The Ward's Guard

"She's a traitor, like you, and if you have ever heard of me, then you wouldn't doubt my threats!" Caden shoved Wendy back against the wall just as the guardsmen grabbed her again. "Now do as I say, or both of your lives are forfeit, do you understand, rebel filth!"

A malicious smile crept onto Caden's lips, "oh, so you're familiar with the Ravenness's reputation? Then you know what will happen if I allow your friend to fall into the Ravenness's hands."

Caden tried to grab Wendy as she pushed him, "then you will serve well enough. Tell me where the rest of you traitors are hiding, and I can guarantee that the Raveness doesn't touch your friend."

Caden lunged forward, trying to forcibly grab Wendy's chin. "Listen to me, welp! I don't care for the King's game of politics, I don't care how many have to suffer! I only live, to see traitors like you die!" Caden grinned, "and if you suffer the entire time, then all the better."

Caden called for more guardsmen to restrain Wendy, "put this filth away!" He turned to face Wendy, a mischievous grin covering his face. "I won't execute you, not yet. First I want you to witness the punishment I'll inflict on the child."

"As a matter of fact," Kuno gestured around him with his hands, "he was spotted near here not too long ago. Although I know for a fact that he isn't around this area anymore, so I wouldn't suggest starting your search here. Instead, you might want to turn your attention to an amal hideout not that far; Catorphia can lead you towards it if you wish. It was the place where he was removed from his station. I can have a likeness of him prepared in a manner of an hour if you need it."

A voice buzzed in Team Controller Pham's ear, "T-C, you're in the clear. Proceed to recon position, main objective is confirming the targets' location." Pham lifted a hand to his earpiece, "this is ATG 'Hodag' 4, orders acknowledged. Proceeding towards the objective." Pham gestured to the ATG operatives around him who were nearly indistinguishable from one another due to their extensive load-out of tactical gear. As a unit, they slowly and carefully made their way towards the area that the targets supposedly were located at, some sort of cave. The group moved in a cohesive manner, methodically checking their blindspots with seamless efficiency. As they approached the location that had been identified in the briefing, Pham signaled for the group to halt, before silently ordering two operatives to take point as they entered the mouth of the cave. The entrance to the cave was 3 yards tall, and 2 yards wide. Pham made a gesture, and the two men at point activated their flashlights to shine down into the cave, revealing that it went down at a gentle angle, and the dimensions remained the same as far as the lights went. Pham held up his hands, and signaled for the point men to return to their position. Just as the group was gathered again in a position where they could monitor the entrance to the cave while behind ideal cover, Pham spoke into his com once more. "Hodag 4 to ATG Control, we are at the entrance to the targets' location. No visual confirmation of their whereabouts yet." Pham's com buzzed in his ear, "Hodag 4, this is Control, message received. Mission unchanged, proceed with caution. Hodag's 3, and 6 are in position to provide immediate support if needed. You are clear to advance." Pham nodded, "affirmative Control, proceeding towards the target. Hodag 4 over and out." Pham made a gesture, and ATG Hodag moved out, with multiple ATG teams in reserve to serve as support if needed. Pham could feel the tension among his operatives, even though not a word was spoken. Everyone knew what happened when recon missions went south, it was the price of going first. However, Hodag 4's collective sense of discipline overcame any fears they might have had, as they moved deeper into the cave to locate their targets.

Caden's hand grasped towards Wendy's throat, "rebel scum! Tell me why I shouldn't kill you on the spot!"

His growl turned to a roar as he slammed his fist on the wall nearest to Wendy's head, "who are you, and how do you know this girl!"

Kuno regarded her skeptically, but then nodded in satisfaction. "I had expected not, it's not exactly common knowledge yet due to how recently it happened. His name is Concerto, and I want him alive."

"Good, then you might be familiar with its ex-leader." Kuno watched her carefully ad expectantly, gauging her response.

"Are you familiar with the Amal Terrorist group?"

Caden stood over the woman as she shouted at him, watching her face closely. A growl resonated in Caden's chest, "You do not ask questions until I tell you too! I don't even know of anyone who this 'Arabella' is, so shut up about her! Why did you breach the lockdown?!"

Caden backhanded the woman, "I ask the questions, so do not speak unless you're answering me!" Caden's bodyguards stepped forward to grab Wendy while Caden himself stood his ground. "Now tell me, why did you try breach the lockdown, and do not lie to me!"

"I understand that you'll need information for your hunt, what do you need to know, exactly?"

Caden glared suspiciously, "and who is this friend of yours?"

"Good. Why did you come to the King's Palace?"

"Silence!" Caden felt the urge to slap her, but with-held himself, for now. "I will ask the questions, and you will answer, are we clear?!"

Pior chuckled to himself before trying to doze off once more. ------ Kuno nodded, apparently satisfied with their answers. He turned towards the newcomer and gesture for her to approach. "Come, my friend, we have much to discuss." @Random Bystander

Caden was first hit by the smell when he descended towards the dungeon. It would have been overpowering if he hadn't relished in the scent that haunted a battlefield after the fighting was over, he could still hear the screams of the weak ringing in his ears, like a musical performance that you simply couldn't get out of your head. He pushed the thought aside as he nodded to the guards who stood watch over the dungeon and headed towards the chamber that they kept the new arrivals. Caden stopped outside of the door and motioned for the two guardsmen who stood next to it to retrieve the first prisoner.

The guardsmen attempted to keep pace with Jasper, but they quickly fell behind. Although as Jasper made his way through the palace, the sounds of shouting and the clanging of metal seemed to be coming from all around. ---- Caden arrived at the entrance to the ballroom, and he was met with the sight of soldiers and messengers running about every direction. An officer saw Caden approach and paled, he cleared his throat and made his way over to the High General with a salute. "Sir, how may I assist you?" Caden allowed himself to tower over the officer, quickly checking his rank insignia "I'm here to deal with the prisoner, lieutenant. Where is he!" The lieutenant swallowed nervously, "uh, it appears that he has, well, he's escaped out initial attempts to capture him, sir." Caden growled, "double your search, he is not to escape! Kill him if you have to, but don't let him out of this palace!" The lieutenant quickly saluted, "by your command, sir." The High General watched the lieutenant rush off to organize the palace guard only for a moment before turning around to make his way to the dungeon, his two personal bodyguards close on his heels. He couldn't realistically help the situation until they either caught him, or received additional manpower, but he could still do as the king commanded.

Pior went into a stage whisper, "that's you, Hot Eyes."

Pior collapsed onto the couch, "maybe take your boyfriend with you. This place has some interesting characters running around."

Pior looked crestfallen just as suddenly as he perked up, "then I guess I don't care enough."