identified him. High-born and common folk alike feared Burton because of the tales told about his ‘gifts’, the supernatural abilities that had scorched the sky. But he had morphed his face into an unrecognizable visage. And once Montague realized, he played along. “The wild folk have come,” said Burton. “Mages carrying deadly spells are murdering everyone in sight and burning homes to the ground. I believe the invaders are influenced and led by a supernatural force. A force so evil, its only purpose is to annihilate anything that breathes to get what it wants.” Montague’s brow rose. “Mages?” he asked. Burton nodded, confirming that the situation was more serious than Montague had thought. A voice from the back of the crowd
