The Last of Kel'Thara

by David Partelow

  "You are more than that, Marro of Thorindale."

  "Maybe in your world, I could have been, Kaysa of Quenthell. But not this one."

  "The world is what we make it," countered Kaysa defiantly.

  "There is little left of a world for making," said Marro as he motioned to the scenery with his hand. "You have been a part of it for just a small span now. When it is the only life you have ever known, it becomes something else entirely."

  Kaysa's teeth clenched as her frustration urged her to fight on, yet she stopped. There was merit in the mercenary's words. The world she now saw outside of Quenthell burdened her soul deeply in the days she had experienced it. Kaysa couldn't fathom enduring it a lifetime, much less even try to. Instead, she nodded briefly and left the matter alone.

  It was then that Delegas's voice filled the skiff. "We have arrived," he stated.

  Kaysa rose cautiously as the skiff slowed to their destination. A sudden unease rose within the young elf as she took in her surroundings. The landscape was somehow more desolate than usual, made even more grim by the fact that it was the ancient remains of a graveyard. The sudden feel of death chilled Kaysa as the silence of the place trounced upon her spirits.

  Before her, Kaysa looked upon what she surmised to once be holy ground. The graveyard was small, yet it held the remnants of a great mausoleum. The structure was in shambles, yet it held defiantly with what remained of its stones. Kaysa felt a foreboding darkness staring upon it.

  Marro chuckled bitterly as he rose to his feet. “We have escaped death and arrived at more death.”

  “It is but a deception,” stated Delegas as he exited the skiff. “There are no burials here. It is merely designed to appear so. It is amazing what can be accomplished with some stone slabs and a simple spell.”

  “The tomb is empty then?” asked Lokus expectantly.

  Delegas nodded as he approached the mausoleum. “Indeed, young Lokus. The cavern that is hidden within is considered holy ground. It pained us to make it appear as such a desecration, but desperate times have forced our measures to respond in kind.”

  Wordlessly the group then followed Delegas as he ventured to the front of the stone structure masquerading as a crypt. The sense of foreboding returned to Kaysa, reminding her quickly of the veil that protected Quenthell. Delegas muttered a soft incantation and the sensation retreated from her senses. Offering another set of soft words, the stone slab upon the mausoleum slowly opened, revealing darkness and shadow.

  “The cavern is just up ahead,” said Delegas as he motioned within. “But remain close. It is easy to become lost if you do not know the way.”

  Kaysa nodded at his words absently as she gauged the readiness of her companions. All appeared wary yet ready to press forward. Satisfied at the silence offered, Delegas pushed ahead, walking confidently into the darkness. A moment later, Marro followed. This bolstered the others, for Kaysa was soon in the mercenary’s wake.

  Kaysa could soon make out the innards of the mausoleum as her eyes adjusted slowly. She could see the six stone tombs laid upon the ground as they walked between them. Dust and webbing added to the charade, as well as a musty scent of decay. Kaysa shivered, yet reminded herself this was what she was supposed to feel. Bolstered, she watched the son of Talcoros as he moved forward with absolute sureness.

  Reaching the end of the mausoleum, Delegas paused before an even larger tomb laid out before them. The elf then pressed upon one of the tone’s etchings and the tomb started to tremble. Soon, the tomb slowly opened itself, revealing a set of stairs venturing downward. Satisfied, Delegas pressed forward, descending the stairs with great ease which he inspired the others to join him with his actions.

  Inching into the dark caverns below, Kaysa’s senses were met with fresh scents that she had not smelled since Quenthell. Gentle coolness met her face and she closed her eyes a moment to relish the sensation. Soon her apprehensions dissolved, for she and the others passed through the enchanted veil above.

  Once all were below, Delegas spoke soft words of another spell as he snapped his fingers. A small blue flame spat to life, hovering over the elf’s hand. The flame filled the cavern depths a soft, yet sure light. Kaysa observed that the cave sprouted in multiple directions, offering truth to Delegas’s earlier words.

  Vienda, after surveying the surroundings, eyed Delegas suspiciously. “How is it that you are able to conjure magics so easily when being parted from Quenthell ceased your father’s castings?” she asked.

