Krimsun continued to stand still, wordless, still cloaked in flames. She stared at the fugitive; her face completely unreadable. I wasn’t sure if she was going to kill him or invite him for tea. The rest of us were too afraid to speak. At least for a moment.
“You’ve been stealing for them,” Gus said calmly, “But why all the spectacle?” Crowfiend kept his eyes squarely on Krimsun. “These uptight Elves value their culture more than the impoverished citizens surviving off scraps in the streets!” he shouted, “I knew that a threat to that would get all focus from the guards on me.”
I took a look around the room, humans, Half-Dragons, Dwarves, Birdfolk, Orcs, not an Elf to be seen.
“It was all my plan, my actions, everything.” The thief said firmly, “Turn me in, I’ll even hand over the Quatricore. The guards will give you a hefty reward, just forget you found this place.” Krimsun took a step forward.
“No!” the Orc child from earlier ran up to Crowfiend, “Don’t take Claudius, please!” she cried. The child looked at me, “Mr. Rat, you’re nice! Tell the fire lady to stop!”
Everyone turned to me immediately, I felt my stomach turn inside-out. Reggie clenched his fists, “So you did know about this?” he asked. Katherine drew her sword, “Take one step closer to Mak and I will cut your wretched tongue out,” she said with venom in her voice.
“No! I…” my throat started close as I struggled to explain myself. Crowfiend chuckled, “Heh, see how quickly they jump at your neck!” Krimsun stared directly into my eyes, “Explain. Now.” She said in a voice that threatened to incinerate me all on its own.
“I… didn’t…” I tried to get the words out, but my voice kept squeaking. “There you see! He didn’t! Move on,” Katherine defended me. Krimsun maintained her grim expression.
“He didn’t know me!” the child shouted in defiance, “He saved me from some bullies in the alleyway.” Claudius rested a hand on her head, “That is enough child, I’ll be alright.” With tears in her eyes, she squeezed his leg and shook her head, “No! You can’t leave us! They'll take your life!”
As if things couldn’t get any more complicated, I could hear the clanking of weapons not too far away. The guards approached the area. I wanted to ask Krimsun what the plan was, but I still couldn’t get any words out.
Claudius squatted down to look the child in the eyes, "No, they can't take my life," he said, "Because I've already given it to you, and everyone else here. Nothing that is given to those you love can be lost or taken away,"306Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD481REyj5U
The sounds of guards drew ever closer, but Krimsun finally spoke. “Do you have any dead of your kind?” she asked. Claudius moved back and squinted his eyes, “What?” he questioned in an incredulous tone.
“Do you have any dead of your kind,” Krimsun repeated.
The thief nodded, “Yes, we have plenty of dead.” Krimsun took a deep breath in. “Bring me one as similar to you as possible, and hand me the Quatricore.” Everyone stood still as if turned to stone.
“Now!” she shouted in a tone that sent shivers up my spine. Immediately there was a rush of movement. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the intimidating presence of Lord Arbrax from that fateful day.
Gus went over to some of the sick and began healing them. “Reggie, I could use an extra pair of hands with some of these. And Mak, could you and Katherine pass out some water?” Gus said calmly. He was definitely in his “doctor-mode”, all that anxiousness just melted off him when he saw someone in need. It was inspiring, but also made me envious.
Soon, a deceased Birdfolk is brought before Krimsun. The poor soul was gaunt and disheveled but clearly had not been dead for very long. Claudius looked down at him, “I… I know what you are going to do,” he said gravely, “And I thank you for it, but…” The thief knelt down by the corpse and sighed.
“We don’t have much time,” Krimsun said, “Do we Mak?” I nodded, “They will be here very soon.” Krimsun looked back at Claudius, “Get out of this city, now.” He nodded, stood up, and ran down a hallway.
“Gus, grab the body and follow me. The rest of you come as well!” Krimsun commanded. We exited the basement and I could hear the guards approaching from the South and West. Without a word, Krimsun ran North. Reggie quickly covered the entrance with some debris as we followed our captain.
“Rest the body against the wall, Gus.” Krimsun ordered as we came to a dead-end a couple of streets away. Gus complied, his face grim and arms shaking. We all knew what she had planned, it was the best thing to do, but even still…
Krimsun took a deep breath and extended her right arm. Immediately, an enormous plume of fire erupted from her hand and immolated the corpse. I shut my eyes and held close to Katherine as I tried to block out thoughts of the Inferno.
It was only a few moments before the guards arrived headed by Verdona. “Well then,” she said, looking at the charred remains, “Looks like you managed to succeed after all. You even recovered the Quatricore, well done.”
Krimsun turned to face her sister, “You almost sound disappointed, dear sister.” Verdona’s eyes narrowed, “On the contrary, I’m quite satisfied with your results. Let’s head back to my office so for payment.” Krimsun nodded, “Of course, just one moment.”
Krimsun turned to us, “I am going to remain here for a couple of days,” even through her carefully controlled tone I could feel the pain in her voice. “You are to leave the city and head to the town of Vertsbridge, there Magnus will pick you up. The journey should only take a few days.” This was rather sudden, but given the situation, none of us wanted to remain here any longer than necessary.
“Understood,” said Gus, “But how will you get back?” he asked. Krimsun let out a faint smile, “Do not worry about me, just get there safely,” she replied.
“I hope you enjoyed your time in our fair city,” Verdona said with a smile on her face but a look of disgust in her eyes. “My soldiers will bring you back to the gate and provide you will some supplies help you on your way,” and with that last statement she took her leave with Krimsun.
Just as they turned the corner a familiar voice called out from the remaining guards, “Alright, you heard her, let’s get going,” said Lenfon as he stepped out in front of us.
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