Chapter 49: Moonlit Brawl

Chapter 49: Moonlit Brawl

Thats the place, Karen pointed at an old wooden house.

Stryg and Karen were currently hiding in an alleyway a few dozen feet away. Karen had led Stryg to one of the poorer areas of the commoner district. It had taken them most of the day to arrive and the sun was already beginning to set.

Whats the plan? Karen asked. She kept fidgeting, worried for her mother and little sister. Were they alright? Were they hurt? ...Were they alive?

Im going to wait until it gets dark, then Im going to sneak into the house, Stryg said.

But what about my family? We cant just wait out here doing nothing! She snapped.

If I go in now theyll see me coming and we arent going to do anything. Last I checked, you cant fight. Youll just be a hindrance to me. You should leave before it gets dark, dont trust the sentinels around here. Some have been malfunctioning and I dont know if they have been fixed yet.

I dont care about any sentinels. All I want is my family to be safe. It doesnt matter what happens to me.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Stryg sighed, Karen, if you dont value your own safety thats fine. But, if you go there now, youre putting me at risk. I wont go in and follow you into a trap. Youll be out there by yourself. When Jax realizes that, hell kill your family if he hasnt already, then hell kill you. Im your best bet and Im going out there when the sun falls.

I risked my familys safety to come find you and youre not willing to do the same for them? Karen accused him.

Thats right. Ive already put myself in danger for strangers and I was injured for it. Im not taking that risk again, especially when Im going to need my full strength.

Youre cruel, Karen said with tears in her eyes.

Stryg hauled Karen up by the collar of her shirt, Lets get one thing straight. Im here to kill Jax and his crew. Im not here to save your family and Im definitely not here to die. Understood?

Karens feet dangled off the ground, as her hands tried prying Strygs hand away, but he didnt budge.

Understood? Stryg pushed her against the wall. He wasnt about to let her ruin his chances of victory because she was too dumb to understand simple hunting tactics.

Karens shoulders slumped. He was like the rest it seemed. She finally nodded. Stryg let her go. She fell to her knees in defeat. Karen was used to abuse of power, intimidation tactics. She fell into the familiar submissive role before Stryg would hurt her. Stryg was unfair, cruel even. Yet, deep down she believed she deserved much worse, she had abandoned her family.

Stryg mumbled something under his breath and glanced at Karen.

He groaned in frustration, I dont know if your family is alive. But, if they are, its your job to keep them alive, Stryg said.

W-what? Karen raised her head in confusion.

Once I go in, wait five minutes. After that go through the back door. You're in charge of getting your family to safety while I deal with the others. Understood?

Yes! Karen wiped the tears from her eyes. This was her chance at redemption. She wouldnt fail.

Please, shes just a child. Just leave her be, Shirleen pleaded.

If you dont want to make your kid shut up, then Ill do it, a male voice said.

Wait! No, dont touch her! Shirleen shouted.

Back off bitch! The male voice shouted.

A loud smack resounded as Shirleen cried out. Stryg could hear Sophi screaming through her gagged mouth. Stryg crept up to the door and peeked through the bottom. Karens young sister Sophi was on the floor. She made muffled moans of pain as the male gangster kicked her in the gut repeatedly.

Leave her alone, please! Do anything you want to me, just please leave my daughter alone! Shirleen yelled.

The female gangster yanked Shirleen by her hair, You just dont get it do you lady? Stop acting like you have any say in this. Youre messing with the wrong people here. Only reason the others havent had their way with you yet is because Jax is waiting for little Karen to come back. But, dont you worry, theyll fuck you up real well after Karen arrives. Hell, they can even have a mother daughter duo. You keep talking and they might throw little Sophi into the mix too.

Finally shes quiet, the male gangster sneered. Sophi lay unmoving on the floor.

Shirleen screamed in a wretched hoarse voice, yet no intelligible words came out. Both gangsters turned to the wailing woman. It was more than enough of a diversion for Stryg. He slammed the door open and dashed at the male. The gangster only had time to look at Stryg as his blade sank into the goblins eye socket. He was dead before he hit the ground. The female gangster screamed for help, but Shirleens cries of agony drowned her out.

Stryg moved in on her, blade in hand. She fumbled with her own blade, trying to take it out of its sheath. Stryg was already on her when she finally pulled it out. She made a clumsy slash at him. He caught the armed hand and stabbed her in the gut with his own dagger. She gasped in pain, but Stryg didnt let her make another noise. He pulled out the dagger and kept stabbing in quick succession through the gut as she fell to the ground.

Shirleen ignored the bloody events as she crawled her way to the Sophi. Shirleens hands and feet were bound by rope, yet it didnt stop her from trying to hold her daughter in her hands. The mother opened her mouth. Only a hollow broken sound whispered out. Her hands shook as she caressed her daughters still face.

What the hell is going on over there? Leroy shouted from the end of the hallway.

Stryg recognized the voice of Jaxs right hand man instantly. He pulled the dagger out of the dead goblin and crept to the door.

Guys? Whats going on? Leroy called out hesitantly. He walked towards the room slowly. He paused when he got close. A puddle of blood leaked from the doorway.

Were under attack! Leroy shouted as he turned to run.

Stryg cursed, leapt out of the room and rushed him. Leroy tried running back into the room he came from. Stryg dived to the ground, his hand extended as far as he could reach. His dagger slashed at Leroys ankle as the goblin reached the door. Leroy fell to the ground with a shout of pain.

He clutched his bloodied foot, tears forming in his eyes, Fuuccck!

Stryg grabbed his dagger, stood up, and advanced forward, Fuck you Leroy.

An iron bolt shot through the air and pierced Strygs shoulder, nailing him to the wall. He wheezed in pain and shock. His dagger slipped out of his numb hand.

No, fuck you Stryg, Jax said and pulled back his crossbow string.