Chrysalis

In the distance, a rising tide of fangs, claws and flesh approached. When Morrelia squinted, she could make out the individual forms of the monsters as they undulated across the land and between the trees. There didn’t seem to be an end to the horde. They spread. Like water pooling over the floor from a spilled cup, until they filled the space in front of her.

It wouldn’t be long until they lapped up against the fortifications the villagers had erected and the battle would begin in earnest.

"I’m still not certain we shoulda put ourselves so close to our ’neighbours’," Isaac muttered.

Morrelia rolled her eyes.

"You spent several days with their leader and came home just fine. Do you really think they’re going to eat us?"

The former guard shifted uncomfortably.

"I’m jus’ sayin’ we might want to on our guard once the fightin’ is done. Maybe we look appetising at that point."

"If we live to see the end of this battle, there’ll be tens of thousands of dead monsters right over there. I don’t think they’ll need to turn on us for food," Morrelia pointed out before turning her back on the man.

Despite his experience in the field with Anthony, he still had difficulty overcoming his instincts to distrust monsters.

Not that he’s entirely wrong about that.

wasn’t. She was cautious of them, always cautious, but not afraid. Perhaps she was just losing her edge. Or, more likely, grabbing onto whatever piece of debris she could reach after a tsunami had washed the nation of

until they arrive?"

and nodded her head respectfully. Enid may never have been a soldier, but she had Morrelia’s respect for her

Could be a lot less if they decide to pick up the pace as they reach the

a laugh as she watched the older woman. Enid looked as if she were staring at dog that had spread mud on her carpet rather than a slavering mass of Dungeon monsters

our people in position

as they’ll ever be, ma’am," Isaac chipped in, flashing a

of ulterior motives, as it was she believed he was simply accustomed to greasing the wheels of leadership whenever he could. A

the troops," Morrelia grunted before she leapt down from the rampart and jogged toward the shaded area the villagers were

only heightened by the plethora of weapons that graced her form. Her bow, dual blades, knives strapped to her

in this case were lying flat on their backs, many of them asleep, resting in the shade spread by nearby trees. Looking at their tired faces, Morrelia mentally kicked herself. She had to continuously remind herself that she wasn’t dealing with professional soldiers, trainees or mercenaries, but determined village people. They were farmers, traders and craftspeople. Most of them hadn’t held

they were willing. When she beat them down, they stood up. When she drilled them to

the edge. Morrelia herself had barely slept in the past week, snatching a few hours here and there. She was used to it however, broken sleep like this was standard practice when on a delve. The villagers

it now. You did everything you could, let’s see if it

a deep

TO GET UP YOU USELESS SACKS OF SICK! THERE’S BLOOD TO BE SPILLED AND SURE AS HELL IT ISN’T GOING TO SPILL ITSELF!" She

earthworks and the distant trees, returning to thunder in the ears of the unfortunate villagers a second time as they responded instantly to her call. Sleep was rubbed out

she know that on the rampart someone was having a

my old drill instructor to shame," Isaac sighed as he