Collecting on a Bounty... [Closed]

[Nydryn]

Finally Ny had learned what events were about to take place. It seemed as though the pig shaped man, Dorion wanted the other man’s head. Why, she still did not know, but she did not need to know. Then there would be a smaller pig shaped man. Syndre said that neither of them would be much trouble, but their guards would be. Ny, Syndre and Robert were to kill them all. Killing had never been pleasant for the woman, but if the night called for it, then that is what she would do. This thought manifested and various directions this night’s events could take made Ny’s smile turn into a frown. The drug she had recently inhaled amplified these thoughts making the events seem even more intimidating. What if the men realized that Robert was not really dead? They would kill all three of them and then suffer no ill effects. A façade had to be firmly in place tonight for the plan to work at all. Her hesitation could get them all killed, and the woman would need to be on top of things to prevent that from happening. Syndre had motioned for her to pick up the other man’s feet and grasping his large ankles, she and the rogue carried the large man with much difficulty to the door of the house owned by Dorion. The man stayed limp as Syndre set his back down against the ground. The rogue had carried more of the man’s weight then Ny had, but even so, her back was a bit sore from carrying the large man. She set his ankles down and then smiled slightly at Syndre as he grabbed a paper from his pocket. The smile disappeared as the rogue knocked on the wealthy man’s door. Presumably, a guard answered telling Syndre that the pig like man did not accept visitors at this hour. Of course, any wealthy citizen of Ravok would not accept visitors at this time for the evil portion of Ravok was out at this time more than any other time. As her friend opened the paper for the guard to see, the door opened further, but just enough so that the guard could grab the paper from Syndre. Being significantly taller than herself, the guard was about Syndre’s height, but the other man was thicker. It was a good thing that Ny had her daggers with her for as the man eyed her, the hate in his face was obvious. His question was about her, but the rogue had answered. It was probably better for she did not trust herself to speak, at least not yet. It wouldn’t be long before she could pull off the act that the night required her to. As the Syndre continued to speak, his words were very convincing and the man opened the elaborate door. As Syndre turned around Ny nodded slightly and together they lifted Robert once again. Inside, the room was beautifully furnished and after they cleared the doorway, the guard closed the door behind them. The drug made her nervousness infest her body but she refused to outwardly show it. The feeling of being trapped in a house with quite a few men who could possibly kill you later tonight was just a little unnerving. They set Robert down on the floor in the middle of the elaborate room and as Ny put his feet on the ground she could see her hand trembling a bit. She put both hands behind her as she straightened up, trying to get rid of the fear that coursed through her veins. As she looked around the room, her eyes landed on the still suspicious guard. As pools of brown and blue met, her stare turned cold. Just because she was associated with the crime, she was hated by the guard and probably this entire household. They know nothing of her, but despise her nonetheless. Her fear was gone, replaced with a sliver of anger. It would be satisfying to wreak havoc on this house and its inhabitants. The guard’s voice was gruff as he called another guard to the room. They spoke quietly, exchanging looks across the room at Syndre, the still form of Robert, and then her. The second guard quickly exited as the first nodded at her friend. It seemed as though the three had gotten through the first encounter, but none of them knew what was in store for their next one.

[Aki]

Aki handed the plate of cake to her master. He grabbed the offered pastry, with greedy enthusiasm. With a wave of his hand he dismissed her. She bowed and shuffled back to the large canopied bed. She sat down, arranging her flowing robe to stay out of her way comfortably. As her master gobbled up the cake like a glutton, she picked up her embroidery and picked up from where she left off. As a former maid of the WhiteVines in Avanthal, Aki was accustomed to sewing up simple to elaborate tears for the family. It was only since she had been bought by a more affluent merchant, that Aki had picked up more elegant crafts to spend her time not serving her master. It was a simple rose. A pretty pink one. Aki always had a penchant for pink, though she never got to wear the pretty color as a poor maid from a poor family, and now that her new master always had her clad in lily white - a sort of fetish she presumed. Aki had finished embroidering the outline of the flower and now she was up to filling in the green, curved stem. Her fingers had been pricked often, but never to deeply, since she had started, so now, with experience to warn her, as well as a pincushioned finger, Aki made sure to be very careful and steady as she brought the needle, in and out, in and out of the canvas. The room was quiet, the light was dim. Dorion’s ravenous bites were barely audible, they were uncharacteristically muted, even compared to the lively crackling of the fire. Aki was happy and calm. Today was an easy night. Aki smiled, happy to embroider quietly in the corner.

