Quest Purify me.

[Markus Andres]

68-Summer-514

]The city was having its toll on the sergeant knight. Been a culture shock to see how this city behaved itself. The brutality, the poverty, the horrible conditions people lived under, the selfishness, the lack of honour, of commitment to anything beyond themselves. There was so much of everything. Everywhere he looked he saw things that would have called for a knightly crackdown in Syliras. Half the city belonged in chains for their crimes against one another. The knight was also on edge. Like most the people he passed on this moonless night. Eyes shifted from person to person. Making sure he understood their intentions before he passed them. That he was ready to deflect a concealed dagger. He'd been cooped up in the room he'd rented for too long. Way too long. Another waking bell in that room and he would have gone insane. He wanted to help people. In some way or another he wished to aid the people of Sunberth. Help the good folks, the downthrodden. The knight constantly had to stop himself from helping everyone. Always keep himself distanced from the poor people. He could not help them tonight. He did not have the means to help everyone. He would have to get S'Essy and bring her through the slums one day, act as her bodyguard while she used her mark to help people. Tried to ease their sufferings. But he had been overwhelmed by how terrible the city truly was. Zeltiva had been a known quantity, he had known that city and not much had changed. But Sunberth, he had heard the stories. The lawlessness that existed. Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw with his own easy. Stories had a tendency to leave out the smells, the constant worry, wary eyes constantly upon you. The desperation. Patience had always been one of Markus' weak spots, he had always hated waiting around unable to do anything productive to pass the time.

Markus dark emerald eyes focused on a man who came stumbling out from a side alley. First reaction was to go help him before he fell over. But the knight held himself back. Waited a moment. The man's movements appeared dazed. Caught himself at the last moment before he tumbled to the ground. Managed to straighten himself. The knight's eyes narrowed upon the man. His movements, exaggerated, unreasonably so. Perhaps drunk? But they looked a little too coordinated. As if they were meant to throw off the suspicion of an onlooker. A flicker of light from a window bathed the face of the man in light and the alertness in his eyes. Too sharp for his perceived drunkenness. It was an act. The sergeant was convinced of it. Markus' right hand went to his sword automatically. Drew it an inch. Ready to cut down this man if he approached Markus. - Luckily the not-so drunk man saw Markus' readiness and instead went in a different direction. The knight wore a scowl at the attempted trickery.

Just another dishonourable act.

Under his clothes he wore the chain mail he'd brought from Syliras. Plus his chest was covered with the breastplate he had also brought. Covered by his cloak and tunic that people might not realize he was heavily protected. But few would be fooled enough to think he was a push-over, as the knight also carried his heater shield on the back. Peacekeeper, the Isurian made blade, on his left hip, just below the cold iron dagger that was also sheathed. He was armed to the teeth. With good reason. The blade carried openly would be a good deterrent for hopeful thieves. It was only the desperate and talented ones he had to worry about now.

The city had a way of making him wary of every movement. Think it was a small step in a larger plot to knock him over the head and drag him into the darkness and steal everything from his body. It was hard to distinguish between the criminals and the innocent in this city. Last time he had been in Sunberth, he had had over a thousand knights in his back, ready to subdue the city should things have turned hostile. Today, he was the only knight around. Not that he was making his knightly affiliation known to anyone. Although he wouldn't deny it if anyone asked him, he still thought it prudent not to advertise with him being an enforcer of the law in a lawless city. But even with the dark greedy eyes staring at him from every corner, the knight felt better about being out in the fresh air than inside the room at the Hot Springs. Although he did wish he would soon make progress with his actual reason for being in the city.

[Radiant]

Of course, this scumhole of a city would sicken any decent person, particularly if that person was a Sergeant Knight of the Syliran Knight Order, an Order devoted to the cause of Sylir, God of Peace and Civilization, in which Sunberth had none. The city was the epitome of chaos and uncontrolled freedom. Crimes were done in broad daylight, people starving on the street, blatant disregard of basic human rights were violated here and there.

On this particular awful day, one Sergeant Knight would find himself in a trial that would shake the very foundation of his beliefs...

.........

OOCYou picked female so...

"Sir...?"

