Part 3: The Sky

  They had entered the domain of the skies. That wide expanse that sits atop all.

  The Pyornis lifted off with amazing force. Corin was pushed against the large creature in an instant.

  “What?!” He shouted.

  “Amazing!” Nanaua shouted.

  “I told her to take it easy on you two!” Kadus shouted with delight.

  “This is taking it easy?” Corin yelled.

  “I said I told her to, I did not say whether or not she listened!” Kadus replied.

  The Pyornis kept gaining altitude. Corin felt the air becoming colder as they kept climbing.

  “I didn't think it would be this cold!” He shouted.

  “It'll get colder!” Kadus replied.

  “The Dragon Palace will be warmer.” Nanaua assured Corin.

  Kadus was correct, the Pyornis now flew into the clouds and Corin felt small ice crystals prickling his skin. He shivered as he held onto the flying creature. He looked to Kadus who relished every second.

  “How are you not freezing?” Corin asked through chattering teeth.

  “You spend enough time up in the sky you get used to this.” He replied.

  They were now above the clouds. The bird glided through the sky. Corin was no longer being pushed into the large creature. He was able to look around him. The only source of light was the bright moon. Beneath him he saw the clouds, they seemed like waves on the ocean frozen in time.

  “It's beautiful.” Corin said.

  His first thought was to turn to Livia and ask what she thought of it.

  He felt a huge pang of guilt. He had shared so many special moments with her, but now while he experienced something so breathtaking he could not help but think about what she was going through.

  “It is.” Nanaua replied. “Soon you and your wife can enjoy it together.”

  Corin looked at her.

  “Thank you.” He replied.

  “How do we know when we are close?” Corin followed up.

  “She will be able to pick up scents. If we are lucky she will lead us to Tonatiuh's Palace.” Kadus replied.

  The Pyornis whistled a quick tune. Kadus replied.

  “What is it?” Corin asked.

  “You better hold on!” Kadus replied as held tightly to the Pyornis for the first time.

  Both Corin and Nanaua obliged.

  The Pyornis dove.

  “Aaaaahhh!” Corin screamed as loudly as he could. He was holding on to the body of the creature with all his might. If he let go at any instant he would fly away.

  “Fly beast fly!” Nanaua yelled excitedly. She too was barely holding on to the Pyornis. But whereas Corin was terrified she was overjoyed.

  Kadus whistled a tune.

  “Did you tell her to slow down?” Corin yelled. He still struggled to hold onto the massive beast.

  “I told her she's doing great!” Kadus yelled back.

  The Pyornis stablized, slamming Corin onto the creature's back.

  “Ouch!” He yelled.

  “Aha! Amazing!” Nanaua yelled.

  The Pyornis whistled.

  “She says we are nearing the source of the scent!” Kadus replied.

  Corin tried to look. It was hard to see anything ahead of them in the clouds.

  “I see a light up ahead!” Nanaua yelled. “Over there!”

  She pointed to the right. Corin looked but saw nothing but clouds.

  “How far?” Kadus asked.

  “Not far!” She replied.

  Kadus whistled and the Pyornis adjusted to the direction Nanaua pointed to. Once again Corin was almost knocked off the large bird.

  “This thing is trying to kill us!” He shouted.

  Kadus laughed at Corin's remark.

  “I'm serious!” Corin shouted.

  The Pyornis kept flying in the direction Nanaua pointed.

  “Are we headed in the right direction?” Kadus asked.

  “We are!” She shouted.

  Corin kept looking ahead, but all he saw were clouds.

  “I don't- What?!” Corin shouted.

  In an instant the empty space before him changed into a large floating island. The island was so large that it seemed to span as far as Corin could see.

  “This is it!” Nanaua replied. “This is Tonatiuh's Palace!”

  In the distance he saw a large protruding rock, overseeing the entirety of the Palace. On the rock there was a large massive stone dome held by pillars, and underneath it Corin saw a massive creature.

