Page 42

T he sun was setting and they had only paused to relieve themselves or take a quick drink.

Felicia gave Silver one of the purple healing vials which slowed the bleeding, but didn’t fully close the wound.

She tied her belt above the cut. Silver had taken on a more ashen appearance and was cold and sweaty.

Felicia fastened her bag and told the group, “We need to find a town and hopefully a healer soon, or else he will die.”

Locke shouted a curse and pulled his map out.

He studied it for a moment and held his necklace.

“It looks like there is a small town not far from here. We can make it by nightfall. Say nothing about the creature or the village. We don’t need to draw attention to ourselves.

” They packed up and walked off in search of the small town. ”

The sky was filled with bright stars by the time they entered the town. Locke left Silver with Felicia and Lilith to search for a healer. They waited for him in the shadows nearby, while he disappeared into an inn.

“I’m sorry,” Felicia muttered to Lilith. “You fought for us, but I did not. I panicked and left you all behind.”

Lilith reached out to hold her friend. “It’s okay. I am not upset and it changes nothing between us. I’m glad you are not as foolish as me. Without you pushing us towards the direction of safety, I would not have made it.”

Felicia gave her a sad smile. She looked at Silver who was barely breathing. “He may die.”

“He may, but he may yet live.” Lilith poked Felicia and nodded her chin towards Locke, who ran over to them.

“Good news. I have found a healer.” He hauled Silver up and the group followed. He did not take them back to the inn, but instead went around the back, where a short man with long wiry hair waved at them.

“Come, I shall take you to the healer,” he beckoned.

They followed the grey haired man up a small path that led to some houses.

“You are in luck. Most of us have left this town, but our healer is still looking after those that require more time to move. Here we are.” They came to a small cottage with a candle flickering in the window.

He knocked on the door and a tall older gentleman answered.

“Yes?” the man asked.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but we’re students trying to make our way home and our friend got in an accident.” Locke lifted Silver in his arms.

“Oh my.” The man opened the doors to them and welcomed them in. “Place him on the table.”

Locke went up to the kitchen table, while the girls hurriedly cleared the surface. They placed Silver on his stomach. The tall man set a candle beside Silver’s wounded leg.

“By the old gods,” the man exclaimed. “He’s been mauled.”

“Yes. We were attacked not far from here, but we managed to escape. We tried Gertwood, which helped, but has not fully closed the wound as you can see.” Locke spoke for them .

“You girls, would you find me some hot water and grab my leather bag by the door. You son, will hold him down.” The man cut away the torn pants, but kept the belt above the cut.

He inspected the wound and sniffed. “This wound is unusual. It almost looks as if it were poisoned, but it gives no scent.” He hurried off to open a cupboard and pulled out several vials.

Lilith and Felicia scurried around behind them.

Felicia found the healer's bag and placed it on a chair beside him. Lilith was carrying several clean rags and a large bowl of steaming water. She set it down between Silver’s legs.

The doctor worked in silence as he cleaned the area and applied vial after vial of ointments on the wound.

He let out a growl of frustration as he reached into his bag and pulled out some black substance.

The black liquid seeped into the open areas and dissolved, leaving a pungent smell. Lilith and Felicia covered their noses.

“What is that stuff?” Felicia asked.

“It's a powerful detoxifier made from charcoal and herbs. Though it seems to be doing the trick, I can’t seem to remove this poison. Do you know what attacked him?”

“Unfortunately, it was too dark to see. Do you think we will have to remove the leg?” Locke watched the healer apply a different ointment.

The healer stilled his hand. “I… I think we may have to, though I’m trying everything first. Can one of you draw your healing mana through him while I apply another layer of this?

” The doctor held up an almost empty black vial.

Lilith laid her hands just above Silver’s knee and closed her eyes to concentrate on drawing her healing magic into him.

A few moments la ter, she felt Felicia lay her hand on Silver and focused.

Lilith peeked at the wound that was slowly closing.

“It’s working. Keep going,” the healer encouraged.

Locke added his hands and the three flowed healing magic into the wound.

