Elizabeth XXII

Gary glanced at Fero and then he calmly took the ancient wood and plunged it into the heart of the creature, careful to avoid touching any part of the gray shadow. The thing wiggled obscenely and then slowly went still.

The healer stood and brought the light to bear on the pinned worm. The edges of the shadow began to darken and curl. Flames licked at it and eventually consumed it. When the entire creature was reduced to ash, the door to the house opened and the breeze carried the ashes outside. The light in the room dimmed and then receded completely.

“What did you find?” Tensel asked. “How did the lewykol slip through our safeguards? The three of you were sharing her brain when he managed to penetrate Elizabeth’s mind.”

Fero once more went to Elizabeth and lifted her into his arms, surrounding her with his strength. ‘I am here, just as I said I would be. The vampire is gone. He cannot get to you. But you must be very brave and continue to believe and trust in me as you have done.’

‘