“Sorry,” apologized Syman, “we had trouble finding a safe way around the city. What is the matter with us entering Gatong? Did Walak get to speak with the Imperial Guard about the raiders?”

“Oh he got to talk with them alright,” frowned Antello. “He was already talking to them by the time I reached the gate. When they found out he was from the Academy, they dragged him off to be interrogated.”

“Well that is what he wanted,” interjected Lyra. “I don’t see why that bothered you so much. It makes sense that they would want to investigate such a massacre.”

“No, no, no,” Antello shook his head. “They already knew about the massacre. They were taking him into custody as an accomplice. “

“An accomplice?” Lyra scowled. “Whatever would make them think he was an accomplice?”

“Whoa,” interrupted Syman. “You are not making sense, Antello. Start from the beginning and go slowly. Tell us everything that happened.”

“I am trying to,” sighed Antello. “Okay, when I got to the gate, Walak was off his horse and talking to the Imperial Guards. He appeared to be arguing and they dragged him off right before my eyes. Nobody paid any attention to me riding in and I immediately dismounted and went to the first street merchant I saw. I asked her what the commotion was about and she started telling me about the terrible massacre at the Academy. When I asked her if the person they dragged off was one of the raiders, she told me that he had just admitted to leaving the Academy with the killer and that he was arrested.”

Lyra started to interrupt and Antello held his hand up to stop her. “I asked her what she meant and she pointed to a poster on the backside of the gate. She told me that Walak had just admitted to leaving the Academy with the terrible killer who was pictured on the poster. The picture was of you, Lyra. You are wanted for the massacre at the Academy.”