The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle

by David Partelow

  Standing again, Norrex walked cautiously to the mask. Holding up his hands, the pantheryn took it in his hands. A rush of magic rippled through him before the mask once again fell silent. Pure and utter darkness returned to the clearing, yet for long hours, Norrex stood there holding to the mask.

  And in those hours, the whispers from the mask spoke to him of truths and power. Norrex the Deathshade was driven mad by such revelations and offerings. The pantheryn became something else entirely in those moments, an instrument of the purest and most vile of evil. His laughter soon filled the clearing and pressed out over the leagues, a haunting and foreboding admission to the trials that still were ahead.

  “My life for you! My loyalty for you! For Moreg! For Moreg! Always and only for Moreg!” cackled Norrex in his madness. And it was there that the darkness and madness welcomed him gladly.

  CHAPTER Thirteen

  Keeper of the Grove

  Keeping his silent vigil, Theophilus Thistle held steadfast within the Oaken Grove. A gentle breeze, laced with traces of honeysuckle and jasmine rushed passed him, filling his nostrils. Yet the little weed smelled nothing, saw nothing but the delicate pink lotus flower before him. It was all that he had left of Calla, his beloved, and the reminder sent the most haunting of longings through his spirit.

  Theophilus had used great care bringing Calla back to the grove. It seemed the perfect place after Mondoor had informed him there was nothing they could do in Alethia. The Seed of Nibiru was life and a choice, and Calla had made the ultimate choice with hers. The echoes of that choice lived on in Theophilus, and the weed hated the fact that their roles were not switched.

  The grove was now immaculate, for Theophilus had seen to as much. The little weed had spent days cleaning and caring for the place, making it a suitable home for his one true love. The grove was now a tribute for Calla, its beauty a reflection of her own. Spritelytes were strategically placed under the trees, enough to offer ample warmth and light to those who wished to come and pay their respects for the purest of flowers.

  With its roots planted and settled, the pink lotus flower flourished within the grove. Theophilus saw to every need of the plant, watering its petals and tilling the soil beneath it. He stroked those petals now as he held to the lifeless seed hanging around his neck, missing the vitality that used to meet him when Calla still reached out with loving arms. The void he now felt threatened to break his spirit and dampen his eyes once more, yet Theophilus held firm, at least for now.

  Theophilus could hear the footsteps of his friends, knew full well they had come to plead with him once more. He did not begrudge them this. They simply cared for him and his well-being. Yet his choice was made. His course was plotted. And not even the Dreamer himself could sway him from it.

  “Theophilus.”

  Hearing his name, Theophilus turned. There looking upon him expectantly were his comrades and allies. Kelisay, Elor, and Captain Shael all waited patiently for him. Not far from this little group was Mondoor and a contingent of the Alethian Royal Guard. Theophilus saw them with numb eyes, nodding to the group as acknowledgement of their presence.

  The first to speak was Captain Shael. “Theophilus, we are here for you, now and always. Are you sure you will not reconsider? You have proven yourself worthy in the eyes of all that know your name,” he said.

  Wishing to help, Elor spoke then. “It’s like you once told me, Patch. This is not your fault. Like Marin, Calla made a difficult choice and she made it for you. We all grieve with you and the last thing we want is for you to be alone,” said the imp.

  Theophilus offered a pained smile to them then. “I thank you, my friends. Having each of you in my life is a tremendous treasure to me, but I have made my choice. This is where I must stay. This is my purpose now,” he said as he motioned to the whole of the grove. “This is where my adventures truly started, and this is where they now end. If this is all I can do for Calla, then it is what I shall do.”

  Mondoor cleared his throat, still choking on grief himself. “You do not have to be alone in this. Alethia is well-aware of your deeds and would be honored to share this burden with you,” he said.

  Theophilus shook his head. “No. Thank you, but this is my burden to bear, and I accept it willingly,” he said.

  Mondoor nodded absently. “Know that you have a place in Alethia regardless,” he said.

