Episode 6: Land of the Rising Star (Part 2 of 6)

A few hours pass. . .

Locke keeps his head down, looking over the deck of the ship to the waves which crash and splash against the ship's hull, as they continue on their way to Tengai. The sun beats down upon him; however, the cool ocean breeze which causes his hair to wave smoothly in the wind makes Locke feel refreshed. His eyes leave the gray-blue ocean beneath him as he looks to Akorrin, a sea spray flying up onto them as the boat hits a particularly heavy wave. He stares at his master for a moment in silence, before plucking up enough courage to ask him a few questions.

"So, are you at all excited about going back to Tengai?" Locke asks.

"Hrm," Akorrin sighs before saying, "I am unsure."

"Why is that?" Locke asks.

"My people," he begins, his eyes gazing far away, "did not look very kindly upon me when I was last there – and I doubt much will have changed."

"Do you have anymore family?" Locke once against asks, probing his mentor with question he's always wondered but never asked.

Akorrin takes a deep breathe as he replies, "Yes. . . but you will meet them soon enough."

"Heh," Locke chuckles with a smile, "I get to meet my uncles and aunts. Or maybe my grandparents, huh?"

Akorrin emits a low chuckle, "No grandparents, I'm afraid."

"Were just you and your brother warriors? Or did more of your family take it up as well?"

"My entire family consisted of warriors and soldiers – as does most of Tengai," Akorrin replies.

"Is it a militant country?" Locke asks.

"Not entirely. The art of combat is simply a great part of what makes up our bloodline," Akorrin explains. "We live for the honour and glory that we may bring to our people by fighting for our faith."

"Oh, Locke simply replies, taking it all in before he grins slightly as he continues to probe deeper into Akorrin's life. "Did you leave a woman behind?"

Akorrin gaze now turns to Locke, a quizzical expression planted on his snout, as he comments, "I do not recall you being so curious before you left for your journey. You do ask many questions."

"They were ones I was always frightened to ask," Locke explains. "You raised me with a very harsh hand, and don't get me wrong, I guess I did need it. But you weren't the most approachable person I've ever known. Lil and always had so many questions about you. You just turned up at Illias one day. I mean, why Illias? Did you go elsewhere first? And did you ever know Forge before you came to town? I'm sorry, but you are a great mystery to Lil and I."

Akorrin chuckles, "I have traveled and seen many things in my life. Forge and I met completely by chance, just as we did. It was he who recommended to me that I should settle in the town of Illias, as it was so diverse and generally accepting."

"I see," Locke softly answers. "I never realized Forge was a fighter. I mean, obviously he must be if you told him to look after the school. I always thought he was just a lounge lizard who worked as a blacksmith."

The Dragonborn chuckles again, "Just as I am, Forge is beginning to show his age; however it cannot mask the fact that he was born into a very strong, and often quite violent, tribe of Lizardfolk."

"Lizardfolk, eh?" Locke echoes, his knowledge of other race's backgrounds still quite limited. "Have your people and his ever clashed? It seems like something that would on the show of a town's Sporting Games – Lizardfolk versus Dragonborn."

"No, our races have never truly clashed. However, Lizardfolk have a tendency to show aggression towards any race."

"Doesn't sound like the Forge I know!" Locke exclaims in surprise. "There was time Longrin went into his armoury with some of his fellow narrow-minded idiots after one of their meetings and tried to intimidate him. This was when I must've been around five or six, and I remember my mother saying she was so surprised that the 'lizard man,' as she called him, didn't bite his face off. He seems so laid back."

"As I have tried to instill in you," Akorrin says, looking back to the ocean, "our race does not determine who we are inside. That is why Forge left his home and ventured into Illias. He wished for a more peaceful existence."

"Have you two ever had a sparring session, or anything of the like?" Locke quizzes.

Akorrin laughs, "Just once."

"Is that how you got that scar there? I've noticed your vision is lost in that eye, despite you never saying anything about it. Well, Lil noticed it, and she told me."

"No. Forge did not inflict on me this scar. . . It was Lucio," Akorrin says with a forlorn sigh.

