[Jamie]

Clayton Artois stood rigid, what power was this he had just witnessed? Was this some of the ancient power of Omega? He wasn’t sure but didn’t feel like he need find out, though the maid was safe, the countless head hunters probably eating downstairs was not something Artois wanted to deal with.

“We will move now, we are heading to Astinbar, there we shall indulge ourselves in some history lessons at the great university for as long as we can before anyone notices us. Once people have seen me, there will be soldiers left, right and centre. Now get ready, I have a feeling there are a few head hunters downstairs, if they recognise me then were going to be in for a bloody afternoon. Its of my opinion that its too early for blood, gore and violence.” The speech sounded strict and already Artois could feel himself being his normal self again, planned and controlling.

Once they were ready to go, Artois opened the door and they set off downstairs, he had his helmet on now so his face was masked, his shield at the ready for any close ranged attacks. He knew on entry he had given away who he was, anyone from the honour guard was recognisable from a mile away and it was the mask that gave that away. All members of the kings honour guard wore a full face helmet unlike normal ones, They all had a sort of creature look to them. His was that of the crinatour, a large metal beak and two bending horns. He looked evil and powerful, which was possibly why people hated them. They were known for being ruthless up holders of the law, showing little mercy.

Marching as if he hadn’t noticed he guided Anei through the door and out of the ranch inn. He was sure as they left he saw a head hunter stand up, a sword drawn.

“I believe I just saw a head hunter, if he attacks me stand back and allow me to handle it, I do not want anyone knowing of your powers yet, if we publicise them then we will have even more trouble on our hands.” Artois stated, his voice sounding far more notorious now it was behind the metal mask.

However, before either of them could show signs of understanding a scream could be heard, ripping through the morning air, followed soon after by a huge clank of metal.

Artois managed to deflect most of the blow from the oncoming head hunter, eyeing his enemy in the eye he could see he was a keen warrior, scars covering most of his body and a skull white face. As he lunged again at Artois the blade ripped through the air, directed at his chest. Lifting his shield with might and some what ease, Artois managed to deflect the blow by hammering down on the blade with his shield. He then instantly took his chance to counter by back handing the hurtling man in the face with his shield. The crimson blood varnishing the floor, reflecting beautifully in the light. Pulling himself up the head hunter took another swing, this time attempting to take the head of Artois. Reacting instinctively, Artois managed to twist on his heel and backing his shield with his weight he managed to once again deflect the mans oncoming attack. The head hunter wouldn’t give up that easily though and withdrawing a second blade he began a violent frenzy of swipes and lunges at Artois’s neck, body and head.

Dodging and defending each of the attacks, sometimes countering by backhanding as he did before, using the shield as a sort of knuckle duster Artois finally made a more progressive attack.

The shield which was actually a close combat weapon also, as it had serrated and razor sharp edges, so making a 360 rotation, his arm stretched out wide, he managed to smash his attacker full on in the face, the shield crushing into his skull like butter, the man had received the serrated edge. The attacked, now bleeding in pints all over the shield had fallen to his knees, only involuntary actions of blood loss and shaking being made by him. After what seemed a while but was merely a second or two, Artois slowly pulled his shield out, making sure to saw further into his skull as he did so. After withdrawing his shield the attacker fell face first into the floor at Artois feet. The blood was still dripping from his shield and was now starting to create a rather large pool at his feet.

Turning and signalling Anei to follow his lead they set off towards the large city now floating in front of them about 5 miles away. It looked like a huge palace floating on the mist, because it was a huge palace floating on the mist,

The city of Astinbar, a city of knowledge, known to be one of the first cities built on a mist lake. It contained nearly every record of anything that had happened in the planets history to date and was filled with three types of people. Scholars, rich elegant grand class citizens or soldiers, so they would have to make sure they were rather discreet if they didn’t want more of what had just happened to have an encore.