User blog:Mauller/Absolution 024

Absolution, Chapter:024


 Eleanor turned pale the moment the woman spoke.

 ‘B-be careful, she’s not like the others.’

 The woman slowed her approach, she seemed interested in me. A chill ran up my spine whenever our eyes met. Her warm smile looked sinister while she held my foot.

 ‘My master… Lady, has taken an interest in you. That means I have also taken an interest, being her guardian means I must.’

 I glared at the woman, I felt angry with her and at myself. Closer inspection of her clothing revealed my mistake. Although she was wearing a female knights dress, the markings and style were different. The fabric accentuated her figure leaving nothing to the imagination. While the armour plates looked ceremonial more than functional. The few plates that she did wear covered her hips, bust and shoulders.

 Does this monster not fear being attacked? Or is it something else?

 ‘Oh I care very much young man. I just prefer… the finer things in life, as of late.’

 The woman’s smile grew as she stepped closer. She was only a few meters away and something strange was happening the nearer she approached. The morning had been foggy but cleared with the rising sun. Yet a mist was snaking its way across the ground towards me and Eleanor.

 I hopped back before the first tendril could touch me. The woman pursed her lips before her smile grew. The tendril recoiled and vanished into the mist that was covering the ground.

 ‘Martin… I am out of Mana…’

 ‘It’s okay Eleanor… I will think of something.’

 ‘You are quite observant, put the girl down and I will return your foot. Fight me and I will let you go.’

 ‘You cut off my foot! How is it any use to me?’

 ‘Oh? Had you not noticed? Maybe you are not as observant as I thought. But Tell me, are you bleeding? Does it hurt?’

