Searching... - Galliban Tyren and Barrett

[Barrett]

OOC: Sorry, I misinterpreted.

Barrett was actually delighted to be doing work that did not involve running about trying to thwart demon cults or hours of laundry and scrubbing at the dormitory. He set to copying, reading each page and looking at it as a whole before attempting to copy the words, the characters. Sure, the shape and style of each character and each word mattered. But it was also important to set them properly in the flow of the paragraph and page. Before moving on, he checked each page he had finished. At first his progress was painstakingly slow. Later, once he had copied several pages and thought he had a feel for it, he found himself a little too comfortable. Sighing at the mistakes he'd spotted in the most recent page, he set it aside and started over.

The trick is, I suppose to find a balance between painfully slow and recklessly fast. A comfortable pace so that the flow of writing is natural, but one that still allows for reasonable concentration on each stroke of the pen.

He allowed himself to be distracted for a moment by the impressive work that Mellorius was producing. Maps and charts and tables attracted his eye easily: perhaps it was a desire to find logical key to define what he knew to be an ever-changing system of reality.

For maps, valuable and well-crafted as they are, may be interpreted differently by different people and will eventually become dated as time passes and borders change. And charts - at least those of the mathematical variety - were subject to change even more frequently as more accurate means of measurement and calculation are developed. So the definition only truly applies at the time of their making and specific to the interpretation of the one for whom they are created... So why then do we preserve such materials?

With a start, he realized that these were concepts to be sorted out in later meditation.
He returned to his work, copying with exaggerated care to make sure his momentary distraction had not separated him from the flow of the page. He continued working without further philosophizing, stopping only for brief moments when his eyes or body demanded. He let his gaze wander over to the monk’s work during these brief breaks, curious to see what the map was that demanded such fine craftsmanship.

[Finodborn]

OOC: My oh my, am I dumb or what?

It was at least four marks later when Barrett had filled in all the pages. Mellorius was still working on the map. He employed one-hair pencils, and it was rather amazing that such old eyes could still see so sharp. It was a map of some outskirt of Amun Rah.

He took the pages from Barrett, and inspected them carefully. "Hmmm. Well. Yes. Your last pages are definitely better than your first. Do try to stay closer to your own hand writing in the future. I think we should stop our lessons here for today, Barrett. As 'homework', I'd like you to do some more dumb work: take another fifty pages, fill them with, say, the seven teachings of Aurelius? I'm sure you're familiar with them by now?"

[Barrett]

Yes, Barrett saw his error now: he had tried to copy the writing as well as the words recorded! Correcting this would likely speed his work in the future, or so he hoped.

The phrase "dumb work" leaped out at him accusingly. It made him think of all the work he had taken on at Allard's urging: "dumb" indeed. If Barrett had concentrated on learning the scroll, Asran and he might have succeeded. Asran might not be dying... or dead. It disturbed the lad to realize he had no idea if his mentor were gone or still lingering and he resolved to have a word with the healer before he left the temple complex.

“Sir? I have a vague knowledge of the teachings, as they were incorporated into my upbringing. However, I have no formal training in an official text. Do you wish my exercise to be a repetition of text or an essay? And is there a specific text you have in mind?”

[Finodborn]

OOC: you solved your problem excellently IC. My compliments for the elegance.

"Oh you haven't found out about them yet? In that case, I have already said too much." The man laughed, and amusement made his eyes twinkle. "Just write whatever you will then, but make sure to use all letters. Just come to see me when you have time, I don't go far anymore these days."

[Barrett]

"Thank you, sir. I daresay you have said exactly enough rather than too much. You thus contribute to my education both directly and indirectly. If you have any need of me... I am easy to find- just send message to Thean. I will return when I have completed the exercise."

After reuniting with Thean, Barrett tried to retrace his steps through the temple and seek out the Healers' wing. He was fairly certain the many entrances and exits in the complex would make the task too difficult for him. Fortunately, Thean would keep him from venturing anyplace where his presence was unwelcome. If Thean asked or if the way became too confusing, Barrett would simply tell him where he intended to go.

[Finodborn]

The man smiled kindly, then dipped his thin pencil in the ink pot again. "See you soon then."

Thean looked like he hadn't moved at all over the past four marks. Perhaps he hadn't. After arriving at the same spot for a couple of times, the stern paladin asked whether he could perhaps lead the way.

