Silence reigned across the blood splattered hall; the many occupants waiting on bated breath, their muscles tensed for whatever happened next. The gnome unit closed ranks, a bristling array of weaponry close at hand, their captain menacing Jake’s tender throat beneath his unyielding blade. Up above, watching everything Byures felt his strength draining, the foul poison wreaking havoc within. He sank his powerful claws deeper into the rafter from which he hung, not daring to allow his dying body to fall lest the captain threatening the child twitch his wrist and end the eight-year-old’s short life. Below Caleb, and Rainbow huddled together, back to back while John stood over them shield at the ready should any gnome make another attempt on their lives. His frightened gaze locked on Jake, and the knife that hovered so close, a slight spasm in his face the only sign of movement. Joran strode closer, emboldened by the position of power his underling created for him.

	 “Did you think betraying our cause would end favorably for you John Nieve?” He mocked circling around until he could look the man in the eye.

	“You’re wrong.” John answered quickly, his mind racing for some way to salvage the situation. How much did Joran overhear? Desperation clawed at his heart, and he knew if he uttered one wrong word, or made a single mistake it would not be just Jake’s life in peril. Scer could be meticulous in his retribution and would see every member of his family dead out of spite. “I never betrayed anyone; I am still loyal.”

	Joran’s brow rose, and he titled his head ever so slightly to the left an amused air coming over him. “Oh? I hear you have a silver tongue, so please enlighten me on how you haven’t betrayed Scer, and the cause?”

	“I saved a kid’s life… Did the mission demand I let children die for no reason?”

	Joran shot Caleb and Rainbow a nasty look that sent shivers down the boy’s spine. “Hmph, he clearly is against us, he’s declared as such more than once. His life is forfeit.”

	“He’s just some stupid kid, he does not know any better. He has no idea of the implications or context and is merely acting under the oospecies of a childish fantasy.” John cast a baleful glare towards the child, his heart tightening at the confusion and hurt he received in return. Sorry Caleb, the armored man winced internally. It’s for your own good, for everyone’s good he wanted to say, but Jaron stood to near to risk even the subtlest sign.

	A harsh laugh escaped Joran. “And yet.”

	“And yet?” John’s tone bordered on accusatory. “I was promised my family would be unharmed, let the boys go Joran. Let them leave, they are just kids. If you want to punish me for whatever transgression you might think I deserve so be it.” John threw down his sword and shield raising his hands in traditional surrender.

	“Is the pale child yours?” Joran found immense enjoyment in torturing the human. He paced around the surrendered John in slow circles, mocking the desperate plea. “What about that younger one over there, would you claim him too? Maybe the green skinned rablin? The one who would counter Scer’Pi’Kens magic? He your family as well?”

	“…No.”

	“Which one if any are yours really? Answer me John! Or should I prove your lies.” The gnome stalked over and caught Caleb by his black locks. The boy struggled, but Joran proved stronger, forcing the child to his knees. Rainbow leapt forward yelling something, yet before he could finish Joran’s boot caught his mouth. The rablin sat down hard, spitting blood and several teeth. The gathered gnomes sniggered at the violence, lowering their guard. Only the captain maintained constant vigilance, switching his attention between John and the looming Byures every few seconds. Five to each Byures calculated, shifting his stance.

	“He doesn’t resemble you at all.” Joran remarked giving Caleb a none to gentle inspection. “Must be distant.”

	“They’re my nephews.” John persisted, gritting his teeth. He needed something, anything to convince the bloodthirsty gnome to let them leave unharmed. He could not hope to save Rainbow, but maybe Joran would spare his nephew and Caleb.

	The boy fought against Joran’s control; his teeth set in a snarl. “I’m not your nephew!” He yelled glaring angrily across at the horrified man. “You’re a criminal and a coward and a two-faced lair! I hate you! Let me go gnome!”

	Joran threw back his head, roaring his laughter to the skies. Most of his followers joined in, sneering, and wiping away tears of mirth. They were all thoroughly enjoying themselves, and they waited eagerly in anticipation. Joran bore a reputation among them for his cruel hearted violence. No doubt blood would be spilled, and soon. “At least,” Joran struggled to say between guffaws. “Someone here is honest. So, John any more lies to peddle, or can we move on?”

	“Caleb, you proud little fool.” John managed a horrified whispered. There could be no recovery from this disaster, the cards were set, and Joran held all the aces.

	“What’s that hm?” Joran leaned closer. “Got nothing to say? Fine then, I will tell you what. Before I kill you, I’ll let you choose which one dies, and which survives?” He jerked his head towards Jake, and then rested his blade against Caleb’s throat. “Your choice John.”

	His mouth dry John felt his spirit shatter. Raising a shaking hand, he pointed to the younger of the two options. “Let my nephew go, please.”

	“Your real nephew?” Joran raised an eyebrow. When he received a nod of affirmation the gnome waved his hand and the captain released Jake, giving the boy a swift kick sending him scurrying from the hall. “Good choice I’d say, this one hates you after all. I’ll go ahead and finish him off for you-gaaah!” 

	From above like a falling meteor two thousand pounds of towering scale and muscle collapsed atop the gloating Joran crushing the gnome instantly. Freed from his worry over Jake’s fate Byures enacted his final assault. Caleb rolled free of the gory entanglement even as the gnome captain ordered his archers to loose shafts. Ten death heralds sang forth from taunt bow strings, each one finding a target easily across the alligatorman’s thick hide. Roaring in pain the Byrues rose to his full height, arms akimbo resembling an enraged reptilian pincushion.

	“BRING HIM DOWN!” The captain roared, leaping aside as Byures charged into their ranks tearing gnomish soldiers apart using only his bare hands. “BRING HIM DOWN!”

	“Caleb wait!” John took off after the fleeing duo, catching the boy before he could follow Rainbow through the chamber doors.

	The boy struggled and kicked, faring about as well as he had against the gnome. “Release me. Let me go John!” Behind them the sounds of battle and gnomish suffering could be heard, but John ignored the clamor, keeping a firm hold on the squirming youth.

	“I’m sorry, I don’t want to hurt you, but you can’t go in there. She’ll kill you.”

	The boy stilled, accepting he could not break the man’s grip. “Whose side are you on?” He demanded, hot tears rolling down his cheeks. “I need to help Rainbow, he’s our only chance to stop the gnome.”

	“I know, but that’s why I should go, not you.”

	“I don’t trust you!” Caleb roared, kicking suddenly. His boot caught John under the chin, where the helmet strap met flesh, the leather band cutting deep. Stunned John fell back loosening his hold for the merest second. Caleb squirmed like a fish, twisting free and bolting for the door at top speed, dodging the man’s desperate recapture attempt. John took a moment to recover and followed, remembering to seize his sword before sprinting through the double doors…