Surreal

Erik had the pink-haired man exactly where he wanted him, as he prepared to inflict the finishing blow; he suddenly felt the presence of a dozen, twirling silver blades being hurled his way. He quickly flung his body backwards, bending himself in half as the barrage of blades passed over him barely missing him.

After righting himself, Erik glanced up to see who had issued this attack. A hooded man stood before him and quickly removed the hood and tossed the entire robe aside. Silver hair tied back in a ponytail flowed down his back. His black attire consisted of a sleeveless vest that appeared to be made of a mixture of leather and velvet. His black leather pants fit snugly into knee-high boots. A golden armband on his right arm completed his attire. Erik instantly sensed the spiritual energy being released from his new opponent and realized that like his previous opponent; he was dealing with more than a mere human. Excellent.

Rais and Soiph had taken cover while the guards attacked the scryer but had continued to twirl their staffs to keep the barrier up. They now watched as the tall silver-haired man faced off against Mr. Leighton’s bodyguard.

“It’s the other scryer,” Rais surmised. “By the gods, we didn’t even realize he was also in here.”

Soiph was mentally kicking herself. If she hadn’t been so wrapped up with the pink-haired scryer then she would have noticed other suspicious hooded figures. Of course it didn’t help that this man was also drop-dead-gorgeous. She would have wondered if all scryers were so attractive if she hadn’t seen some earlier that day that turned her blood cold. Speaking of which, the Tolatrians’ scryers were suspiciously absent, they must have sensed this battle going on. Soiph wasn’t sure how Leighton’s bodyguard had managed to lay a hand on ole’ pink hair, but two against one were never good odds, especially if scryers were involved.

Woen stared at the tall green-eyed man wielding the huge sword standing before him. He noticed that the Elite Den guards had actually begun to stand down while the two of them faced off. He realized he faced a worthy opponent. Anyone who could dodge his dagger barrage was decently skilled. However, that was not the only trick Woen had up his sleeve.

Holding his hands closely together Woen created a ball of white light which he used to fire a blast of energy at his attacker. He watched calmly as the man flipped his muscular body out of the blasts path before using the momentum of that leap to attack Woen. He was forced to teleport out of the man’s path but summoned a long bladed dagger to parry with and not a moment too soon as his attacker found his new position and quickly slammed their blades together.

Woen was impressed with the green-eyed man’s reflexes, but was convinced he would soon fall in battle if Woen bothered to release his full strength. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.” He spoke the words softly for his attackers’ ears only.

Erik smiled at Woen and responded in kind, “Neither do you.”

They both backed off each other for a few seconds as silver eyes clashed with green ones. Woen wasn’t quite sure what to make of this man but all too soon they were once again blocking each other’s attacks with parries. At one point, Woen waited for his attack before forming a personal barrier around himself. He smiled when the man’s blade descended but did not reach him. He used the distraction to teleport beside the man and prepare for an attack but was disappointed when his opponent was ready with a parry.

Erik could sense the man before him was toying with him, the previous one as well. He was partly grateful for this. However, he’d prefer they not unleash their full destructive powers for less than obvious reasons. And there was Ja’el to think of. Erik glanced in the young man’s direction to see a guard drag him roughly to his feet and shove him forward. He’d only been distracted for a fraction of a second and there was his attacker stabbing him in the shoulder.

After inflicting the wound, Woen then teleported out of reach to watch the scene unfold. Jubek had taught him the numb spell for his weapons that should be putting the dark-haired man out of commission in a matter of seconds. However, his opponent continued to stare at him and did not seem any worse for the wear. Woen focused his gaze at the wound he had just inflicted and stifled a gasp as it healed instantly.

“What are you?” He now knew this man was anything but human.

Woen heard grunts coming from his left and saw that Jubek had taken down the two officials with their spinning staffs. The weapons now lay on the floor no longer glowing.

“Woen!” Jubek made sure to get his companion’s attention then switched to non vocals. //Time to go, scryers are coming.// He then teleported out of the lobby.

Woen spared his opponent one last look before following suit. He’d have to find out if Jubek knew more about this man, for his curiosity had certainly peaked.

Two Tolatrian scryers suddenly appeared in the lobby, but indeed the fighting was now over. Rais got to his feet before helping Soiph to hers. The pink-haired scryer had gotten the drop on them while they thought he was still down for the count.

Rais had never expected Mr. Leighton’s bodyguard to be able to hold his own against
scryers and now made his way over to the man who was once again at Leighton’s side.

