Order and Chaos:
Struggle for the Balance

By: Myk and Rahb

Preface:

	After the death of the Trickster, humanity was no longer in danger of being destroyed by the forces of chaos.  The portal transporting the Woodsie Lord’s Pagans had been destroyed. With the help of a master thief, the Hammerites had been victorious over their enemy.
	The truth is that aside from the Hammerites, Keepers, and that certain “master thief”, the people of the City hadn’t a clue as to how close their race had come to extinction at the hands of the Trickster. And the Hammerites had thought that they were the real heroes. They neglected to give credit to a thief. But if it weren’t for the Keeper’s information, they would have all been doomed.
	Now, a few months later, on the verge of the dawn of the Metal Age, this crisis may occur again. Only the Keepers can foresee this occurring and they know that it will be up to a certain few people to prevent such a disaster from happening.

Day 1

	It was a calm night in the City. A gentle breeze blew through the streets. The moon shone down on the buildings and into the open windows of those who were sleeping peacefully. The streets were mostly deserted, except for the patrolling Hammer guards and those who dwelt in the shadows.
	Most buildings were quiet, but Soulforge cathedral was lit up bright as usual. At the center of town, it was the heart of the Order of the Hammer. Most nights at this time it would be fairly quiet with just the usual guards, but tonight there was a meeting of the utmost importance.
	“The vandalism of the past few nights is intolerable in mine eyes.” The High Priest of the Order had a very stern look on his face. He stood in front of the Hammerite Council, made up of the highest-ranking priests and members of the order. They sat around a large oval shaped table with a red indentation of a hammer engraved in the center. All eyes were on the High Priest as he addressed them.
	The High Priest continued, “I am determined to discover who is responsible for the defacing of the statues and murals around this cathedral. This hath be a great insult to our Master Builder, and I hath prayed to him and assured him that we will put an end to it.” He looked around the room at the faces of his immediate subordinates. After the death of the previous High Priest a few months before, he had been promoted to the highest position in the order. He sat down in his chair at the head of the table and picked up his exquisite hammer and held it in his hands. “Unfortunately, the culprits elude us so far. They hath been undetected by our patrols. I welcome any suggestions any of you may have as to a solution to the problem.” He gazed around the table, waiting for a suggestion.
	After a few seconds, a man spoke up, “My Lord, perhaps we should search all homes and buildings in the City for evidence of these wrongdoings.”
	The High Priest narrowed his eyes at him for a few seconds. “Dost thou know how long and time consuming that would be? It could take months to conduct a thorough search. I urge thee to consider your ideas before you voice them.”
	The man, visibly embarrassed, shrunk back in his seat. Then another spoke out, “My Lord, suppose we were to construct a fake statue or mural to use as bait, and we had it on surveillance all the time. If the vandals dost attempt to deface that bit of property, then they could be apprehended. We could just make the bait more appealing to vandalize.”
	The High Priest sat back in his chair and scratched his goatee as he gazed at the new speaker. Suddenly, his eyes opened wide with excitement and he leaned forward,  “Brother Malcolm, that is an excellent idea!” He gazed off into space as though picturing the success of it, “The vandals would come again and will attempt to deface this property put out as bait, and we will seize them immediately.” He looked back at Brother Malcolm, “Brother Malcolm, once again your keen intellect has given our order hope. I will assign this project to Brother Valis. The counsel is dismissed.” He smacked his hammer against the table signifying the end of the meeting. The people in the room all got up to leave.
	“Brother Malcolm, please stay a minute longer. I wish to speak with you”, the High Priest beckoned him to wait. When the rest of the people in the room left, he continued, “Brother Malcolm, your service to the order has been excellent in the past few months. You have distinguished yourself high above the rest. If there was a higher rank under me I would promote you to it, but you’re already there. The strength of our order is largely due to you. We can and will crush any opponent that steps up to us. I just want you to know that the Master Builder and I appreciate your service more than anything else.”
	“Thank you, my Lord.”
	The High Priest gave a nod. “You are dismissed.”
	Malcolm nodded back and headed out the door. He made his way through the enormous cathedral to the front door. The two guards there kneeled out of respect as he walked by them. Outside, his chauffeur, Willoby, was waiting for him with his carriage.
	“Are we all ready to go, Jack?” Willoby asked.
	“Yes we are, Will”, Malcolm responded as he climbed into the front seat of the carriage next to Willoby.
	“How did the meeting go, sir?”
	“It was an average meeting. If I knew the High Priest was going to call a meeting tonight I would have had a nap beforehand. I haven’t even had my evening tea yet.” Willoby smiled and got the horses moving.
	Jackolby Malcolm was a popular figure in the City. He was known by the Hammers as being one of the highest-ranking priests in the order. He earned much respect in his years with the Order of the Hammer. But, the rest of the City respected him for something else. Something the Hammers didn’t know about. He was the head of a thief organization.
	The truth is that Malcolm didn’t even like the Hammerites. When he was a young acolyte, the Hammerites arrested his parents for reasons unknown. He knew they hadn’t done anything wrong. He never saw them again. They had died in one of the Hammer prisons. Malcolm never forgave the Hammers for that. Yet, he continued with the order, serving to the best of his ability. He had it in the back of his mind that he would one day get revenge.
	Part of his anger was perhaps vented through the thief organization he headed. Based deep in his basement, the organization accepted thieves who were willing to do jobs for Malcolm. The process was simple; Malcolm would request an item and the correspondent would acquire it. Malcolm usually targeted the valuables of rich nobles or the Hammerites.
	Overall, Jackolby Malcolm was a very kind man. The townspeople respected him, except for the rich nobles. Although they could never prove he was responsible for the “disappearance” of some of their valuables, they knew he was up to something with that organization of his.
	No one would ever tell the Hammerites about his organization because they respected him, they weren’t too crazy to talk to a Hammerite, and the Hammers probably wouldn't even believe anyone saying that about such a great man. They’d probably arrest anyone that talked that way about a respected Hammerite like Malcolm.
	Due to Malcolm’s high standing among the Order of the Hammer, he was permitted to live away from the cathedral. He lived in Dayport, a rich district of the City. His mansion was large and had many servants. The mansion itself was surrounded by a tall wall going all around it. He had a nice, large lawn inside the wall with some gardens here and there. There was a stable for the horses and carriage. The inside seemed to be like any wealthy nobleman’s mansion, but underground, in his basement, was where the organization operated from. Thieves were in and out all day and night. He had a large treasury room, where the valuables recovered by his “clients” were stored. At least, the valuables that he held on to were stored there. He sold some to local museums. Part of the house was an office wing, where he did some of his business.
	Willoby pulled the carriage into the front yard and up to the front steps. Malcolm got out, wished him good night, and headed in. Waiting for him in the foyer was his butler, Jeeves.
	Jeeves was a great butler that Malcolm had grown attached to and trusted very much. Jeeves wasn’t his real name. Malcolm didn’t even know his real name. Jeeves had been a prisoner at Cragscleft Prison when Malcolm had him released, persuading the Hammers that he was innocent of all charges. He probably was innocent anyway. Malcolm gave him a job as butler and named him Jeeves.
	“Welcome home, Master Malcolm”, Jeeves greeted him.
	“Good evening, Jeeves. Please prepare my tea.”
	“Yes, sir. Right away.” Jeeves hurried off to the kitchen. Malcolm’s servants, as well as the townspeople, referred to him as “Master Malcolm” whereas the Hammers referred to him as “Brother Malcolm”. This was because the townspeople knew he didn’t like the Hammers and also didn’t like being called “Brother”.
	Malcolm went up to his room and to his personal bathroom to wash up and change. He emerged in his robe and headed downstairs to the large living room. There was a fire going in the fireplace and the tea was sitting next to his armchair in front of the fireplace. He sat down, got comfortable, and sipped his tea as he watched the fire.

	“UUMMPH!” Myk hit the ground with a thud. His feet began to sting a little from the impact. He looked back over his shoulder at the wall he had jumped from. It didn’t seem too high before he jumped.
	Myk turned back to the mission at hand. He wasn’t in the Old Quarter for his health. In his research, he had read about an expensive artifact that had been left behind when this section of the City was deserted. It was called the Terpenov Chalice. The description he had read about it opened his eyes wide. It was large, made of pure gold, and adorned with rare jewels.
	It had been two weeks since Myk last had a job, and the cost of living had become hard to pay with a lack of money. He became desperate, so he did a little researching for some item that could help with his problem. The Terpenov manor, as he had read, was said to be located on Cathedral Street, just south of the “Haunted Cathedral”.
	As Myk cautiously made his way down Rubin Street, he pondered the rumors of walking dead and hauntings that were reported to exist beyond the barricade wall. He had heard about some catastrophe that occurred at the old Hammer cathedral some fifty years ago. Rumors of zombies walking around and killing people. Zombies that supposedly still exist here today. Myk didn’t believe the rumors.
	Still, instinct told him to be cautious anyway. He came to an intersection and made a right, sticking to the shadows as best he could. He spotted a small gold cup on a high windowsill. Reaching back into his quill, he grabbed a rope arrow and took out his bow. He shot the arrow into a wooden beam above the cup. He climbed the arrow up, grabbed the cup and slid back down. He might as well grab any other loot he comes across on this exploration.
	The street abruptly ended around a corner, but he saw a first floor open window. He climbed in hoping to be able to pass through this abandoned house.  He passed through the first room, picking up any loot he saw. The second room had an opening in the opposite wall, leading to another street. He headed for the opening. He stopped just before the opening when he heard what sounded like a low moan.
	Myk waited and listened. He began to hear footsteps approaching his position. Another moan, clearer and closer, made him tense up. He felt his blood chill. The footsteps became louder and louder. The room he was in was dark enough to hide him, just as long as whatever it was didn’t enter.
	As the footsteps grew louder, Myk grew tenser. Suddenly, a figure came into view through the opening. It was a grotesque sight. A walking, rotting, dead corpse was what he saw before him. Thankfully, it didn’t see him as it walked right past the opening in the wall. Myk listened as the footsteps grew softer. He breathed a sigh of relief and crept to the opening. He sure believed in the rumors now as he looked left and right down the street.
	He headed right and then went left down another street. He was more cautious now. He recalled a famous thief named Morgan who was supposedly a fighter of the undead. It was said that Morgan would use holy water against them. Unfortunately, Myk had neglected to bring holy water. He cursed himself for it.
	He stopped a little ways down the street as he saw two zombies crossing an open area at an intersection. When they were to the left with their backs turned, he hurried over to the right. He was heading to another street around a corner of a tilted building. As he neared the building, a zombie stepped around that corner and spotted him. It gave a loud moan. Myk stopped short as the zombie was blocking his way. The other two zombies heard the excited moan, turned around and also spotted him.
	The first zombie swung at him and he jumped back. He had zombies behind him and knew he had not too much room to back up any more. The zombie took another swing at him. He ducked and jumped back again. He turned around and the zombies behind him were almost upon him. As the first zombie swung at him again, he ducked and rolled to the left. The zombie ended up hitting one of the others. Myk had gotten out from between them just in time.
	All three turned and came after him. Backing up, he reached into his backpack and pulled out a mine. He placed it on the ground and backed up as far as he could. He found himself in a corner. If the mine didn’t blow, he’d be in trouble. The zombies, having no intelligence, continued closer. As they walked over the mine, Myk covered his head with his arms and turned away. The mine exploded, sending zombie parts in all directions. Myk lifted his head up, pushed a zombie arm off his leg, and stood up. All three zombies were taken care of.
	Myk’s relief was cut short by a loud grunt. He heard heavy footsteps coming his way. He had no time to react before a large creature came into view. He recognized the creature. It was a burrick. Myk knew someone who hunted them for sport.
	The beast saw him and breathed out a cloud of green gas. Myk dodged it and ran past the beast. He headed around the corner he was originally heading for. He could hear the slow beast chasing him. As he approached a three-way intersection, a group of zombies came around a corner up ahead and spotted Myk. He skidded to a stop and checked over his shoulder to find the burrick, now joined by another, coming closer.
	Myk saw a door to a building next to him. It opened easily and he rushed inside. Seeing a hole in the ceiling, he used a chair to reach up and grab the edge of the hole to pull himself up. He leaned out the window and the zombies were entering after him. Luckily, they wouldn’t be able to get to him upstairs.
	The zombies were inside, the burricks had stopped and were looking away down the street, and thus Myk saw his chance. He hopped down to the street. “Crap”, he muttered as the burricks turned around at the sound of his feet hitting the ground. The zombies inside also heard him. He turned and ran further up the street to get away, but another group of zombies came into view ahead.
	Myk turned back around to see the burricks approaching him quickly and the other zombies coming out of the building, right in the burrick’s path. Myk saw what was about to happen.
	The burricks, unable to stop quickly, slammed into the zombies, knocking them into pieces. To Myk’s astonishment, the other zombies ahead of him became upset at this and went to attack the burricks, now ignoring Myk’s presence. They went past Myk and surrounded the burricks, whacking at them with their arms. Myk took that chance to leave quickly.
	He headed further to the northeast. Finally, up ahead he saw the Haunted Cathedral. An eerie mist hung around it, giving Myk another chill in his bones. He passed the Cathedral Street sign and turned south on it. On the left he recognized the mansion he sought, Terpenov Manor.
	Myk ducked into a shadow as an apparition of a Hammerite priest walked by. When it was gone, he crossed the street and entered the three-story house. He searched the first floor for the chalice but found only a little bit of loot. He climbed the stairs to the second floor and found some more loot, which he grabbed and put in his backpack. Still no chalice. He went up to the third floor. There was still more loot up there. He spotted a vault in the corner of the room, near the front window of the house.
	The vault was locked but he had lock picks. Myk carefully picked the lock and slid the vault door open. Inside was the largest cup he’d ever seen. It was covered with jewels and gems that shined from the moonlight coming in the window. He lifted it out of the vault. The thing was heavier than he thought.
	Did they ever drink out of this thing, he thought as he placed it in his bag. Suddenly, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He glanced over and saw the apparition from before standing at the top of the stairs, watching him. It suddenly waved its ghostly hands around and launched a flaming skull at Myk’s head.
	Myk dived to the right as the skull flew by him and smashed into the wall. He quickly reached into his bag and pulled out a flash bomb. He had also heard that Morgan used these against the undead. Myk tossed it at the apparition’s feet. It exploded with a flash and the ghostly figure was visibly harmed by it. He tossed another at it. This time, the flash caused the apparition to disappear in a puff of smoke. Unfortunately, it let out a loud horrible scream as it died.
	Myk cringed as he expected the worst. Sure enough, the worst was occurring. He could already hear the alerted moans coming from outside. Myk leaned out the window and saw numerous zombies coming from other streets to see what the scream was. The street in front of the mansion was filling with them. They saw him leaning out the window and became excited. A bunch of them were heading for the door to the mansion to come up after him.
	Myk knew he didn’t have much time to think. He couldn’t go out the way he came in and the zombies were heading upstairs to get him. Looking out the window, he got an idea. He saw a low roof across the street. Another building to the left of his window was leaning out over the street so that it was half way between the low roof and him. The leaning building conveniently had a beam of wood separating the wall and the roof section.
	Myk heard the zombies moaning as they reached the second floor. Time was running out. He reached into his quill and pulled out a rope arrow. He tied the end of the rope to his wrist and took out his bow. He turned around and saw the head of the lead zombie as it was ascending the second flight of stairs. He had to hurry.
	Myk knocked the arrow, aimed for the beam, and shot. The arrow hit the target and stuck in strongly. He put the bow away as the first few zombies finished their ascension and staggered across the room at him. Putting his backpack over his shoulder and taking one last look behind him at the undead predators, Myk grasped the rope tightly.
	He hopped out the window just before the zombies could grab him. He swung through the air, across the street and over the heads of the other angry undead. At the other end of the swing, he let go and fell with a thud onto the low roof across the street. He looked back at the large mansion. The crowd of zombies on the top floor all pushed toward the window where he had been, causing the zombie standing at the window to be pushed out. He fell three stories and smashed to bits on the ground outside.
	Myk turned and ran southwest on the roof. Now, he had to safely leave the Old Quarter. Suddenly, the roof beneath him creaked and there was a loud snap. Myk found himself falling. He landed on a table, smashing it. He had fallen through the roof. With the aid of the moonlight coming in the window, he looked around the dust filled room. There was a door next to the window.
	He exited through the door, dusting himself off. His attention was diverted by the crowd of zombies coming after him down the street from the north. Then he realized he was only one street over from where he had been. He took off running south down the street, the angry group of undead continuing their pursuit.
	As he dashed down the street, he had to stop short because another angry group of zombies was coming at him from the south. He was surrounded on both sides and there were no other streets to get to. Myk looked up but saw no surfaces for which to use a rope arrow on. His eyes dropped to a door near him. He rushed to it and found it locked. He took out his lock picks and began to work the lock.
	The two groups were converging on him. Closer and closer they were coming. He continued to jiggle the lock with the lock pick. “Come on, come on”, he muttered. Finally, the lock clicked. He threw the door open and dashed in just as the zombies were reaching him. As the first zombie stepped in the doorway, he threw the door closed. It smacked into the zombie, throwing him back into some others. But more zombies were interested in coming in.
	Myk spotted a ladder and he quickly climbed it to the second floor. He was safe, as the zombies couldn’t climb up after him. However, there were no other ways to go from here. He went into the next room and leaned out a window there. To his left and below him, the zombies were crowded around the door he had entered. He looked south down the street. It was clear. He had to go, now.
	Myk hopped out the window and landed on the ground with a thud. His ankle twisted from the fall and pain shot through it. The zombies also noticed him and began to give chase again. Myk limped south down the street as fast as he could. His slow speed, due to the twisted ankle, prevented him from gaining any distance from the zombies.
	He came to an intersection and went strait. He skidded to a stop as he saw yet more zombies ahead coming his way. He turned and headed back to the intersection and went west as the first group was reaching the intersection. The zombies were only about ten feet behind him as he limped down the street.
	Finally, he came to Rubin Street and turned south onto it as some more zombies came from the north. He was beginning to wonder where all these zombies were coming from. And he hadn’t believed in the undead half an hour ago. How ironic.
	Myk could see the barricade wall looming up ahead of him. On the other side was safety. Stopping before the wall, he had to think of a way to get up there. He entered a building that was sitting next to the wall. The zombies were right behind him. Inside was a broken staircase leading to the upstairs. He grabbed onto it with his hands and pulled himself up as the zombies came within inches of grabbing his legs.
	He went to a second floor window and stuck his head out to observe the situation. Looking up at the wall, he realized that the top of it was only a few feet higher than the roof of the building he was in. He needed to get to the roof.
	Myk leaned further out of the window and reached up with his hands for the edge of the roof. The zombies in the street below saw him and a roar of moans indicated that. He got a secure hold on the edge and began to pull himself out of the window and up to the roof. Exhaustion was beginning to overtake him and he struggled. If he slipped, he would fall into the clutches of the undead below.
	Myk grunted and finally pulled himself up onto the roof. He rolled over and lay there for half a minute to rest. Hopefully this roof wouldn’t cave in like the other one did. He sat up and observed the wall. It was about five feet away from the edge of the roof, and about three or four feet higher. It would take a good jump to grab on. Leaning over the edge of the roof, he saw the ugly zombies below. They also saw him, as they were reaching upward with their decaying arms and were uttering excited moans.	
	Myk backed up, took a deep breath, and took a running jump. He sailed over the gap and slammed into the wall, grabbing on with his hands. A flash bomb bounced out of his backpack and fell into the crowd below him, killing a few and stunning others.
	Myk struggled with every ounce of strength he had left to pull himself over the top. He almost slipped at one point. With one last thrust of his body he got himself over the top. He climbed down the other side and sat in the shadows of the street for a minute while the moans on the other side of the wall died down. He pulled his prize out of his bag, the Terpenov Chalice. He smiled widely as he looked it over. “Now, I can have a halfway decent meal”, he said to himself as he put it back in his bag.
	Myk had plenty of healing potions at his apartment, and he would need them. His ankle was in great pain. Now, he only had to get back home without getting caught by any Hammerite street guards. Compared to what he had just been through, that would be a cinch.

	Keeper Klepper crouched in a shadow next to a low brick wall. He was listening in on a secret conversation between a man and a woman. This was his assignment tonight. They were in a park, near the City Square.
	Klepper was not surprised by what he was hearing from the man and woman. It was exactly what the Keepers had expected. They just wanted to confirm their suspicions. They knew however, that the plot being made here would jeopardize humanity, again.
	Klepper listened to the entire conversation and waited for both individuals to leave. Then he began to make his way back to the Keeper Compound. He would rest for the night, then report the information to Third Keeper Mayar.

Day 2

	Malcolm rolled over at the sound of the ringing. He opened his eyes to find the room flooded with sunlight. Reaching over to the table next to his large bed, he turned off the alarm clock. It was a new invention, created by the Hammerites. Malcolm thought it was pretty ingenious. A little machine that could wake you up at a specified time. He wished that he had thought up that idea.
	Malcolm stretched and sat up in bed. He had a big day today. He would have to head over to Soulforge and see how his plan that he proposed last night was coming along. He’d do that later though. Right now, he was hungry for some of Martha’s pancakes. Martha was his personal chef, the best chef in the city.
	Malcolm got out of bed to wash up and get dressed. He was looking forward to breakfast.

	“I look like a wreck.” Myk looked at himself in the bathroom mirror. He had bags under his eyes from lack of rest. He splashed some water on his face. Most of the pains from the previous night were gone, thanks to some healing potion. Even his ankle was healed.
	He walked back into the living room and eyed the bag containing the Terpenov Chalice. Myk thought about it as he went into the kitchen to get breakfast. A loaf of bread was all the food he had left in his apartment. He really needed money.
	Myk was interested in selling the Chalice to whomever he thought would pay the most for it. Someone who had plenty of money to spend. Someone who would perhaps appreciate the hard work done to obtain the prize. A name popped into Myk’s head. Master Jackolby Malcolm.

	Sonya walked down Grandmauden Street, taking in the various scenes around Dayport. Merchants were selling their goods to the wealthy consumers. She eyed some of the upper class citizens, or more specifically, their purses. She grabbed a few off of people’s belts while they weren’t looking. Admiring some of the large mansions that were coming into view, she wondered what the rich life was like. Of coarse, she had been in many manors before thanks to her occupation, but she had never really got to live that life.
	Finally, her destination became visible up ahead. It was Master Malcolm’s manor. She approached the front gates. The guards nodded a greeting and smiled.
	“Good morning miss,” one of the guards said. “May I ask your business?”
	“I would like to see Master Malcolm. I have some goods for him.”
	That was all the guards had to hear. They nodded and stepped aside. The one guard signaled another at the gate controls to open the gate. As the gate opened for her, the guard directed her to the office wing and she thanked them and proceeded inside the wall.
	She entered the main foyer of the office wing and asked the clerk where she could find Master Malcolm. The clerk directed her to the third floor.
	Sonya climbed the stairs to the third floor. She entered an office area and walked over to the secretary at the desk.
	“Pardon me, I’m here to see Master Malcolm.”
	“Of coarse, dear. He’s in his office. I’ll get him for you.” The secretary got up and went over to a door, knocked, then opened it. “There’s someone to see you, Jack.”
	A few moments later a thin man with a height of about six feet stepped out of the office. He had a goatee with a thin mustache. His hair was dark, fairly short, and parted on the side. He approached Sonya with his hand outstretched.
	“Good morning. I am Malcolm. What can I do for you?”
	Sonya shook his hand. “My name is Sonya. I was wondering if you’d be interested in purchasing some goods that I stole a few nights ago.”
	“Oh, yes indeed. I’m very interested. That happens to be my hobby, you know.”
	She smiled. “That’s why I thought you would interested.”
	“Please, come inside my office”, he said. She followed him into his elegant office. He had a large glass desk with one of those new inventions called the “clock” sitting on it. Motioning for her to sit down, he said, “Now, let’s see what you have.”
	Sonya sat down and placed a bag on the desk. Malcolm, sitting down himself, took the bag and removed its contents, placing all the objects on the desk. There were several jeweled cups with Hammer insignias on them, a few gold hammers, and a necklace with a small silver Hammer insignia.
	Malcolm glanced up at her with a surprised look on his face. “You infiltrated a Hammerite temple?”
	“Actually, it was Soulforge Cathedral. I hope I didn’t offend you by this. I know that you are with the Hammers, but I thought you didn’t favor them.”
	“Oh, it’s not that. It is true that I don’t like the Hammers, but I’m just afraid that you may have been risking your life”, he said sincerely.
	“Thank you for your concern, but I’m a tough girl. I’ve taken care of myself for most of my life. I’ve never known my own parents. I just dislike the Hammers, perhaps more than yourself.”
	“I apologize, Sonya. I guess I just never expected young girls to be stealing from high security Hammerite cathedrals.”
	She smiled. “That’s alright. No harm done.”
	He leaned froward in his seat. “So, you dislike the Hammers much?”
	“Yes. I feel that they are too strict on innocent citizens. You are much kinder than they are, of course. Well, to take out my frustration, I did a little vandalizing.”
	Now she really had his attention. “Vandalizing? What kind of vandalizing?”
	“Destruction of tapestries, you know, those sorts of things.”
	Malcolm was surprised that she was being as truthful to him as she was. She obviously trusted him not to tell the other Hammerites. He was sure that he’d found the one who was getting on the nerves of the Order of the Hammer for the past week. Yet, he wouldn’t do anything about it. She was now a contributor to his secret organization. She was also just a girl. He just stared at her for a few seconds and nodded.
	“Master Malcolm, are you alright?”
	“Of coarse, dear. I would suggest that you don’t plan any more incursions onto Hammerite property, please.”
	She just looked at him as to ask why.
	“I’m not saying that to be protective of you. I just want to you do me that favor.”
	Sonya nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry.”
	“No need to be sorry.” Malcolm stood up and put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m impressed by your talent. I would very much like you to do some jobs for me in the near future.”
	Her eyes lit up. “Really?”
	“Of coarse, Sonya. I’ll give you a payment for these items that you’ve collected, let’s say 800. They will look nicer in my mansion anyway. I would also like you to go home and rest. My informant can contact you when I need you again.”
	Sonya was astonished by the amount of money he was going to pay her. All she could say was “Thank you.”
	He smiled and brought her back outside the office. They went over to the secretary’s desk and he grabbed a scrap of paper and an ink pen and jotted something on it. “Helen, could you go to the vault and retrieve this amount for my correspondent, here.” He handed the secretary the paper. She hurried off to the vault.
	At that moment, Malcolm noticed another individual enter from the stairs carrying a bag. The man scanned the room and when he spotted Malcolm he approached.
	“You can sit down and wait for my secretary to return with your payment, Sonya”, Malcolm said. Sonya turned to head over to the seats as the man approached Malcolm. She paused as he walked by, visibly attracted to him. He was about 18 years old, with a handsome face. She noted his beautiful blue eyes. He stepped up to Malcolm, hand outstretched.
	“Good morning Master Malcolm. My name is Myk.”
	Malcolm shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Myk. What can I help you with?”
	“Well, since you asked, you can help me get some food in my stomach because I’m starving.” Malcolm joined him in a laugh. Sonya continued to watch the handsome young man. “You see Master Malcolm,” Myk continued, “in this bag I have something you might be interested in.” He handed Malcolm the bag. Feeling the weight of the item, Malcolm didn’t hesitate to invite Myk inside his office. Even as the men entered the office, Sonya’s attention was still on Myk.
	Malcolm walked to his desk and placed the bag there. Myk stood beside him with a slight smile on his face. Malcolm opened the bag and gasped at what he saw. The Terpenov Chalice glimmered in the light. Malcolm was astonished at the sight of the treasure. “Where did you find this?”
	“Beyond the barricades.”
	Malcolm stopped and looked at the young thief. “You found it where?”
	“The Old Quarter.”
	“You journeyed into the haunted walled section of the City?”
	Myk nodded. “That’s right.”
	“And you survived. Amazing.” Malcolm was indeed amazed at both Myk’s bravery and skill. “Only one other individual has achieved that.”
	“Well I did suffer some injuries, but I’m alright now.”
	“You have exercised amazing talent and courage in collecting this valuable artifact. I will pay you 2000 for this.”
	Myk’s eyes widened. “Hey, I have no problem with that.” At least he would be able to feed himself.
	“I would very much like to employ your services in the future. Please come.” He motioned to the door. “I will get you your payment and introduce you to another talented thief.”
	Myk wasn’t too interested in meeting competition, but he left the office with Malcolm. He followed Malcolm as he led him over to an incredibly attractive young girl. Myk paused for a moment, as he looked at her face, awestruck by her beauty. She was returning the same look back to him. The girl was no more than 17 years old. She was wearing her baggy thief attire so he couldn’t take note of any bodily characteristics.
	“Myk, please meet Sonya.” She stood up and gently shook Myk’s hand. He spoke first after a few seconds, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Sonya.”
	She smiled shyly, due to a lack for words. “Nice to meet you too”, she replied giddily.
	“Myk recently returned from a journey beyond the barricades. He recovered a valuable prize”, Malcolm explained.
	“My goodness. Did you encounter any zombies?” she asked.
	“Enough to give me nightmares for the next month.” They all laughed. The secretary returned with Sonya’s payment in a pouch and Malcolm took it from her.
	“Here you are, dear”, he said. “Thank you very much and have a good day. I shall contact you if I need you.” Sonya thanked him and said her good-byes to him and Myk. She gave one last smile to Myk before she turned and left them.
	“Now Helen,” Malcolm turned to the secretary, “please retrieve another 2000 from the vault for my friend here.” She nodded and headed off again.
	At that moment, a woman wearing a black cloak entered from the stairway and hurried her way over to Malcolm. To Myk, she appeared to be a thief, except she wasn’t carrying any goods or bags. Malcolm noticed her and his attitude became business-like. “I hate to cut our conversation short, Myk”, he began, “but I have business to attend to. Perhaps you could provide service for me in the future.”
	“Of coarse. Thank you, Master Malcolm.”
	Malcolm shook his hand. “The pleasure is mine. My secretary will return shortly with your payment, and please feel free to address me as Jack.” He left Myk and the woman joined him in his office.
	“Have you discovered anything, Deanna?” Malcolm said as he closed the door behind them.
	“From my hiding post on top of the wall surrounding Soulforge, I observed a suspicious looking character. It was one of Ramirez’ men, judging by the clothing. I didn’t see any direct offenses but the fact that he was out at that time at night and his body language made him look suspicious.”
	Malcolm paid close attention as his informant reported to him. Deanna was his right-hand correspondent. He held absolute trust in her. She was the best when it came to gathering information secretively. “That is interesting, but I feel I may have found the one responsible for the recent vandalizing. A young thief that I just met with admitted to doing it. I’ll admit she didn’t name the specific offenses that we are investigating but I feel she is probably the one.”
	“What plan of action will you take?”
	“I will keep the matter secret. She is now a correspondent of mine and is providing for this organization. I intend to protect her.”
	“That is understandable, Jack. I shall continue my nightly surveillance of the cathedral area just to be sure.”
	“I was just getting ready to suggest that myself.” Malcolm may have felt certain that Sonya was indeed responsible for the mischief, but he and Deanna were no fools. They would not jump to conclusions. They were much too wise and professional for that.

