Guardians of the Prophecy

Chapter Nineteen: The First Demon Lord

*Finally got around to finishing this part! Will do my best to keep posting! Hope everyone still enjoys this!

Note: Chapter is unedited.

"What?  That sounds like we have options."

"Read it again," Rima prompted the healer.  Laurel did so, and there was a long silence.

"We have two choices," Shan said when she had finished.  "From what I remember from the first, and this one, it sounds like we can kill these 'Brothers' to prevent some kind of war.  But if we leave them be, then we'll always be in conflict with them."

"Demon brothers?" Caleb asked, raising an eyebrow.

The monk nodded.

"The choice should be pretty obvious," Laurel said, crossing her arms over her chest and looking utterly unimpressed.  "Why would we not kill these demons?  If we don't, then we'll always have to deal with them."

"So kill the brothers?" Alistair asked.

Everyone unanimously agreed.

Suddenly, the scroll in Laurel's hands began to glow.  Shaheen screeched and fluffed her feathers.  A soft golden light materialized from the scroll, pointing to the map laid out on the bed.  Everyone rushed over to see what was happening.

A series of islands appeared to the north, west and south of Bonum.  The island to the west, which was closest to them, was labeled Am'Món.

"Guess we're going there next," said Caleb, after a short pause.

 "How come I've never heard of these... islands?" Rima asked, creasing her brows.  "Those stupid unnecessary apostrophes...  How the hell do we pronounce that anyway?"

            "Well, the only stories that I've heard of the islands were a long time ago."  Laurel took a sip of her drink.  "But when the only things you've heard about are that stupid people who were too curious for their own good 'never came back,' then I guess that's why no one ever talks about it."

            "Typical," Alistair said, stiffly.  "Demons just have to kill everyone."

            "It'd make more sense if they used those people as servants or something," Caleb frowned.

            "They probably do," Shan deadpanned.

            "Ha ha.  Oh right."

            Later that night, Rima came back into the room she shared with her Protector.  Alistair was already in bed, and Shaheen was nestled into her little bundle of fur, with her head under her wing. 

            After changing into her nightgown, Rima sat on the bed and lightly stroked Alistair's soft hair.  His back was facing her, and judging by the sounds of deep breathing, he was already fast asleep.  She leaned over him and kissed his cheek before getting into bed with him and falling asleep herself.

            They stayed in Terahn for a couple more days to allow Alistair to recuperate before moving west to the coast.  The only thing that Rima really noticed during their journey was that Alistair stayed near her much closer than when she last remembered.  He also couldn't seem to keep his hands off of her... not that she was complaining, as long as he didn't do it in front of the rest of the group. 

            The group arrived at an inn that was about a day's walk to the coast.  Unfortunately, much to Alistair and Shan's dismay, they only had small rooms with single beds.  And the innkeeper wasn't going to allow any of the men to room with Rima or Laurel, respectively.