Chapter 77 - Late

Running hastily as the wind blew them. Rushing towards their faces and was just passing by. Upon the request of Isaias, they heeded immediately.

The four then passed by several houses and soon saw their destination. Looking at the towering building, walls made of bricks and was teeming with goblins. It was none other than the barracks. The place they have to rescue.

Monster roars and shrieks bathed the surroundings. Also has many screams of civilians mixed within. Making the area have a deathly ambience.

Looking at each other, the four then signalled to attack. Dashing towards the gate.. Equipped with their daggers and chains as they prepared to attack.

While approaching the building, just outside of their destination, they saw bodies scattered all over the place. Goblins were struck with arrows in their heads and the others were slashed in their chests. Others were killed while eyes opened wide. Tongues sticking out and blood drooling from their mouths.

Paving the path of dead bodies, they also saw lifeless guards. The same fate has fallen with them as they fought the enemies. Protecting the civilians with their own life.

Just as they entered the gate, the other two shadow clones immediately used their skill shadow cloak. Dashing inside the room with their fastest. While they were running, screams were heard by them.

Soon after, they saw the battle that rages. Clanging metals were what resonated from the distance. Making them hurry up with their pacing.

Inside the room, the battle rages on. The guards were in the front lines and the armed men were protecting the women and children. Standing by the door-side which were the door that leads to the helpless kids and mothers.

Just as they were all on edge, the enemies flooded the entrance. Making them grit their teeth and prepared for the worst.

"Guards! Stand strong and prepared for battle!" Their leader shouted at them.

The guards who were only fifteen in numbers all replied with a shout. Shields on their front and weapons on their sides. Prepared to smash the enemies with their hand-held weaponry.

"Stand your ground!"

"Arrggg!!!"

The goblins rushed and smashed their shields. Making them flinch a bit. With a little bit of courage, they stood still and retaliated. Slashing them with their weapons and the enemies to them. Exchange of blows was made and the goblins were slowly reduced. Still, some of them made their way towards their defences and reached the armed civilians.

"Do not let them pass!!!" Shouted their leader at them. Brandishing his sword on the shield.

Making them defend the door as they were wounded in the process. Goblins were not merciful as they seemed but they stopped their charge. Slashing one civilian armed men and then wounded his shoulders. Making him step back a bit to cover his bleeding shoulders.

Others covered for him and then blocked their blows. Just enough for the others to take a breather.

"Cover! Let the wounded step back!" Shouted their leader.

After they retreated, the others covered them.

"Do not let them go in! Stand your ground!" He shouted again, bolstering the others who were starting to lose hope.

"Argg!!!" The guards and the other men shouted.

After several minutes, panting guards were what heard inside. Other armed men were also heavily wounded. Still, they blocked the entrance towards the others. While being heavily wounded, others made their last stand.

The enemies started to grin at them. Making them pant while they started to panic. Their numbers were dwindling and the enemies were just slowly culling their numbers.

"Damn, their numbers are not stopping. How long do we have to endure this?" Questioned one of the armed men.

"Just look at the enemies, they are smiling." Replied the other one.

It then made their sweat trickled on their faces. They can only grin in the process.

"Let them laugh as this will be their graves!" Replied the other one.

"Men! Give them a hard time! Let them feel fear!" Their leader shouted.

It was then, the enemies started their charge. Shouting at them and lifted their weapons as they do so. It was then, the guards tapped their shields and stomped their feet. Chanting with a rousing song while having a marching beat.

They all defended with their lives and then all was on the line. Enemies banged their shields and they skewered them with their swords. Blood splurted out of enemies and then a blood bath was made.

Several minutes later, the fighting still ensued. Making the guards and men exhaust their strength. Making them fail at the last moments.

Just as the four arrived, they saw chaos. Goblins were all making the guards and survivors having a hard time. There was blood splattered in all directions on walls and floor alike.

One civilian that was a man, has a sword but the enemy goblin just flicked its wooden club. Making him lose balance and then slammed his butt on the floor.

Upon showing his weakness, the goblin then launched its attack and prepared to smash its club. Other guards were just doing fine and managed to kill some goblins while the civilians were all in danger. Making the shadow clones immediately rush to their aid.

Conjuring their daggers, they stabbed the enemies from their backs while being distracted to their prey civilian. While they stuck their tongues out, they prepared to smash the man in the head.

Just as they would do it, the four arrived and stabbed their backs. Making them puke blood and their eyes rolled upwards. Smashing their bodies to the floor.

The four saw four men standing on the door. Other members of the guards and armed men were lying on the floor. Making the fight end but the guards were not happy at all.

It was then, the four shadow clones realized that they were too late. Making them bit their lower lips in the process. A sense of regret clouded their minds at the moment.

The others were crying as they saw their fallen comrades. Making them shout their names out loud while tears were falling. Lifting their dead bodies as well as their leader who was lying also on the floor. Bloody on his head and the others were having great damage on their armours. Cracks were seen and some of their armour parts were chipped.

Others were blocking the door with their last life. Holding their wounds with their hands and was lifeless. Only four of them remained and it only saddened them. Making the four bellow while uttering their names.

It was then Isaias arrived at their location. Seeing all the dead bodies that littered the floor with goblins, made him glad a bit. But after seeing all the human bodies littered the next room, a sense of dread struck him. Seeing all the crying men that were mourning their dead comrades made him bit his lips in the process.

Just as Isaias was about to lose hope, he saw the door open up. Emerging were kids and the women. They were all who survived and were safe, alive and kicking. Making Isaias smile while they were all saved by their sacrifice.

"All was not in vain, all was not in vain," Isaias muttered.