Remnants

Instead of waiting for an answer, the remnant's sword streaked across the sky. Space itself caught on the tip, condensing together in a wave of power that launched in an arc toward us. It happened so quickly that I couldn't consciously react, slamming against us before I had time to blink. 

Fable had no such limitations, however. I hadn't even registered that he'd moved when he appeared in the air between me and the arc of shadow, intercepting it with his claws. The ensuing explosion swept through the cathedral with the force of a hurricane, breaking against my ward. The impact sent cracks spiderwebbing across the shimmering shields, and my breath caught in my throat. 

Just how strong had that attack been? Both of my wards were at the peak of the fifth level and had proved able to withstand sixth-circle spells. But this was just the shockwave from the attack! If Fable hadn't been there…