Chapter 3

Act 3.1

As the sun starts rising on the horizon & it hits Lomu’s pale and sleepless face like a cold breeze rather than a warm ray, he reaches the port city and races through the street toward the legations residence to meet Reza, only to be told that Reza is at the docks. Forced to dismount due to heavy foot traffic he starts moving through the bustling streets, as he is squeezing by throngs of busy bodies. Suddenly he feels something tug and grabs the side of his belt, he looks down just in time to see a pug-nosed pickpocket that had just yanked his satchel which among other things contains the ledger he had taken from Amir’s bedchamber. Lomu gives chase after the miscreant throughout the marketplace and through alleys, finally reaching the cul-de-sac adjacent to sewers entrance. As he corners the kid, he sees carts similar to those which had his father's remains. Before he can do anything, he feels yet another tug. this one from a different person grabbing at his sword and keeping it sheathed, as he trying to unclasp the child’s hands from his blade he feels dozens of eyes stare him down and is quickly ambushed by local riffraff. Lomu puts up a fight, but eventually the toll of endless night of fighting and riding takes its toll as his stamina fails him and he drops to the ground unconscious.

He is woken up in the darkness as small rat runs up his face and jumps away, he tries to get up, but his hands are clasped in shackles, he lurches to the side and hits the bars of a cage. He smells he is not alone, and he hears soft whimpers and sobbing. Small light illuminates the faces of a group of sickly youths. He looks around and sees himself being transported by a small boat sailing down the sewers towards some subterranean dock filled with barrels, sacs, urns, cages and chests, the many people from above are replaced by just as many bustling rats.

Patrolman at the dock surveys the approaching dingy vessel.

Patrolman- What is this?

The man that had been rowing turns to face the ugly nose less man at the pier.

Jailor- Shackler lost his shipment we need to resupply.

Patrolman- Where did you find them?

Jailor- rats trapped some of the newly arrived fools from above.

Patrolman- Could've have just loaded the rats themselves and shipped them to Mo.

Jailor- Keep that wisdom to yourself or you might end up on the barge as well or maybe even under it.

Patrolman- Fine drag them in, best I can do is keep them in sediment pool for a while, this part is not a dungeon.

As they are let out of the cage, Lomu chained to the others is being led lower and lower passing aqueduct looking area that had been changed into the black market. All sorts of scum who are profiting from this illegal flea market are revealed to Lomu. Weapons, rare items from faraway lands, some exotic animals and untold mounds of silks and pelts, finally he is brought to the dried-out pool which has hastily been rearranged to be a holding area for shackled visitors, most of them are women and those that are not, are eagerly ravaging those that are. Shackled or not.

As they are being led in one of the chained girls behind Lomu sees the spectacle below and in horror or defiance lunges at the man shepherding them and tries to claw his eyes out, others rush the girl to save their comrade and are forced to cut her down. What the flesh peddlers don’t notice right away is that Lomu has knelt and retrieved the blinded villains’ dirk. The moment first altercation dies down closest sentry to notices that the blade is not on the ground tries to alert the others, but by the time he begins to turn he is run through from behind, he is soon followed by startled second sentry. Having rid himself of all the immediate threats, Lomu unshackles himself and begins his journey to the surface cutting down soldier and mercenary alike, anyone who is not in chains is either slashed, bludgeoned, skewered or crushed. The slaves help as much as they can, but the visage of the blood-soaked prince is an ally in itself. Finally, Lomu reaches the jailor who in confusion returned to the dock but forgot that the ferry him came in on was no longer moored at the dock. Jailor puts up a good fight, but eventually is cut down when his whip misses Lomu and tangles itself around one of the wooden beams. Having dealt with the Jailor Lomu retrieves the documents Jailor had on him, only to see the ferry approach with boxes and cages like what he saw in the dungeon beneath the monastery where the children were kept.