As Markus passed one of the many nondescript streets of Sunberth, he would find a tiny meek voice called out to him, when he looked to his left, he would find a small girl, about twelve years of age, with very dirty brunette hair and blank hazel eyes, the girl wore rags, turned brown from dirt, grime, and wear. At a first glance, she was clearly a homeless child who was begging for food.

"P-please, have mercy..." Not above groveling, the starving child literally crawled to Markus' feet then hugged his left ankle, looking up to him with eyes full of suffering. Her lips were shattered, her voice croaked due to parched throat, she had enough of drinking dirty water and no food entered her belly for the past few days. She looked to be tethering on the edge between life and death.

[Markus Andres]

As terrible as this city could be, Markus knew the cure, or so he arrogantly believed, the lawlessness stemmed from many different aspects. Unwillingness to change and give up freedom in exchange for order and the methods of Syliras that had brought prosperity to humanity and those living in Syliras. To the knights. To see the potential of Sunberth squandered by selfish and greedy men incapable of seeing the big picture, it sickened him. Dishonourable men destroying the future of an entire city through lawlessness. Markus realized that he didn't know where he was. Been used to Syliras and the safe streets of the fortress city, that he had not paid attention to where he was heading. Lost his way in a city he did not know. Typical him when his thoughts wandered. Focused on each immediate danger and forgot the bigger one. He would have to backtrack and see if he could make his way back through the city on his own somehow. As he passed a side street something made him stop.

The frail voice that reached Markus pulled at his heart. A weak voice. Stopped to turn his gaze down at her, stunned by her sudden appearance that he did not manage to croak a response to her. The things this poor girl must have endured in this city of sinners. He could hardly imagine the cruelty of a city that would consign a poor girl like her to such a fate. She was only a child for Sylir's sake! Hazel eyes looked at him. They were met by emerald ones. The suffering he saw in those eyes told him they had seen things no child ought to have seen. Endured things no one should have to endure in a world gone to shyke. He was horrified at what he saw. The girl was covered in rags. Dirty. Grime. Full of lice and other pestilences no doubt. Her voice, frail and weak. Hungry, no doubt. Needing a helping hand. Colder people might have kicked her away. Whose hearts had hardened to the sufferings of people. Who had lost their humanity. Left with no desire to help the weak. How they could ignore a girl pleading for help like her, was beyond him.

And she is not the only one. At a distance it had been easier to ignore his moral plight, to postpone the aid he knew the people living in squalor conditions needed. But his focus had been elsewhere, to his personal mission. But confronted with it so directly it was impossible to ignore their plight. I can't leave her. I refuse to leave her. She won't live another day if I don't get her help. By Tyveth, look at those lips... She need medical attention. Food. Drink... Markus swallowed hard as the determination in him grew. There was no dilemma to be debated inside of him. The act itself had been determined the moment he had seen her condition. The moment she had called out for his help, he felt not only obligated to help her, but he also felt the desire to help the poor girl. It was the right thing to do under any circumstances. But he had to find the best method of ensuring the girl's survival. How to nurture this poor girl back to health and give her a new shot at life. He was determined that he could save her. He would do everything in his power to not let her die. Not consign her to such a hellish existence. Markus dared to throw a glance away from the girl. Back the way he had come. It would not be too far to reach the Hot Springs, he hoped, he had lost track of time as he had walked - back where S'Essy and the owners of the establishment could provide her with what was needed. It might be a small step to save her, but if he could save this girl from a horrible fate of slow starvation, his trip to Sunberth would have been worth every day on that gods-forsaken ship. Those hazel eyes made him realize how much he truly loathed Sunberth and cities that left people to die on the street like this.

”Do- don't worry my child. You are in safe hands now. I promise.” He tried to speak as calmly and reassuringly as he could. But there was a tremble in his voice. Still horrified at what he was seeing. Mortified that someone could leave such a young child to her own fate like this. That her parents had either died or forced her to survive on her own. If the latter, he would have to track them down and show them a thing or two about parental duty. The glimmer of an unspoken threat to those parents vanished as he was reminded of her position. The body that pressed against him. The sergeant's large burly arms would reach down to pick up the girl. Free her from his ankle and instead let her lie in his arms. Undoubtedly she would feel the pressure of his breastplate under the tunic and dark green cloak. But that hardly mattered, for he would in return be able to feel the starving body against his arms and it worried him. Sickened him. ”Let us get you something to eat. Do you have a name, child?” Voice a little more under control this time, though it still had a small tremble as he spoke. He would attempt to carry the girl to the Hot Springs. If only he knew the way, but perhaps the girl could help him there if he got too lost. Though he was fairly certain he knew the route back now that he was heading in the direction. The goodly gods would undoubtedly guide his path.

