Robert panted heavily, feeling the stinging of sweat dripping in his eyes.

“Rest, my Lord.” Demessa put her hand on his head, doing her best to comfort him. “You have done very well.”

He lifted his head and looked down at the now burning and devastated city. Immense guilt gripped him, and he prayed silently that Katrina was alright. They were inside the city now, and at the top of one of the tall Espe-Dae temples near the center.

Alektor stood behind him, looking upon Vul De Rah as well. Robert had nearly passed out from the exertion in cloaking the massive army that crept to invade the city. But they had succeeded in their plan, and Robert had almost single-handedly brought ruin to those who once called him their guest.

“Contact Captain Richoro,” Alektor said to a runner who stood behind him. “I want the Regios portion of the city quarantined; that is where their military resistance will come from and spread that to the Sabree as well. I don’t want them to bite off more than they can chew and get slaughtered.”

“Yes, your highness.” The runner bowed and made his way down the spire to carry out his order.

“I have waited many years for this moment,” Alektor said, clasping his hands behind his back. “The chance to see the most powerful city in Lokkadonia, crumbling before my eyes. It’s a beautiful sight.”

“You said you would spare the civilians,” Robert croaked, still on his knees.

“I have given that order, Reku. If there is any unnecessary violence toward them, the perpetrators will pay dearly.” Alektor sighed and looked toward the palace, perched on its seat atop a large hill. “Agron is dead? You’re sure of this?”

Stolen novel; please report.

Robert nodded. “The connection to me was broken when the thrall did what I ordered it to do.”

“So, you don’t directly control them?” Alektor asked.

“No, not really. I can sense them, all of them, but it’s strange. Like they have a will of their own but are also a part of me. Oros…” he struggled to say the name, “…killed some people in the throne room, Agron, but that’s all I know.”

“And it looks like we have lost the force that entered the palace,” Yadri said, approaching from a position within the temple. “They were killed by the nobles who were gathered. We tried to hold them up in there, but one of the other humans used some unnatural abilities, and broke our small blockade.”

“One of the other humans?” Robert asked, his voice starting to regain its strength. “Which one? Was it a male or a female?”

“Male,” she said sternly. “We lost many good warriors in that attack, I know the chances were slim, but out of the seventy that volunteered, only thirteen made it back.”

“Daniel…” Robert said. “I need to see him! Where were they going?”

“Calm down, Reku,” Alektor said. “I will not allow you to go galivanting around a warzone like this. The safest place for you is here with me. Once we secure the city, we will bring them here.”

“You don’t understand, Alektor!” Robert stood, his legs shaking, and Demessa put her arms out to support him. “This is Daniel! He’s a warrior from our world and won’t likely surrender to anyone. I have to talk to him. He will definitely get himself killed if he is confronted by our warriors.”

Alektor sighed and shook his head, clear disapproval in his expression. “I promised you that I would ensure their safety, and I regret doing so, but my word is my bond.” He looked at Yadri. “Escort the Kryo to the opposition, and bring your best warriors.” He then turned to Demessa. “I want you to watch him as well. He is in your care, don’t fail me.”

Both women bowed their heads.

“Your Highness?” Yadri asked. “Where will you be? In case we need you.”

He pointed at the large military section of Vul De Rah. “I am going to break their back.”