The raid limped into a small clearing far from the town's edge, still inside the Crimson Briar Patch, but out of immediate danger. The survivors collapsed where they stood as exhaustion claimed their all.
The wounded were laid on patches of ground cleared of crimson growth, their injuries ranging from deep gashes to broken bones.
The healers moved to them immediately. Hands glowed with restorative magic, sealing wounds and mending fractures. Most injuries were straightforward, physical trauma that responded well to healing spells.
Lena was different.
She lay on her side, coughing violently and losing blood from her ears, mouth, nose, and eyes.
Each spasm made her tremble because of the pain it jolted into her being. Her skin was also starting to take on a pale quality, which was dotted with reds and weird black spots.
Her temperature also rose, and she started sweating as if she were inside a sauna, and that was despite October's chill being on them all.
