Lady of Poison_ The Priests - Bruce R. Cordell [13]
Still chuckling, the dark figure regarded Briartan where the druid was impaled, a metal stake puncturing the palm of each hand so that the druid hung against one of the sacred obelisks of the stone circle. Though a filigree of rot frosted the stone all around the druid, Briartan's body remained uninfected, if bloody.
The blightlord, named Gameliel, asked "Still resist, do you? It matters not, really. I already know everything you are trying so hard to avoid telling me." So saying, the figure extended the night black haft of its horrible weapon and gently lifted the necklace bearing the Keystone from around Briartan's head.
The druid kicked out with his leg, striking his evil tor-menter in his armored chest. "You can't have it, Gameliel."
The blightlord snarled. Gameliel lashed forward with the weapon's void-dark blade. He severed Briartan's offending leg with a single swipe.
The severed limb slid limply down the stone slab from which Briartan still dangled, pumping blood. The druid's scream ripped forth once more, echoing among the encircling stones, but dying away to nothing in the branches of the surrounding forest.
A new master ruled the Mucklestones.
***
Back in Fullpoint, Hemish proved difficult to persuade.
"Are you joking, man? Leave my daughter in your care? I thank you for returning her, but after all, you are a stranger to me and her!" yelled Hemish.
Marrec, sitting across the table from Hemish, studied the dancing flame of the single lamp hanging above the table. He and Hemish had gone back and forth for some time, but it didn't feel like he was getting through to the man. The child Ash sat in a small chair nearby, her legs dangling above the floor, a stuffed toy languishing in her lap as she stared straight ahead at a sight only she could see.
Marrec leaned toward the peasant and said, "Listen. Can't you see that this is not a singular occurrence? If it happened once, it could happen again, and we won't be here next time to save her."
Hemish glowered and muttered, "How many times can a man's child be taken? The odds were long to begin with. Lightning doesn't strike the same place twice."
The cleric sighed, shaking his head. "True-if this were only a random occurrence. Haven't you heard a thing I've said? I believe these tree people were specially seeking Ash. They didn't succeed. That means they'll try again. And again and again until they finally get what they're after. My friends and I cannot stay here to guard here night and day-we have business in Two Stars. If you truly care for the safety of your daughter, you'd wipe the sentiment from your eyes and see the truth. Allow me to protect her. I swear I'll guard her as my own."
Hemish took one of the girl's unresponsive arms in his own. He looked into Ash's eyes, and said, "Is that all right with you, baby? Do you want to go with this man? You'll be safe. Tell me what you want."
The girl intoned, "Ash."
Hemish's eyes brimmed. He patted the girl's hand then caught Marrec's eyes with his own. "You swear on your service to your goddess that you will keep Ash safe from all harm?"
Marrec rose, drew Justlance and held it before him. He said, "I swear, upon Lurue's name, that I shall guard Ash with all my ability, keeping her safe from harm. She will be more dear to me than my own life. I so swear."
Hemish sighed. After a minute of silence he said, "Very well, cleric. I must trust you, it seems."
Marrec reached out and clasped Hemish's hand. He said, "You are making the right choice. Don't worry."
Really, there could be no other outcome.
They spent the night in Fullpoint. In the morning, Marrec, Gunggari, Elowen, and Ash departed. Much of the village was gathered to see off the heroes who had defended the town from the "raiding tree people." Many did not understand why Ash was departing, too. Few seemed unduly upset by it save, of course, for a tearful Hemish.
When all the goodbyes were said, they headed out. Elowen led the group