"Say no more," Locke replies with a nod. "So, what's Tengai like?"

"Hrm. . . Tengai is a peaceful little haven for us Dragonborn. I could not possibly describe it. You will merely have to wait and see."

"Oh," Locke softly murmurs. "You know, looking back on the last couple of weeks or so, I realize how well you've raised and trained Lil and I. We've encountered many things together in such a short time: Orcs, Basilisks, Ettercaps, Goblins, Giant Spiders, bandits, thieves, and even drunken fools. Each time, we could've easily been overwhelmed, but because of you and your guidance and teachings, we defeated them swiftly and have grown stronger because of it. I thank you, master."

"You need not thank me," Akorrin says with a slight smile. "I was merely doing a parents' work."

"I hope you know my mother still raised me well," Locke announces. "She hated the fact my father would express his opinions so loudly in front of Zelsa and I. Even though I was so cruel to Lil back then, it was because I just wanted the approval of my father. My mother is still a credit to me and I think the better part which came through in the end was down to a mixture of both yourself and her."

"I have no doubt in my mind that is true."

Locke nods and looks back to the horizon once more, with his questions answered for the moment. With no more he can think of, his mind immediately casts to Lilanei, and with that Locke is washed over with a strong feeling of longing and sorrow as he lets out a small sigh. Soon a couple more hours pass before the pair hear a loud cry from the eagle's nest.

"Land ahoy! Fukai's on the horizon!"

Indeed, as Locke and Akorrin turn their heads forward, they see a small island begin to approach in the horizon. Even as they get nearer and nearer, the island does not get much bigger, appearing to be only a third of the size of Murrad. Finally, the ship begins to pull nearer to what appears to be Tengai's harbour, before slowly pulling in near a wooden deck. In a few moments, the merchants begin the unloading process while Locke and Akorrin patiently wait. At last when the workers are finished, the travelers are able to disembark into the town of Tengai. The first thing Locke notices is that the town is quite different from anything he has seen before. It is very oriental in appearance – reds and golds adorning the buildings around him, as well as a vast amount of greenery which is sprinkled about the village.

"Wow!" Locke gasps as he his head turns from one side to the other rapidly during his walk with Akorrin. "This place is. . . unreal! I've never seen anything like it before! Everything is so colourful – the buildings, the statues, and there's so much plant life!"

Akorrin nods, "Our race is very spiritual and therefore we take good care of the nature around us."

"The Elves Lil and I encountered at a place called Willow's Keep were certainly pro-nature, with plant life everywhere. But this is completely different, and the buildings are so colourful. Not just brown brick or white paint like back home. Why is that?"

"The colours you see have great meaning to us as they represent some of our greatest virtues – such as honour and spirit."

Locke simply nods as he continues to look from building to building on each street they walk through. Everything he sees, from shop wares to even the locals' attire, is so new and diverse to what he is used to, causing Locke to feel slightly shaky with excitement inside his stomach. Advancing further into town, Akorrin easily weaves through the small tangled streets as Locke attempts to follow behind. As they walk, Locke hears the hushed whispers of Dragonborn gathered about the streets – their stares set directly on Akorrin's form. Finally, Akorrin leads them to a large, green park where a massive red arch with hanging ribbons and lanterns acts as the entrance.

The old Dragonborn then turns to Locke and says, "Before we may advance and infiltrate Lucio's lair, we must gain access through the gate which separates Tengai from the rest of Fukai. Master Torrinn resides in a temple within this park and it is he we must consult."

"Master Torrinn?" Locke echoes. "Who is Master Torrinn?"

"Hrm," Akorrin grumbles before hesitantly entering the park. "Come, Locke, we must make haste."

Locke follows behind Akorrin as he realizes the park in which they stand is entirely peaceful and serene as if it weren't even a part of the larger town. Finally, the pair find themselves standing in front of a large temple. Akorrin seems to hesitate, but with a low grumble, he steps forth and through the temple's doors. Locke notices they are now in a massive hall – much like Akorrin's hall back in Illias!

