by B. C. Morin
The ride to Caelestis went more quickly than they had thought, and they arrived in the early afternoon.
Halwyn brought his horse to gallop beside Brennus.
“Sire, how will we find them?”
Brennus looked around at the Minotaur, fae and Satyrs that watched them carefully.
Brennus stifled a chuckle. “I am sure it will not be too difficult.” He looked ahead and saw the inn. “We will begin there. I would assume that they would first find lodging.”
As Brennus and the others rode up to the front of the inn, they saw Evyette and the others walking out.
“Brennus?” Evyette squinted her eyes in the afternoon sun as if she could not believe he was there.
Tristan quickly turned to Kaleb, a look of alarm sprawling across both of their faces.
Evyette ran to Brennus, as he was dismounting. “Brennus! Has something happened? Is Alannah alright?”
Brennus chuckled a bit. “Nothing has happened. At least not with Alannah. She is fine. She is home-.” He paused a moment. “She is at Anrad, continuing her training.”
Evyette let out a sigh of relief.
“What is wrong, Your Majesty? Miss us?” Kaleb stepped up alongside Evyette just as Tristan stood to her other side.
Brennus raised his eyebrow at Kaleb. “If that is what you would like to tell yourself.” His lip curled up, amused with himself. “Actually, as much as you wish it and I am sure you do, I am not here for you. I am here for them.” He inclines his chin in the direction of the Magisters.
Magister Morcant steps forward. “Your Highness.”
Brennus walked up, clapping the Magister on the shoulder. “Now you know that despite my new position, I would prefer you continue to call me Brennus.”
Magister Morcant nodded unsurely.
“Magister, I have little time, so I will state my business here. Are you aware of the legends of the three scrolls?”
“Yes.” Both Magisters answered simultaneously.
“We have discovered that it is not legend. It is truth. Maligo has used the first scroll to raise Samil from Hell.”
“But that is not possible without an heir.” Torin stepped forward.
“Maligo is the heir. Whether he knew or not, in the end, it was his blood that freed Samil. We are currently en route to the possible location of the second scroll and I thought it would be prudent to ask one of you if you would like to come along.”
“Of course. Give us a moment to discuss this please.” Torin said as he stepped away with Morcant.
“My apologies,” Brennus turned to Evyette who was looking at him slightly slack jawed. He walked up to her, and motioned to the party traveling with him. “Accolon, Halwyn, this is Princess Evyette of Meira. She is Alannah’s sister.” Accolon and Halwyn inclined their heads. “Beside them are Driscoll and Kelan from the Kingdom of Spiritus.” Evyette inclined her head as did the Spirit Fae. “Gentlemen, this is Prince Kaleb of Talom, and his friend, Tristan of Talom.
“Evyette,” Brennus turned again to face her, “Tell me, have you found anything here?”
Evyette’s eyes lit up but still managed to carry a certain sadness. “Yes, I have found the home in which I was born. There is nothing left of it now, due to a fire, but I had some visions when I was there, and I have discovered that there may be someone who knows exactly who I am and who my parents were. But enough about me. How is my sister? How does her training go?”
“Her training goes well. More of her powers have emerged and she is controlling them with some ease.” When I’m not around.
“And what of your bride to be?” Kaleb raised an eyebrow stepping closer to Brennus.
Brennus felt his face get hot.
“She is well,” he began through gritted teeth. “Although, what with my father passing and the news of Maligo and Samil, there has been no time to move forward with wedding plans.” He stood but a foot from Kaleb, each staring at each other and neither backing away.
“Perhaps I should pay a visit to Alannah, then, if you are so busy. ” A wry grin spreading across Kaleb’s face.
“If you wish to provide a distraction, and interrupt her training-“ Brennus’s voice deepening, his jaw tightening.
“You think I’m distracting? Really Brennus, I appreciate it, but I did not know you felt that way.”
Tristan snorted as he walked up to them both, in an obvious attempt to ease the tension. “So what would happen if you are too late and Samil manages to get to the second scroll?”
