“They survived the spell,” said Goth.
“They did not survive the spell,” said Marugon, his voice mild. He watched the distant figures vanish into the warehouse. “Rather, they had the great good fortune to miss it by a few seconds. What word from your kin?”
Goth grunted. “One of my kin was slain.” He did not seem distressed by the news. “One was wounded. Sir Liam does not seem to be with them.”
Marugon frowned. “He is not? Perhaps he perished when their vehicle crashed. Then who slew the winged one? I thought I saw the white fire in the distance. It must have been their wielder of white magic.”
“They have gone into that structure,” said Goth. “Lithon Scepteris is with them.”
“And others that I did not expect,” said Marugon. “Allies Sir Liam must have gathered. No matter.” He strode forward, gathering dark power. “We shall dispose of them with all haste.”
Goth stopped. “Lord. There is only one entrance into the warehouse.”
Marugon frowned. “Oh?” He watched as five winged demons landed before the warehouse’s door.
“The fools have run into a dead end,” said Goth. “We have them.”
“Wait.” Marugon lowered his head, deep in thought. “They were fleeing the city. Yet when your kin spotted them, they changed direction. Back towards Wycliffe’s compound, if I am not mistaken. Why would they head towards the nest of their enemies, hmm?”
Goth growled, red fire glinting behind his sunglasses. “A trap.”
“Or where they wish to make a last stand,” said Marugon.
He hesitated for a moment.
Alastarius had known more than he had Prophesied. There had been something in his eyes as he had died…satisfaction? Smugness? Even hope? Marugon considered striding into the warehouse and slaying the last scion of the house of Scepteris and his protectors with a single spell. His doubt grew as he looked at the warehouse’s only door. They had run into a dead end. They had to know it. They had come here deliberately. There had to be some trickery.
Goth shifted. “Lord?”
“Something is amiss,” said Marugon. “Send in your kin. Kill the Scepteris brat and his followers.”
Goth relayed the orders. The winged demons ripped open the warehouse door and strode inside, Kalashnikovs in hand.
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The Tower of Endless Worlds Page 57