The cleanup in Tower Town was nearing its end.
Olin left the remaining work to the City Guard, then split up with the Deputy Chief Judge.
She pursued the fleeing Chaos Cult, determined to drive those skulking rats off the plains.
The Judgment Hall returned to Montreal Mountain. Before the elites ordered to wreak havoc could make a move, the Judgment Hall dug them out of their rat holes.
Once was bad enough. If it happened again, the Empire would truly lose face.
On the Northern Plains of Montreal Mountain.
Prince Aidan watched the dust in the distance slowly close in and stopped with a wry smile.
"Defensive positions. Hold here."
His followers immediately spread out, positioned their supply wagons around the perimeter, and crouched to dig pits that would trap horses' hooves. They looked more disciplined than regular soldiers.
The Knights' Order tightened its encirclement.
Their warhorses slowed to a halt, keeping about a hundred yards between them and the surrounded Chaos Cult believers.
"Gray Mist?"
Olin guessed at the identity of the solid-looking figure among the Chaos Cult believers.
"We meet again, Miss Olin." Prince Aidan gave a slight bow.
"An elite of the Chaos Cult and the one behind Albeck's corruption. You didn't leave through the Teleportation Array? Did your master abandon you?"
"I stayed to clean up a few loose ends." Prince Aidan chuckled easily. "I didn't expect you to dare follow me. If you aren't afraid of a trap, come on."
Olin looked around. The Chaos Cult believers had been running the whole time and had arrived only minutes ahead of her. How could they have set a trap?
"I don't believe you."
"Really?"
Prince Aidan raised a hand and snapped his fingers.
The Magic Circle beneath their feet, hidden under sand, suddenly became visible.