The second silhouette dissolved a split second later, vanishing so cleanly that the Gnomes half-convinced themselves it had never been more than a trick of the residual light and smoke.
Varg and the others reacted at once, each calling their puppets closer. Elemental energy flared around them as they prepared to finish whatever remained of the threat. They knew it was impossible for that attack to end Old Humphrey, and were ready to kill him. The second shadow also made them wary.
At that precise moment then air beside Odelia rippled and Void appeared. Void had been absent throughout the earlier fighting; his sudden presence startled her.
The cat lifted his head and spoke in a low, clear voice that only the three women could hear.
"Be ready."
