"Retreat! To the temple! Now!" shouted Prince Varun, grabbing his sister and shielding her with layers of protective talismans.
The Naga Patriarch, still carrying the unconscious Neela, turned with burning eyes.
"Elders! Hold them off!" he commanded.
Four elderly ministers—venerable warriors whose hair had turned white from centuries of service—stepped forward. Without hesitation, they clasped hands and invoked the Life-for-Life Seal.
Their bodies burst into light.
Massive spiritual towers formed around them, casting holy runes that slowed the onslaught of demonic beasts. For a brief moment, the army was shielded again.
"For the Scaled One!" they chanted together, as their souls became runic anchors.
The army surged forward, dragging the wounded, shoving forward the sacred relics and spiritual anchors. Cries of sorrow rang as they left the four behind.
