Joaquin or the man using the old commander's name known as Hawahkan, had arrived at the tavern and ordered a serving of pork chops. The same when he first arrived in the city. Far away from where he left Don Nicholas's head and where Don Pablo had arrived.

Don Pablo couldn't believe what he was seeing. When his spy Cormag had brought him the news Pablo was hesitant to believe the young man. But seeing Nicholas's severed head and with a large hole through his mouth confirmed that Cormag was right. A don was dead.

Pablo got on one knee as he examined the scene of the crime. If you could even call it that.

Pablo knew Nicholas would've been the one to initiate the conflict. What Pablo didn't know was if the killer was the visitor Ephidel mentioned. The blood splattered on the ground was dry and stained the stone pavement. Pablo turned and scanned the area. To his surprise Nicholas's body was missing. All except for his head.

Pablo didn't know much about how magic worked. Ephidel had offered him the chance to become a freak like the others but he had refused. He expected Ephidel to be angry with his decision but Pablo was surprised that Ephidel only smiled. Perhaps he should've taken the offer.

Hell no, Pablo thought.

He knew that taking the offer would change him. The others all sacrificed something in return for Ephidel's gift. Pablo had greater ambition. To be king and for that he needed to stay autonomous. Pablo focused back at the alleyway. The only other thing besides the blood that painted the blue colored homes was the large crater at the other end.

“Who do you think could've done this?” A voice said behind Pablo.

Pablo felt his heart drop. He wasn't expecting any of the other dons to find out about this until at least a day later. He composed himself quickly and said, “isn't it obvious? It was me.” Pablo said as he turned to face Don Galla.

Pablo held himself back from winching. Out of all the Don Galla was the hardest for him to manipulate and read. He had a hunch the woman was suspicious of him. Ever since he refused to take the gift.

Don Galla eyed Pablo before giving him a brilliant smile. Pablo couldn't help but hate that smile. Is this how Ettos and Love feel? “Then I would have to kill you. You wouldn't want me to do that wouldn't you pablo-cito?”

“I know you have a thing for me, Galla. How about I invite you for a nice dinner at the tavern?” Pablo said nonchalantly.

Don Galla walked towards Pablo. She wrapped her arms around him and positioned his lips an inch away from his ear. Pablo couldn't help but notice the silk white dress she wore with a nice sexy pair of red heels.

“I might take your offer, Pablo-cito.” She brushed Pablo's face with a finger as if she was painting on it. “Maybe we could get a bottle of wine and retreat to one of the tavern rooms. Allow the heat of the night overtake us.”

Pablo could feel himself giving in to her offer. There was a shiver down his spine as he could feel the tip of her lips touch his ear. He had to avoid getting kissed by Galla. He had seen what her kisses could do. He straightened himself and brushed his hair back as he walked away from her.

“It's a shame. The idea is very tempting but,” he turned to Galla. “You're a little too old for me Galla.” Pablo lied. All he had in mind was ripping off her white dress and putting her on all fours.

“Not even a small kiss?” Galla said with a voice that was as sweet as honey. Pablo wanted to oblige. Her red lips were plump that enhanced her already beautiful face.

“No.” Pablo answered.

“Such a shame.” She said, Pablo thought the same thing.

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She turned her to face the crater. “The zapojin knew about Nicholas's regenerative ability.” Her voice was soft and gentle.

“How do you know?” Pablo asked.

“Just a hunch.”

“A hunch? Really that's all you can say?” Pablo tried to keep his voice mellowed. He didn't like Galla's hunches. They were usually right.

My my what's all this?” Pablo looked up at one of the home's roofs to see Don Brahen standing on top of it.

Pablo picked up and threw Nicholas's dead head at Brahen. “Take a look for yourself Don Brahen.

Don Brahen caught the head and pondered as he stared at Nicholas's face of terror. “Any ideas Don Pablo?”

Pablo shrugged with his hands held up. “Ask Galla. It just looks like a spike went through his head to me.”

“It knew about Nicholas.” said Galla with her eyes still on the crater.

“Just a hunch?” Brahen asked.

Galla nodded.

“Your hunches are usually right.” Brahen leaped down to ground level. “No doubt it's probably the newcomer Lord Ephidel mentioned.”

“More than likely. I doubt there's anyone native to the city who could bring one of you down.” Pablo said. He meant his words. Even if he could raise his army with Ettor's help he doubted they could handle the dons. He hoped the stranger could bring down the others.

The only one he wouldn't mind keeping alive was Brahen. He seemed the most reasonable to change than the other dons. Especially compared to Nufro who was like a zealot when it came to following Ephidel. And then you have those three. I wonder what their true goals are.

Pablo cut away his thoughts as he felt Galla's cold eyes stare at him. Besides himself, Galla was the most perceptive of the group. He avoided looking at her. He needed to keep his plans a secret as long as possible. He allowed himself one thought.

Whoever you are. Keep up the good work.

“Any idea what the other dons are doing Brahen?” Pablo asked.

Don Brahen rubbed his beard as he gathered his thoughts. “Don Nufro is doing his usual. Planning his approach to be as sadistic as he can be when he meets the Zapojin. Don Mateo is conserving his energy. I don’t think he has long unless he receives Lord Ephidel’s blessing.

Pablo resisted the urge to smile. That was one less don he had to deal with on his way to the top. Don Mateo was the perfect example as to why he had refused the offer to become a don. To be given so much and give so much only for him to let you go once he becomes bored of you.

“Don Ruberte, Alfonso, and Lucas are there,” Don Brahen pointed a finger at the entrance to the alley.

The three dons were shrouded in the shadows and Pablo could only see the glow in their eyes. Something told Pablo he wasn't going to like what he was going to hear.

“Leave the ssssavage to ussss.” Don Alfonso hissed like a snake.

“We'll avenge Don Nicholas.” Don Lucas said.

Brahen walked up next to Pablo. “Now, Now. We’re supposed to work together bringing in the zapojin.”

Pablo saw the third shadow creep closer to them. There was a chill in the air. “Lord Ephidel said to bring in the savage. He didn't mention we had to work together.”

Pablo couldn't help but notice the irony in Ruberte’s words. Before another word could be said the three dons disappeared in a black mist. Pablo wondered if the visitor could handle three dons on his own. The battle with Nicholas could've been a tough one. Tough enough to severely weaken Joaquin.

"I'll be heading out, Don Brahen.” Pablo turned to Galla and tipped his imaginary hat at her. Galla didn't say a word. Her eyes fixed on him.

Don Brahen nodded at Pablo and he began making his way out of the alleyway. With each step Pablo felt himself sink deeper in thought. His plans would be ruined if the newcomer was taken out by the combined forces of Alfonso, Lucas, and Ruberte. He had never seen their abilities in action during the massacre but the heavy presence they spewed was more than enough to make him worry. If Don Nicholas was a warm up then those three would be the workout.

Pablo wanted to scream and let out his frustration but he could still feel Galla’s eyes on him. He wanted to glance at those emerald eyes and see what they were thinking. But she was sharp. Maybe as sharp as he was when it came to guessing the thoughts of others.

Pablo imagined his army. The dons killed before the zapojin, a city crying for change and someone to lead them, and he himself offering the change. A very fragile dream. But with Ettor as his commander and the dons preoccupied with the zapojin it had a good chance at becoming true.

Stay alive, newcomer. Then Pablo felt cold as the sun disappeared over the horizon and night fell.