Skobex's Return

Chapter 6

Anastasia crept around to the back of the town's leaders house. She knew she wasn't doing anything wrong but it felt like she was. The small building behind his house was never locked. He didn't think it was necessary to as no one would want weapons or have a need to use them. Ever since the curse was created and the Lich was banished, Cinderash hadn't needed any sort of weapon. There would be no fear of attacks or wars from other regions since no one from outside of Cinderash would ever want to step in. They had kept them there for the possibility of the curse being lifted from the land; leaving weapons for future battles.

Anastasia pushed open the door and walked to the nearest sword. It was a similar size to the one she found in the basement. Its handle was brown and the hilt was silver, which matched the colour of the blade.

'Anastasia?' Someone called from behind her. It was Maynard, the town's leader. 'What are you up to in here?'

'I'm just—'

'You're helping that sorcerer, aren't you?'

'No.' She lied. 'I should learn how to use a sword, in case of an attack from Skobex.'

'A girl wielding a sword?' The leader snorted. 'That's almost unheard of.'

'I'd like to see you use one.' She retorted. She didn't want to engage him, trying hard not to cause a problem. But she couldn't help it. She did not want to be treated like a fragile, little girl.

'I beg your pardon?'

'I don't see you being a great leader for Cinderash, Maynard.' She argued. 'You haven't helped the town or contributed anything to help it grow. Not even a little. You're just like the previous one.'

Anastasia picked up the sword and placed it in a holder before pushing past Maynard.

'You don't think I'm trying? Do you know how difficult it is to run a town that already had problems— like the curse?' Maynard sighed. 'I'm worried about your new friend and what he's going to do next. He's already summoned the Lich, what's stopping him from turning on Cinderash and killing innocent people? I've already lost my son because of him.'

'Don't play the sympathy card on me!' Anastasia instantly regretted what she said. 'I know you've been under a lot of stress due to recent events and keeping the town calm. Christopher is doing everything he can to help. I'm helping him to do this can get solved faster.'

She turned her gaze to the castle. Smoke still congregated on the top most level of it. It wasn't as much but there was still quite a lot up there. She turned her back toward Maynard.

'You persuaded the town to let him live so he can solve our problem.' He continued. 'If he does anything else to bring harm to this town, I'll be sure to revoke the agreement and he'll be put to death. You will go with him.'

His comment made her feel uneasy. She wasn't exactly in the mood for death, not even if it came with a side of pain and illness.

'We will make sure it won't come to that.' Anastasia replied before turning on her heels and heading off.

Anastasia was greeted with a door flying at her as she approached her house. She dove out of the way, rolling a few times before coming to a stop. The door landed next to where she laid. She glanced up to see Christopher staring straight at her with wide eyes.

'You almost killed me again!' Anastasia snapped as she approached him. 'What is this now, the third time?'

'My apologies. I was using a spell and it worked, a little too well.' Christopher admitted. 'Also, I think it's only the second time—'