Death Beside You

Valmar/Tarsa laughed. "Isn't it just delicious? All your friends killed by Tarsa, who wanted nothing more than to protect them - while she watched, her mind still aware and screaming in horror! Muahahaha!! And look... I can turn her on and off at will.... Eaaaaaaagh!! Muahahaha!! Aeeee!! Muahahaha!! Fred please kill me! Muahahaha!!"

"You sick monkey," Fred said, coughing up blood. His hand closed around the hilt of his sword. Maybe he had strength enough left for one last attack - but could he really bring himself to hurt Tarsa, who had been the first girl he had ever kissed?

"Is that all you have left for a wise-ass quip?" Valmar/Tarsa said. "Farewell. Send my regards to the King of the Underworld!"

At that point the darkened frame of the doorway seemed to convulse, and spat crossbow bolts at Tarsa. She screamed in pain and flew back as a bolt hit her in the forearm. Then shrieking brothel wenches still dressed in their bedclothes charged into the room. The one in the lead was a dashing redhead who swung a two-handed sword at Tarsa's face. Tarsa ducked fluidly and punched through the redhead's ribcage, ripping out her still-beating heart. The girl fell into Fred's lap without even a whisper, and the remaining wenches gave pause.

"Aaargh..." Tarsa winced, clutching the heart in her injured hand and pulling at the crossbow bolt with the other as blood spurted. "This human body is still too weak. Soon... soon I will be able to discard it, killing this Tarsa and becoming all-powerful! Consider yourself lucky this time, Fred - but remember that I never forget to return a favor!"

Tarsa vaulted out the window, and soon the room was filled with girls weeping for Karnbald, Sharon and the fallen redhead. They must be the Brothel Elite that Karnbald had been boasting about at dinner, Fred thought in a daze. Brothel whores trained in the killing arts. Perhaps Karnbald did enjoy his work a bit after all. One thing, however, is painfully clear.

1. I've got to rescue Tarsa!
2. I've got to get out of Setrial, immediately!
3. ...Pillow Fight!

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