A loud sea of voices came from Raul’s group. Darrin stood. Raul was brandishing a long knife and was facing another commander called Grayson, a squat lieutenant from the north.
Darrin said, "Brothers stop this fighting at once."
Raul’s face was flush with rage, and he said, "Darrin, Grayson called me a liar."
Grayson took out his long sword. Darrin nodded to his guards to intervene. Raul’s men had their hands on their weapons, when another sound was heard—the scraping noise of metal and boots. Everybody stopped. Behind them was a contingent of Royal Soldiers. They were holding long pikes pointing in their direction. They were outnumbered. The Royal troops waited for Darrin’s men to retaliate. More Royal soldiers came into view. Archers were behind the pike men with their arrows notched and ready to unleash the deadly weapon. Raul turned toward the Royal soldiers.
"Stop! We are surrounded," Darrin said.
Nobody moved. Darrin’s men inched up their hands to their weapons.
"Listen to your leader," a man said. It was the blasted Royal Captain Mercer. "We will not hesitate to kill you all."
He wore the royal, blue and yellow of his command. He smirked. Next to Captain Mercer was a dark-robed mage. His face was pale, his hair black. Darrin took out his sword and placed it on the ground. The Freedom Fighters also followed. Raul spat on the floor. Darrin’s head was bent but he still smiled to himself. They could kill him, but the spirit of the revolution was implanted all over the kingdom.
Captain Mercer said, "I’ve been chasing you for a decade, Darrin. Do you recognize me? I’ve served under your command before you became a rebel. Ironic, I used to respect you. Now I chase you like the cur you are."
Darrin didn’t say anything. The royal guards tied his hand behind him.
"Ah, Eamos, your duty is done," Captain Mercer said.
"Yes, I cannot keep this charade anymore," Eamos said.
Darrin swore and jumped over the guards before him. He kicked violently at Eamos. However, before he struck, he froze. A bluish haze of magic surrounded him. He could not move. The mage held his hand up.
"Enough," Captain Mercer said. "We need to bring Darrin Masters back to the emperor."
"No," the black mage said.
"What? I am the commander here, Rawl," Captain Mercer said.
"I was given instructions from the emperor himself that I was in command here."
"What do you propose mage?" he said with distain.
"Take them outside," the black mage said
They were taken outside and rounded up in a long line. Darrin nodded.
"I will pass judgment now," Rawl said and pointed at Darrin. "He shall be put to death now, and his rebel friends will be taken to the prison up north."
"You do not have the authority to pass judgment," Captain Mercer said.
"Yes, I do."
Rawl produce from inside his robe a rolled parchment. The captain unrolled it and read the note. His face turned red and pushed it back to Rawl.
"I do not like your kind. I will talk to the emperor about this when we get back," Captain Mercer said.
"Proceed," Rawl said.
Captain Mercer barked out his orders, and Darrin was jostled to the front of his men. A burly soldier stood behind him holding a large two-handed sword. Darrin stared at Captain Mercer and smiled. Out of the night, arrows filled the air. The soldier behind him fell to the side with an arrow in his neck. Darrin lunged at the dark mage but he disappeared. He turned and barreled through the surprised royal soldiers and fled into the bushes. The cries of the injured sounded in his ears. The Freedom Fighters took advantage of the situation, fighting the soldiers next to them before running.. Darrin still had his hands tied behind his back. He bent over to his boot and took out a small-concealed knife. He cut the ropes and sprang. Dark figures on horseback came through the forest.
"Darrin," a voice said. "You were right."
He climbed onto his horse and galloped at full speed away from the barn. The full moon illuminated their way through the woods.
Charles said, "They have discovered our trail."
Behind them, the sounds of horses and men came scrabbling through the woods.
