[hider=A Timely Rescue] ~| The Evening of the Eighth Day of Lana’s imprisonment |~ Thanatos Thale stalked the streets of Nyhem, proudly bearing the green regalia of house Thale for the first time in what had felt like months. It was only partially hidden by a cloak, secured by a brooch formed in the Thale insignia. He had boasted to his men that he was not far from breaking the witch and attaining his rightful place as Lord Thale, and was in good spirits because of it. It was thanks to this that he had given himself the luxury of visiting a high quality Inn - one of the ones that had recovered from the riots at least. He’d been eating like a peasant for too long. Unbeknownst to Thanatos however, this inn, like every inn in the city, was home to one of Alasdair’s spies. A young serving girl of around twelve years old named Emily. She had been under the De Reimer’s employment since she was eight and had it not been for extra coin she received from them, both her and her sickly mother would be long dead. She had recently received new information in regards to the disappearance of Magister Dionisa and it seemed not a moment too soon. After a courier had told her to be on the watch for Thantos Thale she had taken it upon herself to learn what she could about him; his family, his home, his position and of course his family’s sigil. It was almost unbelievable, but less than a day after she had received the news, a man bearing the brooch of house Thale had entered her place of work. As much as she wanted to report this back to the emperor before any of his other spies had a chance, she wanted to be sure it was him. She quickly finished serving her current customers and immediately walked over to the cloaked man. “Fancy a drink sire” She said in a thick country accent. Thanatos arrogantly turned his head, looking through the girl as though she was not even there - classic behaviour for the majority of the nobility when interacting with those they saw as lesser. “Yes. A goblet of the finest House Dionisa wine you have.” He said, before murmuring under his breath “It’ll be good to know what I’ll be working with…” Emily went off to fetch what Thanatos has requested. As if what he had just said wasn’t damming enough, Emily clearly saw house Thale’s insignia. She had found the man she had been informed about, however her job wasn’t yet complete. If she informed the De Reimer’s that she had found Thanatos only for him to once again disappear her information would be near to meaningless, meaning she would be paid next to nothing. For now she would keep her eye on him, and once he left she would trail him back to whatever hideaway he had come from. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of what the De Reimer’s would pay her, perhaps even enough to hire a mage to heal her mother. Thanatos took his time, enjoying the meal and making faces at the wine. When the time came to pay, he produced several silver coins from a suspiciously light looking coinpurse. As he approached the door to leave, he noticed Emily’s eyes upon him. He turned, furious for a moment, then mellowed. “Alright, I’m feeling generous tonight.” He said, reaching into the coinpurse as if it was full of gold pieces. He retrieved a small silver piece and flicked it towards her. “Don’t spend it all at once.” Emily froze as Thanatos noticed her staring at him, only to be pleasantly surprised as he tossed her a coin. Typical of a ignorant noble she supposed, probably didn’t think for a second that someone as lowly as herself could be of any threat to him. She smiled as she pocketed the coin, put down her serving tray and headed out the inn’s back door to avoid being seen by Thanatos. Though his house was not far away, Thanatos went on a circuitous route around Nyhem, ducking in and out of several alleyways as he did, taking shortcuts not often known by nobles. He avoided the area around his old manor, and a made a not to avoid Dionisa guards whenever he saw them. By the time he finally went into a house, it was twenty minutes longer than if he had simply gone directly to it from the Inn. Emily struggled to keep up with Thanatos as we weaved in and out of numerous alleys. Had it not been for her years of experience trailing people (that and her determination not to risk losing her reward money) she likely would have lost Thanatos. Though she used all of her effort to keep up she was careful to make sure she wasn’t seen or heard by Thanatos; it wouldn’t matter if she managed to keep up with him only to be discovered. Eventually Thanatos halted before heading into a house. Emily hid around the corner as she waited for him to enter. Once she had made note of the house’s location and she was sure Thanatos wasn’t watching her, she immediately headed on her way to the keep to report her findings to the De Reimer’s, whether Lady Dionisa was in there or not was not her concern, only that she reported the information and that she got paid. --- Lana awoke with a start, coughing and spluttering. The stone beneath her was brutally cold, and she could see through the small window at the top of her cell that it was dark outside. Memories flooded back to her - drowning - gasping for air - blackness. Thanatos had been trying to break her, and like most days, he had kept going until she could bear it no longer. In this instance she had almost been drowned completely. It took a moment to recover. It was then, once she had finished coughing up water, she realised that she was not gagged. Immediately, her mind began running with possibilities. Evidently, Thanatos had decided not to gag her after nearly drowning her, and because of that, she