Thinking nothing of it, he starts his journey to the surface only to emerge and witness that the city streets, he passed in the morning are being overrun by inquisition forces, he moves slowly through the narrow streets avoiding brawls as much as possible on his way through the city towards docks. He gets near the entrance to where Rezas flagship is docked only to be intercepted by Rezas hooded guards who assault him with dual wielded scimitars, spinning and swirling. Blow for blow they clash with neither Lomu giving way nor them. As with all his other opponents a few moments are enough for him to catch their pattern for despite duos speed and agility they both lack stamina for a prolonged fight. Whenever one finished flurry of slashes the other steps in to continue the assault while the first repositioned and regained stamina, after the initial assault they never attacking in unison. Realizing that, Lomu allows one to finish his wave of assault and as the second one tries to switch with his partner Lomu charges through and forces them to split from each other and concentrates on attacking the disengaged the sword dancer while easily dodging the second. After a few moments, both purple guards are exhausted one from evading, another from trying to catch up; and Lomu easily capitalizes on this turning and grabbing the assailant and with both hands delivers a powerful headbutt which incapacitates him while the other is trying to muster strength to engage. Lomu turns to knock the second assailant when Reza booms from the deck.

Reza- Enough! Stop this at once! Who dares to ...L..Lomu?

The guard realizes whom he was attacking and quickly drops his weapons while fading away to the side with a bow.

Lomu- Your yesterday's welcome was less vexing my friend.

Reza (to his guards)- You must be drunk to attack the crown prince in the middle of his street! I will have you torn for this!

Lomu- No need, they took the brunt of my rage relaxing me enough to gather my thoughts, I am grateful.

Reza- leave us! And take your dance partner with you.

The guard runs to his unconscious partner and drags him away.

Reza- Why are you here? What happened? What happened to you? Whose blood is this?

Lomu- Long story.

Reza- come to the estate we can talk.

Lomu- no... better to board your ship now, less inquisitive eyes.

Reza- come, come.

Act 3.2

Night just before the dawn, Lord high inquisitor reaches his men beyond the forest, single female inquisitor among a group of dead riders.

Female Inquisitor- My lord!

LHI- Where is he?

Female Inquisitor- On his way to Laz.

LHI- mount up we follow at once.

Female Inquisitor- My lord I also found the monk Cardus.

LHI- where?

Female Inquisitor- with a group of children moving towards Laz, but on foot and through the woods.

LHI- Muster our men and head for Laz, make sure the cargo at the camp is secure and capture the prince alive.

Female Inquisitor- And the monk?

LHI- by the time I reach Laz it should all be over. I will deal with brother Cardus myself.

Female Inquisitor- Yes Lord Ybagin!

Ybagin watches as the others ride away while he rides up and enters the woods. Finding and following the tracks of a dozen kids is not hard, he reaches a broken tree where the tracks end in a scuffle. He dismounts, ties his horse to the broken tree and continues on foot. Along the way he hears rustling, murmurs, laughter and soon silence followed by screaming men jumping on him from the trees, he cuts down the closest assailant before he even lands, followed by few who ambushed him and few more scouting the area until finally reaches the clearing. A small camp filled with disheveled men and women. The leader such as he is, looks at the interloper as his men screech at the intruder's arrival.

Chief- you have no business here flame bringer! This is our catch!!!

Ybagin looks at Cardus tied to a fallen tree trunk.

Ybagin- I have no time for this, give me the monk and I will go! I’ll even entertain the notion of forgetting my way back here in days to come.

Chief- your helmet must be pretty tight for you to not see that you are outnumbered, now back down or my children will feast on you as well!

Ybagin draws his blade and begins his slow march forward, without waiting for the Chiefs approval entire camp rushes the lord high inquisitor. He cuts through the waves of men and women armed with clubs and spears while the brittle arrows and slung pebbles have little effect against his armor.

Ybagin- You are losing your children and I’m losing my patience!

Chief- Evil creature! You will die now!

Chief blows the horn he had on his hip afterwards he grabs the only decent weapon in the camps possession and almost leaps at the inquisitor who splits him in two upon landing. Before inquisitor can finish his downswing he is shot by an arrow from behind.

Lomu’s Royal Escort Jarus- I must give thanks, following the screams made catching up easier, however I cannot let you take the monk nor let you leave these woods and harass my lord.

Ybagin- Let me?

Jarus- You will find a war veteran is more of a challenge than what you are accustomed to here.

Ybagin- You misunderstand the situation brave knight; I am not your enemy. I...

Jarus- Nothing you say will change what I saw tonight at the monastery, YOU have no words in your arsenal to dissuade me from horrors you allowed to occur there! Nor justify death of my friends! Guard yourself!

