The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle

by David Partelow

  Theophilus’s words were met with approval as Captain Shael regarded his friend. “Well said, Sir Theophilus. I assume you have a plan?”

  Theophilus grinned. “It never hurts to carry one or two,” he offered with a shrug. “We shall discuss it in detail soon. For now, I think we should all rest and gather our strength. Our fight is not over. Our enemy is great. But I know they have forgotten that in ourselves we carry the greatness that will see us through,” he added.

  Captain Shael held out his hands to the table. “You heard the weed. Acquire rest and refreshment and we shall convene again in the morning,” he said. The table quickly dispersed, boldened by the little weed’s words. “It’s good to have you back, Theophilus,” he added. Theophilus offered him a nod as the elf Ranger departed.

  Before leaving, Elor held out his hand. Theophilus took one of the imp’s fingers into his hand and squeezed. “I don’t know how you do it, Patch, but you have even me believing we have a chance,” he said.

  “We do, my friend. That I promise you. We’ll make these lands safe again. We will make your mother proud. I know that in my heart,” he replied. Elor fought tears as he nodded, climbed down from his seat, and crawled into one of the cots offered.

  As Theophilus and Calla watched him go, Calla looked at the weed. “Are you so sure, Patch? I’m worried about our friends. And you,” she said. Her last words were a whisper.

  Theophilus nodded, placing his hands upon her shoulders. “I meant every word from my lips, Calla. Sure, we cannot face Norrex head on, but we are not without our means. We are going to have to make our enemy play our game if we are to win.”

  “And what is our game?” she asked.

  Theophilus grinned. “Wits. Tactics. Brains. These are things that we have over Norrex and his group. They will blindly follow to the end. And we in turn will use that to our advantage.”

  Calla’s face darkened, and Theophilus hated to see such things. “You make it sound so simple,” she said.

  Theophilus shook his head. “It’s not by a long shot. But I make peace with what we must do and search for a means of victory. And if I realize there is a way to see another day, then it gives us all another tool in our arsenal,” he said.

  “Which is?”

  At this, Theophilus gave her a sincere smile. “Hope, Calla. We need that more than ever now,” he replied.

  Calla sighed, her earnest eyes unable to hide her worry. “I will have to go soon, Patch. Lennix only delayed my duty. I still must make it to Lunamorn. Is there any way you can wait? Perhaps we can gain you allies with our story,” she said.

  Theophilus shook his head, and Calla knew her words stung him still. “No, I’m afraid not. If we do not face Norrex soon, he will simply make more victims with his schemes. They are planning an assault, of that I am certain. I would rather it is us who challenge it than some helpless town or village. I am afraid this is what must be done,” he said.

  Calla bit her lip as she tried one last tactic. “You could come with me, Patch. Let them hear your words. You have fought so hard already. I know you would rally the hearts of Lunamorn, and assistance would be a sure thing.”

  Theophilus lowered his head. When he looked at her again, the pain was undeniable. “Calla. I’d give anything to be with you. But not like that. I couldn’t look at you knowing I was a coward who left his friends to fall. My place is here, for it keeps others safe. And it keeps you safe. And if that is all I have then I will take it,” he offered.

  “But, Patch,” she breathed.

  Theophilus shook his head. “We are still locked within our purposes, Calla. Even if this day is won, the end of it will not find us together. Yet no matter what, you are in my heart. And if I cannot live with you, then I will live for that, and let it bolster me and make me stronger than I could ever be without such a feeling inside me.”

  Calla again faced threatening tears at such circumstance. “Don’t talk like that, Patch. You are full of hope and hopes gone,” she said.

  Theophilus looked out her with such intense honesty her soul cried out to him. “Our fate is our fate regardless of my protests,” he said. He then held up his hand to stop her reply. “You have to go. And I must stay and fight. That is the way things are. But it changes not how I feel about you in the slightest, for Calla, I surely do and will always love you,” he said.

  Calla felt the wind ripped from her lungs. “Patch,” she whispered.

