As the ice groaned and cracked more, Theophilus rushed from behind the barrier. Assault it now, Isiago,” he commanded.
Aiming his staff, Isiago unleashed a frigid fury upon the magic cyclone. As the cold touched it, the debris and clouds softly froze and slowed. Theophilus ran swiftly with Digus in hand, leaping upon a log. The little weed kept jumping, finding things to land upon, rising higher and higher into the cyclone as Isiago continued his spell. Through the raging storm, Theophilus could hear Norrex’s laughter.
This is it, Digus, thought Theophilus as he concentrated on his next jump. It’s all up to us now.
I am not thrilled with our chances, replied Digus.
Theophilus clenched his jaw as he prepared his next move. Remind me to turn you into tinder if we make it through this, he thought before enacting the rest of his plan.
Before Digus could respond, Theophilus leaped higher. The cold and the debris were battering him fiercely now, but Isiago's pressure was buying him the time he needed. Now high enough, Theophilus aimed Digus downward as he activated the wand’s magic. Another steady stream of magic spat from Digus, propelling Theophilus skyward. The little weed rose above the harrowing cyclone before beginning a descent into the heart of it.
Falling swiftly, Theophilus kept Digus trained below as he descended. The cyclone’s fury still tore at him, but the strength was lessened inside it. Squinting his eyes, Theophilus could at last make out the figure of Norrex through the magic. Seeing his moment, Theophilus fired once more, sending an angry surge of magic upon the dark sorcerer. At the last minute, Norrex raised his hands, using his magic to shield himself from the attack.
“Attack him now!” Theophilus thundered as the recoil of the magic propelled him out of the cyclone.
The three elves did not hesitate. Isiago pressed his stream of cold further as Aradon charged. Captain Shael swiftly fired a magical arrow into the cyclone. Clearing its defenses, the arrow burst with magical intensity. The force of the blast sent Norrex spiraling out of his protection and crashing upon the ground.
As Theophilus landed painfully, Calla and Renard rushed to him. In the distance, Norrex shook dizziness from his view as he snarled. The cyclone had taxed the pantheryn but his anger urged him on for another bout to end the fight once and for all.
Norrex would get no such chance, for Aradon soon stood over him, blade drawn to the pantheryn’s throat. “You are bested, sorcerer. For your sake I hope you realize it. Raise those hands and I will be forced to send you to the Dream,” he said.
Norrex snarled again, baring his fangs as he looked up at Aradon, yet the pantheryn did as he was bid. Lowering his hands, he remained upon the ground, staring daggers at his enemy. He went to say something in defiance, but Aradon pressed his blade against Norrex’s neck, silencing the pantheryn. Aradon nodded, satisfied, yet his guard never relinquished.
Captain Shael loomed closer then, an arrow drawn in his bow. “Norrex, by the jurisdiction of the Rangers of this kingdom and realm, you are under arrest,” he said.
Now covered by two, Aradon gave the little weed a nod. “Nice work, Theophilus,” he said. The little weed gave him a faint smile.
Captain Shael procured a magical binding from his pouch, placing it over Norrex’s hands. As the tie on it was secured, the binding slowly glowed. Theophilus knew that it inhibited magic from being cast from the hands of Norrex and at last lowered his wand. “You will face justice back at Lunamorn,” said the captain as he pulled his prisoner to his feet.
“He must face justice now,” said Isiago as the elf approached. Magic was gathering at the end of his staff as he put a frosty gaze upon Norrex. “For the good of the kingdom, we must rid it of this evil once and for all.”
Aradon held up a hand as he and Captain Shael stood in front of their captive. “That is not our way, Isiago. Norrex is no longer a threat,” he said.
Isiago shook his head. “Maybe not this moment, but he can be a threat again at any time. He has pledged his loyalty to dark evils and is beyond saving. Stand aside and let me send him where he belongs, away from harming anyone else ever again,” he said.
Aradon shook his head. “No, Isiago. Not like this. Lower your staff. That is an order,” he commanded. As he tried to reason with his friend, Theophilus procured one of his thorns, dipping it into a little pouch upon his belt.
