//------------------------------// // Lyn's Story Chapter 7: Coming to A Close // Story: Emblem of Harmony: The Blazing Sword // by icebraker //------------------------------// ‘CELESTIA DAMMIT!’ Mark thought, as he clasped his hand over the javelin piercing his shoulder. Mark gritted his teeth as he proceeded to slowly pull it out, the blood flowing a bit faster. “AAAAGH!” he yelled in pain. The javelin now on the ground while he tried to stem the blood pouring steadily from his shoulder. “I have to say. I thought you’d be more impressive, or at least more of a challenge, given the fact you’ve been a thorn in my side ever since you started helping that damnable nomad mongrel.” Lundgren gloated wickedly as he approached, his silver lance in hand. ******************************************************************************************** Early that morning.......... “WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT’S STOLEN!” Lyn shouted at Mark who was unfortunate enough to be a very close distance to the nomad warrior. After waking up he decided that it was a good time to have Matthew bring out the items they had gotten from Araphen. Mark had failed to tell Lyn that these particular items were locked in a chest within the castle treasury. Until now. “Lyn, calm down. This was necessary. Plus I don’t think my ears can take your shouting.” Mark said casually as he tried to end his temporary deafness from Lyn’s shout by rubbing his ears. Lyn took a deep breath before speaking again in her normal volume, though her voice still held anger, “Mark, I know that marquess Araphen deserved it, but that doesn’t mean that you should steal the treasures in his castle! It’s wrong.” Mark gave her an ‘Are you kidding?’ look, “You’re right it is wrong. But what’s worse is getting rejected for something promised just because of who you are. Plus Lyn, you need to consider two things. One, the items I had Matthew steal were only trophy items to that guy, so he won’t really miss them when we can use them. And two, if you recall I wasn’t exactly in my right mind after our...conversation with him.” ‘You mean when you looked like you were going to murder everyone while smiling like a psychopath?’ ‘Yah, that.’ Lyn took another deep breath, her anger subsided for now, “Fine Mark. It’s too late to return what you and Matthew stole so we’ll put them to good use. Please never do it again.” “I can’t make any promises Lyn. I have a habit of finding the best ways to complete my objectives. In this case, getting you to your grandfather while both of you are alive and well. And I’m willing to steal and cheat to get that done.” She wasn’t happy about Mark’s answer but sighed, “So what did you steal exactly?” Mark smiled as he began showing the items, “From what Wallace has told me, Lundgren likes to wear heavy and durable armor when he fights.” Mark lifted the sword out of the chest, “That’s where the armorslayer comes in, it’s supposed to cut through metal like cheese. I was thinking of giving this to either Sain or Kent when they fight him.” Mark put down the sword as he lifted a robe out of the chest. “The seraph robe, is supposed to improve the health of those that wear it, so when we get to your grandfather we can put this on him and he will hopefully get better. Before you ask how it does this, I have no idea whatsoever, so I’ll just answer with the words I use to explain the unexplainable, Magic and Pinkie Pie.” Lyn nodded, thankful that her tactician had considered all this and more. “Mark...thank you. However, I am taking the armorslayer. It’s not that I don’t trust in Kent or Sain’s abilities, but I feel that this is my burden to carry. I will be the one to stop my granduncle.” She said determination burning in her eyes. ‘This is what I was afraid of.’ ‘What you don’t trust in her abilities now?’ ‘No, I do. But I don’t want to risk the chance of her getting killed at all.’ ‘You’re an idiot. You’ve been doing that for the past month and now your worried.’ ‘I was worried before, but those were just bandits and footsoldiers. Lundgren is the head honcho.’ ‘Give her the damn sword. She’ll be fine.’ ‘And I’ll make sure of it.’ ‘Just don’t get killed with that plan of yours.’ “Okay Lyn. The armorslayer’s yours.” Mark said as he got up looking towards the sky, “Now if you’ll excuse me, those clouds are telling me it’s going to rain, so I need to go get some rocks and dirt.” “Wait, wh-” But Lyn cut herself short as Mark just walked away. ******************************************************************************************** “Mark...Why are you carrying a jar of dirt?” Asked Rath, which surprised Mark to no end. The legion was currently in the middle of battling to get to Castle Caelin and Mark had split the legion into two teams right now. He, Rath, Matthew, Dorcas, and Erk, would go southward, to get to an armory that would help supply them with some better weapons. Currently he sent Dorcas and Erk ahead to clear out any enemies, while Matthew just silently stayed close to Mark. “Rath, between you and Dorcas, I never thought you would speak to me on your own initiative. Congratulations, I believe that you are finally maturing.” Mark said, stifling a laugh when he saw Rath’s annoyed face. “I don’t care whether you tell me or not Mark. Because you have ordered me to keep you safe as we go southward, I will do so. However, since the route has cleared from Dorcas’ and Erk’s teamwork, I wanted idle conversation.” Mark stared in suspicion at Rath as he walked carrying his jar of pickle juice dirt. ‘This doesn’t seem like him.’ ‘Maybe he’s a changeling.’ ‘Seriously, that’s the conclusion you came up with?’ ‘Well yah, unless he......oh.’ ‘Indeed.’ Mark sighed before speaking again, “Rath, your still very suspicious of me and want me to think of you well enough as a friend to tell you the whole truth about me. Right?” Rath just looked at Mark. The nomad’s face as stoic as ever before he gave his reply. “........yes. I read some of your books when you weren’t. None of the descriptions of the continents matched what you told us at the campfire that night.” “You know I don’t have to say anymore, and you said it yourself that I’m no real danger in a fight. Rath...why bring this up again?” “Because Mark. I want to know that you won’t hurt Lyndis. I am not talking about physically either. The proof is the band you’re wearing on your arm.” Rath said as he gestured slightly to Mark’s arm. Mark looked at the hairband Lyn had given him. It was her gift, why was Rath making a big deal of it? ‘It’s just a hairband, right? I mean Lyn was wearing another this morning.’ ‘Rath’s either jealous, or you don’t know everything.’ ‘Of course I don’t know everything, this isn’t my world.’ ‘Then stop talking to me and ask already if it’s bothering you so much.’ “Rath, is there some kind of significant meaning to this?” Mark asked as he continued to examine headband. “...It wasn’t explained in any of your books?” “No. Apparently there are different customs within every Sacaen tribe so no one has gotten around to writing about all of them yet.” Rath scanned the trees before turning back to Mark, “It’s true that every tribe has different customs, so the fact that they haven’t been written yet comes to no surprise. However, one traditional custom that has been going on since Hanon herself founded Sacae, is the custom of giving something of great personal value to either someone loved or trusted greatly. It used to be a pegasus primary feather, but that changed since pegasi were rare in Sacae.” Rath pointed at his bandanna. “Mark, our headpieces, whether they’re cloths or ornaments, and whether we wear them or not, are our mark of passage into adulthood. These are some of the most important things that a Sacaen possesses.” He finished and started scanning the trees again. Mark however, had to stop himself from accidentally dropping his jar of dirt after hearing that. ‘S-She gave me something this important. It has to be a mistake!’ ‘And why’s that?’ ‘Because!’ ‘Because why?’ ‘Because it means she definitely has some feelings for me.’ ‘Are you scared?’ ‘I’m terrified, sad and happy all at once.’ ‘Of course you are. But you know there were some hints that she liked you.’ ‘LIKE WHAT!’ ‘She kissed you on the cheek-’ ‘Friends do that too.’ ‘She was worried about your health-’ ‘Because she’s a very nice girl.’ ‘She was jealous at the inn when Serra made that assumption-’ ‘She...She was....fuck.’ ‘Ran out of excuses?’ ‘But it won’t work out.....how...how will she react once I tell her what I am?’ ‘Good question. You should find out.’ ‘She’ll probably hate me.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Wouldn’t you? ‘I am you. And I already hate you when you’re being an idiot, like right now.’ ‘And then there’s the fact that I’m going back to fucking Equestria!’ ‘You can visit.’ ‘Do you honestly believe it will be that fucking simple?!’ ‘No, but you’ve done crazier shit before.’ ‘Really? Cause I don’t recall.’ ‘Blueblood, jet skies, and a walrus.’ ‘Oh that! That was fucking hilarious!’ ‘I know right! You almost died, but the look on his face was worth it. Anyways, we’re getting off topic. You need to tell her.’ ‘No! She’ll hate me for lying to her.’ ‘You don’t know that.’ ‘Yes I-’ ‘No, you don’t, now focus on the battle. There’s some calvary Dorcas missed.’ Mark shook his head from his thoughts before pointing at the calvary and shouting, “Rath, aim for their sword arms. Matt, mop it up.” ******************************************************************************************** All was quiet within the throne room. The erie and beautiful moonlight casting its light within the room, changing the room’s regular bright colors to those that matched the night’s. Two Lunar guards flanked the throne their yellow slitted eyes forward at attention. Unlike the Night guard, the Lunar guard was Luna’s personal bodyguards, the best of the best of the night. The princess herself sat regally on the throne waiting for ponies to come to her as she held the nightcourt. Suddenly the silence was broken. Luna sighed from boredom. She was happy that ponies of today’s era enjoyed her night more, however, this also meant that ponies didn’t come as often due to either being asleep, or ‘clubbing’ as it was called. Usually to distract herself she would visit dreams and help her pony subjects. But currently her mind was uneasy as she worried over her friend Mark. When she wasn’t dream-visiting and when her duties became this boring, she could always count on Mark to pay her a visit (before he went to Ponyville). She always wondered why he was up at this hour when he usually had a day of intense studying or attempted weapon training, but he told her to respect his privacy, and she did. Luna let out another sigh. ‘Mark’s been gone for a long time. It’s been only a few days here, but if I took a guess, I’d say he’s been there for over a week since my visit.’ She thought to herself. The princess of the night looked around the almost empty room before her gaze went to her forehoof where Mark’s gift was. ‘I hope that he’s ok. This was so much more fun when Mark was around. Especially since he used his intelligence on the things some ponies overlook for entertainment, like the application of pie. Though he has such strange drea-’ Luna’s eyes widened as she mentally slapped herself repeatedly. ‘Of course! Why didn’t I just visit his dreams every night! I’m such a foal. Well that ends tonight! As soon as my royal duties are attended to, I’m going to see Mark again.’ Luna thought with determination. Her Lunar guards looked their princess questionably. They wondered what the princess could thinking about so intensely to cause that amount of changes in facial expressions in roughly 7 seconds. ******************************************************************************************** “Of course it rains now. Right Matt?” Mark asked the thief as they walked towards the castle as it began to rain. Matthew just shrugged, “Well, it could always be worse. It could snow.” “Yah, I don’t know how weather works here but I doubt that will happen. And if it did that would still work for me anyways.” “So is there a reason you and I went ahead of the others?” Matthew said with a smile. Mark kept a serious expression, “Actually, yes there is. I need you to sneak into the castle and steal something from Lundgren.” Matthew raised an eyebrow but never lost his smile, “So how am I supposed to get in undetected? Usually I’d go by night, but in this case it’s raining and the gate is probably guarded by Lundgren and his goons.” Mark stopped Matthew with his hand as he smirked and pointed towards the distance. Over at a fort, Wallace stood, bellowing something unintelligible at this distance but definitely heard within the castle. The gates opened and several calvary and a couple soldiers filed out. Marching towards the armored general’s location. ‘Guess they haven’t seen an obvious trap, huh?’ ‘Or their idiots.’ ‘Of course, only idiots would side with Lundgren at this point.’ ‘Or their forced to do this.’ ‘Wait until after this to guilt me, I can’t afford distraction.’ Mark turned to the thief again as he pulled out a recently purchased fire tome and his jar of dirt, “There goes the goons, don’t worry Matt, I’ll distract Lundgren, just do as I ask.” Matthew winked as he double checked the leather of his gloves, “Just tell me what it is and its yours.” ******************************************************************************************** Lyn watched as Florina’s javelin downed the last enemy troop. Lyn’s conscious remaining well this time around since the armor that these particular troops wore was not of Caelin’s, which meant that they must be mercenaries. In her mind, Mark was a brilliant tactician. After Wallace had personally yelled out those ‘graphic’ insults, Mark predicted that her deceitful, but proud, granduncle would not take it lightly, and in anger, send out most of the troops he kept within the castle, hoping to overwhelm them. What he didn’t know was Mark ordered all of them, except Lyn and Wallace, to stay out of sight so that Lundgren would not resist the opportunity to rid himself of two major problems had he not given into anger. She looked up at the sky as the rain began to temporarily subside. Now was her best time to move. She signaled Kent and Sain over to her. “Kent, Sain, we’re riding to the castle ahead of the others. Kent I’ll ride on the back of your horse. Let us end Lundgren’s treachery!” “Yes milady.” Kent said briefly as Lyn hopped onto the back of his saddle. Kent and Sain looked to each other and nodded before spurring their horses onward. It was a short ride, less than 5 minutes, but then again, they had begun to rush once they saw Mark and Matthew walk through the gate. ‘What’s Mark doing?! He can’t beat Lundgren with only Matthew to help him, can he?’ Lyn thought before shaking her head. ‘No, he must have a plan, he always does.’ ******************************************************************************************** ‘So what’s the plan?’ ‘Don’t die, distract Lundgren long enough for Matthew to do what I asked, and don’t die. Anymore questions?’ ‘No, just making sure you know what your doing.’ Were Mark’s thoughts as he walked into the courtyard of the castle. In the corner of his eye, he saw Matthew practically merge into the shadows of the surrounding pillars. But what Mark’s attention was truly on was the man in large purple armor. Mark unconsciously pulled his hood over his head as he began his analysis. On his back was strapped a silver lance, as he held his javelin on hand. His purple armor, resembled Wallace’s a bit, but had more intricate designs, it was definitely made to protect while looking important, but Mark did see some weaknesses in the mid-torso and underarms. The man’s eyebrows furrowed when he realized that the young man approaching wasn’t one of his mercenaries. The two locked eyes with one another. Icy blue meeting dark brown. Bystanders (if there were any) could almost see the sparks emanating from the glares that seemed to last minutes when in reality it only lasted 5 seconds. “So...you must be Lundgren. I have to say... I thought you’d be more impressive. All I see is an old snake who is overdue for a beheading.” Mark taunted, his eyes narrowed. Mark had to stifle the laugh that came when he saw a vein popping out of Lundgren’s forehead. “And you must the that commoner who thinks he can play war with me.” Mark grinned, “I’ve been winning so far.” “Well, as long as you don’t expect any of your friends helping you.” Lundgren smirked wickedly as he signaled someone in the gatehouse and continued, “This is my realm, and you've entered without my permission. You will not leave these lands alive!” Lundgren shouted before charging. Mark didn’t turn around when he heard the outer and inner portcullis shut. ‘Well, Shit.’ ******************************************************************************************* Kent pulled Lyn back just in time as the outer portcullis shut where she had been a moment before. “Dammit.” Lyn said as she kicked the metal gate as all she could do was watch the scene unfold. ******************************************************************************************** Mark knew Matthew was a smart man, you had to be when you’re a thief. So once he had done what Mark asked, Mark knew that Matthew would take the initiative and open the gates again. Unfortunately, Mark didn’t know how long that would take him. ‘Dammit Matt! Hurry up!’ He thought as he dodged one of Lundgren’s thrusts. Mark lunged at Lundgren baiting him to take a defensive stance, then using his momentum, he instead rolled and ran to the other side of the courtyard. Hearing a distinct grunt, Mark slid on his knees and leaned back just as he heard the whistle of the javelin pass above his head. ‘That was too close.’ ‘Keep an eye on him!’ Mark quickly got back up and turned to see Lundgren now charging at him. His silver lance at the ready. ‘Gotta time this right. Bet he’s expecting another roll.’ Mark charged as well, his cloak hiding his hands. As Lundgren got closer he shifted his weight as he was about to make a powerful and definitely fatal lunge at the charging tactician. As predicted, Lundgren made his thrust lower, and if Mark had rolled he would have ended as a shiskebob. However, Mark instead jumped using the now lowered lance as a springboard. Before Lundgren could bring his lance back up to defend against the tactician, he ended up getting a face-full of broken glass, rocks, and dirt as Mark smashed his jar on Lungren’s head as hard as he could. ‘How do you like them apples?!’ Mark thought triumphantly for a second but failed to see Lundgren’s fist as he backhanded the young tactician hard enough to send him sliding across the ground. “Ow.” ‘Guess he didn’t like them apples after all.’ Mark ignored the pain as best he could as he struggled to get back up. Suddenly, the noise of the one of the portcullis opening was heard in the courtyard. “And thank you Matt.” Mark said to himself as he finally noticed Lyn and the knights on the other side of the opening portcullis. Currently Lyn was shouting something and pointing but Mark couldn’t hear it. That is until realization dawned on him when he heard that familiar whistling noise. ******************************************************************************************** Lyn slid underneath the rising portcullis before going into an all out sprint. She watched as Lundgren had picked up the javelin he’d thrown earlier and thrown it again, while Mark had been temporarily distracted. Mark spun around and dove a moment too late, the javelin now piercing his left shoulder. “MARK!” She yelled, but the two in the courtyard were too preoccupied to hear her. One in triumph, the other in pain. Lyn quickly reached the inner portcullis, which had not opened yet and pounded on it with her fist before looking around to see if there were any other way inside. There were none. Lyn quickly swiveled her head in Mark’s direction from what she heard next. “AAAAGH!” Mark yelled as he pulled out the javelin and tossed it to his side. “I have to say. I thought you’d be more impressive, or at least more of a challenge, given the fact you’ve been a thorn in my side ever since you started helping that damnable nomad mongrel.” Lundgren gloated wickedly as he approached Mark, his silver lance in hand. Rather than stab Mark though, Lundgren grabbed the tactician by the throat with his other hand and lifted him up. Mark’s left arm limply dangling while his right was hidden in his cloak. Lyn heard the clanking of metal as the inner portcullis finally began to open. ******************************************************************************************** “I haven’t wanted to kill anyone this badly in a long time. Did you really think that a warrior like you could beat me? Any last words.” Lundgren said tightening his grip. “Grrg-shhisan.” Mark managed to let out despite his lack of air. Lundgren smiled evilly before loosening his grip, “I’m sorry, what was that?” Mark coughed a bit before giving a Lundgren a glare and a smirk, “I said, I’m a tactician.” Suddenly Mark’s foot shot out towards Lundgren’s face, hitting him right in the nose. It didn’t seem to do any real damage, but it was enough of a surprise to make the man lose his grip making Mark fall roughly on the ground. Mark began scooting away as Lundgren recomposed himself, utter rage on his face. “It doesn’t matter what you are. You are dead!” Lundgren screamed as he thrust his lance towards Mark. *Clang* Metal met metal as Lyn deflected the blow meant for Mark with the Mani Kati. However, she wasn’t prepared for the other end of the lance to sweep and knock her away. Lyn quickly recovered and took her stance. Lundgren’s attention was now on Lyn as comprehension dawned on the man. “So you’re the girl claiming kinship with my brother! The royal house of Caelin has no need of a Sacaen mongrel! I’ll put an end to this foolishness here and now!” He said with a sneer. “I wouldn’t even try.” Kent said through narrowed eyes as he and Sain approached. “Ah. The traitors. You must be...Kent, yes?” “Lundgren, your treachery precedes you. I will not listen to any of your poisoned words!” “Then what of you, Sain, you’re not like this stubborn fool. You’re reasonable. Leave this child,” Lundgren gestured to Lyn “and stand at my side. You will go far in my service.” “That is a gracious offer, my lord...” Sain said causing Kent and Lyn to go wide eyed in surprise. “Quite...” Lundgren smirked. Sain drew his sword, “However, I am rather fond of my friend, the stubborn fool. And if I am to pledge my service to any liege, I would choose lovely lady Lyndis over foul Lundgren, regardless of the risk!” Lundgren grit his teeth before he began smile wickedly. “And what of those I keep in my dungeon? I don’t believe that I could overpower you all, but I gave orders, that should I fall, the prisoners are to be executed on the spot.” Lyn’s eyes widened as she and the knights made brief eye contact before focusing on Lundgren again. Suddenly, laughter erupted in the courtyard. All eyes were on Mark as he leaned against a pillar, his right hand red from blood as he held his shoulder, laughing. “I told you Lundgren. I’m a tactician. My whole job description is comprised of turning the tide of battle in my favor. Let me tell you something, I have a thief in my employ, and he’s already stolen your prisoners.” Mark said in an icy but amused voice. “I’LL KILL YOU!” “Maybe. But Lyn will definitely kill you. Kent, Sain, stay out of this, go help Matthew escort the former prisoners. Lyn can handle a snake.” Kent and Sain shared an unsure look, but nodded as they turned and entered the castle. Lundgren grinned, he may not be able to take all three, but if he could kill this nomad