I struggled weakly, but a large, gauntleted hand gripped my arm, jerking me back. My staff vanished in a cloud of stars as it hit the ground. The blade at my throat was cold and heavy, much more than any knife had a right to be. It slid easily across my skin, drawing a single bead of blood. The scent of cinders burned through the noxious fumes, scorching my lungs.
Borealis shrieked, diving at Jessia, but an arrow flitted through the night, streaming crackling lightning. A half-dozen fire bolts followed, each radiating sixth-level power. He split into a dozen projections, evading the attacks, but was forced to swerve back.
Across the meadow, Hag finally broke my wards. R'lissea threw herself aside, but her nails raked across her thigh, slashing through dress and skin, turning her skin black and purple. R'lissea screamed, dropping to her knees.
Jessia stirred, pulling me back a step, and said, "What the hell is going on here?"
