Marcus sank to the ground on his knees and stabbed his fingers into his hair. He could smell the poisonous vapor of opium in the air. This meant that Lara was sedated before they had taken her. Something horrible had happened and he just didn't know what. The dread propelled him to his feet and he moved towards the palace at a dead run. Uncaring that he was covered with mud, he raced down the corridors of the palace with his guards following him until he reached Fafnir's chambers.

Fafnir rose to his feet with a dead alarm. "Your Highness!" He had his hand on the hilt of the sword...