Caledon knew the power of the words. Every first year magician knew the spell. It was usually just a simple defense casting. But under the right circumstances, when contained in a small space or underwater the force of the shield could also act as a weapon.
Luckily for Caledon then that the Angular, a thin fish like creature with a long scaled tail and two arms brandishing dual tridents had backed him up towards a submerged vessel.
The young wizard knew he needed to concentrate, he had to manage to maintain the air pocket spell which kept him alive and breathing at this depth while also conjuring his shield blast.
The Angular came on fast, shoving his tridents in rapid succession. Caledon managed to dodge the first few jabs but caught one on his thigh. A thick gush of red dirtied the sea. He knew he would need to get that under control quickly, as the scent of human blood was an attractive proposition for the creatures who lived in this section of Lion’s Coast.
The Angular’s face distorted into what may have passed for a smile as he saw the wound, and he came on brandishing one trident over his head with ease ready to plunge it into Caledons heart. The young wizard said the words, but he focused on the incoming trident, its sharp pointed end meaning almost assuredly his demise. He closed his eyes and prepared for his death. His mother would be there waiting for him. He wondered if she would scold him for being in the sea, or for joining the Tanta Academy. She had always been against his training to be a wizard. A small thud surrounded him, but nothing pierced his skin. Gradually he opened his eye to see that his shield glowed blue around him, sparkling in the water. Floating in front of him and slowly rising up was a prone Angular, tridents released from its unconscious grasp. Caledon sighed deep and turned to escape. His leg was still bleeding and its beacon meant he would be fish food before long. He had lost his bearings in the fight with the sea creature and knew he needed to get back to his ship so he swam in the only direction he was sure of.
He swam towards the light.