Two days had past since Cecilia and Antoine returned. Yet there was no sign of movement from Ignac. There were enough supplies to last a siege, but things were growing tense. Mercenaries were becoming impatient for battle. There was much doubt about Cecilia’s information and some were suggesting her imprisonment. It was Lucifer who prevented the latter from happening by keeping close tabs on her.

Cecilia felt slightly uncomfortable having Lucifer near her at all times. She spoke with Brianna frequently and Sebastien occasionally. She had not seen Antoine since that day. He was quite talented at avoiding her. She spent some time with her new mercenary friends which made Lucifer uncomfortable. Cornelia was especially willing to teach Cecilia a few tactics for battle.

“She’s not going into battle,” Lucifer insisted with a grin.

“Oh why not? You afraid to be bested again?” Arius jeered.

Cecilia rolled her eyes. Arius had no regard for authority because he was a mercenary. That was their way. Cornelia insisted it was just Arius’ excuse to be an ass.

Lucifer scowled at Arius, “We will be able to hold them. We have the two weapons meant to destroy the beast.”

“Probably won’t work,” Arius grunted.

“There are a few risks involved, but you mercenaries should understand that already,” Lucifer said.

“Right, right. I sold my soul to you for a price,” Arius yawned and leaned against a wall.

Cornelia added in, “Plus the girls may be put at risk if the walls are overtaken.”

“They would be evacuated, naturally,” Lucifer said calmly.

“Then why didn’t you leave Brianna and me with Silvia and Glaraphim?” Cecilia retorted.

Lucifer scowled at Cecilia, “You are in enough trouble as it is! The king and crown prince suspect you as a traitor. Even I am having a hard time trusting you. You have changed since you were with Ignac.”

“Tell me, how can I be a traitor to anyone if I hold no allegiance to any country here? I am fighting for myself, no different than any mercenary here.”

“Don’t try to be smart with me, Cecilia.”

“Heh, heh. Careful Ceese, your father sounds upset,” Arius teased.

“That is enough out of you. Cecilia finish up here, you are to be held indoors.”

“All right, all right, Mr. Bossy. Sorry guys, I guess we’ll catch up later.”

“You can forget about that, Missy,” Lucifer snapped.

Cecilia and the mercenaries laughed and teased Lucifer for being a Mother Hen.

“You seem to have found a new past-time in upsetting me,” Lucifer snapped once they were out of earshot.

Cecilia tried not to smirk and look apologetic.

“It is true though. I am only fighting to get Brianna and myself back home. If you didn’t want me involved, you should have sent us to Twynd right away.”

“Perhaps it’s not too late for that. It might be best to keep you from your precious Lord Aidern. Ch, how can you call him that? Do you even know what he has done?”

“It seems you two have an obvious past which is hurting relations between Ignac and Lucior.”

“It’s his fault!”

“Is it? Is it really all his fault? Don’t you think you have something to do with it? Aidern told me about your torture camps.”

“I bet he didn’t tell you WHY he was there?”

“It doesn’t matter! In the end you were the monster! Torture is never the answer.”

“He did the same to me,” Lucifer snarled heatedly. “The discussion ends here.”

“You should step down as general. You are in no state of mind to lead this battle.”

“Since when did you become so involved? Hm? Who made you general or advisor?”

“Back at Mount Carmel, you told me…you would be happy to serve under me. Were those words empty promises? Just like everything you have ever told me back then?”

“And you find Aidern more trustworthy?”

Cecilia shook her head, “Hardly. But I believe you are both changed elves. You both have lovely families that you care for. But Aidern is being the greater by trying to look past your differences and do what is best for his people.”

“You think so highly of your Lord,” Lucifer growled. “Do you know what he did to me?”

“You know…you and I are much alike. I too am cruel and unforgiving. But now I know why no one has pity on me. I do not deserve sympathy.”

“He killed my daughter,” Lucifer shouted furiously. “She was an infant. Not even born yet. He attack the capitol and made my wife lose our first child.”

“But you have Glaraphim now and soon Lucius,” Cecilia said. “Is that why you went mad?”

“You know, I think I have an idea why Antoine doubts you.”

