"Yes, sir," said the guard as he dismounted from his ride.
Calla brushed by the guard, leaping onto the back of the flying mount. The floral creature brayed his surprise but calmed quickly when Calla offered a firm hand on its reins. She maneuvered the creature to turn as she made sure she was prepared for the flight. Calla was greatly concerned that all she knew was the general direction to which Theophilus and the others were.
Mondoor spoke to her then one last time, resignation heavy on his voice. "I just have to know one thing. Why, Calla? Why do you return to peril when such a life is not for us? Why do you endanger yourself even when the cause seems lost without hope or rationality? Why do you leave me now?"
Calla let her eyes blaze the truth upon Mondoor as she replied. "Because I love him, Mondoor. I love Theophilus Thistle and I do not need any more reason than that," she said. "Farewell."
Mondoor offered a painful bow. "Farewell, fair Calla," he offered on words that choked him. "And good luck."
Nodding to the Alethian diplomat once last time, Calla goaded her ride as it flapped its wings and took flight. Quickly she was in the air, returning in the direction from where they had come. Free of the carriage, the speed was greater, and Calla pushed her mount for all it was worth. The urgency that now filled the pink lotus flower was resounding.
Calla felt the freedom whip through her petals as she flew, and with every flap of the mount's weeds she understood the choice she made was the right one. It was the craziest, sanest choice and now she embraced it fully. Yet even then, she felt fear gripping her, for she knew not where to find Theophilus. The weed had not revealed the location of the citadel to her and time was waning.
"Theophilus," she whispered. "I must find you. I need a miracle now more than ever."
Then fortune shines on us both, for you and the weed are still connected through me, said a voice.
Calla jolted from the response even though it was faint and pained. But soon recognition struck her. "Digus? Is that you?"
Aye, replied the wand. There was still something about its responses that unsettled Calla.
“Where are you?” she asked.
At the citadel of your enemies. You must come at once, for I do not know how much time remains, said Digus.
“But I do not know the way,” said Calla.
It matters not, for I will show you. Just focus on me and I will do the rest, said Digus.
Calla’s suspense became truly unbearable. “Is Theophilus with you? Why can’t I hear him? Digus?”
Just get here, said Digus, who then said nothing more.
At the silence that met her, Calla urged her mount faster than ever. Her thoughts focused on Theophilus and reaching him at all haste and any cost. Calla cleared her mind of everything but the weed, letting Digus silently guide her toward their location. She just hoped with all hope that she could make it to him in time.
CHAPTER Nine
The Retreat
Driven to a fierce and dangerous pace, Captain Corym Shael urged his troops further into the forest. Dobah and his minions continued to pursue them relentlessly, offering no mercy to those who lagged too far behind. The retreat was harrowing at best, with the bulk of Captain Shael’s forces staying just ahead of a swarming mass determined to send them to the Dream. And every moment was a dire threat of being overrun and overtaken by an opposition that had no intention of claiming prisoners.
Captain Shael continued to cover his fleeing group, firing the remnants of his arrows before being forced to draw his sword once more. Elor, refusing to leave the captain’s side, offered what magic he could, casting fireballs and streams of flame as they retreated. Kelisay remained vigilant from above, using what remained of the waters she had gathered to procure ice walls and spells that slowed the encroaching waves. Yet despite every effort to slow the enemy, it was nigh impossible to stop them.
Trying to remain heard over the growing hysteria, Captain Shael shouted until his throat was raw. “Keep moving! Don’t stop and don’t look back!” he commanded, felling another rushing orc with a deft sword strike. Captain Shael then grabbed a fellow elf who had slipped upon the ground. Bringing his comrade to his feet, the two kept moving deeper into the forest.
“Shael! You only delay the inevitable,” thundered Dobah. The orc kept his magics restrained for now, only utilizing spells to keep his quarry contained. The orc knew that time was running thin for his fleeing enemy, for such a pace could only be held for so long. He was pleased with the tireless rage of his minions as he bellowed at his enemy. “Cease now and receive clean deaths!”
