Chapter 34 - Leadership
The city buzzed with unusual commotion, even though the sun had just risen. The hurried footsteps of guards echoed through the streets as civilians watched from a distance, murmuring among themselves. Nights in Zant were typically quiet, but today, tension was everywhere.
Rygar moved across the rooftops. He didn't need to listen to understand that news of the attacks on the bases had spread. Combined with the large explosion outside the city, it had caused fear and concern, leaving Zant on high alert. His eyes quickly scanned his surroundings, searching for signs of the two groups led by Taes and Kidar, who were supposed to be completing their missions.
After a few minutes, he heard familiar sounds from one of the main streets. It was Taes' group. He quickened his pace, moving like a blur until he positioned himself on a nearby rooftop, from where he could observe everything clearly.
Taes led the group with authority, followed by a crowd of freed people. Some of the slaves, tears streaming down their faces, knelt at the warrior's feet, offering their profound gratitude. Others, quieter, stayed with the group, hesitating to part from their rescuers.
Rygar watched as Taes organized the freed individuals into small groups before guiding them to a safe location. He didn't approach. He didn't lead the Iron Legion alone and needed them to handle this on their own. Instead, he turned and set out to find Kidar's group.
It didn't take long to locate them. They were heading toward the outskirts of the city, their group slightly smaller but just as efficient. Kidar also seemed to have completed his mission without significant problems, with the freed slaves being guided in an orderly line by his comrades. Rygar counted silently, satisfied to see that the number of rescued individuals was significant.
He stayed hidden, as before, merely a shadow observing from the darkness. The mission was nearly complete, but there was still one more thing to do.
The lord's mansion in Zant was a monument to opulence, illuminated even at night. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, and the movement at the gates reflected the unrest brought on by the recent events.
Rygar approached silently, scaling the outer walls until he reached a vantage point where he could see the main courtyard clearly. That's when he spotted him: the lord of Zant, hurrying out of the mansion. His expression was a mix of fear and anger, his eyes focused on something distant on the horizon. The sky still bore remnants of the flames and glow that marked the attack on the base.
Surrounded by a dozen guards, the lord appeared to be giving orders, but Rygar didn't care about his words. He jumped from the shadows, appearing in the courtyard as an imposing figure, his presence overwhelming.
"I advise you not to get involved."