Hyresu faces the dark paladin, Rokem Pall

Hyresu and Aatush helped Avatstigorom to stand.

"I'm spent, sad to say. It's quite unprofessional, but life comes before the contract. I believe all can agree I have done enough. By your leave, I will take mine." The wizard looked past them, to Guniya Cress. She nodded once, her eyes hard, but not angry.

As he swung carefully into the saddle, a baying howl sounded out in the darkness, followed by hollow laughter.

Hyresu strode through the gates. "I'll handle this. Take the wizard south and then swing back north and east, to Graeyolm, I will meet you."

Aatush took his hand, he turned and kissed her and smiled. "I've killed this cur before. I'll do it again."

His friends and the marauders swept from the gates as he strode out. Rokem Pall emerged from the shadows, smiling wolfishly.

"This is where it ends, Brightlander. You look tired, that is how a predator hunts prey."

"You're right on one account, corpse. This is the end." He raised the bright blade, Phaeton.