The Meracydians circled Solomon, armed and primed to run him through if he sneezed. "We have you surrounded, Allagan! Lay down your tome and surrender!"
"Hmph." He holstered his grimoire and raised his hands. His topaz carbuncle crouched low and growled at the enemy. "Take your prize to your leader, then."
He let them search his person, snatching his tome away. His carbuncle dissolved into a flurry of sparks. Another tied his hands behind his back and marched him off to their camp, kicking him down to kneel in front of their squad captain.
"Bold of you to face us alone, Allagan," the captain smirked.
He shrugged. "All part of the game," he answered.
"Game? What do you-" The rumbling earth cut the captain's question short. The shadow that eclipsed the encampment looked and felt like a malm long as Meracydian troops gawked up at it.
Desh stood up from his mount, casting an arrogant glance at those beneath him. The dragon threw back its head, its roar shaking the ground and collapsing tents. Behind him, a fleet of Allagan warships approached.
Solomon could only squint through the gushing winds around him. "Bit much isn't it?" he shouted.
"I was ordered to teach a lesson to cocky soldiers who think they can lure a battalion to the enemy on their own." Tied-up Solomon gave him ideas. "You better have something for wasting our time, Solomon."