“I’m fine,” Ja’el repeated to Erik who had gotten a little rough with the guard that had been trying to get him and the other hiding patrons out of the lobby.

“May I be the first to offer thanks for your aid Mr…” Rais held a hand out to the tall bodyguard as he awaited his name. He saw when the man’s weapon retracted before he placed it within his cloak. He didn’t care to wonder how the bodyguard got into the Den with that weapon undetected; he had just assisted them a great deal.

“Erik Dannos,” He replied before shaking the blue-eyed man’s hand. Glancing past him, he noticed the two scryers inspecting the room and a bevy a bald-headed guards that were making their way through one of the still working elevator pads. They were not Elite Den guards. “What’s going on here?”

“Oh yes, the Tolatrians are the guest that Lord Draymond has been entertaining,” Rais explained.

Erik felt when Ja’el tugged at his coat nervously. He wasn’t surprised that his lover was frightened; they were now in the presence of the enemy that had destroyed his people and killed his family. He knew there was no way he could get Ja’el to calm down, although the younger man was safe as long as he wore his fake mask. Erik never thought he’d appreciate its use until now. It was not the time to make enemies out of these people, not when they had yet to get what they needed.

“We should leave,” Ja’el said quietly. He was a little perturbed that Captain Dian heard him.

“Well you’ve aided us rather significantly. I’m certain Lord Draymond will be able to fit you in sooner if you’d like to stay,” Rais stated.

Ja’el wanted to run as far away form here as possible. Just being in the same room with some of the people who were responsible for ruining his life was too much to bear. However, if this change of events could give him the opportunity to see Mr. Draymond sooner, then he’d be crazy not to take it. At current he was safe, the Tolatrians didn’t know he was a Talion all he had to do was stay off their radar. However, something told him that was easier said than done.

~*~

Rais and Soiph were present in a briefing room along with Draymond, the Tolatrian Representative Jax and one of their Scryers, Galevo; a man with cobalt blue hair and matching eyes. They were seated around a large desk with Draymond at the head. A visual screen located in the center of the desk was relaying the battle that had taken place in the lobby only a few hours before. Currently the screen was frozen on the pink-haired scryer.

“Gentlemen, this is Jubek Canesh, traitor to the Tolatrian Empire,” Galevo stated.

“And just what was it exactly that he did?” Rais asked.

“He betrayed us and killed many of our people; that is all you need to know,” Jax said in a gruff voice.

Soiph who was controlling the visual screen with a remote and flipped the image to the second scryer. “And what about him? Jubek called him Woen. It’s strange; his eyes don’t appear to be iridescent like the other scryers.”

“That’s because he’s not a scryer you dimwit,” Galevo replied.

Soiph glanced at the cobalt-haired scryer who hadn’t even bothered to look at her before insulting her. She didn’t like these Tolatrians or their allies one bit but was too curious about the other man to stand down. “But he appeared to have similar abilities. What is he then?”

“Obviously he is someone who Jubek feels the need to ally himself with.” Galevo finally gave her his attention by glaring at her. “Do you really need to be here to ask these insignificant questions?”

“If you please sir, Commander Shuoy is my second-in-command and her trust her implicitly. She has every right to be here,” Rais stated.

“You never answered our original question,” Jax spoke up. “How long has Jubek been here?”

“They arrived little over a week ago,” Kisku replied.

Rais lowered his gaze to the table before him. He was not entirely certain they should be telling these Tolatrians the truth but apparently Draymond thought so.

“And you only contacted us three days ago,” Jax’s comment was more of a statement than a question.

“Imagine our surprise when you got here this quickly,” Soiph quipped.

Galevo narrowed his eyes at the offensive red-haired female. “We were running a mission on a nearby planet when we were instructed to come here to investigate your claims.” They could have actually arrived sooner but hadn’t known if a space battle would be ensuing so had opted to come by ship rather than portal and there had not been enough scryers present to create a large enough portal for the ship to pass through.

“Wow, you felt the need to actually explain something to me, I should feel honored,” Soiph returned the scryers glare.

“That’s enough, Commander,” Kisku gave the woman a warning look before returning his attention to Jax. “We thought we could handle the matter on our own but soon realized the error of our ways. Please, tell us whatever we can do to aid your search for these men, I believe it will be beneficial to both parties involved once they are safely in your custody.”

“Do you think they are still in the city? It would appear they fled before your team arrived.” Rais directed that question at Galevo.

