Eril's Story

Day 30

Throbbing pain and a spear being wrenched from my abdomen were my sensations as consciousness returned to me. I moaned with pain, the world spun around me as I felt the fire of torn flesh along my stomach. My head lolled over to the side, gazing on another body some distance away. It's head severed from the body.

Artis was nearby in shock, conversing shakily with another foreign sounding voice. I could feel my own peril as my life ebbed and flowed, only hanging by a thread. I felt as if I should be more concerned or afraid of dying, but the feeling was simply not there as calmness presided.

Suddenly there was warmth deep in my belly, making me acutely aware of being able to sense my spine. I looked back above into a soft light that lingered over my face. Within it I could make out the figure of a Seraph, fading translucently between forms in my eyes. Though it wasn't a figure in the sense of a body, but a presence.

As my body lay on the edge of death, the lines that made up reality began to blur, and I saw things around me in different ways and forms. From where Samael's corpse lay, darkness seeped forth and the area was clouded.

I heard humming and felt gentle healing hands over my body. Transitioning through the barriers of skin and muscle effortlessly and bringing relief. Gradually the pain faded and I fell into a void of darkness. Upon waking up again, I noticed a rigidness in my body and a deep fatigue that permeated my being. I struggled, propping myself onto elbows from my back to see what was happening.

'You may want to remain lying down. I have given you relief, but you are still in dire shape.' I looked to where the strange voice had come from. A seraph sat there, oddly perched on an overhang, it's long limbs draped around its body. Its elegant sword stuck in the ground like a totem, warding off evil.

I groaned and lay back on the ground, starring sightlessly into the sky. Noticing for the first time that it was now well past noon. The crystal voice spoke again. 'You did a noble thing, sparing a life.' 'Not that it did any good.' I replied, somewhat resentfully. 'The good is hard to see. Often it can elude those who can't see deeper. What comes from such an action is often far beyond mortal reasoning. Though I don't fault you. I'm sure the intensity of this moment is all encompassing. I will make you well though.'

The seraph dropped down from the rock and strode over beside me, squatting down and looking over my wounds. Then it took a slightly vibrating metal disk and placed it on my chest. The icy coldness of the object took the breath from me, as momentarily the pain came rushing back. My skin crawled and I could feel sensations within my body - I was acutely aware of my organs moving inside my body. I writhed under the sensations but was held down firmly by four fingered hands.

Only a few moments later the feeling lessened and the object was removed. I was helped up gently to a sitting position - now possible without the risk of my innards pouring out. My head had also cleared up considerably during the healing process and I was finally able to take in my surroundings.

I was close to where my encounter with Samael had been. Above, the ledge was caved in and broken.

I must have been moved because now I was resting on a patch of soft grass under a small tree some distance away. Surrounded by Artis and the massive seraph. The creature looked deep into my eyes and said, 'Now you are truly well. Go on in peace, your troubles are over.'

I thanked the seraph profusely, receiving only a slight nod, and possibly what could be construed as a slight smile in return. While there were still some bruises and I felt a bit foggy, I was certain of my well being going forward. The seraph further reassured me. 'I will be taking Artis back to her home. I have left you food, stay and rest awhile before you continue on. Nothing will bother you here. It is a protected place.'

I nodded appreciatively at the kindness. Then the seraph walked to the still corpse lying in the dirt and sprinkled a powder on the body. In a matter of minutes the figure was decomposing. Disappearing into the ground before my eyes. Then it was gone, the darkness had been purged.

'Goodbye Eril.' A strange salute was given in my direction with a final word. 'One more thing, tell of this encounter to those you meet.' The seraph took Artis' hand gracefully, leading her home. With a forlorn look she just gazed at me with sorrow, turning and allowing herself to be led.

I was alone then. A strong sense of abandonment overcoming me. Feeling ignored and forgotten - still pondering over the strange final words I had been left with. For the rest of the day I lay resting, only rising to take from the food that had been left for me. I specifically enjoyed the toasted seeds that were both light yet filling. Each small bite covered with a variety of spices coating them, bringing me much pleasure and lifting my spirits greatly.

My mood continued to rise as the day went on. The sounds of nature consoling me and the sun warming my body, brightening my disposition. I went over the options for my journey forward. There was a small part of me that said to turn back, return to Tenora and live in comfort and safety. It was tempting but I knew my goal, still being determined in my purpose. I was old enough to know that my future self would thank me for pushing through the present discomfort. Perhaps there was an element of stubbornness flaring up in me as well. If I could overcome, to get me to this point, it gave me confidence for the future of my travels.

Up to this point I had seen amazing things and encountered beings I would have never dreamed of. Meeting two separate seraphs in such a short amount of time was almost unheard of.

But supposing they made themselves known in times of need, it made more sense. What more was to come?

Laying on my back, the thoughts flowed through my mind as I conversed with myself, working through my life in this moment. By night I had exhausted myself mentally which fortunately matched my physical state. I felt safe in the dim light, but wished there was somebody to share the space with. I went to bed early, a heavy sleep overtaking me.

Dreams brought with them a clarity that is often absent from such a state. And when I woke, I felt completely refreshed, in both body and spirit, new purpose driving me. I set about gathering my things, facing South towards the beyond, a world unfolding before me. Once again giving myself over to adventure and whatever the world had in store for me.