Neolani glanced over the preparations, even with the gryphons bringing game back Ashton's appetite was growing faster than they could feed him. Not to mention… the beasts they had been finding were more aggressive than normal.
Alexei had left to check on the giant mana crystals they'd been preparing since their arrival… not even half as full as they had hoped. It would take closer to two months to fill them all. On the bright side, the enchantment was done except the final touches which would only be added during activation.
Neolani also glanced over the mana crystals… "We will have to try and extend the time in the hunting grounds, while I don't know about the rest… Devlin will feel the fluctuations. There are more sensitive mages, especially from the visiting delegations."
Alexei nodded, "We should send out two smaller groups to hunt down cored beasts, it won't be much, but we can use those to supplement the mana as well."
Neolani glanced over the dozen mages all concentrating and pouring their mana into a single crystal. "Depending on circumstances… we can send more."
Alexei took her hand leeding her inside to the room they had the larger nest in. "Love, we can't rush things." He reminded cupping her face in his hands.
Neolani wanted to pull away but took a deep breath, "I'm just worried, he hasn't even told us what beast is in the area…"
"Neolani, we both knew this wouldn't be all rainbows and butterflies. We knew him twenty years ago, for less than a month. Idols aren't perfect, he's never harmed us, we need to accept we can't understand everything about him." Alexei reminded gently, but firmly.
"I know that-" Neolani almost bit the finger that Alexei placed over her lips.
"Then that's enough, he already did as you asked even though he did not agree or understand your misgivings. Now, we will do the same." Alexei didn't let her finish; she was stubborn. Any leeway and she would charge forward with her own opinions.
Neolani took a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay, but… that necromancer…"
Alexei sighed and just gave her a droll stare, "Leave him be, whatever Ash has planned, we'll know when it's time. Now, lets go see to our preparations."
Jaxon returned after settling Monroe with Serafin again, seeing Bodin and the other two was a bit surprising… especially since they weren't in priest robes, but in hoods like the necromancer. "Necromancer Jakub," Jaxon gave a small nod as he took his seat.
Jakub barely glanced at the duke, then turned back to Lucian, "Either we return in three days, or I won't help the empire at all."
"They are Our prisoners." Lucian reminded.
"There's no point in arguing, if you could've broken them in a timely manner, then fine. But you didn't, and you have to start leaving for the hunting grounds. Not to mention… you have another beast in your territory that's already targeting you. If they get taken we might all be damned." Novak informed with his eyes narrowed, but his smile wide.
"Leave one here, there's not guarantee they are any safer with you." Lucian challenged without raising his voice.
Novak hesitated with a glance to Jakub who looked like he ate something sour, then he quickly glanced around with a nefarious grin.
"I will offer one to the beast, that is my final offer." Jakub informed triumphantly, as if waiting for those words a dark being clad in weapons a rose from the floor. The figure stood over all of them, its cloak reaching the floor did nothing to hide it's broadsword strapped over its back.
"The priest we store, the soul of four, take now with heed, a message of greed. To use with pride, their souls reside, to shame the three, their souls set free." The figure intoned reaching out a gloved hand toward the three.
Jakub pondered the riddle, then wanted to stamp his foot… so he could torture them all he wanted… but if any of them were forced to commit acts of shame the beast would free them. "Which ever, makes no difference to me, Lord Beast." He added quickly.
"Please take Promise, Lord Beast." Katherine interjected softly. The state of having the once priestess forced to bare her chest all the way to this room before a robe was given… she could only imagine what they would do to her body.
Jakub sneered, but directed the former cardinal forward. To his surprise the being and Promise… vanished in a burst of silver flame.
Katherine took a deep breath, that had been abrupt but now…
Lucian glared to where the black clad figure had disappeared, everyone was making decisions without his approval… "Dismissed." He ordered through gritted teeth.
Even after the assassin and necromancer left, Jaxon hesitated, then reported everything that had happened when meeting with Ashton.
Leonard leaned forward, "We should watch to see if the rift grows, if so then we should act. But not until we get to the hunting grounds, which we can leave for as early as tomorrow night. Though we should wait until morning after due to the unrest…"
Jaxon appreciated Leonard's attempt to reassure him, "I'm not sure we should rush to the hunting grounds… we should have some word back tomorrow morning about Grelck."
