The storm was so loud now, the drumming sounded like an army of rodents running across the rooftop. The glass in the ceiling rumbled and vibrated as if being bombarded by a waterfall. The slender man’s eyes began to glow a light blue as tiny bolts of yellow jumped back and forth between his extended hands. The jagged, staticky flashes seemed to absorb directly into his skin before leaping back in the other direction.
His voice rang out like a bell, “Ancient guardian, hear our call. The end of days will soon be upon. I awaken you from your peaceful slumber. Accept this vessel of flesh and blood, so you may walk amongst us once more.” Lightning bolts shredded the sky. The dark room was suddenly illuminated by nature’s fury, brilliant flashes of blue and green light. “Come back to the world of man, and show the darkness what true power really is!”
A single bolt of green streaked down from the sky and shattered the glass in the ceiling. No one looked up or even flinched while glass shards fluttered down around them. Their chanting continued undisturbed. Wind filled with rain droplets swirled around the room. Flapping hoods flew back, revealing illuminated eyes similar to Berkeni’s. Robes fluttered upward in the hurricane-like conditions.
* * *
The mysterious man easily parried a clumsy sword thrust, then countered with his left, opening the mercenary’s throat. Out of pure muscle memory and instinct, he immediately whirled into a five-strike counter. The prolonged assault did nothing more than shred an already dead man still on his feet. His corpse finally tumbled over the side, then hit the stone below with a wet smack. The endless line of mercenaries continued to advance up the steps, despite watching another of theirs fall.
The assassin was confident none of these men would pose any real threat one on one. Despite their numbers I can hold them here. As long as they keep coming one at a ti — Fire shot through his side. More on instinct than controlled movement, he raised his sword, intercepting the oncoming sword strike. The leather’s eyes grew wide with terror, knowing he had just failed to take advantage of the wounded assassin. A blinding whirl of steel made short work of the stunned man.
Backing up another step, the assassin saw the crossbow bolt lying at his feet. It had only grazed him, but left a rather serious gash. He spun his blades in a flashy blur of steel, which made the next man up leap back in caution. With a quick glance below, he saw the big man loading another bolt into his crossbow. The others surrounding him were notching arrows as well.
Fully aware of the warm blood running from his side, he glanced around, trying to decide if there was a better place to make a stand. No place to take cover, and I’m completely exposed. I can’t hold here much longer . The man in black was ready to give his life if necessary, but there had to be some logical chance of success. If he stayed here in the open, their arrows would tear him apart. What good would that do? I need to get back to the others. They must be warned .
He turned up the steps as another bolt whizzed past his ear, then snapped off the stone wall. Predictably, the others gave chase, thinking he was making a run for it. Timing it just right, the killer kicked backward with his heel, hitting the first advancing mercenary square in the chest. The powerful hit launched him backward, knocking several others over the side. Not looking back to see how much disruption was caused, the man in black bolted up the steps and down the hall.
* * *
Swirling winds spun violently around the room, leaves and dust giving life to the twisting spirals dancing about. A constant light show flickered about the room, bolts of green and blue streaking across the night sky. The men continued their chanting, somehow able to ignore all the commotion around them. Even the sounds of battle in the hall did nothing to break their apparent trances. “Guardian,