Ice seemed to fill Isiago’s eyes as he growled and pointed to Norrex. “Such taint should not be allowed to remain! Surely you see this, Aradon! We must show that we are not soft, that good can match power with evil. It is the only way! Let the Dark Claw imps witness the consequences of their trespasses. You must allow me to do this,” he pleaded.
Captain Shael trained his bow and drawn arrow upon Isiago. “You heard, Aradon. Stand down this instant, Isiago,” he instructed.
Isiago shook his head. “Do not stand between me and what I must do,” he warned.
“I could say the same from where I am standing,” countered Captain Shael.
Aradon held up a hand. “Isiago, you heard me! Lower your staff!”
Isiago stepped forward, unflinching. “I am sorry, Aradon, this must be done,” he replied.
Standing between their captive and Isiago, Aradon prepared for the brunt of Isiago’s wrath. The icy magic swelled in the elf wizard’s staff as he indicated no signs of relenting. Yet Aradon stood his ground regardless. Beside him, Captain Shael prepared to fire his bow.
Wordlessly, Theophilus leaped toward Isiago. Grabbing his outstretched staff, the little weed flipped once, using the momentum to propel himself upon the wizard’s shoulder. Before Isiago could respond, Theophilus stuck the thorn into his neck. Isiago cried out, swatting the little weed away. Theophilus fell to the ground before drawing his wand once more. Isiago stared at him angrily, training his staff upon the little weed. The two glared at one another.
Then Isiago stumbled before falling forward, quickly unconscious.
With the tension subdued, Theophilus breathed a sigh of relief. “Well that is certainly a load off my mind,” he laughed.
Aradon grinned, lowering his blade. “Well done, Theophilus. I don’t think he was going to stop. You didn’t poison him, did you?”
Calla helped Theophilus to his feet as he replied. “Not at all. A mere sedative. He will sleep peacefully for some time. Though I don’t fancy I should be present when he wakes,” he said.
Captain Shael put his bow away as he pulled Norrex with him. As he did, he procured another bit of that magical cloth, this time placing it over the pantheryn’s mouth before addressing Theophilus. “You are just full of surprises, young weed. You have my thanks for your assistance. Your deeds shall be known to the Rangers,” he said.
“And at the town of Quint,” said Aradon. “If you ever find yourself that way, you will always have a place to stay there,” he said.
“He may not live to see such things if he ever pulls a stunt like that again!” said Calla as she punched his arm.
The little weed grimaced as he chuckled at Calla’s reaction. “Thank you, friends,” said Theophilus as he placed a hand on Calla’s shoulder. “I am relieved that justice has been done. For now, I must fulfill a promise and get this wonderful flower home to Alethia safe again,” he said.
“He’s pretty adamant about it,” giggled Calla.
Aradon knelt before Theophilus, extending his hand. Theophilus shook his finger gratefully. “I wish you well on your journey, Theophilus Thistle,” he said.
“And I you, Aradon. You have my deepest gratitude for what you and Captain Shael have done on this day. Give Isiago my best when he comes to. I hope there is no bad blood between us,” he said.
Aradon stood, laughing. He lifted the sleeping wizard, putting him on his shoulder before fetching his staff. “I cannot promise that Isiago won’t offer you an icy reception when you meet again, but he’ll get over it,” he said before going to fetch their horses.
Captain Shael guided Norrex forward before stopping in front of
Theophilus and Calla. “I won’t forget your bravery, little ones. You have done a great service for all of Saelen today,” he said.
Calla and Theophilus gave little bows before waving. “Safe journeys, Captain Shael,” said Theophilus.
“Until next we meet,” added Calla.
The Ranger captain placed a fist over his heart as he bowed his head. He then nudged Norrex forward to join up with Aradon. The pantheryn stared angrily at the little plants and Calla shivered. Theophilus could see the hunger for revenge in his eyes, but he held Norrex’s gaze. Soon he was gone from them and Theophilus hugged Calla deeply.
“It is done,” he said happily. “Norrex will harm no one else.”