Ybagin- oh fair enough, guess as good a night as any to bury a knight.

Roayl guard fully clad in armor and with a great sword and shield is a fearsome sight, with nigh impenetrable front he charges at Lord high inquisitor who himself is clad in full set armor. Yet, unburdened with heavy weapons, the inquisitor is swifter. Blows are traded and while Knight is unfazed at the swings his own swings and slashes don’t bite into opponent, which forces him to overreach with a shield swipe. That is the opening which Ybagin uses to get under the shield and slash at his attacker's right forearm, make him drop his shield. Now it comes down to a pure duel of knights.

Jarus- You are not bad for a church rat.

Ybagin- high praise from you. Maybe you should pull back, that wound is gushing something fierce.

Jarus- tis but a scratch! Come at me I will grant you a warrior's death.

Ybagin- It's the monk I’m after not death, You pompous blow-heart.

Jarus- not to worry He will come, to administer your last rites.

Ybagin- Did you have that line prepared or are you reading of some script in that helmet?

Jarus continues his attack, blows and parries are exchanged until a sword clash is transformed into shoulder bash by the Jarus which is met with the inquisitor’s equally strong shoulder. The proud knight goes for a second bash to show who is stronger, however Ybagin uses the momentum to give way rotate, drop to one knee, swing around and defeat his opponent in literal sense, followed by a swift sword though the visor. The knight froze instantly. Inquisitor held his breath and studied the dead knight for a moment, confirming he is victorious he sighs and gets back to his feet.

Ybagin- Well, that was thoroughly unnecessary. Now....(turns to Cardus) we have not been properly reintroduced, father Cardus I am Lord Ybagin, high inquisitor of the twin blessed gods and a great student of your work.

Ybagin stands above the monk, his shadow looming over the terrified old man, who at that point had soiled himself and was shaking uncontrollably.

Act 3.3

Reza- I am thoroughly confused.

Reza lounges on his pillows while Lomu is drying off after washing away the last few days muck.

Lomu- by which part.

Reza- Let's see, you arrive with the remains of your father to secretly transport him to the capital to legitimize your brother’s ascension to the throne.

Lomu- correct.

Reza- On your way you are twice attacked by bandits who are Dims inquisitors in disguise, whom you fight with the help of Amir, who in turn is also working with inquisitors and is secretly the one who has been raiding the villages and stealing children for years.

Lomu- correct.

Reza- Children you freed along with the old bishop, who are on their way here chased by the flipping Lord High Inquisitor himself.

A servant comes in and gives Lomu his cleaned armor and fresh clothes.

Lomu- yes.

Reza- and as you arrived here you were kidnapped and taken to an underground black market from which you fought your way out and came here.

Lomu- and I lost my father's remains.

Reza- and Amir is dead.

Lomu- Nene too.

Reza gets up pours himself some libations and paces before saying anything.

Reza- I need a drink.

Lomu finishes putting on the clothes.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Lomu- you are holding a drink.

Reza- My drink needs a drink.

Reza downs his cup in a single instance and pours another which also gets soaked up in an instance.

Lomu- Reza did you know about it?

Reza- oh my mind is still putting all that to places you need to chew “it” down for me.

Lomu- the underground slave market.

Reza puts the cup on the table and braces himself on said table

Reza- I am a plenipotentiary representative of my father to your court; I ensure secure waves from here to my Father’s kingdom. My home is the sea between this port city and the next. Whispers and rumors on the land where I am docked are not my purview, they are the sheriffs. You wouldn’t know who holds that position?

Lomu- And Amir?

Reza- He was as much a brother to me as you are. Despite what you say I still see him as I saw him last, but I do not doubt your words, nor do I diminish the effort it must have taken you to kill him.

Lomu- I need to find my father. But I think your merchant friends might know where those carts were headed.

Reza- relax and rest our ship....

Suddenly one of Reza’s men entered the cabin.

Guard- My prince!

Reza and Lomu exit the cabin and are met with a swarm of inquisition forces led by the female inquisitor with a dented helm.

Inquisitor- Prince Reza sorry for the intrusion, yesterday I was unable to articulate my intentions to Prince Lomu; prince regent demands his brother immediately return to the capital.

