Ben observed the mages as they started casting their spells.

  “Be careful and control your mana. We don't know what we’re dealing with here.” The main mage commanded. He continued guiding his subordinates through the process, urging warnings and words of wisdom.

  Ben thought the mages looked like surgeons in an operating theatre by the way they carefully controlled their spells.

  Le’Vieux motioned everyone to move away. “Come, let’s give them some space.”

  Once they had moved a dozen meters away, Ben turned to Le’Vieux and asked, “What happened out there?”

  Le’Vieux took a breath and cleared his throat. “I found him lying there in the dirt amongst a field of craters and destruction. It looked like he gave them one hell of an ass-kicking. There was no trace of Sufield nor his men there. They must have planted that thing in his neck before retreating.”

  Jerry shook his head. “There’s no way there were no bodies. We took out around half a dozen getting out of there. Well, you know what Hauxwell’s like. He must have killed at least half a dozen. Unless there’s something strange going on with that darkness.”

  “I’ve known Hauxwell for decades and don't doubt his abilities. I’m certain he must have caused serious damage to them.” Le’Vieux nodded. “Before Ben arrived here, we ventured to The Proving Grounds and faced Frogmen infected by these neck leeches. Some of them can regenerate, making me think Sudfields men can do the same, or they’ve been taken elsewhere to be reanimated.”

  Almost everyone shook their heads in disbelief, with some cursing under their breaths as if it was the end of every one.

  “What? Are you seriously telling me these neck things turn people into monsters?” Jerry asked, his face full of worry.

  “Yes, and the same thing will happen to Hauxwell if we don't extract it. They must have left him there for us to find so we could bring him back here before he transforms. As much as I hate Sudfield for what he’s done, the man always knows the best ways to dispose of his enemies.” Le’Vieux sighed, then continued. “Also, from the look of the dark storm surrounding the Chateau, I feel that’s where they are regrouping before they attack.” He turned to Jerry. “What manpower do you reckon the Meso knights had when they all disappeared? We have to assume the entire order could be compromised.”

  Jerry scratched his chin. “About five thousand men at arms and an additional five hundred knights.”

  Le’Vieux blew out a breath of frustration. “Yet that doesn't include the civilians and guard garrisons who could also be infected.” He looked up like he was about to pull his white hair out. “Damn it!”

  Jerry shrugged. “The last time I checked, you had over twenty thousand under your command. Can't you call in the reserves or ask the other orders for help.”

  Le’Vieux nodded. “I would say we’re more close to twenty-five thousand. The only problem is that we’re too thinly stretched along the northern border with the Feruslands. We must also keep a considerable force on standby to defend the Hollow Lands if war breaks out or we are invaded. And I can't ask the other military orders for help as trouble is brewing with the nobles in the capital trying to create a single centralized military force.” He motioned towards the marketplace where many tents had been erected, and smoke rose from their campfires. “That regiment should be able to hold the line as long as the supplies keep coming in.”

  “Stop!” The mage in charge shouted, interrupting everyone. “Hold off on the pressure. Can't you see it causing him more pain?” He scolded one of the mages before turning to Le’Vieux and shaking his head as if nothing could be done. “Sir, our magic isn’t able to remove the parasite. Every time we come close, it lodges itself deeper.”

  Le’Vieux raised his hands, “There’s no way in hell I’m going allow him to be taken by those monstrosities. Don't you have any potions that could keep it at bay?”

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  The mage sighed. “There is something we could try, but we don't have the resources.”

  “Go on then, tell me what you need.” Le’Vieux motioned at Hauxwell.

  “We need at least a pound of refined Mirium to craft a royal flush potion. You could call it a last resort, but there’s a chance it will push that thing out with brute force.” The mage explained.

  When the amount of Mirium was spoken, everyone’s mouth opened as if it was preposterous.

  Le’Vieux looked like he was taken aback.“A pound of refined Mirium! Are you messing around with me? You know the Mirium supplies have been running thin for almost a decade. Besides, wasn't Aella the only mage ever to craft one of those?”

  “Sir, Aella was my master at the mage's academy for a time. I was there when the potion was crafted, and I believe I can replicate the process as long as I have the resources.”

