The Evacuation Begins

Concordia, Six Hundred and Eighty Years Before

“Well, that was a long shoe destroying walk for nothing,” Harry grumbled as they began their descent down the mountain.

“It was not for nothing,” Thaelen replied grimly. “We know that there is no help to be had from the temple, and that they have closed their doors and taken drastic steps because they believe there is no hope. We will heed Delwyn’s advice and concentrate on evacuation and not defence or attack.”

“Thaelen,” Harry began, but broke off, lifting his head. “Do you hear that?”

“Yes,” Thaelen growled through his teeth. “I do.”

The distant mechanical roar echoed through the mountains, distorted by the rock so that it was impossible to pinpoint the direction from which it came until it passed overhead so close that Harithen’s arm shot out, grasping hold of Thaelen’s wrist, as he stared up in aghast horror and terror.

“They are not here for us, Harry,” Thaelen had to yell to be heard over the engine of the device. “Two vampires are