"Oh," Locke gasps to himself, realizing the strong resemblance to this temple and Akorrin's hall. Clearly, his master had taken the decor and layout of this temple and made it his own – either by religious belief, or by the respect he holds for it. Suddenly, there echoes a voice from deep inside the temple.

"Ah. . . Akorrin. . . And Locke, too. I have been awaiting this day for many full moons."

"H-how does that voice know of my name?" Locke asks, slightly perturbed as his own voice echoes throughout the room. "Master, what is this?"

Akorrin does not respond, but he instead drops down to one knee on the ground and bows slightly, motioning for Locke to do so as well. Locke does just the same, but unlike Akorrin, Locke does not bow his head, for the mere fact that somebody he has never met before knows of him – something that has made Our Hero quite disturbed. Soon, a figure emerges from the shadows – a large Dragonborn with light ochre scales and deep golden eyes. He is dressed in a long black robe which drags behind him. His face is serene, yet stern all the same while he looks to the duo with an emotionless expression.

"Child. Since the day you – and your friend, Lilanei – encountered my brother, I have always known your name. That meeting and today – they have been etched in the stars for many a year. Though the course of our lives may change, like the ripples in a pond of water, ultimately our fate is sealed. Just as the ripple is fated to fade away, our meeting has always been destiny. Now come, and tell me your troubles."

Locke simply stares up at the large Dragonborn. For once, Locke is speechless; instead he simply continues to stare at the Dragonborn, eyes wide and mouth agape as a feeling of awe washes over him.

Akorrin, sensing Locke's wonderment, now looks to him and states, "Torrinn is my older brother – and leader of the Tengai tribe."

"Your brother. . . is your leader? Then why, if your brother is your master, did you feel you had to leave here in disgrace?"

"I and my two brothers were once all heirs to the hierarchy of Tengai. It was not until I dishonoured our tribe that Torrinn was forced to take charge as Tengai's one true leader," Akorrin explains calmly.

Torrinn speaks up, remaining quite serene, "It is I who advised Akorrin to leave on his quest. You must understand the loss of our brother Aurinn was a heavy blow to our people. If he had stayed, I fear Tengai might have viewed it as an insult," Aurinn pauses for a moment before he looks down at Akorrin and continues, "Akorrin, I know you have searched long and hard for your redemption. Although I cannot speak for our tribe, I can confidently say that I forgive you. I know now that destiny is not something we change. Aurinn was destined to perish. . . just as Lilanei was destined to be taken."

"Wait!" Locke exclaims. "If you know it was her destiny to be taken, then answer me this, Master Torrinn. Is it her destiny to be set free, or. . ."

"Child. . . I cannot see what is to be, merely what has come to pass. I do know that your destiny, as is Akorrin's, is to face the diabolical Lucio. I only prey that destiny holds you in higher regard than it did so long ago, Akorrin," Torrinn finishes, his gaze still directed down at his brother.

"Why us?" Locke asks. "Why Lilanei and I? Why not two other people? Why has destiny chosen us to be raised by Master Akorrin and why did destiny tell him to come to us?"

Torrinn cracks a slight smile as he chuckles, "Destiny is a fickle creature and works on its own terms. So I cannot possibly tell you why."

Akorrin, clearing his large throat, rises to his feet – his gaze piercing directly into his older brother's, "Torrinn, if destiny beckons, then we shan't dally any longer. I expect you know why I am here."

Torrinn now nods, his massive claws reaching into his robe before he pulls out a folded letter, "This is an official letter of permission which will allow you, and your pupil, passage through my gates and into enemy territory."

Akorrin nods and steps before his brother, taking the letter from his hand with a slight bow of his head as he mutters, "Thank you for understanding, brother."

"Torrinn," Locke speaks up. "If this Lucio is so dangerous, so much so he slayed your brother and ultimately forced my master into exile, what makes you think a young rogue such as myself, who probably is not half the warrior your brother was, will make a difference?"

Sternly, the Dragonborn looks to Locke as he says, "You may not make a difference. As I have said, that is fate's decision to make. However, if you wish to save your friend, then it is the only course of action that I may suggest."

