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14
Merlin
Night had fallen when Assard and Kraco returned with no news or sightings. The whole day Alundi had only ran at the speed of a Man as he deliberated what had recently transpired, and back when Ne-aan was destroyed. He had only spoken to Assard of what he saw in Mistel’s Viewer after they had despatched Crimson and spoken to the sisters. Assard had wondered why Alundi had not spoken on it before now. He had said nothing however, and in truth Alundi did not know himself why he had not told Assard, who he trusted beyond measure, before then. What he had witnessed of his old friend had shaken Alundi to his very core. His friend was one he had trusted far above anyone before, even Assard. Their bond had always been strong. Alundi had trusted all the knights he served with under Arthur and Arthur himself. He had trusted Lancelot, all of them had, but Alundi had never liked the rude, condescending and superior knight. The feelings were shared between them. Had they both not been knights Alundi would have finally found a way to kill him. As he knew Lancelot would have him. But this friend of old was different. He was the mentor Alundi aspired to, the constant and perfect ally. He had inspired Alundi to become the being he was to this day. The strong and unquestionable convictions of him that Alundi had questioned and tested on numerous occasions, had now somehow evaporated.
Alundi feared what was left. He even admitted to himself that fear did not truly describe what he felt. He was petrified. More so after the revelation that the Fire Sword had recognised him, it shot far more questions into an already well stirred pot. The first of these was, had he fought with Crimson and lost, but escaped to watch the carnage of Ne-aan? Had Crimson led the attack on the village and defeated this friend? But that question Kraco had answered, telling Alundi that the only time he had been separated from Crimson was within the fortress walls of Heeden or when Crimson took counsel with Nala-Kahn. This pushed Alundi's fear even higher. This meant that Crimson had met him in Heeden or worse Mielach. But if it was a battle, was it after Ne-aan and had Crimson won. The Fire Sword had answered, stating that Crimson had never engaged him and he had been introduced to him and they met in passing numerous times. Assard had to use magic to calm Alundi.
They were sat alone, Alundi and Assard with Kraco and their mighty swords. He had instructed the others to continue on, Calqui taking Annabel from his back. Their worried looks had cut deep into Alundi but he weakly reassured them that all would be well although they were not convinced. They were to head to the Adrim Woods near where they camped when they had first met the Elves.
Alundi, after calming himself had returned to the cauldron of unanswered questions. This meant, as Crimson had only met him in passing, he must have struck a bond with the one other creature of any importance within Heeden, Darz. He had blurted out to Assard that he may have learned Alundi's secret. Kraco had asked of this secret but Alundi refused to divulge it. After much deliberation and arguing Alundi had convinced Assard of the best course of action, Kraco however needed more convincing. Both the Fire Sword and Excalibur were at first against it but Alundi had explained that it was the only option open to them. It would be dangerous but not to all of them.
Blackness had already taken hold of the cold and bitter night when they returned to the others. Calqui was on watch and she shot Alundi a worried, annoyed and pained look. She finally smiled when he took her hand.
‘I will take watch, Alundi.’ Kraco rumbled softly.
It was obvious however that Calqui wanted, needed, some answers. In truth she deserved them, they all did but now was not the time. With no words Calqui had took Alundi’s hand and they had left the confines of light the now small fire was producing. They circled the border of the Adrim until they came to the R’hop River that ran through the wood. The air was crisp and sharp, itching Alundi’s throat. For a long while they stood in the blackness staring at the rushing water.
‘There is something troubling you Alundi, so much so I see fear in your eyes.’ The pain and fear in her voice made Alundi shiver.
‘I have never seen you afraid, not even during your battle with Crimson.’ She struggled to get the words out.
Alundi quickly wrapped his arms around her pulling her into a tight embrace. He would try with all his might to prevent it but he knew it would be futile.
‘With you and the others safe…’ Alundi started releasing her from the tight embrace,
‘That will be all the strength I will need.’
Calqui’s face sank in horror. Alundi immediately rested his lips on hers. He pulled away quickly, kissed her on her brow and pulled her closer. She rested her head on his great and powerful chest.
‘It is the only way my love.’ He whispered.
Tears pooled and fell from Calqui’s eyes. For the rest of the cold night they stood together next to the river locked in the same tight and loving embrace.
