“Over my dead body,” spat Hensan as he raised his sword and rushed Theophilus.
As Hensan rushed forward with an overhead strike prepared, Theophilus watched him impatiently. Taking a step out of harm’s way, the little weed observed as Hensan fell face first upon the ground as the full effects of the sedative took hold. Hensan was fast asleep and quickly snoring. Procuring the lilac flower’s sword, Theophilus tossed it into the forest before shaking his head at the sleeping flower at his feet.
Kneeling, Theophilus placed a hand on Hensan’s back. “It is my hope that you take this failure as a sign of a much-needed career change, my friend,” he said before standing again.
Theophilus then took a moment to look upon the Fireborn Citadel. The very sight of the stronghold sickened him. He loathed to think of the vileness it contained, appalled that such a den of evil could exist in these lands. With its image seared into his memory, the little weed took stock of the surroundings and soon had the location memorized. The first step of his plan had come to fruition.
“Norrex,” he breathed. “Mark my words, here and now. Before this is over, I will see the end of this citadel and your dominion over this forest, even if it means the last of me. That is my word. That is my vow. You do not need to hear it, for your will feel its focus soon enough.”
Theophilus then turned, rushing into the depths of the Shadowpine forests, away from evil and toward his friends and the light.
CHAPTER Two
The Swelling of Evil
Walking proudly, the snapdragon flower Lennix strode through the innards of the Fireborn Citadel. Having just returned, the former Alethian defender had his floral ranks busy acquiring new recruits for Moreg’s Hand. With diligence and commitment, he and his troops had helped their numbers swell. With this task and victory under his belt, Lennix prepared to present his news to his master. He knew that his master would be pleased and in turn, their master would be pleased.
As Lennix maneuvered the halls of the citadel, other minions stepped aside. Some of them revered the flower for his sway with Norrex, yet others reviled him for such a position. But even the latter knew better than to cross him presently, for Lennix had proven himself crafty. The snapdragon flower accepted both trains of thought upon him as equal compliments.
Reaching the doors to the throne room, Lennix stopped a moment to make sure his armor and attire were in good order. It was an old habit, but Lennix was eternally diligent of appearance, and embracing the darkness changed this not at all. Satisfied, he took another moment to savor the black and crimson colors of his more savage looking attire. He had to admit they suited him entirely. Smiling to himself, Lennix put aside his vanity for the moment and entered the throne room.
As the doors opened for him, Lennix strode in with swift confidence, making his way to his master. Not faltering his pace, the flower made eye contact with the Norrex. The Deathshade sat relaxed upon a throne of gold as his golden fur exuded radiance in the torch light. Lennix could feel Norrex’s emerald eyes set upon him and the strength could not be denied. The flower tried to remain undaunted as he drew closer still and stopped abruptly before kneeling in his master’s presence.
Lennix broke off his gaze long enough to acknowledge the shaman orc Dobah. Offering a curt nod, Lennix saw all that he needed to see before lowering his head. Dobah looked somehow stronger than ever, standing by Norrex in new robes and holding to his scepter. The orc had rebuilt it after his defeat, adorning it with more power than before. Lennix admired and loathed Dobah, for he craved to be in the shaman’s position. But Lennix was wise enough to know he could not challenge Dobah’s power outright. And so, he would bide his time.
At last, Lennix spoke. “I have returned, my master. And I bring good news. “Our numbers have reached your requested amount and our recruits shall be trained and ready ahead of schedule,” he said.
Norrex looked upon the flower in silence, evaluating him mercilessly. This made Lennix quite uncomfortable. Standing gracefully, the pantheryn clasped his hands before him as he walked to Lennix. Lennix could not help but feel unease, as if his master held to information he did not. Yet Lennix did not flinch and kept his head bowed as he faced his master’s scrutiny.
At last, Norrex offered a deep, feral smile as he motioned for the flower to stand. “That is splendid news indeed. I commend you for your efforts, Lennix. I knew that you would not let me down,” he said as he glanced at Dobah over his shoulder. “Didn’t I just say that Lennix would come through for us in the end, Dobah?” he asked.
