Crossing Forbidden Lines (Guardian Series Book 2)

by J. W. Baccaro

  “I cannot do that.”

  Kelarin lowered her head and began to softly weep.

  Darshun stood bewildered. “Kelarin, what do you expect me to do when confronting Abaddon—?”

  “ 'When' confronting, yes,” she cried.

  “Um, what?”

  “You said 'when' confronting Abaddon, meaning you plan on fighting him.”

  “Do you always have to listen so well? I'm sorry, but naturally my blood boils to witness his might. Please, don’t underestimate my power Kelarin.”

  “This is not a game Darshun.”

  “Of course it is. It’s their game I’m playing, and I plan to win.”

  She sniffled.

  Looking to and fro of the shadowy room he sighed then knelt down to her level, placing a finger under her chin and lifting up her face to meet her teary eyes. “Everything will be all right, I promise you. I will steal the crystals—”

  “Take them back.”

  “What?”

  “You will take them back, not steal. They do not belong to him.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I will take them back under the passing of shadow, and get us both out of here.”

  “Without confronting him?”

  He glanced away, not wanting to look her in the eye.

  “Darshun, I don’t underestimate your power, however you mustn’t underestimate his neither. His power draws a forbidden line.”

  “I plan on crossing that line.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Being Nasharin I know that you are proud to do battle and are eager to test your abilities, especially against such a mighty adversary. But please don’t let pride blind you. You do not know what you are dealing with.”

  “Neither does Abaddon.” He grinned.

  The conversation was cut off by footsteps noisily clumping down the hall. The two Cullach who’d beaten Darshun and threw him into the cell were returning, conversing ridiculously. “I bet we're going find a pile of fresh licked Nasharin bones.”

  “That or the pathetic creature riving in agony at the she-elf's feet.”

  “I'm still betting she ate him. If so…I claim the skull.”

  They approached the cell and looked in, finding Kelarin standing a few feet away from the bars, gazing off in the shadows.

  “Well Elf, where's the Nasharin? What did you do to him?”

  “Who me?” Darshun said stepping out of the darkness, a haughty smile dominating his face. Never had he seen such confused and delirious expressions from a Cullach.

  “Impossible!” they shouted in unison.

  Drawing weapons, the two threw open the door and stormed in, one on each side of the Nasharin, inspecting his body, determined the whole thing was a trick of some sort. But after a short time it looked evident Darshun had not a scratch.

  “You shouldn't be standing,” one growled. “I demand an explanation!”

  “I simply had a good night’s rest,” Darshun answered.

  Not meaning to, Kelarin chuckled out loud.

  This enraged the Cullach. “You think this is funny Elf?” he shouted stepping hard toward her. “How about a month in the Gershom Pits?”

  She dropped the smile and placed her head down.

  “I thought so. Now tell us why this Nasharin is perfectly fine or we will—”

  “You will what?” Darshun growled, turning to face him. “Strike her? Why not try me again?” He looked over to the other one as well. “You failed at it last night, obviously. Better unleash those whips before the Queen discovers your failure to—how did she put it? 'Beat me severely?' ” He extended both arms while his eyes flashed a fiery red. “Come on, I stand ready.”

  The Cullach kept still like a couple of statues their hearts racing faster than a raging river.

  “Oh my, I’ve never heard the heartbeat of a Cullach before,” Darshun mocked. “There's no reason to be frightened. I'll close my eyes if that helps.”

  Luckily…at least the Cullach probably thought so…Down the corridor came marching additional guards who oversaw the commotion. “What’s going on here?” one asked, rushing into the cell. “You know the King's orders. Why is the she-elf being disturbed?”

  “Not disturbed; mocked by a Nasharin. I opened the cell to feed her the Capsule and he stormed in to kill her. He's is in need of a severe beating.”

  “Wait a minute, Nasharin you say?"

  “Indeed. We were transporting him to Gershom's Hall.”