“They would have had the ability to leave by way of a portal. Since we haven’t detected any openings; they are probably still here which most likely means they are looking for something or someone.” Galevo noticed when the screen flipped to an image of a handsome man in a green trench coat and a rather unimpressive man with brown hair and eyes. “Who are those people?”

“J. Leighton a wealthy businessman and Erik Dannos; his bodyguard,” Rais replied.

“Why were they here?” Jax asked.

Rais was taken aback by this line of questioning and decided to remain quiet giving Draymond the opportunity to answer.

“Mr. Leighton was here to meet with me about a matter of which I’m unsure. We never got a chance to have our talk as you all arrived before he did,” Draymond responded. He noticed the look Jax exchanged with Galevo and wondered what that was all about.

“Well then you should meet with him. We’ll work with your guards to search the city and see if we can’t find the traitor ourselves.” Jax stood indicating that the meeting was adjourned.

“Captain Dian, could you have Mr. Leighton brought to me? I’d like to meet with him now.”

Rais nodded, “Right away sir.” He left the room with Soiph at his side.
The conference hall had all about emptied except for the cobalt haired scryer who remained. “Was there something else you needed?” Draymond asked.

“Yes, I’d like to stay while you have your meeting with this Mr. Leighton,” Galevo stated.

“Of course, do you suspect him of something?”

“Only time will tell.” Galevo then removed himself to a side office closing the door almost completely and waited.

Kisku turned off the viewer screen and only had to wait about ten minutes before Rais returned with Mr. Leighton and his bodyguard. “Oh, I thought I’d be meeting with Mr. Leighton alone,” He said as he moved to shake the smaller man’s hand.

“Where he goes, I go,” Erik said calmly.

“Of course, well please be seated and let’s get started.” Kisku waited until Rais took his leave before turning his attention to Ja’el. “So, what can I do for you Mr. Leighton?”

“You may have to pull up your records because this concerns your other brothel, the Cadence Palace,” Ja’el began. “About three years ago, there was a slave working there of Talion heritage. I don’t know his name, but I suspect you can find that in your database. Your official in charge of the Palace would not give me that information which is in part the reason I had to come all the way to you.”

Kisku pressed a button on the side of the desk which popped up a personal viewer screen directly before him. He began to press some buttons on the screen to begin his search. “May I ask why you seek this information?”

“It’s for a digital book that I am writing about extinct races and where they were last heard from. If you cooperate fully I’m willing to split the proceeds with you,” Ja’el said.

“What other races are you documenting?” Kisku asked. He wasn’t particularly interested in the topic but never turned down the idea of making more money.

“I was thinking the Shia’s and perhaps the Baranges as well.” Ja’el had come prepared for all questions.

“Ah, here we go. There was an Arabel Cresh at the Palace three years ago, definitely Talion heritage,” Kisku began as he read the screen. “Hmm, that’s interesting.”

Ja’el fought to remain calm when he heard the name of the Talion slave. This was incredible news! “What, what happened to him?” Ja’el was disappointed that he couldn’t read what Kisku was looking at on his screen.

“There was a bit of bad business surrounding the Palace three years ago and this slave was at the center of it,” Kisku replied.

“That’s all well and good, but Mr. Leighton here asked you what happened to him,” Erik spoke up.

Ja’el hid a smile to cover his gratitude at Erik coming to his aid.

Kisku paused for a moment before glancing from one man to the next. “The Tolatrians took him,” He finally replied.

“Is he… I mean – did they…” Ja’el couldn’t finish his question.

“We have no idea if he’s alive or dead,” Kisku replied.

Ja’el nodded his head as his lips twisted to one side, “Okay.”

“I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help, but feel free to stay as long as you like in case you have any further questions. We are indebted to you and your bodyguard for the aid you provided us earlier against that renegade scryer.”

“What was that all about anyways?” Erik asked.

“We’re not sure, but the Tolatrians are here to help us get to the bottom of it.” Kisku stood and once again shook both men’s hands as he saw them out. Once they’d left, Galevo emerged from the side room.

“So, did you find that exchange interesting?” Kisku certainly had not.

Galevo was silent for a moment before heading for Kisku’s still open computer terminal and looking at the screen. Frozen there was the image of a young Talion male with short cropped blue-black hair and stunning aquamarine eyes. “Hmm, so that’s why they’re here.”

Kisku assumed the scryer was talking about his visitors that had just left. “Yes, it would appear Mr. Leighton had simple interests.”

“I wasn’t talking about them.” Galevo indicated the conversation was over when he teleported out of the room.