  Theophilus turned from her. “I just needed you to know that, just in case. It doesn’t matter where our roads lead us. You are loved, and you will always be so, Calla of Alethia,” he said before turning to look at her one more time. “No matter what.” Theophilus then hopped off the table and disappeared.

  Calla stood there frozen, absorbing their conversation and hating the twists of fate and perils before them. Theophilus had taken her off guard with his unswerving honesty and devotion. The pink lotus had been lost in a whirlwind of his words, wanting one more chance to handle things differently than she had. Yet, she had been left with silence and felt deeply alone without him.

  “I don’t think I have ever seen someone care more honestly for someone than he does for you,” said a voice.

  Calla turned to that voice, nodding to the kelpie as she regained her composure. “He is one of a kind, that’s for sure, Kelisay,” she said.

  “Are you alright?” Kelisay asked.

  Calla shook her head. “No. Not at all. But I hope that I will be with time,” she said.

  Kelisay looked to where Theophilus had departed. “You know, I have no doubt in my mind that he would die for you without a second thought,” she mused.

  Calla nodded as tears finally fell. “That is exactly what I am afraid of,” she breathed.

  CHAPTER Four

  Throwing down the Gauntlet

  With nightfall descended upon the land, the Fireborn Citadel brimmed wickedly to life. Eerie light poured from its embrasures, appearing like monstrous eyes in the lunar light. Smoke churned and spat skyward, harmonized with the fierce hammer strikes from within. The minions of Moreg worked feverishly to ready themselves for the next stage of their opposition of the light.

  Emerging from the citadel, Norrex the Deathshade grinned at the grim sight of recruits training relentlessly. Not all would succeed, but the strongest would endure and bolster their ranks. The pantheryn enjoyed watching such festivities and more so savored making examples of the weak. Flanked by Dobah and Lennix, Norrex perused the ensuing drills, relishing in the sounds of combat and pain.

  “Glorious, isn’t it?” Norrex asked as he waved a hand at the restrained carnage. “Through blood and sacrifice, we create an army worthy of our master. To see such fruition is splendor,” he added.

  The orc Dobah grunted his agreement. “To watch it makes me hungry for battle, master, for there are those that still must taste my fury,” he said.

  Norrex chuckled at this. “Patience, old friend. You will have your chance soon enough, this I promise,” said the pantheryn.

  Lennix cleared his throat before speaking. He still carried pain from his failures within his limbs. “If you do not mind me asking, master, why is it that we are waiting? Surely, we are strong enough now to best anything Theophilus and his band can throw at us. I think that was proven in our last encounter.”

  “You rush to see him beaten,” observed Norrex casually. “But first I want him broken.” Norrex then looked upon Lennix with his sharp predator eyes. “We know that we can crush Theophilus. And soon he will know it too. Few would flock to his banner against such might. Our spies have revealed they have sought no help from Alethia or Lunamorn. Right now, Theophilus is feeling the sting of inevitability weigh upon him. I want that to fester. I want him to know true despair at the approaching force that he cannot stop. And once that has struck his heart fully, we will destroy him and anyone foolish enough to call him friend.”

  At this, Lennix matched the grin of Norrex. “I relish the sound of that, master,” h
e said.

  Norrex turned away, still amused. “Of course you do. Vengeance burns savagely to your core. You want the weed to suffer deeply for his trespasses,” he said.

  “Yes. A thousand-fold for all that I have endured from him,” said Lennix.

  Norrex nodded. “Then take a page from Dobah. Harness your patience. Quell your rage like a fount and let it age like wine. And when the time comes, savor the retribution fully as it is meant to be enjoyed,” said the pantheryn.

  “Yes, my master,” said Lennix enthusiastically. Norrex continued walking then and the flower and orc swiftly followed.

  The three devotees of Moreg walked casually through the ensuing training sessions, pleased with the display. Each took turns offering harsh lessons to those deemed too weak. Such displays bolstered the remainder, making them even stronger than before. The intensity of the combat increased, as did the savagery. This in turn pleased Norrex, for the time of reckoning was close at hand.