Shael pressed forward, pushing his group on. “Ignore him and keep running! Don’t stop for anything,” he yelled.
Doom hungrily pressed upon the elf Ranger and his comrades. Just over half of Captain Shael’s force remained, nowhere near enough to oppose Dobah’s force. There was no time to regroup, no moments for rest. Shael hoped that they could last long enough to stage a rally.
The forces of light continued their run, deeper still into the expanding forest. The trees hindered as much as they helped, slowing friend and foe alike. Yet Shael knew they could not hit any trails, for the open path would surely have them overrun in no time. Hope and time continued to diminish as Dobah and his forces kept a hungry, merciless pace.
At last, looking ahead, Captain Shael called up to the kelpie and her friends. “Kelisay, can you give us some cover?”
Above him, the kelpie nodded. “Yes, but it will be the last that we can offer with the water that remains,” she replied.
“Do it!” commanded Captain Shael.
Kelisay nodded before she and her friends gathered the waters that remained with them. Placing their strength together, the water creatures forged a great wall of ice between the forces of darkness and light. Dobah’s group hissed and wailed against the wall as Captain Shael utilized the time afforded to him. Halting the retreat, the captain had his troops regroup and form rank once more, preparing for one final stand.
With Dobah present, the wall that separated the two forces did not last long. Using his scepter, the orc shaman used the land like a tidal wave to crush the wall as if it were nothing. With the waters expended, Kelisay and her friends were forced to retreat as Dobah’s forces rushed through the opening their commander had created. They too formed up on the other side of the wall before Dobah joined them. The two sides caught their breath as they prepared for what would likely be the last round in their struggle.
Joining his brethren, Dobah looked upon the diminished strength of his opposition. Satisfied, the orc spoke menacingly. “Captain Shael, you are bested. You have fought bravely, but to continue is insanity. There is nowhere you can run that we will not catch you. Accept your fate and face your demise with dignity,” said the orc.
“Captain Shael looked among his men. “We are not done yet, orc,” he challenged.
“But you are,” yelled Dobah as his scepter pulsed with life. “We are stronger. We are hungrier. Whatever resistance you offer only prolongs your agony. Lay down your weapons and perhaps I can convince my masters to allow your strongest to join the cause,” he added.
Captain Shael shook his head. “That is a fate far worse than death, orc,” he replied.
Dobah nodded to this. “So be it, Ranger. Know that the deaths of your allies are now on you,” he said.
Captain Shael offered a smile that gave his enemy pause. “I don’t think so, Dobah,” he replied. “You see, we have won here, and it is you who don’t see it yet. So, I will make a counteroffer and give you the chance to lay down your weapons before you are overrun.”
Dobah scoured about the forest yet saw no one to bolster Captain Shael’s dwindling forces. “You bluff, hoping to save your own skin,” he challenged. “I have no time or patience for such gestures.”
Captain Shael motioned to their surroundings. “Oh, not at all, Dobah. You see, a little friend of mine gave me a wonderful idea. We knew that we could not challenge you with numbers
or power, so we had to keep our wits about us,” said the captain.
Dobah bared his teeth. “What are you playing at, elf?” he spat.
At last, Captain Shael smiled earnestly. “We realized, you see, that if we could not bring aid to help us, we would simply bring you to the aid,” said the captain as he motioned to the forest. “Or were you too focused to realize you are now in the heart of the Moon Forest?”
Dobah’s eyes widened as he shook his head. “It is not possible,” he breathed. “You wish to draw my fear out with myths and fairytales.”
Captain Shael shook his head. “Oh, this is no fairytale, Dobah. For you have followed us right to the Aelyn Keep,” he said before muttering enchanted words under his breath.
At this utterance, Dobah watched in horror as a magical veil was lifted behind Captain Shael and his force. Suddenly, the orc saw a great keep and training grounds, but his eyes fixed on these only a moment. What then drew his full attention was the swarm of elven Rangers that swarmed from where there was once only forest. Fresh, armed, and deadly, these Rangers bolstered Shael’s force and swelled the odds in his favor.