[Syndre]

The door to Dorion's exquisite chambers opened with a brief series

of knocks given before hand. The second guard, who had just left the visitor's
area, slipped into the richly decorated room with an unsure composure. The hefty
merchant didn't like to be disturbed unless it was something important, and the
thick framed guard wasn't convinced that the delivered bounty warranted his
attention. Dark green eyes glanced over to the petite woman upon the comfortable
bed, catching the sight of her carefully sowing before quickly turning his
worried gaze to the floor. He cleared his throat in a scratchy manner, trying to
bring Dorion's attention away from the sweet food. Disturbing the rotund man
while in the midst of enjoying a meal wasn't an ideal situation, but when the
guard felt Dorion's eyes upon him he had no choice but to speak," Excuse me sir...
the man you recently placed a bounty on... his body has arrived. There is a
woman and a man here to collect their reward."

Slightly flustered from the interruption, Dorion stared a hole thru his

hired protection. Cushioned cheeks worked slowly on the moist piece of cake in
his mouth, savoring the rich taste and spongy texture. The merchant considered
the guard's words for a lingering moment, creating an awkward silence as he
patiently devoured the flavorful dessert. A wet tongue ran across his pudgy lips,
making sure that not even a dab of sugar was left behind. A quiet grunt
announced his effort to rise from his plush seat, and as he managed to stand he
responded to his underling," At least your interruption came with a bit of good
news. I'll forgive you for barging in this time... but do it again and you'll
be on the street looking for job."

Picking up the last piece of cake off the plate with his fat fingers,

Dorion shoved the frosted morsel into his mouth. He glanced over to the delicate
woman upon the bed and waved her over, his words hard to understand as he spoke
with a stuffed mouth," Come with me Aki... I want to show you off to our guests."
Dorion liked to put her on display, for she was a wonderful prize to own. Slaves
were a sign of status within the corrupt city, and those with an abundance of
Miza felt the need to retain people to parade their power. Swallowing the
sweetened mush within his mouth, Dorion urged the guard forward to lead the way.
The merchant's labored steps followed behind his intimidating servant, not
bothering to look back to see if his feminine possession was coming. She knew
better than to disobey an order, and she knew the painful consequences of being
disobedient.

____________________________

Upon setting the blanketed body down on the floor of the lobby, Syndre

tilted is head in a slight angle, the movement causing his lengthy braids to
sway gently below his chiseled chin. Azure orbs stared at the beautiful woman
across from him, a quick narrowing of his blue eyes given. He was positioned in
a way to where the guard could not see the swift expression, a subtle sign for
Nydryn to prepare herself for trouble. The second guard, who was built much like
the first, had a brief conversation with the other armored man before disappearing
into the hallway that lied beyond the lobby. It would be foolish for them to pass
up such a favorable opportunity. With his lean form remaining crouched in front of
the mercenary's lifeless frame, the rogue offered Robert a quick unseen tap atop
his shrouded head.

"I would hate to not get paid for my efforts tonight... this swine of a man

was a pain to deal with. Can you make sure I killed the right person?...," Syndre
asked the remaining guardsman as he slowly rose to his full height. He took a
couple of booted footfalls back away from the lying body, offering the armored
figure enough personal space to where he didn't feel the least bit threatened. A
dramatic wave of his leather bound hand was given in Nydryn's direction, urging
her to get out of the way, "Get out of the way rat... give this man some room.
You know... you are always in the way... and one of these days you're going to
piss of the wrong person... and when you do I'm not going to be there to save
your pretty little ass..." Syndre turned his back fully to the guard now, his
demeanor turning aggressive toward his female companion. "And another thing...
I'm always saving your ass... when are you ever going to help me? Why are you
always the one getting into trouble?... A selfish wench you are...," the rogue
continued his sudden rant, scorning Nydryn heavily with his biting words.

The guard released a frustrated sigh at the bickering, for he heard

enough of such rambling through out the day from Dorion. Blocking the thin
vagabond's tirade much like he did with his employer, the man ignored the couple
and moved toward the covered body. Though Syndre had began to get under the
guard's nerves, he did have a point. What if they had killed the wrong person?
That would surely send his boss into a fit or rage for wasting his precious time.
The guard cursed himself for not checking the identity of the body before allowing
them to enter Dorion's home. It would make him look foolish in front of the
merchant and he could possibly lose his job due to his ignorance. He gave the
other two another suspicious glance, seeing that they were too busy with one
another to be of any harm, then positioned himself over the mercenary. Bending
low at the waist, the solid man reached down with both arms and took hold of the
trim with either hand. The soft material began to pull back and the guard's
dark brown eyes began to focus.

