The journey seemed longer than usual, each passing day marked by Gorn's deteriorating condition. William and Aella rode with a growing sense of urgency, their anxiety mounting with every labored breath Gorn took.
While Gorn had been able to manage during the first few days, his strength waned as they neared Alderanth. By the time they reached the city gates, he was unable to walk without assistance. William supported him, their progress slow and unsteady.
The guard at the gate eyed Gorn with suspicion, inquiring about his condition. Aella, with her relatively high rank in the Adventurers' Guild, managed to deflect his questions and gain entry without much hassle.
"Why was he looking at us like that?" William asked, his brow furrowed.
"He's probably wondering if I'm infected with something contagious," Gorn rasped, his voice weak.
William understood. He'd harbored similar concerns at first, unsure if Gorn's affliction could spread. But no one in Willow Creek had shown any signs of illness, so he assumed it wasn't transmissible, at least not through casual contact.
They navigated the bustling city streets, William acting as a crutch for Gorn. The usual vibrancy of Alderanth, with its throngs of people and boisterous vendors, provided an odd contrast to their somber procession. The crowd seemed oblivious to Gorn's alarming state.
"Where should we go first?" William asked, deferring to Aella's greater familiarity with the city.
"I think we should head to the church," she replied.
William blinked, surprised. He hadn't noticed a church during his previous visit.
"Why the church?"
"They often have priests skilled in healing magic," Aella explained. "It's the best place to understand what's happening to him."
William realized her logic was sound, especially considering the demonic nature of Gorn's affliction.
They made their way to the church, a grand structure with towering spires. As they approached the entrance, a man in flowing robes greeted them, a friendly smile on his face and thinning gray hair framing his kind eyes.
"Good morning, my young friends," he said warmly. "What brings you here today?"
"We need help," William said, his voice carrying a note of urgency.
"Help with what, exactly?" the priest inquired, his kind eyes searching their faces.
"Our friend seems to have been poisoned by something we don't recognize," William explained, gesturing towards Gorn. "Would you be able to assist us?"
The priest had already noticed Gorn's pale complexion and labored breathing. "Of course," he said, his voice soothing. "Bring him inside, and I'll take a look."
They followed the priest into the church, bypassing the main hall where other priests and townsfolk were engaged in prayer. It wouldn't be appropriate to conduct a medical examination in such a public space. The priest led them to a small, private room.
"Now, let me see," the priest said, gently guiding Gorn to a chair. He carefully peeled back Gorn's sleeve, revealing the network of black veins that snaked across his skin. A look of concern crossed his face.
William's mind flashed back to the demon, his body similarly marked by the dark energy. 'What's going on?' he wondered, anxiety gnawing at him.
Aella, too, was worried, especially after witnessing the priest's reaction.
"I don't want to alarm you," the priest began, his voice grave, "but this seems quite serious. I've never seen anything like it."
William and Aella exchanged a worried look. Gorn, however, remained surprisingly calm. "Relax, you two," he said, attempting to soothe their fears. "I'm sure the priest will know what to do."
"May I have a moment alone with him?" the priest requested.
"Of course," Aella replied. "Let us know if you need anything."
They left the room and returned to the main hall, taking a seat on one of the wooden pews. William, not particularly religious, simply waited patiently.
Aella, too, seemed content to observe the quiet reverence of the space. They kept their voices low, mindful of the others who had come to pray and reflect.
"Will everything be alright?" William asked, seeking Aella's reassurance. Her opinion always seemed to bring him a sense of calm.
"To be honest," Aella said, her voice low, "I don't think it looks good." Despite wanting to offer comfort, she believed in being realistic. Sometimes things didn't go as planned, and that was okay.
"I understand..." William said, a wave of sadness washing over him.
Just then, another priest approached them, his face etched with concern. "You seem troubled, young man," he said to William.
William looked up and met the priest's kind gaze. "Yes," he admitted, "I am."
"Whatever it is," the priest said gently, "it will pass. Everything will be alright if you have faith in the powers greater than us mere mortals."
He didn't press further, sensing William's need for solitude. With a warm smile and a reassuring pat on the shoulder, he moved on, leaving William and Aella to their quiet contemplation.
William, though not a religious man, found himself pondering the reason for his summons to this world.
Could some divine force have orchestrated their arrival? He knew it was Elric and other powerful mages who had performed the ritual, but why him and his classmates?
Was it random chance, or was there a deeper purpose behind their selection? He had no answers, but the solemn atmosphere of the church stirred these existential questions within him.
After about ten minutes, the priest who had initially greeted them beckoned them back to the private room where Gorn awaited.
"Well," the priest began, his expression a mixture of hope and concern, "I have good news and bad news."
"Bad news first," William said, steeling himself. "Let's get it over with."
The priest nodded. "Alright... The bad news is that I don't know how to cure him, and it's possible no one in this city does either. However, the good news is that I know how to slow the progression of the toxin, and a priest far more skilled in healing magic than myself is arriving in a week. Perhaps he'll know what to do."