Lomu unsheathes his newly acquired scimitar, while Reza positions himself between them.

Reza- Are you sure it’s the regent and not your lord Ybagin? Either way, I have no authority to command Prince Lomu.

Inquisitor-but I do. you only need to command your men not to interfere, I have the authority to restrain Prince Lomu should he become obstinate.

Inquisitor moves to the side and away from Reza.

Lomu- Protest? you mean like this?

Lomu quickly grabs the inquisitor by the cape and delivers a kick that throws the inquisitor to the deck, before others can react, he shoves the closest standing inquisition soldier followed by jumping off the deck to the pier below and from there he runs to the boardwalk.

Lomu (yells to Reza)- Ladle me up.

Reza gives the softest of nods acknowledging Lomu’s word, walks over to the inquisitor and offers his hand.

Rested and armed with a shiny new scimitar Lomu cuts his way through the Laz market and down into the black market where the regrouped bandits had just started putting things into order, He fights through what little resistance they can offer and finally reaches his egress, a ferry which initially introduced him into this situation. He boards it, but as he is sailing the rogues that were patrolling the pathway return to pester him by running by his side and jumping on the barge only to be introduced to the sewer waters below. Finally, he reaches the end of his way as the sewer opens to a cul-de-sac where he was initially ambushed. Outside the balconies and windows are filled with children's eyes that stare at Lomu as he enters the middle of the yard and slams the sewer bars behind him; Here he is met with the same group of people that apprehended him in the first place.

A giant brawler bellows as his cohorts to take positions.

Brawler -Shackler wants him caged, let’s not disappoint fellows!

Initially considered as riffraff Lomu begins to amend his estimations as he is forced into a confrontation with an organized and well-coordinated troupe. While the sinewy rogue with dirks keeps throwing his blades in conjunction with a slingshot happy harpy of a tomboy, the broad-shouldered brawler and his stout grappler doppelgänger force Lomu to move from position to position. A prolonged melee would turn Lomu into a pincushion due to the ranged assault. But years of experience on the battlefield do present a tangible handicap. Lomu negotiates one of his oncoming assailants into oncoming projectiles trajectory, which gives him enough time to grapple the second assailant and toss him towards one of the wooden beams which are holding up the scaffolding causing one of the rangers to fall from it, Lomu follows it up by an additional spin to the ranger as Lomu's scimitar cuts through his tattooed neck. Taking out second ranger takes similar effort which makes the initially boisterous duo pause and adapt attack patterns. The big brawler grabs his diminutive doppelgänger and launches him at Lomu who greets the aerodynamic cherub with a blade to the face. Loss of an ally, however regrettable still gives the big guy enough time to climb the scaffolding and bellow to his rats.

Brawler- “Children come help the hand that feeds you, prove your worth and you shall never go hungry again, come children help me stop this monster, monster whose family started this war”

Slowly children start pouring out of the rooms and walkways until Lomu is surrounded by at least two dozen street urchins, armed with small knives and sharp sticks they start closing in on Lomu. Tightness forms in his chest and his hands begin to tremble, darting his eyes he looks for an escape, because Lomu may be willing to fight knights and reavers, but children he cannot cut, children he cannot kill.

The brawler (bellows)- “Funny how some are built, you cut down swarms of killers and murderers from here to the docks and back, but this you cannot stomach. Shackler was right some men just aren’t built for the real world. Go ahead children. Earn your keep”

Lomu backs away as far as the walls permit, knowing he can cut through them as easily as scythe through rye, but he knows he will never do that! Nor will he be able to run away. He tries to brake for one of the exits, but is again encircled in the middle, resigned Lomu closes his eyes and shields his face. A large rock hits him and momentarily he loses consciousness.

Under the olive tree Lomu stands gazing at the swing beneath the tree while Vera is trying to untangle the crimson ribbons.

Vera-Ohh! I will never be able to remove these ribbons on my own.

Lomu- So what?

Vera- this is not funny... ugh! what will I say.

Lomu- tell them the kids put them in.

Vera- what kids?

Lomu- from the orphanages that the church keeps.

Vera- Those kids? those kids wouldn’t do it. War has robbed them of joy, let alone mischief like this.

Lomu- It will be better, once the war is over and all the scum pushed out of the island.

Vera- By then you will end up pushing the children out as well.

