THE RENEWED NUMBERS OF SOLDIERS, even if the nobles had second-rate skills compared to the actual soldiers, gave rise to hope.Sunrise is only four hours away, Elena thought. Just have to hold it in place till then.Closing her eyes, she drew a deep breath in, mind reaching far beneath the surface of the planet, linking with the white-hot life flame at its centre. Her gift swelled at the extra energy, pouring out from her own centre, her hope and determination helping to grow and enhance the energy.A massive CRACK rang out, hurling Elena face first to the ground.Ears ringing, she gasped as pain reverberated across the back of her head, mind echoing with agony. Strange sounds around her made no sense. The world seemed to swim before her eyes as she pushed, trying to get to her hands and knees, body and mind swaying.Another blow smashed her to the cobblestones, breaking her jaw. Some portion of her mind recognized that someone had struck her. Clinging to that thought, realizing w
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