Sir Guyon, Knight Justicar of the Sword's Story

Thorin stepped foot into the dimly lit drinking house. The interior looked like the exterior of the establishment. The place was weathered, old, in need of repair and filthy yet the roaring fire of the hearth at the far wall bathed the entire one room floor in a welcoming orange glow. There were round tables with room for four or five if you sat close scattered through out the bulk of the room with a few booths lining the walls. Each table had a single candle in the center for additional light only adding to the warmth of the room. At the opposite side from the hearth was the bar. It ran the length of the wall and had mix matched stools seated before it. The whole of the inn had a very thick scent to the air, as if the walls hadn't been cleaned in ages. The faint scent of soot seemed to cling to every inch of the place. Either from the fire place or the fire that once ravaged the upper floor it wasn't clear which. Beyond that was the smell of freshly prepared hot meals that more than a few patrons were enjoying at the moment with their drinks. The finest of which were the spiced potatoes that were bright orange in color due to the wealth of seasonings used in their preparation.

Thorin eyed the potatoes hungrily as the group all filed into a table big enough to accommodate them. Thorin signaled to one of the waitresses to bring him a pint just as the woman, whose name was still a mystery to him, entered. Everyone shifted in their seats to stare at her for a moment.

“Well is someone going to offer me a seat?”

She asked flatly. Thorin chuckled and shook his head.

"I'd try and make another wager with you but I fear you'd have me kissing a goat by the end of it."

The big man said jokingly as he got to his feet fortunately Zaldir gave the woman a seat first allowing Thorin to plop right back down.

"So you going to tell me your name now or am I going to have to wrestle you for it?"

He asked her, half teasing.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The newly formed group of companions settled in for a stiff drink before getting the information they were after yet leagues away one knight strode through hallowed halls alone. Floors polished to a brilliant shine and walls immaculate in their cleanliness as well as the richness of the tapestry that adorned them surrounded the knight as he made his way to his destination. His wore no cloak within Light Bringer Keep, none was needed. Despite it's size the keep was amazingly well insulated unlike many fortified castles of it's size. The harsh cold of the northern home of the Knights of The Holy Order was not felt within the protective stone walls of the keep. Sir Guy had been summoned by Sir Edmond of The Rose, a paladin well on his way to becoming an Elder yet still more than fit enough to swing his massive warhammer with the best of them. Sir Guy rounded the corner smartly and reached the study he was called to. He rose his gauntleted hand and knocked before placing his hands behind his back, patiently waiting for leave to enter.

"Enter."

Came the voice from beyond the door. Guy pushed open the door and walked into the study of The Knight commander. The room was small but not overly. Books lined the walls and was only divided by the single cathedral style window on the exterior wall and the massive tapestry depicting the battle from the war against the dragon riders from the 3rd century. On the floor was an ornate rug of deep crimson with extensive weave work throughout it. Several pieces of furniture dotted the study all made of deep woods that were polished spectacularily.

Guy took only two steps into the room before stopping and placing his fist to his chest in salute.

"Sir Guyon, Knight Justicar of the Sword. Reporting sir."

Sir Edmond of the Rose Turned around from the tome he had been reading to look at the young knight who had arrived in his study.

"At ease Sir Guy. I've got a mission for you. You might want to come take a look at this lad."

"Is this accurate?"

Sir Guy asked as he looked at the correspondence. Layed out before Sir Edmond were several reports from one of their Inquisitors, civilian detectives that followed the path of The Five. The reports outlined a string of brutal murders in Ebar. A city famed for it's wealth, deep elven history, learned scholars and beautiful women. It was those beautiful women that were in danger now as it seemed the killer had been kidnapping women off the street who were traveling late at night only for their bodies to turn up later dismembered and brutalized. It was the most recent letter that truly worried the knight as it outlined how Mr. Harkon, the Inquisitor sent to investigate this particular case, believed he had closed in on the killers lair and would be entering the following morning.

"That was three weeks ago."

Sir Edmond said gravely as he held the letters up and tossed them back down in frustration. The Knight of the Rose turned with a tired sigh and stroked his thick mustache in contemplation.

"Harkon was one of our better Inquisitors. He would have sent word by now."

Sir Guy turned, still clutching one of the reports in his hand.

"You fear he is dead then?"

Sir Edmond shook his head in disgust as he sighed once more.

"I think it's passed fear now Guy... It's acceptance."

Sir Guy nodded slowly in understanding and stepped forward towards the knight commander who had always been so kind to him. It was obvious to the young Knight that all Edmond wanted to do was grab his war hammer, mount his war horse and ride out to hunt down this fiend yet that was only done in yis younger days. Now the paladin was being groomed for his new role as an Elder and that was not to be done.

"I will find the man responsible Edmond, you have me word."

Sir Edmond looked up gratefully and reached out to clasp Guy's forearm. The knights shared a firm hand shake before releasing.

"Good man, I knew I could count on you lad. Take Harkon's reports with you. There may lay some clue to the identity of the killer within. I couldn't make heads or tails of the damned things."

Sir Guy chuckled and turned to grab the reports. He tapped the bottoms on the desk to get them to all fall in line before he folded them and slid them under his breastplate between the gambeson. Sir Guy than clicked his boots together, standing at attention, and saluted. Sir Edmond saluted in return before giving him a firm nod.

"Get after him, lad."

With that Sir Guy left the study and the aging Knight of the Rose behind to head to the stables to retrieve his mount and gather the supplies he would need for his journey.

His hammer felled the old man. Whether wizard, or fiend or demon the offender was dead. The caved in chest was proof of that. Thorin rushed to Malik's side where, of all people, Mercuito was currently crouched offering a supportive hand to the nephilim.

"I killed an old man and an assassin plays the nurse, this is truly a day of firsts. Are you well Malik? Does that dark magic yet linger?"

Thorin asked as he heaved the nephilim to his feat with ease. Concern was evident in the monster hunter's face but above all else he wanted answers. He'd battled many a dark wizard in his time. Slayed many a nightmare beast yet this was odd even for him. From the grave either the wizards magic gave voice to the shadow or perhaps there was a larger game afoot and the voice they heard was that of their true opponent.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Leagues from The Harpy and The Hobbit a mighty steed raced across the road, his heavy hooves beating the stone like thunder. It's rider, clad in magnificent armor, pushed his mount ever faster. His heading was the home to beautiful women renown the world over and home to some of the most learned individuals in Lore. The Hold of Ebar was in the grips of fear due to a sadistic killer that had been kidnapping women right off the street. Women of all manner of social status, rank, wealth and behavior. Nothing truly connected the victims save for one key fact. Their beauty. Each and every one was described as ravishing in their appearance. If this was the lure that attracted the murderer than truly the streets of Ebar would fill with blood before he was done for Ebar was indeed truly home to beautiful women abound. The brave Knight Sir Guy raced ever onward to the city to begin his investigation of who murdered the Inquisitor John Harkon and there was only one way to do that. Solve the original case of who was this mysterious serial killer that was plucking women off the street never to be seen again. The board had been set and the Knight was on the move to make his play.