 The questioning was strange, yet the sensations were still there. And as she said, it did not hurt.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Martin… we are surrounded.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eleanor had been observing the surroundings while I focused on the woman. A quick glance revealed the numerous monsters that were encircling us. Many of them were wearing light body armour. But theirs appeared to reveal as much skin as possible while remaining functional.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘They won’t attack, not without my say or incurring my lady’s wrath.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The young girl in my arms still appeared terrified. She was already pale from the amount of time she spent indoors, yet she looked like a ghost in the mist.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I locked eyes with the woman then placed Eleanor down. She held onto my arm at first, then frowned and let go. A few of the monster looked like they wanted to attack. A warning glare from the woman sent them slinking back to their original places.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Fine, I will fight you. But let the girl go first.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Oh? That was not part of the bargain, fight me then I will let you go.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The fog was making it hard to see into the distance, but the woman stood out like a beacon within it. Her pure white skin and crimson eyes had a power to them.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Very good, now for my side of the bargain.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> She let go of my foot and the strangest thing happened. As though it was attached by a waist band, it flew towards my leg and stuck back in place. A test of it revealed that it was connected to me once again.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘That is some weird magic…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eleanor was watching the woman. she had huddled herself into her cloak behind me, her leg looked bad from what I could tell. I needed to get her out of here fast.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘So what now? I don’t have a weapon.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman smiled and pulled one of her swords from its scabbard. She threw it towards me before drawing the second.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Then use that.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I caught the blade and a chill run through my body. It felt as though the warmth within me was pulled into the blade the moment I touched it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> A few swings of the sword brought a tune to the air. I was no master swordsman or smith but I could tell it was well made from its balance.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman took a stance with her sword pointed towards me and one hand behind her back. the smile on her face had grown and an air of excitement had overcome her. Her eagerness for battle stirred something in me, I had to protect Eleanor. So I readied myself the best I could, I had little practice with anything but polearms.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> As we stood ready, I started to notice fog hanging around the woman’s neck and arms. It appeared as though she were wearing a feathered scarf and long silken gloves.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You are an interesting one, I shall enjoy this fight. It is rare that my master… the lady joins a conflict such as this.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Well I have something to protect, so don’t expect it to be easy.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> We stood watching each other’s bodies. There was always a chance that the first strike could lose. But it was obvious that this woman was experienced with a blade. The few openings she presented would be hard to strike. I might lack skill with a sword but I could tell that it was not going to be an easy fight, even if I was using a polearm.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Not wanting to waste time I lunged forwards, hoping my feint would be noticed. The woman made her move, blocking my feint with ease. But the attack was just for show to block her sword. The moment her head was in range I punched for it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Quicker than I could move, her hand appeared from behind her back. A gleam of silver crossed my vision and a tingling raced up my arm. When I checked to see what had happened, my hand was gone.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I looked back at the woman and she appeared more amused and excited. The sound of scraping metal sounded out as we pushed away from each other.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘How rude, punching a woman in the face? I should have cut off more than just your hand.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I glared at the woman, she had returned to her original stance with her hand hidden behind her back.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Then how about I warn you and return this? Try something underhanded and I will cut something off, if I score a hit I will cut something off. If you score a hit, then maybe I will return something to you. But take too many hits and you won’t be able to fight.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> My hand floated up from behind her back, tendrils in the fog suspending it. Once they let go, it returned to its place in the same way as my foot. Inspecting my wrist revealed nothing, it was as though it had been there the entire time.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Fine, nothing that you would consider dirty. Just keep your promise.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘As a knight, I always keep my word.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The monsters around us had begun cheering and jeering the moment the fight started. Eleanor looked mortified as she sat huddle into herself.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You are quite the strong one, my lady found an interesting toy for once.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> She was the first to attack this time. Her repeated thrusts left me on the back foot. It was becoming difficult to block the flurry of stabs she was making. My inexperience and the fatigue I had been feeling since gripping her sword was not helping. The tiredness was making my movements sluggish.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The sparkle in the woman’s eyes continued to grow the more we fought. Her movements were becoming more reckless, yet they seemed calculated. Whenever I went to take advantage of one of the openings she caught me with her sword. Each cut felt as though cold water had been poured over me. It was making it hard to fight.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Even though I was using two hands now, she was overpowering me with a single handed style. But I could tell she was holding back and hiding something. I rolled to the side the moment I saw a glint of silver appear from behind her back.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Oh? So after all that and you still have energy to spare.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I fight because I am protecting something, don’t think I will go down easy.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Charming, my mistress likes that in a man. Then again, so do I!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The battle started once more, but the woman was becoming more reckless with her attacks. Preferring to hit with more powerful slashes compared to the targeted strikes she had chosen. Beating the last of the strength out of me is what came to mind, but I held on with all I had.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Martin…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> My knee struck the ground as our swords locked. The woman took the opportunity to force our swords towards my throat.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Maybe I should cut off your pretty little head next, then we could be two of a kind.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The sparkling in the woman’s eyes had turned into an inferno. Her raving left me in an awkward position as I was trying to defend Eleanor as well as myself. I looked back, the young girl’s eyes were wide and her pupils dilated. I needed to stop this fight and get us away.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> With what energy I could muster I pushed against the woman. This spurred her sadistic side, her axe wielding hand appeared and her smile turned sinister. She raised the cleaver it into the air, ready to bring the final blow that would end the fight. It was clear now, this was what she wanted from the start.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Don’t think of this as the end, more… the start of a new life for you.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Time slowed in that moment, the blade of the axe began its descent towards me. But halfway through its fall the woman looked up and scowled. And with more strength than she had used, she pushed against me when jumping backwards.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Stupid human! This is the last time I save you!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> To the sound of flapping wings, a blur of silver and gold struck the ground where the woman had been standing. Once the dust had cleared, I saw an angelic woman standing at the ready. Her sword was pointed at the strange woman, its blade glowing a brilliant white.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The angelic woman’s fiery red hair blew in the wind behind her. She looked back at me with her sky blue eyes and scowled.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘How stupid are you! What simpleton takes a weapon from a monster? And worse! It was a cursed blade!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The angel kicked the sword that I had been using into the encircling crowd. The monsters around us had become restless since she appeared. But none seemed to want to do anything while her shining blade pointed towards the strange woman.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eir, is that you? Thank whomever that you are here! You need to-‘

