Magic Spawn Origins

Magic Spawn: Chapter 28

by Meredith Skye

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Without the small flashlight, the graveyard would have been almost completely dark, the moon hidden behind clouds and all light from the city obscured by an unnatural fog.

Rian knew they had to get Westin back to town soon. He had been attacked by a bizarre flying creature that had sunk a stinger into Westin's back, changing him into something ... inhuman.

"Help me," said Rian, grabbing Westin's arm as he struggled in the grass in the middle of the graveyard.

Westin lay sprawled on his arms and knees, gasping for breath, as a strange bluish-purple welt had grown along the underside of his spine. Almost he seemed at once taller, more gangly and awkward—a little more beast-like. "Westin, let's go," urged Rian. "We have to get you back to town."

"Mmmfff," said Westin, in a low, scarcely audible groan. His eyes held a dazed look, barely conscious. His eyes had a reddish tint to them.

"Come on," Rian glanced at Harlan, who struggled to get a good grip and lift Westin's reluctant body. They managed to get him to his feet enough to hobble along down the graveyard path at a dawdling pace.

"Are you out of your mind?" demanded Ehina, the strange, silver-haired girl from another world. "You aren't bringing him with us?"

"I am," said Rian, firmly.

"He's possessed!" said Ehina. She followed them, but she still hadn't sheathed her sword. She punctuated her statement by jabbing the air with it.

"I'm not going to abandon my best friend. We'll take him back to town, to the hospital. They'll be able to help him there," said Rian.

Ehina didn't look convinced of this. Even Harlan gave him a dubious glance.

Rian ignored this, helping Westin as he hobbled along the path. Not only did Westin seem taller, but his shoulders seemed broader than Rian remembered.

Slowly, they made progress down the hill, through the scrubby underbrush and past an overgrown section of the graveyard. Overlooked weeds climbed up the side of old stone tombstones, sticking out of the ground like something randomly cast out and forgotten. The dank smell of rotting grass and leaves permeated the area.

Harlan supported Westin on his left and Rian helped on the right side. Ehina followed a few steps behind them. She still hadn't put her sword away, as though she couldn't trust Westin enough for that. Rian felt glad that Harlan was there to help. This whole night had turned so strange.

"What I don't understand," said Harlan to Rian. "Is how you can understand her."

"What do you mean?" asked Rian.

"I can't understand a word she says," admitted Harlan.

"You can't? What do you mean?" demanded Rian quietly.

"She's not speaking English," he said. "I think that this might be an effect that sword has on you ... if it is magical. Some sort of language charm." Harlan nodded sagely, as if he really understood any of this.

"Maybe," said Rian. Who knew? Things had turned so bizarre in the last few hours, he was ready to believe anything.

They were still aways from the campground. Rian felt some relief at making it so far through the graveyard without encountering any more of Molan's creatures.

Then Westin stumbled, and convulsed in pain, falling to the ground.

"Watch out!" cried Ehina as they all moved back a few paces.