The Soul Keeper

Where is it, Crimson Witch?

My voice echoed in the minds of others as my flames raged all around me.

Uriithe raised her chin as she drew more power from the Divine Pillar. "As if I'd ever tell you!" Her smug expression shattered as soon as she finished her words and saw me raise my blade.

She scrambled to create another barrier to block my attack. 

The loud clang echoed as my blade shattered her next barrier as well.

Where is it? 

I repeated my question as I let my flames run rampant. They spread throughout the battlefield, consuming the lifeless bodies of the Ereth, threatening to burn the whole city.

Uriithe stepped back as she looked around wide eyed. I followed her into the light of the pillar. 

Where is it, Uriithe?

She clenched her fists. "I will never let you retrieve the Keeper's soul – it is mine and mine alone." A spear of light appeared in her hands. Without a second of hesitation, I swung my blade and the sound of metal hitting metal echoed.

Our blades remained locked as we glared at each other. Our battle had changed, become a battle of willpower and magic.

My perseverance clashed against Uriithe's unending supply of mana. My wrath against her despair. My wish to return home, against hers to protect her city.

There could be no real winner here. 

Yet, I pushed her back, inch by inch, step by step, she retreated towards the pillar my purple and black flames engulfed the Divine Pillar. My eyes burned purple as my lips formed a wicked smile, revealing my fangs.

"You've become a demon – a fallen, corrupted demon!" She cried out as she pulled even more power from the Divine Pillar. "You're tainted, a disgrace to your predecessor!"

Who are you to speak of him?

Was it me who spoke, or Dorith, who had become fully conscious now? I wasn't sure. All I knew was that I felt nothing but wrath and hatred against her. 

She tightened her grip around the shaft of her spear of light, then her eyes flashed golden. My eyes widened as I felt a surge of mana, much like the one I felt when the inquisitor nearly killed me.

My flames formed a barrier around me moments before the Divine released her magic. I felt something hit me in the chest. Despite the softened blow thanks to my barrier, I still found myself flying. 

I regained my balance mid air and landed with some grace, though I had dropped my sword in the process. 

"I am Uriithe, The Seventh Divine and the Lady of Wealth!" The Divine's voice echoed across the battlefield. "I will not let out prosperous city fall in the hands of a Demon, corrupted by the fallen. You shall regret ever setting foot in our City of Chalk!"

I would have laughed at her sudden show, but the sound of leathery wingbeats alerted me to a much greater danger.

"Reinforcements are coming!" Asher shouted as he created a barrier above all of us. "Fighters, defend the spellcasters and Theresa!" 

Erik was the first to step forward as the flying Ereth soldiers came into view. They landed before the pillar, their ranks proper and their weapons ready. Uriithe stepped forward – her somewhat messed up clothes had already been fixed and she had regained her Divine glow once more. 

"Kill the traitors, capture the demon and drive the Exiled One to where he came from!" She ordered, pointing at our group.

"I am Fetheion, once the Thirteenth Divine, The Lord of Justice!" Fetheion's bellowing voice surprised me. He stepped ahead and stood at the forefront of our forces, his gaze focused on Uriithe, who was standing behind her forces. "Baile Chailce shall fall today. By my hand, or that of mankind, or demonkin." He raised his hand, and his weapon took the form of a scythe, similar in shape to the once I once owned. "You wicked ways have continued on for long enough!" 

He raised his scythe – it was a call for battle. And we replied with our own battle cry.

Thunder echoed as lightning began to rain down on the battlefield. Fetheion led the charge as Erik followed right behind him. As their weapons clashed with that of the Ereth forces, I had already found my own sword.

Without a moment of hesitation, I dashed ahead, through the enemy lines. My flames opened the path for me as the Ereth scattered with fear. I only had time for a quick glance, and I took that chance to look at how well Fetheion was fearing in battle against his own kin.

He cut through them like a knife through butter. His expression twisted with anger and disgust, he didn't show them any mercy at all. Relieved to see him doing well, I focused my gaze on Uriithe, who had just noticed that I had almost reached her once again.

I leapt high into the air and brought my sword down on one of the Ereth soldiers protecting her. The sound of metal hitting metal echoed, and soon the Ereth's painful wails joined it as my flames burned the soldier's skin. He tried to push me back and escape, but I decided to end his pain instead.

As he fell lifeless on the ground, still holding his slit throat, I focused my gaze on Uriithe.

Hide behind your soldiers all you wish, I will still kill you!

Her expression twisted with disgust and fear. She raised her hand as a barrier appeared around her. I ignored her and her protective barrier for now as I killed the few Ereth who hadn't charged into battle. They had stayed near her in a rather futile attempt to protect her.

Uriithe watched, unable to help them as I massacred them without pity. I had no sympathy for them, they had chosen to protect a wicked witch, they would pay for her sins.

When the last Ereth soldier facing me fell, I finally turned my attention on the Crimson Witch.

Your turn.

I raised my hand, casting a spell I didn't know I could cast. A dark shadow appeared behind me as a spear made of pure demonic power formed. I pointed at Uriithe as I whispered, Die!

"No!" A voice I knew very well screamed as the spear came down upon the Crimson Witch. "Shield of the Divines, protect her!" Alina shouted.