  “Is that him?” He asked.

  “Yes.” Nanaua replied. “He is resting.”

  “Better than him being awake and seeing us!” Kadus replied.

  “They won't notice us?” Corin asked as the large fortress came in closer.

  “They won't be expecting us.” Nanaua replied. “But the moment we try to free Zhi they will know. We will have to be fast!”

  “Do you have an idea of where they might be holding them?” Kadus asked.

  “I do!” Nanaua yelled. “We should stop there!”

  She pointed to a barren portion of the floating island.

  Kadus whistled and the Pyornis followed. Soon they landed on the barren spot.

  Corin jumped off the Pyornis instantly. Nanaua followed much more quietly.

  “That was terrifying!” Corin said as he struggled to stand up.

  He was shaking from the flight. He had held so tightly to the creature that his hands had lost all feeling. The air on the island was much warmer and sensation began to flow into his hands.

  “The plan?” Kadus asked as he looked at Nanaua.

  “We will go to the holding cells in the eastern portion of the island, over there.” Nanaua said as she pointed over to a corner of the island.

  “That's where they bring in the prisoners brought in by Zifors. That area is lightly guarded. But it's highly unlikely Zhi will be there with the others.”

  “Do you know where they might keep her?” Corin asked.

  “I have a suspicion. But if I am correct that area will be heavily guarded. Once we make it to where Zhi is, we will only have moments before Tonatiuh realizes what is occurring. We will have to be quick and make our escape then.”

  Corin turned to look at Kadus.

  “Do you think we would be able to escape from Tonatiuh on the Pyornis?” He asked.

  “You're asking that now?” Kadus replied.

  “Yes, I want to prepare ourselves the best we can.” Corin replied.

  “Well, right now that is a problem for another time.” The sparrowling replied.

  “Another time? That will be only moments after we're done getting Zhi out!” Corin said.

  “Right you are! First we have to get your wife and the old man, and then we go find Zhi! Let's do that first shall we!” Kadus replied.

  Corin was about to raise more issues with Kadus but Nanaua spoke up.

  “Come, time is not on our side.” She said.

  Kadus whistled a low tune to the Pyornis. The large creature whistled back and moved behind a couple of dilapidated structures, out of sight.

  “At this time, most of the inhabitants of the island should be asleep or preparing for sleep.” Nanaua spoke in a low tone.

  “The building we will be entering is the prison block on this island.” Nanaua said as she pointed to a building in the near distance.

  Corin could see the outline of the building.

  That's where they are.

  “The prison won’t have many guards. One inside and one outside.” Nanaua said. “Right next to the main entrance there is a bell the guard can use. If it rings, the whole Palace will hear it.” Nanaua finished.

  “I can take the guard out quietly.” Corin said as he looked at the front of the prison.

  “No, I'll deal with him. There is another task I need your help with. The guard inside the prison has a key that opens the front door.” Nanaua quickly replied.

  “How will we get in?” Corin asked.

  “Years ago a captive furtive dug a hole through the wall and escaped. The cell the furtive escaped from is no longer in use and the hole was fixed rather shoddily. I can find the hole and reopen it. You should be able to fit through the hole. From there you can eliminate the other guard and open the door. By then I should have eliminated the outside guard. Afterwards, we will be able to break out Livia and Simeon.”

  “And I?” Kadus asked.

  “How far can you see right now?” Nanaua asked.

  “Well the clouds don't help in clarity but I can see from here to the other end of the island.” Kadus replied.

  Corin looked to the other end of the island. With only the moonlight and the cloud coverage he could barely see beyond Nanaua.

  “We will need to rely on your sight for any strange activities.” Nanaua replied. “If I am correct Zhi should be held in the northern part of the island.”

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  “Near your old boss eh?” Kadus replied.

  “Yes, that is near where Tonatiuh slumbers.” Nanaua curtly responded.

