Chapter 42: Rite of Cleansing
The doctor's shivering lessened slightly. His breathing seemed to ease, just a fraction. The lines of pain on his face softened. But the underlying sickness remained, a deep-seated chill the light couldn't fully dispel.
"Better..." Elms whispered, his eyes clearer for a moment. "Thank you, Sister... but it's deep... magical..." He gripped Lysaria's wrist weakly. "The children... the church... they're going to perform the Rite of Cleansing... today... Noon bell... You have to stop them... It's not a cure... it's..." His voice faded into another wracking cough, his eyes rolling back slightly.
Lysaria pulled her hands back, her face pale. "Rite of Cleansing? That's not an exorcism... that's a ritual of purification by holy fire! They intend to burn them!"
Lila gasped, covering her mouth. Sherry's eyes blazed with cold fury.
"Good church of light, burning kids in the name of righteousness. It seems that I had still underestimated you in the end." Sherry muttered, looking away.
Lysaria looked at Sherry for a moment, but couldn't come up with a retort. For a brief moment, silence took over.
"Noon bell," Lila repeated, scrambling to her feet. "What time is it now?"
Sherry glanced frantically towards the sliver of light coming through the shuttered window. "The sun... it's already high! It must be close to noon!"
"We have to get to the church," Lysaria urged, her voice tight with urgency. "Now!"