"Now that I'm here, my orders are the ones that matter." Ark shoved a folded piece of paper at him. "Take me to the prisoner."

Obrad quickly scanned the contents. Underneath the pronouncement was Malick's signature, and seal; A knot of three interlocking rings. It was the same symbol Ark wore around his neck, the sign of the Executioners and their authority.

Obrad gave a stiff nod and mumbled, "She's, um, she's this way. Downstairs."

Ark followed through the ...