The deafening sound coming from the pulsing shield and Iosif's thunderous voice cut through the chaos on North Avenue like a sharp blade. The combination forced the fighting crowd to turn their heads. The hands that were about to fall upon their enemies stopped midair, uncertain whether to break more noses or return to their places. It was as if a magical force had momentarily silence the trading waves of fists and kicks.
The turmoil finally subsided, allowing Iosif to finally take a clear look at the scene before him. Strewn across the stone floor were dozens of people, groaning in pain and smeared by their own blood. Most of them were citizens and city guards of Eisenburg, who had confronted the barbarians without an ounce of experience in fighting or hunting. They had dashed without considering their difference in size; some women were taller than most men, and the elders were even bigger.
