The breeze stirred the Great Temple's bonfire, swaying the departing light and shadows and dimming the last of human hearts.
Quetzal stood up and rushed forward, but before he could take two steps, a tall shadow met him head-on, firmly blocking his path. He immediately swung the bronze staff without hesitation, smashing it towards the Guard Captain's temple.
The Guard Captain's expression remained unchanged, his left hand still holding a clay jar. He took swift, small steps forward, maneuvering the blunt edge of his bronze axe gracefully, smashing it against Quetzal's left wrist. The Chief Priest then cried out in pain as his wrist went limp, and the Divine Staff clattered to the ground, rolling away.