Tigris, Lyo, and Irene finally reached the gates of the city of Albion, the capital of Zul-Aman.
“Ugh my feet are killing me.” Barked Tigris as they were walking up the road to the city gate.
“We’re in the home stretch Tigris. Just a little more and then we can find the others.” Replied Lyo.
“How? We have no idea where to even start.”
“The others made it so we look for them. Irene have you ever been to the holy city?”
“Twice. If it’s all the same to you we should stick to the crowded areas. Easier to blend in. I don’t wanna take any chances.”
“Why? Do they have a wanted poster of you?” Asked Tigris.
“Sellswords are legal in this country?” Asked Lyo.
“Yep they’re legal. No they don’t have a wanted poster of me. At least I don’t think they do.”
“So where do we start looking?” Asked Tigris.
“There’s a few pubs and inns we could checkout. Maybe the marketplace if your friends are trying to blend in. Other than that I couldn’t say.” Said Irene.
“Hmm... for right now it’s best if we stick together. We’ll start with the town square, and work our way outwards. Keep an eye out for any orphaned kids. They might be legionnaires.” Added Tigris.
“You guys have spies all the way out here?” Asked Irene.
“We have eyes and ears everywhere Irene.” Said Lyo.
As the group was about to enter the city they saw several wagons entering the city with captured animalists onboard. Tigris saw Irene reaching for her knife, but she caught her hand.
“Don’t do anything stupid.”
“They’re going to kill them!”
“That is their fate. We have our orders.”
“I’m not a part of your army.”
“Then you’ll die with them, and between you and me I’m guessing you want to kill more of them before you go out in a blaze of glory.”
Irene retracted her hand from her knife, and pointed her finger at Tigris. “This isn’t over.”
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Embry, Tykal, and Azura walked around the market square in Albion trying to gather any information they could overhear from conversations. Embry followed a duo of soldiers patrolling the market.
“Heard about what happened to the other guys from the graveyard shift?”
“Yep. A damn shame too. Think it was the Gaists?”
“Got to be.”
So far there was only news about their scuffle, but nothing that really stood out.
“Heard anything from the grapevine?” Asked Tykal as she approached her.
“Nothing but news from last night. You?”
“Only something about an execution about some Gaists and animalists, but nothing else. Would be easier if we had more help.”
“At least we’ve got our network.”
“Yeah.” Embry sighed.
“Spit it out.” Said Tykal knocking Embry out of her stupor.
“What?”
“There’s nothing to be done. What happened... Happened.”
“You’re glad it was him don’t you Tykal?” Embry spat.
“I wish they had killed him. Or that he killed himself. Easier on us too no deadweight.”
Embry raised her fist, but Tykal interrupted her.
“Embry it’s broad daylight. There’s people all around, and there’s guards over there. It’s for the best if we don’t draw any attention to ourselves.”
“This isn’t over.” Embry then walked away.
“We’re legionnaires. It’s over when we’re dead.” Tykal whispered to herself.
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Tigris and the others walked the crowded streets of Albion keeping an eye out for the rest of their team.
“Albion doesn’t look all that different from Karash. I was expecting something different.” Replied Lyo as she looked at the buildings.
“We’ve only just been free of Spyre’s grip for what? More than 150 years? Besides it’s not like they were just gonna get rid of the buildings and make new ones.” Answered Irene.
“Plus this is the holy land. The place where Gaeric fought Gaia.” Added Tigris.
As soon as they made their way to the city’s center they saw Gaeric’s statue with all roads leading to it.
“They really like to exaggerate don’t they?” Quipped Tigris as the trio looked at Gaeric’s muscular figure.
“You know there are stories of her tearing her enemies apart with her bare hands right?”
“Well Lyo those certainly are bear hands. Seriously I can’t imagine a guy sticking their dick inside that. She seems like the kind of woman who would never let you be on top.”
“Speaking from experience are we?” Asked Irene.
“Hey! When I fuck my women I give them a chance, besides being at the bottom has its perks. Get to see gravity in action.”
“You’re disgusting.” Replied Irene.
“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.”
Lyo saw the temple on the other side. She pulled out her Sovereign idol, and walked towards the temple. Lyo stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Asked Irene.
“To pay my tribute. Now if you don’t mind.”
“Let her be Red.” Tigris began. “Besides we have more important things to worry about.”
“Fucking...” Irene muttered as she let go of Lyo.
Lyo hurried to the temple with the Sovereign Idol in hand. As she approached she noticed two Gaericists guarding the entrance.
“Sovereignist or Gaericist?” Asked one of the guards.
“Sovereignist.” Lyo replied.
“Don’t make any noise there’s a sermon.”
