The Undead Sorcerer

Chapter Seven

Light glows like the sun, warm like a flame, and moves as if alive – Henry's magic envelops the church in his grasp. Shattered glass merges together, rising from the ground to return to the window panes. Villagers stare in awe, their eyes filled with the light of magic and Henry's work. Like a busy bee, it surges through the building, and I shudder. For healing magic, it has a course and unpleasant presence. Though the demons are gone from the area, the battle hasn't been won yet. There are still people to find and treat.

"If you are able to walk, please move here. If you have wounds actively bleeding, please move over here!" Vincent is at the center, barking out orders and guiding the floor of operations. The adviser looks at peace despite the chaos and misery. There is a party of those that escaped with only minor scrapes and bruises, having been furthest away from any entrances or windows. It's those that I catch whispering and gossiping.

"There are people blaming the campaign for coming. The town has been attacked before, but the church has always been a stronghold. This isn't a good look," I grumble to Vincent.

"I'm quite aware, but looks will be forgotten with action," Vincent states. I sigh and shake my head.

"Still, it's not going to help our position. The king chose us to represent strength in the kingdom. But we squabbled," I recall. Vincent shrugs it off.

"Even if our image is tarnished, we have a job to do," Vincent reminds me. "Your necromancy is rather particular," he comments.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I question, my tone coming off a bit defensive. I hold my tongue to let him speak; I shouldn't be so defensive of magic. After all, it's supposed to be magic, not a curse, if I'm to maintain this secret.

"I only noticed that you're able to multitask for a long period of time with it. You were able to hold the rift into the void open for minutes and maintain control of your summonings," Vincent points out, scratching his chin in thought. "I've never seen such mastery in necromancy," Vincent adds. No, I imagine not. "It was quite impressive. It's a shame you never retired to the academy to teach your study," Vincent comments.

"Necromancy is quite dangerous. It's not something I would teach recklessly," I disagree.

"Try not to waste your talents. Whatever they might say, we wouldn't have survived without it," Vincent points out. Vincent's intelligent green eyes survey the area, analyzing every move; they find Zoe and Matthew.

"Here, let me give you a hand," Matthew offers to help her carry the firewood they've gathered for lunch.

"Oh, don't let me bother you, I'm quite alright," Zoe replies most polite, but Matthew helps her unload anyway.

"It's no trouble, please, bother me all you like," Matthew encourages, "Such a pretty flower shouldn't dirty her hands around here. Would you care to join me for a break?" he offers, and Zoe's face blushes a deep shade of pink. I roll my eyes and groan. This was a mission to help this village, not flirt and screw around – literally.

"Really, I ought to find something to do here. There are quite a few wounded," Zoe murmurs, staring at the ground shyly, swaying her shoulders back and forth, turning her back on a stunned Matthew.

"I guess the bastard's luck has run out. Serves him right," I sneer, but Vincent isn't paying attention. His green eyes have gone distant, flickering here and there as if watching something. "Hey, are you still there?" I wonder.

"Yes, of course," Vincent blurts out, blinking at the world, "Let's go talk to the king," he suggests, already heading off before I have a chance to answer and or question it. I would expect Peter to be curious about the current developments, but for him to appear at such a dangerous scene would be quite reckless. And when did we receive notice of his arrival? Several tents set up in the grass serve to treat the injured and offer meals to the hungry. Vincent strides through the business for an inconspicuous tent at the center as if knowing. Not only is Peter here, but Edward and Henry.