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Lia fed the Leering with her desperate need to breathe It was no longer scalding water but a blast of steao, stuht Lia pulled herself up, gulping in air and spluttering Ellowyn’s face hite with terror at the kishion’s ravaged face His skin was blistering, his eyes welded shut by the reddening flesh The Mediuh her, as if every stone and ti at the fireplace blazed white hot

The kishion stu with pain Short, heavy grunts caered towards the door, avoiding the glare of the firepit as if the waves of heat were excruciating

Lia blinked the water from her eyes, wiped her mouth and felt the Medium whisper to her

Redeem the Abbey

The kishion turned, as if he too had heard the voice He faced the flaony and protection

Lia stared into the Leering’s eyes and suulfed the kishion in a sheath of flaht that Ellowyn shielded her eyes and slunk on her knees, sobbing It was so bright that it seeht, it could have been the sun at noonday

There was a rushing sigh, a brief gust, and the fire tamed and stilled All that remained of the kishion were ashes

Prestwich choked with his grief, bringing fresh tears to Lia’s eyes His snowy head heaved, his face a contortion of emotions Lia had never seen hi sorrow of a parent over a dead child Astrid lay still on the only bed in the cha the chemise that was now spotted with her blood, but she wore her hunter leathers as well, gripping the pohtly as if it were the only comfort left

The Aldermaston conversed with Siara Healer at the door "Some yarrow poultice, please"

"Can I see the boy?" Siara pleaded "Is he sleeping? I do not see hi some yarrow poultice And some valerianum for Ellowyn She is with the earls of Forshee and Norris-York along with Marciana Thank you"

"I should be caring for him, Aldermaston Please, he looks very pale And the floor rushes are soaked with…"

The Aldermaston’s voice was firm "Please, do as I say," he said and shut the door He lowered the crossbar into place so they would not be disturbed

Prestwich turned away fro in silent sobs