People… and possibly trouble

"Wait!" Xallia’s voice interrupts your thoughts. You turn around and face her.

"Is something wrong?" You ask.

"There are people inside the tower. Around eight of them. Maybe more, maybe less – it’s hard to tell because something’s interfering with my powers." The succubus informs you with a frown on her face.

"You mean the old barrier you told us about?" Glenda questions.

"No, not that. Or at least not ONLY that. There’s definitely someone – or something – inside that is blocking me. We should try to be quiet as we approach."

"Let’s hope they are busy with something and have not noticed us yet." You take out the sword of St. Magdalena. Holding it in your hand boosts your confidence and you begin sneaking towards the ruins. Xallia and Glenda do the same.

As you get closer to the ruins voices from inside reach you. At first you can’t understand the words, but with every step you take it becomes easier to make out what is being said. It appears there are two groups inside, and each one wants the other to surrender.

The three of you reach the main tower entrance, its wooden doors long gone, and take a look inside the old ruin. You see a total of nine people divided in two groups facing each other.

The larger group is on the left. It consists of six elves – four male and two female. The men are all blonde, but each one has a different shade of blonde hair. The one closest to the entrance is holding a longsword, the next one is holding a spear, the third is armed with a rapier and a dagger, and the last one is holding a large claymore, with a second one on his back. The two women are holding bows with arrows notched. The closer of the two has long green hair, a little darker than Glenda’s. The other one has long silver hair. All six are wearing leather armor, leather gloves and leather boots, but no helmets.

The group facing them consists of three women. They too appear to be elves, but very different from the ones on the left. Two of them have snow-white hair and dark brown skin, a darker hue than Sister Gabrielle’s. Each of the two is wearing leather armor and holding a pair of black swords. The third one is the exact opposite of her companions: hair as black as charcoal and pale snow-white skin. She is wearing no clothes and holds no weapons. You see strange runes on her skin and a confident smile on her face.

Just as you finish examining the nine elves you get noticed.

"Travelers? Here?" One of the men gasps in surprise and suddenly nine pairs of eyes are staring at the three of you.

"I don’t know who you are or what you’re doing here, but please help us!" Begs the man standing closest to you. "These women are members of a cult that has been **** people for use in demonic rituals! They must be captured and brought to justice!"

"You’re one to talk about justice!" Scoffs the naked elf as she shoots him a glare. "These six are bandits and killers. They are wanted for multiple robberies and for the deaths of over a dozen guards. Several towns, including Gerlangen, are offering substantial rewards for bringing them to justice."

The nine elves look at you and your companions expectantly and you realize that your action or inaction may determine which group is going to be the victor. The problem is you are not sure if you can trust any of them.

As you consider the possibilities Xallia moves closer to you and starts whispering in your ear. "Their stories are not mutually exclusive, so they could all be criminals. Seeing as neither group denied the other’s accusations that may very well be the case. Be careful!"

You just nod as you try to decide what to do. Should you help one of the two groups? Or would it be best to not get involved at all and just leave while you still can?