Ryder's Quest: Descent Into Darkness

By Rhys Clarke

In the forsaken kingdom of Eldralore, darkness has seized control, plunging the land into eternal night. Ryder, a brooding warrior burdened by a tragic past, embarks on a perilous quest to find the legendary Shadeheart—a mystical artifact said to hold the power to vanquish the encroaching evil. As he traverses haunted forests, encounters treacherous sorcery, and faces grotesque creatures born of nightmares, Ryder's resolve is tested to its limits. With a ragtag band of unlikely allies, he unearths hidden truths about his own lineage and the sinister forces threatening to consume all he holds dear. In "Ryder's Quest: Descent into Darkness," the line between hero and monster blurs in a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the relentless struggle against a darkness that threatens to devour the very soul of humanity. Will Ryder uncover the Shadeheart in time, or will he succumb to the darkness within?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhys Clarke
• Release date: Jun 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227913425

Book preview

Ryder's Quest: Descent Into Darkness

Rhys Clarke

Published by Rhys Clarke, 2024.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

RYDER'S QUEST: DESCENT INTO DARKNESS

First edition. June 21, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Rhys Clarke.

Written by Rhys Clarke.

Also by Rhys Clarke

Quest for Revenge: Ralf's Destiny

Ryder's Quest: Descent Into Darkness

The Waking Nightmare

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Gabriella Hoyt

Also By Rhys Clarke

Ryder's Quest: Descent Into Darkness

Also By Gabriella Hoyt

Also By Rhys Clarke

I was not born. I am a construct of darkness, a weapon in the service of evil. My creator made me to fight against the gods' army. And I shall never forgive him for it.

I am Ryder, and this is my story...

I awoke as the sun rose above the horizon. There was something wrong with the world. It seemed darker than usual, somehow, more oppressive and sinister than before. A deep, dark shadow had settled over everything.

It wasn't just me. I could sense other things too – a cold wind blowing down from the north that chilled the very marrow in my bones and an ominous buzzing like insects swarming around my head. The air stank of death and rot. I knew why.

The battle between Heaven and Hell was at its height now, with God's armies on one side and the fallen angels on the other. The battle raged across the land, leaving only blood in its wake. As far as I could tell, all those involved were mortal souls who'd been dragged into this conflict by their own free will rather than summoned here by some supernatural force. This war was taking place in an alternate version of the world, a realm beyond time and space where nothing remained static. Time passed differently here compared to how it did on Earth, so even if the war ended today or tomorrow it would be many years from now in reality. I didn't know why we couldn't travel through portals into this warzone, but that wasn't important right now. What mattered to me was how different it felt from the world I inhabited, which was why I had come.

I rose from my bed and pulled on a pair of black trousers and a white shirt. It took no effort; the fabric was soft and light as if made of silk yet strong enough to withstand my strength. I slipped on some boots and left my bedroom. I was surprised by the number of servants and knights who were already up.

What's happening? I asked the first person I encountered. She was an older woman, middle-aged perhaps but still strong and attractive. Her long red hair was tied back in a ponytail and her eyes glowed with life and energy. She carried a wooden bowl filled with fresh fruit, vegetables and bread. Why are so many people awake?

The woman frowned at me and then said, Because you asked, in a tone of voice that sounded as though she thought I should know better.

She walked away without waiting for a reply. Perhaps she expected me to follow but I hadn't expected such animosity, not from any of these people. They didn't know what I was, nor did they have reason to fear me. Yet here I stood, surrounded by enemies, and yet I was at home among them. I knew why the woman looked upon me with such distaste, of course; my appearance was a source of great fear to mortals. I'm sure it frightened her too, but that didn't matter either way.

As I moved around the castle I could see why she had reacted so strongly. Many of the servants and soldiers who came within arm's length of me flinched away as though I was a wild beast or poisonous serpent. I sensed their terror and it gave me pleasure to use that power to make them shrink back. They weren't alone, however. Even some of the knights had shied away and I found myself wondering if there might be more beneath the surface. Perhaps the fear wasn't as overt as it appeared. Or perhaps it went deeper. I wondered whether there were men amongst the ranks who feared that if they allowed me to get too close I'd take their heads and feast upon their brains.