Thorin had finally received a heading and a beast to slay. He could not be happier. A fiery grin dawned on his face as he rose to his feet and gave the elder a firm nod.

"You seek this beasts end, then Thorin Balderson shall see it done."

With that he turned to his allies that were all gathered around, having just listened to the tale told from the old man. The burning desire for conquest had ignited in Thorin's heart and he could almost feel the thrill of battle upon him. He stepped away from the table and rested his hand on his hammer at his hip.

"We leave at once."

He said boldly to all those nearby in open invitation to the heroes around him. Those that rose would follow Thorin to the mouth of the beast and pit their strength against it's own power. A those that remained would never again see the hero son of Balder.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There it was on the horizon. It had taken just under a month to reach the infamous citadel of Ebar. Home to the fabled Great Library, the elven consulate and some of the most beautiful in all of Lore. It is here that a killer stalks the streets. Keeping to the shadows like the coward they were they struck out in the night and kidnapped women only for their bodies to turn up bloodied and mutilated days later. Sir Guy had been carefully reading Harkon's reports on the case yet had much more he needed to discover if he was to solve this mystery. First thing was to ride into the massive metropolis and seek out the captain of the Town Guard. He and his men would have worked closely with Inquisitor Harkon during his investigation and no doubt would be able to show Sir Guy where Harkon left off in order for the Justicar to begin his own investigation.

The Knight trotted his magnificent white stallion passed the towering town gates. The guards dared not stop a Knight of the Holy Order on official business. One look from the Justicar and they knew to let him pass. So there he rode, past the pilgrims and townsfolk. Past the vendors barking about their wares and the whores offering every man's desire. Nothing would deter the Knight from his mission. He ignored it all while at the same time taking careful note of all he saw, smelled and heard. The scent of fresh bread from the bakers brought memories of Guy's youth flooding back to him. The sight of young boys running about playing knights caused the Justicar to smile at them. A single nod from him was like the greatest praise the boys could ever receive and the consequently shouted with joy before exchanging hand smacks and running off into the crowd to continue playing.

It was the Guard Hall that was Guy's destination. A short building in comparison to the massive towers that made up most of Ebar's canopy. The city was so tightly packed with buildings that in the oldest parts of town it could be difficult to see the sky. Yet there before the Justicar was the round Guard Hall. A barracks and base of operations for the city guard of Ebar. It was also where Sir Guy's investigation would begin. He tied his horse to the post outside and entered to seek out the guard captain.

"I need to see the Captain of the guard."

Sir Guy spoke with authority and command as he stepped into the guard hall of Ebar. Around him were twenty or so guardsmen in varying armor sets and bearing a variety of weapons. Fighters for certain but nothing like the orderly warrior pedigree of the knighthood. Many of the guards seemed to be lounging about at their desks. One had an air to him that differentiated him from the rest. An older man with striking white hair that yet remained full and thick on his head. Well groomed with a bushy white mustache on his face his features were strong and well defined giving his aged face an imposing look to it. His eyes seemed to be permanently squinting as they had lost their sharpness years ago yet from the stature of the man they'd hardly slowed down his active life style. His muscles were still well defined even at his age which was impressive.

He pushed himself up from his desk with a gruff sigh and crossed the room to greet the Justicar.

"Welcome sir. I am Captain Gordon. This is my city, I hope you'll be working closely with my team while you're here. I don't like the idea of someone, even a knight, running around kicking doors in without me knowing about it."

Sir Guy regarded the man with pleased respect. One look at Gordon and it was obvious he was a no nonsense kind of law enforcer who had no intention of allowing criminality to flourish under his watch. This latest string of killings was not like the standard knifings and muggings one would get in the poorer sections of the city. Unfortunately Gordon and his men were just not equipped for something like this. That was where Sir Guy came in.

"I have no intention of undermining your authority Captain. I'm merely here to see justice is done."

"Glad to hear it."

He said as he reached out his hand for an introduction. Guy shook it firmly as he gave his name and rank.

"Sir Guyon, Knight Justicar of the Sword."

"Well Sir Guy, just let me know what you need and my people will see that you get it."

"That is kind of you Captain Gordon."

It was then that a energetic young guard bounded over to the two, full of excitement and wonder.

"Sir Guy, welcome to Ebar sir! I-I'm Gavin, I helped Inquisitor Harkon during his investigation. I'd b-be more than happy to help you too sir."

Guy put up a calming hand to still the boy's eager heart and slow his racing tongue.

"I am grateful for your interest Gavin but I must look upon this case with fresh eyes. I assure you I mean no offense in my intent merely that I can not have the facts I discern jaded by prior knowledge. It helps to fill the cup if it is not already full as it were."

Gordon turned to shoo the eager young guard after Guy gave his answer.

"You hear that Gavin, scram. The Justicar doesn't need some jumpy kid playing boy wonder. Now get, I'm sure you got paper work to do."

Gavin jumped to attention and saluted.

"Y-Yes sir!"

He said before running off to do his commander's bidding. Gordon turned back to Guy as the two began to walk off into the file room with a sigh.

"Sorry about that Sir Guy. Gavin's new. Good kid just a little... well he can be a bit much."

The Justicar merely smiled warmly to the captain.

"No need to apologize captain."

Sir Guy and Captain Gordon were leaning on a desk in the records room going through everything Harkon and Gordon's team had come up with on the case. Guy was looking at reports from the court physician on the state of the corpses they'd found. Each one was horribly mutilated and left out in the street once the killer was finished with them. This kind of thing would give most people nightmares yet Sir Guyon had faced many an evils during his time as a knight. That being said it was the evils of man that truly were the hardest to stomach.

"He's got five so far. Harkon would technically make it six."

Gordon said as he folded his arms across his chest with a tired groan.

"Inquisitor Harkon was a murder of neccesity. Not a part of the killers true motives. He doesn't fit the profile. Every person murdered has been female, kidnapped at night and has been reported as stunningly beautiful. Beyond that they have no discernible connections. They are all from different social classes and back grounds. They don't run in the same circles or even know each other. One night the killer takes a noble woman and the next a courtesan."