[Robert Cithon]

The blanket was becoming stuffy, it was getting way to hot. His body heat was forcing perspiration to bead down his face, a sure sign that he was not dead. They had to hurry or the secret would be revealed. Robert could not be seen as a dead man now, dead men did not sweat. Nor did they take deep breathes. Which is what he was being forced to do. The blanket was not vented enough, it was too thick, not enough air circulation. His slow breathing was no longer getting enough oxygen into his system. Instead he was taking dramatically long deep breathes, hoping the slow movements couldn’t be detected. Once the others set him down again, smoothly this time. He presumed it was nearly time to begin the dangerous part. Getting inside was the easy part of tonight’s events. Dispatching of everyone inside the manner was the dangerous part. And escaping the house before patrolling guards took notice of the violence within was the difficult part. Listening to the words Syndre was speaking, he could almost believe them himself. He was gifted with a smooth tongue. He could likely convince a witness that what he saw was actually an illusion, brought on by an incurable illness. Robert was glad the man had picked him to side with. A soft tap on the top of the head brought his back to the situation at hand. He did not know if it was a signal, or a warning. Either way Robert was glad he ha worked one of his daggers loose during the trek across the street. He held it ready, hidden beneath the blanket, close to his chest. The slow footfalls signaled the approach of the heavy set guard. He could only imagine the man was similar in size to Robert himself. Slowing his breathing tremendously, he prepared himself. Once the man uncovered Robert’s face, the façade would be over. The was no mistaking Robert for a truly dead man. The sweat running down his head. The healthy color of his skin. The heat emitting from the blanket itself was a give away. The soft material began to slide of his body. The slowness of the guards pace was annoying. Why didn’t he just yank the blanket away and let things begin? So Robert laid in patience, he would not move until his face was shown, revealing the truth. Another second ticked away, he could not stand it any longer. His free hands shot up, quickly tossing one side of the blanket of his body. A cool refreshing flow of air welcomed him. But with his free hand he lunged for the mans mouth, quick to plug any noise intended to escape. A look of horror overcame the man. He was utterly surprised. Before he could react to Robert’s sudden movements a dagger, Robert’s dagger. Was plunged into his throat. Blood spewed from the wound, drenching Robert, who still laid on the ground. He held the dying man in both arms, one forcing his mouth closed, the other still working the dagger around in his throat. Blood covered Robert, his arms was a dark red, nearly black color. His clothes absorbing the thick red liquid, a horrid site for sure. Forcing the now lifeless guard to the floor was easy enough, he managed it rather silently. Robert yanked the dagger free, replacing it quickly in a hidden pocket, one of many. Rolling over onto his front, he forced the now wet blanket of him. He came to rest kneeling low, waiting for the next move. “Ready?” He spoke softly, words directed toward Syndre. Roberts blood caked hand was raised searching for the hilt of his sword. Just as fingers came to rest upon, he heard a low click. He froze staring at the door, it was to soon for the rest to barge in.

[Nydryn]

Ny had seen the glance her friend had given her, and she prepared for any sort of trouble. It was no surprise when Syndre began to yell at her, their façade becoming deeper by the minute. He was good, Ny would give him that. To any other person the argument would seem completely real, and Ny wanted to make sure she held up her end and as her mind began to formulate a believable retort, an angry scowl took its place on her face. She hoped that her act was believable for it was the first time she was forced to act like her life depended on it. She had to become better at it if she wanted to stay in this sort of business. “I’m the one getting into trouble? Has it ever occurred to you that I’m only here to save your selfish ass because you cant even look after yourself?…” an intense amount of anger was displayed as she struck back at her friend. Although her words were directed at Syndre, her eyes followed the guard as he approached the still form of Robert. The guard should have been more suspicious of the situation, and taken caution when approaching even a dead man for there are many different types of vermin that roamed the streets of Ravok during the night. The guard was completely unsuspecting as the supposedly dead man leapt up and stabbed his dagger into the guard’s neck. The dark red liquid coated Robert’s clothes and the floor around the dead guard. Ny raised an eyebrow as Robert stood up, the blood remaining on his clothes. It was not a pretty sight, but Ny didn’t mind. If she was going to get herself into this kind of business, she could not get queasy at the sight of blood. As Robert spoke to Syndre, Ny heard footsteps outside of the door and soon enough, a click sounded. Her blue pools glanced at the other two men as the door slowly opened and one man walked in. He looked like a pig, but did not have the air about him to be the wealthy merchant himself, Dorion. Ny guessed that he was the merchant’s son, and after glancing at the other men’s faces she judged she was right. The son had walked in the room and at first he hadn’t noticed the gruesome scene but after noticing someone else was in the room he looked up and noticed them all, but Robert last of all. Once the pig like man’s eyes landed on Robert a deep hatred filled their depths. She realized that they would have to act fast and after reaching for her dagger, Ny prepared to attack the strange man.