  “Ah, this must be the one Queen Talvenya took prisoner. Well if so, decline that beating, and the pits. Instead, send him to the Underground. We're short of slaves. Three-dozen more were executed in the night for insubordinate behavior toward the King and Queen. Besides, if any is able to recognize Milandrith Metal, I'm sure he could. Though Queen Talvenya boasted how she took away his powers of Transformation, his eyes will be sharper when it comes to spotting Milandrith.”

  “As you wish.”

  Darshun was let out. He could smell fear upon the Cullach while passing by them, smirking. “See you later,” he sneered while smiling. How easy it would be to incinerate them to ash in but a moment. Then again, now would be the perfect opportunity to look for Abaddon’s lair. He decided to hold off for the time being. Locking eyes with Kelarin once more, he smiled and they led him away.

  Among the horde, one of them stood behind, finally beginning to thaw from the fear Darshun embedded into him. He stared at Kelarin, seeming to ponder the situation. “I think I understand now,” he observed. “Yes. Oh, how interesting. An Elf who can heal, here among us. But why heal a Nasharin? No matter, I’m sure the Queen would love to hear your explanation. I’ll return shortly, my dear.” He locked the door and walked off, grunting a laugh.

  Kelarin sat on the bed, cupped her face in her palms and sighed.

  ~~***~~

  Talvenya entered the chambers and glided toward the Dark king…the mistress of the night stood before him.

  “So my Queen, is everything set?” Tanarokai asked, sitting upon his throne.

  “Yes, my King, our scouts have located the final crystal, amazingly not far from Asgoth, in a secret tribe of men.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Under our very noses this entire time?”

  “Indeed so. Ironic, is it not?”

  “I thought we were rid of free humans long ago, but surprises seem to happen abruptly.” He grunted. “Like those men that took back Zithel for a short while. I still wish you would have stayed among them longer to discover the location of this 'new' Loreladia.”

  Conceit flooded her face. “Does it really matter, my King? They’re weaklings compared to our forces. That was clearly shown. I do not ever recall seeing a minority of men defeating the odds, believing to have the victory as they did when the Cullach and Barbarians lay scattered lifelessly across the field, only to have that victory ripped from their hearts when we appeared. To voice that we 'dominated' is an understatement. I loved it,” she finished with an arousing purr.

  A little excited, Tanarokai set down his chalice of wine and rose, his presence overshadowing her. “Don’t ever underestimate the strength of men.” He smiled, perhaps not truly meaning what he said. “Remember, my mistress, both you and I are human as well.”

  Talvenya shone with a purple aura and her figure began to grow. Her clothes extended, hair became thicker, longer; beauty magnified. She grew until she stood at his size. Then she touched his muscular arms and strolled around him, trailing a hand along his stocky chest and back; caressing his stomach and fearlessly staring into his dark eyes. “Men are delicate, mere play toys,” she whispered, then grabbed the handle of his sword and slowly unsheathed it. She raised it high looking ever so powerful, glowing in the crimson gown she wore. Her eyes flashed, then a wave of red energy engulfed the Soul Crusher and filled the room with abrupt sparks, streaks of red lightning and heat. “They are afraid of magic, sorcery…where you and I are not. And that’s what makes them frail my King.”

  He gripped her arms tight and kissed
her hard as if she were his property, though she wasn’t and he knew this, but that’s how passion is played between them. “You definitely are my Goddess. Yet, I’m still a bit angered by you having your ‘way’ with that Nasharin.”

  “Worry not. I’m much more taken in by the strength of a true warrior like yourself. One who is almost my equal.”

  “Overconfident are we?”

  She grinned.

  Tanarokai’s eyes drifted past her, focusing on something else—someone else entering the lair.

  Talvenya rolled her eyes at the stupidity this unwelcome guest had committed, entering without a knock, another fool about to be incinerated. But when she turned around she nearly froze. Before her stood a person she never expected to see again, a person who stood alone. “Dar—Darshun?”

  “Greetings,” he spoke, tossing back locks of his honey-brown hair, revealing the full spectrum of his face.

  The Queen nearly stumbled over, unable to take her eyes from him.

