Laevon hastened through the badly damaged streets. Most of the villagers had fled or sought shelter from the sudden appearance of the monstrous snake.
He now had renewed purpose - to aid this city, but most of all to find Tallia. He could not lose her as well! Her safety was his main concern right now and all that kept his spirit from failing entirely.
As he walked he was uncertain where Tallia and the monster had headed as he had only stayed in pursuit of Gabriel since leaving the castle.
"Laevon! Wait!" an earnest voice called to him.
In a daze Laevon turned and saw Schuyler rushing towards him.
"Oh good, you are all right! I have been so worried!" Schuyler exclaimed while clasping him in an awkward hug.
Laevon was surprised but relieved as well. Something as normal and distracting as this was just what he needed right now. A grim smile briefly crossed his face before he pulled away.
"Schuyler, come with me. We have to find Tallia," his voice was firm and decisive as he did not wish to waste any time.
"She is not with you?" Schuyler asked in a concerned way and looked rather surprised.
"No, we were separated in the castle. She went after the queen," Laevon explained and began to walk quickly. "I believe they may have left the city."
Schuyler had to jog to keep up with Laevon's long strides as he continued on with a determined pace. He no longer noticed his wound as it had not bled since the initial cut. His heart raced with anxiety and rage while he sought to cling to any hope in this God-forsaken world.
"And your sister then?" Schuyler interrupted his troubled mind. "I helped her escape from Brenner. Did she find you? Is she all right?" he asked in a troubled tone.
Laevon halted abruptly at the mention of Laeleth. The memory was still too new and vivid in his thoughts. He could not seem to form any words in response and Schuyler could immediately tell that the news was grave.
"Never mind then," Schuyler hastily spoke up as he cleared his throat. "Let's be off and done with this." His tone had taken a more mature note as he set off again.
Laevon nodded and was appreciative that Schuyler had not persisted in questioning.
"Yes, we must hurry," was all he could muster in reply.
They made their way towards the wall that the serpent had destroyed and followed its trail towards the smoking mountain. It was a slow climb as the still softly falling rain created a muddy challenge. They were soaked and miserable, but neither felt the effects of their physical condition as they only dreaded the uncertainty ahead.
Laevon had nothing but dismay in his heart at the stillness of the land. He already feared the worst. Tallia was all he had left in the world and he longed to know she was safe.
As they neared the top of the ridge where the final battle had taken place they saw the body of the queen still resting atop the fallen figure of Tallia.
"No!" Laevon cried out as renewed energy spurred him forward in a run.
He dashed to her side and flung off the hideous carcass of Hesperus' earthly form.
