The Hunt for the Power Stones

Chapter - 30 Sacrifice Sacrifice Sacrifice

"That's the price of necromancy, My mother taught me that, this is the only way to bring back a life" said Gabriel. All the parents, Mothers, Fathers and Grandparents of all the children stepped forward to hear what Gabriel was saying. "I Willingly sacrifice myself to bring back my son to live his life with his mother" shouted an obviously distraught father. " I also willingly lay down my life for my daughter " shouted another man, soon after, 1 parent of every child had stepped forward to allow their child to live their life. This was a horrible position for Gabriel to be in, He was only 17 and was tasked with putting down numerous adults, but he knew it was for the best and it was their decision. Gabriel entered the village leader's home, where he needed a quiet room to cast these spells. He was going to require numerous things. Gabriel had asked for Malik, James, and Nathaniel to gather the willing parent and their fallen child to stand outside and be prepared. 

Gabriel had begun with his spell, he used a piece of chalk he carried with him and drew a symbol that was unknown by man and commonly known by sorcerers. He sat down by the circular symbol on the ground and gathered the items he needed. Gabriel had the box of stones, the Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, and now the Alexandrite stone. These stones had incredible power all Gabriel needed was a healing agent. His mother had used an amulet passed down through their bloodline and once she was taken so was the healing amulet. Gabriel had hoped he could have the one thing intended for him by his mother but he had the next best thing. 2 Jars of Sergas's healing blood. It would be just enough to bring back every single child. 

 Once he had everything he needed he called for everyone to remain silent and allowed the first parent and fallen child to enter. Malik, James, and Nathaniel were outside providing food and water thanks to the village leader. They tried their best to prepare each parent and give them support and consolation. 

Gabriel had began and everyone knew, as there was a huge green glowing light coming from the village windows and they all could hear Gabriel chanting loudly. 5 minutes had passed and then silence... 

Moments later the village heard cries coming from the home and they knew the child was alive, Gabriel opened the door and allowed for the child to walk out into the arms of their Mother. Nathaniel and the Village leader entered the home to wrap the body in sheets. They escorted the body around the back of the house on a wagon they had prepared earlier. Gabriel took a few short minutes to compose himself and just like that he was ready for the next sacrifice. This whole process continued for over an hour. Malik was completely impressed and had so much respect for Gabriel for being able to perform this spell at this proportion. James offered food and water to Gabriel on his short moments of break in between. The village was so grateful to him, the families that were not affected by Sergas were cooking a huge feast for the 4 men. Jeffrey was making sure that no one would go around the back of the home and protected the kids from seeing all that death. Gabriel had just finished the final parent and brought back his daughter and was completely spent. He was absolutely and indefinitely exhausted. Gabriel had laid out in the village leaders bed and just passed out. He had earned some much needed well-deserved rest. The 3 other men had joined the village in the feast that was prepared and celebrated the death of Sergas and resurrection of all the children. At the end of the night, The whole village came together and performed a traditional ritual to say their goodbye's to their loved ones as they mourned the fallen parents. It was an emotional and heartfelt night that the men will never forget. 

Gabriel had finally awoken from his rest and joined the group and had a feast, fit to feed a beast. He had made sure the 5 stones were safely in their place, once securing the box he saw the 3 empty jars of blood, but there were still droplets left at the bottom. Gabriel tipped the 3 jars 1 by 1 upside down to drip the last of it into a tiny glass vile and had just enough for 1 person. He decided to keep the vile a secret just in case things went wrong along the way. He didn't want the village to take the last of the healing blood from him as he thought he deserved the last serving. He turned around to see Malik standing behind him with a big smile, " Thank you Gabriel, you have saved us and the village children. We are honored to have you with us and just know that you are no longer alone, we are your new family" said Malik, James and Nathaniel had entered just after Malik and said " Damn right you are " " Thank you guys, I really do appreciate having you with me. Just know I won't be doing any magic any time soon haha" said Gabriel, " Eh, don't stress, we were doing ok before you came to join us but with your help and support we will do just as good, now let's all get some rest as we're only halfway there to save the King and Queen and our Journey" said Malik.