The spearmen were sent flying backwards from the sheer force of the wind. Those who were left standing watched in both fear and awe as the dragon took to the air. The crews on the ballistae were at a loss on how to proceed. When one man asked, his commander cried out,
"Keep an eye on them men! Fire only if they mean to come back!"
The kidnapper got the distance he needed. He rose, sheathed his sword, and disappeared into the town. He could blend easily amongst the still-frantic townspeople that ran for the safety of their homes.
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Eihmo'tei woke up, still bound and trapped inside the wagon. He rose slowly. Dizziness from constant movement flooded over him. He fell back down on his rear in response. It took a few minutes, but the Zerdani was able to recollect himself. Standing up again, he looked around for anything he could use to see outside.
Light was penetrating from only a single crack in the wooden box. A tiny slit, between two planks. Pressing his face up against it with some difficulty, Eihmo'tei was able to see outside. There was no longer any town left. Stone floors, human dwellings, even other humans were all gone. Now, there was only grass and trees.
The Zerdani panicked, listening around desperately for any sign that Kiara or Kit were close. Tears formed when he heard nothing. He scrambled around, unable to think clearly through the panic. He clumsily and haphazardly threw himself into the sides. All that happened was a mix of angry words and banging coming from the other side of the front wall. Eihmo'tei collapsed to the floor, weeping with hopelessness...