Of Cunning Minds: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 28 - Amidst the Chaos

Harlow slowly turned to face Sebastian, a wicked smile stretched across his face.

"You're quite outnumbered here, boy," he sneered. "You really think you can take on all of us?" He gestured to the dozens of wizards standing lazily around the campsite.

Thea watched as Sebastian grinned back at Harlow and folded his arms casually. "I might not be able to," he said. "But I'm sure he can." He cocked his head to the side. Thea followed his gaze to the thick cluster of trees at the other end of the camp. They were suddenly reduced to twigs as a massive forest troll smashed through them, roaring loudly and swinging its club.

Thea recognized the glossy look in its eyes immediately; it was under an Imperius Curse.

The screams of Clyde's men echoed through the forest as bodies went flying. Several wizards fired spells at the troll, while others were trying to disapparate on the spot. Their efforts were useless amongst the chaos. The troll grabbed one unfortunate wizard between its meaty fingers and squished him into a bloody pulp.

Harlow gasped and moved to back away, clutching his mouth and stumbling over a tree root. He fell with a thud. Sebastian sauntered over to him and jabbed his wand under his scruffy chin.

"You kicked my friend," Sebastian said pointedly. His shoulders tensed and his eyes darkened as he shoved his wand harder into Harlow's flesh. "I didn't like that."

Harlow whimpered as the disembodied arm of one of his colleagues landed on the ground to his right. Sebastian chuckled and flicked his wand casually. A deep gash cut through Harlow's leg spurting blood everywhere. He howled in pain.

Sebastian smirked and moved his wand again, causing a second gash to appear on Harlow's stomach. His screams were almost drowned out by the shouts and roars coming from the troll attack. More spells flew around the camp and Thea inhaled sharply when one struck the tree she was tied to, setting its leaves ablaze.

"Sebastian," she called. The flames licked their way closer to where she was stuck. She glanced over and saw that Sebastian's eyes had a strange glint to them as he continued to torture Harlow. They were a sickly green color that made Thea's stomach twist. He didn't seem to notice her predicament.

She jerked violently against the ropes as the flames inched down the tree. Singed branches and leaves fell around her legs, spraying the ground with fresh embers.

"Sebastian," Thea shouted again. Panic engulfed her chest as a flame danced around her ankle. The fire burned her skin and she hissed loudly. However, Harlow's screams now completely muffled her voice.

She twisted against her ropes and was relieved to find that the flames weakened their hold. She lurched forward, ripping herself away from the burning tree. Another flame kissed her hand when she tumbled to the forest floor. Sputtering and coughing, she managed to roll away from the fire towards where Sebastian was standing.

Harlow was soaked in blood and moaning feebly. He looked on the verge of passing out. Thea coughed again and Sebastian's eyes snapped to their usual appearance as they settled on her weakened form.

"Merlin," he mumbled, reaching down to place gentle hands on her shoulders. "I didn't realize—I don't know what—"

Thea shook her head and clutched his hand. She stood on wobbly legs. "My wand," she croaked. "It's in the tent."

Sebastian's eyes were wet and wide, but he nodded quickly and let Thea guide him through the chaos of the camp towards the largest tent. They had to dodge flying body parts and spells as the troll continued to attack the remaining wizards.

Thea pulled Sebastian through the entrance of the tent. It was empty apart from several cots and a large chest. She yanked the latter open and extracted her wand. She waved it intricately and the metal bindings fell from her wrists with a clank.

"We need to get out of here," she said to Sebastian. His face was still etched with concern.

He cleared his throat. "Ominis is in a nearby clearing. We can meet him and apparate somewhere safe."

Thea nodded and followed Sebastian out of the tent. He led the way this time, pulling her away from the camp and through the dark twisting paths of the forest. Her hands stung from the burns and her leg ached from where Harlow kicked it, but she didn't slow down for a second.

When her eyes landed on Ominis, she nearly collapsed in relief. The last time she saw him, he was unconscious as a result of Clyde's torture. He seemed paler than usual, but otherwise okay. It was enough to bring a smile to her face.

Seeing Sebastian crumple against a nearby tree and sob immediately took it away.

"What's wrong," Thea asked, rushing to his side. Her eyes trailed across his body. "Are you injured?"

Sebastian wretched into the grass. Ominis appeared at Thea's side and vanished away the sick. He placed a hand on Sebastian's trembling shoulder.

"What's going on, Sebastian?" he urged.

Sebastian shoved Ominis hand away and pressed both palms to his eyes. "—Almost died," he mumbled. "—didn't even notice."

His words were incoherent and Thea could do nothing but watch as he broke down in front of them.

Ominis spoke up first. "We should move," he declared. "I can apparate us. It's not safe to stay in the forest."

Thea agreed quietly and grabbed Ominis' hand. Her other palm met Sebastian's forearm and he shuddered when he saw the fresh burn covering her skin. Another sob rippled through his chest.

"It's okay," she whispered. "Just breathe."

His eyes met hers for a millisecond before Ominis disapparated them from the clearing.