Searching for an Explanation

"Well, I don't think that Tarsa is actually possessed by Valmar himself, as Satrina said," Skye put in. "Only by one of his creatures, this Metatarsa. That's bad enough of course. But maybe the possession can work both ways? Perhaps the influence of Tarsa's personality on Metatarsa has at least partially 'corrupted' the demoness from evil to good? And maybe Valmar is aware of that. It would explain the attacks that have been made on Tarsa by his 'Hand' and his 'Stomach' since she became possessed."

"Or perhaps it's more a question of self-preservation on the demoness's part, Metatarsa knowing that if Tarsa is killed then she will die too?" Fred wondered.

"Maybe. But she seems oddly likeable, in a vulgar sort of way."

Tarsa looked even more confused now, and desperately frightened as well. "You'd better tell her everything that has happened," Satrina advised Fred.

So Fred did. When he had finished, Tarsa said: "So what are you going to do now? You probably ought to kill me."

"Don't be silly," Fred said. "I've invested too much effort in trying to keep you safe for me to kill you now." He wasn't about to admit that he had become very fond of her, of course. He went on: "So what do we do now? Go on to Agear Town as planned?"

"I can't think of anything else," Satrina admitted.

1. A couple of the horses had survived. They were able to capture them. Fred and Tarsa went on one horse, Satrina on the other.
2. They had to continue on foot.
3. Fred sent Skye on ahead to Agear Town to try to get help.

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