Pain seized in his chest where the arrow tore through flesh and bone. He gasped as a sharp stab shot through him. “Baylin?” Ferric asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Just hold on. We’ll get you to Master Keon.” “Why bother?” Cadman laughed. “It would make my job a lot easier if he would go ahead and die.” “You bastard.” Ferric drew his sword and ran for Cadman. “This is all your fault!” The sound of their swords crashing filled the air. “No,” gurgled Baylin from the ground nearby. Luana ran to him, falling to her knees next to him. “Baylin, oh Baylin! Just hold on, we can help you. The battle is over, it’s done.” “No,” Baylin repeated. “Ferric, no.” Luana cried out to Ferric. “You must stop! He wants you to stop.” Ferric warily lowered his sword, keeping his eyes on Lord Cadman. Cadman returned in kind. “Why would you have me stop?” Ferric asked. “What could possess him to spare this snake?” “Please. Come.” Baylin lifted a hand, motioning for Ferric and Cadman to come toward him.
