by J. M. Briggs
“Well?”
“It fits,” Alex said. “It’ll take some getting used to.” The weight of the sword was comforting against her back, but it was odd. Even through her shirt, Alex could feel a warm hum of magic radiating into her body. “Feels good.”
Smiling at Nicki, Alex hoped that she understood. Her friend nodded and stepped forward to hug her. Alex didn’t mind the scent of leather that was still clinging to Nicki. She understood the source. Stepping back, she grabbed the banister of the stairs and grinned at the others.
“You guys work on the spell; I’ll go and make us that hub. Or try to at least.” She glanced back to Nicki. “And make sure that she takes a nap. She’s earned it.”
18
Holding Back Shadows
Podlasie Province, Poland 983 C.E.
Dobiemir clung to the branches of the tree. Ice was creeping over his skin, yet his fingers were beginning to burn as he held on for his life. The Shadows were circling Merlin and Morgana. Their long bodies were all a little different, but all of them had sharp teeth and claws. Regret filled him. How could he have come out here with them? Gratitude should only go so far.
Yet Slavko’s health was better. It might be enough for the boy to survive on his own. A loud snarl and sudden vibration made him look down. One of the Shadows was clawing at the tree he was in. Panic gripped him, squeezing tightly around his heart. Its green eyes narrowed, almost angrily. He tried to open his mouth to speak, but the cold robbed him of breath.
“Dobiemir, run!” Merlin shouted. “Get away!”
“He won’t make it!” Morgana snapped. Her voice quivered with rage. Magic flared around her, and for a moment Dobiemir hoped that she might deliver them from the situation. “Fight, Merlin!”
Silver magic exploded around them, lighting up the area and pushing back some of the Shadows. It didn’t stop them and the creatures rushed back in. Merlin’s green magic struck at a few more Shadows. The sparks scooped them up and threw them hard against the side of the hill. Rocks shook, and the eyes in the cave narrowed. The Shadows kept standing up.
“This isn’t working.” Morgana opened her hand and light surrounded them.
“Stop using light,” Merlin scolded. “We know that doesn’t work. The earthen wall held them back for a while the other day.”
Morgana nodded and opened her palm. Silver magic gathered together to form three small orbs. Flicking her wrist, Morgana sent them jolting forth. They lengthened in the air before striking one of the Shadows. It convulsed backward. The dark fur of the creature shimmered and its legs collapsed underneath it. Not dead, but down.
“The magic is helping!” Merlin called. “Don’t use fire or light! Just focus on the magic itself!”
“That’s not helpful!” Morgana shouted back. But she created more of the small bolts and launched them.
More Shadows were injured by her wave of attacks, but it only knocked them down. They all stood moments later and snarled, marching forward again. While the attacks could harm them, it lacked killing force. Dobiemir frowned and curled his nose. There was something: a stray thought at the edge of his mind, but he couldn’t catch it. One of the Shadows looked up at him and then started clawing at the trunk in the exact same spot. Another round of magical bolts pushed it back. His eyes jumped back to the cave. He tried to peer in, but no light seemed even to reach the cave. There were only the glowing eyes, but they didn’t illuminate anything around them. It was just a hole of blackness. He couldn’t even see a hint of a shape. Was it humanoid or something like these creatures? Beneath him, the branch creaked. The layer of ice on it cracked, and he sprang back to grab the trunk.
The ice had slowed. The dryness in the air stung at his skin, but he hoped it meant that there was no more water to turn to ice. Looking back at the mages, Dobiemir hissed as the Shadows closed in. Suddenly vines burst out of the ground. Dobiemir’s eyes widened with shock and glee as they twisted around the legs of the Shadows. They fought and tried to pull away. A few lowered their mouths and began gnawing on the vines. There were flashes of silver, and more vines began to spring up from the ground and coil around the creatures. A snarl echoed out of the cave, and the eyes flashed brightly. But whatever was inside did not come forth.
“Dobiemir,” Morgana shouted. “Come down!”
Hissing in pain, Dobiemir wretched his fingers open. The cold clung to his skin and was sinking into his bones. It was difficult to move. He sucked in sharp, pained breaths every time he moved his leg. As he slowly climbed down the tree, he waited fearfully for a Shadow to grab him or for his limbs to fail. His feet touched the ground just before his arms gave out. Stumbling back, he gasped for air as Merlin caught his shoulder to steady him.
The Shadows were pulling and chewing on the vines. More magic was swirling around them and into the ground to make more vines, but they were withering. Dobiemir could see the dull brown color of dying plants creeping up the vines inch by inch.
“We need to go,” Merlin said urgently.
The older mage pushed him back the way they’d come. Stumbling forward, Dobiemir grabbed one of the thick tree trunks to stabilize his aching legs. Then he pushed himself towards the next. Maybe it was just in his head, but with every step, the world seemed to be growing a little warmer. He could still hear snarling and looked back.
Merlin and Morgana were slowly walking backward, their hands glowing as more and more vines burst out of the ground to bind the Shadows. He couldn’t see into the small cave any longer, but Dobiemir was sure that the eyes were narrowed in anger. Still, nothing was coming forth, and the Shadows were now in a small cluster by the cave as the vines dragged them back.