Brennus responded to Tristan without taking his eyes off of Kaleb.
“Then he moves on to find the third and final scroll, which calls for a sacrifice.” Finally he turned to Tristan. “He will not get that far.”
“I will go with you.” Kaleb’s declaration caused an audible gasp from Evyette.
Brennus chuckled. “I do not need you to join on this quest, little prince.” He turned to walk back to his horse, but Kaleb grabbed him by the arm causing him to turn swiftly.
“You do need me.”
“Like I need poison oak.” Brennus’s hands had turned to fists by his side, and Accolon and Halwyn had dismounted their horses, preparing to defend their King.
“The more people you have, the better chance you stand against Maligo and Samil, the better off Alannah will be.” Kaleb’s face was hard, the jokes were done.
Brennus opened his mouth to respond, but was distracted by Magister Torin who had walked up.
“Brennus, it has been decided that I will go with you.” Magister Morcant will stay with Evyette and the others. I merely need to pack a few things and will be ready shortly.” Magister Torin turned to walk towards the inn, his cloak billowing out behind him.
Tristan pulled Kaleb to the side
“Are you mad?”
“No.” Kaleb’s voice had softened, a realization looming behind it.
“Tell me then, why did you volunteer to go?”
“I am considering the amount of power that Alannah will be expected to go against, should Samil and Maligo succeed.” Kaleb looked Tristan in the eye. “They could kill her, Trist. If we can stop them now-“
“Then I will go with you.”
“No, my brother. Not this time. You must stay with Evyette. Help her here. She needs you.”
Tristan glanced at Evyette, who was now talking with Brennus and let out a sigh.
“I will help you gather your things, then.”
* * * * * *
As Samil climbed the rocks, his chanting became louder. The sun had begun to drop behind the mountains and the air had a chill to it, which did not come from the surrounding temperatures. Samil wanted to go through the valley in order to save time, but Maligo managed to convince him that such an attempt would not be allowed by the dragons that inhabit it. It was annoying at first, traveling with the malodorous Dorchae and trolls, but they had come in quite useful when a couple of rogue faeries tried to rob them.
Samil walked along a large ledge, dragging his hands along the stones and stepping lightly around the trees. Still being in spirit form, he had not had to pay mind to falling, which was an issue that was close to Maligo’s thoughts. Samil had led them into an area dense with trees that made the ledges difficult to navigate. Maligo looked down the ledge, seeing the various pointed rocks and large trees and gulped down his fear. If he fell , there would be no time to produce his wings and fly to safety. He followed Samil into a small clearing watching as Samil continued to chant and drag his hand along the walls of the mountain, coming to a complete and sudden stop. Both his hands were up against the mountain and his chanting filled the air around them, thick with the darkness he called upon.
“It is here.” He said abruptly.
Maligo walked up beside him, running his hands along the rocks looking for an opening.
“How are we to reach it?”
“It is time, Sorcerer, for you to use your magic.” Samil stepped back, motioning to the wall with his hand.
Maligo
’s face twisted with a sneer. He reached his hand into the satchel at his waist, coating his hands in the dust.
“Contúndere!” His shout echoed through the area, causing the birds in the nearby trees to take flight.
The mountain seemed to shake beneath their feet and a crack formed on the wall in front of them. “Contúndere!” Maligo held his hands out in front of him and the wall broke apart at his command. Debris of rock and dirt flying at him and the others. Maligo dropped to one knee catching his breath.
“Well done, my son. Well done, indeed.” Samil spoke as he walked through the hole in the mountainside.
Maligo stood, looking around at the three Dorchae and two trolls.
“Stand guard.” He called out as he followed Samil into the newly formed cave. “Illum.” He muttered and the orb at the top of his staff began to give off a green glow, illuminating the cave entrance that he soon found out led deeper into the mountain. He reached the end of the corridor, seeing nothing but more walls of stone and looked blankly at Samil. “There is nothing here.”
“It is here.” Samil ran his hands around the edging of the floor. “It is beyond this wall.”