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I don’t need to do anything a stupid human like you tells me! now stay down and shut up while I deal with this!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> With her part said, Eir lowered herself into a ready stance. And her wings folded behind her back, appearing far smaller than when extended.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Martin! Are you okay? Please be okay…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eleanor appeared over head with tears streaming down her cheeks.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Yeah… just, hard to breath with you pushing on my chest.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Stop being stupid! You almost died! What would have happened to me if you did!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The clash of metal had begun by the time I picked myself off the ground. Before I could stand I was grabbed by my young companion. She started crying into my shoulder while calling me stupid.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘It’s okay Eleanor… I will get you out of this.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> It hurt to move. Lifting Eleanor into my arms made my muscles burn. I was nearing my limit.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The monsters around us were becoming more restlessness. From the way they were goading each other I knew they would attack soon. I had to act.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eir’s battle was growing more intense by the second. Her shining blade let out sparks when it struck. The strange woman had changed to a two handed stance. My Angelic saviour appeared to be overpowering her.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Just how strong is Eir?

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The angel glanced over her shoulder, me standing seemed to be a que for her. The length of her sword shone brighter when she forced the woman back with a powerful slash. The blow sent out an eruption of earth in front of her. And with a powerful thrust of her wings, she launched herself towards us.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘We have to go now!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Take her and go! We don’t have time to argue!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eir’s scowl faded. She appeared speechless when I pushed Eleanor into her arms. My young companion was too shocked to realise what was happening.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eir! Go!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘…oh, Yes!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The angelic woman’s four wings spread behind her. Their brilliant silver glow became blinding in the moment before she took off. The billow of dust and dirt she kicked up blocked my sight till the wind carried it away.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> When I peered up to see where they had gone, it looked as though Eleanor was trying to grab for me as they soared into the sky.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Martin! No!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The voice of my young companion trailed off as the silvery light flew over the battlefield.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘What a noble thing for you to do. It makes me want to play with you more.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Something touched my ear and I dived to the side. When I looked back, the woman wiggled her pointing finger and smiled at me.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘No need to be jumpy, I only tickled you. With the distractions gone, the real game can begin.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The sweet sound of her fiendish laugh sent chills down my spine. My heart would have started racing if it was not already trying to escape.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You are sick… twisted… calling you a monster would be an understatement. Do you think people’s lives are just a game?!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Twisted, sick? Oh no, I am far from that. But are you capable of backing your words with action?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I looked for a discarded weapon. A gold and silver sword rested nearby. The tip of its blade was thrust into a buried boulder, I had to try freeing it. The woman noticed where I was looking, she grinned when her eyes locked onto mine.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Take it, if you can. it would be no fun to fight an unarmed man. And I have no idea where my other sword went after that featherbrain kicked it away.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman stood to the side and let me pass. I kept an eye on her as I moved, but all she did was fold her arms and watch. The sword looked very ornate, it was strange for it to be alone in the middle of a battle field. But stranger things have happened to me and I needed a weapon.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Touching the grip sent a surge of warmth up my arm. The fire within me ignited and mixed with the warmth. The blade did not want to come free, so I grabbed it with both hands and heaved.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The sword flashed when a jolt rocked my body. I remained standing firm while watching the woman. Whatever I was doing appeared to amuse her.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Just come out already… I can’t save anyone without you.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> With all the effort I could muster I pulled, the mixed warmth within my body raced down my arms and into the sword.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> A high pitched ringing filled the air when a bloom of light erupted from the blade. I staggered backwards when it came free. My arms shook under the effort of holding the blade aloft, it felt heavier than it should.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman watched and smiled. Her own weapon sang when she unsheathed it then held it at the ready. I lowered my new weapon to face her, the waves of warmth it emitted felt invigorating. The pains and aches that were wracking my body melted away as my strength returned.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘If I am going to die, then I will make sure to take you with me.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Oh? How peculiar, you might be the most interesting man I have met.