Secrets of the Fortress 'sorcery'

by John Victor

  There has to be a way.” Emily had the feeling that someone was after her, so she decided to hurry. “What way should I go? I’ve always been dreaming of this map. Now is the time I think I need it, but it is nowhere near me.”

  Emily turned left and started walking down the path. Everything seemed to be changing as the trees became fewer and she could see more clearly. She stopped to survey the land and she nodded her head in approval, as the place seemed to be turning to a little town with no houses.

  The place didn’t look like a forest any more. She continued to move down the path and the place became very familiar, she couldn’t fathom the reason. Emily sat on the floor to think about what she was seeing and why the place looked so familiar.

  She jumped up in excitement when she remembered. ”Yes, I was here with my father before the stupid incident. I can find my way from the village, only if I can find my way back to the village.”

  Emily quickened her steps and continued to notice how familiar everything looked. She stopped when she saw a piece of cloth hanging on a tree branch. She picked it and examined it. It was hers. She recalled using it to pack her hair into a ponytail.

  “Wow, now I know where I am.” She continued moving and could now sight the village as she used the cloth to repack her hair. She remembered that she saw a map in her closet. “I know I have a map somewhere, everything now seems simple, even though I’m not so sure.”

  She ran to her room and picked up her shoes after removing the damaged pair of slippers from her legs. She took a large bag in which she quickly packed her clothes. “Where am I going anyways? She asked herself.

  “Oh yeah, I’m looking for Kujoo and my father. I’m sure he took him away. Stupid faggot.” She put the map in her bag and immediately ran out of the house. “I have a strange feeling that these people are going to come here, looking for me. They’ll never find me. “

  Emily took the map out of her bag and continued walking. She then noticed something she had never seen on the map before, it seemed to be glowing.

  Let the doves and Ostriches guide you. Follow the path of light.

  She looked closely again to confirm that she wasn’t seeing things. Emily rubbed her hand on her hair and stopped to think. What is the meaning of this? I don’t understand. “Let the doves and ostriches guide you? Why have I never seen this before? I have always had this map.”

  After glancing through the map once more, she blurted aloud. “I think I finally understand.”

  CHAPTER 8

  “Are you asking me this question?” Kevin asked bluntly.

  “I’m sorry that I’ve offended you. I’m really sorry.” Evalle replied.

  “Okay, I’m not offended, but it just looked like we can never be friends but I find that hard to believe. You seem very friendly.” Kevin said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Have I behaved like a jerk to you?”

  “I said I’m sorry. Don’t be angry. Okay, how do I make it up to you”? Evalle asked, feeling insecure.

  “I don’t need anything from you. I just want you to be my friend.”

  “That’s quite simple. I am your friend already.”

  They both turned their heads when they heard a loud voice. “Kevin, what are you doing over there?”

  “Oh my God! That’s my manager. I have to go now. We have to keep this official. I don’t want to lose my job. I guess I will be seeing you around.” Kevin said as he stood up and left the table.

  “Okay, go meet your boss.”

  Wow, this guy is really something. I guess we won’t be seeing around. He is really cute. But I guess I have to lose something to get another.

  Evalle continued eating her food when she saw Kevin waving at her from a corner of the room. She smiled at him and let her eyes focus back on the delicious meal that was almost finished. She dropped the fork on her plate and stood up to leave the table, when he signaled to her to meet him outside.

  She stood up and picked her bag, it was heavy because of the numerous clothes. Walking across the room, she mustered some words. “Wow, this is really heavier than I thought.”

  When Evalle stepped out of the room, she acknowledged the presence of the air that swept her skin. She sat on a block that was few meters away from the restaurant and waited for Kevin to come out.

  She rested her head against a pillar, still enjoying the way the breeze felt against her skin. Her eyelids were shutting gradually even though she tried to stop them. She finally forgot everything and fell asleep.

  She saw herself going through a path to a place that looked very different. She already knew she was going to see something strange because it certainly felt strange.

  “Where are you taking me to?” She screamed aloud. When Evalle heard nothing, she tried to turn back, but her body kept moving forwards and towards a bright light.

  I don’t know who is taking me or where it is taking me to. Oh my God! This is horrible.

  Her body just continued moving. When she got to a spot, it didn’t look like light anymore. Evalle saw her mother sitting at a corner and knitting a cap. She saw herself playing with a man that she hadn’t seen before.

  She began to hear a voice calling her which she believed was that of the man. She replied him but he didn’t seem to pay much attention to her. She then felt a tap on her shoulder.

  * * *

  Emily felt the rain splatter against her skin as she ran around, seeking for shelter. She had been on the road for some hours. No one was on the road and she only saw few houses. This place is so deserted, what happened here?”

  She saw a small shop and ran into it. The rain seemed to be increasing as the water was getting to her knees. Emily brought the map out of her bag and began to look at it. “This is where a dove is, I think I know this place. I am to look for statues of doves or places where doves can be found together. I know a lot of geography. The first one should be located few miles from here.”

