Talos lead the party back towards the barracks. The people in the streets gave them a wide berth after seeing the wild magic in the merchant district. Most returned to their work but some just watched as they passed through. Approaching the perimeter of the barracks which once seemed like any other barracks was quite different this time. Even Talos drew his sword and pulled his shield out. Two militia stood watch at their posts at the north entrance as usual. They both turned to the party as it approached, "Halt! State your business!"

"Stand aside, corporals, I have urgent business with Major Zilc!" Sergeant Talos stopped in front of the two guards.

"The major is busy." One said.

"And you're wanted for treason, sergeant."

"Treason?!" Neven looked completely surprised, "What did he do?"

Both Willow and Irzen looked at each other in complete disbelief.

"Wait one moment," The elementalist walked over and noticed both of them acting not themselves.

"Oy! No mag--!!"

Alyson brought up her hands in a brilliant flash of blinding light that caused them to collide and stagger back against the wall of the barracks.

"Ugh! My head," The first guard shook his head in confusion, "Wh-what happened??"

The second guard came to his senses and looked back at the party with Sergeant Talos glaring at him, "Sir? What, what's going on?"

"You were under the influence of a charm spell but no more. And you're welcome," The elementalist replied.

Talos pointed his weapon towards the ground, "Who else is under the influence of this fell magic? Where is Major Zilc?"

The two looked at each, "Don't know. Those of us who were stationed here at the barrack all fell under the spell. Except those who were on patrol. Wait, a couple of the recruits got into a heated argument with the major and questioned his methods. They're probably locked up in the cells for insubordination. Oh, one more thing, there's some kind of magic barrier around the main building."

The elementalist looked skyward and began speaking in a strange tongue. Clouds began to form and the wind began to pick up.

Madeous stepped forward in full view of the two militia, "Call out those who are positioned in the yard of the barracks, now! Call them here unless, you want to be on grave duty for the next day!"

"Yes, your majesty!" One of the corporals opened the north gate and yelled, "Intruders! We need reinforcements now!"

Talos motioned for the party to move to either side of the north gate as the sound of charmed guards ran towards through.

Irzen, Neven, Willow and Serna followed suit eager to see what Alyson was going to do next.

The guards started to pour through the north gate by twos and out onto the streets. As the last pair came out, Talos brought his shield up and across the guard's helmet closest to him with a clang and sent the man into unconsciousness. His partner turned around only to hit the return swing from the shield as it came up again. "Two down. Eight to go! No killing just incapacitate them."

Madeous caught the first two that made it out the farthest in the streets. Using the flat side of his great sword both guards slammed into the building across the way. "Four down, six to go!"

Four of the six turned towards the party, weapons drawn and advancing.

Willow quick-drew and arrow and fired it into the left knee of one of the guards forcing him to drop to the ground in pain.

Neven yanked the hood of his cloak over his head, balled his right hand into a fist and pulled his arm downward. One of the guards promptly dropped waist-deep into his own shadow.

Irzen did not wait for them to come to him. The Dark Elf drew his sword and charged at one of the approaching guards. When the soldier went to take a swing at him, the Swordsman ducked under his guard and swung the pommel of his sword into the temple of the guard dropping him where he stood.

"Hey, Caliphay, watch this!" Serna activated her shield as she charged at the soldier facing her, "YYYYAAHHH!!!" The Shield Maiden slammed into the guardsman full force using her shield to bash the soldier backwards into a nearby wall and into the not-so wonderful world of unconsciousness.

"Wow! You're good!" Caliaphy cheered and clapped her hands at Serna's bull rush.

"Thanks!" Serna smiled from ear to ear.

The remaining two guards tried to run back through the north gate but met the receiving end of a shield and sword pommel from Talos to the head. Both went down hard. The sergeant turned to the corporals, "Bind them. Make sure they can't escape. I will question them later. Tend to that one," he pointed to the one with the arrow in his knee.

Madeous peered into the barracks yard to make sure there weren't any more surprises. The area was clear except for the shimmer of the magical barrier that encased the main building. He glanced upwards and spied the culprit watching the party from above. "It's clear. Alyson you know what to do. Everyone else stand back. Talos and Serna watch out from above. Willow, I trust you'll be able to spot any incoming attacks with your superior vision?"

"I can and will," The Ranger did his best to spy any points where an ambush would have been possible.

The elementalist raised both arms into the air and called forth a storm to enhance and empower her. She invoked, Mjolnir as Thor's Hammer came down in a ten foot circle completely enveloping her form before she unleashed it at the barrier. The force of the lightning blast shook the entire barracks.

***SHHRRAACCKKKKKK!!!***

The barrier wavered from the assault a few times before collapsing entirely. The elementalist lowered her hands. The ground where she stood was charged with electricity. "The barrier is down, sergeant. Go, I'll be along shortly."

"Good grief!" Irzen took a hard yet questioning look at Alyson, "Someone had their V8 this morning, didn't they?"

With a firm nod, Talos motioned the party to follow, "Let's go. Weapons at the ready."

Irzen, Neven, Serna and Willow moved back into their original positions and advanced forward ready to take on whatever may come.