Bab 113: Not Alone (2)

Departing with one's back exposed, devoid of certainty regarding the alignment of those in the rear, is naught but a display of amateurish folly.

The human guard, his locks a ghostly white against the shadows, settled the debt with a decisive stab into his adversary's back.

"Gah!"

A superficial wound, insufficient to hinder his movements, as evidenced by his swift pivot back around.

A single sound proved potent enough to rouse the guards, prompting an immediate about-face as if it were a directive woven into their very programming.

Although momentarily diverted by the pursuit of other rebels, their swift reformation into battle formation served to reclaim a measure of their honor.

At a pace befitting the celestial inhabitants, the azure canary guard positioned himself at the forefront, sword already drawn. No words were spoken, yet all fell into line behind him, mirroring his actions.

Yet, there was someone new to this matter.