  Theophilus sighed. “I couldn’t go there now, Mondoor. I couldn’t look its people in the eye knowing I couldn’t save perhaps their most wondrous citizen. My place his here with my shame and the woman I love,” he said.

  “As you wish,” said Mondoor with a bow. “But the offer remains. You are a hero, regardless of opinions to the contrary.” Mondoor took a moment to collect himself before resuming. “I would be bitter now, truly bitter at her decision if I had not seen the fruits of your valor. She loved you fully and for good reason. I hope you know that, for you were wholly her choice. Good luck to you, Theophilus,” said the flower before he turned and departed.

  Theophilus watched him go. Now alone with friends, the little weed approached them. Elor immediately scooped him up, hugging the weed fiercely. Theophilus allowed him, placing his hands around the imp’s neck. Kelisay inched in close as Captain Shael placed a hand on Elor’s shoulder.

  With reluctance, Elor put Theophilus back down as the friends looked at each other with earnest care. Their journey was at an end. Their cause was achieved. And now the dawning that they would go separate ways hit them fully and completely. It was a knowledge that was hard to swallow, and each of them faced it with a fair amount of reluctance.

  It was Theophilus who broke the silence first. “So, Captain Shael, what is next for you?”

  Captain Shael offered a short, bitter laughter at the question. “I do not know, Theophilus. And please, it is Corym now. With my banishment from the Rangers I am no longer a captain,” he said.

  Theophilus shook his head. “You will always be a captain to me, Shael, and a leader of men. The thoughts and judgement of one fighting group will never change that. When the day comes and you need your friends, know that you shall always have one in me,” he said.

  Captain Shael knelt before the weed then, offering his hand. Theophilus took one of Shael’s fingers in his hand and squeezed it in a firm shake. “Theophilus Thistle, in all my years I’ve never met your equal in spirit and resolve. My blade and my friendship shall always be yours if you need it. This I swear for as long as I draw breath,” he said. The two friends nodded to one another before they released hands.

  “It seems that only Theophilus here knows his next course,” Elor said. The pain of Marin’s absence filled him anew as he faced an uncharted future alone.

  Still kneeling, Corym reached a hand out, pulling the imp gently closer to him. “I may not know my course, young Elor, but I would be honored if you would accompany me,” he said.

  Elor’s breath caught in his chest before he recovered. “Captain, are you quite sure? I have no wish to be a burden on anyone,” said the imp.

  Shael nodded. “You would never be a burden to me, little one. In fact, you would be doing me a great service,” he replied.

  “How so?” asked the imp.

  Captain Shael was quick and honest with his reply. “I will not lie to you, Elor, recent events and my banishment have darkened me. I must now move forward without a group I have called family for years. I will take whatever friends that I can. And I will be sincere, for your outlook in this world will greatly counter mine. I need your reason and the love that you hold. If I have that with me, then surely I would never slip to darkness,” he said.

  Elor considered this a moment before responding. “How could I deny such a request,” he said before standing at attention and saluting. “I accept and shall accompany you gladly,” said the imp.

  Captain Shael smiled. “I thank you, my friend. Our future is uncertain, but we shall face it together and make our own way,” said the elf. As the two shook hands, Shael
returned his focus to the others. “I suppose we should be going then. There is a group waiting for us,” he added.

  Theophilus gave them a bow. “Then I wish you both the very best of luck. Take care, my friends,” he said.

  Captain Shael placed a hand across his heart. “We know where to find you, and you will never be far from us or our hearts, Theophilus Thistle.”

  Elor picked up the weed, offering one more hug. “Goodbye, Patch. I shall sorely miss you,” he said.

  “And I you, Elor. Ever and always,” said Theophilus.

  Saying their goodbyes once more, Theophilus and Kelisay watched as Captain Shael and Elor departed. Both remained silent until their two friends were no longer visible through the wilderness that surrounded the grove. Reluctantly, Theophilus returned to the pink lotus flower, feeling the pain of his failure anew as he did so.