CHAPTER 11
In the morning, they set out to find the witch. Cyrus’ mind was scattered. His dreams last night were filled with dark forms and magical chanting. A growing darkness within him was changing him in ways in did not fathom. Yet, he sensed a connection to this newfound magic. He didn't know if he should tell Meza. The squat buildings of the merchant district gave way to small dwellings of the common folk. The yellow fog diffused the sun’s rays. A gloom seemed to hang along the silence of the houses.
Meza said, "The witch’s name is Niniane. She lives in a part of the city called the Marrows."
They travelled through the city’s streets and alleyways.
Meza said, "The witch’s house should be down a block from here."
"How do you know her?" Cyrus said.
"When I was an apprentice to Master Darthel, we visited Niniane several times for answers. She has knowledge that few people possess. She can see the future."
Meza stood in front of a burned house and scratched his head. Most of the abode was gone, and only the right side of the building stood charred and mute. Some words marked the wall. It read, "Witch!" in bold letters.
Meza said, "What happened?"
A group of figures came toward them from an adjoining house.
"Meza, we’d better leave. She is not here," Cyrus said.
"Hey you," a man said.
"Meza," Cyrus said.
"Wait, she would have left a clue," Meza said.
Each man carried a club or rusted knife. They seemed as if they had not eaten a meal for quite some time.
"I’m talking to you, gentlemen," the stranger said.
"Cyrus, use your Wizards sight," Meza said.
"Be careful, I think they are the bandits who robbed us," Cyrus said.
Meza walked up to the leader and said, "We have taken a wrong turn sir. We need some directions."
Cyrus looked along the house using his wizard sight. He did not know what to scan for.
"Hey," the bandit leader said, "I didn’t tell anybody to leave."
Cyrus froze. His wizard sight was not working. He needed to calm himself.
Meza said, "Gentleman, we do not have to get ugly. If you can give us directions toward the Royal Magistrate, you will be rewarded."
"Show us your money," the leader said.
Meza said, "I do not have the money on me."
Cyrus could feel Meza trying to conjure a spell, but he failed. The bandit leader still had the disarming stone on him. Cyrus realized he couldn’t use his wizard sight for the same reason Meza couldn’t cast any spells.
"Wait, I remember you," the man said.
"I have never seen you before," Meza said.
Cyrus’s chest began to get hot. Involuntarily, his wizard sight was conjured. He saw something written in bold script.
"You are those travelers we robbed a few nights ago," the bandit leader said.
"No, we are just lost travelers," Meza said.
The bandit leader waved his henchman away. The strangers backed away, disappearing back into the buildings behind them.
"Ah, why did they leave?" Meza said.
"I think they are scared of us," Cyrus said.
"Did you find anything?" Meza said.
Cyrus walked to the front entrance of the house.
"Yes, it’s some type of invisible magical writing. It says ‘To seek the flower look beyond the walls between the sweet and the rancid,’" Cyrus said.
"What does that mean?"
"We better get out of here before the bandits change their mind and come back," he said.
They made their way out of the house. They traversed back to the merchant district and wandered into the Blue Tavern. They sat and ordered ale.
"Meza, this witch, is she worth looking for?" Cyrus said.
"Yes, but sometimes she talks in puzzles and even I do not know what she is talking about."
"Why was her house burned down?" Cyrus said.
"I think she could have said the wrong thing to the wrong person. She has a way of making people hate her," Meza said.
"So the riddle could be nothing," Cyrus said.
"She would have not placed it there if she didn’t want anybody to follow her. She is the flower in the riddle. She loves plants and roses. Nevertheless, the words beyond the walls between sweet and rancid could mean anything," Meza said.
"Ok, beyond the walls means outside the capital. Do we have a map of the city and the outlying areas?" Cyrus said.
Meza asked for a map from Jacob, and they took it to the back room. They spread it on a table.
Cyrus said, "The witch’s riddle said ‘between the sour and the rancid.’ The Rause Marsh always had an acrid smell. However, what is sweet?"
Meza said, "Yes, you are right. We can at least have a look at the marsh."
