He might be wounded, and he might be exhausted. But even so, Myronel could see something was wrong.

  The place where the makeshift barricade had once stood was now empty, with no sign of the tables that had kept the creatures at bay. Nor were there any sign of Takhat's guards, or of any people out on the street beyond. While there were no signs of a fight...what else could it be?

  Edeline saw it as well. "Did you know about this?" she asked Hamond.

  Hamond shook his head. "No."

  Her response was to draw her sword. Myronel wished he could help, but his shoulder still throbbed with pain. As much as he told them he'd be fine, as much as he wanted that to be true, raising his blade would be asking too much. Nela was probably about to stick him in a bed for a few days.

  "This...is bad." Sedat spoke up from where she stood behind them.

  "I agree," Hamond said, "Keep close."

  They'd made it roughly halfway when a pair of figures emerged. "...can't believe she thought she could order us around."

  Myronel stared in shock, immediately recognizing their attire. The Royal Order of the Ruby Crown - or as most people called them, the royal knights - here? And now? That was worrying enough, but for them to be taking the place of the regular guards...

  He just hoped Nela had the sense to hide.

  "I guess that's what...Aether's blood!" The other man had spotted them. Or more specifically, spotted Sedat.

  "So that's what they meant by creatures. And it's got people helping it too!" The other man readied his sword, settling into an aggressive stance. "In the name of His Majesty, I command you to-"

  "You will command nothing." Ugotlas's voice surrounded them, seemingly coming from no one direction. "The judgment of the eyes of the heavens is upon you. Dijed inek heka seshep sheser sheser wenen."

  The men jerked and twisted as the rays of the sphinx's spell impaled them from multiple directions. A moment later, they were nothing more than a pair of bodies laid out on the dry ground. Whatever skill they had as knights, likely more than Myronel's own abilities, could not compare against that level of power.

  Ugotlas faded into view. "As you can see, the circumstances have worsened during your absence."

  "Tell us what is going on," Edeline insisted.

  "These knights arrived from the south, searching for you." Ugotlas's gaze shifted between Edeline and Myronel. "Given their treatment of the captain, I do not believe their purpose would be friendly."

  "What they'd do to her?" Hamond asked.

  "They took her as a prisoner." Ugotlas's frown deepened. "I was too distant to hear what was said, so I cannot give the full details as to why."

  "And her men?"

  "I do not know, but having not seen them recently, I would assume they are prisoners as well." Ugotlas made a faint growling noise. "Wherever they are, we cannot rely on their aid."

  "Then let's go rescue Takhat," Edeline said, "Any knights that aren't there should hear the fighting and come running. We can deal with most of them quickly, and worry about Nela and the Lasfont guards afterwards."

  "You sure you're ready for a fight like this?" Hamond gave Edeline a look of concern. Myronel agreed, but it wasn't like he could voice an objection. At least his sister could still fight.

  "Do we have a choice?" Edeline countered.

  "Not really," Hamond admitted, "Just...if it's only a few men, let me and Ugotlas handle it."

  "And what do we do?" Myronel had to say it. Again, he wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight. As for Sedat, it was a question of if she could even defend herself.

  "I will keep you safe," Edeline promised.

  "If we are properly aggressive with our spells, there should be no danger to you." Ugotlas looked over at Sedat. "I suppose I can guarantee her safety as well, although I did request that you not bring her here."

  "There were more important things," Hamond answered with a glance at Myronel. All Myronel could do was sigh, hating that his wounds had gotten in the way of whatever their plans were.

  "Wait." Sedat was staring back at the Sekhmati. "You wanted me?"

  "You possess valuable information that will aid in our pursuits. Although that is something to be discussed later. We must hurry."

  Edeline and Ugotlas strode off immediately. Myronel wondered how Edeline was even managing that, given the wound to her leg. He certainly didn't feel up to it, and it was clear Sedat wasn't used enough to her birdlike legs to match that speed either.

  At least Hamond was lingering back, moving more slowly alongside the two of them as they followed. It wasn't unexpected, and taking the offensive to keep your enemy unable to counterattack was a valid strategy. But it didn't help with earning Sedat's goodwill, something that Ugotlas and Edeline seemed to be unaware of.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  On that matter, there were other people very much of aware of Sedat passing by. Myronel could see them peering out of doorways, fearful gazes directed at the bird girl that walked down the street. Some children, others men and women, all with their attention focused on Sedat.

  Hamond noticed as well. "Don't mind them," he said quietly to Sedat, nodding at her.

  Sedat shrunk down slightly, quiet, but kept moving.

  They caught up to Edeline and Ugotlas one street over, the pair facing down a group of four more of the knights. "Step aside," Edeline was saying.

  "Oh look, a girl thinks she can give us orders," one of the knights responded.

  "Doesn't she match the description?" another asked.

  "Could be her," the first knight said, drawing his sword. "If you are Edeline Hallowscroft, then in the name of His Majesty, we are ordered to see you dead for your crimes against the kingdom. If you are not her...you just threatened us, so you will die anyway."

  "So that is how shall be." Edeline raised her sword in turn.

  "Drop your weapon," another knight said, "We'll make it-"

  He didn't get to finish as a burst of flame engulfed him. The three remaining knights jumped backward, eyes wide with fear, as their comrade's body crumpled, still burning.

