"And you always are," said Aradon before he pointed to the market himself. "Ah, here he comes now."
Theophilus looked to where Aradon gazed and his eyes rested upon an elf who, even to a little weed, looked larger than life. With bold steps, the Ranger captain approached. His eyes were hawk-sharp, yet possessed an amused jubilance that was disarming. His handsome features were accentuated by a pressing confidence, his golden hair tied behind his head. Even from a distance, even in his immaculate Ranger's uniform he exuded defiance. In his hand rested a beautifully patterned bow. On his back an eloquent quiver of arrows sat at the ready. To Theophilus, the elf looked equally prepared to attend a formal ball and the heart of the nearest battlefield.
Before the Ranger captain was fully to them, Aradon nodded to the man, raising his voice so that the approaching captain heard too. “New friends, this dashing rogue approaching now is Captain Corym Shael, decorated Ranger of the elven elite,” he said.
Captain Shael coughed a simple, yet earnest laugh. “Aradon, if you keep speaking of me so highly, I’ll be forced to walk on water to back my reputation,” he said before offering a hand to Aradon and squeezing it firmly. “It is good to see you again, old friend. Though I’m surprised to see you out of Quint to be honest.”
“I know you are in the majority that view me as a homebody now, but I do get out from time to time,” replied Aradon with a wink. “I don’t tell you everything, after all.”
“I am sure the less I know the better,” laughed Captain Shael before he nodded to the other elf present. “Isiago,” he added, his greeting close to lukewarm.
Isiago nodded indifferently. “Captain,” he murmured.
“So, you have that look about you, Aradon. What is it that I can do for you?” Captain Shael asked.
Aradon motioned to the plants and their fox. “Captain, I’d like you to meet Theophilus Thistle and Calla. They have brought to me a matter of importance and urgency. I knew if anyone could assist them it would be you,” he said.
Captain Shael rubbed at his chin thoughtfully. “Well you know I am always up for an adventure, but you have happened on me at a bad time. But we are well met, Calla of Alethia and Theophilus of Bunda-Bas. Your lands are no stranger to me. What is it that troubles you and brings you so far from home?”
Theophilus offered the Ranger captain a deep bow. “Captain Shael, I have been on a perilous adventure to reclaim my friend Calla here, and in doing so, I have learned that the struggle is not over yet. Dark Claw imps are in league with a powerful sorcerer who means to use more of my kind to carry out his sinister plots. I fear that time is already running short in stopping him,” said the little weed.
Captain Shael knelt, showing Theophilus that he was taking his matter seriously. His features suddenly hardened and the jubilance that had rested upon his face faded for one that struck fear into his enemies. “You mentioned a dark sorcerer. Do you know his name?”
Theophilus nodded. “He is a pantheryn known as Norrex and his power is considerable,” he said.
Captain Shael nodded at this. “If you have encountered him and lived, then you have my respect regarding your skill. Norrex is not to be handled lightly,” he said before looking up at Aradon. “We must act quickly,” he added.
Aradon nodded. “I agree,” he offered.
Captain Shael looked at the little weed again. “Do you know where Norrex is currently?”
The little weed nodded. “I do, sir,” he said.
The captain stood then, whistling to his men. “Good,” he said as three of his rangers rushed to him. “Give me a moment, please.”
The swiftest of the Rangers came to a stop, placing a fist over his heart. “Yes, captain?”
Captain Shael gave him a stern gaze as he responded. “A pressing matter has come to my attention. A wanted fugitive has been spotted and I feel we must act immediately if we are to apprehend him,” he said.
The Ranger Shael addressed appeared troubled by his words. “But captain, we have been given explicit orders to get the diplomats we are escorting to Randoon at once. The commander was quite, quite clear,” he remarked. This clearly wasn’t the first time Captain Shael had defied orders.
“Very well,” said Captain Shael. “You will continue on to Randoon. I will ‘scout’ behind, making sure that our diplomatic charges have not been followed by any rabble-rousers. Safety first, always,” he said with a grin.
Captain Shael’s subordinate saluted again, shaking his head as he departed. “As you wish, captain,” he said. Soon the other two elves followed him.
