Master of the Loop

Chapter 65: No Rest For the Wicked

Chapter 65

No Rest For the Wicked

Sylas was frustratedso much so he wanted to stuff his head into a pillow and scream till he croaked. There wasnt a loop within which something didn't go terribly wrong. Though he should have expected it, he didn't expect it. It took him by surprise, and, more importantly, it made his head hurt. Again. After all, numerous issues popped up abruptly that he didn't have means of dealing with.

Grunting, he went through the motions and took Derrek aside to befriend the man again. If anyone knew about the exploding zombies or the big, gruff, buff, and terrifying one, itd be him. And if he didnt know Sylas knew itd be loops upon loops of tests and experiments to see what and if anything works.

After the two befriended and shared the initial information, Sylas paused for a moment, wondering whether he should ask the man about the bombs or the bomb, eventually electing the latter.

Have you ever heard of a Thrall? Specifically, Thrall of the Frost? Sylas asked, paying close attention to Derreks face. The man flinchednot in the manner that implied he was hiding something, but a rather outspoken one.

"Thralls? Yes. Of the Frost? Not specifically, no," Derrek replied. "Why?"

one such creature will attack the castle soon, Sylas said. Can can they be defeated?

Derrek frowned deeply, falling into thought. Are are you certain?

Yes.

Haah, Derrek sighed. Its not necessarily the Thralls themselves that are the issue. Though incredibly strong and deadly, Im fairly confident in combating one. Its what Thralls represent.

Represent? Sylas asked.

Hm, the Captain nodded. Theyre sort of a forewarningif a Thrall appears amongst the Ghouls, the next invasion will be massive. So, usually, after we defeated the Thralls, we abandoned outposts and forts and even castles, especially if Thralls themselves were difficult to deal with. Ive personally fought threeThralls of Chains, Fear, and Supremacy. All three were extremely difficult battles that nearly caused my death, but the invasions that followed were truly beyond a sight to behold.

It wont be just the Ghouls, then? Sylas quizzed. But different kinds of specters?

"Precisely," Derrek nodded. "Ghouls can be dealt withthey are just made of rotting flesh and brittle bones. While terrifying, whoever fought them a few times can relatively easily dispatch of them, one by one. However, most other specters are differenteither they have a level of intellect that makes them difficult to deal with, or they come with a body or an ability that makes them horrid opponents."

Any any kind that could decimate our walls, for instance? Sylas asked, partly thankful that Derrek was so knowledgeable and partly angry to have learned just how turbulent his imminent future was.

Many, Derrek chuckled bitterly. But the likeliest to appear are Infernals. That's what we call them, anyway. Unlike Ghouls, though corpses still, their skin shines in dull coral, and their stomachs are hollowwithin, a ball of natural energy manifests, and can be overcharged, creating an explosion. The size and strength of the explosion are entirely dependent on the Infernal itself, mostly its age from what we've observed. Nonetheless, even the younglings can be a threat if not dispatched of safely."

By cutting their heads off before they charge the energy, Derrek elaborated at the Sylas inquisitive glance. If they join a Thrall the defense will be difficult.

And yet, defend we must, Sylas said. I will figure out a way to deal with the Ghouls and the Infernals and other specters. I only ask that you take care of the Thrall. Can you do it?

I will try, Derrek replied. As I havent dealt with the Frost type before, it will be difficult. But, I will manage. Should we go inform the Prince?

No, not just yet, Sylas shook his head. Sleep on it.

Very well.

The reason Sylas didnt rush back immediately was that it was pointlessthe success will not come from either the first or the second or likely even more attempts than that. Though Derrek tried to hide it, Sylas heard the man's hearthe was not confident in defeating a Thrall whatsoever. It was likely that he had the help of others in his Order when dealing with the three prior Thralls, and potentially even some knowledge on what they could do.

As such, Sylas had several things to figure outnamely, the exact point and origin of the attack, how many 'Infernals' were among the Ghouls, whether it was worth trying to stop them outside the walls or just letting them blow themselves up as to not risk it(though the damage to the wall was beyond extensive, and would likely require the whole winter and perhaps even a part of the Spring to fix fully). Then, there was also the matter of figuring out a Thrall's capabilities and informing Derrek of them, and still waiting to see whether the man can defeat it alone or if he'd need help.

It was a headache, but he had no alternative. It wasn't as though they could abandon the castleand, even if they could, with Ryne and Cyrs and many others still in there, Sylas had no intention of doing so. In the worst-case scenario, theyd be forced to use the bandits as bait and flank the Ghouls and the Thrall and simply overwhelm them with numbers. Though he hoped and prayed it didnt need to get to that, he knew that the possibility was there.