~*~

“So what do you want to do?” Erik asked as they walked down the halls.

“My heart is telling me to leave because I’m very uneasy around them,” Ja’el replied.
Erik knew the ‘them’ Ja’el was referring to was the Tolatrians. “Alright, let’s get our stuff and head back to the ship.”

Ja’el was pensive as he nodded at Erik. “We may have hit a dead end but I finally have a name.” Arabel Cresh, Ja’el’s cousin and the son of high profile Talion diplomats. He’d also had a sister, Anata. Ja’el wondered what happened to her. Growing up in Talion he hadn’t seen them much. Their parents kept them secluded most of the time. He’d assumed they died in the initial attack on Talion when their parents did. If Arabel survived it was very possible that others did as well. He was hopeful that one day he’d be reunited with both Arabel and Anata.

As much as Ja’el wanted to put some distance between himself and the Tolatrians, he had a thought when they arrived at their guest quarters that he may be rushing off too soon. What if Draymond had not been truthful about all he knew about Arabel? Ja’el had not actually seen the screen he’d been looking at. If only there was a way for Ja’el to access the data base himself so he could verify what Draymond had disclosed to be true.

“What is it?”

Ja’el glanced up and caught Erik looking at him and realized he couldn’t hide much from this man whom he was beginning to think he was in love with. “I know Draymond is telling the truth to some extent; Arabel Cresh was my cousin. I just wish there was a way to find out if the Tolatrians really did take him and what happened after that?”

“Would you want us to question the Tolatrians directly?” Erik asked.

“No, it would arouse too much suspicion. However, they must have a ship here somewhere. Perhaps I can access the information I need from their database,” Ja’el surmised.

“It won’t be easy getting on their ship, and are you sure that’s where you really want to be?” Erik knew Ja’el wanted to be as far away from the Tolatrians as possible, not trapped on their battle cruiser.

“I just feel if I don’t do this I’ll miss my last opportunity of ever finding the survivors of my people.”

“Then let me do it.”

Ja’el looked at his lover amazed that he would even offer to go on such a dangerous mission by himself. He had seen what Erik was capable of in the lobby earlier that day. Yet this current undertaking would require stealth. Being skilled with a sword did not equal the training required to infiltrate a high security vessel.

Ja’el wasn’t sure what he’d do if he lost Erik. He thought he’d seen one of his opponents’ stab him during the fight, but he’d inspected the area on Erik’s arm afterwards and had seen nothing. The material of his green cloak had not even been torn. He assumed he’d imagined it. Nevertheless, it had left him with a dreaded fear for Erik’s safety. This was his mission; therefore, he couldn’t lay all the weight on Erik’s shoulders.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you do that.” Ja’el leaned against the wall before wrapping his hands around his thin frame tightly.

“Ja’el I need you to trust me – I can do this for you,” Erik stated.

“What if you’re hurt or worse? I’d never be able to live with myself,” Ja’el began.

“You haven’t even got paid yet. You never gave me an account to wire the first half of your fee too. Why would you risk yourself for me?”

“If you don’t know the answer to that by now then you truly are a silly little man.”

Ja’el chuckled a little. Normally he got upset when Erik used that nickname, but today it didn’t bother him so much. Especially since reading between the lines revealed that Erik actually cared for him. It warmed his heart to know this. For so long Ja’el believed he would be alone for the rest of his life and now for the first time in a long time he didn’t imagine it so.

When Erik leaned forward and kissed him, Ja’el began to laugh. “I try to kiss you and you laugh!” Erik adopted mock seriousness.

Ja’el shook his head as he continued to chuckle. “I wouldn’t subject you to making love to this body or kiss me for that matter.”

“You think all I care about his your hot ass?” Erik’s face was very close to Ja’el’s. “I suppose making love to you in your original form is a lot of fun but underneath this unattractive mask; I know who are you.”

Ja’el smiled into Erik’s’ gorgeous green eyes and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Right now I think we should save that for later, we have some planning to do.”
Erik sighed but nodded his agreement. He supposed their love life could be put on hold a little bit longer.

~*~

“He healed right before my eyes – did you know he wasn’t human?” Woen asked Jubek once they’d returned to the tunnel.

“Not at first. There was a barely recognizable aura that emanated from him,” Jubek replied.

“What is he?”

Jubek smiled at his partner. “How about you force the answer out of me? It’s been a while since we’ve played any S&M games during our fucking sessions.”