Hang in there, child, you're in good hands now. – He thought, mainly to reassure himself that he was capable of saving the girl.

[Radiant]

The girl stayed silent as the tall armored man, armed to the teeth with weapons, bent down to pick her up. Though she didn't respond to him verbally, it was clear in her eyes that she truly appreciated his help, however... there was a tinge of uncertainty and regret bubbling just beneath the surface of those blank hazel eyes. The girl's gaze was directed at the dark abandoned street on Markus' side, she nodded her head, she was hungry and wanted to something to eat... anything, as long as it wasn't poison. Granted, even poison would be fine as long as she could taste something and die painlessly.

"Name..." When Markus asked for her identity, she murmured under her breath, her eyes repeatedly shifting from left to right, vice versa, in hesitation before she slowly answered him, "Vita..." she answered simply. From her tone though, the observant knight could see it sounded like a bald-faced lie, like she just made up that name out of the blue, refusing to give him her real name, whether it was true or not, it remained to be seen. Wrapped in his large arms and presence, the girl felt safer as her trembling subsided after a few chimes.

Though the city was full of anarchy, ironically, some semblance of order could be seen, noted by the various stores and taverns, most of them downtrodden, along the street, at least they could provide acceptable food and drink. Of course, there was also the famous Pig's Foot Tavern in the Market's District near there... if the Knight knew the way. The problem was, even asking around for directions in Sunberth would result in apathetic ignorance or spiteful glares.

As Markus walked, he would notice that from a street corner, a shady figure was motioning for him to approach, from his hands though, the figure looked masculine, "Pssst, hey..." He whispered then gestured to the weak girl in his arms, "Selling? I buy good, two hundred golds." Of course, the man implied Markus to sell the girl, not his armor, his sword, or his dagger.

[Markus Andres]

The focus of the knight constantly shifted between the starving little girl in his arms and the streets ahead of him. Split evenly as he worried for both her and that he might take a wrong turn somewhere and delay the time before she could get something to eat. Having her in his arms made him notice something different that had eluded his senses earlier. The smell. She would need a bath as well. Scrub the layers of filth off of her body. But he didn't mind, but he was a little worried at how light Vita seemed in his arms. His question prompted her eyes to shift from side to side, he noticed. The answer came finally and it sounded like a lie. His lips turned into a thin line. Markus felt the anger rise inside of him. Having been raised under the tenant of Tyveth for most of his life, dishonesty always made him angry. Nor did he understand the reason to keep her name hidden from him. But if she didn't trust him, for whatever reasons, with her name, then so be it. He was here to save her life and a simple lie about her name wouldn't change that fact. Still grated against his moral sense and ideals. Lies should, if possible, be avoided at all costs. Though the knight could not know the dark thoughts and desperation hiding behind those blank hazel eyes.

”Pretty name. My name is Kvist, Vita.” The displeasure of what he perceived as a lie did not enter his voice. It was calm, confident, reassuring. Though as he moved down a particular street he felt less confident that he was on the right path. But the girl seemed to feel safe in his company. For the trembling subsided and apart from her harrowed and filthy look, she seemed to do better. But there was still an urgency in his step. Any tick he delayed, where his thoughts lingered for too long without progress, would be a tick where her stomach would growl a little louder. Perhaps the Hot Springs was too far away. Find a closer location to find her food and drink. But the stores, at this bell, were probably all closed. He could locate a tavern and if he came across one of those on the way, he would probably bring her there to sate the worst of her hunger. If only he had scouted out the city better, commited the layout to memory, then he might have been more decisive in his actions.

I need to plan out better - Did I go right or left here? Petch I don't kn... who is that?