“If we go any further into the mountain, we risk stumbling upon the dragon caves and certain destruction.” Maligo looked at Samil angrily.
“Again, Sorcerer.”
Maligo’s eyes widened. “You cannot be serious. In these tight quarters that spell could kill me.”
Samil pressed his lips together.
“Again!” He yelled through clenched teeth.
Maligo looked at Samil through squinted eyes but realized he was not going to back down. He moved back about five feet and using only one hand this time spoke the pulverizing spell. The sharp stones came fiercely at him, hitting him in the arms and legs with one of the largest pieces directed at his head splitting open a gash across his forehead. Immediately, he felt the warm blood trickling down.
Samil had continued through the opening without looking back at Maligo who was now leaning against the wall attempting to nurse several gashes along his arms and legs. The room that it led to was enormous in size, with large scratches decorating the walls.
Maligo stumbled through, searching for Samil, but stopped as soon as he saw the walls. Dragons. His heartbeat hard against his chest, his wound resolved to dripping the blood instead of pouring it out. After using so much of his magic, he was weak and the spells he tried to use to heal himself were lacking in power. Maligo watched as Samil disappeared into a corner of the opening and returned with the scroll in hand, a sinister grin across his face.
The moon lit most of the path that Driscall directed them down until the assemblage of trees along the edge began to block it out. But the light was not needed once the explosive sounds filled the air. Brennus, Kaleb and Accolon took the lead, with Halwyn and Kelan behind them and Driscall falling behind.
Kelan turned to Driscall who was visibly worn from tracking the dark spirits. “Stay here and we shall collect you upon our return. You are in no shape to fight.”
The others nodded in agreement and Driscall sat against the mountain.
As they made their way to the small clearing, Brennus walked ahead, despite protests from Accolon. He signaled them to stop as he continued walking, grateful for the darkness and concealment the trees granted. Kaleb and Accolon watched anxiously as he made his way back to them.
Brennus crouched down in front of them. “There are two trolls and three creatures that may be Dorchae.”
“Dorchae?” Accolon leaned forward. “They have not been heard of in centuries. Not since Samil declared war on the fae.”
“Yes, I have read about them. I am pretty certain it is them. Two of them are guarding an opening in the mountainside and the others are walking the clearing. Kelan, when I give word, you take to your spirit form and advance on one of the trolls or the dorchae patrolling. Halwyn and Kaleb, you two take the other two that are patrolling, and Accolon and myself will take the two at the opening. Magister Torin, can you tell if they have begun the spell?”
Magister Torin closed his eyes for a moment, attempting to reach the minds in the cave.
“I do not believe so.”
“I need you to keep us abreast of this. If there are any counter spells you can use to slow them down or stop them once they begin, you will need to do so until one of us can get to them and stop them.” Brennus stood as he finished, unsheathing his sword. Brennus took one more look at the group that was with him before glancing at Kelan and nodding.
Before their eyes, Kelan’s form began to fade until there was nothing left but a light plume of smoke that blew past them into the clearing.
“Now.” He said lowly to them.
“Wait!” Kaleb held out his hand stopping Halwyn who had already begun to step forward. He held his palms toward the clearing and from where they stood they could see whirlwinds picking up the dust and dirt around the clearing. It grew so thick, it began to obscure the view of the trolls and Dorchae
“Well done, Prince.” Brennus said, his lip curling up.
The five remaining stepped lightly and swiftly through the trees and into the clearing. Kelan had already re-manifested himself and was in a battle with the Dorchae, angering him as he would resort to spirit form every time the Dorchae landed a blow which could have potentially hurt him. Halwyn rushed out of the trees with Kaleb running beside him. Halwyn emerged from the trees lunging forward and quickly impaling one of the trolls. Kaleb saw that the second troll had gone to help the Dorchae that was battling Kelan. He rushed up behind it, but it turned just in time, blocking Kaleb’s sword with his axe. The troll had a small knife in his other hand and swung it at Kaleb, just barely missing his chest.
