Chapter 169: Burning Skies

Enormous quantities of mana gathered within the magic circles hovering over the camp. As runes fell into their places, tremendous pressure descended, crushing the souls of everyone in the entire company. The soldiers were strong and hardy, but only a few were stronger than the fourth level. My soul shuddered beneath the spell's weight, but I hardly reacted. This new pain was insignificant compared to the constant agony inflicted by the amulet. 

"Get clear!" Captain Bethiv shouted, "Regroup after leaving its area!" 

Soldiers scattered, the weak leaning on the strong, rapidly trying to escape the looming spell. The mages cast their shields, filling the sky with layers of fourth-circle umbrella-like wards. Although the defenses contained lots of mana, their power was diffused amongst too wide an area to be more than paper before high-level magic. Jackal grabbed my wrist, pulling me behind him as we ran.