The Dawn of Malice

Requiem of a Guide

Ryker’s morning routine was a simple affair.

He enjoyed the tranquility of his chambers in the Civic Athenaeum, away from the bustling crowds of scholars and magicians. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he skillfully fried an egg with sausage and beans on his small stove. It was a routine he cherished, a moment of solace before the day’s work began.

Plate and mug in hand, Ryker descended the stone stairwell that connected his chambers to the main building of the Civic Athenaeum. As he approached the lower floor, his ears caught the faint sound of commotion - hushed whispers, alarmed voices, and the echoing of rushed footsteps.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Ryker quickened his pace, the plate and mug forgotten as he peered between the onlookers, trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening. His heart skipped a beat as he saw the lifeless body of one of the Civic Athenaeum magicians lying on the floor, surrounded by a small crowd of concerned colleagues.

His mind raced with questions and a sense of urgency. What had happened here? Was it an accident, or something more sinister?

Pushing through the crowd, Ryker approached the scene, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings for any clues. The blood pooled around the magician’s body was a stark reminder of the seriousness of the situation.

“What happened?” Ryker asked, his voice tinged with concern.

One of the senior magicians, Professor Aldridge, turned to face him, his expression grim. “It’s a tragedy, Ryker. We found him like this, bleeding and unconscious.”

The young artificer’s mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. Accidents were rare in the Civic Athenaeum, and something told him that this was more than just a simple mishap.

“Have you called for a healer?” Ryker asked, his instincts kicking in.

“Yes, yes, they are on their way,” Professor Aldridge replied, his eyes fixed on the injured magician.

As the crowd of onlookers parted to make way for the approaching healers, Ryker’s attention was drawn to the surroundings. He noticed a trail of blood leading away from the scene, indicating that the magician had been dragged here after the incident.

His heart pounded in his chest as he followed the trail, a sense of foreboding washing over him. What could have led to this tragedy? Was there someone behind this, someone with ill intentions?

Ryker’s mind was abuzz with questions, but he knew he had to stay focused. He needed to find answers and unravel the mystery surrounding the incident.

As he continued to follow the trail of blood, he noticed a faint glimmer of something metallic on the ground. Bending down, he picked up a small, twisted piece of metal, recognizing it as part of an intricate lock mechanism used to secure some of the Civic Athenaeum’s prized artifacts.

His heart sank as realization hit him. This was no accident; it was an act of sabotage.

His mind raced with possibilities, and he knew he had to inform Erasmus Kaledin about what he had discovered. The safety of the Civic Athenaeum and its magicians was at stake, and Ryker was determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.

With a sense of purpose, he hurried back to his chambers, leaving the crowd and the injured magician behind. He knew that the chaos had only just begun, and it was up to him and his allies to unravel the shadows that threatened to consume the Civic Athenaeum and plunge them all into darkness.

Meanwhile, Caerus and Caspian walked toward the grand entrance of the Civic Athenaeum, their anticipation building as they neared the heart of knowledge and magic in Verdania. The magnificent building rose before them, its ivory walls and green roofs gleaming in the sunlight. But as they approached, their excitement turned to bewilderment as they saw guards, scholars, and magicians swarming the ornate entryway.

Caerus felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as he recognized one of the guards, the very one he had stolen from just a few days ago. Instinctively, he ducked behind Caspian, hoping to remain unnoticed among the crowd. His heart pounded in his chest, fearing the consequences if he was recognized.

Just as panic started to creep in, Caerus felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Ryker, the young artificer from the Civic Athenaeum, coming to their rescue. Ryker motioned for them to follow him, leading them away from the crowd and toward a side entrance.

“Quickly, this way,” Ryker urged, his voice hushed as he guided them through a maze of hallways and corridors. “There’s been a murder, no one’s allowed in the Civic Athenaeum.”

Ryker’s news made Caerus’s spine shiver, but before he could dwell on it further, a loud voice echoed through the streets behind them. It was the guard Caerus had stolen from, and he had caught a glimpse of Caerus amidst the crowd.

“Stop! Thief!” the guard shouted – his voice filled with fury.

