340 Neva: Battle for Ever Flame aftermath (1/2)

”Running into the teeth of Inferno Archers, not the smartest move.” He found Nightmare exactly where he left her.

”Is she faster than Flash?” Randa exited the stable when she spotted him; during the fight, she tried to bring the animal into the stables, but it wouldn't let her approach.

Nix mounted Nightmare and patted her shoulder. ”She is,” he admitted.

Randa studied the demon horse with a practiced eye. ”She looks like she had a foal recently.”

”Yep, beautiful little filly, a few weeks ago.” Nix studied the orphan for a moment, ”I own a horse ranch, not that big yet, about forty horses in my herd.”

Randa's dirt-smudged face lit up. ”That's a good-sized herd.”

Nix snuck a peek through the door to make sure they were alone before lowering his voice. ”Want to come work for me?”

Randa looked over her shoulder before answering. ”What's your offer?”

Nix pursed his lips while he considered. ”I have a bunkhouse; you can move into it and hire your own people.”

”Is your ranch in Everspire?”

Nix shook his head. ”A seed world in Oasis, no real dangers to speak of.”

Randa made a small gesture with her hand, indicating that someone was approaching. ”Can I think about it?”

”Yep, ” Nix nodded respectfully when the stablemaster approached. ”Town should be quiet now; we're taking the fight to the Main camps after this.”

The stablemaster watched him turn toward the center of town and ride away, before glancing at his assistant. ”You recognize that breed, Rand?”

Randa shook her head. ”All sorts of things mixed in there, most of them dangerous I expect.”

***************

Fajii nodded and accepted the canteen from Semmi. The Aquarion had a big smile plastered on her face. ”Nix made it, did you like it?”

Cora smiled apologetically to the blonde officer. ”Your Sand Leopard was beautiful Sem, but I would have chosen a flier too, although the Orions and other forms are nice.”

Eron sat comfortably on the Ain'Dhassi's lap while she stroked its soft fur; according to the black fox, only Nix, Fajii, and Cora were 'worthy.' The black fox turned toward the front gate, its dark eyes glowing. ”Fajii... a soul harming artifact is close!”

/Inferno: Fajii: Eron says a soul harming artifact is in the area.

/Inferno: Jun Li: Nix, open a breach, and get out of here.

Nix quickly dismounted Nightmare and activated his stealth package; he disappeared from sight just as his eyes glowed orange. Shae, Fajii, Semmi, Cora, and Jun Li were all sitting together; he focused on the area directly behind them.

[Create Breach: Ever Flame: Ionova: HQ]

/Inferno: Nix: Into the breach now. I'll be right behind you.

/Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone in!

Nix waited until Inferno exited, and then he closed the breach. His eyes scanned the crowded market square, several groups of heroes, and dhassi were still mingling in the area.

”West side of the market, Nix.” Eron brushed against his leg, Nix scooped him up and placed him on his shoulder.

A scream of terror caused Nix to turn slightly; a stealthed man on was fleeing foot, he ducked into the gathering crowd.

[Whisper: Bali to Nix] I'm next to the Tanner shop, have you sighted him?

[Whisper: Nix to Bali] He's on the west side of the market. Stay stealthed, and we'll close in.

The tiny ranger noticed that Del Tali was there and immediately morphed into Dire Wolf form, her long strides eating up the ground.

Nix has activated his bloodline: [Third form: Archon]

Nix saw Bali moving and took to the air.

/Inferno: Nix: Do you have a target?

/Inferno: Bali: Has to be Rogar, no visual yet!

Nix's thermal vision picked up a sudden increase in air temperature, a sign that someone was opening a gate. He spotted the culprit and targeted him.

[Vacuum]

The summoned man flew toward him, somehow managing to draw his sword that Nix dodged before grabbing his arm and slamming him headfirst into the ground.

Rogar has been stunned.

Nix placed a knee in the middle of his back and glanced scanned the marketplace. ”Bali?”

[Summons: Ducky]

Ducky appeared an instant later and immediately assessed the situation. ”Want me to hold him?”

Nix nodded. ”Yes, please.”

Ducky has bewitched Rogar.

He spotted the tiny ranger bent over on the ground and took to the air again before landing and dropping the archon form. His blood ran cold immediately.

/Inferno: Nix: Any clerics in Ever Flame?

/Inferno: Tess: I'm at the front gate Nix.

/Inferno: Nix: Western part of the market square, run Tess.