I shook my head as I considered those who had gone too far with their distrust of me. It was a mistake. I knew I had to remain distant, even from those I trusted, and I would never show my full strength lest I startle anyone.

I decided,

As I explored the castle and its surroundings, I noticed another thing that set this place apart from my native Earth; there were no animals here. None at all. No cats, dogs or horses, and not even any birds or insects. The only living creature I saw was the old woman who brought me food each morning. Was there something in this realm that killed all life? Were creatures here that were capable of eating and digesting anything regardless of form or size?

No, I decided, that was wrong too; these people knew all about me, or at least what my name meant, and they were terrified of that. If there were animals then surely they wouldn't react so strongly to seeing me. There must be something else going on. Something that wasn't apparent at first glance.

I smiled and turned my attention back to the task at hand.

There were four people living in the castle with whom I hoped to speak soon enough. Each of them had been summoned here against his will but each had his reasons for wanting to stay put. Each of them possessed a talent that made him unique in this world. My hope was that they would come to understand that they could help one another, but first we had to break through the walls of mistrust and fear that kept us apart.

My first stop was with the man who had first raised the alarm, the same man who had given the order to send for me. He was standing near a window with his hands behind his back as he watched the rain fall outside. His face was a picture of confusion, fear, uncertainty and frustration.

He glanced towards me and then immediately looked away again, his expression telling me that he didn't want to see me. I couldn't blame him really; I'd just killed two hundred of his friends and family, after all, and now I wanted to talk to him? He was probably thinking that I was an abomination of nature itself.

I sighed inwardly and began walking towards him. When I reached his side he tried to back away, so I took hold of his shoulder and gently pulled him forwards until our faces were almost touching. I let go of his shoulder and held my arms wide open to show I wasn't a threat. His eyes widened slightly as they took in my true appearance.

Hello, I said, using the common language of my new land. My name is Ryder.

He stared at me for several moments before responding, his voice low and husky.

You're... you're dead, he said, still staring, his tone betraying nothing of his thoughts.

I am, I confirmed.

How did...

It doesn't matter how I got here, I interrupted, letting my words cut him off. What matters is that I have come here to offer you the chance to leave. You'll never return home if you stay, and you won't be able to tell anyone that you came with me.

The knight nodded slowly, his expression turning thoughtful.

Is this real? he asked at last, sounding confused and uncertain. This isn't a dream? It can't be possible.

Of course it's not a dream, I replied, keeping my words soft and gentle. But if I'm to make it possible for you to live in your homeland again, then we need to work together now.

I felt like I had been fighting a losing battle for most of my time here; that the only way any of us could escape this place was if we worked together, but how would we ever know if it was safe to trust each other? What if they all ended up hating me? Or worse, killing me for the crimes I had committed?

I could kill him, of course; I could kill everyone in this castle, for that matter, if I wanted to. But that's not why I was here, and it certainly wasn't what I wanted.

I thought,

I want to go home, the knight told me eventually, but how do I know you're telling the truth? Why should I believe you?

He's worried about trusting me. That's good; he needs to think on that.

That's exactly what I want to talk to you about, I said, looking into his eyes and smiling softly. Do you remember that sword you used to keep by your bedside? The one that was given to you by your father when you became a squire?

He nodded slowly.

Yes, but... why? he asked, sounding suspicious and confused.

It belonged to one of my predecessors in this role, you see, I continued. A dark knight named Kain. Kain's blade is famous throughout the lands of the east; it has been passed down from generation to generation and always returned home when its wielder died. I suspect that mine will be the next sword to pass into your care. If we can find out where that might be, then we won't need to worry about leaving this place. We can simply go and pick it up.

The knight frowned as he considered what I had said.

If we found your old sword then there's no reason why you shouldn't have one too, I added. You would then be a knight, just like you always wanted to be.

He frowned, and for a moment I thought he might refuse; then he shook his head as though dismissing those thoughts.

No, I don't need one, he replied. I'm happy doing my duty as a squire; I'm proud to wear the white tabard and serve my king.

His words warmed my heart. There had been times when I had wondered whether or not he was really as loyal as he claimed, and while that doubt remained, hearing him speak so passionately about his beliefs and duties was a reassuring sign that he cared deeply for the kingdom.

Well, if we do find the sword, I pressed him, then we could use that as an excuse to leave; perhaps your master would understand that you're needed more back home than here.