  Delegas chuckled, despite the bitterness that rose at such a question. “My father had grown accustomed to embracing the strength given to him from Quenthell and the seed of Tharador. So much in fact that when deprived of it, it likely weakened him beyond his own expectations. Magic still can be channeled in this world, but it takes great effort. Even the most knowledgeable are mostly limited to simple spells such as this flame I now hold. And who is to say how much magic is left in the world beyond what remains of that seed.” Delegas then searched about before setting his sights on a path that led northwest. “This way.”

  Kaysa followed once more, letting silence prevail as her eyes scoured their surroundings. The tranquility of the cavern lowered her guard somehow, as she felt some soothing magic afoot. Swiftly she felt rejuvenated with a vitality she thought lost back in Quenthell. Bolstered, the young elf looked to the others, certain that they too were feeling the same effects.

  Delegas spoke as he guided them further into the caverns. “I am certain you are feeling the effects as I am, for we are near the last lifeblood of Kel’Thara: the final remnants of the mystic waters of A’Lahdain. Many are the lives that have been lost in the preservation of this fount, for it was the hope that one day they could purify the waters that run throughout the caverns. Once I too held to hopes of a world reborn. These hopes have dwindled greatly, much like the last of the waters you will soon see.”

  Kaysa exchanged a glance with Marro, for it was clear they both were thinking the same thing. “Delegas, if the waters of A’Lahdain could revive the seed, then why has it not been done sooner?” she asked.

  Delegas paused then to stop and look at her and the others. As he did, the flame in his hand rippled with his own annoyance. “Because, child, it is still a hope at best. There is no assurance that this will even work. There is no assurance that the seed can be taken to the remains of Tharador, or if it would be claimed by the Ageless King instead. And there is no assurance that the seed would even wish to see such a journey once it has been awakened,” he said.

  “What does that mean?” asked Marro.

  “You will see soon enough,” replied Delegas before he turned and resumed his charge.

  With no other choice, Kaysa and the others followed, curious of the veiled truth of the words of Talcoros’s son.

  It was not long before Delegas turned a final corner and halted. Almost instantly, Kaysa could see a gentle glow shimmering off the Elder’s son. As she too turned the corner, she gasped softly at the sight. There tucked at the tunnel’s end was a small stone fountain and well that held the waters of A’Lahdain. The waters glowed in beautiful hues of blue as they rested and traversed the fountain. The mystic pool beckoned the group to it and Kaysa was drawn to its power. Instantly, she felt peace as well as a newfound swell of energy.

  As the others looked on, Delegas spoke. “I offer you the sacred water of A’Lahdain, long protected by the line of my ancestors, the Elders of Shadorei. Let us hope that what lays before us is enough for our purpose.”

  Kaysa replied to his words, though she was unable to break her gaze from the mystic waters. “You are uncertain?”

  “I am,” replied Delegas. “There are no certainties, especially now. All that we have are hopes and those are as rare as these waters now."

  “What must be done,” breathed Marro with some urgency.

  Delegas replied as he neared the fountain and knelt before it. “What must be done is out of your hands now, mercenary. That purpose rest sol
ely upon myself and the seed keeper,” he said before he beckoned. “Come by the waters, Kaysa.”

  Kaysa hesitated but a second before she did as she was asked. Walking slowly, Kaysa made her way to Delegas, clutching gently to the seed around her neck. Delegas offered her a reassuring smile as he motioned for her to kneel as well. Kaysa did as bid, looking to Delegas expectantly as she did so.

  “This ritual is simple, Kaysa. I simply need you to follow a few simple instructions,” said Delegas.

  Kaysa nodded softly. “I am ready,” she said.

  “I hope so, child. For you are only beginning to understand the gravity of your choice,” replied Delegas. Before Kaysa could press for further detail, Delegas pointed to her neck. “Remove the seed and hold it in your hand.”

  Kaysa clasped to the seed defensively, noticing her instinct to protect her charge. Since leaving Quenthell, the seed had never gone far from neck. Slowly she removed the necklace, placing the carrier and seed into her palm. Delegas nodded as he wrapped the leather cord around her wrist.

  Satisfied, Delegas released her wrist. “You may place your hand within the waters now,” he said.

