Edge of Extinction war story/Chapter 6

Cagliari drew a deep breath of the cold night air and considered the path ahead of him. He had just taken active part in freeing a band of undead from the necromancer that controlled them. The feeling was exhilarating. He might not be able to stop the war, but he could definitely reduce the number of innocent casualties.

"Father Lux, we must continue; the way back to camp is long..." a voice said, its source disappearing before Cagliari even had a chance to register it.

Cagliari let out a weary sigh. "Can I never rest these bones..."

A figure entered the glade from the opposite side, quickly joined by several of its fellows.

"We can give you rest, demon," the figure stated, the light of the moon glinting off the edge of axe and the full plate armor he was equipped with.

"We have no quarrel with you—" Cagliari began.

"Oh, how wrong you are. You are disease that must be purified. We will show you the Light..."

Cagliari dropped his goblet and pulled forth a sword. "Yacob, take the others and run for the barrier. Do not stop, do not delay, and do not turn back under any circumstances."

"But, Father Lux—"

"RUN!"

The young undead moved to comply with Cagliari's order and quickly had the remaining stragglers charging forward. With their movement, the entire contingent of undead moved toward the barrier with a preternatural speed and agility.

Cagliari turned toward the paladin who had accosted him.

"Who are you?" Cagliari demanded of the paladin.

"Brother Xander of Willow Creek. I see you wish to make a brave stand for your fellows; so be it. You will be cleansed first, and then I shall track and capture your fleeing companions."

"Just let us go. We have no interest in you or your quarrel with the necromancers."

"Unfortunately, mate, I have an interest in you."

"How dare you use the title ‘Brother’... You are a disgrace...!"

"Parry if you will. You will be cleansed."

Cagliari dropped his sword.

"No. I will not join this war. Not even at cost of my own life."

"Then be purified, brother," the paladin said, swinging his axe in a full circle and smashing it down upon Cagliari's left arm. With an audible crack and screech, the metal pulled on bone.

"I will not fight..." Cagliari began, and then, seeing the last undead pass into the edge of the maze of shadows, sighed deeply and just looked down at the ground.

The paladin brought his axe down again—more grinding noises of bones being pulled from their sockets and separated...

"I will not fight... but I have bought enough time already. You will NEVER find my friends."

He barely flinched as the paladin brought the axe down with a resounding crash. This time on his skull.