Chapter 313: Cairn’s Onslaught

Chapter 313: Cairn’s Onslaught

The valley tribesman surrounded Stryg and Ismene in a loose circle, careful to not get too close to the terrifying old woman. Vaughn watched her cautiously and kept an eye on her hands for any quick movements.

I said stand up, Stryg, Ismene muttered, though she did not look at him. Her beige eyes stared at Vaughn with a steely edge.

Stryg glanced at the mutilated bodies of the orc guards who had stood by his side mere seconds ago. He dug his hands into the dirt and clenched his teeth tight in frustration, I I couldnt

This is no time to wallow in self-pity, Ismene said. Right now your friends and family need you.

Stryg looked up with a dawning realization, Theyre surrounding the mansion!

You know what must be done, Ismene said. So what will you do?This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Stryg pushed himself to his feet and bared his fangs at the tribesman around him. Ill fight. I will never stop fighting.

Ismenes lips curled into a small smile, Ill make an opening for you. Get to our people and keep them safe. Ill handle the ones here.

And what makes you think Ill let either of you go? Vaughn called out.

Ismene looked him dead in the eye and shot a storm spell behind her. The lightning branched around Stryg and electrocuted all the warriors at their rear. The valley men and women couldnt even cry out as their bodies seized up and were burned from the inside out. The other tribesmen screamed as they watched their comrades smoking corpses fall to the ground.

Stryg sprinted away before any of the tribesmen could react.

Vaughn blinked and licked his lips dryly, Ah I see. Youre the fabled Tempest Archmage.

And youre the bastard who killed my students, Ismene said icily.

Vaughn sighed bitterly, This is really turning out to be more difficult than I had hoped.

Did you think wed leave the Ebon Aspirant unguarded, unprepared?

Not at all. I just didnt think Id be encountering the Aspirant tonight, Vaughn said lamentingly.

Her eyes widened, Youre not here for the boy? Then why are you?

Who knows? he said wistfully.

Blue tendrils of electricity curled up Ismenes arms. Your purpose here will not change anything. You are all going to die tonight.

We dont need to do this. Youre not the only arch-mage here, Vaughn raised his arms to the sides, And I am the one with an army.

And Im the one with a purpose and the will to see it through, Ismene smiled menacingly, What more do I need?

...They killed him so I killed them, he mumbled with a snarl.

Tauri winced sympathetically, ...Im sorry, Stryg. We should have never left you and the other students that night.

She reached and gently placed her hand on his shoulder, I know. And you have every right to be angry, to be in pain, to mourn but right now I need your help to protect the ones still with us. I need your head clear. I need your help, Stryg.

He slowly looked up at her and his eyes slowly lit with recognition. Tauri Youre okay?

Of course, Im okay. Did you think a few savages could kill me? she winked playfully, though her voice was strained.

The others? Stryg jumped to his feet, Wheres my tribe?!

If youre referring to Feli and Rhian, theyre upstairs with my family. Theyve probably barricaded themselves in my mothers study. Tauri looked around the corpses forebodingly, But if its anything like here, theyll need our help.

We need to move, Stryg surmised.

The sooner the better, Tauri nodded. She glanced at the few remaining guards, Stryg and I will go on ahead with our agility spells. Try to find more of our men and rally them to your lord before its too late.

Yes, mistress! the guards shouted in unison.

~~~

Stryg and Tauri ran through the 2nd-floor corridors, searching for their families, but they found no one save the dead bodies of guards and valley warriors alike.

As they headed for the third floor Elena suddenly appeared, rushing down the stairs.

Elena!? Tauri cried happily.

Sister! Elena jumped into her sisters arms and tried to pull her away.

What happened? Where are the others? Where are you going? Tauri asked breathlessly.

We have to leave! Dads lost it again! Elena yelled fearfully.

Oh no Tauris face paled. Were too late.

Stryg frowned, What do you mean Lord Krall has lost it?

Angry, guttural laughter echoed from upstairs.

What was that? Stryg glanced around cautiously.

A berserker whos lost control, Tauri said grimly.