	Keeper Klepper approached Third Keeper Mayar in the courtyard of the Keeper Compound. Mayar, noticing Klepper, turned to meet him.
	“Keeper Klepper, are our suspicions confirmed?”
	“Yes, they are.”
	“Then, so far, it remains as it was written.”
	Klepper nodded and left him. The other Keepers, for some reason have kept additional information from the written scripture secret from him. He knew not what the outcome of this crisis would be. The fact that this was being kept secret from him caused him some confusion. Klepper was curious as to why the other Keepers would not divulge the information to him. Yet, he had a strong feeling inside him that the chosen ones would need additional help if they were to prevent the crisis.

	“…We raise our hammers, for they protect us from all that is unholy. We praise and thank the Builder for his works…” The Hammerite guard prayed as he patrolled a hallway of the Hammerite Treasury in Eastport. Night had now fallen on the City, but the building was still active with guards. As the guard walked down the hallway, he passed a dark alcove.  After he went by, a dark figure moved out of the shadow and dashed down a perpendicular hallway.
	The thief went down the hallway a little too quickly and his feet made some noise. “Anybody there?” a nearby guard said. The thief stopped and listened. “Well, it seems quiet now”, the guard concluded. 
	The thief breathed a sign of relief. His name was Rahb. He continued down the hall toward his destination, a chamber that held the artifact that he was looking for. This job was given to him by Roland, his fence. Roland described the artifact as a valuable diamond studded hammer. He gave Rahb a detailed map that showed the way to the room where the artifact was located.
	Rahb reached the end of the hallway and looked to the left. He could see the door to the room where the valuable hammer was located. Unfortunately, there were two guards watching the door. Rahb readied a water arrow and aimed it at a torch near the door. He let the arrow fly and it put out the torch.
	“Not again. For the Builder’s sake, these torches go out too often. Thou shall wait here, Brother, and I’ll return to light it again.” The one guard left. Rahb took out a broadhead arrow and shot it down the hall.
	“What was that sound?” The remaining Hammerite went looking down the hall, leaving the door unattended. Rahb hurried over to the door to pick it open. The picks wouldn’t work. He concluded that this was a specially sealed door and he would have to find another way in. He went back down the hall and around another corner.
	Rahb headed down a rather narrow hallway. Up ahead, he saw a Hammer walking towards him, not aware of Rahb’s presence in the shadows. The hall was so narrow that the guard would surely bump into him. The guard came strolling along, mumbling to himself. He went right on past Rahb’s position, not bumping into anything. That’s because Rahb had gotten up to the ceiling, pressing his hands and feet against the walls to hold himself up. The guard had gone right under him.
	Rahb got back down and continued down the hallway until he noticed a vent shaft. He checked his map and suspected that it might lead to the room where he wanted to go. He climbed in and crawled along the shaft.
	Stopping at a grate in the floor, he looked through and realized that this was the room he wanted. There was a Hammerite in it, however. Rahb remembered Roland telling him that the room was soundproof. He opened the grate and jumped in, surprising the guard.
	Rahb drew his sword and readied to fight. The Hammerite raised his sledgehammer and swung. Rahb deflected the swing and kicked the weapon out of the guard’s hands, but then the guard jumped at him. Rahb was taken surprise by the guard’s assault and his sword was knocked out of his hand. The guard pushed Rahb against the wall and began to choke him. Rahb pulled out a dagger and stabbed the guard in the chest. The Hammerite dropped to a motionless heap on the floor.
	Rahb retrieved his sword and picked the vault door. It opened, revealing the valuable hammer that he had come to get. He took it and headed back out the vent. It eventually led to the back foyer of the building. Rahb stuck to the shadows and exited through the back door. He headed to Roland’s apartment in Shalebridge, keeping to the shadows on the streets to avoid any Hammerites that were on patrol.
	Upon reaching his fence’s building, he climbed the fire escape up to the roof. He opened a hatch on the roof and climbed down a ladder to the hall. That was the way he always entered, so that no one would see him. Rahb went down the hallway to Roland’s apartment door, and found it slightly open with the doorknob broken.
	This didn’t look good. Rahb took out his sword and cautiously entered the apartment. The place was a mess. He noticed blood on the floor. Upon entering the dimly lit bedroom, he saw a body on the ground with a dark shape standing over it. The dark figure looked up and seemed surprised to find Rahb. The person rushed at Rahb, knocking him down. The culprit ran for the front door of the apartment, with Rahb chasing it.
	Entering the hall, the bandit ran for a window to the fire escape. The person hopped out onto the fire escape as Rahb was reaching the window. Rahb swung his sword at the culprit as a last attempt to stop the individual. The person looked back at Rahb as the sword was coming at him. The sword cut the culprit across the cheek. The individual gave a painful grunt and then hopped down towards the street. Rahb had lost the bandit.
	Reentering the apartment, Rahb went into the bedroom and found Roland dead, murdered by that culprit. Rahb cursed and swore that he would find whoever that was and avenge his friend.
	As he kneeled in silence, Rahb heard a sound outside the bedroom window. He went to it, threw open the shutters, but didn’t see anyone. Then he noticed a rolled up letter sitting on the windowsill, obviously placed there by whoever made the sound. He picked it up and read it:

		To thief Rahb,
There are evil forces at work in the city, and your 	   correspondent has fallen victim to them. You wish to 		  avenge his death. This path that you choose is important. 	        We wish to help you, for it is in our interests as well that 		        you follow this path. There will be a banquet at Lord 		     Bram Gervaisius’ manor tomorrow night. Be at his rear 	               garden at 10:30. It will be in your interests to pay attention 	          to what goes on there.
				-Anonymous Keeper

	Rahb thought about what the letter said. He had heard through secret contacts about a group called “the Keepers”. As he considered what the letter said, he heard voices coming from the living room of the apartment. It was the Hammerites. They had entered the building and Rahb didn’t want to get caught on murder charges. He hesitated, not sure of what to do. Suddenly, they entered the bedroom.
	“By the Builder’s hand, there’s the murderer! Seize him!”
	Rahb climbed out the window before they could grab him. He climbed down a drainpipe and took to the streets. He escaped in the shadows, pondering the Keeper’s letter.

Day 3

	The marketplace was alive with activity as buyers and sellers came from all over the city to trade and make a profit. The cobblestone streets were crowed with people. It was almost necessary to push people to get to where you were going. The rumble of conversation came from all over the area. Malcolm took in the sights as he strolled through the marketplace.
	As he walked, people nodded friendly greetings to him and showed respect. They all knew who he was. Other Hammerites could not understand why the citizens respected him but disliked the rest of their Order. They just didn’t know about Malcolm’s secret organization or his real feelings about Hammerites. 
	As Malcolm reached the edge of the marketplace, he noticed a little struggle occurring between a Hammer guard and a child. Malcolm decided he could not let this go on. “Acolyte, explain this occurrence at once”, he commanded, approaching them.
	The Hammer stopped and looked over his shoulder, recognizing Malcolm. “Father Malcolm, this boy hath given me an insulting look. I was going to give him a rightfully deserved beating.”
	“Why must thee be so harsh to a harmless boy? Would an unsatisfactory look deprive thee of thy Builder’s wisdom?”
	The acolyte thought for a moment, then replied, “I apologize for my incompetence, Father Malcolm. If thee see it fit to reprimand me, then ‘tis justly so.”
	“Thou shall ponder thy mistake and learn from it. Return to your post.” The Hammerite returned to his station. “Now boy, I suggest that you avoid these Hammerite guards as best you can. They are very strict.”
	“Yes, Master Malcolm.’ The boy went on his way. He seemed no more than 7 years old. Malcolm felt satisfied that he had saved the boy from serious punishment.
	Malcolm continued on his way. He had some business to attend to. Leaving the marketplace, he made a quick turn down a narrow, unoccupied alley. He stopped next to a stack of boxes and waited. A few moments later, Deanna jumped down from a fire escape above.
	“Good morning, Jack.”
	“Good morning, Deanna. Anything to report?”
	“My watch last night revealed nothing. I observed no suspicious activity at the cathedral this time.”
	“Perhaps my new correspondent really is the one responsible for the recent damage that has kept the High Priest busting our chops for the past week.”
	“We found Tyrella.”
	“Our agent Tyrella? What do you mean by ‘we found her’?”
	“Jack, we found her body mangled in a sewer.” Malcolm just stared at her, shocked. “Estragon directed my attention to the smell. We ventured down into the sewers and found her shortly after.”
	Malcolm cursed under his breath. “That’s a loss of a good spy.” He paused. Sonya could not be responsible for this. “The situation is more serious than I may have thought.” Deanna nodded in agreement. “Someone is obsessed with defacing Hammerite religious icons and have also taken note of you and your agents.”
	“I still suspect Ramirez, Jack.”
	“He and his goons are definitely suspects. I want you and your agents to watch out, but continue your nightly watch of the cathedral.”
	“Understood.”
	“And one other thing. I would like you deliver a message to one of my correspondents. Please head over to Myk’s apartment and tell him that I have a job for him and that he should meet me at my mansion if he is interested.”
	Deanna nodded and bid Malcolm goodbye. As he left to go to Soulforge, she headed to Myk’s apartment. She had never spoken to Myk. Only yesterday she had seen him when she came to report to Malcolm. Nevertheless, being an informant, she knew where he lived.
	She climbed the stairs inside Myk’s apartment building and knocked at his door. From inside came a muffled, “I’ll be right there.” A few moments later a young man opened the door. Deanna recognized him as the man she saw yesterday. Myk also recognized her.
	“Hey, aren’t you the one I saw at Malcolm’s office yesterday?” Myk asked.
	“Yes. I’m Deanna, Malcolm’s informant. He wishes for me to tell you that he has a job for you. If you’re interested then come to see him at his mansion later.”
	Myk thought about it as he yawned and scratched his beard. He had been sleeping when Deanna knocked on his door. “Did he say anything about what the job is?”
	“He didn’t give any specifics.”
	“Well, a job is a job, so I’m interested. I’ll show up later.” Myk thanked Deanna and she departed.

	An hour later, Myk entered the Crippled Burrick Bar. He was a usual visitor there, showing up whenever he felt the need for a drink. He sat at a table in the corner, positioning himself with his back to the wall. This was his usual table and he was custom to sitting that way because he didn’t trust any of the other “individuals” that were present.
	Myk ordered an ale. As he sat drinking by himself, he began to think about what Malcolm might have in mind for the job. Usually Myk would sit and think about what places he could burglarize to temporarily solve his financial problems, but now he was taking jobs from a wealthy, new correspondent and getting paid well. All he could wonder was how much Malcolm would offer him for this new mission.
	As Myk pondered, out of the corner of his eye he noticed someone step up to his table. He looked up at the person and was surprised to see who it was.
	“Sonya. What are you doing here?”
	“I come here on occasion. I just walked in and spotted you here and thought I would join you.” She paused. “May I?”
	“Of coarse. Please sit down.” She did so and ordered herself a drink. “I apologize if I seemed rude”, Myk said to her. “I was surprised to see you here. I guess I didn’t expect a girl like you to come to a place like this.” He glanced around at some of the rather filthy individuals who were seated at the bar and some of the tables.
	“Do I seem so prim and proper?” she said laughing.
	“I guess not. After all, prim and proper wouldn’t be the way to describe a thief. But I always thought that attractive girls deserve a better crowd than this.”
	Sonya blushed. “I have my rowdy side.” They laughed. “So, tell me about your trip beyond the barricades.”
	Myk hesitated for a moment, not expecting the question. “Well, it’s safe to say that it was an experience similar to that of a nightmare.”
	“The rumors of undead are true?”
	“You better believe it. It can be quite disturbing when you’re being chased by fifty walking, rotting zombies.”
	“Oh, I can’t think of that. It must be horrifying.”
	“Yup. I’ll never forget the moans. They’re frightening at first, but then it sounds like the zombie is coughing up a hairball.” Sonya laughed.
	Myk looked into his glass. “Five years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be stealing from the Old Quarter.”
	“Have you been a thief that long?”
	“No. When I was younger, about 12 or 13, I worked down at the docks. I used to load and unload crates from ships that visited. A good portion of the stuff was probably illegal. The pay wasn’t really good and I hated it, so I quit and became a thief." Sonya nodded, interested by his story. “So, how about you?” he asked her.
	“I’ve been a thief most of my life, picking peoples pockets on the streets. You don’t want to hear my story, it’s boring.”
	“Sure I do. Go ahead.”
	“Well, my mother died when I was an infant. Shortly after, I was stolen from my father by a rich bachelor who wanted a child. I was raised thinking he was my father, until his maid told me the truth. She was someone who could be trusted. She told me how I was stolen from my real father. She then gave me a beautiful necklace which she said I was wearing when I was stolen from my father.” Sonya reached around her neck and took out from under her cloak a gold necklace. There was a shining red gem in the shape of a rose on it. She continued, “This was given to me by my real family. After giving the necklace to me, the maid risked herself by helping me to escape and start my own life. With no education, I had to rely on stealing to get money for food and other necessities.”
	“That’s sad.”
	“Yes. I wish I could find my real father, if he’s still alive.” She paused. “I’m sorry if I made you feel bad.”
	“Don’t be sorry. It’s hard on a person when they never knew their parents. How’s your life now?”
	“I’m doing alright now. I’m taking lucrative opportunities to provide income for myself. Just last week I stole some valuable loot right out from under a drunken guard’s nose. He was too wasted to realize it.” She laughed. “He probably got blamed for stealing it.”
	“That reminds me of a story”, Myk said laughing. “Once, I was caught at Lord Canard’s manor stealing from his private vault. Three drunken guards found me and tried to chase after me. They couldn’t run. I fooled around by letting them chase me all over the mansion and they kept running into walls. It was hysterical. Then they tried to chase me around a pool; the first guard lost his balance and began to fall in. He grabbed onto the next guard, and began to pull him in also. Then that guard grabbed onto the last and he got pulled in. I was laughing so hard that I could hardly run myself. Like a domino effect they all fell in. Escaping was easy.”
	Sonya was laughing. “I wish I could have seen that.”
	Myk giggled at the thought of the memory. He and Sonya were having a great conversation. Unfortunately, he would soon have to end it. He needed to meet with Master Malcolm.

	Rahb locked up the door to his apartment and headed out onto the streets. He had his hood pulled as much over his head as possible to avoid being identified by any Hammer patrols. They were probably looking for him, thinking he was a murderer.
	He was tired; having spent a good portion of last night roaming the city and making sure no one was following him before he returned to his apartment. Rahb had thought long and hard about the letter from the anonymous Keeper and finally decided to pursue this lead.
	Rahb was determined to find out who the murderer was and get revenge for the death of his friend. He would sneak into Lord Gervaisius’ manor tonight and make his way to the rear garden by 10:30 and see what occurs. However, first he needed some supplies, which is why he was venturing out into the streets at his own risk. He was heading to the nearest shop and would try to avoid any Hammerites along the way.

	“This damn thing stopped again.” Malcolm smacked the side of the grandfather clock next to the fireplace. It had froze for the third time in the last week. “I’ll need to have a talk with Brother Zephram.” Malcolm walked over to the window near the desk. He was in his elegant sitting room. He looked outside at the roofs of Dayport. In the distance, Malcolm could see the top of Soulforge Cathedral. Improvements had been recently made to greatly modernize the cathedral, such as the increase in its size. The ideas for such modifications had come from Brother Karras, yet Malcolm didn’t understand why the cathedral needed to be so massive.
	It wasn’t much of a concern so Malcolm continued to study the horizon. He heard the door open behind him and he spun around to see Jeeves.
	“Master Malcolm, Myk has arrived to see you, sir.” Myk appeared beside Jeeves in the doorway and Malcolm was delighted to see him. Malcolm had asked that Myk be shown the way to the sitting room upon his arrival.
	“Excellent, please come in.” He gestured for Myk to take a seat near the fireplace, where a fire was roaring. Malcolm sat down in his own chair. “Would you like some homemade cookies? My chef made them this morning.”
	“Thank you.” Myk tried one and enjoyed it.
	“Now, we must talk about business. I have a job that I would be very pleased if you did, but you don’t have to do it. It’s a bit risky. Consider it a favor that I will pay greatly for.”
	“I welcome risk, Master Malcolm.”
	“You can call me Jack.” Myk nodded as Malcolm thought of how to explain what he wanted. “You see, my wealth didn’t all come from my respected position. I have ancestors who were wealthy themselves. Ancestors who were also involved with the Order of the Hammer back in their day.” He paused to think of how to word his next sentences and Myk took another cookie.
	“These are really good”, Myk said.
	“I’m glad you enjoy them. My chef, Martha, is very good. Now,” he continued, “some of my ancestors from a few centuries back went by the name, Marad. They possessed a valuable artifact known as the ‘Builders Talisman’. It was rumored to hold the power of the Master Builder himself.”
	“And you want me to steal it?”
	“Precisely.”
	“Sure thing. Where can I find it?”
	“Down in the Bonehoard.” Myk froze. He wasn’t expecting that one, but as he thought about it, it made sense. However, he didn’t like the sound of it.
	Malcolm continued, “You see, my ancestors wished for it to be handed down to their posterity, but those stupid Hammerites placed it in the Marad tomb with them.”
	“Isn’t the Bonehoard haunted?”
	“Yes. That is why I have asked you. I have been waiting to meet someone who has the talent to fight undead. You happen to have that talent.” Myk looked down at the floor, thinking about the matter. “You don’t have to do this favor if you don’t want to, Myk. I understand that it is very dangerous and I will understand if you decide not to do it. However, I have a detailed map and I will pay a large amount for this job. And I’ll even supply you with holy water, fire arrows, and mines.”
	Myk thought for a few moments more, then he looked up at Malcolm. “Jack,” he said, “I’ll do it.”

	More than thirty carriages were lined up outside Lord Bram Gervaisius’ mansion, one to each distinguished guest that he had invited. Tonight he was having a banquet and had invited only the richest people in the city. However, there was one guest present who was neither rich or invited.
	Rahb crouched and observed the front of the house from the roof of a building across from the front gate, planning his entry. It was now a little before 10:00 and he had to be at the rear garden by 10:30. He planned to travel through the house, grab a few purses off the wealthy guests, and hide near the garden to hear or see what he needed to. He wondered if he was being fooled. Maybe these “Keepers” weren’t real, and someone was trying to get him caught. Despite his doubts, he had no better ideas and avenging Roland was his priority.
	Rahb observed an open window and decided to enter there. He climbed down the building to the ground, then climbed the wall in front of the mansion. He readied a rope arrow, shot it into the windowsill, and climbed up to the open window.
	He climbed through the window and entered a relatively dark area with a flickering light source around the corner. He could hear the peculiar sound of a woman sighing. Rahb retrieved his rope arrow and cautiously proceeded into the room. In the dim light, he could make out rows of books. He was in a library.
	He made his way to end of the row of books and peeked around the corner. The light was coming from a fire in the fireplace. In front of the fire, a man was in the process of wooing a woman. Rahb, keeping his snickering to himself, began to move to the next aisle of books. He stepped onto a tile floor, which made a sound, startling the woman.
	“Ashton, is that you?”
	“It’s nothing darling,” the man said, “don’t be so nervous.” They went back to their business.
	Rahb, being more careful, proceeded down the next aisle while silently cursing himself for making the sound and disturbing their passionate kisses. Who would fool around in a library? he thought to himself. Maybe they were trying to keep it really secret.
	Rahb noticed an interesting looking switch on the wall as he was passing it by. Curiosity led him to flip the switch. A piece of the wall swung open, revealing a secret passage. This Gervaisius fellow is quite resourceful, he thought as he entered the passage.
	He flipped another switch just inside the passage and the wall closed back up. He moved down the passage until he saw another switch. He flipped it and entered the opening, emerging in a closet. Rahb peeked through the curtains to find he was in an office. No one was in there and he spotted a purse sitting on a desk. He grabbed it and returned to the secret passage.
	Further on down the passage, he flipped another switch and entered another closet. Through the closet curtains he could hear two women talking and he observed them through the part in the curtains. One of them had a purse, but he couldn’t sneak over to grab it without the other seeing him. When they left the room, he ventured out of the closet. It was a music room; there was a stage with instruments. Another curtain in the back of the stage led to another room. Rahb went over and peeked through it.
	The next room was a bar. There were two men sitting at the bar, one at each end. A woman entered through the doors from a balcony and walked over to one of the men.
	“Aren’t you Master Willy?” she asked him.
	He lifted his head up and in a drunk voice responded, “Yessss, Ma’ammm.”
	“I’m Lady Van Vernon,” she said in a seductive voice. “Would you like to take me out around the town tonight? We can stop at one of the bars to get a drink or two along the way.”
	Willy looked at her for a moment, then replied, “Why would I ‘hic’ take you around the ‘hic’ town to get a drink when I can ‘hic’ stay at home and drink by myselffff?”
	“Uhh.” Upset, she stormed out of the room. Willy went back to his drinking. When the bartender turned his back, Rahb crept up behind Willy, grabbed his purse, then headed over to the other side of the room and hid behind an armchair. The bartender was talking to the other man at the bar.
	“Rupert, did you eat all those butter cookies?” The bartender pointed to an almost empty tray of butter cookies on the counter. “No one else has gotten the chance to have any.”
	“I’m sorry,” Rupert said, “I promise I won’t take any more.”
	“You better not. You should be watching your weight. Don’t let me catch you taking any more.” The bartender turned his back to wash a glass. Rahb was feeling a little hungry so when Rupert wasn’t looking, Rahb grabbed the few remaining cookies. Then he hurried quietly out the door to the balcony. He sneaked out just in time before the bartender turned around again to face Rupert and the tray. 
	“Rupert!”, Rahb heard the bartender exclaim as he shut the door and ventured onto the balcony. He snacked on the cookies as he peered over the edge of the balcony and saw the garden. He figured he was a little early, but he decided to climb down to the garden now just to be safe.
	After several minutes of waiting, Rahb saw a fairly short man with a scruffy, gray beard walk into the yard from the back door of the mansion. He strolled over near the garden. Rahb stayed motionless in the shadows. The man sat down on a bench next to the garden. Rahb observed the man for several minutes more. He seemed to be waiting for someone or something.
	Finally, another man came walking out and approached the man sitting down. This second man was also short, but Rahb recognized who it was. It was Ramirez.
	“Good evening, Bafford”, Ramirez said to the first man.
“Ramirez, I suppose you have the rest of my payment.” Ramirez took out a bag filled with money and handed it to Bafford. “Excellent”, Bafford said as he counted the money. “I’m glad that you stayed true to your word this time.”
“Last time was just a misunderstanding”, Ramirez replied. “You know I always stay true to my word.”
Bafford gave Ramirez an unbelieving look. “What other ordeals have you been getting yourself into lately?” he asked.
“Last night I had one of them thief pawns bumped off.” Rahb’s eyes widened when he heard this. “Turns out that the dirty scoundrel stole some money from my top toughboy a few nights ago. Well, my boy was eager to make him pay so he paid him a visit last night. When he returned after doing the job, he had a slash across his face. He claimed one of the pawn’s thieves had chased him out.”
“Interesting tale”, Bafford said. “How is he now?”
“It’ll be a nasty scar,” Ramirez replied, “but he’ll be alright. I have him working on a special assignment now.”
“What kind of assignment?”
“A top secret assignment.”
Bafford could see that Ramirez was not willing to tell him about it. “Very well. I’ll see you inside.” Bafford walked back to the house.
Ramirez focussed his eyes in Rahb’s direction. He began walking right at Rahb. Crouching in the shadows in the garden, Rahb remained still. As Ramirez came closer, Rahb was convinced that Ramirez could see him and began to worry.
Ramirez stopped, his gaze on Rahb. Just as Rahb was about to jump up and run, Ramirez commented, “These are pretty flowers. I should get some for my garden.” Then he turned and walked to the house. Rahb realized that Ramirez wasn’t looking at him but at the flowers in the garden. He laughed out of relief as he got up to reenter the house.
Meanwhile, back inside, Master Willy ran into Lord Gervaisius, literally. “Lord Gervaisius,” Willy exclaimed, “I ‘hic’ think I lost my ‘hic’ purse!”
“That’s strange,” Gervaisius said, “a purse from my desk in my office is missing. I think someone may have stolen it, and yours too.” He turned to a guard. “Call the City Watch. One of my guests is a thief and I won’t let anyone leave until I find out who it is.” The guard hurried off to find Steward Duma, to send for the Bulldogs.
Duma was in the large ballroom of the mansion. Most of the guests were mingling here, some were dancing, and others were having drinks. Rahb watched the festivities from high up in the rafters. He was looking to see who had purses. He spotted a few guests who were carrying them and decided to hide outside of the ballroom and wait for those individuals to come out so he could pickpocket them.
Rahb climbed down from the rafters and onto a shadowy balcony. He left the ballroom and entered a long hallway. Staying undetected, he made his way down the hallway, took the stairs down to the ground floor, and found the ballroom doors. He waited in a shadow.
After a few minutes, a guest with a big purse came out, and was heading for the foyer. When the guest passed by, Rahb ventured out of his shadow to creep up behind the guest and make the grab. Suddenly, the double doors leading to the foyer burst open and three Bluecoats from the City Watch came through.
“There’s the thief!” one of them exclaimed. They held up their swords, ready to strike, and Rahb had no choice but to surrender. They seized him, took his weapons, and led him out of the mansion.

Day 4

	“Here we are”, Willoby said as he stopped the carriage outside Soulforge Cathedral.
	“Thank you, Will.” Malcolm got out of the carriage. “See you later.” He entered the front gates of the wall that surrounded the massive cathedral and made his way to the front doors. All the guards in the front of the cathedral kneeled for him as he walked by.
	As Malcolm entered the cathedral, he immediately heard the familiar sound of machinery. There were many machines inside the cathedral. They represented the technological advances the Hammerites had made in the past few months.
	Malcolm made his way through the southern apse of the cathedral to one of the numerous factories. There he found Brother Valis, the one in charge of the construction of Malcolm’s decoy statue.
	“Brother Malcolm. I’m glad that thee hast arrived.”
	“How is the project coming along?”
	“You will be most delighted to hear that we are nearly finished.” Valis signaled two factory workers and they walked over to a large object with a sheet over it. The two workers pulled off the sheet and underneath was the nearly completed product of Brother Valis’ hard work. It was a statue of the Master Builder; similar to many of the statues already made. The difference was that it was adorned with jewels and gems. This was to make it more appealing, so the vandals would be drawn to it rather than the other statues. There would be guards watching the statue all the time.
	“The jewels aren’t real,” Valis explained, “they’re all fake.” Malcolm slowly walked around the statue, admiring it. He was impressed. If Ramirez’ thugs are as dumb as they look, then they will definitely be deceived by this, Malcolm thought to himself.

