Wings of Sorrow (A horror fantasy novel) by Iain Rob Wright Page B

she went sprawling forwards onto her face. She had planned to land upright, but as soon as her weight had come down, her legs gave way like spaghetti. She waited there for a second, face down in the dirt. She wanted to ensure she wasn’t hurt, but also that her dad hadn’t heard her clumsy flop. Once she was sure only her pride was damaged, she climbed to her feet. Wiping dirt from her trousers, she let out a muffled laugh. Her landing had been so lame, but at least she had made it in one piece. Her first sneaking out at night was a success. She was officially an unruly teenager. If only that was all she was.
    It was time to go find Chester. Please let him have learnt what to do. She needed him.
    But somebody found Scarlet first.
    The Saint had been waiting in her garden.



~ Chapter Eleven ~
    The Saint strode towards her at the same deliberate pace he always moved at.
    “Leave me alone,” Scarlet shouted, fear distorting her voice. “Please!”
    “Your begging will change nothing. You must die.”
    Scarlet bolted, but The Saint was too close to slip past. Despite barely seeming to move, he was on her immediately and grabbed her by the arm. Over the fabric of her shirt, she could feel rising heat.
    She did the only thing she could think of, and screamed.
    The giant clutched his head with his spare hand. “Noise. I hate it. A world full of noise and smells.”
    She screamed louder, kicking and thrashing at the same time, but it was like being encased in iron. The Saint had her by both arms now, and it burned.
    “Let us end this dirty business,” he snapped. “Your companion’s urine still taints my senses. His bowels and bladder failed him, like a whimpering child.”
    Scarlet’s eyes went wide. “Indy? You hurt him?”
    The Saint nodded. “Yes.”
    Anger gripped her and she spat in the monster’s face. It seemed to hurt him more than her kicks and punches did because he released her immediately. The burning sensation stopped.
    The Saint rubbed at his face, snarling. “You fling your vile fluids like the foul, mud-encrusted beast that you are. Humans are animals.”
    She spat again, making The Saint retreat another step. “And you are nothing but a bully. Indy did nothing to you.”
    “He helped The Spark, and in doing so, forfeited the Father’s protection. The token I left on your bed was the most efficient way to remove you from the safety of your home. I knew you would try to ward me away with your cursed magic. You have perverted a member of the White Order into helping you—barring me from entry into your places of residence—but only while you inhabit them.”
    “You’ve been in my room twice already. You took my mother’s necklace, and you left Indy’s hand.”
    “I took no necklace. It is true that I invaded your dwelling, but I was unable to remain when you entered with your vile charm. I had time to leave you a gift, though. Your companion’s headwear, and one of his appendages. Now you are outside without protection, just as I planned. Humans act only with their hearts, never with their intellect. It is over now, wretched child. I will tolerate no more delay.”
    “Scarlet, what the hell are you doing out here? Is that your goddamn boyfriend again? I’ve had as much as I can stomach.”
    The Saint turned to face Scarlet’s dad as he marched out of the back door and across the lawn. “Leave us, or you will suffer.”
    “I will do no such bloody thing. Get off my property before I call the police. I’ve already warned you once.”
    “You have warned me of nothing. Never have I set eyes on you.”
    Her dad now came close enough that Scarlet could see him clearly. He looked slightly embarrassed at the mix up, but mostly angry. “You’re not the same man as before, but you still have no reason to be in my bloody garden. Scarlet, you should be in bed.”
    “Your daughter should be dead, and shall be presently.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Leave us!”
    Her dad became unsure of