by Marc Johnson
“I'll be right there with you, Princess,” I said.
“Hellsfire—” Master Stradus said.
“Master, you don’t need my help, but she—they—do.”
Jastillian leaned forward and said, “Don’t worry, Wizard Stradus. I’ll go too, and make sure nothing happens to the lad here. I still owe him for rescuing me.”
“We’ll also watch Hellsfire,” Prastian said. “The dwarves are not the only ones whom Hellsfire has helped. Right, Demay and Behast?”
“Of course!” Demay said.
Behast nodded.
Master Stradus’s ancient, magical eyes hardened to ice. His powerful gaze rested on me. “You are a stubborn apprentice, Hellsfire. You must learn to master your emotions, or they will get you killed.” Master Stradus sighed, before giving a tight-lipped smile and a slight nod. “You may go. I see that with so many friends, you will not need my protection, but all the same, you must be careful. Do not, I repeat do not, under any circumstances, fight Premier without me.”
I hid my smile. “I will do as you say, Master.”
“May we fight well and die harder,” Lenora said to everyone before leaving. Jastillian followed her.
“It's good to see you again, old man,” Sharald said.
“It's good to see you too, old friend,” Master Stradus said. “I wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Me too.” Sharald smiled at his friend before leaving. The other elves followed.
Just Krystal, Master Stradus, and myself were left.
“Master, what would you like me to do until the strike force assembles?” I asked.
“You, my apprentice, may have the hardest job of all.”
“What would that be?”
“I want you to walk around and experience what the dwarves and elves are going through. I want you to feel their anxiety and hear their hearts beating as they sing battle songs and prepare for war. I want you to understand all that goes into warfare, so you won’t thirst for it like those who came before you.” Master Stradus’s eyes became clouded, much like the globe on his staff. “See the faces and listen to the stories. Remember, war is a terrible thing, unless you’re fighting for what’s truly right instead of what you believe is right.”
“I will do as you say, Master.”
He departed, and it was just me and the princess left. I turned to her, about to tell her how happy I was that she was safe. Then she spoke in a hard, distant voice.
“Thank you for bringing allies and for coming to the aid of my people, Hellsfire, but I don't need you constantly watching over me. I've managed without you fine so far.”
I stared at her, my mouth hanging open. “I don't get it. What did I do?”
The princess's violet eyes turned stormy. “Next time you leave me at the mercy of a mad wizard who is planning to conquer the world, do you think you could warn me?”
So that's what this was about. “I never got the chance to, Princess. Jastillian needed my help, and when Premier caught us escaping, the only thing my spells did was slow him down. I couldn't get to you without the entire castle knowing.”
Princess Krystal didn’t say a word. She simply stared at me, her face still furious. My own anger rose at the look, and I couldn't stop the flood of words. “Don't you think I wanted to warn you, Princess? Don't you think I knew how much danger you were in? If it had been up to me, I would have taken you with me when I left. You have no idea how I felt, leaving you there. All this time, I've done nothing but worry about you and ride the countryside, getting the help you needed. Even when I found it, I didn't know whether we'd make it in time. You don’t know what I’ve been through.”
“You’ve been through? My kingdom has been taken. My people are starving and dying. My father is still in there—sickened and imprisoned by an evil wizard! And you have the audacity to say I don’t know what you’ve been through!”
“You’re impossible!” I threw my hands up in frustration. “I gathered two armies for you. I’m trying to help you get back your kingdom, Princess. I’m doing everything I thought you’d want me to. I’m doing all of this for you!”
Her violet eyes blazed with fire. “You have no idea what I want! Now leave!”
I raised my finger and opened my mouth. Angry words rushed through my mind, yet I couldn’t get any of them out of my mouth. The power within built up, aching to be released. This woman was infuriating. Fire seeped from my pores, encircling me.
The princess wasn’t afraid of my magic. She stormed over to me and jabbed a finger in my chest. “I said leave. Now!”
“Fine!”
I punched the tent flaps, not even caring that they didn’t open completely. They smacked me in the face as I pushed through.
“Impossible woman,” I muttered loud enough so she could hear me. “After all the things I’ve done.”
I strode off, trying my best to push aside my thoughts of the princess and do what Master Stradus wanted me to—learn about war. I couldn’t. I summoned my power into a fireball and sent it crashing into the ground, creating a little crater. That helped. A little.
King Sharald appeared beside me and placed his hand on my arm. “Princess Krystal isn’t telling you everything, Hellsfire. She was in very bad shape when we found her. She was lucky to make it this far. Our healers did everything they could, but she really shouldn’t even be walking around. Be easy on her, Hellsfire. She’s in a lot of pain—and I don’t mean just physical.” He patted my arm, then walked away before I could answer him. If I had even known what to say.
My anger cooled a bit at his words, and I was able to do what Master Stradus had asked. The first thing that struck me was how young a lot of the soldiers were, in both the dwarves’ and elves’ camps. I had expected them to be grizzled veterans like Prastian, Behast, and Jastillian. They weren't. They were like me. They had young, smooth faces free of hair, and no scars showing. But it was the looks on their faces that got to me.
They were scared. They acted brave and put on a good front with their boasting to each other, but their eyes gave them away. I noticed that older ones kept the young soldiers busy, barking orders and making them sharpen weapons, carry supplies, or drill formations.
I wondered if I had the same expression as I walked around the camp. In a way, I envied them. They had something to keep them occupied. I didn't. I was trapped with my thoughts and worries for these people willing to risk their lives for Alexandria. If only Master Stradus had me do some magical drills.