could now cast spells more easily. For one as meticulous as Thanatos, it seemed an amateurish mistake, but perhaps after so long keeping her confined, he had grown complacent. She thought for a moment. Her hands were still bound, her fingers immobilised. If she could solve that, she could cast far more quietly. Maybe even get out before they realised - and save Miriam in the process. For the first time in a week, she dared to hope. Slowly, carefully, she began to whisper a spell, a complicated telekinesis affair that would unravel the rope around her wrists. Eventually, the rope began to loosen and she started to struggle to her knees. Her fingers were still tightly wrapped and bound, but she could move her arms and she could speak. That was more than enough for her to escape. Suddenly, there were footsteps behind her. She scrambled to her feet, trying to turn and see who it was, words of magic half formed on her lips already. But no sooner had she gained her balance than she was seized in a bear hug from behind, a rough hand clamping over her mouth and stifling the words that would’ve ended its owners life in a heartbeat. She could tell from the feel of rough leather and cloth on her skin, and the size of the hand, that it was not Thanatos. One of his men then. “What d’ya think your doing girly?” He said, his country accent and rough voice confirming her suspicions. “Don’t you remember what the boss told you?” She tried to nod, though he held her head firmly. “He’s gonna be real unhappy when I tell him you was casting spells.” The thug said ominously. Lana was silent. Then he loosened his grip slightly and began to run his free hand down her body. She tensed up immediately. The touch made her skin crawl. “Then again, the boss doesn’t need to know…” He said suggestively. Panic and fury jostled for primacy in her mind as the thugs hand reached her waist. Fury won out, and in an instant, she formed a plan. “So what's it gonna be then?” The brute intoned. “You gonna be quiet for me? Or are we going upstairs to tell the boss?” With a supreme effort of will, she made herself relax, nodding even as she began to focus her energies. This man's ardour would be his downfall. There were no crossbows to outpace her spellcasting this time. Though the hand that he had run down her body disappeared then, and she could loosely hear him fumbling with a buckle. A moment passed, and whichlight began to coalesce about her head, but the thug was too preoccupied to notice. When he finally did look up, all he managed was a surprised “Wha-?” Before he was blasted backwards by a wave of force. He flew backwards through the open gate of the cell and hit the wall with a sickening crunch, then fell to the floor, knocking over the nearby chair in the process. Lana winced at the noise. Not because of the injuries the idiot thug had likely sustained, but because there was no way that the rest of her captors upstairs could not have heard the commotion. They would bring crossbows, and they would no doubt threaten Miriam until she submitted to her bindings again. She began to wonder if this display of force had really accomplished anything. Sure enough, rushed footsteps and shouting was immediately heard from above. Thinking quickly, Lana spoke the names of runes and scribed them as best she could into the stone floor of the cell. They were not complex runes, but they would keep her safe from crossbow bolts and give a nasty surprise to anyone trying to enter the cell. She only just completed the runes as the first boots descended the steps into her prison. Another of the thugs, with a crossbow he pointed straight at her. Following him, with a more measured step, was Miriam, followed closely by Thanatos, who held the dragonbone dagger to her throat. Then another thug, this one with ropes in his hands. Lana glared at all of them, but remained silent for now, confident behind the glowing runes on the floor. Thanatos looked at the crumpled form of one of his men and back to Lana. “What did you do to him?” He snapped. “I gave him what he deserved.” She responded, bitterly, before continuing, her words filled with venom. “He tried to rape me. Have you sunk to the level of common bandits now Thanatos?” He was silent for a moment, then a sneer formed on his face. “And I’m supposed to believe you? I think it's far more likely you enchanted him.” Lana simply gave him a withering look. He ignored her and turned to the rope carrying thug. “Tie her up.” The thug looked questioningly at Thanatos, then at the glowing runes. “Are you sure boss?” He said. Lana smiled, for the first time in over a week. “He’s a sensible one I see.” She said smugly, though with a slight hint of disappointment.” Thanatos growled in anger. “Dispel that rune immediately. Don’t make me hurt the girl.” He pressed the dagger slightly more firmly against Miriam’s neck, and she whimpered. Lana glared in response. “So you can go tie me up and torture me some more? No. Hurt Miriam and you’ll be dead in a heartbeat.” She said with an icy tone. “So much as start casting another spell and she dies.” Thanatos quickly replied with the same tone. A minute passed in silence as each side glared at the other, unwilling to relent. Eventually, Lana crossed her arms and simply said. “It seems we are at an impasse.” Suddenly there was a eruption of noise from upstairs, followed by the sound of clashing steel, war cries and shouts of pain. Unbeknownst to those who were downstairs, Alasdair had received word from Emily that Lanaya was being held hostage here. In response he had dispatched thirty of his personal Cawanorian guard, well trained and armed to the