The Soul Keeper

Fetheion returned moments before the sun set. He walked inside as the last rays of sunlight disappeared, leaving their place to the pale, silver shine of the stars.

By then, we had all gathered in the common room on the first floor of the building. We weren't really talking or doing anything together prior to Fetheion's arrival.

Mona was sitting with Laura and Theresa, each of them reading either a book, or scribbling something down. 

Asher was lost in thought as he inspected an orb of light in his palm. Lucius was cleaning his blade, again. I had started to believe it was his way of coping with the wait before the battle. The calm before the storm, so to speak.

Rina and Alex were in the kitchen, preparing our dinner. I was somewhat worried that they'd burn it, but I didn't interfere. They probably needed this time.

Erik and Vincent were sitting by Victoria, conversing in a low voice. It didn't take much to see how anxious and worried they were. Scared, even. 

When the door creaked open and Fetheion stepped inside with a dark expression and slow steps, we all perked up. 

"The war began moments ago," The Exiled Divine spoke in a low, heavy voice. "The battle will probably continue throughout the night and only pause during the day." He glanced at me, then at everyone else. "Unless something goes horribly wrong for the demon forces, the Divines should set off tomorrow at dawn, to prepare to face the Demon Lord."

The room fell silent as Fetheion leaned on the wall by the entrance. "I won't lie to you," He said as he looked each and every one of us in the eye. "I didn't expect all of you to remain here, despite what's at risk."

Mona chuckled. "We've come this far, haven't we?" She glanced at each of the groups, even at Rina and Alex who had come from the kitchen when they heard Fetheion's voice. "We weren't about to turn back right at the end."

The Exiled Divine showed us a faint smile for only a moment before his dark expression returned. "You're right about that." His gaze turned on Erik and Vincent. "I've got you two some things to try and help with tomorrow's battle." He placed a large tower shield, a longsword, and a slightly curved sword on the table before them. 

"They're enchanted with protective spells," He said as he pointed at the shield and weapons. "Don't misunderstand," He added with a heavy voice. "These aren't too powerful, they won't protect you from the magic of an inquisitor, but they should help you stand your ground against the usual enemies."

"Thank you," Vincent sheepishly said. He was still having trouble when it came to Fetheion. So far, they had gotten used to Divines being nearly all powerful, mysterious beings. While Fetheion fit those criteria as well, he also seemed much more human. To me at least. I wasn't sure of exactly how Vincent and Erik saw him.

While they donned their new weapons, Fetheion approached Victoria and handed her a bracelet. "Use this if you find yourself in trouble. It's filled with protective magic. Nothing can get past, but only for a moment. Not any longer."

The elegant woman nodded. "You have my thanks," She said as she put the bracelet on. 

Fetheion then sighed. "I don't have anything for anyone else," He said somewhat apologetically. "I only had time to make these."

My eyes widened. "You've done more than I could hope for," I quickly replied. "Thank you for looking out for them. But we'll be fine, you know us." The rest of us nodded as I chuckled. Fetheion paused for a moment, then he laughed. "You are quite resilient, that is true." He spoke.

"Oh no!" Alex suddenly cried out, startling all of us. "Rina, the food!" She shouted as she dragged the wizard back into the kitchen.

I paused, then facepalmed as their shouting became muffled by the door they shut behind them.

"This sounds somewhat familiar," Asher said with a chuckle. I sighed, "It does, it really does." I laughed – I couldn't help it. 

Fetheion seemed somewhat confused, but he didn't comment on it. I took a deep breath as my laughter subsided. "Fetheion," I said, feeling somewhat nervous. "We're all set on going to Baile Chailce tomorrow." I glanced around the room only to see everyone nod. "But what about you?" I asked after a moment. "Baile Chailce is, in a way, your home. Are you ok with all of this?"

The Exiled Divine laughed. "The Chalk City stopped being my home a long time ago, Kai. There is no need to worry about me. This must be done, and I'm eager to be the one to do it."

His words surprised me. While I hadn't expected anything less than him wanting to get back at Aelith, I didn't expect him to be so eager about this. I didn't expect laughter. Wasn't this supposed to be a difficult time for him?

"Good to hear." Asher chimed in. He pushed himself up from his seat and stretched his legs. "I should probably check on Alex and Rina." He hesitated. "And our food." He added after a moment.

"Yeah," Mona mumbled as she shot a worried glance towards the kitchen. "I have a feeling that we might not get the food we were promised tonight."

Fetheion chuckled. He seemed at ease, like he had no worries. But I knew that expression. Deep down, he was anxious. Something had him on edge, and I wanted to know what that was.

I took a deep breath, then stood up. "From the smell," I said with a chuckle, "I will assume that the food is burnt. So, I'll go out for a walk. Fetheion, would you care to join me?"

The crimson haired Divine shot me a curious glance, then shrugged. "I don't see why not." He said as he followed me outside.

Now was my chance to ask about everything I needed to know.