Eeymor grunted laughter at this. “Indeed, they will,” he said.
With the gates open, Ellis Ander lead his new friends outside of Lognar. He could feel the steps of Rodrick grow heavier as he resisted the avian’s pace. Ellis Ander squeezed the boy tighter as they walked further, taking a moment to enjoy their stroll in the light of the Firestar. Judging from the sky, they still had a few hours left before the winds brought in the storm clouds. And while the rain was welcome, Ellis Ander preferred to be back in Varion when the skies brought the heavy downfalls.
At last, Ellis Ander stopped their walk. Turning as he knelt, the avian gave Rodrick one last embrace. “This is not good bye, my young friend. This is simply until next time,” he said.
“I know,” whispered Rodrick. “But I will always be against the time that comes between.”
Ellis Ander stood once, placing his hands upon the gnome’s shoulders. “It helps if you make the most of that time. Busy yourself with improvement and discovery. And never forget to throw in some fun, for what is life without it? Before you know it, I will have returned,” he said.
Rodrick sighed as he fought his watering eyes. “Why must you go so soon?”
Ellis Ander’s eyes darkened. “Something you said the last time we were together got me thinking. And now there is something that I must see for myself. All will be made clear soon enough. And when I return, I will stay for longer than this span. Do we have a deal, young Rodrick?”
The young man nodded. “We do,” he said. He gave one final hug before backing up to stand next to Eeymor once more.
Eeymor nodded and one of his guards returned Ellis Ander’s spear to him. “I bid you safe skies, Ellis Ander,” he said.
Ellis Ander gave them a deep bow. “Farewell for now, my friends!” He then unfurled his wings, letting them take him swiftly into the air.
“Good bye, Ellis Ander!” Rodrick called out to him. As he flew away, Ellis Ander beamed. Doing a circle above them, the avian then turned and headed toward his next destination.
Soaring swiftly, Ellis Ander let his thoughts fill with purpose. He held to the suspicions that had been swelling within him for some time and it had all started with the increases in orc raids. The orcs had been bold to say the least, but there was something more to it. Ellis had never seen them so coordinated before. This troubled him greatly, for the accuracy of such tactics was telling him something he wished untrue.
Treachery.
Ellis Ander did his very best to keep a tight watch upon Varion and its surrounding regions. And while it was true that most of his kin would rather not bother themselves with the people below the clouds, Ellis Ander understood that all the races were part of Lunaria. The skies were only a temporary protection. Once the roots of a tree began to rot, eventually it would rise to the tallest of limbs. And so, Ellis Ander had watched and waited and hoped beyond all hope that he was to be wrong in his conclusions.
The avian flew faster, keeping his eyes sharp and upon the land below. Ellis Ander had mapped out recorded attacks and had found they had branched out from a central location. He was closing in on that area and preparing himself for what could be the worst. He had informed his men that he would be in Lognar for three days’ time instead of the one day he had allotted himself. Ellis Ander may have been in for a surprise, but he would not be the only one.
Reaching the decided focal point he had derived from the map, Ellis Ander could see nothing but open fields and trees. This did not sway him though, for he began to angle his flight by circling. As an avian, he knew what to look for in terms of magic originating from Varion and his people. Utilizing a sharp angle and the Firestar, Ellis Ander caught the shimmering reflection of light offered by Varion's concealment spell. He had his target at last.
Flying above the covered area, Ellis Ander hurled his spear downward, piercing the veil and surprising those beneath it. The spear tore easily through the veil, making a hole before stabbing into the ground. Ellis Ander then brought his wings to him as he fell through the hole he had created, shattering the veil and illuminating several figures into the daylight. Standing fully, Ellis Ander pulled his spear from the ground as he looked upon the conspirators.
Immediately, Ellis Ander saw the orcs from before. They snarled and drew their weapons. The leader of the orcs was talking to a cloaked figure, apparently exchanging money for information. The cloaked figure did not turn, yet the orc's leader looked at him expectantly as he kept glancing at Ellis Ander.
