Finding the Fallen

Chapter 22

As Merik turned back toward the battlefield, he saw the third group of normals ambling quickly in his direction. He checked the Air Servants on his left and right again, and even though it would have been easy for either of them to move in and attack, neither budged. At least getting the last group out would be easy. He had a feeling what happened after that would not...

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Kala moved toward Mira with a confidence she had not known she possessed up until that moment. She was tired of the conflict and wanted it to end. What better way to draw out Tannish than to dispatch another one of his beloved Captains? That should get his attention.

Remembering Mira's impressive stunt back in Charleston a few nights previous, Kala decided it might be worth a try. Rather than putting up a defensive shield of water as she approached Mira, Kala began building a suit of water, just as her opponent had done to protect herself when the ill-fated bar erupted in flames. The water formed a thin film around her body as she walked, shimmering in the dying fires scattered around the camp.

"What? You can't come up with your own tricks?" Mira called out, another large orb of water hovering over her left hand as she slinked closer.

"I was impressed with this one; thought I might try it myself. It's a compliment, really," Kala answered, her focus narrowing even further. She stopped short of her destination, choosing instead to wait for Mira to come to her.

She didn't have to wait long. Mira launched the orb, propelling it with remarkable speed and accuracy...straight at Kala's head. The orb elongated as it flew through the air, the distance providing time for it to morph into a blunt spear shape. As it neared Kala's position, it began to freeze.

Kala closed her eyes and concentrated on the spear of ice. When she opened her eyes again, it was gone.

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Sam knew this fight was Kala's, so once she was able to breathe normally again, she rose and made her way toward Logan, whom she had spotted on the opposite side of the camp. Looking back now, she nearly had a heart attack when she spied the ice spear zeroing in on Kala. Turning to yell a warning to her friend that likely would not make it to her ears in time, Sam was equally surprised to watch the spear disappear into the thin layer of water that now covered Kala's body from head to toe. It hadn't made impact; rather, it had melted seamlessly into the shimmering mass wrapped around her friend like a warm blanket.

"Damn," Sam mumbled to herself. A hand on her shoulder caught her attention. Logan stepped to her side and said, "I'm thinking she can take care of herself at the moment. I could use your help, though."

Sam allowed Logan to pull her away from the scene unfolding behind them. "I think I've found Tannish," he said as they dodged a series of fireballs that ploughed into the earth next to them. He dropped in behind a large boulder and pointed toward the entrance gates, or what was left of them.

One gate hung limply from a weak hinge while the other lay in a mangled heap on the ground. It was heavily damaged, probably the result of a large boulder crashing through it during the initial attack earlier. Just beyond the gate, Sam could make out a tall figure in the shadows. He stood silently, not moving an inch. Whoever he was, he made no attempt to join the fight inside the camp. Instead, he simply watched.

"Sonofabitch," Sam said, nodding her head. "I think you're right. That's got to be him. What do you want to do?"

"Draw him out," Logan said menacingly.

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Merik ushered the remaining residents inside the cave entrance and down the tunnel. He instructed them to stay clear of the camp until someone came to get them. No one complained. Most were badly shaken from their longer than expected wait to exit the battleground. Merik knew the farther away from the noise and sporadic explosions they were, the happier they would be.