  Le’Vieux thought about it for a moment. “Alright, I think I have something in mind.” He turned to Arthel, “Didn't the Blackrock mine have some deposits of Mirium back in the day?”

  Arthel shot to attention and looked like he had been caught off guard by the question. “Yes, Sir. There were rumors that the mine did, at one point, have those deposits. But I believe they must have been sold off. Before the mine entrance collapsed, there was a big deal about some rich ore veins discovered on the lower levels. It could be that they were rushing around at that time because they did find some.”

  Le’Vieux turned back to the mages. “Mirium is found in the lower levels of most mines. There could be some still kicking about in that mine. How much raw ore will they have to extract for you to refine into a pound?”

  “Around two pounds should be more than enough. The mineral is usually highly concentrated with little to no impurities. If they intend to venture into that mine, I suggest you do it quickly, as we need to keep Hauxwell in suspended animation until then so the parasite doesn't take over. My mages will be spent before long.” The mage explained.

  Le’Vieux crossed his arms as if he wasn’t impressed. He gave them a narrow gaze. “I don't want to hear any excuses. Create a schedule and do it in shifts if you have to. Is that understood?”

  The mage nodded, “Yes, Sir.” He turned to his mages and said, “You heard the Marshall. Get him inside.”

  Within moments, Hauxwell was taken into the inn.

  Le’Vieux turned back. “Alright, you all know what needs to be done.”

  Arthel cleared his throat. “Grand Marshall, sir, there is one problem.”

  “And what is that?” Le’Vieux asked with a raised eyebrow. His expression then changed as if he had remembered something. “Ah, the mine’s entrance collapsed some time ago. Well, can’t you get it cleared?”

  Arthel nodded. “Yes, sir, but it’ll take some time to clear the rubble, and besides, I offered ownership of the mine to Ben for saving our skins.”

  Le’Vieux gave him a nod before bouncing his gaze around the others. “Alright, people, we’ve got a lot of work to do. The survival of the Mesolands depends on it. This damn war that’s brewing will send shockwaves throughout the entire realm, and the stand we make now could save many lives. I expect everyone to pull their weight. With only one bridge between here and the Hollow Lands, we need to start local production of vital items. I will instruct the guilds to provide artisans who will help, but before they can get to work.” He turned to Ben and gave him a nod of respect. “Not only did you complete your quest to save Alfred, but you also helped these people in their time of need. You know what must be done, so ensure Mirium is on your priority list.” He then did that system thing before a notification filled Ben’s vision.

  New Quest Added: Blackrock Mine

  Le’Vieux has instructed you to clear the rubble at the mine entrance and ensure it is safe to reopen. You must also search the lower levels of the mine for Mirium ore and retrieve two pounds so the Hollow Moon mages can craft a Royal Flush potion for Hauxwell.

  Rewards: 150XP + 10 Gold Pounds

  “Once you’ve completed your quest, Alfred should be better and will begin your combat training,” Le’Vieux explained. He turned across to one of the high-ranking knights and shouted. “Oi! I need another mount, one that’s not worn out.” Turning back to Ben and the others, he finished. “I must return to the Hollow Keep. You all have your tasks, and I do not wish to scold you for not completing them upon my return. Now, get to work!”

  The knight had brought another mount, and Le’Vieux got on. He gave everyone a nod before setting off at full gallop towards the trail leading to the checkpoint.

  Arthel blew a huff of relief. “Well, that was intense.”

  Jerry turned and mimicked Arthel from a moment before. “Yes, sir!”

  “Ha ha, very funny,” Arthel said, his face going cherry red.

  “It is. You were shaking in your boots like a scared child.” Jerry chuckled. He turned to Ben and asked, “Anyway, what will you do about the mine?”

  “Before we go there, it would be good to know what happened there before the collapse.” He turned and waited for a response.

  Arthel raised his hands. “Don't look at me. I didn't work there.”

  “Listen,” Har interrupted. “If anyone knows about the mine, it will be young Finn. He used to work in those tunnels with his parents when they were short on labor. He’s been itching since the collapse to find out what happened to his parents, so I think he’ll happily share all he knows.”

  “Yeah, and he will no doubt want to join you when you go there,” Arthel added. “Come on, let’s get inside and get things in order before you set off.”

  **End of Hollow Moon III: Broken Knight Arc**

  ** Act I Complete**