* * *
Muda's chest burned, and his muscled ached. He was in full armor at Yannick's request, and his clanks gave people ample warning to get out of his way as he sprinted through the streets.
He arrived at Sophia's door, gasping for air as he tried to force it open. When it would not budge he began to scream and beat his fists against the wood. A moment later a small but fierce voice called out to him.
"Silence yourself, you buffoon. The door is locked and will remain so until I am certain you mean no harm. What do you want?"
"Sophia, is she still alive? How does she fare? What did they do to her?" He cried.
"Quiet I said!"
Muda groaned, but was silent.
"Good. Now who are you and what do you want?"
Muda breathed deeply and forced himself to relax. "My name is Muda. Sophia is a friend."
"Ahh, she's feverish. She's said your name a few times. Wasn't sure if it was love or hate."
Muda said nothing.
"Love it is then. Just a moment, I'm an old lady and moving around all this furniture is no small thing."
Muda heard the sound of furniture being dragged across the floor, then after a few moments a sharp thud as the lock was unbolted. An elderly woman opened the door.
"Don't you go thinking I'm too trusting. There's a life full of pain for you if you try anything. The lady set up these magics herself, this here's a safe place for her."
Muda nodded impatiently. "She's in her room." The old woman said, then moved aside. He rushed in, heading for the room hidden away in the back. Not the largest room, which was preserved for guests, but a smaller, more humble room.
Muda stopped when he reached the door, tears welling up in his eyes. He clenched his jaw and straightened his back. After an eternity of uncertainty, Muda went in.
Sophia lay on the bed, wrapped in blood-soaked rags. Her breath was ragged and irregular, each gasp its own battle. All that was left was left of her long, dark hair was a thin stubble. Her face was bruised, and any part of her body that wasn't covered looked raw.
Muda stared.
"Who did this?!" He asked the nurse. "What monster would do such a thing...?”
"Young one, you don't need to concern yourself over that...Just be here with the lady."
He would not listen. "Not like this," he replied, "You must know that. You know who did this, I know you do. Let them know... Let them know I will kill them this day. One bell before sunset, in the square. I will have revenge." Muda looked sick even as he said the words, but he forced them out. "She will have her revenge."
The nurse nodded solemnly, then left the room.
Muda stumbled towards Sophia, grasped her hand, and began to cry.