Anest was torn by the emotion of conflicting loyalties - to Lily and to the Four Kingdoms. "Belloc, all Lily knows about any of this is that something chased her from her home. It's not enough that I hurt her too, perhaps just as badly. Now it seems that the chase is not ended." He sighed, deeply, looking into the deep Wood as though it blinded his vision. "When does it stop?"
For that, Belloc had no answer. Ignorance was ever their greatest enemy. They had no idea who was behind the attack. Goblins and gnomes did not work together. Demons worked for and with no one. The ravens were a disturbing detail as well, for only wizards were known to have tamed them in the past.
They were joined by Finrain, who gave Belloc a quick accounting of those injured or lost. Casualties were heavy: they had lost a third. The wounded were being prepared for travel to the fortress. Finrain had received a gash along the ribs from a spear-thrust, but was otherwise unhurt.
Brogan joined them later and gave Belloc a similar report. The molten metal had left glaring red marks on his hands and face, but they were superficial, and with the wizard's medicaments would heal without scarring.
When the elves were ready, Jerra told them, "Dorain suggests that we make haste, Sire. There are still a great many of the enemy about, and they may attack us again, Demon and Warlock or no.