How To Get Murdered For Free

Along the trek to the capital, the terrain rarely changed. However scattered here and there were abandoned outposts that had not the strength to withstand the monster attacks. Seeing collapsed buildings and roads littered with bleached bones were a common occurrence. But as they were once save havens for travelers, they became home to a different breed of people after their destruction.

Thieves. Robbers. Rogues. Bounty hunters, and murderers on the run.

The kind of people who wouldn't hesitate to stab you when your back was turned. Or invite a few friends over to insure the swift death of a helpless passerby. That is who resided in these decrepit towns. Avoiding these shit-holes was impossible if you wanted to get to the capital, you had to go through them.

Thus anyone who traveled to the capital had to be prepared for not only demonic monsters but robbers as well. In order to do that most travelers went with trade caravans, who would allow travelers to come along for a fee. The caravans offered protection from the robbers and monsters, as traders would hire mercenaries to protect them and the goods. While being faced with a heavily guarded trade caravan, most robbers would turn away.

But the amount of money and respect that came with taking down this lucrative money monster, was just good enough to risk it. Only the most stupid or brave of thieves would attempt to rob a caravan, let alone a trade caravan. But alas, Diana and our Hero seemed to have stumbled upon such a group.

After passing by a seemingly abandoned town, a few miles out a distant rumbling could be heard. It slowly developed into the sound of many hoofbeats.

As the hoofbeats got closer and closer to the caravan, a cloud of dust rose into the air.

The mercenaries guarding the caravan tensed up. The chances of it being peaceful travelers was low, but still they prayed. Because who wants to fight in the middle of a patch of wasteland with no one around for miles, no one in their right mind that's who. Unfortunately, for the mercenaries themselves, they were part of an upright and (mostly) legal group that wouldn't recklessly abandon the people they were paid to protect.

So they stood their ground. Jeremiah, the mercenary leader, called a halt to the caravan.

"It seems like we won't be able to outrun who ever is riding our asses, so it's best if we prepare ourselves here and now. Those of you who are unable to fight, hide within the available wagons or in the middle of the circle, but be prepared to defend yourself. If worse comes to worse, please flee. Your lives are not worth the cargo."

The caravan wagons slowly made a circle and some of the traders quickly brought out their swords and daggers. The mercenary group was on the outside, curling halfway around the wagons, facing the oncoming riders with fierce expressions.

"YAAAAAAH!"

A resounding cry rose up from the approaching riders. As they came into view, their faces covered and brandishing swords, it was clear to see they weren't here to negotiate. With the sun at their backs, and the light slowly fading to provide easier run ups, it could be seen that they were experienced.

However they would soon learn that they tried to rob the wrong trade caravan.

The mercenaries fought valiantly, but the robbers clearly outnumbered them. Soon those that got past the mercenaries made their way to the wagons.

Cries of mercy were quickly cut off with the sounds of flesh meeting sword.

Diana's faced paled, 'oh why did this have to happen now. With the baby with me, we can't escape so easily.'

Suddenly the wagon that they were hiding in was hit. A man grunting in pain could be heard outside. As Diana stole a peek through a hole in the wagons side, she could see a familiar face struggling against a robber.

The robbers sword was inches away from Jeremiah's faces, but he refused to die. His strength was weaning and his trusty sword which was keeping the robbers sword from embedding into his face, trembled.

"Screw you, you asshole! I won't let you lay a hand on these people or their goods."

The robber laughed," Honestly shouldn't you be worried about your own life right now you stupid mercenary?"

Diana swore under her breathe " For ****'s sake Jeremiah, I really don't want you of all people to die, shit!"

As the struggle continued outside the wagon, Diana was torn between decisions. To save Jeremiah and possibly end up getting caught by the robbers, or use Jeremiah as a distraction to take a horse and run.

Luckily, Diana wasn't just a midwife. Nor was she a peaceful mage. She used to be known for her brazen foul mouthed extravaganzas as an apprentice mage in the capital. And that part of her had been gone for far too long.

Taking the sword from her waist, she quickly cast a simple poison spell. Securing the baby in one hand and sword in other, she peeked out again.

It seemed Jeremiah had avoided the robbers first attempt at hacking his head off, but was still backed against the wagon. His right arm was now noticeably bleeding heavily, and his parries were slowing down.

Diana carefully slid out of the wagon and hid underneath the belly, peering from between the spokes of the wheel.

As the robber raised his sword once more, adrenaline rushed through Diana. She knew she couldn't let Jeremiah die, he was a surprisingly good man and had helped her many times over the course of their journey.

She quickly dashed from beneath the wagon and thrust the sword in the robbers chest. The robber's swing jerked to a stopped as he was impaled with the holy sword. A flower of blood quickly blossomed on his shirt. He staggered and collapsed on the ground, his legs failing him as the poison spread to the rest of his body.

Jeremiah leaned heavily against the wagon, only upright through sheer force of will.

"Thank you Diana, but really you shouldn't have come out."

Diana scowled," And let you die instead, even though I am fully capable of saving your ass?"

Jeremiah weakly laughed," I see that now, my apologies and my thanks."

Diana went over the robbers body as she hadn't the strength to forcefully take out sword while he was still alive. The baby in her arms, had not uttered a word during the quick scuffle, now gurgled happily as Diana cleaned of the sword against the robbers clothes. He wouldn't be needing them anytime soon.

Gently placing a kiss on the baby's head she turned towards Jeremiah. Jeremiah who had been watching the whole ordeal understood now how he placed in Diana's heart. And he was clearly not number one, but he didn't mind. He liked the baby too and thought it was adorable, though not as cute as Diana.

"Alright Mr. Mercenary, I think it's time we show you and your boys how to properly deal with these ruffians."

A grin slowly spread over Diana's face, and could be considered a gentle endearing smile that many would feel warmth emanating from. But her eyes flashed with cold contempt, and a murderous aura spread out from her. 'How dare they try and disrupt our journey and kill these innocent people' Diana thought. However, today would be their last day on this world, and she would make sure of it.