*Eliza’s POV*

I broke out of Andy’s tight embrace, still feeling bewildered. “So… Now what? Where is everyone? Don’t think I’ve forgotten you telling me there was ‘another way,’ because I haven’t. I just watched you fawn over me as I died instead of going after the Soul, so you’d fucking well better-“

Andy held up a hand. “-I don’t have long to explain this, we have to go find the Elder. Yes, the enemy has withdrawn, and they have the Soul, but not all of the Soul is gone. After the raid three years ago, a shard was harvested, in case of emergencies like this one. It’s been in the Elders’ care-“

Ashley and Dani both gasped, and I was stunned myself. “-What?”

Andy nodded. “That sliver is enough to maintain the Forest for a few years, maybe longer, but not indefinitely. Eliza, it wasn’t Papa that saved you, it was the Soul itself. It sent Juliet, it…” Andy’s eyes grew distant and started to tear up, “Part of Jules’ essence was in the Soul of the Forest, has been since she died. I didn't know. She came to bring a message. We have to give chase, and when we find the Soul, destroy it. It’s going to be used for some sort of horrible, malevolent purpose, and the risk of trying and failing to bring it back is too great.”

I stood there, like an idiot, with my mouth hanging open, totally shocked. His lover’s spirit had been inside the Soul? We had to find the Soul and obliterate it, now that it was in evil hands? How did she know all of that? My head swam. “Did she say-“

Andy frowned. “-She didn’t have much time. She said if we survive the confrontation, the Soul would need to be replaced. I assume she meant that, if we succeed in destroying the Soul, the malicious force will come for the shard.”

Andy frowned. “But, Eliza, she traded her spirit for yours. She and the Soul are the reason you’re alive. She knew I couldn’t do it without you.”

My eyebrows shot skywards, “I, I’m so sorry, Andy.” I didn’t know what to say.

Andy shook his head, looking taxed and somber. “I’m not. I got to see her again, and she brought you back to me.”

Papa interrupted our conversation, “Well, if you’re through with your little heart-to-heart, would now be a convenient time to rendezvous with the Elder, to form a plan of action?”

Stubbornly, I insisted on doing a quick search for my lost weapons. My executioner’s sword was still on the ground by where I had died, and the dagger I had thrown was easily found underneath the body of the kobold that had killed me. While I was fishing it out, Cedra came padding up and scared the dickens out of me by nudging me with my axe. Even in a field of the dead, she still had a harrowing aura, and a powerful odor! She chuckled at my thoughts, her voice dry and raspy.

---

*Elder Lemmy’s POV*

I felt Alissa’s hand on my shoulder and my mind cleared a bit. “The enemy is retreating, Elder.”

I looked around me. Other Berserkers were giving some chase, but Alissa was right, the battle was essentially over. That meant one thing, given how little damage we had inflicted on their army: the Soul had been taken.

I looked around me, trying to dissipate my fugue, and a terrible sight met my gaze. There were bodies everywhere, and many of them were Fae. I easily spotted Nick and Jason strewn awkwardly on the ground nearby. Matthew saw my questioning look and shook his head. Suddenly weary, I turned back to Alissa. “Angela?”

Alissa’s expression hardened, “She fell, Elder.”

I squared my shoulders in response to the heavy blow. “Send Jamie to the Village, I need to know how Ozzy fares, and he needs to know the Soul is gone. I also need that young group of Assassins. Tell them to hurry and to come armed.”

Alissa nodded and left my side to carry out my orders, easily rising to the occasion to fulfill Angela’s role. I took the moment to look for my dear friend’s body. I had to check for myself, make sure that nothing could be done for her.

When I found her, I knew right away that she was long gone. Her blank stare and her bloodied, blonde hair reminded me of when I had found Wendy three years ago. I allowed sorrow to fill me for just the one, private, moment. Angela had been an excellent Guardsman, the very best.

Notes

i see i'm losing subscribers. oh well, thanks for those that are still interested. :/

so, i have a bunch of new videos to share, for anyone that might be interested.

Palaye Royale opening for Andy Black on the Homecoming Tour: Curtain Call:
'My Youth Generation'

Andy Black at the Knitting Factory in Spokane, WA on 3/1/17:
'Ribcage'
'Drown Me Out'
'Homecoming King'

John 5 & the Creatures at the Star Theater, Portland, OR, on 3/5/17:
'This Is My Rifle'
'Season of the Witch'
guitar solo & 'Black Grass Plague'