Looking among the orcs facing him, Ellis Ander soon narrowed his eyes upon the cloaked figure. "It is truly one of the darkest days when one of Varion turns their back on the light. It breaks my heart further to know that it was you, Fel Willen," he said.
Fel Willen discarded his cloak as he turned to look upon his best friend gravely. "How did you know, Ellis Ander?" he asked.
"It was the little things," replied Ellis Ander. "But they slowly added up. The insight held by the orcs with their attacks, the reluctance and mercy you showed in our last skirmish with them as well as young Rodrick's impression of you. I started putting the pieces together. I hope to one day do the same for my heart."
Fel shook his head. "Such sentiments pass. Power, true power can be eternal. And it is something I will never see under you or the yoke of our empress," he said.
Ellis Ander fought the urge to rush forward and attack. "So you would place yourself in league with evil so that you may profit off of pain and death? That is not the Fel I know, the Fel I grew up with!"
Fel snorted at the reverie. "That Fel is gone. Time has forged something crueler and wiser. And who said I am in leagues with these men? They flock to my banner," he offered.
Ellis Ander shook his head. "This was all your doing then," he accused.
"Of course," said Fel easily as he pointed to the lead orc. "The orcs are more than happy to reclaim what was taken from them over the generations in payments of land and blood. I have merely hastened their vengeance and for that I attain loyal followers."
"Then you truly are lost to me and to Varion," said Ellis Ander somberly.
Fel nodded. "A statement I embrace gladly, Ellis Ander. Your focus is too narrow, for you are blinded by the loyalty to Varion. Your heart belongs to the empress and for this, you are weak," he said.
Ellis Ander raised his beak defiantly. "My love and my duty make me stronger than you can ever be," he countered.
Fel looked at his long-time friend, cocking his head. In his eyes were admiration and contempt. "He told me that is why I was chosen, that you could never see the bigger picture, nor could you embrace the truth or the true power that could be offered to you," said Fel.
"And who told you such things? Who filled your head with delusions of grandeur?" Ellis Ander demanded.
"The one who is one with the dark. He needs no introduction," said Fel. The traitor snapped his fingers and several avians under his banner flew to his sides, training their weapons on Ellis Ander. "It is a shame you could not be swayed to the cause and foolish to come here alone. Surrender now or meet your end."
Ellis Ander held his spear upright, relaxing his stance. "You are right. I would have been a fool to have come alone," he said before rapping the end of the spear upon the ground.
At his signal, a full squad of Varion guard swarmed the sky above Ellis Ander, readying their weapons. Their numbers evened the odds greatly as the two sides stared angrily at the other. Ellis Ander and Fel Willen continued to look impassively at the other. Neither refused to give up their position as tension steadily grew.
"This is your one chance, Fel," said Ellis Ander. "Surrender now and spare the lives of your men. Let no more blood rest on your hands."
Fel Willen shook his head. "It is far too late for that. My journey will not be quelled now, Ellis Ander. I will live to fight another day and I will continue until I have stormed the very streets of Varion and placed Empress Aura humbled at my feet. Woe and death shall befall anyone who stands before me," he said
.
Ellis Ander shook his head softly. "As long as I draw breath upon this world, such a fate will never come to pass," he offered freely.
The traitor nodded at this, knowing that the answer would be no less in the end. "So be it. Good bye, old friend," said Fel Willen as he waved a casual hand. "Kill them."
Fel’s henchmen rushed forward with no mercy to offer. Ellis Ander found himself in the heart of the fray as his own men answered the call. Swords and spears clashed hauntingly as both sides fought for supremacy and survival. Ellis Ander kept moving as he evaded and offered counter attacks, always mindful of his former friend walking further away from the battle. Soon Fel spread his wings and took flight, leaving the ensuing bloodshed beneath him like an afterthought.
“Fel!” Ellis Ander called out to the traitor, for the stain he had left on his heart was still unchecked. Ellis Ander fought his way fiercely through his attackers, using his wings to push them away before giving chase to his former best friend.