The following day was a cautious and deliberate one. Alundi and Calqui showed no ill after not sleeping the previous night. Little Annabel had asked for Alundi to carry her, no doubt because she had felt his discomfort. Thankfully she had not felt the fear that now constantly sat in his gut. She was worried as they all were. Boahim was affected a great deal by the fear he saw in Alundi’s eye. This meant that Boahim had become aware of everything around them. His eyes darted in every direction to every sound and insignificant movement. Boahim had finally learned to see the world as he and Assard saw it. Boahim had not become accustomed to this but in time he would be able to see everything and nothing. He was learning the basics but it was a step in the right direction.
‘What do you fear, Alundi?’ Isacal asked silently as the two of them led the way.
He glanced at her and was about to rebuke her but he noticed the fear in her eyes. A fear he had not seen in her for a long time.
‘An old friend.’ He replied.
He had failed to control the fear and it was spilling over into the others.
The sun had started to grace the western horizon casting their shadows long. They were close to where he wanted to camp but just as Alundi started to relax Little Annabel screeched.
‘Alundi!’
Grasping his shoulder tight in fright. He had no time to react to a blinding white light burning before them so bright that they all shielded their eyes. It was as if a small sun had placed itself in front of them, however no heat emanated from it. Instantly the light disappeared. Alundi made Little Annabel climb down and he handed her to Assard, Annabel being carried by Boahim. Assard had stepped closer to Kraco and the others followed his lead. Alundi waited for his eyes to re-adjust to the dwindling light. His eyes fell on the figure slightly behind where the light had appeared. He was not much taller than Calqui but what he did not have in height he made up for in build. He was covered by a long dark cloak that stroked the ground and its hood concealed the figure's face in blackness. Alundi took two steps forward, his hand away from his body and Excalibur or Conner's blade. Alundi had even placed his throwing knives in his belt.
‘Merlin?’ Alundi said softly.
The figure pulled out his hands and pushed back his hood. Alundi looked upon the now wrinkled old Man before him. When the two magic-wielders had met so many years ago in no way did Merlin look young, sporting a long white beard and long white hair. His face had showed no sign of age; in fact Alundi was certain Merlin had kept his beard and hair white through choice as age meant wisdom. Now however, his hair was a dirty and fatigued grey. His skin was wrinkled as if he had spent a great deal of time in beating sunlight. Alundi however could not peel his eyes from Merlin’s. The once bright aqua eyes he remembered were now a dulled olive green. The whites of his eyes were both severely bloodshot, as if he had over indulged in smoking willow grass. But there was more, much more, that Alundi feared.
‘Shouldn’t you address me as master, Galahad?’ Merlin said with no hint of emotion in his voice. The words were cold and hollow.
‘When a pupil becomes a
master of another he is no longer bound by his apprenticeship.’ Alundi quoted Merlin’s own words of law passed down at Camelot.
‘Ah so you mock me now.’
Alundi's left hand drifted not unnoticed closer to Excalibur.
‘Why have you appeared to us? I know you do not intend to join u…’
Merlin interrupted him in the same cold voice.
‘Oh and how do you know that Galahad?’
‘To assist you must join the Quest which means swearing loyalty to me. And that is something you will not do. Isn’t it?'
Merlin looked over their faces, each time stopping for a moment as he caught their eyes. With the exception of Kraco, Isacal was the only one of them he had met before. His cold eyes finally rested on Little Annabel who was clinging to Assard’s back, her head resting on his right shoulder.
‘So this is the Wielder. Such power!’ there was emotion in his words.
Alundi’s eyes widened in shock and in an instant Alundi stepped between Merlin and Assard.
‘I felt that.’ Alundi growled through his teeth.
‘Get ready.’ He added speaking only to Assard.
‘How could you…’? Alundi muttered in dread.
‘…HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK THAT?!’ Alundi shouted. Merlin took a step forward the others unconsciously took a step back, but Alundi stood firm.
‘You dare tell me that you have not thought about that.’ Merlin said going back to his cold voice.
‘Never! Never have I thought of that.’ Alundi took a couple of staggered steps back and rested his left hand on Excalibur’s pommel.
‘And anyone who does is an enemy of mine.’
For the second time there was emotion in Merlin tone.
‘Don’t be so naive Shaven. With her magic I could kill Nala-Kahn in an instant! So could you! It would be an honourable sacrifice.’ Merlin added returning to his cold voice.
