Chapter 65
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Chapter 65
The next day passed quickly. We alternated between running and walking to keep up our fast pace. We took a break during the day. In many ways, moving through the night was even better, so we allowed ourselves to bask in a meadow full of sunshine for a few hours.
We kept an eye on the map. The dots had changed course and were trying to catch up with us. One had found the road we were on, and they were about a day behind. Clearly the pace was not the same as ours, I was just thankful Maxwell could last as long as he could. I was pretty certain I could run for twenty-four hours straight if need be.
We were approaching a village nestled within the forest. It wasnt large, the map only showing a small indication that it was even there. Since it was now near midnight, and the first building was in sight, we decided to skirt around the village.
As we were about halfway around, I heard something and glanced at Raven. She was looking toward the village. Did you hear that?
Something is going on. Ravens ears twitched. I hear heavy footsteps.
A bloodcurdling scream split the night. We stood frozen in indecision. I wanted to go help whoever was in need, but it would slow me down. Then there was another scream, followed by another, then the wail of a child.
Theyre being attacked, Raven said. I dont know by whom.
I was already moving. I didnt know what was going on, but whoever these villagers were, I doubted they deserved to be slaughtered in their sleep. I thought about what Friar Brown and I discussed on what true evilness was. And if this wasnt that I didnt know what would classify as evil. Small villages were full of simple people living simple, quiet lives. They didnt care about religion or politics, nor did they take sides. They just did their jobs and went on with their lives.
Maybe I was biased, I grew up in a small town. But regardless of my reasoning, I decided to act.
I kept my illusion in place as I rushed through the night. Maxwell, not wanting to break our stealth, pulled a short sword and buckler. Raven drew her two new daggers.
As we rushed past the buildings and came to the main street, we saw a group of men herding villagers toward the center of the town. Now that we were closer, I could hear the murmuring and sniffles of people. I saw a body lying next to a building, unmoving.
We were still hidden deep within the shadows, unseen by whoever these assailants were. I gestured for Raven and Maxwell to wait. My eyes fixed on a man standing near the center, he wore armor and wielded a weapon that looked oddly familiar. I focused my gaze, hoping to receive a prompt, but none ever came. That isnt uncommon. If you dont have enough information, you cant always tell what you are facing.
I reformed Mercys tip into a javelin, adding barbs as I studied the man and his weapon. Then it hit me what the weapon wasit was a blood weapon, like what Friar Brown and I had fought. Though it wasnt a powerful one, it was still a great threat. The weapon had a fishhook at the end of a heavy curved blade and appeared to be a second-grade blood weapon, or common ranked. That meant it would have some ability I would need to watch for.
I sincerely hoped we werent about to start a fight that we couldnt win.
I cocked my arm back and took aim. If we can, I dont want to kill the leader. We need to talk to him. Ill draw their attention, you two stay in the shadows. I received confirmation grunts from Maxwell and Raven.
Taking careful aim, I threw Mercy with all my strength at the leader, who no doubt had the strength to survive the attack. And if he didnt, I figured this was no great threat at all.
Mercy flew true and struck the man in the chest. The razor-sharp point bit into his armor and he gasped in pain. I rushed out of the shadows, reaching for Mercy and pulled it back to me. The barbs yanked the man toward me, tearing at his flesh. Mercy ripped free, leaving a gaping wound pouring blood. Once the weapon reentered my hand, I reshaped its tip into a long straight blade.
The wound was festering, and to the mans credit, he reacted quickly. He ground his teeth and produced a potion, drank it, then splashed some of it into the wound. His armor was brown leather studded with bits of metal. And he snarled as he lunged at me.
Shouts of alarm picked up. But even as they did, I saw Raven leap on the back of an occultist out of the corner of my eye, driving daggers into his neck. Dark magic flooded from her hands and blasted through the daggers. Before his companions could react, she jumped off of him, yanking the daggers free and disappearing into a shadow.
I didnt see where Maxwell was, but his skill with the blade would be enough to keep him safe. Eventually, if the fight prolonged, he would pull out his guitar. For now, he was more effective striking from the shadows.
I focused my attention on the leader, exchanging a series of testing blows. His followers rushed toward me, but it became clear I had a skill advantage. The long hours of training with Vito and my precognition ability showed their worth. The blade staff was both a powerful offensive and defensive weapon. I fell into a defensive position.
With one hand, I twirled Mercy, able to block their blows due to my incredible strength. In the other hand, I worked magic. I took the time to build a powerful attack spell, one I only recently got access to.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
Dark lightning crackled along my hand, and I pointed my finger like a gun, firing a bolt at the nearest cultist. The lightning struck him and leapt into another nearby cultist who screamed out. The lightning continued to branch and leap from one target to another. Though its power decreased with each target, the initial strikes pumped so much energy through them that their bodies smoked.
