It was then that Captain’s Shael spoke again and the grimness of his voice made the little weed alert. “Ready yourself, Theophilus, for we are not alone,” he said. Theophilus immediately drew his daggers from his belt.
The elf’s eyes were true, as years of Ranger training and experience saw the enemy emerging before Theophilus was aware of their presence. Captain Shael slowed his steed as a great number of imps, goblins and weeds rose from cover. Some burst from holes near the road as others leaped from trees. Shael’s steed reared back, but the captain was able to right the horse. Theophilus and Captain Shael looked about, knowing they were surrounded and heavily outmatched.
For a split second, Captain Shael considered running through the group, but thought against it. With the weapons trained on them, the Ranger knew they would not get far. There were far too many for the two of them to fight. Realizing the direness of the situation, Captain Shael dismounted his horse, placing Theophilus on his shoulder. He would talk with their enemy in hopes of information and buying time until a solution presented itself.
Clearing his throat, the Ranger spoke. “I am Captain Shael of the Rangers. I wish to speak to your leader and understand why you have chosen to violate the kingdom’s laws with this aggression,” he said.
Laughter met them before a response came. “Foolish laws from a failing kingdom. Soon the true ruler of this land will return and when he does, you will realize the folly of your words on this day.”
Theophilus turned to the sound of that voice, immediately feeling his blood burn hot. “Show yourself, Lennix! Face us with courage and not behind your fellow underlings!”
Two imps moved aside as Lennix appeared from behind them. The snapdragon looked clearly pleased with himself as he drew his little sword. The smile of triumph he wore was unsettling. “Theophilus Thistle, we meet again at last. I have waited for this day, for our reunion was long overdue, much like your demise. As you can see, the tables have clearly turned. How does it feel to know that your end is so close at hand?”
Theophilus fought the urge to hurl a dagger at Lennix. “I have no such plans to meet my end today, Lennix. But if I do go, rest assured at the very least I am taking you with me,” he countered.
Lennix laughed and his comrades joined him. The flower then motioned to those around him. “Look around you, weed. You see but a fraction of our might, but it is enough to squash you and the Ranger as if you were nothing. Yet you still hold to a glimmer of hope and insolence. I will see that squashed before you fall,” he said.
Before Theophilus could respond, the road trembled and quaked. A great mound of dirt and grass rose, slowly opening to reveal a grim, gray-skinned orc in robes of crimson. Holding a twisted-looking scepter, the orc emerged from the mound as he set his sights on Theophilus and Shael. As he recognized the orc, Shael drew his bow and notched an arrow in a breath, training his readied weapon on his opponent.
Still grinning, Lennix motioned to the orc. “Theophilus, I offer you Dobah, the fiercest Shaman you will ever see in this life. He alone is beyond you both. Know now the insanity of standing against us and throw down your weapons. It is the only way you will live if only a bit longer,” he said.
Dobah approached them fearlessly, not concerned with the bow and arrow trained upon him. “Hear the words of the flower, for you would not endure the pain I would place upon you for long,” he said with a voice that sent chills even into those that allied with him.
Looking about one more time, Captain Shael lowered his bow in frustration before holding a hand out to slow the approaching orc. “Dobah, we are bested. I ask you from one warrior to another, take me. I am a Ranger and having me as a prisoner sends a much firmer message than my little friend. Allow him to go free and I will go willingly,” he said.
Theophilus looked up at Captain Shael. “But, captain, it is suicide to surrender,” he said.
Captain Shael put his bow and arrow away. “It is an even swifter suicide if we fight, Theophilus. At least this way, we have a chance,” he said.
Theophilus put his daggers away painfully. “Very well,” he whispered in frustration.
At this, Dobah offered a curt nod. “You have chosen well today, Ranger. And for this you will live to see the work of my master. You will be taken to see the truth and the weed is free to go,” he said.
Captain Shael nodded to the orc. “Then from one warrior to another, I thank you,” he said as he offered himself to be taken. Two imps rushed in to bind his hands behind his back.
