The Lower Hive, the Treasure Layer.
"Sorry, Albeck. I was too late. The Judgment Hall has already arrested your wife and family."
The Gray Mist appeared and apologized to Albeck.
"It's not your fault. Once the Empire let me escape, it was bound to take out its anger on my family," Albeck said. A cloak concealed his hideous rat body.
Behind him stood twelve other Blackwatch Ratfolk, silent and solemn.
"Don't call me Albeck anymore. Our new name is Traitor."
"Traitor, welcome as the Chaos Cult's eighth Elite."
"Seventh."
A shrill voice rang out as the Ratfolk Priest who had stopped the Deputy Chief Judge earlier walked in.
The priest looked dreadful. Great patches of gray fur had fallen out, leaving deep wounds that exposed bone.
The Gray Mist paused. "Did you bring back the Baron's body?"
"No. The Sacred Mark killed him. There's no saving him." The Ratfolk Priest spoke hoarsely, red eyes fixed on Traitor. "Where's your nephew?"
"What nephew? Wasn't he someone you sent to watch me?" Albeck replied calmly.
The Ratfolk Priest disliked Albeck's attitude, but they were equals in both rank and standing. Instead, the priest vented at the Gray Mist. "We've done everything that Legion Commander thing arranged. You'd better have a burrow ready to get us all out."
Killers often returned to the scene of the crime.
Annan didn't know whether the Judgment Hall had learned that lesson, but after changing his mind, he decided not to visit Olin yet. Instead, he took a detour back to the Ring Plaza.
The chaos had ended. The State Religion's troops had taken control and were searching the buildings one by one. Before long, they would find the secret passage Albeck had used to escape.
That couple might be disturbed again soon. Hopefully they hadn't