Two burns later, they arrived at the sick bay, and the healer that had taken care of Barrett so well, was by coincidence walking through the same hallway in the opposite direction. "Thean," she nodded respectfully, "Barrett. ow are you doing, young man?" She smiled affectionately.

[Barrett]

"Hello again, my Beautiful Ray of Healing Light. I am doing well thanks to you, but I have a couple of questions: concerns that have popped into my head regarding the nature of Asran's and my not-so-physical injuries. The... energies that he absorbed? Was I also exposed to such? Should I be on the lookout for any strange feelings or effects?"
The young man's cheerful demeanor changed to one of uncertainty and, perhaps, guilt.
"Also, I... well... It's just that I wasn't sure how much time Master Asran had left and I feel strange not knowing what's become of him."

[Finodborn]

The woman laughed her amazing white teeth bare. Her face turned serious at his questions, though. "I don't really know, Barrett. My specialization is physical wellness. But if I understand well, Asran has taken all of it. Then again, I'm not sure, and he's the only one that knew.

He has left the Isle, not much later after he came to greet you. He shan't return, Barrett. It is difficult to say how long a man of his resilience will keep going, but he himself thought it was a matter of days before he'd give up resisting."

[Barrett]

Barrett was silent for a moment. His thoughts and feelings were a heavy mass of confusion and conflict regarding Asran's sacrifice. That Barrett himeslf had accepted the same risk did not make him feel any better. He resolved to sort these things out later. There was work to be done before he had time for such thoughts.

He forced a smile to his face: the healer deserved gratitude, not a moping patient. There was very little of the earlier levity in his tone.
"Thank you. I appreciate your taking time to speak with me. If I may ever repay your kindness, do not hesitate to ask. Now, it is time for this recovered patient to return to studying and let the healer get back to the patients who need her."

After exchanging a nice farewell with the healer, Barrett headed out.

"Now to the library I think. I have an assignment or two to look up."

[Finodborn]

The pretty woman gave him another of her warm smiles. "I merely do my job, Barrett. I'm already happy to receive a patient that isn't grumpy every once in a while. But you are right, there is always work to be done."

"And what library would that be?" asked Thean.

[Barrett]

Barrett appeared genuinely shocked at Thean's response.
"The place where this all started of course: that big building full of books across from the dormitory. Are there others that I should be consulting instead?"

[Finodborn]

"Every temple has their own library, naturally," Thean replied with a rather haughty tone. "Upon hearing your name, they will be very likely to grant you access too. Be it that they may also see it as an insult, obviously."

[Barrett]

"Was that an invitation?"
Barrett watched carefully for even the most minute reaction from his escort.
"I had not considered such. Still, I think that I would rather do my research where it will cause the least ill will."
Barrett was tempted to try the library of Thean's own order, but he had no wish to antagonize the paladin without reason. Besides, he would not likely have as much freedom at the temple as he would at the main library.

"No, I had best stay with the same library for now. Perhaps, if I am welcome, I will consult elsewhere when I have more specific need."

As they walked, Barrett ticked off a mental list of things he wanted to look up at the library.
The Seven teachings must take precedence, if for no other reason than that others have now mentioned them twice to me in an enticing, indirect manner. And if Asran has written anything there, I should probably give it a look. Then there's Cray the Elder and the matter of Mellorius's lessons. And basic information on some religious orders for Lumi so I'll know how to at least properly address the people I'm meeting at the temple.
Of course, even though he would not admit it to himself, Barrett's main goal was to gain some knowledge regarding demons and those who consorted with the netherworld. If he had not been in denial, he might have thought to ask Thean's advice on such lore. Instead, he distracted himself with the long list of other subjects he wished to pursue.

[Finodborn]

"Not really, no. It was the clarification of the motivation of my question. Our clerks wouldn't be really angry with you. However, they will suspect you are running an investigation. If you are looking for clues in their library, it means you suspect the evil brood to have influence there. That's why they could feel offended."

With his usual stride, he escorted Barrett to the nearest exit, and from there to the central library. The building seemed totally untouched by the recent events.

[Barrett]

"An investigation? I thought such was being undertaken by those in a better position to do so. Still, I suspect I shall have to risk offending some folk before my stay here on the Isle has ended."