Stumbling forward, he kept trying to put more distance between himself and the Shadows. Hope was beginning to grow in his chest. They might make it back home from this foolish trip. A loud growl made him look back. One of the Shadows had finally torn free. Merlin shouted something just before more vines ensnared the Shadow. More were pulling free. The pounding of his heart grew faster and faster and filled his ears.
Morgana spun around and waved her hands. The silver sparks of her magic rushed forward and solidified into a wall of ice. It pushed out with a strange crackling noise, forming almost a circle around the Shadows before colliding up against the hillside. Behind it, Dobiemir could just barely see the shapes of the Shadows and hear their howls of protest. The wall seemed to be holding. He turned and kept moving. Following the game trail, he kept an ear out for the Shadows or any other threat. His feet were steady now even as his heart thumped wildly. Merlin seemed to know the way ahead of him, and Dobiemir trusted the mage to get him home.
With every step, it was easier to keep his balance and breathe. The ice was fading, and the sounds of the Shadows were growing faint. Swallowing, Dobiemir noticed his hands were shaking, and he rubbed them together nervously. Their group moved quickly, and this time he didn’t stop to gather useful plants he spotted. Overhead, the tree canopy was thinning as they came closer and closer to the village. Flickers of sunlight overhead nearly made him cry in relief.
Then, finally, the trail finished curving around the hillside and sloped downward. Things here were familiar, and he could see evidence of recent woodcutting. Sunlight caressed his skin, helping to dispel the last effects of the unnatural cold. Running out into the road, Dobiemir gasped for air. The sun was warm on his skin and harsh on his tired eyes. Tears of relief pricked at him. His knees quivered, but thankfully he was able to stay upright. Morgana and Merlin came closer, and he finally turned his attention to them. Both looked tired. There was lingering fear in their eyes, and Morgana’s hair was a mess from the trees. She spun back to the forest, silver magic dancing around her fingertips.
“I don’t think they’ll follow,” Merlin said. He was glaring into the trees. “Those were guards. The Old One was in that cave and didn’t want to be disturbed.”
“Then it shouldn’t be sending out those Shadows and frightening the locals!”
“I don’t understand either,” Merlin said. Stepping forward, he put a hand on Morgana’s shoulder. “The wall was an excellent idea, Morgana.”
“I was afraid that they’d just snuff out a fire wall,” Morgana said. Then she frowned slightly, watching the trees quizzically. “Though… I thought they’d have destroyed the wall much faster than that. I’m not even sure if they did.”
“What are you thinking?” Merlin asked. There was a hopeful note in his voice that made Dobiemir straighten up and listen closely.
“I’m not sure,” Morgana admitted. “It just seems strange that such cold creatures of darkness wouldn’t absorb magic in the form of ice. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just wanted something to hold them, and I’ve never had your talent in shaping the earth.” Morgana flexed her fingers and rubbed them carefully. “Now I find myself wondering if ice made by magic is… harmful to them?”
“Ice,” Merlin repeated. “It sounds impossible, counter-intuitive, but we have tried light, fire, earth, and even more raw magic with little luck. You may be onto something. Next time we encounter them, let us both try ice.”
“Next time?” Dobiemir croaked. He coughed to clear his throat. “You’re- you’re not going back there, are you?”
“I fear that we may have to,” Merlin said. Shaking his head, he moved closer to Dobiemir. “I’m surprised that we got away.” The remark made Dobiemir shudder. “That was an Old One, but it is far gone. Leaving it in this area unchecked could be devastating for the environment and your people. You saw how quickly the plants nearby were dying.”
“We escaped because it didn’t want to strain itself,” Morgana said. “That’s what these Shadows are for. It’s experimenting with its powers now that it has turned into something new. It’s studying the area, studying us.” Morgana’s agitation was apparent. “Even if we’re right about the ice, that thing has power. I could taste it in the air.”
“I agree.” Merlin nodded to Morgana. “We can hope that it doesn’t mean harm, but even if it does not intend to, it is causing it. The Shadows did seem to act as scouts, and now as guards. We need to prepare ourselves and learn more.” Turning back to Dobiemir, Merlin smiled. “But for today, I suggest that we return to your home and rest. There is nothing more to be done now.”
Blinking at the mages, Dobiemir repeated the words silently to himself. That was it? How did they recover so quickly from near death? Morgana sighed and nodded down the road towards his home in a silent demand for him to start moving. Slowly, Dobiemir began putting one foot in front of the other. His bones still ached from the cold, and his skin was dry, but he relished the sunlight with each step. Merlin and Morgana fell into step behind him. Guarding his back, he realized with a jolt. His stomach tightened, and he sped up a little just in case.
No one was out near the forest. They were alone on the narrow road. Dobiemir couldn’t blame anyone for avoiding the area. Honestly, he never wanted to go near the forest again himself now. His fingers tightened on the strap of his bag. Somehow, he’d held onto it, but he was already wondering how much of it was still useful after being near so many Shadows.
