...has broken out in the bar.

I hurry to the cause of the commotion, only to find that one of the main combatants is the handsome slave who I inadvertently insulted earlier.

Punches are thrown, and there is the solid thump of fists connecting with flesh. There are going to be some serious bruises as a result of this furore. All I know is: I don't want this man to get hurt or for him to hurt someone else and get in to trouble.

Unfortunately, no concerned citizen chooses to step forward to end this brawl. Feeling compelled to save him from himself or worse, I wade into the fray.

Please! Stop this!

I lunge forward with the intention to interceding, but instead I find myself on the receiving end of a stray blow. I'm sent sprawling, and consciousness fails me. The last thing I hear before I'm enveloped by darkness is Taigan's voice.

Alessius! Look what you've done now!