Raphael sat at the table with the other Followers of Light. He watched them locked in a heated argument about the two dark sorcerers that were causing too much trouble for their own good. Something had to be done about Andreas Grigoli and Kalen Dragonov. Raphael remained silent, believing more in making about a good plan than in arguing about what to do.

As their voices grew louder, an idea started forming his head. There was one thing they hadn’t yet tried. They had not enlisted the help of a seer. If nothing else, at least that would give them knowledge of the future.

“Silence!” Raphael’s voice rang with the authority of a leader of the Followers of Light. Everyone grew quiet and turned to him. “I know what we must do. Send out a search party to find the seer Almahalc.”

“But sir, surely you have heard the rumors?” This was Eric, the newest member of the Followers, whose status undoubtedly contributed to the tremor in his voice. This amused Raphael. The newcomer was not yet aware how things were done in the fellowship. He was still an innocent. Raphael made a mental note to include him on the search party to help him gain some much needed experience.

“I have heard the stories and I am well aware of his reputation. For that reason I know he will tell us the truth. And you, young blood, will join us on the journey.”

Eric’s eyes widened, in both fear and excitement.

“If there are no further objections, I shall go ahead and select the party for this journey, and we will seek out this madman.”

The Followers of Light stared at each other and then back at Raphael. No one was looking forward to this trip, and they all hoped not to be chosen.

Several Followers were deployed to locate a cave commonly spoken of by frightened locals in a nearby town. Many claimed to have spoken to the seer themselves, all speaking of a horrid monster that lurked in the woods that could see the future. Raphael joined one search party and met a young man who was trembling with fear as he addressed the Followers.

“Just outside side town, there is a cave. You’ll find the monster there,” the man said with a quivering voice.

After speaking to several others, they came to the same conclusion and a few days later they set out on their mission. Raphael had selected six other Followers to join him, including Eric. While Raphael strode fearlessly ahead, the others were cautious in their steps.

It didn’t take them long to locate the cave Almahalc was said to be. Raphael paused at the entrance. “Before we enter you should know that the sight we are about to see will be horrific, even by the standards of experienced men. If any of you feel like you aren’t up for it, you may wait outside and no one shall judge you.”

Two men stepped back from the group. Raphael bowed his head respectfully to them and gestured for the other four to follow him inside.

The interior of the cave was dark and clammy. Moss was growing on the walls and a fetid stench filled their nostrils. They had only walked in a short distance before they had no more natural light to guide them. Raphael snapped his fingers and a flame appeared, guiding them further ahead. A couple of the men jumped when they noticed the skulls, bones, and weapons scattered along the edges of the tunnel and in their path. Knights’ armor was scattered among the items.

Raphael spoke with a tone of assurance.  “Remain calm. We are the Sorcerers of Light. We can keep our own in here. Almahalc is merely a seer.”

They shook off their jitters, remembering that they did in fact wield magic, and continued through the cave. They abruptly stopped when they saw a crumpled figure on the ground. It moved, causing some of the men to jump. Raphael stayed steady, knowing that this figure must be the seer.

“Almahalc, we have come to ask for your assistance,” Raphael spoke confidently, with conviction.

The figure turned, exposing his face to the Followers of Light. His skin was dripping with mud, warts sticking out at odd angles. They couldn’t be sure if he was wearing any clothes or if it was excessive mud covering him. But that was not the most disturbing part. No, that was his face. He had no mouth. His lips were thin lines of stiches crisscrossed to form a horizontal line where his mouth should’ve been. His eyes were empty sockets filled with a seemingly black liquid that floated around like a tar pit with little grey rocks suspended within. Black liquid oozed from them and burned dark lines down his cheeks.

Raphael shot his men a look, warning them not to react to the seer’s foul appearance. They nodded and Eric had to subdue his gag reflex.

“You seek my help?” Almahalc said, the stiches unhinging as he spoke, causing crimson blood to spill from the wound. His voice was surprisingly clear; it didn’t sound like someone in his condition, but rather like a wise or noble man. This shocked Raphael, but he set it aside quickly.

“Yes, we are in need of the knowledge of how to defeat our enemies. They are growing more powerful by the day and they need to be stopped.”

A sick, twisted smiled formed on Almahalc’s face, pulling at the stiches once again. His empty sockets started glowing and turned briefly white. “I can do what you request. You will know the weakness of Andreas Scott Grigoli and Kalen Dragonov, but I require a price.” His eyes returned to their usual black and the liquid dripped down his cheeks again.

“Name it and we will pay it.”

“Your eagerness will be your downfall, young man. Do not always be so quick to agree or act,” Almahalc warned.

Raphael rolled his eyes, not heeding the seer’s warning. “Just name your price and let me worry about me.”

“My price is one I will collect when the girl is on the stake. Expect me then. Agree that you will grant it to me at that time, seal your promise with the blood curse, and I will tell you what you need to know.” Almahalc’s words carried and ominous tone, one Raphael should’ve noted, but chose to ignore. Rushing in where most would fear to tread was his unalterable nature.

“I agree to your terms,” he replied, without hesitation. Almahalc walked closer to him and took his hand. A sharp pain shot through him.

“The blood curse will infect you should you refuse to pay the price at the required time. It will kill you slowly and very painfully. There is no cure.”

Raphael nodded willing the old man to just get on with it. “I understand. Just tell me what I need to know.”

The seer cleared his throat, blood spewing on the men. They all recoiled, but Raphael remained firm. The dark liquid of the seer’s eyes blazed white once more, remaining that color for longer this time. “Your enemies, Andreas Grigoli and Kalen Dragonov, share in the same destiny. There will be a girl, a girl more powerful than any of you would ever imagine, and she will bring them to their knees. This girl will be their undoing.”

Raphael grew excited. This was exactly what he needed to hear! “Who is this girl?” Raphael prompted.

“Her name is…”