Bad to worse

As you went along, the raiding groups now staying closer together you saw that the ambushes had taken their toll. Not everyone had been as lucky as you and you could see that some groups had been entirely wiped out. You passed the prone forms of those who had saved you earlier, they'd obviously gotten too cocky.

The captain had obviously underestimated this world's garrison. While it was true militia were usually poorly trained and easy targets these ones had someone who knew what they were doing in charge. As you and Ranveig tagged along with another raider group they told you something that chilled you to the core.

"The Captain has fallen, she got caught by a group of archers. Whole party was wiped out." One of the other raiders informed you. You hadn't known the situation was so dire. Sure the militia had gotten lucky at the start but you'd thought it would have been easy to clean up after their little trick. Instead there was the genuine risk that you might actually lose. If that happened you'd spend the next few months getting very well acquainted with the miners and bearing one of their children. You'd always known that was a possibility. Most raiders had it happen at least once but you didn't think it would be so soon. Your cocky words to Aslaug felt bitter in your mind.

"Who leads now?" Ranveig asked

"Jarl Helga. She's trying to get everyone organized but we spread far too much." The raider told her.

"Look lively!" The call was your only warning before you were once again engaged. This time in a more traditional manner. Your party managed to rout the enemy but losses were beginning to pile up.

"Is there possibility we may withdraw?" Ranveig asked as she helped you bandage another wound, you were starting to feel the effects of the injuries as your movements slowed down.

"No, our method of insertion makes it impossible to flee. " The raider informed you grimly.

"I suppose we may be learning of our foe's insertion methods soon enough." Ranveig said with a wince.

"We are not beaten yet!" You replied angrily, though without the rancor that you would have mustered earlier.

Though you hadn't known it yet, you were in fact beaten. It happened slowly and you almost reached the main mining colony before your slowed reactions finally let a spear through your guard. This time it was fatal. Ranveig fell soon after and eventually the announcement was made that the battle was over.

You had lost.