Amaris propelled herself forward like a shadow of death, swinging her thorny chains in a wide sweep to welcome the returning patrollers. 

The monstrous iron snapped and tore the first three legs they caught. Crushing the bone and shredding anything that was not protected with a horrifying crisp. Three patrollers were incapacitated in one sweep. Two foot-patrollers, the ones who impacted the least flung to the side and fell when the chains dented their graves. 

____


Carmen felt a sense of relief when he saw Carnathia emerge from the falling tent. As much as he was eager to get out of this damned garrison, no one would be left behind. 

The won on his forehead throbbed again.

It somehow reminded him of the falling priests. Their suffering and their demise in this hostile foreign land. The yellings and threats from the approaching soldiers did little to ease his burning nerves. There was suspicion, and now it turned out to be a strong realization, that these soldiers were responsible for the death of his brethren. 

Carmen rushed toward the tower, composing himself as he saw the first three patrollers get incapacitated by Amaris' chains. The other two were knocked, still combat-effective, but they were the least of his concern. 

The ranged unit had positioned themselves behind the downed patroller, aiming their weapons at Amaris. The arbalest shot first, and the Sarkazian deftly swung her chain to swat the incoming bolt. Carmen quickly picked up the rifle from the falling sharpshooter, shouldered it, and fired at the patroller's musketeer before he could fire first.   

The recoil punched his shoulder stronger than anticipated, and the smoke was thicker and more acrid. The enemy musketeer fell with a bullet in his chest. But there was more. 

Dropping the rifle, Carmen rushed to the Amaris' side. At least ten soldiers were approaching them, and at least two musketeers were on a stand-by next to the dwindling fire from the explosion earlier. 

As he reached the fireplace between the tower and the gate, The captain brought up his shield and shouted. 

[b]"Amaris! Get out of the firing zone!"[/b]