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25
The Emerald Skull
The Emerald Skull shone brighter than the sun through the dark clouds that hung above them. Little Annabel had fallen into her sight and was awed by the brightness and majesty. She realised only now that the Skull was not a building made of magic, it was magic. It was the place where magic was and wherever it came from, and these lands met. The mass of warring colours seeping from life around them collided with an ocean of blacks and whites at the centre of the Skull. They intertwined, merged and welded together in a whirlpool of explosive colour. The spectacle was magnificent. She pulled her eyes away, fearing losing herself to the battle of colours and magic and noticed that she too fed this colossal reaction. Streaks of violent reds and blues left her skin and joined the flow of magic. She was not the only one. They all were, Alundi and Assard feeding it more than Boahim, Calqui or even Kraco. She guessed that this was because they had been trained within the Skull but could not be certain of this, as Alundi and Assard had mentioned that Kraco was far more magical than them.
‘It is quite amazing, yes?’ Assard silently asked.
All she could do was look into his eyes and beam at him.
‘It is even better on the inside.’ Assard added.
‘Shall I announce our arrival?’ Kraco boomed into their minds rather loudly.
‘No my friend, stay in the clouds as long as possible, young Little Annabel's safety is paramount, you can have the next one.’ Alundi silently replied.
‘Young one.’ Alundi whispered silently to Little Annabel.
‘Yes father.’ Even now this always warmed Alundi’s heart.
‘We are about to kill Men young one. Maybe innocent Men that though they stand in this army have never harmed a soul. The fact that there is no other way is irrelevant, please young one, forgive us.’ Alundi pleaded.
He did not wait for an answer shouting Assard’s name. Assard locked his eyes to the confused Little Annabel’s.
‘See you in a bit!’ Assard shouted then leapt from Kraco’s back.
Kraco banked left upon Alundi’s instruction. There was enough time for Alundi's eyes to catch Calqui’s and in that moment they again were one, proclaiming their love for each other as well as feeling the pain of the year and years that they were to be apart. This is something Alundi feared, never seeing her again and though there was danger below and danger in the future she would face a year without him with war brewing. With a wink he followed his son into the cloud and to the ground below.
‘How long do we have to stay here?’ Michael asked his Sergeant and older brother Markus for the hundredth time. Markus forced his hand to stay resting on the pommel of his sword.
‘Ask that again, Michael and I will have you on shit-hole digging, am I clear soldier?’ Markus growled.
He loved Michael but he was so annoying sometimes, in truth most of the time. He too had wondered why he and his battalion were ordered here too. But it did not matter. He served his magistrate and in so doing, the Emperor. It did not matter what they were doing here. With so many here no army not even the Elves would dare attack them. He was safe back here and even if he was not, it did not matter. His wage was good. With it he was able to care for his frail and elderly father who had done a good job in raising both Markus and Michael. His wife and two boys had very little want for anything. His eldest, Peeta, was getting a good education with his town’s blacksmith. His youngest, Trent, was already skilled at painting and had been noticed by a number of the wealthier town-folks. It cost a great deal to for Trent to continue his passion but he and the rest of Markus’s family was the reason he was here. He, along with many had heard the rumours about their Emperor and had witnessed first hand the cruelty shown by his Generals, but again it did not matter. If he had to be within this army, hold position in front on the Emerald Skull, if he had to fight and kill in the name of his Emperor to provide for his family, so be it. It was this reasoning above all else that Michael failed to grasp having no family of his own.
‘I wonder how they became what they are?’ Michael continued as if he had not heard the harshness of his brother’s voice.
Markus without looking, knew what Michael was on about, mind. The Elemamtels were strange beings. Born Men but manipulated and induced by their master, Darz, and now were something else.
‘Best not to know Michael, they may be powerful but I would rather be a Man rather than one of them any day.’ Michael frowned.
‘Are you kidding, they have magic.’ He countered.
‘That they do brother, but do they have wives, children?’ Markus argued.
Michael nodded. He had yet to take a wife but he was in no hurry. Markus was his senior by fourteen years. Being only twenty years of age himself he had time. He had heard Markus use his family so many times he was getting sick of it, but even he did not take a wife until he was in his mid twenties.