Caerus quickened his pace, his heart racing with adrenaline. Caspian took a long side look at his companion. But knew that they needed to reach safety before the guard caught up to them. Ryker led them to a large door at the end of the corridor, and with a swift motion, he locked it shut.

Caerus and Caspian followed closely, grateful for Ryker’s intervention. As they hurried through the labyrinthine paths of the Civic Athenaeum, Caerus couldn’t help but wonder if the recent murder was because he arrived in the city. A heinous act such as murder would warrant such a large gathering of city guards.

“We should be safe here,” Ryker said, trying to catch his breath. “This is one of the storage rooms, and it’s rarely used.”

Caerus nodded gratefully, taking a moment to compose himself. He knew they couldn’t stay in the storage room for long; they needed to find a way out of the Civic Athenaeum before they were discovered.

“What did the guard say? I couldn’t quite hear him.” Caspian remained silent as Caerus attempted to speak, but Ryker abruptly interjected. “It doesn’t matter. Follow me,” he said, leading them through a series of hidden passageways and secret doors. It was evident that Ryker knew the Civic Athenaeum like the back of his hand, navigating the maze with ease.

“We need to stay out of sight, otherwise they might accuse you two of being murderers,” Ryker said between pushing hidden doors and pulling camouflaged levers. “Luckily, Erasmus agreed to meet with you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered getting you into the Civic Athenaeum.” The hurt in Ryker’s voice cut Caerus and Caspian like a knife, but they kept their silence.

Finally, they emerged into a secluded courtyard at the back of the Civic Athenaeum. Caerus and Caspian took a moment to catch their breath, grateful to have escaped the guards.

“Thank you for your help,” Caspian said to Ryker, his gratitude evident in his eyes. “It’s good to have a friend that cares.”

Ryker smiled awkwardly, a glint of forgiveness in his gaze. “No need to thank me. It’s not every day that we have visitors sneaking into the Civic Athenaeum. You certainly made things interesting.”

Caerus couldn’t help but chuckle at Ryker’s comment. Despite the chaos and danger, they had faced, he couldn’t deny that their encounter with Ryker had been an adventure.

“We’re both sorry for not trusting you Ryker.” Caerus began, “We understand your anger towards us, but we do apologize.”

“I’m sorry for having doubted you, Ryker.” Caspian chimed in.

“Apology accepted.” Ryker smiled. “But now we need to hurry before the guards find us slinking around the Civic Athenaeum.”

The trio’s heart raced as they made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of the Civic Athenaeum. The grand library had become a treacherous maze as guards scoured its passages, searching for the culprit responsible for the murder of one of their citizens.

The three friends moved stealthily, keeping to the shadows, and avoiding the well-lit areas where guards were likely to be patrolling. Ryker’s knowledge of the Civic Athenaeum’s secret passages and hidden doors proved invaluable as they made their way deeper into the heart of the vast building.

Caerus and Caspian followed Ryker closely, their eyes wide with tension and anticipation. The tension in the air was palpable, and each step seemed to echo loudly in the silence of the otherwise bustling Civic Athenaeum.

At last, they reached a large chamber, its high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and ancient symbols. Ryker nodded towards a darkened corner, indicating that they should take cover while he checked for any guards nearby.

The chamber was vast, and they could hear faint voices and the clinking of armor from the other side. Ryker motioned for Caerus and Caspian to follow him as they maneuvered through the chamber, making various turns and taking care to stay out of sight.

After what felt like an eternity of sneaking and dodging, Ryker finally found the entrance to a long winding stairway that led to the highest tower of the Civic Athenaeum. This tower was where Erasmus Kaledin, the curator, awaited to speak with them.

Ryker felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He had never brought anyone to meet Erasmus before, but he knew that this was an opportunity to prove his worth and demonstrate his ingenuity as an artificer.

The stairway was steep and narrow, and they ascended quietly, their footsteps light against the stone steps. As they reached the top, they found themselves in a small antechamber, its walls lined with ancient tomes and curious artifacts.

Ryker knocked on the door, and after a moment, it creaked open, revealing the aging figure of Erasmus Kaledin. The curator’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as he greeted them.

“Ah, Ryker, my boy, and these must be your companions,” Erasmus said with a warm smile. “Come, come, I have been waiting for you.”