‘A sacrifice you are not willing to make, how can you expect it of her? This has nothing to do with killing that child king.’ Alundi growled harshly.
‘You’re jealous.’
‘Of you?’ Merlin retorted.
‘Not me, her.’ Alundi said jerking his head towards Little Annabel just as cold.
‘Her magic is greater than yours and her life is in front of her.’ Merlin's face screwed up in hatred and he stared at Alundi as such.
‘Don’t do this Merlin.’ Alundi pleaded.
‘You have stood in the face of fear and oppression. You have stood for good and justice your entire life. If you do this, everything, every good you have ever done will be wiped out, erased, by this. This act of pure evil! I beg you master!’ Alundi stepped forward closing the gap between so they could touch.
‘Don’t do this. Help us. Help her. Help me get her to Sara, a final act of good. And you can die proud and in honour.’
Alundi took a step back, his left hand not leaving the pommel of Excalibur.
‘That is easy for you to say Shaven. Death will never find you. I am sorry young Galahad. There is no other way.’
Alundi glanced at Assard and Little Annabel. Two tears of agonising pain had fallen from Alundi’s eyes. Little Annabel's face screwed up in fear as did Assard's. He faced Merlin and whispered, unable to keep the pain and sadness from his voice.
‘So be it.’
‘Yes’ Merlin's voice echoed around them all. He violently threw his left arm up but as the magic came into being and left Merlin’s influence it dissipated. He looked up at Kraco in shock, Alundi following his gaze.
‘We have met before Merlin.’ The magnitude of Kraco’s loathing scared even Alundi and Merlin. A stream of fire erupted from Kraco. Merlin had barely an instant before it slammed into him and enveloped him.
‘Run’ Alundi said quietly to Assard. His son however did not move, pain and anguish in his eyes.
‘RUN! RUN!’ Assard turned. Knowing he would do what was needed Alundi drew Excalibur and strode forward. The fire still raged around Merlin but as Alundi closed, the fire dwindled and died. Before him was Merlin on one knee. In his right hand was Lan, the staff he had fashioned from one of the oldest oak trees within Elf country many years ago. A spirit had entered it and Lan was born.
Alundi shook away all feelings of doubt and fear. He grasped Excalibur tight with both hands and swung down from over his head. The blade smacked into Lan, Lan showing no damage from the razor sharp blade. Merlin tilted his head back and looked deep into Alundi’s eyes.
‘You never deserved Excalibur.’ Merlin seethed.
He brutally stood pushing Alundi back forcefully. Merlin grasped the bottom of Lan and swung for Alundi’s head who rolled forward avoiding the strike, and kneeling on one knee, he swiped Excalibur up and to his right cutting Merlin’s right arm. Merlin gritted his teeth in pain, spun round quickly and struck Alundi with the crown of Lan across the face. Magic had built up just as Lan struck his face. He skipped across the ground and stopped a few feet away. His face blazed in agony. He rolled to his left, expecting Merlin to be bearing down on him but he stood exactly where he was staring at Lan who rested in his right hand. Thankfully none of Alundi’s senses were impaired so he chose to ignore the blazing pain and not heal his wounds. What followed was a blinding, fast and furious display of attack. Each strike was parried and countered with such innate unrelenting skill that no victor could come from the battle. At this distance it was dangerous to use magic and Alundi was confident that Merlin, who feared death, would not risk it. Merlin struck Alundi in the face with a swift jab from Lan and then swung for his head again. Ducking his head Alundi pushed Lan away and with his right hand pulled Conner’s blade from his belt and sliced it across Merlin’s face. He leapt back controlling the urge to shield his wound. Alundi quickly replaced the long knife and the two wielders stood sporting facial wounds and both obviously tiring, Alundi noticeably more so. It was also obvious that whatever evil or will Merlin now possessed it fuelled his rage and abilities. His face was a twisted picture of hate, loathing and fear. Alundi was able to finally purge all his doubts. Merlin was past saving and he was just another opponent that needed to be despatched. Normally he would enjoy such a contest as he had with Crimson, but not this time. He felt no joy in this.
‘Arthur would not have given you Excalibur had he known the truth. You lied to him, to all of us.’ Merlin spat with vigour.
Alundi chuckled.
‘You did not know him very well then. The moment we met I told him everything and he still accepted me. He even found it amusing that I did not want anyone else to know.’ Though Alundi thought it not possible, Merlin’s hatred exploded.