“You know what, don’t tell me but this situation has come to a head. If you thought our little incident at the Elite Den would flush out the one we sought; then now is the time to go searching for him.” Woen retrieved his cloak and quickly donned it.

“We’ll cover more ground if we split up.” He ignored the pout of Jubek’s pretty lips before teleporting out of the tunnel. Since the one they sought was not among the brothel whores, then finding him in the city which boasted a population of millions would not be easy. They were going to need all the help they could get.

~*~

Erik knew Ja’el was still uneasy about their mission plan. So he decided to stop into the city and pick up a small gift for the young man that hopefully would ease his concern about the problems they were facing. Erik had just finished making his purchase when he saw a man with bright pink hair standing at the head of a nearby alley. He recognized him immediately as the scryer he had fought in the brothel lobby the previous day. The man tilted his head in Erik’s direction before turning and heading down the alley.

Erik recognized the indication to follow and did so without pause. He knew he could take the man if all he wanted was another rematch. However, he was hoping instead that the man would shed some light on why he was here and exactly what he wanted.

The alley was currently empty, and the scryer had stopped far enough in that no one would overhear their conversation. He turned and gave Erik his full attention. There was a half smile on his glossy pink lips.

“So, does he know?”

Erik was silent as he waited for the pink-haired man to elaborate. He was also at the ready to grab his sword hilt should the man decide to suddenly attack.

“Does your client know that you’re a Relic?” Jubek asked once more. The expression on the bodyguard’s face didn’t change, but Jubek was almost certain his question had caught him off guard.

“You know I never would have imagined you two together, a man like you with a man like him; doesn’t quite compute. Unless there is something more to your client than meets the eye.”

“Who are you?” Erik had finally uttered his first words since following the scryer into the alley.

“I am Jubek Canesh, pleased to meet you.” The scryer did an elaborate flourish of a bow.

“Was there something you wanted? I’m guessing you’re not here for a rematch – so what was your plan, to bore me to death?” Erik regarded the other man calmly.

Jubek threw his head back and laughed. “Just what I would have expected from a Relic.”

“Something tells me you are here for more than my annoyance. So why don’t you just spit it out?”

Jubek grinned at the way the man avoided his direct questions and still had yet to admit to being a Relic. “I’m looking for someone; I thought perhaps you might know where he is,”

Erik didn’t have long to think on Jubek’s last statement when he noticed a look of irritation overcome his attractive features. The scryer glanced in the direction at the end of the alley. Suddenly, the Tolatrian scryer, Galevo appeared there.

“It seems we’ll have to continue this later,” Jubek winked at Erik.

The bodyguard wasn’t surprised when Jubek vanished before his eyes. He glanced in Galevo’s direction and saw when two other scryers appeared right beside him. No wonder Jubek had fled; three against one were not good odds.

“Are you alright?” Galevo asked as he came forward; his words belied the expression on his face for he didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned about Erik’s welfare.

Erik nodded in response. He was highly irritated by the interruption from these scryers. He was almost certain he was about to get to the bottom of Jubek’s presence here. He was ready to leave the area but Galevo’s next words gave him pause.

“Come with me, we have some questions to ask.” Galevo glanced around at the passer-bys that were now taking note of the men in the alley. “Here is not the place. If you’ll return with us to our ship, all will be revealed.”

This was unexpected. Erik and Ja’el had decided that the bodyguard would sneak onto the Tolatrian ship later that night to accomplish their mission. He never dreamed he’d be given a direction invitation to board. He couldn’t believe his luck. All he’d have to do was get separated from them and find a remote terminal to conduct his search. Ja’el would be safe in the brothel guest quarters until then. In any event he couldn’t wait to return to him, they hadn’t been intimate for a couple days now and it felt like a millennia to Erik. He was beginning to think that he couldn’t imagine life without his delightful companion and hoped he’d never have to experience otherwise.

~*~

When Jubek returned to the hideout, he found Woen already there waiting for him. They hadn't seen each other since Woen had walked out on him the day before. “I didn’t expect you back so soon.” He noted when his lover stood and walked towards him. His movements were stiff which indicated his displeasure.

“Tell me Jubek, why am I upset right now?” Woen asked calmly which belied his anger.

“Because I was off in the city taking matters into my own hands once again leaving you out of the loop,” Jubek replied with honesty and equal calm. There was a twinkle in his rose colored eyes. “You were the one who refused to play a game with me, then I would have revealed all to you.”

Woen sighed before running a hand through his silver tresses. “I fear we are fast running out of time Jubek. I know this mission was just a lark for you, but it is important to me and to my best friend.”

