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Chapter length: 3,066 words

Current novel length: 52,687 words

Chapter 19

"I can't believe it. Merrick's dead." Arven starts to sob. Everyone, besides Jemeir, starts to cry. Jemeir keeps himself composed while he watches for anyone that may spot them. Kaera mutters several words to herself, but the words come out as something that others can't hear properly. For a few minutes, they continue to grief. The angry mob is still at the burning, collapsed house celebrating the burning of Merrick.

"Hey, guys. They're having a bonfire over there? Wait. That's Jemeir's house!"

The group members stop their sobbing and turn around, beholding Merrick coming out of the woods. Kaera aggressively walks to him, giving him a big smack across the face, and knocks him to the ground.

"What was that for?" inquired Merrick.

"For making me believe you were dead. I thought I've failed again," Kaera answered.

"Again?"

"Not important right now. Don't ever do that to me again," Kaera sobbed. She pulls Merrick back to his feet and embraces him.

"I'll try not to."

Arven is the next one to greet him, and he goes in for a hug. "You had me absolutely worried sick that I lost you."

"You should know by now that I'm hard to get rid of." He returns the hug.

Sylfinas comes up next. "Glad to see you're in one piece. How did you escape?"

Merrick points to the woods as Radclyff comes out. "That's how."

"I see you got my message," Jemeir uttered to Radclyff.

"I did, Jemeir," Radclyff responded. "I went to your home as fast as I can, not soon after you sent it to me."

"He came barreling in and told me what's going on," Merrick continued. "We could see the glow of torches off in the distance coming towards us, so we left."

Sylfinas turns towards the burning dwelling. "But there was someone in there. We saw it before the building collapsed."

"It was a decoy, Sylfinas," Radclyff spoke. "I hope you can forgive me, Jemeir. I went into your room and found that doppelgänger you captured during our adventuring days and released it and commanded it to stay inside while looking like Merrick."

"You're forgiven, buddy. I almost forgot I had that entity. Guess I was right saying it would be put to good use someday."

Someone from the mob stumbles upon them. "Over here! He's still alive!"

Arven grabs him and chokes him to sleep after a brief struggle. A few more people from the mob notice some rustling in the brush.

"You hear that?"

"Sounded like he found something, but now I don't hear him."

"Think we should investigate?"

"Let's get everyone else to join. Safety in numbers. Hey, everyone, listen up." They stop to listen. "I heard Demer found something near the woods, but he's gone silent immediately after. Let's go find him. We all know the menace is dead in the building, so no reason to look at it any further."

They start to search in the area he was last located. One found him asleep in thick brush covered with leaves.

"Wake up, dammit!" He slaps him multiple times until he wakes up. "What happened?"

"Uhhh." Demer's mind finally comes back. "He lives! He lives!"

"Who lives?"

"The monster! He lives, and his helpers are out of prison, abetting him. One choked me out."

"Uh, huh, yeah. Come on, you saw it for yourself. The monster won't terrorize us any longer. Plus, Edreth's dungeon is impossible to break free."

"I'm telling you I saw them. How do you explain these marks on my neck?"

"We'll hunt the bastard down. Ok?"

"We're going to need back up."

"No, we won't."

"Is there a problem?"

They turn to see Malfias. "L-L-L-Lord Malfias. No, no problem whatsoever. Some punk decided to choke Demer out, and we're going to get revenge. He said that the monster and his minions are the ones who did it, and I told him that it's not possible."

"And I'll be the backup he so desperately needs."

"N-n-n-no thanks, sir. I was not thinking straight. I was still coming back to reality when I said that."

"I'll go anyways. I need to let the culprit know that it picked the wrong settlement to harm the citizens. You need to clean yourself up, especially the lower half." He waves across his nose with a look of disgust. They and the rest of the mob spread out and search. Arven and the rest of the group quickly climbed up some trees, some requiring more effort than others, and hid after they hid Demer in some brush. They watch as several torches move throughout the woods and dare not make a sound as some of the searchers are directly beneath them. The branch Merrick is on suddenly breaks, and he starts to fall. Arven grabs ahold of Merrick's shirt, but it rips apart due to it being very worn out. The sound of impact alerts nearby people. They spot him lying on the ground, and the news of Merrick being alive still makes its way to the rest of the mob, and more begin to converge. The rest of his group up in the trees drop down and form a circle around him. Malfias appears soon after.

"I figured you were still alive. No way some house fire was going to end you that easily."

"Give it up, Malfias," Jemeir demanded. "Just let us go, and we'll be out of here. No one needs to be hurt or worse over this."

"You're the one to hardly make demands, Jemeir. You're outmanned, and you don't have weapons. Why waste the opportunity of ridding this world of another monster and allowing that boy to breathe. I also don't take orders from those below me."

"Why are you so insistent on killing Merrick?"

"I like Belburn and its surrounding areas. I want it to be the best it can be, and he is a grave threat."

Jemeir's body now glows green. "I'm giving you one last chance. Leave."

"Looks like someone doesn't know his place in society. Allow me to place you right where you deserve."

Jemeir looks to the rest protecting Merrick. "Don't get involved. Only engage those that have the bright idea to advance."

