A thin line of blood escaped his lips as the strain of holding back further healing clashed with the urge to fight.
Nearly thirty percent of his injuries had healed, yet only half his ether energy remained. If he chose combat now and suffered further injury, recovery would not be so simple.
Elder Isar stepped forward urgently.
"Grand Elder, give her what she wants," he pleaded. Fear trembled beneath his voice.
Wrynn added his support, though it tasted bitter.
"We know nothing about that weapon. Earlier, my arrow barely scratched it. A hundred thousand gold is heavy, but we can recover within weeks. The Emperor will not ignore the ones who attacked two major Houses."
His earlier confidence had evaporated in the face of unfamiliar destruction. Now, he thought strategically. Imperial authority could become their weapon later.
From behind them came a desperate cry.
"Father!"
Brelan Dawn ran forward, armor cracked but body intact.
