Whirlpool's Betrayal, Chapter Two
Finished the chapter, here it is!
Chapter Two
Dmitri slowly opened his eyes. Everything around him was blurry. He was in a soft bed, covered in sheets. His hand went down to his injury. The hole was gone, his abdomen was smooth like he had never been stabbed. Some one must have healed the wound with magic. The room stopped spinning and slowly came into focus. It was mostly wooden brown, and slightly furnished with simple trinkets. In a corner of the room a large claymore rested on it’s blade. In a wooden chair by the bed sat Jani, peering down at him. And in her hand was-
“My crystal!” Dmitri’s hand went to his throat but the crystal was gone. Instead it lay in Jani’s palm. “Jani, can I have it back? Please?”
“It’s ok Dmitri. I know why it’s so important to you. I knocked out the other bandit after you fainted. I don’t know why, but I took the crystal off you and I carried you back to the village. One of our guards has the sight and he said you were a demon. I had a hunch, so I put the crystal back on you and he could no longer sense your aura.”
“So you know.” Dmitri sighed. “But you were able to knock out the other bandit with a broken ankle and carry me back here? That’s impressive.”
“Well, I am a Pyromancer.” Jani smiled slightly. “And I’ve been training in self defense ever since I was small. Carrying you back was the hardest part. You shouldn’t have rushed in like that. I didn’t think a demon would try to save a human.” That’s right, she knew he was a demon, an esper now. This was it, the mission failed. He should have just left Jani to fend for herself and ran. She probably would have been able to handle it herself.
“So, when’s the execution?”
“We’re not executing the bandits, just throwing them in prison for a long time. You demons are sure used to brutal punishment.”
“No, not for them, for me.”
“What makes you think you’re being executed?”
“I’m an esper- I mean a demon. Isn’t that what humans do to demons? Why did you even bother healing me? So you could get credit for the kill instead of those bandits?”
“Dmitri…” Jani’s face fell. “Yes, the village wanted to execute you. But I convinced them to grant you a pardon for being, well, what you are. My grandmother is head of the village, after all.”
“I see. But why Jani?”
“Isn’t it obvious? You could have just left me to those bandits and ran, but instead you tried to save me. Granted, you didn’t help too much, but it’s the thought that counts.” Jani smiled slightly.
“So, I guess you guys want me out of here, right?” Dmitri pushed himself up in be to a sitting position.
“Well, yes. But,” Jani held out the crystal. “If you want this back, you’ll have to tell me why you’re really going to the capital.”
“Fine then, I’ll tell you what I know.” Dmitri sighed and slumped back into the head of the bed. If Jani could take care of that bandit when she had a broken ankle, he wouldn’t stand much of a chance against her fully healed. Besides, if he attacked her for the crystal the whole village would be after his head. “I belong to a group of espers, what we call demons, who are trying to end this war. They gave me this crystal and a message that’s supposed to be delivered, sealed, to the human king. They said they were sure I’d find allies there. I don’t really know much more than that.”
“Do your friends keep you in the dark like that all the time.”
“Yeah, and I don’t blame them. It’s important work, and I’m the kind of guy who wouldn’t be able to stand torture. I’d just give them away.”
“I don’t think you would.” Jani shook her head.
“Well, you don’t know me very well. Now the crystal, please?” Dmitri held his hand out expectantly.
“Fine.” Jani dropped the crystal into his waiting hand. “My grandmother was against it, but I was able to pack some food for your trip. And for me too, of course.”
“Wait, what!?” Dmitri almost jumped up out of his bed in shock. “You’re staying here. It’s dangerous, and besides, you’d just slow me down. No offense.”
“None taken, it felt like I was slowing you down when we were running away from those bandits. So I won’t be able to go as fast as you. So what? You still need me. Everyone knows that demons have weapons that they carry as smaller objects. I’m guessing those bracers are your weapons. That means you won’t be able to fight with your weapons without revealing what you really are. But I can fight.” Jani picked up the sword in the corner of the room. “I’ve been training with this sword ever since I could lift it. I didn’t think to bring it on my walk, but if I did we would have had a way easier time with those bandits. Also, if people see me lugging around a heavy weapon they’ll know I’m not a demon, and if you’re with me they’ll assume you aren’t one too.”
“You have a point, but why do you even want to go?” Dmitri asked.