teeth. Thanatos’s men didn’t stand a chance. Furthermore they had been joined by Glynda’s recruits who now had the building completely surrounded making escape completely impossible. In the basement, everyone looked up in surprise at the sudden assault above. Thanatos’ men recovered quickly, immediately rushed up the stairs, the crossbow wielding one firing his weapon before engaging in the melee. Thanatos was ahead of even them though - he moved quickly, rushing towards the runic barrier and pushing Miriam in front of him. Lana realised what he was doing too late. The poor young girl was shoved into the faintly glimmering air over the rune - Lana tried desperately to dispel the magic before it took action, only to look on in horror as Miriam was blasted across the room by a wave of directed force. A moment later, the rune faded. As soon as it did, Thanatos was upon her - moving behind her and seizing her around the waist. He put the dragonbone dagger to her throat - roughly enough that a few drops of blood began to trickle down her neck. She winced, remaining silent. He didn’t need to tell her again not to cast any spells with a blade at her throat. Above them, the commotion was dying down. Thanatos’ men were skilled, but poorly equipped and take by surprise. Even had they been at their best, they were no match for Cawanor’s finest. “Walk.” Thanatos said in Lana’s ear. She did. Terror twisted her features - rescue was so close… But so was death. She couldn’t bear the thought that she would die like this, and so she followed her captors instructions even now. The two of them ascended the steps, slowly but surely, Thanatos keeping his blade in place the entire time. Lana winced at the light, her eyes unused to the brightness of so many torches after so long in dimly lit room. A small part of her was ashamed as well, to appear before her saviours in such a state. She was stripped to her underwear, these scraps of cloth stained by her blood and sweat. Her body was on display for all, with burn marks, cuts and bruises leaving little flesh unscathed. Many bandages were wrapped around her arms and legs, from more recent and deeper wounds. Only her face was untouched, even relatively clean thanks to being repeatedly dunked into a bucket of water for a day. Thanatos looked around at the armored men that had stormed his hideout, arrogance and hate clear in his gaze. “De Reimer?” He said, though it was more statement than question. “Good. That will save time. Tell the Emperor, that if he wants his advisor back, he will reverse the succession of House Thale, and return all of my land, holdings and money to me Thanatos Thale, as the rightful heir.” “Why not tell him yourself” came a voice from behind the wall of soldiers. In unison the soldiers parted revealing the Emperor himself standing before Thanatos. Beside him stood Alenius,prepared to shield her emperor from any potential desperate attacks that Thanatos might attempt. Though given the small army between them, Thanatos would be cut down long before he even got close to Alasdair. Alasdair himself sounded as confident as usual, though it was clear he was visibly disturbed by the current sight of Lanaya”. Thanatos’ eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. After all, it wasn’t so far fetched that the Emperor would personally direct a rescue of one of his advisors. “This [i]witch[/i] ensorcelled my father, then killed him after he changed his will.” Thanatos spat the words with extreme venom, baring the depth of his hatred. “She stole my land. My Heritage!” Lana winced as the knife moved at her throat. Thanatos was practically trembling with rage now. “All I ask, is that you return what is rightfully mine, and I will… let her go.” Alasdair refocused his attention on Thanatos “We are aware of her crimes my Lord and she will be dealt with in accordance with the law, likewise you will be compensated for your loss. I promise justice will be delivered, but if you kill a royal advisor then I am afraid only the executioner's noose awaits you. Let her go” Thanatos’ eyes narrowed. “[i]Compensated[/i] for my loss?” He said suspiciously. “That is very vague… your excellency. I want assurance that everything that was taken from me will be returned. And that I will not be penalised for anything that has happened here.” “Why would you possibly be punished”? Alasdair said as he raised his arms “You were merely avenging your father’s unfortunate death. You have my sympathies, had someone harmed my own family I would have done the same.” He continued as he rested his hand on his chest “You have my word as your emperor that you will have what you rightfully deserve”. Thanatos’ expression softened, and he loosened his grip on Lana. “Thank you your excellency. It seems I may have underestimated you… My apologies.” Then he leaned close to Lana’s ear, and with a sneer spoke, his tone vengeful and triumphant. “You here that Lanaya? You’re finally getting your due reward you traitor.” With that, he took the dagger from her throat and shoved her away. She staggered forward, but quickly regained her balance and rushed towards the soldiers, slipping between their ranks to put them between her and Thanatos. There was a hunted look in her eyes - she was unsure if Alasdair had meant what he said. Still, he had come to save her, and that had to mean something, so she lingered a moment. For a moment Alasdair looked at Lanaya with a look he had never given her before: Pity. He nodded to his guards, three of whom approached Thanatos. Without hesitation, one hit him hard in the stomach while the other two seized him. While this was going on Alasdair