"No, we need to move to the hunting grounds and then force martial law regarding the bone enchantments." Lucian informed coldly looking around the room.
Leonard gripped a paper in his hands, tensions were growing as more bones were uncovered, even commoners were now frantically digging in their homes afraid of what the spells might do.
"I agree, we should also announce we will have answers in ten days' time. That will help settle the worst of the unrest, and then we can focus on those still stirring trouble, especially after we leave." Jaxon supplemented trying to ease Lucian's anger.
Sebastian continued to hesitate, closed his eyes, then took a deep breath. "There is a possibility… a beast has a familiar who can track through the imperial dungeons." Everyone's attention snapped to him as he kept his tone neutral.
Lucian eyed Sebastian, "Which beast?"
Sebastian tapped his cane as he continued to meet Lucian's eyes, "I could not confirm, but I thought you should be aware of the possibility."
Jaxon narrowed his eyes, "Then it wasn't one of those black clad figures…"
"No, but… it could have been made of flames." Sebastian added keeping his eyes locked with Lucian.
"… Was it hostile?" Lucian finally asked, the increasing problems, and needing more information was starting to numb him to all these surprises.
Sebastian opened his mouth, then stopped. "I do not know, no direct contact was made, nor did I speak with it."
"Why not have the encounter in the report?" Jaxon asked pointedly. When Sebastian didn't respond, Lucian repeated the question.
"I debated reporting the possibility at all, honestly your Majesty… I have been so disappointed, repeatedly by your decisions for so long… I now doubt your judgement. While I had fully intended to keep the information to myself until I confirmed if the familiar was related to Lord Reece… but the idea Lord Reece might be disappointed with my lack of honesty is what changed my decision." Sebastian informed tapping his cane again.
Lucian glared, "You are saying he is more worthy than your emperor?"
"Yes." Sebastian informed succinctly with conviction.
"That could be considered treasonous." Lucian informed coolly.
Sebastian gave an almost relieved smile, "That might be for the best, since I will do what is best for the empire… even if it means going against you your majesty. If you decide to persecute me for your own vanity, that will be all the justification I require."
Lucian gripped his arm rest so tightly it cracked, then splintered off. "You dare to threaten Us?"
Sebastian gave another disappointed sigh, "If your majesty considers such resolutions a threat… that only proves how you see yourself. If your majesty has any orders, please give them now. I still have preparations for the hunting grounds and reports to go over."
Lucian glared at Sebastian's dismissal, "You grow too bold by half Duke Carlos."
"I take pride in how I conduct myself, and in my house. Then I will excuse myself, please send any instructions as you see fit." Sebastian informed as he stood up, baod, dismissing himself without a look back.
Leonard hesitantly baod his head with a deep breath, "Your majesty… may I be frank?"
Lucian turned his glare to Leonard, "Speak."
"Your Majesty, it might be prudent… to revisit the etiquette teacher, while you are an amazing general who has conquered much, and quashed those who oppose you. We currently have no allies… the disturbing realization that nations do not respect you… but revile us says much of the empire's standing." Leonard spoke slowly gaging Lucian's reaction.
Lucian took two deep breaths as he counted to ten… then to twenty. "Call one to the hunting grounds." He growled out.
Jaxon and Leonard both relaxed visibly, "Leonard's wife is an excellent teacher, and will already be at the hunting grounds, perhaps she would be suitable?" Jaxon ventured, there was no need to publicize Luc redoing his etiquette lessons.
"Fine, for now find out if the familiar belonged to Ashton or not." Lucian ordered.
Sebastian hesitated, then started toward the eastern palace. He wasn't surprised to see the mass quantities of meat being prepared, when a warrior glanced toward him, he gave a respectful nod. A few minnets later Alexei came out alone.
"Yes your grace?" Alexei queried raising a brow, the long shadows cast the man in a somber light.
"Chief warrior, I was hoping to meet with Lord Reece about a… doubt I had about earlier today." Sebastian explained hesitantly.
Alexei glanced around, Ash was now sleeping with several lions and gryphons, "Ash is currently sleeping, while you are welcome to come inside and wait… or perhaps in the morning?"
Sebastian hesitated, "Perhaps… you might be able to confirm something?"
Alexei nodded then led Sebastian just inside the palace doors and away from spying eyes, "If I know, I will answer."
