Chapter 74: Two Pronged Attack
Fortunately, the spell did not cover the entire area instantly. It began from the Nighthral’s immediate surroundings and spread outward like a slow, suffocating tide. Although it failed to pierce the protective barrier of Aetherthorn, its effects looked grim for Queen Elarya and her crew.
"Oh no..."
"Run!"
"Hurry! Grab those who are still trapped in the illusions! " Elarya commanded, swinging her golden thorn spear to shatter the black spikes lunging toward them. Yet as soon as she broke them, they regrew almost instantly, one lashing so close it nearly grazed her head.
"Darn it..." She stepped back sharply, retreating with her warriors. As much as she wanted to reach the safety of Aetherthorn, the wall of living thorns blocked every path, waiting to impale anything that tried to break through.
"Hurry everyone! Do not stop!" she shouted while dragging along disoriented warriors who had yet to shake off the hallucinations caused by the domain. With their movement spells suppressed, they were painfully slow. The black thorns kept closing in, and it was only a matter of time before they were forced to the edge with nowhere left to run.
’I can escape using the Velzar trees... but my warriors would never make it in time.’
As if reading her thoughts, Rhiki appeared beside her. "Queen Mother, leave us and save yourself! I know you can escape through the Velzar trees. Please go now!"
"Yes, Queen Mother! If you die here, our sacrifice will mean nothing!" another soldier added.
"Please, Queen Mother! Leave us! Do not worry about-"
"SILENCE!" Elarya’s voice thundered as she gritted her teeth.
"Do you think I have the audacity to face my people if I abandon you all here?" she said, her voice firm, unwavering.