  Carefully, Kaysa dipped her clenched hand within the waters of A’Lahdain, allowing it and the seed to be submerged. She expected a chill, yet the magical waters welcomed her hand and Kaysa felt warmth despite the coldness of the water. Swiftly her hand felt a surge as if the waters were bolstering her further. Delegas waited long moments as the seed was invigorated by the waters.

  “If you pray, Kaysa, then I suggest that you pray, for this will likely be the greatest prayer you ever cast,” said Delegas as he placed a hand upon her forearm.

  Before Kaysa could offer response, Delegas uttered a melodic chant, repeating its course when he reached the end. As he continued, he clenched Kaysa’s arm more firmly. Grimacing at the pressure, Kaysa held firm as the mystic waters stirred and swirled around her hand. She could feel the warmth growing and rousing her senses. Kaysa fought to maintain her grasp upon the seed as it offered its own heat.

  The light of the enchanted water increased as the seed in Kaysa’s hand started to glow. Gritting her teeth, the young elf held to her charge as the chanting from Delegas deepened. Kaysa was frozen in place as the swirling waters bubbled. Tears swelled in her eyes as her senses threatened to be thoroughly overwhelmed.

  “Delegas…I…can’t…much…” croaked Kaysa as she fought to remain where she knelt.

  In response, the chanting from Delegas intensified again. Marro called out for Kaysa as he and the others found themselves unable to move. The light danced off the cavern walls as Kaysa’s hair flowed from the magic coursing through her. Her senses threatened to leave her as her eyes rolled.

  It was then, at its greatest pitch that the chant offered by Delegas ended with resounding light. Both he and Kaysa were thrown back from the fountain, Kaysa gasped as she grabbed hold of her own wrist. The mystic waters before them sputtered and coughed the remainder of their strength as the elves watched with held breaths.

  And then the waters of A’Lahdain stilled, and its magical light extinguished for good, blanketing the cavern in darkness and shadow again.

  Coughing her lungs clear, Kaysa groaned as exhaustion set upon her. At her side, Delegas cursed as he tried to conjure another blue flame to no avail. Kaysa could hear the whispers of her friends through the darkness as disoriented eyes sought to right themselves. Slowly, feeling returned to Kaysa’s hand as she realized she was still clutching to the seed.

  And then, in a burst of strength, the seed awakened.

  Kaysa gasped as her hand was overcome by the seed’s power. The seed, fused with the mystic waters, now pulsed with magic of its own. This magic rose like a kindled fire, offering illumination in the absence of Delegas’s blue flame. Next to Kaysa, Delegas covered his mouth as awe gripped him with wonderment.

  “My eyes cannot be believed in this moment. It is done,” he whispered. “The seed lives.”

  Kaysa gazed down upon her hand, seeing it wrapped around the magical seed. Suddenly, purpose filled her spirit as she allowed herself to stoke the flames of hope. She could not explain it, nor find a word or phrase to aid her. Kaysa knew that the power of Tharador was with her. Slowly she found her feet, placing the seed back to her neck as the others ventured to her carefully.

  “It is true then,” said Marro.

  “It is now,” said Delegas. “We now can face our quest, for this changes everything.”

  Marro eyed the son of Talcoros. “There is still a long way to go,” he countered.

  Delegas nodded once, still looking upon the seed. “But now we are fueled with true purpose, and that is enough for me.”

  Kaysa was about to speak when she witnessed Onzlyn’s ears perk as he looked back in their wake. Making two audible clicks with his mouth, Marro was alerted and drew one of his guns from his belt. “Perhaps not,” ventured Marro as he growled his frustration. “It would appear that our quest has been followed.”

  Cursing under his breath, Delegas led the group away from the diminished waters and back the way they came. Marro and Onzlyn flanked the elf with weapons at the ready. Kaysa stood at Lokus’s side as her friend drew an arrow from his quiver. Vienda stood in front of Khey as she softly unsheathed her blade. Kaysa covered the glowing seed with both hands, willing it to quiet its light.

  Delegas kept the pace moderate, yet quiet as he traversed the caverns. As they reached the end of the tunnel, the group could see that the entrance was flooding with soldiers from Thorindale bearing torches. At the sight of their commander Vakk, Marro fought the urge to fire upon him. Delegas held up his hand to urge for quiet as he backed the group up into further darkness.