Ellis Ander soared quickly into the sky, keeping his eyes and thoughts trained upon the distant speck that was Fel Willen. He knew Fel to be an excellent and strong flyer, yet Ellis Ander was fueled with anger and his duty to protect the empress. This allowed him faster speeds than he had ever acquired before. The distance between him and Fel decreased little by little as Ellis Ander made Fel’s capture his sole priority.
“Fel!” Ellis Ander called out once more.
Turning his head, Fel Willen acknowledged his pursuer. “I should not have placed the burden of your death in such incapable hands,” he offered before adjusting his flight. “Allow me to remedy that now.”
Twisting in the air, Fel procured a throwing knife before hurling it at Ellis Ander. The movement was swift and at his pace Ellis Ander had little time to react. He managed to shift his body, yet he still a glancing cut across his arm. Ellis Ander responded in kind by throwing his spear at Fel. Fel dodged the assault as both combatants drew their swords. Fel slowed his speed enough that the once friends could fly next to the other while engaging in fierce combat.
Ellis Ander and Fel Willen both fought with everything in their being. Swords flared and sparked as the fight between them intensified. The skies filled with the sounds of their fury as neither would give way to the other. One would fly on to their future. The other would embrace the ground.
Amidst their exchange, Fel laughed harshly. “We would have been unstoppable together, Ellis Ander. Yet you have chosen weakness in your loyalty and compassion. It is a solid shame,” he said.
Ellis Ander grunted. “We were unstoppable. And then you chose greed and lust for power over what truly matter,” he countered.
“We shall agree to disagree then,” replied Fel as he reached for something on his belt. “Farewell, Ellis Ander!”
Fel tossed a bag into Ellis Ander’s face. Upon connecting, a dust cloud formed, watering Ellis Ander’s eyes as he coughed. Fel saw his chance, swiping at his former best friend. Ellis Ander tried to avoid the assault but still caught some of Fel’s blade. He squawked as he lost hold of his sword and plummeted toward the ground below.
Fel Willen looked about the sky for further enemies before he was at last satisfied. He lowered his altitude slightly, using his hawk-like eyes to verify Ellis Ander’s body. Yet even with his keen vision he could see no sign of his quarry. Unease filled Fel, for he knew that Ellis Ander still lived. He scanned the sky and all directions below him, yet nothing came of the search.
By the time he realized the tactic and heard the wings of Ellis Ander, it was too late.
Fel Willen looked up just in time to see Ellis Ander descending upon him with blinding speed. He tried to react but was too late. Ellis Ander collided with him fully, knocking the sword from Fel’s hand as the two entangled ferociously. The former friends struggled as they locked each other in vice grips. Both began to spin as they careened toward the waiting ground.
“Ellis, you fool! You will kill us both!” Fel spat.
“If that is what it takes, so be it,” said Ellis Ander, refusing to relinquish his hold.
Fel fought more savagely, tearing at Ellis Ander and his wings. “You’ve gone mad! What of the empress?”
Ellis Ander would not be swayed. “I do this for her. My body may break, but never my love,” he offered before closing his eyes.
“You fool!” Fel spat the words, yet it fell on nothing but quiet serenity.
The two avians fell faster then. Fel continued his struggle, clawing at Ellis Ander who remained unmoved. Their spin increased in momentum as Fel roared in fear and anger. Ellis Ander filled his thoughts with the face of the empress, for he wished it to be the last thing he saw in the world. Knowing she was safe was all the contentment he needed to see his duty through.
“Ellis Ander!” Fel bellowed in despair.
“Good bye, Fel,” whispered Ellis Ander.
The two then crashed upon the ground below, ending their display of proud defiance. All was again quiet. Both were still. The only witnesses to the fall were curious woodland creatures. Some of these animals gathered slowly, looking upon the broken bodies of two fierce combatants and once friends.
And in the sudden peace, the animals jumped back as a dark hand softly reached skyward. Watching warily, the animals slowly gathered again as they witnessed life where they thought rested only death. Through torn feathers and tattered wings, an avian refused the Dream with steadfast purpose. Soft words were uttered then, through a beak firm in its love and resolve.
“Aura,” it whispered. “This is not yet the end.”