  “We are close now, my brethren,” said Norrex as he looked about. “Closer than we have ever been before. You do not see it yet, but we are the pioneers of the new age. We have been chosen to reveal our master to the world once more. I can think of no greater honor.”

  “Nor I, master,” said Dobah.

  “Indeed,” said Lennix.

  “Oh, I’m certain I can come up with a few,” said another voice.

  Norrex snarled, searching for the source of that voice. “Show yourself, Theophilus Thistle!”

  As Norrex and his lackeys searched about the training grounds, the new recruits took notice as they too joined the hunt. Norrex, Dobah, and Lennix stood in a loose triangle, their backs to each other as each prepared for battle. Magic coursed through the pantheryn’s hands as Dobah drew power from his scepter. Lennix drew his sword, anxiously craving for it to taste the blood of his most hated foe.

  Norrex was quickly drawn to impatience by the impertinence of his enemy. “Again, I say show yourself, weed. You have much to answer to!” he thundered.

  “With pleasure,” said Theophilus as he quickly made his move.

  Falling from the sky, a globule of water descended between Norrex and his lackeys. The three of them saw it too late as it splashed upon the ground and unleashed a surge of power and light. Lennix was knocked back from its force. Norrex covered his eyes as Dobah instinctively placed himself between the new magic and his master.

  It was then through the shimmering enchantment that Theophilus appeared. Holding to his wand Digus, the little weed shot a burst of powerful magic upon Dobah. The orc barked his pain as he was thrown some distance from his master. Theophilus quickly leaped, taking advantage of the still distracted Norrex. Landing on the shoulder of his enemy, Theophilus trained the glowing tip of his wand upon Norrex’s temple, claiming his enemy’s attention fully.

  “Norrex, old chum, I think it is high time that you and I had a talk,” said Theophilus.

  Growling softly, the pantheryn lowered his hands and extinguished his magic. “You are braver and more foolish than even I pegged you for, little weed. I should have my men tear you to ribbons,” he grated.

  Theophilus shrugged, touching the tip of Digus to the pantheryn’s skin. “Do what you must. But I assure you that your end will come sooner than mine. Look at my eyes, Norrex, and know that I am telling you the truth,” he said.

  Norrex glanced deeply at Theophilus before nodding grimly and raising his voice. “Lower your weapons, my brethren, for I wish to hear what the weed has to say,” he demanded. The soldiers obliged without question, though Dobah’s fury at the order was undeniable.

  Theophilus nodded. “It is good to see that being drunk on power has not robbed you of all reason just yet,” he said.

  Norrex offered a smirk. “The night is young, Theophilus Thistle. Plenty of time remains to see you ended. Now what is the meaning of this intrusion,” he demanded.

  Theophilus’s response was swift. “I seek an end to this conflict, Norrex. Alethia deserves to be free of your wickedness, the whole kingdom in fact. I think it is time we cease this once and for all,” he said.

  Norrex could not help but laugh at this. Many of his minions joined him before a press of Digus upon his temple silenced him. “If you think we are going to run from the likes of you then I would wager you a mad man,” said Norrex casually. “We have you bested, whether you choose to see it or not. Your end will come, weed, be it tonight or sometime soon.”

  Theophilus shook his head. “Oh, I did not come to ask your surrender. I have come simply to challenge you and your vaunted might,” he said.

  “You truly have gone mad then,” replied Norrex.

  “Not at all,” countered Theophilus. “I simply want us to end this at long last. Your forces against mine. Winner take all. I will give you a location and by morning’s light of the second day, we shall clash and see who shall stand and who shall fall.”

  “I will be befouled by your trickery no longer, weed,” said Norrex.

  “Look into my eyes again then, Norrex. You will find your truth there,” said Theophilus.

  Norrex did look again, surprised to see what he found in the weed’s eyes. “I do not know if it is madness or not, but you speak true. You really wish to see who is better in this conflict.”

  “I do,” replied Theophilus. “And surely the might of Moreg is not scared of a few handfuls of those who would defend the light. Such a loss would weigh poorly upon you and your master.”