	Sonya strolled through the marketplace looking for people to pickpocket. She was interested in redistributing some wealth, to herself. She saw a man with a bulging purse hanging off his belt. Quickly and cautiously she grabbed it without him noticing.
	She made her way through the crowd looking for people with purses and jewelry and discretely taking those possessions. This was her way of making a living.
	Ahead of her, Sonya saw a young woman unknowingly drop a ring. Sonya picked it up, admired the diamonds on it, and decided to keep it. Then she went back to her pickpocketing. Tomorrow, she planned to bring some of these items to a pawnshop.

	Deanna watched a horrible event from the roof of a building a block away. A task force of approximately 100 Hammerites had marched to what she knew to be the secret headquarters of the downwinders. Upon their arrival, the Hammers began to break down the doors and windows with their sledgehammers.
	The Hammerites entered the building and Deanna could hear the cries of the downwinders as they were beaten to death by the Hammers. Some escaped out of side doors, but were attacked by other Hammerites waiting outside. This was a cruel and bloody massacre.
	Deanna knew why the Hammerites were here. They thought that the downwinders were responsible for the vandalism at the cathedral. It was obvious that Malcolm was not aware of this. All Deanna could do was shake her head in disgust, knowing that those crooked Hammers were killing falsely accused people.

	The sun had just descended below the horizon as Myk approached the entrance to the Bonehoard. He had an eerie feeling running through him. He could still hear the moans of the undead in his head from a few nights ago. It gave him chills.
	Myk studied the entranceway. It was constructed of ancient blocks that looked like they would soon fall apart. He made his way to the entrance and observed a rope that led down a hole. This was the way into the catacombs. Myk took out the map given to him by Malcolm. He had spent all day studying it. Malcolm had given him plenty of supplies for fighting undead, and Myk planned to use them. He was well prepared for this mission and he could hesitate no longer. He grabbed the rope and climbed down.

	On. Off. On. Off.
	Rahb watched the small ceiling light flicker on and off. He was in his small cell in the basement of Shoalsgate Station. He had spent all day falling in and out of consciousness due to lack of sleep and a bit of a beating from the bluecoats. They had kept him in the interrogation room all night long trying to get him to admit to other crimes that he was not responsible for.
	Now, he sat on the dirt floor in the rather small cell, and he was getting sick from the pungent odor, which hung in the air throughout the dungeon. The disgusting skeletal remains of a previous prisoner contributed to this ill feeling. As he became more conscious of his situation, he realized that he needed to get out of there.

	The bonehoard smelt of stale air and decaying flesh. Myk made his way down an ancient, torch-lit hallway. He passed by a pile of bones. There wasn’t any sign of movement or any decaying remains yet, but he had a hunch that would soon change.
	For the most part, the catacombs were quiet, but Myk could swear that he could hear a strange echo in the distance. This very low sound gave him even more chills. He couldn’t wait for this job to be over.
	He passed a pile of broken blocks, which had caved in a doorway. Checking his map and compass, Myk decided to take a left turn to head north. His ultimate destination was the Marad Tomb, located in the “Halls of Echoing Repose”. What a grim name, he thought as he began to travel down another dimly lit hallway.

	Rahb shook the bars of his cell in a futile attempt to open them. Somehow, through some new technology, the bars were held shut by an electrically powered system. He turned around and looked at the flickering light again. He had briefly read about these new electrical circuits which were being installed in buildings. Suddenly, he got an idea.
	He unscrewed the ceiling light bulb to reveal the electrical socket. Kneeling down, he searched through the clothes of the skeleton lying on the ground. Rahb pulled out the deceased prisoner’s belt. Holding it carefully by the leather, he jammed the metal buckle into the socket.
	Sparks flew out and the lights in the dungeon went out. Rahb dropped the belt and tried to slide the bars again. They slid open without much resistance. Rahb exited the cell. The other prisoners were yelling because they were afraid of the dark. They didn’t realize that they could also open their bars.
	Rahb made his way down the dirt hall and out of the dungeon. He could barely see in the dark. He stopped outside the interrogation room when the door opened and a bluecoat emerged in the hallway. He was talking with a fellow guard.
	“There must have been a short circuit.”
	“A power surge?”
	“I’ll run over to maintenance and check it out. I should be able to get the lights back on.” The guard made his way down the dark hallway. The other guard went back inside the interrogation room and lit a torch. Rahb went past the room and down the hallway where the guard just went.
	He rounded a torch-lit corner and spotted a set of stairs that led to the first floor. Rahb was interested in finding and retrieving his gear and then leaving.

	Myk crept carefully past a rotting corpse that was lying on the floor. He rounded a corner and spotted a depression in the floor. It looked like a floor trap. He stopped and searched the walls and then the ceiling. There were two holes in the ceiling that looked suspicious.
	Myk picked up a rock off the floor and tossed it onto the depression. The uneven section of the floor slide up to even itself out and two metal spikes shot out of the holes in the ceiling.
	Feeling relieved that he had saw the floor trap before he stepped on it, Myk continued down the hallway and into another room. The room was lined with sarcophaguses and there was a doorway at the other end. He approached the door but stopped when he heard a scraping sound. Myk had a grim feeling about what it was. He reached back into his quill. Just as he clenched an arrow, a zombie stepped into the doorway. It moaned loudly when it saw him.
	Myk pulled out a fire arrow and took several steps backward as the zombie began to stagger towards him. He knocked the arrow, pulled back on the string, and took aim. A piece of rotting flesh fell off the zombie’s face. Myk made a disgusted face and let the arrow fly. It hit the zombie’s chest with a fiery explosion that sent zombie parts flying in all directions.
	Myk put away the bow and stepped through the doorway as a chorus of moans filled the next chamber. He realized that he had reached the “Halls of Echoing Repose” and now he had some unwanted company.

	Rahb hid in a shadowy alcove as a bluecoat passed him going down the hall. After the guard had passed, Rahb darted across the hall and entered a room. Inside the room he found lockers. The sound of snoring from the next room indicated to him that he was in the barracks. These lockers belonged to the bluecoats.
	Opening one locker, Rahb found a half-eaten sandwich. He closed the locker and opened another. Inside was a purse and he didn’t hesitate to grab it. When he opened the next locker, a helmet fell out and clunked on the floor. He heard the snoring from the next room stop and a voice said, “Who’s in there?”
	Rahb cursed himself for always being so noisy. He frantically searched for a place to hide. He studied the lockers, wondering if he would be able to fit in one of them.
	The woken guard in the next room got out of his bed and grabbed a sword. He cautiously went toward the open doorway to the locker room. In a quick move he moved through the doorway and into the locker room with his sword poised to attack. To his surprise, he saw no one. Realizing that the culprit must be hiding in one of the lockers, he began to check them one by one.
	He went down the first row of lockers and found no one. He went to the other side of the room and began to check the other row of lockers. With his sword raised, the guard went down the row looking inside the lockers. After checking the second to last locker and finding no one, the guard took a long glance at the last locker. He slowly reached his hand to the handle. After a few more seconds of preparing himself, the guard pulled open the locker. It was empty.
	At that moment, Rahb jumped down on him from on top of the lockers. They both crashed to the floor. Rahb, still holding the helmet from the locker, slammed it on the guard’s head, knocking him out. Rahb dragged the body into the bedroom and put him on a bed. He then proceeded to loot the barracks. Then he decided to head for the front office.

	Myk ran around a pillar and through a doorway leading to another one of many large chambers. He had several zombies chasing after him and more and more zombies taking notice of him. All the undead in the area were becoming alert to his presence. He tripped over a skeleton and landed with a thump on the ground. He turned over to find a zombie standing over him and more zombies approaching. Myk drew his sword as the zombie tried to take a swing at him. Myk blocked the swing and then he kicked the zombie, knocking him backward into a few others. As the group of zombies all fell over, Myk got up and turned to run. A zombie was right there waiting for him and it swung a rotting arm and hit Myk in the shoulder. He grabbed the shoulder as he ran around the zombie.
	Up ahead Myk saw a ramp leading up to the pathways above. He needed to get away from the ridiculous amount of undead that were grouping on the bottom level of the catacombs. He climbed the ramp and stopped to check the map and rest. His shoulder was now bleeding so he had to take a healing potion. He noticed that he didn’t have much holy water left. He had used a considerable amount on the zombies below.
	Checking his map, he got an idea of where he needed to go to get to the Marad tomb. He continued on, following the pathways. The zombies below groaned at him. They looked up at him, waiting for him to make a mistake and fall off the ledge and into their cold grasp.
	Myk went up another ramp and around a few corners and up a few short staircases. Finally, he emerged in a chamber with a narrow walkway for him to travel on. Far below him the zombies saw him and resumed their moans. He looked across a gap to a small ledge with a doorway. Above the doorway was inscribed, “Marad Tomb”.
	Myk was relieved to have found the tomb. However, he had to make a lengthy jump to the ledge. Gathering his courage, he braced himself and took a few steps back. If he missed this jump, he would fall to his death, and the zombies would have him.
	One more deep breath and then he jumped. His arms grabbed onto the ledge as his ribs slammed into it. His bag containing the healing potions and holy water shook around and then fell from him. He looked over his shoulder and saw it falling away towards the angry zombies below. He cursed out loud. Despite the pain in his ribs, he fought to pull his body up and onto the ledge. When he got up there, he laid to rest for a few moments. Now the situation was bad; he had no more healing potion or holy water. Myk turned his head and looked at the entrance of the Marad tomb. The look of it gave an eerie feeling and it seemed to beckon him to enter.

	Rahb listened at the door to the front office. Inside were two bluecoats, a man and a woman. They were conversing.
	“So did they restore power to the dungeon?”
	“Yes, but one of the prisoners got out of his cell.”
	“Oh dear.”
	“It was the one we picked up last night for burglary.”
	“Should we double the security? Do you think he’s still here?”
	“He probably left as soon as he could. That’s what I would expect. He probably didn’t even try to find his equipment that we took to the Robbery/Homicide room.”
	Rahb hid in a shadow and waited for the conversation to end. Now he knew that his gear was in the Robbery/Homicide room. When the two bluecoats left, he entered the front office and found a map of Shoalsgate Station on the wall. Studying it, he found where the Robbery/Homicide room was and made that his next destination.

	“This is it?” Myk stood in the seemingly small Marad tomb, which seemed to be a narrow room with sarcophaguses on either side. Myk was expecting more than just one room. Yet, the talisman he was looking for was nowhere in sight. He began to come to the realization that maybe it was hidden with one of the corpses buried here. He shuddered at the thought that he would have to open the sarcophaguses to find it.
	He went to the far back of the room and decided to start there. He glared at the first sarcophagus and got ready to pull the cover open. He stopped when he noticed something between the sarcophagus and the wall. Kneeling down to get a better look, he discovered it was a switch.
	Curiosity led him to flip the switch. Suddenly, a section of the wall slid open, revealing a dark passage with a lit room at the end. Cautiously, Myk traveled down the passage and emerged in a room lit by torches. There was another sarcophagus in the corner and a doorway leading to another chamber.
	Myk heard the distinct sound of moaning in this next chamber and readied some mines and fire arrows. He rushed into the room to find at least 15 zombies all standing around. They quickly spotted him and approached. Myk slid a mine into the group and it exploded, killing 5 of the zombies.
	He shot some fire arrows to kill some more. The survivors continued to approach and became dangerously close. Myk got whacked in the arm and he had no room to back up. In a quick move, he dived between two undead. One of them smacked him in the head with its rotting arm. Myk began to realize that he was foolish to try and take on all these zombies at once, but now it was too late. Despite his bleeding in several places and the pain, he fought back. He pulled out some more mines. Zombies from other chambers were becoming aware from all the commotion.

	Rahb ascended the shadowy staircase to the second floor. He looked down the hallway where he needed to go to get to his destination. A bluecoat was patrolling the hallway. Rahb waited until the guard was heading the opposite way, then he went down the hall.
	He stopped at the door to the Robbery/Homicide room and grabbed the doorknob. It was locked. Without his lock picks, Rahb needed a real key. He saw the patrolling bluecoat stop at the other end of the hallway and turn around, heading back towards Rahb.
	Quickly jumping into a shadow, Rahb waited for the bluecoat to pass. As he did, Rahb grabbed the key right off his belt. Returning to the door, he tried the key and it opened. Easy enough, Rahb thought.
	He entered the room and closed the door behind him. His eyes scanned the room and surely he found his gear sitting on a table. The bluecoats had searched through it, because all his supplies from inside the backpack and quill were spread out across the table.
	Rahb went about putting everything back in the backpack and quill. When he finished, he needed to find a quick and easy way out of the building. He left the room and began to search for an exit.

	Myk reached for another mine, but when his hand came up empty, he realized he had none left. He had also used the rest of his fire arrows. “Oh crap”, he uttered. He dodged from a zombie’s grasp. He pulled out his sword, knowing that it wouldn’t kill the undead menaces but at least he could defend himself.
	The zombies were surrounding him. He blocked a swing and took a whack at the zombie’s midsection. It’s spine snapped in half and both halves dropped to the ground, still moving however. The upper half of the zombie struggled to reconnect itself with the writhing lower half.
	Myk continued to battle on. He sliced an arm off one zombie and smacked the head off another, sending it flying across the room. Although he wasn’t killing any zombies, this strategy was effective for as long as it would take these zombies to reconnect their missing parts.
	However, he was still greatly outnumbered. Moving as fast as he could while surrounded by undead, Myk swung at and kicked his enemies. He got whacked in the back and pain shot through his body. He sliced across the chests of three zombies at once, sending them falling to the floor. He spun around to face those behind him and attacked. He received some more hits and finally decided to run from the fight.
	Myk staggered through more chambers, leaving the zombies behind. Myk’s wounds from the battle were making it hard to run or walk. He was in terrible pain. He rounded a corner and entered a brightly-lit chamber. The walls were covered with holy symbols and pictures. There was a pedestal at the end of the room. On it was a golden talisman. It seemed to fit the description that Malcolm had given him of the “Builder’s Talisman”. Myk was relieved to have found it.
	Myk staggered towards the pedestal. He was losing a lot of blood from his wounds and the pain was increasing. The zombies had beaten him bad but now he could leave with the talisman. He just needed to get past the undead on the way out.
	He stopped in front of the pedestal and glared at the talisman for a few moments. It was gold, with an image of the Master Builder and a hammer engraved on it. The talisman itself, which was rather small, was attached to a chain and was meant to be worn around the neck like a necklace. Myk noticed holes in the walls on either side of the pedestal. He wouldn’t fall for this trap. He grabbed the talisman and quickly stepped back as fire bolts shot out of the holes. Thankfully, they missed him.
	Satisfied that he had evaded the trap, Myk turned to leave. Suddenly, a low rumbling occurred. Myk stopped to listen. The room began to shake and the walls started to crumble. The Marad Tomb was collapsing. A slab of rock was lowering in the doorway. Myk hurried to get out before the room was sealed closed by the slab. He dived to the ground and rolled under the slab just before it closed.
	Gripping the talisman tightly in one hand, Myk limped as fast as he could down the hallway. The entire tomb was shaking and beginning to collapse. He reentered the chambers where the zombies were walking in circles looking for him. They spotted him and began to approach. Myk had no time to fight them. They blocked his way and he needed to get out now.
	With no other fast options, he charged into the middle of the group, knocking down a few zombies and getting hit by others. Myk was able to break through the group and he hurried through the chambers toward the entrance. The zombies were left behind him now, as the walls and pillars were crumbling and falling over. A section of the ceiling collapsed only a few feet behind him as he limped along.
	Myk approached the secret passage and he entered it. He emerged back in the entrance room of the Marad Tomb. Up ahead, he saw another slab lowering in the Tomb’s entrance doorway. Moving as fast as he could, he dashed for the doorway. He dived hard to the ground and rolled, squeezing between the slab and the floor. He rolled out from under the slab with not a millisecond to spare. The slab closed, sealing off the tomb.
	Myk was back on the ledge in the “Halls of Echoing Repose”. He could hear the rest of the tomb collapsing on the other side of the slab. As he lay resting on the safe ledge, he held the Builder’s Talisman in his hand. The golden talisman shined in the torchlight. As he looked at it, a smile came over his face. But, he still needed to get out of the Bonehoard.

	Rahb crouched in a shadow in the foyer of Shoalsgate Station. The main gates were closed, operated by a switch in one of the two guard stations. Each guard station had one bluecoat in it. Rahb planned his coarse of action.
	He doused a torch near the first guard station. He needed to take out these two guards; otherwise they would shoot arrows at him as he tried to make his escape.
	He readied his blackjack and crept up behind the first. Rahb raised the blackjack and as he approached the guard, he accidentally kicked a pebble on the stone floor.
	“What’s that?” The guard turned and was surprised to see Rahb. Rahb tried to swing the blackjack but the guard grabbed his arm. As they struggled, the other guard heard the commotion and investigated. Upon seeing Rahb, the second guard took out an arrow and tried to aim at Rahb, who continued to grapple with the first guard.
	The second guard, trying to be careful, shot the arrow. It hit the first guard in the stomach and he fell to the ground. The other guard prepared to shoot another arrow. Rahb threw the blackjack and hit him square in the head, knocking the guard out cold.
	Rahb retrieved his blackjack, flipped the switch to open the main gate, and escaped from Shoalsgate Station.

	Myk continued to limp as he made his way out through the chambers. Zombies were chasing him and his energy was depleting. He exited the “Halls of Echoing Repose” and the zombies followed him through the outer chambers and hallways.
	Up ahead, he could see more zombies approaching out of nowhere. There were no zombies in these outer chambers before. Where did they come from? Myk wondered as he tried to dodge them. Myk got hit and shoved up against the stone wall. He fell to the ground but got back up and headed for the exit.
	Myk climbed a staircase that led to the entryway. The zombies followed. Myk reached the rope and using what energy he had left, tried to climb up. He struggled and slowly made his way up the rope and grabbed onto the ledge with his hands. He could see light from the moon.
	The zombies were gathering at the bottom of the rope. They tried to grab Myk’s dangling feet. All he needed to do was get his feet up over the ledge. He had practically no energy left. He lifted the first leg up and with difficulty tried to raise it to the ledge. A little higher. Finally he got the leg up. He struggled and lifted the other leg up and over the ledge. Myk was out of the Bonehoard.
	He staggered away from the entrance. Blood was all over him. He had gashes in his flesh and maybe some broken bones. He had lost a lot of blood and he was becoming light-headed. With no energy left, he fell in a heap on the ground, still holding onto the talisman.
	Myk’s body was full of pain and his vision was blurry and fading. He lay there in the moonlight facing up at the sky. He prepared for death to come. Suddenly, he saw two blurry figures standing over him. Zombies. They had come to finish him off.
	One of the figures leaned over him. “You’ll be alright, Myk.” A voice. A human voice. That was all Myk heard before he passed out of consciousness.

Day 5

	Malcolm walked out of his luxury bedroom and entered the hallway. He had just put on comfortable dress clothes. Before that, he had eaten a hardy breakfast consisting of pancakes, bacon and eggs. He loved Martha’s special pancakes.
	Malcolm began to make his way down the hallway when he met his butler, Jeeves. “Good morning, my lord”, Jeeves greeted him.
	“Jeeves, how are you this morning?”
	“I am well, my lord. I brought your laundry down to the ladies in the laundry room.”
	“Thank you, Jeeves.” Malcolm read a strange expression off of his butler’s face. “Is there something wrong.”
	“Yes, my lord. Something uncanny.”
	“What is it, Jeeves?”
	The butler hesitated for a few moments. “Outside in the stable. Sir Willoby wishes me to inform you that one of the horses is injured. But it is not a normal injury, my lord. You should look at it.”
	“I will. Thank you, Jeeves. Could you clean the windows in my bedroom? They’re looking a little streaky.”
	“Yes, Master Malcolm.” Jeeves went to his duties and Malcolm proceeded out to the stables.

	Willoby was feeding a horse as Malcolm approached. “Good morning, Will. Jeeves tells me that there is a problem.”
	“Jack, I’ve never seen anything so strange before in my life. Come.” He motioned for Malcolm to follow. They went to the back of the stable. Willoby stopped at a horse and put his hand on its back. “This is Daisy.” Willoby pointed to one of the horse’s hind legs. There, on the thigh, were some strange cuts.
	“What the hell.” Malcolm inspected the cuts closely. They were not scrapes and must have been made by a sharp object. The cuts formed a symbol, a glyph that looked familiar to Malcolm but he couldn’t seem to remember where he had seen it. It was obvious that the cuts were made intentionally. He looked up at Willoby.
	“This cruel act must have occurred in the middle of the night by some sick person who got past security and thought this would be funny”, Willoby said.
	Malcolm took a step back and pet the horse on the mane. “I’ll see to it that this wound is treated”, Willoby assured him.
	Malcolm nodded. “Thank you, Will.” He turned and left the stable.

	Next, Malcolm proceeded to his office area. Helen told him that he had a correspondent waiting for him down in the basement. Malcolm went down to the basement to meet with the correspondent. He entered his secret password to get down there.
	Malcolm’s correspondent had brought him some valuable jewels from a wealthy household. Malcolm was pleased with the thief’s work. The thief was rewarded and he left while Malcolm found a nice place in his basement vault to store the jewels.
	Upon exiting the basement, Malcolm met Jeeves again.
	“My lord”, Jeeves began, “your special guest is waking up.” Malcolm thanked him and proceeded upstairs.

	Myk blinked his eyes a few times as they came into focus. He was lying in a soft bed, in a luxurious bedroom. There were a few people standing around him: two men dressed in black cloaks, and a woman dressed like a nurse. Then two other people entered a through a doorway.
	Myk turned his head and recognized one of the two people who just entered. It was Jack Malcolm.
	“How are you, Myk?” Malcolm asked him.
	“I’ve felt better”, Myk replied. “But, last night I felt worse.”
	Malcolm smiled. “You can thank Mora.” He motioned to the woman. She was dabbing a damp cloth on Myk’s forehead. “She’s the nurse. Over the night, she administered healing potion and nutrients into your body so you can recover. You were hurt pretty bad last night.” He gave her a nod and she left through the door, along with Jeeves, who had entered with Malcolm.
	“This is Angus and Lukas.” Malcolm motioned to the two remaining men. Their hoods were down so Myk could see their faces. Malcolm continued, “I sent them to wait outside the bonehoard in case you came out with no energy or life left to make it back on your own. When you came out, they brought you back here. They saved your life as well.”
	“Thank you”, Myk said to them. The two men nodded to him and then made their way out of the room, leaving Myk and Malcolm.
	“I knew you would be able to do it, Myk.” Malcolm sat in a chair next to the bed.  “I regret that you suffered these injuries, but you can stay as long as you wish. I have a large reward waiting for you.” Malcolm paused for a moment. “Let me show you this.” He opened two buttons on the collar of his shirt. Myk could see that he was wearing a necklace. Malcolm pulled the necklace out of the shirt. It was the Builder’s Talisman that Myk had gotten from the bonehoard.
	“I am proud of this prize that you got for me”, Malcolm told him.  “I have decided to wear it around my neck at all times. Thank you so much for doing the job.” Myk smiled and gave a nod. He was still in some pain and was too weak to speak too much. Malcolm patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll feel better very soon.” Then he left the room.

	“How can I help you, young lady?” Sonya was at a pawnshop, looking to trade in some items she recently collected. The storeowner was a short, middle-aged man with thick spectacles.
	“I have some items that I would like to trade in.” She handed him a sack containing some of the things she recently stole off the street. He looked over each object carefully so he could give a price.
	Sonya fumbled through her pockets and found the diamond ring that she stole yesterday. She glanced at it quickly and decided to see what price she could get for it. “How much would you pay for this?” she asked the man.
	He took the ring and examined it carefully.  A strange expression came over his face and he looked at it even closer. Finally, he looked up at Sonya. “Where did you get this?” he asked.
	Sonya thought of a response quickly. “It was handed down to me from my late grandmother.”
	The man made an angry face. “My daughter was wedded two weeks ago”, he said. “Her husband got her a beautiful diamond ring with her name engraved on it.” He held the ring up to Sonya’s face and pointed to some writing on the side of it. “That’s my daughter’s name. You stole this ring, you thief!”
	Sonya hesitated. She saw the name on the ring and the man knew she stole it. Suddenly, the man looked past her. “Guards! Guards! There’s a thief here!” The man pointed to Sonya. She turned around to see two Hammerites approaching her. She ran.
	“By the builder’s hand, stop thief!” the Hammerite yelled at her as she attempted to escape. Sonya dashed across the crowded marketplace, pushing people out of her way. The two Hammers pursued her.
	Making her way to a narrow alleyway, Sonya tried to think of ways to lose the guards. They followed her into the alley. She knocked over trashcans and boxes hoping that the Hammer guards would trip. They easily got past the obstacles.
	Sonya emerged from the alley and into an open street where a troop of Hammerites was stationed. This was bad luck. She ran away from them down the street. They only became aware that she was being pursued when the first two guards emerged from the alley and told them to call for reinforcements. Sonya continued down the street and reached another crowded square. She dived into the crowd hoping that the guards would lose sight of her. She saw other Hammerites making their way through the crowd ahead of her. Realizing she was trapped and that they would soon find her, Sonya thought quickly. Her eyes caught glimpse of a sewer cover. She hurried to it and struggled to pull it open. The guards were traveling through the crowd and getting closer. She pulled up the cover and slid it to the side as one of the guards spotted her. She hastily dropped down into the sewer. The guard called the attention of the others and they scrambled to the sewer hole.
	Sonya jogged down the sewer tunnel. Her feet splashed through the water. Behind her, she could hear the Hammerites dropping down into the tunnel one by one. She made a left at an intersection, hoping to lose the Hammers. As she made her way down this new tunnel, she heard one of them shout, “I hath seen her turn left.”
	Another spoke, “The Master Builder will guide our way.”
	Sonya continued to move as fast as she could. She saw a gate ahead of her, but there was another tunnel leading off to the right. She had no choice but to take it. The guards continued pursuit.
	Sonya slid to a stop at the top of a waterfall. It was approximately a ten-foot drop and despite her fears she knew she had to jump. The tunnel continued at the bottom. She took a breath and, as the Hammerites caught sight of her and approached with shouts to surrender, she jumped. She landed with a big splash and pain shot through her feet, but it wasn’t serious and she continued on. The Hammerites were preparing to make their jumps as well.
	Sonya hurried down the tunnel and around a sharp bend. Just around the bend she almost ran into another metal grate that blocked the rest of the tunnel. She was trapped and could hear the Hammerites coming down the tunnel toward her. She prepared to surrender but realized that there was an exit sewer hole above her head. She climbed the ladder, pushed it open and emerged onto the street.
	The sun had now set. She was about to scramble to her feet to continue fleeing when two hands grabbed her from behind.
	“We hath seized the thief, my fellow brethren.” The group of Hammerites surrounded her as the others emerged from the sewer. They tied her up and carried her away.
	From the safety of a rooftop not too far away, Keeper Klepper shook his head as he watched the Hammers carry Sonya away. He felt sympathy for the poor girl, yet he had faith that she would soon be safe.

	Deanna kept watch from atop the high wall that surrounded Soulforge Cathedral. Night had now fallen on the City and she and her squad of spies were attending to their nightly job of surveying the area. Like Malcolm, she was growing more and more desperate to discover who the culprits were. She already suspected Ramirez and his men and now, as she spotted a moving shadow, she wondered if it was one of them.
	Crouching in a shadow at the top of the wall, Deanna watched as the dark figure moved from one shadow to another across the cathedral lawn. Despite the fact that there were guards present, the figure managed to remain undetected by them. Deanna was the only one who noticed the intruder.
	The dark figure was making its way toward a watchtower, which was situated along the wall. It was heading away from Deanna and she crept along the top of the wall to keep it in sight. She watched as the figure quietly entered the ground-level door of the watchtower. It was heading for the upper-level catwalk, which ran along the inside of the wall. Hammerite guards were posted up there so they could survey the area from above.
	Deanna saw the watchtower door on the upper level open and the figure stepped out. A Hammerite was posted there with his back to the door. Deanna could only watch quietly as the figure jumped the guard from behind. The Hammerite silently went down and the dark intruder grabbed onto the top of the wall, pulled itself up, and lowered itself down the other side. The culprit was leaving.
	Deanna hurried along the top of the wall and hopped down to the fallen Hammerite. He was dead, stabbed in the back. She climbed back up to the top of the wall and looked over to see the dark figure moving away from the cathedral. She decided to follow the intruder and see where it came from. Motioning with her hands, she signaled one of her fellow spies to let him know that she was leaving and would return. Then, she proceeded to climb down the wall.
	At the bottom, she darted into the shadows and did her best to follow the figure without being seen. No citizens dared to go out at this time, except for the thieves. She only had to worry about being caught by a patrolling Hammerite, but with her experience, that wouldn’t be difficult.
	The intruder kept to the shadows as best it could. Deanna could tell that whomever it was, the person was skilled like her. The figure would also be careful about checking behind his back. Deanna stopped in a shadow as the intruder was passing a light post. While passing the light post, the culprit turned its head again to check for anyone following. Deanna saw the intruder’s face. It was a man with a deep, distinguishing scar running down his face from eye to chin. Deanna continued to follow him and as they turned a corner, she saw where they were going.
	Ramirez’s banner hung outside his large mansion. Deanna was right with her suspicion about Ramirez. Now, she decided to do a little trespassing of her own to see exactly why Ramirez was interested in vandalizing property of the Order of the Hammer.