Lyo nodded and entered the temple. As she made her way inside she saw stone statues of Gaeric and the Sovereigns all lined up. At the far end was a statue of Gaeric standing atop an altar with various weapons such as swords, spears, and clubs. On her left and right were the six Sovereigns, her grandchildren. She saw the crowd was only made up of women and young girls, so it meant the sermon was for the Gaericists. Lyo saw an empty seat by two girls that were about thirteen or fourteen years old. She took a seat as she wrapped her fingers around her Apollyon idol.
“Thus did Gaeric besiege Khemmel’s Divine Child Gaia. Gaeric’s fists reverberated against Gaia’s armor, and so earthquakes transformed the plains of Eris. The earth split apart! The earthquakes gave rise to mountains, and made the first rivers. But Gaia, being the last, did unleash upon Gaeric her own Champions. Icarus of the lightning spear, Yu’ Jil of the deep, and lastly... Her greatest adversary, and co-conspirator of Corrax, the Sovereign Slayer...”
Lyo uttered his name along with the priestess. “Havel.”
“Gaeric, with the power of will, with the strength in her arms, with the fury of countless enslaved souls did she vanquish her enemies... But alas... Havel with a rival strength to match gave our savior, our blessed mother, the fight of her life. But Gaeric did not stand alone for she had Vignamry, the changeling, Midir, the beast master, Rivain, the shadow walker, Koshakal, the fire breather, Yusanis, the stonefist, and Sur’ Esh, the storm weaver. There they stood with an army to conquer those of our contemporaries ready to conquer.”
“She sure likes the sound of her own voice.” Muttered one of the girls sitting next to Lyo.
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Lyo turned around to see one of them silence her friend by jabbing her stomach.
“Ow shit! Okay Lira I’ll shut up.”
“You know better than to speak during the sermons Lotus.”
“Gaeric’s tits! You’re such a pest Lira.”
“Shh.” Lyo tried to silence the pair as several women turned their heads to see the commotion.
Lira chuckled then continued to watch the rest of the sermon as did Lotus, but with a scowl. The priestess finished the last of the sermon as the crowd of women prepared to leave to attend to their duties.
Lyo stopped the two young girls to ask them for directions. “I’m sorry to bother you, but where’s the Mausoleum of the Sovereigns?”
“Underground in the basement. Just take the stairs over there where everyone’s heading down can’t miss it.” Answered Lira.
“Sovereigns bless you.”
Lyo followed the crowd of women heading downstairs with her Apollyon idol on hand. As she descended deeper she came upon a large hall filled with tapestries on either side depicting the Sovereign Rebellions. Images of Corrax killing the Sovereigns, Corrax burning cities and villages, the Sovereigns leading armies to fight their father, all these and many others filled the torch lit halls. Lyo noticed a large metallic door filled with engravings of the Sovereigns at the far end of the hall. Lyo approached the door with both of her hands gripping Apollyon’s idol tightly and firmly.
“You here to pay your respects?” Asked one of the women by the door.
“Yes.” She answered.
“Head on through, but watch yourself. Any false steps and we’ll kill you.”
“Understood.” Answered Lyo as she opened the doors into the mausoleum.
As Lyo entered the mausoleum she noticed many women praying at each sarcophagus that had a statue of their corresponding Sovereign overhead. The mausoleum contained relics of the Sovereigns and Gaeric. Each relic was preserved in a sarcophagus corresponding to each. Lyo saw the each sarcophagus was surrounded by candles. The candles created a barrier so that no person could approach the sarcophagus for approximately seven feet. Lyo also noticed several idols placed around the candles. Lyo got on her knees before Apollyon’s sarcophagus, placed her idol alongside the others, placed her forehead on the floor, and began to pray.
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Tykal saw the Gaericists prepare the square for execution. They had placed several iron poles surrounded by wood that was placed at the base of the poles. She also saw several men wear a full heavy set of armor. They stood near a banner of a sword and eye. The eye’s lashes resembled the sun.
“Inquisitors.” Tykal whispered to herself.
Tykal looked around the square and noticed several inquisitors taking positions in the rooftops of the buildings overlooking the square. The whole area was well guarded. They covered possible escape routes, and it didn’t seem as though they had any discernible blind spots. Tykal yawned and left the square to regroup with Azura and Embry.
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Tigris and Irene were sitting in a nearby bench waiting for Lyo to finish her prayers.
“So…” Tigris began.
“What?” Irene scowled.
“You and Dawon… are you two fucking?” She asked.
“What are you… No!”
“Really? Well I can’t say I blame you. He’s a real shithead.”
“Like you’re any different.” Irene retorted.
“Well Irene I’m here so just spill it.”
“Did you ever care?”