They had a quick lunch and took some provisions. They travelled out of the south gate.
"What’s wrong?" Meza said.
"I have an odd feeling that somebody is watching us. I guess it is nothing," Cyrus said.
They walked along the cobblestone road away from the city. The forest loomed in front of them and swallowed them as soon they passed the first clump of trees. Sunlight fell through the shafts of branches. The persistent yellow fog even penetrated out here. The rich smell of pine and earth clashed with the smells of the city. Clean air swayed along the bushes pushing most of the mist away. Meza took out his map and found where they were headed.
"We should reach the Rause Marsh in an hour," Meza said.
"I hope we can get back into the capital before nightfall," he said.
The forest became very dense with shadows.
Cyrus said, "I do not smell anything rancid."
"We have not reached the outskirts of the marsh," Meza said.
A scent wafted in the air. It was bitter and stung his eyes. Meza produce from his robe a small round vial. He opened it and dabbed some of the contents underneath his nostril.
"Cyrus, take a little of this and spread it underneath your nose. This will help with the smell," he said.
Cyrus applied the white paste. Instantly, the acrid smell ceased. The trees thinned and water started to bubble from the ground. The Rause Marsh stretched for leagues. The bog was dotted with small hills and ponds.
"Cyrus, stay on the path," Meza said.
He gazed at the boiling water and saw a reptilian eye observing him.
"Stop. That is an alligator. Move closer to me" Meza said.
The bushes clumped in small stacks not casting any shadows. He wiped his brow with the sleeve of his shirt. Cyrus swatted insects away. The pungent scent was overpowering. The white paste helped but did not lessen the odor. He swayed a little. Steam was rising from the swamp in waves. The path took a left. Cyrus felt something as they crossed the bend.
"Wait. Did you feel something?" Cyrus said.
"Yes, but I do not know what it is," Meza said.
Everything seemed the same.
He said, "Let’s go back a bit."
They turned around and walk back a few yards. As they approach the slight bend again, Cyrus smelled something different, like rose petals. Meza glared at him with a puzzled look on his face. He cast his wizard’s sight. The Rause Marsh changed with the forces of nature. He saw something. It was a small wisp of smoke escaping from a hole. This path used to split into two roads. A strong illusion made the other path disappear. He pointed at the fissure.
"A road is hidden," he said.
"I cannot see what you are pointing at, but I do sense something," Meza said.
Meza intoned a few words of magic. He bent his head in concentration. Cyrus saw the magical energies flow from Meza and hit the fissure. Nothing happened. Meza swore.
"This illusion is very strong. I cannot cast an uncloak spell on it, but maybe you could do it."
"I am not sure. I cannot control my magic. And I do not want the Clandestine mages to find us," Cyrus said.
"I believe if we can use a small portion of your magic, the Clandestine mages will not be alerted. Trust me. I will channel your magic," Meza said.
"Can you do that?"
"Yes, but it can be dangerous," Meza said.
"What do I need to do?" he said.
"Stand in front of this invisible portal and concentrate on your magic and let it flow into me. I will do the rest," Meza said.
Cyrus walked toward the illusion and slowly let his magic manifest. His chest became warm, then cold. A booming sound of drums radiated from his head.
"Focus," Meza said.
Cyrus tried to slow the ebb of his magic but the energies flowed out of him like water bursting from a dam. He clenched his hands. He saw Meza siphoning his magic against the invisible barrier. The illusion faded. He saw a doorway to another place. By sheer force of his will, Cyrus quelled the flow of his magic. He felt something or somebody coming toward them moving fast. He grabbed Meza and pulled him through the doorway. As they stumbled, the illusion started to reform itself until the Rause Marsh was gone, replaced by the sweet smell of a garden.
