The sound of Mutiu's voice left the General momentarily unsettled. He remained where he was, his back still turned toward the boy floating behind him. His mind, however, was anything but calm.

How? How had someone managed to get that close without him noticing? More importantly, when had it happened?

The General's senses had always been among his greatest assets. Even before entering the city, he had carefully spread his perception across the surrounding area. He had been searching for traces of the strange force interfering with his plague. Yet Mutiu had appeared behind him without warning.

No presence. No energy. Nothing.

It was as though he had simply materialized...