They entered the room, and Ryker introduced Caerus and Caspian to Erasmus. The curator’s eyes twinkled with interest as he observed them.

“Tell me, young ones, what brings you to my tower?” Erasmus inquired, his tone both gentle and inquisitive.

Ryker stepped forward, “The Civic Athenaeum is currently being investigated because of a dead wizard by the name of Hugo Al-Ghazali. These two –” Ryker gestured to his two companions. “– have come with a tome Lucian had stolen from you.”

“Ah… Lucian.” Erasmus nodded knowingly, pulling at his beard. “He did not steal this tome. In truth, he was safeguarding it from the Laresian empire.”

“Then that would mean…” Ryker eyes grew wide as he realized something. “Hugo Al-Ghazali was killed by intruders looking for this crimson tome?”

“Sadly, that is a possibility,” Erasmus answered sadly.

“Then Lucian’s name is cleared,” Caerus interjected. “We want to understand the contents of this book but whenever I open its pages, the language eludes me.”

“Any who attempts to read this tome without Laresian blood will never decipher its contents,” Erasmus answered – his expression thoughtful. “You have been given something significant, indeed,” he mused. “But it seems we have little time to waste. The guards are closing in, and the truth needs to be unveiled.”

He beckoned them to follow him, leading them to a hidden alcove within his chamber. There, he revealed a set of ancient scrolls and artifacts related to the artifact Caerus had found.

“Let Lifeblood flow to your eyes, dear boy,” Erasmus said, looking at Caerus with a smile. Caerus looked at the wizened wizard astonished.

“How did you know he was Laresian?” Caspian asked, breaking the awkward silence that followed.

“If Lucian entrusted this book to you then that would mean that you are of the same lineage, correct?” Erasmus said, an eyebrow raised. Trusting the wisdom of the wizard, Caerus let his Lifeblood flow, feeling the warmth in his veins and the flow of power running through his body. Caerus’s hair seemed to blaze crimson as his eyes did the same. Ryker jumped back in surprise.

“Takes a bit of getting used to,” Caspian clasped Ryker’s shoulder, smiling. “But you’ll get there.”

Erasmus leafed through the pages of the crimson tome as Caerus read aloud each page, surprised by how the letters seemed to dance and align themselves in a uniform line. Caerus read aloud.

“The houses of the honored emperor’s blood are as follows.” Caerus began, “House Xenakis, House Zaiger, House Qadir, and House Valdivieso.” Caerus stopped abruptly – his voice caught in his throat.

“What’s wrong?” Erasmus asked, “Why did you stop?”

Caerus cleared his dry throat as he continued. “The excommunicated house of Kietz, though first in line to the succession of the throne shall die with the execution of the traitorous Zehian Kietz, his name forever stricken out of the history books.” Caspian gasped, while Ryker and Erasmus looked at their stupefied faces.

“Why does that matter?” Ryker asked Caspian whose eyes were as wide as saucers.

“Caerus’s last name is Kietz, but it doesn’t make much sense... his father’s name was Thomas,” Caspian answered Ryker as he stared at the blank expression on Caerus’s face.

As the weight of his newfound heritage settled upon him, Caerus glanced at Caspian, who looked at him with wide eyes and a mix of astonishment and concern. Ryker stood quietly, absorbing the gravity of the moment. The curator, Erasmus, regarded Caerus with a mix of understanding and compassion.

“It’s... It’s unbelievable,” Caerus stammered, struggling to find the right words. “I never knew... I had no idea about my true lineage.”

Erasmus nodded, his voice was soft and reassuring. “Such revelations can be overwhelming, Caerus. But knowledge is a gift, and now you possess the truth of your ancestry.”

Caspian’s disbelief turned into genuine concern for his friend. “What does this mean for you, Caerus?”

The weight of the situation pressed down on Caerus’s shoulders. Everything began to connect, like the pieces of a puzzle falling into place. The unexpected Laresian siege of Liliosa, the appearance of Lucian at a critical moment, and the book he had received from him, which he now realized contained vital information about his heritage.

“If the Laresian empire knew of my existence, they would see me as a threat,” Caerus mused. “They might come after me... and if they know I’m with Elaine’s caravan, they’ll go after her and the refugees too.”