“Incendium!” Kaleb shot a burst of fire in the direction of the troll, but the troll ducked out of the way, allowing the fire to hit the Dorchae behind him.
Kaleb turned in the direction of the troll blocking the axe that was being swung at his torso.
He heard the Dorchae make a grunting sound and looked over to find that Kelan had been pierced through the shoulder with the Dorchae’s sword. Kaleb gritted his teeth and swung his sword once more at the troll, who had managed to get back on his feet, and hit the hilt of the axe. Hearing it crack slightly, Kaleb drew his sword back and over his head and when the troll lifted his axe to block him, Kaleb brought his sword down on the handle of the axe, cutting it in half. Before the head of the axe could hit the floor Kaleb swung his sword back around and up the front of the troll’s stomach and chest. The leather tunic the troll wore fell open revealing dark muscles and tendons beneath the green tough skin and dark red blood. The troll swung his knife at Kaleb, but was too weak. Kaleb dodged the knife attack and, upon turning, brought his sword down across the troll’s neck, his head thumping on the ground beside him.
Brennus and Accolon had managed to bring the Dorchae away from the opening but the Dorchae seemed to be skilled fighters. Brennus had a gash across his right bicep but did not seem bothered. The Dorchae seemed to be bleeding black blood from several places on his body.
The Dorchae moved close to Brennus, after blocking a parry.
“You are much uglier than I thought you would be.” Brennus pushed him off, raising his sword to strike when he saw the Dorchae pull a dagger from his belt. With his sword scraping against the Dorchae’s sword, Brennus grabs at the Dorchae’s wrist, to keep the blade from impaling itself in his side. He twisted the Dorchae’s wrist hard enough to hear the cracking of bones, causing the dagger to fall to the ground. The Dorchae dropped his guard for a split second at the pain radiating through his arm and Brennus pulled his sword down and lunged it forward, straight through the belly of the Dorchae running him up against the wall of the mountain.
“It’s begun!” Magister Torin, who until now, had stood at the edge of the clearing shooting spells at the remaining Dorchae, ran to the opening.
Brennus and Kaleb filed in first.
“This is a death t
rap.” Brennus said, realizing that one spell would kill the three of them in this narrow passage.
“I hear voices.” Kaleb whispered.
“I always knew there was something wrong with you.” Brennus retorted without looking back. As they reached the other opening the voices became louder.
Kaleb set his jaw.
“I cannot counter it.” Magister Torin said, frustrated.
Brennus and Kaleb peered around the corner to find Samil standing in the center of a pentacle and Maligo reading from the scroll.
“Then it is up to us.” Brennus looked at Torin, as he checked his grip on his sword. Brennus and Kaleb ran out of the opening toward Maligo, but Samil shot a burst of power forth that knocked Brennus and Kaleb into the wall behind them.
Magister Torin emerged from the opening, chanting what they all recognized as counter spells. Maligo shook his head at the incoming assault on his mind. Samil quickly laid his black eyes on Magister Torin, entering his mind in return, twisting at his thoughts. Torin fell to one knee, grasping the sides of his head. Samil, continuing his mental assault on the Magister, stepped to the edge of the pentacle, tilting his head to the side.
“You fight well Magister. But it is not enough!”
Samil extended his hand forward, careful to remain in the pentacle, his gaze not leaving the Magister until he lay on the ground motionless. Brennus and Kaleb began throwing magical attacks at Maligo and weakening what seemed to be a force field around him. Samil went back to the center of his circle, less confident than he was moments ago. Maligo dropped to his knees as he stopped reciting from the scroll. The energy of spell combined with the energy it took to keep Brennus and Kaleb from getting to him were wearing on him.
“Do not stop!” Samil shouted from the center of the circle, his voice sounding like legions.
Maligo spread the scroll on the ground and kept reading, stopping only momentarily to counter Brennus and Kaleb. Suddenly the edges of the pentacle burst into flames, obscuring their view of Samil.
The roar rumbled the cave walls, causing stones to fall from the ceiling.