“Because I’m right all the time? It’s a hard burden to bear, but I’m up for the challenge.”

“How could you treat me like this? How could you say such things with such a lofty tone?”

“Listen to yourself. What would Silvia tell you? Would she say anything different than what I have said? She doesn’t seem to have a problem with Aidern. It was her child she lost but she does not blame him. Why do you?”

Lucifer became too furious for words, but at that moment, the alarm sounded.

He glared at her and clenched his fists.

“Go into battle for all I care! You are no longer under my protection,” he shouted and stormed away.

“Poor Silvia,” Cecilia clucked and went to rejoin the mercenaries.

Antoine and Sebastien had joined other soldiers to quickly arm themselves. Lucifer barged into the barracks and shouted orders angrily.

“Antoine! I am putting a squad of mercenaries under your command. Sebastien, you will guard the inner hold with the archers. Protect Brianna and watch Columbo.”

“What about Cecilia?” Sebastien ventured.

Lucifer glared over his shoulder, “If she lives then throw her into a dungeon with Lord Aidern.”

Sebastien shuddered a bit and looked to Antoine.

“I hope he hasn’t returned to his old self. I wonder what happened. I thought he was protecting Cecilia”.

Antoine shrugged, but he had to admit. It was unusually cruel for Lucifer to talk like that. Especially about Cecilia of whom he boasted.

“She must have manage to upset him. That’s our Viper.”

Sebastien sighed and shook his head. “One of us will have to keep an eye on her and make sure she does not betray us.”

“That’s going to be your job. I’m commanding mercenaries on the field.”

“Very well, if you wish.”

“Everyone to your positions!” Kaina commanded.

Soldiers scurried out of the barracks to form their ranks. Antoine found his command and brought them to the outer wall. He kept the Water Sword in reserve for when the time came.

“Our goal is to get close enough to Ferrium to disable it. The archers hold the Wyn Bow in their ranks which should help in destroying the weapon.”

“How do we disable it?” a small mercenary asked.

“This weapon I carry is meant to cut its steel.”

“I suggest using a decoy so you can get close enough,” the small mercenary said.

Antoine raised an eyebrow, “Yes…that sounds reasonable.”

“You have to protect your own hide your highness…you are crown prince.”

“Right, thank you. We should try to draw it into range of the arrows. Ho…here they come.”

The first line of soldiers came in with shields in front and overhead to block arrows. Cecilia recognized the position from Greek illustrations. Her heart was pounding so loud, she could not hear the shouts around her. This was it. This was the trail home. Where was Ferrium? And where was Lord Aidern?

The Baron stepped forward in the ranks followed by the head of Ferrium. It seemed so surreal. This could not really be happening!

“Steady!” Antoine ordered.

The baron began shouting for Leon and Lucifer to surrender. Would now be a good time? No one was fighting. Or would they attack one girl who stepped out of line? Cecilia glanced at the mercenaries around her, hoping they had suggestions. They stood stony calm, quivering for action.

Beside the Baron came another elf who shouted up demands to Leon and Lucifer. It was not Aidern. Base on a portrait in Aidern’s home, Cecilia recognized the High General Cinead. Cecilia clutched the elf-stone around her neck. She had barely managed to keep it hidden.

Anxiously she glanced at Cambree.

“Not yet,” the large woman whispered.

Cornelia rested hand on Cecilia’ shoulder and squeezed it.

Cecilia relaxed slightly, but suddenly had the urge to use the bathroom.

Of all times! Cecilia thought.

The discussion was over. Cinead stepped back and Aidern finally came forward. His face was grim as he held out his arm to give the order.

“This is your last chance to surrender, Demon spawn!”

Great, name calling. Real mature Aidern. You’re ruining my work, Cecilia grumped to herself.

“Filthy heathen, I will spill your blood and not even your children will mourn you!”

Cecilia sighed in annoyance and was very tempted to just march out ahead.

That is exactly what her feet started doing. The mercenaries hung back and walked in step behind her. This grabbed the attention of the bickering generals. Aidern lowered his arm slowly and looked to his father with confusion.

Cinead stared grimly at the approach of mercenaries. Her weapon was sheathed and as she walked forward, she removed her helmet. It was a young woman, no, a mere girl.