For the first time since I had arrived, the knight looked nervous, his eyes darting between me and the door, searching for another way out of our conversation.

I thought; maybe he's genuinely considering what I've suggested.

Why are you trying to convince me to leave? he finally asked, looking away. What do you get out of it?

Nothing at all, I replied, smiling gently. I just want to go home; I want to go home and find that sword before anyone else does. But without someone to watch over the castle, the people here will die, and I'll never find it.

Again his face scrunched up in confusion, as though he couldn't understand what I meant. I tried to explain further, using the words my companions would have used in my absence, but I could tell by the way his eyes widened that he was having trouble comprehending.

Ryder... we...

I thought, feeling the sudden urge to reach out and take his hand.

Yes? I prompted.

We're going home, he repeated, shaking his head and frowning in obvious frustration. But... you said we wouldn't get out if we stayed here. You said—

I thought,

I argued to myself.

That's right, I said, hoping my voice sounded firm and commanding rather than desperate and pleading. I said you wouldn't leave this place until the sword had been found and returned, and we both know why that is.

Because I can't, I snapped, because I'm not strong enough!

The knight looked confused again, and for a moment I thought I might have been wrong about what he knew. Then I saw understanding dawning on his face and felt my blood begin to boil.

Are you really going to deny what's happening here? I demanded, stepping closer to the knight. The darkness is taking hold of them, and it's because you've left me alone to fight this battle! I can feel it in every step I make. They're dying from the inside out – slowly, horribly, and all because they think I'm dead!

How do you know this? the knight enquired.

It's obvious when you see them, I answered; they're sicker, weaker, more frail than ever before. Their eyes are dull and their skin sags and hangs loose beneath the ribs. It's as though they're starving, except they're getting the food to eat – but it isn't working anymore.

There was no mistaking it now; the knight knew exactly what was happening, and that knowledge seemed to weigh down upon him like a heavy sack. He looked around the room, as though he expected me to be surrounded by hundreds of people, but when he turned back towards me, his face was drawn with fear and despair.

You must understand, he pleaded. I have to leave this place; I have to get to where the rest of the army is. If they knew what was happening here—

They won't believe you anyway, I interrupted, cutting him off, and if you don't do something soon there will be no-one left to tell them.

The knight looked around the room once more and then slowly nodded.

I realised.

Wherever the army is, he explained, isn't far from here. In fact, we passed through the town earlier today. We've been marching south towards Darnia ever since we crossed the river, and although I know you're not strong enough, I need you to help me carry supplies.

I looked at the knight as though he'd lost his mind, but he held up his hands and shook his head.

I know it's an impossible task, he continued, and I'll have to ask my men to do it for me, but we'll still have to move quickly. The enemy has scouts out all along our route, and we don't dare travel through towns or villages unless we have to – otherwise, the whole army would be destroyed long before we arrived.

He was speaking with such calm and authority that it took me a moment to realise the true extent of the mess we were in. Even so, I still hesitated for a moment longer before nodding slowly in response.

Fine, I finally replied; we'll move faster and keep our heads down.

I thought,

I glanced over at the knight; he was looking directly at me and smiling, but I couldn't find it within myself to return the gesture. Instead, I walked over to one of the tables and started picking up the scattered papers. I didn't want to leave the castle with any evidence of who had been staying there, after all.

What do you plan to do with the supplies? I asked as I worked, but I knew that even as I spoke it wasn't the right question to ask. Of course, I knew what he planned to do with them – it was obvious now, even if it hadn't been when we first met. But I wanted him to talk, and talking was the best way of keeping him under control.

I've already sent a message to my brother, the knight explained; he'll bring the supplies here tomorrow night and I'll take them north with us, just like I said I would.

I sighed and kept sorting papers; the task was slow and tiring but it gave me a reason not to look at the knight as I talked.

But how much longer will you be able to keep doing this? I wondered aloud. Sooner or later, your brothers will have to realise that you aren't coming home, and that means they won't trust you with anything. Then, what happens when you run out of supplies?

I heard a soft gasp of pain, and looked over towards the knight; he stood staring straight ahead and rubbing his hand against his chest as if he was trying to stop himself from bursting into tears.