“Right; the same best friend that doesn’t even know why we’re here, because you never told Devo the truth in the first place, did you Woen?”

“If I told Devo, then he’d have to tell Arabel and I didn’t want to give him false hopes if our deciphering was wrong.” Woen locked his crystal gaze with Jubek as he attempted to relate the seriousness of the situation to his care-free lover. “If we let the Talion that is supposed to be in this very city slip away from us; I’m not certain how I’ll ever face Devo again or his mate.”

“I know you think I don’t take this matter seriously, but I was about to question the man we fought at the brothel yesterday before I was rudely interrupted. Something tells me he knows where to find our Talion.”

“Yes, and you still refuse to tell me who or what he is.”

There was a smart reply on the tip of Jubek’s lips but he decided against it. His lover was not in the mood for it as he could tell. He decided it was time he was upfront with him.

“The bodyguard who goes by the name of Erik Dannos is someone I never thought I’d meet in my lifetime. We call them Relics, very few people know of their existence,” Jubek began. “Take your royal family for instance. Queen Gillian is of the direct bloodline of your god, the One. These Relics are said to be descended from our gods as well; although the strength of their bloodline is uncertain.

“You’re telling me, this Erik Dannos is part god?” Woen supposed it made sense, for the man had seemed more than an equal match in battle. However, both of them had obviously been holding back their true strength.

Jubek nodded his agreement. “Our gods are fickle and do not concern themselves with the lives of mortals. However, it was said that long ago, some of them descended among us and spread their seed throughout the general populace. The offspring that resulted were never heard from again. Some believed the gods that had sired them took them away. Other’s believed that they continued to walk among us in the shadows content to not involve themselves in the lives of mortals.”

“Then this Mr. Dannos doesn’t exactly fit the bill. He’s here as a bodyguard from what we gathered,” Woen surmised. Suddenly a thought hit him. “Who was the man he was protecting?” He’d vaguely remembered seeing a waifish middle-aged man crouched in the corner during the lobby fight. Did this Relic seek to make a living by simply hiring himself out to wealthy clients, or was there something else to the small man they didn’t know. It seemed Jubek had also got the same idea.

“I overheard some of their conversation in the lobby. Erik’s client’s name is J. Leighton. Would it be going out on a complete limb if our Talion has actually disguised himself and is now unrecognizable?”

“There’s only one way to find out, we need to confront these people,” Woen stated.

“That might be a little difficult considering they are staying in the brothel,” Jubek replied.

“Not good, what if your fellow scryers have figured out who he is?” Woen asked.

“Well they’d still have to get past the Relic which wouldn’t be an easy task.”

“We have to find a way in that brothel, let’s go,” Woen didn’t wait for a response before teleporting out of the tunnel.

~*~

Ja’el heard a knock at the door and was confused. Had Erik forgotten his key? He hadn’t ordered room service so why was he having visitors? He realized he needed these walls to protect him while Erik was away, so he headed to the visual terminal to see who was at the door.

Ja’el’s heart almost stopped in his chest when he saw 4 Tolatrian guards standing at his door with a cobalt haired scryer. Perhaps he could pretend he was out and they would go away. To his dismay, he saw when the scryer held his hand up and shot a high-intensity energy beam at the door creating a smoking hole within it.

Ja’el didn’t wait to see what happened next before he ran deeper into their quarters, searching for an exit. There were no windows; the only exit seemed to be the front door the Tolatrians had just blasted their way through. He quickly entered a closet in the bedroom and closed the door behind him, hoping they would leave thinking no one was there.

The Talion held his breath when one guard and the blue-haired scryer entered the bedroom. The man gazed around the empty area with a fierce look in those blazing eyes. He stood there for perhaps a minute before moving back towards the bedroom doors. Ja’el was about to breathe a sigh of relief when the scryer suddenly turned back around and shot a blast at the closet doors.

Ja’el was shocked to find himself still in one piece as he covered his head with his hands to protect it from falling debris. Soon he felt strong hands around him pulling him from the rubble. The Tolatrian guard held him by the arm and brought him to face the scryer.

“You really thought you had us fooled?” Galevo began. “Not even your Relic could stand in our way.” The scryer nodded at the guard then indicating what he wanted done.

Ja’el was confused by the scryers words but wasn’t allowed a chance to think further on the matter before he was struck from behind; he lost consciousness almost immediately.

NEXT Chapter: Jubek and Woen team up with unlikely allies to find their missing Talion.