Order

By the time the people of Baterilla Island broke through the gates and rushed into the Council Hall, it seemed too late. The fire burned fiercer than ever. Flames and choking smoke filled their sight, keeping them from getting a step closer.

Just as everyone stood helpless and frantic, despair written across their faces,

Something incredible happened.

Before their eyes, the flames engulfing the entire Council Hall began to spin as if they had come alive. Roaring and dragging thick smoke with them, they formed a tornado of fire that soared into the sky.

The flames around the Council Hall vanished in an instant.

Everyone stared, eyes wide.

"Is this a miracle?"

Someone murmured in disbelief.

Others had already sprung into action. The moment the flames cleared, they rushed inside, and the rest followed close behind.

Once inside, they saw something even more astonishing.

A path had opened through the flames in the Council Hall's corridor, pointing them deeper into the building, toward the people they sought.

They looked at one another, then made up their minds and charged in.

Soon, they found their wives, children, and families struggling out of the meeting chamber with every ounce of strength they had left, tended to by Amin.

"Lady Amin!"

"My wife... My son!"

Relief washed over Amin, and she shouted,

"Everyone, come help! There are still a lot of people inside!"

Before long, all the women and children held in the Council Hall had been rescued and brought outside.

But not everyone had cause to rejoice.

Some of the women and children had survived those days of captivity. Others had not.

Many people cradled wives and children whose blood had already dried, wailing in anguish. Despair filled their eyes, leaving them unable to say a word.

Their grief took much