Two blinding beams of light exploded by the lakeside like miniature suns. The world dimmed, and even the howling wind seemed to freeze.

Thymaleon's body shuddered. A line of brilliant crimson slid slowly from his left nostril, spreading across his robe like an eerie blood flower.

He reflexively raised his hand, then brushed past his nose and stared at the blood staining his fingertips. His normally cold eyes filled instantly with rage.

He had never suffered such humiliation. Not only had he