Sword of Stars

Chapter Nine. Growing Shadows.

Garek burst through the trees and into the camp clearing. “The sword!” He yelled at Cecil who sensed his urgency and threw the sword, scabbard and all, towards the panicked man. Garek seized the hilt and ripped it free of its bonds mid-air. “The creatures are here! Get ready!” He called as the baldric hit the dusty ground.

Cecil’s eyes began to glow as he drew his short sword. The blade itself was pretty ordinary apart from the Essense gems set into the cross guard. Cecil could call upon the stored Essense within the gems in the heat of battle if his internal reserves ran low. All Casters carried around gems inserted in different object on their body, whether it’s a weapons or a ring, it only had to be close to the skin.

Aeryn picked her bow up and notched an arrow, poised and ready, face a stoic mask.

Garek skidded to a halt. “It was right behi-”

The beast burst unexpectedly from the trees to their left. A ball of flame and an arrow flew towards it at the same time. The beast roared in rage as they both found their mark and it slowed in its charge. The fire dissipated after it made contact and didn’t seem to leave a mark on its smoky skin. Garek took advantage of its distraction and ran in, sword raised. He swung hard but the beast managed to dodge away at the last second. The beast jumped forwards in a quick counter attack. Garek brought the sword up and deflected it at the last second. When its taloned fingers touched the blade it seemed to burn its skin with a loud hiss.

The beast hesitated and Garek took advantage again with an arcing swing. In its confusion the beast brought its arm up to block but the sword cleaved through its arm like butter. It screeched as its arm fell but before it could hit the ground the arm puffed away in a cloud of inky smoke. Without slowing, Garek raised the sword above his head and screamed as he heaved it downwards with all his might. The sword cut from the top of its head down to its crotch region. Its scream cut off as the two halves split, falling in opposite directions, and again, puffing away before hitting the forest floor.

Garek heard Aeryn scream and he turned to see her fall to the ground holding a bloody arm. Cecil was attacking a second beast with his sword which was ablaze with fire. Cecil had used his Heterochromancy on the blade and it was keeping the beast back with flaming whooshes and he swung wildly.

Garek rushed in and leant over Aeryn. “Are you okay?” He yelled.

Aeryn nodded, “Help… Cecil...” She managed through clenched teeth. Garek grabbed her under her arms and dragged her to the fallen log they had used as a seat and propped her up against it. Her bag was right next to it so she could grab a bandage to dress her wound.

“Patch yourself up.” He said as he rushed off to Cecil’s aid.

Despite the flaming sword Cecil was begin pushed back as the beast took wild swings, determined to get at the mad man. It didn’t notice Garek coming in from the side and Garek rammed his sword into its body, aiming for a heart, hoping the beast had one. The in-human scream was bone chilling. Garek clenched his jaw and pulled the sword to the side, ripping the monster open. Its scream cut off as it started its fall towards the earth. It burst apart into smoky before touching the ground.

Both Garek and Cecil scanned the trees to make sure no other beasts were around. Once they were certain there were no more they made their way back to Aeryn, Cecil’s flaming sword went out as his eyes lost the Heterochromic glow. Aeryn was wrapping the bandages around her upper arm, one end clenched in her teeth. Garek suddenly remembered.

“Stars, the infection…” He said out loud.

Aeryn stopped wrapping and looked him dead in the eye, her green eyes betraying her fear. She knew exactly what was going to happen and Garek was surprised at how calm she was on the outside. Garek couldn’t waste time going back to Andrill getting her help. He had to take her to the tower as quickly as possible but it was a long way to go, and she may not survive the journey.