Turi : Mysteries Unfold

Chapter - 4

Evan lies on the icy hard ground, almost in a state of death.

"8..9-" the priestess is interrupted by a burst of purple flames across Evan's frozen body. The ice melts within milliseconds, his thought-to-be-lifeless body rises, more energetic now than even before he was frozen. His eyes glare at his opponent with an evil purple. His face is expressionless.

He picks up his blade. And with demonic speed, the sharp end of his dagger finds the blood of Natalya. All happening in a flash, too instantaneous for either of the two adults to stop him.

Both contestants collapse.

***

Nulfgaar and Herschel are greeted by the other four Elders below the cathedral, in an underground holy chamber.

"As most of you must know, Herschel is a High Cleric and was even a part of this council years ago."

The other four, acknowledge Herschel's presence respectfully.

"My arrival upon this sacred place, is to discuss a serious matter. Take no word I speak lightly." Herschel warns the Elders.

"Go on then, speak of the matter at hand." says Rotheim, an experienced paladin, urging him on.

Herschel nods.

"The boy I've brought with me is no ordinary boy, his aura does not seem to be of this plane."

"Who is this boy you speak of? Is he not your son?" asks a Pius, the wisest of Priests.

"He is not. He is under the false idea that I am, but the boy is an orphan. I stumbled upon him while travelling between cities one day, about a decade and a half ago. He was alone in the woods when I found him. Couldn't find a trace of anyone around the area, so I did what any decent man would do. I took him home to Nessa, and raised him as our own, at least until she left us." replies Herschel, fighting away a tear.

"And what makes you think he not one of this plane?" asks Nulfgaar.

"My suspicions arose maybe a year ago. Whe-"

Herschel is interrupted by Tristan, a young clerical prodigy. "Why had you not reported this matter immediately? Would it not have been better? What if the situation has worsened?".

"I require your patience young one. I had to confirm my suspicions before I took it to this stage, I had to ensure that it wasn't just my aging mind." he clarifies.

"As I was saying, my suspicions began a year ago. Evan and I were travelling to a nearby town, we took camp in a cavern. That was when we were attacked by a pack of blood hounds. Evan was on the verge of bleeding to death, when suddenly, I witnessed something of darkness overtake his body."

Herschel stops for a moment to take a breath. In that moment, one could tell that the others in the room could feel the magnitude of the situation as he did.

"His wounds healed almost instantly and gained the strength to singlehandedly kill the whole pack of hounds. At that moment, I could see that it was no longer Evan inside his body, instead a demonic presence. Even today, as we crossed into the cathedral, he was lashed by the spirit shield, but only barely. Giving me hope, that the presence within him is not a strong one."

A few Elders gasp and talk among themselves.

Nulfgaar demands silence and says "I propose that we exorcise him.".

"My exact thoughts, I believe we ourselves must oversee the exorcism. The child is close to me, I trust that he will make a fine assassin one day." says Herschel.

"Agreed then, we shall hold the exorcism before sundown today." confirms Cyra, the lone Priestess of the council.

Priestess Leona bursts through the doors, panting
"Forgive me Elders, but I come with grave news. It's Herschel's boy..."

***