The earth quaked beneath them. Every breath in the air was heavy with killing intent. The mist that hung over the village of Tashi no longer felt peaceful it writhed like a living thing, sensing the rage, sorrow, and power that now collided within it.
Master Vince stood unmoving amid the chaos, his old eyes studying every motion the strike of Garron's fist, the arc of Sierra's blade, the flicker of Ryn's Shinrei as it fought between restraint and destruction. Behind him, the children Khael had been watching just minutes ago had vanished into the temple's shelter, the echo of their laughter replaced by the ringing clash of steel.
Khael clenched his sword tighter, the wind swirling violently around him. "We can't keep holding back, Master."
"I know," Vince murmured, setting down the teacup he had been holding as if finishing the last calm moment of his life. "But remember what I told you, boy, power without heart is only ruin."