“Aidern…deal with this,” Cinead chuckled.

Aidern rolled his eyes and marched forward with blade out.

“Are you so eager to die…my sweet Cecilia?” Aidern called out. “Are you upset that I scorned and betrayed you? Now you seek revenge?”

Cecilia really could not think of anything to say. She kept moving although her hands were shaking. He would not try to kill her now would he? Would her friends help her?

“Cecilia? Holy shit! Cecilia! Cecilia come back here! CECILIA!!” Antoine bellowed.

Arius held him back, although he feared for his wife. “Don’t lose your head yet, my lord. I know how you feel. My wife is with her, she will not be harmed easily.” It was hard to speak, Arius trembled. Antoine watched desperately.

“She’s committing suicide, unless she’s betrayed us.”

“Not likely. She’s part of a dangerous conspiracy right now. Just wait a bit.”

“So cold and silent to your lover? Do you not remember the sultry nights we spent together in my tent? Did I not grant you a place with my concubines in my villa?”

Oh does he ever stop? Cecilia rolled her eyes.

His blade was hot against her skin. She could feel her own blood trickling from her neck. He had moved so quickly, her heart nearly stopped. Cornelia and Cambree both had blades at Aidern’s throat.

“Do you really think you two alone will stop me? I have an army behind me and this is taking too long,” he grinned. “Beg for mercy Cecilia!”

Cecilia felt light-headed. She could not do this! Why was he doing this?

In a flash, Cornelia and Cambree were knocked aside and the blade gone from Cecilia’s neck.

Lucifer had a long spike driven into Aidern’s shoulder and held Aidern’s blade at his throat. He twisted the spike in Aidern’s shoulder just to make the elf writhe. Several elves started to attack him, but Lucifer’s movements were quick and accurately deadly.

“Another move and your son dies!”

“Go ahead…kill him. He is worthless to me. I would thank you for the favor,” Cinead shrugged.

“Heh…scorned by your own father. Let that be the last thing you hear.”

“Lucifer STOP!” Cecilia demanded, feebly holding back Lucifer’s arm. “Please…don’t kill him. You’re not a monster. Please.”

“Cecilia this is no place for you, go back to the ranks. You do not need to see this.”

As Lucifer said this, his legs were kicked out from under him and Aidern got to his feet.

“That HURT, you pasty bastard! Enough of this! First division! Open fire!”

The left wing of the Ignian army moved forward towards the fortress, firing flaming arrows at the trees.

The forest was a stupid idea, Cecilia sighed.

Aidern held Lucifer down with his foot and held both blades at Lucifer’s throat.

“You know…Cecilia told me that your wife is expecting again. It would be a shame for you to never see your son. He will never know his father…perhaps it’s for the best, eh Lucy?”

“Aidern stop it! Leave him alone!” Cecilia demanded.

“Oh and why should I? He tried to kill me. You saw it.”

“Cecilia, don’t interfere,” Cornelia advised.

“Please, don’t let either of them kill each other,” Cecilia whispered.

Cecilia ran past Aidern and Lucifer to Ferrium. She stared up at the towering metal machine. Before she could fish out the elf stone, Cinead came up behind her and seized her.

“Leave it to my son to leave a job half done. I’m sorry my dear,” Cinead growled.

Cecilia heard metal scraping out of a scabbard.

Frantically she looked up. “FERRIUM!”

Struggling against Cinead with all her might, Cecilia rended herself free. She tore the elf stone from around her neck and held it up.

“FERRIUM!” she shouted again.

This time the metal machine looking down. It opened it’s mouth and swallowed both Cecilia and Cinead.

“CECILIA!” Antoine shouted, no longer able to be held back by Arius.

He charge forward to try and cut the dragon open. She had to be alive. He had to save her.

Ferrium became still and then moved shakily. It’s mass moved between the armies blocking the arrows from both sides.

“What the hell? What’s it doing?” Antoine muttered. The dragon then reached out a claw and snatched up Aidern.

“ORDER A CEASE FIRE!” Ferrium demanded.

Aidern looked panicked and made a motion with his arm.

“P-pull back! Back!”

