CHAPTER TWELVE
The cave was shining as the cressets continued to blaze on the walls and the candles remained flaring in the center of the pentagram. Dansh and his fellow members fixed themselves around it. Their eyes were closed and their heads bowed, as if they were already bowing to welcome Dali with wholehearted respect.
The fire blazed high one last time. Then it returned to its regular flame as the churel rose out of the fire. The enchanters opened their eyes and, looking up, they finally gazed upon the churel, Dali. Her eyes were closed, and her hands were spread wide as if to hug someone. The enchanters swiftly looked down again before Dali could shower her wrath on them for daring to meet her eyes.
* * *
Locked in the cage, the villagers were petrified. They gaped at the churel