His emerald eyes narrowed on a shaded figure who motioned for him to move closer. Despite his reservation about the honour of the adult population in Sunberth, he tentatively moved closer to the stranger. Perhaps he had taken pity on the little girl and decided to help the two strangers. Or he might know something that could help the sergeant who was lost. The words that the man spoke left the sergeant confused. The concept of open slavery still so foreign to him that he did not know of what the man spoke immediately. Confusion crossed his face. But once the truth dawned on him, it filled him with disgust and wonder. Always amazed him how open these people were about the deplorable act of slavery. Treat other people like their property. Only made the disgust he felt for them fester. If the girl's white lie had angered him, this open display of immorality. Eyes narrowed into thin lines as he glared at the man. The soft warmth that usually painted his features was all drained from his face and replaced it with hatred and barely contained rage. What sort of despicable man would buy and sell a little girl like her? A deplorable act and there was no way in Hai Markus was going to let the girl get sold into slavery. Never would he deign himself to such a depraved act. Already been confronted with that before, he would never spend gold on slaves. Would not legitimize such a foul trade with his gold. The man was fortunate that Markus was in a hurry and carrying a girl that hindered his ability to get violent. But a glance in her direction soothed his anger a little, put it into perspective. He couldn't start fighting with Vita in his arms. Might only frighten her further. What would this man even want with a girl like her? He didn't want to think about that.

”Get lost you piece of shyke before I break in your teeth.” Markus snarled at the man. Rising to his full height to look as imposing as possible. Broad shoulders got a little wider. Markus felt the pull of djed as he began to push it around inside of his body. Getting the feel of his own djed. Prepared to guide some of it through the astral pathways, feed the power to his strong hips and thighs should the man turn hostile. He would be met with a flux-empowered straight kick directly into his groan and guts. Though the knight doubted the man would get hostile. There was little to be won, unless he knew the value of the blade by Markus' hip. If he wisely did as Markus suggested, he would survive this encounter with his manhood unbroken and Markus would get on with his way. The man might have given Markus directions, but he could not trust a man who would lower himself to slavery with directions. He would rather take his chances than work with a man like that. Take his chances that the good gods would show him in the right direction. Had every faith that they would not let him down when the life of a little girl was on the line.

[Radiant]

The Sergeant Knight was dealing with one Hai of a culture shock, and definitely not in a good way. For a crusader of Sylir, God of Peace and Civilization, who also held Tyveth and Yahal high among his pantheon, Sunberth was the complete antithesis of honor, chivalry, justice, and fairness. Scums littered the street, morals were non-existent, and everything was for sale, including starving children.

As the knight rebuked the shady figure's 'generous' offer, he simply retracted his hand then hid his face in the hood before standing still, letting the Knight left the location. "Un..." A stir from the little girl in his arms, when Markus looked down, the girl didn't look relieved at all, she didn't even thank him. On the contrary, she looked horrified as if Markus' made the wrong choice in refusing, but she didn't say anything, Vita just nervously fidgeted with her fingers as she looked to her left and right, her eyes searching for something.

Due to Markus' lack of knowledge regarding Sunberth's layout, he led them into a dead-end in a rather secluded street... at least at first, because no less than six suspicious men appeared from the shadows and narrow alleys, backing Markus into a corner, they all wore leather armor, worn but very much functional, and armed with various weapons, mostly daggers and sickles. They all hungrily examined the Knight, attracted by his belongings, those armor and weapons would fetch a price in the market.

One tall man, but still shorter than Markus by about four inches, stepped forward, he seemed to be the honcho of this particular gang, "Well, well, well," He sneered with a gruff voice, "What do we hav' 'ere? A rich mercenary, ain't it, boys?" The five gang members all snickered and chuckled, the leader then continued, "Rich pig, you know what to do, strip everything, they are ours now, and..." He turned his attention to the girl in Markus' arms, "Vita, come 'ere!"

With a whimper, the girl suddenly released herself from Markus' arms then quickly walked to the gang leader's side, "Good job, now go sit over 'ere, we got a job to do." The child fearfully nodded then made her way to one narrow alley, hiding behind the corner.

"Well, pig? Any moment now, I'm a compassionate man, no need to get my hands dirty, but... things could get ugly if you don't take those off, now." He threatened the knight, confident that they got him outnumbered, inching ever closer to Markus, sharp daggers and sickles glinting in the light.