“Hold it false Ferrium! I must say this was clever of you, Cecilia but I have your friend here! Drop the General or she dies!” The Baron shouted. Columbo slinking beside him held Brianna against the front lines of the Ignac army. A dagger poised at her neck.

Ferrium released Aidern who scrambled back.

“What is your plan?” Aidern demanded.

“Shut up, idiot! I bet you think you’ve beaten your father,” Peregrine grinned.

Aidern sighed, “Bring the siege towers. Cavalry at ready! Forward! Ignore the Dragon!”

Not Brianna! No…this was too much. Antoine was enraged. As the cavalry charged he took down a rider and stole the mount.

“Hold them back! Protect Brianna! Get her back at all costs.”

Antoine was right. They had to save Brianna! She had the darn dragon. She could do what she wanted!

Ferrium turned it’s head to the Baron. With a swipe from the tail it knocked down the first line of foot soldiers. And Brianna as well. She got up quickly and tried to run. Cornelia tried to help but was caught by Aidern.

Ferrium nabbed Brianna in a claw and bounded off. The battle was up to Aidern and the others now.

As the Dragon left with Brianna, Antoine felt confused. Who side was Ferrium on and why was it acting so weird? Should he follow them? Aidern had to be dealt with.

Antoine charged at the general only to be knocked aside.

“Enough of that. HOLD FIRE! Cavalry pull back. Gather the wounded and pull back,” Aidern shouted.

“Aidern what are you doing? You fool. Do you know what I can do to you?” Peregrine threatened.

“Seize this man and bind him. Deliver him to his enemies,” Aidern ordered Cambree.

“You ain’t payin’ me!”

“Tch, fine. You then, soldier, get THAT scum out of my sight. General Orn’d! Are you still here?”

“Oy! Here milord.”

“Tell me have you seen my father the High General?” Aidern asked smugly.

“No my lord, I believe we lost him in battle.”

“A Pity. But we must not mourn. I will take his place and we must set things right. Run the white flag! There is no more reason to fight.”

“They stopped, why did they stop?” Sebastien wondered, rushing out to meet his brother. As the Baron struggled to get away from a soldier, he managed to seize a spear and plunged it into Antoine.

Aidern moved quickly to slice off the Baron’s hands.

“Deal with his wounds. Hold on there, Heir of Pravignon.”

“Get away from my brother!”

Aidern backed away as Sebastien inspected Antoine’s injury. Fortunately, the Baron struck blindly and had not hit anything vital.

A Nemnos elf came to help followed closely by General Kaina and the King Leon.

Aidern and Orn’d nodded towards them. Lucifer was fished out from under bodies and joined ranks beside the King.

“What is the meaning of this?” Lucifer snarled. “What have you done?”

Aidern opened his mouth to speak, but Orn’d cut him off.

“Before the Lord of Flames speaks…Telras offers apologies for our weapon’s destruction and will see to it that Pravignon is restored. Also it is imperative to retrieve said weapon and see it destroyed.”

“I was going to tell them that,” Aidern interrupted.

“This act is sudden and strange,” Leon commented as Baron Peregrine was brought forth.

“We can also hold the Baron prisoner in our labyrinths,” Orn’d offered.

“Why do you offer this?” Leon repeated.

“My Father, the former High General, has been behind plots to assassinate leaders of all nations for the past fifty years,” Aidern confessed. “I was blindly lead until various events changed my ways. Ignac has sealed an alliance with Valia through my marriage to the Lady of Valon.”

Lucifer coughed in surprise and was about to say something when Kaina cut him off.

“I have been trying to overthrow my father for the past fifteen years,” Aidern continued. “I could delve further into details but right now I have concern for our young lady of Mount Carmel.”

“How dare you!” Lucifer could no longer contain himself. “How dare you use her as a pawn in your schemes.”

“I did not force her nor persuade her. She chose to aid me freely. Now please stop arguing with me”.

“This smells of a fancy plot to me! Are you keeping your father elsewhere because you only wish to be rid of the Baron? We will not be lead into a false sense of security.”