"Then I will triumph, alongside my master," Locke states, looking towards Akorrin with a smile of determination.

Akorrin acknowledges Locke's remark with a slight smile before turning to his older brother and bowing deeply – Locke following his master's action as he bows as well. Torrinn then bids them farewell as they step through the temple's front doors and make their way once more into the town proper. The duo head eastwards until they reach a massive wall. Two giant steel doors, dented and slightly worn from years of battle, stand in the middle of the wall and loom before them. In front of the wall sits two large temple-like buildings, seemingly filled with Dragonborn soldiers. In fact, two Dragonborn soldiers stand in front of the gate now – large scowls upon their snouts.

"Akorrin. Have you not done Tengai enough of a disservice? Why return now? Do you think we forget the horrible misdeed you have committed?"

"Hold on," Locke says with a stern look as he steps towards the two guards, not intimidated. "My master is the greatest warrior I have ever seen, and I have seen many. If you two are so fearsome, why have you yet to make way to Lucio's mansion and destroy him yourselves?"

Akorrin, placing his claws on the young man's shoulder in order to calm him, now steps forth as he says, "I could never expect Tengai to forget what a dishonourable fool I have been, and I seek no forgiveness for my deeds. However, we must pass! This boy's dear friend is at the mercy of that vagrant, Lucio, and I will not stand for it – for another life to be taken by those putrid hands."

"Hmph. Whatever your reason, you cannot pass without the Master's permission!"

Without a moment's notice, Akorrin shoves the official letter into the soldier's claws. Both he and his partner carefully observe it before delivering Akorrin and his companion another large scowl; however, they then wave upwards to one of the above lookouts. Soon, Locke and Akorrin hear a loud grinding sound as the two steel gates begin to slowly open – just enough to allow them entry.

"Do not dally, Akorrin. We will await your return – if you do return. Although, if you couldn't save the life of your own blood, then I very much doubt this 'friend' of yours has much hope for a future. . ."

Locke growls to the guard slightly and snaps, "He didn't have me with him last time – some one who has a world of motivation to go in there and help Akorrin destroy this Lucio! Besides, my master has fought him and was smart enough to live to fight another day. He'll know what to expect, and you should expect us to come back alive with Lilanei! I'd say come along, but I don't think you two have the hearts like my master and his fallen brother had. So you two wait here and open the gates upon our return."

The soldier then begins to emit a furious growl but is interrupted as Akorrin continues through the gate without a word – Locke stomping angrily behind him. Once on the other side, they find themselves in a very grim position. The trees and foliage back in Tengai were alive and thriving; yet on the eastern side of the Fukai island, nature struggles to survive. The sky is a dark gray into the distance and the grass and flowers wilt at their feet. A bolt of lightning strikes in the horizon, illuminating, for a brief moment, the silhouette of a large structure surrounded in deep dark forest far into the distance. Ahead of them for now, however, lays merely a long stretch of barren wasteland.

"What's caused all this?" Locke asks, observing the plant life. "You're telling me this all because of Lucio? What magic is this?"

"It is not merely Lucio's doing," Akorrin explains. "Many foul creatures flock to this part of Fukai wishing to be a part of his evil following. Their very presence causes the land to die more and more each day."

"I assume that building that I just saw in the lightning is our destination," Locke speaks up.

"You are correct. But first, we must journey through these wastelands and then through what is known as the 'Bandits' Close,' where his fellow bandits and minions make their home."

"How many lackeys does he have?" Locke asks.

Akorrin grimaces, "Many."

"Huh, so there's going to be a large body count, eh?" Locke asks, his teeth gritted in determination. "Well, it might be good for the plant life to get some blood, I suppose."

Akorrin looks to Locke with a frown, "Do not get ahead of yourself. If we are to make it through Lucio's many minions, we will have to blend in as if we were one of them. Failure in doing so may lead us into a great predicament, as we will surely be greatly outnumbered."

"But won't this Lucio know we're not his men?" Locke asks. "I mean, you're a Dragonborn! One of the enemy race, and I thought this guy had mystical powers or something. How do you know he isn't expecting us like your brother did?"