"Did Lord Reece send a familiar into the dungeons today?" Sebastian didn't beat around the bush.
Alexei jolted, "What kind?"
"A palm sized bird of silver flame? It adjusted the necromancer's enchantment down in the dungeons then left." Sebastian explained using his hand to show about the size. Alexei frowned for a moment then shook his head.
"To my knowledge, Ash only uses the black clads to carry out his will… nor did he mention it. I will personally confirm with him then deliver the information myself when he awakens." Alexei pounded on his chest in promise.
"I appreciate your assistance and hope I did not ruin any of Lord Reece's plans." Sebastian thanked then departed vaguely worried… hopefully this wasn't a trap of some kind.
Alexei pulled Neolani aside to ask if she was aware of anything, she wasn't so they waited. When Ash woke up a warrior came in to inform them, it was barely an hour before dawn.
Ash glanced up at the sky, his stomach was starting to ache from hunger. He pulled out a dozen fruit infused with mana, snacking on them while a warrior started to prepare his breakfast.
Alexei trotted up, Ash's fascination with the sky was hard to understand, but he wasn't a bird trapped in a human shell. "Ash, do you want to eat inside or out here?" He asked as he approached.
"I'd prefer out here," Ash informed breathing in the fresh air as a lion stood up with a great shake, when the lion leapt out of the nest the chill was immediate.
Alexei leaned on the nest, "Ash, did you send a familiar down to the dungeon yesterday? To help the necromancer cast his spell?"
Ashton tilted his head, "Why do you ask?"
Alexei was a little surprised Ash asked, "Uh, Duke Carlos came by and said a bird of silver flame went into the dungeon yesterday and did something to the necromancer's spell."
Ashton grinned before flopping back into the nest, "What a sneaky beast, after I eat I'll go visit the duke's estate." Ash stated picking out another fruit.
Alexei tensed, "The other beast… is using your name to operate in the capital…"
Ash shrugged, "Perhaps, I'll decide after I see them. Either way, to have snuck into the dragon's dungeon, past my nest, what a daring fellow."
Alexei nodded, "Should we prepare anything?"
Ashton tilted his head back and forth, "For now… I will wait." Soon after a table with overflowing platters of fruit, pastries, and vegetables were presented. Ashton ate quickly, then hopped out of his nest just as the sun dawned.
Zane hesitated when the Inago weren't at their usual posts at the private imperial garden. Most of the delegations were arriving, and the imperial family also looked confused.
Rommel walked over to one of the imperial guards, "Did Young Song not arrive this morning?"
The guard hesitated seeing the foreign general stare him down, "I am not sure my lord, I haven't seen any of the Inago come this way…" He trailed off hesitantly.
Zane glanced around, "Perhaps I will stretch my legs to help chase away the morning chill." Zane announced as he started to meander slowly toward the eastern palace. He wasn't surprised when murmurs of agreement echoed behind him.
Jantje glanced around, it had taken over half an hour to arrive at the Eastern palace… the warriors were smoking fish but otherwise looked unconcerned. Soon the little priestess came out looking surprised, "Morning Melia, hopefully you slept well?" She greeted with a smile.
"We enjoyed the night sky, unfortunately Ash decided to go out for a bit, but we can at least offer breakfast while we await him." Melia informed with a beaming smile as she led them into the main garden just past the smoking fish.
Zane glanced to the others as they followed them into the garden, there was a sudden… lightness to their steps. As if they had unknowingly been walking up a mountain but were suddenly at sea level again.
Melia and Azarius had the tables set while half a dozen lions meandered into the garden and flopped down to catch the morning sun while everyone chatted.
Rommel wasn't the only one surprised when both Alexei and Neolani arrived… without Young Song, "Morning to you both, busy morning?"
Alexei yawned as he pulled up a seat, "More or less, we've been informed we can head to the hunting grounds as early as tonight, but will probably leave in the morning."
Neolani stifled her own yawn, "That is our plan unless Ash decides otherwise when he returns."
Zane nodded, "I do hope we can travel together, numbers would be best due to… all the unrest."
Azarius shuddered, "I heard them last night, even this morning."
Alexei ruffled Azarius's hair, "A bit of chanting here and there, don't exaggerate."
Rowena sipped on her tea, "May we inquire… where Young Song went?"
Alexei glanced around the table with a wry smile, "Our little songbird was curious about a recent visitor, other than that… I'm not too sure."
