51 Hand Him Over (2/2)

”NO! WHY?!” Following her shouts, the rest of the children unfroze and all of them collapsed to the ground and stared blankly at their dead friends. The younger children all burst out crying while the older ones went to hold the cut up bodies of their friends.

”Wolf... Wolf... wake up, wake up... We have to go to the first day of school tomorrow. Wolf, we were so excited...” Finally not able to hold himself together, Darius began bawling holding the familiar Wolf's cold body.

There was so much chaos that broke out with the crying children. Efe deeply scowled looking over at his partner who smugly shrugged his shoulder.

”They needed a little psychological push. Who cares for these weak ants anyways? Not even the other humans would care.”

Darius saw the man's unrepentant face and a fire burned in him.

”You monster, how could you just do kill people like that? Does it make you feel good to pick on weaker children? You're just a coward! You wouldn't be like this if we were more powerful than you.” He shouted angrily at Cedyl.

”Darius! Darius, step back! What do you think you're doing?!” Sister Lily quickly reprimanded him. Cedyl looked at the kid who dared lecture him and felt slightly ticked off. Lily could see his reaction and her heart dropped. Her mind grew blank as she furiously tried to think of what to do before her eyes suddenly lit up with brilliance.

Reaching into her chest, she pulled out a tiny bag that was always wrapped around her neck. Priest Williams had passed on to her before he died. He said that it will only work once and that it would protect her and the children.

Quickly opening the pouch, she saw a beautiful golden talisman. Once it was released, the talisman slammed to the ground and the whole church lit of with golden lines tracing out a pattern. A shield protecting the church was erected while the elves were pushed out. Seeing the sudden change of situation, the two elves were shocked first, then they began to hit the shield with spells, but it would not budge an inch. Sister Lily first was shocked then realized the shield was extremely strong and they could not be let through. She didn't know how long this precarious situation would last, but she would make the most of it.

”Children, quickly grab the... other... children. We need to give them a proper... burial...” She knew that she had to get this done so that all of her children could rest in peace, but the words dead and all others associated with death would not easily flow from her mouth.

...

3 days. It had been three days. Every single day was torture as Sister Lily and the children squatted inside waiting to see if the shield would go down or not. They had long ago buried and prayed for the departed children, while their tears slowly dried into determination. Although they were filled with fear, they slowly began to build a determination to fight instead of just waiting for death inside the walls.

The elves only got angrier and angrier, even the calm Efe was showing frustration. Hearing their shouts and the banging against the shield only filled the church people with dread. What could they possible do? Another sleepless night rolled into the other.

...

On the fifth day, the situation finally changed. Right in front of their eyes, a hole the size of door opened up. A old, decrepit man hobbled out from it wearing the signature red robes of a cardinal. Looking around at the situation, he soon understood what was happening.

”Haaahhh...” A long sigh escaped his mouth that seemed to have a soothing effect towards crowd surrounding him.

”Oh, Ian, you never used it even when you were dying on your deathbed, but instead passed it on to these children.” His scratchy voice finally echoed out as he talked to no one in particular. He looked over at the angry banging elves before his eyes lit up.

”Elves? This is not your territory, your Queen should know this as well. Begone!” He waved his hand and the elves were both sent flying back before they slammed into the ground buried underneath the dirt. Sister Lily and the children were left in shock at how easy and comfortable it was for this old man to wave away those strong elves that had tormented them for so long.

”Hohoho, you children are making this old man blush. I have thin skin.” His voice was good-natured and calmed its listeners. The kids automatically grew fond of the old cardinal.

”Maybe this is God's Will that I help you children. Come follow me, I will take you someplace safe.” He beckoned with his hands. Most of the children did not even think twice before moving towards the man, however, Darius, Sister Lily, and some other older children all paused while looking at the church and the newly added graves. They were very reluctant to leave.

”I know, my children. The church is a holy ground and a home, however, it is not a place but a people. As long as you all are together, the next church you stay at will be the new home. Your friends are now at peace, they would rather see you thriving and alive then joining them with God.” The cardinal could easily see what was going through their minds from their looks and the freshly dug graves. After they heard his words, the hesitant group finally nodded while Sister Lily knelt down and prayed on last time then got up and followed the cardinal through the portal. Soon the courtyard was completely empty other than the old rundown church and the new graves.