Erasmus’ eyes narrowed with concern. “You must be cautious, Caerus. The world of politics and royalty is treacherous, and the Laresian empire’s ambition knows no bounds.”

“I can’t let anything happen to Elaine or the others,” Caerus said, determination sparking in his eyes.

Ryker stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Caerus’s shoulder. “We’ll help you, Caerus. The Civic Athenaeum is a place of knowledge and power. We can devise a plan to keep you and the refugees safe.”

Caspian nodded – his loyalty unwavering. “We’re in this together, no matter what.”

Deep inside, Caerus felt a mixture of fear and purpose. He knew that facing the Laresian empire would be an uphill battle, but he couldn’t turn away from the truth of his heritage. He had to protect Elaine and the refugees, no matter the cost.

With newfound determination, Caerus turned to Erasmus. “What do we do next?”

Erasmus smiled, his eyes reflecting pride in the young man before him. “First, we must keep your lineage a secret from prying eyes. Then, we will devise a plan to ensure your safety from Laresian operatives. But remember, Caerus, the choices you make from this moment onward will shape your destiny. Embrace the legacy of your ancestors, but also forge your path.”

Caerus nodded, his heart full of uncertainty and resolve. He knew that his journey was far from over, and the trials ahead would test his courage and strength. But he was no longer alone. With the support of his friends and the knowledge of his true heritage, Caerus was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And so, as the early afternoon sunbathed the Civic Athenaeum in its golden light, Caerus leafed through the pages of the Laresian book of Heritage, eyes burning with crimson light. But to his surprise and Erasmus’s astonishment, the remainder of the pages of the book were written in a strange other language.

“Ryker, get me my book of languages and translative texts.” Erasmus asked politely, “This might take us longer to decipher.”

Caspian and Ryker gathered books from the numerous shelves of Erasmus’s chambers as Erasmus himself scribed pages upon pages of texts onto a yellowed parchment. Caerus took a quill from the desk and did his best to copy the text for Erasmus to decipher. A wealth of knowledge flooded the table as the minutes wore on.

“Do you hear that?”

The heavy thud of boots on the stone staircase sent shivers down Caerus’s spine. He, Caspian, and Ryker crouched in the shadows of Erasmus’s chamber, the old wizard having commanded them to hide within his wardrobe. The old wizard had commanded them to hide, and they dared not disobey. The afternoon sun streamed through the small window, casting eerie rays of light across the room.

As the footsteps grew closer, Caerus felt a mix of fear and anticipation. The events of the past few days had led him to discover his true lineage, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that his life was about to take an even more perilous turn. Caerus’s heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. Have the guards come? How did they know they were in Erasmus’s chamber? Could someone from the Laresian Empire find him? The revelation of his noble lineage had thrown him into a whirlwind of uncertainty.

As the footsteps drew nearer, Caspian motioned for silence, putting a finger to his lips. They exchanged anxious glances, each trying to gauge the other’s emotions.

Erasmus stood by the window, his face a mask of calm, though Caerus could sense the worry hidden beneath. The old wizard was no stranger to danger and had faced many adversaries throughout his long life.

Finally, the chamber door creaked open, and a tall figure stepped inside. They were cloaked in a dark robe that concealed their features, and the hood cast a shadow over their face. Caerus’s mind raced, trying to decipher the identity of the intruder. He knew that Erasmus was a respected figure in the Civic Athenaeum, but even the greatest wizards had their enemies.

The chamber door creaked open, and three hooded figures stepped inside, their faces obscured by the shadows of the hood. Caerus strained his ears to catch any clues from their conversation.

Erasmus turned to face the intruders – his voice steady. “What brings you here, uninvited?” Erasmus’s voice held a mix of annoyance and authority, refusing to cower before the intruder.

A hooded figure stepped forward, their footsteps echoing in the silence of the room. “I seek information regarding Caerus,” they said, their voices low and ominous. Caerus’s breath caught in his throat. He exchanged a nervous glance with Caspian and Ryker, who mirrored his unease.

Erasmus’s eyes narrowed, and he replied calmly, “My guests are under my protection. I will not divulge their whereabouts.”

Without warning, the hooded figure pushed Erasmus to the wall with a forceful shove. The old wizard’s knees gave, and he slumped to the floor. Caerus clenched his fists, the urge to intervene almost overwhelming. But he knew he had to stay hidden, for the safety of his friends and the old wizard.

