81

It wasn’t like him to retreat. Something was wrong and I had to know what it was. I followed the fleeing Crypt Claw, trying to grab one to ask them how he was able to enter the city.

Just then, the Crypt Claw who had slowed down to scrabble over a rock paused when Polonius yelled, “Slaughter!”

Suddenly, the Crypt Claw soldiers who were surrounding Polonius, the ones who hadn’t entered the city, started to kill the retreating Crypt Claw warriors. Each and every one was mercilessly attacked and left in a bloody heap on the ground. The entire scene was a bloodbath, and all Polonius did was watch his soldiers die. What was happening?

I looked over at Polonius and wondered why he’d kill his own men? The look on his face was one of pride and triumph.

“You’ve gone mad,” I said as I looked at Polonius.

“Ask me who they are? The ones who are dead and bleeding?” Polonius’s face was calm and cold.

“Who are they?” I rasped, not wanting to know.

“Those who could not pay their taxes. Amadeus spelle