Nightfall

"Well, here we are," Runi said to Jennifer, Samson, and Duncan as he walked up to the abandoned well that was the entrance to his lair. He let Colt climb down first, then motioned for the others to follow Colt down, with Runi bringing up the end. No one spoke as they moved down the ladder. When Runi finally got down the ladder, he couldn't help but laugh at the reactions from the three that had never been there before.

"This is bloody brilliant!" Duncan said in his thick Scottish accent, as he went around and looked at all the different artifacts that Runi had spread out throughout the rooms. Runi gave them all some time to look around, answering questions that they had about the different items. Colt just smiled as he watched Runi; the obvious pride that Runi showed while explaining the different artifacts reminded him of someone he once knew, and hoped to see again. The gentle care Runi showed every time he picked up a piece really emphasized the reverence that Runi felt towards the objects.

"What's this one?" Duncan asked for at least the hundredth time, only this time he was holding a pure gold statuette.

Everyone noticed the change that came over Runi when his eyes fell upon what Duncan was holding. In a very gentle and soft voice, Runi spoke as he walked over and gently stroked the object being held in Duncan's hands. "That is a statue depicting my Pharaoh. He was a very loving man, and a good Pharaoh for our people."

Jennifer's eyes were wide, and her jaw on the floor. "Just how old are you?!?" she asked, trying but failing to keep the amazement out of her voice.

"I am just shy of six thousand years old," Runi answered matter-of-factly.

From across the room they all heard a soft whistle as Samson reacted to Runi's statement. "I had gathered that you were old, but nothing says anything about you being THAT old."

Colt couldn't help himself... "I know what you mean; when I found out, my first thoughts were 'he doesn't look a day over two thousand!"

Everyone laughed at Colt's joke, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of pride over that fact. Colt always used to like making people laugh, and now he was at it again.

Duncan looked at the statue and then back at Runi. "So... why did you like the Pharaoh so much... was he a really good ruler?"

Runi grinned at Duncan and patted his arm. Knowing that the boy was not really ready for the real answer, he decided to play around it. "When you're a bit older... I'll tell you why. Right now, I think you're a bit too young."

Colt, sensing that a topic shift was needed, spoke up to the group. "If you guys wanna see something really cool, you should go into the back room."

All eyes fell on Runi, who simply shrugged and started to walk to the only real door in the place. He opened the door, and stood to the side to allow all the others to enter. He answered many questions about the assorted items in the room, from the ceremonial robes that he used while officiating at religious services, to all the various statues scattered around the room. While he was answering one of Duncan's many questions, they all heard a gasp from the other side of the room. When they all turned around, they saw Samson standing there with a cloth that had been draped over a head-dress that was sized to fit Runi. The head dress itself was very ornate and when worn would make the person look almost as if they were actually a jackal headed person.

Samson spun and stared hard at Runi, who was showing absolutely no emotion on his face at all. "I've seen this before..." Samson almost whispered. "In the books where it talks about 'The Destroyer,' it also talks about the 'Hawks of Anubis'..." Samson trailed off, not knowing if he should even continue.

After a few moments of silence, where the tension in the room grew to an almost physical level, Runi spoke. "And what did these book say?"

"It spoke of a war that was raging among the Vampires. It was between the Vampires that were in Egypt and the rest of the Vampires. The only time that Vampire fought Vampire in open war. It specifically spoke of the High Priest of the Hawks that was the most feared Vampire on both sides. When he took the field, entire armies were wiped out. He always wore a head dress that honored their patron Deity... Anubis."

Samson paused and wet his lips in nervousness. Runi still betrayed absolutely no emotion on his face; however, all the rest had their eyes on him. "Go on," was all he said.

"The books say he was the one who offered peace to the ruler of the outside Vampires, also known as the Lord of Twilight. However, the peace was offered while this high priest had a knife to the Lord's chest, ready to plunge it into his heart."

Samson finished in almost a disbelieving tone, and again, all eyes were on Runi. After a few moments, Runi displayed a small smile. "That last part was slightly exaggerated."

After a few moments of intense silence, Colt cleared his throat. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I could use a little bit of air, plus Runi said he had a lot to teach us." All agreed and without many words, they all went out and up the ladder.