"I very much doubt that Lucio possesses such powers. He is a coward, simply commanding an army of drones to do his work for him. In any case, he will not know of our presence because we will blend in." Akorrin then smiles to Locke as he says, "I know it is often difficult for you, but you will need to practice some restraint."

"Huh, if we have to," Locke replies with a grin. "I tried being tactful before and it didn't really work. But we need to get Lil back, so I'll exercise some restraint, master."

"Then let us move forth!" Akorrin exclaims.

Akorrin and Locke then make their start in venturing through the wastelands. A small breeze picks up, blowing dead grass and leaves through the air in a whirlwind fashion as they press on. Moans of various creatures can be heard echoing over the dead land. However, something else soon begins to sound in the distance – a loud shriek of terror!

"No! Please, don't! Forgive me, master!" A female voice cries.

"What's that?" Locke hisses to Akorrin after the voice screams. "It sounds like a female in distress!"

Akorrin nods and begins to dash forwards as he cries, "Let us investigate!"

As the two rush to the location of the cry, they see two figures slowly emerge in the distance. As their images come into focus, the duo can see that the one screaming is a young Elven woman. She is dressed rather scantily for the type of cold which blows past the wastelands, adorned in what could only be described as what a young woman would wear in a harem. The woman now struggles as a man holds her by the wrists, pointing a dagger to her face. Although Locke is unsure at first, he immediately recognizes the vile figure as none other than Ike – the bandit he encountered in Blackcrest and who first took Lilanei.

"Oy, Ike!" Locke cries in great anger. "You still in the business of manhandling women, you coward? You like to push around creatures who are more frail than you are? Let's see how you do against a warrior! Your cronies back at Hektor's bar fell to my wrath; let's see how you fare!"

Akorrin cries as well as he begins a charge towards the man, "Desist! Do not harm the girl!"

However, both of them are too late. With an evil grin, especially now that he realizes he has guests, the bandit thrusts his dagger forward, digging it deep into the young woman's abdomen. She coughs and sputters blood from her mouth before collapsing in a heap upon the ground.

"Heh, heh, heh. . . That'll teach ya for disobeying your master. But no matter. I've got my consolation prize," Ike cackles evilly beneath his breathe as he bounces a large sack of jingling coins which he has clipped to his belt. Akorrin skids to a halt, the dirt being kicked up in great volume beneath his large bare feet. Locke comes to a stop besides Akorrin, looking down at the dead Elf before he looks to Ike with great anger.

"I'm sure death was a much better fate than having to call you master, you slime!" Locke spits. "But since we're talking about masters, let me show you who your Lord is!"

The bandit now looks to Locke with a cocky smirk as he cries, "You talk a good game with that large walking accessory backing you up – but how can you fare against a real man on your own, kid?"

"Quite easily!" Locke shouts. "I've fought greater fighters than you in the last few weeks! Defeating a portly, potbellied pig such as yourself will be child's play. I need not my master beside me to best you, you insect! In fact, once I'm done with you, piggy, I'll make a nice pork pie out you, and I'll be sure to feed you to your scumbag master, Lucio!"

With a growl, Ike snarls as he unclips the club which hangs from his belt.

"Ha ha ha," Ike laughs. "You may try, little boy, but I will beat some respect into you just before I kill you! And then I'll ensure that your 'master' there is sought out by Lucio's hands. . . Lucio does love to see the destruction of one of those weakling Dragonborns every now and then! Arm yourself and attempt to become a man!"

"Ike," Locke begins as he reaches for his boot, withdrawing his trusty blood-stained sickle. "I'm more man than you'll ever hope to be. I'm not in the enterprise of abusing women! When you fight me, you'll find you're punching above your weight. You're finished!"

Akorrin now cries, "Locke, let me he—"

"Forget it!" Locke shouts, cutting off his master as he leaps from his position. "This one's mine! I'll make you suffer for taking Lilanei from me! Arrrgh!"