‘He threw me Excalibur, not because I was closest to him. Not because I was the best choice and not because of my past. He threw me Excalibur because I told him to. I told him I would continue the fight in his name long after the other Knights and you, were dead.’ Merlin snarled and advanced spinning Lan in front of him. Alundi gave ground unable to penetrate the effective shield Merlin created with the lightning fast movements of Lan. Alundi swung Excalibur hard, relying on brute strength rather that skill. In that moment of contact an unfamiliar voice whispered.
‘Excalibur’
Alundi continued his attack and defence. Another forceful strike and the same voice whispered.
‘Excalibur, Galahad?’
Alundi opened his eyes wide in shock. That momentary instant of shock cost Alundi. Merlin spun on the spot, holding Lan close to its crown he swung Lan at Alundi’s heels taking his legs from under him. Lan followed through then in that moment of Alundi floating just above the ground, Merlin whirled around, slid his hands so he held the bottom of Lan and smashed the powerful staff into his chest. Alundi's ribs momentarily collapsed in under the colossal power of the strike. He flew some thirty feet away losing his grip on Excalibur and slamming hard into the soggy and saturated ground below him. He made hard contact with the ground.
>
His back for one instant raged in agony then the pain and feeling in everything below his waist was gone. The earth had built up around him as he punctured the floor from the hit. He was certain that not only were a number of his discs pulverised, but his spinal column was clearly severed. Anyone would have been forgiven if they despaired, but Alundi who had never been injured as such before, stayed calm and pooled all the magic he could muster and enveloped where his back was broken. He muttered a few words under his breath and with no pain the discs started to come together and slide back into place. After a few more moments the nerves and tissue that had been sliced through reached for each other and became as one. Little Annabel would have been impressed with his skill. Alundi pushed whatever magic he had left into his connection with Excalibur just as Merlin strolled lazily towards him.
‘Alundi, Lan. The voice is Lan.’ Alundi heard from Excalibur.
Alundi shared Excalibur's existence and could feel the world around Excalibur. He felt Merlin closing the gap towards him. Alundi withdrew and sharpened his senses. Merlin brought Lan up high over his head and sent it crashing down at him. As the great staff closed for only an instant the entire world slowed. In that moment Alundi clambered to his knees and forcefully caught Lan with both hands gripping tight he heard.
‘Galahad, end it. You must end it. I can’t stand it any more, I…’
Alundi was swung from his kneeling position over Merlin’s head smashed into the soft ground behind him however it had failed to shake Alundi’s grip.
‘You cannot defeat him Galahad he is too powerful for you. There is only one way.’
Alundi could feel the pain of Lan. He was however not going to argue with the staff for it was correct. Alundi could not win this battle and he knew it. Merlin pulled Lan up again intent on smashing Alundi back to the floor. But he had let go of the staff unbeknown to Merlin whose rage was now completely out of control most likely because he may have heard Lan. From one knee Alundi jumped up, pushing hard he slammed an uppercut under Merlin’s jaw, cracking and breaking it in the process. He quickly ran to where Excalibur lay knowing he stood absolutely no chance without the great sword.
Grasping Excalibur Alundi had barely a moment before Merlin was upon him. Merlin swung Lan down, a disturbing madness had overcome him. In the moment of contact Lan pleaded.
‘Destroy me.’
Merlin pulled away, now Alundi knew his former master heard Lan’s pleas. Each time they came together trading blowing after blow Alundi weakened under the deranged ferocity. He locked Excalibur with Lan pushing with all he had left.
‘Destroy me. And the blast will kill him.’ Lan whispered this time in acceptance.
Again Merlin advanced pushing Alundi back but not breaking his defence.
‘Please, I will protect you.’ Lan whispered again. Alundi forced magic into the small void between them. Merlin was thrown back a few feet and landed on his front. Alundi advanced bringing Excalibur down hard. Merlin blocked just as the razor sharp blade flew towards him. Alundi pushed with all his strength and weight and whispered calmly into Merlin’s snarling face.
‘It has been an honour my friend.’
Merlin roared with rage and stood, pushing Alundi violently back. Forgetting skill, Alundi summoned everything he and Excalibur could muster and swung the sword with it all. Merlin pulled Lan over his right shoulder and did the same. With all the force and magic they could muster the two legendary weapons clashed in a blaze of magical power.
To Alundi that moment lasted for an eternity.