Lomu- Not if we show them, that we want to help.

Distorted- STOOOP!

Lomu is snapped back into the commotion, and he opens his eyes.

Pebbles shower the yard as children are pelted by someone coming up from the front.

Couple of children are clutching their heads as the others turn to face new threat only to be pelted again, children scatter like rats each to their corner. From the only source of light in this dimly lit yard the children that Lomu and his men saved appear holding bricks, rocks and sticks; fewer than the rats, but thrice as determined to aid Lomu.

Brawler “Filthy rats you dare bite the hand that feeds you!”

Before he can react, children barrage him with a volley of every makeshift projectile they have. Brawler tries shielding himself, but he still stumbles and falls on his platform and the already wobbly scaffolding collapses under his weight.

Now on the ground Brawler jumps back to his feet, but Lomu is already upon him and after two slashes the brawler loses both of his hands and is stuffed upside down into the scaffolding pile.

Lomu- Guess those feeding days are over.

Recognizing who they are, the local kids run out to greet the newly arrived children some hug and embrace others start crying

Local boy -We were told you were dead!!

Rescued child- No, fatso tricked us into cages and sent us to Mo.

Local boy- MO?! Why? What did you do? Not that’s impossible!

Rescued child (points to Lomu)- Prince and his knights saved us.

Local boy (to Lomu)- Thank you for saving my sister, we are sorry for...for everything.

Lomu –It's ok children, I am glad it ended before you ended me, but why are you here? Where are the grownups that were with you?

Rescued girl- when you left...When you left, we kept moving through the wooded path as the brave knight told us, He said we were going so to avoid patrols on the road, but some bad people had the same idea, they were traveling in a wagon towards us. We met and they attacked us, the knight started fighting them, as there were six or seven the monk got scared and ran off, we took some stones and started helping the knight, that’s when the brigands ran away leaving their wagon behind. The knight looked around for a bit and then came to us.

Jarus- If only I had you at the battlefield, the war would already been over.

Girl- My brother told me that We can fight when we are together.

Jarus- Smart boy, is he here?

Girl- No, he is back in Laz.

Jarus- You are from Laz?

Girl- Yes.

Jarus- have any of you managed a wagon before?

tall girl- I have! I have!

Jarus- Can you lead her to Laz? to your brother?

Girl- Aren't you coming?

Jarus- My prince needs that monk and that monk needs me, now he is in more danger than we are, I have to go. But I promise you once he is safe, I will come to Laz immediately.

Girl- We can come and help, we can fight.

Others rumble in agreement.

Jarus- I know you can, but our Prince is headed for Laz and unknown dangers. I would feel better knowing he had someone to guide him in Laz.

What the little girl failed to convey is that after bidding farewell to the children, the moribund knight made his way through the woods cutting down stragglers and predators along the way, he soon comes across a grizzly path of dead bandits at the end of which was a bloodbath. He walked into the clearing and saw bandits swarming the leader of the inquisitors, while more new arrivals were rushing from the forest to aid their comrades, inadvertently bumping into Jarus. Despite the feral assault, men in cloth and paddings were no match for a fully garbed royal knight, who cleaved his way to the main camp lit with fire and crimson blood. Sneaking into the camp was made facile by everyone having their attention stolen by what could be easily described as the grim reaper that was a high inquisitor. Jarus got to the other side of the tree trunk and cut Monk Cardus loose, but Cardus half crazed and fully dazed from the night's ordeal was unable to harken to the knight's summons and so the knight was forced to make himself known. He stood resolutely between the lord high inquisitor and the elderly cleric. He didn’t stand long.

Little girl continues - It took us a while, but the moment we reached Laz we came straight back here and here we are!

Lomu- I am glad you are safe. I am sure my friend has already rescued the old man and they will be here soon, when they come, please ask them to hide while I’m away. I must go now, but I will return to make all this right.

Girl- Don't worry, we will!

Local Boy- Yeah, you got my sister back! and these other kids will be safe with us I promise!

Lomu- good, good, I am sure they will be... oh before I go, who is this MO?

Boy- that's the creep that keeps buying little girls from downtown.

Brawler- Shut IT! You better shut it...Agh...you ungrateful rat!....or Shackler will have your head!

Lomu- MO.....children do you know where this Shackler is?

