Protector missed half the times when he used Wild Hunt, but going past the speed of sound also meant a dozen attacks per second. Every time he succeeded, at least one Upyr died, which meant that half a dozen Upyrs died every second.

’And what are we supposed to do?’ A Titania replied. ’Unless we recall Frost Soul, we can only attack with our bodies. If we do recall it, however, that monster will have access to magic as well, and we’ll have to deal with the arrays of the manor.’

’You would be right, if this could get any worse, but I don’t see that happening.’ Kazam replied. ’Also, being restricted beats being dead. Remember that this place has no offensive array. On my mark. Mark!’

The Upyrs dispelled the Frost Soul and activated the Spirit Barriers of their armor in what they hoped was a timely counter to Protector’s next attack. The emerald barrier slammed in front of the flabbergasted Skoll, making his prediction useless.

Wild Hunt had allowed him to assess a situation that had now changed dramatically. The expanding dome deflected the maces, hurting Protector’s wrists, and rammed into his legs, making him trip on his own feet.

’Hold still!’ Kazam yelled, expecting a flurry of deadly blows to hammer at the Spirit Barrier from every side. ’Whatever happens, don’t panic and give everything you have to the barrier!’

Great was his surprise when his plan succeeded, but not in the way he expected. Protector’s momentum had turned him into a living cannonball, and he moved too fast to recover his footing in time.