A Coward's Weapon

Nicholas lay still for a long time, he watched as the small patch of light that penetrated the bush slowly faded as afternoon turned to night.

Zeph and his men were completely puzzled by the scene they had walked into, they noted how the plants and animals in the area were dead. All had lost their mana, not even a residual amount was left.

They had assumed everything from a new form of magic to Marcus learning how to channel the mana of plants and animals into himself. But they later decided that Marcus channeling the mana didn't help him much.

When they finally moved on, Nicholas decided to remain hidden for a few more minutes, he was sure that Zeph's men would return to check if Marcus had.

"Nothing?" One of the guards asked as Nicholas could sense them walking around the area.

"It seems that Prince Marcus truly has fled." His companion announced. "Any news if they've found Prince Nicholas? Prince Zeph has been particularly furious that he escaped."