You said you wouldnt to kill me! he pleaded.
No, I said I would enslave your soul. Mercy arced down.
His wife cried out, Wait! Please dont kill him, he is a good man!
I paused, Mercy an inch from his neck. I lifted the blade back and looked at the woman. A good man? How can you say that? I can accept the possibility that the weapon was controlling him. Except he brought it back to his village and used it against those he once called friend and family. I dont buy that. Mental control doesnt mean you no longer have any options. He couldve gone someplace else.
I shook my head and swung Mercy down once again.
Victor twitched. Run! Hes a Victors words cut off as Mercy sunk into the ground, severing head from body. Blood pooled and I yanked the weapon free.
You monster! the woman screamed, scrambling over to the fallen man.
I just shook my head and walked away, Raven coming up beside me. I am not a monster, that man was a monster.
A man with a graying mustache stepped away from the clustered villagers and bowed to me. I thank you. You have saved my village.
I didnt save everyone
You did all you could. Truth is, if that truly is Victor, we can all understand why he came here and killed her. Such a shame, she was a good, if misguided person.
I gave him a questioning lookwas there perhaps one person of interest for Victor, and his groups slaughter of all those innocents was simply collateral damage?
The man continued. Her name was Chelsea. Rumor was that her and Victor were having an affair. Victors wife knew, and Victor knew that she knew. We all assumed that was why he disappeared. Victor did not deserve Tif He nodded toward the woman crying over the headless body. She wouldve forgiven him, no doubt. But theres nothing we can do now except for move on.
I stared at the village elder for a long moment. What had these people faced? The residents of Omark had also been surprisingly resistant, though they hadnt faced anything so tragic. Before I could ask, some of the villagers began to light torches. The flickering light revealed a gruesome scene.
Sorry for the mess, I said. The desiccated corpses were horrific to say the least.
The man went slightly green at the sight, but the shock of the situation overrode that, and he once again addressed me. If you had not come along, we would all be dead. We owe you a great debt. How may we help you in your journey?
I glanced to the blood weapon lying on the ground. Were being pursued, and I dont know if you can help me with that matter. But I do need to do something about that. It had possessed Victor, though that is no excuse for what he did.
I suspected there was something off in that boy for a long time, the elder said.
Maxwell began to play an uplifting song that seemed to soothe some of the villagers. It even stilled my nerves.
I picked up the blood weapon, and felt the presence immediately. My mind was more than it had a hope of tangling with. I also knew enough about weapon smithing to understand the best way to approach the task of destroying it. I need an anvil, or some kind of hard slab.
The elder gestured for me to follow and he led us into a small workshop. Seated on one side was an old anvil and forge.
Thank you, I said, and got to work.
Raven left with the elder, and soon the local smith came in. I told him what I was trying to accomplish, and he nodded and set to work. He wasnt a skilled smith, likely a man who wore many hats, but he knew enough to be of assistance.
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Chapter 65
The next day passed quickly. We alternated between running and walking to keep up our fast pace. We took a break during the day. In many ways, moving through the night was even better, so we allowed ourselves to bask in a meadow full of sunshine for a few hours.
We kept an eye on the map. The dots had changed course and were trying to catch up with us. One had found the road we were on, and they were about a day behind. Clearly the pace was not the same as ours, I was just thankful Maxwell could last as long as he could. I was pretty certain I could run for twenty-four hours straight if need be.
We were approaching a village nestled within the forest. It wasnt large, the map only showing a small indication that it was even there. Since it was now near midnight, and the first building was in sight, we decided to skirt around the village.
As we were about halfway around, I heard something and glanced at Raven. She was looking toward the village. Did you hear that?
Something is going on. Ravens ears twitched. I hear heavy footsteps.
A bloodcurdling scream split the night. We stood frozen in indecision. I wanted to go help whoever was in need, but it would slow me down. Then there was another scream, followed by another, then the wail of a child.
Theyre being attacked, Raven said. I dont know by whom.
I was already moving. I didnt know what was going on, but whoever these villagers were, I doubted they deserved to be slaughtered in their sleep. I thought about what Friar Brown and I discussed on what true evilness was. And if this wasnt that I didnt know what would classify as evil. Small villages were full of simple people living simple, quiet lives. They didnt care about religion or politics, nor did they take sides. They just did their jobs and went on with their lives.
Maybe I was biased, I grew up in a small town. But regardless of my reasoning, I decided to act.