The stern orc nodded, his grey skin a contrast to the bright crimson of his robes. “You did indeed, my master. The flower proves to be quite resourceful,” he said.
Lennix stood, bowing his head graciously. “I thank you, Master Norrex. My life and purpose are for the cause,” he said.
Norrex chuckled at this as he walked around the little flower. “I have no doubt, Lennix. And am quite pleased with you. You see, this mission was of vital importance,” he offered.
Lennix nodded. “Yes, my master. I had no intentions of failing you,” he replied.
Norrex put his hands together and rested them under this chin as his gaze upon Lennix intensified. “Indeed. I have never doubted that about you, Lennix. I would never doubt your commitment to the cause,” he said.
“Thank you again, master,” said Lennix, still unable to shake his uncertainty.
Norrex then knelt, placing his face only inches from Lennix. “It is, however, your honesty that I must question,” he growled, his eyes looming like a predator.
Lennix almost trembled. “M-Master? I don’t understand,” he stammered.
Norrex struck the flower swiftly with the back of his hand. Lennix soared a few feet before crashing on the floor. He wiped at his mouth but was afraid to stand. Norrex took graceful strides to him, kneeling again to address the flower. With his master so close, Lennix found his feet again and knelt once more.
Patiently Norrex continued. “I know we are joined as children of the darkness. I know that deceit is one of our allies, Lennix, but you do not offer deceit to me. You do not lie to my face and accept my praise when it is not deserved. I would fell you where you grovel now, but you have proved your worth of late. But know now that I will not tolerate such insolence from you again,” he said.
“I don’t know what you mean, master,” said Lennix.
Norrex struck him again. As Lennix fell to the ground, the pantheryn turned back to his throne and sat himself. “I will let that second strike jog your memory, flower. Know that if you lie again to me now, you will become components to a powerful potion. Now, do you understand why you are being berated?”
Bringing himself to his knees and catching his breath, Lennix lowered his head in shame. “Because of Theophilus Thistle, because the details of his demise were… exaggerated,” he breathed.
Norrex looked at Dobah with relieved humor. “See, Dobah? He is prideful yes, but he does see the error of his ways,” he said before fixing on Lennix again. “I admire your conviction, Lennix, I truly do. Your commitment has helped our citadel flourish and for that you are to be commended. But think now on the folly of your lie, see how it set us back and made the goblins practically useless to the cause. Errors that could have been avoided had you only allowed the truth to set you free.”
Lennix’s head lowered further. “I truly thought him bested, master. I believed that the weed would trouble you no more, even if his death was not by my hand,” he said.
“And now you understand,” said Norrex sagely.
Lennix nodded. “Yes. Theophilus is not to be underestimated under any circumstances. The one joy I do take is I may yet have the chance to try to end him once again,” he said.
Norrex laughed at this. “Such spirit! Consider yourself on neutral ground again, Lennix. Your accolades have balanced out your sins. For this you will be allowed to live and redeem yourself in my eyes and the eyes of our master. But know that if you should ever fail again,
the things that I could have Dobah do to you would make you beg for the Dream,” he said.
Lennix forced his eyes to meet the eyes of Dobah. The truth he saw there, the savagery in the calmness unnerved him. “I fully understand, Norrex. I will not fail you again. I will do whatever is necessary and destroy Theophilus Thistle with my bare hands if I have to,” he offered.
The pantheryn nodded to him. “We have an understanding then. What’s done is done and now you realize the consequences of your actions. For now, we press forward to enact our will upon this world. Moreg’s plan grows, his influence reaching further than ever before. Soon we will strike a blow and reveal this to the world. The entire populace of Saelen will soon tremble at the inevitably that shall press upon them,” he said.
Lennix prepared himself, taking a deep breath and swallowing hard before he spoke. “And what of Theophilus Thistle, my master?” he asked.
Norrex waved an impatient hand. “He is no longer of consequence. He and his friends are either hiding or have fled these lands. Either way, we will find him again and when we do, we will see the regret heavy in his eyes as he meets his end,” said the pantheryn, offering a cold, maniacal smile before he waved Lennix away. “You may go now, Lennix,” he added calmly.