Jumping away from Akorrin, Locke rushes forth at Ike with great speed as the dirt and roots from the withered foliage kicks up from under his fast-moving feet. With his sickle brandished and a murderous glint in his eye, Locke lets out another roar, his hair blowing back violently as he runs against the wind, as he draws his right hand backward before then violently thrusting the blade forwards – attempting to strike Ike in the center of his chest. However, as Locke's sickle lunges forward, a sudden crash of metal is heard as a javelin comes flying from the distance, striking the blade just in time to deflect it.

Ike, who now sweats from his brow, emits an evil cackle as he cries, "Boys! Just in time to join the party!"

"You coward!" Locke cries. "Do you have no gumption? Leave them out and fight me!"

Despite Locke's demand, he soon sees the small figure of a Kobold emerge from the wastelands, followed by the large body of an ugly Troglodyte. The Kobold now dashes forward and towards Locke's right side as he lunges another javelin forth, cutting into Locke's arm and causing a slight scratch to appear on his skin.

As Locke pulls his arm from the stinging pain, Akorrin once again calls from the distance, "Locke, I will assist you!"

"No, master!" Locke shouts back as the three advance on our Hero. "He took Lil, and now he dishonours our way by ducking out of a one-on-one fight! I'll prove my point and defeat these two idiots first, and then Ike," Locke now hisses, pointing the tip of his sickle to Ike's nose, "I'll end it with you."

As Locke completed his monologue, the second unwelcomed guest, the Troglodyte, joins the fray, leaping behind Locke and thrusting forth his massive club; however a cry from Akorrin causes Locke's attention to be focused on the Troglodyte, who misses his strike as Locke weaves to the left.

"I'll handle it, master!" Locke cries from the battleground.

As Locke's attention is now diverted away from the cowardly Ike, he wastes no time in acting upon Locke's distraction. He grips his club firmly and raises it in the air before quickly smashing it down upon the top of Locke's head, wooden splinters flying from the club as it makes impact with the top of Locke's skull. The Kobold then snickers, his tongue slipping out of his snout while he laughs. Locke growls and turns his attention towards the Kobold as he gracefully twirls on his left foot and pivots towards him. He grabs the Kobold by the shoulder, and as he swings around at the Kobold, his sickle slashes the him deep within the throat – blood spurting from the wound as the Kobold takes one last gasp of air and dies. Locke lets go of him, and as he drops dead, Locke turns to now face the Troglodyte. As he faces the large lizard, he immediately reaches for his nose with his left hand and pinches it closed with his thumb and index finger.

"Jeez, I forgot how much your kind stink!" Locke announces.

The Troglodyte's eyes widen down at Locke, great rage forming on his face. He takes his club and swings it for Locke's face in a sideways sweep; however Locke, still pinching his nose, swiftly ducks down so that the club swings harmlessly over his head. As the Troglodyte returns his arm from the swing, Locke rises to his feet. With Locke's back still turned to him, Ike raises his club once more in the air in an attempt to land a hard blow on the rouge's head. However, Locke sees the shadow of Ike on the Troglodyte's large body and quickly looks behind to see Ike with the club in the air. Without a moment's hesitation, Locke raises his right leg and kicks it backwards, his foot smacking Ike in the shin and forcing him to drop his stance as he reaches for his shin which throbs in pain.

"I'll deal with you last!" Locke spits.

Grabbing the Troglodyte by the left wrist, Locke pulls the large creature forwards with some effort, straining under the beast's large weight. To force the Troglodyte forwards, Locke uses a similar strategy and kicks him in the shin, forcing him to stumble forwards. Locke then raises his sickle and plunges it deep within the Troglodyte's throat, the blade piercing his scales as blood spews forth. He then withdraws the sickle and the Troglodyte drops to the side, dead. With both the Troglodyte and Kobold dead, Locke turns around to Ike, enemy blood dripping from his face as he snarls at the portly coward.

"Well, well," Locke begins in a growl as he raises his sickle. "More of your men have fallen at my blade. Now it's your turn, Ike. Your turn to find out that Locke Kallidin is your Lord! Die!"