  Finally, Kelisay spoke. “I am glad they face their new course together,” she offered.

  “As am I,” said Theophilus.

  Kelisay lowered her head. “I wish it were as easy to find for me,” she said.

  Theophilus turned and regarded her then. “Why didn’t you go with them?” he asked.

  Kelisay sighed and the pain she felt was almost palpable. “For the same reason I cannot stay here with you,” she said softly. “Seark is still out there and wherever I go, his vengeance will continue to be a danger to me and to anyone I align with. I have lingered as long as I can with you but can tread on your safety no longer.”

  Theophilus watched the pain in the kelpie’s eyes as he studied her. “I think what you need is a new beginning entirely, Kelisay,” he mused.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  Theophilus pointed to the magical necklace upon her neck. “Your magical powers are already considerable, but that amulet gives you more yes?”

  Kelisay nodded. “That is correct,” she replied.

  “And with it and your power of water, is shapeshifting out of your realm of possibility?” he asked.

  “No, it is not,” said Kelisay.

  Theophilus nodded with a soft grin. “Well there you go. Seek out a new home. Assume a new form. Make a new name for yourself. Situate with people who will come to cherish your friendship like I have, and be happy, Kelisay. Please trust me when I say that solitude again will not suit you. Live your life for more than just getting by. I promise that you deserve it.”

  Kelisay considered his words deeply before responding. “You very well may be right, Theophilus,” she said.

  “I do possess some wisdom every now and then,” he said. “And do not tell me where you go. I will miss you of course, but if I am pressed in the future I will not be lying when I say I do not know your whereabouts,” he said.

  Kelisay nodded to this. “Very well. You have been good to me, Theophilus. Thank you for showing me friendship. I will always owe you my life,” she said.

  “We are even in this regard,” replied Theophilus.

  “Yes and no,” said Kelisay. “You saved my life, yes, but you also reminded me that I need to live it. Thank you.”

  “Just be sure you do live it, and I promise that we shall be even,” said Theophilus.

  “You have my word then, Theophilus Thistle,” said Kelisay.

  Theophilus offered a deep and gracious bow. “Then live well, Kelisay. Live free. I shall miss you, my friend.”

  “And I you, Theophilus Thistle,” she said as she raised into the air. “Until the next adventure,” she added.

  “Until then,” he said, waving as she rose into the air.

  With another nod, Kelisay turned toward the sky. Waters swirled around the kelpie as she gathered magic and strength. Soon she burst away with a rush of speed and was gone. Theophilus was happy for her as he waved goodbye, hoping that his friend discovered the fate that she so greatly deserved.

  Now alone with Calla, Theophilus turned and approached the pink lotus flower once more. “So, I guess that just leaves us,” he whispered.

  Hardly, came an annoyed reply.

  “And you too, twig,” said Theophilus to Digus.

  Digus continued. I have seen many magics in my day, Theophilus Thistle. But never have I seen one as powerful as the magic between you and Calla.

  Theophilus sighed. “I just wish it was strong enough to save her,” he admitted painfully.

  And who says it is not? Countered the wand.

  “How do you mean?” asked the weed.

  The flower remains, does she not? She offered her love and essence of her seed to save you. Who is to say you cannot replenish that seed somehow? offered Digus.

  Theophilus clenched his fists, fighting the rush of pain that wanted to claim him. “A vain hope, I am sure, though I appreciate it nonetheless,” he replied.

  Do not underestimate the power of hope, Theophilus. It is you of all things and creatures that taught me that, said Digus.

  “Perhaps,” whispered Theophilus.

  Now prepare yourself, for we are not alone, said the wand.

  Theophilus’s hands went at the ready, prepared to draw Digus if necessary. There was an intent upon him and like Digus, he could now feel it. He searched about, ready to protect Calla at all costs. The little weed smelled the air and kept his eyes dancing about, searching every corner of the grove.