  “Alright I'll stay here and watch.” Kadus replied. There weren't many obstacles in the area and he had a clear line of sight around him.

  “If I see anything unusual I will find you and alert you.” He added.

  “Good, now Corin come.” Nanaua said.

  Corin followed Nanaua to the large prison block. In front of a large door there was a lone guard, standing in silence. He was so still that Corin wasn't sure if he was asleep or not.

  They went around the building and along the wall. Nanaua lightly knocked on various points of the wall. Eventually she felt something different and stopped.

  “Here it is.” She said.

  Corin looked at where her hand was. Nothing at that spot made it look different from the rest of its surroundings.

  Nanaua pushed into the wall. Cracks formed along the wall. Eventually she formed a small hole. From there she began to tear away pieces of the wall, taking out as much material as she could.

  “That seems to be all that I could take out.” She said.

  Corin looked at the hole. Not the easiest fit for him but he thought he could make it.

  He tried to peek through the hole. All he could see was light coming through a slit on a door at the far end of the cell.

  “That door won't be locked.” Nanaua assured him.

  “Alright. I'll go in and deal with the guard. How will I know that the outside guard has been dealt with?” Corin asked.

  “I should be faster than you. Once you have eliminated the inside guard, hurry and open the door.” She replied.

  “Understood.” Corin proceeded and squeezed himself into the hole.

  He pushed through and fell onto the floor. He tried to be as quiet as possible. He got up and walked to the door. He gently pushed it and it gave way.

  Corin peeked his head out to the door. What he saw was a long hallway with many similar looking doors to him.

  Livia and Simeon must be behind some of those.

  But before he looked for them there was something he had to do. At the very entrance he saw a person sitting down with his head tilted backward. Corin could tell he was asleep.

  Corin crouched as he walked down the long hallway to the sleeping man. He did not want to attract any attention from any of the furtives in the cells before he took care of the guard.

  Corin neared the dozed off guard and reached for his blade. He felt a deep sense of guilt as he neared the guard and looked at him. He was a young man, younger than Corin. He had killed others before, but never like this, not while they were defenseless. But he knew what was at stake.

  Corin approached the sleeping man. He didn't hesitate. He stabbed him straight through the throat. He couldn't risk him making any noise that would attract any unwanted attention. The man could only open his eyes in horror as he awoke to what was happening. Within moments he was dead. Corin left him on his chair and searched for keys. He found a set of keys near the man and was able to open the front door with them.

  Outside the guard lay face down on the ground. From this distance he could be mistaken as merely being asleep.

  Nanaua didn't spend any time dwelling on the dead men.

  “Let's go look for them” She said.

  Corin and Nanaua did just that. They went to each cell and looked inside. Most of the furtives in the cells were asleep. If Corin couldn't tell who was in the cell he would call out.

  After the third time he called out to a prisoner he heard a voice from nearby.

  “Corin!” A voice called out to him.

  His heart jumped out of his chest. He ran to the voice.

  “Livia?” He asked.

  “In here!” She called back to him.

  Corin ran to the cell he heard the voice calling out from. He rushed to try as many keys as he could before finding one that fit the door. He opened the door.

  Livia ran out to him and embraced him. He held tight on to her. They both collapsed on the ground.

  “They told me you had died.” Livia said. “I didn't want to believe it.”

  Corin held his wife tightly. She who had been with him through so much. She who had suffered without him being able to help.

  “Did they hurt you?” He asked.

  “No, I'm fine.” She replied.

  The two looked at each other. The two could not help the tears as they were reunited. The days apart had been unbearable, and now they were finally reunited.

  “I missed you.” He said.

  Livia only nodded and kissed her husband.

  “You know I would not mind being let out of this cell.” A familiar voice called out nearby.

  Nanaua came along and picked the keys from Corin.

  While Corin and Livia held each other she opened the cell where Simeon was being held. The old apeman came out. Corin and Livia both stood up.

  Simeon went over to Corin.