‘Thank you, Alec.’ Lan proclaimed, joy exploding from the staff.
As Excalibur’s blade started to slice through Lan Alundi could feel its vast reservoir of magic pass from it into Excalibur a great amount passed through into him, replenishing all that he had lost. As a gift Lan showed Alundi all of Merlin's recent past, everything since they had parted company when Alundi headed for the southern regions. Alundi could only feel overwhelming gratitude.
‘Goodbye old friend.’
He and Excalibur said as it passed through the last of Lan. Both shared the devastating pain of the loss that was about to be bequeathed upon them. Alundi's eyes graced Merlin and at first there was only disbelief and horror at what was happening. Excalibur instantly formed a magic barrier between Alundi and Lan. Fear enveloped Merlin as realisation set in. And in that final minuscule moment Merlin’s eyes returned to their bright aqua and a smile of acceptance spread across his face.
‘Forgive me Galahad.’ He whispered.
The vast reservoir of magic now no longer contained by Lan expanded. Alundi forced all he could into the barrier Excalibur had created. The air boiled as did the ground at his feet, there was a blinding flash stronger than the light when Merlin appeared to them. There was an ear-splitting, earth-quaking, thunderous explosion, then all went dark and silent.
Assard had watched as long as he could. He saw his father engage and get struck across the face; his limp body sent skimming over the ground. Then in the poor light of night even with his sight he could see no more of the battle. Kraco beat his wings furiously trying to gain altitude over the stinging and powerful westerly winds. Everyone clung on for their lives. The roaring wind stopped any of them from hearing anything. Finally Kraco had climbed high enough above the wind so that they could hear. Annabel's heart slammed quickly, obviously frightened. Little Annabel's also beat fast but he suspected it was not because of their flight but fear for his father. He reached over to Annabel who clung to Boahim’s back and placed his hand on her shoulder. He willed magic into her and she immediately calmed.
‘How long can you stay flying Kraco?’ Assard asked.
‘Not long. But I will stay as long as I can.’ Kraco answered loudly.
‘What if Alundi fails?’ Isacal shouted from Kraco’s neck.
The ones that could, looked to Assard for the answer.
‘The Quest continues, we fly on to your country.’ Assard answered.
‘He will not fail.’ Calqui said with unconvincing confidence.
Kraco had told them that they flew approximately a league over where they had left Alundi. The air was thinner here and conversation difficult. It was a conscious effort to breathe and Assard had to assist Annabel as the thin air made her drowsy. He had asked Kraco to rise to this height as the dragon had said he would be able to stay in the vicinity and in the sky safer for longer. It was his decision and if anyone disagreed with his decision they did not voice it.
‘Assard!’ Little Annabel said in fear, gripping Assard tightly. He finally felt what she did.
‘Kraco take us down.’ The dragon did not answer but leaned towards the ground and descended.
An utterly blinding flash exploded. Kraco had to turn, as shielding his eyes did little to stop the white light. The booming sound of Kraco falling through the wind and rain covered the thunderous crack that sounded after the blinding light. Kraco regained control over his descent and aimed for where he thought the flash had been. The rain had increased and when Kraco landed hard, Calqui and Isacal lost their grip and fell to the floor. Assard used magic to slow his fall from Kraco’s back and immediately handed Little Annabel to Isacal and ran forward. He came to an instant stop at the sides of a great bowl-like crater in the ground. It was thirty paces in diameter and a perfect circle. All the grass around it smouldered, letting off an unpleasant odour. The bowl was complete devoid of anything. Had there been anything within it, a boulder, a tree, a person there was no evidence of their existence. The driving rain did nothing to cool the ground at which Assard stared at in horror. He did not notice the others approach from behind him, not even Kraco whose powerful steps shook the ground under his feet.
‘What happened?’ Calqui asked, unable to hide the pain in her voice. Assard took a long breath and firmed his jaw.
‘Either Excalibur or Lan or both were destroyed. I have never witnessed su…’ Assard looked to his ri
ght at the same moment Little Annabel did. He walked cautiously, his eyes scanning every blade of grass, every falling raindrop. Unconsciously he wandered left. Waving his arms forward from his chest the dense rain and smoke from the explosion ceased and in front of him twenty paces away was Excalibur impaled into the land at a steep angle. He ran to it followed by Isacal with Little Annabel on her back. Ten paces away Little Annabel tapped Isacal on the shoulder. She stopped and looked over her shoulder.
