by Ross Turner
Her mind snapped into focus, back to reality from wherever she’d been drifting. There was light! She strained to see where it was coming from, but didn’t dare move, excited and terrified and anxious all at once.
And then there he was, picking his way toward her avoiding fallen trees, low branches and mischievous roots. Relief washed over her, replacing all other emotion, coursing through her still freezing and exhausted system. He rounded the last tree and beamed at Isabel, so glad to have found her. He held a blue flame - the source of the strange light.
“Zan!” Isabel cried rushing forward, tripping blindly as she did so. He darted forward and caught her hand before she fell.
“Shhh. I don’t know where the demons are.” She caught her breath and held his warm and welcoming hand tightly for a moment before snatching it away with a gasp.
“Zan! Your hand!?”
“Shhh.” He urged again and Isabel bit her lip. “Relax Isabel. Come on.” He seemed so calm and assuring that Isabel just nodded numbly and followed his lead. He wasn’t holding a flame as she’d first thought. His hand was alight.
They walked slowly and carefully amongst the trees. They were protective, encasing the couple like a sturdy cocoon. Isabel hoped Zanriath’s unbelievable sense of direction was still in check. He seemed to know which way he was heading.
They eventually stopped at a fallen log and he sat her down while he gathered a few fallen twigs and branches, tossing them into an untidy pile on the floor. He used only his left hand, his right still burning a bright blue. The flames licked around his fingers as he flitted smoothly around the sturdy trunk.
Before long he sat himself beside Isabel and the flame at his hand died. Instantly, the jumbled bundle of twigs and branches he’d collected roared to life; the heat was sudden and immense and the fire burned a bright golden orange. The colour fire should be. Or at least the colour Isabel expected it to be. She crept as close to the fire as she could, being careful not to burn herself.
The deep chill quickly faded into a bad memory and Isabel felt secure again with her head resting on Zanriath’s shoulder and his arm sitting comfortably round her once more. It was surprising how quickly her fear melted away.
“We have to move quite quickly in the morning. I’m sorry we were separated.” Zanriath whispered.
“It’s okay.” Isabel felt drowsy now she was warm and was struggling to stay awake almost as much as when the cold had been taking her.
“I was raised by Ormath. He was the one who sent me to find you, once he’d consulted with Enthel and Koack. I’ve just spoken with him - he told me the demons are planning to force their way across Compii Tower, soon. We have to get to Hinaktor as soon as possible. He said He spoke to you too?”
“Was that the voice in my head?”
“Yes, that was Him.”
“I thought I was going insane.”
“No, don’t worry.” Zanriath reassured her quickly. He paused for a moment, his eyes going distant. “He once told me we’d have to represent what the Gods are supposed to stand for: now all that is left of peace, love and sanity. There was a point in my life when I realised I was different to the other children my age, I was very young, but I had maturity beyond my years.”
“What about the fire?”
“I am a sorcerer of Rilako. When the time was right Ormath and I forged your amulet. I possess a rare talent that many people in Rilako strive to achieve, but few even catch a glimpse of, a talent Ormath grants very few from my island - His ability to harness fire.”
“How much control do you have?”
“Complete control.”
“Can you show me?” Isabel sat up, eager to know just what he meant by complete control over an element. He smiled and raised his hand, palm facing upwards and fingers open. He did nothing, yet his hand burst into flames. It burned orange this time, like normal fire, and even though it was so close the heat was surprisingly gentle, as if she could touch it. She wanted to. She was drawn towards it, but she held her hands firmly back, not knowing whether she could or not.