Ike, with a snarl and in desperation, now leaps forward with his club as he screams, "After you!"

Ike takes his club in both hands and swings it to the right, the club immediately colliding with Locke's left cheek with an almighty “crack!” and forcing Locke's head to violently snap to the right hand side, as a large welt already begins to take form on his face.

Locke spits into Ike's face before he hisses, "Good hit!"

Immediately, Locke lets out a cry for Lilanei as he grips his sickle tight in his hand and plunges it forwards, allowing the blade to pierce Ike's chest before it cuts deep into him.

Gripping the sickle tight, Locke snarls at Ike and announces, "I always liked my pork to come from the belly!"

With that, Locke pushes down on the handle of the sickle, which forces it to be dragged downwards as it slashes open Ike's chest, cuts through his bones, and slices down into Ike's large stomach. Locke then rips the sickle out from Ike's belly, swings the blade around, and smacks Ike in the center of the head with the handle of his weapon – forcing Ike to drop to the ground dead. Triumphant and with blood still on his face, Locke spits on Ike's head once more. Finally, he then drops to his knees, the blood dripping from his face as he breathes heavily from the anxiousness he felt of seeing Lil's kidnapper.

He looks to Ike once more, gripping his sickle tightly before he screams, "I'll rip your miserable head off!"

In a frenzy, Locke thrusts his blade deep into Ike's face before pulling it out and repeating the motion, blood spurting out of the dead bandit as his facial features become more and more disfigured with each strike Locke lands. Locke then takes his blade and slashes it across Ike's throat, punching Ike in the disfigured face, before attempting another slash of his throat.

"I'll rip your miserable head off and bring it Lil once I find her! I'm gonna tear your legs off and shove them—"

Suddenly, his speech is halted by a loud militaristic bellow, which comes from behind him.

"BOY!" Akorrin now yells, gripping him by the back of the collar and pulling him to his feet. "What on earth do you think think you're doing? I do not recall teaching you to act in such a manner upon defeating your foes. And to run into battle so mindlessly – that is suicide!"

Locke looks at Akorrin, the Troglodyte's blood still dripping from his face. Locke's eyes twinkle slightly as he wipes his face, wiping away the blood as well as some tears as Locke sniffs and looks back to Akorrin.

"Forgive me, master," Locke whimpers. "I am dishonoured. But I just saw him, Lilanei's kidnapper, and I had to have vengeance. Just the sight of him awoke a seething, burning hatred in me that could only be smothered with his death."

With a deep snarl, Akorrin lowers Locke to the ground and sets him on his feet before sternly saying, "I understand that you are deeply upset; however that does not excuse you! I never wish to see you act in such a hideous way again, or the heaven's forbid, I shall strike you down myself!"

Locke looks down to the ground, his face painted with shame as he then looks back up at Akorrin and says, quite calmly, "I understand. . . It shan't happen again."

Akorrin sighs, "I hope not. . ."

Raising his arms, he then places both of his claws on our Hero's shoulders, concentrating for a brief moment as a light begins to emit from his palms. Locke is suddenly reinvigorated as he feels the small wounds he had gained begin to slowly heal. Feeling refreshed, Locke looks to Akorrin.

"Thank you, master," he says. "I feel much better now."

"No need to thank me," Akorrin mutters before softly saying, "Just try to control your emotions in the future. There is a chance that you may find something in Lucio's mansion which disturbs you deeply. But you must not let it show. It is moments like those that could bring a man to fall."

Locke says nothing and instead he merely nods; Akorrin then states, "Are you now ready to continue?"

"Yes, master," Locke answers. "I am ready."

With a nod, the Dragonborn begins to walk forth, walking past Locke and the dead bodies that circle him. With Akorrin's back turned to Locke, his eyes immediately dart down to the large coin pouch clipped onto Ike's belt. Quickly, so that he is not noticed by his master, Locke leans forward, unclips the pouch, and swiftly stuffs it into his own.

"You won't be needing this in damnation, coward," Locke says, spitting on Ike's corpse once more before he runs forward to catch up with Akorrin.