The night enveloped the tebai with a heavy shadow. Kael, still toilet, followed Thalos in the narrow streets of the city. At each crossroads, soldiers in armor silently monitored passers -by. Zethar's power weighed on the scene like a leaden screed.
- "Where are we going?" Asked Kael, the hand instinctively bordering on the handle of his long Katana.
-"Drink. Maybe dream of freedom," replied Thalos, a bitter smile.
They reached an old ruined sanctuary, hidden behind abandoned buildings. Thalos sat on a block of stone, released a new bottle from his torn coat and in goal a long sip.
- "You see this city? Before, it was alive. But Zethar ... He wanted more than respect. He wanted total submission. So he locked the dissident voices. The church ... my church ..."
A flash of sadness crossed his gaze. Kael felt the pain hidden under his nonchalant attitude.
- "And you didn't try anything to save them?"
Thalos broke out with a hoarse laugh.
- "A kid in front of a lightning god? I preferred to survive."
Silence settled. In the distance, the bell of a broken tower rang, its fatal echo repercussions throughout the city.
- "You," said Thalos suddenly by fixing Kael, "you are looking for a world card to go to Babylon. But you don't know everything about the suffering you will find."
- "I am ready," whispered Kael.
- "We'll see that, kid."
Back at the tavern, Elia was waiting for them, swept the counter nervously. Some customers, silent regulars, occupied the tables by mumbling with each other.
Kael sat down near the fire, observing the old tapestry hung behind the bar: a huge fresco representing a black fox with golden eyes, hovering over a devastated land.
- "Nyra," whispered Elia following her gaze. "The legend says that she protects those who seek the truth, but that she claims a terrible prize."
Kael felt a shiver traveling his spine. He remembered his father's voice, telling this same myth under the starry sky.
-"I have to find her," he said in a low voice.
Thalos sniffla, sarcastic.
-"And then? Are you going to ask a legend to help you shoot down a king's king?"
- "I will do what is needed," Kael replied with an icy determination.
Suddenly, the door of the tavern opened suddenly. Two soldiers in red armor entered, sweeping the room with a cold look.
- "In order of King Zethar, all newcomers must present themselves to the control offices!", Said one of them.
Kael exchanged a look with Thalos and Elia. This world was not yet ready to accept it ... But he was ready to change this world, even if it had to start in the shadow of Tebai.