I kept my illusion in place as I rushed through the night. Maxwell, not wanting to break our stealth, pulled a short sword and buckler. Raven drew her two new daggers.
As we rushed past the buildings and came to the main street, we saw a group of men herding villagers toward the center of the town. Now that we were closer, I could hear the murmuring and sniffles of people. I saw a body lying next to a building, unmoving.
We were still hidden deep within the shadows, unseen by whoever these assailants were. I gestured for Raven and Maxwell to wait. My eyes fixed on a man standing near the center, he wore armor and wielded a weapon that looked oddly familiar. I focused my gaze, hoping to receive a prompt, but none ever came. That isnt uncommon. If you dont have enough information, you cant always tell what you are facing.
I reformed Mercys tip into a javelin, adding barbs as I studied the man and his weapon. Then it hit me what the weapon wasit was a blood weapon, like what Friar Brown and I had fought. Though it wasnt a powerful one, it was still a great threat. The weapon had a fishhook at the end of a heavy curved blade and appeared to be a second-grade blood weapon, or common ranked. That meant it would have some ability I would need to watch for.
I sincerely hoped we werent about to start a fight that we couldnt win.
I cocked my arm back and took aim. If we can, I dont want to kill the leader. We need to talk to him. Ill draw their attention, you two stay in the shadows. I received confirmation grunts from Maxwell and Raven.
Taking careful aim, I threw Mercy with all my strength at the leader, who no doubt had the strength to survive the attack. And if he didnt, I figured this was no great threat at all.
Mercy flew true and struck the man in the chest. The razor-sharp point bit into his armor and he gasped in pain. I rushed out of the shadows, reaching for Mercy and pulled it back to me. The barbs yanked the man toward me, tearing at his flesh. Mercy ripped free, leaving a gaping wound pouring blood. Once the weapon reentered my hand, I reshaped its tip into a long straight blade.
The wound was festering, and to the mans credit, he reacted quickly. He ground his teeth and produced a potion, drank it, then splashed some of it into the wound. His armor was brown leather studded with bits of metal. And he snarled as he lunged at me.
Shouts of alarm picked up. But even as they did, I saw Raven leap on the back of an occultist out of the corner of my eye, driving daggers into his neck. Dark magic flooded from her hands and blasted through the daggers. Before his companions could react, she jumped off of him, yanking the daggers free and disappearing into a shadow.
I didnt see where Maxwell was, but his skill with the blade would be enough to keep him safe. Eventually, if the fight prolonged, he would pull out his guitar. For now, he was more effective striking from the shadows.
I focused my attention on the leader, exchanging a series of testing blows. His followers rushed toward me, but it became clear I had a skill advantage. The long hours of training with Vito and my precognition ability showed their worth. The blade staff was both a powerful offensive and defensive weapon. I fell into a defensive position.
With one hand, I twirled Mercy, able to block their blows due to my incredible strength. In the other hand, I worked magic. I took the time to build a powerful attack spell, one I only recently got access to.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
Dark lightning crackled along my hand, and I pointed my finger like a gun, firing a bolt at the nearest cultist. The lightning struck him and leapt into another nearby cultist who screamed out. The lightning continued to branch and leap from one target to another. Though its power decreased with each target, the initial strikes pumped so much energy through them that their bodies smoked.
You said you wouldnt to kill me! he pleaded.
No, I said I would enslave your soul. Mercy arced down.
His wife cried out, Wait! Please dont kill him, he is a good man!
I paused, Mercy an inch from his neck. I lifted the blade back and looked at the woman. A good man? How can you say that? I can accept the possibility that the weapon was controlling him. Except he brought it back to his village and used it against those he once called friend and family. I dont buy that. Mental control doesnt mean you no longer have any options. He couldve gone someplace else.
I shook my head and swung Mercy down once again.
Victor twitched. Run! Hes a Victors words cut off as Mercy sunk into the ground, severing head from body. Blood pooled and I yanked the weapon free.
You monster! the woman screamed, scrambling over to the fallen man.
I just shook my head and walked away, Raven coming up beside me. I am not a monster, that man was a monster.
A man with a graying mustache stepped away from the clustered villagers and bowed to me. I thank you. You have saved my village.
I didnt save everyone
You did all you could. Truth is, if that truly is Victor, we can all understand why he came here and killed her. Such a shame, she was a good, if misguided person.
I gave him a questioning lookwas there perhaps one person of interest for Victor, and his groups slaughter of all those innocents was simply collateral damage?
