He investigates!

Callum sat up straight and listened carefully. A city-dweller wouldn't have picked it up, but Callum was raised in the wilderness and years of stalking prey had strengthened senses and made him habitually vigilant.

Yes, there was some quarrel going on nearby. He couldn't hear what was said, but he sensed that something wasn't right. And as this whorehouse's new guardian it was probably his duty to look into it.

He rose to his feet, and with a wolf-like snarl, he picked up his sword and slipped out into the corridor.

The voices led him to another closed door, and he leant in to listen closer. He heard a woman's voice from inside. First, he didn't recognise it, but then he realised that the voice belonged to Madame Zoriah. But her normally so proud and sultry voice sounded so meek and frightened.

"B-but please, mister Vargo ... he seems to be such a nice young man ... I can't do it this time!" she said.

Callum heard a resounding slap followed by a yelp from Zoriah. A coarse male voice barked. "Oh is that so, whore? Well, how would you like it if I took one of your girls instead? Or even you!" Now get in there and finish the job!"

"Yes ... of course, Mister Vargo," Zoriah said with a passive voice.

Callum growled and felt his anger rise. What a fool he was, he had been led straight into an ambush like some ruttish animal!

Without further reflection, Callum took a step back and crashed the sturdy door open with one powerful kick. The barbarian warrior raised his sword and barged in with a fierce battle cry.