Chapter 191: Black Death (1/2)

“So you’re definitely leaving.” Ilea said, sitting comfortably on the bed while eating one of Keyla’s meals. Maybe she should ask about her as well, the woman was supposed to be in the capital after all. And now she was all but safe. If anything she owed it to her for the great food she sold her.

“I am. And soon. The inn is empty, its owners gave up on it when news of the invasion’s scale spread.” Trian said.

“Then we meet again in Ravenhall.” Ilea said and put her hand on his shoulder. “Take your time to grief them. My people were quite a bit ahead in psychology… so take me seriously here and talk to someone.” Ilea said and looked him in the eye.

Trian nodded and got up. “Thank you again Ilea. I would’ve failed without you two.” Trian said and hugged her. A surprising gesture to be sure but she hugged him back after a second.

“Take care. And greet Aurelia and Claire for me. I’ll visit as soon as I can.” Ilea said, releasing the hug.

“I will. You’re going to look for Eve’s killers?” He asked, sounding a little guilty.

“No. Not yet. If the time comes and you’re willing to help, perhaps I’ll come and ask.” She answered and smiled at him.

“I won’t promise anything but I definitely owe you, more than a life.” He said, putting on his cloak and helmet. “Kyrian is waiting for you in the clock tower down the road. Had something he wanted to show you.” Trian said before he vanished.

Ilea appeared on the roof of the inn and looked after him, red lightning spreading around the man before he sped off. Still too slow. She thought, smiling. Turning around she saw the half destroyed clock tower and jumped down on the road. It was deserted, the people in this area having fled hours ago already. Pieces of clothing, goods and tracks remained, the smell of fire and ash lying thick in the air.

She reached the tower and blinked upwards, once, twice, appearing in the top. A good view, overlooking the eastern part of the city, the wall to the north too distant to see.

“Welcome back, Huntress. I heard they called you black death.” Kyrian said as he looked northwards, Ilea stepping next to him.

“An undeserved name.” She said and chuckled.

“Why? I think it fits.” The man said.

“There’s a history to that name where I come from. One a little more terrifying than little old Ilea.” She said and leaned on the railing. “The city’s going down.”

“It is. The center will stand strong. I hear it’s not the first time an invading force has come this far. Too large an area to effectively defend. The people will return once the war is over, no matter who wins or loses.” Kyrian said.

“Even if it means slavery?” Ilea asked and he looked at her.

“Better than dying of starvation. Or being in the wild. Many will die to beasts and monsters in the coming weeks.” He said.

“You wanted to show me something?” Ilea asked and saw him smile. She could only see his eyes but knew him well enough.

“I’ve had a breakthrough. Yours and Trian’s abilities have always fascinated me. You’re a healer or at least you once were one. And Trian could take other people’s life for himself. Well focusing on that I’ve developed a new curse. One quite effective at taking life.” He said and flung a needle her way, the piece of metal stabbing her between two pieces of armor before she felt a drain of her health.

“It’s not very effective on someone like you of course, having trained with Trian and myself. Curse and Health Drain is part of your defensive arsenal but trust me this has changed how I can fight. How long I can fight. No longer do I have to worry about any small injuries.” He said and smiled.

“Congratulations.” Ilea said and ripped out the needle, flinging it back. “Why didn’t you do it earlier? Seems like an obvious choice to get a skill for self healing.” She asked.

“Not any random class can do it. And my teacher in curses never mentioned the possibility. Trian’s magic always felt peculiar to me but seeing that wood mage fight made something click. He had ways to heal himself as well. Life magic, something quite opposite to my curses but it helped tremendously to see it in action.” He explained quite happily.

Ilea didn’t reply but looked over the city again. She was glad the man had found another thing to protect him from death. Her own abilities had grown as well and soon she would likely have the possibility to advance one of her Ashen skills to the third tier.

“What are you going to do now? Trian left a moment ago. For Ravenhall.” Ilea said.

“I’m not sure. The team…,” he started and paused. “Well you’ve been the first group I worked with. And I’ve learned a lot from you all, you specifically Ilea.” He said, turning his head away a little.

“I think I’ll try to work with you for now. If you’ll have me.” He said which put a smile on her face. Working alone felt right to Ilea but having capable backup made a huge difference. As much as she hated to admit it. Plus the man wasn’t half bad.

“Of course I’ll have you Kyrian.” Ilea said and looked at him. “It would be my pleasure in fact. For now I’ll observe the developments here. Tomorrow I’ll meet the librarian again who I asked to look for records on Eve. We’ll see what comes of it.” She said, tapping her helmet with a finger.

“What about Edwin and Maria? You wanted to help them find his father didn’t you?” Kyrian asked.

“Yes. We might just do that. I doubt he has the strength to pull it off, if his father really is as powerful as he said. I don’t get why he doesn’t go and train first.” She said.

“I think he trained for years to get to where he is now. One’s patience isn’t endless and if he feels himself ready then that is the time to move. You don’t feel ready to face his father?” He asked.

“If we’re together then I think we’ll find a way. Or at least escape if everything goes wrong. There’s an opportunity to learn about the Golden Lily as well and I don’t want to miss that. But no, were I alone then I wouldn’t want to face him, knowing that Edwin fears the man. Other than just for a fun fight but to death? No.” Ilea said when a bright light made them look towards the center of the city.

A beam of bright red energy shot out northwards from the central military construct, explosions resounding far enough away to be barely audible.

“So it’s started then.” Kyrian said.

“What has?” Ilea asked.

“The stage is set. Now begins the battle for Virilya.” He said.

“The death of thousands.” Ilea said as another beam came from the center.

“Glorious isn’t it. To be witness to such an event.” He said, excitement in his voice that surprised her. “Some of the books in your room, they talk of events like this. Did you not want to see for yourself?”

“Reading about it and witnessing it is different. You don’t see people split in half and burned alive in a book.” Ilea said.

“But you can’t change anything about it either, in a book that is.” He said and smiled. “Or do you wish to simply observe. Huntress?”

She laughed and smiled. “You like that nickname don’t you.”