Cryker Rewywnn
It was around midday when Cryker woke with a splitting headache. He groaned, and opened his eyes slowly. With a long sigh, he heaved himself out of the cot he had slept in. He was somewhat surprised he hadn't been killed in his sleep. Even more surprising, he felt strong. He still felt like he had been slammed in the head with a sack of bricks repeatedly, but strong nonetheless. Cryker grabbed a small metal bowl of water from the nightstand near the bed and looked at his reflection.
"Well, at least anyone looking for me will have to make a second take." He muttered.
He washed his face carefully with a cloth, removing most of the blood, and leaving a myriad of half sealed cuts and bruises. He donned his armor, fastening it tightly, and strapped his sword back onto his belt. It hummed appreciativly. Cryker smiled lightly. He still didn't know why Lonesome Road had woken so suddenly, but he appreciated it nonetheless. He made a final pass over the room, checking to see if he had missed anything.
"I didn't think you'd make it through the night, let alone be on your feet. You healed far better than I expected." Cryker heard from behind him. He turned to a doctor with dark circles under his eyes, and clothes stained with blood. He must have been working all night.
"I thought I was dead. Thankfully, though, I wasn't. I appreciate your help, doctor." Cryker retrieved a gold coin from the inside of his jacket. He was surprised Devon had forgotten to check his pockets. He offered the coin to the doctor. He was fairly sure the man would put it to good use, rather than pocket it. "Keep these people alive, all right?"
The doctor hesitated, but accepted the coin. He nodded in thanks. The doctor paused, but spoke as Cryker opened the door. "Those wounds... they were not caused by the living dead. You had little life force, and were beaten to hell, but almost entirely on the face, and with punches, it would look like." The doctor stated grimly. "They were caused by other people. And they meant to kill. And I don't think they'll be happy if they find out you're alive." The doctor hesitated. He continued, with a twinge of embarrassed honesty. "I'm a doctor. I can't lie if they ask about you. Most of the wardens have left the city chasing after the plume. It's going to be hard to find somewhere safe."
"The wardens have left the city?" Cryker muttered. "That scratches off one ally, for the time being." Cryker paused in the doorway, thinking. "I don't expect you to cover for me. You're just a man doing his job. But I do hope you'll pass along a message, if some men do come by asking for me. Tell them... Tell them that I'm going to break Minerva's world, and forge it into my own."
The doctor nodded shallowly. He refrained from asking questions. The less he knew, the better. With that, Cryker departed for the palace. Hopefully, he could find help there.