Rising out of the colorful grass, the Time God changes from an elderly man to a young boy with white hair. “I believe I am home. Tell my brothers and sisters that I will be glad to host them if they wish to visit. Personally, I have found all of you rather stuffy and boring thanks to that Law of Influence. Do not worry about me breaking it. Though, time can be a tricky thing, so accidents may happen.”
“I assumed they would,” the Destiny God replies while galloping away from the island.
“Such a strange godling,” Xan whispers, his dark blue robes becoming newer. Turning to examine Delvin, the ancient deity changes his hair to match the warrior’s style and nods his approval. “This is a great gift that you have given me, champions. Please rest until you feel ready to travel. The portal is still one way, but now you have my true blessing as well. Not that it means anything because I am a god who lacks the ability to bestow spells on his followers. I do not even have an afterlife castle because time belongs to everyone. The best I can do is grant gifts and it is one per mortal. Speaking of such things, I have this for you, Sir Wrath.”
“Thank you,” Timoran says as he accepts a crossed hourglass statue. The tiny piece of limestone is finely crafted and he holds it up to find that there are grains moving within the symbol. “Does it do anything magical? While my comfort with magic has improved, I am not the best choice for such a gift to. Yet, I will still accept it with honor and thanks.”
“Oh, it has nothing to do with magic or your final battle,” the Time God declares before clapping his hands. A food-covered table and three cabins appear on the island, the steam from hot baths drifting out of every chimney. “Consider it a promise from me to you. I do so love surprises since I am rarely caught off-guard. Enjoy your meal and get some sleep, champions, for your future is even murkier than you realize.”
*****
While Xan wanders his island and revels in his freedom, the champions indulge in what they fear could be their last true meal. There is something for everyone, including a spinning tower of desserts that contains every treat one can find in Windemere. Salads and fruit baskets line the edges of the table while pitchers of wine, water, and juice sit within reach of the diners. Two racks of smoked fish sit on opposite ends of the table and hold up lines from which cured meats are dangling from. With so many dishes, the champions find it difficult to choose a seat until fairies venture out of the nearby bushes. The tiny creatures happily move around their guests and only stop when they have to adjust their leaf aprons. Casting spells in every direction, the diminutive wait staff have no problem carrying even the large turkeys and a roasted pig. To the mortals’ delight, they find that any food they finish reappears a few minutes later if they politely ask for more. This is especially useful since Luke’s appetite has returned with a vengeance, the famished warrior invoking the snake fiend’s dislocated jaw and elastic throat to swallow large bites whole. For a few minutes, his friends can do nothing more than watch the disgusting and fascinating display.
“As gross as that is, it’s good to see him eat like that again,” Nyx admits while picking at the strawberries and chicken she has on her plate. Creating a flame on her fingertips, she waves her hand to light a series of candelabras. “So, why do all of you think I’m some type of rage-fueled champion? Defiance sounds much better. Fury has a nice ring to it too.”
“What about settling on willpower like I originally said?” Sari asks while she makes an alternating stack of pancakes and waffles. The gypsy snaps her fingers at a cup of syrup and frowns at her failed attempt to control the liquid. “It was worth a shot. Anyway, we’ve covered myself, Luke, Nyxie, and Delvin. Don’t bother arguing, Cunningham, because we all know I’m right on the friendship or defender angle. Your plans always have some level of attention placed on making sure we’re safe. Now, once each of us figures out our core, we should be able to get stronger. At least that’s what Cessia hinted at.”
“Timoran is loyalty and I am clarity,” Dariana replies as she sips at a bowl of soup. With her food against her lips, she has her voice appear in her friends’ heads. “I’m sorry, but I did a quick surface scan of everyone. If a champion’s power is connected to their emotional core then it would be whatever I read first from your subconscious. I touched on our stronger memories, which made things fairly difficult when it came to me. What I found was that Timoran is strongest when he is loyal to his friends or a cause. That is obvious, but I will admit that it could also be honor. The two seem to go hand-in-hand with you, Lord Wrath, which explains why you remained stronger while the rest of us faltered. Mine is all about mental focus because of my powers and . . . well, I appear to have a secondary that involves suffering. If I allow it, my body gets stronger as I get injured.”