As the imps bound the Ranger, Theophilus looked about warily at the eyes trained on him. He knew there was no trusting those in league with Lennix, but he had little choice presently. Soon his eyes fixed on the snapdragon flower who never took his eyes off the little weed. Lennix was merely biding his time for something wicked.
With Captain Shael bound, Dobah nodded to his brethren. “We return with our bounty. For glory! For Moreg!” At his words the others joined his rallying cry.
As Captain Shael was being led away, he resisted long enough to speak to the little weed. “Get free of this place, Theophilus. Get help. The fate of more than Alethia alone is now in your hands,” he said before being pushed forward.
“I will not let you down, captain,” said Theophilus as he watched the Ranger be taken away.
Once a good distance from Theophilus, Dobah used his scepter again to allow the land to rise up and swallow him and Captain Shael. Soon, the two were gone as many of the imps and goblins returned to the holes in the ground before the holes sealed up magically. Yet as Theophilus watched, a good number stayed behind, including Lennix. With Dobah now gone, the grin on the flower’s face deepened.
Theophilus prepared himself for the storm as he spoke to Lennix. “Well, the orc might be true to his word, but clearly you are not,” he said.
Lennix shrugged at this. “Dobah said you could go free, that you would not be taken prisoner. Nothing was said about how long you would be able to enjoy such a freedom,” he said as he made steps toward Theophilus. As he did, so did his brethren. “I would have waited years for this moment. The only thing that is going to be more exquisite than ending you is seeing Calla’s face when I tell her you are dead.”
“So, you do have her then,” said Theophilus as his eyes narrowed.
“Of course,” said Lennix. “Now do you see, you insignificant weed? You ended up being nothing but a mild nuisance. A nuisance that ends on this day.” He then rushed at the little weed sword at the ready. “Take him!”
As Lennix and the others rushed at him, Theophilus swiftly drew Digus from his back. Sliding the wand tip forward, he fired the magical weapon. Lennix jumped out of the way but two goblins and an imp were not so lucky. It was all that Theophilus could do before they were upon him, hungry to send him quickly to the Dream.
Knowing the cause was lost, Theophilus aimed Digus at the ground. Willing the full strength of the wand, Theophilus fired and the fury of the blast sent him skyward. Some of Lennix’s fellow henchmen collided with one another as Theophilus escaped. As he cleared the group, Theophilus crested and descended away from his attackers, using the wand to slow himself. Now out of harm’s way, Theophilus sprinted away from the great road and into the thickening wilderness.
“Get him! Don’t allow him to escape,” thundered Lennix as he and the others gave chase.
Theophilus could hear the incessant curses and howls from his enemies as he continued his escape. It was not long before magical spells and arrows either zinged passed him or burned the ground far too close for comfort. Turning occasionally, Theophilus fired back to lessen the assaults. Knowing that he could not outrun many of those that offered pursuit, the little weed decided to expand on the trick he had used to escape their clutches.
"Digus, I know you hate this, but it is absolutely necessary," mumbled Theophilus.
Since when has my displeasure ever stopped you? asked Digus.
Not taking the time to reply, Theophilus angled the wand tip tow
ard the ground and fired a powerful bolt once more. At the angle it was placed, the blast sent Theophilus surging upward and forward, like a tremendous leap. Landing and barely keeping his balance, Theophilus fired Digus once more. Landing from a great surge again, the little weed had to roll once to recover his footing. He then fired once more, placing a much greater distance between him and Lennix and his goons.
Relieved at the distance he had created between him and his pursuers, Theophilus turned his thoughts back to the wand. That was a big help. Thank you, Digus, he thought.
It still sullies me to be used in such a way, but I commend your ingenuity, said Digus.
Theophilus continued his sprint, using Digus when his enemies got too close. They traversed the wilderness in great mounds and were coming up to the Rill River, an active stream of pristine water that Theophilus hoped to use Digus to cross. If he could do that, the little weed would feel they were safe, at least for the moment. Theophilus ran for all he was worth, could hear the river water now and see the shimmering blue through the forestation.
