A Bloody Conflict

"BY THE POWER OF THE BURNING ROSE, I WILL BANISH YOU VILE CREATURES!" You see a bulking mass of red flesh be launched from one side of the great hall onto another red figure. The demons are slammed onto one of the hard stone walls of the abbey before being knocked out.

Before even looking about the interrupted ceremony, you know such a hoarse battlecry and power of this magnitude could only be the work of the War Mother.

But you are stunned to find the grand hall in a bloody conflict between demons and your sisters.

The bloodied figure of War Mother Gisella stands strong at the center of the attention, wielding her mighty battleaxe, guarding a hallway leading to the room that joined to a cave system which led outside. She seems ready to strike down anyone foolish enough to step forward.

Fortunately, she isn't alone. There are a pair of paladin knights you remember as sisters Jania and Evarine guarding her flanks.

A mass of demon legionaries had filled the hall and toppled anything standing to the ground. And now they are trying to somehow best the abbey's finest in combat or at least try and sneak past them and into the hallway. Despite their increasing numbers that are climbing in from the shattered windows, none of them seem too eager to make the next move.

Clearly, the War Mother and her students are covering the neophytes' retreat. You fear that this means a greater threat is looming on the abbey and this isn't a fight to win.

This also means that, obviously, were the demons attentive enough to notice you, you would be quickly overrun.

You bolt towards the archway of the hallway you came in from and hide behind its frame. It seems like your sisters are aware of your presence but have chosen not to acknowledge you lest they give away your position.

Leaning around the archway, you scan for any opening, any weapons or anything that could help you.

There's not a long way to reach your sisters. But a careless dash might get you captured.

You suddenly remember the sacred relic of the abbey, the weapon of justice and sword of St. Magdalena. It is more valuable than anyone in the abbey. And it is crucial that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Namely, the master of these invaders. Whoever it may be...

For now, you have focus on where it is. Before the feast, a short ceremony is held where the initiate is welcomed into the fold. You witnessed many neophytes declared paladins in your life. The sword is used in the accolade. This means it is close by right now.

However, you cannot see it anywhere. Perhaps it is better to join your sisters.

You bend over to reach a knife knocked off of a crushed table. You hold it in a reverse grip. It is more of a tool than a weapon but it is more than nothing.

All choices are risky at this point. You recite a quick prayer and take a deep breath to calm your nerves. It is time to decide...