“I did… Not anymore. Leaving was still the best decision I’ve ever made. Here I had only two options. Die or fuck.”
“Like Karash is any different.”
“They game me the option to win and fuck, and it feels great. Do you know what it’s like Irene? To really feel victorious. To see the enemy scatter as their commanders are killed off one by one, to torture them, to throw them off the rooftops and seeing them clutching the rope as they gasp for air, to rape their women and men then sodomize them with swords, spears, bayonets, and knives. Can you say that you’ve experienced that kind of victory?”
Irene didn’t know how to answer. “Did you really…”
“Not all of it. Some I witnessed. Others I heard from friends. Regardless, I felt like it was like to win.”
“Did they give you a reason to fight too?”
“Get paid and get laid. It’s reason enough for me.”
“And the homeland?”
“It’s just dirt in the end. If you’re stupid enough to spill your blood for dirt you probably don’t deserve it.”
Irene grit her teeth. “You fucking… Grr I used to look up to you!”
“I’ve always been more of a power bottom.”
“Is this all just a fucking joke to you?”
“Yes… But a terrible one.”
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Azura walked alongside Embry through the winding streets.
“Is he… gonna be okay?” Asked Embry.
“I… I honestly don’t know. I’ve asked for anything on Dour Keep and where they’re keeping that supposed giant lizard. But they said that would be impossible.”
“What do you mean?”
Azura sighed. “It’s the one place where they can’t get in. Dour Keep has a record of being tough to break in and out of. One way in and one way out. The only way in is with a special mark used by high ranking officials. Even then tracking down the missives carrying the mark is impossible as they use a whole division to carry that scrap of paper.”
“What will happen to him if…” Embry trailed off.
Azura sighed. “I don’t know, and that’s what worries me. We have to find a way to fix him before we get new orders.”
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Tigris saw Lyo walk out of the temple with a smile on her face.
“Did you have fun? Did the Sovereigns answer your prayers? Did they…”
“Shut the fuck up Tigris.” Lyo replied.
“Ah you didn’t let me get to the part where they gangbang you.”
“Is sex the only thing you can think about?” Asked Irene.
“That’s ironic coming from you.” Retorted Tigris.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You have my brother’s dick stuck up your ass. Or am I wrong?”
Irene then threw a punch at Tigris who immediately caught it. Both of them glared at each other.
“Did the two of you forget where we are?” Added Lyo as she put herself between the two.
Irene looked around and saw a couple of inquisitors passing by. “Fine then.”
Irene then walked away from the other two.
“Hey where are you going?” Asked Tigris.
“Where do you think?”
“Shit! Let’s go Lyo. If they catch her she’ll probably tell them about us.”
“We could always kill her.”
“Yes, but then it would be that much harder to gain the trust of the animalists.”
“Do you like her?”
“Eh.” Replied Tigris.
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Tykal stood and watched as the inquisitors tied up the last of the captives to the metallic poles. They had also covered them in oil, and placed firewood beneath their feet. Embry and Azura soon joined her.
“Heard anything new?” Asked Azura.
“Nope. What about you two?”
“Same.” Answered Embry.
“Well at least we’ll get to enjoy the show. From the looks of it it’ll be a real spectacle.”
One of the inquisitors lit a torch as another pulled out a large scroll, and read it.
“For worshiping a dead Divine, for committing acts of insurrection and sedition, the following are found guilty of their crimes. There can be only one punishment for those who would commit such heinous acts…”
Just as the inquisitor was about light the first animalist on fire someone jumped onto the platform. The girl transformed, and knocked the inquisitor off the platform. Just as she was about to cut the first prisoner free several inquisitors positioned in the rooftops opened fire on the platform. Two other girls jumped onto the platform to free the rest of the prisoners, but the inquisitors made sure to kill them before they could free them.
“Azura that’s…” Embry began.
“Shit I know! You two find me an exit, I’ll get the others.”
Tykal and Embry pulled out their knives as they hid among the frightened people trying to escape. Tykal looked back as Azura pulled out her knife and killed one of the inquisitors trying to get back on the platform. Tykal then spotted an inquisitor with an automatic crossbow take aim. Tykal threw her knife at him. The knife pierced his cheek and went into his mouth, but it did not kill him. Tykal and Embry then rushed the inquisitor, and pinned him to the ground as Embry repeatedly stabbed him. Tykal grabbed his crossbow, and magazines as she aimed at the inquisitors on the rooftops. Tykal used the inquisitor’s body to stabilize her shots as she fired the first few arrows.
“How are we doing back there Embry?” Asked Tykal.
“They’re coming down now with one prisoner.”