	Klepper hid in a shadow as a group of five guards passed by. He was on Ramirez’s lawn with plans of his own to break in and investigate. He wanted answers. Answers to the questions that were not answered by the Keeper council. If they wouldn’t share the information with him, then he would be forced to use his skills to collect the information himself. He was the only Keeper who was being denied this knowledge, and he wanted to know why. Why was he not being informed of the outcome of this crisis that he knew was so near to occurring? For now, he just needed to confirm some of his suspicions and find any information that he was not already aware of.
	After the patrol had passed, Klepper stepped out into the moonlight and entered a guard tower. He climbed a staircase to an overlook window. Across from the window was a balcony leading to one of the upstairs rooms of Ramirez’s mansion.
	Klepper jumped across to the balcony and entered a library. Not a bad place to start, he thought to himself as he began to look for some loose letters or notes.

	Meanwhile, on the other side of the mansion, Ramirez was sleeping in his bedroom. As he snored loudly, the handle of the balcony door began to jiggle. Finally, the lock clicked and the door was quietly pushed open. A dark figure entered the room carefully and closed the door. Light from the fire in the fireplace danced across Rahb’s face as he checked to see that Ramirez was still sleeping.
	Rahb had two things on his mind now; to find out whom it was that Ramirez sent to kill his friend Roland, and then to get revenge. Rahb looked around for any secret letters that Ramirez may have wrote concerning the incident. Seeing nothing like that in the bedroom, Rahb decided to search elsewhere in the mansion. If he had to, he would return to threaten Ramirez with a knife to get him to spill the beans.

	Deanna carefully crept down a hallway, being careful not to get caught by any guards. She had snuck in through a first floor window. She entered a maintenance room and began to look around. The room had dingy stone walls and was not as elegant as most of the rest of the mansion. The air in the room was even musty.
	There was a desk in the far corner. Deanna found a few notes on the desk, but none provided any helpful information. She continued to scan the room. There were some barrels and a few machines. There was nothing else of interest so she left the room to continue her search.

	Klepper climbed a staircase in the back of the library. At the top, he found a desk with some letters on it. He read through a few and found no useful information. Finally, he found one that interested him:

		Dear Mr. Ramirez,
I am glad you have agreed to my terms. You will benefit greatly from this deal, I promise. Don’t worry about my part in this deal, it can easily be done. Remember, I need a living human subject. The secret incursions of your men and mine at the cathedral shall continue until I see fit to have them cease. Meet me tomorrow night at the park near the town square so we may discuss more details of our deal.

					Sincerely,
					    Your new correspondent

	This was just what Klepper was looking for. He knew this letter was written and received several days ago. The meeting at the park was the one he was eavesdropping on four nights ago. The man there was indeed Ramirez. Klepper knew who the woman at the park was and he shuddered at the thought. Some things began to make sense and he knew that something must be done to stop this evil plot.
	He put the letter back on the table and went back down the stairs to the library and checked through some books near a fireplace. He pulled a white book and a secret door swung open. A secret passage. Klepper decided to investigate.

	Deanna dived into the shadows as she heard someone coming. She had just ascended a staircase and heard footsteps in the hall ahead. As she hid in the shadow at the top of the stairs Rahb came into view in the hallway. Deanna didn’t know who he was, but she did know that, like her, he was also not invited. She waited until he had passed before she continued on her way.

	Rahb headed down the hallway and entered a room. The room seemed to be a private study. There was a desk, a fireplace, and several chairs. Rahb went to the desk and began to check the drawers. In one drawer he found a book. Upon opening it, he discovered that it was a diary. He began to read through the pages, looking for any informative entries.

	Deanna cautiously entered the library and checked around. She found the stairs in the back of the room and followed them up. At the top she found the desk with the letter from Ramirez’s correspondent. She read the letter.
	After reading the letter, she realized that the situation was graver than she or Malcolm had thought. The vandalizing of property at the cathedral must be a cover-up for some bigger plot. Ramirez has a partner out there. Deanna also didn’t like the sound of “living human subject”. What would they want a living human subject for? She would definitely tell Malcolm about her discovery.
	Deanna put the letter down and checked through some more of the papers on the desk. She found nothing of interest and left the library to check around in other places.

	Rahb continued to flip pages in the diary until he found one of the more recent entries that interested him:

Tonight, I sent my best tough boy, Alister, to take care of a thief’s pawn named Roland. Roland has been a thorn in my side for months. He has stolen several things from my home and it’s come time for that to cease…

	Rahb flipped the next page and found more on the subject:

Last night, I sent Alister to bump off that pesky Roland. Alister returned with news that the deed was done, but not without some complications. Apparently, one of Roland’s friends came just as Alister was finishing the job. The thief chased him out of the apartment house, slashing Alister’s face with a sword on the way out. Alister returned here with his face bleeding and the big cut went down the length of his face. Annabelle tended to him and stopped the bleeding and bandaged the cut. Now, he has a scar running from his eye down to his chin. I trust he will be able to continue his skillful work, yet he wishes revenge on the thief that gave him the scar.

	A smile crossed Rahb’s face. The man he was looking for was named Alister and he would be easy to identify, thanks to the big scar. Rahb began to search through more pages.
	“I believe we’ve met before”, a voice said.
	Rahb looked up from the book. In the doorway stood a man wearing a black cloak. He was about six feet tall and muscular. His most distinguishing feature was the scar that ran from his eye to his chin.
	“You must be Alister”, Rahb said putting down the diary.
	“You have messed with the wrong person, and now you will die.” Alister pulled out his sword and attacked Rahb, who defended himself with his own sword.
	They dueled around the room. Alister took a big swing with his sword. Rahb rolled to the side and Alister’s sword sliced through a chair. As Rahb tried to get back to his feet, Alister continued to attack. He backed Rahb toward the roaring fire in the fireplace. Rahb took another step back and his shoe stepped onto one of the logs in the fire. The heat made him jump off that foot and he stumbled. The log in the fire was knocked loose and rolled out onto the carpet, which began to catch fire.
	Rahb counterattacked. Alister skillfully blocked with his sword, but was caught off guard when Rahb threw a punch. Rahb punched Alister square in the face, then kicked him. Alister fell backward. The fire was now spreading across the room.
	Alister got to his feet and hit a button on the wall. An alarm sounded throughout the mansion. “I’ll let the guards take care of you.” Alister let out a wicked laugh and ran out into the hall as the room was filling with smoke.

	Keeper Klepper was in a hall, eavesdropping on a pair of guards from around a corner when he heard the alarm. The guards ran off in the opposite direction and he decided it was time to leave.

	The alarm sounded as Deanna was snooping around in the kitchen. Satisfied with the information she had found, she decided to depart. She would report to Malcolm tomorrow.

	Rahb staggered out of the blazing room. Smoke was in the hallway and Rahb coughed and gasped for air. He could barely see. He heard guards approaching through the smog and he headed down the hall in the opposite direction.
	Rahb rounded a corner and entered a room. He went to the window and opened it. Looking outside, he saw a moat below. The waterway led away from the mansion. Rahb jumped from the second floor window and landed with a splash in the water. He followed the waterway away from the mansion and it took him back to the streets. Behind him, smoke rose into the sky from the mansion.
	Rahb pulled himself out of the water next to where a bridge crossed over the waterway. He sat on the side of the street to catch his breath while water dripped off him.
	Suddenly, a voice came from a shadow, “You have found what you came to find.”
	Rahb, startled, looked up. “Who are you?”
	A figure stepped out of the shadow. He had on a hood, but in the moonlight Rahb could see his plain face. The man spoke again, “I am Keeper Klepper. In the following days, your best course of action would be to find out what business your nemesis is getting involved in.”
	Rahb stood up. “So, you’re a Keeper? Don’t worry, I’ll find my nemesis again and I’ll get my revenge.” Rahb walked away into the night.
	Klepper called after him, “Remember this: you have more friends than you know. Don’t neglect or shun them.” Klepper watched Rahb disappear into the shadows and hoped that he would take the advice. Klepper knew it was important.

	Deanna scurried down the street away from the smoking mansion. She stopped and turned around to see the smoke rise. Ramirez wouldn’t be happy about that fire. Thankfully, she escaped with valuable information that she would share with Malcolm. She headed back to rejoin her friends at the cathedral watch.

Day 6

	Sonya was met by a pungent smell as she woke up. She blinked her eyes a few times to focus them. The last thing she remembered was struggling with the Hammerites and seeing the head of a sledgehammer swinging down at her head.
	She looked around. She was in a small, dirty cell. There were cobwebs and the smell made her feel sick. She stood up and walked to the bars of the cell. Sonya could hear cries from some of the other prisoners. The ones across from her were watching her. She felt really uncomfortable.
	Sonya sat back down with her back against the back wall of the cell. It was then that she came to the harsh realization that this wasn’t just any prison. This was Cragscleft Prison. She thought of Jack Malcolm and Myk. They probably didn’t know where she was. She gave up all hope and knew that the end was near.

	“Martha, these muffins are the best you’ve ever made!”, Malcolm praised his chef.
	“Thank you, Jack. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.” 
	Malcolm was sitting in the dining room enjoying his breakfast. “I’m glad I found you at that downtown diner, when you were the chef there. I smelt the food from outside and simply had to know who was making it.”
	“And when you offered me a paycheck that was five times more than the one I already had, I just couldn’t resist working for you.” They both laughed. “Or maybe I just wanted to live in this luxurious mansion.”
	“Farkus’ Diner went out of business shortly after you left them. I guess they couldn’t keep up with business. I wonder what Farkus is doing now.”
	As they laughed some more, Myk came into the dining room. He was walking a little slow, almost a stagger. He had dark spots under his eyes.
	“Myk, I’m glad to see you walking again”, Malcolm exclaimed. “Come sit down and have breakfast.” Myk came to the table and sat down. Malcolm gave him some food. “How are you feeling?”
	“Much better than yesterday, but still a little sore” Myk responded.
	“Ah, you see, that healing potion works every time. By tonight, you should be almost as good as new.”
	“I’ll get you some juice”, Martha told Myk. She left the room.
	“Are you enjoying the necklace?”, Myk asked Malcolm.
	“Oh, yes. I haven’t let it leave me since I received it. And I’ll keep it for the rest of my days. When I pass on, it shall be left to my children if I have any by then.” He paused. “But first, I’d need a wife”, he said laughing. Then he got serious. “Well, we take things as they come.”
	“Tell me, why did you become a Hammerite?” Myk’s question was unsuspected.
	“Well,” Malcolm began, “when I was young I became intrigued by the Order of the Hammer; their stability and devotion to their prophet, the Master Builder. Being as young as I was, I admit my ignorance, for I didn’t see the true corruption that they brought upon the City. I felt powerful as one of their acolytes. It wasn’t until they arrested my own parents and threw them in prison (for reasons that were unknown to me) that I realized their wrongdoings. My father and mother were good people who would never commit any illegal act. Many people live in fear of the Hammerites, simply because they wrongly accuse innocent citizens and arrest them without any proof of wrongdoing.”
	Malcolm paused. He was becoming quite emotional. “I never saw my loving parents again. They died in the prison. Since then, I endeavored to rise in the ranks of the Order until one day I could change their ways, their policies, for the better of the people.”
	Myk remained silent, listening intently. Malcolm continued, “I suppose that I wish revenge one of these days. I do still have anger inside, but I don’t let it out. I haven’t let the anger out for all these years. The truth is that there’s probably no possible way to get revenge, and now that I think about it, I don’t want to. I want to change this Order for the better. The people of this city deserve more rights, and I want to give those rights to them. I worked long and hard to climb to my position in the Order, and I will use my position to get my point across.”
	Malcolm stopped and Myk waited, not sure if he was finished. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to preach”, Malcolm said.
	“That’s alright. It’s good to let your feelings out. You’ve got an admirable goal there, and it may be difficult but I think you can do it.” Malcolm smiled and patted Myk on the shoulder as Martha returned with juice.

	A task force of fifteen Hammerites marched down the street. They were on a mission and were reaching their destination. They approached the apartment building and the commander of the task force gave an order. The acolytes readied their sledgehammers to break the door down. This apartment building was where Rahb lived.
	The sledgehammers came down and the door splintered into pieces. Rahb was woken from his sleep. He had been up late the night before and was tired. He had not even changed out of his cloak. The Hammerites entered the building and split up to search the apartments.
	Rahb became curious of the loud footsteps and noises. He sat up to get out of bed and heard the door of his apartment break open. He stood up out of bed as three Hammers entered his bedroom.
	“That’s the murderer. Seize him!” Rahb was cornered and tried to get past them, but was held back. As he struggled with the acolytes, a sledgehammer was swung and hit him in the head. All went black.

	Later on in the day, Malcolm was relaxing in his lounge, smoking a pipe. He had a fire going in the fireplace. As he lay back in a comfortable armchair with his feet up, he reminisced about the days of his youth. The lecture he had given to Myk brought back these memories.
	He thought back to the days before the Hammerites, when he still lived with this mother and father. They were the most loving parents anyone could ask for. He adored them. His mother was always there for him, whether he was ill or depressed. She raised him to be healthy and intelligent.
	Malcolm remembered his father for the support and advice. His father wanted him to succeed in his life. There was one piece of advice from his father that stood out in his mind, “Remember son, in an unfair society you can work to change it for the better. You can always make a difference.” That advice was important to Malcolm. “…You can always make a difference.”
	Malcolm’s thoughts were interrupted by Deanna’s arrival. By the look on her face, he knew she had important news.
	“Jack, I was doing some spying around Ramirez’s place last night. I found some important information.”
	“Really. Is it related to the intrusions at the cathedral?”
	“Yes, but there’s more. Ramirez is working with someone. I don’t know who, but together they’re planning something evil.”
	“An evil plot?”
	“Yes. The incursions at the cathedral are only a cover-up.”
	“Damn.” Malcolm was unhappy. Ramirez and his unknown partner were up to something sinister and he had been fooled by their diversions. “How did you discover this?”
	“I read one of Ramirez’s letters. That’s all I discovered.”
	“I’m afraid at what they might be up to. We must find out more.”
	“There’s something else of another subject that I have to tell you about.”
	“What is it?” Malcolm gave Deanna his attention. Myk, now looking and feeling almost good as new, entered the room.
	Deanna continued. “I read the Cragscleft admittance list for yesterday and today. There are two names; someone called Rahb, and the other is Sonya.” Malcolm’s eyes grew wide with shock. Myk had a similar reaction. While Myk remained seemingly paralyzed, Malcolm asked, “My correspondent, Sonya?” Deanna nodded her head.
	Malcolm glanced over to Myk, who was now breathing. Suddenly, Myk got a look of determination on his face and left the room in a hurry. Malcolm, knowing what he was up to, followed.
	“Myk!” Malcolm called after him. Myk didn’t respond. Malcolm caught up with Myk in his room. “Myk, you can’t do this. It’s too dangerous.” Myk was getting his gear together. He looked up at Malcolm.
	“Jack, you know we can’t let her stay there. She’ll die.”
	“That prison has maximum security. You’ll never make it alive.”
	“Well that’s a risk that I’m going to have to take.”
	“I won’t let you do this, Myk.”
	Myk put the rest of his supplies in his bag. “I’m getting that girl out of there.” He rushed out of the room, determined to save Sonya’s life.
	“No, Myk.” Malcolm ran out into the hall. Myk was already gone and Jeeves was conveniently there. “Jeeves,” Malcolm summoned him, “have Willoby prepare my carriage. Tell him I’m going to Cragscleft Prison.”

	The whines and calls of the prisoners echoed throughout the prison block. Two Hammerite guards escorted a struggling Rahb to his cell. Due to Rahb’s attempts at resistance, they were forced to kick and beat on him along the way. The two acolytes threw him into the cell and signaled the guard in the observation post above. He flipped a switch that closed the bars of the cell. Rahb was imprisoned.
	He grabbed the bars and looked out, yelling at the two acolytes. They walked away, laughing. Rahb was frustrated. He kicked the bars and paced around the small cell. He had to think of some way to get out. He was charged with murder. There was only a matter of time before the Hammerites would kill him.

	A constant breeze blew over the mountains west of the City. Myk climbed the slope, looking for the entrance to the prison. He reached the top of a mound and on the other side, he could see the entrance. The fact that it was guarded by at least half a dozen guards made the situation grim. There had to be another way in. Myk recalled hearing of an entrance into the abandoned mines somewhere below. That was his only other option, so he headed downhill to find it. 
	The sun was almost completely set by the time Myk found the old mine entrance. It was flooded, but a little water didn’t bother him. He waded in and followed the dark tunnel.

	“Jack, why the urgent…”
	“Don’t ask questions now, Willoby. Just get us moving.” Malcolm had run out of the front door of his mansion and hopped into the carriage next to Willoby.
	“Yes, sir.” Willoby whipped the reins and the horses began moving.
	“We must get to Cragscleft with all haste”, Malcolm told him. The horses began moving at a quick rate and they were on their way to the prison.

	Water dripped from the ceiling of the tunnel and a musty smell hung in the air of the mines. Myk moved down the tunnel. Pebbles and gravel crunched under his feet. He followed the signs pointing to the factory and prisons.
	Myk found a broken down elevator. He searched for another way up. He found an open cavern that went up. Above, he could see a broken wooden bridge. Nothing he couldn’t handle. Myk pulled out a rope arrow and fired it into the side of the bridge. He climbed up.
	Upon reaching the top of the rope, he climbed onto the bridge and followed a tunnel that sloped up. Myk followed the signs and took a right turn past the top of the elevator he had seen earlier. As he crept along, he suddenly heard a familiar sound. It started out low, then grew in volume. It was a moan.
	In an instant, a zombie came around a corner just ahead of Myk. It saw him and gave chase. Myk retreated back the way he came. The zombie pursued him. Myk stopped at the top of the elevator shaft. The zombie had him trapped against the shaft. As the ugly, rotting corpse staggered closer, it let out another bone-chilling moan, bearing whatever teeth it had left. Its empty eye sockets stared Myk down.
	The zombie made a lunge for Myk and he dived to the side and stuck his feet out to trip it. The zombie stumbled over his feet and fell down the shaft. Myk got back to his feet and hurried down the tunnel. Other zombies caught view of him, but he lost them quickly. The tunnel took a few bends. He climbed up a ladder rounded another curve and found the stone stairs that led up into the factory and prison.

	Clink. Clink. A Hammerite walked past Rahb’s cell. At his waist, a key was clinking against a knife. Rahb thought about the knife. Apparently, it was a backup weapon. 
Rahb sat against the wall, right next to the bars where he could see the guard above in the observation post. A second guard appeared in the observation post.
“Brother, where ‘hic’ art the rest of the ‘hic’ ale?” The guard was drunk.
“My fellow brethren, thee art drunken. I would suggest that thee forget the ale and concentrate on thy duties before thee art caught and punished by the captain.”
“Gggrrrrfff.” The drunken Hammerite grunted. As he walked away, he began humming. Rahb’s mind continued to work. He didn’t know how much time he had before the Hammerites came for him, but it wouldn’t be too long.

	A prison light flickered near the guard post. Myk watched the guard carefully from the safety of a shadow. He had snuck through the factory without drawing the attention of any of the factory workers. Now, he needed to find the directory for new arrivals. The Inquisitor would have one of those near the torture chamber.
	Myk carefully crept past the guard, staying in the shadow. He followed the sign showing the way to the torture chamber. Upon approaching the door to the chamber, the painful cries of the tortured prisoners could be heard. Myk slightly opened the door to peek in. A man was being beaten by two guards in the middle of the floor. An important looking figure was watching. The Inquisitor?, Myk thought.
	There was another doorway just inside the room. Myk could see books inside. When no one was looking, Myk quickly entered the room and checked the books. He found the list of new arrivals to the prison. Sonya was marked down under cellblock two.
	With that information, Myk left the torture area and followed a sign toward cellblock two.

	The sergeant posted at the front entrance to the prison became curious when he saw a carriage stop at the top of the hill in front of him. He saw a figure get out and begin approaching him with a quickstep. The sergeant wondered who was in a hurry to enter the prison. As the visitor got closer, the sergeant recognized him.
	“Brother Malcolm! My lord, thy presence is greatly welcomed, but I was not informed…”
	“Your warm greeting is appreciated, sergeant. I am just on a routine visit to see how things are going.” Malcolm rushed past him and entered the facility. The sergeant eagerly followed him.
	“Well my lord, I don’t remember thee visiting before. Please forgive me.”
	“Apology accepted, sergeant.” Malcolm continued his quick pace. The sergeant tried to keep up with him.
	“Brother Malcolm, due to the nature of this prison, I must advise that thee be escorted by security guards for your protection.”
	“That will be unnecessary.” Malcolm did not want any Hammerites following him. He needed to find Myk on his own. After getting Myk out of trouble, he would try to convince the Hammerites of Sonya’s innocence. However, there wasn’t much hope of being able to convince them. If anything, it would hurt his own reputation. “Return to your post”, he ordered the sergeant, who reluctantly obeyed.

	Myk peered around the corner to look into cellblock two. He could see a guard at the observation post above. Myk slowly came around the corner of the wall and stepped into the cellblock. He stayed against the dark wall so the guard above didn’t see him.
	As Myk came to each cell, he looked in to see where Sonya was. The first two cells were empty. The ones on the other wall were occupied but the prisoners didn’t see Myk in the shadow. He reached the next cell and looked in. There were a few bones piled in the corner. He looked into the next cell. Sonya was there. She was lying against the back wall with her eyes closed. Myk couldn’t tell if she was sleeping or worse, dead.
	He looked back up to the guard above. The guard was still not aware of Myk. He just stared out across the cellblock. Myk could see switches next to the guard. Switches for the cell bars.
	Myk continued through the cellblock and found the stairs leading up to the observation post. Up there were a few more cells with a balcony across from the post. Myk moved along the balcony closer to the guard, who remained clueless to Myk’s presence. The door to the post was locked, so Myk had to come up with an idea.
	He took out his blackjack and got ready. From his hiding spot in a shadow, Myk threw the blackjack at the guard. The Hammerite didn’t have any time to react and the blackjack hit him square in the head, knocking him unconscious.
	Myk jumped from the cell balcony to the observation post, retrieved the blackjack, checked the guard, took his key, and flipped the switch for Sonya’s cell. Below, the bars of her cell opened. Myk used the key to unlock the door of the post and headed back downstairs.

	Rahb still sat against the bars of his cell, thinking of a way out. When he saw the drunken guard coming his way, he got an idea. The guard was using the wall to hold himself up as he walked. As the naive guard came by cell, Rahb reached through the bars and grabbed the guard’s knife off his belt. The guard kept walking, unaware of the grab. Rahb hid the knife in his cloak and sat against the back wall of the cell.

	Myk returned to Sonya’s cell and entered. She was still against the back wall and her eyes were still closed. Her face, while still beautiful, was dirtied from the filthy cell. She didn’t look well.
	“Sonya. Wake up, Sonya.” Myk put his arm around her back and sat her up. “Come on, wake up. It’s Myk.” She made a sigh, moved her head, and opened her eyes. A smile lit up her face when she saw Myk.
	“Myk! I’m so glad to see you.” 
He embraced her in a hug. “I’m going to get you out of here”, he said.

	Rahb sat calmly as two Hammerites came to his cell. They were going to bring him to be killed. They signaled to the guard above and the bars slid open. One guard entered as the other stayed at the cell door.
	“Get thee up, thief”, the first guard said. Rahb didn’t move. “By the Builder’s name, get thee up.” Rahb still didn’t budge. The first guard became visibly frustrated and walked to Rahb. He leaned over to pull Rahb up. In an instant, Rahb pulled the knife out of his cloak and stabbed the guard in the stomach.
	As the first Hammer dropped dead, Rahb lunged at the other, who was shocked and dumbfounded. Rahb stabbed him too. “Builder, save me!” The guard dropped and Rahb ran out of the cell.
	“By the Builder’s hand!” The guard in the observation post shouted as Rahb ran out of the cellblock. He punched the alarm button next to him. Rahb was already gone from the cellblock.

	Sonya and Myk heard the alarm as it echoed through the cellblock.
	“Come on. We have to leave now”, Myk said. “Can you walk?”
	“Yes”, Sonya responded. She got up, he took her hand, and they ran out of the cell.

	The alarm continued to echo throughout the corridors of the prison as Malcolm tried to make his way down one of them. A whole squad of Hammerites was scrambling past him towards the location of the alarm.
	Malcolm knew this was bad. He figured that someone had spotted Myk and the alarm was activated. Now, he had to help Myk get out alive.

	Rahb sprinted as fast as he could down a corridor. He figured that the Hammerites were probably on his trail. He wanted nothing more than to get away from this prison.

	Meanwhile, Myk led Sonya by hand down a hallway. They slowed down at an intersection and Myk decided to make a right. They continued running and were coming up to a bend in the corridor. As they rounded the bend, Myk slammed right into Rahb. The two men fell to the ground in a heap and Sonya, the only one still standing, screamed.
	“What the hell…”, Myk exclaimed.
	“Watch where you’re going”, Rahb said to him.
	“Excuse me, could you two stop fighting? There are Hammerites looking for us”, Sonya said to them.
	As they stood back up, Myk asked, “Are you trying to get out of here?”
	“Of coarse”, Rahb responded.
	“Then come with us, quickly.” Myk started to head the way Rahb had come.
	“Wait!”, Rahb said. “It’s not safe that way. The Hammerites are coming. This way.” He led them the way they had come.

	“Brother Malcolm.” The captain in charge of the prison approached Malcolm. “It is not safe for thee here.”
	“What’s the situation here?”, Malcolm asked him.
	“A prisoner hath escaped from his cell. His location is still unknown.”
	“His?”
	“Yes, my lord. A thief by the name of Rahb. He attacked two acolytes and escaped his cell.”
	Malcolm realized that Myk had not set off the alarm and perhaps his presence in the prison was still not known by the Hammerites. Still, guards were swarming, looking for this other escapee, which left Myk at a great disadvantage.
	“Brother Malcolm, with this prisoner loose it is not safe for thee here. I urge thee to please leave the prison for your safety.”
	“Don’t worry about me.” Malcolm hurried away from him in search of Myk.