The man continued. Her name was Chelsea. Rumor was that her and Victor were having an affair. Victors wife knew, and Victor knew that she knew. We all assumed that was why he disappeared. Victor did not deserve Tif He nodded toward the woman crying over the headless body. She wouldve forgiven him, no doubt. But theres nothing we can do now except for move on.
I stared at the village elder for a long moment. What had these people faced? The residents of Omark had also been surprisingly resistant, though they hadnt faced anything so tragic. Before I could ask, some of the villagers began to light torches. The flickering light revealed a gruesome scene.
Sorry for the mess, I said. The desiccated corpses were horrific to say the least.
The man went slightly green at the sight, but the shock of the situation overrode that, and he once again addressed me. If you had not come along, we would all be dead. We owe you a great debt. How may we help you in your journey?
I glanced to the blood weapon lying on the ground. Were being pursued, and I dont know if you can help me with that matter. But I do need to do something about that. It had possessed Victor, though that is no excuse for what he did.
I suspected there was something off in that boy for a long time, the elder said.
Maxwell began to play an uplifting song that seemed to soothe some of the villagers. It even stilled my nerves.
I picked up the blood weapon, and felt the presence immediately. My mind was more than it had a hope of tangling with. I also knew enough about weapon smithing to understand the best way to approach the task of destroying it. I need an anvil, or some kind of hard slab.
The elder gestured for me to follow and he led us into a small workshop. Seated on one side was an old anvil and forge.
Thank you, I said, and got to work.
Raven left with the elder, and soon the local smith came in. I told him what I was trying to accomplish, and he nodded and set to work. He wasnt a skilled smith, likely a man who wore many hats, but he knew enough to be of assistance.
Chapter 65The next day passed quickly. We alternated between running and walking to keep up our fast pace. We took a break during the day. In many ways, moving through the night was even better, so we allowed ourselves to bask in a meadow full of sunshine for a few hours.We kept an eye on the map. The dots had changed course and were trying to catch up with us. One had found the road we were on, and they were about a day behind. Clearly the pace was not the same as ours, I was just thankful Maxwell could last as long as he could. I was pretty certain I could run for twenty-four hours straight if need be.We were approaching a village nestled within the forest. It wasnt large, the map only showing a small indication that it was even there. Since it was now near midnight, and the first building was in sight, we decided to skirt around the village.As we were about halfway around, I heard something and glanced at Raven. She was looking toward the village. Did you hear that?Something is going on. Ravens ears twitched. I hear heavy footsteps.A bloodcurdling scream split the night. We stood frozen in indecision. I wanted to go help whoever was in need, but it would slow me down. Then there was another scream, followed by another, then the wail of a child.Theyre being attacked, Raven said. I dont know by whom.I was already moving. I didnt know what was going on, but whoever these villagers were, I doubted they deserved to be slaughtered in their sleep. I thought about what Friar Brown and I discussed on what true evilness was. And if this wasnt that I didnt know what would classify as evil. Small villages were full of simple people living simple, quiet lives. They didnt care about religion or politics, nor did they take sides. They just did their jobs and went on with their lives.Maybe I was biased, I grew up in a small town. But regardless of my reasoning, I decided to act.I kept my illusion in place as I rushed through the night. Maxwell, not wanting to break our stealth, pulled a short sword and buckler. Raven drew her two new daggers.As we rushed past the buildings and came to the main street, we saw a group of men herding villagers toward the center of the town. Now that we were closer, I could hear the murmuring and sniffles of people. I saw a body lying next to a building, unmoving.We were still hidden deep within the shadows, unseen by whoever these assailants were. I gestured for Raven and Maxwell to wait. My eyes fixed on a man standing near the center, he wore armor and wielded a weapon that looked oddly familiar. I focused my gaze, hoping to receive a prompt, but none ever came. That isnt uncommon. If you dont have enough information, you cant always tell what you are facing.I reformed Mercys tip into a javelin, adding barbs as I studied the man and his weapon. Then it hit me what the weapon wasit was a blood weapon, like what Friar Brown and I had fought. Though it wasnt a powerful one, it was still a great threat. The weapon had a fishhook at the end of a heavy curved blade and appeared to be a second-grade blood weapon, or common ranked. That meant it would have some ability I would need to watch for.I sincerely hoped we werent about to start a fight that we couldnt win.I cocked my arm back and took aim. If we can, I dont want to kill the leader. We need to talk to him. Ill draw their attention, you two stay in the shadows. I received confirmation grunts from Maxwell and Raven.Taking careful aim, I threw Mercy with all my strength at the leader, who no doubt had the strength to survive the attack. And if he didnt, I figured this