•••
Randall felt the stirrings of the Drakus Vinnikai magic. It was powerful and terrible. He teleported himself to his brethren’s Clandestine lair. They were already dressed in their dark robes waiting for him. They nodded to each other and transported themselves to the location. The marsh was hot and a pungent smell hit them. Nobody was around.
"He is not here. Could we have been mistaken?" one of the Clandestine mages said.
"No, he was here," Randall said.
CHAPTER 12
Cyrus brushed off the leaves and branches that clung to his clothes. Meza was lying on a field of grass staring into the sky. Cyrus knelt by him and shook him.
He said, "Meza, do you hear me?"
Meza didn’t respond. Cyrus hoped his magic did not hurt him. He realized the smell of the marsh was completely gone. He smelled roses and jasmine flowers. Trees and flowers bloomed. Everything was neatly trimmed. He heard the sounds of a stream and a gentle waterfall. He breathed in the fresh air. Butterflies and birds flew to bushes and treetops. He wondered what to do next.
"Cyrus," Meza murmured.
"Are you ok?" Cyrus said.
"I do not think we should try that again," Meza said while propping himself up.
Something was approaching. It was shaped as a man and was composed of trees, flowers and plants. It shambled up to them and pointed. Cyrus magic was beginning to coalesce
"Cyrus, stop, I think it wants us to follow," Meza said.
After a few seconds, the plant thing started walking toward the direction it pointed. He saw two more plant creatures shambling in their direction.
"Should we follow?" Cyrus said.
"Why not? She probably already knows we are here."
A group of deer ran through the trees. Before they knew it, they approached a small cottage. A stream ran next to the house. The creatures stopped in front of the cottage and pointed toward the door. It disappeared. The main room opened into a large hallway with steps leading to the second floor.
"Come upstairs, Meza. I have not seen you for ages," a woman’s voice said.
The walls were a multitude of colors and they seemed to move. It was made of butterfly wings, and the steps were made of live oak molded into stairs.
Cyrus said, "Niniane must be a powerful witch."
Meza said, "Do not say anymore. She can hear you."
The stairs led to another hallway with a single door. The entry opened. The room was immense. A lady sat in a big high-backed chair. Cyrus remembered the Necromage and shuddered. A chill passed through him. She seemed neither old nor young.
"Meza, I thought I would never see you again. I heard about your Master’s death. I am sorry for your loss," the witch sai
d. She waved her arms and Cyrus was instantly surrounded by lightning.
She said, "Why did you bring this person before me?" Her eyes flashed with anger.
"Niniane," Meza said, "He is my friend and needs your help."
"Right now your friend does not know his powers. He has the Rathraka. I can feel it," she said.
"I need to know about it," Cyrus said.
"You will become more than you can handle. The murders of the innocent children are partly your ancestors’ fault," Niniane said. "You will have to make things right that have been wronged in the past. You will be the light and the dark."
"I do not understand," Cyrus said.
"It was foretold to me in visions that you will come to see me before my death. You have your father’s face and your mother’s good heart," she said.
"You knew my parents?"
"Our paths have crossed several times. Cyrus, you must understand your father was a good man before he was corrupted. The magic is too strong for one person to control," she said.
"Can you tell me about the charm."
"The Rathraka is just a tool created by your dad to do one thing. What towers are you looking for?" Niniane said.
He didn’t mention the towers.
"Show her," Meza said.
Cyrus took off his shirt and tunic. The witch made a loud gasp.
"It is your destiny," she said.
"What destiny?" Cyrus said.
She said, "The Wizards Guild can help. Cyrus it was your dad who destroyed these towers."
"Ahh, I have never heard about this before. Is this true?" Meza said.
"Rumors are like dead leaves in a wind, easily spread and messy. I do not know if this is true. I have told you what I know. Cyrus, your dad was seduced by his power," Niniane said.
"What was his name?"
"His name is Vondra Merilus. A very powerful name," she said.
Meza gasped and signed a ward of protection. He turned toward Cyrus and stared at him in shock.
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