Chapter 6. Run Boy Run

Ambrose 3
The snake bit deep, and let loose as much venom as it had. This is problematic to say the least. I've grown quite fond of Tyx these past years, watching her treat Marcus as one of her own family warms my heart. Run boy. Run fast and run hard. I can put the wind at your back but to save her you must be as quick as possible.

As if he could hear me, Marcus takes her into his arms and sprints towards the manse. The snake itself slithers back into the grass, and with a twitch of the brow, its annihilated by a strike of lightning. I didn’t know I could do that. Would have been helpful 30 seconds ago. The lightning strike quickens his pace even faster, and I whisper an **** thanks to 6 above.

As he runs through the grassy field, down the hill and past the forest, I can’t help but think of my other children. Dead, almost to the man. Only a few have escaped my enemies wrath. The few that survived made their livings as adventurers, heroes, and some soldiers. The rest, slaughtered before their 20th year. I hope Marcus is one of the former, but this incident leads me to think otherwise.

Marcus zips through the tall grass, shattering stalks underfoot, with the wind at his back pressing him onward. Tyx' breath quickens and shallows. The venom is to her lungs now, soon her heart and then finally her brain. After that, the girl will die, taken from this world as another victim of my sins. I'm so sorry, son.

"Don’t die, please not you tyx…" Marcus pleads into the ether, and I can't help but die inside. My beloved boy. You should never have to suffer this pain, and all on my account. The castle draws nearer bit by bit, but so too does the venom crawl ever closer to its target. I can see Tyx' veins turn a pale green as the sickness corrupts her very blood.

The gates are in view now, the guards shout as Marcus draws near. They open the gates but its taking too long. I summon my powers yet again, trying to help in anyway I can. In an instant, the gate is cinders, blasted to ruin by a bolt of lightning larger than any other seen on the mortal realm. Marcus doesn’t even stop in awe, he simply dashes right through the wreckage and into the castle proper. They can fix it later.

"Medicae! Help us!" Marcus screams into the castle yard, and soon the area is flooded with guards and servants. Tyx is rushed off to the Medicae's offices, and Marcus collapses into the dirt, spent. A guard takes him by the shoulder, and escorts him into the offices behind tyx.

I watch intently from the heavens, every ounce of my being focused on the scene unfolding below. My heart aches for Marcus and Tyx, but I feel a swell of pride for my son's bravery and determination. The way he fights for those he loves is a testament to his spirit and resilience.

As the castle servants swarm around Tyx, I find myself wishing I could do more than simply observe. I long to embrace Marcus, to comfort him and tell him everything will be all right. But I am powerless in this realm, relegated to watch over my children from afar.

Inside the Medicae's chambers, I see Tyx lying on a table, her face pale and her breaths shallow. The Medicae, a skilled and wise old man, begins working tirelessly to counteract the venom coursing through her veins. He orders his apprentices to fetch various antidotes and herbs, his eyes never leaving the **** girl.

Marcus paces the room, the weight of worry and guilt heavy upon his shoulders. I wish I could tell him that it is not his fault, that he is doing all he can to save his dear friend. But even if he could hear me, would he believe it? I know how he blames himself for the pain my enemies inflict upon those around him.

As I watch, I pour all my energy into willing the Medicae to find the right antidote. I can't help but think of the cost of my actions, of the lives taken because of me. It is a burden I bear every day, but I refuse to let it consume me. I must focus on the present, on what I can do to help those who remain.

Hours pass like minutes as I watch the Medicae work tirelessly on Tyx. The apprentices rush to and fro, their faces etched with worry. Marcus remains by Tyx's side, his hand gripping hers, as if he could will her back to health through sheer **** of love.

Finally, the Medicae administers a concoction that seems to halt the venom's progress. Tyx's breathing slowly steadies, and the green tint in her veins begins to fade. I breathe a sigh of relief, my own heart slowing as I realize she may yet survive.

As Tyx's condition stabilizes, Marcus collapses into a chair, his body wracked with sobs of relief and exhaustion. The weight of the ordeal finally catching up to him, he allows himself a moment of vulnerability. I wish I could be there to comfort him, but I am grateful for the Medicae and his team for saving Tyx's life.

Looking down upon my son and Tyx, I find a renewed sense of purpose. I will continue to watch over them, to guide them, and to protect them as best I can from my place in the heavens. I will not let my past sins dictate their futures. I will do everything in my power to ensure they have the chance to live full and happy lives, unburdened by the shadows of my past.