"Right!" they all shout at once.

The fight begins with Malfias making the first moves. He brings out his longsword that is in his cane and creates a magical barrier on his flesh. Jemeir moves in and does several strikes of his fists, but they bounce off the force field. Malfias proceeds to swing his sword a couple but misses.

"You're fast for an old man."

Jemeir cocks his head to the side. "Gotta keep up with the youngsters somehow."

"Can you keep up with this youngster? That's the question that needs answering."

Jemeir does a few punches and kicks and lands a hit from his kick. "I think I can do it just fine."

"Will wait till you see this. Art of Transmutation: Expedite!" Malfias casts the spell and dashes at a much faster speed. Jemeir barely dodges his sword attack but still receives a tiny laceration on his belly's right side.

"Hmm. You are fast. I can give you that. However, now that I am aware of this, getting another hit won't be so easy." Jemeir places his hands on the ground and proceeds to cover them in the dirt.

"You think that will save you? Wind Nature: Air Slash!" Malfias does a few air slashes, and Jemeir raises a wall from dirt to block. He then fires multiple stone shards from his hands at Malfias after lowering the dirt mound. Missing their target, the fragments imbed in a tree, resembling a porcupine, and Jemeir's hands return to normal.

I wonder. _"Wind Nature: Vortex Stream!" Malfias conjures a vortex, and Jemeir absorbs it, and his hands are now covered in the wind. _And now for phase two. "Acid Nature: Corrosive Wave!" Before Jemeir can do anything with the newly acquired wind, Malfias immediately throws a wave of purple-colored liquid, forcing Jemeir and others in the near vicinity to move. "So you can absorb elements and manipulate them as your own, including those from your opponents. That's interesting, but it's no match against actual mages, especially those as good as me. Also, it looks like you can only absorb one element and are forced to use it for a while before using another, or else you would've taken my acid spell."

"I could never get that technique down. If I did, you would be shaking all over."

"One more reason to call you a failure. I'll add one more to it once I'm done with you. You'll regret challenging…" Malfias loses his words as Jemeir exploits the wind in his arms to summon air in the form of a pack of wolves and launches it at him. He receives damage and is on his back, and the current shreds the trees and other foliage to pieces.

Jemeir stands over him. "Care to rethink that statement?"

"Wind Nature: Vortex Stream!" Malfias launches Jemeir back. "All you've done is making the outcome worse for yourself."

Everyone else watches on at the exchanged blows between the two while dodging attacks that stray too close for comfort. "How long they're going to be at this?"

"For a while, Sylfinas," Radclyff responded. "All my years adventuring years with Jemeir proved to me that he's powerful. Whether Malfias cares to admit or not, I say they're equal in power." They witness Jemeir absorbs Malfias's fireball.

"Don't they realize that they're getting out of hand?"

As much as I don't like to, this is for protecting all of you, _Jemeir thought. If that requires escalation, then so be it. This should settle this._ Jemeir charges a fire attack.

_I'll win this. Whatever it takes, I'm prepared to do. Whether or not I injure other people or worse, it's all up to them. This should settle this. _Malfias charges a fire attack likewise.

"All of you should get as far as you possibly can," Jemeir said to Radclyff and the others. "This attack is going to be huge." He discerns at the townspeople. "That goes for all you also." They start to fall back.

They're going to decimate the entire area if those two collide. I gotta stop this, Sylfinas thought.

Then go . He detects a feminine voice in his head.

What? Who is this?

No time to talk; get in the middle of their attacks now!

Are you crazy!? That's suicide!

Go! You'll be safe. I promise.

That's reassuring to know some random voice I'm unfamiliar with has my back. Not!

Grr. If you don't intervene right now, then a whole lot more lives will be lost. I thought you wanted to stop the violence in all of Illyria. I guess you're just talking after all.

Watch me!

Sylfinas rushes to be in the middle of the upcoming attacks.

"What the hell you're doing, Sylfinas? Get back in the group!"

"I have no idea why I'm doing it, Arven, but for whatever reason, something tells me I must do this."

"You're committing suicide!"

"Maybe, Kaera. But there's no way we're escaping the threat area, so I'd rather die knowing I at least did something." He assumes the position.

Son? I told you to get as far away as possible. Dammit! I'm past the point of no return. I gotta unleash the fire now.

Malfias smirks at the sudden turn of events. How excellent. I get to kill a mutt also tonight. "Fire Nature: Overheat!" He fires a bright beam surrounded by rings of fire at Jemeir. Jemeir fires a similar attack without the rings of fire.

_Ok, random voice chop-chop, _ordered Sylfinas.

Don't boss me around. I'm on it. Also, you've passed the test.

Test? What test? You were secretly testing me!?

The two attacks hit Sylfinas concurrently, causing a massive explosion. Instead of expanding, the explosion shrinks to nothing. The surrounding area is not destroyed, and everyone has no injuries from the blast. In the middle of the smoke stands Sylfinas, surrounded by divine energy in the form of armor, wielding a sword and shield, and a female celestial next to him.

"Sylfinas, what the hell are you doing?" questioned Jemeir. "I told you to run."

