Recovery Plan

Two days have passed since the people of Eiric’s village escaped. The group is still a week away from Sanctuary, but there have been no attacks since the first day.

Tension is high. Astrid’s plea for everyone to believe in Eiric wasn’t enough, many now fear that more will turn, and Eiric will be the first of the bunch. Although his blessing is not one of inherit destructive power, they witnessed the danger he can become.

“Set camp here, I’ll keep watch for the first hour and make sure no one is nearby. Something must have happened if we’ve had no one after us for some time.”

“Ms. Astrid, would you like to use my blessing?” Sigrun said.

“Only if they contact you first sweetie, the kingdom could use that as a source to track us. Eiric, how do you feel?”

“I’m ok.”

“Good. Could you watch Eydis for me, I need a good stretch just in case.”

“Ok.”

Astrid plants a quick kiss on Eiric’s forehead, the youngster has been quiet since his loss of control. Those closest to him worry but choose only to keep a close eye on him for now.

Eiric sits with Eydis in his arms as Sigrun and Vilgur help set camp.

“Eydis, I’m like you.” Eiric holds Eydis high as she gives him a confused response, “You had a previous life, right? That’s what blessed humans are. I hope we can talk about it one day… but I might not make it.”

“Agh!” Eydis waves her hands and smiles.

“You’d like that? It would be nice to have someone to talk to about it. I haven’t told anyone other than Sigrun. Oh Sigrun is my-”

“Fiancée.” Sigrun said as she sits next to Eiric, “Hi, I’m Sigrun. So, she’s like you.”

“You heard?”

“Demons have good hearing. Eydis, I won’t let your brother turn, I promise. That way, one day, we can scold him together. Would you like that?”

“Egh!”

“Aw, what a cutie! But it makes sense that she is so quiet now. Maybe your parents are special, two in a row is unheard of.”

“What about you and Vilgur?”

“Well, demons are all born with blessings. Although, dad did say most demons only have one child. But mom always said she wanted me to have a sibling since we didn’t live with other demons.”

“Sigrun, do you think the other demons could know how to stop humans from turning?”

“I’m not sure. There must be a reason we don’t. But dad doesn’t know where to find other demons, he’s looked and never found them.”

“Keldan and the others have returned!” The yells come from inside the village, Astrid appearing at the center the moment the news reaches her ears.

Eiric and Sigrun also run over, the returning group wearing battered clothing and helping each other walk after fleeing from a close battle.

“Keldan, is Torsten…” Astrid fails to finish her sentence.

“I’m sorry, Astrid. Torsten stayed behind to allow us to escape.”

“It’s not your fault, that fool is always the first to stay behind if need be. It’s… just one of his qualities. If you’ll excuse me.” Astrid leaves to be alone in a tent.

“Mr. Keldan, you’re going to help dad, right?” Eiric said.

“Sigrun, Eiric, you’re both well. I’ve already spoken with Vilgur, you all did well. And, yes, we’re going to rescue him. You have my word. We were caught by surprise in this battle but it won’t happen again.”

“Then, please, let me come with you. I want to help.”

“Eiric, I appreciate your offer, but you are not ready.”

“I am ready! Please. All of this, it’s because blessed are believed to be dangerous, I want to show that we aren’t. Or everyone here will continue to fear us.”

“I heard of what happened. But you seem fine to me, everyone will come along in time. But it’s most important that you convince yourself as well.”

“I. I can’t. Please, I have to go.”

“I won’t allow it.”

“Then I will follow you all.”

“As stubborn as Astrid I see. Follow me.”

Keldan brings Vilgur and Eiric to a clearing far from the camp. Sigrun stands aside holding Eydis as Keldan draws his sword.

“Vilgur has made the same claim, I’m here to show you both that you are not ready. Land a single strike on me and you will be allowed to join our group. Otherwise, you must stay and protect the others, it’s still a very important role.”

“But rescuing those who protected us is just as important.” Vilgur said.

“Indeed, whenever you are ready.”

Vilgur and Eiric charge at Keldan. They have trained with the demon warrior countless times over the years, in that time they have landed many strikes and been complimented for it. It will be simple. The two young men have great synergy with one another; a single strike is something they believe themselves capable of.

But, as they step within arm’s reach of Keldan, their bodies refuse to move anymore. Keldan’s presence overwhelms them. His magic is heavy and makes it difficult to breathe, but that is not what scares them.

The two sense bloodlust. A sensation so frightening that their entire beings screech to run and hide, that they have no chance to survive should they dare to take another step.

“You two. You are not ready. If you dare follow us and get yourselves killed, then I may as well do it myself before you break the hearts of those who love you.”

Vilgur drops to his knees, huffing for air as he struggles to remain conscious.

“I have to.”

“Hm?”

“I have to go!” Eiric attempts to take another step but stumbles into his mother’s arms.

“Eiric. That’s enough. Keldan is right, the kingdom has soldiers much stronger than you are ready for. I have a favor to ask of you, Sigrun, and Vilgur. I’m going with Keldan to help save your father, but it will take time.” Astrid wipes away her tears, though her eyes are already red from crying, “I don’t want to leave you or Eydis, but I know you can take care of yourself now. Please, will you take care of Eydis while I’m away?”

“Mom, I.”

“I promise I’ll bring your father back, but I can only do it if I know you all will be safe. I don’t want to lose any of you.”

“I’ll do it.” Sigrun said as she grabbed Eiric’s hand, “We can train in the meantime, we’ll become strong and help everyone next time.”

“Astrid is our strongest fighter. I ask that you do this as well.” Keldan said.

Eiric squeezes Sigrun’s hand, aware that he will be helpless should he go and frustrated by it. “Ok, I will.”

“Thank you. I promise, we will bring Torsten back.”