OOCWe can narrate the fight together, Markus.

[Markus Andres]

Markus only showed the little girl a reassuring smile when she fidgeted worried in his arms. Of course she would be worried. He had just told someone to bugger off. The girl was probably more accustomed to avoiding situations like that, rather than Markus' brutish intimidation. He felt confident he could defeat a single hoodlum should he decide to pursue them. So he wasn't particularly concerned with the man. Did keep alert for someone coming up quickly behind him. But there he had the shield, covered most of him from attack. The sergeant only noticed then that there was no exit to the alley he had just entered. Attention had been upon the small girl in his arms.

”No worries, you are safe with me, Vita.” He whispered confidently. To reassure her that everything would be better soon. A night meal and a good night's rest without fear of what hardships she would have to endure to survive the next day. Markus turned about and figures moved out from the darkness. He counted six of them, but that didn't mean there couldn't be more hidden in the darkness. Or on the rooftops. A glance went up, he saw no shadows looming above him. Cornered by six robbers. Master Mason would have scolded him for such infantile stupidity.

The leader stepped forward. The tactical mind immediately began to calculate his current dilemma. Find a suitable way of surviving this encounter. The immediate problem was naturally to keep Vita safe. She had to survive this and get to safety. He should have told her about S'Essy. That there would be someone to take care of the at the Hot Springs. Markus pursed his lips. Might be able to toss the girl to a roof. Save her from this pervert. But he would be horribly open for attack while he did that. But words struck him deeply. The bandit spoke her name. The girl in his arms slipped from his grip and moved to stand beside the leader.

The little girl had been in on the ambush. Markus felt the sting of betrayal sting him. This petching city corrupted them at a young age. Rhysol touched them while their innocence should have been a given.

I suppose I wasn't much different at that age. He sourly reminded himself. Markus eyes stared after Vita, at least she had not actually lied about her name and the knight had heard the whimper when she had obeyed his orders. A small comfort for her obvious much deeper betrayal of his trust. The leader ordered her away and a part of Markus was honest to the gods relieved that the girl would not stand witness to what would come next. For he had seen the weapons of the men. Several of them carried tools of peasants. He could also surrender his items. They only carried a minor sentimental value and a price in gold. Neither that he was overly concerned with. Once more it was the principle of the act. Besides, he held no illusion that they would let him live even if he did comply. Besides, Roz would flay him alive should he find out Markus had surrendered his sword to a brigand in Sunberth without a fight. Such scum didn't deserve to live either way. Using a little girl in their dirty business. Honourless and despicable men.

Kill the leader and they might disperse? No, might give them a martyr to rally around in outrage. Doesn't seem like the most loyal bunch... Better keep it safe just in case and eliminate them one by one. Destroy them completely so that they can't harass other people.

Tactical considerations there were many of, couldn't charge into this battle The most pressing issue was the time between him moving for his sword and getting it drawn, then he would be the most vulnerable. Fortunately the men had robbed themselves of their strongest ace in dismissing the girl from his side. At least they were not completely without honour. His eyes narrowed on the leader as he spoke again.

Markus focus turned inwards. The magic responded to his summoning, much faster than he had tried before. He was slowly getting a hang of conjuring up the power of the flux when he needed it the most. The tone of the presumed leader told Markus that he did not have long to conjure the magic. Push and gather the djed. He felt the power as it gathered in his right arm. Feeling the djed move across the astral pathways. Markus took a deep relaxing breath as he slowly nodded in response to himself. It was time to sully his blade once more in the blood of those corrupted by Rhysol.

”Your hands are already dirty - and to be fair, you are also quite ugly.” Came the cold calculated reply of a man not afraid of the enemy. Markus' right arm moved into the cloak. At a speed that even surprised himself. Fingers gripped tightly around the dagger. Drew it in a swift motion. Extended his arm fully. Fingers opened and let it fly free at the man second from the right. It was hardly a perfect throw. It was never meant to be. Only meant as a distraction.