Don't worry about that, he whispered; I've prepared for it. You see... he stopped, swallowed and took a deep breath, the supplies you see here are all of theirs, he continued at last; I stole everything I could carry when they weren't looking. And while I was stealing all those things, I got to thinking: what would happen if my brothers found out I had done it? They'd think I'd betrayed them – which is true, of course, because I am going to betray them – so what would they say then? Well, they'd kill me, obviously, so I decided I might as well give them what they want.

I felt sick to hear him say those words – to imagine him taking all that food and armour and clothing without being caught by the soldiers and leaving them nothing. It made me wonder why I was helping him at all; perhaps he really did intend on betraying his allies and killing everyone.

Then again, maybe I just didn't want to admit that he was right about his brothers – that he was exactly the same as me.

Do you have anywhere else you can stay tonight? I asked him quietly, trying to break the conversation back to its original point. You must be tired and hungry, and you shouldn't be alone here.

The knight shook his head, and I sighed inwardly. I couldn't believe I'd actually suggested that he spend another night under these circumstances; surely the least I could do was help him make his way somewhere safe and far away from this castle.

Fine, I answered; you're right, I suppose. If we get a few hours' sleep tonight, we should be able to move even faster tomorrow morning. Let's go.

The knight nodded gratefully and fell in step behind me as we began the walk back up the stairs, but as soon as we reached the top I turned around and started climbing once more. I was sure that the soldier hadn't followed us, and even if he had then he wouldn't be able to find us here. After all, the whole point of sneaking into the castle was to avoid having to climb those damned stairs again.

As I climbed, my mind kept drifting back to the knight's words – I had never seen a dark knight in my life, and the very thought of them was terrifying. Yet, despite their reputation for brutality and cruelty, they were also known throughout the Empire for their intelligence, skill and cunning – qualities that could come in very useful indeed during a fight. Perhaps the soldiers who had captured me truly believed that they had beaten me, but they would learn soon enough that I was no ordinary warrior.

We reached the top of the tower and I led the knight through the open doorway, into the corridor beyond. The hall stretched before us in both directions and was completely empty, save for an old wooden table set against the wall at one end. There were two doors opposite; one marked with a large sign depicting a sword and shield, the other with a large sign depicting a hammer and chisel.

I chose door number three, knocked twice and then pulled it open to reveal a narrow staircase leading upwards.

What does this mean? the knight asked, as he stepped inside.

It means, I answered as I closed the door behind me, that I used to work in this building as a builder. Now I'm a thief.

I heard the knight snort softly, but we both knew there was no time to talk. Sooner or later the guards would come down the stairs to search the room and find the dead man; we had to get up the stairs before then.

So, with our swords drawn, we set off up the steps at a sprint.

***

We didn't make it very far before the soldiers came into view above us. Three men dressed in heavy armour clattered down the steps and into the room; they carried long spears and wore helmets with large slits cut into them so that they could clearly see where they were walking. They stopped when they saw the dead body, and then their eyes fixed themselves upon us.

The tallest of the three spoke first. What is this? Who are you people?

My name, I said loudly, raising my hand to point at myself, is Ryder.

A dark knight? asked another of the soldiers, turning to his companions to confirm what he thought he already knew.

The other soldiers nodded slowly, as though unsure whether or not the dark knight was telling the truth; but after a moment one of them shrugged and pointed to me with his spear.

Well, if that's true, said the soldier, then he must be one of us. Why don't you tell us all how you killed your brother? And where they hid all the loot, too.

The knight frowned at the soldier, but he didn't answer. He turned to look at me instead, and I saw a small smile cross his lips.

Why don't you ask him yourself, Sergeant? he suggested.

The soldier scowled as he realised what the dark knight meant to do – kill all three soldiers with a single stroke from his sword, before running back down the stairs without wasting any more time. But just as the sergeant raised his own spear, he suddenly found himself staring directly into my eyes.

And then he froze.

He stared at me for a long, silent second or two, then turned his gaze upon the other two soldiers, as though he were trying to see whether they had somehow been tricked too. Finally, with a slow, shuddering breath he lowered his spear and turned around again, marching quickly away from the room and towards the stairs. As he did so he passed the table by the door, and glanced curiously over at the sign beneath it which depicted a hammer and chisel.

You're a builder, said the soldier in shock.

The other two soldiers looked at each other for a few moments, then nodded slowly, and turned around.

