Chapter 53: The Vice Tightens

Sparks stood atop the high tower, watching the battle unfold below him. Already, the dragons had scorched a swath of the plains, sending up thick black smoke. But Sparks could still see the trees reaching into the air to grab the winged beasts and tear at them, even as their fiery breath brought the nature spirits down in flames. The armies of Sword Flash were digging into the enemy's back, but the fight was still being pushed toward the gate of Wethelnar. Large chunks of the wall were shattered under the force of the Urtish catapults. It was a bloody, desperate battle, and Sparks still couldn't tell who had the advantage. Tirius had long since gone below into the safely of the palace, so the wizard was alone.

A dragon swept by, belching a cloud of flames onto the city below. Sparks hissed with rage as the beautiful structures erupted in fire. The four drakes that had reached the city were doing their best to melt it into slag.

*Not on my watch.*