[IRP] The Dead One Calls

[Toogee]

The last thing the Paige saw was Satsume pulling out the light brand. It was the same trick she had done back at the inn (by trick, she meant complete accident). Unfortunately, she was on the receiving end of the light magic. Her vision went stark white. All she could hear were the cries of the bandits and the dropping of weapons. Her captor gripped her tighter; she could tell he was just as confused as to what was happening around them. The next thing Paige felt was a blade rushing past her neck and into Baldy. She didn't realize how fortunate she was: if the sword strayed but a little, it would have impaled her neck. Her captor's blood splattered across her face. As soon as he loosened his grip, Paige immediately ran forward to get away from him. Due to her blindness, she ran straight into Satsume.

“Ah!” Paige said in shock, fearing she ran into another bandit. She was somewhat relieved that it was just Satsume crying out in pain. Obviously not because he was in pain. Paige grabbed onto his arm as he guided her back to the rest of the group. As the light faded and her vision began to return, Paige was able to see the others were mostly OK and all of their foes were defeated. She took the light brand once Satsume gave it back.

“I really need to learn to use this thing,” Paige remarked as she put away the sword. As the adrenaline wore off, Paige was becoming more aware of her wounded arm. She gripped her arm and winced in pain. They were all a little worse for wear, but they weren’t quite finished.

“I don’t suppose someone already released the prisoners?” Paige then turned to Satsume, the most beat-up of all of them.

“Shad is still inside, but maybe you should head back to the village.” She looked at him as though he could fall to pieces at any moment.