The Xivilai had finally reached the top of White Gold Tower. It roared loudly like a creature from hell. The monster fired various lightning bolts and balls of ice and fire down upon the surrounding streets, causing gigantic explosuions that killed civilians and soldiers alike. It almost seemed like the Daedra was unstoppable.
__________
Franco’s armored carriage, followed by his escort of 10 mounted elite soldiers, roared across the path towards the hidden exit on the far east side of the property. The small gate was located in a modest wooded area were Lucien often played as a child.
The carriage was lit by a lantern inside, as it was extremely dark due to the fact that the only window on the entire vehicle was located at the rear where the Gatling gun was mounted. Franco and Romulus sat at one side of the carriage. Isabel and Lucien sat at the other. Isabel kissed her son on the head as she rubbed his shoulder in a consoling way. “We’ll be alright, sweetheart.” she told the boy. “Don’t you fret. We’ll keep you safe.”
“Stop it, Mother!” Lucien whispered, slightly annoyed by his mother’s protectiveness and worry. “I don’t even know what happened! I’m still wearing my bloody nightclothes!”
Franco removed his hat and pulled the black velvet hood from his head. He placed his hat on the seat beside his mask. “I hadn’t expected them to break into the manor so quickly.” he whispered to Romulus. “I thought we’d have more time.”
“How shall we respond, Master?” Romulus asked, removing the mask from his face as well.
“Murtagh Venim is a creature of ignorance and absurdity.” Franco stated. “His actions have led to the releasing of a highly dangerous specimen into the city. That creature was undergoing a defined training program! If not for the idiotic actions of the Witchhunters, the city would still be safe from harm.” He sighed. “I own another private estate six miles north of the city. It is located at the heart of the wilderness, which should offer us some form of protection against our enemies. That is where we are headed. We shall plan from there.”
“I don’t want Lucien exposed to this danger!” Isabel interrupted. “I want him sent to my father’s villa in Evermor immediately!”
“Very well.” Franco said to Isabel. “That is a wise decision. I understand.”
Lucien groaned. “Do I have to?” he asked his mother.
“Yes.” Isabel told Lucien. “You
must.”
“I will send a messenger bird and send Lucien to High Rock by locomotive.” Franco said. “I shall purchase a ticket as soon as possible.”
Two guards opened the hidden exit gate. The carriage roared through the gateway and onto a narrow path leading to the streets. They had successfully escaped.
__________
With the Rex family having successfully fled the estate, Franco’s soldiers were able to focues the whole of their attention on the chaos occurring on the property itself. Twenty soldiers formed a line in front of the cluster of battling Sorcerers, carriage drivers, and other soldiers. They simultaneously fired their rifles into the sky. Everyone stopped and turned to the line of men.
One of the soldiers rode in front of the line on horseback, turning to face the Sorcerers. “This skirmish is ended!” he shouted, holding a large rapier above his head. “Each of you are to board your respective vehicles and depart the property through the main gate immediately! If any of your drivers have been injured and are unable to complete there task, another driver shall be provided for you! If these orders are not followed, you shall be forced to face the punishment of Franco Rex himself!”
The vast majority of the Sorcerers obeyed. None of the drivers were too impaired to operate the carriages. However, a few of the Sorcerers were harshly injured and required immediate medical attention. These men and women were hurriedly escorted to their vehicles by numerous pairs of soldiers.
One by one, the carriages began to depart. Many of Franco’s soldiers ran about the property carrying bodies, damaged objects, and medical supplies.
__________
Jacques Bonaparte was the Breton captain and primal officer of Franco’s private soldiers. He was capable of using devastating spells in the magical school of Destruction. Bonaparte was one of Franco’s closest and most trusted allies. He was powerful, fearless, and a perfect leader.
Escorted by seven elite soldiers, Captain Bonaparte marched through the eastern halls of the Experimental Chambers. They each carried bright torches that illuminated all that surrounded them.
“Franco, Isabel, and Lucien Rex have successfully fled the property.” Bonaparte told one of his officers, Major Louis Necker.
“Outstanding.” Necker replied.
“Hopefully, our men in the gardens have effectively brought an end to the conflict at the fountain.”
The soldiers then approached a nearby corner and made a turn down the right corridor. They were shocked to encounter Sayeal and an Argonian man (Leel) crouching in the darkness of the hallway. Bonaparte, Necker, and their six accompanying soldiers each pointed their firearms at Sayeal and Leel, their fingers rested on the triggers.
“Sayeal Bourdabas…” Bonaparte murmured with a malevolent grin on his face, pulling back the hammer on his pistol. “I never thought I’d find you walking about this property again. And with a dirty lizard at your side for support?” The Captain chuckled. “This is a restricted region. Neither of you are permitted to walk these halls. You have no business here. Turn and leave…or else you and your rancid amphibian friend shall suffer an agonizing death. Things have changed since you’d last visited the estate, Miss Bourdabas. This section of the manor is a dangerous one for those who have not received a proper invitation from Franco Rex himself. I’ve always liked you, Miss. But you and I both know of my unbreakable loyalty to the Rex family. I
will kill you if I have to. Turn and leave. This is your only chance.”