The rock creature stood two men tall and nearly as broad. Complex joins rotated like clockwork as it stepped forward and reached out. Emblazoned in its palm was a star, and within an orb spun, which grew brighter as it picked up speed.

“Run,” Akisane said. He didn’t know if it was his idea or Darsun’s, but he swung, and the blade left his had to complete a distant arc before returning to his grasp.

The blade left a scratch on the rock but nothing deep enough to cause damage. Magic is just energy, and there are ways around every safeguard.

I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me.

A rock fist wooshed past Akisane’s head, and he realized his face would have become a pancake if it had connected. No, it would have been more like porridge. The thing was so fast and heavy that a single touch could kill.

Akisane knew better than anyone that magic was energy. After all, telekinesis came to those like himself without formal training. But it was weaker than any of the focused abilities that the knights possessed. Where they could build towers of ice or flame, all he could do was nudge his brother off the parapet.

Then Bahram moved his arms in arcane gestures, and a sheet of ice formed beneath the creature’s feet. Did he use the same magic as the knights? The Black Order taught that distinct types of magic existed and were like oil and water, which might have a grain of truth for some magic, but most were merely a different arrangement of the same underlying phenomenon. At least, that’s what he came to believe now that he felt Bahram’s use of power.

Shank turned back to face the fight. “You said run. Why are you fighting?”

As Bahram’s hand rose, the ice crackled along the ground and spread to his feet. “Akisane, go with them. I’ll hold it off.”

The sorcerer would sacrifice himself? Akisane reeled. He never expected anyone not under compulsion of duty to give their life for him. He was no longer following the Duke, and no one had any duty to fight for him to the death.

Bahram hit the creature with a gust of wind, but it was so heavy that it didn’t slip on the ice. “The elemental druids were truly powerful.”

Akisane put everything he had into a blast. It wasn’t of wind but pure energy, and when it impacted the rock body, a leg slipped, its balance shifted, and the creature crashed to the ground in a heap. However, he was under no illusion that this would end the fight.

A beam of light shot from the creature’s palm but passed harmlessly overhead. Though far in the distance, a stalactite fell and exploded, sending echoes like thunder in the underworld.

Akisane’s thoughts raced, looking for a strategy as the creature regained its feet. Can you cut through the rock?

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I can do more than you can imagine. But I was left bereft of power, an empty vessel, for an eternity in this prison. You stopped me when I went to drink from the crowds in Dunaguard. Let me drain these people who follow you now, and I can end this.

Darksun wanted to drain his friends, as well as Hawk and Lopside. On the one hand, better one survived than none, but this ragtag group meant something to him now. He could identify with them, could relax around them like he could with no one else. No, I’m not willing to make that sacrifice.

Then this sorcerer only. He is strong.

Sacrifice one man to save everyone in the group? That was a tougher proposition to dismiss. Akisane had to consider it, especially if he listened to the training he’d received since childhood. The Duke would have him make the sacrifice without thought, and that’d been drilled into him so deep that that’s what almost happened. Instead, he chose a compromise. Not yet, but if we are losing, then I will sacrifice his life.

Be careful. If the creature kills him…

I know.

Darksun’s edge bit into the rock, but the cut wouldn't split the rock no matter how much force Akisane applied. With each swipe, the sword flashed preternatural darkness and left the creature striped like a tiger, but the only thing slowing it was ice. He skidded down a patch and hit the beast with another blast, but it didn’t fall. The fight would soon exhaust the Duke’s son.

The Core Shield slammed against the chain, and Thailoc roared. Even the rock creature stopped to look at the incredible spectacle. Lava erupted and rained down, and the companions rushed for cover.

A blob hit the rock creature in the side of the face and hardened there. Still, it experienced no pain, and it didn’t slow. It rushed forward and hammered down at Akisane, but just when the fist grew in his vision, Lopside’s mallet collided with it, and the fist fell aside.

Lopside shot forward and hammered over and over again. The creature absorbed blows to the face and arms, and it sent it soaring back.

When it fell on its back, Amat grabbed a leg, and sinew rippled on his arms as he dragged the creature over the ice and tossed it downhill toward the fire lake. Perhaps it would have melted there.

But it caught itself at the shore, and its foot dipped into the liquid and smoked there. It dragged itself uphill.

The two giant men could barely stand after expending so much energy.

Akisane looked at Bahram. He would have to do it. The creature didn’t tire and would kill them all. “Forgive me.”

Bahram looked at him, puzzled. “This is no time to give up.”

Akisane dropped his gaze; this wasn’t easy. Before he gave Darksun the command to feast on Bahram, the burning eyes of Thailoc landed on him.

Words crashed into Akisane’s mind like an avalanche. BRING ME MY SWORD, AND I WILL DEVOUR YOU AND NOT THE WHOLE WORLD.

Level: 17

Vertical Rings: 7

Focus: Telekinesis

Secondary focus: Shadow walker, fire walker

Weapons: Darksun Sword - 85% corrupt, decay+12