Sasarai exhales sharply as Estinien is thrown back by a blast of force from someone running up beside him, seemingly answering the call of the young man at his back.

A third figure is here now, too, a woman he hasn't seen before.

He's grateful for their help but there's no time to thank them, there isn't even time for a nod of acknowledgment.

Their attacker is still on his feet and now he is bellowing. Sasarai hears the roar in his mind and body as well as his ears; it is anguish and rage and white-hot fire that burns and lances its way into his very soul.

The True Earth Rune responds, filling his veins with a sensation like cool clay and he can feel its power keep his legs from buckling.

The barrier falls but Sasarai remains standing and focuses on chanting a new spell. He strides to edge of the platform, lifts an arm, and swings it out before him in a low, sweeping gesture.

Following his movement the ground near Estinien starts to rumble and large stones and rocks erupt from beneath the earth and roll towards him. The force of the miniature landslide is not enough to crush Estinien to death if it hits, but Sasarai hopes it will be enough to partially bury him or at the very least sweep him away from the platform and prevent any more terrible howling.