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V4 - Chapter 17: Hasty Evacuation

Lily and Blondie soared on Tiamat's back high above the vast expanse of the ocean, their gaze fixed on the horizon. It wasn't long before their vigilance bore fruit. In the distance, Brittany emerged into view, a formidable force at the helm of an army of undead soldiers, their ranks bolstered by the eerie presence of Voidspawn creatures. A grim realization settled over Lily – the settlement near the coast, home to the descendants of the tribe of Benjamin, was in imminent danger.

Lily's heart raced as she comprehended the dire situation. Brittany's calculated advance indicated that the small fishing village was their target. Without hesitation, Lily's resolve solidified.

"We have to warn them!" Lily's urgent words punctuated the air, her fingers tightening their grip on Tiamat's reins. With a determined nod, she guided the dragon into a swift descent, wings slicing through the crisp morning air.

Tiamat responded with a surge of speed, the world below them rapidly coming into focus. The village was nestled near the coast, its humble abodes and huts dotting the landscape. As they drew closer, the villagers detected their approach, a wave of panic rippling through their midst. Yet, their attempt to escape was in vain – Tiamat's massive form landed before them, a testament to the power that now stood in their midst.

Fear gripped the hearts of the villagers, their terror palpable in the air. Lily wasted no time as she dismounted from Tiamat's back, her voice cutting through the tension.

"Please, don't be afraid!" Lily's words were imbued with sincerity, her eyes meeting those of the frightened townspeople. "We mean you no harm!"

Slowly, they began to gather around her, drawn by a mixture of curiosity and desperation.

"My name is Lily," her voice carried the weight of her mission, "I represent the Resistance. We are fighting against the Leviathan!"

The words reverberated through the crowd, disbelief and uncertainty etched across their faces. One man's voice rose above the rest, skepticism lacing his words. "The Leviathan? But that creature has never come this far north!"

Lily's response was swift and urgent, every syllable laden with the gravity of their situation. "That’s why I’m here. The Leviathan is leading an army of undead soldiers here as we speak. There’s little time! You must evacuate immediately! Get all of your children, and any animals that you can carry, and flee this place!"

A collective sense of urgency settled over the villagers. They exchanged glances, processing the reality of Lily's words. In the span of moments, their hesitation gave way to action. Carts and wagons were hastily loaded with supplies and children, and the exodus began.

Lily took to the skies once more, the wind whipping past her as she oversaw the evacuation. From her vantage point above, she spotted a group of Voidspawn, their ominous presence signaling Brittany's proximity. Lily's heart raced as she observed the town below, the villagers racing against time to secure their safety.

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"Run!" Lily's voice carried through the air, reaching the villagers even as they hurried along. "It’s not safe here!"

Her eyes darted back and forth, scanning the landscape. Brittany's forces were drawing nearer, the tension in the air thickening with each passing moment. Lily's stomach churned with a mix of anxiety and determination. She was risking everything to protect these innocent lives.

In the midst of the chaos, Lily kept Tiamat soaring high above, a vigilant guardian over the unfolding scene. As Brittany's caravan of Shadow Walkers reached the shore, Lily's gaze remained fixed on the distant spectacle. There was no cover from the open sky, but she remained confident that their distance was sufficient to avoid detection.

In this critical moment, Lily clung to the hope that the villagers' flight to safety would be successful. Their lives depended on it, and Lily was determined to see them out of harm's way, even if it meant staying hidden in the shadows, vigilant and prepared to act at a moment's notice.

Brittany's army surged into view, their numbers growing with each passing second. The undead were swarming like ants, their presence intimidating and menacing.

Lily's heart raced within her chest, her gaze fixed on the villagers' frantic yet organized efforts below. The beach was a flurry of activity as families hastily loaded carts with supplies, children clung to their parents, and the sense of urgency permeated the air. The fishing village was in motion, a symphony of survival conducted by the imminent threat they faced.

Beside her, Blondie sat astride Tiamat, her eyes wide with a mixture of anticipation and concern. "Look at them go," she whispered, her voice a blend of awe and admiration.

Lily nodded, a determined spark in her eyes. "They're doing what they need to do to protect their loved ones."

As Brittany's entourage of Shadow Walkers moved along the shoreline, their dark presence shrouded by their strategic positioning, the tension was thick, an invisible thread connecting every member of this unfolding drama.

"Keep a close eye on them," Lily murmured, her voice low yet charged with urgency.

Blondie nodded, her gaze unwavering as it followed the advancing Shadow Walkers. "They're getting closer. What if they find us?"

"Then we fight." Lily reassured, her voice laced with conviction.

Lily's heart raced as the minutes ticked by, each one bringing the villagers a step closer to their escape. Her fingers tightened around Tiamat's reins, her focus unrelenting. She could almost feel the villagers' desperation and determination coursing through her veins.

The Shadow Walkers continued their march, their purpose seemingly unwavering as they moved forward, their attention focused elsewhere. The villagers, in a hurried ballet of survival, slipped away, their departure unnoticed amidst the chaos that surrounded the Shadow Walkers.

Blondie let out a sigh of relief, "They're safe. We did it."

Lily smiled, a mix of triumph and relief. "For now. But our work is far from over."

Lily guided Tiamat to ascend. The snow beneath them fell away as they soared into the open sky, the rush of wind a constant reminder of the boundless possibilities and looming dangers that lay ahead.

"We've bought them time," Lily said, her voice carrying a sense of determination. "But the real battle still awaits us."

Blondie met Lily's gaze, her own resolve shining through. "We won't let them down."

As they gained altitude, the village below became a distant blur. Lily's heart surged with purpose, her determination unwavering.

"We'll face the Leviathan head-on," Lily declared, her voice strong and resolute.

Blondie nodded, a fierce determination in her eyes. "And we'll do whatever it takes to protect these people."

With the sky stretching out before them, a canvas of endless potential, Lily and Blondie surged forward, united in their shared purpose. The journey ahead would be treacherous, the path uncertain, but together they were prepared to confront the forces of darkness and change the course of their world.

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