The Virian Chronicler

Back at the shop, Andreas was organising the rescue party for the prisoners. Morgan insisted straight-out that he had to be a part, as well as Angel and Lorelei. Merlin was decided to accompany them, along with Terra, although Olivia, Regina, and the Lightshield siblings would remain behind under the protection of David and Parsivaal. It took many of them by surprise that David had no desire to accompany them, but no one voiced their thoughts. Lana also chose to remain behind, while Fitz timidly offered his services. Once it had been decided who would be a part of the rescue mission, Angel spoke. “I wish … I wish to lead this endeavour,” she said softly. “I know that you know much, Lord Andreas, but this is our world to fight for. And I am the highest ranking member of Meldin who will be accompanying us.” “It’s true,” David agreed, his arm still around Regina’s shoulders. “She was the daughter of the old Queen. She knows loads about tactics. She won’t lead us astray. Als

Gremeldah shook David off, returning to her corner with a muttered complaint. Regina still clung to her father’s hand, and the others had to wonder if she would ever let go. Joseph and Ilise huddled together in another corner, whispering to each other. Merlin hadn’t come out of the room with Lana yet, and Olivia sat with Apollo’s spark still on her shoulder. A thud from outside made them all look up. Andreas went to the door, and Apollo flitted to his shoulder. However, the spark recoiled when he saw the corpse outside the door. It was River’s body, delivered by Set to Andreas’s door step. When Andreas knelt beside her, he saw a piece of paper clutched in her fist and gently pulled it free. It was from Set. “ To Andreas Cesario: Give me the Lightshield children or the same fate will await each of my prisoners. The next to die will be Morgan Shadowbinder. You have been warned .” Someone shoved Andreas aside, and Olivia collapsed on top of River’s body, sobbing. It did

“Andreas!   What are you doing here?” Elsa exclaimed when he appeared in front of her in the little inn which was located a few streets away from the docks.   “I be on an important mission and I don’t have time to explain properly” he replied.   “I know ye’ll be leaving to find Gerald soon.   What be so important that ye can’t wait for him to return from his trip overseas?” “It’s not really Gerald anymore”.   Elsa wiped away a tear.   “Set’s taken control of him.   I thought he’d been acting strange because of the baby.   I know it’s a trap but I have to go regardless.   If I don’t, Set will kill Gerald.   I love him too much to let that happen to him”. Andreas grimaced.   “Tis worse than I imagined.   That means I’ll need to tweak me plan a little.   I have to leave now.   After I’ve gone, ye won’t remember that we had this conversation.   Take care, Elsa, me dear.   If all goes well, I hope to see ye and Gerald back in yer rightful places”. --------------------