Tale of the Prophet Bearer: The Dark Queen's Reign

Chapter 27: The Aftermath

I heard Naris shouting as we walked back to the village. I got my tears under control, but I made sure to walk slowly to give myself more time. Cody is still helping me walk at my pace, but he was silent. I lower my head as she approaches us with the king by her side. Despite that he walks with a limp, he stands tall–with Naris' help. I'm sure she refused to let him walk alone.

"What happened?" The king demands. "Where is the Dark Queen?"

Cody shakes his head. "Reil is gone," He answers. "But with a price."

Sargon's face twists with confusion and he looks around. When it dawns on him, he shakes his head, pressing his lips in a thin line. "No... It cannot be..." He exchanges a look with Naris and she gives a helpless shrug.

"Abby is still at the castle," Cody says quietly.

"You have to heal her," Cameron gives Naris a pleading look. "Please..."

Naris swallows hard. "I do not know if I can. If her soul has departed from her body it would be senseless. The magic of reviving the dead... It is beyond me. That type of magic is known by very few on our home."

I push back tears that sting my swollen eyes and bite my tongue, trying to give myself more pain to take my mind off of Abby.

Cameron opens his mouth and then shuts it, balling his fists. "Are you sure you can't do anything?"

"I will see her for myself," Naris answers quietly. "But I do not think it will work. If you say she has already..." She hesitates. "Passed, then there is nothing I will be able to do."

Cameron grits his teeth and sinks to the ground, burying his face in his knees. Tucker let out a slow breath and holds his head in his hands. He mumbles under his breath, but too quiet to hear.

Cody sighs. "Please, go check on her. If there's even the slightest chance of her being okay, then we need to take it."

Naris nods and lets go of Sargon's arm. The king limps to Cameron and tries to comfort him. She pauses by Cody and me on her way to the castle. "I am truly sorry for your loss," She says quietly. "I can return you to your home, even if there is nothing I can do for Abby."

Cody nods, looking exhausted. "Thank you. It means a lot to us."

Naris gives a sympathetic smile. "You are welcome." With that, she marched up to the castle.

But I knew it was hopeless. Even when Naris came back with the bad news, it didn't surprise me. I knew Abby was gone and every effort made to save her was futile. And it's all my fault.

~

(A/N):

Yeah yeah, I know it's a short chapter, but the next one's going to be long. And depressing I hope. >:)

Thanks to my loyal readers-- erm, reader, for reading. It seriously makes my entire day!

*Doesn't let my little sister ruin my day because I'm so freaking happy*