Barrett matched the older man's stride as the two walked. Though nothing had happened so far, he kept his attention trained on those whom they passed for any sign of interest or possible attack. It was difficult to maintain such vigilance without appearing to do so. Still, Barrett tried to act casual so that he might not appear to be as cautious as he was.

Once at the library, the young student was relieved to see that it remained unchanged, at least outwardly, from its prior state. He walked with purpose and kept his senses alert as he went. Before, he had merely been trying to familiarize himself with the layout. Now he kept his attention trained on specifics: possible places of concealment, which sections of the floor were noisy and which might be traversed silently, which spots provided the best or widest view of the surrounding areas of the library, which areas might carry sound ideal to eavesdrop on other areas. Also, Barrett paid particular attention to the patrons and clerks present and whether or not they reacted to his presence. Someone here was a part of the cunning plot that had almost taken his life.

He made a full circuit of the library floors before heading to the index. Even if Barrett’s eyes were not well-trained enough to detect treachery, the walk would allow Thean to survey the area fully.

At the index, Barrett paused to consider his priorities. He retrieved a sheet from his writing kit to take notes.
I really must find some sort of pocketed apron so I can keep these things closer to hand... Let’s see...

His fingers and eyes sorted through the cards in search of subject or title references to “Aurelius” (His earlier efforts had not found much there, but perhaps a second attempt would uncover something to his eyes now that he had some experience.) and “Seven Teachings.” He noted any likely selections or cross-references and moved on to search for “Asran” and “Hattark Öçal” in the author section. Finally, he moved on to a search for “religious orders” - specifically anything that specifically referenced Illuminatus or Aurelius or orders affiliated with the Dark Forces.

[Finodborn]

"And you are right to think so. This doesn't override your reputation, however."

The streets were as they had been, and so were the people passing through them. For a moment, there was a green robe passing by, but it was not that of Alamrith.

The library, with countless shelves, cupboards and staircases was the perfect place to hide anything at all. The possibilities were really endless. So was the number of locations where one could overhear somebody else's conversation. In theory that was, for nobody spoke in the library. For the sake of this precious silence, the floor was kept in perfect state, to avoid any squeaking. The staircases presented the best sights.

Even if one of the underground movement would be here, he would not notice Barrett, for all clerks were very busy with their work and the nervous customers. Grumpy wasn't present today, apparently.
Thean looked around, stroked some books in a for him remarkably gentle gesture. Most wouldn't notice how he scanned the surroundings thoroughly, just as Barrett had expected.

Finally, they arrived at the register. "Aurelius" gave him more cross-references, but nothing with him as the central subject. "The Seven Teachings" came up here and there. The texts in casu were always of other orders or independent writers, and they were in consensus that it was an absurd, yet funny way of working from Aurelius to keep his teachings secret from his pupils. Some of them even stated explicitly that they didn't contain the teachings, addressing possible acolytes like himself.

Asran had nothing published under that name. Hattark Öçal on the other hand had been a very productive writer, as there were at least more than two hundred texts by his hand in the library -roughly estimated-. They were about various subjects, ranging from the life of ants over studies of the Book of Dominicus, healing plants and architecture in World's Mouth.

Religious orders gave a similar dauntless amount of entries, and so did Illuminatus in specific. Aurelius had no writings that focused solely on him, at least not in this register. The Dark Forces, finally, were pretty wide spread too. The general info could be easily found in big tomes like "On Religion". The problem there was to find any truly relevant info. Most of the works about this subject had a very chiding and subjective tone. Not seldom were they in fact works about sexual morals and what could go wrong with them, or about people who lived in the wild. The Dark Forces seemed to encompass more than one would think. The few works that did seem interesting, were either written in ancient Elvish, or sometimes in a language Barrett didn't even know. Most of them were in the occult section.

[Barrett]

By the time he had finished, Barrett half suspected that the Seven Teachings were a construction meant to confound other orders trying to interpret the followers of Aurelius. He was certain that such teachings had a practical value but was doubtful of the importance of concentrating solely upon them. After all, from what Barrett could tell so far, the followers of the Thinker did not place much store in setting rules. Perhaps a vague understanding of the teachings was sufficient and it was up to the individual student to make of them what he could. In truth he had not expected to find any direct references or treatises on the subject, instead he concentrated on approaching the subject in a roundabout manner. The young scholar looked up several of the references to see what the various authors had to say and to reinforce that he knew the basic dictates at the very least.