“All that effort just for one guy?” As soon as Tykal finished her phrase an arrow found its way to the prisoner’s head. “Well that’s… inconvenient.”
Embry glared at Tykal.
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Tigris looked at the fallen captive. “You just had to fucking make a scene!”
“You knew I was gonna do this.” Retorted Irene.
The four of them regrouped with Embry and Tykal as more inquisitors poured in from all sides.
“What’s the plan?” Asked Lyo.
“Get out of the city. We can’t risk losing our spy network so the sewers are out.” Informed Azura as they took cover.
“I know a way out. We need to head south.” Added Irene.
“Okay then. Tigris and the new girl take point. Tykal cover the rear. Embry and Lyo assist her.”
“Where’s Onyx?” Asked Tigris.
“Not now.” Barked Azura as the group rushed to move out of the encirclement.
They all rushed through the alleyways as they followed Irene through the hostile city. As they were about to make their way to a street they came across a horse driven carriage. The man raised his hands, but Irene jumped on top of him and bit his throat.
“The fuck Irene?” Asked Tigris.
“No witnesses.” She said as she wiped the blood off her face.
“Yes because they clearly didn’t witness any of that shit back there.”
“Shut up and get on.”
They all rushed to get on as several wagons with inquisitors and knights were already making their way down the street. Tykal rushed to the rear of the wagon cart and fired at the horses to prevent them from catching up. Nonetheless, several carts steered clear and fired back. Eventually one arrow found its way to Tykal’s left arm.
Tykal yelped in pain as she pulled out the arrow. “Big mistake assholes I shoot better when I’m pissed.” Tykal removed the magazine from the crossbow and loaded the extra arrow.
Tykal aimed at the horse’s head and fired. The horse fell, and with it the rest of the cart as the wheels crashed into the dead horse sending its passengers flying.
“Eat shit!” Yelled Tykal as the soldiers crashed to the ground.
“Yo Irene how much farther?” Asked Tigris.
“We need to get to the storm drain on the south side. That’s gonna be our best bet. The storm drain leads to a ravine that we can use to head towards the river. There’s a small boat we can use to get to the village of Navaronne. Then we get to Berwick.”
“We actually have a better way to get to Berwick, but we have to lose them first.” Interjected Azura. “Embry, Tykal I want you to lead them to the sky sailor. Stay put until I come back.”
“Where are you going?” Asked Tykal.
“To go back for Onyx.” Replied Azura.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“No. But I’m not certain of anything anymore.”
“Suit yourself.”
“Okay then in that case we’ll split up. You all go with Irene. If I’m not back before the day’s end you are to report to the Plumber and wait for reassignment. Make a turn at this alleyway.” As the horse decreased in speed Azura jumped out of the cart into some nearby trash.
Azura looked around to see if she was spotted, but so far everyone cleared the streets or ran for cover for fear of being caught in the crossfire. Azura then tried to find the nearest sewer entrance to retrieve Onyx.
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The group waited by the sky sailor as darkness came upon them.
“Hey did the two of you mention to Azura the thing that happened at Drakon’s Rest?” Asked Lyo.
“No.” Answered Tykal.
“Why not?”
“Would you believe it? Besides nothing weird’s happened so… Maybe they were after Maxwell. Besides who cares? It’s not our fucking problem anymore.” Replied Tykal.
“So… What happened to Onyx?” Asked Tigris.
“He…” Embry began.
“He was raped.” Stated Tykal as a matter of fact.
“Whoa…” Replied Tigris.
Embry glared at her. “You and I both know it. Glaring at me doesn’t change that.”
“Well… shit.” Replied Lyo. “So… is he… you know?”
“He… doesn’t eat, fuck if I know if he sleeps, sometimes I hear him screaming in his sleep…”
“Sounds like shell shock to me.” Stated Tykal.
“By the Sovereigns, Tykal I swear I’ll…” Embry began, but was cut off by the sound of rustling nearby.
Suddenly Azura emerged with Onyx who had his entire arm wrapped in a bandage. He didn’t make eye contact, and focused his gaze on the sky sailor.
“Well since we’re all here it’s best we leave now under the cover of darkness. Irene point us to the direction of Berwick. I’ll take the helm.”
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Abathur looked at the reptilian prisoner locked behind bars, and wrapped in heavy chains.
“Will he be useful?” Asked Lamia.
“Hmm… Difficult to say. There is… potential.”
“Your smells are different.” He turned his gaze towards Lamia. “You smell of decay and rot like a corpse.” He then shifted towards Abathur. “You… Though you appear human your scent is… different.”
“Quite the olfactory receptors to have seen past our disguises. Yes he will do nicely I think.”
“I’ve already arranged for the transfer. He’s all yours.” Replied Lamia