One of the mages stepped forward, holding a small vial filled with a shimmering blue liquid. He approached the altar and forced the liquid down the mutant's throat.
"That must be the antidote!" Tahlia gasped, her hand instinctively reaching for her weapon.
"Wait," Caleb cautioned, holding her back.
One by one, more mages stepped forward each carrying a similar vial. They took turns administering the blue liquid to the mutant. With every dose the mutant grew more agitated. The glowing strings binding it grew taut as the mages chanted louder to hold the creature down.
"What are they doing?" Tahlia growled.
"I think they've gathered every last antidote," Garis said. "Shouldn't we strike now?"
"Not yet," Caleb said firmly while his eyes still locked on the unfolding scene.
We continued watching as more mages from the back rows stepped forward each offering another vial to the mutant. Finally the light strings snapped.