[Aki]

It felt wrong. Everything did. From the first footfalls she heard from the hallway outside, Aki knew there was something not right. She could sense her master was in trouble; she eyed the strangers warily. She wanted to say something to Dorion when he called her up to show her off, but found she couldn’t open her mouth. She put her embroidery to the side before gracefully standing up, and walking to her master’s side. She brought her hands before her, trying to keep her head down while also watching the strangers from the corner of her eye. Almost having been a slave, by name or otherwise, for her entire life, Aki was use to watching, but never speaking. Her lips opened, only slightly, to release a delicate breath at the sight of the dirty commoners of Ravok. First she eyed up the man, the one without the sack over his head. He was fairy tall, near a foot taller than Aki. He looked young, probably no older than her, maybe even younger judging from the smooth, unwrinkled façade. She noted the single braid that fell by his cheek – a little flashy for her taste, but it suited him well. It was obvious he was a leader of sorts, use to bossing people around as he told the woman to do his bidding. Her eyes flitted to the girl with golden blond hair; again, Aki figured she was no older than her. She wasn’t much taller than her though. She had trouble seeing exactly what color eyes she had in the dim light, but she could tell it was something light, maybe blue or green; they glittered prettily against her pale skin. She was slim, as one would expect from a working girl, but she could still have probably taken Aki without any trouble. Aki flinched, trying to draw into herself when the two strangers began to argue. She brought her hands up to her ears, squeezing her eyes shut, trying to drown everything out.

[Syndre]

He gave Nydryn an approving smile as she immediately fell into the

act with her angry tone. Syndre turned around to see Robert rolling over and
rising into a kneeling position, the splattering of blood upon his large frame
making him look that much more intimidating. He didn't get to view his bodyguard's
handy work for his back had been turned during the killing, but he was impressed
none the less with the dedication it took to keep the guard silent during death.
Soon after Robert had asked him if he were ready to continue, the hallway door
clicked open to their surprise and the merchant's son stepped into the lobby,
briefly unaware of the situation at hand. There was an unnerving silence that
took hold of the chamber as the scrawny man's eyes drifted over the bloodied
henchman, and then to the downed guard.

To make matters worse, three others joined the murderous scene. The

second guard that had retrieved Dorion stepped into the lobby first, his more
attentive nature allowing him to ready his sword immediately upon noticing what
had taken place just moments ago. The waddling merchant fell in line behind the
guard with his lovely little slave in tow, slightly distracted at the sight of his
son slowly backing up in his direction. The thick guard assisted the merchant's
son on his backward path, firmly shoving out of the way so that he could
advance on the intruders. The wiry man stumbled back and ran into his Father,
which brought about a number of loud curses from Dorion and a bit of confusion.
It seemed as if the wealthy merchant was the only one that didn't completely
comprehend what was going on, even his beautiful slave had reacted by covering
her ears and tightly shutting her eyes.

"Robert! Take the guard!...," Syndre yelled as he pushed himself into

motion. This hadn't been part of the plan, and there was no back up plan except
to kill or be killed. The rogue quickly tore free a small vial, which had been
hanging from his black sash by a thin string, and threw the fragile projectile
across the room with a considerable amount of force. The frail glass shattered
against the approaching guard's leather bound chest, the large man crying out
in surprise as he was splashed by the volatile contents. The translucent liquid
was a swiftly working acid that Syndre used to melt locks that were too difficult
to pick. The guard growled in pain as the relentless acid attacked pieces of skin
around his face and neck, leaving a bubbling residue against the leather of his
armor while eating away at the hardened material. Syndre had no interest in
fighting the trained guard, but that didn't mean he couldn't give Robert a bit of
an advantage.