“Yes, my master,” said Lennix. Standing, the flower turned swiftly and made his way out of the throne room, elated to be alive. Yet even so, the gravity of the situation and the words offered to him did little to ease his spirit. He had failed in his mission and in doing so he had lied to Norrex about a victory that was not his to claim. And the fallout of that lie had diminished his position and nearly cost him his life.
Lennix swiftly exited the citadel, grateful to taste fresh air. Making sure no prying eyes were upon him, the flower lost all composure as he struck at a nearby rock. Growling his frustration, Lennix at last calmed himself, deciding to drown his shame in the reservoir of fury within him. He set his thoughts upon this anger, knowing what he had to do to make everything right and absolve himself of his sins.
“Theophilus Thistle,” he whispered. “Mark my words, for everything that has happened and more, I will make you pay. I will best you. I will end you. And I will have my revenge. This I swear till my last breath,” he said.
Satisfied, Lennix returned to the depths of the Fireborn Citadel.
CHAPTER Three
The Gathering Light
Using the utmost stealth and caution, Theophilus Thistle made the slow journey back to the lands of Alethia. Urgency barked incessantly within the little weed's mind, but patience and determination won the day. Theophilus held much needed information and secrecy was vital if he and his friends were going to win the day. Carelessness would do nothing but erase the vow he had made to end the treacherous plans of Norrex and his allies.
Still garbed in some of his floral disguise, Theophilus made full use of the abundant forest vegetation to remain obscured from plain sight. For while he felt relieved to be back in the realm of Alethia and the tree of Nibiru, the little weed knew better than to feel safe. Spies were still about, and Theophilus knew that the normal paths were intently watched. The knowledge kept the travel slow and perilous, yet Theophilus kept his wits and diligence.
After more strenuous travel, Theophilus at last found himself back to the clearing where it had all started. The site evoked a plethora of feelings in a spectrum that was both joyous and painful. Yet even as the clearing looked calm and serene, the little weed knew better. Now it was the staging ground for the light's assault upon darkness and tyranny.
Stopping under a tree, Theophilus spent several minutes scanning the area for spying eyes. It was painful restraint this close to his objective, but the little weed reminded himself that such closeness made care even more crucial. Satisfied that he was safe, Theophilus rushed to the clearing, coming to a stop at its outskirts. Reaching with both hands toward the ground, he grabbed upon a tarp and lifted, revealing the innards of a mystically camouflaged tent. Rushing inside, Theophilus released the tarp, allowing it to fall again upon the ground and conceal him from the outside world.
Instantly, Theophilus was met with warmth. The enchanted tent was large enough to hold at least 25 occupants and the little weed relished in being able to let down his guard at last. Drawing a relaxing breath, he allowed his senses to be filled with his makeshift base. Familiar sounds and scents overwhelmed him, and he welcomed them gladly. But one scent outshined all others and as the fragrance of pink lotus reached him, the weed felt all his cares wash free of him if even only for a few moments.
"Theophilus!"
Theophilus smiled as caring hands wrapped around him. He was happy to return the sentiment, feeling the warmth Calla offered in her embrace. The two plants held to one another for as long as fate allowed before Theophilus reluctantly released and took Calla by the hands. "That is a reception that I will always welcome gladly," he offered with a grin.
Calla placed her forehead on his head and he could see the joy and sadness that filled her. "I hate when you make me worry, but I am glad you are back safe," she breathed.
Theophilus chuckled faintly. "I must use care, for if I do not you will hold me to another promise," he replied.
"Don't tempt me," said Calla.
"I shall try," he replied before guiding her toward the others. "Come, for there is much to discuss." Calla nodded and let him lead her by the hand.
The two plants made their way through the enchanted tent. Brushing by supplies and cots, Theophilus strolled quickly to the large table and chairs present. Instantly many sets of eyes fixed on him. The little weed saw friends at the table, offering varied degrees of enthusiasm and relief upon seeing him. Theophilus then leaped upon the table with Calla, maneuvering amongst the cups and plates to stand before the map that had been laid out.