Swallowing a mouthful of pork, Luke washes it down with a whole pitcher of milk in order to speak. “That doesn’t sound very useful. Seems all of us have clearly defined cores, but you’re rather muddled. Although, one part sounds like it comes from Zaria and the other is connected to the Baron. Do you think this is a key to defeating him? Maybe everything has to come down to you, Dariana. After all, you are his daughter.”
“My failure to take my father out on my own proves that theory wrong,” the telepath replies with a wry smirk. Picking up on a strong thought, she looks at Delvin and tries to follow his cold stare into the distance. “If the prophecy really came down to a single champion then the rest of us wouldn’t be needed. This rings even truer when you consider how much power everyone here holds. I’m sorry, but I can’t concentrate on the conversation. Somebody is focused on something that they are shielding from me, which is actually drawing my attention instead of making it go unnoticed.”
The table falls into silence since nobody is sure who Dariana is talking about until she tries to subtly point at Delvin. The warrior clears his throat and nods his head toward her extended finger, which is exposed since she is sitting across from him. Noticing the telepath is tenser than normal, Sari and Timoran tenderly grab her by the wrists in case she attempts to do a memory wipe on herself. Instead, the immortal burps with enough force to send three fairies spinning away from the table. The chorus of laughter breaks the gloomy atmosphere, but Delvin continues to stare ahead and barely acknowledges the comradery. He finally snaps out of his thoughts when Nyx hops her chair closer and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
“Sorry, but I was thinking about something we’ve been ignoring,” the warrior says, dipping a breadstick into what he thinks is sauce. The first bite makes him sneeze at the spiciness, but he finishes the food to save face. “We’re about to step foot on Shayd and fight an immortal being who was once a god. There’s no telling how far we will have to go or what we’ll face. That’s why I think Fizzle should stay behind.”
“No leave friends!” the drite announces from inside an apple pie. Punching his head through the crust, the dessert-covered dragon pouts and whimpers. “Fizzle not leave. Gabriel give Fizzle power. Not champion, but strong. Fizzle here since meet Luke. Bond with Nyx. Champions Fizzle family.”
“Well said, Fizzle,” Nyx agrees after tossing the drite a napkin. Settling back in her chair, the channeler walks her fingers along her fiancée’s arm. “I know you’re upset and stressed, but there’s no reason to send one of us away. Fizzle has faced the temples alongside us, so I think he deserves to see this through to the end. Besides, we all know he’ll go right to Gaia and join the battle if it spills into the city. That kind of defeats the purpose of telling him to go away for his own safety.”
“I’m not trying to be mean here, but this topic had to be broached,” Delvin says, cringing when he feels a tight squeeze on his fingers.
“I agree with Delvin that it is best for Fizzle to wait for us in Gaia instead of traveling to Shayd,” Timoran carefully interjects, his hands covered in grease from his food. The fairies fly around him to clean the mess while he waits for his friends to stop muttering to themselves. “We must remember that we have reached the endgame of the pro
phecy, which means the stakes and danger are higher than they were when we challenged the temples. Please understand that it is not that we do not trust you, Fizzle, or believe you are weak. If I am correct then Delvin is thinking that this might be a trial that only champions can undertake. Anyone else will be in great danger and could be used against us. The Baron is certainly a man who would take Fizzle hostage or kill him outright in an attempt to enrage us.”
“That is what my father would do,” Dariana admits with a nod. Rubbing the finger that once held her glass ring, the telepath shifts uncomfortably. “It appears three of us are for Fizzle staying while Nyx is for him coming with us. This feels like a situation that requires a vote. Am I wrong?”
