Stychen crashed out into the street, aware that every second would be precious to his survival. Despite the need for alacrity, he couldn't help but to pause at the unexpected stillness about the place. Gone were the gambling G’hern and their fighting Moga. Gone were the street vendors and the purveyors of questionable merchandise. Then, in the distance the bell of the great Cyclopean cathedral rang out. The sound of it broke the stasis which had gripped Stychen and his body resumed the sprint back to the Salaman pond.
As he came skidding around the corner, he spotted a pair of large Cyclops guards as they appeared at the end of the main street. Pausing for a second, it soon became clear that they were not simply passing by. They were clearly sealing the ghetto downtown area, closing in around Stychen. The next street presented the same result, the exit blocked by a pair of hulking Cyclops. And the next… and the next. Smacking his long tail against the polished rocks of the inner walls, Stychen grunted in frustration. He had to get back to Jyx.
The only option was to head into the centre, towards the ringing bell of the cathedral. There were so many ways to get to the Salaman quarter from that area, that it would be impossible to block them all. He made good progress, compromising inconspicuousness for speed. The next left turn would lead him to Cathedral Square and from there he could make it home. The loud steps of two Cyclops halted his progress. Pressed against the wall, Stychen could overhear the conversation.
"Blessed emperor, it is unsure how many of the shadow state leaders remain. I suggest we make our way back to the palace and await Zeventrech's report."
Emperor! Kalmyrid himself was walking the streets. What did the royal guard mean by the shadow state? There were things occurring that Stychen was unaware of, this wasn’t simply about Salaman. His hand rested on the hilt of his dagger. Could he get to Kalmyrid before the royal guard reacted? Indecision crossed his face before he reluctantly released his grip on the dagger.
“No use to you dead, Jyx.” Muttering under his breath, he waited for the emperor to pass by.
It was surprisingly easy for Stychen to navigate unseen through the cathedral quarter, something was clearly distracting the Cyclops. There was no time to dwell on these developments, but he could not help but to wonder if it was something the Salaman could use to their advantage. Without too much delay, he arrived home. The usually serene pool area was a scene of chaos, the noise of potential violence was everywhere and Stychen hoped he had arrived in time.
"Not one more step!" Jyx bellowed at G'hern advancing towards the birthing pool. He was flanked by three other Salaman, their tales nervously thumping the ground.
The G’hern halted his advance and looked towards the group of Cyclops who were clearly in charge. Stychen was desperately trying to assess the situation. What was the best course of action? How could he best avoid disaster? Struck by indecision, he watched helplessly as one of the Cyclops lowered his staff, an intense bolt of blue lightning exploding from the tip. The ground in front of the defiant Salaman exploded, sending them sprawling in all directions.
Shocked from his inaction, Stychen released a cry of fury and propelled himself towards the Cyclops. They great one eyed giants turned and realised too late that he was upon them. The knife slid easily into his hand and just as easily into the eye of the first Cyclops, who fell his knees flailing wildly at his attacker.
“At them!” Jyx had recovered from the blast and had already despatched the G’hern.
The Salaman slammed into the Cyclops with a great rage, forcing them back from the edge of the pool. Stychen felt a surge of hope, they could be victorious here.
“Salaman!” A loud voice bellowed from above.
A Cyclops, gigantic even by their own standards, stood on a cliff above the pool. His great arms lifted a boulder by his feet, forcing his knees to bow at the middle. With a great bellow, the boulder was thrown into the birthing pool with deadly accuracy. The water exploded, raining down the remains of Jyx’s future family.
The world erupted. The distracted Salaman were swept aside by a single sweep of a giant club, leaving several dead or dying on the floor. Stunned, Stychen was helpless as he watched Jalander stumble and crushed underfoot, her life snuffed out with total disregard.
"Jyx!" Stychen spotted his friend faced with two of the largest Cyclops. “Catch…” He tossed the blade to his friend and turned to meet his death.
Jyx gathered the knife. His head was foggy, the world unreal. He felt the knife sink into a Cyclops, the warm blood dripping down his arm. Without a second thought, he manically charged a second, taking him down with ease. A blast of lightning knocked him on his back and the last thing he saw was the club coming down.
