Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

/ E ase up, Meltosse. We have our answer./

The Prime gulped in a deep breath when the vines loosened enough. Concentrating on oxygenating his blood, he glared at Solomon. Licking his dry lips, he managed to finish his statement. “The Society of the Carmine Knot will surrender. Only to the Consortium RASI.”

“There isn’t one of your spies here with RASI. All of the RASI and Consortium members here were carefully vetted and chosen. Your spies have been discovered, named, and captured,” Solomon said. “Just so you know there is no chance of assistance or escape. Your dear friend, the Quaternary Sentinel, and his followers? They’re not available either. He’ll be joining you in prison.”

“A prison cell will never hold me. I have friends and supporters everywhere in the realms.”

“We shall see about that.” Solomon altered the spell within the mageball and sent it flying to find and alert Andre.

“Already on my way thanks to Finlay’s heads up and his amplification spell,” Andre said not even a few minutes later. He appeared out of the lingering smoke and fog along with a few other RASI agents. Everyone remained clad in uniforms and protective gear.

The fire squad with Sydney in the lead circled around the fallen leader. Their bows out and ready.

“Well done for someone without training. For fighting I mean,” Sydney called out with a grin.

“Appreciate it,” Solomon said. He was ready to drop next to the Prime, but he locked his knees to remain upright.

Andre stopped next to him. “Still standing. I’m impressed.”

“Thanks.” Solomon concentrated on breathing and locking his knees. “How many?”

“Captured or dead?”

“All of it.”

“Still working on the counts. We have more captured than dead thanks to the vines. Part of me never wants to step on another battlefield without them on our side. First in Nucira. Now here,” Andre said.

“You have him now. Start at the top and work your way down to the rest of his followers. Time to break apart this cult.” Solomon tilted his head and connected to the Meltosse. /Thank you and all of the other vines for your assistance. Please release him for the RASI to take away./

::He will pay for trying to destroy our realm.::

/Yes. He will face justice. Along with many others./

“Now that is what I’m talking about. Way to end a battle, Solomon!” Finlay exclaimed while rushing across the field. “That does not look comfortable.” He grinned at the Prime.

“You! You were?—”

“A spy among your ranks. Why yes I was. Know what? I’m going to enjoy helping them destroy you step by step with all I learned inside your walls,” Finlay said.

The Prime fell silent.

“Two plus annuals of horror in those walls.” Finlay wiggled his body like he was getting rid of the scary memories. “Time to spread my wings and fight back.”

“Finlay, hold on to that thought,” Andre said.

The vines loosened, but didn’t pull completely away until the RASI agents moved closer. The agents moved forward to snap the specialized cuffs closed around the Prime’s wrists and ankles. One agent increased the spacing allowed for steps around the ankles. While the Meltosse pulled away their vines, they deliberately allowed their thorns to scratch and shred the once pristine suit. Then the agents hauled the Prime back to his feet.

::May we tear down this fa?ade?::