---

Talon took a deep breath before walking into the suite of rooms he shared with his little brother. As with most Friday nights, he was sore as hell, but happy that Chris had one more week. He tried to push his aches to the back of his mind, and put on a smile as he walked into the room. Before he got three feet into the entryway, he heard Chris come charging out from the bedroom they shared. "Dave!!! you're home!" Talon almost winced. Chris was the only person that was allowed to call him by his given name. Everyone else called him by his fighting name, Talon.

The boy almost slammed into his big brother with a hug, but stopped at the last moment. He knew the look in his brother's eyes, and knew that the older boy was hurting. Gently he hugged his brother, then Chris led his brother into the bathroom. Helping the seventeen-year-old undress, Chris tended to his wounds before helping into the freshly drawn bathtub. He then stripped off his own clothes, and then the not quite teenaged Chris slid into the tub to help his brother clean up.

This ritual had started three years before when Chris was first brought here. He'd not been allowed to leave the suite in all that time, and to be honest, he wasn't sure he waned to walk around the rest of the house.

"So I take it you won?" Chris asked, trying to hide his dread. He knew exactly what would happen to him if his older brother lost one of his fights.

"Of course, little bro... you know me... no one can beat me!" Dave tried to put more bravado in his voice than he really felt. Tonight's fights were some of the hardest he'd ever had. Being honest with himself, Dave knew the only reason he won was he was able to dig inside of himself deeper than he'd even had to before, knowing what would happen to Chris if he were to lose.

Twelve-year-old Chris couldn't help but giggle, but also sent a silent prayer to God. He didn't mind that his brother was a Vampire, but he really didn't want to become one himself, and that's exactly what would happen if Dave ever lost.

After they got done in the bath, Chris helped dry his older brother off, knowing that the soreness would be gone by the next evening, but secretly, Chris loved these close times with his big brother.

He draped a silk robe across his big brother's shoulders, and then put on one himself. Together they walked out into the living area of their suite, and Chris couldn't help but groan when Dave insisted that Chris start working on his homework. Even though Dave was usually really busy with his duties to the Councilor, he still took the time to make sure Chris got an education. Chris of course, tried to moan and groan his way out of it, but secretly, he really loved the time that he got to spend with his big brother.

After about an hour of work, the door to the suite opened up, and in walked the bane of their collective existence. The older man was wearing a tailor-made silk suit that probably cost more than either of the brothers could imagine. As usual, his hair was perfectly manicured, so that the salt and pepper color gave the proper distinguished effect. His perfectly manicured hand held a cane that had the head of a dog on the very top made with pure gold.

As was expected when 'Master Windsor' walked into a room, both Dave and Chris jumped to their feet, then both of them went down to one knee, waiting for their 'master' to allow them to rise.

"Talon," the man said as he walked up to the two kneeling boys, "you did very well tonight."

"Thank you, Master Windsor. It is kind of you to say so," Dave said, and again he surprised himself by how sincere he could make that sound.

"Think nothing of it, my young fighter. Have I ever not congratulated you on a well fought fight?" The condescending tone that Windsor used really made Dave want to slap that smile off the man's face, but he knew better. If he even tried that, neither he nor Chris would survive the night, and as he found out long ago, there are things worse than death.

Knowing how he was meant to respond, Dave swallowed what little pride he had and spoke in a very sincere tone. "Of course not, Master, you have always been more than kind to me and to my brother."

"Well, yes, I have, but you have earned every bit of it. Now, for the reason I have come. Tomorrow night is the council meeting, and I have just been informed that Councilman Borrows from the High American Council will be there to hear our reports. I would like for you to accompany me there tomorrow as another bodyguard. I do not foresee any issues; however, one does not get to be as old and powerful as I am with out taking prudent measures."

"Of course Master... it would be my honor to accompany you. What time shall I be ready, and how should I dress?" Dave asked, already dreading another long and boring meeting.

"You will be representing me, so you had better dress appropriately; as far as what time, just get ready as soon as you wake. I will have someone come for you when I am ready." Windsor had already turned and was walking out of the room before he finished. Dave wanted to groan, as he had plans already with Chris for tomorrow night, but they would, of course, have to wait now.

Once the door closed, both boys got back to their feet. Before Chris could say anything, Dave turned to him and sighed. "We better get ready for bed, and get my stuff ready for tomorrow night."

