Chapter 379: Uncontrollable Calamaty
While parents shielded the eyes of their children from the gruesome display that bore no resemblance to honorable combat, a deeper horror rippled through those members of the audience who had enough training in sorcery to understand what was going on.
Ropati hadn’t suddenly become twice as strong, though he had gained at least half of the fallen Uksel’s power. Like burning embers, that power would fade over time until Ropati was left little different than he was now. Any gains he harvested from his companion’s death would only last for a single battle.
Captain Lennart and others from the Vale of Mists could see a familiar, fatalistic honor in such a sacrifice. In war against the Lothians, many of the Vale’s soldiers felt that they could use such desparate magic if it allowed them to protect their homes and loved ones. But to see it used by people intent on capturing one of the newest protectors of the home they loved...
Words couldn’t describe the palpable wave of anger and hatred that radiated from Lennart, Virve and any of their companions watching from outside of High Lady Erna’s private box, but anyone standing within a few feet of them quickly moved aside lest they find themselves an accidental target of that explosive rage.
On the first floor of the arena, several guards stepped forward, tugging at the sleeves of their patrons and encouraging them to pull back from the rail and take seets towards the back of the venue if they insisted on staying to watch.
"I don’t know what they’re doing, master," one loyal servant wearing ornate but highly functional armor told the visiting lord mayor of a nearby town. "But if it’s like the fireball from the beginning, there’s a chance the people here could be badly wounded."
"I’m not a coward, Vestil," the mayor snapped, raising up on his serpentine tail and turning his dark, unblinking eyes on his bearish guardian. "I won’t be seen cowering from these animals who profane the arena with their fanaticism!"
"Not cowering, master," his guard pleaded. "But remembering to preserve your own life so that you may continue to fight for your town and protect your people. Look, Lord Mayor Teague has already withdrawn to the refreshment tables. Perhaps you could join him there?"
"You’re serious, aren’t you Vestil?" The serpentine mayor said with a dark frown. "Very well, since Mayor Teague has already stepped aside, then I can join him for a cup of wine..."