"No way am I going back there," Tryst said, his face pale.

"Please, I have to seal it so it can’t be rebuilt," Matius pleaded but Tryst shook his head.

"No sir, I know better than to tempt fate twice."

Matius scratched his hand anxiously before he seemed to come to a decision.

"Look, this valley will soon be swarming with Brimstone scouts trying to find me and anyone associated with the rift's explosion. If you get me to the rift, I can get you out of here quickly. I'll bring you back to Aziron."

Jayln frowned. "You were going to leave us before?"

Matius winced guiltily. "It's not—look the Arch Mage gave me this."

He pulled a golden chain from underneath his robe. It had a blue glass sphere strung on it, the inside filled with swirls of purple light. "It's what kept the demoness from knowing I was there. When I was done, I was to break the gem and it would open a portal back to the Arch Mage's island. It's not my magic and I'm not sure it can take all of us which is why I didn't mention it earlier."

Echa eyed the orb suspiciously and Tryst laughed. "We're not daft. You can't trick us into risking our lives over an imaginary bauble."

Jayln looked at the orb. "I don't know it looks pretty real to me."

Tryst stopped laughing and squinted at her. "Jayln, be serious."

"I am! It clearly isn't a normal jewel."

Tryst turned to Echa who said, "She’s right, perhaps it proves some truth to his story."

The ex-pirate held up a hand. "Wait a second. I don't see any magic jewel."

Matius turned to show it more clearly and Tryst waved at him as if proving a point. "See he's holding nothing!"

The three stared at Tryst. Anwen mumbled, "Sir, there is really a necklace there."

Tryst squinted again and leaned in. Matuis held the jewel protectively and when Tryst got closer Matius tucked it away and reached out to tap his forehead.

"Hey whatchu—"

"Ah!" Matius exclaimed, examining his finger. "You're demon touched."

Tryst straightened. "What did you do to me?"

Matius waved a hand still engrossed with his finger. "Nothing, nothing, just a quick test. Fascinating. The necklace's enchantments seem to be affecting you." He looked up at Tryst and blinked. "I don't suppose you're possessed?"

"Of all the...look here mister! I've never tampered with Brimstones in my life until today and I think I'd know if I were possessed."

Echa dragged her daughter a step away from Tryst and he turned to her hurt. "Echa, really!"

Matius held up a hand and murmured some words. A soft light began to shine from his eyes. He breathed a sigh of relief. "No, he's not possessed, but I'm sorry to inform you some of your soul is missing."

"Some of my—" Tryst shivered. "Damn, I knew it."

He gave Matius a wry grin, "So doc, how long have I got? I felt that monster tear me up on my way out. Guess he took a bite out of me after all."

Matius prodded Tryst with a finger. "Hmmm. I've never met a demon touched before. Not often someone survives an encounter. Especially leaving with a torn soul. As far as I know you'll live, though what happens after is up for debate. I'm sure the Arch Mage would like to examine you."

"I'm not sure I like the sound of that.” Tryst grimaced. “But if I'm not about to drop dead, I'll take my chances...the afterlife and me have never been friends anyway."

Matius coughed and then stuck out a hand. "Do we have a deal? You let me seal the rift and I'll try to take you to Aziron."

Tryst shivered again but stuck his hand in Matius's. "Fine, but expect complaining."

They moved carefully back through the trees, Tryst set his jaw as they exited the valley back towards the cave. His chattering teeth were audible and although he had a blanket wrapped around him, his shivering grew worse.

He used it like a compass until, blue lipped he pointed a shaking finger through the trees. "T-t-there i-it is."

Matius bounded forward and threw some dust from his pocket on the ground in front of the cave. He faced it, his hands palms out in front of him and began chanting. A wind picked up and flew around Matius. White and yellow flames licked his feet and then ribboned up to form a complete rune. He shut his fists and slammed them together. There was a snap Jayln felt more than heard and the wind stopped. Matius slumped a bit and he looked about dizzily.

"That should do it."

Tryst muttered something inaudible and then waved a hand. "Alright, then g-g-get us out of here."