Finally realizing how grave the situation was, Dorion shoved his own son

forward and into the fray. The young man stumbled off balance and slammed into
the rogue before he could draw any of his weapons, the unexpected collision
sending them both to the ground unarmed. Taking the opportunity for what it was
worth, the fat merchant grabbed Aki's upraised arm and firmly pulled her back
toward the hallway from which they came. Syndre's icy blue gaze caught the
attempted escape as he hit the floor, and with a brutal kick from his back, he
pushed the merchant's flailing son between himself and Nydryn. They were here
for Dorion and the promising rogue didn't want to fall short on his end of the
deal. He would need to act quickly.

Being quick was one of Syndre's favored attributes and as his associates

jumped into the battle, the novice thief swiftly regained his footing. His rushed
stance left his composure seriously swayed, causing his forward movement to be
greatly offset. He reached the opened doorway to the hall without much balance,
slamming his rounded shoulder into the wall of the corridor to keep himself
upright. Reaching down to his coiling sash while running onward, Syndre produced
an ample pouch that was designed to split apart when the release string was
pulled. The specially sown sack separated with his nimble guidance and the pursuing
vagabond viciously threw the metallic contents over the heads of the short merchant
and the even smaller slave girl. A scattering spray of iron caltrops ricocheted
against the hallway's walls and ceiling, littering the floor ahead of the escaping
pair. The shape and weight of the unusual objects caused them to land with their
heavier end rattling against the ground. The lighter ends of the caltrops, which
had been designed to point upward, were shaped into menacing iron thorns. With
so many of them flung about the floor, Dorion and Aki had no choice but to stop
running... or run through them...

[Robert Cithon]

The door opened, and in stumbled Dorions son. The man surveyed the situation quickly. Eyes finally laying upon Robert, sword drawn, and covered in his man’s blood. Robert quickly drew his sword and stood at full height in one fluid motion. He was prepared to kill this man slowly. The man Robert let live. He should have ended his life then and there, on the spot. Only, before Robert could react to the son appearing so soon. Another guard appeared, forcing the slow reacting son out of his way. The merchants son stumbled back into his own father, who had just arrived on scene as well. Great He thought to himself, this was going to end bad. No they were out numbered, all forced into the quickly shrinking room. Robert surveyed the situation quickly. The largest threat was the trained guard, the only one reacting aggressively to the scene. The man was already drawing his weapon, a look of determination filling his eyes. Robert responded by taking a light step toward him, nearly stepping in front of Syndre. Thankfully he had not, for that small vial could have mistakenly landed on the back of his own head. Watching in disgust as the acidic formula begin it’s work on the guard. It forced Robert to hesitate, he had never seen anything like it before. Robert was afraid of close combat with the guard now, he had no intention of accidentally coming into contact with the liquid. Instead he breathed in deeply, switched the way he was holding his sword. No longer carrying it by the hilt, he was gripping the blade as if it was a spear. He threw his sword at the guard, the shining blade covered the distance to quickly for the guard to react. It slammed into his body, forcing him back. The sip dug deep into the wood of the house, pinning him helpless to the wall. He would die in a matter of moments, quicker if he struggled. As Robert had been handling the guard, Syndre had tossed the merchants son into the mix. He landed short of Ny, once him and Syndre untangled themselves from the each other. Robert decided she had to earn her keep some how, and the son was not much of challenge, even for one as small as the newcomer. He turned from the two, deciding to finish of the guard. He could no longer bear hearing the screams of pain emitting from his gurgling throat, the acid and being impaled by a sword had not yet killed him. Robert was glad he had not had to fight him fairly, it would have proved to be rather challenging. He took a step closer to the flailing body, feet barely remaining on the floor. Arms swing widely for a grip of some sort, it was a pitiful sight. Drawing his axe from his hip, he readied himself for the merciful blow. He hated dealing these, it would trouble him tonight while he slept. Robert was quick, he flung himself forward throwing his body weight into the attack, which landed right above the shoulder line. Effectively severing his head from body, a short spray of blood showered over Robert yet again. Now both his weapons were lodged into the sturdy walls. “damn” He said, barely audible to the others. He turned from the gruesome scene, checking to see if the women Syndre had brought needed assistance. If so, he would help her. If not, he would set chase to Syndre and the others. Robert drew two daggers from his coat pocket, readying himself for the next target. “You ok girl?” He asked bluntly. He needed an answer quickly, his employer could be fighting for survival this very instant.