  “Talvenya, you seem a bit surprised? Oh, that’s right, you thought I was in those wretched pits. Fortunately, your minions don’t listen well. Not that such a place would have bound me for long.”

  “What is the meaning of this?” Tanarokai yelled.”

  “Meaning? Why, your witch of a Goddess underestimated the power of my race as you all have. A grave mistake indeed.”

  “Guards!”

  “There are no guards around at the moment. I suspect they’ll be coming shortly. To be fair, I will wait for them. Perhaps you’ll have a better chance of survival, though it’s unlikely. Decide for yourself when you wish to die. Now, or in a few moments? I’ll be standing here, waiting patiently.”

  “How dare you!!” Tanarokai roared and took a step forward. “You have absolutely no idea who I am—do you?”

  Darshun exchanged a look of ice. “You are nothing, mere filth,” he spoke in an eerie dark tone. “A shadow of the past.” His eyes shifted to Talvenya. “And so it your inferior hideous witch.”

  Talvenya stood speechless. Her hands were shaking, not in fear but anger, bewilderment. How did Darshun come to be healed? Why is he so confident? And how dare he call her a ‘witch’ yet again! Once was bad enough, but a third time? “Darshun, you—will—utterly pay for your crimes!” she hissed.

  “To be honest,” he replied lazily while rubbing his belly accompanied with a yawn, that happy-go-lucky tone returning. “I'm a little hungry. Before I effortlessly slay both of you, do you think I could have something to eat?”

  Never in their three hundred years of Rule had the King and Queen been so mocked.

  “Darshun, I am going to make you suffer beyond what you can even imagine,” Talvenya threatened, her tone like a madwoman. “What I did to you last time, you’ll consider a mercy compared to what shall happen now.”

  “So, I guess no food huh? Well all right. Which one of you wants to die first?”

  “Give me the Soul Crusher,” Tanarokai ordered.

  Talvenya ignored him, bitterly glaring at Darshun.

  “You should listen to your King. If he is the first to challenge me among you cowards, he’d have a better chance with his toy. Though in the end…it won’t matter.”

  Talvenya burned with a cloak of fire and spawned whirlwinds throughout the lair, revealing her ultimate form.

  Sensing the great power Darshun’s face became serious. He knew, however that by mockery she would unleash her strength in full. That’s exactly what he wanted to show her how weak she truly is in comparison to him once she lie broken at his feet.

  The King laughed. “Now look what you did Nasharin. If you are to stand a chance at all you’d best transform before she turns you to dust—except you cannot, can you? Aww, such a shame.”

  “How about I turn my back? At least then she doesn’t have to look into my eyes when I humiliate her. Although I'd prefer that, wouldn't you…witch?”

  Talvenya seemed about to strike when suddenly another creature entered the lair behind Darshun. She let go of her power and settled back down immediately.

  Puzzled, Darshun turned around and at first mistook someone for Olchemy—the facial features at least but he soon realized it was not. This individual wore long dark hair accompanied by a scraggly beard. Dressed in a black and red robe, the hood thrown back. His eyes were piercing silver like enchanted steel and he also carried a staff—meaning one of two things, this individual was either a sorcerer or a Wizard.

  “Is there a problem?” the newcomer asked, taking a quick glance at Darshun then focusing on the Queen.

  “No problem Lord Levieth,” she answered.

  ‘Levieth?’ Darshun thought. He’s the High Wizard—incredible!

  “Just returning this prisoner to the Gershom Pits.”

  “Is that why you were unleashing such wrath?” He shook his head. “Talvenya, how many slaves must you kill before you are satisfied.”

  “Well, I—”

  “That wasn’t a question.”

  She lowered her head. “Apologies my lord.”

  “We were passing by when we heard this commotion.”

  “We?” she asked.

  “Abaddon and I.”

  Her face turned white. “The—Demon Lord is present?” She gasped while looking beyond his shoulders.

  “No. He continued on his way, commanding me to approach you with a warning. He expects no disturbances, none whatsoever. So you better learn to control yourself.”