started to unbutton his cape “as I said, you will get what you rightfully deserve” he said with a cruel smile. Once he finished unbuttoning his cape he approached the half naked Lanaya and covered her with it. Lana stared at Alasdair as he approached, but when he put the cape around her shoulders she quickly clutched it to her, looking at the Emperor in an entirely new light. For a moment, she hesitated, overcome by conflicting emotions. Shame, lingering fear and relief chief among them, but also gratitude and disappointment. Gratitude towards Alasdair for her rescue… And disappointment that it had not been Eli. Relief and gratitude quickly won out though, and she stepped forward and hugged Alasdair. “You saved me.” She said quietly, her voice cracking ever so slightly. She began to blink away tears. “You saved me…” Across the room, as soon as he recovered and saw what was happening, Thanatos began shouting. “You bastard! You filthy dog! Treacherous Snake!” Then his face twisted in revelation. “She’s got you too hasn’t she? The witch has ensorcelled the Emperor!” In retaliation to insulting their emperor, the same guard who had hit him before continued to do so, though this time he did so with far greater ferocity. Alasdair was taken aback, not only was the sudden show of affection so unlike Lanaya, but the fact that she was on the brink of breaking down in front of him made Alasdair shudder at the thought of what she must have been through. Whatever spite he had for her had disappeared “Lets take you back to the keep, we will find someone to look at those wounds, your safe now” Alasdair spoke calmly as he gentle placed his hand on her shoulder and guided her towards the door. “Thank you.” She said meekly, still on the edge of breaking down. She stopped as they reached the door, and turned back, as if forgetting something. Then she turned to Alasdair. Mustering her thoughts, she tried to put some authority, or at least stability, back into her voice. “I cannot leave yet.” She said, though immediately glanced longingly out the door at the Imperial carriage down the street. “There is another, a mage girl called Miriam. ...He... captured her as well to ensure I would not attempt to escape.” She glanced back again, uncertainty on her face now. She didn’t know if she should bring attention to the other things she was missing. The dagger would raise several awkward questions, and the gem as well. Ultimately, she decided it was worth the risk, for the alternative was potentially losing them entirely. “Also… The dagger… He… used is important. And he took a crimson gem from me as well, bound in silver upon a silver chain.” With a nod of his head Alasdair gestured to his guards who immediately left the room in search of Miriam and Lanaya’s gem. The guard who had subdued Thanatos took the dagger from Thanatos's belt and handed it over to his emperor. Alasdair eyed the dagger with curiosity, before handing to to Lanaya. As he did two of the guards who had left returned from their search, with them was a young girl who Alasdair assumed was Miriam, she looked bruised and shaken but was otherwise alive and able to move. One of the guards accompanying her approached Lanaya, in his metal hands were a array of different gems and jewellery. “Forgive me my lady” he said, his voice echoing from inside the great helm “But I found numerous object from with Lord Thales room, are any of these the gem you were looking for”? Alasdair always found it unnerving whenever a Cawanor soldier spoke; they were normally silent save for the occasional word and whenever they did speak they did so in such a way that even he found them intimidating. Lanaya immediately spotted the crimson gem. As she reached for it, she could feel the power radiating from it. A small part of her mind screamed not to touch it, to demand the man crush it in his armored fist, but that part was quickly quashed as irrational. She picked it out of the collection and wasted no time in pulling the chain around her neck and refastening it. There was a faint crimson glow emanating from the gem as it contacted her skin once more. As soon as she had reclaimed the gem, she immediately felt powerful again, standing taller and straighter, with more of the usual arrogance so typically attributed to her. Her voice was steady now as she spoke, and she was no longer fighting back tears. The change was out of character and swift - unnaturally so. “Thank you.” She said, looking at the Cawanor Soldier. “Thank you again for rescuing me your excellency.” She said to Alasdair, before turning away towards the carriage. “Let us be away from this place. Send Miriam back to my Manorhouse.” Alasdair was surprised at her sudden and rather unnatural recovery. He had also noted the unusual glow that was coming off the gem. It was brief but clearly noticeable and Alasdair doubted that Lanaya in her current state would have cast such a pointless and unpractical illusion spell. The glow had come from the gem itself and it was likely linked with Lanaya’s sudden mood change. In was in this moment Alasdair recalled Alice’s research and he wondered if this was the same gem she had given to Lanaya. Either way it was irrelevant at this moment and if it helped to calm her then it was for the best she wear it. Though he would have to question either her or Alice about it later. “I shall leave you to deal with matters here, co operate with Ser Glynda if needed, but ensure all of Thanatos’s possessions remain in our hands”. After salute of confirmation from his guards Alasdair left the room and followed Lanaya into the carriage. [/hider] [@TheDuncanMorgan] [@Sundered Echo]