Ryker’s grip on Caerus’s arm tightened, reminding him to remain still. They watched in tense silence as another hooded figure paced around the room, searching for any sign of their quarry.

After what felt like an eternity, the figure’s attention was drawn to a stack of old tomes on a nearby shelf. Caerus held his breath as they picked up one of the books and leafed through its pages, their movements quick and impatient.

Meanwhile, Erasmus slowly rose to his feet, refusing to show any sign of fear. “You won’t find what you seek here,” he said firmly as his wizened hand deftly used a piece of parchment to cover the crimson book. “Caerus is not in this room.”

The hooded figure scowled and threw the book back onto the shelf with a loud thud. The hooded figure’s response was a chilling laugh that sent shivers down Caerus’s spine. “You are a fool if you think you can protect him forever,” they sneered. “Caerus belongs in the ground, he and that wretched traitor Lucian might have tricked us once, following a caravan of dying ragamuffins, but he will be found.”

Erasmus’s composure wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained his poise. “Leave now, before I take action against you,” he warned.

“The old man’s tough,” said a voice just out of sight. The two intruders within the room turned to the chilling voice beyond their periphery. “I can admire that, but we shouldn’t waste any more time.”

Caerus turned to the source of the voice but only saw the silhouette of an arm and a shoulder by the doorframe. The hooded figure seemed unfazed – their gaze fixed on Erasmus. “The time will come when Caerus can no longer hide from us,” they said, their voices dripping with menace. With that, they turned and left the chamber, the door closing behind them with an ominous thud.

Caerus let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. The encounter had left him shaken, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that danger lurked around every corner. They waited a few more moments listening to the footsteps fade down the stairway before cautiously emerging from the wardrobe. Erasmus turned to them with a somber expression. Erasmus looked shaken but composed, and Ryker rushed to his side, concern etched on his face.

“Are you all right, Master Erasmus?” Ryker asked.

Erasmus nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. “I am unharmed, thanks to your keen hearing.”

“We must be cautious,” he said. “It seems there are those who will stop at nothing to find you, Caerus.”

Caerus nodded, his mind reeling with the implications of the encounter. He had stumbled into something far greater than he could have imagined, and he knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Ryker turned to Caerus – his eyes filled with worry. “What do you think they wanted from you?”

“The book…” Caerus said barely a whisper as he and Caspian emerged from the wardrobe, Caspian placed a reassuring hand on Caerus’s shoulder. “We’ll get through this together,” he said with determination. “Like we have before.”

Ryker nodded in agreement – his eyes filled with resolve. “I must admit, I barely know you, but I won’t let anyone harm you, Caerus. We’re in this together.”

Erasmus uncovered the crimson book from the table as he spoke. “We will figure this out, my young friend. But for now, we must remain vigilant and stay hidden.”

As the shadows of the early afternoon lengthened, Caerus knew that their adventure had taken a dangerous turn. The hooded figure’s ominous words echoed in his mind, and he couldn’t help but wonder what dark secrets lay ahead.

Ryker’s heart raced as he pulled Caspian to the side, eager to speak with him privately regarding the unsettling events that had just transpired. Caerus was deep in conversation with Erasmus, discussing their next steps, while Caspian assured Ryker that Caerus had done nothing wrong.

“Ryker, you have to believe me,” Caspian whispered urgently, “Caerus is not involved with those hooded figures. He’s just as confused as the rest of us.”

Ryker nodded, though his mind was still clouded with doubt and suspicion. The encounter with the mysterious intruder had shaken him to the core. He couldn’t help but wonder who they were and what they wanted with Caerus.

Before he could respond, the chamber door burst open, and two hooded figures stormed in, their eyes fixed on Caerus and his companions. Panic gripped Ryker’s heart, and he quickly moved to defend his friends.

“A group of liars, I see.” Scoffed one of the hooded figures.

“Such a great time to forget my sword at the inn.” Caspian spat. With a fierce determination in his eyes, Caspian grabbed a standing lamp and swung it like a makeshift weapon, blocking the path of the hooded figures. “You won’t lay a hand on Caerus or anyone else here,” he declared, his voice unwavering.