‘That Darz scares me.’ Markus whispered.
Michael regarded Markus with a strange expression.
‘He places no value on us, to him we are lambs to the slaughter.’ Markus finished.
Michael offered his arm and Markus grasped it.
‘NOT US!’ Michael bellowed drawing a number of looks from his friends and comrades. Leaning closer to Markus he seethed.
‘Not us, brother, agreed?’ Michael received no answer.
BOOM!
Both Markus and Michael along with their entire battalion were thrown to the floor with such force that Michael was winded. The ones near the explosion were thrown in and over Markus and Michael. Many bodies were dazed and shaken, Michaels eyes locked onto the still, lifeless bodies that littered the ground. Markus pulled his brother to his feet. Before him in the centre of the clearing of bodies knelt a dark man. He was garbed not for battle, sporting brown leather armour. Within his right hand was a long curved sword with orange and blue flames that licked their way all down the blade. The figure stood slowly, a grin of malice splitting his dark face, bright white teeth showing through. He whipped his flaming sword above his head then swiped it towards them. Michael froze in terror as the fire flew towards them all. He already knew that he was dead and accepted it. Two powerful hands grabbed him from behind and spun him around and sent him hard to the ground. Michael spun on the ground and looked on in horror as the flames flared around his brother’s body, a blazing silhouette of fire. The agonising screams of pain crippled him as the fire consumed Markus’s body claiming his face. The screams of pain muffled and waned until he was silent. His body went limp and fell away from Michael. Another streak of fire stretched towards Michael, as the flames travelled over him he held his face to the ground curling up into a ball fear consuming every breath as he prayed to the spirits for protection wishing for the nightmare to be over.
Alundi pooled his magic as he fell head first, streaking like an arrow towards the ground. Alundi using his magic sight saw Assard land amongst the Man soldiers that stood a few paces from the steps of the Emerald Skull. Alundi aimed for the heart of the Elemamtels. Alundi spun in the last moment and as the balls of his feet touched the steps they collapsed under him. The explosion from his impact sent Elemamtels hurtling in all directions. Taking a number of moments Alundi released his fears and doubts and sank into himself immersing himself in joy and upon opening his eyes fell upon the startled but shielded Darz. He whipped Excalibur from its scabbier and bolted forwards bringing it down hard towards Darz’s skull. He had barely enough time to lift his magical sword up to block Alundi's strike.
‘Alec!’ Darz seethed in pure disgust.
Alundi chuckled as he saw the fear from Darz seep from him.
‘Darz.’ Alundi countered in a pleasant tone.
Kicking hard Darz stumbled back, Alundi pressed. In no way did he expect Darz to be easily defeated but he was surprised and impressed at his fellow corrupted Elf’s skill. Sidestepping quickly to avoid a lunge from Darz, Alundi str
uck Darz with his left fist that held Excalibur. Darz fell on to his right knee, however Alundi was unable to swing a killing strike as three Elemamtels leapt to their master’s defence. Swinging high they leaned back and Excalibur whispered over them. Alundi pulled Conner’s blade to bear, reversed his grip and plunged it into the nearest chest. Pulling it out he sliced it across the second’s throat before blocking the third's sword with Excalibur and slicing it into his throat. As they fell Darz advanced. Using both blades Alundi countered Darz, able to defend with Conner’s blade Alundi was able to catch Darz’s sword-carrying hand with the tip of Excalibur. He spun round and kicked Darz high in the chest, sending him flying into the advancing Elemamtels. Replacing Conner’s blade Alundi took his stance and waited for the onslaught.
Assard turned his attention from the soldiers to the Elemamtels clumsily climbing to their feet. He ignored them, going straight for the standing and alert ones. They had time to draw their swords but that was it. The Fire Sword was no longer ablaze but it still sliced through their swords as if they were made of parchment. Some cowered away from him, the others attacked with what was left of their swords. He despatched them swiftly with quick, efficient killing blows. None used magic against him, which was puzzling but he knew that Elemamtel’s grasp of magic knowledge was pitiful. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Darz sail through the air smashing hard into his creations. Glancing up he found his father standing in an impressive and slightly amusing stance, Excalibur held high and straight, a number of steps away. Assard casually strolled up the steps to his father's left side and took the same stance. Darz was helped up by his Elemamtels one handed him his sword. Fear reverberated through all of them. The soldiers were in disarray. The Elemamtels took their place at Darz’s side and drew their swords. They started to pool their magic. Assard flared the Fire Sword again bursting into orange flames.
