An Ember Among Shadows

Chapter Eleven

"In adversity, you'll find growth. Sometimes, you are angry when you care so much."

- Sacred Scripture, verses thirty and thirty-one of Essence.

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Ruqa slid the door further open and ran, but Nezha pulled him back. "Don't. It's better you keep your identity to yourself."

"These people need my help!"

"This whole village is a stranger to you. The village chief will call for an exorcist if need be."

Another loud crash and more screaming. It pained his ears to hear them. "I could stall it for a while. Let me go!" He pulled away and ran to the lounge. A man with a sword was swinging the sword like a maniac. His eyes rimmed red and erratic. An injured man lay motionless nearby, and so did some of the guests. He saw the innkeeper peeking from behind a decorative statue. He knelt down. "What exactly happened?"

"I don't know," she wailed. "He just went ballisti — look out!"

Ruqa ducked the sword the man was swinging. He ran over behind a door, but the sword pierced through the screen. Ruqa knew he needed a plan. He needed only get close to the man to cast the spirit away. Thinking quickly, he exposed himself as the target and waited until the man got near.

The man lashed but this time Ruqa dodged and let him pass by. When he had his back to Ruqa, the exorcist jumped onto his shoulder and placed one palm against his forehead. Ruqa chanted Guuli's scripture, all the while trying to pacify the man who was much taller and bigger than him. The man fell back, knocking the breath out of him. He turned and pressed his knees on him. Ruqa choked in pain. The man then raised his sword, ready to crack Ruqa's skull open to two, when he stopped halfway, immobile.

"Hurry, I can't hold him much longer." Nezha stood with her hands outstretched. By whatever force, she was holding the man at bay, much like what she did with Kaizu last time. Groaning, Ruqa stood and pressed his hand against the man's forehead yet again, re-reading Guuli's scripture. To his horror, black smoke began to emanate from his ears and mouth. The man clutched Ruqa's collar and grated.

"I. Am. Free."

Then, he collapsed. The guests came out of their hiding places, heads carefully peeking out. In the midst of the chaos, Ruqa wasn't aware of the increasing number of people that had now gathered at the entrance, eyes fixed on him and Nezha.

"Did the Monastery send you?" asked a tall, squarely built man holding an axe. He looked ready to hurl the axe towards the struggle.

"No. We're heading somewhere," replied Ruqa. He was careful not to reveal his destination. "Just passing by."

"My apology if I was being rude." The man bowed. "My name's Mogudai, village chief." He approached the unconscious person, knelt down, and pressed two fingers to the man's neck, undoubtedly looking for a pulse. Then he smiled. "Thank Goddess, he's alive." He rose and addressed the villagers. "Everything is fine here, folks. Do return home and rest assured that you will sleep soundly tonight. We have this situation under control."

The people dispersed and the crowd began to thin. The innkeeper slowly made her appearance from behind the counter and stood behind Mogudai. "Is he dead?"

"I'm afraid he is."

"What?" exclaimed Ruqa. He bent down and pressed the man's wrist. No beat. "Goddess have mercy. I'm sorry."

"Don't be, exorcist. I believe the sorceress is responsible for this."

"I am not!" Nezha defended herself.