Act Three
Storming Darkness
Another rush of evil rippled through the ancient walls of Camelot as the strength of the castle waned. The Prophet looked about, ready for the forces of darkness to surge the room at any moment. The pyre sat listless and smoldering, a reflection of Rigmor’s spent power at the calling she had just ushered in. The Prophet had not known such jarring fear in centuries.
Heeding her words, the Prophet looked again at the pyre. “You said there is another way, Rigmor. Tell me what I must do,” he said.
Only silence from the pyre met him as the walls shook. The restless hunger that pressed upon Camelot only intensified. The Prophet knew it would only be moments before evil forced the castle to fall in upon itself. He hurried toward the pyre, eyes still trained upon the trembling walls and shivering doors.
“Rigmor! What must I do? Tell me please!” the Prophet pleaded, for their time was almost up.
“You must believe again,” whispered Rigmor from the pyre. “You must believe like you have not in hundreds of years. You must remember all that is dear to you, Prophet. For Lunaria and its champions, their fates rest upon you now,” she said.
“Tell me!” the Prophet screamed. Around him, bits of castle rock began to trickle and fall.
“Join with me now,” said Rigmor. “Place your hands within the pyre. We must call to the champions and join our strengths as one. Only together can we stay Moreg’s hand, if only for a little while,” she said.
With shaky reluctance, the Prophet shed his weapons, rushing to the center of the table round. Standing before the pyre, the old man held his hands before him as the blue flames rose again. Hesitance froze him momentarily, before he remembered his place and the importance of those moments. Drawing a deep breath, the Prophet plunged his hands into the blue licks of magic flame.
Instantly, the Prophet felt the heat and power offered by Rigmor within the pyre. He yelped once before gritting his teeth, his hands holding steadfastly into the fire. The Prophet felt the swirling ferocity of power swell through his arms as he joined with the flames.
“We are one,” said the Prophet and Rigmor simultaneously as the Prophet’s eyes danced with blue fire. Raising his hands, the Prophet brought the flame of the pyre with him as he brimmed with ancient power.
The doors to the room burst upon then as the walls continued to groan from the discord. Darkness swelled, gaining en
trance to the room of the Round Table and threatened to swallow all in its overwhelming strength. The tendrils of darkness hissed as they centered their will upon the Prophet before rushing toward the old wanderer and the pyre.
Seeing with knowing eyes, the Prophet spoke out in defiance. “I believe in the champions drawn. I believe in the light over the darkness. I believe in the magic of this world and the next, just as I believe that evil shall not prevail on this day or any other. I place my faith in Camelot and into the light. I will not falter. I will not wane, for above all things dark and wicked, I believe!”
Upon these words, the Prophet raised his hands above his head as the blue flames that rested in them increased. The evil surrounding him recoiled and shrieked as the power growing in the Prophet intensified. The Prophet continued his concentration as the swirling shadows trembled the walls further, regrouped, and surged upon him once more. Like dark waters they swallowed the Prophet and the pyre.
And in that moment, nothing could be seen in the room but satisfied, raging darkness.
And then the harrowing darkness shrieked, for blue flame and light burst forth from it. Pressing again, the permeating evil sought harder to contain the Prophet, yet the old traveler would not be denied. The light intensified as the Prophet shook with unchecked power. Soon the darkness was pushed back. The evil hissed again as it retreated to the other side of the Round Table.
The evil then gathered for one more assault. All of Camelot was swallowed within it now as the darkness sought to make a final push upon the Prophet and Rigmor. As the tainted shadow drew upon its own strength, the Prophet held his hands before his face. There a sphere of pure blue light gathered as the Prophet’s hands quaked with flame. As evil’s power swelled, so did the Prophet’s. Both the forces of light and darkness prepared for one more stab at victory.
And then the darkness swarmed, unforgiving, unrelenting. Gathering mercilessly in its might, it drew back like a snake before lashing upon the Prophet in a powerful strike. The Prophet pushed his hands outward then, allowing the amassing power within them to meet the challenge before him. The light burst forth from the Prophet, checking the advancing shadows head on.
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