The four of them pushed forward at a snail’s pace. Part of it was that the empty were difficult to put down. You couldn’t really kill one so much as subdue it. Ratface had quickly given up on going for anything as mundane as the heart and instead switched to limbs. It took them longer to get back up.

  The main reason was the two humans. Fulgora and Anna weren’t used to fighting without their magic and it showed. It wasn’t that they were bad fighters without the magic, it was more that they were having to adjust. They were always a little slower or their attacks a little weaker than they expected. Ratface had already had to swoop in to help them when they misjudged. Usually playing vanguard was Abigail’s job. Now that Ratface was using that role, she could see why the woman had been trying to teach her to use a shield.

  At least Ox was holding their own. The little goblin was quick with the crossbow, and accurate enough. They’d kept the empty creatures at bay and helped the other with a well placed bolt where they could.

  They pushed through the empty. A tiny square of swords and desperation tearing through the line until finally they were passed the group and in the open.

  Ratface pulled Ox ahead of her and the little goblin ran. Once they were out, she kept her space open until Fulgora and Anna could reach her to get out. The three of them ran to catch up with Ox. Ratface spared a glance back for Mathilde. The orc was climbing to higher ground, her face twisted in pain as she leaned on her injured arm to get to one of the balconies. The fact she could still do that awed Ratface, the girl was tougher than she would have thought possible. Hopefully it’d be enough to keep her alive while they got help.

  Fulgora took the lead as Ratface shadowed Ox. She’d lost them once today and wasn’t planning on it happening again anytime soon. They kept running until they found the outer barrier. It still hinted at them not to leave but it was weaker now. They pushed up against it until the reached the edge and then it turned into a full on wall. It was a thing of darkness, reflecting them back at each other. It felt smooth to the touch and cool enough Ratface had to let go.

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  “I don’t suppose any of you know how anything about this?” she asked.

  “I’ve heard about it, the inner cities true defence against invaders,” said Anna. She moved closer and her hand hovered over it. Now that they were further away her magic was returning and she let a light pulse hit the barrier. It rippled and absorbed the attack rather than sustain it. That part of the wall seemed stronger now.

  “It’s a barrier obviously but its strengthen by letting basically anything in and using that strength to keep them here. The only one who can allow people to leave is the Lady. It’s why most of the time its closed. Originally that was all the favour was.”

  Ratface and Ox shared a look. It hadn’t escaped their notice that that meant anyone who failed to gain her favour would be trapped in here. The little goblin had basically been left to die. She dripped his hand.

  “We’ll find a way out,” she promised.

  “If only the Lady can let us out, then we’re even more incentivised to keep her alive against that thing,” said Fulgora.

  “Right. If that thing wins then it might gain control of the inner city. What is it anyway?” said Fulgora.

  “It’s the elf goddess. The many-faced goddess, or the empty,” Ratface said absentmindedly. The glamour had used her as a conduit into this place, her armour was basically a working key for them. She was hoping she could reach out to Kryssa the same way.

  It was an odd feeling to search in her armour, it was like her thoughts were echoing in a place that was usually filled. That must be where Kryssa was usually situated in the core. In spite of the situation, it made her feel a little giddy. This felt properly magical even if she wasn’t doing magic. She found a small gap leading elsewhere and called out.

   she said.

  There was a faint pause, then a voice drifted to her from across the distance.

   said Kryssa.

  Ratface breathed a sigh of relief. So they weren’t completely cut off.

  

  

  Her voice trailed away and Ratface opened her eyes. She gave Ox’s had a squeeze and turned to the others.

  “I managed to contact my friends; help is on the way.”

  “They won’t be able to get into the inner city, the guards won’t let them,” said Anna. Ratface smirked behind her helmet.

  She’d like to see anyone try to stop Abigail getting in here. It’d be entertaining for the short while it lasted.