'Fight them!' Melcorka yelled and saw a disturbance in the crowd below her. Ehawee had slipped away from Bradan and was running forward. 'Save Eyota!' Ehawee shouted, until a guard lifted his mace and swung it at her.
'No!' Bradan's voice was distinct even above the turmoil. He pushed forward to help Ehawee, but too late. The mace landed a glancing blow, sending Ehawee to the ground. She yelled and held her head. Pushing at the guard, Bradan lifted Ehawee, holding her close as the guard swung again. Even from her lofty position, Melcorka heard the crunch of contact. She saw Bradan's expression alter, saw his mouth open in a shout of grief and saw him throw himself at the guard.
Bradan was no fighting man. He carried no weapon and had never learned even the most elementary of defensive or