Sari claps her hands and holds them over her head before yelling, “I’m with Nyxie!”
“Fizzle with Fizzle!” the drite proudly announces.
All eyes are on Luke, who is hungrily devouring an entire steak complete with bones and gristle. He stops to meet all the gazes and grins, revealing that his teeth are sharp like those of a dog. Changing them back to normal, the half-elf continues eating and lets the conversation remain unfinished. Eating and drinking in peace, Luke refuses to give his opinion even when his friends clear their throats and start flicking food at him. To their mild amusement, he catches every piece in his mouth, which nearly makes them forget what they were arguing about. It is not until the island’s magic stops replenishing the food that the mood sinks back to the tension and awkwardness from before.
“Fizzle has been my friend and ally from the beginning,” Luke states, reaching out to pat the drite on the head. He smiles at the memories that flood into his mind, many of them involving Fizzle saving his life. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a champion. Still, I do agree with Delvin that this is more dangerous than anything we’ve ever faced. I don’t know what I would do if he got hurt or killed. Let’s be honest here. It doesn’t really matter if we call him a champion or not since Gabriel has never stopped him from following us. If the prophecy was going to stop him then it would have done so already. After all, we’ve lost others who got too close to our path. Now, I only have one question to help me decide. Do you want to come with us, Fizzle?”
The drite sits on his haunches and proudly nods his head. “Fizzle not stay behind. Fizzle go with friends.”
“Then it’s settled,” the half-elf casually declares while leaving his seat. Grabbing a basket of cookies and a bottle of wine, he walks around the table and heads toward the portal. “I have something to take care of. See everyone in the morning or whenever we decide to leave tomorrow. Goodnight and sweet dreams!”
“Where is he going?” Nyx asks as she starts to stand. Against her wishes, her body drops back into the chair and she immediately glares at Dariana. “You better give me a good reason for that. Reading my thoughts and emotions is one thing, but that was full control.”
“I’m sorry, but he needs to do this alone,” the telepath replies, wiping a few bitter tears from her cheeks. A streak of black appears in her silver hair as she releases enough of her power to fend off the departing half-elf’s potent thoughts. “Luke has one more apology to make. He also fears that he will have to say goodbye.”
*****
Luke and Kira open their eyes to the sight of Visindor Forest, the beautiful night sky clear of clouds. Canst the Green Moon sits among the stars, which confuses them for a few seconds since they know it should be winter instead of spring. As the light moves, they spot a familiar cabin with a flickering torchlight in the window. Wondering if she is dreaming, Kira pinches herself to see if she wakes up. The thought of falling off Gaia’s wall looms in her mind since that is where she was standing a moment ago. Unable to change her surroundings with pain or focusing through an illusion, she whirls around to slap Luke across the face. Expecting him to be a figment of her imagination, the heiress yelps in pain when her hand makes contact and the half-elf stumbles to the side. Kira can only stare with her mouth open and arms held out as if to catch whatever explanation flies out of the warrior’s mouth.
“Timoran freed Xan the Time God who is going to help us reach Shayd,” Luke says while touching his swollen cheek. Seeing Kira gesture for more information, he takes a seat on a tree stump and shrugs. “Xan is doing me a favor right now. I don’t know why because I only asked him to send you a message. Guess he doesn’t care about the Law of Influence and holds some curiosity about me. Something about me being entertaining. Anyway, I guess he took us from wherever we were and put us in the past for a bit.”
“Amazing that I can hear such a story and believe it,” Kira replies, turning her attention back to the cabin. She blushes when she catches sight of their past selves’ shadows and realizes what they are doing inside. “So, what are we going to talk about? We didn’t part ways on the best of terms. Even though I know you weren’t thinking straight, I’m hurt and angry. You cast me aside without a second thought.”
“Oh, I had a lot more than a second thought with that.”
“That doesn’t make it better.”
“All I wanted was to prevent you from being sad when I died.”
