The phiebus had backed away, hissing and scratching at the ground. Aramis got back onto his feet. The powerful glow was coming from the blade of the dagger. He shielded his eyes and picked it up from the ground, having dropped it when the light burst forth. The phiebus continued hissing at him as it backed away. He didn’t have time to wonder about the blade. He could hear the sounds of fighting still raging at the gate and knew he had to help Mel.
Turning his back to the creature, he was about to head to the gates when he heard the phiebus coming back at him. He turned around, holding the blade out as if to ward off the beast. It stopped, dropped its head, and bellowed out a breath of fire. It took him by surprise and he braced himself as the blast of fire enveloped him.
Only he didn’t f
