The heavy loading ramp hissed open, slamming against the cracked cobblestones with a heavy thud.
"I am Korgath of the Scavengers!" the warlord roared.
His voice was amplified by mechanical speakers bolted directly into his throat. The sound violently shook the very ground beneath their feet.
He slammed his four axes together.
"CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!"
The impact created a massive shower of orange sparks that rained down on the wet pavement.
"I claim this territory! Bow, or be ground into meat!" Korgath bellowed.
The surviving pirates and thugs pouring out of the landing crafts cheered, banging their weapons against the scrap metal walls of the alleyways. They were a pack of rabid dogs waiting for the alpha to give the order to feed.
Vane did not bow. He did not retreat.
The scarred frontiersman stepped forward, his boots splashing in the acidic puddles. His heavy broadsword was already drawn. His chest heaved with exhausted, angry breaths.
