Tears filled Elor’s blazing yellow eyes. “But she is gone! In part from this monster before us,” he said, flames growing in his hands.
“Not in your heart she is not,” countered Theophilus. “She still remains where it counts, Elor. I know you are hurting, but if you love Marin, you will let it go now.”
Elor continued to face his torment as he looked angrily at Dobah. The flames continued to rise, threatening to consume his heart. At last, the imp lowered his hands, allowing the flames to subside. Soon his head also lowered as he cast sad eyes upon his friend. “You are right, Patch. I’m sorry.”
Theophilus stood in front of Elor, placing his back to Dobah as he rested Digus under his right arm. “You make your mother proud,” he said as he smiled at the imp.
“Fools!” yelled Dobah as he raised his hands. His magic was diminished without his scepter, but he was not powerless. His fingers swiftly glowed with green energy as he prepared to assault his enemies with vengeance.
Theophilus shrugged in response. “Well, we tried, Elor,” he said before channeling his will into the wand under his arm. The tip, of course, was pointed at Dobah.
A powerful magical blast burst from Digus, striking Dobah in the chest. As it did, the orc flew further into the caverns. As the orc collapsed again, Theophilus smiled to his friend. “We have won, and that is enough. We may have to face Dobah again, but for now, our friends are safe, and Marin would be proud of that,” he said.
Elor nodded to the weed. “You’re right. Let’s be free of this place,” he said.
“Agreed,” said Theophilus as the two began to walk away from Dobah.
Seeing his enemies leave victorious was more than the proud orc Dobah could take. Raising a shaky hand, the orc channeled his remaining energy into it before striking it on the ground. With the last of his strength spent, the orc fell unconscious. But his endeavor succeeded in carrying out his desire. The caverns trembled furiously as rock and soil fell from the ceiling.
Theophilus and Elor exchanged looks as they realized their predicament. “I think the time to run is upon us!” said Theophilus.
Sprinting forward, the two friends sped ahead, trying to stay ahead of the cave in. The intensity increased as the entire cavern shook angrily. Every moment threatened to overwhelm them in an unrelenting storm of raining rock. The two friends made it to a small recess in the tunnel before they could run no more. Huddling together, Theophilus and Elor hugged one another as the violence of the caverns fell around them and upon them.
Soon there was nothing but rock and darkness.
Chapter Twelve
Light at Tunnel’s End
Pacing furiously, Calla waited painfully for any sign of Theophilus and Elor. It had been a perilous journey, but Kelisay had led them back into the Firestar light. With Captain Shael treated and resting, the kelpie had flown off toward Alethia to gather help. Calla had the others assist her in gathering wood for a fire to warm the Ranger and offer a beacon for Theophilus and Elor to find.
Unfortunately, hours had passed and there was no sign of their friends. Calla had no idea what to do. It was not long after parting from Theophilus and Elor that she had heard sounds indicating a cave in. She had no way of knowing if her friends were safe, or if the caves were secure to traverse in hopes of finding them. And so, Calla waited, hating the very prospect and hoping beyond hope Theophilus and Elor would emerge soon.
Due to her focused attention, she was nearly startled by Mondoor clearing his throat. “Calla, there is not much else we can do here. And waiting any longer is perilous. We should resume our journey home,” he said.
Calla refused to take her eyes from the cave as she shook her head. “No. Our friends fought so we could escape. We are alive because of them. We will wait. And if you cannot wait then I will wait alone if I have to,” she said.
Mondoor sighed. “Calla, I know how much they mean to you, especially Theophilus. But we are not free from danger yet. They remained to face a terrible foe and they understood the risk. We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain,” he said.
Calla again refused to relinquish her gaze upon the cavern opening. “Leave if you must, Mondoor. I will remain,” she replied.
“To do so is madness when all hope is gone,” he said.
