Finding the Fallen

Chapter 8

"All right, K," Sam said as she approached. "We're good to go. Where's Hero?"

"He's down at the stream. Don't worry, he's out of range. Let's do this," she answered, walking to the edge of the clearing to gain some distance.

"You might wanna take a few more steps back," Sam smiled. "My range is much better than it used to be...practice, practice, practice."

Kala grinned and then walked a few more yards back into the woods, separating herself further from Sam. She waited as her friend centered herself. Sam closed her eyes and flames began to dance from finger to finger on her outstretched hands. Within seconds, the flames were rising up her arms. Kala could see Sam's lips moving in a silent chant as the fire grew in intensity.

All at once, Sam seemed to explode. Flames erupted from her entire body, engulfing her in a fiery ball of orange and red color that danced brilliantly in the center of the clearing. Kala instinctively stepped back, knowing what was coming next.

Sam projected the fire outward in a flash that seared everything within a hundred foot radius of her body. The fire leapt off her and hit the ground in such a rush, it created its own breeze. Kala could feel the warm air rush over her as the fire continued to spread outward towards her position. It was moving faster than she expected. She turned and began walking away. Within seconds, Sam was walking by her side, all evidence of the fire that had engulfed her body now gone.

"That's always impressive, Sam," Kala nodded at her friend. "Never ceases to amaze."

"You should see me at parties," Sam smiled back.

"Huh! Well, that's one way to clear a room," Kala chided.

"So, Hero told me you were headed to Charleston," Sam changed the subject as they walked towards the stream.

"Yea, I have unfinished business there," Kala said, solemnly.

"Sounds like fun," Sam replied coolly.

"I don't think 'fun' is the proper term, Sam," Kala continued.

"Well, I know you're gonna ask, so I'll just set you straight now: no, I won't be joining you. Cities that big...and that full of Fallen Servants...give me a tremendous headache. I'll be heading back west until I get another itch." She smiled at her friend.

Kala understood, "I figured as much, but I have a couple questions for you. Have you ever been to Charleston?"

"Nope, I always turn south before Charleston. Not my thing."

"So, you have no idea who their Queen is, right?" Kala prodded.

"Not that I know of...haven't run into anybody from that area up until now," Sam jerked her head back towards the burning clearing, indicating the three Fallen Servants.

"Oh, you would have loved them," Kala replied. "I'm sure you would have been instant friends."

"That close, huh?" Sam asked.

Kala knew what she was getting at. The three Fallen Servants had been infected by the Darkness already, as evidenced by the blackness flowing through their veins. It was only a matter of time before they lost all control of their minds and gave in to the sickness that would consume them. At that point, they likely would have killed one another, leaving only one remaining sister. Regardless, that one could have potentially been as powerful as the three combined. It wouldn't have made Kala and Merik's job any easier.

"Yea, that close," Kala said quietly.

Kala reached into her pocket and retrieved the pendant she'd taken from the deceased air witch. "Ever seen a pendant like this before, Sam?"