They didn’t speak the whole way back to his farm. He kept waiting for Merlin or Morgana to say something, anything, but neither of them did. Seeing his home almost made Dobiemir’s knees give out. It looked the same as always, with no signs of trouble. Slavko was in the yard near the animals, moving chopped wood up against the house. The boy turned and caught sight of them. A smile lit up Slavko’s face, and the boy climbed over the fence and rushed towards them. His smile faded as he came closer, and he slowed.
“Father?” Slavko asked. “What happened?”
Moving closer to his son, Dobiemir put his hand on the boy’s head and played with his fine hair. His son was barely past his hip and still had more growing to do. His hand dropped to his son’s shoulder, and he pulled him closer. Thankfully the boy didn’t protest and pressed himself closer to him.
“We had a bit of scare,” he said. The words were hard to form. Holding back a shiver, Dobiemir pushed away the memory of the glowing green eyes. “That’s all. We’re fine.”
“Yes,” Merlin said. “But at least we know the area now, and that those things can be stopped.”
“They can be delayed,” Morgana corrected. “That’s hardly assured victory, Merlin. Though it is nice to have some ideas.”
“Father?” Slavko was looking up at him with fear growing in his eyes. “Are you alright? You weren’t hurt, were you?”
“I’m fine,” he promised. “They never touched me. Morgana and Merlin protected me.”
His son turned and smiled at the two mages. Morgana blinked in surprise before a softer expression took over her face. She nodded to Slavko as Merlin smiled openly. The moment was over quickly, and Merlin sighed, turning his attention back to Dobiemir.
“You need to learn,” Merlin said. He offered Dobiemir a warm smile: he clearly felt none of the worry that was plaguing Dobiemir. “You are a mage, and these things and what is in that cave are unlike our prior enemies.”
“We need help,” Morgana agreed.
“So… just the three of us?” Dobiemir asked. “What can I do?”
“We’ll teach you,” Merlin said. Dobiemir wanted more information. “We’ll teach you to use magic, but we’ll also see who we can call on for help.”
“Do you think that’s wise?” Morgana asked. Frowning, she looked back towards the forest. “This is an Old One. We don’t want to risk any siding with him.”
“He’s powerful,” Merlin said. “And we have no idea how to fight him. We need help, and other Old Ones may have ideas.” He sighed and glanced towards Dobiemir. “Besides… only one mage in the area. The odds aren’t in our favor.”
“Fine,” Morgana groaned. “But be mindful. The last thing we need is a group of Old Ones deciding now is the time to take over the realm.”
Judging from Merlin’s expression he didn’t think Morgana’s concern was serious, but the words made Dobiemir worry. He tightened his grip on Slavko, and the boy looked up at him. Those green eyes flashed in the front of his mind. Something was in that cave, and it hadn’t liked them being nearby.
“Father?” Slavko called. “What’s going to happen?”
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. His chest constricted at the words. “I’m not sure, son.” Looking back towards the forest, he thought that it seemed darker than usual. Like even the leaves were dying off. “I’m honestly not sure, but I’ll look after you. I’ll keep you safe.”
“I know, Father.”
He wished that he had his son’s faith in him. The boy gave him a smile before running off to feed the animals. Dobiemir watched him, allowing his eyes to follow his son’s stronger movements. Slavko climbed over the fence and tugged the bundle of wrapped hay to the goats’ trough without collapsing. His son smiled as the animals moved closer and pushed his hair out of his face. Slavko was out of bed and able to help on the farm. The cough was gone, but… Shaking his head, he turned back to Merlin and Morgana only to find them watching him. There was something in their eyes. Something that he almost recognized, but it was gone too quickly.
“So… how do I use magic?”
19
Forging Something New
Merlin’s workshop was hot and dry. Even having the windows open did nothing to help circulate the air, and as much as Alex wished she could cool down, she knew better than to lower the temperature using her magic. The furnace was humming, filled with red-hot coals that shimmered to her sight as the heat created ripples in the air. A thin bar of iron was beginning to glow orange, and Alex readied herself with the tongs.
Pulling it out, she quickly turned to place it on the anvil. In one smooth motion she shifted the tongs to her left hand to hold the hot metal in place and picked up Mjǫllnir with her right hand. The Iron Hammer thrummed in her hand, sending pleasant vibrations down her arm that were strangely soothing. She inhaled slowly and held the air for a moment
as the magic in her chest sparked to life. It rushed down her arm and into Mjǫllnir. With a practiced motion, Alex began to hammer the piece of hot metal, lengthening it a little bit further.
Once that was done, she put it back into the fire. Two finished pieces were waiting next to the furnace, glowing softly with stored magic. Alex wasn’t completely sure what she was doing. It was hard to focus. Alex’s mind kept jumping around even as she hammered the iron band into a spiral shape using a combination of the anvil horn and magic. A soft shimmer flowed over the surface of the cooling iron.
Heat rolled out of Merlin’s furnace and over her skin. Alex had stripped down to a light tank top and had her hair bound up on her head. She still had Cathanáil on her back. The weight resting against her spine made it easier to breathe. Its soft hum filled her ears, forming a soft melody when mixed with the smash and clash of the hammer. It wasn’t the sort of thing that Alex had found comforting before, but it was now.