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Thanks to Kareet's effort, with Nellara's help and the other mages that were among the group, the barge was safely put in the margin of the river, out of the strange black liquid. The very moment they thought they were safe though, a multitude of people were noticed by them. Even though they were partially hidden by the foliage, Nellara could still clearly see that they were a rather strange group. Without any noticeable marking, uniform or identification, the group's integrante were of many different races. They also didn't seem to be equipped for actual combat, resembling more hunters than even bandits, who often were equipped to some extent, even if only with plundered and stolen equipment.

Before Nellara or any of them could say anything, the group immediately sent a volley of arrows towards their direction. Without any warning or any negotiation, they definitely didn't seem to be bandits of any kind.

[color=d3c28b]"Form a protective perimeter around the humans, right now!"[/color] Nellara ordered, as the iron sand she kept in a pouch quickly began floating around, flowing in the air as it gathered together, hardening to deflect shots before going back to it's previous form, again and again.

[color=d3c28b]"Force mages, defensive formation! We need a barrier."[/color] Nellara continued before she gave a step forward towards the group, both aiming to make them focus their fire on her as she focused the iron sand to defend herself and to speak to the group.

[color=d3c28b]"This is Castigator Nellara! Cease fire, stand down and identify yourselves immediately! You have exactly one chance to follow my commands and surrender."[/color] Nellara shouted with the loud, authoritative voice of someone who was used to commanding and coordinating large groups of soldiers echoing through the riverbanks.

[color=d3c28b]"Failure to comply will be dealt with lethal force."[/color] Nellara finished, her voice quickly taking a darker tone as she threatened the group of hunters.

Despite the first volley of arrows getting most of them by surprise, a single glance quickly revealed that the humans were definitely quick to react and had mostly already took cover.

[color=d3c28b]"Not neighbors. They didn't try to negotiate or steal us, nor they even tried to talk to us. Definitely not bandits and most likely not just normal 'hunters', as they would not have any reason to attack us if they were so."[/color] Nellara said, replying to Vigdis.


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