Ashes of the Fallen

"Flame wave!" yelled out Ethan as he thrust both arms forward, and with a sudden surge the literal wave of flame rushed out in a conical form, completely washing over the goblins as they sat unaware. The smaller, normal goblins were knocked back from the impact and the intense heat as they screamed in sudden agony but the flames soon dispersed, leaving only the smell of burnt flesh and rising smoke as the raging goblins were left attempting to stand back up.

As they turned their focus towards the mage that had assaulted them, the grayish-white mist above them started to pour down on them. Small droplets of freezing rain fell and instantly froze on contact with the goblins, immediately turning into frost. As the single centimeter droplets soon began to double in number, the goblins could be seen visibly changing color before our very eyes, as their skin started to turn white as more and more droplets began to freeze on impact.

The goblins had already made it back on their feet, unfazed by the rain as they grabbed their weapons and began to charge. They managed a step, only to find themselves stuck in place as lightning arced through each and every one of them.

Temporarily paralyzed, the goblins found themselves struggling to move as the frost built up and slowed their movements. Realizing the critical nature of the situation, the goblin priest immediately attempted to start a healing spell but was soon hit with a small burst of flame that sent it tumbling to the ground.

And then as the other goblins regained their composure, I finished my second cast, a lightning bolt directly into the second goblin guard. It roared at me as it raised its shield and thrust its spear out, but I had already prepared as I easily blocked and counter attacked with my axe. With a quick swing I forced the guard to defend itself as I pushed it back, back into the freezing rain that was now pelting my skin.

Barik had managed the same as he taunted the goblins and used a [Shield Bash] to push his guard a step back. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as the goblin priest fell to another [Fire Blast] and turned my attention back onto the guard in front of me. A [Lunge] came at me in the blink of an eye as I twisted my core, narrowly avoiding the blow only to find an arrow hitting me in the shoulder.

I winced, but that was all I could afford.

A [Heavy Thrust] followed as I blocked it with my shield but the impact made my knees buckle as I instinctively braced with both arms. The spear nearly pierced the shield as I heard the distinct cracking sound of wood breaking inches from my face.

Another arrow landed in my chest but didn't pierce my leather and fur, as I readied my axe for another swing. I had started to shake from the cold rain as my body began to freeze and lock up, my movement already slowed and impaired.

I just needed to hold on.

Another blow came, this time easily deflected as it glanced off my shield and allowed for another counter. My readied axe itching to be released, I swung with a side-ways motion attempting to catch the exposed neck of the creature yet found myself smashing into wood a split-second later. The axe bounced as I nearly lost my grip, but I redoubled my efforts and thrust my shield into the goblin's own as we battled for positioning.

Digging my heels into the ground, I began to push forth with both arms behind my shield as the goblin guard was forced to do the same. Rain was continually pouring on the two of us as we struggled for physical superiority, unwilling to give in. Putting my head down and giving it another shove, I managed to overpower the goblin for a split second as it stumbled backwards and fell to the ground.

In its desperation, it quickly lashed out with its spear, thrusting wildly and as rapidly as it could, only without any leverage or force behind it as it lay pathetically on its back. A quick step backwards and I was outside of the rain as ice cold water rolled down my face. I was completely drenched and nearly frozen over, but now, the frost had started to melt.

The goblin guard attempted to get back up as quickly as he could, but I had already prepared for this moment. With an outstretched arm and an open palm, I began a channel of electricity that connected the two of us. With the tether established, the lightning pulsated wildly as I watched the guard attempt to resist. The creature had a high willpower and was quickly regaining his composure, but it didn't really matter.

The goblin guard had been inside the freezing rain for almost ten seconds now, and it was nearly entirely white. Its movements slowed as it got to a knee, then as it attempted to stand up it stopped moving entirely. I ceased my channel as I surveyed the room, only to find that where five goblins had been leisurely enjoying their freedom less than a minute ago, there were now five frozen statues and a nearly frozen dwarf.

"You alright there, Barik?" I asked calmly.