The deep, flooded underground cellar beneath the central citadel smelled of ancient river silt, stagnant water, and wet sulfur. The heavy granite door leading to the upper palace had been locked from the outside with iron bars.
Inspector Varok was trapped at the edge of the rising water, his high-collared red robe soaked to the knees. His long silver sword lay abandoned upon the wet stones; its edge was useless against the rising waves. In his pale, trembling hand, he held a glowing glass sphere—an official Astra-Network Link designed to transmit high-level imperial warnings to the High Council.
"You cannot destroy me, anomaly!" Varok shouted toward the dark, arched ceiling; his voice echoing throughout the vast cellar. "The moment this core connection is broken or sends my pulse, the Imperial High Council will record your temporal violation! They will send the Crown Executioners! They will turn this entire valley to ash!"
The sound of dragging iron echoed from the high stone ledge above the water channel.
Tair emerged from the damp shadows. His right leg was encased in iron and dragged uselessly behind him as he leaned upon a heavy wooden staff. His right arm that no longer answered him was bound against his chest, and the dark eye band absorbed the sphere's dim, flickering light.
He did not draw a weapon. He did not summon combat energy.
Chrono-Anchor Analysis: ASTRA
TEMPORAL RECORD RECALLED: Cycle 2 and 3 Analysis
HIGH COUNCIL WARNING SEAL ARRAY: Requires blood verification
SIGNAL DELAY: 45 Seconds