Dobah’s battle force was immediately placed on the defensive as a hail of arrows washed over their ranks. Dobah raised a magical shield but was only successful in defending himself. The Rangers, trained and numbered as they were, proved too much for the forces of darkness. And as the flurry of arrows ended, it was quickly followed by agile elves crashing into their enemy’s line with swords swinging and slashing with fierce precision.
Dobah’s trained force may have been more than a match for Captain Shael’s assembled group, but they were no match for the full might of the Rangers. Defending their home, the Rangers fought more fiercely than normal and within seconds Dobah’s forces lost ground. Soon the remaining forces of darkness began to flee, but the bulk of them would not get far. Dobah roared his displeasure as the Rangers focused on and surrounded him.
“Fools!” Dobah spat to his retreating flock. “Stand your ground. Honor the glory that is Moreg!” Yet his words fell more and more on deaf ears.
“Fear and promises of power only carry so far, Dobah,” said Captain Shael as he neared the orc. “Now again, I order you to surrender. Lay down your weapon this instant and face justice at long last.”
Dobah looked about as he watched the remainder of his group either throw down their weapons or turn tail and run. His fury at this threatened to demolish the orc’s usually calm exterior. To come so far only to be bested in such a way was almost maddening. The orc fought continuously with the urge to take on the Rangers by himself.
“Last chance, Dobah,” said Captain Shael. Around him, several elves had trained their notched bows upon the orc. “It was different when you underestimated your smaller opposition. What you face now is a full force that knows how to deal with, and end, you if they must.”
To Dobah, this was a personal challenge. “We shall see!” he spat as he trained his staff upon Captain Shael and allowed the fury of the land to surround him.
“Take him!” commanded Captain Shael.
On his order, the Rangers fired a hail of arrows upon Dobah. The orc used his magic to bat many of these assaults away, but the pressure placed him on a pure defensive. Regular and magical arrows tore into the rock and soil that surrounded him, preventing the shaman from launching a counterassault. Ice and fire ate away further at his resistance until little was left. Still straining, he saw the arrow that landed between his feet too late to respond. The magical burst that it contained sent the orc flying.
Dobah found himself blasted back several feet, unable to slow his velocity or stop from colliding with the tree behind him. Letting out a bark of agony, Dobah fell and slumped to the ground. His view was hazy as he tried to regain his wits. He could hear the footfalls of his enemy as they swarmed him. Growling, Dobah clenched his fists, grateful that he had held to his scepter.
Looking up at last, Dobah saw Captain Shael’s blade press upon his nose as the Ranger captain looked intently upon him. “You are bested, shaman. Lay down your weapon or face the Dream.”
Dobah coughed blood as he grimaced. “You have fought well, Ranger. But this is not over. In fact, we have only just begun,” he spat.
“Grand words from the one who is felled, outnumbered, and bleeding,” said Shael.
Dobah chuckled darkly. “Maybe not this battle, but your time shall come. Moreg’s reach is absolute, and touches everything,” he said before looking at all the Rangers around him. “And I do mean everything,” he added.
“What is that supposed to mean, orc?” Shael demanded.
Dobah spat again upon the ground. “You will see soon enough. For now though, our time is at end,” he said before he struck his scepter upon the ground.
“Stop him!” shouted Captain Shael, but it was too late. The ground opened, swallowing Dobah whole before closing once more. Three arrows struck the ground a breath later with deadly precision. Captain Shael grunted his frustration, for the orc was gone.
Still at his side, Elor looked about at his allies and the Rangers that had joined them. “It is over then,” he breathed. At his words, many of his allies erupted in good cheer. Many of them were filled with joy and relief at such a notion.
In a few moments, Kelisay landed to join them. “The forest is now clear of our enemies. We are safe,” she confirmed.