  “What about the Ostriches? What am I to do about them?” Emily looked out of the empty shop and saw that the rain was about to stop.” She looked back at the map.

  Follow the path of Light

  “Is there a path of light?” Path of Light, path of light, path of light, path of. . . “Oh, I am to use my magic to cast a spell on this map. I am perfect at that.” Emily said as she chuckled aloud. Emily placed the paper on a dry table and began to cast the spell.

  A path appeared on the map as Emily yelped in joy. She hurriedly left the shop and began her journey.

  She walked down the sloppy terrain as she began to hear voices ahead. She continued moving. ”No one knows I’m on a mission. So I have nothing to worry. I just have to deal with Kujoo.” The voices were getting louder.

  A lot of people were carrying something in their hands. Emily moved closer to have a better view. She left her mouth agape when she saw it. What are these guys doing with dead bodies? This is very weird. According to the map, I am supposed to pass this path.

  Emily was frightened out of her skin when she heard a loud voice. “Hey, you there, Why are you standing and doing nothing? Come and join your mates.”

  Is he talking to me? I don’t think so. Emily turned and started walking away when she saw the man in her front. “I believe I was talking to you.”

  “I don’t care if you were talking to me. I’m a passer-by and I don’t think I’m supposed to join a work I know absolutely nothing about. Emily said as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder.

  “We were all passers-by but we cannot go ahead until we dispose all the bodies. I got here three years ago and the bodies wouldn’t stop increasing. Other people came and had to join me. Once you get to this point, there is no turning back.

  “You can’t be serious. Emily said as she studied the place and noticed that the man was telling the truth as the people had already built a cave of dead bodies.”

  “We live under that cave you see.” The man said as he lowered his shoulders.

  “Well, I don’t think I can join you g
uys. You have to let me move on. Maybe I can help you deal with the thing.” Emily said as she continued walking forward.

  “Okay then. Good luck. The man said as he paved way for her.

  * * *

  Evalle opened her eyes to find a large crowd staring at her. Kevin was at her front. “I’ve been trying to wake you up for the past few hours. I told you I was going to join you in a jiffy. When I came here, you were fast asleep.”

  “Why is everyone staring at me?” Evalle asked, still looking confused.

  “I had to call them to help, since I couldn’t get to wake you up. We all thought you were dead, but there is no hospital around. I’m so glad you are alive.”

  “Thanks, I have to go now. It’s almost dark. Thank the people for their help on my behalf. Emily said as she stood up and picked her bag.

  This guy really is a jerk. He called the whole world to wake me up. I can’t believe I slept that long.

  Evalle started looking for where she would spend the night. “I’ve not gotten to the first marker yet.” She said as she sat down on the road to take a rest. Evalle then sited something from afar.

  There was a flock of birds feasting near a river, Evalle moved forward to see what type of birds they were. As she got closer, she could recognize them better. “Jesus Christ”. Evalle jumped as she confirmed from her map that she was at the first marker.

  She moved closer to the creatures as she studied them well. They were scattered all over and most of them were drinking water. From a distance, she saw some doves flying away. Something big chased them.

  As Evalle moved to see more, she got happier. A large bird was walking angrily towards the doves. The doves began to fly away. Evalle saw that only one building was there. She checked her bag for her pen and book, to confirm if it was still there.

  Evalle took out her book and noted what she saw. She put it back in her bag and headed towards the building. “I’ve never done this kind of thing before. I’m really scared. What will I find inside?” Evalle said as she continued towards the large building.

  She pushed the door, hoping it would be locked. The door slid open as a giant cobweb greeted her. “Jeez. What is this? When last has someone been in this place? It’s so old.” Evalle began to remove the cobwebs with a stick she found on the floor.

  She flung the stick about as she moved farther into the house. The house looked normal except for the odor. Evalle moved to the corner and turned on the switch. The light illuminated the whole place. It was then Evalle knew something was really wrong.

  * * *

  Emily walked through the path that was created for her as she felt their eyes crawling all over her skin. She left them behind and thought of what awaited her. Emily started increasing her pace as she felt a very enormous pressure surrounding her.

  She moved closer to a huge wall and saw nothing. She looked around, trying to find a way. “I am trapped?” Emily whispered. She felt herself being sucked into the wall. She screamed “Nooo.”

  Emily met herself in a dark place but only saw two shining golden circles staring at her.

  “Hello, anybody here?” Emily yelled. “Hello, who’s in here? Now this is certainly weird.” She said as she tried to turn back.

  The golden circles seemed to be getting closer to her. She felt the goose bumps rise on her skin. As Emily was still moving backwards, she hit something really hard. Looking back, large claws wiped her face, sending her flying backwards.

  “What do you want from me? Emily shouted as she tried to stand up from the wet ground.

  “What are you doing in my territory? No one ever escapes after daring me.” A loud voice reverberated in her ears.

  “Why are you holding all those people captive? You are evil and you need to be dealt with. Emily shouted back while preparing her first attack.

  “You have no right to judge me. You are going to die.” The voice whispered.

