The Kilrot stank of death.

As Gwendolyn approached it, there were still coyotes feasting on its flesh. She marched ahead of the procession. Breaking from the ranks of soldiers, she walked toward the carcass of the desert beast. Beside her, Babo walked lazily.

‘It’s jaw has been snapped…’ she observed.

Babo nodded. ‘Wishcharmer…’ he hissed.

‘If all you’ve told me is true, then… How has he displayed this level of power so suddenly? He was created not two days ago, the Djinn claim.’

The cat nodded. ‘Two days… No more. This kill is fresh. Happened… last night, maybe. He isn’t far, now, Gwendolyn. We should keep moving…’

Nodding, Gwen turned from the corpse, striding back to the large group of soldiers. All eyes fell on her. All eyes locked on her garb. Gwen was dressed in the sacred armour of the Sorceress. It was a symbol of her power, of her position. She could glean the fear in the eyes of the soldiers. Sorcerers, whoever they were, demanded respect, for fear of their power. It did not matter what kingdom or city one was from, fear of the Sorcerers was apparent everywhere. It was this fear that allowed Gwen to do her job.

‘I want one hundred men stationed here, day and night, until I return. Blocks three and four, that’s you! The rest of you, accompany me. We’re heading to Cavrey.’

‘Do you honestly believe three hundred soldiers is enough to contain a Wishcharmer?’ Babo asked, coming to stand beside Gwen.

‘I’ve no idea what the appropriate response is, Babo. This isn’t something I’m familiar with.’

‘That much is obvious, Gwendolyn… But who among us knows what to do in these circumstances?’

‘These are soldiers of Geb. They’re given the same training as the Sorcerers personal guards…’

‘Don’t fool yourself, my dear. They’re nothing of the same kind. The Guardsmen are honed by magic. Crafted into weapons. These men are not much more than arrow fodder. Bravery is their greatest resource.’

‘Something I hold in great esteem.’

‘As you should… But do not be lulled into believing it outdistances power, by its sacred nature. Even the divine God above does not protect men from their own stupidity.’

‘Then we had best make sure we make no stupid moves.’

Gwen thought she saw Babo smile, but she was never sure with the creature. After another silence, he nodded. ‘By your grace, Sorceress…’

The soldiers shifted as Gwen gave the command. One hundred of her men began setting up camp in the decimation left by this Wishcharmer. She would have them guard it until her return. There was a chance this Wishcharmer was still nearby. She would risk the journey to Cavrey, though. It made the most sense. Either way, she would glean something from this mess. There was some clue, hiding either in Cavrey, or here. It would point the way for her. It would lead her to this Wishcharmer, and she would stop him. If she didn’t, as Babo had explained, a war would break out. One that the Sorcerers themselves feared to fight. With such a foe, she would not rest until he was subdued. This, she swore.