The impact sent him to the ground. Girel had only used one arm as the other was broken, but the Draug was stronger than the man had been in life. Idelt’s mouth ran with blood; his head rang.

His hammer. Where was…? The [Blacksmith] felt around for it. Then he felt a huge hand seize him and drag him up. The world refocused and he saw two burning yellow eyes, glowing even in rot.

Girel. The Draug was squeezing. Squeezing Idelt’s neck. The [Smith] felt something popping. He heard a scream of his tendons and flesh. He battered Girel weakly, but he was too—too—

The world turned black. Across the town, Afiele’s defenders were being overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught. They fell back, arms shaking with the effort of fighting. Lord Lantal was gasping for air, fumbling for a stamina potion he didn’t have. He ran along the walls towards the Draug, who was lifting Idelt into the air by his neck.

Lantal saw a figure on the roofs, separate from the [Archers] desperately loosing arrows. He turned his head, despite the dire situation, fearing it was a Ghoul. But no. It was a young woman. She was standing there. And—for a second their eyes met.

Cara took a deep breath as the battle raged around her. It was just a song. But this world had given her a Skill. So she sang. Hoping, praying, it made a difference. Not a happy song. A song fit for this moment.

Rise Up, by Imagine Dragons.

The bass played with her. Cara raised her voice, desperately. She saw a struggling figure below. Idelt.

The lyrics caught in her chest. But she forced herself to sing. That was her class. She couldn’t fight. But—

Below her—she saw the Draug sense the sound and turn. Idelt slipped from its grip. The Draug moved towards the offending sound. Cara’s heart pounded. She saw the giant undead stride forwards.

And.

Stop.

——

Idelt heard her voice on the edge of his consciousness. But he felt the song taking away his exhaustion.

Giving his arm strength.

He tore Girel back. The Draug whirled and brought up its good arm to crush Idelt’s skull. The [Smith]

rolled. He got to his feet, lurching with the effort. But adrenaline ran through his veins. His neck felt half-torn off.

But he was alive. The [Smith] couldn’t find his hammer. So he raised his fists. He saw Girel—the Draug—

swing at a pair of terrified men with spears and send one flying.

“Girel!”

Idelt roared. The Draug seemed to hear him. It swung around. Idelt charged into the bigger man and swung a fist.

Girel’s head snapped backwards. The Draug lurched backwards a few feet and opened its mouth. It bit at Idelt with its gaping, distended jaw. Idelt held the face back with both hands—took a blow that sent him spinning.