Conquering the Stars with the Undead

Emerius moved over and cupped his hand over Charon’s mouth while whipping his head around, scanning for new threats.

"Are you crazy? We have not yet escaped! Someone could hear you!"

Charon bit the hand, causing Emerius to jerk it back with wide eyes.

"My skeletons are dying! They know we are here!"

Emerius’s eyes somehow grew wider.

"Oh no..."

They ran down the hallway, not stopping even as they began to hear heavy thumping beneath them. Turning corner after corner, they soon caught sight of the stairwell and sped down it.

Arriving back on the first floor, they skidded to a stop as they saw dozens of Clayton men charging at them. At their head was a man much like one of the Panoplians, but far less sleek.

Cracks and patches of rust ran up and down the mech suit, and long spikes extended from the shoulders. The wrist-mounted guns were strapped on with rope, jangling loudly as the man charged.

Part of the helmet was removed, exposing long black hair and a single bloodshot eye.

Thinking quickly, Charon grabbed Emerius and began to pull him further down the stairs, heading into what he assumed was the basement. They passed one landing, then another, as they went deeper and deeper below the palace.

The heavy thumping continued above them as Charon understood they would be pursued.