Norrex grinned wickedly. “Honor shall wait for you until you return with the broken body of Theophilus Thistle, and not a moment sooner,” said Norrex. “We must squash this defiance completely, but also we have our tasks for the glory that is Moreg. I will remain behind to finish what we have started. Theophilus will be destroyed. The ritual shall be completed. And in that shall commence our ultimate victory. This is my will, Dobah. And it is the master’s will. And so it shall be done.”
Dobah placed a fist across his heart. “As you command, master,” he said before turning to begin his preparations. Norrex watched him go indifferently before turning back toward the wake of his greatest enemy.
Norrex clenched his fists, feeling his claws dig into his own skin as he did so. “One way or the other, Theophilus Thistle, this is the end of your adventures. I will see you fall. I will see you fail. And in the end, I will see you no more,” said the pantheryn.
Calming himself fully at last, Norrex the Deathshade turned toward the citadel, ready to prepare for the ritual
CHAPTER Five
Meal Before Glory
A thick and misty fog covered a stretch of the outlying forest that surrounded Alethia. The fog hovered stubbornly in place, a wall of thick and obscuring detriment. Creatures nearing it turned, knowing instinctively that it was a magic concoction of some sort. And so those concealed from within this wall remained safe as the evening progressed with slow, yet steady determination.
From within the magical cover, friends and allies had assembled on the eve of battle. Their numbers were small, yet the group held a proud mix of elves, plants, dwarves and magical creatures who wished to stand in the face of darkness and treachery. Now joined, the comrades shared a meal together before they garnered rest and tempted the fates. The collection of creatures made for a diverse, yet delicious feast.
A feast worthy of being a last meal.
Strewn across a table wrought of ice, conjured by the kelpie Kelisay, was a terrific spread of food and drink, taken in earnest by the small battle group that currently filled their bellies. The smell of succulent meats and fragrant cheeses permeated the fog along with chatter of varying enthusiasm. One of Captain Shaels dwarven allies had brought with him a barrel of his finest honey mead, and the group had done their very best to drain its contents fully. For the moment, the impending clash was either forgotten, or at the very least, put aside.
At the head of the table, Captain Corym Shael sat upon a felled tree trunk as he observed those who had agreed to accompany him in battle. The thought of their chances diminished any good cheer he may have held, yet he was still moved by the gallant display that was wrought by those present. Though good or ill, they had chosen to stand against great peril for their own reasons. The very thought of it still moved the veteran captain’s spirit.
With the meal almost at end, Captain Shael knew that those present would expect a bolstering speech from him. He presently loathed the thought, for his heart was simply not in it. He felt alone, betrayed by the brotherhood that had been his family for ages. Shael knew that if the Rangers had been with them on this night, he would face the evening and approaching morning with renewed confidence. Instead now, he felt that what would escape his lips would seem hallow or false. And this troubled him greatly.
Captain Shael took a long drink from his makeshift mug, almost draining the contents of his mead. He hoped that the beverage would bolster him beyond his hallow feelings and allow for a rousing speech. Yet neither time nor drink had helped alleviate the grimness that bested him presently. Captain Shael stood with further reluctance, clearing his throat as he prepared for the inevitable.
It was then that a welcomed friend hopped upon the table before the captain. Theophilus Thistle offered Captain Shael a nod as he motioned to the table. “Do you mind if I take this one, captain?” he asked.
Captain Shael offered a restrained, yet grateful smile. “Not at all, Theophilus. Speak your mind and your heart,” he offered. The little weed turned to address the table as Captain Shael held up his hands for quiet.
As the focus rested fully upon him, Theophilus took a moment to look at those present before making his voice loud enough to be heard by all. “Friends and comrades old and new, I thank you for being with us on this eve of battle. The task ahead is perilous, and I will not lie to you, the odds are heavily against us. Yet we are not here because victory is easy or guaranteed. We are here because we stand for the light and all that we love and hold dear.