“Then you may hold me prisoner until Ferrium is destroyed. If Cecilia is dead then my life is forfeit. You may have my blood if you so wish. You may even torture me to death. I realize Ignac has much to do to regain trust from other nations. I can not so quickly wash my hands of my father’s sins. But you are wasting time. Where are those weapons? The Wyn Bow and Tyr Sword?”

“You knew of our weapons?” Leon asked mildly.

“Because I gave them to you,” Aidern smirked as irons were clasped around his wrists.

Sebastien stepped beside his father.

“I shall go. I have the Wyn Bow. Antoine has the Sword but he’s not in any condition to…”

“Ho, there…hold your tongue. I’m coming,” Antoine shakily got to his feet.

The Nemnos physician tried to protest but Antoine ignored him.

“And we’ll do what we can,” Cornelia announced, pulling her husband beside her. Cambree grunted with her.

“Take some horses, and hurry. To stop it aim at the eyes and mouth. But do NOT aim for where the heart would be,” Aidern instructed desperately as mercenaries dragged him off behind the handless Baron.

The small squad galloped off with a few Telras Soldiers and Orn’d. The elf’s war-painted face kept looking grimly at the skies.

“I’m not sure if Aidern told her to go somewhere,” Orn’d confessed.

“It’s trail is pretty obvious,” Antoine seethed. This injury had to be on his forward hand. It just wasn’t fair. He was doing it again. To save Brianna he had to save Cecilia.

Trees gave way to open fields. The sun danced off the metal hide. Brianna lay unconscious at its feet. The group pulled their mounts to a halt.

“We should be careful upon approaching it,” Orn’d mentioned.

“You think? What in the world possessed you to make such a thing?” Arius snapped.

“Conquest. But it is unstable. It has an experimental artificial intelligence built into it. It will not attack except to defend itself in automated mode,” Orn’d explained.

“Say that again…in plain speech please,” Sebastien requested.

“Basically, with no one in control it will act like an animal.”

“Okay…I can deal with that,” Antoine sighed.

“We should not all approach it at once. Just two shall be enough. If we all go it might feel threatened.”

Sebastien dismounted and started walking forward without a word. Antoine quickly followed suit before anyone could argue. Orn’d narrowed his dark eyes and kept a hand on the hilt of his sword. This had to work.

Ferrium did not move to attack as the young princes approached. It watched them curiously as they picked up Brianna and stared up at it.

“Should we attack it now?” Antoine whispered.

“Once we get Brianna out of range. Move slowly.”

Brianna woke up in Sebastien’s arms. She glanced over his shoulder to see the dragon begin to open its jaws.

“SEB! LOOK OUT!” she screeched.

Sebastien turned to see a stream of flames. His legs refused to move!

Antoine stepped into his path and held the Tyr Blade. The elf-stone material it was made of absorbed the energy from the fire and turned from blue to red. Antoine dropped the blade as it grew too hot.

Cambree and Arius scooped up Brianna and Antoine to get them out of range.

“Loose the Arrows! Aim for the eyes! Destroy the gun in its mouth,” Orn’d called out orders frantically.

Sebastien notched an arrow and loosed it into the open mouth. The mouth smoked and the lower jaw fell off. Ferrium backed away.

Orn’d breathed a sigh of relief, “That takes care of it’s main weapon. If you take out it’s eyes it will be blinded.”

Sebastien had trouble aiming. Ferrium was writhing its head around and fleeing.

“After it, quick!” Antoine encouraged, chasing after the beast.

Sebastien and the others followed.

“Don’t follow it!” Brianna pleaded.

“Cecilia’s inside, we need to fetch her out quickly,” Orn’d explained.

“Cecilia’s in there?” Brianna became thoughtful. If Cecilia was alive inside Ferrium, then Cecilia was the one that saved her from the Baron.

Antoine ran the blade alongside Ferrium’s flank as his horse ran by. Ferrium twisted away and lunged for him. Antoine veered the horse just out of range. The metal monster turned to face him head on. The others were just behind him now. Before the dragon could charge, Antoine lobbed the blade like a lance and drove it deep into the chest plate.

“Antoine DON’T!” Orn’d shouted.

Ferrium screamed. The creature never made a noise before but now it screamed.

An arrow took out the eyes. It thrashed about as if in pain. Antoine’s horse spooked and threw him from the saddle.

