* * *
Back to present -
There was a hint of uncertainty in the eyes of the soldiers before me. Perhaps they were uneasy about attacking a lone, unarmed Terran, or maybe it was because Ari was not authorized to command them. Whatever the reason, they hesitated. Ari, however, did not. He advanced, his arm rising, and as he did, I let Cursebane fall into my grip. Something dark and menacing crackled and sped towards me.
