Murphy was overwhelming the group on his own.
"Stop!" Keynes roared, seeing this. He hastily took several steps back; though he hadn't lowered his Longsword, he had already shifted to a defensive stance.
The other guards who could still move also scrambled back, gathering around their captain. Every one of them was wounded and panting for breath, the terror in their eyes yet to fade.
Lelas put away his short blade and retreated to Elvin's side, his emerald eyes locked on Murphy.
Although Elvin hadn't expended much energy, he was a Mage. Without the support of his teammates, he clearly couldn't defeat Murphy alone.
Keynes took a deep breath, forcing down the roiling in his chest and the aching numbness in his arm. His gaze was complicated as he stared at Murphy, who stood perfectly still, his breathing not even disturbed. In a low, heavy voice, he said:
