Drawing his hands to himself, Norrex then extended them toward Theophilus once more. His outstretched fingers produced a violent stream of unnatural blue flame. Guiding his hands, Norrex used these flames to pursue Theophilus. The little weed tried to stay one step ahead, sprinting to his left. Finding a small boulder, Theophilus lunged behind it, before making himself as small as he could. The torrent of blue flame washed over the boulder, eating at it mercilessly. The little weed could feel the rock begin to melt and give way to the magic flames.
With his point made, Norrex halted his attack. “As you can see, little fool, you are outmatched. Unfortunately, I have little time to toy with you. I simply needed you to see that from the beginning, you had no chance at all,” said the wicked sorcerer.
“A proud man and his ego are soon bested,” called out Theophilus from behind the smoldering rock.
“And a foolish weed and his life are soon ended,” replied Norrex as he prepared his next spell.
Holding to his blades, Theophilus cursed himself. “Think, Theophilus, think!” He stammered.
It was then that the voice of Digus returned to his mind. Fighting fire with fire seems appropriate in this moment, he said.
Thephilus shook his head. For all I know, you want this guy to win so that you may have a new master, he countered.
Norrex? That would belittle me even more so than being carried by you. No, I shall aid you in this battle, offered the wand.
Theophilus nodded. “Very well,” he whispered.
From near the caldron, Norrex channeled his fury once more. “Farewell, little weed. I had hoped to salvage some of your remains for my concoctions, but no matter. There are more of you to claim later,” he said indifferently as he held out his right hand, preparing to strike.
“We’ll see about that,” said Theophilus as he sprang from his hiding spot.
Jumping out quickly, Theophilus tossed three thorns at Norrex. The little piercers stuck into his outstretched hand, causing the sorcerer to howl in pain and break his concentration. Theophilus looked about quickly before setting his eyes upon his wand. Rushing forward, Theophilus leaped. Taking the wand in his hands, the little weed rolled and came to a stop on his feet pointing the weapon at Norrex. Channeling his will into Digus, Theophilus hoped for the best.
“Whoa!”
To the little weed’s surprise, a heavy surge of pure energy shot from the tip of the wand. The yellow burst of power struck Norrex on his shoulder, knocking the pantheryn from his feet. Yet the power wrought from Digus did the same for Theophilus as the little weed was thrown back some feet from where he stood. Shaking his head for clarity, the little weed looked at the wand in disbelief as he found his feet again.
“Little whelp!” Norrex roared as he brought himself to his knees, raising his hands for another magical assault.
Without thinking, Theophilus aimed Digus once more, yet this time planting his feet more squarely. Another blast shot from the wand, sending Norrex diving for cover. Theophilus fell again from the recoil, but covered far less ground this time. The blast he fired crashed into the altar, jarring and cracking it. The impact brought Calla back to her senses.
“What? Where am I?” the gentle flower stammered.
Theophilus brought himself painfully back to his feet again as he called to her. “Calla! You are in danger! Flee from here. Just go!” he called out. In his desire to alert Calla, Norrex was able to conjure another fireball to hurl at him. Theophilus shot at it with Digus, connecting with the fireball. The beam destroyed the flame but sent Theophilus toppling backward painfully again.
Hearing Theophilus’ words, Calla rolled off the altar. She was still weak from captivity yet did her best to crawl away from the skirmish at hand. Norrex got to his feet as he reached deeply into his robes, conjuring a murky red vial of liquid. Taking the moment, he was offered as Theophilus recovered, the sorcerer opened the vial and began pouring it into the cauldron.
“Bah,” he spat as he watched the fluid mix with his brew. “Such a waste of potential. Yet no matter. My plans are only delayed,” he said as he ran his hands over the cauldron. “Minions of shadow, join me now! Free me of this troublesome pest!”
Climbing back to his feet more slowly this time, Theophilus watched as tendrils of shadow rose from the cauldron. These tendrils whipped furiously about around the fire before taking the shape of ferocious, fanged beasts with glowing red eyes. The size of wolves and six in number, the beasts easily towered over Theophilus as they fixed their hungry gazes upon him. As they growled, Norrex laughed once more.
“Feed, my pets! Let this insignificant weed know the folly of meddling against true power!” Norrex commanded. His minions howled at his words before charging at Theophilus.
With their unnatural speed, Theophilus had no time to think. Firing the wand at one, the yellow burst of magic evaporated the first beast, yet only gave the little weed enough time to steady himself before he was among of swarm of rushing evil. Leaping upward, Theophilus barely avoiding snapping jaws as he landed on the back of one of the attacking beasts and propelled himself behind them. Landing, he fired again and was able to fell one more, but by this time the beasts had adjusted and were upon him again. One grabbed the end of the wand, jerking its head and tossing Theophilus and Digus clear of Norrex and the cauldron before rushing toward their battered quarry.
Pleased, Norrex laughed before turning toward Calla, who was fleeing slowly from him via a grim crawl. “I pray you live a little longer, weed, so that you may see the full fruits of your failure,” he crowed before snatching Calla up and heading back to the cauldron.
With what strength she had left, Calla called out to her friend. “Thorn-Ren! Run! Get free of here, please!”
“Calla!” Theophilus could see Norrex nearing his bubbling concoction once more, a satisfied expression resting on his furry face. He then ran between the legs of one of the shadow beasts to avoid death yet again, but still he was circled and trapped by the creatures.
Holding Calla once more over his head, Norrex looked to the skies proudly. “And now, great Moreg, I call upon you to grant me your power!” He then poised to drop Calla into the boiling magical brew.
“No!” Knowing that only seconds remained, Theophilus made one last ditch effort to save his friend.
Rushing two of the advancing beasts, Theophilus leaped toward their open, fanged mouths. Kicking off the side of the left one’s mouth, Theophilus propelled himself upon the back of the other. Jumping high into the air, Theophilus twisted to face the beasts again. Firing Digus, he struck and felled one more creature as the force of the blast sent him sailing toward Norrex. Flying over the sorcerer, Theophilus grabbed Calla as they streaked past their tormentor. Theophilus fired one last time, striking the sorcerer in the back and sending him toppling into his cauldron, spilling the contents upon the ground.
The force of the wand’s blasts sent Theophilus and Calla clear of the clearing. The little weed let go of the wand then, placing both arms around Calla as he tried to protect her from the impending fall. Twisting again, Theophilus crashed upon the ground as the two rolled violently and came to a stop on some soft grass. Theophilus felt very bit of the battle and fall as he found it extremely difficult to move in those moments.
But then, his ears were filled with the shrill voice of Norrex. “You little fool! What have you done? You will suffer for this, I swear,” snarled the pantheryn.
Looking at the spilled contents of the cauldron, the remaining shadow beasts set their blazing eyes upon Norrex, no longer under his control. The hunger in their gazes doubled as they inched toward their former master. They no longer paid the weed any mind as a larger quarry filled their view. Norrex’s defiant tone fell away quickly as he understood the gravity of his predicament.
“Beasts! Listen to me, for I am still your master,” Norrex cried. But now the shadow beasts could smell fear along with the sorcerer’s blood. Norrex drew flame to his hands again, but knew he’d not have
time to conjure enough flame to match their speed. “Stay back, I command you!”
And then the beasts charged.
As the little clearing erupted in magic, snarling, and screaming, Theophilus brought himself to his feet. Fetching Digus, the little weed placed the wand on his back as he scooped up Calla. The gentle flower was unconscious again. Theophilus was grateful she was spared the chaos that was ensuing behind them. “Come, Calla, let us get you away from this darkness,” he whispered as he moved as fast as he could back to Renard.
As Theophilus made haste, he could hear the cries of Norrex as he fought the remaining shadow beasts. The howls and barks were unnerving. Soon there was a great boom of an explosion and all was silent in the forest once more. Chilled by the sounds, Theophilus kept walking, and he never looked back. Nor did he stop to think or process until he had Calla safely on the back of Renard and they were speeding away from Norrex’s domain and toward Alethia once more.
Chapter Seven
Out of Peril
and into Peril
"A pleasant and warm morning to you."
Calla heard the voice fill her ears softly, yet she was in no hurry to open her eyes. She could feel the warmth of the Firestar upon her, and it felt as if it had been ages since she had been allowed to enjoy such sensation. Somehow, without opening her eyes, the flower knew that she was safe, that the owner of that voice kept a watchful eye on her as she rested. And so, she enjoyed those moments between rest and wakefulness, savored and welcomed such a feeling.
At last, Calla opened her eyes slowly. There kneeling beside her was a welcomed sight; the face of Thorn-Ren. The little weed smiled easily, the relief upon his face shimmering brightly. Calla smiled softly to him and his response was immediate. Taking one of her hands into his own, the little weed nodded gratefully at his fortune.
"Hello, Patch," she whispered.
"Hello, Calla," he said easily.
Calla looked about for a moment, saw that they were camped under a gentle tree that still offered warm light through its branches. The Firestar light was strengthening Calla more and more with each passing moment. The open plains around them offered no trouble or peril to burden their day. It was indeed a welcome feeling. "You did it," she breathed.
Theophilus shrugged absently. "I suppose that I did. All that matters is that you are safe now, Calla. And I intend on keeping it that way," he said.
Calla lifted herself up to sitting. Looking herself over, she could see that Theophilus had tended to her scrapes and cuts. He still knelt patiently beside her as he procured a small bowl containing crisp, cool water. Supporting her back, he placed the bowl softly to her lips, allowing her to drink. Calla accepted the water gratefully, drinking deeply but cautiously. When the bowl was empty, Theophilus refilled it.
Holding the bowl up again, the little weed offered it to Calla. "Do you require more?" he asked.
Calla shook her head politely, still happy to feel her energy returning. "I am fine now, Thorn-Ren, thank you," she said as she looked him over. It was then she noticed that the little weed was quite tattered himself, covered with scrapes and burns. "Oh my, Patch. Look at you! You've seen more pleasant days. Why haven't you cared for yourself?"
Theophilus shrugged again as he sat himself down. "I guess I didn't really think about it," he replied distantly. "You were my main focus."
Calla brought herself to her feet slowly. Theophilus went to protest but she held a hand up, indicating she was fine. "Let us remedy this at once and patch up Patch," she said with a giggle as she set about to tend to the little weed.
Theophilus smiled at the joke but looked positively uncomfortable. "It’s okay, Calla. I am fine, really," he offered.
The gentle flower scowled at him. "You are fine when I say you are fine," she countered as she looked him over. "My goodness. That Norrex was even more dangerous than I imagined."
"Indeed," said Theophilus with a shiver. "Things could have easily went differently."
Using the water that Theophilus had poured, Calla began to clean the little weed's wounds, especially his burns. She used great care, even using some of the pollen from her petals. "We of my kind are natural healers. Our pollen dulls pain and speeds recovery. I am glad that I can do this for you," she said.
At last, the little weed relaxed. "Thank you, Calla," he said softly. “I guess I am long overdue to tell you. I bear my mother’s gift of name now. It is no longer Thorn-Ren, but rather Theophilus Thistle,” he added.
Calla giggled earnestly. “At last! I had grown tired of that dark name. Theophilus is a proper name for a hero such as yourself,” she said.
“I’m no hero,” whispered the weed.
“You’re my hero,” countered the flower.
Theophilus looked up at her then, stilled by her beauty as much as he was on their first encounter. The wounds she held did nothing to detract from it. And when she smiled softly at him, his heart nearly burst. The relief he felt with such emotion nearly moved him to tears. Recovering, the little weed cleared his throat. “My thanks again. I feel better already.”
Calla kissed him on the cheek. "It is the very least I can do and does not begin to repay my debt to you," she said.
Theophilus held a hand to the cheek she had just kissed. "Oh, I don't know. We might be even after that," he said with a grin.
She gave him a playful push. "Oh, hush, Patch," she said with another giggle.
Theophilus sat silently as Calla continued her work. It was not long before he too was bandaged up. Almost immediately the little weed looked more chipper as he nodded more thanks to Calla. She then sat herself next to him, laying her head on his shoulder as the two plants let the Firestar fill their strength and spirits.
As they sat there in serenity, Theophilus was deeply reluctant to let such a moment fade. Yet in his gut he knew they should keep moving toward Alethia. The little weed understood he had no way of knowing if they were in the clear. And only back under the great tree of Nibiru would Calla truly be safe once more. And so Theophilus fought for a few more precious seconds before he stood with disinclination.
“We should be going,” he mumbled, his voice devoid of any desire to depart.
“So soon? I was enjoying our long overdue picnic,” replied Calla.
The word picnic sent a jolt through the little weed as he remembered vividly the ransacked picnic he once prepared for Calla before she was taken. He banished the thought and instead focused on the beauty sitting before him, grateful she was safe. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to spend this entire day with you, Calla. But we may still be in danger,” he said, regret revealed easily upon his voice.
Calla sighed as she brought herself to her feet with her own reluctance. “I suppose you are right,” she said in mock defeat. “We still have a long walk ahead of us.”
“Who said anything about walking?” Theophilus asked, grinning before he whistled sharply. A bark filled the air before a fennec fox came rushing over to them happily. Calla almost jumped back but Theophilus placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her. “Calla, I would like you to meet Renard, my friend and our ride for this occasion.”
“Oh my,” said Calla as Renard approached happily. The fox lowered himself before Calla as Theophilus scratched behind his ear. Calla offered a shy hand to Renard which was soon licked. By then, all fear was gone as the gentle flower began scratching at the fox. “He’s adorable,” she exclaimed.
Theophilus nodded. “And swift. Renard was invaluable in helping me get to you in time, and it’s with great fortune that I crossed paths with him,” he said.
“And how did he come to be your mount?” asked Calla.
Theophilus stifled a grin. “Let’s just say he was soundly earned,” he said before setting about to put away his gear for travel.
Thus prepped, Theophilus hopped onto Renard’s back before offering a hand to Calla. She took that hand easily as Theophilus pulled her up to sit behind him. As he made sure all was set, Calla pl
aced her arms around him. The energy that he felt by such a touch sent a jolt through Theophilus. Smiling, the little weed urged Renard forward. The fox happily obliged as he darted forward, racing toward Alethia.
As Renard zipped ahead, Theophilus grinned, enjoying the sounds Calla was making. The gentle flower appeared to be enjoying the rush of the ride as she relaxed further with every stride. At last, Calla laughed and Theophilus urged Renard to go faster. The wind whipped through their petals as both plants savored the freedom offered in those moments of swiftness.
After some time, a lingering thought crept back to Theophilus, fading the smile resting on his face. “Calla, I have to ask. What happened at the picnic? Was it the imps that snatched you before I could get there?”
Calla was quiet for several breaths. Theophilus waited patiently. At last she spoke with reluctance. “Not at first, no. I reached the spot and was so deeply moved by what you had done. I got comfortable and I waited for you. Suddenly, a hood was placed over me and I was forced into a bag. I know not who, but it was plants that did this, Theophilus. They secured me into that bag and handed me off to imps. That is all I know, and I wish it were more,” she replied.
Theophilus mulled on this a spell. “Do you remember anything about your captors? Any smells or sounds that may offer a glimpse into their identity?”
Behind him, Calla shook her head. “All I can remember is the smell of that hood and then the bag they placed me in. It smelled of death and decay and sank my heart. I did struggle to the last. I think I managed to scratch and injure one, for I heard them grunt in pain, but that is all,” she said.
Theophilus nodded. “Thank you, Calla. I don’t like asking you to conjure bad memories, but I fear whoever is wielding this treachery is out for profit and mischief. The longer they go unnoticed, the more all plants are kept in danger,” he said. Instead of replying, Calla squeezed to Theophilus more tightly and the little weed offered no objections to this.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 7