‘Popolas Excalibur!’ Alundi raged.
The sword erupted in a flash of blinding white light. The two warriors and their powerful blades held far more power than all the Elemamtel’s power combined could muster, and they knew it, which already made this a victory but it did not mean that they would yield. Their bond to their master, chosen or not, was far stronger than any fear of death, they would fight and die not for Nala-Kahn but for Darz. Slaves that was all they were.
Calqui watched as the love of her life and his son crashed into the ground and started fighting with Elemamtels and Man alike, skilfully and without mercy. She had already witnessed their skill and had shared in a measure of joy in battle but she was shocked as they stood toe to toe with a force of tens of Elemamtels, Darz and an army of thousands, joy still emanating from them both. Not to mention what wielders they had in the masses of Men.
‘I have an idea!’ Kraco rumbled. He banked to the right and levelled and started gliding through the air below the clouds not beating his wings. They approached from the east as the Elemamtels advanced, Kraco pulled everything close to his body and flew like an arrow, silent.
‘Be ready!’ Kraco roared silently.
Both Calqui and Boahim climbed out of their seated positions and prepared to jump. They neared the gap with such speed Calqui for a moment doubted Kraco could pull himself up from the ground. In the last moments Kraco flapped his wings. A storm of fire and hatred streamed from his mouth. In the gap between the Elemamtels and the two warriors, baked and burned a number of Elemamtels being consumed by the hate-filled inferno. Both Calqui and Boahim leapt from Kraco’s right side. Little Annabel stayed where she was shielding herself from the intense heat. Calqui landed in a crouch to Assard’s left, Boahim landing to Alundi's right. Remembering her bout with Soni-Xao, Calqui forgot her previous teachings and allowed joy to envelope her. She spun, drew her swords and took her stance, Boahim followed suit and together the Quest waited for the smoke to clear. Calqui mused that the four of them must look good. She heard Alundi and Assard chuckle in the same moment.
‘Don’t worry, we do!’ Assard said aloud.
‘Kraco.’ Darz fumed as the smoke slowly evaporated.
‘Yes Darz.’
Darz snapped his head to the right thinking Alundi had whispered it but more disturbing was the knowledge that Alundi had powered into his mind. The smoke disappeared and before him stood Alundi, the dark Man who Darz assumed was Assard, the adopted son Merlin had told him of. And then there were two of his former kin. The female was young, barely a century old Darz guessed, Boahim however was known to Darz. His Elemamtels had tried to ambush the Wolf Guard a number of years ago. Though Darz was not there he had gleaned all the memories from the few that survived that encounter. Boahim was a powerful warrior but he did not concern Darz, Alundi did. Alundi scared Lancelot, he obviously pretended he did not but he did, and in turn his master Nala-Kahn was also fearful of him. This worried Darz. He stared into Alundi's eyes who seemed to be amused about something.
‘Kraco is free. And Crimson and Merlin are no more.’
Darz knew what he was saying was true. Anger and hate boiled within him not from sorrow of his comrade's death but anger that he was not allowed to kill Crimson himself. He let out a cry of rage and charged, followed closely by his Elemamtels. Alundi and Assard stepped forwards, their blades still bright and ablaze. Calqui and Boahim followed. Assard moving slightly faster aimed for Darz. Alundi allowed this, knowing he was needed to hold the steps for Kraco to land and confident Assard would conquer the fallen Elf. Darz seemed to welcome this and Alundi smirked at the thought that Darz thought Assard would be an easier battle than himself. As the blazing Fire Sword struck Darz’s blade it sparked as the vast amount of magic within it was being destroyed. Pushing hard they were nose-to-nose, Assard's face wearing a grin, Darz’s frowning in concentration.