was no great threat at all.Mercy flew true and struck the man in the chest. The razor-sharp point bit into his armor and he gasped in pain. I rushed out of the shadows, reaching for Mercy and pulled it back to me. The barbs yanked the man toward me, tearing at his flesh. Mercy ripped free, leaving a gaping wound pouring blood. Once the weapon reentered my hand, I reshaped its tip into a long straight blade.The wound was festering, and to the mans credit, he reacted quickly. He ground his teeth and produced a potion, drank it, then splashed some of it into the wound. His armor was brown leather studded with bits of metal. And he snarled as he lunged at me.Shouts of alarm picked up. But even as they did, I saw Raven leap on the back of an occultist out of the corner of my eye, driving daggers into his neck. Dark magic flooded from her hands and blasted through the daggers. Before his companions could react, she jumped off of him, yanking the daggers free and disappearing into a shadow.I didnt see where Maxwell was, but his skill with the blade would be enough to keep him safe. Eventually, if the fight prolonged, he would pull out his guitar. For now, he was more effective striking from the shadows.I focused my attention on the leader, exchanging a series of testing blows. His followers rushed toward me, but it became clear I had a skill advantage. The long hours of training with Vito and my precognition ability showed their worth. The blade staff was both a powerful offensive and defensive weapon. I fell into a defensive position.With one hand, I twirled Mercy, able to block their blows due to my incredible strength. In the other hand, I worked magic. I took the time to build a powerful attack spell, one I only recently got access to.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n.Dark lightning crackled along my hand, and I pointed my finger like a gun, firing a bolt at the nearest cultist. The lightning struck him and leapt into another nearby cultist who screamed out. The lightning continued to branch and leap from one target to another. Though its power decreased with each target, the initial strikes pumped so much energy through them that their bodies smoked.You said you wouldnt to kill me! he pleaded.No, I said I would enslave your soul. Mercy arced down.His wife cried out, Wait! Please dont kill him, he is a good man!I paused, Mercy an inch from his neck. I lifted the blade back and looked at the woman. A good man? How can you say that? I can accept the possibility that the weapon was controlling him. Except he brought it back to his village and used it against those he once called friend and family. I dont buy that. Mental control doesnt mean you no longer have any options. He couldve gone someplace else.I shook my head and swung Mercy down once again.Victor twitched. Run! Hes a Victors words cut off as Mercy sunk into the ground, severing head from body. Blood pooled and I yanked the weapon free.You monster! the woman screamed, scrambling over to the fallen man.I just shook my head and walked away, Raven coming up beside me. I am not a monster, that man was a monster.A man with a graying mustache stepped away from the clustered villagers and bowed to me. I thank you. You have saved my village.I didnt save everyoneYou did all you could. Truth is, if that truly is Victor, we can all understand why he came here and killed her. Such a shame, she was a good, if misguided person.I gave him a questioning lookwas there perhaps one person of interest for Victor, and his groups slaughter of all those innocents was simply collateral damage?The man continued. Her name was Chelsea. Rumor was that her and Victor were having an affair. Victors wife knew, and Victor knew that she knew. We all assumed that was why he disappeared. Victor did not deserve Tif He nodded toward the woman crying over the headless body. She wouldve forgiven him, no doubt. But theres nothing we can do now except for move on.I stared at the village elder for a long moment. What had these people faced? The residents of Omark had also been surprisingly resistant, though they hadnt faced anything so tragic. Before I could ask, some of the villagers began to light torches. The flickering light revealed a gruesome scene.Sorry for the mess, I said. The desiccated corpses were horrific to say the least.The man went slightly green at the sight, but the shock of the situation overrode that, and he once again addressed me. If you had not come along, we would all be dead. We owe you a great debt. How may we help you in your journey?I glanced to the blood weapon lying on the ground. Were being pursued, and I dont know if you can help me with that matter. But I do need to do something about that. It had possessed Victor, though that is no excuse for what he did.I suspected there was something off in that boy for a long time, the elder said.Maxwell began to play an uplifting song that seemed to soothe some of the villagers. It even stilled my nerves.I picked up the blood weapon, and felt the presence immediately. My mind was more than it had a hope of tangling with. I also knew enough about weapon smithing to understand the best way to approach the task of destroying it. I need an anvil, or some kind of hard slab.The elder gestured for me to follow and he led us into a small workshop. Seated on one side was an old anvil and forge.Thank you, I said, and got to work.Raven left with the elder, and soon the local smith came in. I told him what I was trying to accomplish, and he nodded and set to work. He wasnt a skilled smith, likely a man who wore many hats, but he knew enough to be of assistance.