Brawler- Not a word you ungrateful rats!

Local Boy- (a bit shaken) No.

Lomu- children don’t be scared, everyone he thinks will come are long gone. Please go and take care of your friends they are tired and hungry.

As the children leave the girl hugs Lomu on the leg and runs off.

Lomu kneels next to the brawler and treats some of the nicks he received during the gauntlet. While doing so he keeps his eyes firmly on the stuck brawler who is running out of blood.

Lomu- You are clever, I have seen what you men do here, what you have built in the sewers and I think I have met your Mo. It’s clever, Amir de Lester..

Brawlers grunts cease for a moment upon hearing princes words, confirming Lomu’s suspicions.

Lomu- ...Mo... Mo Lester.. That's funny, you are just clever enough for that tired old joke. But not the black market or anything else, who is this Shackler? tell me who is this smarter man, and I will treat your wounds.

Brawler- you took my men, you took my hands, you took my children all I have left is my honor. you won’t hear anything from me princeling!

Lomu- I know you know who I am, but I’ve been here before, it tells me little. As for your honor, you stole and sold children to a monster knowing what he did. Knowing what he was. This death is your honor.

Lomu gets up grabs his blade and slowly pushes it downward in brawlers’ groin until the tip emerges from his neck.

Lomu - Now to meet up with Reza.

Act 3.4

Nightfall. Lomu sneaks through the port city streets, carefully avoiding inquisition patrols to reach Legation mansion. Rushing through streets and ducking into alleys he avoids the torch bearers along the way, left, right, left, right and Lomu finally reaches the street he needs.

As he is slithering down the now mostly empty thoroughfare to reach the mansion grounds, he is overtaken the inquisitor and her men.

Inquisitor- Did you enjoy the promenade through the sewers highness? I would have fancied an excursion with a guide if you were willing.

Inquisitor (to one of the scouts)- call of the search and send word that we have found our odorous prince.

Lomu- how?

Inquisitor- this city is full of wealthy men; it is also full of poor men. Legation prides itself to the former by having soup kitchen built for the latter. Open from dusk till dawn in their very own courtyard, Your pun was appreciated by more men than intended my Prince.

He sees Reza rush out to the mansion's gates with his hooded guards, but no further.

Lomu- What do you hope to do in the middle of the street my lady? You think these foreigners share your spiritual fervor for the twin gods and will not intervene when they hear that a member of the royal family is being accosted by the church's lapdogs. Whose boons do they favor mine and earthly or yours and undetermined?

Inquisitor scans the area and sees hundred eyes from doorways and windows. She ponders for a moment and then delivers her answer.

Inquisitor- let him pass.

Lomu walks through and into the mansion grounds.

Patrolman- Why did you let him go?

Inquisitor- I didn’t, he is in a box surrounded by us. Our master can decide how to pluck him out without causing war with our neighbors.

Reza and Lomu walk to the mansion.

Reza- You made it in!

Lomu- no thanks to you.

Reza- you would have me fight the inquisition which concurrently holds the sheriff's authority?

Lomu- I know, I know, I’m sorry it's been a trying day. I know it would cause more harm than whatever this is.

Reza- come let's sup there is little danger in the tin lady bothering us while you are my guest.

Lomu- no there is no time, WE must hurry. Did you find out anything about where the carts were headed?

Reza- No, the local merchant guild that made arrangements of that caravan said that, the cargo has not been back here.

Lomu- Clearly there is more to it but let us assume that since Amir was working for Dim, Dim wants it, so the capital is where my father is headed.

Reza- isn't that what you wanted to do?

Lomu- doesn't mean the same outcome.

Reza- I see. What now?

Lomu- I need to get back to my brother.

Reza- isn't that what the gentle tin lady in crimson cloak offered?

Lomu- again not the same. I need to get out of here.

Reza to his guards- send signal to my ship to prepare for my arrival. (To Lomu) I can go to my ship unmolested, but we need to arrange for your exodus as well.

Lomu- the sewers!

Reza- I'm sorry?

Lomu- Is your house connected to the sewers?

Reza- yea..Why...

Suddenly one of the servants rushes towards them.

Servant- My prince! The mansion grounds have been breached!

Reza- What?! Who would dare! Guards with me!

