18

Stepping back from Halos’ fish stall, there’s a sudden hush that sets your alarm bells ringing—and then, almost instantly, a fireball comes your way. You dodge, but only just, and there’s already another, and another. You have no time to draw your weapon. No time, in fact, to do anything except shout, “Fire!” and throw a hand up over your face to protect your eyes.

“Venatori!” you hear Tarquin shout in answer as he and Ashur leap into action. Ashur, of course, has no need of a weapon, but with only your fists to defend yourself, you’re losing ground fast and your attackers are showing no sign of slowing down. A few more hits and your career as a Shadow Dragon will be over before it ever really began.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Tarquin take down one of the attackers using only the skewer from his fried fish. A brilliant idea.

Too bad you already ate yours… and Neve’s.

• THE END.