  “Who goes there? Show yourself at once,” commanded a weed.

  Only silence and the gentle sounds of the forest met Theophilus in reply. He searched about, placing himself before Calla, ready to defend her at any cost. Soon he could hear rustling from nearby bushes as the intruder decided to act. Theophilus waited, prepared to fight with his life against Norrex or any of his vengeful minions.

  And it was then that a single, happy bark answered his words.

  At the sound of the bark, Theophilus’s eyes widened as happy tears threatened to engulf him, for it was a sound he sorely needed in such a time. “Renard!” he exclaimed.

  At the utterance of his name, an excited fennec fox ambled toward Theophilus, barking happily. Unable to contain himself, the weed rushed toward him, his eyes letting his tears run freely. Wrapping his arms around the fox’s neck, Theophilus hugged him and wept. Renard whined happily, licking the weed when he could and allowing himself to be hugged.

  “I have missed you, friend,” said Theophilus, still holding tightly. “You are exactly who I needed right now.”

  The two friends shared that embrace for some time before Theophilus finally released him. Still accepting happy kisses from the fox, the two played as Renard bled pure happiness. After much celebration, Renard finally calmed as Theophilus rested a weary head in familiar, warm fur. After all that he had endured, the weed knew he could not bear to part from the fox again.

  “I am glad you are back,” said Theophilus to Renard. The fox barked joyously in reply.

  Just what we needed, murmured Digus. A flea-ridden animal to share the grove with.

  “I am quite sure he would love to play fetch with you sometime,” offered Theophilus playfully.

  You wouldn’t dare, replied Digus.

  “Try me,” replied Theophilus. To this, Digus growled yet said no more.

  After long moments of reunion, Renard lowered his head and rested. Theophilus stood and made one more walk to the pink lotus flower. Renard joined him and whimpered, for the fox seemed to understand that this was Calla. Theophilus stroked her petals again lovingly as he fought the swell of emotions within him.

  “Calla,” he started. “I am here for you. I will always be here for you. No matter what, you will always have my heart. And until my last days I will do what I can to see you flourish. This is my promise to you, then, now, and forevermore. I love you,” he said, before turning back to face Renard.

  It was then, he heard the faintest of whispers within his head, a voice that did not belong to Digus.

  Such things you say, it said to him.

  At this, Theophilus was completely overwhelmed with emotion. Hearing her voice again, feel
ing Calla even in the faintest of glimmers, filled Theophilus Thistle with renewed hope. Kissing one of the petals of the pink lotus flower, the little weed knew his purpose once more. He would live on protecting a beautiful flower that would ever hold sway over his heart.

  Closing the book of Crescent Moon, Mathias felt himself pulled back to reality. Catching his breath, the young man realized that he too was crying. It was all he could do to reclaim his composure within the library. Holding the ancient book against his chest, he calmed himself with deep breaths, hoping that he had not drawn too many eyes with his tears.

  Checking his cellphone for the time, he was again surprised to see that only minutes had passed, even though it felt like a stretch of days. Despite the ache he felt for Theophilus and the exhaustion that washed over him, Mathias instantly longed to be back within Lunaria. The desire to open the book once more compelled him incessantly, yet he knew it was not the time. The story was told and while there would be more, more would come some other time. For now, he had to be grateful and patient.

  Looking up, he saw that Heidi was approaching him and eyeing him suspiciously. He collected himself as she approached, offering a big smile as he did. “Well look who’s back,” he said with a chuckle. “I am starting to think you really do enjoy my company.”

  Heidi offered a disapproving scowl. “Don’t think that your company has any say in the matter. I do this for the fun and the promise of your mom’s wondrous desserts. Though it all might come to an end when Mr. Dackett gets back,” she offered as she watched Mathias wipe his eyes. “Are you all right over here?”

  Mathias nodded to her. “Never better,” he said. “This book is just that amazing.”

  “Right,” she said, still unconvinced. “You know I have only been away for like five minutes.”