Until the Deed is Done

Chapter 1

(Continued)

While Shen was taking care of the horses, Raf, followed by the still grieving Dev, went up to the desk off to the left side of the bar, putting down the 2 sets of gears, and talked to the grizzly looking older man about the room, food and stable care for their horses. As he was settling the required funds of 3 gold and 5 coppers, Dev was staring down at the floor that was covered with muddy straw. Off to aside, at a table in the far corner, his hearing picked up the whispers of a village that was cursed and the total annilation of demon worshippers. Anger flashed in his dulled amber eyes, and with it his magic weakly started to rise, like a dark electrical sparks between his clenched fists. Rafael eyes shot to him and quickly grabbed his arm, his own magic smothering the power as if water dousing embers that threatened to become a flame. Devryon gritted his teethe, and looked up slowly at Raf. He frowned at Dev, a warning that he knew meant no oppossing. It was so swift of an exchange, no one else saw it.

Right then Shen came in, he felt the disturbance in the air immediately and looked right at them. He noticed the anger that flashed in Devryon's eyes. Without taking his eyes from Devryon, he asked if all was settled. Raf nodded his head once. Shen then said that he'd get the food, for them to go on up. Rafael tugged Dev's arm, the angry youth reluctantly followed, never saying a word.

After the meal, hot bathes, they now sat on the beds, facing the still angered Dev. Rafael didn't say a word, so Shenri took it upon himself to find out what was going on with him.

"Dev.... what's eaten' atcha?" Devryon eyes looked at the youngster. "Da blokes down there were talking about our village. Said that they were dealin' with demons, that they got what they deserved... to be butchered.... they were talking 'bout the kind people who took us in.... my dear Learya! I... I just...." Again the anger flashed in his eyes. Shen reached over and placed a calming touch to his knotted fists in his lap.

"They nay know what they speaketh of. Does the tongues of others matter what we ourselves knoweth? Nay! So only remember the happiness we had there, and never forget dear Learya.... ok?" Shen tried to comfort his friend. Devryon gave out a groaning sigh as he hung his head, his long dark hair obscuring his face.

Rafael looked over at him... "I think Shenri makes a valid point. All that matters is that we know the truth. In fact, the Devils they may be talking about is ourselves." At that Dev raised his head and both he and Shen looked at Raf with a perplexed look on their faces until realization shot through their puzzlement.

Devryon looked away then... "So, we may 'ave been the reason why the village was destroyed?" His eyes shot back to their leaders knowing gaze. Dev drew in a breath, then slowly loosen it. This is when Shen closed sadden eyes and voiced what Dev realized...

"We are that if ye think about it. Our strength is beyond those of mortal man. We 3 are the ones that kept that village safe, aftah all." Raf nodded. A blank look on his unearthly young handsome face.

"We 3 are over 567 years old. Before we end this accursed task, we may be over a thousand years old. Maybe more.... we will face a many of things that will make you wish you could stay dead... I have already. But I know that I must carry on and finish this curse. You may think that I've turned cold hearted, however, I've just learnt fast to face this and steal my feelings to stay sane. That's just me, but if you plan to avoid these heartbreaking pains in the future, you may need to learn to remember the happiness and not dwell upon the regrets and loss." At that, Rafael stood and went to his bed near the window.

Before going to bed, he looked back at his two friends who were thinking on his words. He sighed to himself, then went to bed. Sleep fastly claiming him, leading into dreams of his beloved wife and unborn son until even those slowly faded away into a somewhat peaceful rest.

As morning came, the rain had moved on. The 3 broke their fast of fresh baked bread, cheese, and fruit. Hot herbal tea to finish the meal, then out to the stable to saddle their horses. A last errand to restock their supplies, they rode out of the town. They headed towards the west, towards the capital of the western region. Towards their next sacrifice....