Chapter 695 - Book 6, Chapter 87 (2/2)

Once they overcame its defenders, this ould end

As they arrived Cloudhaas leaning over an Elysian general a the ruins Hammont's sturdy officer's ar blood The fallen Praelius warrior had been frighteningly strong Ash's spear hadn't used any special power but pure force, but that was enough to shred Haans

Without a word, Cloudhawk placed his hands on the injury A warled skin

But the daht Hao into failure It would take ten eneral would be dead in less than a ers around Cloudharist With eyes wide, he rasped, “Tellof it? Life?”

Cloudhawk looked down at theat the final moments, desperate for an answer But Cloudhawk didn't knohat to say

“Everyone is different You already have the answer Everything you've done proves it, so why don't you tellto be somebody Cl…claay up, ride the ave of the tilad I'one At least a… a nobody can d-die without… guilt…”

Coughs stole the rest of Hammont's voice Blood trickled from the corners of his ive up Can't g-go back Please ta… take care of my people Drake's Corps It has… has to continue”

He let the words hang in the air, staring pleadingly at Cloudhawk A few ht faded from his eyes They slipped shut forever

The two men were not close, but a sorrow filled Cloudhawk as he watched this simple man pass Hammont Seacrest had been a model for his people His sad end was not just personal, but a loss for the whole realm

“General!”

Nearby officers cried out, eyes moist as they watched their leader breathe his last

The meloncholy stillness was shattered as suddenly the Te to escape the city, propelled by some unseen power

The Cloud God's voice intruded on Cloudhawk's thoughts “They are atteo now, or it is too late”

Now? There were only five of them, it would be suicide… [1]

Cloudhawk knew the Avatar was inside, waiting for him It was clearly an ambush, but there was only one chance He shouldn't have been so reckless He should have waited for everyone to arrive

“Master Cloudhaill fight with you!”

An Elysian officer stepped forward and e Cloudhaatched, stunned, as others followed

“We will all fight with you!”

The surprise was clear on his face Cloudhaell aware of his foul reputation a to follow hi for them in the Temple were not ordinary foes If they ith him it would alht with you!”

“Let us help stop the war”

The officers gathered around hi in their faces

“Count us in” This time it was none other than Blaze, who at one point had tried to kill Cloudhahile he fled from Skycloud Around him were more demonhunters and elite soldiers They were the ones responsible for destroying the enchantment “Not for you To protect our home”

Cloudhawk felt their determination Every s had to be done, even if itup one's life Sacrifice was one of the most coether then”

1 Note for the future editor; I confirh to confront the tower I guess he had a change of heart A rare inconsistency from Tipsy