"Humph. Of course, we should. Let's see who takes that unsavoury barrier down first."
The inferno of dark flames followed Adam's snort. In the blink of an eye, their protective cover, unbearable heat, and boundless appetite vanished. But not quite.
Rather, they condensed into a lusterless ball of pure plasma, heavy enough to bend space around it. A corona of scarlet lights ringed it, making it look as if a sizzling eclipse had risen in his palm to glow on the vaporised forest.
Garduck watched, the corner of his lips rising. "I guess I'll take you on that bet."
He unsheathed his new broadsword, a green runed masterpiece forged by Muramasa, his voice thundering through the dazed army. "Do you think we came for a picnic? Wake up!"
Gawain and Merlin snapped out of their dazes first, followed by the seven generals. Ashamed, they cleared their throats before relaying the command in loud vociferations.
