ANGEL OF JUSTICE (2014 revised)

Chapter Fifty Eight -Sorcery

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Sorcery

The doors of the war chamber flung open bringing all those seated to their feet to see a young relocator messenger clutching his side, being aided through the entrance by the two door guards. The youngster's face was ashen and as he collapsed, his hand fell away to reveal a dark stain across his green robes. The healing High Priestess, Serenity was the first to reach the youth's side as the two guards lowered him to the stone floor.

"What is the meaning of this?" Darric asked joining Serenity.

"There's enemy on the wall... sorcery!" Garth closed his eyes and took his last breath.

"Garth here said he was sent by Captain Baras to inform the war master we are under attack by an army of dead men." one of the guards replied.

All the priests and priestesses left the meeting table, each relocating from the room to be about their business. Ya'Cinda, Priestess of the Healing order joined Serenity who was kneeling beside the dying messenger. A pool of blood slowly flowed from his wounds, spreading across the dark stone beneath him. Darric looked up to meet the priestess's worried frown, her expression deepened as she felt Garth's vitals.

Serenity closed her eyes and a pale green light radiated about her hands as she held them above the dying messenger's heart. The man came back to consciousness, blinked a few times then whispered, but no one could hear his words. Darric leant closer to the youth as he tried to talk. The Healing Priestess sat motionless, bathed in a green aura that slowly spread out to encompass Garth's body. As she concentrated her healing power, the site of his injury flared brilliantly. A sword wound through the ribs had delivered the young messenger a fatal blow and much of his lifeblood already covered the stone floor and the priestess's green robes where she knelt. When Serenity completed the healing the green light retracted from around the wounded man back into her hands. Within a few moments Garth's chalky skin started to return to a healthy flush and the deep gash through his side had healed to a faded pink scar.

Serenity accepted Darric's hand of assistance."Garth shall live." She stated getting to her feet. "Though I am surprised he had enough will left to relocate here, he must have been attacked just as he left the wall."

Darric bowed his head. "Thank you for saving his life."

"He still needs care and must be taken to the hospice."

"I will take him." Ya'Cinda offered as she placed her hands on the messenger's shoulder and relocated him from the chambers.

War Master, Van who had been standing nearby addressed the Prince. "The ward must have been fractured to allow Charaz's sorcerers to transport small groups of soldiers into the citadel."

"Not necessarily, Van. If they are dead soldiers, it is possible that they could have passed straight through the fabric of the ward's making which could explain why there was no alarm set off, the ward has not been damaged."

"I pray to Athan you are not correct on your surmise, Thomas." Van stated. "Once Charaz learns the success of such a venture, nothing will stop him from getting in."

Darric initiated his armour which blazed in blue lights. "Please, not yet Darric." High Priest Thomas whispered.

Darric met Thomas's look of concern. "No more sitting around old man, it's time to go bloody this sword. I'll not fancy an attack within these chambers because I was idle." Darric turned to Josh and offered his friend a fierce grin.

"Fancy joining me?"

Josh nodded and clashed his wrist guards together and was instantly covered in protective armour.