Guy said as he allowed his thought process to be voiced yet never once taking his eyes off the wealth of information in front of him. Gordon stroked his mustache with his thumb and fore finger in contemplation.

"You said true motives... You think these aren't just some random killings? Just some mad man?"

Guy took a deep breath as his intelligent mind grappled with the case. He lifted up a detailed description of one of the murder scenes. It outlined how they'd found the girl dead on the floor of an octagonal room with know visible entrances or exits but the one the guards entered through. She had been changed out of the clothing she had been wearing and into a white nightgown. A deep laceration had been found from her collar bone to her navel and her innards had spilled out from the trauma. The whole thing seemed very staged for something mad man would do.

"The mad don't put the time and care into these killings that this murderer has. Each victim is carefully chosen, selected. The time before murder's is evident of that. After one body is discovered another doesn't go missing for several days if not weeks. He's hunting, choosing his victims. He follows a very strict criteria of whom he shall abduct. The mad wouldn't do that. Anyone would be suitable for slaughter if they were truly just killing for the thrill of it.... Then..."

Guy paused to take a seat in the chair behind him as his brilliant mind continued to work in over drive. He rested his elbows on the arms of the chair touched his fingertips together as he continued to speculate.

"Then... there is the sneaking suspicion that there is indeed a larger game afoot. Yet the players have yet to reveal themselves. The pawns have fallen and the knight is now on the board yet where is there king I wonder? Where is..."

Guy was cut off as Gavin rushed in and consequently tripped and fell. The tray of tea he was carrying crashed on the desk in a terrible cacophonous display that splashed all over the table the two men were doing their research on, soaking through many of the documents.

"GODS ABOVE BOY ARE YOU DAFT?!"

Gordon roared in anger as he hauled Gavin up and tossed him away from the desk to frantically began attempting to salvage the papers.

"Oh dear s-sorry sir, I merely t-thought you two w-were thirsty and I thought I'd b-bring t-tea sir! I only-"

"It was an accident Captain, I'm sure. Besides I no longer require any of it, I do believe I've collected what I can from it."

Guy said attempting to ease the tension as he put a friendly hand on Gavin's shoulder, putting the boy at peace. Gavin looked up at the knight gratefully, letting loose a embarrassed chuckle. Gordon turned and glared at the boy as if he would strike him.

"Out Gavin... now."

Gavin saluted immediately and turned to leave yet stopped shortly as he reached into his jacket pocket.

"Oh right Sir Guyon, post just arrived for you."

Sir Guy eyed the letter produced quizzically.

"Post?..."

Guy asked aloud as he took the letter.

"Something wrong?"

Gordon asked as he came to stand behind the Justicar, his anger still radiating off of him.

"No one knows I'm here yet."

Guy said forebodingly as he broke the wax that sealed the letter to read it's contents. Guy read in silence the words scribbled on the letter. When he was finished he paused to smell the paper and it was only then that his eyes flicked up to the two men staring at him.

"It's from the killer."

Gavin gasped in shock as Gordon cursed under his breath.

"Bastard must have been watching you since you entered the gates."

"Indeed."

Guy said as he folded the letter and slid it under his breast plate for safe keeping.

"Umm sir?.. I-I have a question if I may..."

Gavin asked sheepishly. Sir Guy turned with a polite smile.

"Yes?"

"Why did you smell it sir?"

"To validate a theory."

"What theory sir?"

"That the letter... was written in blood."

Throin turned to Areth with an arched eyebrow, putting one massive hand on her shoulder to calm her excitement.

"Calm down girl, now is not the time. The battle is over yet there will be more. Come, you seek battle then follow me. I go after Leena, see what she can tell me of this evil."

His decision made Thorin followed after Leena on her way back to the tavern. The noble woman had almost made it out of the tree line, to the outskirts of the village before the big monster hunter caught up with her.

"Leena! Leena, hold a moment!... God's woman how is it you move so fast?"

Thorin asked as he paused to catch his breath. His hands on his knees he took a few well deserved deep breathes before continuing.

"You know more about this evil than you tell. I do not ask you to share your secrets. People keep their tales for their own reasons and I don't need you to tell yours. Yet I ask that you let me help you. My strength with yours we can beat back this darkness, whatever it is. In order to do that however you may need to start trusting me, even if it is just a bit."

Thorin's eyes locked onto Leena's and for a moment the warrior and the woman were one. They both understood that action needed to be taken and that together, they just may have a fighting chance. The beast in the forest fell but there was more blood to be shed. If Leena, Thorin and their allies did not stop this threat more innocents would die. It fell to them to stop this evil. Yet in this moment all that mattered is that Leena was willing to allow someone in enough to accept their help. Thorin gave her a reassuring smile and a firm nod as if to tell her he was ready to follow.

"What say you?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Ebar was split into five districts. The two top tier districts were Thessia, and Illium. Thessia was the seat of power for the nobility in Ebar and where most of the legislature took place. Illium was the private sector for the rich and the elite. Illium was full of sprawling mansions and luxuries abound. The middle district or merchant district was known as Palaven and is the largest district in the city. Here one could find merchants selling everything from brooms and brushes to explosive magical weaponry. Palaven was also the district in which the bulk of the middle class made their homes. Modest homes and apartments were found all over the large district. Then there was Omega, the home of the poor and every class of criminal imaginable. On the streets of Omega one could have their wildest dreams come true one minute and have them taken away at the edge of a knife the next. All the gangs that made their home in Ebar called Omega their base of operations and were almost always fighting for territory rights. The final district was not officially a district at all for it was not deemed livable. Tuchanka was named after the half orc foreman who commissioned the under works of the great city of Ebar. Constantly steaming with heat as massive cogs turned to power the city above. It was full of enormous pipes that funneled noxious fumes out of the city and water to the homes or sewage from them. It was also home to the most desperate citizens of Ebar. When you fall too low for Omega you end up in Tuchanka and make a living like the rats that scurry the streets. Many say that the denizens of Tuchanka are hardly men and women any more but twisted beings, shadows of their former selves. Truly theirs is the saddest tales.

All districts were strolled by the knight, every civilians willing to talk were canvased by Guyon for what felt like days. His shining armor was a comfort to some he passed, a target to others. Sir Guy was forced to deal with a few ruffians who foolishly thought the knight would be an easy mark. Their broken bones were proof of their naivety. Sir Guy walked unfettered through Omega now, searching for some clue the guard and the inquisitor might have missed. What he found in Omega was harsh stares and threatening looking scoundrels. Gangs of every type glared daggers at the knight as he strolled by. It was not until he passed a single solitary alleyway did Sir Guy pause as he noticed something amiss. He paused and knelt by the corner of the street and noticed something that caught his discerning eye. A small stain on the cobblestone. Deep brown in color, the hue often taken by blood long since dried. Yet what truly peeked Guy's interest was the smear pattern. The way it seemed that someones foot had been dragged through the blood. The heel of a foot to be precise. Sir Guyon rose his gaze to peer down the dark alley in his kneeling position. A bit of the dried blood on his index and middle finger which he rubbed against his thumb as his mind worked its wonders.

