"I could throw this rope back to you and you could follow me across the chasm.  And we would do what, flee together?  With the Eye of Ibis?   What a dream that would be...." Mira began, her voice seductive and sweet.  The ruby in question glittered brilliant and scarlet as the flame haired beauty held up the jewel for the barbarian to behold.<br/><br/>"But with Lord Vanko's men hot on our heels, we would not make it half way to Shadizar before they caught us.  No, there shall be no dream of riches for the two of us, my love.  I am sorry," she concluded with a wicked gleam in her eye as she raised the knife.  She hesitated for a moment as she thought of the past weeks.  As hard as she kept her heart, she had some small affection for the savage Kael.  She had schemed to steal Vanko's treasured jewel for ages, but his estate had been impenetrable.  But then she met Kael and everything fell into place.  And now, the days of scheming and nights of passion all led to this moment of decision.<br/><br/>She cut the rope, leaving Kael trapped on the side of the chasm.  And as he watched the gorgeous Mira flee with the jewel, he heard the thunder of hooves approaching - Lord Vanko's men - six riders in total.<br/><br/>"Ah, your Brythunian whore has abandoned you, outlander?" the lead rider chuckled to himself as he drew up reign near the Cimmerian.  A rough featured Zamoran, Bodhan was the 2nd in command of Vanko's household guard.<br/><br/>"How am I not surprised?" added the second rider, Maris of Tarantia.  She was a tawny haired Aquilonian mercenary, as dangerous as she was beautiful.<br/><br/>"Well, our other men shall catch the whore, sooner or later.  Now for you Cimmerian, it is your time to die," Bodhan added as he drew his sword and led his men forward in a charge.<br/>