Captain Shael nodded to the little weed. “I have bought some time to assist you, little one, but we must be swift. I will be due back with my group before the morning shines,” he said.
Theophilus nodded, offering a smile. “You have our thanks, Ranger,” he said.
Aradon raised an eyebrow. “No support? On your own? I think your ego has blossomed further since I have seen you last,” he said.
The captain nodded. “I can afford to be confident, for I shall have the great Aradon at my side. One more adventure among old friends,” he countered.
“Indeed,” said Aradon.
Isiago could stay silent no longer. “But, Aradon, the people of Quint are anxious for our return,” he stammered.
Aradon fixed him a glare of impatience. “And we will get to that. But first we will show these gentle plants what it means to represent Quint, so that we may return home without shame,” he said, adding some firmness to his words.
Isiago nodded as he turned away. “As you wish,” he breathed before going to fetch their mounts.
Captain Shael watched Isiago go. “I remember him being more tolerable once upon a time,” he reflected.
Aradon nodded. “His spirit has grown heavier over the seasons. I hope to find the cause and help him with it if possible. He truly is a staunch defender of Quint,” he said. To this Captain Shael grunted but said no more. Aradon then motioned to the plants. “So, friends, shall we be on our way?”
Theophilus hopped on the back of Renard and Calla joined him swiftly. “Without a doubt, Aradon! Let us hope we are still not too late to do some good,” said the weed before he urged Renard swiftly off.
Aradon and Captain Shael watched the little plants speed off as they mounted their horses. “A brave one that weed is,” mused Aradon.
“Aye,” said Captain Shael. “If he were but a lot taller I’d want him as a Ranger.”
“There is also the fact that he is not an elf,” commented Aradon.
“Bah! It’s time for that rule to be abolished,” said the captain, shaking his head. “Besides, you would be surprised what the wonders magic and make up can do with the right attitude and focus.”
“How you remain a Ranger is beyond me, Corym,” said Aradon.
“You and I both, old friend,” said Captain Shael as he, Aradon and Isiago went after Theophilus and Calla.
Chapter Nine
Another Bout
Riding with all possible haste, Theophilus lead the others back to the encampment of the Dark Claw imps. Once again, the Firestar was starting to wane. The slowly growing darkness was motivation enough for Theophilus to press harder, for he shuddered at facing Norrex again under the cover of night. Calla must have felt his shiver, for she squeezed more tightly to the little weed and his confidence was bolstered.
Looking over his shoulder, Theophilus offered Calla a reassuring smile before he glanced behind her. The three elves in tow were easily keeping up, their faces indicating that they sensed the upcoming conflict. As they neared the location, Theophilus again felt the chilling touch of darkness and evil upon him. It was only a question of time now and how much dark magic the evil sorcerer was conjuring to himself.
Calla nudged him from his thoughts. "Theophilus, do you think we will be able to stop Norrex and the imps?" she asked.
Theophilus shrugged. "I can't say, but I am bolstered at having Captain Shael and the others with us. I assume
we will simply have to do what we can and hope it is enough in the end," he said.
"Are you not worried? Scared?"
Theophilus nodded. "Of course, I am! But those things are lessened, because I have something that those evil rabble-rousers will never have," he replied.
"And what is that?"
Theophilus turned again, still smiling at her. "I have hope. And I have you," he said. At this, Calla said nothing, just gave the little weed another reassuring squeeze.
With Renard panting, Captain Shael brought his horse alongside Theophilus. "Are we close, young weed?"
Theophilus nodded, not taking his eyes from the path. "Very close, captain," he said as he pointed ahead. "Once we crest this hill, we should be able to see the encampment."
"And you are certain they are there?" The captain asked.
Theophilus shook his head. "Of course not. But it makes more sense. I don't think he would return to his place of rituals after last night. And with the imps he is bolstered. Time will tell in moments," he replied. Captain Shael grunted his acknowledgment as he too focused on the hill ahead.
As they eclipsed the hill, Calla pointed. “There,” she gasped.
They were too late.