This did make Calla turn her head at him. “There is always hope! And hope has not abandoned our friends yet, and neither will I,” she said before returning her sights upon the cavern. It was then that her tears did come. She covered her mouth as she softly wept.
Mondoor came to stand beside Calla, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Calla, your tears tell me that you at least see the truth in my words. We must be free of this place. There is no way in knowing if the kelpie will return. What is certain is the peril we are still in. Alethia and High King Landin must know of what we have endured. You know this to be true,” he said.
Calla composed herself before replying. “What I know is that two brave, loving souls made a stand for us. And now I will stand for them, regardless of the consequences,” she replied.
“Very well,” said Mondoor defeated. “A little while longer then. But you must be prepared to face the fact that they are lost. I do not mean that as cruel, Calla. That is simply the way of things.”
“Then I refuse that way,” said Calla.
“Such spirit, such passion,” mused Mondoor as he regarded Calla. “It is why I was so drawn to you and why I feel you would make a great voice for our people. Emotions are important, but you must be able to temper them, hold them in place when it is necessary. If not then you will find your heart broken time and time again,” he said.
“A broken heart does not scare me, Mondoor. A broken heart still feels, and it realizes the depth of its pain. It is a dead heart that I fear, for the day we close ourselves off from feeling is the day we stop living truly,” she said.
“Perhaps you are right,” said Mondoor. “I know I wish my heart to never close off from you.”
“Mondoor, please,” said Calla.
Mondoor nodded. “You are right. Now is not the time for such things. If I cannot get you to leave your vigil then at least busy yourself with something, Calla. The wait alone will drive you mad.”
She regarded him a moment before nodding. “You are right. I will tend to Captain Shael.”
“That’s the spirit,” said Mondoor with resigned emotion.
Calla made her way past Mondoor to where Captain Shael was resting. The remainder of the royal guard kept watch over the Ranger as he slept. Resting on her knees, Calla placed a hand on the elf's forehead. She was relieved to see that color had returned to his cheeks. Kelisay's healing waters had indeed done their work. Smiling, Calla took comfort that Captain Shael would live to fight another day.
At her gentle touch, the elf opened his eyes, looking about before fixing on Calla. "Hello," he said as he moved his limbs slowly. "How long have I been unconscious?"
Calla pushed Captain Shael's head down slowly as she spoke soothingly. "Rest yourself, captain. Your body went through quite an ordeal. We are all glad that you are alive and well," she said.
Captain Shael did as he was told as one of the flowers brought him water. The elf drank slowly, offering his gratitude for the clear, cool drink. Sitting up very slowly, the Ranger looked about. "We are missing a few," he noticed grimly.
Calla nodded painfully. "Yes we are, captain," she said. "After Kelisay healed you, she went off to get help. We lost Marin when she saved us from a swarm of evil," she said before she steeled herself for her next words. "Theophilus and Elor made a stand so that we could reach safety. We've not heard from them since."
At those words, Captain Shael stood quickly, looking at the battered cavern. "Then we must find them at once," he offered, vitality returning to the Ranger.
Mondoor held out his hands. "Captain, many parts of the cavern have caved in. And there is no telling if that orc shaman is still about. It is simply too dangerous at this time to venture back the
way we came," he said.
Captain Shael pointed to the cavern opening as he replied to Mondoor. "I have no doubt you mean well, sir, but such perils would not have stopped that weed from coming to our rescue. All of us owe him our very lives. Stay here if you must, but I am going to find our allies," he said before heading toward the cavern.
"Captain, I again must advise against such an endeavor. Let us not risk further loss!" pleaded Mondoor.
One of the royal guards then pointed toward the cavern opening. "Look!"
Calla and the others paused as they gazed upon the cavern entrance. The flower's heart and breath were stilled as she saw two shadows emerge into the light. For a moment she thought it some trick, yet there plain as the day were Theophilus and Elor. The two friends held hands, with the little weed guiding the imp on. Both were covered in dust, dirt, and various scrapes and cuts. Theophilus held Digus in his other hand, using the wand to support his weakened state.