Zane raised a brow, "I'm surprised… no one went with him. Especially with all the unrest."
Alexei shrugged, "If anyone tries something… may the beast gods have mercy on their souls."
Ashton landed at the ducal estate gates just after first light, a guard hurriedly escorted him in without even needing an introduction. He was served tea and pastries while the estate was thrown in an uproar.
Sebastian didn't bother with frivolities as he rushed to the reception room, , he had only washed his face and threw on a formal coat of his nightmare, "Lord Reece, we are humbled by your visit." He greeted practically bursting into the room.
Ashton glanced up, searching Sebastian for any outside influences, "Come sit, I wish to hear about this bird you met."
Sebastian jolted as he waved the servants away, "So it wasn't you…" Sebastian was glad he didn't hide the encounter from Alexei or wait to report the matter.
"No, and if you're willing I would like to search your memories. In case something stands out to me as a beast." Ashton added when Sebastian's gaze jumped to meet his own. While Ashton didn't sense anything… this beast was capable of walking right under his nest without notice.
Sebastian gulped then nodded, "Of course, what should I do?" If this beast was using him to spy on the empire… well there were plenty enough for that, but to be used to spy on Ashton… that could be dangerous.
Ashton gave a reassuring smile, "I don't see any influences, but better safe than sorry, yes? I only need your hand and for you not to resist." Ashton added offering his hand.
Sebastian took the proffered hand closing his eyes. There was the barest hint of… something that rippled through his mind. If he hadn't been paying attention, he would almost have thought a warm breeze had caught him unaware.
Ashton examined the memory, the bird had kept a firm distance from Sebastian… but had made deliberate contact with the necromancer… how interesting.
Sebastian opened his eyes a moment later when Ashton let go, "Was… its intentions harmful to you?"
Ashton grinned, "I would say it was another courtship gift, this beast is determined to please me it would seem."
Sebastian searched the young face, "May I ask… in what way?"
Ashton glanced up in thought, "I am not keen on the idea of trapping souls, the spell was… influenced in a way that I can sense the three. The beast also added an imitation of my soul fire so I can free them at any time."
Sebastian was confused, "Did you not notice when you took Cardinal Promise yesterday?"
Ashton tilted his head, "I did no such thing."
Sebastian paled, "Your… men in all black? One did not come for Cardinal Promise shortly after Duke Darnings returned?"
Ashton stared, "No…" Ashton didn't even have to ask as Sebastian offered his trembling hand. Ashton examined the memory… how curious… while the fake golem had arrived… clearly another was being used as its eyes for such a timely arrival.
"The beast has influenced another…" Sebastian stated trying to remember anything that stood out.
Ashton leaned back crossing his legs as he bounced his foot. "Perhaps… but something is off. The beast is waiting for something… but not from me. I will visit the necromancers and assassin, careful of who you trust Sebastian. This Beast is crafty."
Sebastian nodded, "Yes my lord, please act with caution… I hope the beast isn't attempting to sully your name… but it is using you to act in several places."
Ashton stood up, "A fair point, I am off."
Sebastian escorted Ashton to the door, then watched as he disappeared in a flash of silver fire.
Ashton made sure to appear just inside the tavern the souls had lamented Jakub hiding away in, his arrival did not go unnoticed as a dozen hooded figures stepped out of shadows and two came out of the floor.
Novak was immediately aware someone had entered the tavern, even before someone knocked on his door. He was rushing out when his second fell into step beside him, the beast had arrived.
Ashton had taken a seat as he watched the figures, when Novak came down the stairs, his usual smile absent Ashton tilted his head, "You are surprised."
"Lord Beast, to what do we owe this… unexpected visit?" Novak asked glancing around signaling the rest to back off.
"I thought you might prefer I not arrive in the catacombs to find Jakub but would prefer to leed the way." Ashton informed.
Novak examined the young beast… alone in an assassin's guild. If he could subdue the beast… they had anesthetics for guardian grades beasts. Suddenly a pain shot through his heart, then started to squeeze.
Ashton watched the assassin fall to a knee while clutching his chest, Ashton jumped out of his chair and walked closer, "How negligent Novak, you let an unknown beast influence you so quickly in less than one day."
Novak glared up at the youth, then hesitated… the beast's expression was of mild curiosity, even a hint of surprise. "Not… ugh, pant pant, you?"