There before Theophilus and the others stood the Dark Claw imps, hovering around a boiling cauldron. Standing over it was Norrex. The pantheryn held someone familiar to Theophilus over his head. Thrashing frantically was Pyron. At the sight of the approaching group, he called out, yet it was the last word he would ever utter. Norrex cast him into the cauldron and a torrent of dark energy spat skyward. The dark energies proceeded to swell around Norrex as he laughed triumphantly.
“It is done!” the dark sorcerer cackled. “The glory of Moreg blesses me on this day. Victory and power are mine!”
Theophilus looked back at Calla. “Take the reins,” he urged before switching her spots. Calla pushed Renard forward as Theophilus drew his wand Digus and prepared to strike. Behind them, Aradon, Isiago, and Captain Shael drew their own weapons as they sped their steeds forward to attack.
As dark magics continued to envelope Norrex, the surrounding imps took notice of Theophilus and the others. With Calla directing Renard, Theophilus fired Digus as Captain Shael let his arrows fly swiftly from his bow. The first streaked over the bulk of the imps, casting down a smoke that sent the imps running and coughing. Aradon leaped off his horse to challenge the imps in close combat while Isiago weaved spells of ice at the swarming denizens.
Calla moved Renard deftly, avoiding the rushing imps as Theophilus continued to fire. It was not long before the Dark Claw imps were fleeing from the fight. The addition of three skilled elves was too much for them. With the imps routed, the group could focus their attention to the swarming magics wrought by the dark sorcerer.
As they surrounded the cauldron and Norrex, Captain Shael dismounted and trained his blow upon the pantheryn. “Norrex! I am Captain Shael of the Rangers and I order you to surrender. Cease your magical conjuring and come along peacefully. There is no reason for further misery,” he commanded.
Suddenly, the swarm of magic lifted, revealing the invigorated pantheryn. Norrex’s eyes blazed red with brimming power as he grinned upon his enemies. His robes danced about with a life of their own as the sorcerer held out clawed hands raging with dark flame. Theophilus could feel the evil pouring from him and knew he was even more powerful than their last encounter. He hopped off Renard, standing in front of Calla and the fox as he aimed his wand at their enemy.
Captain Shael spoke again. “Norrex, this is your last warning. Lower your hands and surrender,” he said.
At this Norrex laughed again. “Fools! Do you not see that I have been anointed by Moreg himself? You are now nothing to me,” he laughed.
“Take him down,” instructed Captain Shael as he prepared to fire.
Norrex clapped his hands together then. A ripple of power echoed forward in all directions. As it hit Theophilus and the others, they all were toppled to the ground. Isiago was thrown from his horse. Calla cried out as she and Renard fell sharply. The group clamored to their feet as the strengthened sorcerer approached them confidently.
Aradon rushed at the sorcerer, sword poised to strike. Norrex used his newfound power to casually push him several feet away with a wave of his hand. Captain Shael continued to fire with his bow. Norrex held up a hand as swirls of magic made a shield before him, crushing the arrows as they struck. Norrex then shot a stream of fire toward the Ranger who was forced to nimbly dive out of harm’s way. Still finding his feet, Isiago aimed his staff, releasing a hail of ice shards. Norrex simply shielded himself with both hands before he filled his fists with dark flame.
“You are all bested and will make great subjects under my new rule,” said Norrex as he prepared to unleash his fury upon Isiago.
“Not on this day,” said Theophilus as he rushed between Norrex and Isiago.
Norrex’s smile deepened. “I was hoping to see you again, little whelp. You will perish last,” he said.
Theophilus shook his head. “To that, we shall see,” he challenged.
Norrex held out his hands before Theophilus, unleashing a wave of pure energy. Theophilus fired back with energy from his wand. Digus offered a raging stream of white light. The two magical forces collided and fought for dominance with neither Theophilus or Norrex yielding. The intensity of their duel was nearly blinding.
Theophilus began to lose ground as the energy wrought by Norrex threatened to overtake him. “You are but a speck, made smaller by my newfound power,” called Norrex.
Theophilus spoke through gritted teeth. “In your eyes, yes,” he breathed. “But I merely needed to keep those eyes focused on me,” he said before calling out. “Now!”
