Chapter 3: Drink Deep From the River of My Hate

Tzal watched as Invidian and the sorceress continued their attack on Lauretta. It was evident that she won't survive at this rate. He opened his alchemical bag and took out a particular jar containing viscous transparent fluid. It was evident that Tzal himself was careful in handling this particular vial. He then tossed it towards Invidian hoping to hit him with it. As he was throwing, his eyes glowed and infused him with magical energies.

Stepping forward, R3N-L3 took the hit from Invidian's accursed blade, carving through his armor like butter to lodge itself deep into his chest.However, as per usual, the Clockwork did not appear to feel pain. "Excuse me, friend Lauretta. If your heart is sliced apart, you normally perish, and you are too valuable to die for the time being. As recompense, I shall terminate his underling." R3N-L3 intoned dispassionately, before moving towards Agada with a flurry of bladework, the ticking in his chest rising to a constant low hum.

There is a brief moment where the screeching in her ears seems to quiet and her vision reacquires focus. Shouting and the sight of a black blade cutting through the air are what Lauretta has time to make sense of, but panic grips her as she realizes she cannot get out of its way. Gritting her teeth and preparing for the blade's impact, she feels nothing. The clockwork interjected himself, taking the blow for her. Seeing the damage, there is little doubt it would have killed her in her mind. However, the smell of burning flesh and the feeling of searing pain interrupts any other reaction. The witch's hellfire scorched the Preceptor's flesh.

Blood poured from her head and embers clung to her vestments. The archon's curse glided over the holy aura of the angel at Lauretta's back. After the blow to her skull, her battle sense had dulled. Her eyes hardened with the ferocity of an animal, not a soldier. With the R3N-L3 assaulting the seer, the Preceptor uttered an echoing command that tore through the air, attempting to instill fear in the wretched caster.

"Run."

But the momentary syllable did not keep Lauretta's attention off of Invidian for long. Turning her gaze upon the fallen angel, she tore apart its form with her eyes, seeking any weakness. With a roaring prayer and her great axe, she swung at the metal warrior.

"Perdition take you!"

The clash of the axe and the blade reverberates through Lauretta's arms and out into the air. Invidian's mockery barely reaches her ears over the bloody ache in her head. Everything still seemed too bright. The deep-black archon stood out like a hole into the Void amidst her swimming vision. Power still echoing in her throat from the last threat she threw at Agada, she screamed another.

"Throw your weapon or I'll tear your fucking arms off!"

The Preceptor's blood seeped into the already vibrantly red sash tied around her. It seemed to dissipate into the fabric, and a rush of adrenaline surged through her. Her senses were still dulled and unsteady, but time seemed to slow from her perspective as her mind raced from the magic within the finery. Preparing to dodge Invidian's next attack, Lauretta committed to one of her own. The massive axe lunged back up with ferocious swiftness; the flaming skull of a holy symbol gleamed all the while.