This marks the first time any villain has been able to lay a hand on the swordsman (and also the first of the weak pages within this chapter). I've been receiving some user comments and PQs about the swordsman, and about how he's not their favorite character but the one we've learned the most about. I apologize for this, as it was intentional.

The swordsman was never designed to be a character that readers would identify with - but he has the most interesting history of the bunch, or so has been revealed. He's really coming in at the end of this groups story. It wasn't really an original intention to ever reveal any of their backstories, because I was never sure if I would continue with it beyond this first story arc. However, as I kept writing the thing, I started to give them each their own unique history. As people started reading it, they wanted - and in some instances, demanded - that I tell them more. The story has a lot of loose ends by the last page, as it was really just a roller-coaster snap-shot into a few days where these two separate stories crossed and finished.

The swordsman isn't written to be a likable character. He's an asshole. I know it, you know it. Heck, even these characters know it - they just try to give him the benefit of the doubt, because they just met the guy.

Anyway, someone dies within the next few pages...any ideas as to who that may be?