White hot pain paralyzed him as he hit the ground on his injured arm. The horse was caught in Ferrium’s panic. It was lobbed into the air like a sack and it landed on top of Antoine lifelessly.

“Antoine!” Sebastien shouted rushing to his brother’s side. Cambree and Cornelia were quick to roll the dead animal off Antoine’s body.

The Dragon was still moving although, Brianna continued to send arrows into it with Orn’d’s assistance. It staggered and became still for a moment. It’s neck was then severed from its shoulders and the whole machine collapsed onto its side.

Shaking with shock, Cecilia crawled out of the opening she created. She was drenched with blood and covered in burns and blisters.

“Cecilia!” Brianna cried out in joy which quickly turned to horror.

Cecilia crumpled to her knees and would have hit the ground if Arius had not caught her. One hand was stuffed into her side, holding in what she could. The other held the sword Antoine and plunged into the beast.

“Shit, no one thought to bring a physician. Cornelia! Cornelia I need help here!” Arius shouted.

“Ceese? What’s wrong with Cecilia?”

“Antoine must have cut her. She was in the heart of the beast which is why you weren’t suppose to aim for it,” Orn’d snapped.

“Being upset won’t help. Antoine is not likely to recover,” Cornelia said pouring water over Cecilia’s hand.

“C-Cinead…Cinead dead…crushed,” Cecilia gasped, regaining some consciousness.

“Good…that’s good. Try not to talk. We need you to live or Aidern’s life is forfeit,” Orn’d mentioned.

“You don’t tell someone that when they’re hanging on their last life line!” Arius scolded.

“Cecilia! Oh my god, Cecilia!”

“Keep her back. I think I can help her,” Arius barked. “Corny, hold her innards in. I’ll try to close up this wound.”

Cecilia’s mind was numb to all pain and voices sounded muffled. Light was dimming but she could still see Arius swearing as he pulled thick string through her skin with a long needle.

I should have been in school, Cecilia thought. But at least the fighting stopped and Aidern can find Father Andy. We’ll be home soon.

Cecilia shut her eyes and lost consciousness as her body began to reawaken to pain. Her side felt the worst. Such terrible memories these would be. She could still taste some of Cinead in her mouth. It was his blood that covered her. She had almost lost her nerve at that point.

Sebastien was standing over her when she opened her eyes. His eyes were red-rimmed but he smiled kindly. Brianna was still hiccupping with sobs at her side.

“Thank goodness, you’re awake again,” he said softly.

Cecilia blinked slowly, trying to readjust to the light.

“Thirsty…” she muttered.

Cambree helped Cecilia drink water and sit upright.

“Careful of the stitches. Orn’d and Arius went back to fetch a physician,” Cambree explained.

“Oh my god, Ceese. I’m so glad you’re alive! I was so scared.”

“Brianna, stay calm. She’ll be all right. Try not to…”

“Ceese…Antoine is dead!” Brianna sobbed.

Sebastien sighed in annoyance.

“Dead? How?” Cecilia muttered in a guttural voice.

“He got stupid and cocky ran the sword through the dragon, spook his horse and was crushed,” Sebastien shouted angrily. “And you were told NOT to tell her”.

“Damn, my lord. Calm down. She’s upset,” Cambree remarked.

Cecilia liked the sound of Cambree’s rough voice.

“Crushed.” Cecilia repeated. “Where’s the body?”

Brianna pointed before Sebastien could discourage her.

Cecilia rolled her head to see where Brianna pointed. Antoine’s body was under a cloak. Morbid curiosity was getting the better of her. He could not really be dead. That would be too kind. That bastard had stabbed her in the side.

“C, don’t get up.”

“I’ll be careful. Ahh…okay that stings a bit. Oh WOW…is it really humanly possible to be in this much pain? Seriously. Ridiculous!” Cecilia complained, an old spark returning to her voice.

“He better not be dead yet. I want to be the one to kick the last bit of life out of him. And I still have to give Lucifer and Aidern a piece of my mind.”

“Cecilia,” Sebastien tried to stop her. Cecilia marched past him and Brianna to the body. Carefully with her toe she pulled the cloak away from his face. It was losing color and his lips were turning blue.

