The Deadly Assassin Robin (Tristan Storm) novel Chapter 1403

At that moment, Hacyon realized what had happened—Robin now wielded the dragon-slaying dagger, and Kage and Caym had taken Shirley's soul to use as leverage.

She looked at the blood-soaked battlefield of Soulforge Mountain. Her rage boiled over. "Robin! Hand over the dagger now, or the High Pontiff will make sure you regret the day you were born!"

Her shriek caught everyone's attention.

Nox narrowed his eyes and asked coldly, "And who might you be?"

Caught off guard but thrilled to be noticed, Hacyon immediately knelt. "Archmage, I am Hacyon Seaborn, a devoted follower of the Ninth Syndicate. I was raised in the faith and swore lifelong loyalty to the High Pontiff and the Dark Syndicate. I'm determined to dedicate everything to their cause!"

She turned toward the crowd and declared, "Respected High Pontiff, honorable Archmage and Pontiffs—this man's wife's soul must not be returned! We should execute him on the spot!"

As soon as she finished, the crowd of fanatical Netheris followers roared in agreement. "Kill him! Bring back the dagger! Execute the intruder!"

Their voices surged like a tidal wave. Robin's expression grew darker by the second. The Dragonblood Stone on him pulsed violently, and the pressure in the air rose with it.

Two ghostly dragons coiled out of the dagger, releasing an overwhelming, sky-shattering force that blanketed the entire mountain.

Kage and all the elite fighters immediately snapped into combat stance.

Even Nox's eyes flickered with murderous intent. "Forgive us, Mr. Drakebane. Some of our ... less disciplined followers have forgotten their place. We'll take care of them. Now, let's return to the matter at hand. Please surrender the dagger, and we'll guarantee your wife's soul is returned to you—safe and whole."

The riotous cries across Soulforge Mountain began to die down.

But Hacyon wasn't finished. "We can't just let this brute from Earthend walk away!" She was practically frothing with rage, as if Robin had desecrated her forefathers.

Arthur, stunned, could barely believe his sister's hysteria.

"Hacyon, what's wrong with you? The Archmage just promised to return his wife's soul. Why are you still trying to escalate things?"

Eyes blazing with hatred, Hacyon shot back, "The honor of the High Pontiff and the Dark Syndicate is sacred! He dared to invade Netheris and slaughter our warriors—he's crossed a line! Anyone who threatens our Syndicate must be treated as an enemy! We must rally around our leaders and fend off the intruders!"

Vania spoke up gently. "Hacyon, why are you so stubborn? What did Mr. Ramsey ever do to you? Why did you hate him so much? He came here in anger only because we took his wife's soul. If anything, I admire him for being willing to face the world alone for love. And since the High Pontiff and the Archmage are willing to resolve this matter peacefully, why keep fighting it?"

"You traitor!" Hacyon screamed.

"The Syndicate raised you, trained you, gave you everything—and now you sympathize with the enemy? You defend him instead of standing with us!

"Vania, I'm certain of it now—you're a traitor within our faith! Your Holiness and Archmage, I formally report that Vania has turned against the Crownward Syndicate. We must detain her immediately!"

"Enough!" Nox roared.

Nox sneered and turned away from them, addressing Robin once more. "As you've seen, Mr. Drakebane, the loyalty of our followers is unquestionable. And the fury of Netheris's people is only growing. If you continue to act out of line, it will only escalate the hostility and resistance you face. But there's still a way forward. Let us both take a step back.

"You hand over the dagger and the Vowbinder. Once that's done, Caym will release your wife's soul. After that, our conflict ends."

Robin gave a cold chuckle. "Why should I give you the relics first? Why not exchange at the same time?"

Nox shrugged. "Mr. Drakebane, with all due respect, you're not in a position to negotiate. If it's not returned, Shirley's soul will vanish forever in two days. And if you force a fight, even if you win, your wife may never wake up again. You'd carry that regret for the rest of your life."

Robin took a deep breath and turned to Kage and Caym. "The relic means nothing to me. I can hand it over anytime. You better keep your word. If you don't, I will burn Netheris to the ground."

Rupert scoffed. "You keep threatening us! Do you really think we fear you?!"

BOOM! Robin struck with a burst of air, sending Rupert flying 30 feet with a single punch.

"Go ahead. Try me." Robin pulled out the dagger, caressed it once, then tossed it to Nox.

"Take it. Now give me back Shirley's soul."

Kage and Caym exchanged a glance. A sinister smile flickered across their faces.