FROM THE JOURNAL OF RUBY

The rooms Leonis led me through did not look like those of a dungeon at all. They were nicely furnished, well decorated and comfortable.

It would have looked like an ordinary home if not for the creatures everywhere. The skeletons and beast men shepherded me behind fat Leonis. Leonis, of course, was not his true name.

“Come, there is someone I would like you to meet,” Moroso said.

We went down a long hall lined with suits of armor. More skeletons in the shadows stirred as we approached.

“Let’s see, which one is he… Ah, yes. Darling, I would like you to meet your beloved father, Rhomus.”

Moroso grinned and pointed out one of the skeleton creatures. It bore no resemblance to the man who had been my father, and it showed no recognition of me – other than the primal, hungry interest all the creatures had.

“That is not my father,” I said.

Moroso appeared disappointed at my reaction.

“Of course he is,” he protested. “Rhomus, give her your sword.”

The creature complied at once, holding its sword out to me.

My first thought was to take it and stab Moroso in the heart, but it was much heavier and unwieldy than it looked. Memory returned of holding one just like it when I was very young and being punished when caught. I did not know if the creature had once been my father, but this certainly could be his old sword.

“Recognize it?” Moroso asked me.

“I suppose it could be it.”

“Well, give it back then. I really expected more of a reaction from you. Well, come along, there is someone else I would like you to meet.”

“Who this time?” I asked. “I cannot think of any other relatives you have killed.”

We continued on, the creatures all following.

We entered a very large room with high ceilings, comfortable couches and chairs. The furniture was unlike any I had ever seen. Leather, expensive and sleek looking.

“This is a replica of an outlander’s living quarters,” Moroso explained. “It is not exact. They have things we cannot imagine. I’m getting there, however. Pontius, where are you?”

“I am here, Master.”

A young man rose from a chair in the corner. He was quite handsome, in a rough sort of way, his face angular with a large, strong jaw, a cleft in his chin. His eyes were gray and haunted. I had seen him before.

“I know you,” I said. “You were in Trang’s guild.”

“That was before I saw the light,” Pontius told me. “Or the darkness. Whatever the case may be.”

I watched as he went to Leonis and knelt before him. “Honor to serve, my master.”

“Yes, it is,” Moroso said. “Get up.”

The outlander complied.

“This is Ruby,” Moroso said. “No need to show off for her benefit. She is just a pet.”

“She is beautiful,” Pontius said.

“She is mine. Stop thinking about your cock for one second. As if I haven’t provided you with a plethora of nubile girls. What’s the status of our current situation?”

“Ah,” Pontius said proudly. “Check it out.”

Suddenly the wall became a giant window into the world.

“There is Braun’s army.” There was a field full of armed men.

Pontius waved his hand, and suddenly the view changed.

“There’s the valley. Your so called lair. There’s Trang and his men.”

I could see Trang and a dozen men gathered.

“Where are they?” I dared ask. “Are they outside of here?”

“Oh, gods no,” Moroso laughed. “Those men are exactly where I want them to be. Right where you led them.”

“Ready for some sound?” Pontius asked.

He waved his hand and a cacophony of voices filled our room, as well as music unlike any I had ever heard.

“Bauer coming in.”

“Drake coming in.”

“Croft here. Let’s fucking do this!”

More riders entered the picture as very loud music played.

“Flight of the Valkyries,” Pontius said. “These guys are fucking pumped. Almost wish I was with them.”

Moroso gave him a look.

Pontius shrugged. “Almost.”