‘Run!’
The child knelt transfixed by her side as the soldier’s finishing blow punched through her mother’s rib cage, then she ran, only to be plucked into the air by the scruff of her neck by the other soldier, who raised his sword to strike, the crowd hooting with laughter.
‘Stop!’
The soldier’s arm faltered as he drew it back, his hand stayed by the cold drawl of the elf echoing around the clearing as he strode forwards, his pale blue robes rippling through the air around him.
‘Let her go,’ he ordered. ‘Do as I say, you impudent wretch!’
The soldier flashed a look in the direction of King Rassal, who was observing the interruption curiously and who nodded curtly, indicating the man should do as he was told. The soldier dumped the Lupine child on the ground, and she cried in pain as
