“Somewhere to our left eh,” Mathias chuckled repeating her instructions.
“You try talking to those jabbering idiots,” She said defensively.
Mathias held his hands up and bowed his head in apology.
“Are you okay?” Leath asked looking her over.
“Yes I am fine,” she replied taking his hand, “How are you doing?”
“I am fine too,” he answered brushing her cheek.
“I can’t wait to be out of here and away from those two,” Thad said pretending to vomit.
“Too much love for you?” Mathias asked ruffling Thad’s hair.
“Are you guys ready to go rescue the Professor?” Zyphera asked her hand firmly locked in Leath’s.
“We’re just waiting on Traiden,” Mathias told her.
“Traiden, where did he go?”
“He followed the Shade you passed on the road earlier,” Mathias answered.
“Well let us hope he returns soon. From the sound of things the Professor is in pretty rough shape,” Zyphera said.
Thad cringed soon as Zyphera mentioned the state his Grandfather was in. Seeing Thad’s distress Mathias walked over and put his arm around Thad to comfort him. “We have to expect he has been through a horrible ordeal. I am sorry but that’s just the way it is.”
“I know,” Thad said sniffing “This is all just really terrifying.”
A second later Traiden’s large form loomed out of the darkness towards them. “So” they all asked at once.
“Oh it was very interesting, very interesting indeed,” He replied.
After a moment of waiting for him to explain himself Thad spoke “Well, aren’t you going to tell us anything?”
Traiden shook his head, putting his finger to his lips “Sshh”. The others looked at each other with confusion. Mathias was about to approach his old friend, when a giant explosion echoed into the night.
“What in the bloody hell was that?” Leath asked eyes wide.
“That my friend is our cue to rescue the good ol' Professor,” Traiden said with a grin. “Come on, I’ll explain later.”
The four followed Traiden down the road, past the decaying walls of the outer city. They could hear screams and shouting emanating from deep within the city.
“Have they turned on one another?” Thad wondered to himself. That little thought brought a small amount of glee. Perhaps they wouldn’t have to lift a finger. “Well just let those moronic Shadow Breathers kill themselves,” he said with an evil chuckle as he rounded the corner. “Ouch” He said rebounding off Mathias.
“Gees Thad, watch where your going,” Mathias said trying not to laugh.
“Well if a big brute such as your self would be kind enough to not stop in the middle of the road,” Thad glared at him as he rubbed his sore nose. “Why are we stopped again anyways, I don’t see the hut anywhere.”
“Look” Mathias said pointing towards Thad’s left. Thad followed Mathias’s outstretched finger.
The sky above them began to blaze a fierce orange as they gazed at the burning citadel.
“Traiden what is going on?” Mathias asked.
“The Shadow Breather I followed is part of a rebellion. They intend on purging Barathrum of those who have pillaged her true worth, or some such nonsense,” He replied. “Anyways, long story short, Madron’s servant planted a fire stone in Madron’s castle walls and voila.” He said moving his hands in a sweeping motion.
They all hurried past him and slipped around the side of the wall. Up ahead they could make out a small stone building standing alone in the darkness. Thad pushed his way past Zyphera and Mathias, running ahead.
“Grandfather, Grandfather, can you hear me?” he shouted, not caring if any Shadow Breathers heard. He threw open the door and gasped. He screamed for help “Mathias, Leath, Zyphera, come quickly,” He yelled, choking on the toxic air as tears streamed down his face. He rushed and knelt beside the trembling body of his Grandfather and gently touched his head. “Can you hear me?” he whispered into his Grandfather’s ear “You’ll be okay; I am here with you now.”
Bartholomew turned his head slightly. “Is that you Thad?” he mumbled, the words barely escaping his dried cracked lips.
“Yes it is me Grandfather,” Thad replied through his tears. “Mathias, Zyphera and Leath are here too. You’re going to be alright.” Thad said cradling the old man’s broken body in his arms. “Hurry,” He screamed into the darkness “Hurry,” he begged as he began to sob.
Moments later Mathias and Traiden rushed through the door. Their stomachs lurched at the sight of their friend. Mathias wasted no time in untying him. Traiden pulled a bottle of water and fresh linens from his daypack. He sprinkled cool water onto the Professor’s lips and into his mouth. He carefully draped clean linen across the Professor’s back and with Mathias’s help, rolled him to expose his chest. Thad whimpered in fear when he saw the damage.
“Perhaps you should wait outside,” Mathias suggested, gently prying Thad’s hands from his Grandfather.
“This is worse than we could’ve imagined Mathias.” Traiden spoke as he analyzed the Professors burnt and blistered skin. “Getting him out of here will be very challenging. He is already in shock, and if we move him to much he will surely die.”
“How long will it take to heal his wounds?” Mathias asked not wanting to give up.
“I am not sure that I can mend these wounds in any safe time frame for escaping this place.” Traiden replied in a quiet voice.