It was then that the clear clicking of heels caught the ear of the knight. He rose and turned to see something he did not expect in the bowls of the city's slums. A woman, beautiful and ravishing. She was adorned with valuable jewels and an expensive dress that was deep burgundy in color and looked as if it was made of the finest velvet.

"Now what could a lady like that be doing in a place like this?"

Sir Guy asked himself as he began his pursuit.

Thorin and Astra began their walk to Astra's new steed as they talked about the road ahead.

"Only what is told in taverns and mead halls. A force of evil creatures spawned from hell sought to cover the world in chaos. Then the Nephilim and Fairies found a powerful ally in the Demon Lord Vantguard. With his might he pushed back the tides of evil and saved all of Lore. Why do you ask?"

Thorin asked as the reached the horse and Thorin assisted Astra in saddling the beast and preparing him for the road.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meanwhile back in Ebar the Justicar was in hot pursuit of a shadow mistress. She moved like a wraith through the city streets, too well for a noble woman to navigate the filthy crime ridden streets of Omega. She seemed unafraid of the normally dangerous streets that would deter any of her status from venturing this deep and yet she seemed completely at home here. Moving as if she has the entire map of Omega imprinted in her own mind. She was heading toward the passage way that would take her to Distillery District of the city and base of one of the most infamous gangs in Ebar, The Crimson Spiders. As Sir Guy followed close behind the woman he ventured to hastily and she heard the shuffling of feet behind her. She whipped around with a small dagger in hand to look down an empty alley way. Behind a dumpster Sir Guy crouched in cover, praying to the Five she would not venture for a closer look. After a few tense moments he peeked out of his hiding spot to see her standing there, still looking yet finding nothing. Relenting to the belief that it was her own nerves playing tricks on her she sheathed her blade and continued on into the distillery with her mysterious knightly shadow close behind.

[3 on one horse is a bit much and Scarlett's post has us well away from the town at this point. We'll just say you caught up with us before we left and are walking beside us ok?]

"Afraid we can't go much faster than this lady, not with our friend horse lacking a mount of his own."

Thorin said casually as he motioned to Zaldir walking beside them.

"He caught up with us while you were asleep. Did you know talk in your sleep? You kept muttering about someone. Never did catch a name. Should I be jealous Leena?"

Thorin teased playfully as kept his eyes on the dark road ahead of him. Morning was still a few hours away and in the failing light it would be too easy to miss a hole and walk the horse right into a ditch, snapping a leg and forcing them to walk.

"In any case we'll have to make a small stop before heading all the way north. It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles. Read that in a book written by a warrior monk from the east."

The shocked look on Leena's face received a deep rolling chuckle from the son of Balder.

"Don't look so surprised there. I do read from time to time. Mostly on the beasts I hunt. I figured where better to read up on our enemies then the great library of Ebar?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sir Guy watched from the darkness as the women entered the dimly lit distillery. Before her were nine men, four on either side of one in the center. The man standing in the center of the semi circle of muscle sported a thick handlebar mustache and a nasty looking cleaver hanging from his belt. He was adorned in worn finery as if stolen long ago from the back of a noble. A thief who fancied himself a gentleman it seemed.

"Yer early with yer payment there deary... If ya woulda told old Badger you were comin I would've pulled out a bottle of something."

He said, his accent thick and his diction speaking to his lack of education. The woman smiled coyly and strolled up to him unafraid.

"Oh dear badger I do fear you haven't a thing I would be willing to sample."

"Heh I've got plenty to taste pretty bird. Just you wait and see."

She paused and arched an eyebrow at the overly blunt innuendo.

"How quaint... I've come early to not only deliver your standard stipend as well as put to rest your claims for an increase."

Badger chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Ain't a claim love, you owe me more now."

"And why is that may I ask?"

Badger shrugged and pushed himself away from the desk he'd been leaning on.

"Dangerous times we live in deary. People going missing, talk of a mad man killer running about. Means the price of my silence just went up... Less o'course you was thinkin about paying me in another way?"

He asked as he leaned in and plucked one of the buttons on her jacket. She consequently slapped his hand away which received a round of chuckles from the men around them. The laughing of his men sparked a brutish aggression from the gang boss who shot out a hand to grip the arm of the woman roughly.

"You need to learn some manners deary, maybe old Badger teaches you some eh?"

"You will unhand her gentleman or I swear I will commend your souls to The Five this very night."

Sir Guy said boldly stepping out of the shadows as his hand went to his rune blade. In one fluid motion he drew his blade, the ringing of his sword filled the room much to the dismay of the men and the joy of the woman.

"Right then, get em lads!"

"Poor choice."

Guy said heroically as he stepped forward to engage the men.

The first two men were wielding short swords long past their prime yet kept to a razor sharp edge by crude work on a grinding stone. They came at the knight like mad butchers to chop meat. No way to attack a well trained swordsmen. Sir Guy stepped forwards at the last moment, shifting his position up just enough to now be past their strike range. With both hands grasping the hilt of his rune blade the knight Justicar swung in a single clean arcing slice. The blade carved through flesh with terrifying ease. The two men cried out in pain and dropped as their insides began falling on their outsides. Sir Guyon had not a moment to lose as the next bandit was on him, hatchet in hand. The make shift weapon was actually a woodcutting implement, not a true tool of war. As such the wooden shaft was cut clean through by the knights parry to block the man's wild strike. The thug looked down at his now broken weapon dumbly before looking back at Sir Guy who merely gave him a look that told him to let the fight end here. The subtly was lost on the muscle for hire as he threw a sloppy punch at the knight. Sir Guy blocked with his armored forearm, causing the man to yelp in pain at punching the limb of steel only to be rendered unconscious as the Justicar smashed the pommel of his sword into the man's temple, flooring him. Before Sir Guy could truly survey his next opponent a club swung for his skull. The knight, acting on pure instinct, ducked and in the same motion lashed out with his sword. The blade hacked clean through the attacker's leg at the base of the knee causing the man to drop clutching the bloody stump. Sir Guy already had his sword up to parry the wild strike with the stolen short swords the next four had. They all converged on him at once, swinging and hacking at him madly like a pack of rabid dogs. Unfortunately for them all they succeeded in achieving was the constant sound of metal striking metal as the knight parried every blow with careful, timed ease. His movements were quick and precise, not an ounce of energy wasted in useless movements. The mark of a true swordsmen. Then the first fell as Sir Guy found his first opening as the men began to tire from their constant strikes slowed slightly. He stabbed forward and plunged his blade deep into one of the four men's guts only to tear his blade free, parry, then open the chest of a second with a downward strike. He quickly blocked a strike from the third man, locking his sword with the thugs before he shot out a kick to the ribs to the advancing man at his side. The blow sent the thief tumbling back and gave Guy all the time needed to push forward with his weapon, smacking the hilt of the sword into the man's teeth. The blow disoriented his foe long enough to allow for Guy to bring his blade down, cutting from shoulder to hip. The body dropped as Guy turned around and side stepped the clumsy stab of the last man. The blade went right past the Justicar who brought his blade down on the man's wrists. The hands came off cleanly and in the next instant so did his head.