“Because I want to end this war. My parents were both killed fighting on the front lines when I was small. I’ve seen friends go to the war and heard news of their deaths. We’ve all lost too many people in this war that’s been going on as for- I don’t even know how long! If there’s a chance I can help end it I’m willing to risk my life and everything I have on it. I’ve even considered the fact that you might be lying, but I still think it’s worth it to go with you.” Jani finished with a sharp breath, punctuating her rant.
“I see your mind is made up, no matter what I say.” Dmitri sighed. “We’ll go together.”
“That’s the spirit. C’mon.” Jani grabbed Dmitri’s wrist and pulled him up out of bed. “We should leave now, truth be told a lot of people in the village are uneasy with you here.”
“Right, I understand.” Dmitri nodded. “Let’s go.” Jani smiled and slung the claymore over her back. Together they walked out of the room and into the hallway. The house was bigger than Dmitri expected, but it seemed reasonable enough. Jani did say she was the granddaughter of the village leader. They walked down the stairs into an open room. An old woman, probably Jani’s grandmother, was sitting in a rocking chair, her eyes narrowed at Dmitri. There was a young boy, probably about ten years old, standing by the woman. He looked similar enough to Jani to be her brother. As Dmitri passed, the boy crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out, earning him a glare from Jani. She opened the door and the two of them stepped out into the sunlight.
Dmitri looked around him at the village. The house he just came out of was the biggest, but not by much. Most of the villagers were outside, and almost all of them were staring at him. It made sense, it wasn’t everyday a demon waltzed through the village. He was new to being the center of attention, and he hated it. All the eyes on him made his stomach queasy. He was grateful when they finally stepped out of the village gates and back into the shelter of the forest.
The next couple of days passed mostly without incident. They couldn’t travel as fast as Dmitri was used to, especially since Jani was lugging that huge sword. At night, as they lied down to sleep, he could hear her tossing and turning on the ground. She was obviously used to the soft beds in her house. He was beginning to regret taking her with him. Several times at night, when Jani slept but Dmitri lay awake, he debated leaving her and running off alone. They were still fairly close to her village, she could probably find her way back alone. But something kept him by her side. He couldn’t put his finger on it, he just attributed it to the haze his mind was in. Ever since the Knights of Nine had sent him to retrieve an artifact from a mausoleum, everything was just blurrier. It was probably just a spell the guardians of the mausoleum put on the place, something that would have a more severe effect on the more fragile minds of humans. He decided to just put it out of his mind for the moment.
It was the third day since they had set out from Jani’s village. According to Jani, they were only about a day away from a small settlement. It was fairly close to the front of the war, but it was on the way to the capital. The two walked along through the forest. Jani was being awfully quiet, Dmitri reflected. In most of his experiences with girls his own age, they were rather talkative. He was just about to strike up a conversation with her when he heard it. There was a snapping sound from about ten feet behind him. Instinctively he ducked as a bolt of lightning flew over him, barely avoiding the top of his spiked hair.
“Jani, be careful!” Dmitri yelled as he sidestepped and dodged another bolt of lightning. Whoever it was seemed to be focusing on him, Jani hadn’t gotten blasted at yet. Fortunately, Dmitri was faster and more agile than Jani, so he had an easier time dodging. Whoever was firing the lightning must be an experienced Aeromancer. He looked up, turned to face his opponents, and saw three young men standing before him. They were probably around his age, if not a few years younger. The one on the left had sparks coming from his fingers. He had blonde, almost white hair and blue eyes. The one in the middle had black hair spiked at the front and was carrying a long, thin sword. The one on the right had short black hair and carried a club. The man on the left stopped the crackling around his hand and turned to the one in the middle.
“Sorry Lyolen. This one’s quick.” Lyolen, the man in the middle, drew his sword.
“It’s alright Tiaris. I’ll get this one. You and Warris guard the hostage.”
“Hostage?” Jani asked, perplexed. “What are you talking about? We’re just travelers. I’m not a hostage.” Lyolen smirked at her.
“It seems the demon has bewitched her. I’ve heard of demons with the power over human minds, but I’ve never met one in combat.”
“What makes you think I’m a demon?” Dmitri took the opportunity to get back on his feet.
“We just came from Danser.” Warris, the one on the right said. Dmitri vaguely remembered Danser as the name of Jani’s town. “Turns out the granddaughter of the head of the village was abducted by a demon with a means to hide his aura from those with the sight. The descriptions they gave us matched the two of you. Especially your eyes.” Dmitri scowled and rubbed his eyes. Yet another reason to hate their mismatched coloring.
