Chase after Marus

There were few able bodied warriors, many of them warriors Mira had the pleasure of calling companions, they were unease at her presence, but she didnt doubt for a moment their loyalty.

"This is a decisive moment... My people, I am sorry that i wont be there for you. I must go after Marus, and try to end his evil once and for all. With luck I can buy you time..."

"Sir Mira, are you out of your mind? We are going with you." There were many murmurs of agreement "he has demons and monsters under his command, not even you can face that alone."

They were as one. Regardless of how cruel they threated her moments ago, now she was the embodiment of their heroic spirit and honor, they would follow her to Hell and back. A look at the stronghold's entrance, it was obvious they were about to do just that.

"Fine. For Honor and Justice!" her common sword shone with righteous light, yet another sign of her goddess blessings. Guards and common man armed themselves with abandoned weapons and shields, and they followed the Paladin and the Ogre in.

In the main hall they already started to face oppositions. Orcs and more human guards barred their way, but these also was an unorganized opposition, many of them were without armor and had just moments before awaken. Mira and Gullak spearheaded their advance, and pressed on.

It was an ongoing struggle. The main entrance was theirs, but they had to continue fighting in what appeared to be a large dinning hall. Gullak was formidable in battle. Mira found herself daydreaming more than once when she saw his malformed muscular chest stretching, knocking aside opponents with such strength. She once more wondered how exactly she was able to hold all that manliness inside her body, and the more that she though of it, the sooner she wanted it to be.

The beastman snapped her awake, the strength of his blow almost knocking her weapon from her hands. Half man, half goat, this creature had the lower half of his body covered in shaggy grey fur, and the torso and arms of a man, even if dark and leathery. His head was that of a large goat, with its buggy glassy eyes, bucked teeth, and two curled horns that reached backwards. She knew him, he was one of Marus champions.

She lowered her weapons, and saw him do the same, with suspicious eyes.

"We meet again" Mira spoke

"This time you dont have an armor" The beastman sneered "I know that you are the paladin, Mira. I am Khurj, of the beastman, sergent in Marus' army."

"Which only means I will be quicker than before. A swipe of your great axe would still cleave me in two. By the will of the goddess, let this be the last time we fight, and settle our mettle once and for all." Mira's arm ache had eased a little, she raised her shield, and rested the swordpoint over it.

He would give his all in a single strike, taking advantage of his weapon's reach. It was impossible to read his face, but his body betrayed his intention, and she met his attack face on, thrusting that her speed would find flesh and blood, and take his life before he could take hers.

Mira's sword pierced the beastman's skin like butter, a blueish hue covering her blade. She felt the shaft of his weapon hitting her on the shoulder, bringing her to her knees. She let the weapon go, her stunned opponent also released the grip on his weapon. He would soon be dead, for her sword had trespassed his body, and he was now bleeding copiously.

It was then that Mira felt her hands itch, and saw that they also were glowing with power. She had truly become a paladin, with all the mythical abilities of old. She cured her injuried shoulder, but the blueish glow covering her hands didnt fade. she looked at the gasping beastman, quickly losing conscience.

"Are you telling me to heal him, my goddess?"