Messenger of God

Chapter Nine.

Amara grunted as she shouldered the heavy backpack back onto her shoulders with a loud exhale. She put her hands on her hips as she wiped the sweat from her brow before examining the sight that lay before them.  The leather strap that held the holster to her sword cut into her uncomfortably. Just a little ways away from the first stop on the dirt path they’d been following through the forest since daybreak, a run down village could be seen. As Florence turned to them with a serious nod and raise of her brow, they advanced towards the village with caution.

Amara could hear the gentle pitter patter of boots on the dirt path as they got closer. She glanced at her fellow angels, Lottie’s brows were furrowed, his bow swinging a little on his shoulder as he walked alongside her and took in his surroundings. There was a cloud of apprehension that blanketed the group. Amara only had one patrol under her belt, and despite it going awry, this technically was her first mission. They had just made it to the last village. She adjusted the hood on her head as they passed, the villagers' scrutiny obvious.

A gentle nudge brought her attention from the glares, and she turned to find Florence looking up at her, blue eyes glinting dangerously in the blazing sun.

“A lot of villagers don’t take kindly to angels. Especially not on this side of the river.” Florence explained as they walked along the path. She was clad in her captains armor, all heavy metals with the symbol of Saint Mary’s encrusted into the breastplate. 

Amara turned to her, “Why is that? I mean, when St. Mary’s kidnapped me, still not entirely over that by the way but that’s besides the point.” Florence gave a small smile as the girl rambled, before continuing, “I hadn’t heard anything about this supposed war that's waging. I knew nothing of demons or angels, or even two god-like creatures that fought that long ago. For it to be such a rich history, and the demon’s such a danger, why isn’t the public informed? These people seem to know a lot for them to not like us in this way.”

Florence sighed as she clasped her hands behind her back, gazing straight ahead resolutely with a resolve. Whether to ignore the stares or to think, Amara wasn’t all too sure.

“For them to be so close to the river, especially villages such as the ones on our mission, they don’t have much of a choice. With battles happening daily on their home terrain, you can only deny so long. St. Mary’s angels spent some time at a village a few klicks out, and they were all wiped out. Villagers and Angels alike.” She paused her storytelling to turn to the girl, halting her steps as she held out a hand.

“This is it, Angels.” She gestured towards the staircase that led to a fairly large temple that was fairly a lot better than the rest of the village.

The Captain gave Amara a look that the psion couldn't quite decipher before turning to face the small group. 

“I’d like to remind you, we are not here to wage an attack. Only fight back if provoked and I give the order. Stay on high alert. Understood?” Murmurs of agreement echoed throughout the group and Florence gave a small nod before turning to begin her descent up the stairs. Amara sighed at the thought of more walking but followed nonetheless after a glance with Lottie.

After Florence spoke to the guards in a tone too low for Amara to hear, they were granted access. The psion glanced at Lottie once more, and the man just shrugged before entering behind the Captain. A crow cawed loudly outside just as the door slammed with the entrance of the last Angel. 

Amara glanced around, the place was even nicer inside than on the outside. She briefly wondered if this building was in this good of condition, why was the village in such ruins. Hierarchy most likely. She shook the thought off as Florence turned with a clear of her throat.