  “I knew you were alive my boy.” Simeon said as he smiled at Corin.

  “They definitely tried their best to make sure I wasn't.” Corin replied.

  The duo embraced.

  “Kadus?” Livia asked.

  “Outside.” Nanaua replied quickly. “He's keeping watch.”

  “Zhi?” Nanaua asked.

  “They separated us when they brought us here.” Livia said. “It seemed they took her somewhere closer to where Tonatiuh was.”

  “Just as I thought.” Nanaua replied. “The cell they are holding her in is much more closely guarded than this one. Once we attempt to break her out it will only be a matter of time before Tonatiuh is alerted.”

  “What about the artifact?” Corin asked.

  “Zhi had the pieces on her.” Livia replied. “Do you have the other piece?”

  “Yes.” Corin replied.

  “So it was in Bellum's spire.” Simeon replied.

  “Once we rescue Zhi, we can try to use it.” Livia stated.

  “What?” Nanaua reacted bewildered.

  “Think about it!” Livia continued. “Tonatiuh is right there. How else do you expect to escape from him? This has been our mission since we came here, has it not?”

  “But what are we even supposed to do with it?” Nanaua began. “If we don't know what it does then we could be wasting valuable time we could have to escape.”

  “I for one would like to be off this rock as quickly as possible.” Simeon added.

  “We need to consider using the artifact.” Corin replied without even thinking. “You all saw Tonatiuh fighting against the Giant. Once he realizes that we are taking Zhi and decides to attack we won't have another opportunity.”

  Where did that come from?

  “First we rescue Zhi.” Nanaua replied with anger rising. “We will discuss this with her.”

  ***

  Nanaua, Corin, Simeon and Livia were all prepared now. They gathered their equipment and stood near the building where Zhi was being held.

  This prison was a massive cylinder that dwarfed most other buildings on the entire island. From where they stood they all saw a massive stone door. Corin could not see any way for it to open.

  “This prison is different from the one we left.” Nanaua began. “It was built specifically to hold an Onsiel in place. Zhi cannot tap into her magic within these walls. We cannot rely on her if the need arises.”

  “This prison is circular and it has two rings surrounding the central chamber where Zhi is held. The first ring will be manned by five of the strongest guards. But our goal is to reach the second ring. The second ring has a set of levers that will give access to the first ring and from there we can open the stone door to the outside.” Nanaua said.

  “How do we reach it?” Corin asked.

  “There is an opening on the roof to let light in.” Nanaua replied.

  “I was afraid you were going to say that.” Corin quickly replied.

  He looked at the structure in front of him. It was unbelievably tall. It dwarfed any other structure on the island.

  “The only who can get up there is Kadus.” Simeon added.

  “It can't be him.” Nanaua replied.

  “Why?” Kadus chimed in.

  “The lever inside the second ring is always guarded.” Nanaua replied.

  “By who?” Corin asked.

  “A kishtro.” Nanaua replied.

  Corin's heart began to race. Every single encounter he had with one of the assassins had ended with him near death.

  “What is your plan?” Simeon asked.

  “Kadus will set a rope at the top of the building.” Nanaua began. “You will go up, and then go down the hole into the second ring.”

  Nanaua spoke to Simeon.

  “You're suggesting he take on one of those assassins? By himself?” Corin asked Nanaua in disbelief.

  “Simeon has already proven himself capable of eliminating a Kishtro before.” Nanaua began. “If he has the element of surprise the Kishtro will be dead before he knows what's happening.”

  “But that time was different, they were-”

  “Corin my boy.” Simeon interjected. “This old man can handle this.”

  “Besides your help will be needed elsewhere.” Nanaua added.

  “What? Where?” He asked.

  “Have you not been listening? The first ring is guarded by five guards. Once the stone door is open we will have to face them head on. It will be up to us two to deal with them. “ Nanaua finished.

  “What about me?” Livia interjected.

