The Book of Magikai (Short Fantasy Martial Arts Stories)

Bonds Beyond Time: Chapter Five

Just as Vallin prepared to deliver the final blow to the enforcer, a sudden flash of blinding light erupted from her hands, engulfing the clearing in a dazzling brilliance. Vallin instinctively shielded his eyes, but the searing brightness was overwhelming. He stumbled back, disoriented, as the world around him faded into a blur.

"Damn it!" Kallin roared, his voice echoing in the chaos. "Where did she go?"

The enforcer seized the opportunity, her silhouette darting away from the fray, slipping into the shadows. Vallin's heart raced as he struggled to regain his vision, the light still dancing in his eyes.

"After her!" Amarie shouted, her voice strained as she tried to orient herself. But before they could react, a new presence emerged from the darkness, a figure cloaked in robes that shimmered with arcane symbols.

"Stop right there!" the figure commanded, his voice resonating with authority. Vallin blinked, finally focusing on the newcomer-a powerful Sorcerer Mage, Damien. His hands were raised, crackling with energy as he channeled his magic.

The enforcer, realizing she was being pursued, attempted to flee, but before she could escape, Damien unleashed a binding circle of shimmering runes that erupted from the ground, encircling her in a brilliant glow. The enforcer's eyes widened in panic as the magic constricted around her, immobilizing her movements.

"No!" she hissed, struggling against the magical bonds. "You won't take me!"

Damien stepped forward, his expression calm and collected. "You're not going anywhere," he declared, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the enforcer. "You're going to answer for your crimes."

Vallin shook off the remnants of the blinding light, relief flooding through him as he regained his senses. "Damien! You're just in time, old friend," he said, stepping closer to the binding circle. "We were about to lose her."

Kallin laughed heartily, clapping Damien on the back. "Nice work, mage! That was some impressive magic!"

Amarie moved to stand beside Vallin, her sword still drawn but now aimed at the enforcer. "What do we do with her now?" she asked, her voice steady.

The enforcer glared at them, defiance etched on her features. "You think this will hold me? You're fools to believe you can stop the Shadow Priest!"

Damien raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her threats. "We'll see about that. But first, we need to extract information from you. You'll tell us everything you know about the cult and its plans."

Vallin nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. They had the enforcer trapped, and with Damien's magic, they had a chance to uncover the truth behind the Shadow Priest's sinister intentions.

"Let's get her tied up properly," Vallin suggested, glancing at Kallin and Amarie. "We need to ensure she can't escape again." As they moved to secure the enforcer, Vallin felt a renewed sense of hope. With Damien's arrival, their chances of uncovering the cult's secrets had significantly increased.

****

As the enforcer struggled against the binding circle, her defiance remained palpable. Vallin and the others secured her further, ensuring she couldn't escape. Damien stepped forward, his demeanor shifting as he prepared for the interrogation. The air around him crackled with dark energy, a palpable tension that sent shivers down Vallin's spine.

"Let's see how resilient you really are," Damien said, his voice low and filled with a chilling calmness. He extended his hand, and shadows coiled around his fingers, pulsating with an ominous glow.

"What are you doing?" Vallin asked, a sense of unease creeping in. He had always believed in the power of knowledge over brutality, but he was beginning to see a different side of Damien.