	Rahb, Sonya, and Myk approached the main foyer of the prison. It was a large chamber that was added in the recent months for more security at the front entrance. There was an observation post looking out over the foyer.
	Rahb stopped in front of a ladder. “This goes up to the observation post. We must take out the guard up there”, he told the others. Rahb climbed up, followed by Myk, then Sonya. They jumped the guard from behind and looked through the observation window to view the foyer and front entrance. About two dozen guards were stationed here now because of the emergency. Rahb had a puzzled look on his face.
	“Do you expect us to get out past all of them?”, Myk said.
	“Well, uh…”
	Myk sighed. “C’mon. I know another way out.” They began to head back.
	“But there wasn’t that many guards when they brought me in”, Rahb pleaded. “Honest.”
	They doubled back the way they came. Further down the corridor they came face to face with a pair of Hammerites.
	“There, Brother. Let’s get them.”
	Myk unsheathed his sword and Rahb drew the knife he had used before. Myk attacked one guard, who defended himself with his sledgehammer. Rahb went on the defensive against his opponent because he had a short weapon. Myk swung his sword and the guard blocked with the sledgehammer. Then Myk kicked him in the shin, forced the weapon out of the acolyte’s hands, and stabbed him with the sword.
	Myk turned and saw Rahb get hit in the side by the other Hammerite’s sledgehammer. As Rahb went down in pain, Myk swung with all his might and sliced the guard’s weapon in half. The guard dropped the pieces and Myk thought his opponent was defenseless. Suddenly, the acolyte took out his knife and before Myk could react, the guard slashed him. The knife cut through Myk’s cloak and he felt pain in his side.
	As Myk went down, gripping his side, the Hammerite went to finish him off. Rahb got up in a nick of time and stabbed the guard in the back, killing him.
	“Are you alright?”, Rahb asked. Sonya was knelling next to Myk. He still was clutching his side, and as he took his hand away there was blood on it.
	“It’s not bad”, Myk insisted. 
	“Can you walk?”
	Myk got up. “Yes. Come on.” He led them down the corridor. Ahead was a whole group of Hammerites convened at a three-way intersection.
	“Oh crap”, Rahb remarked.
	Myk took out his sword again. “We have no other choice”, he said. “Charge!” Gripping Sonya’s hand, Myk ran at the group holding up his sword and yelling. Rahb ran along side him.
	Most of the Hammerites were surprised by the bold move and got out of the way for fear of their lives. Those who didn’t fell victim to Myk’s sword as he slashed through like mad. 
Malcolm was at the back of the group and safely off to the side down the perpendicular corridor. He caught a glimpse of Myk, Sonya, and a third unknown individual as they charged through the crowd.
	Myk was even surprised himself when they got through the group of Hammers without even a scratch. He led the others further on as the Hammerites began to give chase. Malcolm stayed behind and silently prayed that they would get out safely. He knew where their only way out was at that point.
	“Where are we going?”, Rahb asked as they ran.
	“We’re going out the back door”, Myk replied.
	“And what’s the ’back door’?”
	“The mines.”
	“The “haunted’ mines?” Rahb did not sound excited.
	“That’s right.”
	“I’d rather have tried my luck with the guards at the front entrance”, Rahb responded sarcastically.
	“Maybe you could scare them off with your complaining”, Myk shot back.
	“Could you two stop arguing and run faster?”, Sonya remarked. “They’re gaining on us.” Myk looked over his shoulder and saw that the mass of Hammerites was too close for comfort.
	He led them past the guard post. The guard on duty could only watch with a puzzled look as they ran by with twenty angry Hammerites in pursuit. They were approaching the factory. The three thieves sprinted past the factory workers, who were pouring hot molten steel. When the charging Hammerites came through, the workers were overwhelmed. “For Builder’s sake…” Some of the careless Hammers running through bumped into a cauldron of melted steel, spilling it over and onto some of the workers feet.
	The out-of-control pursuit moved through the factory. Rahb, Myk, and Sonya managed to stay ahead of the Hammers. They skipped down the stairs and set foot on the gravely ground of the mines. Now, a new type of predator would join the fray.
	“They’re going into the mines!” Mixed remarks came from the Hammerites as they entered the mine tunnel. Some were reluctant to go down there due to fear. Others were determined to catch the thieves. They continued pursuit.
	Sonya was also frightened. She slowed her pace, but Myk urged her on. They slid down a gravely slope with the Hammerites still in pursuit. Myk led them down a mine cart track that approached a sharp corner. Rahb reached the corner first, slowed to catch his breath, and leaned around the corner to come face to face with a zombie.
	He yelled and jumped back, knocking into Myk and Sonya. The three of them fell down as a few other zombies approached. The Hammerites came upon them and as they reached out to apprehend the thieves, they saw the zombies.
	“AH! Builder defend us from such atrocities!” The Hammerites were frightened more than Rahb or Sonya. The zombies, reacting to the Hammerites, went after them. As the Hammers raised their weapons and attacked the undead creatures, the prison escapees tried to get away.
	As Myk continued to lead Rahb and Sonya further down the tunnel, more zombies were walking on the cart tracks ahead. Rahb searched for something helpful to use. His eyes stopped on a mine cart that was still on the tracks.
	“Come on, push”, he said as he got behind the cart. Myk had the same idea. Sonya joined to help and the three of them pushed the cart down the track. It gained speed as it went downhill. The zombies on the tracks saw it coming and let out chilling moans. A moment later, the mine cart struck them and they ceased to be a threat.
	“Come brethren! They’re getting away!” Some Hammerites left the fight with the zombies to continue their pursuit of the escapees. Myk, backtracking the way he came in, headed past the elevator shaft, still clutching Sonya’s hand and with Rahb alongside.
	They slid to a stop just before the broken bridge and the cavern. Myk’s rope arrow was still stuck in the side of the wooden bridge.
	“Climb down, quickly”, Myk told Sonya. As Sonya began to climb down the rope, Myk motioned to Rahb to go next. As Rahb started to climb down, Myk looked over his shoulder and saw the Hammerites coming. He grabbed hold of the rope, swung his legs down, and started climbing down hand under hand. There were three people on the rope and the weight was a little much. The arrow was slightly loosening from the wood.
	Above Myk’s head, the group of Hammerites reached the edge of the cavern. There were too many of them sliding down the sloped tunnel to the wooden bridge and one of the guards in the front of the group got knocked off. Myk saw him falling down from above. The guard grabbed onto Myk’s shoulders to stop from falling. The rope arrow loosened some more. The Hammerite began to struggle with Myk, trying to grab onto the rope and knock Myk off. Myk, in return, tried to knock the Hammerite off his shoulders.
	Sonya got her feet to the ground, looked up and gasped as she saw the struggle above. “Myk!”, she yelled.
	The Hammerite was now trying to choke Myk, who thrashed around in an attempt to get him off. Myk noticed the rope arrow loosening. “Hey look, the arrow is loose”, Myk distracted the acolyte. The stupid Hammerite looked up at the arrow embedded in the wooden bridge. Myk thrust back with his elbow, hitting the Hammerite in the face and knocking him off his shoulders. The acolyte grabbed onto Myk’s supply bag. Myk took a hand off the rope, took out his sword, and cut the strap of the bag. The Hammerite plummeted to the bottom of the cavern, where Rahb had now reached the ground.
	Myk was now free to climb down. However, the other Hammerites were also starting to climb down the rope one by one. Myk didn’t realize this until he reached the ground. “Myk, look!”, Sonya pointed to the Hammerites coming down. He took out an arrow and took careful aim at the top of the rope. He let the arrow fly and it sliced the rope near the top. The Hammerites on the rope screamed as they fell to their deaths.
	Myk retrieved his bag from the hand of the dead Hammerite as the surviving acolytes, who were still above at the broken bridge yelled threats down at him. “Come on.” Myk led Rahb and Sonya out through the mine exit. The moon lighted their path back to the City.

Upon their return to the City, the three thieves needed to be careful about getting caught by the Hammerites again. Even Myk could be identified by some witnesses who were at the prison.
	As they cautiously made their way through the streets, Rahb chose to part with the others. He began to walk away on his own. “Where are you going?”, Myk called to him.
	“I’m going on my own”, Rahb replied.
	“You can’t. You’re wanted by the Hammerites and your home isn’t safe anymore.”
	“I’ll find another place to stay.” Rahb disappeared into the night. Myk still cared, but there was nothing he could do. He couldn’t force his fellow escapee to do anything. Myk had helped him escape and that would be the extent of his services to him.
	“Come on”, Myk said to Sonya, putting his hand on her arm. “I’ll take you back to my place. It’s safe for now.” They moved on down the street.

	Myk opened the door to his apartment and he brought Sonya in. “Well, this is my place”, he said. “Are you hungry?”
	“Yes, thank you.” He brought her to the kitchen and gave her something to eat.
	“I was able to buy more food than I’ve had in the past few weeks with some of the money that Master Malcolm gave me for the first job.”
	“There was another job?”
	Myk hesitated. “Yes, there was. I got Master Malcolm a valuable talisman from the Bonehoard.”
	Sonya gasped. “Myk, the bonehoard is a very dangerous place. You could have been killed down there.”
	“I know. I kinda got in a little over my head there. I almost was killed, but I survived and now Malcolm has his talisman. Actually, he still has to pay me, but I’m in no rush.”
	Sonya was visibly upset about the risk that Myk took. “You almost died and I didn’t even know you were in trouble?”
	“Well, I’m alright now. I spent two nights recovering at Malcolm’s house.”
	Sonya sighed. “Myk, I sorry to get so upset. It’s just that I care about you.”
	Myk looked into her eyes. “And I care about you too. That’s why I risked my life again to save you from the prison.” She smiled to show her gratitude. Myk went into the living room to start a fire in the fireplace while she ate.
	When Sonya finished eating, she came into the living room were Myk had just started the fire. “Could I wash up someplace?”, she asked him. She still had dirt and dust on her face and clothes from the prison.
	“Sure”, Myk responded.  “You can take a bath.” He took notice of her dirty cloak. “I can take that cloak now and get around to washing it later.”
	“Ok.” Sonya took off the dirty cloak. Underneath, she was wearing the typical thief attire: black shirt and black pants. This was the first time Myk had seen her without the baggy cloak on. He admired her thin, slender body and nice curves.
	“Alright, I’ll see about washing this later. The bathroom is down the hall on the right.” Sonya went into the bathroom and filled the bathtub with warm water. When it was filled, she took off her clothes and got in. She was weak and tired and her body ached from her time in the prison and from the strenuous escape. The warm water made her feel better.
	Meanwhile, Myk was settling down to rest near the fireplace. He removed his cloak and felt pain in his side. He remembered the cut he received at Cragscleft. He lifted up his shirt and saw the cut. Luckily, it had stopped bleeding. It went from his side around to the middle of his stomach. There was also a slice in the shirt and cloak.
	Myk decided that the cut needed to be treated. He got a bandage, a cloth, and his last bottle of healing potion. First, Myk took off his shirt so he could treat the wound. He drank some of the healing potion. Then he cut some of the bandage. He put some healing potion on the cloth and proceeded to dab it on the wound. Then he sprinkled some healing potion on the bandage and prepared to wrap it around his waist on the wound. He would leave the rest of the healing potion for Sonya.
	Sonya finished washing herself clean and got out of the bathtub. She dried herself with a towel. She looked at her dirty clothes and realized that she hadn’t brought any clean clothes in with her. She wrapped the towel around herself and exited the bathroom to ask Myk for some clean clothes.
	Myk was in the process of trying to wrap the bandage around his waist when she entered the room. “Oh my”, she said. “Look at that cut. Let me help you.” Myk looked up and was surprised to find her wearing only a towel. Yet, he welcomed her assistance.
	She knelt down and helped him wrap the bandage around his waist and across the cut on his bare stomach. She tied a knot and the bandage was secure. “Thank you”, he said standing up. She also stood up and their eyes met. “How are you feeling?”, he asked.
	“A little better”, she replied. “How are you feeling?”
	“Much better, thanks to your help.” They were gradually getting closer to each other. Her hands were still on his stomach, where she had put on the bandage.
	“Good. I like to help strong men”, she said softly.
	He spoke just as softly. “Then maybe you can help me some more.” Their lips met. She moved her hands to his chest and he placed his hands on her sides. The moment was filled with passion. Her hands went to her towel. As she was about to unravel it, there was a loud bang on the apartment door. Their lips parted and they jumped from the sound.
	“It’s the Hammerites”, Sonya said. “They’re here to get us.” She pressed her body against his for protection. Myk got his sword and proceeded to the door with caution. She stayed behind him.
	Myk stood in front of the door, raised the sword over his head, and opened the door. A dark figure stood in the doorway. Sonya screamed. Myk was about to swing the sword when the figure took off its hood. It was Malcolm. He was wearing a dark cloak.
	Myk and Sonya both breathed sighs of relief. Myk put the sword down. “I’m sorry to startle you both. I’m so glad to see you both alive and safe”, Malcolm said. He noticed Sonya’s towel. “Is this a bad time?”
	Myk and Sonya looked at each other and looked back at Malcolm. “No”, they said in unison. “Not at all.”
	“I need to change into some clean clothes”, Sonya said.
	“The closet in my bedroom has clean clothes. You can change in there”, Myk told her. She disappeared into his bedroom. “Come in”, Myk told Malcolm.
	“You’re lucky to be alive”, Malcolm said as he entered. “I was at the prison.”
	“Really?”, Myk said as he closed the door.
	“Yes. I saw you there. I saw you, Sonya, and someone else escaping to the mines.”
	“Yeah, there was another thief trying to escape. We all got out.”
	“I had to sneak over here to see that you and Sonya are alright”, Malcolm explained. “What happened to your stomach?”
	Malcolm was looking at the bandage. “Oh”, Myk said. “Just a wound that I received in a fight at the prison. It’ll be alright.”
	“Myk”, Malcolm said, “I didn’t mean to doubt your abilities before. I just thought it was too dangerous for you. I didn’t want you killed. But, thank you for saving her.” Malcolm was sincere.
	“Don’t mention it.”
	“I will pay you another reward in addition to the reward I still owe you for the Bonehoard mission.”
	“No”, Myk said. “I don’t want any money for saving Sonya. Having her safe and alive is big enough an award for me.”
	Malcolm understood. “Very well. Your apartment may not be safe soon. In the morning, before dawn, I want you to bring Sonya to my mansion. You both can stay with me there. You should leave before first light so the Hammerites won’t catch you.”
	“Understood.” Myk bid farewell to Malcolm. After Malcolm left, Sonya exited Myk’s bedroom wearing some of his black thief clothes.
	“Did Master Malcolm leave?”, she asked.
	“Yes. We’re going to his mansion very early in the morning so we should get some sleep. You can sleep on my bed, I’ll go sleep in the living room.”
	“Ok.” She smiled at him and reentered his room. Myk went into the living room, put out the fire in the fireplace, and lay down on the couch. He thought about the moment he had with Sonya, which was ruined. He lay awake for an hour, thinking of her. Finally, he fell asleep.

Day 7

	“She’s tired and weak.” Malcolm and Myk stood over Sonya. She was asleep in her guestroom in Malcolm’s mansion. Myk had brought her over and was explaining her condition. “I gave her some healing potion before we left.”
	“Then she should feel better when she awakes”, Malcolm replied. They exited the room and went out into the hall. Malcolm closed the door to Sonya’s room. He turned to Myk. “You’re apartment is not safe anymore, Myk. I want you to stay here until we can find you a new place. I fear that the Hammerites may be onto you as a result of the event at the prison yesterday. They won’t find you or Sonya here.”
	Myk nodded his head. “Understood.”
	“I also may need you’re help in the next few days”, Malcolm continued. “There is a situation going on that I wish to keep confidential for now, but I may need your skills and expertise soon.”
	“I’m here if you need me, Jack.”
	Malcolm smiled and patted Myk’s shoulder. They parted.

	Keeper Klepper entered the Hall of Knowledge at the Keeper Compound. Books filled with scriptures and glyphs covered the walls on shelves. He was in search of one person, Third Keeper Mayar.
	Mayar was standing in the corner of the large room, studying a scripture. A younger Keeper was nearby. Mayar looked up at Klepper as he quietly approached.
	“Third Keeper Mayar, I must speak with you.”
	“The essence of conversing is sharing knowledge.”
	“I believe that the chosen ones cannot succeed without further assistance from us.”
	Mayar glared at Klepper for several long seconds. “The Keepers must not interfere directly with the occurrences of society. Our secrecy is essential for preservation of the balance.”
	Klepper raised his voice slightly. “We must provide help if we are to prevent this crisis, which is nearly upon us.”
	Mayar merely shook his head.
	Klepper began to lose his patience. “I don’t even know that the outcome will be favorable for us. None of you have shared the information in the scriptures with me. I’m the only Keeper in the order that has no knowledge of these matters.”
	Mayar stayed very calm. “Keeper Klepper, every action we take has an important reason.”
	Klepper dropped his eyes to the floor. Mayar and the other Keeper watched him carefully. Klepper turned around and headed for the door to leave. Mayar continued to watch him. Suddenly Klepper stopped and slowly turned to face Mayar. “I shall announce to you now that I’m leaving the Keeper Order. I feel that my assistance is needed to prevent this crisis.” He turned and left.
	Mayar showed no change in facial expression. The young Keeper stepped closer. “Third Keeper Mayar, what must we do?”
	Mayar turned his head to look at the young Keeper. “Nothing, Keeper Samus. All is still as it was written.” Keeper Samus nodded his head.

	Klepper quickly left the Keeper Compound. The moment was somewhat sad for him. He had been a Keeper since shortly after his wife had died and his daughter was missing, 17 years ago. With no family, he had nothing left to live for. A Keeper had discovered his skills shortly after and he was brought to the Keeper Compound and trained. Thus, he had disappeared from society. Now, he was forced to leave the Keeper Order after 17 years to help prevent a crisis.
	He needed to collect more information. Then, he would approach Master Jackolby Malcolm. The City was on the verge of turmoil and it had come time for Malcolm and the others to know the truth.

	On the streets of the City, Hammerite patrols were being extra observant, no doubt keeping an eye open for any of the three prison escapees from the night before. Myk was out to get a drink at the Crippled Burrick Bar. His hood was up and he was being extra cautious to avoid Hammer guards.
	Upon entering the bar, Myk headed for his usual seat. His attention was drawn to an individual sitting alone at another table. The person had his back facing Myk and his hood was up. Myk could not see his face but had a strange feeling that he knew the person.
	Myk stopped and slowly walked around behind the individual, watching him the whole way. Myk slowly walked around the whole way, until he stood in front of the person. He still couldn’t see his face because the individual was sitting with his head down, looking at his drink. Finally, Myk walked right up to the table and calmly laid his hand down on the tabletop. The individual took notice of the hand and hesitatingly looked up at Myk. It was Rahb. Myk recognized him as the thief whom he escaped with the night before. Both were surprised to see each other.
	“Well”, Myk said sitting down across from him, “it’s a small city after all.”
	Rahb didn’t say anything. He just took another sip of his ale.
	“I don’t believe I ever got your name”, Myk said. “My name is Myk.”
	Rahb looked up at him. “My name is Rahb”, he said, rather coldly.
	“So did you find a place to stay last night, Rahb?”
	“No. I slept in a crate in a dark, narrow alley.”
	“Risky.”
	“They never found me.”
	Myk could tell that Rahb was not in the mood to be friendly. Yet, he continued the conversation. “So, why did the Hammerites arrest you?”
	“They think I’m a murderer.”
	“Really?”
	Rahb looked up at Myk again. “My friend was killed by a toughboy working for Ramirez. I showed up just after the murder and chased the culprit out. Then the Hammerites showed up, saw me there and thought I was the murderer.” Rahb paused to take another sip. “I’ve been tracking the real murderer ever since. The Hammerites caught and arrested me yesterday. As you can see, I didn’t stay in that prison for long.”
	“How do you plan on finding that murderer now?”
	Rahb looked up at Myk again with an expression that told Myk he was asking too many questions. “I plan to wait outside Ramirez’s place until the murderer comes out on a mission. Then I’ll follow him to his destination and get my revenge.”
	“You have a lot of anger held inside you because of him, don’t you.”
	“Yes.”
	“Would you like help…?”
	“No!”
	“It sounds like this guy is tough. Why don’t you let me help you catch him.”
	“I said no!” Rahb raised his voice angrily. “I don’t want you’re help.”
	“Why not? A friend helping a friend”, Myk insisted.
	“I’m not you’re friend”, Rahb shot back. He noticed the confused look on Myk’s face. “I’m not out to make friends, Myk. I have none and I don’t care for any. All I want is to be left alone and to get my revenge by myself.” Rahb got up from his seat, made sure the hood was pulled well over his head, and left. Myk was left at the table wondering why Rahb was so unfriendly.

	Later in the day, when the sun was nearly set, Malcolm was outside, observing his garden near the stable. Myk exited the mansion and approached him.
	“Myk, where were you earlier?”
	“I took a walk to the bar for a drink. Don’t worry, I was careful.”
	“I hope so. Those Hammerites are on the prowl in the streets.”
	“I happened to meet the thief whom we escaped with yesterday.”
	Malcolm was surprised. “Is that so?”
	“His name is Rahb. He’s wanted for a murder he didn’t commit. Quite unfriendly too.”
	“But you will need his help, indefinitely.” A voice came from the shadow of the large wall that surrounded Malcolm’s mansion. Both Myk and Malcolm turned their heads toward the point of origin of the sound. They watched as a dark figure, wearing a long, black cloak with a hood emerged from the shadow.
	“Who are you?”, Myk asked.
	“I am Keeper Klepper. I come not on the behalf of the Keeper Council, but as a friend.”
	“What did you say about that thief Rahb?”
	“We will need his help very soon to prevent a crisis.”
	“A crisis?”, Malcolm said. “Does this have to do with Ramirez?”
	“Ramirez is the least of our worries. He is harmless compared to the real evil that we are faced with. You are aware that he has a secret correspondent?”
	“Yes”, Malcolm replied. Myk did not understand what they were speaking of, but he quietly listened.
	Klepper continued. “Ramirez is involved in an evil plot with his correspondent. A plot that threatens humanity.”
	“Who is he working with?”, Malcolm asked impatiently.
	Klepper hesitated. “The Pagans.” Both Malcolm and Myk were speechless. Deanna and Sonya had just emerged from the mansion and overheard Klepper. They stopped in shock. Malcolm exchanged worried looks with Deanna. “Yes”, Klepper continued, “Ramirez has made a deal with Viktoria.”
	“It’s been the Pagans all along”, Malcolm realized.
	“That is correct”, Klepper replied. “They have been working with Ramirez’s men to vandalize property at the cathedrals in a successful attempt to cover up their real plot.”
	“And the strange symbol carved into the leg of my horse?”
	“The work of the Pagans”, Klepper said.
	Deanna stepped forward. “What is their plot?”
	“To revive the Trickster.” The group exchanged worried looks again. “Viktoria plans to perform a ritual in which she sacrifices a strong, young individual and through a Pagan spell, transfer their energy into the body of the Trickster. Thus, the Woodsie Lord comes back to life.”
	“And he destroys humanity, as he attempted to do so a few months ago”, Malcolm said.
	“That is correct”, Klepper responded. “But, as part of his deal with Viktoria, Ramirez and his people will be allowed to survive and live in luxury and profit.”
	“We must stop their plot”, Myk said. The group mutually agreed.
	“First”, Klepper spoke up, “we must find Rahb and persuade him to help us. All six of us are needed to prevent this crisis.”
	“Then what do we do?”, Malcolm asked.
	“There isn’t much time. Pagans are already in the City. They have entered through a secret portal that is hidden somewhere in the City. We must find that portal and enter it to descend into the Maw of Chaos, where Viktoria is already preparing for her ritual.”
	“Then time is short”, Malcolm said.
	“Yes”, Klepper responded. “It is.”
	“Rahb told me he was going to follow one of Ramirez’s men from his mansion, tonight”, Myk announced.
	“Yes”, Klepper said, “and I know where they’ll end up. We must all go now to get Rahb.” The five of them hastily departed to find Rahb and convince him to join them.

	The moon shined brightly down on the water at the docks. The ripples and waves made the water sparkle in the moonlight. There were no ships docked tonight. The only activity was from the few guards that patrolled outside the warehouses.
	Alister crept silently through a shadow on his way to the smallest of the warehouses, where the guards rarely patrolled near. He was on a mission to retrieve a package for Ramirez, which was left there earlier by one of Viktoria’s agents. As he moved along toward his destination, another dark figure followed. It was Rahb.
	Alister paused when he saw a guard ahead. Rahb, keeping an eye on his prey, did the same. The guard passed by the shadow, mumbling to himself. When he disappeared around the corner, Alister continued on his mission. Rahb continued to follow. He carefully studied his enemy as he went. Alister was very skilled as a sneak, being careful to stick to the shadows and being silent. From their last meeting, Rahb knew that Alister was a skilled sword fighter, but tonight Rahb was determined to prevail.
	Alister reached the warehouse that was his destination. He climbed a metal ladder to a section of roof. Rahb waited a minute before he followed up the ladder, in case his nemesis was just at the top. He didn’t want to get caught. Rahb was going to use the element of surprise.
	When Rahb reached the top of the ladder, Alister was nowhere to be seen. He had already found a point of entry into the warehouse. Rahb climbed over the top of the ladder and stepped onto the roof. He then moved away from the edge of the roof to find where Alister entered the building. Rahb didn’t notice the five dark figures down on the ground below him, scrambling to surround the building.
	He checked a window. It was closed and locked. Rahb then investigated a skylight. The glass wasn’t broken or cut. He proceeded around a corner of the roof section. There he found a hatch in the roof. He knelt down to inspect it. As he did, a tall, dark figure approached from behind him. Rahb discovered the hatch locked, so he concluded that Alister found another way into the warehouse. Rahb got back to his feet and the dark figure hid in a shadow.
	Rahb inspected another skylight and found a hole cut into the glass. A rope was tied to a latch just inside the glass. This was where Alister went in. Rahb grabbed hold of the rope and lowered himself into the warehouse through the skylight.
	Numerous crates and cargo were piled in stacks inside the building. Alister was in here somewhere. Rahb cautiously searched the warehouse. Above was a catwalk where some offices were located. Rahb decided to search up there. He proceeded away from a pile of crates just in time before another dark figure, this one shorter, crept up behind him.
	Rahb approached a staircase, but stopped when he heard a sound coming from the other side of a group of cargo boxes. He cautiously crept around the boxes to see what the sound was. On the other side, he found Alister retrieving a package from a crate. Rahb stood up and drew his sword. Alister looked up, and upon seeing Rahb fled up the staircase with his package. Rahb pursued him.
	Rahb emerged on the catwalk and there was no sign of Alister. He proceeded out onto the catwalk, which spanned across the warehouse. Suddenly, Alister came swinging from a chain, which was connected to the high ceiling. He kicked into Rahb, sending him flipping over the railing of the catwalk. While Alister landed safely on a ledge across the room, Rahb luckily grabbed onto the edge of the catwalk, and was now hanging thirty feet above the stone floor below.
	Rahb struggled to get back onto the catwalk. He was unsuccessful and began to lose his grip. Suddenly, a rope arrow flew through the air, struck a wooden beam high above Rahb’s head, and the rope unraveled, hanging down right next to Rahb. He grabbed hold of the rope, confused as to where it came from, and pulled himself onto the catwalk. Rahb then proceeded towards one of the offices near where Alister landed.
	With his sword still drawn, Rahb entered the office. It seemed empty, except for a desk and chair. Suddenly, Alister jumped out from behind the desk, knocking Rahb down.
	“You thought you could follow me and get revenge? I’ll make you wish you never tried.” Alister tried to choke Rahb, who fought back. They wrestled back to their feet and Rahb slammed Alister through the desk, breaking it in half. Alister, now on his back, tripped Rahb with his feet, got back up and fled the room. Rahb regained his stance and followed.
	As Rahb chased him along the balcony, Alister jumped, with great skill, down to the top of a high pile of crates. Rahb lost sight of him when he disappeared on the other side of the crates. Taking the same jump, Rahb hit the crate pile hard, knocking a few of them over. Rahb tumbled down the side of the pile to the floor. He was in pain, but got back to his feet and began searching again for his enemy.
	Rahb drew his sword. “Come out with your sword and face me!”, he called out. He thought he saw a shadow move in front of him and began to inspect, but suddenly heard a sword being drawn behind him. Rahb swung around to see Alister coming at him with his sword raised over his head.
	Alister attacked and Rahb blocked the swing. They dueled around the large floor of the warehouse, climbing over crates and boxes. They were both good swordsmen, blocking attacks and moving with much agility. Suddenly, Alister pushed Rahb back into a crate stack, which caused a crate to fall and hit Rahb in the side of the head, knocking him down. Alister raised his sword to deal a final strike to his enemy.
	Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Rahb saw a small, round object hit the floor near them, emitting a blinding light. “AH!”, Alister screamed. He lowered his sword, put his hand over his eyes, and backed up. “Who threw that!”
	Rahb, partially blinded himself, got back to his feet. When his sight came back, Alister was once again gone and hiding. Rahb readied himself and continued to search around the numerous crate piles. “I know all about you!”, Rahb called out. “I know that Ramirez sent you to kill my friend!”
	There was no response, only silence. Rahb continued to taunt his enemy. “I’ll never let you get away with it, Alister! I’ll keep hunting you down, tracking you, until I avenge my friend!”
	No sound broke the silence. Rahb continued to carefully search the large building. “I’m glad I slashed your face that night, because I can easily identify you…”, Rahb paused for a moment as he looked around him, “…since you now have that big, ugly scar running down your face!”
	“ARRGH!” Alister, in a fit of extreme rage, jumped out from behind a box pile and fiercely attacked Rahb with his sword. Rahb blocked each swing. Their swords locked together as Alister leaned his face toward Rahb’s. They stared each other down. “I hate this scar”, Alister growled in Rahb’s face.
	Rahb, with his own sword, smacked Alister’s sword against a stone pillar a few times until both swords flew out of their hands. The two rivals grappled with each other, trying to strangle each other to death. They threw punches and kicks and threw each other into crate piles. Neither of them gave up, but the fight was wearing out their energy. Both men were bleeding now.
	Alister succeeded in grabbing hold of Rahb’s collar and smacked Rahb’s head against the stone pillar. He did it again, and a third time, until Rahb, dizzy and weak, fell to the ground. Alister picked up his sword and prepared to kill his enemy. Suddenly, he heard a noise from the dark, which startled him.
	“Next time, I will kill you”, he said to Rahb. Then Alister ran off to leave the building. Rahb sat with his back against a box for a minute. Blood was dripping from a cut on his forehead. When he was no longer feeling disoriented, he slowly stood up and retrieved his sword. He was angry that Alister escaped.
	In front of him, he saw a few dark figures step out of a shadow. He was startled and took a step back. At that moment, another shadowy figure behind him swung a blackjack. It hit Rahb in the head, knocking him out cold.