"Patch!" Calla cried as she rushed to the weed. The others quickly followed.
Rushing to their friends, Captain Shael caught Elor as Calla threw her hands around Theophilus. Theophilus fell to his knees and Calla joined him there. Both were clearly beyond exhausted. Captain Shael held Elor, who was clearly relieved to be free of the caverns. Theophilus rested his head on Calla's shoulder, grateful for another time of being able to smell her wondrous fragrance.
"You made it," whispered Calla as she cried tears of joy.
"Well I did promise," said Theophilus faintly.
"Yes you did," she replied, squeezing him more tightly. "Don't ever do that to me again!"
"Promise you something? Well that does take some pressure off of me," said Theophilus.
"Patch! You know I meant make me worry."
"Yeah, I know," said Patch as he embraced her fully.
Calla tried to release him but could not. "We should get you up and tended to," she offered.
"Sure," said Theophilus, also unmoving. "But please, let me stay like this for a few moments longer."
"You mean silly?" she asked playfully.
"I mean here with you," said Theophilus.
"Oh, Patch," she whispered. Unable to stand it any longer, the flower took the weed's face into her hands and kissed him.
And Patch knew right then in there as their fragrances and essences joined for those brief moments, that if he had to go to the Dream then and there it would have all been worth it.
The moment lasted just that, but for the two of them the feeling stretched for a lifetime. And it was only broken by the sound of cheers and incoming footfalls. Breaking from their kiss, Theophilus and Calla watched as Kelisay returned to them. In her wake, she brought a full force of Alethian soldiers and a squad of Rangers. The sight of them sent most present into a resounding cheer. For Theophilus, it was a sign that their adventure was finally over.
"We did it. We made it," said Theophilus.
"Yes. Yes, we did," replied Calla.
The two plants remained hugging, for their world had gone quiet together amidst the resounding celebration.
Chapter Thirteen
Painful Farewells
Accompanied by a battle group consisting of flowers and Rangers, Theophilus and his friends returned to the spot they had lost a dear friend. Silently, the group looked upon the stone figurine that once was Marin. The stone troll had bought them the time they needed, blocking entrance to a terrible and vastly numbered enemy. Because of her, the group had lived to see another day.
The group looked mournfully now upon their fallen friend. Marin, now fully stone, was a statue bearing a smile of profound peace. It was clear that the stone troll understood her sacrifice and that keeping her adopted son safe brought her happiness at the end. The full effect of her offering was present today in the form of many survivors.
Theophilus watched painfully as his friend Elor approached Marin slowly. The imp carried an armful of flowers and eyes heavy with tears. Laying the flowers at Marin’s feet, Elor rested his head and arms upon the stone that remained of Marin. The imp sobbed deeply and Theophilus fought the urge to rush to him. The weed knew he must let his friend have this moment to say farewell.
Still weeping, Elor spoke. “Mother, our time together was far too short. You were stolen away from us too soon. But I will never forget what you have taught me or the love you gave me. I’d not be who I am if not for you,” said the imp as he hugged the stone one last time.
“Your mother represented the best in all of us, Elor. It is through such heart that the light truly shines. She was proud of you, my friend. But more importantly, she loved you with all her heart,” said Theophilus as he approached Elor and squeezed one of his fingers. “I am heartbroken and sorry for your loss.”
Calla came to stand on Elor’s opposite side, gently holding a finger from his free hand. “We could never replace her, Elor, but know that we are here for you always,” she said.
Elor nodded to them both, finding it difficult to look them in the eyes. “Thank you, my friends. I just don’t know what to do now. I am lost without her,” he breathed.
Theophilus shook his head. “No. You will find your way again and we will help you. Marin wanted you to live and believed your life was worth the greatest sacrifice,” he said.
“I just need some time,” whispered Elor as he started away, the pain becoming too great.