Calla hugged him back. “I am sorry about your comrades, that we were too late to save them,” she said.
Theophilus reflected on the loss a moment before replying. “Thank you. We shall gather their things and I will return to Bunda-Bas with word. Their families will know of the price they paid,” he said, before pulling back to smile at Calla. “But for now, we shall rejoice in our victory. I’m quite sure your own family will be relieved to know you are safe.”
Calla gave him another playful push as Renard trotted to them, giving them happy licks. She petted the fox easily. “You are not going to let this go, are you?”
Theophilus shook his head, grinning deeply. “Never,” he said happily. A promise is a promise, after all.”
Chapter Ten
Homeward Bound
It was deep into the crisp, cool night when Theophilus and Calla neared Alethia. Both plants were heavily exhausted, but in good spirits. Theophilus had kept the pace light for Renard, feeling that the fox had exerted himself enough for one day. And, truth be told, he was in no hurry to return Calla to her home. The last several hours, while quite perilous, were some of the best of his life.
Smiling to himself, Theophilus relished the sensation he was feeling. Calla still had her hands around him as she rested her head against his back. She was quite content as well, and the warmth they created together was most welcome. The little weed found himself keeping Renard's pace slower and slower, the reluctance he felt about reaching Alethia never fading.
"We're almost there, aren't we?" Calla breathed wistfully.
"Aye. We are," replied Theophilus without enthusiasm.
"I am going to miss this," sighed Calla. "I've a feeling that I won't be let out of Alethia for a long time after I return."
"Aye," said Theophilus, taking no pleasure in the confirmation.
Calla lifted her head as she rubbed absently at the little weed's back. "If I didn't say it before, thank you, Theophilus. I owe you my life," she said.
Theophilus went to protest this, to claim that it was his fault to begin with yet stopped. He knew Calla did not want to hear such things. "You're welcome," he said.
"What do we do from here?" Calla questioned. "I mean, when will I get to see you again?"
Theophilus shrugged. "I don't know, Calla. At least not right now. I think for the foreseeable future, picnics might be out of the question," he said, laughing nervously.
"So... we will figure out something then?" she asked.
"Yes," said Theophilus sincerely. "We will." He then urged Renard faster. "Now hang on. Let's get you home before the Firestar rises."
Renard sprinted fully again, appearing pleased to be released of restraint. The two plants enjoyed the thrill of the run, loving the wind coursing through their petals. Theophilus allowed himself to relax fully then. They were again within the realm of Alethia and Bunda-Bas, away from the imps as well as Norrex. His promise was almost fulfilled.
And it was in that moment, when Theophilus felt content at long last, that things turned savagely for the worst.
Theophilus heard the spear fast approaching through the air, but far too late. The weapon struck Renard, causing the fox to yelp before toppling forward. Before either he or Calla could react, both were thrown violently onto the ground, rolling harshly with Renard. Calla was thrown clear, but Theophilus took the brunt of Renard’s weight as they hit the ground and rolled a few times before coming to a painful stop.
Theophilus tried to force himself to move, but his arms and legs did not wish to comply. He could hear Renard whimpering and Calla trying to rouse herself and used their pain as his motivation. Theophilus opened his eyes weakly, looking about for Digus, but the wand was not in reach. He drew his thorn blades instead, slowly and clumsily clamoring to his feet.
Theophilus searched about, still trying to clear his vision. “Calla? Calla?”
“Patch,” she breathed. Theophilus saw her then, she was crawling to Renard. The fox was clearly in distress. A small spear rested in his shoulder.
Theophilus limped over to stand in front of them both as he scoured the surrounding darkness. He could see figures approaching, so he remained prepared for combat. The little weed had no time to evaluate his own injuries. Instead, he kept his focus on the approaching shadows, hoping that such focus could push him through.
Soon, Theophilus made out the figures as they emerged from the darkness. He recognized the face of Lennix immediately, for it was the group that had pursued him when he was still searching for Calla. While Lennix looked quite satisfied with the turn of events, the plants under his command looked itching for revenge. Theophilus gripped more tightly to his weapons, hoping that he could endure the storm one more time.