Day 8

	Rahb moaned as he awakened the next morning. He had a headache and felt somewhat disoriented. He blinked his eyes a few times and they slowly began to come into focus. He was lying in a comfortable bed. The figures of five people slowly became focused. Four were standing around the bed, facing him. The other had his back turned and was standing at a window, looking out.
	Rahb saw he was in a luxurious room. When his eyes completely focused, he saw the faces of the people standing around the bed. First, he recognized Master Malcolm, one of the richest and kindest individuals in the city. Rahb was taken by surprise and he realized he must be in Malcolm’s home. Why would Malcolm want to kidnap him?
	Next, Rahb recognized Myk and Sonya. He made eye contact with Myk and gave him a confused face. Then, Malcolm spoke, “Good morning, Rahb, and welcome to my home. I hope you are feeling well.”
	“Why did you kidnap me?” Rahb was irate.
	“Very well. I will get right to the point. We need your help.”
	“My help?”
	“Yes”, Malcolm responded. “The City is in great danger.”
	“You must be trying to fool me.” Rahb didn’t believe him.
	“It’s true”, Myk said. “Are you familiar with a group called the Pagans?”
	“They’re a myth”, Rahb responded coldly.
	The others around the bed exchanged frustrated looks. The other person at the window continued to look out at the city. “The Pagans are not a myth”, Deanna explained. “They threatened the City only months ago and now they are back and the very existence of humanity is at stake.”
	“Deanna is right”, Malcolm said. “Their leader, Viktoria, plans to revive the Trickster. If he comes back to life, he’ll destroy the city, and all of us.”
	“You can’t expect me to believe that”, Rahb shot back.
	“It is true”, Sonya pleaded. “We need your help. As a friend and as someone willing to save the lives of all the people in the City.”
	“I don’t need friends. I’ve got my own problems to solve.”
	“You are foolish!” The man at the window shouted. He slowly turned around and Rahb recognized him as Keeper Klepper, the one he saw outside of Ramirez’s home a few nights before.
	“I know you…”, Rahb said, sitting up.
	“Don’t you remember what I told you the other night?” Klepper paused for a second. “I told you that you do have friends. Whether you like it or not, you have them. They’re right here.” He motioned to all the people in the room. “I told you not to shun them.”
	Rahb knew he was right, but didn’t say anything.
	Klepper continued, “The Pagans are in the City and we don’t have much time before Viktoria performs the ritual to revive the Trickster. We need your help. It is written in the scripture. Please cooperate.”
	Rahb looked Klepper strait in the eye. “Why should I believe what you’re telling me?”
	Klepper sighed. “A week ago, your only friend, Roland, was killed. You found a note, written by the Keepers, which gave you a lead to who killed your friend. Was that lead correct?” Klepper knew the answer, but he wanted to hear Rahb admit it.
	“Yes”, Rahb responded.
	“So you believed the Keepers with that lead?”
	“Yes.” Rahb admitted this and was realizing what Klepper was saying.
	“You didn’t have to believe them then, but you did. And the lead turned out to be true.”
	“That’s right.”
	“I will ask you again. Do you believe me? Will you help us?” Rahb put his head down. “Rahb, Alister is working with Viktoria.” Rahb picked his head up.
	“He is?”, Myk asked.
	“Yes”, Klepper said. “He is. Ramirez has assigned him to work alongside Viktoria down in the Maw of Chaos.”
	“Alright”, Rahb stood up. “I’ll help.” Everyone in the room was relieved.
	“Excellent”, Malcolm said. “Now we must get to work, immediately.”
	“Yes”, Klepper agreed. “We must find the portal and I suggest you warn the Order of the Hammer.”
	“Very well”, Malcolm said, “I’ll hurry over to Soulforge Cathedral right away.”
	“And the rest of us will split up to begin searching the City for the portal”, Klepper said.  The group left to set out on their mission.

	The carriage screeched to a stop outside the main entrance of Soulforge Cathedral and Master Malcolm hopped out and moved with a quick step to the doors. The guards at the front exchanged confused looks. They wondered why he was in such a hurry.
	Inside, Malcolm met the senor General of the Hammerite Army Corps. He was the highest officer in the army. “General, where is the High Priest? I must speak with him.”
	“He is in the main boiler room, my Lord. I will bring thee to him.” The General led Malcolm through the massive cathedral to the main boiler room. The High Priest was overseeing the initial test run of the large, newly constructed, advanced boiler.
	“Brother Malcolm. Builder be blessed that thee can be here to witness this marvel of new technology.” The High Priest was glad that Malcolm had arrived at that time.
	“My Lord”, Malcolm began.
	“Not now, Brother Malcolm. We must observe this initial testing of the boiler.” They looked up at the massive boiler. Malcolm was intrigued by it. It was state of the art technology, and would replace the smaller, older boilers. The High Priest gave a signal and a worker pulled a lever. The boiler made a loud sound and switched on. It began to run perfectly. Everyone was excited. “Thanks be to the Master Builder for this gift”, the High Priest said.
	“My Lord”, Malcolm said again, “I must speak with you urgently.”
	“What is the urgent matter, Brother Malcolm?”
	“The Pagans are back in the City”, Malcolm told him. The High Priest stopped and stared at him. He had an expression of disbelief on his face. Malcolm was about to continue when there was a sudden loud clap of thunder from outside. Out the windows, they could see the sky growing dark.

	Myk and Sonya were walking down an alley looking for a place in which to search for the portal. They were startled when they heard the clap of thunder and turned around. They could see the sky getting dark, quickly.
	“Come on.” Myk motioned for Sonya to follow him. He began to climb up a fire escape to get a good view from a roof. Sonya followed.

	Rahb and Deanna stood amongst a gathering group of people in the market square, watching the sky growing dark. A very dark cloud was forming and beginning to swirl directly over Soulforge Cathedral.

	Klepper stood atop the roof of an apartment building, watching the dark cloud swirling above the cathedral. The entire sky was cast in a cloud, but it was especially dark over the cathedral.
	Klepper wore a frown on his face. He knew this was no act of nature. This was a Pagan spell.

	Myk reached the roof, followed by Sonya. Their mouths dropped open as they saw the dark swirling cloud. They could see Soulforge Cathedral. It’s massive size made it stand taller than any other buildings. The cloud swirled directly above it, and grew darker by the second.
	They watched as the cloud slowly began to funnel down towards the ground, seemingly reaching down to the Cathedral. It was beginning to take the form of a tornado. The tornado-like cloud continued to stretch down toward the cathedral below it.
	Suddenly, a stream of thick vines shot out of the cloud and went down toward the cathedral. They began to wrap around the cathedral, covering all sides.

	Inside, the High Priest and Malcolm watched as the vines covered the windows and door exits. All light from the outside was blocked out. They were left with just the power inside the cathedral.

	The vines continued to wrap tightly around the massive structure. They completely covered the cathedral now, forming a thick encasing seal around it. Everyone inside was now trapped in the cathedral.
	Myk and Sonya were paralyzed from what they had just seen. They knew that Malcolm was at the cathedral. He was trapped inside by this mass of vines that shot out of the dark cloud in the sky. The cloud itself continued to hang there in the sky. It was so dark that it almost seemed like night had fallen on the City.
	Finally, Myk snapped back into reality. “Come on”, he grabbed Sonya’s hand and they left to go to the front of the cathedral.

	“My Lord, we are locked inside the cathedral!” The general reported to the High Priest upon his return to the Boiler Room. He was accompanied by a task force of Hammerites. “We are completely covered by vines. They hath shot out of that cloud.”
	“The work of Viktoria”, Malcolm replied.
	“Brother Malcolm, I think thee art correct. There is no other excuse for this strange occurrence.” The High Priest thought for a moment. “We are indeed trapped with no way out.” His eyes widened at the realization.
	Malcolm thought of Klepper and the others. “My Lord, the vine seal may be able to be broken on the outside. There is a chance.”
	“I pray to the Master Builder that it can be broken”, the High Priest responded. Suddenly, there was a low scraping sound from overhead. Everyone in the large room looked up at the rafters and air ducts that hung near the ceiling. The sound began to intensify. Something was scattering through the air ducts above.
	Some of the acolytes traded confused looks. “What in the builder’s name is up there?”, the general said. Suddenly, a vent was broken open with much force. A brown figure jumped out and landed on a high platform. It was followed by another, and another, and more of these creatures exited the air duct. They carried swords and made strange breathing sounds.
	The Hammerites in the room were startled and murmuring began. Malcolm was the only one who recognized the creatures. They were apemen! “Pagans!”, Malcolm shouted, pointing up at them.
	In response to his outburst, the apemen screeched and jumped down to the floor. They charged at the Hammerites with weapons ready to attack. One of them pushed Malcolm down to the ground.
	The acolytes raised their sledgehammers and jumped into the fray. As more apemen exited the air duct, a battle began between them and the Hammerite acolytes. The general urged his soldiers to bravely defend their holy cathedral.
	As the hand-to-hand combat ensued, Captain Tarkin, an army captain, entered the room and helped Malcolm to his feet. “Brother Malcolm, I must bring thee and the High Priest to a safe place.” He pulled Malcolm by the arm. The High Priest was shielding himself with his arm, while trying to avoid the attacking apemen. The captain also ushered him out of the room.
	They exited the room and stopped just outside. The battle was not going good for the Hammerites. There were too many apemen coming out of the air duct. The general approached the High Priest and Malcolm. His arm was bloody. “My Lord”, he said, “we must retreat. We can close up the main boiler room and lock the pagans in there while we get our soldiers out.”
	The High Priest hesitated. “Proceed”, he said. The general nodded and ordered the retreat of the Hammerite acolytes in the room. While the acolytes exited the room and held the pagans back, the large doors of the room were closed and locked.
	The acolytes that survived the battle now stood near the High Priest and Malcolm, breathing deeply and checking any wounds that they had. The pagans, trapped inside the boiler room, could be heard banging on the door inside the room.
	“It is a shame that we must give up the great power source of our cathedral. They will have control of the main boiler, now”, the High Priest said solemnly. 
	“My Lord”, the general said, “we must prepare all of our soldiers in the cathedral for battle. The pagans are bound to try to take control of more of the cathedral and we must hold them off. We can’t expect this door to hold for long.”
	“Very well. Prepare for defense”, the High Priest responded. “Brother Malcolm. We must speak.”

	Outside the front of the cathedral, a very large crowd was gathering to view the vine covered cathedral. Hammerite guards were standing at the gate of the wall that surrounded the cathedral, keeping citizens from coming too close. Some Hammerites were attempting to break the vines with sledgehammers, but were having no success. The vines were thick and strong.
	Deanna and Rahb pushed their way through the crowd to get close to the gate and get a good view. Their mouths gaped open at the sight of the massive building completely covered in vines.
	“Jack is in there”, Deanna said to herself.
	“What is this?”, Rahb said.
	“This is the work of Viktoria”, Deanna replied.
	Moments later Klepper joined them, followed by Myk and Sonya.
	“We’ve got to break those vines open”, Myk said.
	“We must consider the possibility that there may not be a way to do that”, Klepper said.
	“But, there must be a way”, Sonya said.
	“Viktoria’s spells are very strong.  If there is a way to break this spell, it also involves some magic.” Klepper’s mind was working, struggling to think of a way to break the vine seal.
	“It’s obvious that Viktoria wanted to trap Jack in there”, Deanna said.
	“Yes”, Klepper replied, “she knows that we are trying to stop her plan. And she’s trying to eliminate us. I pray that Master Malcolm is alright.” The others felt that feeling as well.

	“Let me try to understand thy story, Brother Malcolm. Viktoria wants to bring the Trickster back to life?” They were in the High Priest’s office.
	“Yes, my Lord”, Malcolm answered.
	“I trust thy judgment and opinions. Are thee positively sure that this is true?”
	“I am sure, my Lord.”
	“Then Builder, please guide us through this fight for our survival.” He raised his hands and looked upward, praying. Suddenly, there was a loud bang and voices were heard.
	The captain rushed into the room. “My Lord, the Pagans have broken out of the boiler room. There are many of them and they are overwhelming our acolytes again. We are holding our ground but it is not safe for thee here. Please follow me to a safer place.”
	The High Priest and Brother Malcolm were on the move before the captain was done speaking. They exited the room and could see the battle down the hall. The Hammerite acolytes were fighting hand to hand with the apemen. There were casualties for both sides. Two apemen broke past the acolytes and came charging down the hall at the High Priest and Malcolm as they tried to get away. Two acolytes moved to defend. One acolyte came from the side and slammed one of the apemen in the stomach with his sledgehammer. The other apeman impaled the acolyte with its sword, then turned and raised the sword at Malcolm. The second acolyte swung his sledgehammer and hit the apeman in the skull, caving its head in.
	The captain escorted Malcolm and the High Priest down the hall, away from the battle. They passed through two chambers and emerged in one of the factories in the southern apse of the cathedral. There was a small command base established there, to defend against any attacks.
	“It should be safe here for now”, the captain said.
	“This is utter chaos”, a young private said. His name was private Connor, one of the newest to join the order. He was on station at the base.
	“Yes”, Malcolm replied to him. “We are faced with the forces of chaos.”
	“Captain”, the High Priest said, “is the general at the battle?”
	“Yes, my lord. We were establishing our defense line outside the boiler room doors, when the pagans managed to amount enough force to push the door open. We immediately took action to defend and that’s when I left to warn thee.”
	“They are no longer confined to the one room”, Malcolm pointed out. “They will now spread throughout the entire cathedral if our forces don’t stop them.”
	“We have another command base in the northern apse”, the captain explained. “They are prepared to defend against any attacks in that area.”
	“Brother Malcolm”, the High priest spoke, “how dost thee suppose the Pagans entered the cathedral?”
	“Viktoria must have established a portal connection somewhere in the air ducts or ventilation shafts. A portal leading from the Maw of Chaos. And now she has a flow of apemen entering through that portal.” He paused for a few seconds. “She knows that we are aware of her plans and she wants to destroy us, the cathedral, and our Order.”

	“What will we do now?”, Myk asked Klepper. The group was following Klepper away from the cathedral.
	“We must try to find a way to break that vine seal. It’s the only thing we can do”, Klepper responded.
	“Any ideas?”, Rahb asked.
	“Maybe we could burn the vines”, Sonya suggested.
	“Not likely”, Klepper told her. “These vines are strong, and knowing Viktoria, she made them resistant to fire. Remember, she is intelligent and can do much with her spells. These are no ordinary vines; these are pagan vines, vines of chaos. And Viktoria is no ordinary enemy.”
	“You mentioned before that magic may break the seal”, Deanna said. “By any chance, do you know anyone who knows magic?”
	“I heard that there’s a Necromancer who lives in Dayport”, Myk said. Deanna gave him a strange look. “Have you got any better ideas?”, he asked her.
	“The Necromancer is an option”, Klepper said. “Myk, you and Rahb should go to him to see if he can help.” He turned to Deanna. “The Inquisitor of the Hammerite Order could be helpful. He is familiar with some magic. Deanna, you and Sonya can sneak into the Hammerite temple near Town Square and find him.” They all nodded their heads. These were the only options that they seemed to have.
	“And what are you going to do?”, Myk asked Klepper.
	“I shall seek more information and assistance from certain correspondents of mine.” He looked up again at the sky. It was slightly darker than before, indicating that the sun was setting above the thick cover of clouds. “Time is running out”, he said. “We must get to work now.” They split up to go on their missions.

“Builder guide us with thy will.
We stand by thy side
And raise our Hammers with thy own
To protect our Holy Place from our enemies…”

	The High Priest was leading the group in a prayer to the Master Builder. They were still at the command post and the sounds of the battle could still be faintly heard.
	Malcolm lifted his head up to study the faces of the others. Private Connor had his eyes closed and was very dedicated to the prayer. Malcolm admired him for his loyalty at his very young age. He could be a respected leader one day. Malcolm realized that Connor reminded him of himself, the way he was thirty years ago.
	The captain and the rest of the acolytes in the group had their heads bowed as the High Priest led the prayer. Suddenly, the sound of the battle grew louder. Moments later, several battle-scarred soldiers rushed around the corner. “Take cover!”, one shouted.
	The general appeared behind them. “Prepare for defense. My Lord, we couldn’t hold them!” The High Priest quickly concluded the prayer and the acolytes readied themselves for battle. A group of more exhausted troops arrived at the command post, still battling with apemen while in their retreat. The soldiers ready at the command post, including private Connor, charged at the pagans as more of them appeared from around the corner.
	Malcolm stood with the High Priest, watching the fighting ensue. He suddenly felt a great need to help the Hammerite soldiers. Malcolm went over to the body of a dead acolyte and picked up his sledgehammer. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was the captain.
	“Brother Malcolm, your safety is at risk. Please come away from the battle.”
	“Captain, it is my duty as a Hammerite to fight for our cathedral and for our very lives. You should pick up a sledgehammer too.” With that, he left the captain and jumped into the fray.
	More Pagans were entering the room and the battle intensified. Malcolm swung his sledgehammer and struck an apeman in the shoulder, knocking him down. Another apeman moved to attack him, but private Connor rushed up and stabbed him before he got to Malcolm. 
	Dead and injured bodies were adding up on both sides. The Pagans were still outnumbering the Hammerites. Malcolm noticed a large group of them converging near a large machine. Behind them were three fuel barrels. Malcolm rushed over to the weapons cache in the middle of the command post. He grabbed an explosive mine, set it and threw it toward the barrels.
	The group of Pagans was preparing to overtake a group of Hammerites. They stopped when they saw the mine drop near them. They grunted and cried out. The mine exploded, destroying the barrels and creating a big explosion. The group of pagans were either blown to bits, set on fire, or blown across the room. None of them survived.
	The rest of the battle continued as the explosion continued. The general, who had also picked up a sledgehammer, was about to be attacked by an apeman. Suddenly, one of the apeman bodies from the explosion was blown across the room and landed on the apeman. The General finished him off while he was down.
	The Hammerites began to utilize the mines, following Malcolm’s example. The room began to fill with explosions. Unfortunately, some of the explosions accidentally killed some acolytes. The Pagans began to catch on and they stole some mines to use. One a high catwalk, a mine blew up, sending pagans and acolytes flying off of it, and falling to the ground below.
	Screams filled the room and the battle became bloodier than before. Malcolm was feeling tired and so were the other Hammerites. More pagans were entering the room. The general called to him, “Brother Malcolm, we must retreat again. We can’t hold them here!”
	“We’re running out of rooms to hide in, general.”
	“We need to regroup again!”
	Malcolm thought quickly. “Give the order to retreat!” The general gave the order and the Hammerite soldiers began to retreat as they held off pagan attacks. Suddenly they were overcome by a large amount of pagans, who then began to chase after Malcolm and the High Priest. The general, the captain, Malcolm, the High Priest, private Connor and a few other soldiers ran as fast as they could. The Pagans were on their tails.
	Down a long hallway they ran, until finally coming to a doorway. Malcolm and the High Priest were pushed into this new room. As the others tried to enter, apemen approached and attacked. Private Connor and the other soldiers defended while the captain and general entered the room. One of the soldiers died and another was wounded. They were able to stop the pagans, slip in the door and close it. The door was made of steel, with strong bolts and locks. They sealed the door and breathed a sigh of relief.
	Malcolm looked to see who was wounded. He was overcome with grief when he saw who it was. Young private Connor lay on the ground with his hand on his stomach, blood rushing out. “He was stabbed by a pagan”, the general explained.
	Malcolm kneeled down beside Connor. “Brother Malcolm”, Connor said, “I did my best to save us.”
	“I am proud of thee. The Master Builder is proud of thee.”
	Private Connor smiled, despite the pain he was in. “Thank you”, he whispered. He then silently passed away.
	“The Master Builder will reward thee”, Malcolm said quietly. He was emotionally touched with sorrow. The rest of the people in the room were silent. They watched Malcolm as he slowly stood up.
	He breathed deeply and looked away from the body of the young private. He looked around the room. They were in the front chapel of the cathedral, the room furthest to the front of the massive building. Malcolm set his eyes on the double doors at the other end of the room. Doors that he had used so many times to enter and exit the cathedral.
	He slowly walked the length of the room to those doors. Malcolm stopped and studied the doors. The rest of the people in the room continued to silently watch him. He wanted to open the doors. He knew what he would see, but he wanted to do it anyway.
	Malcolm grabbed the latch and swung the large doors open. Just as he expected, a wall of thick, stiff, vines blocked the way. They were the only things that separated them from the outside world. Malcolm turned to face the other people.
	“We have no other places to retreat to in case of emergency”, the general said. He was somewhat angry.
	“The steel door should hold for sometime. Hopefully long enough. We can still be saved.” Malcolm was optimistic. He had faith in Klepper and the others.
	At that moment the lights went out. The group was plunged into darkness. “The Pagans shut off power”, the High Priest said. “We have no light or heat, now.”
	“If we have the necessary materials, then we can build a fire to provide light and warmth”, the captain suggested.
	“We have burnable materials”, Malcolm said, “and we can obtain a spark to light them from one of the machines.”
	“Very well”, the High Priest said. They went about putting together a campfire in the middle of the room.

	It was now after nightfall, although the sky didn’t look much different from earlier due to the thick cover of clouds. The dark, cloudy sky hung over the equally dark city. Myk and Rahb walked the length of an apartment building roof. They were in Dayport.
	They reached the edge of the roof and looked over the side. The Necromancer’s Spire was just below. Myk swung his legs over the side of the roof and dropped down to the roof of the spire. He struggled a little to gain his footing on the slanted roof. Rahb watched him from above.
	Myk crawled to the edge of the roof and looked down. A window was just below him. We crawled back up the slanted roof to where a spike protruded out at the peak of the roof. He tied the end of a rope arrow around the spike and let the rest of the rope hang over the side in front of the window. Myk signaled to Rahb to follow.
	While Rahb hopped down to the Necromancer’s roof, Myk climbed down the rope and into the window. Rahb followed. They entered a room with a bonfire, tables, and an elevator going down. No sign of the Necromancer.
	They followed the elevator down into a room with shelves of books. The elevator wouldn’t go any lower. Myk looked around the room while Rahb investigated the books. Suddenly, Rahb pulled on a white book and a clicking sound could be heard below them. A new switch was visible at the elevator. They rode it down.
	In the next room they saw an unsettling sight. Lying on a bed was a skeleton. In its hand was a note. Myk took the short note and read it. “This was the Necromancer”, he said. He and Rahb exchanged disappointed looks.

	Sonya followed Deanna across the roof of the Hammerite Temple. They needed to find the Inquisitor and get information from him as quickly as possible. Deanna looked over the edge of the roof into the courtyard. There were no guards in sight. The place seemed deserted.
	Deanna jumped down to the ground in a shadowy corner of the courtyard. Sonya followed her down and they entered the building. “We must find the Inquisitor’s quarters”, Deanna said.
	“I’ve been in here before”, Sonya replied. “Follow me.” She led Deanna down a hallway toward the Inquisitor’s quarters.

	The Acolytes lit the fire and the surviving Hammerites were presented with light and heat from their new campfire. “Gather around”, the High Priest said. Everyone gathered around the fire. Conversation began. But even as everyone shared their comments and feelings, Malcolm could hear the sound of the Pagans scraping at the door, trying to find a way to break the barricade that the Hammerites had made.

	Sonya and Deanna continued on their way through the Hammerite temple. They had not seen or heard any activity yet. Something was not right. Furniture and tapestries were destroyed.
	They entered the Inquisitor’s quarters with weapons raised. On the floor, in a pool of blood, was the dead Inquisitor. They both stared for a few moments. “The Pagans”, Deanna finally whispered after the long pause.

	“…And you must all continue to look to the Master Builder for support and strength in this crisis we find ourselves in.” The High Priest concluded his words of encouragement to the group. He looked across the fire to Malcolm. “Brother Malcolm, dost thou have any words of encouragement for us here tonight?”
	Malcolm hesitated as he took a deep breath. “Yes, my Lord. I do. The Master Builder is watching over us always and we should look to him in these times of despair. But, also we must look inside ourselves for the power and the strength we need. The strength of our souls can give us the power to survive and defeat this enemy. Our will to live and save this city from destruction. It’s not just about this Order or us; it is about our race, our city, and our civilization. These Pagans want to destroy all of us. We can’t let that happen. I vow that I won’t.” Malcolm paused. All eyes were on him. He could still hear the Pagans on the other side of the door. “I was once a young acolyte like some of you.” He glanced at the High Priest. “We were all young acolytes at some point. Back then, I realized that we must fight for what is right. We must fight for our natural rights, not for power. And in doing that, we can prevail, and we will prevail.” The High Priest was still watching him. Malcolm knew that while the High Priest agreed with the motivation of the speech, he didn’t agree with Malcolm’s belief in not striving for power over others.
	With that speech however, the group was determined to survive against the Pagans. “But, Brother Malcolm”, a young acolyte said, “what if we can’t escape here?”
	“Well”, Malcolm said, “all we can do is wait, and have faith that our friends outside can break this seal.” The group was silent and the only sounds were the Pagans scraping and the fire cracking. Malcolm looked into the fire and maintained his faith in his friends.

Day 9

	It was now early in the morning. Although the sky was still covered by the thick clouds, it was becoming slightly luminescent, indicating that the sun was beginning to rise. Myk and Rahb were on their way back to the cathedral. Neither had spoken for a while.
	Rahb looked up at Myk. “What do you suppose we do now?”, Rahb asked him.
	Myk was silent for a few more seconds before he spoke. “I don’t know. Let’s hope that Deanna got information from the Inquisitor or Klepper found something.”
	They approached the cathedral, which was still sealed tight by the Pagan vines. There were still plenty of people gathered around. Myk saw Deanna and Sonya as they approached them.
	“By reading the expression on your face I guess that you were unsuccessful”, Deanna said. Myk nodded his head. “The same with us”, Deanna reported.
	“Have you seen Klepper?”, Myk asked.
	“No”, Deanna responded. They looked back at the cathedral while their minds searched for solutions. This was all they could do while they waited for Klepper to return.

	The fire continued to burn and spark brightly. Malcolm was sitting up, quietly watching it. He was the only one awake. The group had agreed to take sleep shifts but he had let the last shift fall asleep an hour ago and he didn’t want to wake the next ones. Malcolm couldn’t sleep; he had too many thoughts going through his head. He hadn’t gotten sleep for a while, but wasn’t very tired. The others were nervous but, eventually, their fatigue had caught up with them. Malcolm wanted them to sleep.
	Several hours had passed since the fire was built, and Malcolm knew that the morning sun had to be rising now. He again wondered what his friends were doing. He knew they hadn’t forgot about him. 
	After several hours, the fire was still strong. It was their only source of heat. The scraping at the door had ceased more than an hour ago. Have the Pagans given up?, Malcolm wondered. He wouldn’t jump to conclusions. He proceeded to silently pray again.

	Klepper approached the cathedral. Sonya was the first to see him and she told the others. “Have you accomplished anything?”, Deanna asked him as he walked up to them.
	“I have found no solutions to the current problem”, Klepper responded.
	“Neither have we. The Inquisitor was dead, probably killed by the Pagans.”
	“And the Necromancer has been dead for an even longer time”, Myk explained.
	“That place was creepy”, Rahb said. “He had a bonfire, old books with spells, trap doors, decaying human heads, and the floor of his sleeping quarters was made of cold steel. It was loud when you walk on it.”
	Klepper’s eyes suddenly widened with a realization. Myk was the only one to notice and he took a step towards him with an inquiring look on his face.
	“Cold steel. Cold forged steel!” Klepper grabbed Rahb by the shoulders. “That’s the answer! Your knowledge is supreme.” Rahb had a confused expression his face.
	Klepper released Rahb and explained, “Cold forged steel has been known to counteract pagan spells and has been rumored to be able to defeat the worst of Pagans. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this earlier.”
	“Where do we get it then?”, Myk asked.
	Klepper glanced at him, then back at the others. “Deanna and Sonya, stay here. Myk and Rahb, come with me. We’re going to get cold forged steel.” Klepper began walking away quickly with Myk and Rahb following. “Do either of you know a good supply shop”, Klepper asked.
	“Yes”, Myk answered. “I know a place we can go to.”

	Half an hour later they were standing in Dante’s equipment and supply shop. Dante was a short and stocky man. He was bald and wore an eye patch.
	“Myk, nice to see ya again.”
	“How are you doing, Dante? Glad to see you still open, even in this confusion.” Myk pointed out the window at the sky.
	“Ah. I think it’s just crazy weather. It’ll probably pass.”
	Despite Dante’s naivety, Myk quickly got to the point, “We need some Cold Forged Steel. Now.”
	Dante’s eye widened. “Ah. You fellows follow me.” He closed and locked the front door, put up the “Closed” sign, pulled down the window shade, and walked to the back wall. Opening a small section of the wall, no larger than his hand, he turned to them, “I keep my more valuable and magical items in the back.” He stuck his hand in the opening and flipped a switch. A secret door in the wall opened and Dante led them back into a secret room filled with items.
	“Here”, Dante said as he picked up a piece of metal shaped like a dagger. “This is made of Cold Forged Steel, made specially by my correspondent. The magical properties it possesses are unique.”
	Klepper took the item and closely examined it. “This is what we need”, he said.
	“Excellent”, Dante said. “That will cost you 950.” Klepper looked at Dante, then at Myk.
	“Uh, Dante, we don’t have any money right now. I’ll come back to pay you soon. We’re in a hurry now.”
	“No, no”, Dante exclaimed. “You pay me now or no sale.”
	Myk and Rahb exchanged glances. Then Rahb suddenly jumped the storeowner, holding him down. Myk leaned over towards Dante, “Now listen Dante, I’ll get to paying you later. We have to hurry now because we need to save the City. I’m sure you’ll understand.” They tied up and gagged Dante and turned to leave. “We’ll lock up for you”, Myk called back to him. They left the store, Klepper holding the piece of cold forged steel under his cloak.

