The Mists of Sorrow_ Book Seven of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [233]
Then it seems as if time stops as every eye turns toward them. The arm of Ozgirath is poised to plunge the dagger into Tinok’s chest as he looks to see those who have dared to intrude upon his domain. His yellow eyes flash as he sees the Star where it shines in Miko’s hand. Only for the space of a heartbeat does the world seem to stop before it once again resumes.
Kill them and take the Star!
His warrior priests draw their swords and the prickling sensation spikes as they move toward James, Miko and Brother Willim. Then just as he turns back and is about to plunge the dagger in Tinok’s chest to complete the binding of the gate, Jiron comes from behind him and kicks with his foot the hand holding the dagger. The blow causes the dagger to fly free of the hand and sail through the air toward the dome. When it hits the dome’s surface, there’s a flash and the dagger is gone.
Noooooooooo!
Ozgirath turns his eyes onto the man who cost him his dagger. A wave of energy lashes out from him and strikes Jiron. It picks him up and throws him further back into the cavern. The warrior priest who had brought Tinok before Ozgirath still stands there holding him. Dmon-Li’s High Priest moves forward and grasps the hilt of the warrior priest’s sword. Pulling it from its scabbard, he raises it high to strike Tinok and add his blood to the others to complete the spell.
As the sword descends toward Tinok’s breast, a shimmering field springs up around him. The sword connects with the shield and rebounds back. Anger erupts within Ozgirath. Returning the sword back to the warrior priest he says, When the shield falls, strike. There’s very little time left.
The warrior priest nods and stands ready.
Turning to the mage who unwittingly helped him to reach this goal, he now turns the full might of his power against him. Energy crackles around him as he summons the power of his god.
When Jiron had managed to remove the dagger from the dark one’s hand, James had almost shouted in glee. Then his jubilation left him quickly when he saw the five warrior priests turn their attention on him, Miko and Brother Willim.
Magic erupts from the Star as Miko begins speaking once more in the tongue none other understands. Lances of light shoot forth from the Star and strike the approaching warrior priests with devastating results. Knocked backward several feet, they quickly recover. Then a dark miasmic cloud forms before them and rushes forward.
The green glow surrounding Brother Willim intensifies as he works to counter the malignant magic being turned to bear upon them. How he wishes the other members of the Hand were with him now, he sorely needs them. Then out of desperation, he sends forth a message, “Little Brothers! Asran needs you this day!”
Throwing a handful of seeds toward a dark miasmic cloud billowing its way toward them, he prays to Asran to give the earth spirits courage. As the seeds blossom into green tendrils that begin absorbing the cloud, Little Brothers fill the air as they jump from the steps above and race to his aid.
Jiron shakes off the effects of the blast and regains his feet. A moment’s glance shows him Tinok encased in one of James’ barriers, the Little Brothers launching themselves from high up on the stairs, and James, Miko and Brother Willim fighting for their lives against five warrior priests and the dark figure whom Brother Willim named Ozgirath.
Seeing as how Tinok is in no immediate threat from the sword held in the hand of the warrior priest so long as James’ shield remains in effect, he rushes toward where James and the others are under attack.
At first dozens, then scores of Little Brothers appear and swarm toward the combatants. None go near Ozgirath, instead they wash over the warrior priests like a tide. Their tiny claws scratching away at any exposed skin that isn’t covered by armor. Even the armor of the warrior priests begins to show signs of their attack.
Four of the warrior priests bear the brunt of their assault. Their swords move incredibly fast as they strike out and cleave