An Average Reincarnation

Battle at the Runewood

+++???'s Perspective+++

The rune mage was being escorted by Orily's mercenaries in the forest. He had initially been told of the successful capture and was personally inspecting the hostages before presenting his achievements to the cardinal.

"Your Holiness, I was wondering how you would get back in time for the inauguration in the capital. Surely you weren't going to miss it?" Orily attempted some small talk, of which the rune mage didn't usually appreciate, but given the success of the assignment so far he decided to indulge the man.

"I have received a teleportation scroll from his Eminence, the Cardinal. Once I've confirmed the identity of the children you shall receive the rest of your payment. Stay in the good graces of his Eminence and you can expect more gold to line your pockets. The Saint Talis is nothing if not merciful."

"Blessings to the Saint." Orily mimicked the gesture he often saw the priests doing.

"Blessings to the Saint." the rune mage chuckled at his attempt but the smile on his face waned, "Wait."

"What is it?"

"The barrier I've placed has gone down. Did one of your men deactivate it?"

"No! I swear on my name. The only men that remain at the base are those under the shade siblings, and they are under strict orders to await our arrival."

"You need better control over those you command, are you implying my magic could have gone awry on its own?"

"N-no, my apologies."

"Hmph." The mage was not worried, he had placed more measures around the cavern exits, if anyone were to leave he would know. All this gave him is an excuse to dock the payment amount. Though he did have a nagging feeling bothering him...

"The mage that acted as the bodyguard of the noble children. Did you ever find out who they were?"

"No, it didn't seem like any of the mages currently under the lord Derick. "

"Hmm. A single bodyguard seemed suspicious..."

They just arrived at the entrance to the cave. While the rune mage stopped in front Orily moved his hand and signaled his men to move in closer, but before he could give his next command the sun rose.

Or so it seemed.

A pillar of flame burst into view and they were nearly thrown off their horses.

"W-what?" the two men were flabbergasted but before they could recover a ball of fire came hurtling at them.

"Protect me you fools!" the rune mage covered his face with his blue and gold robe, but the impact he expected never came.

Brother Boar had emerged at Orily's command and blocked the ball of flame with his massive figure.

"Are you alright your Holiness?" Orily had stretched out a hand to him, but the mage slapped him aside.

"What the hell is that?" he pointed at the demonic figure within the pillar of flame, "Is she one of yours?"

"I-I'm... no she isn't."

"THEN GET RID OF HER!" he screamed.

+++Rafine's perspective+++

'Immerse yourself in the flame.'

'Through fire, it cleanses all sin.'

'Visions of red will engulf them.'

'They shall burn, till nothing remains.'

"Spirits of fire, turn them to ash. Fireball!"

Her staff shook as a conjured ball of flame appeared before it and went hurtling at the group of men.