	Malcolm was suddenly startled by a loud bang at the barricaded door. The pagans were back. All of the sleeping Hammerites were woken by the noise. All eyes were on the door. There was another bang and the door moved slightly
	“The door’s starting to give in”, one of the acolytes exclaimed.
	“Make haste and thrust you bodies to hold up the door”, the High Priest ordered. The acolytes rushed to the door and pushed against it. Malcolm, the general, and the captain also helped. The High Priest walked up to them all to give encouragement. The pagans could be heard making sounds on the other side of the door.
	There was another bang against the door and the steel latches were broken. Some of the Hammerites gasped. Before a word could be spoken, there was another loud bang, which sent the door swinging open. The Hammerites that were holding the door were all thrown back, including Malcolm. This left the High Priest standing alone in front of the door.
	Three apemen stood in the doorway. They laughed and reached out for the High Priest. He was paralyzed where he stood and let out a terrified scream as they easily grabbed him and pulled him out of the room. The steel door closed behind him.
	“They took the High Priest”, a shocked acolyte said. They could hear the screams from their leader, as he was being attacked and killed.
	Malcolm realized that he was the senior man there now, and he took the initiative. “There’s no time to grieve. The pagans will be coming back. Let’s hold the door.” The group sprung back up to hold the door again.

	Sonya and Deanna waited together in the large crowd outside the cathedral.
	Deanna was talking, “Hang on in there Jack, we’re going to get you out.”
	“How can we be sure Master Malcolm is still alive?”, Sonya asked her.
	“You have to be optimistic, Sonya”, she replied. At that, she saw Klepper, Rahb, and Myk running towards the cathedral front gates. Klepper held the cold forged steel in his hand. Deanna helped in clearing a path through the crowd so Klepper could get to the gate.
	“I can break the vine seal! Let me through!”, Klepper implored the Hammerite guard at the gate controls. The guard was hesitant. Myk, realizing that there wasn’t any time to waste, climbed the gate and jumped over the other side.
	“Let him through”, Myk commanded as he drew out his sword. The young acolyte didn’t want a conflict so he flipped the switch and the gates opened.
	Klepper rushed through, followed by the others. He ran up to the wall of vines, holding the piece of steel above his head. He thrust it through the thick vines in front of him. It cut cleanly. A magical chain effect occurred as each vine in the seal began to glow, and then disintegrate. Everyone in the crowd watched as the entire vine seal surrounding the cathedral disintegrated and the thick clouds disappeared. The crowd began to cheer.

	Malcolm pushed all of his weight into the door. Suddenly, there was bright light coming into the room. He looked across the room to the double doors that he had opened last night. The vines were gone. He could see the outside world. There were figures standing in the doorway.
	“Malcolm!” It was Klepper’s voice. 
Malcolm turned to his fellow Hammerites. “Run!” They released the door and sprinted toward the sunlight. Behind them, the pagans burst through the door and began to give chase. Malcolm used all the speed he could get as he ran towards the other end of the large room. The pagans continued to give chase. They caught two slow acolytes and impaled them before continuing their pursuit.
Malcolm reached the doorway and stumbled out into the light. The other survivors followed him out. A large group of Hammerite soldiers were waiting outside. The Pagans inside stopped when they saw the large number of Hammerites and retreated.
“Jack!” Myk, Klepper, and the others were glad to see Malcolm alive.
“I knew you’d find a way to break this seal”, Malcolm said to them smiling. “I knew it.”
The general approached him. “Those pagans gave up easily, Brother Malcolm.”
“That’s because they knew they wouldn’t be able to complete their mission, which was to eliminate me. General, assemble the Army to retake our cathedral, and have the captain warn Brother Mathis of the pagan threat in the City.”
“Yes, Brother Malcolm.”
Malcolm breathed deeply and looked up at the sky. The sun was directly above, indicating it was around noon. “Friends”, he said looking at Klepper and the others, “lets find that portal and stop Viktoria.”

	“I have a few ideas of where we can begin searching for the portal.” Keeper Klepper stood in front of the group. They were in Malcolm’s dining room, sitting around the table. “Although any information as to its location is sketchy at this time, I have spoken with contacts of mine and gotten some ideas for possible places where the portal might be.” Klepper gestured towards a large map of the City, which was lying on the table in front of them. The map belonged to Malcolm.
	“An abandoned warehouse here in the Downtown area”, Klepper said pointing to a place on the map. “I have heard reports of pagan activity here. Myk and Sonya, the two of you should check it out.” Klepper moved his finger to point at another area.
	“The sewer system of New Market”, Klepper continued. “This is where the remains of agent Tyrella were found. Deanna should investigate down there.” Deanna nodded.
	“There are several abandoned buildings in Eastport”, Klepper said, pointing to another area of the map. “I would like Rahb to search there.”
	Klepper took his hand away from the map. “As for me, I will investigate any other human-vacated areas, such as cemeteries. We need someone whom we can easily locate and inform if we find anything, so Master Malcolm will remain here.” Klepper made eye contact with everyone. “Does everyone understand their missions?” They all nodded and answered in the affirmative. “Very well”, Klepper concluded, “let’s get moving.”
	Malcolm bid the others good luck as they exited the mansion and split up. As they departed, Deanna noticed something peculiar. Rahb was heading in a different direction from that which Klepper assigned him. She hesitated as he moved away in the shadows, curious as to what he was thinking. Deanna decided to track him, to see where he was going.

	“Careful”, Myk cautioned as he helped Sonya climb up a fire escape. They were at the abandoned warehouse. Myk tried to open one of the windows, but it was locked. He swung his elbow through the window and it shattered. “Easy enough”, he said while clearing away the sharp shards of glass that remained.
	He climbed in first and looked around. It was dark, only the moon providing just enough light for him to see. The building was made entirely of wood. Sonya followed him in through the window. They were standing on a platform, where they could observe the whole room.
	“This was a furniture warehouse”, Myk said. The room was filled with old wooden furniture, some of which were unfinished. Dust and cobwebs covered most of the objects. Myk climbed down a ladder to the floor and began to search around.
	“Doesn’t look like there’s a portal in here, Myk”, Sonya said. 
	“It doesn’t look like there’s been any kind of activity in here for a long time”, he responded. They were in the middle of the floor, next to a pile of unfinished chairs, which were covered in dust. Suddenly, Myk noticed something. A shadow near the wall moved. He stopped and grabbed Sonya’s arm. She paused.
	As Myk stared at the shadow he saw other shadows moving along the walls. He looked all around him and saw moving shadows coming closer. Sonya gasped as she realized what was happening. They could hear chuckling.
	Suddenly, a burning light filled the room. “Myk. Master thief!”, a female voice said.
	Myk and Sonya spun around to see who spoke. A beautiful woman stood facing them, surrounded by apemen, some holding lit torches. “Do you know who I am?”, the woman said, glaring into Myk’s eyes.
	“Viktoria”, he said, glaring back at her.
	Viktoria laughed. “My appearance didn’t fool you. I decided that it was time for us to meet since you’re so determined to disrupt my plans, like the rest of your friends.” She smiled and stepped closer. “But, your not going to succeed, Myk. After I kill you and your girlfriend here, I’ll return to the Maw of Chaos and conduct my ritual, and the Woodsie Lord and I shall rule over the earth for eternity. And there’s nothing your other friends can do about it.” She laughed again.
	“You’re wrong, Viktoria. Even if you kill us, our friends will stop you.”
	Viktoria began to change form. Her eyes glowed yellow and her skin began to turn to bark. Her clothes ripped off as vines grew from her body. “The time for us to perform the ritual is so close that your friends would never make it in time to stop us. All we need is a human sacrifice before we can begin. And we are very close to obtaining a young, strong human. The Woodsie Lord will be restored his life.” She laughed again. “Seize them and tie them up.”
	At Viktoria’s command, the apemen swarmed over Myk and Sonya, tying their hands and feet to a wooden post. “And now”, Viktoria said, “We will leave you to die. Set fire to this building.” The apemen used the torches to light the building on fire. They left, chuckling loudly. Myk and Sonya were by themselves again, tied up while the building was burning around them.

	Deanna silently moved along the dark edge of a building, keeping out of sight. She could see Rahb easily as he moved along ahead of her. He was now tracking someone as well. Deanna had an idea of who it was.
	Deanna caught a glimpse of the man Rahb was following. It was Alistar. He was some fifty yards ahead of her, but even from that distance she could tell it was him. She focused on Rahb, who still had no idea she was following him. He was being careful not to be seen by Alistar.
	Where is Alistar leading us?, Deanna wondered.

	“Myk, I can’t move in these ropes. I’m frightened.”
	“I’m trying to get loose”, Myk responded. He flailed his hands and wiggled. He couldn’t get loose. The fire and smoke were becoming very intense.
	Suddenly, a skylight window broke and a dark figure dropped into the room. It turned toward them and approached them.
	“Klepper!”
	“Hold still”, Klepper said as he cut the ropes with a knife. He freed Myk and Sonya.
	“How did you know we were in trouble”, Myk asked.
	“No time to talk. We must hurry.” He guided them between the flames to a window. They broke the window and climbed out just before a burning wooden beam fell and blocked the window.
	Out on the street, they stopped to catch their breaths. Myk turned to Klepper. “Thank you. We owe you our lives”, Myk said, shaking his hand. No sooner after Myk showed his appreciation, they heard yelling.
	The apemen were still standing outside the burning building and had just spotted them. The apemen pointed, yelled, and began to charge at them.
	“Run!”, Klepper shouted. He grabbed Sonya and Myk’s arms as they ran down the street, away from the apemen. “There”, Klepper said, pointing ahead of them, “a wagon!” A wagon with two horses sat in the street ahead. They ran to the wagon to make a quick getaway.
	“Get in.” Myk boosted Sonya into the wagon and climbed in himself. Klepper climbed in and grabbed the reins. He tried to get the horses moving, but they were stubborn. Myk and Sonya faced the approaching apemen and took out their bows. They began firing arrows at the pagans. The arrows scored some direct hits, striking the apemen in their necks. Another was hit in the chest and fell dead.
	Despite the arrows being shot. The surviving pagans continued to approach. Klepper continued to be unsuccessful with the horses. An apeman was hit in the leg with an arrow, and he fell down shrieking in pain.
	Klepper turned around to face the rear of the wagon, where the battle was. The surviving pagans were almost upon them. Myk’s back was turned to Klepper, as he fired arrows. Klepper grabbed two arrows out of Myk’s quill and turned to face the horses. With an arrow in each hand, he pricked both horses in their rear ends. The horses gave little shrieks and began moving.
	The sudden movement of the wagon caused Myk and Sonya to lose their balance and fall to the floor of the wagon. Klepper, now holding the reins again, turned to face the rear. Three apemen dived and grabbed onto the back of the wagon.  “Kill the three manflesh”, one of them said.
	Sonya screamed as the three apemen, swords in hand, jumped into the wagon. Klepper grabbed Sonya and pulled her forward. “Take the reins and give me your sword”, he said. She quickly complied.
	Myk was grappling with one of the pagans as Klepper engaged the other two. Klepper overpowered one and threw him over the side of the moving wagon. The pagan grabbed onto the side of the wagon as his feet dragged on the ground. The other pagan swung his sword and Klepper blocked the attack.
	The wagon was moving very fast. Sonya was struggling to control the horses. Myk and his opponent got to their feet and began swinging swords. The pagan kicked Myk and he fell backward, landing next to Sonya. As he struggled back to his feet, the apeman lunged at him. Myk dropped his sword in the wagon and toppled over the front of the wagon. Sonya screamed in shock, but Myk grabbed onto the front edge of the wagon, just behind the horses. The pagan swung his sword at Myk. Myk ducked and the sword cut through the reins. Sonya had no control over the horses now.
	“Pick up my sword”, Myk yelled. Sonya picked up the sword and began to fight the pagan. Myk couldn’t climb back onto the front of the wagon from the position he was in. He got an idea. He held on with one hand while he pulled out a rope arrow and jammed it into the front of the wagon. The rope unraveled, trailing underneath the wagon. Myk breathed deeply and began to move down the rope, hand under hand. He was going underneath the wagon.
	Klepper struggled with his pagan opponent. Their swords locked and the pagan snarled at him. The third apeman was still hanging on the side of the wagon, but slowly climbing up.
	Sonya’s opponent overpowered her and she fell backwards onto Klepper’s heels. He tripped as well. The third apeman climbed back up into the wagon. The three pagans laughed as they looked down at Klepper and Sonya. 
	Myk, being dragged on the ground, was still going hand under hand down the rope and emerged in the back from underneath the wagon. He grabbed onto the rear of the moving wagon.
	The three apemen raised their swords above their heads; ready to deal blows to the fallen Klepper and Sonya. Suddenly, Myk climbed up from the rear of the wagon. He grabbed the heads of two of the pagans and slammed them together. They fell down, slightly dazed. The third pagan growled at Myk and began grappling with him as Klepper and Sonya were getting back to their feet.
	The crazed horses led the wagon toward the west gate of the City. Two Hammer guards were posted there. They saw the wagon approaching quickly and dived out of the way. They watched as the wagon rushed out of the gate and away from the City. The two guards scratched their heads. “Didst thee see a Pagan in that wagon, Brother?”
	“I saw three. And some men, too.” The guards just stood and watched as the wagon moved away at a fast pace.
	Klepper looked ahead of the wagon. They were heading toward the western mountain range. The road would curve around the hills and cliffs of the mountains. At the speed they were going, that would be dangerous.
	Myk was grappling with the pagan. It kicked him in the ribs. Myk grunted and struck back. He punched it in the face twice, then sent his elbow into its chest. The pagan gasped for breath. With all his might, Myk struck it in the forehead and the pagan flew backwards off the wagon and to the ground.
	The remaining two apemen attacked Klepper and Sonya. Sonya blocked an attack with Myk’s sword and fought back. The wagon hit a stone in the road and shook violently. Sonya lost her balance and began to fall sideways off the wagon. Myk leaned over and grabbed her arm. He held her over the side of the wagon, trying to pull her up. He took his sword as the apeman attacked. With one hand available, Myk defended himself.
	Klepper was grappling with his opponent. He kicked the pagan and knocked him down. Klepper then went after the other apeman, grabbing him around the neck and throwing him to the floor of the wagon. He leaned over to help pull up Sonya.
	The wagon was now going up into the mountains. The road was starting to get curvy and they were starting to pass by cliffs. The horses stayed with the road.
	Myk and Klepper pulled Sonya back into the wagon. Behind their backs, she saw the two apemen getting up and preparing to attack them. “Look out!”, she screamed. Myk was Klepper swung their arms back and struck both of the apemen, sending them falling back down to the floor.
	One of the pagans quickly began to get back up. Myk went at him and they slammed against the front edge of the wagon. The apeman swung his sword. Myk dodged it, and the sword swung through and broke the wooden brace that connects the wagon to the horses. The horses were disconnected from the wagon.
	As the horses followed a curve the road, the wagon continued to go straight. Myk and Klepper looked ahead. Despite the darkness of the night, they could see a cliff ahead. They gasped.
	“Quick! Jump out.” Myk made Sonya jump out of the wagon, onto the ground. The wagon continued to approach the edge of the cliff. The two pagans grabbed onto Myk and Klepper, who fought back. Sonya gasped as she lay on the ground watching the wagon approaching the cliff.
	Klepper stepped hard on the apeman’s foot. The apeman shrieked and let go of him. Myk punched the other apeman repeatedly in the face until it released him and stumbled backward. As Myk looked ahead, he saw the cliff edge just upon them. “Come on”, Klepper grabbed his shoulder. They ran to the rear of the wagon and jumped off, not a moment too soon before the wagon rolled off the edge of the cliff.
	The pagans screamed in terror as they fell down the canyon in the wagon. Myk lie on the ground next to the cliff. His body was aching. Sonya rushed over to him with concern. She threw her arms around him, glad that he was still alive.
	Klepper walked over to him, with his hand outstretched. “Are you alright?”, he asked.
	Myk nodded his head. “I’m fine.”
	Klepper helped him up. “You’re a tough fighter, Myk. I knew you were strong.” He patted Myk on the shoulder. “Come. We must get back to the City.”

	Deanna watched as Rahb rounded the corner of a building ahead. It was getting late at night and they were now in a quiet section of the City. Rahb was still tracking Alistar and she wondered how much longer it would be until they got to his destination.
	As she rounded the corner, a bright object ahead blinded her vision momentarily. As she focused her eyes, she saw what it was. 
	The portal leading into the Maw of Chaos swirled at the end of an ally. It lit the area up. No one ever wanders around this area, Deanna realized. So nobody has seen it until now. 
Rahb was hiding in a building alcove as Alistar approached the portal. As he was about to enter the portal, Rahb moved out of his hiding place to follow. Suddenly, Alistar spun around, laughing wickedly. A dozen pagans poured out of the portal and seized Rahb.
“I knew you were following me the whole time, you foolish thief”, Alistar laughed again. “Let’s take him to Viktoria. He will be an excellent sacrifice.”
Deanna watched in horror as they dragged Rahb into the portal. Then they were all gone. They hadn’t seen her. She turned and ran, heading back to Malcolm to tell him the news.

	Malcolm paced back and forth in his dining room. This was all he had been able to do since his friends had left. He was both very nervous and very anxious. He stopped and looked at the map where Klepper had marked off the spots for each mission. Malcolm prayed that everyone was safe.
	“Jack!” It was Myk’s voice. Malcolm spun around and saw Myk, Sonya, and Klepper standing before him, dirty and bruised.
	“What happened?”, Malcolm asked.
	“We had a little altercation with some angry pagans”, Myk explained. “Have you heard from Deanna or Rahb?”
	“No. Did any of you find anything?”
	“The portal was not present at any of our assigned locations”, Klepper responded. He walked to the map. “I must find more places for us to search.”
	Suddenly, Deanna stumbled into the room, out of breath. She fell into the nearest seat and tried to speak as she caught her breath.
	Malcolm kneeled next to her. “Calm down. Catch your breath.” Everyone’s attention was on her now. She took a few moments and began to speak.
	“The portal…” She paused. “I found the portal.” There were a few cheers from the others. “But Rahb…”, she started again. “They got Rahb.” The room grew silent again.
	“They got Rahb?”, Malcolm repeated.
	“The pagans captured him. They dragged him into the portal.”
	“They’re going to use him as the sacrifice”, Klepper said. “He’s young and strong. They’ll kill him and use his energy to restore life to the Trickster.”
	Malcolm turned his head and looked at Klepper. “We must hurry to the portal now. Time is very short.”
	Klepper nodded his head. “Indeed.”
	“Have you spoken to any of your contacts, Klepper?”, Malcolm asked.  “We can use any help we can get.”
“Earlier today, I sent a letter to a former correspondent of mine, Garrett. In the letter, I explained our situation and asked for his assistance. I have not gotten a response from him, so I assume he is uninterested.”
“Garrett? The Master Thief?” Myk was in disbelief. “You know him?”
“We are former…associates.” Klepper chose the word carefully.
“There is no time to worry about this now”, Malcolm interrupted. “We must hurry.”
“I’ll lead you to the portal”, Deanna said. She wasn’t too exhausted and was able to stand up on her own. With haste the five of them rushed out of the room, on their way to the portal.

	Rahb grunted. He was tied to a short stone pillar in a strange, large chamber. He looked around. The walls were made of stone, rock and dirt. There was a large, seven-pointed star imprinted in the floor of the chamber. He was tied up near the center of it. A few feet away from him was a stone table, on which lay the corpse of the Trickster.
	Rahb heard a laugh and turned his head to see who it was. A woman walked toward him, followed by Alistar.
	“You have done well, Alistar”, the woman said. Alistar was giving Rahb an evil smile. “Welcome to the Maw of Chaos, Rahb”, the woman said to him. “You have been brought here for our use.” Alistar laughed.
	“You must be Viktoria”, Rahb said. She smiled; an evil smile. “My friends know what you’re planning.”
	“I know. That’s why I’m having them killed.”
	“You’re lying”, Rahb replied. “They’re still alive and they’re going to stop you’re evil plans.”
	“Do you really believe that to be so, Rahb?”, she said stepping closer to him. “Do you really believe that I would let that happen?” She got real close to him, her face only inches away from his. She was very beautiful, but very evil. He could feel her breath. She felt his cheek. “So young and so strong”, she said. “You’ll make an excellent sacrifice to restore youth, life and strength back into the Woodsie Lord.” She backed away from him. “We will begin the ritual shortly.” She walked out of the chamber.
	Alistar stepped up to him. He was feeling the scar on his cheek. The scar that Rahb had given him. “You wanted revenge so badly, didn’t ya?” He laughed. “Well, you didn’t get it. I win.” He walked away, laughing. Rahb was again left alone.

	Strange sounds echoed through the Maw of Chaos. Light of different colors emanated from deep within its tunnels and chambers. Deanna and Malcolm emerged from the portal, followed by Myk and Sonya, and then Klepper.
	“We should split up”, Malcolm suggested. “Myk and I will form one group.”
	“Yes”, Klepper agreed. “Sonya will be with me.”
	“I’ll go on my own”, Deanna said. “I’ll be alright.” Malcolm knew her well enough that she would be fine on her own. He nodded approval.
	“Very well”, Malcolm said. “We need to find Viktoria and Rahb and disrupt the ritual of revival. Good luck, everyone.” They parted, each group taking a different path.
	Malcolm and Myk proceeded down a tunnel that glowed red. The walls were made of rock and the path curved to the right.
	“So, this same crisis almost occurred a few months ago?”, Myk asked. He was looking to make conversation.
	“A few months ago”, Malcolm began, “the Trickster and his pagans came into the City from the Maw and began to reek havoc on the Hammerites and citizens. He got possession of a magical gem called The Eye and captured Garrett, the Master Thief. With some assistance from the Keepers, Garrett escaped, and with help from the Hammerites and Keepers, he journeyed down here, to the Maw, and killed the Trickster.”
	“That’s an exciting tale. How did he kill him?”
	“The Hammerites gave Garrett a fake Eye. He switched it with the real one that the Trickster was using in his ritual. The resulting explosion killed the pagan god.”
	“Clever”, Myk commented.
	“Yes. It was. Viktoria was also involved, but she disappeared after the Tricksters death. She has returned now, with her evil plans. If she succeeds in reviving the Trickster, he will destroy humanity this time for sure.”
	Myk nodded his head. They walked a little while longer in silence. “How long have you been conducting that secret thief organization?” Myk was curious.
	“Well, I’d say a little over a year now.”
	“Is that what has given you your wealth?”
	“No”, Malcolm laughed. “I inherited most of my wealth. The organization is my way at striking back at the cons of society, the corruptness of society. Those wealthy lords, Ramirez, Bafford, they don’t deserve their wealth. They kill for it. My organization punishes them, by taking back some of the wealth that they don’t deserve. Then, I find my subtle ways of using it to help the lower class. Plus, with the organization, I am somewhat defying the corruption of the Order of the Hammer.”
	“In that case, the purpose of defying the corrupt Hammerites is more psychological for you”, Myk suggested.
	“You’re right. It is.”
	“Well, your pretty high up there in the Order. Why don’t you start voicing your opinion to try to change the Hammerites views in society. Make them less corrupt.”
	Malcolm looked at Myk for several seconds. He then looked ahead again. He thought about it a few seconds more and said, “You’re right, Myk. You’re right.” He didn’t say any more.
	They came to an open chamber. There was a ledge for them to walk on. Below the ledge, and filling the rest of the chamber below, was a large pool of lava. The lava bubbled and made noises. This was the source of the red glow. They followed the ledge and continued on.

	Sonya stayed close to Keeper Klepper as they moved down a strange tunnel. Blue and orange lights emanated from some spots in the walls.
	“This is a strange, frightening place”, Sonya said.
	“Don’t be afraid”, Klepper responded. “I’m here to protect you, but I trust you can defend yourself.” Malcolm had given Klepper a sword, bow and quill full of arrows.
	“How will we defeat Viktoria? It sounds like she’s really powerful”, Sonya asked.
	“One thing you should know is that all beings, no matter how powerful, always have some sort of weakness.” Sonya nodded as they continued down the path.

	Deanna stealthily made her way down a dark tunnel. She could hear pagan activity ahead of her and quietly moved ahead to see what they were doing.

	Rahb struggled against the ropes that restrained him. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to get free. Some pagans were entering the chamber, curiously looking to view the setup for the ritual. Rahb looked at the body of the Trickster, lying on the table in front of him. 
	Rahb prayed that his friends would find him and save him in time before Viktoria killed him. This was not the way he wanted to die.

Day 10
Early Morning

	Pagan voices came from a short distance down the tunnel. By instinct, Myk and Malcolm both crouched and leaned up against the walls of the tunnel. Myk was against the right wall and Malcolm was on the left. They slowly crawled further ahead.
	It was now into the early morning hours of the next day. Neither of them had slept in many hours, but their adrenaline kept their bodies going.
	Malcolm signaled to Myk to stop moving. They paused and listened to the Pagan conversation. They could see the shadow of one of the Pagans against the wall of the curving corridor. 
	Both men realized that the Pagans were probably guards. They began to think of ways to get past them. They had to think quickly; time was running out.

	Deanna observed a corridor intersection from the safety of a dark, shadowy alcove in the rock wall. There were four apemen guarding the intersection and others were passing through. Strange lights emanated from the walls in the intersection and there was no way to put them out. She would be seen trying to sneak through. With no other alternatives, Deanna was determined to fight her way through.
	She cleverly waited until there were no other pagans passing through. She aimed her bow and fired a broadhead. It struck the guard furthest from her in the neck. As he dropped, the next pagan screamed and went over to look. Deanna jumped out of her hiding place and ran up behind the nearest pagan. She stabbed him in the back with her sword.
	The other two apemen now noticed her and moved towards her together. Deanna prepared herself for the two on one confrontation. Both pagans swung their swords simultaneously from either side of her. She ducked as the swords clanged against each other above her head.
	Deanna threw her sword at one pagan while she tossed a flash bomb at the feet of the other. The sword impaled the first apeman, killing him, and the other was blinded. As she retrieved the sword, three more apemen came from one of the tunnels. They had heard the commotion.
	While the other pagan struggled to regain it’s sight, Deanna engaged the three incoming apemen. They happened to be running in single-file. With spinning motion, Deanna did a back-kick into the stomach of the first apeman. With a grunt, he fell backwards into the second, who, in turn, fell backwards into the last. They all fell over like dominoes.
	With a downward thrust, Deanna stabbed the first apeman in the stomach as he lie on the ground. She prepared to do the same to the next, but stopped when she heard the blinded pagan laugh. She turned. The apeman was no longer blinded. He was coming at her fast, swinging his sword. Deanna reacted quickly and ducked. The charging pagan’s sword swung above her head and stuck the other two pagans, who had just stood up. The momentum of the charging pagan sent his body stumbling over Deanna and she stood up, flipping him head-over-heels over her. He landed on the sword of one of the dead pagans and grunted as it went through his body.
	Deanna took a breath and a few moments rest as she looked over the intersection filled with dead bodies. Seven dead pagans on the ground. She took another few moments to figure out which corridor she wanted to take and then proceeded.

	Malcolm and Myk continued to wait in the darkness, listening to the pagans babble about nothing important. Suddenly, footsteps came from the other direction. Myk and Malcolm both looked towards the direction of the footsteps. They saw two approaching shadows on the wall. The two men shared glances. Then, Myk noticed the original two pagans were now approaching them, still occupied in conversation. Myk made Malcolm aware of it. They were being approached on both sides and the pagans would surely bump into them because the corridor was not wide enough.
	Myk motioned to Malcolm to confront the two talkers. Malcolm nodded and Myk then motioned that he would take the other two. With this plan worked out, they crawled away from each other, approaching each pair of apemen.
	Malcolm stopped and waited for the conversing apemen to get closer. Then he jumped at them. They were very surprised from suddenly seeing his figure in the dark tunnel. Malcolm knocked one of them over and locked swords with the other.
	Myk jumped out of his shadowy hiding spot with his foot preceding him. He kicked one pagan, knocking him down, and attacked the other. Their swords clanged a few times before Myk stabbed him in the stomach. Myk turned as the other apeman was getting up. Myk swung his sword and sliced across the pagans mid-section, killing him.
	Malcolm succeeded in stabbing the one pagan. The other had just regained its stance and jumped on top of Malcolm. Malcolm fell down as the pagan swung at him. Their swords locked. “You will die, manflesh”, the pagan snarled at him. Suddenly, an arrow embedded itself in the pagan’s neck and it let out a scream as it fell over dead.
	Malcolm looked over at Myk, who was approaching with his bow still raised. Myk held out his hand and helped Malcolm up.
	“I owe you one”, Malcolm said.
	“Don’t mention it”, Myk replied. “We’re getting closer. Let’s go.”

