Reaching the Sand Elves’ Home      

"Wait . . . what just happened?"

"In return for your aid, I will bless you in your quest to defeat this malevolent being," Zarathar continued, ignoring Rain's bewilderment.

The Djinn lifted one massive hand, and with a slow, deliberate motion, he waved it through the air. The ground beneath them rumbled, and a powerful gust of wind swept through the camp, carrying with it a swirling cloud of dust and earth. The dust seemed to shimmer with a golden light as it settled over the army.

[Zarathar has blessed you. Your DEF has doubled!]

Rain felt a rush of energy coursing through him, as if the very earth beneath his feet was lending him its strength. He glanced around and saw that the others were feeling it too — their postures straighter, their expressions more composed. The fear that had gripped them moments before was replaced by a newfound confidence.