Escape through the Sacred Forest: Lich Lord Wars Book 2

Chapter 7

"I say we attack the moment they leave the forest."

"That wasn't Lich-El's plan. We are only to amass our army."

"Why put our trust in a traitor if we don't have to."

"Because lately those that have disobeyed him have come to bad ends. Let's wait to see where they exit the forest, then we can decide what to do."

It was Gidon who had to break the news to the rest of his children the next morning. Cady was still asleep, or at least was pretending to be asleep. She was taking the news hard--just as Almas was right now.

"What do you mean he's dying? How?" Almas asked his voice rising.

Gidon took a deep breath and answered, "The weapon his shoulder was wounded with was cursed. The wound won't close or heal. The bandage he has on keeps him from bleeding to death, but it isn't stopping it from getting infected."

Creetan then asked, "Can't your healing magic do anything?"

Gidon shook his head, "The curse blocks all healing. We have to remove the curse before I can do anything. Lady Alixia is looking for a way to do it, which is why she and Seacra left."

"So there might be a way to save him?" Creetan asked hopefully.

Gidon glanced at Almas who was quietly staring at the ground. Several emotions seemed to be fighting for control of his face.

Still watching his second born, he answered, "It's possible, but he is running out of time. I'm sure you've all noticed by now how pale and weak he seems to be growing."

Almas suddenly looked up and asked, "You said the dagger the Lich Lord cut him with was cursed right? If it was magical then it was a fieles. Shouldn't there be a fieles that can lift curses?"

"That's one if the things Lady Alixia is looking into. All we can do is wait and hope she finds something and gets back to us," Gidon answered.

Almas suddenly turned and stalked off. Gidon fought the urge to go after him knowing his son needed time alone to work through his emotions. Of all his children he knew Almas would have the hardest time with this. He hoped Lady Alixia hurried-- for the sake of both Ulec and Almas.

Almas went to the westernmost side of camp and once he was away from everyone that were busy breaking camp he called out, "I know you're out here. Come out where I can see you."

The answer came from high to his left, "You had been nearly killed and then taken prisoner by the Lich Lords. I didn't want to add to your worry."

Looking up he saw Ulec sitting on a branch a good 12 feet above the ground.

"I could still tell something was wrong, even if I didn't know what it was. And the fact you weren't telling me what it was made me worry all the more--you should have told me!"

"I'm sorry. How do you tell your best friend you're dying?"

"You're not..." Almas paused. He was about to say, 'because Lich-El ordered me to save you,' but he stopped himself.

Where did that come from? It had to be him wanting to save Ulec because they were friends. Lich-El's orders had nothing to do with anything. Almas continued, "We'll figure something out."

Ulec gave him a tired but sincere smile, "I've learned to never underestimate you. Now try not to worry too much. I have some time left. You should go get ready to leave. We have to cross another firewater tree forest today."