Smiling, Lennix held out his hands, motioning for the plant warriors beginning to surround Theophilus. “There will be no running this time, weed. Now face justice, or you face your fate,” he said.
Theophilus shook his head. “You do not know the meaning of either of those words,” he replied.
Lennix shrugged before his features darkened. “It matters not what you think. All that matters now is that you are bested and surrounded. Lower your weapons so that we can take you into custody,” he commanded.
Theophilus shook his head. “Not until my promise is fulfilled,” he replied.
“You would die for this,” Lennix observed.
“I would,” said Theophilus.
“Lennix, that is enough!” Calla stood then, emerging from the shadows. “You and your men lower your weapons this instant. Theophilus has done no wrong. You attacked him!”
Lennix noticed Calla then, his eyes widening as he did so. “Calla! You are safe! It appears we found you not a moment too soon. This weed is not only wanted for your disappearance but for assaulting members of Alethia’s peacekeepers,” he said.
Calla looked at Theophilus. “Just enough to escape unjust persecution. Most I wounded was pride, I think,” said Theophilus.
Calla then refocused on Lennix. “Have your men stand down this instant. I am here and alive today thanks to the efforts of Theophilus Thistle. He stood alone against an evil sorcerer to bring me home. Perhaps if you could have seen past petty differences, you would have helped instead of hindering him,” she yelled.
Lennix stance stiffened at this, yet he shook his head. “Just the same, this weed needs to be taken to Alethia to stand trial for his crimes,” he replied.
Calla barked a harsh laugh as she approached Lennix and pointed an angry finger at him. “You mean his assault upon your ego? Knock it off, Lennix. This weed is a hero and will be treated as such. All of Alethia will hear of his deeds, of that I can promise you,” she said.
Setting his jaw grimly, Lennix at last conceded. “Very well, Calla,” he said before motioning for his troops. “Lower your weapons, men.” He waited until they complied before he continued. “We shall get you back home then, and we will trouble Theophilus no longer,” he added.
Calla nodded. “That’s better,” she said before turning sharply and returning to Theophilus. “I had better go with them. I’ll send help for you and Renard. You have done so much for me and I want to do this for you.”
Theophilus shook a weary head. “I think we will be alright. I just wanted to see my promise fulfilled. I needed you bac
k safely in Alethia. This might constitute as close enough, as I don’t think Lennix and I will be good at coexisting,” he said, suddenly feeling completely exhausted.
Calla nodded, offering the hint of a smile. “I know what you mean. I am not even sure I want to go with this group,” she said glumly. “But they will get me home.”
Theophilus looked unconvinced. “Are you certain?”
“I am,” said Calla. “Lennix is a bit of a stubborn brute, but he’s still loyal to Alethia. I will talk to the king and queen about what you have done. I assure you, we will never forget your kindness,” she said.
Theophilus put his blades away. “Very well, Calla. I feel better knowing we made it and that you are going home at last,” he said.
“All thanks to you,” said Calla before she turned to look at Lennix. “I want your word, Lennix. Theophilus is not to be harmed. You and your men will leave him and Renard alone. You will do this, or the king and queen will hear of your sins,” she said.
Lennix bowed curtly. “Our only concern now is to see you returned home,” he said before motioning to Theophilus. “The weed can do what he chooses, but some of my men must stay to make sure he does not follow. For while your story may be true, it is still an issue we must place before the king and queen.”
Calla was prepared to fight him on this when Theophilus placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Calla. Once I get Renard patched up we will not be here long,” he said.
“Can I at least help you with that?” Calla asked.
Theophilus offered her a grin as he motioned to the other flowers. “I think Renard will relax when you get most of these guys out of here,” he said.
Calla was going to protest but at last relented. “Okay, Patch,” she said as she hugged him fiercely. “You are one of the most amazing souls I have ever met. Thank you for your kindness and bravery,” she said.
Theophilus hugged her back just as fiercely. “Thank you for giving me the strength to do so,” he replied.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 10