Holmcross Project (Year 1)

Chapter 15: Quest continues

Luger drove up to just outside Milama and parked the car, getting out. "Alright. You two know what you have to do, right? We'll go see the priest, while you get to that."

"Yes, sir." Wesson and Nils saluted, and then they grabbed their gear and disappeared into the nearly-empty town.

"Will they really be okay?" Amelia said to herself as the remaining three made their way to the priest's house. She raised her hand and knocked on the door.

There was silence, and then they heard "Who is it?" from inside.

"It's Amelia, Father Seivan." Amelia said softly. "Amelia Eleanor Adlehyde. I've come about the temple."

The door was cracked open and then an elderly man in a robe ushered them in, closing the door behind them. "If a message was sent, I never got it. The demons have been cutting off all connection to the outside world since last month."

"Oh..." Amelia brought her hands to her mouth. "That long? We never knew..."

"How did the demons overtake you?" Luger asked.

"They snuck in and took over gradually. A trick of the light here, a few missing folk there...and then there was the trouble with harpies attacking nearby towns, so we sent our guards and they never returned." The priest sat down in a chair.

Amelia sat down beside him. "...And then what happened?"

"Our communications equipment was sabotaged, and then Demon General Zeikfried came demanding obedience and for us to help them with mining and hauling. They've set up shop by the port, and they took the mayor's wife and daughter captive. I've been pretending not to be home." He rubbed his forehead with a cloth. "The mayor's been letting them have their way, and anyone not captured is hidden away."

"I have people here to keep track of the situation. After we have gone to the temple, we will assist your people." Luger assured him.

"Father Seivan, I need the Holy Medal." Amelia said softly. "I must see the Guardians."

"Of course. Come with me." The priest got up and went into a back room. Amelia followed, while Luger and Steven waited outside it.

"The situation is pretty grim." Steven frowned. "I came into port about three weeks ago, but there was no indication then of a demon takeover."

"This is General Zeikfried we're talking about." Luger shook his head. "If anyone can do this kind of tactical move, it's him. Break, Alhazad, and Berserk are nasty, but not as bad as him when it comes to attacks. Usually, he wins."

"Then, why haven't the demons completely taken over yet?" Steven asked.

"The attacks by him are few and far between. If Zeikfried is involved, the Demons must be planning something big." He turned to look out a window. "I wonder if the Queen of Adlehyde's death was in the plan..." He murmured.

"The Queen is dead?" Steven's eyes widened.

"Oh, yeah. You were captured two weeks ago, I forgot. Well, about 12 days ago, Break and Berserk attacked Adlehyde together. The stress of the attack aggravated her illness and she died." Luger looked to the side, clenching his fists. "I can't help but think this was planned..."

Steven stared at him silently, taking in the information. 'I did not know that the Queen was ill...' He thought. 'Did that attack truly kill her?'

"I imagine that Amelia is rather grieved by it." Steven finally said. "But, I heard she was the only one that can communicate with the Guardians."

"No." Luger shook his head. "Any female in the Adlehyde bloodline can. It's why Amelia's on this quest, to take the place of her mother as Shaman."

"So much for one so young." Steven looked out the window. "Speakings of young, are you really alright letting those two deal with Zeikfried by themselves? If they are seen, they will surely be killed."