They make it to Solis.

The two found themselves uninterrupted the rest of the way to Solis. Their foraged provisions allowed them to continue without stopping. As they got closer, they continued to find the ruins of what once were farms and small villages. Marielle's heart was filled with dread as they got closer and it became more apparent that they would not be warning the temple, but only able to aid in its defense. The temple of Helios, if the entire contingent of paladins and clerics were called back, could likely resist a sizeable contingent, but many of the temple's devoted were away on pilgrimages like she was.

Like many large temples, the temple at Solis stood atop a large hill, and the devoted, as well as those that served in the temple required the goods and services necessary to live. As such, a sprawling city had organically developed around the structure. Because of this, it was possible to see the state of the city before reaching the temple itself. Marielle tried to calm her nerves as they approached, but it was no use. The smoke was the first thing they saw. Asmodeus' forces had begun their ****. The travelers picked up their pace, instinct driving them to help, but the outside of the city was uninhabited.

"They must have seen them coming!" Marielle exclaimed, short of breath from a combination of fear and exertion. "They would have taken anyone they could get a hold of and moved them to the temple. That's the most defensible position. We have to try and get up there!"

Brynn nodded, and the two made their way through the city streets. As the moved closer to the city centre, the cacophony of carnage associated with warfare began to increase. Bodies began to litter the streets, both human, and all manner of monster. Marielle and Brynn were aware that Asmodeus had a broad reach, but it was still shocking that kobolds, goblins, gnolls and others would all unite. It was clear they had much to learn about their foe, but that could wait. For now they were needed at the temple.

As they approached the road to the temple, they were unsurprised to find it saturated with monsters, as they tried to break through. As the temple often was full of visitors, the architects had installed a back entrance for priests to come and go from home. Marielle motioned to Brynn, and they made their way unopposed.

That is, until they got to the entrance to the tunnel. A single monster blocked their path. He had the head of a horse, but the nude body of a man. He carried a large staff, and gnashed his teeth menacingly as he saw them. At the sight of the two young women, his massive member grew erect.

The monsters had found the secret tunnel. The units going up the main road were a diversion. The temple was already invaded.

The travelers needed to hurry. They drew their blades. Marielle hacked at the monster, drawing blood, but not a fatal blow, his nude form providing no protection from impact but speed to avoid the blow. He lunged at Brynn, staff swinging wildly, but she was able to parry the strike and respond with her own. She drove her sword into his spine, ending his life quickly, and the two progressed into the cavern.