‘I’m going to enjoy this.’ Assard whispered. Pushing harder Darz knew now that he had made a mistake and that this warrior was just as powerful and skilled as his adopted father. Worst of all was the smile this Assard wore. Assard disengaged and advanced. Each swing was strong, precise and deadly but all met by Darz. He gave ground with each advance but Assard was aware of the danger of being sucked into the mass of Elemamtels and so he pulled away, none challenging him. Assard leapt out of the mass of Elemamtels and when he landed next to his father, Alundi had despatched eleven Elemamtels, the fear their master was showing was being amplified by them all. Now all four of them stood at the base of the steps of the Emerald Skull exactly where they wanted to be.
‘Kraco!’
Alundi had called as he sliced through the chest of his tenth Elemamtel.
Rage enveloped a kinsman nearby who channelled the emotion and swung for Alundi using all of it. Alundi leaned back to avoid the swipe, smashed away another blow and plunged Excalibur deep into his chest. He pushed the Elemamtels limp body from his blade with his boot. One glance was enough to notice Calqui and Boahim fight and work as a fluid team parrying many attacks sent at each of them and skilfully killing each other's combatants. They noticed the two warriors fall back and so did the same and again took their stance. The wind picked up quickly and within moments Kraco landed just behind the Quest kicking up debris and dust. Alundi sprang from the spot cursing himself for not noticing the build up of magic. Assard and the Elves followed.
‘Kraco! Kraco!’ Alundi shouted warningly but it was too late.
The magic from all the Elemamtels pooled around Darz and rushed through him towards the gold Dragon. Kraco shot a desperate inferno towards them but it was futile as the flames cooled to nothingness. Kraco winced as the magic was greater than he had ever witnessed before and closed his eyes in fear and horror knowing this was the end.
Dosia studied the battle and directed the Archer Flange as needed. All he could do was wait. Alundi had given him the confidence telling the Elder he would know when to loose his arrows. He already knew all of them were ready, bows pulled taut. Waiting for the last moment to infuse their arrows with the magic Assard had taught them.
Dosia hated waiting, he always had. The ferocity and speed of Alundi and Assard shocked him. Others had told him of their display within the training arenas but he had not entirely believed it, now he knew that the stories did not do the two warriors justice. He was aware of Alagon when he and the Ne-aans had arrived in Elf country but he again did not witness him fighting. An even stronger measure of respect and awe washed over him as he watched the fearless spectacle before him. Even Boahim whom Dosia had trained many centuries ago showed why he was still the head of the Wolf Guard, as did Calqui who was both graceful and deadly.
‘Dosia, Alundi has called Kraco.’ Little Annabel powered into Dosia’s mind.
He relayed the message slightly shaken that the very young Little Annabel was able to do it without him lowering his guard. The next few moments seemed to take an age to pass. Kraco had landed hard but it was clear even from this distance that fear enveloped the gold Dragon and the Quest all of whom had bolted from the steps.
‘Oh my.’ Dosia proclaimed in disbelief.
Forcing magic into his voice forgetting trying to keep into the shadows Dosia shouted.
‘ARCHERS! Two hundred paces forward, NOW!’
None questioned the order all sprang from the safe concealed location and ran into the open plain before them. Seconds later they were again in position.
‘We are aiming for Elemamtels! Use as much magic as you can spare.’ Dosia instructed.
‘LOOSE!’ Dosia shouted hoping against all hope he was not too late.
The familiar sound of bowstrings pinging and feathers flicking pierced the silence and then were silent once again.
‘ARRR!’ Kraco roared in agony as the magic struck harder than anything he had ever felt before. It was all the torture Crimson had visited upon him a hundred times over. Each part of Kraco burned with its own measure of pain. In this moment when all he wanted to do was die a voice sweet and loving cooled his mind as the pain waned.
‘Calm Kraco.’ Little Annabel whispered.
The pain disappeared as he felt Little Annabel climb down from his shoulder and strolled in front of him and stood before Darz. The smoke from his fire still lingered and with a slight wave of her arm it evaporated. Darz stood but four paces from Little Annabel, his brow in a fierce frown of pain and concentration.
‘Go Kraco.’ Little Annabel whispered again.
The dragon leapt from the steps into the night sky. Assard's eyes locked upon Little Annabel and he went for her, but Alundi's arm snapped across his chest.