Sir guy whipped around in a heartbeat, the tip of his blade touching the neck of Badger who cursed under his breath.

"You just took out eight of my best guys."

Badger growled.

"Death's that are on your hands. Your orders if I recall."

Sir Guy replied smartly. Badger grumbled as sweat beaded on his forehead.

"You gunna kill me?"

"That depends on you."

The knight answered back before his eyes flicked to the cleaver in Badger's hand. Badger groaned again but dropped the weapon with a clatter. In response Sir Guy removed his blade form Badger's throat and took a single step towards him.

"You're surrender has won you your life... but not your freedom. You are still under arrest."

"Wait wha?"

Before he could say another word Sir Guy smashed the pommel of his weapon into Badger's temple knocking him unconscious. The battle with the Crimson Spiders done, Sir Guy and the mysterious noble woman stood alone now in the distillery.

"Oh Lord Knight you have my utmost-"

Sir Guy raised his armored hand, palm facing towards the woman silencing her before he sheathed his blade.

"You might as well save it. You are in as much trouble as they are until you tell me what it is you're doing down here. A woman of your... stature has no business that should bring her to Omega unprotected...yet..."

Sir Guy's words slowed for the briefest of moments as his critical gaze began picking the most subtle of cues on the woman before him that told him everything about her and more. As his mind began to work it's craft his speech picked up tempo as he began analyzing the woman.

"...while you wear the jewels of a duchess you wear them with such disdain. You did not come from money, yet as you rose through the ranks your friends never let you forget it so you ran. A difficult thing to do for someone who seeks wealth yet has none. You turned to crime to grant yourself status. But power does not come with it, least you do not care for it save the power you get from the wealth. Your cloth, an interesting cut of a dress, not indicative of the standard fashions of the nobility in this region yet close enough not to get noticed. You could have purchased more traditional clothing yet you didn't, purposely. This decision speaks to your rebellious nature and your joy at fooling those around who believe themselves your better."

The woman's eye began to open wider in amazement as Sir Guys assumptions were right on the money. Sir Guy's hand reached out and grasped her hand, with an expert twist he turned her hand over, palm up to show the blade from earlier.

"Then here, you conceal a blade of high tensile steel. Odd for a noble woman yet not for a career criminal. A dip who uses her beauty to lower the guard of her target while her hands explore their pockets. Then there's your eyes."

"My eyes?"

She asked coyly.

"Yes, your eyes. When you heard me in the alley and consequently led me here to support you which accounts for your bravado when dealing with the gang, told by the surprise by Badger when you slapped him. Yet it was your eyes that told your past. You turned about looking for the source of the sound, knife in hand and then in the next instant your gaze flicked away. A soldier would do this looking for more targets yet you did this looking for escape exits. By my count you found four before looking back to where I was concealing myself."

The knight released her hand and took a step back, his analyses nearing completion.

"You are not a duchess at all yet swindled the duke out of his fortune and now sit with the title and everything that comes with it. Badger and his men aided you in the early days and know your true identity so you've been paying them a stipend for their silence. All was going well until he got greedy and forced you to come down to negotiate and now we're here."

The fake duchess stood there stunned as she breathe din a shuddering breath of astonishment before speaking.

"Well... I've heard of the detective prowess of the Justicar but that was... wow. Right on all counts. Did you come all this way to capture me?"

"No, I've come seeking a killer."

"Well in Omega there are a lot of those but I dare say if a Justicar is here you have come for the one that has been murdering those women. Perhaps we can help each other?

She asked as she moved slightly closer, her hand reaching for Guyon's forearm where she then slowly ran her fingers up to his biceps.

"I can be very helpful."

The knight grabbed her hand impassively and pulled it away from his arm.

"I have no doubt miss yet I have a duty to preform."

"The let me help you, I may know someone who has met your mysterious killer. Knows where he lives. I tell you his name, you let me go?"

"I cannot allow you, in good honor, to continue to live with the stolen wealth."

"Fair enough, this city was starting to bore me anyhow. All I ask in return is that you do not reveal me to the city guard until after you have apprehended your culprit. Your honor remains intact, I escape a cell and you have caught your killer."

Guyon eyed her discerningly as he weighed his options. He could not allow this simple case of theft deter him from his greater goal of catching a killer. Lesser of two evils was still evil yet, in order to achieve the greater good...

"Very well, give me the name."

Outside of an unassuming apartment in Palaven stood a knight, bold and brave. He almost looked like a statue standing there in the rain looking up at the apartment the old man had told him about. The fake duchess had given him the name of an old man in Omega who was thought to know where the infamous killer lived. That is how Sir Guy ended up here, standing in the pouring rain. His quick surveillance of the area and the questioning of the local citizenry gave him the name of the person who owned the apartment. Gavin Burrows, a young man who'd recently joined the city watch. A young man who had already made Guy's acquaintance. The concept that his earlier suspicion had been right didn't make the news easier to swallow. Guy hoped, prayed the young man wasn't somehow involved. After a sweep of the apartment he would learn just how involved Gavin truly was.

Sir Guy made his way up the exterior stairway to the entrance to the second floor apartment. He did a quick scan of the surrounding area before crouching by the door and pressing his ear to the wood. He didn't hear any movement. That could either mean he was asleep or not in. Only one way to find out.

Guy stood up and took a step back before drawing his sword. He took a single deep breath to prepare himself for what could be on the other side of that door before bringing his foot up and delivering a massive kick to the door just under the knob. The locking mechanism and a good portion of the door jam that connected to it splintered and shattered as the door blew inward. Sir Guy entered quickly ready to engage whoever was inside yet found no one. His eyes quickly scanned the room for hostiles yet found none. Cautiously he began to investigate the room for clues. What he found unsettled him.