Theophilus, focused on the river waters ahead did not see the arrow that struck the ground next to him, or the enchanted orb that was attached to it until it was too late. A powerful explosion sent the little weed toppling from his run. The blast burned Theophilus, tore at him as it tossed him through the air. As Theophilus crashed on the ground, Digus fell from his hands. Theophilus now rested upon some jagged rocks not far from the river bank, unable to move as he tried to focus once more. With slow, agonizing pain, the little weed pulled himself to his feet, but it was too late for anything else.
His enemies were now upon him.
Theophilus looked up in time to see the foot belonging to an imp kick him fully. The little weed sailed again through the air, crashing on the ground and rolling to a stop. As he tried to rise again, his cloudy eyes caught sight of Lennix as he too kicked Theophilus. He was now surrounded by flowers and weeds who assaulted him at every turn. The little weed could only hold his hands up and try to defend himself, but with each strike, his strength waned further.
At last satisfied with the damage done, Lennix raised a hand to stop the other plants as the imps and goblins surrounded them. "I have long waited for this day, you insufferable weed. Now we can enjoy your pain until your last breath," he said.
Theophilus tried to pull himself up and regretted it immediately. Finally getting to his knees he mumbled something defiantly, though it could not be heard.
Lennix drew his sword. "What was that, weed? Do you still hold defiance in your last moments?" he challenged.
Theophilus spoke again, still unable to be heard over the rapid waters behind him.
Lennix got closer, grabbing Theophilus by one of the straps on his pack. "Speak up, whelp! I wish to know the words you will soon choke on!"
It was then that Theophilus raised his voice enough for Lennix to hear, though it was still a pained rasp. "I said thank you for being so gullible," said the weed as he grabbed at the flower.
Using what was left of his strength, Theophilus propelled himself up, grabbing Lennix with both hands. Pulling back, he placed a foot in Lennix's midsection before rolling on his back and hurtling Lennix into one of the goblins. Tossing some of his thorns, Theophilus used the distraction to leap upon an imp's head and away from the circling tormentors. As they gave chase, Theophilus lunged for Digus. Still laying on the ground, he aimed the wand upon a rock and fired a powerful assault. Theophilus was launched away from grabbing hands as he and Digus fell sharply into the coursing river.
Plunging into the cold depths, Theophilus struggled to rise to the surface in his battered state. He was light, but it was now a struggle for the little weed to get his limbs to move. The water thrashed at him relentlessly as he held to his wand and fought for the surface and the air that was waiting there. At last, with his body ready to give up completely, the little weed burst from the depths, taking in mounds of air when he could.
Every moment Theophilus spent in the water was a battle. The waters raged around him, sometimes pulling him back under as he used every means he knew to remain alive. He had not the strength to fire Digus again, instead more intent to keep the wand in his possession. Together they were drawn viciously downstream and toward the unknown.
After enduring minutes of agonizing torment, the waters calmed slightly and Theophilus was able to catch his breath. The little weed still sped downstream at a quick pace but he was no longer being pulled under. Leaning back some, Theophilus looked skyward as his body ached and screamed at him. His limbs were heavy and made worse by the water, while every moment became a push to remain awake. Theophilus did know where he was heading, just hoping it was away from Lennix and the others.
In this brief respite, he never saw the jagged rocks waiting for him.
Theophilus's body struck the rocks fiercely, stealing the breath from the little weed as new pain washed over him. In the impact, he lost hold of Digus and the wand was pulled away in the waters. Theophilus tried to call out to Digus but no sound emerged. He tried to swim toward the drifting wand, but the distance grew greater by the second. As he focused on Digus, the little weed's eyes widened as he saw the wand suddenly disappear. In a blink he knew why, for he too joined Digus in a sharp decent down a waterfall.
Water and air rushed across Theophilus as his battered body descended to the water below. The little weed could hear and feel every moment of the fall. The clarity detracted from his fears, even though he felt like the Dream was close. His thoughts were filled with Calla, wishing her to be the image he took with him when he was no more. Theophilus wanted nothing more than to not let Calla down.
