The peaceful afternoon didn't remain peaceful forever. One of the lookout towers suddenly sounded a single horn.
The patrol instantly stopped. The captain raised one hand.
"Three corrupted from the north ridge."
The soldiers spread out automatically. Atheline followed their eyes.
Three twisted figures stumbled between the rocks, apparently separated from one of the larger groups.
The captain reached for his bow. Atheline gently raised a hand.
"May I?"
The captain looked toward Lord Helmer. His father nodded once.
"Go ahead."
Atheline stepped forward. He didn't even draw his weapon, a small sphere of compressed wind formed above his palm.
Lightning crackled briefly around it then he flicked his fingers. Three nearly invisible blades of wind shot across the distance.
The corrupted collapsed before taking another step. Silence returned afterwards as they all waited to see if another batch would come.
