As the last of the attackers fell, a figure stepped out from the trees. He was tall, his armor black and polished, and his face hidden behind a dark mask. His presence sent a chill through the air.
"Who are you?" Corliss demanded, her sword raised.
The man didn't answer. Instead, he raised his hand, and a wave of energy surged toward the group. Arteja barely had time to react, throwing herself to the ground as the force tore through the clearing.
When she looked up, the man was moving toward them, his blade glowing with dark energy.
"Get the nobles out of here!" Corliss shouted. "Arteja, Lirael, with me!"
Arteja pushed herself to her feet, gripping her spear tightly. The man was unlike any opponent she had faced before. His movements were precise, almost effortless, as he closed the distance between them.
Corliss struck first, her sword clashing against his blade. The impact sent sparks flying, but the man barely flinched. He countered with a powerful swing, forcing Corliss back.
Arteja moved in, her spear thrusting toward his side. He dodged with ease, his blade flashing toward her. Arteja blocked the strike, the force of it numbing her arms.
Lirael attacked from the other side, her sword aiming for his neck. The man caught her blade with his gauntlet, twisting it out of her hand and sending her stumbling back.
"Stay focused!" Corliss yelled, lunging at him again.
Arteja circled around, looking for an opening. The man was fast, but he couldn't focus on all three of them at once. As Corliss and Lirael engaged him, Arteja struck from behind, her spear aimed at his back.
The man turned at the last second, his blade deflecting her attack. He kicked out, catching Arteja in the chest and sending her sprawling.
"Arteja!" Lirael shouted, rushing to her side.
"I'm fine," Arteja gasped, pushing herself up.
The man advanced, his blade raised for the final strike. But Corliss stepped in, her sword blocking his attack with a deafening clang.
"Go!" Corliss shouted. "I'll hold him off!"