Chapter 42: Ogres' Last Stand: Rise of the Rancor of the Ogres

Aldo, have you completely lost the plot? What is this madness!

The time has come for you to fall silent, foolish King of Thunder! You who seek to extinguish ogrekind are instead to be struck down by me, manifestation of their undying hatred. I shall have my vengeance!

You've allowed the sword to take control of you, Aldo? It pains me to see you at the bidding of such a fiend--don't yield to it!

Lower that blade if you will Aldo. I came here for a sole purpose--to exterminate ogrekind. No one will be permitted to interfere with that objective. If I must strike you down...

I will!

Wait!

Aldo's friends! What timing!

Leave it to us to bring him back to his senses, Your Majesties. We will do something!

Be good sports and go on ahead, Majesties. We're more than capable of giving Aldo a good licking.

Yes, we'll leave that to you.

Your Majesty! Blast!

Sort out Aldo for us, Anabel. We'll regroup later. If you hope to witness the fall of Zennon I suggest you hurry!

Moving out!

You intend to flee, Thunder King! Coward!

Your fight is with us, Rancorem.

I've given you sufficient warning. What becomes of you now concerns me not.

Please! Let me have my brother back!

What interest would I have in doing that? This body promises to serves my ends most dutifully. If I return to my sheath this rare chance to taste vengeance will be lost.

Perhaps a generous serving of punishment will satisfy your appetite instead. Ready yourself, Rancorem. We're going to forcibly loosen your grip on our friend.

If the boy is so dear to you, come and reclaim him then, you brightly-colored mob of imbeciles! The ends of those who consort with demonic swords are bloody without exception. Allow me to show you!

This confrontation has proven it! Your strength clearly does not stand up to ours. Release your control of Aldo.

Lest you wish for legends to speak of Ogre Rancorem's unfaltering foolishness, I suggest you choose this moment to retreat.

Give it up, Rancorem! You had your chance and you blew it!

It rankles me to release my hold on the boy, but with his will squirming so defiantly now I've little choice... How lamentable...

Oh, Aldo!

Aldo, are you hurt?

Pull yourself together, Aldo. This is no time to be taking a nap.

Nrgh...

Arghh...

You're okay then, Aldo?

Well I've felt better. But it's a couple of cuts and bruises, nothing major.

But still, those were some pretty painful blows! Do some of you hold a grudge against me?

We had no choice! Ogre Rancorem was hell-bent on getting revenge on someone or other, and not listening to reason.

Indeed. You were flailing about like a mad frog after a fly, blathering some interminable codswallop about vengeance.

You could have eased up a bit. What'd you have done if you'd put me out of action?

If you, or any other members of our group should happen to collapse, be safe in the knowledge that I will be on hand to revive you with my built-in resuscitative equipment!

I appreciate the thought Riica, but I'd like to avoid that kind of thing happening if possible.

We got split up, but thankfully no one was harmed. Imagine if I'd struck someone down. I could hardly excuse myself by saying my demonic sword had possessed me... I needed to be stopped. And you showed no hesitation, Guildna. I appreciate that.

You looked really scary with those red eyes, Aldo. Like some kind of demon.

You got off lightly. Most of my enemies don't end up in one piece. And I have no need for your gratitude.

I offer it to you anyway. I don't know what I'd do without you at my back. And as for this thing at my side...

It is no good to me to have a sword with a will that conflicts with my own. Perhaps I'd best be done with it!

As you wish.

If you apologize and promise to make amends in battle, I will keep you in my possession.

I have no interest in your proposal.

I see. In that case... To the ocean's depths with you! Prepare to meet the fishes!

Oh no... That would inconvenience me immensely. Consider me at your command once more.

It sounds like you've learned your lesson.

I'm concerned about the others who've gone ahead. There's a risk they'll be ambushed or outnumbered. Let's get moving. On y va!

Don't concern yourself for our King. His Majesty is a fine warrior, and our troops will defend him with their all.

That may be so, but all the same let's hurry on.