  “Your weapon is too loud. The second it goes off Tonatiuh will awaken.” Nanaua replied.

  “So no pistol for me either.” Corin added.

  “Correct.” Nanaua replied.

  “So I understand there is a lever that opens the path from the second ring to the first one, but what am I to do after?” Simeon asked.

  “That is the easy part.” Nanaua began. “Once the first door has been opened the lever that opens the large stone door is right across from it. It is on the opposite side of the ring. Each of the entrances to the inner portions of the prison are on opposite ends. I am not sure how the guards will be set patrolling the first ring, so you will have to be quick. Focus on opening the main door for us. Even if they see you, that should be your main priority. Once that is open the rest of us can go in and attack from the front.”

  “But why don't we all go through the ceiling into the second ring?” Corin asked.

  “If I remember the opening is not very wide. I would not fit.” Nanaua added.

  “Understood. I believe the old men are up first.” Simeon began.

  “Right.” Kadus said.

  He took off and flew to the top of the building. He threw down a rope and Simeon climbed up the steep wall with ease.

  At the top Corin saw Simeon and Kadus disappear from sight.

  “Now we wait.” Nanaua said. The three of them hid out of sight.

  Corin's heart raced. He trusted Simeon, he knew nobody else was more capable of carrying out this task than him, but he still feared for his friend.

  Time kept going and still nothing happened.

  Corin got up.

  “I have to go.” He said. “I need Kadus to get me to there.”

  Nanaua pulled him back.

  “Corin.” She began. “You need to wait and trust in your friend. Do not be rash!”

  Corin looked back at the building. At the top he saw a figure. It was Kadus.

  He flew down close to the group.

  “Simeon eliminated the assassin. Your part begins now.” He swooped up and away from the group.

  Corin relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Our part is up now Corin.” Nanaua said. “This is no time for rest.”

  The door ahead of them began to slowly open.

  “Stay behind me.” Nanaua said.

  Nanaua led and Corin followed in her footsteps. At the entrance a large dragoor stood.

  “Nanaua!” The dragoor said as he prepared for battle.

  “No talking! Just fight!” Nanaua replied.

  She lunged straight at the dragoor. He instantly blocked her attack. Corin came from the side. The dragoor noticed him at the last moment. Corin drove his dagger straight through the dragoor's chest. It pierced him from one side to the other. The dragoor dropped his weapon and Nanaua cleaved through his shoulder. Corin let go and the dragoor slumped to the ground.

  “I always told you to expect surprises Toro.” Nanaua added.

  One down. Four more to go.

  “Over there!” A voice called out.

  Corin looked and saw two men approaching them. Nanaua charged at them.

  The one closest to Nanaua clashed with her. The other lunged at Nanaua and Corin jumped in.

  He struck at the attacker's blade, stopping it before it hit Nanaua. Nanaua pushed back against her foe and moved away from Corin and the other assailant.

  Corin's foe acted quickly. He took a step back, sized up his distance with Corin and began attacking him quickly. His opponent was fast and precise. Corin could barely maintain his guard up as his opponent attacked. After one parried thrust, Corin's opponent slashed his shoulder. The wound was not too deep but it only served to slow him down.

  His opponent ramped up his intensity and Corin struggled with the attacks.

  He tried his best to withstand the onslaught but he couldn't. Another slash reached Corin, this time slicing him across his cheek.

  “Argh!” Corin yelled. He tried to go on the offensive and create an opening himself but his opponent would not let up.

  He tried to think of his training with Nanaua but he had already tried everything he could think of. He had to resort to something else. He stepped back and let the attacker come to him. When he did Corin charged at him. Expecting a swing from Corin his attacker lifted his blade up. Corin instead ran into him and knocked him to the ground. With his foe surprised Corin wrestled away his weapon and punched him. The attacker pushed Corin off and turned to reach for his weapon. Seeing his opportunity Corin reached around his foe’s neck and choked him. His foe struggled to get Corin off trying to simultaneously reach for the weapon and push Corin off but he couldn't. Corin kept holding on with all his might while his foe struggled. Eventually his foe stopped moving, but Corin continued holding on.