Captain Shael allowed himself to lower his guard, drawing a deep breath. “At last,” he said as he looked about at his celebrating allies. Suddenly, a shot of concern latched upon him. “Theophilus. Where is Theophilus?”
Elor shook his head. I have not seen him since before the battle started,” he said.
At this, Kelisay lowered her head. “He went ahead alone,” she said softly.
Captain Shael walked angrily toward the kelpie. “And you let him and waited until now to tell us?”
Kelisay nodded. “It was his wish, captain. It was not like any one of us could have stopped him and you know it. He decided to use the battle as an opportunity to stop Norrex once and for all,” she said.
Captain Shael grunted as he thought on this. “Then he is likely in great danger,” he said grimly before looking again on Kelisay. “But you know the way.”
Kelisay nodded. “I do.”
“Then you will take me there this instant,” he ordered.
“Both of us,” said Elor.
Kelisay nodded. “Very well. Hop on. We must be swift for Norrex is without mercy.”
Captain Shael quickly leaped upon the kelpie’s back. Extending a hand, he helped Elor up and sat the imp before him. Thus mounted, Kelisay stomped a hoof and took to the air. The three allies rushed in grim silence toward the Fireborn Citadel. Each of their minds were filled with worry over the little weed they called friend.
And all three were fearful that they were already too late.
CHAPTER Ten
One Stands, Even if he Must fall
Theophilus.
Using its mystical power, Digus called out to his master. The wand laid alone upon the scorched grounds surrounding the Fireborn Citadel, a byproduct of the full fury of Norrex the Deathshade. Since cleansing the area with his dark magics, the pantheryn now contentedly worked upon his growing incantation. The altar before Norrex pulsed with magical life as the stone slab upon it glowed eerily red.
Theophilus.
Again, silence met the wand in reply. Digus could only feel and sense the powerful magics being concocted above the enemy’s fortress. The wand was alone with the felled bodies of orcs strewn here and there. Norrex showed his true colors, revealing that even those loyal to him meant nothing. Digus craved a powerful master, yet even the wand would feel sullied in the hands of such a creature.
Theophilus!
Still, Digus’s callings were met with silence. High above, the chanting of Norrex’s followers reached a feverish pitch. The magic forged from the incantation swelled, permeating further taint upon the land. Digus sensed these
things yet could still do nothing but call to a master that did not answer. At last, Digus gave up reaching out to Theophilus.
I heard you the first time, so give it a rest already, came an annoyed, pained reply.
At this, Digus was surprised to discover he felt relief. Theophilus, you’re alive. I can hear you, yet you are nowhere to be seen, said the wand.
Yeah, responded the weed with further strain. Give me a minute. I had to find some cover or that was going to be the end of me.
Digus waited in silence. Though without eyes, the wand could see with magical sight. It watched as one of the felled orcs trembled and moved. Soon, with slow determination, Theophilus Thistle emerged from underneath the orc, singed in places but otherwise uninjured. The little weed stood and stretched, obviously relieved to be free from under the orc. Fighting a limp, Theophilus walked to Digus and stood over him as he set his eyes upon Norrex.
“Well, we have a moment,” observed the weed as he whispered to the wand. “Norrex no longer is paying us any mind.”
Yes, replied Digus. But his incantation is almost complete. Once it is, his complete focus will return, and he will face us unhindered. I do not favor our chances with such odds.
Theophilus nodded. “So, this is it then. We stop him here and now or we fall trying,” he said.
Indeed. We can hold nothing back now, said Digus.
“I understand,” said Theophilus.
I want to make sure you do, Theophilus, replied Digus. We are linked. The power I can offer is linked to you and your life force. If you give me everything you have, then there will be nothing left. Do you understand?
Theophilus looked down at the wand. “It means this could be our last battle together, even if we do prevail,” he said.
Yes, said Digus with no pleasure whatsoever.
Theophilus looked back up to Norrex, clenching his fists as he did. “Digus, I made a vow that I would stop Norrex at any cost. And it’s time to figure out once and for all just what that price will be,” he said.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 33