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> She licked her lips while raising her sword. Her free hand rested behind her back again, there was no doubt that it would deal the death knell.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You seem surer of yourself, a pity that featherbrain discarded my blade. My master… lady gave me these blades. Which means that if you have lost it, then I will be taking payment from you!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Without hesitation the woman launched herself towards me. Our swords sang as they danced and met. The anger on her face turned to surprise when I met every blow with ease. Neither of us was advancing nor being overpowered.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Damn that pampered pigeon! Don’t think you are going to win because of her interference, look around you! Alone and surrounded, in a fight you cannot win. My victory was assured from the moment we met. Don’t think you are getting away from me!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Her movements seemed sluggish after the fight with Eir. A glance to the side revealed the cruel eyes of the waiting monsters. They were still jeering and cheering as the battle continued around us.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Don’t look away from me!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman’s scream drew my attention. Our swords clashed and locked. The grin on her face and twinkle in her eye turned to surprise.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Never get distracted on the battlefield!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The rippling of fabric and scraping of metal signalled the new arrival. I looked to my side and saw a face I never expected. The man’s blade was locked against my own, protecting my neck from the woman’s axe. All three of us pushed away, the new arrival held his sword at the ready while watching the woman. He took a moment to double take before staring at me.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You! What are you doing here?!’ We shouted in unison before turning our blades on each other.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I came to save someone in need, I never expected to find you here.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Well I was helping a friend. Although a kidnapper like you would never understand what that meant.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Oh really? Are you talking about the Wolf girl? Well she is safe if you wanted to know. More than you are going to be once I lock you up for assaulting an inquisitor!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Get off your high horse! You were about to kill my friend!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘And you would have killed my lieutenant! Don’t think I had forgotten!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> My grip tightened on my blade. The young man glared at me before the tension in his body loosened. He still looked annoyed as he pointed his blade to the side.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘We have bigger problems. We can settle this later.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Don’t expect me to forgive you. Amandas neck is still scarred where you cut her.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You are nothing but a fool.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The sound of a woman clearing her throat brought our attention.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Did you know it is rude to ignore a lady? So if you have finished measuring your manhood’s then can we continue?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I looked to the young man and he nodded. I moved to his side and turned my blade on the woman once again.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Alec Duskhelm. Remember that name, it might be the last you hear. But considering our opponent I would like to call a truce for now. There is more to her than she has lead you on to believe.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Just call me Martin. And I know that, she fought Eir and still held her ground. Also, if I fight by your side, don’t think that I won’t stab you through the back if it means I can end her.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eir? You mean the Valkyrie carrying a young girl?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I nodded, Alec smiled then turned to face the woman.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘In a strange way, I think we could have been friends under other circumstances.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Shove it, I don’t need a pious and self-centred prick for a friend. Eleanor is already enough of a hassle.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Charming, now If you both want to kiss and make up? I have important matters to attend to later and my lady will be annoyed if I am late.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman raced towards us with her weapons bared.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I don’t know what she is but don’t let the mist touch you!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Alec lunched and met the woman’s sword. I jumped into the fray and clashed with her axe.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Don’t you feel that boys! The heat Is turning up! I can feel the fire coursing through me!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Her speed increased as we continued our assault. The blood thirsty look on her face spurred on my need to fight. But something seemed odd.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘What the hell?! Are you getting off on this?!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Don’t let her debased ways distract you! Once she makes you drop your guard she will strike!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Yes! Yes! More! Sandwich me between you both! Push harder into me! Get me all sweaty and press your bodies against me!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman was becoming more frantic the longer the fight continued.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Martin! Jump back!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I moved out of reflex, a searing pain crossed my throat as I bent backwards. A hissing brought my attention to the woman’s sword that rested against the side of my neck. Alec’s hand was gripping the blade as he held it at bay. A strange black material appeared to be covering his arm. The substance looked as though his arm had sunk into an abyss of darkness.