  It was only after Nanaua called out to him that he let go.

  “Come on Corin!” She told him.

  He struggled to get up as he was exhausted from his fight. Nanaua did not seem to show any type of exhaustion.

  As Corin got up, Nanaua yelled. “Watch out!”

  She ran to him and Corin looked behind him. There was Throk, charging with his spear at Corin.

  Corin rushed to get up and move. Throk ran at full speed toward him and Corin barely avoided being skewered while Nanaua stopped Throk's attack.

  Corin searched for his weapon and saw it in between Throk and Nanaua.

  “I reported the two of you dead!” Throk said. “I intend to make that a reality!”

  Throk pushed Nanaua away and quickly kicked Corin's sword behind him.

  Corin looked at him, his hand hovering above his waist.

  “Oh I know you must want to use your other weapon.” Throk gloated. “Well? What are you waiting for!? I'm right here!”

  Nanaua pressed the attack against Throk. She began attacking furiously at the dragoor, but every swing of Nanaua's pike was swatted away with ease. Amidst the chaos of the fight there Corin had no opening to grab his weapon.

  “More Nanaua! More!” Throk taunted as she kept attacking.

  As her attacks failed to create any openings her frustration grew.

  “Disappointing! As always! To think that you bested Nerua! “ He chided her.

  “Silence!” Nanaua said as she lunged at him.

  He had her exactly where he wanted. As she came at him Throk hit her across the face with the end of his weapon. The blow sent her reeling and Throk prepared to run her through. Corin realized he couldn't wait any longer for an opening and ran at Throk from his flank.

  Corin jumped on Throk and held on to his back. The surprised Throk missed Nanaua by a large margin. Corin took the opportunity to punch him in the back of the head while he was on top of him. Throk quickly reached behind him and grabbed Corin. He grabbed his shoulder and slammed him onto the ground.

  The impact forced all the air from Corin. As he struggled to gasp for air Throk grabbed him by his neck and picked him up.

  “You damned Vulgros!” He yelled as he smashed Corin against the wall.

  Corin’s vision was beginning to fade. Throk’s viselike grip around his throat was squeezing the life out of him.

  “Aaargh!” Nanaua yelled as she slashed at Throk.

  Throk let go of Corin but she still slashed at his forearm, drawing blood.

  Corin fell on the ground and looked at the enraged Throk.

  “You two deserve a fate worse than death!” He yelled.

  Corin saw his blade just in front of him and jumped to grab it.

  “No you won’t!” He yelled as he went to attack Corin but Nanau intervened.

  “You are facing me!” She asserted as she lunged at Throk.

  He had to move out of the way and Corin, still struggling to breathe, grabbed his blade. Nanaua and Throk were once again clashing with their weapons. Corin tried to find an opening as he struggled for air but their swings were too erratic, he couldn't see how to attack. But Nanaua pushed Throk away and stepped back.

  She now stood side by side with Corin. Throk looked at them.

  “You think this one will be enough to help you defeat me?” Throk smiled as he looked at Nanaua. He pointed his spear at Corin.

  “Attack!” Nanaua shouted.

  Both her and Corin ran at Throk attacking at the same time. As Nanaua would thrust with her pike Throk would evade it while blocking a slash from Corin. Nanaua stepped in to slash at Throk and he kicked Corin, launching him backwards. Throk parried Nanaua's attack throwing her off balance and piercing her upper arm.

  “Argh!” Nanaua shouted as she stepped back.

  Corin stood slowly.

  He looked at Throk. He was smiling as he looked at the duo.

  “Is that it?” Throk asked.

  Corin saw the gloating Throk and he knew that the two of them combined could not defeat him in a fair fight.

  “Throk,” Corin said as he looked at him, “why is it you hate me so much?”