Norrex turned his head but it was too late. Charging from behind was Calla upon Renard. She leaped upon the pantheryn’s neck as Renard lunged, teeth bared. As the fox bit into the pantheryn’s leg, Calla attacked Norrex with one of the little weed’s blades. Norrex kicked at the fox as he swatted Calla from him, cursing them as he did.
It was all the time Theophilus needed. Gathering himself again, he focused all his will into Digus, sending one more burst of pure magic at Norrex. The blast struck the pantheryn before he could defend himself as the force drove Theophilus in the other direction. The sorcerer toppled backwards, rolling on to the ground. He snarled as he attempted to reclaim his feet and wits.
Still laying on the ground, Theophilus fired another steady stream of magic upon the dark sorcerer. The pantheryn raised his guard, keeping his fury set upon the little weed. This allowed the elves to regroup and surround their enemy. Captain Shael fired an arrow at Norrex’s feet. The arrow burst, sending ice rising upward and encasing the pantheryn’s legs. Isiago then hurled a flurry of ice shards, forcing Norrex to raise a hand to protect himself. With his focus diminished, the energy that Theophilus conjured overwhelmed his enemy, sending Norrex falling upon the ground.
“It’s over, Norrex!” Theophilus called out as he approached his enemy.
Even felled, the pantheryn cackled in delight. “Are you so certain, weed? Do you think so weakly of Moreg’s power?” he challenged as he stood swiftly. “Allow me to educate you for your folly!”
Surging his hands skyward, a torrent of dark cloud swelled and swirled around Norrex. The clouds began to storm as the winds shook Theophilus and his allies. The clouds coursed into a swirling torrent of magic as its strength increased. Soon the Dark Claw imps’ possessions were sucked into the funnel as it threatened to consume everything present.
Shielding his eyes, Theophilus called out to the Ranger. “Captain, I assume your lot handles this kind of thing all the time,” he said.
Captain Shael fired three swift arrows into the growing cyclone to no avail before shaking his head. “I’ve seen many things, little weed. But this is a first for me,” he said.
Isiago used his staff to conjure a wall of ice that everyone stood behind. The fury of Norrex’s magic im
mediately battered away at the defense. Isiago did his best to bolster it, but it was clear that his defenses would not protect them for long. “Do we have any thoughts on a solution?” the elf wizard stammered through his efforts.
“We have to get to the heart of that storm,” said Aradon as he gauged the amassing strength. “It is the only way we are going to stop him.”
“Easier said than done,” observed Captain Shael. “I don’t even think my magic arrows can get through this spell.”
Thinking a moment, Theophilus nodded to himself. “They can with the proper breach,” he mused.
“What do you mean, Patch?” Calla asked.
Theophilus pointed in the direction of Norrex. “We need to reach Norrex and distract him from his fury. If we can do that, your attacks will have a chance,” he said.
Captain Shael raised an eyebrow at the little weed. “And am I to assume you have a plan for such an endeavor?”
“I do,” said Theophilus as he nodded firmly. “Well a working one, anyway,” he added.
Aradon exchanged a glance with Captain Shael as Isiago’s ice wall slowly cracked. “Well that is more than what we have, Theophilus. What do you need of us?”
Theophilus nodded as he replied. “Captain Shael, Aradon, please be at the ready on my word. We may only have one shot at this attack,” he said as the two elves nodded at him. “Isiago, can you offer up a steady stream of freezing cold upon that cyclone?”
Isiago exchanged a glance with Aradon. The leader of Quint nodded to him. “I can,” said Isiago.
“Good,” said Theophilus as he tightened his grip upon Digus. “I am going to give you the time you need, captain.”
As the dark magic swelled, Captain Shael nodded to the little weed. “Good luck, Theophilus,” he said.
Calla placed a hand on the little weed’s shoulder, forcing him to turn and face him. “Patch,” she whispered as fear and tears filled her eyes.
Theophilus offered her a brave smile. “Stay those tears, milady. I will be back to you in no time,” he said before touching her cheek briefly. Behind them, Renard whimpered.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 9