The forest clearing became silent after Kael stopped running. Church knights approached slowly through the trees, forming a tightening circle around him and Eron. Their armor reflected the faint gold light filtering down from the heavens, and their weapons trembled in their hands despite their training.
Kael stood still. Eron remained in his arms, weak but awake and the divine glow in the sky flickered like a watchful eye. No one moved first. Valther stepped forward cautiously. “Kael,” he said. “Do not make this worse.”
Kael’s voice was steady.“You already know I cannot surrender,” Kael replied.
Valther’s expression hardened with pain rather than anger.“The Church must protect the hero,” Valther said.
Kael answered immediately.“That is exactly what I am doing.”
Eron shifted weakly.“Fa
