The Demon's Deal

Chapter Ten

Chapter ten

*

All was quiet for a moment. The shimmering fissures in the floor resealed themselves, leaving only the moonlight shining down through the collapsed roof to illuminate the ruined church.

Seamus heard a soft groan from behind him as Exadus stirred and sat upright. The paladin put his hand on his head where the spear hit him and winced. Then he glanced towards Seamus and the maimed corpse of Xylrya at his feet and whistled softly. "You really let her have it, huh?"

"She killed my mother," Seamus replied simply. Exadus opened his mouth and Seamus held up his hand to cut him off. "No, Exadus, she killed her. You did not know, could not have known, and I can't blame you for that. So don't feel guilty." He stepped up to his friend and extended his hand. "I know you tried everything you could to bring her back."

Exadus clasped forearms with him and hissed between his teeth as Seamus pulled him to his feet. He stretched a moment before looking Seamus in the eyes. "Seamus, I...," he paused for a moment. "Thank you, my friend. For what you said. And for taking care of that thing."

Seamus grinned and gestured towards the others behind them. "Come, let's check on them."

They were in no better shape than Seamus or Exadus. Ashes held his arm carefully. Judging by the awkward angle of his wrist, Seamus guessed it was broken. Rux was still down on his back, his hand pressed tight against his side where the spear cut him. Ivy sat on her knees next to him, strands of red hair matted to her forehead with blood from a nasty wound above her eyebrow. She was trying to pull the ranger's hand away.

"Oh, don't be such a big baby, Rux!" she scolded him. "Let me have look at it."

He tried to pull away from her. "I'm fine, Ivy! Take care of yourself first!" She glowered at him, and Seamus stepped in.

"You know she's not going to let this go, Rux. Might as well give in."

The half-elf sighed and his eyes darted from him towards Ivy and back. Eventually, he took his hand away from the wound and Ivy leaned in, inspecting it. "A clean cut," she murmured after a scrutinizing look. "Rather deep though. Give me a moment." She put his hand over it and focused, muttering a series of words. A green glow erupted from her hands and Rux winced audibly. She pulled her hand back after a short moment and smiled widely. "There, not even a scar!"

Rux touched his side gingerly and Seamus saw smooth skin instead of the gaping wound. "Thanks Ivy..."

"It's what I do!" she said simply, then stood up and turned towards Ashes.

Exadus put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "I'll look after him, Ivy. You focus on that head wound before you pass out on us."

She glared at him and huffed. "I'm fine, Exadus!"

"That's exactly what I said," Rux said gingerly from where he lay on the floor.

Ivy turned and glared at him as well, then looked at Seamus, who just arched an eyebrow at her. "Oh fine!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air. She opened her satchel and took out a clean linen bandage that she used to clean her wound.

In the meantime, Exadus walked towards Ashes, who winced and pulled back as the paladin touched his arm. "Ouch! Careful there, Exadus! This is sensitive material you're touching."

Exadus rolled his eyes. "Don't you start as well, Ashes. Now give me your arm." The wizard reluctantly offered his mangled arm and Exadus put his hand on it gently while he grabbed his amulet with his other hand and closed his eyes. Seamus shielded his eyes as a flash of radiant light burst from the paladin's gloved hand. When the light vanished, Exadus let go of Ashes with a smile.