The range of Hattark's writings was quite impressive. Out of curiosity, Barrett made note of and searched out a couple of the sorcerer's earliest works and then searched out the book of architecture. Perhaps reading these might provide some insight into Hattark's way of thinking. The architecture book reminded Barrett of the fake architecture book that had been part of the cultists' communications.

Barrett concentrated his religious inquiry to look for a book that might outline the structure, brief history and various titles associated with the paladins and priests of Illuminatus. Finally, he narrowed his search on Demon lore to works that might serve as an introduction to the different types of demons, their possible origins and motivations.

Having collected an armful of books, Barrett considered what to do next. It was obviously time to sit and read, but should he return to his quarters or find a spot in the library? He looked for a seat and desk somewhere off to the side, but caught Thean’s reaction to the location before actually sitting down to study. If the paladin seemed not to favor Barrett’s choice, the novice was prepared to seek out other places until Thean approved.

Oddly enough, he chose to start his reading with the work on demons.

[Finodborn]

Thean frowned indeed, be it more because of Barrett's choice of books than the place he had chosen.

Many of the works were very old. Some pages had withered completely, whereas others were at least partially unreadable.

…That he survived the trip at all was the will of darkness itself, it seems; but for seven years, the warrior-poet travelled what the demons referred to as the Six Pits, alternating from fugitive, prisoner, torture subject and fascinating trophy. ..., his ability to see the world normally having been fractured beyond repair.

Retreating to a small village, Khar-Naahrn wrote down his memories into six tomes, detailing what he had seen and learned there. Then, ...sixth tome, demons again come to him, this time possessing the minds of the villagers around him. For three more years he lived in a hell, this one on Tazlure itself, ... Finally, shattered and insane in ways that no living man could have imagined, the poet set to creating his seventh and final work.

This was to become the Liber Maleficarus, in which Khar-Naahrn wrote down the most important items that he had recorded in his previous six tomes; he also detailed the art of dark sorcery, which had been revealed to him partially during ..., and came to him fully in the harrying by the possessed villagers. ...when food ran out, they became his nourishment as well as his jailors. ... Afterwards, he bound the book ... which he had created from his own skin – a final act which pushed his body over the limit, and allowed him at last to die.

***

While a lot of demons from the lower tiers and circles are bound to one form and often indeed resemble twisted animals or humanoids, the normal demon is a far cry from this. Most of them have no one form, ...they exist as disembodied entities, taking the form that suits them best....

This aspect of catching one’s master off guard is a bad habit on the part of the demon. ... in the Liber Maleficarus, a demon “may come unto this world and any other, but he must come by request; for daemons have no place in natural order, and no link between their nature and ours exist lest it is created through invitation” (Liber Maleficarus, p.622, chapter IX: De Daemonis et Nomini).


***

Broadly, demons can be ranked by what tier they are in. ... However, one thing is certain: the highest tier is referred to as ‘First Tier’, which means that the demon’s actual position improves as the number of his tier lowers...

To make matters more complicated, each tier has different ‘circles’, ... Though demons tend to try and be mysterious about this as well, scholars and daemonologists agree that there are six circles within each tier, with the ‘first’ circle corresponding to the highest rank, and the sixth being the lowest...

Two other aspects factor into a demon’s rank among his peers: ... his manifestation. Age, being a rather logical factor, is always an indication of how much the demon ... Manifestation seems to be linked to the demon’s general power; it is his natural shape, which shifts as he grows more powerful to resemble his nature. These two, however, along with a demon’s achievements, are those factors that determine how fast a demon rises through the circles and tiers, if he does.

[Barrett]

Well, it seems that instead of a simple book with simple answers, I've discovered a more interesting tome that creates more questions. The Liber Maleficarus is tied up in this somehow.

Barrett's attention was riveted to the book and the horrific tale it told of Khar-Naahm's journeys and his descent into madness. The idea that an entire village had been ravaged by demons over a prolonged period, to the purpose of creating the infernal book, was quite disturbing. Why had Barrett not heard of such a thing before? He tried to find specific references in the work that might point to a timeline for the events it detailed. He also tried to determine a location for both Khar-Naahm’s origin and the village of his eventual demise. Clearly other works would have to be referenced to attempt to establish these facts.