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘No! no-no-no-no, No! This was not supposed to happen! My master won’t be pleased; she will punish me for this!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Quiet down and return to the pit you came from hag!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The woman froze and Alec took the opportunity to kick her away from us. Like a rag doll she tumbled backwards before crumpling to the ground.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The inquisitor turned to me and checked my throat. The darkness on his arm had disappeared, it was as though I had imagined it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Your neck is fine, she only scraped it. But those damn cursed weapon of hers… I was not prepared for facing something like it, we need to retreat.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Alec look out!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Did you just call me a hag? The beautiful me! A hag!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The crazed woman appeared overhead, her axe at the ready. The glow in her eyes locked me in place. Alec turned to see what I was looking at. The woman dropped from the sky, heading straight towards him.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> He raised his arm to protect himself, but it was too late. Her axe cleaved through his defences and continued towards his neck. But before it could strike, a streak of light connected with the axe.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The force of the strike sent the woman and her weapon tumbling away.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Ah! My arm! …wait, why is it not bleeding?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Just hurry and put it back in place before she returns!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Alec stood and put his appendage back in place. After retrieving his sword, he placed his hand against his ear then turned to where the woman had gone.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Thank you for the cover lieutenant, but we need an extraction… look up?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You… Bastards!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> A white fog exploded from where the woman hand landed. The smoky tendrils formed into two giant arms that hovered above where she rested.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I… think we need to go now… Alec? Where did you go? Damn it! I knew I couldn’t trust a back stabbing piece of scum …hey!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The ground left my feet and fell away beneath me. The giant arms crashed into the ground where I had been, sending earth and mist in all directions.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Just stop wiggling! Stupid human!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I looked up to see a sight that I never expected. The angel Eir was carrying me to safety.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eir… Eir! Move faster!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Just shut up!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The ghost like hands exploded from the mixture of fog and debris. They raced after us at high speed. I holstered the sword I had picked up and threw what I could of my belongings away.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘It’s gaining on us!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I said shut up! I can do this!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eir!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Just hold on!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You are the one holding me!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> My saviour’s wings burst into life. Eir must have looked like a beacon from the ground as we accelerated into the sky. The misty arms withered and lagged behind as they raced after us.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eir appeared to be struggling as we approached the cloud line. One final look down revealed the Misty hands retreat.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘You did it! Thank you!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The angel smiled as we burst into the clear blue sky. The suns warmth was refreshing from the cold wind of the battlegrounds bellow.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I don’t need some stupid human like you to give me his gratitude. Although I may think a little better of you now.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Thanks, If I had not found this, I don’t think I would have survived.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I patted the sword at my side, it was only looped through my belt. A good scabbard was expensive and I lacked one since I was using a polearm.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Where did you… hey! You stole my moth… my sword! How in the heavens did a stupid human like you use it?! It has never let me use it before! Give it back!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Ah stop strangling me! Eir! Lookout!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> A tendril of mist had burst through the clouds and was heading towards us. If I had not been struggling to free myself from a strangle hold, I would never have noticed it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Ow, Wait! What do you think you are doing!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I elbowed the headstrong angel and she dropped me. The sword I had been using, her sword, was already in my hands as I descended towards the tendril. Something grabbed my leg and my descent slowed. The tendril was within arms reached and I slashed for it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I got it!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘you stupid human! You could have died!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘It’s okay, I got… it…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I felt a chill run up my arm, a second tendril had branched from the first. The mist began its retreat once it touched me.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eir… I feel…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Hey! don’t pass out on me.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> It had done something to me, the moment it touched me I felt the warmth in my body vanish.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Sorry Eir i… can’t…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> My eyes were leaden. It was a struggle to keep them open. I could hear Eir calling to me as she raced through the sky. The cold winds felt warm compared to my body.