One Night in Bastat Part One (special preview)

I stand up and tell the children to stay put. I stand beside Mila and stare out, seeing a lone rider on the high dunes. His scales are blood red and he’s staring down into Bastat. Two more riders come up from behind and stand beside him. One is a young Gnoll and the other I recognize very well.

“Heinrik,” I whisper.

Mila turns and looks at me. “I take it they aren’t friends of yours,” she whispers.

“Far from, I’m afraid.” I turn back and look at the children inside the cave. I then look to Mila. “Stay here with the children. Keep them safe.”

Mila nods in silence. “What about you?”

I look back at the riders and the dragonborn raise his hand. Above him, clouds start to swirl and the sky turns to red. Thunder rumbles and the lightning that flashes is a terrifying crimson. The streaks of light looks like blood vessels on the body.

The Dragonborn lowers his arm, pointing down at the town and a bolt of lightning strikes dead in the center of Bastat. There are screams of terror and fire starts to spread. The children scream and Mila steps back to comfort them and lead them back further into the cave.

“Maeve!” She shouts at me. “What are you going to do?”

I go over to a cabinet and open it up. From inside I take out my old Guard gear. It’s a little small for me now but the gear should protect me. I take out the old hunting knife and my bow and arrow. I have to get back down to the village to get my staff, it’s the only way I can possibly fight this new threat.

“Just keep the kids safe. Keep yourselves hidden and stay as quiet as possible.” I rush out of the cave, sliding down the sand as I try to make my way into the village. I am in a great deal of agony. Having given birth not that long ago I am still healing and weak, but I know what I must do to protect my village. 

I look back up at the horizon, seeing the three riders are not alone. They are flanked by more Gnolls and other soldiers. They start riding down into Bastat as the Dragonborn keeps sending blood red lightning into Bastat. The oasis is on fire and the smell of iron is heavy in the air along with the screams and panic of the people. 

I have to find Chi, I have to find my son. If I can get to my staff, to the everfires, I can protect them. I then feel a heavy weight on my shoulder and see Addor is perched there.

“You should have stayed in the cave!” I snap at him.