Chapter 15.

Not but a second passed for Enora to be overwhelmed by her own actions. What was she doing ? Certainly, she wanted Rose to be safe, and she was very inclined to help, but to that extent ? "All this for the booklet's test results ? I only offered a deal because she could be useful, nothing else … I think.", thought she, lost. Did she though ? Did she really not care ? She definitely did not when it came to most others in the group. They all had the means to defend themselves, to earn their living, but the girl ? She was so petite, so defenceless, a fledgeling. "Am I being sexist ?", imagined the woman, surprising herself.

Still, no time to mourn over her poor decision, she had just gravely wounded a man with a dagger through his ribs, and fresh blood made her right hand sticky while her left violently pushed the fellow's shoulder. He staggered for a few meters back, holding himself as tightly as his fading strength could, before tripping over nothing. A body dropped to the ground in between two shocked fighters, not really understanding the situation. They had seen death many times, from beasts, monsters and allies, but never did they witness a murder. As brutal as a beating might be, it was mighty far from an unforeseen stabbing.

Quickly, Enora grabbed her backpack, her protégé and her weapons. She had to capitalize on the shock the others were momentarily trapped in to make a beeline for the nearest exit. And it was disappointingly easy. Such an escape should have been dangerous and littered with enemies, but really nothing. The event had not caught the attention of anyone since they had been staying quite far from the rest of the group, and the two witnesses were trying to stabilize Alex. Apparently, he was just passed out from the pain, or the shock, or something.

They went through the camp, listening to the sickly noises of nocturnal business around them, in tents or even in the open. Knowing how such acts were possible made Enora lightly sick, but it was their choice after all. Again, if they could not defend their own rights, then the strong was the master. Or at least that's what she told herself to avoid any kind of guilt.

When they arrived near one of the exits, they inevitably encountered a fighter on guard duty. She looked bored as hell, sitting on a protruding rocky surface, staring in an empty cave. Of course, she heard the pair coming, and of course, she wondered things and stuff, but could not say anything. Hard to talk with a spear through the throat. "If I can do it once then twice is fine. Well 'fine', maybe just not less acceptable. It would be fucking stupid to now invoke morals …", thought Enora while trying to steel herself. She imagined the guard as a Grey Devil. Easier in a twisted way, as regret would come soon enough.

The second body hit the ground, giving way to the two women's escape. Quickly, their pace increased until they were just running like crazy from their wrong choices and behaviours. The whole situation had turned to nightmare so fast, from the moment Arsenio decided the new policy until then, how was it possible for things to get so out of control ? Through this ordeal, the two finally understood part of why they were here, in this crazy deadly labyrinth : it was a challenge.

Maybe not just a challenge, maybe other things were involved, but it definitely felt like all people trapped inside had to overcome something, to earn their freedom. "What am I thinking, this is stupid.", hoped Enora. At least they got out of this bunch of hopeless madmen. Bailing out at the last moment without trying anything to reason the leader may have been a bad choice, but all things considered … They could easily guess how badly women fared in front of angry and vengeful men.

Hours later they decided to make a stop, to take a breather. The randomness of the cave they chose, coupled with the monotonous dark grey colour made it impossible for them to know where they were. Of course, Enora had with her the map she had drawn and the compass, putting her in an advantageous position compared to Arsenio and his people. "Fuck them.".

- What the fuck did you do ? That was crazy as fuck, shit ! How … what ?, shouted Rose incoherently.

It was the first time Enora heard the girl swear, making it a very special moment, if a bit vulgar. The surprise made her forget about things, leaving her in uncontrollable laughter. She laughed so hard, her stomach hurt, and still, she kept laughing. Rose was speechless then, looking at her companion with wide round eyes meaning 'Dafuck dude'. After minutes of contrasting joyous feelings, Enora calmed down.

- Oh man, that was unexpected. Look missy, I just went with the flow, even if I'll admit it went out of hand. I have a hard time believing reality right now, so we both need to sit and think., said she, pulling herself together.

- It's … impossible right ?, implored the girl while collapsing on her knees in front of the warrior. I mean, two people probably died because of me, and for what ? Alex was an asshole, but death is … too definitive.

- Doesn't matter, now it is done, and we need to move on., firmly said Enora, though she insisted. I'm not saying to just forget it, you have to reflect on it, as do I, but we can't spend so much time on it now. We are quite in a pickle, barely enough food for three days if we ration, and still as lost as we were yesterday, with the added bonus of a very small number of combatants. Just me really.

The girl did not need to say anything to convey how much she understood, very conscious that her nights would probably be a lot more agitated from then on.