“Hold my hand.” Zanriath encouraged her, seeing through her thoughts. Isabel hesitated for a second and glanced between his eyes and the flames. “Trust me.” She did trust him, probably more than he realised. Without another thought, she reached for his blazing palm. Not knowing what to expect, she probably would have been shocked no matter what had happened. Nonetheless, she gasped slightly when her fingers locked perfectly around his and the gentle warmth engulfed her hand. “Complete control.” He repeated, and as if to reiterate his point the flame turned the familiar shade of blue he’d used before. “I like using that colour.” He said quietly, absorbed by the flames between them. “But it tends to startle people so I avoid it.” His voice carried a hint of regret and for some reason Isabel felt sorry for the handsome young man grasping her hand so tenderly, whom she still knew so little about.
Her eyes alight, Isabel stared at their entwined fingers as the fire flicked and danced for her, changing from blue to purple to green and through an array of other bright and astounding colours that she struggled to even name. Looking up she caught a glimpse of his eyes locked on the flames. They were golden once more. Looking down at her amulet she noticed it was the same colour, matched perfectly once again.
At the last possible moment, the question that had been nagging her caught on the tip of her tongue as her hand suddenly turned freezing, icy in fact, much colder than it had been in the forest.
“What…?” She started, feeling the hairs prick up on her arm.
“It’s strange I know, but when I said complete control, I really did mean it.” Her question was lost as she stared transfixed once more at their flickering hands. Her hand was alight, yet felt as it had been plummeted into freezing water.
An eerie, unexpected wind whipped through the trees, it was chilling and it carried an unnerving howl from the distance. Quieter snarls followed the sound and then more howling.
The fire at Zanriath’s hand stifled and went out entirely, as did the fire at their feet. Rising silently to his feet Zanriath cocked an ear to the wind, listening intently.
“While I was looking for you in Aproklis, I heard there are incantations designed to deter demons.” Zanriath posed looking questioningly at Isabel, one eyebrow slightly raised.
“You’re right.” She replied, but paused for a second. “But they’re risky.”
“How so?”
“You have to be strong enough to keep them in place. If you’re not, then once you’ve cast it it’ll only last for a short period before it fades away.” He inclined his head slightly and looked at her by way of questioning and she thought for a moment. “I’ve never tried.” She admitted a little regretfully. “My father had always done it and he was going to teach me…” Zanriath came to sit at her side once more.
“Do you remember what I said about the amulet, about myself and Ormath creating it?”
“Yes…”
“It’s not just for decoration. I’ve seen you focus your will before. Now you have to learn to do so to a new degree, so you can harness it more effectively.”
“I can use the amulet?” She supplied.
“Exactly. We created it to help you. Now it’s time to make sure our efforts weren’t wasted.” He stood up and took a few steps back from Isabel, freeing her immediate area and leaning comfortably against a large tree trunk. He folded his arms and smiled encouragingly. He knew she could do it, and so did she. He wasn’t going to let her pretend that she couldn’t.
“No pressure.” Isabel said quietly under her breath. She was nervous as she climbed to her feet. It was as if even the Gods were watching.
Focusing, she recalled her mind-set from when she’d been training in the Vale, and tried to reproduce it, slowly gathering her will. She felt the amulet at her chest. Not really sure what would happen, she began to concentrate her energy.
The abrupt exertion shocked her already tired system and began to swiftly d
rain the little energy she had remaining. Dropping to her knees her face hardened with effort and she scrunched her eyes closed. Mustering what strength she could, she directed her energy to the amulet.
But she only found disappointment as nothing happened. Through frustration she forced herself to her feet and somehow concentrated even harder, directing her will into the amulet. She soon found herself reaching the limits of her demonic ability; the strain and effort leeched the energy from her very soul - her body close to collapsing.
Then she felt something. A new energy, something she’d never felt before. At her chest the amulet began to pulsate, slowly at first but then it quickened. With each pulse she gained strength. Matching her heartbeat, the amulet throbbed incessantly, sending wave after wave of pure energy flooding through her overwhelmed system. She could go further, stretching her power beyond the limits she’d once been barred by. She found no restrictions, to what extent she could go she didn’t know, but her own strength combined with the amulet was immense. She could only imagine how much more powerful she’d become once she was fully rested. Her hands reached for the amulet at her neck but stopped as her fingertips brushed its calming surface.
