Continuing along the route that the two monks had described to him, Dmitri at last entered the room he was looking for. Claudia and Uriel were there, discussing the upcoming battle with the Abbott. “We will of course provide field medicine where we can,” finished the Abbott as Dmitri came in.

Claudia saw him and rushed over, “I’m so glad that you are alright,” she said embracing him, the relief evident in her voice, “I was so worried, but between Uriel and Father Preston here, they assured me that you were fine.”

Dmitri returned the embrace with equal fervour, “I was afraid too Claudia, seeing you hit like that. Promise me that you will stay out of this battle, I couldn’t stand to see you get hurt again.”

Claudia pulled back from the embrace, “I’m sorry Dmitri,” she replied, “I have to be there with you, we know how to stop Akahaziel, but I need to be with you on the field.”

“But-“ began Dmitri and then stopped. “Wait, you know how to defeat Akahaziel?”

Claudia smiled; a smile that showed that the possibility of life without the demon wasn’t only possible, but it was close as well.

“It was based on something I began to tell you, I don’t even know when it was. But Akahaziel can’t heal himself; he can only corrupt, so we need to reflect his corruption against him, correct?”

Dmitri nodded, following along.

“Well I got the idea after Uriel created that magical dome over us during the escape, nothing Draycott did could pass through,” she began, explaining the solution to Dmitri.

After she was done, he looked at her amazed, hardly able to believe that this was the woman that had attacked him when he first entered her cell, the woman who had been broken by the evil of men like Draycott and Birkett. “I’m proud of you Claudia,” he said with a smile. When she looked at him quizzically, he continued, “You have been through so much these past few months, and look at you now, stronger than you were then, taking initiative and living for now, ready to take the battle to them, and all without thoughts of vengeance.”

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Claudia smiled again, it seemed to light up the room, “That’s because I have you for motivation. Uriel told me something before that-“

“There will be time enough for that later,” interrupted Uriel gently but firm. “Dmitri, your army awaits. Those willing to fight for the light have come forth. We now await the fourth member of our party, the guardsman Jonathan Wayte.”

“How can they be my army?” asked Dmitri. “These people don’t even know me!”

“They know of you, they know that you fight for the light, that is enough for them,” explained Uriel.

“Aye, it was enough for me lad,” came a giant sized voice from the doorway.

Dmitri whipped around and saw the giant man that they had fought during their escape. His hand darted to his side, but came back empty; no sword. The big man saw and laughed, “Calm yourself lad, I’m not here to fight you. My name is Magnus, your lass there,” he said indicating Claudia, “showed me that the right side to be fighting on is with you. She’s brave enough to be one of my very own kin!”

Claudia blushed at the compliment, “Yes, thank you Magnus. How are the soldiers coming along?”

“They’ll do well enough,” he replied. “You’ve got some worthy countrymen here.”

Claudia nodded and turned to Dmitri, “We are fortunate that Magnus decided to defect, he has been a mercenary for many years and knows how to lead. He’ll be directing the bulk of the men while we go after Draycott and try and flush out Akahaziel.”

Wayte entered the room then, appearing to be full of energy, ready for anything, “What did I miss?” he asked. Then his eyes caught sight of Magnus and he reacted exactly the same way as Dmitri which caused Magnus to laugh again.

“Don’t you worry guardsman, I’m on your side this time. I’m directing the soldiers,” informed Magnus.

Wayte frowned and looked at Dmitri, “Is this wise?”

Dmitri shrugged, “He was appointed before I was awake. I do have faith in Claudia’s decision though. Especially when it is backed by Uriel.”

Wayte nodded, clearly not completely sold on the idea, “Then it shall be so. What am I to do?”

It was Uriel that answered, “Before we can tackle Akahaziel, we must force him to show himself. You and Dmitri will be linked and should fight Draycott until he reveals himself. After long enough I daresay he will change from the form he has taken and attack. Then Dmitri and Claudia will link and do their job. It is then up to you to ensure that no harm whatsoever befalls them. You must protect them with your life. I will be holding off Akahaziel until Dmitri is ready.”

Wayte nodded, accustomed to such a role. He opened his mouth to continue, but was interrupted as a young monk rushed in, “They’re here! Draycott’s army is outside the town!”