  Throk turned to look at Corin with a bewildered look. It was the first time he had been addressed as so by someone he deemed inferior.

  “The vulgros thinks he can speak to me as a peer, hah!” Throk laughed. “Will you attempt to appeal to my better nature? Is that it?”

  “No.” Corin replied bluntly. “I just wanted to know if it had to do with how foolish you were in the woods. I wanted to know if you hated me because you fell for such an obvious trap that cost the lives of most of your men and caused you so much trauma that it even left you scarred for life. I noticed you’re missing a finger. Or two.”

  Throk had been smiling, but by the time Corin stopped speaking his smile had disappeared. He only looked at Corin. Corin gripped his blade tightly.

  “Is that why?” Corin asked.

  Throk’s responded with violence. He pounced on Corin with such ferocity that the mere clash of his spear on Corin’s blade forced the latter’s entire body to shake. Corin knew that at most he could withstand two more impacts from Throk before his guard would give. After the next hit Corin fell backwards making Throk miss him by a wide margin. The angry Throk tried to run down Corin but Nanaua got to him first.

  She buried her pike deep in his shoulder, carving out a space from his neck to his chest. Despite his fatal wound Throk only focused on Corin and went after him. Nanaua had to pull Throk back by the blade of her pike and slam him to the ground. Finally the impact disarmed him and Throk tried in vain to dislodge the pike from him.

  Nanaua pushed it in further ensuring Throk could go nowhere and that he would die there on the floor as he bled out.

  Corin got up and walked over to Nanaua as she held Throk in place.

  Throk stared at Corin with pure hatred in his eyes. His mouth foamed with blood and Throk struggled to get Nanaua’s pike off him, but the more he thrashed the faster he bled out. Eventually he could only stare at Corin as his life faded away.

  Once he stopped moving Nanaua looked to Corin.

  “Your blade.” She said as she held out her hand.

  Corin gave it to her. She took the sword and stabbed Throk through the heart. He did not move.

  Nanaua kneeled over Throk and searched his body. She picked out a stone disk.

  “The key to Zhi's room.” She said as she put it away.

  She then removed her pike from Throk and held onto the blade.

  “You deserved a worse fate.” Nanaua said as she walked away. She handed Corin back his blade.

  “Nanaua-“ Corin began.

  “Simeon should have been here by now.” Nanaua said, cutting off Corin.

  She was correct.

  The two ran around the large circular interior trying to find Simeon. They made it to the large internal door to the second ring but still no sign of him, or anyone else.

  “There's blood on the ground.” Nanaua pointed down.

  Corin's heart began to race.

  “Damn it Simeon, where are you?” Corin asked aloud as he looked.

  “We must go further in.” Nanaua said.

  She led them into the second ring of the prison.

  On the floor they saw a dead robed figure with an arrow sticking from its head. But still no sign of Simeon.

  They continued further in until they saw a long rope that dangled from the ceiling. As they approached it a body fell and crashed violently on the floor.

  Both Corin and Nanaua jumped back weapons at the ready.

  “Simeon?” Corin asked as he stared at the body.

  “Right here!” A voice replied from overhead.

  Corin looked up and saw his friend sliding down the rope. Within seconds he was on the ground.

  “Are you hurt?” Nanaua asked Simeon.

  “No. But it was as you said.” Simeon began. “The first guard was half asleep and I took him out with no issue. But once I opened the two doors I got unwanted attention from this one.”

  Simeon pointed to the body on the ground.

  “There was no way I was going to win in a fair fight. So I decided I could use a bit of help.” Simeon said.

  At that moment Livia and Kadus ran into the ring with them.

  Kadus looked at the body on the ground. Without hesitation he spat on it.

  “That's what you get for trying to slice my wing off!” Kadus yelled at the corpse.

  “That takes care of all the guards.” Nanaua said.

  She held the disk in her hand.

  “Let's save Zhi.” Corin replied to her.