And then he crashed into the waters.
With nothing left, Theophilus sunk slowly to the depths. He dared not open his eyes, wishing peace in his last moments. Yet something would not allow him to rest. Calla’s image burned deeply in his thoughts, willing him awake. The little weed knew shame would follow him to the Dream if he were to simply give up. Theophilus’s eyes burst open as he willed his limbs to work one more time.
Every moment, every inch forward in those seconds was pure agony for Theophilus. Breaking the surface, he gasped for breath, refusing to stop, afraid he would no longer be able to move if he did. Pushing himself, Theophilus inched toward the shore line. And when his feet found rock and sand underneath him, he still did not stop until the last of the waters were away from him. And it was then that Theophilus collapsed.
Drawing desperate breaths, Theophilus knew he was all but spent. His limbs ached as his burns screamed at him. His entire body was assaulted. He wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and sleep, letting the rest and the Firestar heal him.
But he would get no such grace.
Even in his exhausted state, Theophilus could hear feet rushing toward him. From their triumphant howls, the little weed knew it was Lennix and his henchmen. Theophilus raised his head, but found he had nothing left to offer in struggle. Instead, he looked on defiantly at his approaching enemies, refusing to give them the satisfaction of his fear or pain.
Drawing close, Lennix drew his sword once more as he smiled at Theophilus. “A masterful, vain attempt. But thank you for making this moment all the sweeter,” he said as he raised his sword.
Laying his head back down, Theophilus closed his eyes as he heard Lennix come to stand over him and the waters behind him started to swirl and rush.
.
Chapter Seven
Within Evil Clutches
The journey in captivity brought back painful memories for Calla. With Mondoor and the members of the royal guard, the pink lotus flower did her best to remain calm within the confines of the bag she found herself trapped within. It was as painful and wrenching as Calla’s first encounter, yet this time also held the previous memories to weigh on her. Calla found herself holding Theophilus close to her thoughts for courage.
Calla realized quickly that this journey was vastly different from the last. Before she
could still sometimes smell the air outside or hear nature over her captors' conversations. Yet this time these things were lost and replaced with chilling echoes and the occasional dank and musty scents. Calla listened intently, concluding that she and her fellow flowers had been taken underground into unknown caverns and pathways.
After more shuffling and travel, Calla's trip ended abruptly as the bag she was held in was tossed to the ground. She grimaced at the pain it brought her but said nothing out of fear. Soon the bag was untied and left as a loud clank filled her ears. Calla surmised it was the closing of a door. As Mondoor recovered himself, Calla cautiously used her hands to open the bag and slowly emerge.
"Welcome to paradise," barked a harsh, cruel voice, now laughing at the door of a cage.
Wiping at her eyes and letting them adjust, Calla absorbed her surroundings with dismal acceptance. Her and her flower companions were all trapped in a cell made especially for them. Around them were other cages geared for larger creatures. Instantly the little flower confirmed her suspicions as they were now in caverns under the Saelen Kingdom. She had no idea that such a place existed, nor could she have fathomed it without her own eyes. What she saw stole her breath and filled her with dread, as she was certain no one would look to find her here.
Calla found herself in the depths of a goblin stronghold. Torches and magic gems offered light in the stark darkness, yet still there was little to look at but rock and stone. Bridges traversed the large cavern, leading to living quarters, food pantries, and armories. All around, goblins toiled wickedly while producing more instruments of war or trained alongside other creatures embracing evil. The clanking hammers of blacksmiths echoed in the caves amidst shrieks and laughter. It was a vile place to Calla and pained her to see and smell of it.
At last, Calla pulled her eyes from the sight to check on the others. "Mondoor, are you alright?" she asked the magnolia flower.
Mondoor refused help from the royal guard in standing, brushing himself off as he did. "I am uninjured," he offered, keeping strict reign on his emotions. "But I am little encouraged by our present situation."
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 20