To destroy monsters, one must be willing to abandon their morality. This is an ideal Melvus digested during his service to the Aesil faction, within Drisbane. Goetia had overreached their boundaries during one of their most recent 'Faction Outings', as they were officially called. Goetia incurred on Aesil territory, they hadn't been over excited with the outcome of their most recent engagement with the Aesil in the arena. Their solution to the issue was to take a segment of Aesil territory by force. This was a foreseen outcome by Princess Efrida, she had prepared her most capable champions in an effort to stave off the possible Geotian incursion.

The hour was late and it was long past midnight. Melvus was stationed atop of one of Aesil's many walls surrounding their expansive territories. His staff in hand, the folds of his cloak lined with vials of different potions provided by the Aesil. Several of which enhanced his spells in short bursts while many others healed minor wounds. There were other various effects, but Melvus was uncertain of his ability to effectively use all of them in the midst of a battle. Aesil's preparedness was not, by any means, a one-off occasion - Princess Efrida was often fearful of an opposing faction invading Aesil territory. She feared for her citizens and her champions alike. 

It was a few hours before the sun would rise, raining down light upon the world, initiating a new day. During this period, the Aesil champions were preparing to return to their resting quarters - the possible attack hadn't occurred. Melvus turned away from the view of the outside territory of the city, unclaimed territory, territory which would, someday soon, be claimed in the name of Aesil, this was the dept Melvus owed to his faction, they had sheltered him, fed him and otherwise cared for him when he found himself in a time of dire need, he could repay it by fighting in their name. 

As Melvus turned away, he caught a glimpse of something peculiar in the corner of his eye, he reared his head to see that nothing was out of place. From, seemingly, nowhere he received a spontaneous urge to run, to hide, to defend himself for his life. [I]Shadow![/i] he thought and not a second later an arrow pierced the space he occupied, passing through his incorporeal form. 

"Champions of Aesil! Hold your ground! Goetia is attacking!" The shout originated from the deep vocals of who could only be described as the most fearsome champion of Aesil. He had never lost a battle and used only a blade - Swordmaster Cylus a man who wore a robe and carried a single straight sword at his side. 

What was about thirty champions from Goetia were clambering over the walls, most of whom were spellcasters. Melvus was only provided with seconds to react to the apparent danger, he quickly lifted his staff and around him appeared an amount of ethereal swords which could not be tallied without ample time allocation, they revolved around Melvus. [i]There are... give or take, twenty five of them... we only have fifteen guarding this wall... It is fortunate that regulated armies are strictly prohibited, otherwise this would not be a surmountable task... we are also fortunate to have Cylus with us, without him I would have doubts...[/i] Melvus extended his arm and from it erupted an appendage which shone with the radiance of the sun, it took hold of an enemy champion and tossed her off of the wall... Melvus awoke from his reminiscence. 

The wizard found himself lying on a bed... [i]The inn? How..? I must have been carried inside... after... I passed out? I certainly did, how else would I have been unconscious? Unless it was induced, I sincerely doubt it - I haven't had rest for over twenty-four hours and I had lost a good amount of blood...[/i] Having suddenly recalled his stab-wound, Melvus shot his gaze to his right arm, he then remembered the mending magic, the elven woman had employed in order to heal his wound. 

Melvus rose from the bed, taking his sword and vials from the bedside, he made sure he still possessed all of his things, he didn't - his staff was missing from the room. The wizard made his way downstairs where he found it in the hands of what seemed like a citizen at the counter. "I found this outside leaning against the inn, any idea who it belongs to?"

"That would be mine." Melvus said to the stranger as he took his staff, the wood unscathed and the false gem remained atop. Melvus asked about the other members of the party, the townsfolk replied telling him that a few had left to dispose of the remaining slavers, Melvus nodded, and that the remaining few were disposing of the dead outside of town, judging by the smoke - they were burning the bodies. They also mentioned that they had left about an hour ago and were likely finished by now.