Ashton raised a brow as he circled the assassin, "I don't influence humans, well… not in such a direct invasive way. No wonder the beast was able to make off with Cardinal Promise so easily… you and Jakub are rather naïve."
Novak snapped his attention to the youth, "what?" he gasped out as the forced tightened around his heart even more.
Ashton narrowed his eyes as he squatted down, "Apparently, the beast is also able to watch you even from this distance, what thoughts are you having to be punished so readily?"
A chill ran down Novak's spine, "Wha-aht, wahnt?" he gritted out.
Ashton watched as blood trickled down Novak's lips, "Hmm, I will go to the mage then." Ashton locked onto Madaline's urging soul and followed it up the stairs, into a room, then copied her movements to open a door. While dozens of souls hesitated to follow, even more were wailing in the passageway.
Jakub heard unfamiliar footsteps as he jolted awake, he narrowed his eyes as he prepared for a battle… just in case. Soon a silver flame in a familiar youth's hands walked into his meager dwellings. Jakub sighed in relief as he put his blanket away, "Lord Beast, I didn't expect you so early."
Ashton tilted his head, "You were aware the other one was not me… you evaded its influence."
Jakub gave a humble nod, "Yes Lord Beast, the other was… not keen on leaving its mark."
"You didn't tell Novak… who had such disrespectful thoughts the other beast is currently punishing him. How curious… then you know I did not take Promise." Ashton added as he plopped down.
Jakub hesitated, "Yes, the other beast… had plans for them." Jakub didn't mean to be vague… but he only had vague understandings and feelings from the brief connection.
Ashton crossed his arms, well this was rather unexpected… what a puzzle. "I see, well then, I am off. Do be careful of strange beasts."
Jakub gave a formal bao as the beast disappeared in a flash of silver fire. As he stood up he took out a mana crystal that had been in the center of the passage way when he returned. The young beast had caught on much faster than he'd anticipated… it would appear Duke Carlos's loyalty was not absolute… at least not yet.
Ashton returned to the garden in a flash of fire, he'd always wanted to be able to teleport around but he needed to make sure not to over use his mana… a dramatic entrance wasn't always beneficial.
Zane nearly jumped out of his skin when a flash of fire appeared out of nowhere, "Young Song, you've returned." He remarked relaxing back into his seat.
Rommel had jumped up seeing the flash out of the corner of his eye, while all the lions had leapt up roaring in displeasure.
Ashton scratched his chin, "Ah, welcome to my garden, I wasn't expecting guests so early."
Alexei placed his hand over his heart, "Ash, my heart… warn a brother next time… or appear a little slower." Alexei half teased half begged.
Ash grinned as he leapt into his nest, "Ah, kill all my fun. I am famished."
Alexei side eyed Ashton, "If I have a heart attack… I will haunt you." He then signaled for a dozen trays of food to be brought out.
Ashton snorted, "So much for that Lions pride." Ash then leaned over the nest to snag a few pastries.
Zane's heart had finally calmed, "How was your trip out Young Song?"
"Ah, well the puzzle will continue, I am curious to see what exactly this beast is planning." Ashton remarked glancing over the table, he wasn't surprised Theodore and Terrence were absent, though seeing Alphonse huddled at the far side was unexpected.
"May we inquire what you learned?" Rommel asked as he slathered butter on a warm muffin top, food was good for the soul… especially after it was nearly set free from his body with the little jump scare.
"Ah, well the other beast is acting through familiars, and many are mistaking them for mine." Ashton tisked glancing around the table, "Careful of the beasts you trust."
Zane stilled, "What kind of… familiars?"
Ashton raised a brow as he popped a mini muffin in his mouth, "A small note of caution… my familiars are always with me, or one I protect."
Rommel started thinking through any suspicious interactions, if familiars were being imitated… so could people. "Is this beast… imitating your personal familiars?"
Ashton popped another muffin in his mouth and tilted his head back and forth, "Not that I am aware, but they are… suggestive."
Jantje looked around, "Quiet the feat to sneak them in without your notice."
Ashton grinned languidly, "I have already accepted the challenge, no need to goad a reaction princess."
Jantje stiffened, then sipped her tea, "I meant no disrespect."
