The Star of Morcyth_ Book Five of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [80]
When they pass the last building, they see the pavilion before them. A tingling sensation begins as they draw closer to it and James says to the others, “Magic.”
Jiron nods as he resumes making his way to the pavilion. Her followers are more numerous here. Many eye them, but none try to hinder them in any way. After all, they’re going to go see the lady. If they were to turn around, that might be an altogether different situation.
As they draw closer, the people begin to change subtly with more vacant eyes and emaciated appearances. It almost looks like they’ve done without food for quite some time. One group of individuals look as if they’re sleeping near one of the campfires but when they come near find they’re actually dead.
“What’s going on here?” asks Illan.
James glances to him and replies, “I don’t know. Whatever it is has to be stopped.”
Nodding, Illan says, “I agree.”
When they’re only a dozen yards from the entrance to the great tent in the center of the pavilion area, a large figure detaches itself from a group of onlookers at the opening and comes toward them.
“Qyrll,” Fifer says with relief. “I was worried about you.”
Giving him a smile, Qyrll replies, “No need to worry.” To Illan he gestures to the tent opening and says, “They took him in there.”
“What’s going on in there?” James asks. The prickling sensation has continuously increased as his proximity with the tent decreases.
“Bad things,” he says.
Murmuring can be heard coming from within. James darts a quick glance inside and sees the entire floor space of the tent covered with people. An aisle of sorts extends from the tent opening all the way to a central platform erected in the center. Standing at the base of the platform is the innkeeper and several followers. Two of them hold his arms and James can see him struggling to get away. Standing on the platform is Serenna, the fortune teller whom he had been so nice to on his last visit.
“The lady awaits.”
Startled, James turns to see several dozen of the faithful gathered around him and his party.
“She grows impatient,” another says, though James isn’t sure just which one of them said it.
Turning to the others, he says, “Watch each other and if any start acting weird, or if you feel yourself slipping away, tell me at once.” After he receives a nod from each, he turns to the opening. Taking a deep breath to calm his shaky nerves, he enters.
Chapter Sixteen
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As he enters, the prickling sensation intensifies. The smell of unwashed bodies mingles with that of feces making the resulting odor nigh on unbearable.
James looks at the surrounding mass of people and takes notice of motionless forms lying here and there about the floor. More of her followers who have died.
Bringing his attention to bear upon the platform, he sees a dark globe sitting next to her on a pedestal looking to have been made of marble. A dark stone three feet high, it allows the globe to sit perfectly for her to rest her hand upon it.
“Listen to my words,” she says and the crowd grows hushed. Laying her hand upon the globe, James feels a sudden spike in the tingling sensation. The globe must be the source of her power and control over these people.
“It’s the globe,” he says to the others with him.
Nodding, Jiron replies, “Can you destroy it?”
“Need to be closer,” James tells him as they continue toward the platform.
“Protect James,” he hears Illan say to the others. They then form a circle around him as he continues forward.
“The demon walks among you,” her words float upon the air from the platform. His mind suddenly begins to cloud as the magic from the globe makes its way into his thoughts.
At the foot of the dais, the innkeeper becomes docile as his struggles against his captors cease. Her eyes are directly upon him.
James calls forth the