Swordsmen in the Fog

Having understood his identity, the earl was no longer that frail ordinary man. The Old Butler crouched down with a hand over his face and began to weep.

Shade looked at Priest Augustus.

"I definitely can't beat him. You said you could handle this."

The Outlander was quite aware of his own limits.

"You misunderstood. I didn't say I could deal with someone brought back from the dead. I said I could help you deal with him."

The Priest said as he headed toward the door first. Shade gathered up his Rhodes Cards, picked up the longsword that had been placed against the wall, and followed him.

"Shade, remember this. In the world of the living, I am merely a feeble old man."

He stood with his back to Shade in the corridor, but when the Priest turned around, the charred-black wings that unfurled in that instant truly made him seem like an Angel descended into the mortal world.

"All I can do is provide you with strength."

Dim sunlight filtered through the fog and streamed in through the window at the end of the corridor, falling upon Latt Augustus. His expression was solemn.

"Shade Suellen Hamilton, do you know of Angels?"

"Yes. A mortal soul once ascended into an Angel right before my eyes."

Shade answered just as solemnly. This was the first time the Priest had taken the initiative to explain his circumstances.

Priest Augustus was clearly startled by Shade's answer, but he quickly composed himself.

"Do you know of the First Angel?"

"Yes, the Angel of the Ancient God of Death, also known as the Deathbringer Angel."

Shade continued, and the Priest nodded.

"Though it may sound unbelievable, I possess a portion of that First Angel's power. Pray to me, Shade. I will use that power to