Role

Chapter 4

Lasentia managed to stand, the pain of her injury lessened by the presence of
Issandril's own determination. They looked on as in a whirlwind of dark steel
the two elves were gradually torn asunder by the man's frenzied strikes. Ina
moment their lifeless bodies collapsed at his feet and his eyes turned to
them.

Lasentia's hand drew the shortsword she carried, managing to get a firm grip
on it despite her injury. She moved to take a stance but felt a familiar hand
hold her back. "Lasentia, this will not be your fight." Issandril's eyes
never left sight of the dark man, but his voice was steady and calm, an
impressive feat given his injury and the apparent dire situation they were
in. "I will buy you the time you need. There is yet enough life in these old
bones to see to that." As the aged elf dashed forward towards the waiting man
his crescent pin seemed to flare with energy, a reflection of its owner's
will.

A ball of fire conjured from the man's hand flared towards the elf and
sprayed against him, but somehow the elf charged through it, the burns not
slowing him a step. The man than dashed forward and the two clashed in a
spray of sparks as swords struck against one another in a dizzying series of
strikes. Lasentia could only stand and watch, awed by the elder's prowess.
"Leave here Lasentia, NOW!" Issandril's voice was consumed with rage, enough
to jolt Lasentia back to reality. A moment too late, as another ball of fire
exploded against her chest.

The air was hot in her lungs as she coughed to get the smoke and smell of
burnt flesh out of her. She crawled towards the brush, moving as fast as she
could from the sounds of the battle. She crawled through bushes and tangles
of thick vines, pressing herself forward with the energy panic and the fear
of death had instilled. For minutes she went, until the sounds of the battle
were gone from her ears, perhaps from distance, perhaps because it had ended,
she could not tell. Two of the Crescent Shadows were dead. Likely Issandril
as well. With that thought her body collapsed to the ground and she passed out.