  “Yes, of course. What he commands I shall do.”

  Darshun understood Talvenya's fear for again, the energy omitting off this Demon was mind boggling and Darshun needed to fight with every scrap of will to hold back his frenzy. But the beast inside was brewing, longing to challenge him.

  Levieth looked back to Darshun, his silver eyes gleaming. “And really Talvenya, why did you unveil such strength to kill a mere man like him? Let me guess, he called you ‘witch?’ ”

  “Is that not what she is?” Darshun interrupted, casting Talvenya a haughty smile.

  Talvenya’s hands shook but she kept quiet, bottling up her rage.

  Levieth burst out in laughter. “Oh, wow boy, do you have a sense of humor. I admire your courage; no slave in the history of Asgoth has ever spoken so boldly.” His smile faded. “Now I pose a question. Exactly how have you come to wander these halls unattended?”

  Before Darshun could answer there came a cluster of at least thirty Cullach guards rushing down the corridor, their footsteps bouncing to and fro of the thick stonewalls. “You, halt,” one shouted, grabbing Darshun’s arm. “Stay where you are.”

  “What is the meaning of this?” King Tanarokai asked.

  “My King, we were transporting this fool to the Underground when suddenly he vanished from under our very noses. Pretty slick Nasharin, but it won’t happen a second time,” he vowed binding Darshun's hands and legs in chains.

  “Nasharin?” Levieth’s eyes widened as he stared at the young warrior.

  “Why yes Lord Levieth, the one captured at Zithel.”

  He stepped toward Darshun, looking into his eyes.

  For a moment, Darshun thought he felt an uninvited presence attempting to pry itself into his spirit. In mind, he fought back by emptying his thoughts, relaxing all muscles and tension, hopefully giving the illusion there was nothing special about him.

  “I can sense it now,” Levieth observed. “Your scent of Asharian eludes my soul. You are a Nasharin. Fascinating. Tell me, what is your element?”

  Fearing he’d failed his attempt to mask his power Darshun decided to give an answer. “I am what every mortal fears day or night,” he grinned. “I am what cannot be tamed or quenched. I am Fire—”

  “The Nasharin is delusional,” Talvenya interrupted. “He has no element of Fire, not anymore.” She looked to Darshun, rolling her eyes at his 'ever so frightening speech. “I took away his ability to transform by casting the Spell of Sorrow into his soul. The magic gradually deprives a being’s will and takes aw
ay inner strength. Darshun has fallen beyond that point and shall never transform again."

  “Does he look deprived to you Talvenya?”

  “Trust me he is.”

  “Trust you? Never shall I trust a Human. Your kind is too cunning, prideful and sleek. I only accepted your word regarding Olchemy because it matches the story of the Nightwings.”

  “The Nigh—Nightwings?” she asked, fear dominating her voice. She was no stranger to the Nightwings. It wasn't their ugly, unholy power she feared, it was their sleek maneuvering; spies in the night with devilish eyes you never see until it's too late. Were they sent by Abaddon to watch over Asgoth? If so, then that means the Demon Lord might think far less of her and the King than she’d originally thought.

  “The Nightwings,” Levieth continued, “Yes. They also witnessed Olchemy venturing south, bearing the Fire Crystal. But the cause that drove the Wizard that way so far, comes by only your slivering tongue. I find it odd, the Asgothian common folk just happened to be roaming south and discovered the thought-to-be-dead Wizard carrying the Fire Crystal to Mt. Flame for destruction—that they had 'somehow' unraveled his intentions of the sacred object and brought this news back to you. All soldiers of Asgoth—Barbarians included are not accounted for neither, making me suspect another event took place not involving mere chance. Perhaps you lost the crystals for a time and had yourself a little battle before getting them back?”

  “No, I most assuredly did not lose them.”

  “Good.” His eyes shone like silver and his shadow grew, swallowing more than half the room.

  Darshun looked uneasy as if he could sense the terrible power lurking behind Levieth's form.

  It also seemed clear Talvenya did as well when she nearly cowered to the ground.