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The first crash downstairs makes Zam look up from the book he’s writing in. With a furrowed brow but nothing more, he shakes his head before returning to his writing, blaming it on Pangi being clumsy.
The second crash makes him look over towards the stairs leading down, concerned, “Pangi? Are you losing a battle against the flowerpots, again?” He calls down the stairs to his loyal guard, hearing no jovial reply he starts to stand up, leaning over and pulling his sword hilt from its’ hook and holding the scabbard tightly in his left hand, not bothering to strap it on.
The third crash has him gripping the scabbard in his hand tighter and making his way down the stairs, “Pangi?!” The yellow haired man makes it down the double stairs to the first floor, as he turns the corner for the stairs and spots the three figures in the room, he slows down his pace a little. He steps carefully off the stairs towards the group, eyes on his guard and friend who is on his knees on the ground, his hands interlocked behind his head. A netherite sword hangs loosely in front of him from the second man, not friendly but not threatening. A warning.
The more colorful armored third man directly to Pangi’s right draws the former Prince’s attention as the Caracal removes his Quartz Trimmed helmet, “Prince Zam or do you prefer Emperor? King?”
“Pangi, are you hurt?” Zam asks, ignoring Lettuce. Zam can see slowly healing wounds on his friend, but the worst slice is on his leg.
“Only my pride….and my leg, but I am alive. They didn’t want to kill me.” Pangi replies, only slightly adjusting his hand to pull Zam’s attention to the windows. Zam glances out and sees the additional soldiers outside, Zam frowns more before finally acknowledging the main problem in the room.
“Prince is fine. What is the meaning of this?” Zam asks the obvious leader.
“My name is LettuceK, I am the leader of The Law. You have been on our list to bring to justice for a long time. So, you will be coming with me and my companions to be sentenced and placed in prison for the betterment of the server.” The caracal smiles in an almost warm manner, something not quite reaching his eyes.
Zam can’t stop the laugh from coming out of his mouth, “Wh-hat? Sentenced and sent to prison? What are you on about? I’m retired! I’ve been retired! It’s why I am all the way out here and not making a new empire somewhere.” Zam puts his right hand on his hip, his left still holding the sword sheath.
“Of course, of course. But those you terrorized with your empire seek justice. Even if you retired out here, it is not justice. And we are here to serve it for the server. So, you will be coming with us, quietly, or we will be taking you by force.” Lettuce states, watching the former monarch’s reaction.
Zam drags his eyes across the two armored men, his guard on the ground, then the guards surrounding his house. He frowns deeply as he considers the possibilities. Only one conclusion coming to mind, “I ask that two things occur before I surrender.”
Lettuce tilts his head intrigued, his ear twitching softly and his tail swinging softly, “Perhaps, what are they?”
“Pangi gets his gear back. And he goes free with no repercussions.” Zam states clearly. Lettuce raises a brow, before looking over at Ace. The deputy sizes Zam up before looking at his leader and nodding. Lettuce returns the nod and Ace sheathes his sword, dropping a Regeneration potion next to the pangolin.
“I will even grant you the courtesy of keeping your crown, not that it will matter much in the long run.” Lettuce muses to his former leader.
Zam watches as Pangi stands up slowly before he drops his sheathed sword, a loud clatter echoes around the quiet room, “A deal’s a deal.”
“Zam-!“ Pangi starts.
“Pangi, thank you for your loyalty and resolve. You are relieved of duty.” Zam states resolutely, watching the Sheriff carefully. Pangi looks torn for a moment before looking at the two men who brought him down, he steps away from them collecting his pack and armor from behind and approaching Zam carefully, taking the dropped sword for safe keeping.
“Good luck, Zam.” Pangi states, unsure what else to say to his long-time companion. He steps back as Ace steps forward with a length of chain. Zam smiles confidently at Pangi, holding his wrists together in front of himself as Ace ties the chain around them.
“We’ll see each other again, when I get out. Just stay out of trouble until then.” Zam states with a short laugh.
Pangi smirks softly, “No promises.” Zam laughs before he starts to follow Lettuce and Ace out of the retirement cabin. Lettuce returns the helmet to his head and waves to the exterior guards to bring the Happy Ghast around.
Pangi watches the Ghast fly off, a sickly feeling that that would be the last time he saw the yellow-haired monarch.