I heard them whispering together in low tones, and then a few moments later the one with the chisel sign opened the door to speak to me. Sir Knight, I think you might want to take a look at this...

He gestured at the dead body on the floor beside us and I walked over to examine it. The dead man wore no armour, and his clothes were ragged and stained with blood and mud; but I recognised him immediately as one of the men who had captured me some time ago. His hands were bound tightly behind his back, his neck was broken and the knife buried in his chest had clearly caused most of the damage to his throat. I couldn't tell what had killed him, but the wound in his stomach suggested it hadn't been quick. It seemed that I had taken out the only surviving enemy, while my companion managed to kill only one of theirs. That still left us ahead in the battle, even if I didn't like being so outnumbered.

Then I noticed something else – a piece of paper folded and tied to the corpse's right thigh, next to the hilt of the dagger in its back. I reached down and tore it free from the dead man's leg, opening it and reading the message written inside. Then I let out a sigh of relief.

It was nothing personal. It wasn't a message for me. In fact, I could have simply left it alone; but it seemed that the dark knight had wanted to pass the note to his brother before dying. Perhaps he had hoped to save him after all...

But then again, perhaps he hadn't. If it hadn't been for the note I doubt I would have known anything about this particular incident, and it probably wouldn't have occurred to me that I needed to keep a closer eye on my own men than I ever had before. Either way, I decided I'd better check in with my men now.

I returned to the first room to find the three remaining men standing by the door, arguing amongst themselves in low murmurs. They had seen the bodies by the wall, but didn't seem overly concerned by it.

I walked up to one of them. What's going on here? I asked him.

The man turned to face me. We killed four bandits, he replied proudly. They broke into the place and got in our way. So we cut them down and made sure there was no more trouble.

Four? I asked. Who are these people, exactly? Did you catch them robbing someone?

The man blinked at me. How should I know? We were supposed to meet someone who could take care of them for us, but when we arrived they were gone.

I nodded slowly. This all seemed very strange indeed. So you went through the entire building looking for them?

Yes, he admitted. And we searched their things too, until we ran out of patience and started killing any bandits we came across.

That's what we did too, added his two companions.

I nodded once more, then sighed. Well, they'll need burying. I'm not sure where you can bury bandits in the city, but I guess you'll figure that out soon enough. Then I gave them a hard look. In fact, I'm going to take your weapons and armour and leave you some money to pay for their burial. When you're done you can go home. No one will ever know you did this, and if anyone does ask you, just say you were doing some work in the area and took the job. Got it?

The man nodded. Of course.

I nodded back and handed them each a purse of coins, then headed downstairs and into another room, leaving them to make preparations for their escape. Then I returned to the kitchen where the rest of my party was waiting.

As I stepped in, my dark-skinned companion was speaking to the other two men. I suppose you'll want to go now? she said with a smile.

One of the men nodded. Of course. It won't be long before the Watch come looking for us.

She smiled at them both. Well, in that case, I'd best be off too. Thank you for helping me get my revenge... She glanced around the kitchen, and I caught her eyes lingering on the corpse on the table. ...and for taking care of this mess. Then she turned and slipped out the door without a sound or a word, leaving only me behind.

I turned to my companions and gave them an apologetic grimace. Sorry about that. I hope you've learned a valuable lesson today. You really shouldn't interfere with bandits unless it's absolutely necessary.

We already know that, snapped one of the men. But how often do we get the chance to kill someone with our bare hands? He laughed loudly, as though he was joking.

I don't think the Watch would see it like that, I said in response.

He scoffed. I'm sure they wouldn't. But we don't care about them anyway.

I shrugged. You may change your mind when you have to deal with justice on your own head. Then I pointed towards the body on the table. Besides, it's not just that I don't trust you. The note in his pocket is evidence.

My companions exchanged puzzled glances, then one of them spoke up. Evidence?

Aye. There was a message in one of the dead man's pockets saying that his brother wanted him buried with the same honour he'd shown the people who died at the hands of thieves and bandits. I frowned at the corpses. If you want to take their money, fine, but leave the bodies alone. That's the least you can do for them.

I saw a hint of shame in the three faces, but they still looked unconvinced. I turned away from them, and instead walked over to the table where the note was lying, careful not to disturb the dead man's belongings. As I read it I found myself wondering why the brothers had come to our town in the first place; surely this wasn't something that would have been easily solved within the city walls?

