Chapter 655 - Diplomacy with the damned (1/2)

The Colony had been clever with its strategy so far, if a little naive. The inexperience in fighting sapient enemies was likely the reason for their relatively direct approach. If they were allowed to grow, that would change. Yet another reason to excise this problem before it grew too severe. Still, t.i.tus felt compelled to keep his eyes wide open as he approached the elderly woman who stood alone in the tunnel before him.

”I am t.i.tus,” he confirmed, ”commander of the Legionem Abyssi. I have to say I did not expect to find a Lirian in this place. May I know your name?”

The old soldier stood straight and tall, not bothering to try and appear unthreatening. How could he? He was wearing a full set of heavy Abyssal armour with a demonic axe on his back. In truth, he was threatening. Not that Enid seemed to mind.

”My name is Enid Ruther, commander. You might have known my husband.”

t.i.tus frowned.

”Derrion? The mercenary?”

The mayor smiled, pleased to see her dearest husband was still remembered.

”That's right,” she nodded, ”he spoke highly of you.”

”He was one of the good ones. The dark blade of Arranyss. I seldom have respect for mercs, but your husband was very capable and stuck to the rules. I was saddened to hear of his death.”

”He had no time for union politics. He always saw the Dungeon as his place of work and had no interest in jostling for control.”

The commander grunted.

”Good thing too. As much as I would like to take the time to pay the proper respect to your husband, Ms Ruther, I am sure you are aware of what is happening in this place and that my time is limited. I can guess why you are here, but I'm prepared to listen to what you have to say.”

”I agree. It's unpleasant that we find ourselves in this position.” Enid smoothed her skirt as she gathered her courage. ”I don't know what happened in the Dungeon during the wave, commander, but I imagine it wasn't easy for you. I presume you were occupied when Garralosh rose to the surface.”

”We held the line and prevented the lower monsters surging into Liria. We couldn't predict that Garralosh would be able to do what it did.”

She only shook her head.

”I don't blame you, or the Legion, for what happened during the wave. None of us could have known that a beast like that would be able to survive on the surface. But I must inform you that the beast Garralosh you once fought, was defeated by the Colony you now seek to destroy.”

t.i.tus only shrugged.