They watched as the last of the tissue fused together.

What was left was a sizable patch of raised crusty skin.

It was oozing and gave off a horrendous smell.

Tiny black veins started creeping away from the site.

The healer washed his hands and came to the group, “I’m afraid that’s the best I can do.

You can remove the belt around his leg in a while.

We can call for a wagon to send you to another town. ”

“Thank you for trying.” Locke said as he took out a pouch and offered the healer several gold coins. The healer blushed, but tucked them away.

“The name is Alfie. I’m sorry to hear that your trip so far has been difficult,” offered the healer.

They took turns shaking Alfie’s hand. “I would welcome you to stay here for the night, but the space is cramped. There’s enough room for you at the inn.

Let me follow you there.” Alfie led the group back down the narrow path to the inn.

He spoke with the innkeeper who led them upstairs to a room.

Silver was still unconscious, but he was no longer cold.

“I have only two rooms, unfortunately. I won’t be able to put you all together.

I will arrange for a wagon to come tomorrow.

Try to rest.” He handed them the keys and walked away.

Locke placed Silver down on the bed in one room.

It seemed the innkeeper had failed to mention there was only one bed per room.

Felicia unstrapped her pack and sat on the bed next to Silver.

“I can stay up with him tonight, if there’s no objection.

I can keep watch over him.” They watched Silver slowly breathe.

A faint knock rapped on the door. Lilith went to answer.

A young lady handed her a tray with three steaming bowls of stew.

She gave Lilith a small smile and left. Lilith carried the tray and handed out the bowls to the others.

In silence they scarfed the food down. The stew was delicious, but they were too tired to taste and savor.

Locke led Lilith to the adjacent room and bid Felicia a good night.

Exhaustion flooded Lilith’s body. She went through the motions of taking off her chainmail and leather armour and changed into some spare clothes that were rumpled at the bottom of her pack.

She wanted to bathe, but that was an issue for tomorrow.

Climbing into bed, she barely noticed the mattress dip as Locke joined her.

She was too tired to care or complain about their sleeping arrangement. Locke pulled her in close and held her.

“I am sorry for my outburst earlier. I was overtaken by my rage. When we noticed you both had disappeared we feared you had died. I feared that I lost you.” The prince pressed his head to the back of hers.

She twisted around to face him. His eyes went to her lips and he leaned in for a kiss, stopping just shy of making contact.

"Drop your illusion," Lilith demanded and watched as Locke became Demetrius.

She couldn't control herself and leaned forward for the kiss.

They both moaned as their hands roamed down each other's bodies.

Demetrius reached under her shirt and found her nipples.

She arched under his touch, as her hands found his the waistband of his pants.

She dipped her hand underneath and wrapped her hands around his hard length.

Demetrius let out a quiet grunt as his hips rolled in her hand.

It felt intoxicating, this power she had over him.

He pulled out of her reach and pushed her shirt up to kiss her breasts, giving each one attention.

She wanted more. She needed more. His hands pulled off her pants and underwear, which were soaked.

"Always so wet," he whispered, as he slowly inserted his two fingers. Lilith spread her legs apart and moaned as he picked up the pace. She reached for his pants and pulled them down, then continued pumping up and down his length.

"I want you inside me," she said as she her hand squeezed tighter.

"So greedy." Demetrius chuckled. He pumped harder, inserting a third finger.

She groaned at the fullness. He licked her neck and used his thumb to circle her clit.

The rise of her climax was near. He pulled out of her grasp and moved to lay between her legs, sucking on the sweet spot.

With every press of his tongue, Lilith felt a rush of pleasure.

It was enough to push her over the edge as she pulsed around his fingers.

He slowly continued pumping into her as he moved up, kissing her skin, her nipples, her runes, up her neck and then her lips.

They took their time savouring each kiss.

Lilith pushed herself up and his fingers slipped out of her.

Slowly, she reciprocated his trail of kisses, down his neck, along his stomach and then finding his length.

She licked its head causing Demetrius to let out a rather loud moan.