“It’s been a month Justine,” Dianna stated with a huff, “You are going to have to come to grips with it. Aurianna and Clara are dead. “
Justine said nothing, sharpening her makeshift arrowheads, and scowling at the heavily armored woman across the campfire form her.
“Or worse,” Leonidas added, lacing up his boots, “I bet Matthias took them right back to Baath Me’el.”
“That doesn’t even make sense. Matthias rescued Aurianna from there, and risked his life to do it. Why would he go back?” Justine countered, tossing away an arrowhead in frustration, picking up another.
“He’s a demon now. They aren’t known for their rationality. They are known for their vices.” Leonidas argued “Maybe he didn’t go back to the Ebon Keep, but he probably feed on them by now.”
“Dead is the best hope we have for them. Matthias wasn’t even a good paladin, and he made for a fearsome demon. I’d hate to think what Aurianna would end up like, if she sold her soul…” Dianna added, shuddering at the thought. Justine didn’t look at either of them, focusing on her work, angry tears forming as her rational mind knew they had to be right. It has been a month, and they had nothing to show for it. Justine looked over at her apprentice, Sue. The slender blonde was hugging herself tightly, as she tried not to hear what they were saying. Just as Aurianna had been her best friend, so was Clara her apprentice’s. It was just as hard for her to hear this, as it was for Justine.
“Sue, why don’t you refill out canteens, before we head off for the day?” Justine instructed, and Sue just nodded weakly, walking away from the group, in obvious mourning of her good friend. Justine glowered at the Other two paladins now.
“You are not doing her any favors,” Dianna said in response to Justine’s glare, “The death of comrades is something we all have to get used to. Don’t shield her form this. We all cared for Aurianna, it’s why we are here, trying to save her from her fate. It’s not easy for any of us to accept her demise, but it’s necessary if we want to move on with our lives.”
“It’s time to head back to the temple. I am sure your wife misses you greatly,” Leonidas advised, suiting up the rest of his armor. His eyes caught on something in the distance, squinting hard to make it out. “By the Goddess…Ravenous!”
Justine dived for her bow, rolling into a smooth motion, and unleashing two arrows as she came up to her knees. The only weakness the Ravenous possessed were their eyes, and Justine had put both shots in there.
“Matthias?” Dianna questioned, pulling her long blade and hefting her shield up. It was her last word, as a golden sword pierced through the back of her head, her mouth erupting with a bloody blade.
“How dare you compare me to that traitor,” Came from the voice behind the helm, great golden armor that was twisted by demonic influence. Blood was drawn up his sword, fueling his demonic from, as he ripped the helm off, letting his long golden hair flow freely behind his devilish smile. Justine was still loosing arrows at the charging Ravenous, as she turned to see the man she had hoped to see on this quest. Jeoram. The next arrow hit him in the throat, catching his attention, focusing his red eyes at the petite Paladin. He pulled it from his neck and snapped it in one hand, while his sword drained the last of Dianna’s life. The wound was already closing as he turned to face her. She pulled an arrow from her quiver, but Jeoram swung first, shattering her bow into kindling.
“What are you going to do now, Lady Archer?” Jeoram mocked, stalking closer. Leonidas came at him with his Warhammer, but Jeoram easily deflected his blow, disemboweling the Paladin without wavering his vile gaze from Justine. Justine responded by pulling the dual daggers from her belt. She rushed Jeoram, slashing like a mad woman, but Jeoram sidestepped easily. Wrapping his free arm around her neck as she stumbled past him, he lifted her off the ground, bracer digging into her neck.
“Not quite the haughty Paladin bitch I was hoping to run into, but you will do quite nicely.” He breathed deeply the scent of her hair, squeezing her tightly to hear her choking gasps. “Why bring one woman back to Baath Me’el when I can bring three…or four,” He threatened, noticing Sue as she become visible in the distance.
“Sue, run!” Justine screamed, her voice not carrying well as Jeoram strangled her.” The ravenous began to pursue, until Jeoram held up his sword, order them to halt.
“Let her go. She will bring Aurianna right to me.” Jeoram declared, laughing manically. He ground lewdly against Justine’s ass. “I think I’ll wait until you are addicted to cock before presenting you to Baath Me’el,” He snarled into her ear.