‘That way.’ She said silently pointing past Assard on the other side of the bowl of charred earth.
Isacal walked with care. She glanced at Calqui who followed. Here the smoke still lingered and rain still hammered down. Little Annabel climbed down from Isacal's back.
She remembered Alundi's teachings and willed her sight. The smoke was as if it did not exist. The rain was simply a pattering sound. She listened and watched the world around her. Her instinct took over and she opened her being to the world around her. In this moment as Assard and Calqui both stared at Excalibur unable to touch it, unable to contact it, Little Annabel heard the quietest whisper.
‘Daughter!’
Little Annabel ran. She did not stop, she would not stop. There were shouts but she ignored them. She ran and ran as fast as her young legs could carry her. Her eyes fell onto an unnatural form laid on the ground in front of her. She fell to her knees quickly returning her sight to normal. Tears formed and fell from her eyes when she noticed Alundi. Only his leather battle garment covered him, his other clothes and boots were non existent. The flesh had been burned and peeled from his body revealing blood-sodden muscle tissue. She could see the bone of his shin where all but a trace of his flesh had gone. Her hands shook with uncontrollable fear and pain, the left side of his face was also gone, showing his cheek bone and lower jaw.
‘Daughter!’
She heard again and immediately she pulled of her gloves her hands were grasped by Assard before she touched Alundi.
‘No Little Annabel. He, like Excalibur, is saturated with magic. One touch will kill you. Will me your magic and I will do it.’ She nodded, oblivious that all had joined them. Assard held one of her hands and slowly hovered his other over his father’s chest but still pulled away before any harm came to him.
‘Kraco pick up Excalibur in your mouth please. The magic will not harm you.’ Kraco turned instantly and did as he was instructed. He glanced back and made eye contact with them all, dread in his eyes.
‘Little Annabel we need to wake him. Prepare yourself. All of you.’ He said grimly.
Still holding Little Annabel’s hand Assard extended his hand towards Alundi. He twisted it, pointing his middle finger at Alundi’s head and his thumb towards his heart. The air between these two points shook and Little Annabel recognised what it was, remembering Alundi himself doing it around the camp fire. Assard's thumb glowed bluish white followed by his middle finger. Closing his eyes Little Annabel noticed a great deal of her magic draining but her instinct did not stop it. Fresh beads of sweat formed and fell down his brow.
There was a blinding flash as both tiny bolts of lightning left Assard’s fingers. One punctured Alundi's chest causing no visible damage and wrapped itself around his heart. The other entered Alundi’s head at the bridge of his nose. Assard slumped and fell to his right. Boahim caught him before he struck the ground. The moment both bolts struck Alundi there was a violent spasm that cascaded through his entire body and his right eye flicked opened.
‘AAAARRRRRRRGH.’ Alundi screamed in pure, and heart and ear splitting agony. His body arched and writhed in pain. Annabel, Calqui and Isacal all looked away in horror at what they saw. Boahim shook Assard hoping for any sign from him.
‘Exca…li…buuuur.’ Alundi's voice groaned in utter pain. Little Annabel looked up at Kraco and nodded. The dragon placed the sword on the ground just next to Alundi’s only unscathed limb. Little Annabel watched helplessly as his hand crept over to the sword. As his fingers brushed the handle the sword was pulled by some invisible force into Alundi’s left palm. Another scream of suffering and Alundi went silent and still.
‘Oh my…’ Boahim proclaimed.
The others spun round to watch as the flesh slowly started spreading and growing over Alundi’s wounds. Twisted and out-placed bones snapped back into place with ear wincing cracks. Broken bones kissed and were sealed before muscle and skin grew over them. It had started at Alundi’s head and by the time his entire face was covered in skin and at his throat noticeable breaths were taken, Alundi’s lips started moving at a furious pace. The words started to become louder and clearer.
‘…uuni-flyn drimua kyoose vinin brimnra drimua.’ All were bewildered by the words but Isacal stepped closer and crouched down near Assard who was starting to come around.
‘That is Elf language, the Elders language. But I do not recognise the words.’ Isacal said in shock.
‘They are spells, ancient spells of your race. They have not been spoken in these lands in over ten thousand years.’ Assard said weakly.
‘We need to leave now. That explosion would have been seen from Harana Mountains. Cover him.’
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 14