“So why don’t you take that crystal off your neck and let me take a look at you?” Lyolen grinned as his pupils expanded, showing he had the sight.
“Wait!” Jani yelled as she stepped, arms extended, in front of Dmitri. “So what if he’s a demon? He hasn’t done anything wrong.” Tiaris chuckled.
“Nothing wrong?” He kidnapped you!”
“No he didn’t, I left Danser out of my own free will.”
“Really?” Lyolen said as he peered at her. “Without telling anyone?”
“Jani! You didn’t tell anyone you were leaving with me!?” Dmitri gasped as he spoke.
“I should have, but I knew they would just try and stop me. I really didn’t think that one through, sorry.” Jani’s head drooped a little, then perked up again. “But he didn’t kidnap me, so now that that’s settled, can you leave us be?”
“Hmm, she’s bewitched worse than I thought.” Lyolen said as he ran a hand through his hair. “He might have used his ability to cause her to leave of what she thinks is her own free will.”
“Espers can’t bewitch people!” Dmitri shouted. “It’s impossible, there are no spells in any class that affect the mind that deeply.”
“Even if you’re telling the truth and the girl came willingly, you are a demon. And it’s our job to eradicate you.” Tiaris said as electricity shot from his fingers once again.
“I see.” Dmitri said. “Jani, get away from here. It’s going to get ugly.”
“No way.” Jani unsheathed her sword. “I knew we could get into fights when I left home, and I’m ready to stand by you.”
“This isn’t good, Tiaris!” Lyolen shouted with the air of a command. “Take care of the girl, it’ll be bad for us if we bring her home harmed.”
“Very well.” Tiaris reached out his hand and shot a bolt of blue electricity at Jani. She stood her ground, and in that moment Dmitri realized why. If she moved, he would have been hit instead. The electricity hit her with a sickening crackle. Streaks of blue lightning snaked around her body like ropes. She struggled, remaining on her feet.
“Dmitri, I can’t move!”
“It’s ok, I’ll take care of them.” Dmitri said, sounding more confident than he felt. If he killed the three men, the surrounding cities would send every soldier they could spare after his head. He doubted he could make it to the capital under those circumstances. He watched the men closely as Tiaris took a step back.
“Heh, binding the girl took more energy than I expected. I’ll have to sit this one out. You two can take him.” Warris nodded at Tiaris and turned to Dmitri.
“Right, demon, let’s move away from the girl. For some reason you seem to want her alive for now, and we want her to live. Tiaris will watch her.”
“You think I’m going to fall for that? He could just take her hostage.”
“Then what do you propose we do?” Lyolen narrowed his eyes at Dmitri, who sighed.
“I guess- this!” Dmitri stuck out his hand and sent a blast of pressurized water at the three men. He turned around, picked up Jani, slung her over his shoulder, and ran, leaving Jani’s sword behind. He made it about twenty feet before a bolt of lightning hit him in his upper right leg, causing him to fall and drop Jani who grunted in pain as she hit the ground.
“Nice shot Tiaris!” Lyolen called out as he ran forwards, sword in hand. Dmitri turned around just in time to deflect the blow with his metal bracers. He concentrated, and the bracers turned into glaives in his hands. Dmitri stood up in front of Jani and glared at the three men.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t let you kill me! There’s something I need to do first.”
“Oh really?” Lyolen leered. He rushed in high with his first strike which Dmitri blocked with his right glaive. Dmitri aimed a kick towards Lyolen’s kneecap which connected, bringing Lyolen down. As he fell, Lyolen slashed Dmitri’s midsection with his sword, cutting through Dmitri’s vest and leaving a shallow cut. Dmitri cried out in pain and moved forwards to head butt Lyolen. However, before he could, Warris hit Dmitri in the cheek with his club, sending him reeling off to the side. Tiaris shot a bolt of lightning that hit Dmitri square in his midsection. He fell backwards onto his back, and held his glaives up above his head just in time to block a downwards slash from Lyolen. Lyolen then turned his sword in dove downwards, slashing Dmitri on the arm. Dmitri tried to get up but was hit squarely on the head by Warris’ club. He fell, dazed, back on the ground. He could hear Jani yell something from her position lying behind him. He saw Lyolen raise his sword above his head. This wasn’t like before, this would be a blade to his head. There was nothing Jani or anyone else could do to make him recover from that. He tried to raise his glaives to block again but his arms weakly disobeyed him. This was it-
“Stop!” It was a woman’s voice, no, a girl’s. Lyolen turned to look at the speaker and he froze, his eyes wide in fear.
