“Yup; and it looks like we’re up against the two of them. It looks like the holy water you baptised managed to change Tom back physically but internally, some of the infection has permanently set in. It’s just my guess, of course.” Father Adams nodded and stared to the sky. It was growing darker and they had some way to go. They continued forwards for the next hour and then decided to rest. Sheriff Kane had brought along some sleeping rugs on his backpack which he unloaded. There was also some chilled mineral water and a loaf of white bread, cheese, a tin of crackers and a jar of horlicks for Father Adams.

“Ah! You remembered! Thank you so much, Sheriff Kane.” And so the two of them unloaded their bedding and settled down to eat and drink. Sheriff Kane placed a cracker in his mouth and said. “Father Adams, you don’t realise how much of a comfort you are to me.” “I feel so safe just knowing that you’re sitting there right before me.” Father Adams, who was mixing his powered horlicks with water in a mug, smiled and took a sip.

“Why thank you, Sheriff Kane. You’re most kind.” High up in the pitch black sky, stars shimmered and the full moon revealed itself from amidst the trees. Father Adams eyes were growing heavy and he felt sleepy but Sheriff Kane was very alert.

“Aww, poor Father Adams. You must be so so tired.” Said Sheriff Kane, staring directly at him. Father Adams pressed his eyelids tightly and reopened them to stay conscious but when he looked back at Sheriff Adams, he wasn’t there. He stood up and looked around.

“Where did you go, Sheriff Kane?” He whispered to himself. That’s most odd; he was here just a moment ago.” There was pin drop silence all around him. The only sound was the crispy leaves under his boots as he tredded through the forest searching wide-eyed for Sheriff Kane. His heart beat fast and he for the first time, he began to feel fear. He decided to chant sacred words to give him strength and he whispered,

“Sheriff Kane, please come out where ever you are.” “We need to be up early in the morning to continue with our mission.” He shook for a moment as the hooting of an owl rang out. Father Kane held his heart with his hands and as he turned back, he realised he was lost. Nothing could be seen in the dead of night. He could only feel his way.

“Oh God. I’m supposed to give others strength. That was not a very wise move. I should have remained and waited back where we were.” And as he knelt down to sit, he brushed against something.

“Sheriff Kane?” He asked, wide eyed in total fear. He could just make out the outline of a tall figure staring down at him.

“Ah, Father Kane, we meet again, as I promised we would. There’s no need to fear; the dark prince is now here!.” Father Adams pushed himself forwards and began to run as fast as he could, for his life.

End of Chapter 6.