Hawk stood in Lopside’s shadow and scribbled on a piece of parchment. “I won’t miss any detail as he tears you to pieces.”

Akisane wasn’t in the mood for humor. “Why do you write everything down?”

“The times of peace and stability come to an end, and someone needs to chronicle the collapse of the realm.”

“Is stability over? What if my father takes the throne?”

“Even an iron fist won’t hold it together. Already, those who claim blood from before the Empire begin to lay claim. Even this Whitebeard fellow has emerged with some plot behind him.”

“He killed the prince?”

“It’s likely. Who else would want to end the king’s line?”

“Another Liogast?”

“The Duke is next in line. Surely you don’t accuse your own flesh and blood…”

“Of course not. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a grand captain to kill.”

Shank caught up. “Turn back. I can’t help you with this if it goes wrong. He’s the Butcher, for fuck’s sake.”

Akisane didn’t answer but continued. Amat, Shank, and Bahram fell behind. They said he would get himself killed.

Not far ahead, the Butcher grabbed at something in a little girl’s hands. “That’s a well-bred puppy. I’m sure it’s worth something to the Duke.” His hand swiped air as she dodged, but then he snatched the bundle in the girl's arms. The puppy began to shriek.

Akisane stepped from behind the flour mill. “You and the Duke, the great war heroes. I see you’re putting that experience to good use.”

The Butcher threw the puppy aside and swiveled. “Your dad was a renowned fighter by your age. Imagine working so hard to be the best, and you produce sons that can’t be weaned from the teet.”

Darksun slid a hair from the scabbard. He’s powerful. Test my edge.

Akisane held down the pommel to keep the sword from drawing itself. “How long since you fought a duel?”

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“It’s been a long time. Unfortunately, my reputation keeps everyone away.”

“Duel me then.”

A tongue darted out and licked the lips on the scarred mass that was the Butcher’s face. “No, not worth my time.”

The girl scooped up the puppy and ran.

The Butcher held a hand to the side, and a tongue of flame spewed forth. It engulfed the child, and when it was gone, it looked like a statue of a girl holding a puppy. The wind stole it bit by bit.

Akisane staggered. He felt sick, but he wrenched Darksun free.

The Butcher pulled a giant black blade and held it over his shoulder. “You’ve never seen war close up, have you? It’s an acquired taste.”

“What war?”

“Look around you. They’re arming themselves.” The Butcher paused and narrowed his eyes. “But you’re with them, aren’t you?” He shook his head. Then he motioned with his fingers, and archers appeared on the rooftops. Glinting steel introduced a score of soldiers. “I saw you coming with that blacksmith.”

And from behind, more polearms prevented Shank, Brahman, and Amat from escaping.

Brahman jumped onto his carpet and sailed overhead. “Strength of spirit is greater than strength of arms.” A jet of purple fog hazed the area.

Shank disappeared just as he slipped past an attack and rammed his dagger stump into a belly full of guts.

Amat barreled into the line with Lopside at his side. Their victims looked helpless against tree-trunk arms.

The situation wouldn’t look good for the grand captain. Akisane tightened his grip on Darksun. “Let’s end this in a duel. Isn’t it easier, or are you a coward?”

The eyes in the flesh mask widened. “You think you have a chance against me? You're a fly to be swatted away.”

All that remained of the girl holding the puppy was a thin column of bones that fell and littered the ground.

The gauntlet on the Butcher’s hand sparked red where it held a ruby. The rocks at his feet melted, and the man’s form wavered in the heat. “I can burn Dunaguard to the ground. What are you but a piece of kindling?”

Wisps of superheated air funneled.

A row of buildings behind the grand captain erupted. His anchors screamed and dropped from the tiles. Some rolled to rid themselves of garments caught on fire.

The Butcher bulged at the neck. Veins stood out on his sweaty skin. He pointed his sword, and heat swirled around it. “Let’s duel.”

The heat pushed the purple fog away. Beyond haze and smoke were hundreds of faces. The people of Dunaguard gathered around. They should have run for fear of fire. They should have fled from the Butcher. Instead, they watched Akisane.

Dunaguardians clogged the street to both sides. Many raised the war scythes and bills. But it wasn’t just warriors. Maybe there were a thousand of them. Maybe more. It was like the arena, but it felt different.

Henry (Akisane)

Level: 13

Focus: Telekinesis

Secondary focus: Shadow walker, fire walker

Weapons: Darksun Sword - 85% corrupt, decay+12