  “What are our options?” asked Marro as he looked over his shoulder, never taking his gaze from Vakk.

  “Death if you shoot that man now and give away our position,” hissed Delegas as he considered their alternatives. “There is another way out of this cavern, but the route is not simple.”

  “As if anything comes easy for us,” mumbled Marro, still glaring at Vakk.

  Delegas pointed to another cavern to the west of them. “We must make it to that cavern if we are to have a chance. But if they notice us, we will be cut down easily before we reach it.”

  Marro exchanged a look with Onzlyn. “I suppose we could concoct a diversion,” he answered.

  “No,” breathed Khey as he gathered himself. “This is my moment. The sacred waters have bolstered me, I will use that power for our escape.”

  Vienda grabbed his shoulder. “Are you certain of this?” she asked.

  Khey nodded and offered her a warm grin. “As certain as my depth of love for you,” he responded. Vienda merely nodded, knowing she had to trust her chosen as she always had in the past.

  Drawing a long, deep breath, Khey outstretched his arms and good hand as he walked out to the enemy’s torch lights. “Be prepared to run,” he stated before inciting a conjuring that Kaysa had heard from the lips of Talcoros.

  As his incantation started, the soldiers of Thorindale took notice of Khey. Yet there was no apprehension in the elf now, only confidence and purpose remained. He pressed with his conjuring, understanding that the fate of his friends as well as Kel’Thara hung upon his words and commitment. Upon seeing him, Vakk barked an order as his soldiers lined up and took aim, ready to fire on his mark.

  “Fugitives of Quenthell, traitors of Thorindale, surrender yourselves at once. I will not make such a request again,” shouted Vakk adamantly.

  Khey met his steel with steel of his own. “Your request is no longer required, for we will not falter in the face of you,” said Khey before finishing his incantation. “Run now, friends! To the cavern!”

  At his instruction, Vienda led the charge from their hiding place and toward their destination. Placing her faith in Khey, Kaysa followed swiftly, and the actions of both women inspired the others to join them. Khey walked along to their destination, holding his arms o
ut in protection. A faint light glowed before him as the elf healer guarded his charges.

  Vakk, seeing that his quarry would not yield, pointed in their direction. “Fire!” he commanded.

  Without hesitance, the assembled soldier pulled the triggers on their rifles, filling the cavern with a deafening thunder. Kaysa covered her ears, fully expecting to be cut down but such a storm of bullets. Yet to her surprise and to the surprise of the others, Khey’s magical barrier held, stopping the assault in its tracks. The bullets collided upon the shield before falling uselessly to the ground. Satisfied, Khey kept moving, his protection unwavering.

  Vakk barked his order, demanding his soldiers reload and fire again. Khey repelled their assault again, but it was clear the spell was waning. “Move swiftly, friends, I do not know if I can repel another volley!”

  To Khey’s relief though, his friends covered the distance and were now entering the cavern. Marro and Onzlyn lingered, firing their own weapons to cover Khey. Satisfied, Khey lowered his spell to rejoin his group, rushing into the cavern just as the soldiers of Thorindale fired a third volley. Khey, grunted at the effort, making it just before a hail of bullets ate at the stone of the caverns. Joined with the others, he nodded for Delegas to lead them forward.

  “Are you alright?” Vienda asked, seeing the exhaustion upon her chosen’s face and limbs.

  “I am now,” he reassured her, smiling at the sight of Vienda.

  Sparking his blue flame once more, Delegas pointed down the cavern. “This way. They will be upon us quickly,” he urged.

  “We shall see on that account,” said Marro as he and Onzlyn back peddled, keeping their weapons trained on the opening as they retreated. Already they could hear the soldiers’ boots as they rushed in pursuit.

  As they ran, Marro fired the pistols in his grip until they turned a corner. Kaysa looked back in time to see Marro reload as Onzlyn procured more leather-bound orbs from his pack. Onzlyn soon placed them upon the ground, leaving a trail of these orbs as they went. Kaysa remembered the volatile power of those orbs and shivered at the thought of them being utilized within the confines of the cavern.