To his credit, while Dave could see the disappointment in Chris's eyes, the young boy didn't say anything, and only nodded his understanding.

---

After an hour of silent mediation for Runi, and quiet conversation for the rest, Runi finally called everyone back inside the well, where they sat on the floor around a small hand carved table. Looking at each individual one at a time, Runi finally decided that it was time to open up to them. "There are many things we need to discuss. However, before we do, there are a few rules that I insist upon for those that travel with me. First and foremost, there will be no lies told amongst us. I will never lie to you, and I expect that you will never lie to me. If things go as I see them going, we will need to be able to trust each other fully. Does everyone understand?"

After getting nods of understanding from everyone, he went on. "Due to necessity, there will be times where I may have to not answer your questions; however, I will never lie to you and say I don't know, I will simply tell you that you are not ready for the answer. I do not mean this to be belittling at all, but you must understand that there are simply things that few people are actually ready to understand. Also, please do not fall into the trap of thinking that I know everything. I have never met anyone who knew everything. While I may know Ia lot, I am far from knowing everything."

Again he waited until he got nods from everyone, then continued. "Tonight you will all learn things that have not been seen by vampire-kind for many thousands of years. As you may have guessed, Vampires have traditions that fall out of use just like humans do; it just takes longer for vampires, since we live longer." He paused and looked at both Samson and Jennifer, who both nodded their agreement. "Tonight, I am going to instruct you on the proper tradition of an Elder going into a council meeting in an area they are not known. I know I said in the past that I do not like to stand for formalities, but there are times when they become useful. This is one of those times."

Runi took a deep breath then looked Colt directly in the eyes. "I am sure that you will not agree to stay here and miss what is going to happen?"

"No way!" he replied, and Runi only grinned at the boy for a moment.

"Good, I had not expected any less. However, understand, you will be going into a place where you are not only looked upon as less than everyone else, you are literally on the food chain. It will not be easy for you, especially for the role I wish for you to play. I will make you a deal. This evening, when I go over everything that we will all have to do, I will include what your role will be. If when I am done, if you wish not to attend, then you do not have to go. It will be entirely up to you."

Colt studied Runi's eyes for a few moments before sighing heavily. "You know, I have figured out recently that my life will never be that same, and to be blunt I am not upset about that. I know I live in a very dangerous world right now, but but, and I can't really believe I am saying this already." His eyes fell to Duncan. "In less than a night I think I have found a new brother, sister and I hope and older brother too." His eyes then falling on Jennifer and then finally on Samson who smiled softly at Colt and smiled.

Colt's eyes then fell to Runi. "And perhaps even someone to be something I never believed I could find. Whatever it takes to help you and my new family out, I will do, no matter what."

Silence reigned for a few moments, as everyone shed a few tears at what Colt had said. Runi even went so far as to get up, walk over to Colt, raise him to his feet, and kiss him in a way that no one else had ever kissed him before. He had turned many tricks while he was on the streets, but never once let any of those men kiss him. Now, for the first time in his short life, he understood why kissing was meant only for those that you loved. He opened his eyes as the kiss ended, and was met with only Runi's. For a brief moment, only the two of them existed, but then the real world came back into focus, and Colt knew what he had to do. "You need us to learn things... it's time for you to teach."

---

Talon stifled a yawn as the council meeting went into its second hour. He hated wearing this damned suit, and for at least the hundredth time, wondered to himself how the hell he was supposed to fight if it came to it, while wearing this thing. But, as Mr. Windsor had told him many times, his is not to wonder why...

So far, the most interesting thing was when the councilman from the High American Council showed up, and Mr. Windsor was made to move from the head of the table. Talon wanted to giggle at the sour expression that was on his master's face, but of course, he did not.

Everyone in the room jumped a bit when the double doors to the board room they were in were pushed open. No one dared to disturb the meetings, generally, and when they did, they always knocked, and one of the guards would answer the door. Never had he heard of anyone just walking into the room uninvited. Even when the councilman showed up, he knocked first, before entering.

Talon took a step closer to Mr. Windsor to make sure that if anything happened, he could stop it. He may have detested the man, but he would not risk Chris's life just because he hated the man.