"Enough of this, both of you," Sylfinas commanded.

"Like I'm taking orders from a half breed," Malfias replied.

The celestial shouts, "SILENCE!" and Malfias shuts his mouth.

"You two should stop right now before you get carried away," Sylfinas said. "That last attack would've killed a bunch of us nearby had I not blocked it. Malfias, I implore you to let Merrick and the rest of us go on with our lives. We are no threats to anyone, any place, or anything."

Malfias grits his teeth, growling. "Very well. Let's go, people. Party's over." They start to head back to Belburn. He turns to speak to Sylfinas. "I know better than to make a servant of the gods angry, so that's why I'm leaving. Let me make myself real clear here. If word ever gets to me after a week goes by from this moment that he-"gesturing towards Merrick-" is anywhere near Belburn, I'll hunt him down till he's buried six feet below my house. For Lord Edreth's sake, he should agree with me too." He and the rest of the mob vacate from the site. Arven, Kaera, Merrick, and Radclyff return.

"You ok, Sylfinas?"

"I'm fine, Radclyff."

"Who's the chick?"

"I have no idea, Merrick."

The celestial speaks. "And it'll be a while before you find out. It's time for me to get some rest." She transforms into a ball of light and goes back into the sword Sylfinas is wielding. The armor fades away, but the sword and shield remain.

"Where did you get those?" Arven asked.

"They just appeared."

"Let me see that sword." Sylfinas gives Arven his sword. He swings around a few times. "How is this usable? It's the most awkward weapon I've wielded to date."

The sword speaks. "Because only Sylfinas can wield me right now. If you're nice enough, I may let you wield me. Now, if you can be a little quieter, I would greatly appreciate it."

Realization dawns on Arven. "My military stuff!" He rushes towards the house, and the rest follow. The structure still burns, and the heat is too intense for anyone to get close. Jemeir goes to the nearby well and glows green before absorbing the water inside. He uses it to create an exquisite deluge on the fire. Now the house is smoldering, and the heat is reduced to the point they can rummage through.

Several items miraculously are still in one piece after the inferno. To Arven's delight, his military sword, armor, and the picture of him and his brother are still intact. He keeps the image to himself. As Kaera scours the remains, she discovers and salvages her greataxe and the hodgepodge of unwanted scraps from Aila. She also uncovers a picture of a much younger looking Jemeir and an unknown woman and a bag.

"I found this, Jemeir."

He takes it from her. "Thank you."

"I do not see anything else we can salvage," Radclyff spoke. "What should we do now?"

"I'm thinking of going over to your house and rest there if you don't mind, Radclyff," Jemeir answered before staring at Arven, Kaera, Merrick, and Sylfinas. "Then we will leave for Port Direrun, where the four of you will get on a ship and continue your journey towards Canir. While you are on your way, Radclyff and I will fix the mess here and work on preventing Soulmonger's return. Looks like we're coming out of retirement, partner."

"I've been getting the urge to go out and explore. Aila's going to hate it, but she'll understand once I mention his name. I'm going to bring in some help around the house, so she doesn't do everything by herself. You should consider getting some help as well for your livestock."

Everybody can hear Merrick's voice. "I think that won't be necessary, guys. Look." They look and descry all the animals dead.

"So burning down my house wasn't good for them. They had to slaughter them." Jemeir's voice goes bitter, and his eyes tear up as he said it.

Radclyff comforts him. "Come on. Let's go to my place. I'll whip up some dinner. How does rabbit stew sound?"

The party members arrive at Radclyff's house, and unsurprisingly, it can accommodate the extra guests for dinner and bedding. Merrick hasn't said anything during their walk and is silent during dinner. He hardly touches his meal.

"Something wrong, Merrick?"

"Hm? No, I'm fine, Arven."

"You're not fooling me. I've seen you eat and this isn't like you."

"I guess I'm not hungry. First time for everything, I guess. Know where we're sleeping?"

"Let me show you." Aila escorts Merrick away.

"What is up with him?"

"My guess is he's blaming himself for what happened, Arven." Sylfinas answers.

"I don't blame him."

"We all don't blame him," Kaera uttered.

"The mob and Malfias are to blame for what happened to my house," Jemeir said. "Let's give Merrick his space, and he'll talk to us when he's ready."

They finish their meal. Radclyff's children retire to their rooms, and he shows his guests their rooms. As he reveals their sleeping arrangements, Kaera overhears Merrick sobbing in his room. "Why? Why can't I control my power? Why can't I find a place to call home?"

Aila notices her stay behind. "Let Merrick have his privacy, Kaera."

"I want to sleep there. I'm not going to ask Merrick about what recently happened. If he wants someone to comfort him, then he does."

"Fine, but you are not allowed to sleep in the nude that Fenri are known to do. No exceptions."

"Fine," Kaera moaned before opening the door, entering the room, and shutting it. There's only one bed, but it's sufficient enough to support two people comfortably. Merrick is sitting on the edge.

"I just want to be left alone, Kaera."

"I'm not going to talk. I'm just here in case you need someone for comfort."

She goes to the available side of the bed and lays on it. Tiredness overcomes them, and they go to sleep.

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