Ashton chuckled as he selected a bunch of grapes, "In truth, I am curious about this beast, it would be no fun if I didn't share."
Rowena shuddered, glancing at her cousins, even Lamont had goosebumps. "What will you be… sharing?"
Ashton only grinned as he glanced around the table.
Alexei gripped Neolani's hand under the table before she could speak, this wasn't the time to question Ash, at least not publicly. "So, what does the little birdie think? Leave tonight or on the morrow?"
Ashton dramatically fell back so he could look up, unfortunately this portion had not been cleared of the damned so it was a gloomy fog the farther he looked. "Hmm, choices choices, on the morrow at first light. Perhaps there will be one last surprise for the empire before we leave."
Noelle watched the young beast, she could see just over the lip of the nest where his arm moved as he fed himself. Today was the first time he was in the nest alone…
Lucian was rubbing his temples as reports came in, more than a dozen skirmishes with guards had occurred during the night. Two guards had been grievously injured while attempting to keep the civilians from damaging the enchantments under their floorboards.
Jaxon had already drafted up martial law regarding the enchantments, but they didn't have the manpower to keep citizens from digging them up on private property. On the even more unfortunate flip side… priests who had not yet been captured were spreading rumors that the bones were the only way to keep the empire safe. Rumors that ff the bones were removed great disasters would befall them and beasts would come destroy the capital.
Leonard had also been tracking down rumors that most the sacrifices were undesirables such as: captured slaves, lepers, homeless, sick, enemies of the empire, and soldiers who had offered themselves up selflessly to defend the empire even well after their physical deaths.
The unfortunate truth was… there were not records of hundreds of missing people so the civilians were starting to accept these rumors and sympathize with the church. Just in the last day, there were also testimonials that many of the nobles had offered their aged and sickly to the churches to also keep the empire strong. While technically true… many had believed it a symbolic part of the laying to rest ritual but the priests were now challenging the devotion of the nobles to the empire.
Katherine glanced up, "The argument that the worthy join the Avarice dragon after the ritual is gaining ground, especially now that the imperial family's remains have been confirmed among the found. They are also spreading rumors that your majesty is not truly a descendant of the dragon thus why you've been purging the churches and nobles."
Leonard raised his head; his panda eyes were bloodshot from very little sleep. "We need to question the pope and cardinals; we can't let any more negative rumors gain traction."
"Where is Lord Carlos?" Lucian demanded with a growl. If this wasn't all hell breaking loose, then he didn't even want to imagine the coming days.
Charles glanced up blearily, his old eyes were aching from all the reeding in the near dark. "His grace had to return for mage reports concerning supply lines and materials we can get to the capital in a timely manner."
Jaxon wiped his face with a warmed damp towel, "Yes, we were negotiating merchant prices for supplies that can arrive within the week."
"Thirty-minnet break," Lucian ordered standing up. If he sat any longer he would grow mold. He left to take a quick walk in the garden, the smell of smoking fish was ever present these days. Lucian was also unusually restless, he felt the need to… do something. Go somewhere, but he didn't know what or why and when others asked it only irritated him more. If Jaxon asked him one more time about references to the light… he'd have to punch his older cousin… twice.
Lucian dismissed the guards as he wandered into the brisk garden. He couldn't remember the last time he'd just… walked around alone.
Lucian stopped just breathing some fresh air as his heart rate started to rapidly increase. He almost stumbled from the sudden rush that overtook him. His heart was racing, gut clenched, he immediately tensed as if for battle. Not even his first time on the battlefield, when he took his first life, the birth of his children, nor when he was crowned emperor had his heart been so moved.
Something darted into a bush of red flowers, hell if Lucian knew their name as he slowly drew his sword. Something about the situation was off, his blood was rushing, and his heart was pounding so hard he thought it would beat out of his chest. Lucian did his best to take even breaths as he started to back away.
Whatever was happening needed at least one other witness. Just as Lucian was about to be within view of two men should be guarding the entrance, something darted out of the top of the flowers and hit him full force in the chest.
Lucian gaped but the pain was so abrupt he couldn't draw in a breath, he lay their sprawled sword several feet away just trying to regain his faculties. Just as he was finally able to draw in a breath and groan, something bit his left ankle tugging sharply. Lucian tried to lift his head to see what was dragging him into the bush… but between nausea and blurred vison he only saw a darker blur before his head hit the pavement.