“A dark evil has returned to us,” continued the little weed. “And it is represented by a sinister pantheryn and his allies. Many of us have faced these enemies in the past and we have carried with us pain and loss because of it.” Theophilus paused in that moment, seeing the grief on his friend Elor’s face as the imp lowered his head. “But here we are now and here we remain, for only when we shy away from the burdens before us do evil and darkness triumph over the light.”
“Hear, hear,” said Captain Shael from behind the weed. Those at the table took up his words.
Theophilus nodded and waited for the cheer to wind down. “Tomorrow we go and face a terrible and powerful enemy. Tomorrow we shall tempt the fates and tomorrow we may fall before it is over. But I can assure you of this. Tomorrow we will stand as one and tomorrow our enemy will know the strength of such an act. For greed and fury and selfishness, no matter its power, shall never hold such a might. Our deeds will carry through the very forests. Our defiance against evil will inspire others to stand as well. Yes, we are not many. But together, we are enough!”
“Well said,” said Kelisay as she stamped a hoof upon the ground. She inspired others to join her in cheering at the words of Theophilus.
The weed remained patient until the cheers died down again. “Tonight, we feast. Tonight, we celebrate the ideals and purpose that binds us as one. Tonight, let us be bolstered and renewed in purpose by those we love and what we stand for. And tomorrow, let us take it with us to the field of battle and show our enemy what it means to be glorious and mighty. For mark my word friends, that is what we are together: Glorious and mighty. Yes, they have numbers. Yes, they have power. But they lack what we hold and what shall guide us to victory. And tomorrow they shall know that too. To victory!”
“To victory!” came a resounding unified response.
Theophilus watched as the group celebrated, moved by his words. A handful of dwarves began to play music and sing. Soon others joined them as the forces of light made the most of their night together. Some feasted and drank as others danced or talked the night away. Theophilus nodded to this, for the spirits of their battle group were indeed lifted.
“Those were inspiring words, Sir Theophilus,” said Captain Shael. The elf nodded to the weed as Theophilus turned to face him. “You have my thanks.”
Theophilus placed a hand across his heart. “Anything I can do to help,” said the weed as he looked at the captain in earnest. “I would follow you into any battle, stand at your side through any peril,” he said.
Captain Shael raised his mug. “You have the spirit and heart of a hundred soldiers, Theophilus. This kingdom needs more of you. I will be honored to fight alongside you once again.”
“A feeling I share with you entirely,” said Theophilus as he procured a mug fit for his hand. He then raised his mug to Captain Shael. “To friends. To Love. And to the light. May they see us through to the end,” he said.
“To the end,” replied Captain Shael as the two friends finished their toast and drank. Captain Shael nodded to the weed once more before disappearing into the rising celebration.
Turning back to the full of the table, Theophilus made his way down it, having words with those who stopped him. It was slow going, but the weed made his way toward the end, where Elor sat sullenly. Sitting on the table conversing with him was Calla. Seeing them both lifted his spirits and pained his heart for a cluster of reasons. As he approached, both Calla and Elor acknowledged him with smiles.
“Those were some great words, Patch,” said Elor despite the imp’s diminished enthusiasm. “Marin would have been proud.”
Theophilus sat himself on the edge of the table next to Calla as the two plants faced Elor. “She will never be more proud than she is of you, my friend. And tomorrow we shall honor her memory and sacrifice,” he said.
Elor wiped a tear from his eye. “She should be with us for it,” he breathed.
“She will be with us,” said Theophilus adamantly. “Marin never left us, Elor. She gave of herself fully so that we may live. She is a part of all of us now. Her choice still echoes onward, and it is the reason we are here in this moment. I miss her too and I still mourn your loss, my friend. And when this is over we shall go to her and tell her what we have done. You have my word.”
Elor nodded again, afraid to look up at his friend. “Thank you, Patch. I just still don’t know what to do without her. I fear if we didn’t have this fight ahead of us I would surely go mad,” he said.
