Once they were safe from the killing sun, Elek slowed. The four from the entrance had followed, obviously intent on accompanying them. Elek headed to a less populated fringe of the city.

“Hey, wait, you’re not going the right way,” an Arch Deacon said.

“I think this is a good place,” Elek said.

“For what?”

“For this.” He snapped his fingers. Elek’s warriors attacked.

The four had no chance. They were unarmed and forced to their knees in a fraction of an angle. Jaft removed their torques and Shyla used her magic to erase their memories. She then went deeper, finding their reasons for becoming Arch Deacons. Her magic wouldn’t be able to change their personality or beliefs, but she questioned why they served the Heliacal Priestess knowing they were no longer saving souls, but hurting them.

The priestess does not speak for the Sun Goddess. I do and she is not happy with your behavior.

Her efforts probably wouldn’t work for all of them, but two showed promise. They left the Arch Deacons and continued on their journey.

“Are we going to do this for all the deacons?” Jaft asked.

“Eventually. I’d like to do it for all those who are loyal to the priestess. However, for now, only the ones who try to stop us,” Shyla said. “Our mission is to get to the priestess. Once we have her neutralized, we can go from there.”

“With so many of us, we’re bound to draw attention,” Jaft said.

“Our numbers will scare most people off,” Elek said. “Besides, if we move quickly, they won’t have time to gather forces if they suspect we’re not legit.”

“Are you going to be able to go down ninety more levels?” Ximen asked Shyla.

With her hands mock tied, walking was difficult.

“We’ve got her,” Daksh said, indicating Nard who stood on the other side of Shyla. “If she has trouble, we’ll help her out.”

“How?” Ximen asked.

Shyla was also very interested in the answer. The two men each cupped one of her elbows and lifted her off her feet. It was strange, but with her feet only a few centimeters off the floor, they could carry her.

“Everyone ready?” Elek asked.

When they confirmed, he set off at a brisk pace. Shyla managed to keep up for ten levels, but after that Daksh and Nard carried her. The big men didn’t slow even with the extra weight. Must be nice to be so strong. That thought led to her wondering about Rendor. Would he spot her with the deacons and try to rescue her? No. It was a silly thought. Even Rendor couldn’t take on thirty-two deacons.