“Don’t think a little soldier like you would stand against someone like me.” The second hooded figure spoke pulling her hood down. The pale-skinned woman stared daggers at Caspian. Caerus could see a long gash from her temple to her chin, her eyes glowing a fearsome crimson.

“Missed me?” She asked. Caspian glowered at her, his hands tensely gripping the lampstand in his hand.

“Can’t say I do,” Caspian said. “Though I wished I finished the job when I infiltrated Ephemyra.”

“Can’t let you go around without giving your gift back.” She said, tracing her wound with her index finger.

As they spoke, Erasmus, ever resourceful, grabbed an old billhook from the wall and tossed it toward Ryker, who deftly caught it and moved to stand beside Caspian. The weapon felt heavy in his hands, but he steeled himself, ready to protect his master and new friends at all costs.

“And what do you think you’re going to do?” Asked the male of the pair. “You won’t be able to poke me with that, librarian, let alone make me bleed.”

“I’m an artificer” Ryker glared. Erasmus reacted with surprise to the declaration but smiled approvingly.

The hooded figures advanced, their movements swift and silent. Ryker’s heart pounded in his chest as he braced himself for the confrontation. The assailants’ weapons – a short sword in one hand and a dagger in the other – were drawn and ready to strike. Caerus stared at the weapons, shivering at the eerie resemblance of the weapons to his blades left at the inn.

Ryker knew he had to stay focused and alert if they were going to survive this encounter. With a burst of adrenaline, Ryker swung the billhook with all his might, clashing against one of the hooded figures’ blades. He felt the impact reverberate through his arms, but he held his ground, determined not to falter.

Caspian fought with equal ferocity, his movements fluid and precise. He deflected the hooded figure’s attacks with a skill that left Ryker in awe. It was clear that Caspian’s years of training had honed him into a formidable fighter.

Despite their efforts, the hooded figures were relentless, eyes aglow with crimson power, their muscles tense. They kept pushing forward with unwavering determination. Ryker could feel his muscles straining under the pressure, but he refused to back down.

Caerus desperately looked for anything he could use as a weapon in the large chamber. He found a dull letter opener, but its tip was as sharp as a nail. Seeing Ryker having difficulty with his opponent, Caerus aimed the makeshift weapon, waiting for his chance. As the enemy moved, Caerus bent down while focusing his Lifeblood into his leg muscles feeling the tension as he lunged forward. The letter opener’s sharp point slipped into the assailant’s eye socket effortlessly, gouging out the glow of Laresian power. Caerus pulled back as Ryker moved forward blocking the man as he raged on, undeterred by the letter opener sticking out of his eye. Ryker desperately defended, while Caerus was forced to step behind the desk he and Erasmus were trapped by. Erasmus grabbed the cane he had leaning against the desk and shoved it into Caerus’s hands as he rejoined the fray, wielding the wizard’s cane like a club.

Erasmus’s eyes began to glow a dull green, similar to Elaine’s but with less intensity, a ball of light formed at the tip of his now brandished wand. His spells crackled through the air, swerving away from Ryker’s head as it came between him and his assailant.

“Look away!” the old wizard screamed as the ball of light erupted into a blinding light that swallowed the room. Ryker’s opponent stepped back, momentarily caught off guard, giving him a brief moment of respite.

Ryker’s mind raced, trying to find a weakness in their attackers’ defenses. He knew they couldn’t keep this up for long. The hooded figures were skilled and well-prepared, and it seemed they were willing to stop at nothing to get to Caerus.

In a desperate move, Ryker lunged forward, catching his opponent off balance. With a swift motion, he knocked his enemy’s weapon aside with his billhook, leaving the assailant momentarily vulnerable. Caerus stepped forward, raising Erasmus’s cane high, with burning crimson eyes and bulging veins he slammed the cane onto their enemy’s back, watching him crumple to the ground.

Caspian saw his own opponent’s look of disbelief and seized the opportunity. He swung the lamp post as hard as he could, delivering a powerful blow to the woman’s stomach that sent her reeling.

The defenders’ minds were singularly focused on defending their friends, and they pushed themselves beyond their limits, gasping for air. They did not realize that Caspian had dropped to the ground with the sound of a gunshot.