‘Look!’ Alundi boomed in wonder, Assard sank into his sight.
The sight before him awed him as much as Alundi. All the magic Darz was sapping from his Elemamtels and the magic he somehow snatched from the flow of magic that passed them into the Emerald Skull, was funnelled directly at Little Annabel. It was as if a hurricane of magic was shooting through the eye of a needle directly at Little Annabel. What awed the two warriors was that Little Annabel was more than equal to it all. Sweat ran down from Dosia's brow controlling the mass of magic to no avail. The magic focused even tighter towards her, filled with hate and rage and it still simply dissipated in front of her.
‘You hurt my friends, and the Elemamtels behind you are dying. Stop please, no one else needs to get hurt.’ Little Annabel pleaded.
Darz forced even more magic into the attack but it was futile. More Elemamtels fell to the ground.
‘STOP!’ Little Annabel screamed and threw her arms forward.
All the magic sent at her was reflected. In that moment arrows darted from the sky straight into the backs of the Elemamtels that were still standing. The magic consumed them and exploded.
Darz leapt high out of the explosion without a doubt that his Elemamtels were all but dead, their own magic killing them. The few Elemamtels that were left and the Man soldiers who had finally rallied and charged even though, as they climbed the steps, arrows sliced into their backs. Darz landed a step behind Little Annabel and raised his sword to strike. Boahim sliced at Darz's shoulder forcing the corrupted Elf to lose his grip on his sword. Alundi bolted forwards smashing his shoulder into Darz.
‘Forgive me.’ Alundi silently whispered to Little Annabel as he lifted her into the air with magic, throwing her into the teeth of the Emerald Skull. She spun in the air a number of times and smacked into the door hard, back first. Even with the harsh impact there was no pain. The teeth became a door and little Annabel started to sink as if she was in quicksand and it slowly climbed around her. Fear consumed her however as the door slowly rolled over her face it released its grip on her back. She then continued to fly through the air. Expecting pain she closed her eyes hard but something was not right. She had stopped in mid-air. Slowly she descended to the ground. Her feet kissed the warm stone floor and she whipped her head around in panic.
‘Calm young one. My name is Sara, and you are safe here.’ A figure appeared out of the dark. She strolled over, a loving smile upon her face.
‘I take it you will be my student, and who will be your mentor?’ She asked in a pleasant voice.
At first Little Annabel did not know what she meant. It was as if although she had not felt any impact, that she had been struck on the head. Dazed and confused it took her a few moments to get her bearings. Once she did she shouted in terror.
‘Alundi!’
Turning sharply towards the door. As if she commanded it the door turned to perfect clear water. She was watching what was happening upon the steps of the Emerald Skull but it seemed that all of them were moving incredibly slowly.
‘Oh I really like Alundi, and his son, have you met his son, Assard?’ Sara asked again very pleasantly.
‘Ah there he is, so dashing.’ Sara continued.
Little Annabel looked on now, helpless to them all.
Seven charged Alundi after he had thrown Little Annabel into the door. He grasped seven of his throwing knives and threw them. Five fell to the knives, two swings of Excalibur later the other two were dead. Boahim grasped his sword at the pommel and swiped the tip across Darz's same shoulder. He yelled in pain and fell to a knee. He recovered his grip on his sword and parried another strike from Boahim and countered but Boahim rolled away. Seven soldiers descended upon Boahim, he skilfully battled them killing many. Darz stood throwing his own soldiers aside striding towards Boahim. Swinging high and hard Boahim blocked the strike and though Darz's strength was fading Boahim already knew he was in no way equal to his former kin. Darz pushed Boahim to his knee. Striking his knee into Boahim's face Darz swung again, but Boahim rolled away. He barely had enough time to stand as Darz attacked. Boahim parried and countered as best he could but Darz smashed away his sword and swiped his blade across Boahim’s thigh. Boahim grasped his wound with his left hand and wildly but weakly swiped his sword at Darz’s throat. Darz smashed Boahim’s sword, this time from his grip. It was the end. No Elf was beyond fear, Boahim however did not despair, he and the Quest had succeeded. The hate in Darz’s eyes was pitiful and pathetic. It changed to furious rage when Boahim grinned. Darz’s blade sliced into Boahim’s chest just beneath his throat. A sharp pain shot through Boahim, blood pooled in his mouth and he could not draw breath.