Chapter Two
Dmitri slowly opened his eyes. Everything around him was blurry. He was in a soft bed, covered in sheets. His hand went down to his injury. The hole was gone, his abdomen was smooth like he had never been stabbed. Some one must have healed the wound with magic. The room stopped spinning and slowly came into focus. It was mostly wooden brown, and slightly furnished with simple trinkets. In a corner of the room a large claymore rested on it’s blade. In a wooden chair by the bed sat Jani, peering down at him. And in her hand was-
“My crystal!” Dmitri’s hand went to his throat but the crystal was gone. Instead it lay in Jani’s palm. “Jani, can I have it back? Please?”
“It’s ok Dmitri. I know why it’s so important to you. I knocked out the other bandit after you fainted. I don’t know why, but I took the crystal off you and I carried you back to the village. One of our guards has the sight and he said you were a demon. I had a hunch, so I put the crystal back on you and he could no longer sense your aura.”
“So you know.” Dmitri sighed. “But you were able to knock out the other bandit with a broken ankle and carry me back here? That’s impressive.”
“Well, I am a Pyromancer.” Jani smiled slightly. “And I’ve been training in self defense ever since I was small. Carrying you back was the hardest part. You shouldn’t have rushed in like that. I didn’t think a demon would try to save a human.” That’s right, she knew he was a demon, an esper now. This was it, the mission failed. He should have just left Jani to fend for herself and ran. She probably would have been able to handle it herself.
“So, when’s the execution?”
“We’re not executing the bandits, just throwing them in prison for a long time. You demons are sure used to brutal punishment.”
“No, not for them, for me.”
“What makes you think you’re being executed?”
“I’m an esper- I mean a demon. Isn’t that what humans do to demons? Why did you even bother healing me? So you could get credit for the kill instead of those bandits?”
“Dmitri…” Jani’s face fell. “Yes, the village wanted to execute you. But I convinced them to grant you a pardon for being, well, what you are. My grandmother is head of the village, after all.”
“I see. But why Jani?”
“Isn’t it obvious? You could have just left me to those bandits and ran, but instead you tried to save me. Granted, you didn’t help too much, but it’s the thought that counts.” Jani smiled slightly.
“So, I guess you guys want me out of here, right?” Dmitri pushed himself up in be to a sitting position.
“Well, yes. But,” Jani held out the crystal. “If you want this back, you’ll have to tell me why you’re really going to the capital.”
“Fine then, I’ll tell you what I know.” Dmitri sighed and slumped back into the head of the bed. If Jani could take care of that bandit when she had a broken ankle, he wouldn’t stand much of a chance against her fully healed. Besides, if he attacked her for the crystal the whole village would be after his head. “I belong to a group of espers, what we call demons, who are trying to end this war. They gave me this crystal and a message that’s supposed to be delivered, sealed, to the human king. They said they were sure I’d find allies there. I don’t really know much more than that.”
“Do your friends keep you in the dark like that all the time.”
“Yeah, and I don’t blame them. It’s important work, and I’m the kind of guy who wouldn’t be able to stand torture. I’d just give them away.”
“I don’t think you would.” Jani shook her head.
“Well, you don’t know me very well. Now the crystal, please?” Dmitri held his hand out expectantly.
“Fine.” Jani dropped the crystal into his waiting hand. “My grandmother was against it, but I was able to pack some food for your trip. And for me too, of course.”
“Wait, what!?” Dmitri almost jumped up out of his bed in shock. “You’re staying here. It’s dangerous, and besides, you’d just slow me down. No offense.”
“None taken, it felt like I was slowing you down when we were running away from those bandits. So I won’t be able to go as fast as you. So what? You still need me. Everyone knows that demons have weapons that they carry as smaller objects. I’m guessing those bracers are your weapons. That means you won’t be able to fight with your weapons without revealing what you really are. But I can fight.” Jani picked up the sword in the corner of the room. “I’ve been training with this sword ever since I could lift it. I didn’t think to bring it on my walk, but if I did we would have had a way easier time with those bandits. Also, if people see me lugging around a heavy weapon they’ll know I’m not a demon, and if you’re with me they’ll assume you aren’t one too.”
“You have a point, but why do you even want to go?” Dmitri asked.
