Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Sixty-One

They heard the water before they saw the Well. They heard the moaning before they saw the demon.

Lillia glanced at Kavian and the truth hit her. If his father was out there, he was long since Soulless. Kavian didn’t know about the Insentients. They had left out the more disturbing parts of their story. Would he be able to handle the truth?

Lillia looked back at Caelum and saw that he understood what she was thinking.

“What’s that moaning?” Kavian asked.

“Kavian.” Drayce said. “Why don’t you tell us what your father looks like. We’ll go ahead and see if he’s there.”

“What? No!” Kavian exclaimed. “Ye said I could be comin' with ye!”

“Kavian. If that moaning is what we think it is, believe us, it’s better if you stay here.” Caelum said.

“It actually works out good for everyone.” Drayce said. “You stay safe, you don’t have a weapon anyways, and you can keep watch to make sure no one tries to interfere with our mission.”

Lillia laid a hand on Kavian’s shoulder. She understood his frustration. But it really was for the best that he stay on watch. Kavian grumbled, muttering a few unflattering things about Drayce and Caelum under his breath before nodding in agreement.

“Me Pa is tall. When he left for the Sword, he was wearin’ is soldier’s uniform, I don’t know if that be matterin’. He had—has, dark hair and green eyes.” Kavian said.

Lillia nodded, inside knowing that the only identifiable part of him would be his height and clothing. And that was a vague description to go off of. She turned, realizing that Drayce was looking at her intently.

“No.” Was all she said before he had the chance to say anything.

“Lilly.” He said forbearingly.

“No!” She said emphatically.

“I agree with Drayce.” Caelum said.

“Of course, you do.” Lillia said frustrated. She was not going to stay here while they went and got themselves killed. If she did, what would be the point of her coming at all?

Kavian looked between the three of them, looking confused. Lillia couldn’t help but smile. She realized they had all started fighting about something not explicitly said.

“You are—” Drayce started before Lillia clamped her hand over his mouth. He scowled until she tapped her ear, indicating him to listen.

The moaning had stopped.

Lillia let her hand drop from Drayce’s face. She unslung her pack and pulled out the knife Drayce had given her.

“We need to go.” She whispered.

Caelum gave Drayce an annoyed look. But Lillia knew that Drayce knew she was right. He drew his own knife. Caelum unsheathed his sword softly.

They looked at Kavian, who nodded in acknowledgement to his responsibility.

“We’ll look for your father.” Lillia whispered to him. He gave her a grateful look.