Kieran raced into the temple and down the stairs. When he emerged from the temple, he faltered as his eyes took in the destruction of the city. Piles of stone rubble lined the streets where shops and trade stalls used to be. Everything that was flammable was burning, including the forest on both sides of the city. Elven bodies littered the streets, and small boats were ferrying humans to the quay. Several strong blasts struck the temple, sending showers of stone over the steps. Kieran reflexively ducked as slivers of stone rained down upon him. Suddenly, the priest stepped out of the door of the temple. His white robes were covered in blood and one of his eyes was swollen shut.
“Run, Kieran,” commanded the priest. “Run with every shred of your energy. Go now.”
Kieran stared with horror at the old priest. He immediately turned and raced down the steps of the temple and into the forest behind it.
Chapter 1
In the Land of Humans
The Balomar soldiers halted in front of the inn, which was several hours ride from the Khadoran city of Chantise. The cortain rose in his saddle and silently issued orders to his men. One squad of twenty soldiers rode past the inn and positioned themselves on the road to the east. Another squad turned and blocked the road to the west.
“Is this really necessary?” Lord Oktar questioned. “We have no right to block the road.”
“I promised Marshal Berman that I would take every precaution,” replied the cortain. “As soon as we determine that the inn is safe, our men will unblock the road. I will keep a few men posted on the road to make sure that no armies are approaching, but the rest will make camp behind the building.”
The lord of the Balomar clan nodded with resignation as the cortain issued orders to the third squad of soldiers under his command. Four soldiers dismounted and approached the inn. Two went around to the rear of the building while the other two opened the front door and entered. Within moments the soldiers returned with Marshal Berman in tow. The marshal paused outside the front door of the inn as his eyes swept the area to note the position of the Balomar troops. He nodded with approval as he approached Lord Oktar.