“Because I want to end this war. My parents were both killed fighting on the front lines when I was small. I’ve seen friends go to the war and heard news of their deaths. We’ve all lost too many people in this war that’s been going on as for- I don’t even know how long! If there’s a chance I can help end it I’m willing to risk my life and everything I have on it. I’ve even considered the fact that you might be lying, but I still think it’s worth it to go with you.” Jani finished with a sharp breath, punctuating her rant.
“I see your mind is made up, no matter what I say.” Dmitri sighed. “We’ll go together.”
“That’s the spirit. C’mon.” Jani grabbed Dmitri’s wrist and pulled him up out of bed. “We should leave now, truth be told a lot of people in the village are uneasy with you here.”
“Right, I understand.” Dmitri nodded. “Let’s go.” Jani smiled and slung the claymore over her back. Together they walked out of the room and into the hallway. The house was bigger than Dmitri expected, but it seemed reasonable enough. Jani did say she was the granddaughter of the village leader. They walked down the stairs into an open room. An old woman, probably Jani’s grandmother, was sitting in a rocking chair, her eyes narrowed at Dmitri. There was a young boy, probably about ten years old, standing by the woman. He looked similar enough to Jani to be her brother. As Dmitri passed, the boy crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out, earning him a glare from Jani. She opened the door and the two of them stepped out into the sunlight.
Dmitri looked around him at the village. The house he just came out of was the biggest, but not by much. Most of the villagers were outside, and almost all of them were staring at him. It made sense, it wasn’t everyday a demon waltzed through the village. He was new to being the center of attention, and he hated it. All the eyes on him made his stomach queasy. He was grateful when they finally stepped out of the village gates and back into the shelter of the forest.
The next couple of days passed mostly without incident. They couldn’t travel as fast as Dmitri was used to, especially since Jani was lugging that huge sword. At night, as they lied down to sleep, he could hear her tossing and turning on the ground. She was obviously used to the soft beds in her house. He was beginning to regret taking her with him. Several times at night, when Jani slept but Dmitri lay awake, he debated leaving her and running off alone. They were still fairly close to her village, she could probably find her way back alone. But something kept him by her side. He couldn’t put his finger on it, he just attributed it to the haze his mind was in. Ever since the Knights of Nine had sent him to retrieve an artifact from a mausoleum, everything was just blurrier. It was probably just a spell the guardians of the mausoleum put on the place, something that would have a more severe effect on the more fragile minds of humans. He decided to just put it out of his mind for the moment.
It was the third day since they had set out from Jani’s village. According to Jani, they were only about a day away from a small settlement. It was fairly close to the front of the war, but it was on the way to the capital. The two walked along through the forest. Jani was being awfully quiet, Dmitri reflected. In most of his experiences with girls his own age, they were rather talkative. He was just about to strike up a conversation with her when he heard it. There was a snapping sound from about ten feet behind him. Instinctively he ducked as a bolt of lightning flew over him, barely avoiding the top of his spiked hair.
“Jani, be careful!” Dmitri yelled as he sidestepped and dodged another bolt of lightning. Whoever it was seemed to be focusing on him, Jani hadn’t gotten blasted at yet. Fortunately, Dmitri was faster and more agile than Jani, so he had an easier time dodging. Whoever was firing the lightning must be an experienced Aeromancer. He looked up, turned to face his opponents, and saw three young men standing before him. They were probably around his age, if not a few years younger. The one on the left had sparks coming from his fingers. He had blonde, almost white hair and blue eyes. The one in the middle had black hair spiked at the front and was carrying a long, thin sword. The one on the right had short black hair and carried a club. The man on the left stopped the crackling around his hand and turned to the one in the middle.
“Sorry Lyolen. This one’s quick.” Lyolen, the man in the middle, drew his sword.
“It’s alright Tiaris. I’ll get this one. You and Warris guard the hostage.”
“Hostage?” Jani asked, perplexed. “What are you talking about? We’re just travelers. I’m not a hostage.” Lyolen smirked at her.
“It seems the demon has bewitched her. I’ve heard of demons with the power over human minds, but I’ve never met one in combat.”
“What makes you think I’m a demon?” Dmitri took the opportunity to get back on his feet.
“We just came from Danser.” Warris, the one on the right said. Dmitri vaguely remembered Danser as the name of Jani’s town. “Turns out the granddaughter of the head of the village was abducted by a demon with a means to hide his aura from those with the sight. The descriptions they gave us matched the two of you. Especially your eyes.” Dmitri scowled and rubbed his eyes. Yet another reason to hate their mismatched coloring.
“So why don’t you take that crystal off your neck and let me take a look at you?” Lyolen grinned as his pupils expanded, showing he had the sight.