  As Emily ran to hit him, she felt herself being flung upwards, thereby landing in a great thud. She yelped in pain. “Aargh, that hurts”.

  “I can see you but you won’t be able to see me, no matter how strong you are. I see you have skills. I’m a little bit impressed. I’ll destroy you.”

  Emily uses her powers to sharpen her vision. She opened her mouth, marveled at what stood in front of her. Its eyes were bright gold. It had large muscles and huge feet. The remaining parts of the body was tiny and almost invisible.

  “What sort of creature are you?” Emily asked, a bit frightened.

  The creature turned back to reveal a long tail, which it used to sweep Emily away. Emily could hear the voice of the people on the other side. It seemed they were watching everything. Emily raised her hands up and swerved it several times at the air as if looking for support.

  She stops sending all her magic to her sight and prepared to attack the demon in full force. The eyes of the demon seemed to be turning red as it made a loud, screeching sound. Emily immediately blocked her ears.

  She immediately swerved her head towards the ugly beast and sent large blasts of magic power into it.

  The beast immediately fell to the floor, writhing in pain. “You are really powerful, where did you get all that power?”

  Emily smiled in satisfaction, hoping that the beast was gone for good.

  “I’m not done with you yet.” The beast said as it hit her hard from behind, scratching her with his nails. Emily tried hard to maintain her balance, but she couldn’t. She fell hard on the floor, her back soaked in blood.

  Emily stood up and used the only spell her remaining power could cast. She formed a large circle ball around herself and is engulfed by magic. She immediately launches herself at it and hits her tiny stomach.

  The creature fell to the floor, as it spat out a large green substance, which disappeared into the darkness. Emily could hear the people rejoicing. The barrier began to fade.

  Emily got out and the people raised her in the air and flung her like a heroine. She begged them to put her down as she held on to her bag tightly.

  As she began to leave the place, a guy came to meet her. “Hi, I’m Donald. Thanks for everything.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing, I had to pass too” Emily said as she chuckled aloud.

  “You were really amazing” he replied.

  “Thanks, I have to go now.” Emily said after studying his cute blue eyes and blonde hair. She turned to go.

  “Wait”

  “What? Why?” She replied.

  “I don’t really have anywhere to go. Can you take me with you? I kinda got lost before I met myself here.”

  “My mission is supposed to be discreet but since you mean well, you can follow me.” Emily said, still looking impatient.

  CHAPTER 9

  Evalle opened her mouth wide as she studied the room. The walls and floor seemed to be covered in blood. She looked to the ground as she hit her leg on a skull. “What is this place?” She asked herself.

  Removing her heavy bag from her shoulder, she sat on floor and brought out the map from her bag. “Am I really in the right place? God, what is this?” She stood up and put the map back into her bag.

  Evalle carried her bag on her shoulders and climbed the stairs, looking for a room to rest. “Why does everything have to be tough? I really need to have a warm bath and cook a nice meal. This place will give me comfort until I find whatever I’m supposed to be searching for.

  She kicked the first door she saw. She left her eyes wide open.

  The most beautiful kitchen she had ever seen was right in front of her. She stepped into it and wondered who lived in the house before and what chased them away. “This place will make a really good home. I can start a new life, meet a new guy, get married and have lots and lots of wonderful kids.”

  She moved to the large fridge in the corner of the room and opened it. She was amazed because of all the various delicacies of food in there. She picked one up. “The food items in here are all fresh. It seems this place was prepared specially
for me.”

  Evalle picked up her bag and hurried out of the room. “I really need to find a room. This place requires thorough cleaning. She saw no doors but she kept on moving forward. She stopped abruptly when she arrived at a long hallway.

  “Is this place a hotel or what? It’s so large.”

  She pushed the first door and saw a large honeymoon suite. She immediately dropped her bag on the bed and slipped off all her clothes.

  Evalle rushed into the bathroom she found in the room. The walls were stained with blood but she shrugged her shoulders as she filled the tub with hot water.

  Something is wrong with this place. I really need to spice it up. I can continue with the search later. Oh God, I’m so tired.

  She hopped into the tub and slid in slowly. “Aargh, this feels really good. Evalle said. “It has been a while since me. . .” She stopped talking as she heard a pot fall down in the kitchen. Goose bumps rose all over her skin.

  “Who’s there?” Evalle screamed. No one answered. She jumped out of the tub and wrapped herself in a towel.

  She walked out of the room and ran through the same passage she followed, heading back to the kitchen to see what is going on.

  As she stepped in the kitchen, she met the lid of the pot on the floor. A door she didn’t see before swung open. Evalle screamed.

  * * *

  “How did you get lost?” Emily asked Donald who was looking at the disappearing wall. Everyone had started packing their bags, preparing to leave the place.

  “I actually ran away from home.” Donald replied.

  “You did? Why did that happen?” Emily asked, looking a bit confused.

  “Well, my dad wanted to kill me. I didn’t know where to go. I just continued running till I met myself here. I really regretted my actions.”