And then I remembered the note in the thief's pocket and what the dark knight had told me.

Excuse me, I said, stepping forward to stand by the table and leaning down to grab the note. I pulled my dagger free and sliced open the leather covering so that I could pull out the folded paper. I unfolded it and quickly scanned the words written on the page, noting that they seemed to be in a different language.

This is in Old Nihrain, I mused aloud, then held out the note for my companions to read.

They did as asked, and after a moment they both grunted. Old Nihrain? one of them asked.

Nihrainian, his friend agreed. Or maybe Old Tearan.

Where did he learn that? I wondered aloud, then I turned my attention back to the letter. After a few moments spent reading I realised what must have happened; this letter was a coded message. Whoever these men were, they were likely part of the Thieves' Guild, and probably even higher up the chain than me if they'd been able to communicate this information through the guild. It made sense, considering I hadn't known there was a Thieves' Guild operating outside of the capital.

I thought, frowning at the words again. No matter which way I turned that idea didn't seem to sit right, though, and my suspicions grew.

I stood there for several minutes as my companions waited patiently for me to decide what to do. Eventually I reached into one of the dead men's pockets and pulled out another note, similar to the one on the table, only this time it was addressed to a name I recognised.

I thought excitedly as I took the note from his pocket and looked at it.

Do either of you know anyone called Arken? I asked hopefully. They shook their heads and shrugged.

I sighed. Alright, then. If you'll excuse us.

With that I turned to walk away, but paused for a second before turning back to them. I raised an eyebrow at them, and one of the bandits finally managed to find his voice. Wait... aren't you going to take any money?

Why should I? I asked, and he opened his mouth to speak again. Instead I interrupted. Because it doesn't belong to you? Because it belongs to someone who has more right to it than you do? Or because taking it will hurt someone else? You're all thieves. Thieves steal things. I pointed at the note still in my hand. And you want the people of this town to help you bury the bodies of men who killed other thieves while trying to rob them? I shook my head. No thank you.

The bandits looked confused and unsure of themselves now. One of them stepped forward and held out his hands, looking like he was about to offer me some gold pieces. I don't want to take advantage of you, but I really need—

You wouldn't take advantage of me anyway, I said, cutting him off.

I smiled at them, and when they glanced at each other I continued. Besides, it seems you're running low on coin already, and if your boss sent you out here to try and rob me it seems you have enough money to get home to Nilsael. I turned and walked away, and the bandits watched me go wordlessly before following behind me.

We headed into the market where I had seen the woman earlier, and sure enough she was there. I gave her a smile as we approached, and she returned it with a look of confusion.

Is this the lady you spoke to? one of the bandits asked, gesturing towards the woman. She nodded, and he frowned slightly. Well, I suppose it would make sense. What does that have to do with...

He trailed off as he noticed two more people standing nearby; a man and woman dressed much like the bandits they were escorting. The man was tall and thin, with black hair greying at his temples. His eyes were sharp, and as I studied him I realised why. He was a veteran fighter, and I doubted there was a sword in the world that he couldn't wield better than any of its owner. He looked at me curiously, studying me from head to toe as he took in every detail. His companion, the woman, was similarly tall, and I guessed she might be around thirty years old or so. Her long red hair was tied back in a ponytail, and despite being dressed in a simple tunic and trousers there was something about her that seemed very regal and commanding. She wore no jewellery, but that didn't seem strange to me, for she was clearly wealthy and powerful in her own right.

I nodded to her. Lady Elenor, I said to the bandits. This is my companion, Sir Eren.

The bandits nodded respectfully to the noblewoman, and the older man turned to them. My apologies for the interruption, he said politely, and his companions followed suit. But it seems we may have been too hasty in our assumptions of your intentions. We were wrong, it seems, and it appears we are not so good at judging character after all.

It happens, I told the bandit leader apologetically. In my profession, it often does.

The older man laughed, and I grinned at his companions as well.

You must forgive our manners, Lady Elenor said as she came up beside me. I am sure we have made you uncomfortable. Please, come join us.

She led the way through the market towards an alleyway between stalls and shops where there were benches along the walls. The bandits fell in line behind me and sat down, and