As they run towards the entrance the doors fly open and inquisition forces rush in.

Lomu, Reza and his men fight invading spearmen, swordsman and archers, but since the manor is not garrisoned for such an assault the defenders' numbers begin to dwindle. Ensuing chaos causes chandeliers and torchlights to spread their fire to nearby balustrades, woodwork and drapes, slowly causing the entire mansion façade to be set on fire.

With only a handful of household guards on their side as well as four of his hooded guards Reza and Lomu begin to push for the main entrance to escape, only for the inquisitor to rush with her own retinue.

Reza- Men! deal with the shrimps, the prawn is ours!

Lomu and Reza attack the inquisitor, who has no time to draw her bow, so she goes straight for her mace and short sword. Fully armored she easily brushes of the scimitar's slashes, but Reza’s barbed twin daggers bite into her armor and while he holds her Lomu is able to rush her and land a few strikes to the helm. She wrestles out of the grasp and snaps Lomu's scimitar in two. Reza uses this opportunity to slash her wrist which causes her to drop her mace. Lomu rolls to where inquisitors mace had landed and delivers a massive hit to her back causing her to fall. Formidable though she is these duos’ training and experience dwarf hers, she uses the momentum of falling to roll away and stand with her back to the fire to avoid another assault on her back. The duo rushes her and easily overpower her now that she is disarmed; with her own mace dazing her and Reza’s daggers continuously roping her into more openings She falls to her knee.

Lomu- Yield!

Inquisitor- This is insane!

Reza- You made this bed witch! now lie in it!

The inquisitor musters her strength and attempts to get up, but Reza jumps in front of her.

Lomu- Wait Reza STOP!

Reza moves forward and delivers a kick to throw his defeated foe into the blazing inferno behind her that has by now reached such heights that it shrouds everything within in flames. Lomu reaches out, but fails to grasp her hand as she falls. however, the falling woman doesn’t fall into the flame, but instead hovers just out of the flames lapping reach, Reza and Lomu stare stunned. The inquisitor feels herself being propped up by a grieved hand from behind.

A shadow behind the inquisitor grows as the flames behind her part & take form, out of the blaze emerges Lord high inquisitor.

Ybagin- Burning an inquisitor? You’ve clearly misunderstood how it goes.

Reza & Lomu –You!

Ybagin- Me! and my merry men.

Eight more inquisitors cross the blazing threshold.

Reza- You overstep zealot, you have attacked the Prince of Quaz in his own residence without provocation!

Ybagin- Oh this place has been a fire hazard for years my prince, mostly thanks to you chaining up this place to a soup kitchen, my men just rushed in to help people douse the flames.

Two hooded guards jump on the unsuspecting Ybagin from the balcony above, Inquisitors standing behind their leader skewer them on halberds midair. Ybagin casually turns to examine the newly impaled men.

Ybagin- Unfortunately not that many were saved!

As lord Ybagin turns around he sees the duo running along with the other guards. The inquisitors behind Ybagin rush towards the stairs in pursuit.

High inquisitor turns to the female inquisitor and points at Lomu- by all means sister Sarah, take your time.

Reza leads Lomu and his men to the back of the building, they see parts of the ceiling has also caught fire and collapsed, left with enemies at the back and flames and skirmishes at all other sides Reza leads them to the courtyard.

The remaining two hooded guards rush into the fountain and begin opening a secret hatch.

Hooded guard- This way my lord.

As Lomu and hooded guards begin their descent Reza turns to the other household guards.

Reza- Hold them off and buy me some time to reach the port, these lunatics will pay!

Lomu looks at the already defeated faces of the men Reza is leaving behind, they couldn’t stand a chance against one woman inquisitor Reza and he faced, let alone ten of them and their militia. He runs back up from the hatch to Reza.

Lomu- Wait! They are after me, they will slaughter everyone until they reach me. Go! I will buy you as much time as possible.

Reza- Are you sure?

Lomu- Yes, they want me alive! Now go! And take them with you.

Reza- I know better than to argue with you brother, Stay alive.

As Lomu turns he sees silhouettes in the flaming building getting closer and closer to the courtyard entrance. As he prepares to greet the impending wall of armored knights he is yanked into oblivion as the hatch closes above him taking all the light of the world with it.

End of Chapter 3.