[Nydryn]

The leap was not necessary for the other guard had entered the room, followed by a pig shaped man and a pretty slave girl. The guard was the first to react, and Syndre tried to stall him by throwing some sort of acid at his oncoming form. The acid began to eat away at the guard’s armor and skin, leaving it disfigured. Ny had seen many brutal sights in her years, but the sight of his skin disintegrating was truly disgusting. Then, as the larger pig shaped man took one look at the situation, he pushed his son into the frenzy and then ran out the door, the slave girl in tow. The son fell on Syndre, making them both stumble. Syndre had then run from the room, leaving her facing the son of the merchant. The man in front of her would not be much trouble, and a small grimace appeared on her face when she realized that she must kill the man. She reached down with both hands and grabbed her two daggers that had been in her tall black boots. Her eyes narrowed as the man tried to scurry away for he knew it was a fight he could not win. She easily caught up with him, her right hand pulling the back of his shirt hard so he had to stop. Her left hand reached around the front and quickly slid vertically up through the center of the man’s throat. Blood pulsed out of the wound coating Nydryn’s hand as well as a little of her clothing. She pulled the dying man so he was facing her, and slit his throat horizontally this time. Even more blood poured out of the gashes, making Ny a bloody mess. Her gashes had gone over the man’s Adam’s apple protruding from the split in the skin. The whole scene was not too nice, but it had needed to be done. Still looking at the man’s neck, Ny noticed that if one were to look at the marks her dagger made, they would see a cross mark. It added a bit of style to the killing, and the mark suited her- angelically deadly. Her She dropped the limp man as Robert approached. “I think I’m good” a smirk appeared on her face as she nudged the limp man’s leg with her foot. She then threw the dagger in her other hand into the man’s chest, close to where his heart lay. A slight nod was given to Robert as she bent down and picked up her dagger once again. Robert looked impatient, and the look on his face made Ny consider where Syndre was at the moment. He had followed the retreating merchant and his slave, but they could be anywhere right now, and Syndre could even be dead. Of course that was very unlikely because he was trained in all kinds of crime, but who knew what the wealthy merchant had up his sleeve. Glancing back over the room, Ny saw that Robert had killed the second guard by beheading him. However quick that method of killing was, Ny preferred to avoid beheading people. Too much blood for her taste, and of course the disembodied head was always a tad strange. But she recognized the man’s successes in the room and slightly nodded to him before beginning to head toward the door where Syndre, the merchant and his slave had exited the room.

[Aki]

Blood! So much blood! Aki felt sick. Before she could back up into a corner, away from the fray, her master Dorion, forcefully grabbed her arm and began pulling her along. She cried out in pain; his grip was deathly tight. Her left hand reached out, weakly trying to pry him off. Her soft fingers slipped as she was forced to follow Dorion to his imminent doom. Aki tried to block everything out, but she forced herself to keep her eyes open; if she wanted to survive she had to be aware of her surroundings, more importantly, of any escape routes. The one with the bag over his head had started everything. She had seen it, between the spaces of her fingers that had covered her eyes, Aki had seen the man jam a dagger into one of the guard’s throat: killing him. No more than five chimes and the other guard had stormed in, with Dorion’s son following soon after. When dashing the whisp of a man screamed at his associate to “Take the guard!” She knew her suspicions were right. This had all been set up. Dorion, his son, and all the guards would die now, all because she hadn’t spoken up. It was like acid burned her own heart as she saw the poor guard burned by the contents of the shattered vial that Syndre had thrown. As the man yelled in agony, Aki cried out, silently, her breath caught in her throat. She was light headed by the time Dorion pulled her out to the hall, her head spun back trying to see if the other guard was soon to be slaughtered as well. She looked away; he had no chance. Aki tried to keep up with Dorian, stumbling in her thin heels. Their desperate foot falls echoed hauntingly in the elaborately decorated hall. It was so dark, shadows everywhere seemed to loom, seemed to watch their last moments. Aki's right shoe soon slipped off at a sudden swerve, leaving her even further unbalanced. She was so disoriented; Aki had no idea where Dorion was taking them. When he suddenly stopped, she was still propelled on by her momentum and wasn’t able to stop in time to avoid stepping on a caltrop, with her bare foot. Aki cried out, biting her lip. It embedded deep into the ball of her right foot. It didn't bleed: the caltrop acted as a plug. Dorion was still swinging her about, pushing her in front of him: a human shield. It hurt as she stumbled, pushing the sharp caltrop even deeper into her foot. She tried to put on a brave face as she made eye contact with the man who was about to kill her. Her gray eyes glistening with stifled tears.