“Just do what you can old friend,” Mathias urged patting Traiden’s back reassuringly.
Zyphera and Leath joined Thaddeus outside allowing Traiden and Mathias plenty of room to help the Professor.
“How bad is it?” Zyphera asked, nervously biting her finger nails.
“I think he is going to die Zyphera,” Thad sobbed as waves of uncontrollable emotions washed over him. “I think he’s going to die,” He repeated hiding his face in his hands.
Zyphera rushed to his side and held Thad close. “It will be okay,” she said, barely choking out
the words. “Traiden and Mathias are taking good care of him. Things will work out, you just need a little faith.”
Leath stood above Thad and Zyphera unsure what to do. “I am going to check on the Professor,” he said, gently laying a hand on Zyphera’s shoulder.
She nodded her head.
Leath hobbled through the door not knowing what to expect. The smell of burnt flesh stung his nose. He could see Mathias standing in the far corner pacing as Traiden hovered over the Professor’s still form. When he was close enough to see the Professor he fell to his knees.
“Oh Barty what have they done to you,” His voice quivered as he spoke.
he Professor opened his eyes. “Leath?” he asked weakly.
“Yes, I am here,” Leath replied gently taking the Professor’s burnt hand.
“I need you to teach him your ability,” The Professor instructed.
“My ability,” Leath repeated perplexed. “I don’t have an ability Professor, I am just human,” He replied.
“Of course you are, son,” The Professor smiled as he closed his eyes.
Leath looked up at Traiden with questions burning in his eyes. “I don’t know what to say except, he is in shock and he may not be in a fully conscious state,” he said trying to answer Leath’s expression. “I am sorry.”
Leath stood up. He walked to where Mathias was pacing. “Are you okay?”
Mathias stopped but did not turn around. “I failed,” he whispered. “I didn’t protect him,” He slumped down to the floor.
“Mathias, get up,” Leath commanded in a gentle voice. “Get up,” he repeated even louder.
Mathias sobbed. “This is my fault. I have failed……I have failed.”
At that moment Traiden leapt across the room. He swept Mathias off the floor pinning him against the wall. “Now see here brother, there is nothing you or I or anyone else could have done to preven
t this. You have not failed, but if you walk away now you most definitely will.” He said looking into Mathias’s eyes.
“What is going on?” Thad demanded, staring at Traiden and Mathias with fear in his eyes. Before anyone could explain a voice cut through the air behind them.
“Well, well, well, isn’t this a touching family reunion.” Madron sneered, approaching the group.
Zyphera and Leath tried to conceal their surprise.
“Madron,” Mathias and Traiden hissed in unison.
“Ah, I see the Angel’s have come out to play,” Madron snorted stepping into the Paddock.
“Angel’s!” Thad gasped in bewilderment as he looked back at Mathias and Traiden.
“What’s the matter Zyphera, felt like you needed some back up,” Madron snickered.
“Unlike you Madron, I can handle my own and admit when I need help,” She glared fiercely at their Nemesis.
“You know this is not exactly the most inviting place to catch up on the past, so why don’t we continue this conversation in a more comfortable setting,” Madron suggested directing his gaze at Thaddeus, “Take them away.” he snapped to the guards behind him.
Until that moment Thad had stood there in a daze. “No, you cannot do this,” he screamed, lunging at Madron. Suddenly the wind was knocked out of him as a huge Shadow Breather grabbed him in a giant bear hug, restraining him.
“You cannot do this,” he whimpered under the pressure of the Shadows hold.
“Oh but I already have my dear little boy,” Madron said patting Thad on the head. “Now the rest of you can choose to come quietly, or you may each pick the Shadow Breather of your choice and get better acquainted. It is your decision, but make fast. As you can see,” He gestured to his burning Citadel, “I have a small personal matter to attend too,” He turned with a smug smile.
“It will be okay,” Zyphera whispered as Thad watched Her, Mathias, Traiden and Leath willingly allow them selves to be shackled.
He lay limply in the arms of the Shadow until they brought his Grandfather out on a crude stretcher, hook one end to the harness of some strange beast and watch as they slapped the rump of the animal, sending it into a canter with his Grandfather bumping behind.
“NNNOOOO,” Thad screamed. Kicking, biting and scratching at his guard. “You’re killing him,” he cried.
“He’s right,” Madron boomed, agreeing with Thad. “Slow that animal down otherwise you will all pay the price.”
One of the Shadows immediately rushed up to the beast slowing it to a walk.
“Let me walk beside him,” Thad begged. “I promise I won’t go anywhere. Please just let me hold his hand.”
“Let the boy go,” Madron ordered the guard.
Thaddeus pushed away from his captor sending an intentional kick that landed with a crack on the Shadow’s knee cap. Thad shot him an evil grin as he gently laced his hand into his Grandfather’s.
