Chapter 14
by 
Yelawolf
Sazza leads you...
To the Absolute's camp
The journey to the Absolute’s camp is tense, the air thick with unease. Sazza leads the way, her movements quick and furtive, but her sharp tongue and sly grin keep the group on edge. She’s been unusually quiet since leaving the Grove, her usual banter replaced by a calculating silence.
As the group approaches the camp, the terrain grows more rugged, the scent of smoke and the sound of distant voices filling the air. Sazza gestures for you to stop, her expression unreadable.
“This is it,” she says, her voice low. “The Absolute’s camp. Now, remember—you’re here ‘cause I brought you. So don’t go doin’ anythin’ stupid, or we’re both dead.”
You nod, your tone firm. “We’ll follow your lead. For now.”
She grins, but there’s something off about it—something that makes your instincts scream in warning. “Good. Let’s go meet the boss.”
The camp is a chaotic sprawl of tents, bonfires, and makeshift fortifications. Goblins, orcs, and humans alike move about, their eyes hollow and their movements unnaturally synchronized. At the center of it all stands a tall, imposing figure—a drow woman with sharp features and an air of cold authority.
Sazza leads you forward, her grin widening as she approaches the drow. “Oi, Minthara! Brought you some new fresh recruits. They’re a bit rough around the edges, but they’ll do for your army."
Minthara turns, her crimson eyes narrowing as she surveys your group. Her voice is like ice, cutting through the noise of the camp. “And who are these… interlopers?"
Sazza steps forward, her tone uncharacteristically deferential. “This here’s the hero who saved me from the tieflings. Says they’ve got a score to settle with the Absolute.”
Minthara’s gaze locks onto you, her expression unreadable. “Is that so? And what makes you think the Absolute has any use for you?”
Before you can respond, Sazza cuts in, her grin turning wicked. “Oh, they’re more than useful. They’ve got information. And skills. But here’s the kicker—they’ve got *tadpoles* in their heads. Just like the rest of your lot.”
The camp falls silent, all eyes turning to you. Minthara’s lips curl into a faint smile, her tone dripping with malice. “How… interesting. It seems you’ve brought me a gift, Sazza.”
Sazza grins, clearly pleased with herself. “Thought you’d appreciate it. Now, about my reward…”
Minthara’s gaze shifts to Sazza, her tone sharp. “Your reward is your life, goblin. Do not presume to demand more.”
Sazza’s grin falters, but she quickly recovers. “Right, right. I’ll just… be over here, then.”
As Sazza scurries away, Minthara turns back to you, her expression cold and calculating. “You have until dawn to prove yourselves. Fail, and you will join the others who have dared to waste my time.”
The weight of her words hangs in the air as she strides away, leaving you and your companions to exchange uneasy glances. Sazza’s betrayal stings, but one thing is clear: you’ve caught Minthara’s attention—and not in a good way.