Fallen

“Fallen?” said Jodah.

Shannan looked at Jodah hard. “I never told you how l ended up here? ”

Jodah had been wondering that himself but just nodded.

“Heard about the place and bribed a ship captain to take me here,” said Shannan. “They don’t recruit here, since Mairsil took over. You have to get here on your own power to prove you’re worthy in the first place.” Shaman shook his head. “Anyway, my challenge was to fight one of the Fallen. You know what they are ?”

Jodah shook his head.

“When a mage holds too much mana for too long he gets burned, right?” said Shannan, not waiting for Jodah to respond. “You burn out too much, you hold too much mana for too long for too many times, you become the Fallen. Nasty thing. Wild and untamed. No eyes, just burning little bits of mana. They still know their spells, but have no control. Move like weasels, real fast. Fight like wolves.” Shannan shook himself.

Jodah tried to imagine Shannan defeating such a creature, and found it impossible. “How did you beat it?" he finally asked.

Shannan brightened. “I had built a crossbow that fired four broad—headed bolts at once. I hit him from ten yards away.”

Jodah nodded. “That would do it.”

“Had to reload. Twice.”

***

The Gathering Dark, Chapter 13