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Then the abyss greeted me with open arms.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘He needs plenty of bed rest. Although I am perplexed as to how he ended up in this state. I have only seen wizards who overextend themselves suffer from mana sickness. And this is the worst case I have seen. But he should wake up in a day or two.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Brianna finished checking the vitals of the young man who was lying on the bed. She nodded to Malachi then left the bedroom. Eleanor and Malachi remained beside the bed. The young girl was still in tears as she continued to hold the young man’s hand.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘He will be alright little lass… just let him rest up.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I know, but… he just… he’s so stupid and…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The large man rubbed his beard and chuckled. He placed his hand on the small girl’s shoulder then guided her to the doorway. She did not want to let go of the hand but knew she had to leave.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘He will be fine… at least for now. That angel brought him to us in the nick of time.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Malachi lead Eleanor into the living area then closed the door behind himself, the man who was waiting stood and nodded.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Lord commander.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Inquisitor major.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Alec, just call me Malachi.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Of course, now to get down to business. Why is that man working for you?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Oh? I never knew there was a problem with me recruiting people?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘There is when he is a criminal, you were there Malachi.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Yes I was, but you will have to jog my memory. My age is getting to me at times, but the last I recall, the High lord commander stands above an inquisitor major.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘But no one stands above the church.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Hmm, that they don’t. But tell me, what interest would the church have in him? Considering he was helping a friend as he saw it.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘He is a sympathiser Malachi, he is the most dangerous kind. Next he will be letting monsters into the city and hiding them right under our noses.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The mercenary commander rubbed his temples then patted Eleanor on the shoulder.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Listen, I would get that notion out of your head. he is a valuable asset. You saw what he is capable of. If he had not been there today, then little Eleanor might not have made it.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The young girl looked down while holding the brim of her hat. She nodded in response but remained quiet.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The two men remained staring at each other till Brianna opened the front door to the flat.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Inquisitor Major, your appointment with the Cardinal is soon.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Ah yes, thank you Lieutenant.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Brianna looked between the two men before gazing at Alec once more.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Is everything alright?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Everything is fine, I was just saying my goodbyes to the commander here.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Alec nodded to Malachi before leaving the flat with Brianna. The barbarian sat on the sofa and began thinking about what to do next.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘What do we do?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eleanor stood beside Malachi, her eyes still glistening. The large man smiled, picked up her hat then patted her on the head.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘We will be fine… I hope.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Ah… stop, you are messing up my mana flow…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The large man chuckled while the girl grumbled and pushed against his arm. Although he was smiling and chuckling, he was dreading what laid ahead of them. The battle had been long but the losses were small.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Something did not feel right to him. They should have lost half their forces in the battle, yet the front lines held strong. Only those that charged ahead were lost to the monsters.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I get the feeling that something big is going to happen soon. What did Mortimer tell you?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eleanor looked thoughtful while she toyed with the crystal that hung from her neck.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Well… she says the future is clouded. Something powerful is blocking her sight. But if it happens it will be within the fortnight.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘I see. Stay here for now, I will send Teia over. You both have to look after him till he wakes up, no pranks, no funny business.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> The young girl was about to protest but stopped herself. She nodded and the large man rubbed her head again.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Good girl, I knew you could be nice when you want to be.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Of course I can be nice… I am just nice to people who are not stupid…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Eleanor, you think everyone is stupid…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> She smiled then sat on the sofa and pulled a book out of her satchel. The mercenary commander looked to the bedroom door then left the apartment. As he made his way back to the barracks, he knew he would have to put his contingency plans into place.

<span style="margin:0px;line-height:107%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;">If the city was to fall, he would make sure they had an escape route.

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