The Vagrant (The Vagrant, #1)

by Peter Newman

‘Looks like we’re about to find out.’ Axler swings the lance into line with the First’s chest. ‘You’ve got exactly five seconds to turn around and go back to wherever you came from.’ As the First replies, Axler’s lips shape numbers, counting down silently. ‘If you truly speak for the people here, put it to them. If the majority agree with you, I will leave without another word and I will take Yuren and Roget with me. If they do not, then you will give yourself—’ Fire surges from the lance. ‘Five!’ Even as Axler’s finger is squeezing, the First is moving, fast enough to race the flames. Heat explodes in the space where the First was, the edges of it reaching out to lick at a retreating arm, catching a flowing sleeve. Axler has time to look surprised; the infernal weaving around the stream of fire and underneath his lance. Fabric bursts alight, making a tail behind the First’s palm as it slams, open, into Axler’s side. In sympathy, ribs and armour crack together. The lance goes quiet and its bearer falls to the floor.