The walls of the tiny one room apartment were covered with unintelligible scribbles written in charcoal. The look of arcane symbols and runes lined most of the room, the few things Guy could read and decipher were not a good omen. Dark magic long thought lost to man was all over this room. Illegal by all laws of the order and holds, these writings spoke of a being from another realm. Guy tensed his jaw as his eyes lowered to the contents of the nearby desk. Several books stolen from the Library of Ravencroft on demonic Lore and arcane rituals. The Justicar turned to look down now where he stood. Though it had appeared to have been cleaned, faint markings could be seen on the ground that appeared to connect in some kind of diagram. Guy tilted his head as he looked at the floor, trying to get a better view of it. His inescapable gaze caught the distinct rings that were left only by candles set out to burn for too long. Five in total.

The knight stepped forward, stopping in the center of the five wax circles and put the tip of his sword on the wooden floor. He then slowly began to trace out the lines only he saw, his sword cutting into the wood making the symbols more visible. The blade carved through leaving behind it's mark until he was finished. His work complete Guy stepped out of the circle and breathed deeply as he realized he recognized the symbol before him. Sir Guy sheathed his sword and made for the exit as his mind screamed at him what he had found.

"He seeks to complete a summoning."

Quick footsteps echoed behind her bouncing off the cold stones and the even colder silence. She looked back quickly as she ran, her heavy cloak fluttering behind her as a cold wind swept through the damp air. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest.

A man in chain mail and gilded armour followed her through the torch lit secret hallways of Vantgaurd Castle. Why was she running from him? He was no match for her? But even as she thought this her feet carried her faster further forward through the stone gray curving passageways.

A door! At last! She yanked it open and gasped as a bone chilling breeze pushed her back and saved her from a drop into the indiscernible darkness below. The dark night sky thundered angrily and sheets of heavy rain emerged maddeningly to soak her through to the marrow.

How could this be happening to her? She whipped around. The dark Knight stood but a mere few feet away, his sword unsheathed and at the ready. She could not make out his face. She laughed like a madwoman throwing her head back.

“Foolish Knight! You think you can stop me?” She raised her hand to unleash her magic . . . Wait! What was this?

She turned her palm to face her and then turned it back on the Knight . . . Nothing! . . . She shook her hand violently . . .

“W-What's wrong with me?” She asked him dumbfounded.

“Judgement is upon you.” Spoke the Knight's gruff voice “Pray The Five have mercy upon your soul.”

. . . And then he raised his sword.


Aurora woke with a start as her scream filled her chamber and reverberated through the large room.

Her heart pounded viciously.

“What in the God's name was that?!”

The doors to her room burst open as Ser Sedrick and Aurora's Lady's in Waiting came rushing through clad in their nightgowns.

Sedrick scanned the room and went straight for the balconied window doors.

“Who was it my Queen?” He asked in his rough barely used voice.

“Out! All of you!” Aurora commanded taking the irritation she felt towards herself for being frightened by nothing but a silly dream, out on her servants. “Not you Sedrick.” She said calmly pinching the bridge of her nose as the guard bowed and was about to take his leave with the other servants.

Her brain was ticking away now that shock had subsided. She had been chased and almost killed by a Knight . . . Impossible in reality . . . Yet the dream . . .

“Tell me Sedrick whose God's be The Five?”

“The Five my Queen?” Sedrick asked perplexed at the random question.

“Yes,” Aurora said as she slipped on her thick fur robe and headed towards the open balcony and pulled the thin vial back to stare out at the bright moon lit night. “The Five.”

“There is only one place I know of and that is the Kingdom of Gallosor. Much further up North into the Ice Lands my Queen. We share borders with them and the safe keeping as well from Cattle Thieves and such.”

“Gallosor . . . ” Aurora mused as her mind put pieces together.

Her mother always said not to take dreams lightly. The woman maybe losing her mind but maybe she was onto something here.

Enemies came in all shapes and sizes . . . and if growing up and living at Court taught her anything then it was this Keep your enemies close but your friends closer because they were the ones who would stab you in the back first. Foe's one may see coming but friends they came with smiles and poison in your wine.

“Why the sudden interest in The Five?”

Aurora turned to the only man she trusted with her plans, her unearthly eyes settled on the dark bald figure before her.

“It is not the Five that which interest me Sedrick but those who worship the God's of the Ice Lands.” Aurora said with a calculating smile as she stroked her fingers over one of her silvery braids. “Tell me Sedrick, are many of the subjects of Gallosor Knights of the Holy Order?”

Sedrick brows scrunched into a V. He did not understand how his Queen's mind worked all he knew was not to question her motivations and do her bidding at her will.

“Many a Knight my Queen. I've heard rumours – this being a many a years ago – that even one of the Princes of the Royal Family of Gallosor is a Knight of the Holy Order.”

“The Prince?” Aurora reiterated with one raised brow. “How very uncouth. I suppose he is a younger son? So one can not blame him. What else is there for a younger son to do, except wait for his brother to die if there is no legitimate heir or wait for the nephew to die if there is . . . What is the name of our poor Prince?”

“I do not know my Queen but I can find out, if you so wish?”

Aurora waved his query away with the flicker of her wrist. This whole business was another inconvenience, yet she would rather nip this inconvenience in the bud right now before it became a man eating flower that would devour her.

How did that old saying go? Slay thy enemies before they slay you.

“He does not interest me, at least not solely. No, what I need you to do Sedrick is find every single Knight of the Holy Order that hails from the Ice Lands of Gallosor. I want a list of names, then I wish an interview with each and everyone. Not an easy feet I know, but let us start with the one's currently on duty in the North Lands. If I can not find the one I wish to seek here then I will have to branch out my search further.”

“Consider it done my Queen.” Sedrick bowed.

“Oh I do.” Aurora said with a wicked smile.

---

Quick footsteps echoed behind her bouncing off the cold stones and the even colder silence. She looked back quickly as she ran, her heavy cloak fluttering behind her as a cold wind swept through the damp air. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest.

A man in chain mail and gilded armour followed her through the torch lit secret hallways of Vantgaurd Castle. Why was she running from him? He was no match for her? But even as she thought this her feet carried her faster further forward through the stone gray curving passageways.

A door! At last! She yanked it open and gasped as a bone chilling breeze pushed her back and saved her from a drop into the indiscernible darkness below. The dark night sky thundered angrily and sheets of heavy rain emerged maddeningly to soak her through to the marrow.

