The battlefield trembled as Verath's towering form emerged from the ruins. His dark robes billowed like living shadows, and his staff crackled with tendrils of malevolent energy. The air around him seemed to grow colder, sapping the strength of those nearby.
'Kaedus,'
Verath hissed again, his voice echoing unnaturally across the battlefield.
'You're more persistent than I expected.'
Kade stepped forward, his sword gleaming faintly in the eerie light. His heart pounded, but he held his ground, gripping the hilt tightly.
'I'm not Kaedus,'
he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.
'But I'm here to finish what he started.'
Verath tilted his head, his hollow eyes narrowing.
'Ah, the impostor. How amusing. And yet, your commanders rally to you as though you are the real thing. What a delightful little farce.'
Thadric, standing nearby, hefted his axe with a growl.
'Enough talk. Let me at him.'
