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[Thrax]

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Malikai the Lycan had been enjoying his life in Umbra. He had at long last found a home; a city where no one cast glances of contempt his way; where people were accustomed to dark beings of all kinds, alive, undead, or something in between like him.

Since losing Chasity, the Papuan woman who had befriended him when he was on the lam, he had been with several other women, but had chosen to pursue no long-term relationship with any of them. When most of them found out his true nature, they shied away in horror or else in fear of their lives. It didn't matter to him anymore; he could never, nor would he ever, love again.

He entered the Umbra Inn planning to nap for the day, when the innkeeper held him up. "Malikai, wait," he called out to him. "I've got a note here for ye," he said, holding it out. Malikai took it, thanked him, and went upstairs to his room before opening and reading it...

"Malikai, greetings,

You have proved very useful to us. It is time you were rewarded and are given your freedom. I only have one more task for you. It is not difficult but is very important to me. Meet me at the Wolf's Den in Alderglen.

Do not delay! I am doing this on my own initiative. Ishtar doesn't know I am doing this, so keep it between us.

Thraxanduril"

Malikai was not sure what to make of the request, but the idea of being released from the threat of the scarab brooch buried into his flesh at his throat by Ishtar, excited him. For years it had been attached there, forcing him to do Ishtar's bidding, which had consisted entirely of keeping a watchful eye on Umbra's doings and reporting to her periodically. One word from her and it would have killed him, or at least that is what she had told him. And he believed it; the single demonstration she made had been painful enough. He would be glad to be rid of it and free from servitude to her.

He packed his few belongings and set out for Alderglen. The thought of returning to Umbra a free man pleased him no end.

He arrived in front of the small stone tower perched on the western end of Alderglen, and stepped inside.

In the dim light he saw Thraxanduril, leaning against the far wall with his arms folded. But immediately he sensed the presence of others, though he could not see them. Worse, Thrax's scent was not that of the Thrax he remembered. He started to transform.

"An Ex Por!" Thraxas spoke, completing the gestures of the paralyze spell.

Malikai froze.

Out of nowhere two hooded figures appeared, each holding raised daggers. They approached him from behind.

"It grieves me to have to do this," Thraxas stated, almost as if he meant it. "We are so much alike at heart, you and I."

Malikai tried to form words but could not.

"Oh, you are wondering why? Well, as you have guessed I am not the Thrax you expected. And to keep that secret, secret, I find it necessary to 'remove' all potential threats, starting with individuals who would least be missed. Sadly, you are one of those. Then again, I will be doing everyone a favor. I know you have been spying on me and Umbra for some time. Ceinwyn will not mind if I eliminate a traitor. And Thrax would have some satisfaction knowing his son's murder was finally avenged." He stepped closer to the Lycan, taking care not to touch him lest the spell be broken, and pulled out his own dagger. "So, you see, it is for the good of all. But don't be sad. I promised you freedom and now you shall have it!"

Thraxas plunged the Misericord dagger deeply into Malikai's heart even as the other two followed suit from behind, with their own.

With hardly a moan, Malikai slumped to the ground, dying. The wounds would not heal fast enough for him to survive and he knew it. He raised one trembling arm slowly, pointing accusingly at his killer, and then it dropped as he breathed his last.

Lomar and Grendel removed their hoods and sheathed their bloodied daggers, smiling at their efficiency. Grendel spat on the corpse. "How I hate them!" he sneered.

"Take the body to the Temple and dispose of it," Thraxas told them as he knelt to examine the brooch at his victim's neck. A searing flash of green flame erupted from it, forcing his hand back. Thraxas scowled. "Accursed thing! No matter! Make sure the body is entirely destroyed," he ordered, standing up.

Lomar cast a gate travel spell. Then he and Grendel hauled the corpse through it.

"Another down. A few more to go," Thraxas gloated.