For now it was enough. The incantation she began to mutter was strange. It accessed a different level of potential that she wasn’t accustomed to, but somehow she knew it would be strong enough for what she wanted, though it was difficult to judge.
A ring of pure white brilliance pulsated horizontally from her waist. The ring was rounded and it glowed incandescently and stretched out, widening but not thinning. Ring after ring followed in the same way, to the same rhythm as her heartbeat.
Zanriath witnessed the silent spectacle with ever deepening respect and admiration. The rings passed directly through everything they encountered and continued to spread around their camp, lighting the darkness all around Isabel as they went. They were almost blinding, but Isabel knew the demons couldn’t see them. The rings made them invisible. They created a barrier that cunningly misdirected demons away from their camp. Perfect for while they slept, but sadly immovable, so while they travelled they wouldn’t have such luxury.
Isabel’s amulet shone with the same glowing purity as the rings she produced and a small tear escaped her grasp, even amidst the intense concentration she maintained; a flitting memory of her parents and how she missed them - how she wished they could see her now.
Eventually, Isabel opened her eyes and relaxed her body, not realising how tensed it had been through the whole event.
“It’s done.” She announced confidently, with a noticeable mark of pride in her voice. “About a hundred metres in every direction.”
“Impressive.” Zanriath complimented.
“Thank you.” She beamed. “It worked. But I’m sorry, now I’m exhausted.” The pulsing at her neck faded and she felt her knees buckle slightly. “I think I need to lie down.” She added quickly, dropping to the floor, unable to bear standing any longer. Zanriath came immediately to her side and comforted her.
“I know, don’t worry, you get some rest.” He yawned as he finished his sentence and Isabel followed suit. It had been a very long day and with some nasty surprises. They were both glad now to be safe.
They settled for what remained of the night and did their best to sleep. Zanriath rekindled their fire and breathed deeply as the flames burst into life. He was always happier with flickering light burning bright by his side and was always equally as pleased that it appeared to comfort Isabel so.
“I’ve never done that before.” Isabel pondered, speaking her thoughts out loud once more.
“You did well.”
“Hmmm. It’s just that I wasn’t entirely sure how much will I needed to use, so I don’t know how long it will last…”
10
Sunlight filtered softly down through the canopy above, the golden beams intensified by the scarcity of light able to struggle through the multitude of leaves and branches.
Isabel woke and squinted against the light shining directly on her face, bringing her hands up to shield her eyes.
“The weather’s quite clear now, but I don’t think it’s going to hold.” Her stranger’s now familiar voice sounded gently.
“How late is it?” She stretched her aching muscles and moved to join Zanriath as he sat comfortably on the fallen tree trunk. “And don’t you ever sleep?” He smiled and looked down to meet her gaze from staring up at the streaks of morning sunlight.
“It’s early, not long past sunrise. And yes, of course I sleep, just not as much as you do.” He feigned irritation at her question and cast her a quirky sidelong glance.
“There’s no need to take that tone,” Isabel jested, “but I’m far too tired still to retaliate.” Their playful banter was probably roused as a result of the fright they’d had the night before - that and something else a little closer to home.
He handed her some breakfast he’d had on the fire and she took a seat on their makeshift bench. “And you always have things ready at exactly the right time! Are my imperfections going to get on your nerves?” Isabel was surprised at herself, but it seemed she’d discovered a new confidence from her success using her amulet the night before. He laughed and reached his arm round her waist.
“I’m by no means perfect. I just like to be prepared. I snuck back to the camp, I didn’t find very much, but I saved what I could.” Isabel nodded in reply as she tucked into her meagre breakfast. Clearly he hadn’t found much food left. She shivered slightly as the hot food made her realise that actually it was still quite cold. The sun shone, but by no means was it going to be a warm day. She couldn’t see the sky through the trees but was sure threatening clouds would soon be on their way.
