The dark-robed attackers immediately shifted their focus to the captain, unleashing a barrage of spells.
The captain raised his shield, which shimmered with a protective light, absorbing the blows.
Energy crackled against the shield, vibrating through his arm, but he held firm, refusing to yield an inch.
Behind him, his men hastened their preparations, guiding the carriage through the air, and edging it away from the crater.
Pushing forward with his large shield, he created an opening.
"Now, go!" he shouted over his shoulder.
They hesitated for only a heartbeat, then surged forward with the carriage, pushing it upward with all the strength their magic could muster.
Just then, one of the attackers sneered, "Stop them!"
His hand glowed with dark energy, readying a spell to strike down the escaping carriage.
"Not on my watch!" the captain bellowed, slamming his shield into the ground.