“Wait!” Jani yelled as she stepped, arms extended, in front of Dmitri. “So what if he’s a demon? He hasn’t done anything wrong.” Tiaris chuckled.
“Nothing wrong?” He kidnapped you!”
“No he didn’t, I left Danser out of my own free will.”
“Really?” Lyolen said as he peered at her. “Without telling anyone?”
“Jani! You didn’t tell anyone you were leaving with me!?” Dmitri gasped as he spoke.
“I should have, but I knew they would just try and stop me. I really didn’t think that one through, sorry.” Jani’s head drooped a little, then perked up again. “But he didn’t kidnap me, so now that that’s settled, can you leave us be?”
“Hmm, she’s bewitched worse than I thought.” Lyolen said as he ran a hand through his hair. “He might have used his ability to cause her to leave of what she thinks is her own free will.”
“Espers can’t bewitch people!” Dmitri shouted. “It’s impossible, there are no spells in any class that affect the mind that deeply.”
“Even if you’re telling the truth and the girl came willingly, you are a demon. And it’s our job to eradicate you.” Tiaris said as electricity shot from his fingers once again.
“I see.” Dmitri said. “Jani, get away from here. It’s going to get ugly.”
“No way.” Jani unsheathed her sword. “I knew we could get into fights when I left home, and I’m ready to stand by you.”
“This isn’t good, Tiaris!” Lyolen shouted with the air of a command. “Take care of the girl, it’ll be bad for us if we bring her home harmed.”
“Very well.” Tiaris reached out his hand and shot a bolt of blue electricity at Jani. She stood her ground, and in that moment Dmitri realized why. If she moved, he would have been hit instead. The electricity hit her with a sickening crackle. Streaks of blue lightning snaked around her body like ropes. She struggled, remaining on her feet.
“Dmitri, I can’t move!”
“It’s ok, I’ll take care of them.” Dmitri said, sounding more confident than he felt. If he killed the three men, the surrounding cities would send every soldier they could spare after his head. He doubted he could make it to the capital under those circumstances. He watched the men closely as Tiaris took a step back.
“Heh, binding the girl took more energy than I expected. I’ll have to sit this one out. You two can take him.” Warris nodded at Tiaris and turned to Dmitri.
“Right, demon, let’s move away from the girl. For some reason you seem to want her alive for now, and we want her to live. Tiaris will watch her.”
“You think I’m going to fall for that? He could just take her hostage.”
“Then what do you propose we do?” Lyolen narrowed his eyes at Dmitri, who sighed.
“I guess- this!” Dmitri stuck out his hand and sent a blast of pressurized water at the three men. He turned around, picked up Jani, slung her over his shoulder, and ran, leaving Jani’s sword behind. He made it about twenty feet before a bolt of lightning hit him in his upper right leg, causing him to fall and drop Jani who grunted in pain as she hit the ground.
“Nice shot Tiaris!” Lyolen called out as he ran forwards, sword in hand. Dmitri turned around just in time to deflect the blow with his metal bracers. He concentrated, and the bracers turned into glaives in his hands. Dmitri stood up in front of Jani and glared at the three men.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t let you kill me! There’s something I need to do first.”
“Oh really?” Lyolen leered. He rushed in high with his first strike which Dmitri blocked with his right glaive. Dmitri aimed a kick towards Lyolen’s kneecap which connected, bringing Lyolen down. As he fell, Lyolen slashed Dmitri’s midsection with his sword, cutting through Dmitri’s vest and leaving a shallow cut. Dmitri cried out in pain and moved forwards to head butt Lyolen. However, before he could, Warris hit Dmitri in the cheek with his club, sending him reeling off to the side. Tiaris shot a bolt of lightning that hit Dmitri square in his midsection. He fell backwards onto his back, and held his glaives up above his head just in time to block a downwards slash from Lyolen. Lyolen then turned his sword in dove downwards, slashing Dmitri on the arm. Dmitri tried to get up but was hit squarely on the head by Warris’ club. He fell, dazed, back on the ground. He could hear Jani yell something from her position lying behind him. He saw Lyolen raise his sword above his head. This wasn’t like before, this would be a blade to his head. There was nothing Jani or anyone else could do to make him recover from that. He tried to raise his glaives to block again but his arms weakly disobeyed him. This was it-
“Stop!” It was a woman’s voice, no, a girl’s. Lyolen turned to look at the speaker and he froze, his eyes wide in fear.