Tipping the Scale

Tyranny of Struggle (Part 2)

Following his gaze out the window, Lidea couldn't immediately see what he was referring to until she spotted several wisps of dark grey smoke twisting above the rooftops. She stilled as her mind needed a moment to catch up to with her eyes. Beside her, Warchief didn't seem to suffer from the same problem as he promptly spurred into action. Cracking the window open, he leaned out, his hand reaching for the ledge of the roof above.

Realizing his intentions, Lidea instinctively grasped his arm, causing Warchief to look back at her impatiently.

"There is a fire, they need to evacuate, now!"

His voice held an unusual rasp, yet Lidea didn't cower.

"Think Warchief! The panic you cause could be deadlier than the fire."

Comprehension flickered across his eyes, but a single look at the gathering cloud of smoke reignited his urgency.

"There's no time! That fire is about to destroy the whole city!"

Their gazes locked as he challenged her to come up with a better idea. She tried but in mere moments, she released her grip on his arm. Knowing he was right. They didn't have time to try anything else.

As her fingers relinquished their hold, he pulled himself up to the roof above, causing particles to rain down on her. Below the masses were still blissfully unaware of the fast encroaching fire.

How did it spread this fast?

A shrill whistle pierced the air and as it continued, more people within the crowd turned to look and point at where Warchief must have been standing. Abruptly, the whistle ceased, replaced by Warchief's voice resonating through the silence it had left.

"Fire! Fire in the North! Evacuate, now!"

At first, nothing seemed to happen. A handful glanced northward, but for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then the bubble burst, and chaos erupted. Shrieks filled the air, and as one, the crowd surged into motion. Lidea could only watch and hope that none would be hurt.

She could smell it now. The acrid scent of a burning city caused her breath to stagger and her senses to be flooded with memories. Visions of herself standing on the stance, mixed with her view of what was happening in the present.

A second whistle sounded, after which Warchief swung back inside and landed next to her with a loud thud.

"I signaled the men to head North. We'll likely find them at the Rabot bridge, as it's the closest."

His words reached her ears, but she was unable to move. Still stuck in the grip of her memories.

"Lidea!"

With a jolt, his voice pulled her back to the present, and she pivoted away from the window. Warchief stood at the start of the staircase, his expression a blend of concern and impatience.

"Are you all right?"

"Everything is fine. Let's go."

There was no time for her to be affected like this. Cursing herself, she passed a frowning Warchief to rush down the stairs. Not giving him further opportunity to ask about it. He didn't stay behind for long and as she opened the door, he left the building right behind her.

She almost stilled again, not immediately knowing how to navigate the hysteria in front of her.

Everywhere people were fleeing and she could hear names being called, desperate attempts to locate loved ones. Market stalls lay toppled, shopkeepers frantically salvaging their wares.