“Of course, my friend,” said Theophilus as the imp walked away. “We’ll be here.”
As others came to pay their respects, Theophilus and Calla stood silently next to one another. Both fought desperately not to grab the other’s hand, though it was all that either one of them truly wanted. The kiss they had shared was magical, but in the end left them only more certain of their feelings for one another and not of their future together. And so they hovered as close as they could, stretching out their time together as flowers and Rangers left flowers and tributes to Marin.
Finally, Calla could take it no longer. “Where does this leave us, Patch?” she asked painfully.
Lowering his head slightly, the weed responded without looking in her direction. “In the same place that we were, Calla, yet we understand even more what we mean to the other,” he said. He did his best to keep the pain from his voice.
Calla’s petals shivered her frustration. “I hate that we have to be this way, or that we are forced to face such an issue here,” she said.
“Our time grows short,” replied Theophilus.
His aloofness finally got the best of Calla as she stood in front of him. “How can you be so indifferent to me in this moment?” she asked, her deep eyes seeking hope in his.
Theophilus did not falter. “Because I must, Calla. We have only made it worse for ourselves, for now we know the truth in our hearts completely. And yet our chosen fates will divide us as surely as the Firestar will set. This is not indifference, this is merely a shield for the pain I must face. Just because you cannot see such pain doesn’t make it nonexistent. I…I ache for you, Calla. My only wish is to be at your side,” he said.
“Then join me, Theophilus,” said Calla as she took his hands. “You have done your duty. You have risked more than enough for my people. Come speak your tale to Lunamorn. Let them know of the perils firsthand. You deserve respite. You deserve to be happy too!”
Theophilus sighed, lowering his head. It was heartbreaking to look on her in those moments and took him a spell to rekindle his resolve. “We both deserve such happiness, Calla. I believe in my heart that your place is by my side as we make our own fate together. You have been convinced otherwise. Your mind and your heart are at war as you want more than anything to make the right choice. And I cannot make such a choice for you. In the end, we both know you are going with Mondoor. And it breaks me to my roots to think that the next time I see you, all this feeling we share and hold for one another will be changed.”
“What would you have me do, Patch?” she looked at him pleadingly as she asked.
Theophilu
s swallowed hard before he responded. “The only thing that I could have you do,” he said as he removed a tear from her cheek. “And that is know that I love thee. And that in my heart you shall remain regardless of fate.”
At this, the two plants hugged fiercely. Theophilus felt Calla’s heart racing as she sobbed on his shoulder. He hated to see her in pain, hated more so the truth and the circumstances that divided them. The little weed could not stop her from her choice, much as he couldn’t relinquish his quest.
With respects all paid, Captain Shael made his way to the two plants before placing a hand on Marin’s shoulder. “It is not often you meet a soul as selfless and loving,” he said before looking at Theophilus and Calla. “She did us all proud.”
Theophilus nodded to the Ranger. “That she did, captain,” he said.
As he spoke, Kelisay came to stand with them, bringing Elor with her. “So, what do we do now? How do we honor such a sacrifice?” she asked.
Theophilus stepped among his friends, his fists clenching as his resolve intensified. “I will tell you what we do, Kelisay. We do what our enemy would not expect. We do what we can to honor our lost. We take the fight back to Norrex and his minions and put an end to the evil that plagues our lands,” he said.
Kelisay looked doubtful to this. “But, Theophilus, you have seen their power. Should we not leave it to King Landin and his armies?”
Theophilus shook his head. “By the time their response is mustered, I can only imagine how many could fall to this unchecked evil. We will assemble allies. We will find their secrets. And in the end, we will hit them hard before they ever acknowledge us as a threat,” he said. “For the friends that we lost. For the friends that we could lose. For Marin especially, we must stand true.”
Captain Shael knelt to face the weed. “I am with you, Theophilus Thistle,” he said.
“As am I,” said Elor stepping forward.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 25