  Looking further down the street, Myronel saw Floire standing there with her one hand outstretched. Good on her to finally show up, although they could've used her help a lot sooner. More important, though, was the fact that standing just behind her was Nela, crossbow at the ready.

  Thank Aether she was unharmed.

  "Any of the rest of you want me to make it quick?" the Witch of Wrath called out, walking forward to face them. "I'm more than happy to take my time."

  "Curse it all, what's the Witch of Wrath doing here?" one of the knights said.

  "The...what?" The other men froze, gazes locked to the advancing thaumaturge.

  "Tetra xiphos." The four glowing blades that were her signature shimmered into existence, two flanking her on each side. Myronel hadn't seen the spell at all back in Kelshir, and only briefly glimpsed it during the fight yesterday. Now, finally getting a clear look at it, he could see why it would be terrifying. All the training to fight other swordsmen meant little against a spell like that.

  "Commander!" One of the men broke for a nearby door, banging on it with a heavy fist. It was only then that Myronel realized where they were. That was Takhat's makeshift office, no doubt now taken over by whoever was leading these knights.

  If Ugotlas had led them here, it meant likely where the captain was being held too. That, or somewhere nearby. Myronel thought about mentioning this, but that would also tell the knights what they were really after. And so far, these ones hadn't noticed him or Sedat. Probably best to keep it that way as long as possible.

  The door swung open to reveal yet another man. "What is going on-"

  "Ventus fugit!" Hamond's spell caught that man, along with the one who had been urgently knocking, and send them both sprawling into the street.

  The two other men took a single step towards their fallen fellows. Whether it was to help them or try to flee, Myronel didn't know. He'd never know, because the Witch of Wrath's blades shot forward, impaling each of them twice over.

  "Behind you!" Nela shouted, aiming her crossbow and firing in a single quick motion.

  "Myronel half turned to see another pair of knights coming up behind them. Nela's shot caught one in the shoulder, bringing him to a halt. With the other still coming, and everyone else not in position to fight these two, there was no other option. Myronel reached for his sword, feeling his shoulder complain.

  Before he even pulled it out of his sheath, there was a blut of motion to his side. Sedat leapt forward, wings spread and taloned feet extended. Those talons sunk into the man's shoulders, forcing him to the ground as the girl let out a savage screech.

  Myronel didn't think that ferocity would be enough, but a second look told him that there was no opening for him to get close enough to help Sedat. He started to turn his focus to the other one, only for Edeline to dash past him, glowing with her own spell.

  Before she could even reach the knight, he threw his sword to the ground. "I surrender!" he called out. Edeline came to a halt just one pace away, sword held aimed straight at his chest. Glancing over, Myronel could see the other two also raising their hands as they climbed to their feet, leaving theirs swords laying on the street.

  Edeline sighed and straightened, but did not sheathe her blade. "Line up against the wall there," she said, gesturing to the side of a nearby building. The three knights slowly made their way over there, standing

  Looking back at Sedat, Myronel saw her backing away from the knight, who lay there bloodied but alive. "You're not hurt, are you?" he asked.

  "I...why'd I do that?" Sedat started to shake slightly. "Saw him...and...sorry. Lost...lost control."

  The worry and fear at the threat of the knights must have gotten to her. A surging mix of respect and pity for the girl struck Myronel. He stepped over and put one hand on her shoulder in silent reassurance. It was about all they could give the girl.

  "What are you fools doing?" The shout came from yet another knight emerging from the house. Unlike the others, this one wore a long cape. It almost certainly marked him as the leader of this group of knights. It was also impractical for actual fighting.

  "Knight Commander Phedros Aleran." The Witch of Wrath moved to face him, the blades of her spell hovering alongside her.

  "What are you doing here?" the man asked.

  "Many things, but as of right now? Fulfilling my promise to you." The Witch of Wrath drew closer, a cold smile on her face. "Or had you forgotten our last meeting?"

  Lord Aleran reached for his sword, but he was far too slow. The blades of energy swirled in and cut him apart. Myronel half turned away from the grim sight.

  Edeline didn't wait, all but leaping over the body to get inside. "Nela!" she immediately called out.

  "Coming!" Nela hurried over to the doorway. "What's the...shit!" She darted inside past Edeline.

  Edeline emerged a moment later. "Did any of you know about that?" she asked furiously, pointing back through the door.

  "I would say yes, given that one was in there." The Witch of Wrath pointed to the man on the right. "Probably ought to look to see if any have mud in their ears, because that's the only way they wouldn't know what their leader was doing."

  "My lady, I can explain. She wasn't telling us anything, so we needed to question her to find out..." He broke off speaking as Edeline lifted the tip of her sword to be level with the man's nose.

  "I ought to cut you down for what happened to Captain Takhat." Edeline's voice was low, dangerous. "So let me be clear. Your time...your lives as knights of Hyarch end today."

  Nela came back out. "I'm going to need someone to help move the captain, so...Senby!" Myronel blinked, not having realized the young man was even there. "Get in here so we can carry her back to a bed. Brace yourself first though. It's bad."

  "I'll be going with Nela," Myronel told Hamond, "I...I think I need to lay down."

  "We'll handle matters here," Hamond answered, "Go get some rest."

  Myronel nodded, feeling pain surge through his shoulder as he turned towards the door. Between the others there should be no problems. Any remaining knights wouldn't be a threat to the Witch of Wrath or Ugotlas, and hopefully most would surrender.

  It was all Myronel could count on, since right now he couldn't count on himself.

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