The Deer of Dead Heaven (The Dead Heaven Saga Book 1) by Brian Mesecher

Author:Brian Mesecher [Mesecher, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16: THE DAM

Pale Valley, The Purgatorials

“How are your wounds, Sarqis?”

The Nephilim looked down at his open hands. The holes which the large sinstone nails had left in his palms were coagulated with clotted blood.

“Mine injuries art painful, but manageable,” he told her. “I thank thee again for rescuing me.”

Two days had passed since they had finally descended the mountain’s northern slope, and four since the confrontation with Xaphon at the hidden tarn on the peak of the Rise. After the firebrand had fallen, Wren had led them directly to a rock alcove behind the boulder on which the demon had stood elevated above them. There they had found Sarqis, nailed by his hands and feet, to a makeshift timber crucifix which had been erected in the nook. Wren had not explained how she had known to look there, but considering that last lingering stare which she had exchanged with Xaphon, Vell had assumed she had excavated the information from the demon’s dying mind.

Remembering that it had taken only a week for the first centaur scouts to reach the shrine after Tevan’s ill-fated use of the Trumpet, Vell hadn’t wanted to remain after Xaphon had blown into it. Besides her concern for Cavalry scouts, there was also Asmodeus to consider. She was likely closer to their position than Vell would have liked to think. Indeed, Wren had later revealed that the so-called Kine Mother was currently making her way toward the Stillwood from the direction of the Hellands to the southwest.

They had made camp in a copse of trees just north from where the trail down the Lonely Rise ended. There were ten of them now, and only two survivors from Clan Deerborn. Merric was tending to Minx’s dire injury. Emmitt had completely severed her wings from her back, leaving an oblong circle of missing flesh and exposed meat at her shoulder blades. She had slept for most of their descent. Even awake, she was forced to be carried. Cirio and Zain had crafted a timber travois for her, which all but Lilith had taken turns hauling in pairs. Aiden had suggested simply letting Bastard cart her around, but the descending path was still perilous, and Vell hadn’t wanted to risk Minx being jolted over the rocks or falling off the horse.

They had finally agreed to wait until they had reached the relatively level ground of the valley before risking attaching the travois to the horse. Zain and Cirio were currently arranging the transfer now. Aiden had remained steadfast at his lover’s side, blaming himself for not having been there to save her. Minx herself was heavily drugged and failed to answer their inquiries. Wren had taken to ensuring the welfare of her sister, whose vision had still not improved. Halo seemed happy to have Sarqis back. The hellhound stayed by the giant’s side as Vell had treated his forced stigmata.

Vell had kept the three nails, all carved from sinstone, hoping to use them to create more Breaker elixir for an Alchemical Induction.

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