The hand would snap back. Still infused with the power of the flux. Fingers grip around the much larger hilt of the Peacekeeper. Left arm already reached behind to draw the shield of Syliras. Get a protective cover to keep the others at distance. In a single fluid motion the Peacekeeper would clear itself of the scabbard. That was when the djed would be moved within him. Pushed to his legs. Thighs, hips, powerful muscles. The feet pushed against the ground. Propelled him towards the swine further to the right. Keep the remainder of the bandits on the left. Have them struggle with getting past one another to reach him. Where he would be behind the protection of the large heater shield. Peacekeeper would slash out at the bandit furthest to the right. He had no plans for fancy feints and tricks. Simple overpowering strength and speed. Slash at his neck. Aim to finish him quickly and work his way around counter-clockwise. The goal was simple. Survive. Keep his slashes quick and accurate at weak spots in their leather armour. Mobility was his ally. Mobility and range. Keep them on their toes and at a distance. Where the Peacekeeper worked the best. Try and guide them to bunch together and get in the way of one another. Unable to attack effectively. Strike at them without mercy. Manoeuvre himself to keep the majority of them on his left. Keep the shield always in motion. Never expose any gap for too long. Though he did marvel at his own speed without much of the encumbering plate armour he usually wore in combat.

[Radiant]

The gang leader looked positively amused when the rich pig in front of them managed to squeal a mocking reply, the foolishness of these rich fools, they were so caught up in their sense of superiority, they preferred to hang on to their belongings rather than their very lives... or at least, these were the thoughts of the hooligans. They didn't know the man in front of her was a crusader of Sylir and more than capable to dish out great justice upon them.

"Haha! Let's see how you talk when I got my blade up your throat, pig! Boys!" He raised his hand, the gang members preparing, then he faced it forward "Atta-?!"

His command was cut off as a glint of steel flew through the air, the thrown dagger barely missing a bandit, nicking his ear, the men were startled, how could this guy move so fast? The ticks of pause was all the Knight needed to draw his Izentor sword and heater shield, charging at them, "F-fools! ATTACK! KILL HIM!" The leader broke out of his trance then all went to Hai, the bandits shouting and charging at the Knight, clearly not trained in professional military conduct, they were a bunch of rag-tag criminals after all.

Markus moved fast, taking the bandits by surprise as his sword cut down one bandit, he gurgled for a few ticks as his jugular was severed under Izurdin's might, the man fell unceremoniously to the ground. With one fatality, the bandit all roared into a berserk frenzy, it was not a matter of intimidation anymore, they had to kill this man, right then and there.

Two bandits approached from Markus' left, all slashing and stabbing with their daggers, while two approached from his right, sickles glinting and swishing in the air. The bandit leader gritted his teeth as he watched his men looking like sheep facing against a dire wolf, the bandit might look intimidating at first, but he was a coward at heart. Even as Markus worked to cut down his cronies, he kept his distance, inching himself closer to the girl, "You!" His right hand reached out to grab at the girl's hair, pulling Vita up to her feet, the child whimpered in fear, but he didn't care, he would do one of the most dishonorable thing in combat situation, taking a child hostage.

"STOP!" He shouted to them all, but specifically to Markus, when the knight looked at him, he would find the bandit leader holding Vita from behind with his left hand, while his right hand put the blade of his dagger dangerously close to the girl's neck, "Stop or..." He pricked it a little, causing a small drop of crimson to fall from the child's dirty skin, "She'll die."

[Markus Andres]

Markus felt no remorse as the Peacekeeper slit open the neck of the first thug. A splatter of blood as the man fell to the ground. The thug had barely managed to react to Markus' explosive speed. The perks of the flux. The power was willed away. He could not maintain a thorough control while engaged in combat. There was a roar on the other side of his shield. If the dying man gurgling in his own blood was an indicator – they were only lining themselves up to die. Markus knew the art of war. A defiant roar met the men as they moved to attack him. To his surprise he had actually expected the men to turn tail and flee. A closer knit group than anticipated. Shield knocked aside a dagger aimed for the side of his head. A roll with the shoulder and he pushed the arm further away. Bought himself a tick or two more before that dagger would return to the fray. Ease the burden on his left flank briefly. Peacerkeeper brushed aside a sickle. With a flick of the wrist the blade would slide down the side of the tool-turned-weapon.