The priest paused for a moment to consider the implications of what he had read.
Potential known facts introduced by this work: First, the demons must be summoned in order to enter Tazlure. Second, there are a multitude of different types and levels of demon: the summoning on the Isle likely involved a greater power given the scale of organization involved. Third, even the “chaotic” netherworld has an order to it and rules that must be followed.

The six tomes explain how the Liber’s knowledge may have been spread even by those who did not have access to the actual Liber itself. And possession of or even perusing such a work would likely have dire consequences. It is a work willed by demons and dark forces rather than a mere book by a human scholar.

He read on, trying to pin down a timeline and location for Khar-Naahm’s downfall and the creation of the Liber. He also tried to find more information on what was required in order for a demon to manifest itself once it had been summoned and the recommended means of defending oneself from demonic forces.

Once he was satisfied he had learned all he could from this particular tome, Barrett returned to the register.
Did the library contain any works by or about Khar-Naahm? Were there cross-references to the poet or to the Liber in historical or biographical texts? He wanted to work out a historical plot of the Liber’s origin and recorded instances of it’s possession. A secondary goal would be to attempt the same for the six lesser tomes.

The next step was to look for cross-references of Oracle Isle and demons and the Liber. Was there a specific demon that had some reason to target the Isle or to corrupt the order of Aurelius? Corruption was likely to be a key identifier as would previous manifestations on the Isle.

The other piece of the puzzle was Hattark: were there any works by the sorcerer specifically on demonic encounters or theory? Could historical references be found linking him to a specific demon or type of demon?

The young Thinker worked with great concentration and fervor, convinced that there was a revealing pattern waiting to be found if he could only make the right correspondences between the Liber, the Netherworld, Hattark and the Isle.

[Finodborn]

One thing was very clear about the craniological aspect: Kahr-Naahn was somebody who had lived quite a while ago. Every info Barrett could find about the subject was rather mythological of nature, and facts were difficult to discern from legend. Information on location and origin were of the same kind. At times, it was even unclear whether this warrior poet was actually a historical character. Some scholars seemed to believe there had been an entire heap of writers who had written the six tomes over several dozens of yahren.

The rest of the search wasn't much easier. There were several poems of which some people thought they were of the hand of Kahr-Naahn. Mostly epical reports on rhyme about battles and as such. Again, the factual information was rather limited. References to the seven tomes occurred in every work that remotely touched the subject of demonology. And about everywhere something bad or strange had happened, there were some scholars that were absolutely sure they had substantial proof that one of the people involved had possessed at least one of the tomes.

As soon as Barrett started looking up very specific information about individual demonic entities, he ended up in the occult section again. Thean halted him discretely. "I'm not sure you now the impact of that knowledge, young one. Anyhow it's getting pretty late, don't you think we should go and have some sleep? You can always continue this later..."

[Barrett]

Barrett was reluctant to abandon his search. This made him suspicious of Thean's motives. Still, he had been researching for marks, and he'd been working with Mellorius for several marks before that. His eyes and hands were both beginning to feel the effects of over-use. It would be best to investigate the occult section when such was not the case. The library would soon be closing. Perhaps a break was in order. Sleep was not quite his plan, as he had just spent several days doing little other than rest.

"The impact of that knowledge? As opposed to the impact of having been almost consumed by a demon summoned by those with a supposedly better grasp of of it? On an isle supposedly protected by those with more experience and in a much better position to know such things?"

Ah well. Best not overdo it on my first day out of the sickbed. Besides, a break will give me time to digest everything I have found so far...

"Yes, Thean. Perhaps you are right. This can be pursued later."

Barrett took careful notes of which works he had consulted and which he planned to attack when he continued his searching. He wanted to be able to pick up right where he had left off. When the young priest was satisfied that he had mapped out the next branch of his research, he tucked away the writing kit and departed the library. After a brief, cautious stroll about the dormitory garden, Barrett returned to his room.

OOC: I've assumed that it was near the mark of Gravetide. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Finodborn]

OOC: It is.

IC: Thean grabbed his collar and put his forehead against Barrett's. "Believe me boy, those cultists where not in the least hindered by too much knowledge about the subject. If they had been, they would have been nowhere near that place, I can assure you. And the Isle is protected, I'll have you know, but for those who volunteer to venture into what they see as merry adventures, there is no hope in this world."

