Blue Lark Assassin's Guild

Making operating a battering ram against the door perilously dangerous.

Impressive indeed. Chavias would tip his hat to this brilliant architect. His gaze landed on bloodied shields adorning the upper walls Chavias realized what this was.

He spotted the dark sign swinging off the Northwestern corner. As the moonlight brightened on it, Chavias read it. Blue Lark Assassin’s Guild.

Chavias’ eyes flipped back to the doors. And he saw Radix assessing it with the same wary look Chavias was sure he wore. We plan to confront an entire Guild?

Of assassins? Chavias’ eyes widened. A dull sense of hope had him wondering if this would finally be his end. Even with the number of Cimmerii accompanying them…If this guild is full. Many of us are going to die. Shrugging, Chavias moved to the forefront.

It’s as like to be packed as empty. Guilds were impossible to discern. With no way to see in, until you were too far in.

“We knocking?” Chavias lifted a black brow as he sidled next to the demon. Nearly hopeful.

Radix’s lip curled in contempt. He looked up and Chavias caught the dark movement of a pair of flying Sarabi. Crossing above the high stone wall. Landing on the other side. Chavias heard one dropping in the narrow gap between the wall and fortress itself to the horrified shouts of men inside.

Sounds like a number of men in there. Chavias drew his curved swords and waited for Radix’s order.

The other crashed against wood, scraping over it as it attempted to catch footing. It tried to go through but even the wood roof is reinforced.

It was as if this particular fortress had been specially designed to repel even Cimmerii from penetrating it. Chavias walked the length to peer around the corner to view the side. Shocked to find that two sides of it were built into solid rock, with no way to get through. Very well calculated.

He shook his head, returning to the front gate. Waiting.

It was only moments before he heard the wailing shriek of a dying Sarabi. His head spun to assess Radix who doubled over in agony. Holding a spot on his shoulder and one in his stomach which seeped black powder.

The stench was nauseating in Chavias’ nostrils.

“There’s more Cimmerii out there.” Someone inside shouted. “I can smell them.”

“Sure it’s not these?” Another voice.

Annoyingly familiar.A Forever Knight? Chavias couldn’t place it. But it instantly made his teeth grit.

“Now, knock.” Radix’s dull eyes slid to Chavias.

Delightful. Chavias gingerly moved around the iron spears to get to the doors. He used the side of one fist to hammer on them. Let’s get on with this. Whatever this is…

“Open the doors.” Someone barked from inside.

There was scraping as iron bolts were lifted from their hinges. The doors swung open and Chavias found himself face to face with a span of hard faces. He didn’t much like the look of any of them. All scarred, patched fighting men. Men who’ve clearly dealt with killers before…

Two large males pushed through the crowd. Chavias caught the flare of long red hair towering over everyone in the fortress. He knew instantly it matched the annoying voice he’d heard. Mardichi. Of course.

When they made it to the front of the rough looking crew, Chavias was disheartened to see the one next to Mardichi was Alazareth Bodane.

Sebastian may be here... Dread sunk through every fiber of Chavias’ being. I did everything to protect the fool.

This is why we have an army at these doors. He was fearful this was the sad fact. Until he heard another voice. And realized it was so much worse.

“What do you want at my door!” The crowd snapped apart to make way for the one who obviously ruled here.

And Chavias drew a steadying breath. Hoping Radix didn’t sense his sudden discomfort, as Chavias shifted his weight. Chavias was suddenly afraid this man was what Radix had drug a small army of Cimmerii down off the mountain for.

The man that had been stealing Radix’s storehouse raids before he could get men there. The man that’d escaped Radix’s reach to assure he could betray Radix in every way possible. Undermining his efforts and starving his Firoque minions. The man that’d directed the building of this structure specifically to resist Cimmerii attacks. No doubt having them believe they created defenses against King’s Guardsmen.

Savage. And he rules here. That much was clear. Men deferred to him. They parted for him. Whispered when he walked. Even Mardichi and Alazareth moved aside. Showing him grudging deference in this guild.