Magic Spawn Origins

Magic Spawn: Chapter 30

by Meredith Skye

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Slowly, Rian and Harlan carried Westin's lifeless body down the slope and through the dark, quiet graveyard back to the campground.

As they approached the camp, even from a distance, Rian could hear voices arguing.

"No, I told you, all we have to do is to patrol Ashlake Lane and the old train depot. We should have enough people for that, once the others get here," said Edward.

"And what if they slip around Ashtree Lake north of the campground? Or maybe south of the Old Mill?" asked Zane, as if they were foolish children who hadn't thought this through.

Edward, Zane and Ray stood outside around the card table, looking at what had to be a map of the city. On the table sat a small electric lantern—one that hadn't been found and smashed in the earlier attack.

"I want a magic sword," said Ray. He could be really juvenile at times ... or, most of the time.

Zane caught sight of Harlan and Rian, who walked carrying Westin.

"Rian?" asked Zane, breaking off the discussion. He ran up to them and stopped when he saw Westin's pale, lifeless eyes. "What happened? What's wrong with him?"

Rian glanced back towards the dark cemetery. The story was so fantastic, he wondered if even they would even believe it. "We were attacked by some kind of flying creatures, almost like giant mosquitoes. I'm afraid that—"

"They killed Westin?" said Edward, horrified.

"Look at his face. Is that a costume?" asked Ray.

Rian stared back at them. The creatures might have killed Westin. It was a logical assumption. If Rian kept silent, then they'd never know that he'd failed his friend. Rian had let the woman kill Westin. He felt as guilty as if he'd shot him through the heart himself.

Harlan looked over at Rian.

But what if those things come back? They had to know. "No, they bit him. Changed him somehow. He became ... I don't know ... inhuman. Then it was like he was no longer Westin at all—he didn't recognize us. He attacked us. And he was insanely strong."

"Yes," said Harlan. "I think he must have been like +6 or more to strength and maybe that much to his dex. But his wisdom was way down. It was crazy."

The group stared grimly at them.

"You do believe us, right?" asked Rian.

"Are you saying that you killed Westin?" demanded Zane.

"What else could we do? He attacked us. He was coming at us—like a madman. I didn't want to." Rian didn't mention the girl. He wasn't sure why. Perhaps there were too many unusual circumstances already.

Zane glanced away in disgust. "Unbelievable!" he shouted

"Do you think I wanted to kill my best friend?" asked Rian.

The others stared at him, stunned. There was an awkward silence.

"You're crazy!" said Zane. "This is crazy!" He turned and stalked off.

"Hey, Zane," objected Edward, looking a little lost without his advisor.

"And what have you done since I left?" asked Rian. "Don't tell me you've spent the whole time arguing?"

"No," said Edward defensively. "I put out the call to activate the Gondorian Warrior Circle. We just need a plan now."

"We should take everyone and storm the graveyard. We can kill that necromancer before he gets any more powerful," said Rian.

Edward nodded vaguely, looking around for Zane. "Let me think."

The others helped him move Westin's body into the tent.

"Shouldn't we burn the body?" asked Ray, staring at Westin. "I mean ... I've been watching Game of Thrones, and I'm telling you ..."

"He wasn't killed by a Whitewalker," said Harlan, as if Ray were being ridiculous.

"Well, you can't be too careful. I'm just saying," mumbled Ray, staring down at Westin's pale face and glassy, open eyes. Harlan reached down and closed Westin's eyes. The disturbing thing was—Rian thought he had already closed them earlier that night.

Harlan glanced around the tent, searching a moment. "Where's my daughter?" he asked.

Edward looked up at him, as did Ray. They exchanged a clueless glance. "I don't know. Maybe she and Anya went trick-or-treating?"

"And you let them leave?" demanded Harlan.

"Well, I didn't—" Edward began.

"Crap!" said Harlan. He hurried outside to find Grandma Baggins still manning the walkie-talkies. "Grandma. Have you seen Haley and Anya?"

"Oh, yes, dear," said Grandma Baggins. "I believe they went home."

"Home?" Harlan looked puzzled.

"Yes, she said she had to go get something."

"Get what?" Harlan glanced around the campground with a worried glance. Haley and Anya were nowhere to be found.

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