How could this be happening to her? She whipped around. The dark Knight stood but a mere few feet away, his sword unsheathed and at the ready. She could not make out his face. She laughed like a madwoman throwing her head back.

“Foolish Knight! You think you can stop me?” She raised her hand to unleash her magic . . . Wait! What was this?

She turned her palm to face her and then turned it back on the Knight . . . Nothing! . . . She shook her hand violently . . .

“W-What's wrong with me?” She asked him dumbfounded.

“Judgement is upon you.” Spoke the Knight's gruff voice “Pray The Five have mercy upon your soul.”

. . . And then he raised his sword high above his head.

She screamed and put her hands up in defence above her face and waited for the striking blow . . . it did not come.

Breathing heavily, she lowered her arms slowly. What? What was this magic? She thought confused as she stood staring at the blurry image in front of her but then the Knights sword was coming down and she screamed “No!” from in front and behind him.


Sweat dripped down the curve of her spine as she shot up, dazed and confused. Astra rubbed her eyes as her heart beat unnaturally fast. The dying embers of the once great fire flickered in the night.

Astra looked around. Both Thorin and Zaldir seemed to be asleep. Zaldir was sat however. He must have fallen asleep keeping watch Astra guessed as she got to her feet. And dusted her pale silk dress. Her cloak lay on the ground, she had slept on it. However she did not feel the need to put it on. The nights in the South Lands were unbearably hot. She felt sticky and in need of a cool bath.

Although she avoided water at all costs at times like these she knew there was no avoiding it. Astra breathed in a shaky breath as she began towards the ravine she had sensed earlier. Her elemental magic allowed her the ability to make out the elements when she was near them. But the dream still haunted her thoughts.

She had to calm down and figure it all out . . . for it was no normal dream. She knew she had reached the ravine when the full Moon's ghostly reflection shimmered in the dark water.

Astra crouched on a large pebble and splashed her face with the cool liquid. The chilled water soothed her heated skin as it trickled and ran down her neck and into her fine dress.

Refreshed Astra folded her arms around her knees as she sat silently at the shallow waters edge. It was about time she faced her fears. Yet the pool of water did not dominate the thoughts in her mind.

The dream repeated itself. How strange, she thought with a frown. She was running through the secret passageways of Vantgaurd Castle, the same ones she and her sister used to play in as children . . . But then there was the Knight . . . of the Holy Order no doubt. She could not see his face, it was a dark blur.

Astra's frown grew deeper at the thought of the Knight's of the Holy Order. She did not trust them, not one bit. She did not like their Holier Than Thou attitude. The way they looked down on those above them. Astra had seen many a Knight of the Holy Order growing up in Vantgaurd Castle. They were constant visitors of her father.

Alas, what did it matter to her now except that the Knight chased her in the dream and tried to kill her, except . . . when he had lifted his sword, she suddenly found herself behind him . . . yet when she looked beyond him, she also stood there where she first was by the open door . . . except the whole image in front of her – the Knights back and the woman – her – stood in front of the open door – was a blur. She was in two places at once. It made no sense. She did not hold the ability of astral projection.

Nor had her magic worked in the dream, that frightened her most.

It confounded her. What could it possibly mean? Did actually mean anything at all? Or was it just that a dream and nothing more? Astra pondered all this and more as she sat there hugging her knee's as the water spirits danced lights across the surface of the ravine and the Moon hug high in the night Sky.

The doors to the guard hall blew in with tremendous force making all those within jump with a start. Some of them went for their blades, fearful of what creature would soon attack them. Instead in strode a man in chain mail and gilded armour. His eyes a light with fiery wrath as he quickly scanned the room for his quarry. The guards all looked up at the knight in shock, unsure of what was happening.

"Where is Gavin Burrows?!"

Sir Guy barked out to the guards in attendance. They all looked about dumbly unsure of where the young man was. Fortunately their captain had exited his office at the sound of the commotion to address the situation.

"Sir Guy, you got a reason for almost tearing my door off?"

Guy looked at him quizzically then back to the door as if he hadn't realized how hard he'd thrown the doors. The small amount of cracked stone on the floor was evident that perhaps the knight had put a bit too much force in the action.

"My apologies captain, that was not my intent."

Gordon just shrugged unperturbed.

"Least no one was coming out just then, woulda squished em. Now why do ya need Gavin? I thought you didn't want any help."

Guy locked eyes with the captain as he relayed the information he'd learned.

"I have reason to believe Gavin Burrows may be the man we seek. A lead took me to his apartment in Palaven where I found text on ritualistic summoning as well as evidence proving that he'd already tested his magic there. Yet I know of the spell he uses and whom he seeks to summon. He needs human sacrifice. He needs-"

Guy's words were cut off as a door in the back of the hall opened and a young man casually strode in. He stopped immediately as all eyes turned on him. His eyes stared widely in terror at Guy and Captain Gordon. Sweat began to bead on the young man's forehead as he looked on in fear. The air was tense in the hall as if time itself had stopped. Then in the next instant it was on again at lightning speeds as Gavin turned and bolted. Guy shot out after him with Gordon close behind.

"Move out men, get after him!"

Gordon shouted at his men as he charged after the knight and the killer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thorin rose with a groan running his hand through his golden hair as he blinked his sleepy eyes. He looked at Zaldir, sitting up sound asleep and chuckled. The idea that an assassin could have snuck past the drow and slit the groups throat without ever waking him amused the monster hunter as Thorin got to his feet. The son of Balder walked over to the now dead fire and kicked at the embers with the toe of his boot. A few yet lived so it took only a bit for Thorin to get a fire going once more. Once done with that he sat beside the crackling fire with a yawn as he enjoyed the warm morning.

Then in an instant he rolled forward as a crossbow bolt whizzed past his him. The bolt was expertly aimed for the base of his spine and would have surely ended his life if Thorin had not heard the faint noise in the distance. The monster hunter came up with his hammer in hand, eyes searching for the one who'd fired the bolt. Then out of the tree line stepped a fearsome looking assassin armed to the teeth.

"My mistress bids you death."

The assassin said darkly as he rose his crossbow and fired again.

Guy raced through the streets of Ebar after his quarry. The smaller, faster Gavin dipped and weaved through the crowd effortlessly making maintaining a visual on him difficult but manageable. The knight Justicar had chased down enough criminals to be used to it, even in the over crowded streets of Ebar yet this was something else. With the horde of guards trying to keep pace with him, blowing their whistles as they ran, the clanking of metal and the stampede of boots felt more like a heard of bison were charging through the city instead of a peace keeping force. Guy was a few steps ahead of everyone else, the closest to Gavin who at the moment was little more than a blur of his coat tails. The knight concentrated on his breathing as he ran, forcing his legs to continue to propel him forward despite their objections.

