Then I saw it—a light in the distance, a gleaming blade that pierced the dark. Before I could make sense of it, another appeared—a bright point that became two broad beams, sweeping high and wild above me. A torrent of light burst from the darkness just a few feet from me. As my eyes adjusted I saw Vladim, his mouth open in shock and confusion as light poured from his palms. I turned my head and saw them sparking to life, one by one across the Fold, like stars appearing in a twilight sky, Soldat Sol and oprichniki, their weapons forgotten, their faces baffled, awed, terrified, and bathed in
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