“That looks almost convincing,” Cecilia muttered.

She dropped to her knees quickly knowing that easing herself down would be more painful. She pressed her ear against his chest.

“We already checked,” Sebastien insisted, obviously becoming upset.

Cecilia did not heed. The body was getting cold and there was no heartbeat.

“Bree do you still have that ring?”

“Yes…here. What are you doing?”

“Just a little experiment. Begging your majesty’s pardon, but could you give us some space,” Cecilia requested.

Brianna handed over the ring and pulled Sebastien back. Cecilia slipped the ring onto her finger. The sword nearby started to flicker a bit.

“Clear,” Cecilia smirked to herself and pressed her palms against Antoine’s chest.

Antoine’s body jolted and relaxed. Cecilia pressed her ear against Antoine’s chest again and put her hands on him again. Again the body jolted.

“What are you doing? Stop that! He’s dead. Be respectful. Please…oh…my god…” Sebastien’s mouth fell open in disgust as Cecilia appeared to kiss his dead brother.

Cecilia drew away and sighed. This wasn’t working. The lungs were not inflating. There must have been internal bleeding.

Her fingers started tingling after the use of the elf-stone.

“Get away from my brother you filthy…”.

Cecilia laid the sword flat on Antoine‘s front. With one hand she held down his chest and pressed the ringed hand onto the blade.

Cecilia felt her body starting to give out, but she remained stubborn. Elf-stones were not suppose to have this sort of ability. She could hear bones cracking back into place. The ring on her hand was scalding her and the stone started to melt onto her finger.

“Live, damn you!” Cecilia growled.

In a horrible rasping gasp, Antoine took in air again. The sword shattered and Cecilia tore the ring from her finger. Her skin was black with the burn.

“AUGH sonofabitch, sonofabitch, sonofabitch, sonofabitch. Pain! Oh pain,” Cecilia swore and blew on her finger.

“Antoine?” Sebastien half-sobbed in disbelief. Had Cecilia revived him?

Antoine coughed and sputtered.

“Don’t you get up, you’ll hurt yourself again,” Cecilia barked. “Ahhh…why it hurt so bad? Is it so much to ask for a little nerve damage so as not to feel it?”

“Can this really be? Cecilia? What did you do?” Sebastien asked.

“Nothing. I did nothing. Well, okay I helped revive your brother, yes. I owed him a favor,” Cecilia growled.

Before much else could be said, Orn’d and the others had returned.

The physician was the same one who tended to Antoine before. Upon seeing the supposed deceased alive, was not what he expected. The girl that sat next to him on the other hand, look like she was on her last thread. There was no time to waste. Ailill strode across the field with Lucifer and the king behind him.

Curiously he examined Antoine. The wound in the shoulder was still there but there did not appear to be anymore life threatening injuries. The prince was still getting used to breathing again so he did not bother with him.

“The Prince is well,” Ailill declared. “Just exhausted. You on the other hand…”. He approached Cecilia and examined her.

“Filthy…burnt. Third degrees. Second degrees. Infected stitches. How do you stay alive? Set up my tent, I need to get her washed and properly tended before she can travel,” Ailill demanded.

Cecilia wanted to scold Lucifer for his behavior earlier but he was too busy helping Ailill set up the tent and moved Cecilia inside. Cornelia joined her for support and kept guard at the door. There were several questions and rumors going on out there.

Ailill had to cut Cecilia out of the armour and tunic. She was in too much pain to feel embarrassed. Once put into clean clothes again, Ailill told Lucifer to carry her back.

Lucifer ran on foot back to the Forest Fortress with Cecilia, leaving the curious bystanders behind.

Returning to the Fortress, both armies had set up camps around the walls. Nemnos seemed to be getting along with most of the Ignians. Several officers were put in chains and guarded by mercenaries. Aidern was among them.

“Aidern!” Cecilia called out weakly. It was taking all her effort to remain awake.

The Ignian elf got to his feet with a grin on his face. It disappeared quickly, “Cecilia…are you…”.

“Stop pestering her, you have done enough for one day,” Lucifer scolded.

“Luki…stop it,” Cecilia whimpered. “It’s all right now.”

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