Calla shook her head. “That won’t happen, Elor. Because when this is done, you will not be alone. We’re not Marin and we cannot replace her. But we can share in your pain and we can be at your side. And we will help you get through this,” she said.
At last, Elor did look at them. “Thank you both. I don’t know what I would have done without the two of you. I just hope that I am enough tomorrow. These doubts grip me, and I hate them. I just want to be the person Marin wished me to be,” he said.
“You are,” said Theophilus. “I would stake my life on it.”
Elor sighed as he pulled himself from his chair. “I need to go get some sleep,” he said.
“Do you need us to go with you?” Calla asked.
The young imp shook his head. “No but thank you. I’ll be fine. Good night, you two,” he said before walking slowly away.
“Goodnight, Elor,” said Theophilus as Calla waved. Theophilus looked at Calla from the corner of his eye. “I guess that just leaves you and me,” he mused.
“That it does,” said Calla. Despite the ongoing festivities, the two plants were focused on nothing but each other.
After a bout of uncomfortable silence, Theophilus drew a deep breath before speaking. “So, Calla,” he started, still gathering his thoughts.
The pink lotus flower beat him to the punch as she spoke. “I’m worried about you, Patch, especially after what you said last time we spoke,” she said.
Theophilus smiled faintly. “Well I’m flattered, Calla of Alethia. I shall admit I do rather enjoy knowing you are thinking of me,” he said.
Calla’s eyes narrowed. “You’re up to something, Patch. I know it. And it goes beyond the battle tomorrow,” she challenged. “What is it?”
Theophilus looked at her squarely, facing the shimmering innocence in her eyes bravely. “I cannot tell you,” he replied.
“Why not?”
“Because you would surely try to stop me,” he said.
The honesty Calla saw in his eyes unnerved her. “Then don’t do it.”
“I have to, Calla,” said Theophilus firmly.
Calla reached out instinctively, gripping Theophilus’s hand. “But why? Whatever it is, why? Why is this burden only yours to carry?” she asked.
“Because I choose to carry it,” he responded instantly. He knew the swiftness of his words hurt her. Taking a deep breath, the little weed continued. “We’ve lost so much because of this evil, Calla. Tomorrow we are going to lose more. One way or the other, this must end. The wicked have gone too long unchecked. For you. For Alethia. For Elor. For all our loved ones, this must end.”
Calla pulled Theophilus’s hand to her lap, holding it with both of her hands. “This darkness was not your fault, Patch,” she whispered.
Theophilus inched closer to her, bolstered by the warmth and sensation. “You are right, of course. But our lives would be on a different course had it not been allowed to flourish. Marin would be here. Alethia would not be in peril. And we…well we would be together,” he said, the words causing him pain.
“Patch,” whispered Calla.
“It’s true, Calla. And I know that you know this,” replied the weed. “I cannot change that now. But maybe, just maybe I can make sure others do not share the fate that we now face. And because of that prospect I must try. I cannot change our destiny now, but if I can know you are a bit safer because of my actions I will take comfort. Norrex is still out there and I need to stop him. I will stop him.”
“And at what cost?” asked Calla.
“I shall know that answer when the bill comes due,” replied Theophilus.
Calla shook her head. “Stop it, Patch. You said it yourself, we have lost enough already. And I refuse to listen to words that sound like you are willing to throw your life away recklessly. You cannot fall, Theophilus. The world needs you,” he said.
“You exaggerate my worth, Calla,” he said.
“Then I need you,” she countered. “And that should be enough for you.”
Theophilus sighed, leaning his head into hers. He placed his arms around her then and Calla leaned into him. “I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, Calla. I just know I have to do whatever I can to see this through to the end.”
Calla sighed. “Can’t you hold off? Mondoor and I are set to travel to Lunamorn quite soon. You need support if we are to be victorious. I see that truth even the eyes of Captain Shael.”
