Chapter 17 Unexpected

Ardn walked away from the residence and went home but days later, he happened to be out in the town and learnt of Richard's detoriating health. It was as if something had enhanced his sickness making his condition worsen every passing day.....he was dying!!

How much more time do I have?! Richard asked the physician his face getting paler and his veins turning black from under his skin.

I'm sorry Richard, it seems to me that you won't survive today. The doctor said as he looked away from the youngman. He had failed to find the disease that had attacked the young soldier and he was ashamed at his failure.

Hearing this heart shattering information, Richard drapped a cloak over his head and smile weakly at the physician. I know you did your best and I'm thankful to you. He drew out a few copper coins and handed them to the physician and walked out almost stumbling on his feet as he had a hard time keeping his balance.

Arden followed behind him closely feeling sad for the human. Reaching a clearing in the woods, Richard broke down in tears, God! He cried out to the creator. I'm sorry if I did something to anger You. You know I'd never do something of the sort purposely. I'm dying soon, I know...but my Selefa.....she's..... she's pregnant! I just learnt about it God.

What?! Selefa is pregnant!!! Arden stood there frozen.

I'm sad that I won't be there to look after her and our baby.....I want to stay alive for them but I know I must go to give another soul a chance to live. What am worried about is the state my wife will be left in. Of, just if you give me a chance to look over her and ensure her wellbeing....I.....I will be grateful to You. So please... Please...." he held out his hand to the heavens and begged but it almost felt like life was slipping from his grasp.

I can help you! Richard heard a voice and snapped to its direction and before him stood Ardn.

Who are you?

I'm Selefa's old admirer. But she chose you!

How can you help

I can prevent her from crying and protect her in your absence. Look after your daughter like she is my own. I'll respect her and love her unconditionally.

I'm glad someone like you exists.

I can help you look out for her for atmost a year!

You can?! Are you a physician?!

No, I'm not a physician but I can let you use my body to harbor your soul in order for you to look out for your wife and after that, I'll take over that role in your stead.

Anything, even if it's just a day more, I want to be with my wife.

Do you grant.your permission?

Gladly.

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Ardn looked Selefa in her eyes and shared with her her husband's situation and the deal they shared with the help of a young soul lord who was none other than .

I'm sorry Selefa.....really sorry. Forgive me. For everything that happened intentionally and unintentionally. I'm sorry.

As Eleanor wailed relentlessly, her voice turning hoarse, her brother held her hand and guided her out of the place as she looked back.

Ehty who stood behind Elena's father kept his crazed gaze on her. He had come here to own her but it seems he'd have to withdraw and come up with a better tactic to take her away. What angered him the most was the smug look the warrior gave him. Scoffing, he vowed to get back at him.

The whole place was in silence as what seemed to be an auspicious occasion came to a sudden stop with each and everyone looking at the other for explanation on what exactly happened.

Selefa along with his son and daughter left the mansion, Elenaor was emotionally drained and she lay limp in the arms of her brother who carried her like a princess.

Mother...where are we headed?" he couldn't help asking since their cover had been blown and now that Eleanor had been taken away by right of her birth mother, what they had to expect and he prepared for was constant attacks. He and Selefa were indeed strong but at some point, they'd get drained and that'd leave Eleanor in a complicated situation.

Tumbling in her feet, Selefa fell to the ground huffing..it had been a long time since she unleashed her power to such a point and now she was facing the backlash of it. Stratled, Andy rushed next to his mother's side, gently placing Eleanor to the ground to attend to her, she slapped his hand away.

Don't be wasteful of your energy Andy .....I'll be fine. If we are suddenly attacked, one of us must be able to hold off long enough.." she breathed as she picked herself off the ground. looking at her girl, she frowned seeing how pale Eleanor was.....

She is still in shock...we need to find a place to go to before it's too late!" he said with urgency when he felt dread creeping at his gut. Steps of an approaching person could be heard and this had Andy's hand on his sword, looking around, he felt that the one approaching wasn't human but a high level demon!

Mom..." he whispered to which Selefa nodded her head in understanding.

You don't need to be on guard!" Xafir came out from hiding and looked at the three persons before him.

You're a demon!" Selefa pointed out.

Yes ...I can offer you where to live in the meantime. No worries I hold no malice." he said his golden eyes flickering.

Lucifer...." Andy begun but he was cut short.

I'm not crazy to drag you into his lare and besides Andy...we fought together, why are you wary of me?" Xafir asked with a raised brow.

It's been centuries....I don't know what you turned into." Andy replied.

Zeyn awoke a hundred days ago but he hadn't come to find her. It became my responsibility to protect her till then!" Xafir said as heoved closer. " So, do we get to go or are you waiting for Ethy and his army of puppets to find us?!"

Without wasting time, they followed him and watched as he opened a portal through which they went with Eleanor in Andy's arms.

.....

Ehty sighed and then let out a maniacal laughter that had Moham and the others look at him

What's funny" one chief asked feeling irritated.

Can't you see?" Ethy asked as he gazed at everyone in the room. You've officially been eliminated and this is going to continue for as long as her mother lives..."

What are you trying to instigate?" another asked moving closer to Ethy.

I'm not....I'm just glad! I have one more less demon to worry about!" he boasted.

Zeyn awoke..... what's there to be glad abou?" the chief mocked.

That's nothing to worry about. Did any of you see him here? He'd have recked havoc once more but where was he? I fought him...he made an oath, that if he breaks it, death is his only path! Make your choices right!" he warned.

Hearing this, everyone in the room erupted into a heated discussion. Leaving them to their thoughts, Ethy stepped out of the room but those that were still under his manipulation followed like dogs. He had wanted to check something.

However, when he reached where they had last rested, their traces disappeared completely. He smirked. "What...you are trying to run? I love the chase!" Being born a low level demon, Ethy had fought his way to the position of power he was in and it hadn't been easy. Things that came easy for him didn't taste good.

Arriving at their destination, Selefa was pleased as it had been a while since she had gotten to see such a sceneary while Andy was surprised. "Why are we here?!"

Don't sayuch just follow me. You'll be safe here and besides...it's your homeland!" Xafir added as he noticed a group of five people coming their way in hasty steps as their cloaks fought gracefully against the wind.

Demon Lord Xafir....what an honour to have you visit!" the old man from the group greeted politely shocking Andy. He shot and one hard glare casting him to cast his gaze to the ground.

You must be tired from your long journey..please, come this way....your quarters were prepared just in time thanks to the earlier notice!" he said and left them away.

Eleanor looked around the room she had been places and it was an endless sea of white all around her that it hurt her eyes. She realised that she was laying on the soft bed but she could tell that this place wasn't human residence. Where was she? Groaning,she got her self out of bed only to feel her sore body and flimsy clothes that were barely covering her modesty. Grabbing the blanket, she covered her self hastily as her mind ran back to the events before she passed out.