The troop followed Madron in silence. After a moment Madron turned, smiling wickedly at his prisoners. “I have to say, you seem a little surprised to see me,” He said trying to read their faces. “So do I have the pleasure of thanking you all for the unfortunate destruction of my castle?” he asked.
No one answered.
“Well fortunately for me a little birdie told me I was to expect some uninvited guests. I just had to make sure I was here to bid them a warm welcome. Could you imagine if I was still in my chambers?” He said smirking “Anyways, we will have all the time in the world to discuss it.”
Even though it was clear no one would be speaking to him, Madron decided to keep the conversation going anyway. “Lovely day isn’t it. Can’t beat the smell of sulfur in the morning, or is it night. I can never tell,” he said in a mock friendly tone as they wound their way back towards the city.
Chaos rang out with every step as they carefully avoided the battle raging around them. Fires slithered into many of the barracks collapsing them in minutes.
“You know it is very unfortunate,” Madron began “For being half dead, you’d think the Shadow Breathers would be more invincible,” He stated as the group picked their way around the dead or dying Shadows littering the cobbled street.
Thad glared at his captor with disgust. “Why are we not fighting back?” he demanded angrily looking at his Sentry.
“We would be no use to anyone dead,” Zyphera replied, “You must trust us.”
Thad was not convinced. His Grandfather’s hands grew colder with each passing moment and Thad’s cheeks had become overrun with tears of hatred. With every step he took his emotions strengthened. He could think of nothing other than hurting Madron and his Shadows.
“No,” He thought to himself, “I don’t want to hurt them. I wanted to see them writher in pain, begging me for mercy.”
He walked with his head bowed his eyes partially closed. His body burned with hate. His mind played images of gruesome revenge on the thin skin of his eye lids. His grip tightened on his Grandfather’s hand. A mixture of disgust and pleasure rippled through him bouncing off every bone before surging back towards his heart.
Death changes everything
Their passage back into the city was slow going. In the first few meters, they had been accosted by factions of rebel Shadow Breathers. Two of their guards now lay dead and another was severely wounded. The Sentry had been unshackled and found themselves fighting along side their enemy.
Without warning, a giant eruption shook the earth. Fire began raining down, forcing them to find shelter wherever they could, separating the group.
“Thad,” Zyphera screamed in a panic, trying to find where he was hiding. She, Traiden, and three guards took refugee underneath a partially burnt out barrack. “Oh no,” She gasped in horror.
Traiden followed her gaze. Sitting in the middle of the road clinging to the professor’s hand was Thad. Amidst the chaos, the wagon with Professor Haynsworth had been neglected.
Terror blazed in Thad’s eyes as he scanned the area trying to find Zyphera or anyone else from his group. He clung to his Grandfather unwilling to leave his side, even to protect himself.
“Thad stay where you are, I coming to get you,” Traiden ordered, scrabbling from under the barrack. Thad turned locating two of his friends.
“I don’t think he is going to make it,” Thad sobbed once Traiden arrived.
Traiden quickly check the Professors pulse. His heart was barely beating. “Thad, in my bag you will find three large Purple stones, can you grab them for me?”
Thad nodded and scurried to where Traiden dropped his bag and rifled through it. Traiden moistened the professor lips with water, pouring a little into his mouth. He slowly pulled back the section of cloth covering the Professor’s chest placing his hand over his heart.
“Stay with me Professor,” he whispered. “You’ve come this far. You have to fight,” he begged.
“I’ve got them,” Thad yelled hurrying to Traiden and handing him the stones. Traiden took the stones, gently placing them single file down the center of the Professor’s chest. “Are the stones going to work?” Thad whimpered brushing tears off his cheek with his soot covered hand.
Traiden turned to the young boy. “Do you believe in miracles?”
Thad nodded his head. “Yes, of course I do.”
“Good, because a miracle is what we need right now,” Traiden replied with all honesty.
The two knelt beside the Professor, quietly waiting, taking no notice of the chaos and destruction around them.
Zyphera, Leath, Mathias and the remaining guards fought side by side defending Traiden as he worked on the Professor. Thaddeus sat with his head bowed and eyes closed. Neither noticed the small burns forming on their backs from falling embers. A torrent of evil swirled around them, but vigilant they remained.
Suddenly Thad jumped. A hand brushed his leg.“Grandfather,” he cried out in excitement.
Traiden opened his eyes. To his astonishment the Professor was awake.
“
Thad,” the Professoor spoke with a weary voice.
“Yes,” Thad eagerly leaned in closer to hear.
“You must forgive…..” His Grandfather tried to speak.
“Forgive who,” Thad gently prodded, watching his Grandfather’s eyes slowly close.
The Professor began moveing his lips, but no sound came forth.
"Grandfather,” Thad urged gently shaking his shoulder trying to wake him. “Talk to me,” he pleaded, tears leaving obvious trails down his dirty cheeks, “Forgive who?” he asked again.
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