Edge blessed with the power of Izurdin would cut into the fingers unprotected by a crossguard. He was an opportunist under these circumstances. Hard pressed to keep them at bay. Powerful swings to make them get away from him. Attempt to tear through their defences and let the blade tear into their skin. But he was amazed, through the flurry of sickles and daggers, he only counted four weapons pressing their luck. One of them had not engaged in the melee yet. Markus heard a loud command to stop. Just as he flicked with his wrist again and made a close range thrust at one of the sickle carrying bandits with the peacekeeper. Markus felt the power of djed push into his legs as he jumped away from the attackers. Get some distance. Who had shouted stop?

Eyes narrowed on the source over the edge of his shield. Surprise and disgust manifested in his eyes as he looked at the grisly scene before him. Teeth gnashed together as emerald orbs saw the 'leader' hold Vita by the dirty brown hair. I should have gone for that petching bastard. Done the work of Yahal and purified part of the city from such filth. Markus lips turned into a thin line of silent fury. A fury that almost allowed him to write down the girl as a lost cause and continue the combat. She had betrayed him. Brought him in this petching predicament to begin with. As far as he could be concerned, she was just another one of them. A part of their gang. Muscles tensed. Blade poised to strike at the enemies. He could tear through them like a violent tempest and leave severed limbs and dying men around him.

She's just a little kid.

She could not have known better. Besides if she became a hostage, she would hardly be a member of their gang. Unless it was an act. Like her earlier begging. Blood dripped from her neck. It sent a involuntary shiver down his spine. Markus relaxed and lowered the blade. Emerald eyes full of hatred for their leader. He had not thought it possible for his opinion of the man to get any lower. But it seemed he was determined to be the biggest shykehole in the city. Markus did feel a little remorse for the first man he had killed in the alley. Remorse that it had not been their leader gurgling in his own blood. Though part of him didn't think the leader deserved such a quick death for his brutality. Clean the streets of filth like him.

What the petch do I do... I can't surrender. Not to such foul men – but they'll kill her. Compromise? - Markus couldn't think of anything. Any quick action that might kill their leader before he could slice her throat open. Poor little girl.

”I'm listening.” Markus spoke through his teeth. The tone might indicate that the opposite was the truth, but he was listening. See what the man had to offer. ”Though if you wish for your hand to remain attached to your arm, I suggest you let the girl go. To the rest of you, my quarrel is not with you, only with that scumbag. Leave now and you will live to see Syna rise in the morning. I swear by Yahal if you do not leave, I will cleanse this city of your little gang.” Markus did not make idle threats. But the sideways glance he threw in the direction of the man he had killed, gaze lingered long enough for them to perhaps follow his gaze and realize, he did possess the skills to kill them all. Hostage or no hostage. ”So I suggest you convince your leader to let the girl go before things get uglier.”

[Radiant]

The gang leader smirked cruelly, showing Markus a yellow-toothed wide grin, as he kept his threat clear before the Knight's eyes, the life of a child for his surrender, "Oh no! Do you think I am stupid? I will kill this little bitch first before I let you touch me." He spat at the ground then cackled gruffly at the Knight's threat of extermination, "Hahahahaha! Funny man, aren't ya?" All of the gang members snickered awkwardly, trying to laugh together, but they were still rather intimidated by the sight of one dead comrade, laying on the pool of his own blood.

"You don't know who you are messing with, pig!" The leader spoke mockingly, "Look around you! Do you think anyone would care of your little cause? Kill us? Go ahead, you will be dead next morning, I promise you that... We have friends, you, however, are alone." Whether it was a bluff or not, it remained to be seen, but he sure sounded convincing. The child, too scared and horrified, simply sobbed softly as her eyes went wide and utterly blank, like her mind had shut down to avoid snapping.

"You want the little bitch to live? That can be arranged..." He then gestured to Markus, as in his body, "Strip down your armor, weapons, everything, we will take you instead." The leader then growled, showing that he was not kidding about murdering a child should worse come to worst, "Do that, and I will let her go. I promise~" The gang leader snickered again, slightly twisting his dagger to reflect Leth's light at Markus' eyes though the blade. "I'll give you ten seconds to start stripping or she'll die."

The gang members, confident that Markus was just one man and alone, didn't listen to the Knight's attempt of persuasion, they simply watched, weapons at a ready, ready to jump in at anytime, this bastard had killed one of them, he must pay.