“By the look on your face, I can tell that you realize how stupid that sounds.”
“Immensely.”
Kira takes a seat next to Luke and places her head on his shoulder, the pain in her heart flickering like a dying flame. Taking his trembling hand, she runs her fingers around his palm and recalls how all of his injuries reappeared whenever Dariana worked with him. The smell of blood fills her nose and she remembers how his screams would go on for hours, the noise only stopping after the priests completed their healing spells. Bringing his knuckles to her face, she gives them a kiss and cherishes the fact that they are not covered in gore and exposed bone. She reaches up to turn Luke’s head to the side, the half-elf giving no resistance as Kira casually inspects him. The silence continues until she gets a little rougher with her caresses and rolls her tongue in her mouth.
“I’m sorry for hurting you,” Luke says, realizing that he forgot to apologize. A flick to his pointy ear makes him cringe and he takes a deep breath to harden his resolve. “The truth is that I want to stay with you if I survive the fight with the Baron. This might come out wrong, but I don’t think I’m going to have it in me to go on any more adventures after that. Not that I’m settling since you do make me happy and I do love you, which is something that scared me after I woke up. I didn’t want to talk about it since another part of me was convinced that I would be the one to die. That’s still a big possibility, which is why I’m talking so fast. I also had my last kiss with Sari and I think I slept with Alyssa Goldheart in Spellstream.”
“You were doing good until the end,” Kira groans, putting her face in her hands. She bats the half-elf’s hands away from her while she tries to decipher all of his words. “Sari was expected and I’m not angry about the Alyssa thing. Not incredibly since you delivered that news with the grace of an ogre rolling down a hill. Why do you think you slept with her? You have bard’s memory for the love of every god. Memory blanks only happen to you if a telepath or spell is involved. So, I would think you’d be aware of it since it isn’t a . . . Oh, I don’t really want to finish that sentence. I know my culture is famously flexible about this stuff, which got us into a lot of trouble in the past. Still, I need an explanation.”
Luke scratches his head and starts to lead Kira away from the cabin in case they are able to interact with their younger selves. “The memories are rather disjointed even when I focus. I think it was a few hours after you and Sari left. Alyssa came into the room and we started talking, but I broke down because it’s my fault she lost everything. I tried apologizing and there was some begging for her to forgive me, but then she got on top of me or something. Things got very fuzzy after I started crying. I swear, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. The truth is that none of you would be hurting if it wasn’t for me. Selenia, Queen Ionia, and Haven
are gone. Nyx knows the truth about Willow and Cyril. All of that would have been avoided if I-”
“Let’s stop for a minute because you’re starting to crumble again,” Kira whispers while giving the forest tracker a hug. Rubbing his back and kissing his cheeks, she waits for him to stop breathing heavy before pulling back. “You always put too much on your shoulders, Luke Callindor. It’s one of your greatest weaknesses, but also something I love about you. Don’t worry about what happened with Alyssa. Both of you were in shock and she needed comfort. It sounds like you wanted to add to your guilt as well. If you were trying to self-destruct then going along with something like that would be a way to do it. Please let all of this fade away because it will get you or one of our friends killed.”
“You’re forgiving me far too easily,” the half-elf points out as he kneels in front of a blackberry bush. He is about to pluck one when a sudden disgust courses through his mind and makes him nauseous. “This is after we stopped following your customs. I cheated and you should be angry. At least punish me or something.”
“Why bother since you’re doing a fantastic job of that on your own?” Kira asks with a small yawn. Flitting bats draw her attention to the sky and her heart fills with memories from before everything in her life became so complicated. “I’ll punish you after you kill the Baron. There’s no reason to do it now and risk causing more trouble. Besides, we’ve done this dance before and I don’t want to start it up again. You and Alyssa went through incredible traumas and then this happened. Can’t deny that intimacy is incredible when you feel lost and alone. It was what I wanted from you after my family was killed.”
Warlord of the Forgotten Age Page 14