Switcheroo!

Cyra was finally able to open her eye and the first thing she was was Noah's face as he dropped to the ground on his belly. She wanted to protest, saying she didn't need any help but was baffled to see his body.

His back was covered in arrows that were at least few inches deep inside his flesh. One of those arrows clearly penetrated his shoulders poking out from his collarbone. She couldn't believe that he was still breathing even after all that.

She knew that if he didn't shield her at that time, she would surely have died. It wouldn't have mattered if she was able to use her abilities but for now, she was a helpless girl on her enemies mercy.

Among all the chaos and people that were yelling and trying hard to take cover, she was able to drag her body into a corner to see what type of injury she was working with. Her master while training would often go crazy on them so she had her fair share of injuries but looking at her mangled leg, her hope of recovering diminished.

She was a proud sorcerer but that didn't mean she didn't know when she was beaten. Looking at the distance she could see some little girl helping her brother Bijan. His injuries looked even worse. When they came here, they never expected that it would turn out like this.

She was more angry that their own people would sneak attack putting both her and her brother in harm's way. But she knew they are going to regret their decision looking at the man in the air.

She could fully trust her master, as his barrier ballooned to cover the whole wall.

" Serves you right." She whispered feeling the warm hue over her whole body.

...

...

...

" What's it's going to be old man?" Mera shouted. Right then, they were bombarded by a hail of arrows.

Alastair was the first to jump into action. He picked up a wooden shield blocking the arrows coming his and his daughters way and yelled," Take cover!" Mera was startled at first but she repeated the same sentiment, trying to get villagers to safety.

" Noah!" Mera turned back concerned about him since he looked battered after his fight.

" He is doing much better than I anticipated." Alastair commented waiting for the volley of arrows to end.

" Maybe too well. He is practically hugging her!" She growled looking at him carry Cyra toward the shelter. He didn't even bother to see if Mera was fine or not?

" Don't tell me you are jealous?" Alastair's alarm rings started blaring. He couldn't even imagine her daughter being with someone, that was out of question for him!

" Please, he is too weak. If he became stronger than I can at least consider him a real man."

" Good." Alastair breathed a sigh of relief it was good his daughter had sky high expectations. That should help her stay single for the rest of her life! Noah was already at intermediate level sorcerer, at least that's what his perception was when he beat up those two.

High level sorcerers like Flame emperor were rarer in these parts so the luck of anyone of them taking fancy to his rough daughter was slim to none!

" He is already staggering, I don't think he could fight anyone in this state." Alastair kept bringing people to safety while he took a look at Noah across the wall. If Flame emperor did attack right now, he was confident in repealing him but it would come at a grave price coupled with the fact that there were hundred soldiers remaining, he would have a hard time protecting Mera. 

Mera can see the worry in his eyes, she smiled and said," Don't worry about anything. Just make sure our people don't die."

" What do you mean? Do you have a plan?" He was surprised to see her remaining so calm when their odd of winning is abysmal. 

" Yes, he will protect us. The flame emperor!"

Before Alastair could ask why, he saw the ball of light rising into the air extending his flame wall all across the gate.

" See? That's what happens when one makes a rash decision. Since his people are here, he wouldn't let them die and if only protected them it would only make him an accomplish in this sneak attack. The pride of someone like him triumphs all logic!"

She was right, he not only protected the entire wall but even the people of the village. They still had to watch for cloud of hot ash coming their way, layering the whole place grey.

" Flame Emperor! Are you trying to deny lord's orders? Don't you remember who is paying you!? Our Merchant Guild wouldn't take your disrespectful actions lightly!" Chaucer yelled out. He was hoping for him to take action not to protect the enemies. If he lashed out and destroyed the gate, they would be able to enter the village smoothly!

The most idiotic thing was the archers, he didn't know who was commanding them but they were too forward with their attack. They didn't have any brain to at least avoid hitting their own allies! Is this the famous archer division of the Sablethorn's army? They are worse than trash!

" I don't take orders from you. Getting me and my people involved in this ugly fight is the worst mistake of your life."

" Old man! Think before you say your next words. If you don't stop, the consequences will be severe." Commander Sablethorn shouted.

" I will say the same thing. Turn back now or.." He unleashed his flames making, the ground began vibrating as the plants around the army began to vapourize. All the soldiers took a step back realizing the danger.

" I will remember this humiliation!" Sablethorn knew if he didn't turn back, his army would be devastated. Having his ultimate weapon turn on him was the worst thing that could happen during any skirmish!