  Norrex hissed. “I know your game, weed, yet I accept regardless. You have named your time. Now name your place so that we may come and wipe you from the face and stories of Lunaria,” he spat.

  “Very well,” said Theophilus as he procured a small parchment and placed it on Norrex’s shoulder. “There is your destination. You have my solemn word that we shall be there to face you. Bring your might, for surely you will fall in the end.”

  A satisfied chuckle rumbled through Norrex. “Little weed. I do not know if you are deluded, desperate, or insane, but I am going to enjoy this,” he said.

  “Then we are in agreement?” Theophilus asked.

  “We are,” said Norrex.

  “Outstanding,” said Theophilus as he looked on the minions surrounding him. “Then I suppose it is time that I depart.”

  A rumbling chuckle etched from the pantheryn. “I don’t believe anyone here has the intention of letting you leave here alive,” said Norrex.

  The weed nodded as he tapped on Norrex once more with his wand. “Indeed. Which is why backup plans must always be at the ready,” said Theophilus as he leaped from Norrex’s back.

  Landing upon the ground, Theophilus could see Norrex’s minions rushing him. Dobah raised his scepter, prepared to let his fury wash over his enemy. Theophilus aimed Digus directly below his own feet and fired upon the ground. The force sent him and his wand soaring upward. As he ascended, a nearby cloud dissipated, revealing a magical kelpie. The kelpie rushed to the little weed as Theophilus landed upon his ally.

  With Theophilus safely upon her back, Kelisay rose swiftly into the air. Norrex and Dobah both expressed their displeasure through acts of ferocity. Norrex drew magic to his hands as Dobah fired a torrent of energy with his staff. Norrex also unleased a furious bout of foul, wicked energy at his fleeing opposition. Kelisay moved about deftly, avoiding the attempts to stop her and Theophilus. With their enemies safely out of their reach, Norrex and his minions could little contain themselves for it.

  Norrex shook a fist at the sky. “This is not over, Theophilus Thistle! Soon we will reach you and those that call you friend. And then we will decide fate once and for all!” roared the pantheryn.

  Placing Digus upon his back, Theophilus pointed at the pantheryn as he replied. “That is the plan, Norrex. Know that no matter what, your tyranny upon this region comes to an end. That is my word and my vow,” he proclaimed before nodding to his kelpie friend. Kelisay then sped away from the Fireborn Citadel and its inhabitants.

  Norr
ex’s anger flared, and as it did, the ground surrounding him smoldered and shook. Those nearest to the pantheryn retreated from his fury. “Mark my words, weed! This is the end of you! You just don’t realize it yet! You are nothing but hope and light, and I promise you that I will crush both before this is through! Do you hear me, weed? Do you? Your end is near! The end is near!”

  It took several moments, but Norrex slowly calmed. The pantheryn lowered his clawed hands, allowing the coursing magic he had concocted to dissipate. Yet, even as his wrath dwindled to a smolder, only the orc shaman Dobah was brave enough to approach him. And even though he approached, the orc still waited further moments before he uttered words.

  Feeling that enough time had passed, Dobah spoke at last. “I believe the weed to be man of his word, but this could still be a trap, master,” he said.

  Norrex turned sharply to face Dobah. In his eyes remained the ferocity that had dominated the pantheryn’s actions only moments ago. Taking another breath to calm himself, Norrex smiled at the orc. “It matters not. They do not have the numbers to match us. We have done our part to ensure that no none shall come to their aid, not even the Rangers. Theophilus and his allies will stand and face us. And when they do, they shall die,” he said.

  Dobah nodded. “I will take relish in facing our enemy with you,” he replied.

  Norrex snook his head. “No. It is you who will go to face them. You will stand before our enemies with our full might and you will crush them beneath your feet with no mercy offered. I bestow this glory unto you,” he said.

  Dobah was momentarily surprised by these words but banished the expression from face. “I am…honored, my master. I do not deserve such an accolade,” he said.