The roar of the flames echoed like a hellish chorus. The fire had no master, no mercy—and Kael knew he couldn't control it for long. But for now, he was the wall.
The heat seared his skin even through his bloodstained armor. Sweat dripped down his face, mixing with the dust and dried blood. He raised his sword and took a deep breath, letting the heat seep into his lungs until it nearly burned them.
On the other side, through the firelit trees, figures appeared. Men running, shadows with torches and raised weapons. The roar of the fire drowned out most of the sound, but Kael could still hear the shouted orders:
"Catch him! Don't let him escape!"
The first ones rushed through the smaller flames, coughing in the smoke. There were three men, armed with spears.