All eyes were on the doors as they swung open, but no one was prepared for what they saw. Walking into the room was a half-life, who was no older then fourteen or fifteen in physical age. He had flame red hair, and very pale skin, which was offset beautifully by the dark, blood red robe he wore that covered him from shoulder to toes.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!?!" Windsor bellowed as he got to his feet. However, the boy never even batted an eye. From behind him, two more figures in pitch black robes came forward. The first one, a half-life girl; the way her blonde hair flowed onto the block robe was something that Talon had never seen before. The man next to her was the one who took his attention, though.

The man stood nearly seven foot tall, and was wider than most football players. Talon could not tell if the man had any weapons or not, because he wore a robe, just like the girl did, pitch black, and absolutely nothing could be known about what was under it. Even if Mr. Windsor did not acknowledge that he recognized the man, Talon knew enough of the stories to know who he was, and knew that things were about to get much more interesting.

"I DEMAND AN ANSWER THIS INSTANT!" Windsor screeched. Again none of the intruders even acknowledged that the man had spoken. Behind the two came another person. Talon knew this one had to be a half-life, and a very young half-life at that. He couldn't see the face, as the person had a cowled robe, with the cowl pulled all the way forward. This one wore a blood-red robe similar to what the first one wore, except this one was trimmed in gold, and had several symbols embroidered into it, all of them in gold.

Right behind him, three steps back and a bit to the left, came one of the biggest surprises of the night. Wearing a blazing white robe was a human child. No one in the room could miss the fact that he was still alive, and Talon actually felt his jaw drop. No human had ever invaded the sanctuary of the council chamber. What concerned Talon even more was the fact that he could not read the mortal's mind. Never before had he met any mortal that could block his attempts to read their mind.

Talon heard more than saw Windsor's fangs drop, and knew the man's eyes had turned to a blazing red. He stepped forward again, this time to make sure that if his Master attacked, that he would be right at his side, as was his duty.

Before anyone could do more than breath, the large man spoke in a rumbling voice. "Greetings to the Councilors of the Tri-State area, and especially to the Councilman representing the High American Council." The large man took a breath and Talon couldn't help but recognize the patronizing tone that the man used. He knew that, above all else, would get this man killed.

"I am humbled to present to you my master, Known to some as High Priest to the Hawks of Anubis..." Talon heard the gasp come from Councilman Borrows, but none of the rest seemed to understand; certainly Talon did not.

"He is The Defender of the Fire of Egypt, The Sentinel of Anubis, and Protector of the Dead. His destiny has always been to be Tyranny's Executioner, and The Cleansing Fire of Night." The councilmen gasped, knowing that this was a power before them, but still Talon had no clue. He gathered his courage and tried to brush this newcomer's mind with his own. Then he heard himself gasp in shock. He'd been around Elders his entire un-life, and never had he felt anyone as 'old' as this person.

"Ladies and Gentleman, May I have the Honor of presenting to you, Runihura... The Destroyer."

Then Talon felt the strangest thing yet... The members of the council were frightened, something that Talon was sure none of them had felt since shortly after being turned.

The figure in the blood-red and gold robe reached up and pulled back the cowl of his robe, and for a second, Talon could not believe what he saw. The boy looked to be no older than ten or eleven years old, bald except for a long black pony tail that came from the back of his head, and with smooth features unlike anything Talon had ever seen before. Talon was not gay, but even he could not deny the sensual beauty of this little boy.

Runi stepped forward and spoke in a voice that demanded attention. "I had originally come here for two reasons, neither of which are relevant any longer. I fear I am now forced to retake a mantle that was placed upon me many hundreds of years ago." Silence hung in the air for many moments, until someone found the courage to speak.

Councilor Borrows stepped around the table, and came to a halt in front of the assembled group, not five feet away from the first boy in red robes, bowing his head slightly. The boy did not even flinch, which Talon took as a measure of the boy's resolve. "What mantle might that be, Elder?"

Talon's jaw once again hit the floor. Never before had he heard this man show deference to anyone; now he was basically bowing and scraping before this little kid. Runi sighed and then spoke, looking directly at the councilor. "It seems it is time for me to once again assume the title of Tyranny's Executioner."

After some more moments of silence, Borrows asked, "I see, and why is that?"

"It is simple. This council is corrupt, and I will see an end put to it." Runi spoke in a very soft voice; however, no sooner had he finished speaking than the room erupted in protest.