whelp, there would be no more proof of any treachery against his brother. The damn boy was already bleeding to death, and he knew the knights wouldn’t be able to pierce his armor when they got back. “So be it.” Lundgren said, readying his lance. Something felt a bit off, but he ignored it. Lyn looked at Lundgren, emerald eyes gleaming with righteous anger. “To further your own black ambitions, you’ve harmed my grandfather, my friends, and the land you ought to serve. I have neither pity nor mercy for you. Lundgren! Prepare yourself!” Lyn said, as she crouched, her hand on her blade, ready to fight. “Whelp!” Lundgren shouted as he charged and thrust his lance. Lyn easily dodged and counterattacked with an upward slash knocking Lundgren back, but not piercing his armor yet. Lyn drew the armorslayer with her other hand, duel wielding between the Mani Kati and the armorslayer, causing Lundgren to take his own (very defensive) stance. She closed her eyes in focus as she took a step backwards. Mark watched for the second time in his life as Lyn seemed to disappear, the glints of her swords visible slightly, as she then reappeared near Lundgren before jumping away. “Wha-t thats imposs-” was all Lundgren was able to get out before several gashes formed on his armor and shot out gouts of blood, as he fell. Lyn took a breath in relief as she sheathed the swords, but quickly turned her attention to the wounded tactician as she ran to his side. “Mark! Just a second I have a vulnerary here! Don’t move. Oh spirits, there’s so much blood!” Lyn said frantically as she started looking through the pouch at her side. Mark looked over Lyn’s shoulder as he spoke to her, “A vulnerary’s probably not gonna be enough for this wound. And Lyn...you seriously need to do that disappearing act more often. Not only is it awesome to see, but it’s mostly effective.” Lyn had began ripping part of her shirt as she responded, “What do you mean by mostly?” She then noticed Mark’s hand glowing. ******************************************************************************************** ‘That annoying little girl...Nothing but a savage from Sacae...The Caelin Throne should be...mine...NO! IT WILL! IT WILL NOT END LIKE THIS! THE THRONE WILL BE MINE!’ Lundgren thought as he slowly got up, the blood pouring from his wounds. His breaths ragged. He looked to the girl as she tried tending the boy’s wound. He noticed the boy’s right hand begin to glow yellow. Suddenly, his back began to get warmer, and warmer, until it was blazing hot. He didn’t have enough time to scream as the last thing he saw was a bright flash, and then darkness. ******************************************************************************************** Lyn turned in surprise at the sudden explosion. What had once been Lundgren was now a burning corpse. “Mark! What did you just do?!” Mark chuckled weakly, “Just overloaded a fire tome. It’s pretty hard to reverse-pickpocket a book when you’re being strangled, but I’m just awesome that way.” ‘Man that spell took a lot more out of me then I thought.’ ‘At least learning how to make a tome explode came in handy. Also DON’T SLEEP.’ “Lyn...Go to your grandfather...I’ll be fine. I had Matt carry an elixir just in case things got rough. It should heal this once he gets here, but you need to go, I’m sure your grandfather needs you more than me right now.” Lyn finished ripping her shirt as she tied the makeshift tourniquet around Mark’s shoulder. “Mark, I can’t just leave you here.” “Girl, when have I ever lied to you. Go see your grandfather. NOW!” Mark said with a smile. Lyn locked eyes with Mark before nodding very uneasily as she got up and made her way at an almost run, to meet her grandfather. Once Lyn was out of sight, Mark finally let himself slump and let his facade crumble. He felt a drop on his face as the rain began to fall again. Mark blinked, it was getting harder to keep his eyes open. ‘You sure you want this? That was probably the first real lie you’ve ever told her.’ ‘She’s never seen her grandfather and he’s been getting poisoned for awhile now. She deserves to see him more than anyone else if he’s still alive.’ ‘What about you? You’ve lost too much blood. And you’re losing more despite Lyn’s help.’ ‘Well that’s my problem isn’t it.’ ‘I don’t want to die.’ ‘No. But there are worse ways to go.’ ‘At least try to fight for it!’ ‘I am. What do you think I’m doing with my constant blinking.’ ‘Crying.’ ‘Am I? I thought that was the rain.’ ‘This is scary.’ ‘Of course it is. Stop voicing my inner emotions brain.’ ‘Subconscious.’ Mark’s vision blurred. He shook his head, but the blurriness remained. He saw shapes moving around in the corner of his eyes. He thought he heard someone shout, but darkness overtook him before he could comprehend it.