your fancy sword can stop a horde? We've been protecting ourselves just fine, nobleman."
The gates creaked open slightly, and a group of villagers emerged, each clutching makeshift weapons pitchforks, axes, and knives that had seen more use in kitchens than battlefields. At their head stood a wiry man with sharp features and a permanent scowl etched into his face.
Leader: "You've got the look of a Concordia. I don't know what you're doing here, but you're not bringing your troubles to us."
Eryndor stepped forward, his expression calm but firm.
Eryndor: "If you turn us away, you're dooming these people to death. The darkness won't stop at your walls."
The leader sneered, his grip tightening on his axe.
Leader: "And what are you offering us in return? More mouths to feed? We barely have enough for ourselves, and you want us to take in your strays? Get out before you bring trouble down on all of us."
Malum leaned against the wall, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Malum: "You think these walls are going to save you? Hate to break it to you, but those demons out there don't care how many pitchforks you've got. You'll need more than wood and stubbornness when the real trouble comes."
The leader's scowl deepened as murmurs of unease rippled through the crowd.
Leader: "We don't need a lecture from you. Leave, or I'll have my men make you leave."
Eryndor opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, the air was split by a low, guttural roar. The sound sent shivers down his spine and froze the villagers in their tracks. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the roar grew louder, closer.
Eryndor: "It's too late."
The first demon appeared on the horizon a hulking beast with twisted limbs and glowing red eyes. Its molten skin cracked and oozed, releasing plumes of smoke as it moved. Behind it, more shapes emerged dozens of them, their snarls and growls reverberating in the air.
Malum: "Well, this escalated quickly."
The villagers scrambled, shouting orders and retreating behind the gates. The leader turned to Eryndor, his face pale.
Leader: "If you're so eager to help, prove it. Keep them off our walls!"
Eryndor drew Dawn Breaker, its golden flames illuminating the gathering darkness.
Eryndor: "Get your people inside. Now."
Malum rolled his shoulders, spinning his knives with practiced ease.
Malum: "Looks like it's just you and me, nobleman. Let's hope you're as good with that glowing stick as you think you are."
The first wave of demons slammed into the gates, their claws raking against the wood. Eryndor and Malum moved to intercept, positioning themselves at the entrance. The gates buckled, and with a deafening crack, the demons burst through.
Eryndor met the charge head-on, Dawn Breaker slicing through the first demon with a burst of holy fire.
Eryndor: "Stay behind me!"
Malum darted to the side, his movements quick and precise. He drove a dagger into the neck of one demon, twisting it before pulling it free in a spray of black ichor.
Malum: "Behind you, nobleman!"
Eryndor spun just in time to deflect a demon's claws with his blade. The force of the blow sent sparks flying, but he held his ground, countering with a slash that severed the creature's arm.
The battle raged on, the air thick with the stench of burning flesh and the sound of snarls and screams. Blood and ash coated the ground as the two men fought with relentless determination.
Eryndor: "We can't hold this forever!"
Malum: "Then fight faster!"
Despite their efforts, the horde was too large, their numbers overwhelming. A massive demon emerged from the shadows, towering above the others. Its molten chest heaved as it let out a bone-shaking roar, charging toward the village gates.
Eryndor braced himself, gripping Dawn Breaker tightly.
Eryndor: "Malum, get the refugees to safety!"
Malum: "And leave you to play hero alone? Not a chance."
The towering demon swung a massive claw at Eryndor, who barely managed to deflect the blow. The force of the attack sent him stumbling back, his boots skidding against the dirt.
Malum hurled a vial at the creature, the glass shattering against its chest. A burst of silvery mist erupted, causing the demon to stagger and roar in pain.
Malum: "That'll slow it down. You're welcome."
The respite was short-lived, as more demons swarmed through the broken gates. Just as the situation seemed hopeless, a thunderous cry rang out:
Voice: "For humanity!"
A knight charged into the fray, rushing at superhuman speed towards the fontlines before it could be breached, his armor gleaming despite the grime and blood that covered the battlefield. It was a man with silver hair and piercing eyes Igris Belmont. His sword, a gleaming masterpiece, cut through the demons with precision and ferocity.
Eryndor's breath caught as Igris leapt into the fight, his movements a blur of skill and power.
Malum: "Well, look who decided to join the party."
Igris fought his way to their side, nodding to Eryndor as he dispatched another demon.
Igris: "You looked like you could use a hand."
Eryndor nodded, his grip tightening on Dawn Breaker.
Eryndor: "We're not done yet."
The three men fought side by side, their combined efforts turning the tide of the battle. The villagers, inspired by their courage, joined in, striking at the demons with makeshift weapons. When the last demon fell, silence descended over the village. The villagers emerged from their hiding places, their faces a mix of relief and shame.
The leader stepped forward, his gaze lowered.
Leader: "I was wrong. Thank you. All of you."
Eryndor sheathed Dawn Breaker, his expression solemn.
Eryndor: "Survival requires more than walls. Remember that."
Igris extended a hand to Eryndor, a faint smile on his face.
Igris: "Igris Belmont. I've heard of you, Concordia. Perhaps humanity still has a chance."