Arak ran like a madman, putting as much distance as possible between him and the monster, but the length began to drag on him. How many miles has it been? One? One and a half? The Red Keep seemed much larger than it had minutes before, but it was still too far away. Occasionally, more men-creatures would rise out of the sea, forcing him to swerve to avoid them. Once, the tide seemed to rush in on him, and a slimy claw latched onto his boot. Panicking, Arak grabbed his buckler by its edge and brought it down upon it, letting free a resounding crack. The claw didn't bother him afterwards, and he picked up the full sprint he was maintaining.

Eventually, the city came into view. Various monsters beyond description clamored up and over the city walls, so much so that it seemed as if the stone was a living, wriggling mass. The gate was left open, barred only by a contingent of soldiers brandishing long spears. 

"Let us in! Let us in!" Arak shouted, waving with his shield. There was a bit of confusion among the guards, but they recognized Lord Bran in time and parted to let the two of them in. Still, there was no respite within the city. Fire raged through the poor sectors, jumping from house to house and turning the thatching into a brilliant shade of red. The occasional monster would poke its head out from back alleys, only to be tackled by an armored warrior. Then, a loud cry of "Give 'em hells!" came from behind the pair, and Arak turned and saw to his dread a band of gruesome looking raiders, each armed with a wicked blade. Arak froze, and prepared for death. He had not the strength to fend off even one undisciplined brute. They charged in a horde, but out of nowhere a small troop of guards emerged from a side street and formed a wall against the attackers.

"Take me to the castle, so that we may both get a little rest," commanded Bran from his chair. Arak, however, let go of the handles and grabbed his buckler. "What are you doing?" called Bran. "Get back here!" Ignoring him, Arak approached one of the guards and tapped his shoulder.

"Could you let me in here?" he asked, gasping for air but not relenting. The guard shrugged, and stepped away from his compatriot, allowing for a hole that Arak would occupy. He stepped into the ranks and wielded his shield like a mace, bringing it down on heads, shoulders, and ribs. The pirates soon saw their folly and broke, running down the road and dispersing in the alleys. Arak stumbled where he stood and collapsed on the ground. He could do nothing but breathe.