by Justin Wayne
***
A series of lights flared to life suddenly as he threw open the door. One by one they shot into existence with intensity unnatural. Outsider shied away from them and turned his head to the side of his hood. He backed away and held his hands up to shield his eyes while scanning the group before him within the second hallway.
“I knew you wouldn’t miss this.” a sneering voice cooed. A dark figure swept forward to take the head of the crowd. “Somehow I just couldn’t see you dying in such a pitiful thing as that old tavern. So I came here to wait and wouldn’t you know it, here you are!”
“Then face me, coward, one on one to decide who is the better.” Outsider challenged and tried to find some kind of advantage within the room. He couldn’t tell how many guards were with him but knew from their number of magically enhanced torches there were at least a score. Stalling, he scanned the dingy hallway.
“Now why would I want to do that?” Blaine asked himself and stroked his chin. “You see, I’ve already won. I am the smarter hunter and have caught you right in the middle of my little trap.” He held his arms out to emphasize the men around him. “My army is here, where is yours?”
Outsider flicked his knives into his hands and stood stock still. “Why they’re right here.”