Gavin then leapt over a cart selling cabbages, his agility something akin to a monkey. Sir Guy however was not going to be able to make the same jump in full armor and instead lowered his shoulder and plowed right through it. The cart imploded from the impact and went flying, cabbages shot into the air much to the dismay of the cart vendor.

"MY CABBAGES!"

Guy had to keep running, with Gordon close behind as the two men pulled away from the rest of the guards who were getting caught up in the crowd. Then Guy caught sight of Gavin dart down one of the alleys and the knight was right after him. He charged after him with Gordon in tow, the older man showing remarkable resiliency in the hot pursuit. As they neared the end of the alley they were met by a brick wall that partitioned the alley from the connecting street. Gavin once again turned to his youth and agility and clambered over the wall with ease. Guy skidded to a stop with a curse knowing he could not make that jump.

"This way!"

Gordon shouted as he turned into a nearby doorway and rammed the door in. Guy sprinted after him, the two men found themselves in an empty butchers shop, or at least what used to be a butchers shop.

"Place closed down a few months back, lets out onto the street!"

Gordon explained through panting breaths as the two leapt into the street from the other door.

"The hell is he?"

Gordon said as he gasped for air. Guy was breathing heavy too but was doing considerably better than his older companion.

"There!"

He shouted as he caught sight of the young man on an opposing rooftop. The guard captain and the knight raced after the young man, having to cross a small bridge that overlooked the bowels of Tuchanka. The heat of the under works could be felt even at this distance as they darted over the bridge. Guy caught sight of a maintenance ladder that would take them to the roof and shot right up it.

Sir Guy clambered onto the roof, his hand going for his sword ready to apprehend the culprit only to find himself on an empty roof top. He ran to the edge and scanned for any sign of their quarry yet saw none. Gordon ran up to his side, breathing heavily as sweat dripped from his brow.

"You see him?"

Guy's jaw tensed in frustration as he shook his head slowly.

"No...He's gone."

Thorin looked on in awe at the viscous interrogation by Leena. The pure rage, bubbling just below the surface, barely contained. It would take the heart of a lesser man. Thorin however was not frightened as much as he was concerned. Hate like that could consume you, no good could come from it but a fight was brewing and there was no way around it. Can't run from it, he wouldn't even if he could. It wasn't in his nature. No he would stay with Leena, fight by her side and slay her enemies, with luck he'd keep her from giving in to the hate. If not, well then he'd be there regardless.

Thorin walked up to Leena's side and put a hand on her shoulder in reassurance.

"There lass, it's done. Best get a move on. It appears this queen wants you dead. Wouldn't want keep her waiting."

He added the last bit with a fiery smirk before holstering his hammer and preparing the horse for travel to Ebar.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meanwhile in the sprawling metropolis Sir Guy was once again in the Guard hall, anxiously pacing the floor in Gordon's office while the older man sat at his desk paging through municipal records. Guyon's brilliant mind had devised a way to find out where Gavin would be going and Gordon was helping him find the location he sought.

"He needs one more Gordon, one more. He's killed five, he needs six to complete the summoning."

Gordon nodded as his eyes never left the parchments he was rifling through.

"Right, and what exactly is he summoning?"

Guyon paused finally as he crossed one arm over his chest and his other elbow on that hand so his free hand could come to his mouth in thought.

"Lust... The pure wicked incarnation of it. There are beings Gordon, netherwordly beings that reside in the ether. A extra dimensional plane. Normally these planes cannot be accessed by mortals unless through the means of complex dark magic. This form of magic has been outlawed by The Order for centuries. The danger of someone letting something into this world that should not be is too great. The destruction they could cause is unfathomable. Their power is only dwarfed by the gods themselves. Yet Gavin has done just that. He seeks to bring Lust into this world so to do that he needed sacrifices. Sacrifices of individuals who were the sources of great lust. He chose Ebar for it's reputation of being a home to countless beautiful women. So his murders were only those of great beauty. That was the connection all along. Their attractiveness. Women from different social classes, and backgrounds. Didn't matter, what mattered was their beauty. As long as people lusted after them they were perfect targets."

"Well then we still have time, before he completes the summoning."

Gordon said, finally looking up. Guyon just shook his head forebodingly.

"No...we don't. The chase today, we spooked him. Now the entire city watch is after him. He knows he does not have long before he is found. He will kill again, tonight."

Gordon got to his feet now, with a set jaw and determination in his eyes.

"Then what are we doing here going through old municipal records? We should be out there hunting him down. Don't you justicar have magic for things like this?"

Guy turned to face Gordon with something of a chuckle in his throat.

"Prayers Gordon, not magic and no. I have tracking prayers but not for killers like Gavin. They only activate when tracking pure evil. Mad, wicked and lost surely but Gavin is not evil."

The captain sighed and stroked his mustache in frustration.

"And these records will help you how?"

"Ley lines. Supernatural alignments between places of power, which may be magical, spiritual, or psychic in nature. Now where they converge is what we are looking for. These places of power are where two or more ley lines cross and are often known as Ley Nodes or Nexuses. Gavin would need one of these Nexuses to complete his summoning. I found his apartment where he had done his research but it was not where he had done the killings. The sacrifices had to have been done elsewhere. If we can find this Nexus we find Gavin."

Gordon nodded, finally understanding as Guy unraveled the mystery for him.

"Then you're going to need more than what I have here. The library of Ravencroft will have what you need. I'll organize the men, with luck I can slow him down and make it harder form him to grab an innocent girl."

Sir Guy nodded and reached out a hand to shake Gordon's.

"Good luck Captain."

"You to Sir Guy, go get the bastard."

With that and a nod from the captain the knight Justicar was off, into the streets of Ebar and at the infamous great library in minutes to begin his research.

Tanis was singing a lullaby. He was really acting weird since the fight. But no matter, she would speak to him soon. Now however she was tired again from fixing the spell on the Witch and wanted to just sit and do nothing until Malik returned with food or something.

Kael nodded again to Thalin and walked back to lean against a tree next to Blue. She didn't know what Malik would think when he found she had helped the one who tried to take her to the Necromancer. She shuddered at the memory of the pain. Blue seemed deep in thought, his face blank when before she had been able to read it and felt comforted at seeing him. Now she was reminded of the fact that he was hurt too, hurt trying to use himself as a shield between her and the witches magic. She closed her eyes and sighed before speaking.

"Blue?"


((OOC: It appears that I SUCK at tagging people...and so have tagged the wrong person. Eh. I apologize >_<))