Alundi killed two and threw another away with magic then his eyes fell upon Boahim. Alundi had been unable to prevent Darz from cutting into Boahim’s chest. The fury Alundi felt fuelled his magic, in the space of a moment he created a lightning storm within his left hand and cast it at Darz as he pulled his blade from Boahim's body. The bolt of lightning struck Darz in the back. His magical protection shielding him but it still damaged the fallen Elf. He spun round, fear overtaken by all wrath had to offer.
‘ALEC!’
‘DARZ!’ They both yelled and ran towards each other, Alundi silently calling Kraco for Boahim.
They swung with all their might. There was joy and anger in both of them. They were both fallen Elves, Shavens, both outcasts and both were better t
han their former kin, they were Orcs and proud of it. Alundi unleashed a furious attack, every other strike catching Darz in some way. Darz was able to parry any killing blows but was unable to cope with Alundi's ferocity. Calqui and Assard were skilfully holding the steps with sword and magic. Alundi was dictating the battle with Darz and the time to end it was near. He forgot any protection and used his magic to move faster. Now every strike sent to Darz was met by a weaker parry. He stepped back avoiding Darz’s sword and sliced Excalibur from Darz’s right thigh to his left shoulder. It was not a deep cut but it was almost his end.
‘ASSARD GO!’ Alundi bawled.
Assard as quick as ever moved before anyone else. He wrapped his right arm around Calqui’s midriff and lifted her from the ground. He ran over to Boahim who lay still in a pool of his own blood. Lifting Boahim over his shoulder he forced what magic he had left into his legs and jumped with all his might. The three of them shot into the sky and Kraco appeared out of nowhere catching them skilfully. Alundi smiled broadly. He locked his eyes on those of Darz and smashed his kin's mental barriers. Delving into Darz’s mind he gleaned everything Darz knew. Unlike Lan and Merlin, Darz fought, but this battle was over.
‘Tini-Tou, does well.’ Alundi whispered.
For the last moment Darz’s fury, fear and hate were washed away and replaced by joy. A joy which, had he had the same training as Alundi, could have prevented his downfall.
‘Goodbye cousin.’ Alundi added.
Swinging Excalibur over his head he sliced it through Darz’s neck. Using Excalibur he shielded with the little magic he had left. However it was no good, the magic exploded from Darz, with all he had taken from his Elemamtels and the magic around the Emerald Skull the explosion was far greater than that of Lan. Alundi’s clothes, skin and flesh melted and he was thrown into the teeth of the Emerald Skull. The familiar sensation of being enveloped by the door did not do anything to stop the agony of his body burning away. He flew through and was caught in midair by the same invisible force that caught Little Annabel. He was lowered to the ground and Little Annabel knelt by him and pulled her gloves off her shaking hands.
‘No young one, allow me.’ Sara said forcefully grasping her shoulder. Sara knelt by his side and blowing into her hand she placed them upon the Dragon hide armour that was untouched by the explosion of magic. Little Annabel was shocked as his bones and flesh and skin healed in moments, even his clothes were repaired. Alundi coughed and shook himself awake as if he had only dozed off. His eyes locked on Little Annabel’s and a great smile split his face. He glanced at Sara.
‘You have no idea how great it is to see you again old friend.’
Sara beamed at him.
‘Nor I you young Alundi.’
Sara kissed him upon the brow.
‘Are we safe now?’ Little Annabel asked wearily. Alundi sat up and extending his arms to her, embraced her.
‘Yes little one…’ Alundi answered but he was unable to finish his sentence, as he could not stop himself thinking of Calqui the love of his life, Assard his brave and brilliant son. Isacal his loving sister, young Annabel his new daughter. Kraco young, now free, but hungry Gold Dragon and friend. And last but not least Boahim his brother in arms. And all he could do was hope that he would see them again. He rocked her, squeezing slightly tighter.
‘…We are safe.’
THE END of Book 1
The Legend continues in...
The Legend of Alundi - Binding Paths
By
Russell Claridge
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 25