In reply to her shivers the fire’s heat intensified and turned an odd lilac colour. Now she knew of Zanriath’s ability to control fire she guessed he wouldn’t bother going to any lengths to conceal it. She imagined it would probably still shock her every now and then, but it is surprising how quickly people can adapt to even very abnormal circumstances.
“Thanks.” She said smiling, transfixed for a moment by the colour of the flames.
“No problem, we’ll be moving soon anyway don’t worry.” He assured her.
“I think the barrier’s gone, I’m not sure how long it stayed.” She replied.
“It did its job, well done.”
It wasn’t long before they’d gathered what few belongings they had left and prepared to set off. Luckily Zanriath had recovered their warmer clothes and Isabel pulled hers on with a sigh of relief, knowing it would easily keep the chill off. Zanriath checked a final time to see if they’d left anything and turned to Isabel, a little concerned with how much, or rather, how little food he’d managed to recover.
“Okay. Let’s go.” He decided. Isabel didn’t reply, standing steadfast. “Isabel?” Her back was to him and still she remained silent. He reached for her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s a demon.” Her voice was hushed and sharp.
“Are you sure? Where?” He said, dropping his voice also.
“I’m sure. I can feel it.” In response to her prediction there was a rustle in the bushes to their left and a twig snapped loudly. Before Isabel even had chance to respond the hidden oversized wolf leapt from the undergrowth and snarled ferociously. The demon wasn’t enormous, but it was wild-eyed and its fur stood straight on end. It had jet black fur and was very thin, bordering on emaciated, probably nearly starving, with claws and teeth sharpened to razor points the beast looked horrifying.
Isabel had barely a second before it raced forward, metres from them in an instant. She wasn’t ready. She couldn’t stop it. She couldn’t breathe. This was it, they were finished, and there was nothing she could do. Her confidence drained as she muttered the first syllable of an incantation. It all happened too fast.
Then, out of the blue, Zanriath grabbed her by the arm and, wrapping his other arm round her waist, whipped her to the side and out
of the beast’s path. It was ludicrously close, but as he darted left, pulling Isabel with him, the demon’s claws missed her by mere inches, whistling past in a frustrated rage.
The agile demon landed perfectly and spun, ready to leap forward once more. Its claws ripped up the earth and its hind legs crushed the fallen log to splinters that they’d only minutes ago been sat on. Its eyes glowed an awful green and made Isabel sick to the stomach as they poured longingly into her soul.
“No chance.” Zanriath muttered under his breath. He didn’t move a muscle, but his intentions were clear, clear and deadly. Isabel hadn’t expected him to act so decisively in such danger, he’d seemed quite wary of demons as she’d explained demonics to him only days ago. He knew exactly how the demons had come to Tamarack, and probably much more than that, he just had little knowledge of the demonic itself. But then, if one hasn’t experienced something first hand, it is difficult to fully understand.
A profound new respect emerged for the protective young gentleman at her side, unknowingly so, not unlike the one he was also developing for her, though, as she stood there numb and helpless, Isabel wouldn’t have imagined it.
The demon-wolf shuddered slightly before exploding radically into a blazing fireball of dark, menacing flames, engulfing the creature entirely. It shrieked in agony as the extreme heat licked at fur and flesh. Painful howls echoed through the massive forest, reaching no one but the looming trees extending in all directions. Isabel stepped back from the tremendous blaze, suffering from the heat even at a distance. It didn’t last long, but Isabel turned away.
The wolf burned to a gruesome death, writhing horribly in unimaginable agony; the soaring temperature began to melt the beast and a disgusting viscous fluid soon mixed with the dirt torn up at its feet. Isabel choked back a lump in her throat, able to smell and even taste the seething pools of liquid flesh. Zanriath calmed the fire and after a few minutes it died down completely.