Sighing yet again, he popped open a whole bottle of wine and started drinking, not sleeping the entire night, trying to figure out the best way forward. They still had time to rush back, and he intended on informing Valen and having him usher the men forward. In fact, part of him wanted to just go back with a small, reconnaissance group, so theyd have more time to observe, but he knew that Valen would never go for it. Just the mention of a threat to the castle would have him hollering everyone back.

Putting down the empty bottle of wine and realizing that he could barely tell it was dawnmostly by the rising morning mist rather than the rays of sunshinehe stood up and stretched, walking over to Valens tent.

The young Prince had just woken when he saw a silhouette standing at the doorframehe all but yelped before recognizing it was Sylas.

You scared me! What are you doing here so early? he asked, wiping his eyes and standing up himself.

I had a vision, Valen winced at the words, a bad feeling overcoming his heart.

A a vision? he mumbled.

Yes, Sylas replied. The castle is about to be invaded. By the Ghouls.

we must rush back! Valen exclaimed, awakened immediately. He barely remembered to put on robes before brazenly rushing toward the exit, only to be stopped by Sylas.

Valen, Sylas said, deciding to at least attempt it. Do you trust me?

trust you? Of course I trust you! Now, we must hurry back!

If you trust me, Sylas said. Then youll listen to me.

Listen to youI am listening to you! Thats why I said we must have everyone pack up and rush back!

Let Derrek, Tenner, and me go back, Sylas said. Ahead of everyone else.

Whatwhat are you on? Why?!

Please.

Wil will it save the castle? Valen asked, clearly reluctant to agree.

Yes, Sylas replied confidently. Absolutely. I wont let our home burn ever again, I promise.

when do the rest of us get to leave? Valen asked.

"Whenever you want," Sylas replied. "I just want the three of us ahead since we'll be much faster than in a group. I suggest you first settle everything here before departing, however. Don't worry about anythingleave it all to me."

very well, Valen sighed, agreeing. Thank you. For letting me know, I mean. You could have just rushed off with some made-up excuse, I suppose.

See you, Sylas said, leaving and quickly going over to fetch Tenner and Derrek. The two Captains, still in a haze, didnt even know why they were being dragged out, given a few backpacks of supplies, and being sent their merry way back home. It was only once they were deeper through the forest that Sylas informed them. The reason he didn't depart alone is that he wasn't confident in actually making it back to the castle.

WHAT?! Wewe need to back, get the others

Its fine, Sylas interrupted Tenner, dragging him by the arm. Have some faith in me, just as the Prince did. Though, that faith will quickly evaporate when they see what were up against

Butan invasion? Tenner said. So quickly after the previous one? Thats... strange.

Therell be a Thrall, Sylas words caused Derrek to wince. Im counting on you Captain.

f-fine, Derrek stuttered. Leave leave it to me.

A Thrall? Tenner quizzed. Whats that? A specter?

Hm, something like that, Sylas nodded. Tenner, we should return prior to the invasions start. Your job will be to quickly form whatever defensive line you can. I know that most people who are in the castle are the weaker sort, but, at best, youll have a couple of days to beat them into shape. All I want from them is to not faint at the sight of the gore.

What about you? Derrek asked.

Ill be assisting Ryne in making as many talismans as physically possible, Sylas replied honestly as that, truly, was his plan. Even if I have to vomit blood, well have some made for the defense. Rememberall we have to do is endure. Ive already informed the Prince and the entire army will be at our heels, just a couple of days late. The reason I wanted to go ahead was to prepare the castle for the initial defense as they are in the dark. So, you best prepare for a grueling, barely-any-rest journey.

Why are you telling us that? Tenner looked at him strangely. Just make sure one of us wont have to carry you.

Hey, thats not a bad idea.

It wasnt an idea!!

Ah, geez, stop shouting, its only barely dawn

"Ugh," Tenner groaned while Derrek snickered lightly. Though the mood was lightened, it wasn't by much. Both men knewespecially Derrekthat a lot, if not everything, rested on their shoulders. They'd each have to do the work of ten men if they wanted to stand even a remote chance of success. Sylas, on the other hand, didn't have the heart to tell them that even if they did work of twenty, it would be meaningless. This loop this loop was only to see everything play out from the beginning, praying he sees something that will make it easier going into the future runs.

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