The Virian Chronicler

Little remained of the dungeons.  Most of the cells had collapsed, along with part of the walls and ceiling.  Lava bubbled up through the large cracks in the floor, making the atmosphere smoky and steamy. Andreas set Gerald down on the twisted frame of a bunk in what had previously been Fiametta’s cell.  He used a banishing spell to clear the air and make it easier for them to breathe. Satisfied that Gerald would be safe for a while, he joined the fight, adding his strength to that of Mazia and Judaas.  He directed one of Ciracea’s flaming shurikens back at her, noting that she struggled to move out of its way.  “About now, she’ll be reaching for the nearest crystal” he muttered under his breath. Ciracea grimaced and fired an energy blast at Andreas.  She could not work out how the annoying little man had managed to cut off her pathway to the network of energised crystals.  It was bad enough that she had been tricked by the false mind signatures which he had created.  Anger blazed

One of the little girls tugged at Apollo’s sleeve.  “Grandpa needs yer help.  Please come with me.  I’ll show ye the path”. Apollo hesitated.  “But what about finding the crystals?  And what about the guards?” “Others will deal with them” she replied.  “Jude be here now, adding his strength to ours.  Please, we need to hurry!” Before he could answer, the five guards whom he had detected burst into the kitchen, armed with a combination of swords and short-barrelled energy weapons. The nearest child never stood a chance.  A single swipe of a sword cleaved her head from her shoulders.  Instead of blood splurting everywhere, a burst of energy exploded, taking the guard with it. The remaining four guards spread out, slashing with their swords while at the same time firing off multiple rounds from their laser blasters. Apollo decided that Andreas would have to wait.  Whatever the problem was, his conscience would not allow him to abandon the children.  He attempted to extend his shield