	“Quiet”, Klepper warned as he and Sonya caught sight of a pair of guards ahead. The guards were standing at a three-way intersection. Klepper and Sonya crouched down to think of a way to get past them.
	“I’m going to attack them”, Sonya said, crawling forward a little bit.
	“That would be unwise”, Klepper advised. “If we attack, we should attack together.”
	“I can take them”, Sonya insisted. Klepper studied her. She seemed determined. He admired her greatly, more than the others. He did not know why.
	“Sonya, don’t take the chance”, he warned again. She continued to move forward. Klepper started to move to catch up to her, but she jumped up and attacked the pair of guards.
	She swung her sword furiously at the first apeman. He stepped back, struggling to defend her attacks. She pushed him and he stumbled backward. Klepper was impressed as he watched.
	The other pagan swung at her. She dodged the attack and stabbed him in the gut. She turned and began fighting the other as two more apemen approached from one of the tunnels. Klepper decided it was time to join the fray.
	He ran into the battle with his sword drawn. He swung at one of the approaching pagans, slicing off the arm that held the sword. The defenseless pagan screamed as Klepper finished him off.
	The second approaching pagan went after Sonya. She was double-teamed as she defended herself against his attack. The pagan pushed her down. Klepper engaged him and stabbed him in the side of his abdomen.
	Klepper turned and gasped as he saw Sonya on the ground a few yards away from him. She had dropped her sword and the original pagan was about to finish her off. 
	“Sonya!” Klepper screamed.
	Suddenly, an arrow flew from a dark shadow and struck the pagan in the neck. The pagan fell to the ground, dead. Sonya sat up as Klepper walked to her. They paused as a dark figure, the one that shot the arrow, emerged from the shadow. Klepper and Sonya both looked to see who it was.
	The figure stopped in front of them. Its face became visible in the light. Klepper was relieved to see who it was. Sonya looked up at the individual’s face. She took note of his odd-looking eye. It made a whirring sound as it zoomed in.
	“Garrett!” Klepper was glad to see him.
	“You should be more careful down here, Klepper. These pagans are vicious.” Garrett’s face was expressionless. Sonya stared at him as Klepper helped her up. She was somewhat intimidated by Garrett. He stood with an authoritative posture. She shied away from him as the three of them began to walk further down the corridor.
	“I thought you didn’t care to help us, Garrett. I didn’t get any response from you about my letter.” Klepper glanced at him as they walked. Garrett’s eye zoomed in and out again.
	“I had preferred not to get involved with anymore escapades such as this. I assumed that you and your friends could handle the situation. But as I thought about it, I gave in to my desire.”
	“What was your desire, Garrett?” Klepper was curious.
	Garrett looked at him. “Revenge.” He paused. “Revenge for betrayal and for taking my eye.” Klepper nodded his understanding. Garrett continued, “I will come face to face with Viktoria again, and this time it will be personal. I will get my revenge. I promise myself that.” They continued to walk quietly, traveling deeper into the Maw.

	Rahb snapped out of his daydreaming as a large amount of pagans entered the chamber. He watched them as they began to form a large circle around the seven-pointed star. He circle of pagans went unbroken completely around Rahb. He knew that the ritual would soon begin.

	Six apemen were standing guard in a dimly lit chamber. They were bored and eager to attend the ritual, but their orders were to guard the room. They stood near the center of the chamber, unaware of the presence of two uninvited guests that were creeping along the shadowy walls on either side of them.
	Suddenly, a round object fell to the ground in front of their feet. They were instantly blinded. Myk ran out of the shadows with his sword in hand. Malcolm approached from behind them.
	Two blinded pagans dropped to the ground as Myk and Malcolm stabbed them. The other four began to regain their vision and defended themselves. Myk dueled with one around the room as Malcolm tripped and stabbed another. One of the other apemen quickly approached Myk from behind.
	“Look out!”, Malcolm shouted. Myk turned around and dodged the second pagan’s sword. A dagger suddenly spun through the air, striking the pagan in the back. The dagger had come from Malcolm’s hand.
	Before Myk could thank him, the other pagan came forward, swinging his sword. Malcolm became engaged with the other remaining apeman. Both duels were moving to the center of the room. The two pagans were now back to back, fighting their foes. With one hard swing, Malcolm knocked the sword out of his opponent’s hand. Malcolm ran him through, and in the process, his sword also passed through the mid-section of the other pagan. They both dropped dead as Malcolm pulled his sword out. He and Myk couldn’t help but laugh. They proceeded further down the tunnel.

	“Stop”, Garrett warned as he, Klepper, and Sonya approached another group of guards. “I’ll handle this.” Garrett proceeded slowly and quietly toward the three apemen ahead. Klepper and Sonya watched from their dark hiding spot.
	Garrett moved through the shadows of the tunnel. He didn’t make any sounds as he moved. Sonya and Klepper knew they were watching a master at work.
	One of the apemen turned around to face the other way, not noticing anything. Another began sniffling. By now, Garrett was right next to them, still concealed in the shadows.
	Klepper and Sonya could still see him. They watched as he picked up a stone and threw it further down the corridor. The stone made a sound. All three pagans turned and faced in the direction of the sound. They began to walk in that direction. That was their last mistake.
	Garrett jumped up and stabbed the first apeman. He quickly did the same to the second. By the time the last pagan turned around to face him, it was too late. Garrett stabbed him easily and turned to wave Klepper and Sonya over.
	Sonya was in awe and Klepper was still impressed with his old friend’s ability. “We are near to the ritual chamber”, Klepper said.
	“Yes”, Garrett replied. “Let’s continue on.”

	“We are ready. It is time to begin.” Viktoria reentered the ritual chamber, followed by Alistar. She moved into the middle of the circle of pagans, where Rahb and the Trickster’s body were. Alistar stood with the pagans, as part of the circle.
	Rahb gave Viktoria a nasty look as she approached. She just smiled at him, then she walked over to where the Trickster lay. “Very soon you will be alive again and full of energy. I have been waiting for you for months. Together, we can finally conquer the earth.”
	She proceeded to one of the seven points of the red seven-pointed star that was imprinted in the ground. At each point was a pedestal. Viktoria began to utter a pagan spell. Rahb watched as a colorful, magical cloud was forming on the pedestal.

	Myk entered the ritual chamber from the tunnel. Malcolm followed him closely. They stopped on a dark ledge above the chamber. Looking down they could see a red seven-pointed star. At the center was Rahb, tied to a stone post, and the body of the Trickster. Surrounding the star was a large circle of pagans. Myk picked out Alistar in that circle. He also recognized Viktoria, who was chanting a spell at one of the pedestals on the star. She was still in her human form, wearing a green dress.
	“She has begun the ritual”, Malcolm whispered as they hid on the shadowy ledge. “But it’s not too late to stop her.”
	“We’ll have to think of a way fast”, Myk whispered back. “And I don’t think it will be easy. There are lots of them down there.”
	By now, Viktoria had finished the spell at the first pedestal. She walked to another and began to chant another pagan spell. A new colorful cloud began to form around the next pedestal.

	Klepper could hear Viktoria’s voice chanting the spell as he entered the room, followed by Garrett and Sonya. They were on another dark ledge directly across from Malcolm and Myk. Neither group could see each other because of the darkness.
	“There’s not much time left”, Klepper said. “Any ideas of how to stop this ritual, Garrett?”
	“We can’t just hit her with an arrow?”, Sonya asked.
	“Unfortunately, no”, Klepper responded softly. “Viktoria is a creature of much power. She is not vulnerable in the ways that we are.”
	Garrett sized up the situation. “We can’t kill her from here. We must find a way to distract her for long enough. Then, perhaps we can find some way to get your friend untied and destroy her ritual setup.”
	“How do we distract her from here without her noticing us?”, Klepper asked.
	“That’s what I’m thinking about now”, Garrett responded.

	On the other side of the room, Malcolm watched as Viktoria moved to the third pedestal. He looked around the large room. In the center was the star where the ritual was occurring. High rocky walls surrounded the room on three sides, with dark ledges situated on them, such as the one where Malcolm was now. On the fourth side of the room was an open area with a ledge situated over a large pit of lava. Malcolm could see the lava bubbling and steaming. In the rocky wall directly across from the lava ledge were double doors, probably leading into some shrine for Viktoria.
	Malcolm glanced over at Myk, who was thinking hard about what to do. As they both tried to come up with a plan, Deanna emerged from the tunnel behind them and crouched next to Malcolm and Myk.
	“Viktoria’s soon to be finished with her ritual. I welcome any plans, ideas, or expert opinions you may have, Deanna”, Malcolm whispered.
	“There’s no way to sneak down there”, Deanna said. “And if we can’t kill her from here, then we could try to find a way to delay the ritual long enough to free Rahb or spoil her plans somehow.”
	“If you can think of a way to delay or distract her without giving ourselves away, then please tell us”, Myk said. “I’m worrying about the fact that they outnumber us down there by a lot.” He was right. There were about twenty pagans in the circle. Malcolm exchanged concerned looks with Myk and Deanna.

	Garrett scratched his chin. His master mind was thinking, but it didn’t seem to be thinking fast enough. Sonya was becoming visibly worried and Klepper tried to calm her.
	Garrett turned his head, looking around for some clue or anything to give him an idea. He was actually becoming desperate, and he feared that they might have to take a risky action. As he turned his head, his mechanical eye glistened with the reflection of light.

	On the other side of the room, Malcolm noticed the flash of reflected light coming from the dark ledge across from him. He suddenly realized they were not alone.
	“The others are across from us”, he whispered to his counterparts. “On the ledge over there.” He pointed. Myk and Deanna looked across the room to the dark ledge.
	Suddenly, a plan formed in Malcolm’s head. It was somewhat risky, but with the knowledge of his friend’s abilities, he was confident it could work. By now, Viktoria had chanted spells at all but one of the pedestals. She was at the last.
	Malcolm took his sword and angled it to the light. “I hope Klepper is familiar with Brother Lernous’ system of signal code.” Malcolm began to tilt the sword back and forth in patterns.

	Klepper noticed the patterns of flashing light coming from the dark ledge across from him. “Garrett”, he said, grabbing Garrett’s arm and pointing. “Look.” Garrett saw the flashing light as well. “It’s Malcolm. He’s sending a coded signal.” Klepper watched carefully as Malcolm communicated his plan in the signal code. He understood perfectly and explained the plan to Garrett and Sonya while Malcolm explained his own idea to Myk and Deanna.

	Malcolm looked down and saw Viktoria walking towards Rahb. The seven pedestals at each point of the star all had clouds of magic floating above them. “Oh no. She’s preparing to kill Rahb now.”
	Viktoria stopped in front of Rahb. He glared back at her. Alistar watched with an evil smile on his face. Viktoria began to change into her pagan form. Vines grew from her body and ripped through her dress. It fell off, shredded. Her eyes glowed yellow.
	“It is time for your sacrifice, Rahb”, she said. She raised her hands above her head. Suddenly, to everyone’s surprise, she quickly turned and vines shot straight out of her hand. They shot fast straight at Malcolm, who was still hiding on the ledge. They wrapped around him and pulled him away from Myk and Deanna.
	Malcolm couldn’t move his arms as the vines pulled him back toward Viktoria. They stopped when he was in the middle of the star, with Viktoria and Rahb. Rahb was surprised to see him.
	“You didn’t fool me, Brother Malcolm, Priest of the Order of the Hammer.” Viktoria continued to hold him tight with her vines. “I expected you to be a stubborn foe, struggling to do whatever you can to save your Order. I sensed your Hammerite presence.” She laughed. “I shall let the Woodsie Lord do away with you after his resurrection.”

	Sonya stared in disbelief. She was so upset about Malcolm that tears began to form in her eyes. She looked up to Klepper.
	Klepper stared down at Viktoria. “I don’t think she knows the rest of us are here”, he said.

	“What do we do now?”, Deanna asked Myk.
	Myk was watching Viktoria. “We continue with Malcolm’s plan”, he responded.

	Viktoria picked up a knife and raised it above her head, pointing it at Rahb. She spoke, “Energy flow and life transfer from the body of this mortal to our Lord of the Wood.” She prepared to thrust the knife into Rahb’s heart. Alistar watched with his evil grin.
	Before she could act, several arrows flew from two directions. One struck the knife, knocking it out of her hand. Another hit the rope that restrained Rahb, breaking it and setting him free. The other three arrows struck pagans, killing them.
	Viktoria turned her head in confusion and all the pagans jumped up. Klepper, Sonya, and Garrett jumped to the ground from their ledge, swords drawn. On Viktoria’s other side, Myk and Deanna dropped down with their swords in hand. “Alright! Let’s rumble”, Myk said. They charged towards the pagans. 
Klepper tossed Rahb a sword. Garrett went after Viktoria.
“Hello. Remember me?”, Garrett said to her sarcastically.
“Garrett! I will kill you to avenge the Woodsie Lord’s death!”
“I’d like to see you try”, he replied. He rushed forward, slashing the vines that restrained Malcolm. Malcolm was set free and quickly retrieved his own sword.

An immense brawl was now beginning in the large room. Rahb rushed through the crowd of pagans until he found Alistar. “Now I’ll have the pleasure of killing you myself”, Alistar growled at Rahb.
“Bring it on!”, Rahb answered back. They began to duel fiercely.

Sonya rushed to Myk, glad to see him. In her happiness, she neglected to notice an approaching pagan. “Watch out!”, Myk said. He thrust his sword and stabbed the pagan, who was about to attack her from behind. Sonya now turned and was ready for action. She and Myk readied themselves as two more apemen approached.
While they fought, Deanna was engaging a few pagans of her own. She easily outmatched them with her skill.
Klepper was engaged in the battle as well. Malcolm joined him and they attacked a group of pagans. Malcolm knocked one pagan over, who bumped into a few more and they all fell down. Malcolm stabbed down at them as they tried to get up.
“We are outnumber by far”, Klepper called to him.
“I am aware, but our talents seem to be paying off.” Malcolm was right. He and his friends were slowly evening the odds.

While the others were involved in the battle, Garrett and Viktoria were having their own fight. He attacked repeatedly with his sword as she fended off the attacks using long, strong vines that extended out of her arms.
“I am stronger than you thought, Garrett.” She laughed.

Rahb and Alistar dueled near one of the rocky walls. Alistar swung at Rahb, who ducked. Alistar’s sword hit the wall. Rahb counterattacked, but Alistar blocked.
Rahb’s anger grew more and more as he fought his rival. He glared at Alistar’s scarred face as he attacked. He yearned for revenge; to avenge Roland.

Myk tripped another apeman and stabbed the pagan on the ground. With a few moments to rest, Myk looked around the room. He noticed that the number of pagans had decreased noticeably. They were greatly evening the odds.
“Come on”, he said to Sonya. “Let’s get some more.” Myk was psyched.
Deanna was being confronted by four apemen. Taking note of this, Myk rushed over and backstabbed one of them. Two of the others turned to fight him and Sonya while the remaining one was hit by Deanna.

Garrett lunged himself at Viktoria. She stepped backward, tripping over one of the pedestals. Garrett tried to get his sword across her neck as she lay there. They wrestled on the ground. Garrett was fierce.
“I knew I’d be seeing you again”, Garrett said to her. “Because I’m looking for revenge too!” They continued to fight on the ground.

Klepper kicked a pagan in the stomach. He noticed that about half of the pagans were already dead. He battle was going fortunate. He knew that he and his friends possessed outstanding skill.
Malcolm stabbed another pagan from behind. He noticed a bunch of pagans heading for Myk and Sonya. “Look out!”, he yelled.
Myk turned around to see the pagans approaching. He pushed Sonya away and grabbed a mine. He activated it and tossed it at the group of pagans. He ran a few steps and dived, covering Sonya with his body to protect her. The mine exploded, sending pagan body parts flying about.

Rahb was losing energy as he continued his personal battle with Alistar. Alistar was attacking strong and Rahb was forced to back away several steps. Glancing over his shoulder, Rahb realized the lava ledge was behind him.
Alistar laughed. “Now I’ve got you right where I want you.”
Rahb studied the scar on Alistar’s face. Suddenly, Rahb tossed down his sword. “You really look like a big freak with that scar”, Rahb said to him.
Alistar stopped laughing and got a real angry look on his face. He felt the scar with his hand and let out a growl as he angrily charged at Rahb. Rahb dropped to the ground, grabbing Alistar’s shirt as he got close. He pulled down on the shirt and Alistar stumbled, letting out a scream as his body slid over the ledge. He managed to grab on to the ledge with his hands.
Rahb stood up and looked down at the terrified Alistar, who hung on for his life above the lava. “That scar doesn’t look right on your cheek. You need another on the other cheek.” Rahb picked up his sword. “Take this, you son of a bitch!” He slashed Alistar on the other side of the face. Alistar lost his grip and let out a terrible scream as he fell to the lava below.
Rahb stood still for a few moments, looking down at the lava. He thought of his dead friend, whom he had just avenged.
Rahb realized the battle was still going on and turned around to fight pagans. He joined Myk, who was fighting along side Malcolm. They took on a trio of pagans. Myk swung his sword and one pagan blocked. Myk then tripped the pagan with his sword and stabbed downward to kill him. Malcolm hit a pagan in the arm. As the pagan grabbed his injured arm, Malcolm stabbed him. Meanwhile, Rahb taunted the third pagan, then punched him in the face. The pagan was caught off guard and Rahb ran him through.
As they defeated these pagans, Klepper was finishing off the last apeman. He killed the apeman easily and they all breathed sighs of relief. They suddenly became aware of the fight between Garrett and Viktoria.
Viktoria punched Garrett. With a swing of her strong arm, she sent him tumbling backwards to the ground. She was very angry.
“There is no hope for any of you”, she growled. “You may have killed some of my pagans, but there are many more, and you cannot defeat me.” Her yellow eyes glared at them. “I will now retake Rahb as the sacrifice and kill you all. The Woodsie Lord will live again.”
Viktoria’s vines shot out and grabbed Malcolm, pulling him closer to her. “I shall enjoy killing you first, Hammerite manflesh!” Her vines were squeezing him. Malcolm’s hands went to his chest as he thrived in pain. He felt the necklace he was wearing around his neck. The Builder’s Talisman. He had still been wearing it under his shirt.
Malcolm pulled the talisman out of his shirt. It shined brightly in the light. Viktoria noticed it and froze. She gasped. The talisman was beginning to glow very brightly. It was emanating a very bright white light. Viktoria was blinded and screamed as she fell backwards to the ground. The others were also blinded momentarily.
When the bright light subsided, Malcolm was free of the vines. Viktoria was still on the ground, not moving. Malcolm looked at the talisman again. “The power of the Master Builder”, he said quietly.
“Amazing”, Klepper commented.
“She’s moving”, Sonya said.
Viktoria was now moving slowly and moaning. Garrett stepped closer to her. “She’s been weakened”, he exclaimed. “The power from that talisman has weakened her greatly.”
Viktoria tried to stand, but she failed due to her weakness.
“She’s too weak to finish the ritual”, Malcolm happily declared. Suddenly, Viktoria weakly spoke a few phrases that the others could not understand. There was a low rumble throughout the Maw of Chaos. The ground began to shake. Pieces of rock broke out of the walls.
“She’s chanted a spell which is causing the Maw to collapse”, Klepper said. “She realizes she can’t win. She’s trying to kill us along with her.”
“We must hurry out of here”, Malcolm said. The ground was shaking and breaking up more violently. They were having trouble keeping their stance. As they began to rush out, Viktoria opened a portal.
“Look”, Klepper yelled over the rumbling sound. He pointed. “She’s opened a portal back to the City.” Viktoria was using all her energy to crawl to the portal. “She’s trying to escape.”
“We can’t let her escape”, Malcolm said. 
“But if we stay here, we’ll die”, Klepper responded.
“I’ll stay and keep her from escaping”, Garrett announced. He ran to Viktoria and held her back. She weakly struggled with him.
“Garrett, you’ll die if you stay here”, Klepper pleaded with him. “I’ll stay and prevent her from escaping.”
The Maw was shaking very violently now. Garrett waved his arm. “Go! All of you go!”
Klepper looked at him for a second more, then he headed towards the portal, where the others were waiting. “Let’s go”, he said to them. One by one they entered the portal.

	Sonya emerged from the portal first, followed by Rahb, Deanna, Myk, Malcolm, and then Klepper. Upon exiting the portal, they all tumbled to the ground, for the portal was five feet above it. They were in another alley of the City. It was dark, still very early in the morning. They stood up and brushed themselves off.
	Klepper turned around and watched as the portal flashed and then collapsed. He remained staring at where it had been. He was thinking of Garrett.
	Malcolm walked over to Klepper. “Garrett was a brave man, Klepper. He sacrificed his life to save us and the City.”
	Klepper continued to stare. Finally, he spoke, “Yes. He was brave.”
	Malcolm patted him on the shoulder. Klepper stopped staring and turned to rejoin the group.
	“Alright friends”, Malcolm said, “We saved humanity. Let’s go back to my home to rest.” They walked away together, back to Malcolm’s mansion.

Epilogue

	“I want to thank all of you for your help in preventing this crisis”, Malcolm announced to his friends. They were in his lounge, resting on his furniture. A fire was roaring in the fireplace and Jeeves was bringing them tea. “And I also take this time to thank Garrett, who sacrificed his life to save us and humanity; the second time he has saved humanity.”
	They all agreed and the room was silent for a few seconds. “I have to admit”, Malcolm continued, taking the Builder’s Talisman out of his shirt again, “that I didn’t fully believe this actually had the power of the Master Builder in it.” He studied the talisman again. It shined like normal in the light.
	“That is beautiful the way it shines”, Deanna commented.
	“That reminds me of your shiny necklace”, Myk said turning to Sonya who sat next to him.
	“Let me see your necklace”, Malcolm said to her.
	Sonya pulled it out of her cloak. The rose-shaped, red gem sparkled in the light. “This was given to me by my father and mother, before she died and I was stolen away.”
	“That is very beautiful”, Malcolm commented, admiring it. “Thank you for showing it to me.”
	Klepper’s eyes were fixed on Sonya’s necklace. “Sonya”, he said, “May I look at that closely?”
	“Sure.” She held it out and he came over and knelt before her, studying it closely. He touched it, feeling the smooth texture of the gem.
	Klepper’s breathing quickened and slowed down. He spoke, “Seventeen years ago, my wife and I gave a beautiful necklace, just like this one, to our newborn daughter, Sonya. Shortly after, my wife died. I continued to care for my daughter. She began to walk and speak. Then one day, she was missing.” He looked into Sonya’s eyes. “I thought your name was just a coincidence. It reminded me of my daughter.”
	The room was silent. Sonya looked back into his eyes. She seemed paralyzed. Then she spoke. “Dad!” She hugged him. For the first time in a long time Klepper smiled widely. They were both so glad to be reunited.
	The others were surprised by the revelation. Malcolm wore a big smile as he watched them. Deanna actually shed a tear of happiness for them.
	“I’m proud of you for taking care of yourself all these years”, Klepper said when the hug ended. He glanced at Myk. “And I can see that you have found people who care for you.” Sonya and Myk smiled.
	Malcolm stood up. “I am so glad that you two have discovered your relation. It makes me so happy.” Everyone smiled. “Now”, Malcolm said, looking at the clock on the wall, “It is very late. I want you all to stay with me here, at the mansion. You are the greatest group of friends I have ever had. It would make me even happier if you all stayed.”
	“Well”, Rahb said, “I’m not sure…”
	“Please Rahb”, Malcolm implored. “Whom else will you go to? We’re your friends here. We want you to stay.”
	Rahb thought for several moments. He looked from face to face around the room. They were all watching him, waiting for an answer. He smiled. “Alright.”
	Malcolm smiled again. “I’m so glad, Rahb.” He walked towards the door. “I will show you all to your rooms.”
	Deanna remained sitting. She wasn’t ready to turn in, and when the time came she would help herself to her own room. Myk, Sonya, and Rahb began to follow Malcolm.
	“Dad? Are you coming?”, Sonya turned to her father, who was not following Malcolm.
	“I’ll turn in soon, dear”, Klepper said to her. “I think I’m going to take a walk outside first.” He smiled at her.
	She smiled back and then went with Malcolm and the others upstairs.
	Malcolm stopped at the first guest room on the upstairs hallway. “Here’s your room, Rahb.” Rahb thanked him and entered the room, eager to get some rest.
	“The next room will be yours, Myk”, Malcolm said as he proceeded to the next door. Myk opened the door and stepped in.
	“I’ll take you to your room now, Sonya”, Malcolm said, beginning to head further down the hall.
	“Actually”, Myk stopped him, “Sonya can share this room with me.” She smiled and stepped into the room.
	Malcolm looked at Myk, momentarily confused. Then he realized. “Oh”, he said smiling. “Ok. See you in the morning then.”
	Myk wished him good night. He closed the door as Malcolm headed back downstairs.
	Sonya was sitting on the bed as Myk walked towards her. He took off his heavy cloak. Underneath, he was wearing his black shirt and pants.
	She lay down on her back as he leaned over her and kissed her.
	“I think you should take your cloak off too”, he said.
	She smiled. “And then what do we do?”
	He smiled back. “I can think of some things.” She laughed and he kissed her again.

	Klepper slowly walked down the dark, quiet street. His mind was full of thoughts. A gentle breeze blew down the street. He looked up at the stars in the sky. The sky was clear and the stars were bright. Klepper studied the buildings that he was passing. He breathed in the cool night air.
	He suddenly became aware of the dark figure walking along side him. “All your heroic work is finished, and now your just taking a walk?”, the person said.
	Klepper recognized the voice all too well. “Somehow, I knew you would escape from the Maw alive, Garrett.”
	Garrett’s eye made another zooming noise. “The Maw has collapsed, and Viktoria is dead. I made sure of it. She will never threaten anyone ever again.”
	“I’m glad you got your revenge. I have always been impressed by your skills, Garrett. I won’t ask how you got out of the Maw.” Garrett remained silent.
	Klepper laughed a little. “I understand now why the Keepers didn’t tell me anything about this crisis. I was supposed to leave them. I was supposed to get directly involved. It was foreseen, written in the scripture.”
	Garrett grunted. “Those damn Keepers. They keep the truth from you, and make you run around, playing games to find out what’s going on. They’re always keeping tabs on you. They never take direct action.”
	“If it wasn’t for them, Garrett, we would not be alive”, Klepper said, looking at Garrett.
Garrett was silent for a few seconds. “They told me they’d need my help again. I keep telling them I’m finished, I’m not doing any favors anymore.”
	“I believe they will need your help again, Garrett. The Metal Age is upon us.” Garrett looked at Klepper, then looked straight ahead again.
	“I suppose you’ll be going back to the Keepers”, Garrett guessed.
	Klepper stopped walking. Garrett paused as well. Klepper smiled and shook his head. “No, Garrett. I’m not going back to them. I’ve got my daughter to care for and love now.”
	Garrett looked at him for a few seconds, then he nodded. He understood.
	“Take care of yourself, Garrett.” Klepper walked away down the street, leaving Garrett thinking about the near future.

	Malcolm entered the lounge, where Deanna was sitting in an armchair watching the fire. Malcolm sat down in his own chair with his tea.
	“I feel quite tired”, he said to Deanna. She smiled and nodded.
	Malcolm smiled and laughed to himself. “One thing that always amazes me is that the Keepers always know about things and how they’ll turn out.” Deanna looked at him. “Everything that occurred must have been written in their scriptures.”
	“Even Klepper leaving them to help us.”
	Malcolm nodded. “The Keepers knew how to cause the right turn of events, so we could defeat Viktoria. In some way they got us all involved together to work as a team.”
	“Do you suppose we were all needed in some way to stop Viktoria?”, Deanna asked.
	“I believe so”, Malcolm replied. “Klepper left them and joined us and gave us valuable information.”
	“Rahb, in his quest for revenge, followed Alistar and found the portal”, Deanna added.
	“And you followed Rahb and observed the portal. Then you returned to me with the information”, Malcolm said to her. “And you also were a good informant all the time.”
	“How do you suppose Sonya helped in the matter?”, Deanna asked.
	Malcolm thought. “Well, aside from being a talented fighter like the rest of us, Myk fell in love with Sonya, and so when she was captured by the Hammerites, he went to save her. It was during that rescue that they met Rahb, who became very helpful.”
	“And Myk met him the next day after that, and told us where Rahb would be that night, so we could ‘kidnap’ him and convince him to join us.”
	“Right”, Malcolm agreed. “But more importantly, Myk got the Builder’s Talisman for me, which proved to be very useful.”
	“Garrett helped us in the final battle and he stopped Viktoria from escaping.”
	“Yes”, Malcolm agreed again.
	“And how about you?”, Deanna asked Malcolm.
	Malcolm thought again. “Well, I brought all of us together, as friends. We fought and worked together, and as a result, saved humanity.” Deanna nodded. “And those are just some ways that we were essential in preventing the crisis. We all fought bravely and well in the final battle down in the Maw. I’m sure there were many more ways that we helped.”
	They were silent and the only sound was the cracking of the fire. They watched the flames burn the wood. Malcolm spoke again, “We sure made a difference.”
	Deanna looked at him. “And now you have the opportunity to make even more of a difference, Jack. The High Priest is dead, and the Order will be looking to replace him. As far as I see it, you seem to be the prime and probable choice for that.” Malcolm smiled at her. “I should get to sleep, Jack. I’ll see you in the morning.” Deanna got up as Malcolm bid her good night. She left the room.
	Malcolm sat alone, watching the fire. “Well Father”, he said, speaking to his deceased father, “I know you’re proud of me. I’m making a difference.” He sat a while longer, thinking happy thoughts.

The End