Talon wasn't sure what was about to happen, but he knew a fight was coming. He was preparing himself for the fight when the small boy's voice echoed through his mind. 'Your sense of duty is very admirable, David. However, in this case it will only end with your final death, and will seal the fate of your brother Christopher.'

Shocked to his very core, Talon mentally said, 'How? How do you know who I am?'

Talon was almost insulted when the young boy laughed in his mind, but then he explained. 'Young one, when you have been living in darkness for almost six thousand years, you learn how to do things many may believe impossible. You have my word of honor, that tonight will see the liberation of you and your brother, and the death of your 'master.' However, if you choose your duty to him over my words, you will not survive the night either. Know that either way, your brother will be freed, and will never have to worry about being turned, unless he chooses so.'

Talon was about to respond when it appeared that Runi had enough of the councilors arguing. To Talon's eyes, it appeared as if Runi took a small step forward, then he grew. Instead of being just shy of five foot tall, suddenly he grew to be almost six. His robe expanded and suddenly exploded out, as his body was now covered in a fine fur, covering muscles upon muscles. His fingers and toes lengthened and grew wicked looking claws, and huge black wings seemed to sprout out of his back. His face pulled out into almost a muzzle with wicked-looking fangs coming out all over the place. When he spoke, he spoke in a voice that Talon literally thought would be reserved for the Daemons his parents used to claim had infested his own soul.

"SILENCE!" the creature bellowed, and the windows seemed to shake with the power of his voice. "You will only speak when I give you permission!"

Every council member jumped back however, one of the guards actually tried to attack. He made it exactly three steps before he was literally ripped to pieces by a suddenly appearing cyclone. It slowly spun out of the room, taking its gory load silently with it. No one moved a muscle as Runi looked towards the assembled councilmen, and slowly sank back into his normal form. "Would anyone else like to challenge me, or will I be permitted to continue?"

After about thirty seconds of silence, Councilman Borrows sighed and spoke. "Please continue as you wish, Elder."

"Thank you. For the simple matter of complacency, corruption, and ineptitude... the entire council, save for Mr. Windsor, will simply be put to death as soon as this meeting is over with." Expecting the outburst, Runi paused, and was not let down. The four other councilmen jumped back to their feet and started to protest. Runi allowed it to go on for almost a minute before he spoke. "I said SILENCE!" The first part was soft; the last word, though, hit the councilman with so much physical force that they were forced back down into their chairs. None of them even uttered a word after they were forced to sit... just stared wide-eyed at Runi. "Since none of you were able to obey a simple order, I have made it so that none of you can move or talk unless I allow it. For now, all you shall do is listen.

Both Windsor and Borrows stood there wide eyed at the shocking display of power that Runi had so far exhibited. "Now... as for Mr. Windsor. Your crimes are much more numerous." Runi looked over at Borrows and smiled. "Normally I would just act, as I have all the information I require for me to do so. However, since you are here, I shall give you what evidence is here in this room, out of courtesy and respect. As for the rest, my word must suffice."

Borrows nodded slowly and spoke almost reverently. "Your word is more than sufficient for me; however, I will gladly listen to what evidence you can bring forth."

Runi nodded then looked over at Talon. "Young Talon... would you please come over here." While it was said more as an order than a question, Runi was trying to be nice to the young vampire. Windsor was about to say something, but a simple look from Runi shut him up.

Talon slowly made his way over to stand in front of Runi, who had moved over to stand next to Borrows. "Talon... would you please inform the Councilman of your position in Mr. Windsor's house. Remember, he will be able to detect deception, so do not even try it."

Talon swallowed hard, then in a shaking voice spoke softly. "I am his champion in the fighting rings."

Borrows cocked his head to the side and frowned. "While that is not something I agree with, Vampire fighting rings are something that is allowed within our rules."

"I am well aware of that, however... Talon... WHY do you fight for Mr. Windsor?"

Talon's eyes were glued to the floor, and if it were not for the enhanced hearing of all vampires, Borrows might not have heard the response. "Because... if I don't.. or don't win... he will turn my... he'll turn my little brother." He finished with a rush, and Runi could see the yellow shiny tears fall from the older teen's face.

Borrows' eyes flashed red when he heard that. In a measured voice, trying to control his fury, he asked in a very low and dangerous voice. "And how long has this been going on?"

