Southward

Renat came out of the chute into a pile of mush and refuse. The stink was horrible, but thankfully he had not landed on anyone who went down before him.

"Everyone alright?" Faris asked, helping up Bukuri from the pile of compost.

They all seemed to be in one piece and unharmed, save the cut on Renat's neck. "Has anyone seen Hemel?" The assassin was nowhere in sight, although that was not surprising as it was very dark compared to the white light only a moment ago. The scientist's face was grim. "I must go after him. The rest of you get Bukuri to safety."

Renat ran off into the darkness, trying to follow what he thought was the path of Hemel. Assuming the assassin was wanting to get out of town as quickly as possible, surely he would take the most direct path. The boy ran with all his might, but he miscalculated. He did not think about avoiding the guards.

Soldiers streamed into the streets. "Stop!" one yelled at him as they spotted him. But Renat did not heed their words. Cutting down