Retribution

Feeling that Farnese and Casca have fallen into danger, Schierke quickens the march of Guts and Isidro through the winding tunnels. Whenever stray trolls block their route, she scrambles the creatures' minds to slip past, while Guts grows more anxious about Casca with every step. Deeper in the chamber, Farnese keeps a tight grip on her dagger, the last thin line separating the two women from the mob pressing in around them. Terror gives way to resolve once she realizes she is standing to protect Casca. She severs a troll's reaching fingers, but a second beast wielding a pitchfork knocks the blade from her hand and drives forward to kill her.

Crossbow bolts slam into the pitchfork troll's face as Guts bursts in with Schierke and Isidro close behind, scattering the frightened creatures. Farnese weeps with relief at the rescue, though Casca still bristles at Guts and rejects his presence; he explains that a wounded Serpico extracted a promise to bring her home. The captive women of Enoch gather their children from the holding pit and cluster around Guts. He orders Schierke to guide Farnese, Casca and the villagers back to the surface, brushing aside her warning that the odds are hopeless. As Farnese departs, he tells her she is worth far more than she believes, moving her to tears. He then hands Isidro the bag of small explosives, names the boy his rear guard, and stays behind alone to hold off the army of trolls.

This chapter belongs to the Millennium Falcon Arc and runs nineteen pages. It first appeared in Young Animal issue six, dated March 14, 2003. The installment marks a turning point for Farnese, who draws courage from her wish to shield Casca rather than herself, and cements her growing devotion to Guts, a shift Schierke finds exasperating.