Theophilus shook his head. “In my time posing as a wicked weed, I gleaned some insight to the workings of our enemy. Norrex means to conquer Alethia and have the secrets of Niburu and your kin to bolster his strength. Maybe your aid comes in time and maybe it does not. I cannot take that chance, Calla. Maybe we cannot stop them, but we can at least buy the time you need to get support back this way,” he said.
Calla fought her tears. “Why are you doing all of this, Patch?” she asked.
The little weed rested his head upon her more. “Because it is the right thing to do. Because I want Alethia saved. And because…I love you,” he said.
“Patch,” whispered Calla as she pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it.
The two plants sat there then, holding one another. Around them the festivities continued, but all they could hear was the beating of their own hearts. Whatever else that needed to be said escaped into the night and all that was left were silent understandings and deep longing. Theophilus wanted nothing more than to hold on to Calla forever.
It was then that the two of them heard the clearing of a throat. Looking down, they both saw Mondoor waiting patiently with a contingent of royal guards with him. The Alethian diplomat looked quite comfortable in his attire. The sight of him brought both Theophilus and Calla to reality as they stood up upon the table.
“Hello, Mondoor,” said Calla as she looked between him and Theophilus. “I will be with you in just one moment.”
Mondoor offered a bow. “I will be waiting, milady,” he said before disappearing from their view with his guards in tow.
“Well I guess it is time for you to go,” said Theophilus mournfully.
“Aye,” said Calla as she tried to will herself to move. “We are changing tactics. We shall be traveling under cover of the night. We must reach Lunamorn this time. Too much is at stake to fail.”
“I wish you safe journeys, Calla,” said Theophilus as he offered a brave smile. “I shall miss you greatly. I already do, in fact.”
“Fight well, Patch,” said Calla before she hopped down from the table. She hated it was all she could offer, but emotion was not threatening to overwhelm her.
“Calla!”
Calla turned in time to see Theophilus land upon the ground from his leap from the table. The little weed rushed to her, unable to offer anymore words as well. Instead he placed his arms around Calla, pulling her close as he embraced her fully. Calla’s arms wrapped around him as well as the two plants intertwined. Placing his hands on her cheeks, Theophilus kissed Calla’s forehead before hugging her ti
ghtly once more.
With the utmost reluctance, Theophilus and Calla released from their embrace. The two held hands at arm’s length, finding it nigh impossible to let go. No more words could or would be said, but the message of love was clear in their eyes. Finally, Calla turned and rushed away as the pain did flood within her. Theophilus watched her go until he could do so no longer. Anguished to his very core, the little weed turned as well, hoping to find some solace in the reverie that transpired around him.
CHAPTER six
Dawn and Battle
The dawn and waking Firestar found Captain Corym Shael and his band of defenders readied for battle. The elf Ranger gauged the impending battleground. Before him was a gentle field of barley. Behind him was dense forest. Shael had to admit that Theophilus had selected a fine arena for their skirmish. He had an open terrain for warfare and a means of escape. It was his hope that the rest of the little weed's plan would carry them through.
With his assessment done, Captain Shael then surveyed his troops. Gritting his teeth, he decided to focus on the strengths of his group and not the lack of numbers. There were a few floral squads from Alethia consisting of infantry and mounted aerial combatants. Also, there was almost a full squad of Rangers loyal to him as well as elf sympathizers and comrades. Kelisay also stood at the ready, leading a small group of magical water creatures. A small contingent of dwarves had come along in hopes of capturing Dobah and Elor stood near them, nervous yet at the ready.
The captain then checked his own gear one last time. His bow was taught, and his quiver was full. His sword rested in its scabbard, ready to lash out at a moment's notice. His ears picked up no trace of their enemy, yet he had no doubt they were close. It was clear that magic veiled their movements, which compounded the issue of proving the dire threat of Norrex and his underlings. Captain Shael knew they either had to stop them here or fall trying.
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