Instantly, a welcomed-sight of an elf nodded as he looked up from the map. Pristine features and an impeccable uniform were betrayed by rebellious eyes and the smile that etched on his elven face. “Welcome back, Theophilus. We are immensely glad to see you safe,” said Captain Corym Shael.
Theophilus offered a deep nod to the captain. “It’s good to be back,” he said before looking about. “I see that you have been busy in my absence.”
“Indeed,” said Captain Shael, appearing lost in thought. “We’ve done our best.”
“Hey, Patch,” said another voice, drained of much cheer. Theophilus turned his head to see his friend Elor. The young imp had been robbed of much of his enthusiasm of late. The loss of his adopted mother still burned deeply into his weary, yellow eyes. Elor rested his chin upon his arms setting on the table. His pointy ears remained alert as he offered Theophilus a brave grin of sharp teeth.
“Hello, Elor,” said Patch as he waved at his friend. “You are definitely a sight for sore eyes, my friend.”
“Thanks. It’s good to see you too,” said Elor. The distance in his voice still pained Theophilus greatly.
As Theophilus continued to examine the young imp, Captain Shael pressed forward. “How did you fare, Theophilus? Did you acquire any leads about our enemy’s whereabouts?” he asked.
Theophilus nodded as he ripped off the last remnants of his disguise. Tossing them away, he continued. “I can do you one better, captain. I have discovered the location of the Fireborn Citadel,” he said as he walked across the map. Kneeling, he pointed to a specific location. “It is directly here, in the Shadowpine Forest and built upon the Gnarled Fang Butte. It is an impressive fortress and will be difficult to assail. And this is made worse by their numbers, for they are great and growing by the week.”
“What would you put their numbers at?” asked Shael.
Theophilus looked at him grimly. “Over a thousand, captain, perhaps close to 1,500. And as mobile as they have proven to be in the past, that makes them quite dangerous in this region,” he replied.
“Agreed,” said Captain Shael as he looked angrily upon the map before him.
Theophilus gauged the Ranger�
��s face before responded. “I take it our own gathering of forces is not bearing such fruit,” he observed.
Captain Shael shook his head. “I am afraid not. Secrecy has hampered us, for we cannot acquire allies from obvious spots. Our battle group is roughly 400,” he said.
“Those are long odds, not to mention that our enemy is strengthened by Norrex and Dobah,” said Kelisay. The shimmering white kelpie with a fiery red mane walked over and observed the map before giving Theophilus a nod.
Theophilus hated the next question, for he felt he knew the answer already. “And the Rangers?”
Captain Shael fought his clenching jaw. “Other than a few favors I have called in, we will get no help. We are on our own on this one, Theophilus,” he said.
“I was afraid of that,” said Theophilus. The weed looked at Calla and squeezed her hand. “We will have to make do with what we have, captain,” he said.
Elor lifted his head. “But you heard him, Patch. We are outnumbered. We had to run last time and it cost us so much,” said the imp as his voice trailed off. He fought the pain before continuing. “I don’t want us to lose anymore.”
Theophilus looked at his friends and elves and flowers present. “Friends, allies, I can look in your eyes and know that hope is not easy in coming these days. We have been through much and our enemy only goes stronger. They’re confident in their strength and victory. But I am here to tell you that we are not going to let that happen,” he said firmly.
“But what do we do? We can’t face them alone,” said Elor.
“That is exactly what we do,” replied Theophilus as he motioned for to those watching him. “We are all here for our reasons, but in the end we all want to stop this evil. We can’t face them outright, but that does not mean we cannot face them. We have our resources and we have our skills to put into the mix. But most importantly, we have each other.
Theophilus let his words sink in before continuing. “This isn’t going to be easy. And it likely won’t go well. But if we do not stand, surely we will lose. And that cost carries beyond our own lives. There is more at stake than just us and I for one will not let my friends and loved ones fall to darkness because I was afraid to do something about it. We are the fire we allow ourselves to be, and instead of flickering in fear, I say we stand together as a roaring flame and cast this darkness from our lands. So, what say you?”
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 28