The big man let him go. He followed him to the other side of the street, to the gardens. He didn't say a single word. Barrett was strolling around the lovely garden, when suddenly he heard an unfamiliar noise. Thean had just pulled his massive sword, and deflected the blow of some person. Barrett could see a second one sneaking up to the big man, but he was to late to warn him before the backstabber threw a dagger to Thean's back. It struck home, and the noise it produced was an unpleasant mixture of scraping metal and cut sinew. At the same time, the paladin decapitated his initial opponent with a mighty hew of his broad sword.

Hindered by the blade in his shoulder, Thean dropped his sword. With a few huge steps, he reached the second assassin. He didn't slow down even a bit, in stead he added the power of his good arm to the impact. For a fraction of a flicker, his fist emitted bright light. The living battering ram hit the man in his stomach. The victim flew at least two meters, smacking against a nearby wall. He didn't move anymore.

Thean was breathing heavily, and moaning a bit in between. There was foam on his lips. He fell to the ground. His muscles started contracting in a strange, involuntary way.

[Barrett]

Thean's reaction to his rant was a little more than Barrett had expected. It cowed him into silence as he walked, and he wondered what nerve he had touched in the paladin.

Barrett entered the garden intending to make a circuit of it to ensure no assassins were lying in wait. He had planned on searching for assailants, but he had not truly expected to find them. So shock paralyzed him for a moment. Only a moment. But in that one moment he was unable to call or come to the aid of Thean. Barrett could only be silent witness to the struggle.

As Thean fell to the ground, Barrett fought the urge to panic. Logic prevailed. He ignored his initial instinct to cry out and run to his fallen protector: sound might have easily drawn a flung blade to his throat and concentrating on Thean would blind him to a potential third assassin. Instead, Barrett made a quick scan of the garden and its entrances to make sure that additional attackers were not nearby or possibly fleeing the scene. Only after assuring himself that the initial threat was past did he cry out.

"Help! Murder! Beware!"
Adrenalin lent volume that the lad had not been aware he was capable of.

He then approached Thean to see if he could offer any aid.

The thrown blade struck through armor and clothing. Great strength and skill were involved. Probably poison also for the single injury to take him down so swiftly.

"Someone bring a healer! Help! Please! He's been poisoned!"

If it was possible to shift Thean's body so that his injury was lessened, Barrett attempted to do so. The spasms were a bad sign. He grabbed a thick stick from the ground or a nearby tree and placed it between the man's teeth. He had once seen his mother use a wooden spoon to do the same for a customer who'd gone into a fit at the tavern, and he hoped it was appropriate here. He then cushioned the big man's head as best he could and continued his cries for help.

[Galliban Tyren]

Galliban naturally went in pursuit of Helen and Lana when they dashed from the room, clutching their swords. She had heard the commotion as well and there was no way that she was going to let the sounds of fighting be ignored.

Galliban got to the garden just in time to hear the last words of Barrett's call for help. It was quite a gristly scene, the headless corpse lying on the grass, the most likely dead man lying near the wall, and a wounded Thean convulsing from the poison that was now in his bloodstream. The young paladin trainee cursed in the adhiel tongue as she ran to Thean's side. She had assumed that someone had already called for a healer, as both Helen and Lana were already there. She was about to ask Barrett what had happened when she realized that he was probably not safe out in the open.

"Barrett, you should go inside the temple. It is not safe out here." Galliban said in a firm tone. Her voice was very steady considering the circumstances, but she still sounded upset. Indeed, she was very upset. She couldn't help but think that if she had stayed in the garden a few more burns than she had, she might have been able to help Thean fight off the attackers.

[Finodborn]

Barrett

The big paladin moaned, and was clearly in agony. He crossed his arms above his chest, and started to emit a shimmering light. Soon, the spasms decreased in strength. Blood was soaking the soil nevertheless, and the green of the grass contrasted in an eerily beautiful way with the dark red of Thean's blood.

At that point, two priestesses ran into the garden, their swords bare, closely followed by Galliban.

Galliban & Barrett

"She's right! Get to the temple of Lumi at once, boy! It's the building next to the common dormitories!" yelled Helen, looking around nervously. "Look out Galliban!"

Galliban was jumped by yet a third man clad in black. He was on her back, his legs firmly wrapped around her waist, his fingers around her throat. Lana was already running in their direction.