"Almost four years." came the silent response. He softly added after a moment. "He was only eight at the time. Mr. Windsor keeps him locked up in a suite of rooms and does not let him out. If I fail to win a fight, he's promised to turn him, and then let him starve to death. If I win, then he stays alive." By now Talon was openly crying, and Borrows was livid at the information.

He was about to personally rip Windsor's heart out when Runi stopped him. "There is more."

"MORE?!?!" the elder asked through clenched teeth.

"Oh yes... there is much more. I am sure you have heard about the turning of half-lives and then the abandonment that led all of them to make a mistake and cost them their un-life... not to mention having several times almost breached your laws about staying hidden?"

"Yes... that was the reason I was here... to find out how the investigation was going."

"Well... there never was a real investigation, as Windsor would not allow one, and the rest simply went along with it. The reason he would not allow it is because he already knows who is doing it... His eldest childe."

Windsor jumped to his feet to protest but was just as quickly slammed back down into his chair. No one had noticed that Samson had vanished from sight several moments earlier, and when Windsor jumped to his feet, Samson made himself visible directly behind the man, by grabbing his shoulders and forcing him to sit again... none too gently.

Borrows spoke before Runi did. "Daniel... you no longer have any right to speak. You had better hope that he decides your fate, because I would imagine it will be quicker than what I will do with you if he allows it."

Runi looked at Borrows, then directly into Windsor's wide eyes and spoke in a deadly voice. "I highly doubt it. First, I will break his spirit, then his mind, then his body. After that I MAY let him die." If he could have, Windsor would have pissed himself.

"First, though, I will break his spirit. He cherishes money and power above all else. His childe will be dealt with shortly; however, his only grandchilde will be given all of his money and possessions," Runi said, and Duncan could not help but gasp. Borrows looked at him, and a small smile spread on his face.

"I assume that is his grandchilde?"

"Yes, he is. I have also taken him as my childe, since he was not given even basic direction in the world of night." Runi spoke and smiled at Duncan to let him know he was not upset with his outburst.

Borrows walked over to stop in front of the newly turned Vampire. "I can sense from you that your turning was very traumatic, and for that I can only apologize. I wish I had found out about this sooner, so that I might have stopped it. I am sure you think all vampires to be monsters, but not all of us are. While I have no problem with half-lifes, I personally would not turn one, and certainly not anyone who was unwilling."

Duncan couldn't hold it in any longer and began crying. The man in front of him opened up his arms, and Duncan slammed into his hug. "He... he made me watch... as he... as he killed my parents."

Borrows spoke softly, trying to soothe the young boy, and after a few moments looked back at Runi, who could not mistake the tears that the man was shedding. "Not that I have any say, but I agree with you. Everything that Daniel Windsor had and owned now belongs to this young man."

The man pushed Duncan back so that he could look the boy in the eyes. "I know it will never bring your parents back, but it is all I can do. If you ever need anything, please call me, okay?" Duncan nodded his thanks, not trusting his own voice yet, as Borrows handed him a business card.

"PLEASE!!!!" Windsor was now begging. "I'll tell you anything you want to know... I'll... I'll tell you about..." He never got a chance to say anything else as he's mouth slammed shut with enough force to chip a few teeth. Runi was in his face in less than a blink.

"I already know what you were going to try and bargain with. Those that you had in your employ will face my wrath soon enough. If it would not disturb my new Childe and my new companions, I would show you what a thousand years of pain truly means." If it were possible for a vampire to wet himself, Windsor would have.

Runi stepped back and walked back over to Borrows. "I have much to attend to."

Borrows nodded at Runi. "Was there anything else, Elder? I fear I have much work to do as I now have to remake this entire council."

Runi shook his head. "No... there is nothing else that need concern you. I have only two more duties to see through while I am here. One is the execution of the council members..." Runi looked at the men who all suddenly slumped over dead, then he looked over at Samson and nodded. "I have changed my mind Councilman Borrows. This piece of trash is yours now." Before Windsor could do more than scream, a blade erupted out of his chest. Samson's aim was perfect, as it split the Vampire's heart into two pieces. Daniel Windsor would die a slow and painful death as he slowly starved to death. Without a word, Runi took Talon's elbow and slowly led the wide-eyed teen out of the room, silently being followed by the rest of his group.

The door slammed behind them drowning out Windsor's screams of pain and horror.