I stopped when I reached the hospital tents. They were clean and empty now, but I couldn't help but imagine how many people would fill them after the battle. Some would never leave again. Others would leave with missing limbs or horrendous scars. Blood would flow everywhere, and groans would ring throughout the night. I said a prayer to the gods and tore myself away from imagining what it would be like.
I continued to walk, trying not to see death on people's faces. If it were up to me, they would all come back alive. If I had defeated Premier when I rescued Jastillian, we wouldn't even be here now.
As my melancholy thoughts took over, I realized that Master Stradus was right. My emotions were going to get in the way of my ability to do my part in this fight. But just as I was determined not to let that happen, my heart betrayed me.
Krystal was alone in an open space, practicing with her sword. She danced as she spun, stabbing and slicing at some imagined monster. Her movements weren't fluid or perfect. Whenever she tried to use her left side, she winced, and once or twice her left hand went to her ribs before she could stop herself. I winced with her. She still kept at it, pushing past the pain, trying not to favor her wounded side. The sweat glistened from her body, and she breathed heavily.
My frustration and anger melted away. She was right, and I was a fool. I didn’t know or understand the things she’d been through. I couldn’t. She’d had to deal with these life-altering decisions her entire life, for her entire kingdom. I’d only had to worry about my
self and my mother. And if we failed here, she would lose more than just her life. Yet she didn’t appear afraid of Premier or death. How did she handle it?
The princess composed herself, holding her sword out in front of her, her still form deep in concentration. With startling speed, she broke out of her stance, lunged, and thrust. She cried out in pain and fell to the ground. I wanted to run to her and make sure she was all right. I didn't. I knew she wouldn’t want my help. Krystal pulled herself off the ground and performed the same move. This time she succeeded. I couldn’t help but give her a quiet cheer.
----
When the sun sank to the horizon, painting the sky in deep purples and pinks, I returned to the tent where I thought Master Stradus would be. Instead, I found the princess.
She was bent over the map, scrutinizing the drawing of her kingdom and the stone pieces on the board. She glanced up, and our eyes met. This was my chance to apologize and to tell her how I felt. Instead, I froze.
She didn’t say anything. She stood up, ignoring the map, and watched me.
“Forgive me, Your Highness,” I said, breaking the silence. “I was looking for my master.” I bowed, then turned and walked to the entrance. “I’ll leave you alone.”
“Hellsfire.”
I stopped. Suddenly, I realized what a coward I was being. I turned around. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. You have a kingdom to think of. I have to remember that. It was just so hard to leave you there, with Premier, and I was terrified something would happen to you before I had a chance to bring help. And if anything were to happen to you…I don’t know what I’d do.”
The princess didn’t say anything. She walked closer. Her being so close made me nervous, and my fire disappeared. I held my breath, afraid to even breathe on her. I had forgotten how tall she was. “But you did come. And you did bring help.”
“I keep my promises, Your Highness.”
“We're alone. You may call me Krystal.”
I nodded, not trusting myself not to say something stupid again.
“If we survive this,” she said, “Alexandria will owe you a great deal. You'll be richly awarded.”
I shook my head. “I didn't do this for money or power.”
“Then why did you do it?”
This was an echo of our very first conversation, in the woods near Sedah. And the answer was still the same. “Because it was the right thing to do, and…for you.”
I met her violet eyes and smiled. She smiled back. I saw the remains of tears on her cheeks, as though she’d been crying before I came in. I took a chance and gently put my hand to her face, wiping them away. Her eyes filled, and more tears spilled over. Despite her vulnerability, she looked stronger—not weaker—when she cried.
If she were anyone else but a princess, I would have kissed her. I wanted to—needed to. I let my hand fall and took a step back. In a surprising move, she took a step closer, her warm body brushing mine.
I cleared my throat and whispered, “Krystal, Princess, what are you doing?” I tried to lean back, but any farther and I was going to fall.
“Be quiet, hero,” Krystal said, leaning closer and putting her fingers against my lips. She ran her fingers slowly through my hair. I shivered. She pulled me closer until our bodies pressed together. She groaned softly from the pain in her side.
“Krystal! Are you all right?” She held on tighter.
“I'm fine. You worry too much.”
Krystal moved closer and brushed her lips on mine. Everything slowed. It was stronger than any magic I had ever experienced. Emotions flowed through my body as I returned the soft kiss. I was drawn into our own little world, where I only wanted to be with her. Nothing else mattered. As unexpectedly as it had begun, the kiss ended. Krystal released me and stepped back. I stood there, dumbfounded, my eyes still closed, dwelling on that magical kiss. Finally, I blinked and shook my head.
“Wha-wha-what was that for?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“For luck, hero.” Krystal kissed me on the cheek and smiled one last time before she glided out of the tent.
I stared after her. I couldn’t believe that the princess of Alexandria had kissed me. If I survived the battle, perhaps things might not be so bad. Perhaps a simple farm boy could be more.
But I couldn’t think about the future now. I first had to make sure that Krystal survived and Premier died. It all came down to that. Too much rode on today—far too much for a wizard-in-training and a young man from Sedah. I gazed up, praying the gods would walk with us.
CHAPTER 22
I met everyone at the edge of camp. I walked past the fifty elves and dwarves that had been chosen for this mission. Unlike those I had seen earlier, these elves and dwarves were older and had bodies full of scars. Their faces were grim and their eyes were hard.
I went to the front of the group, where my friends were. Cynder towered over all, letting everyone marvel at him; Master Stradus, a bucket of water at his feet, was talking to Sharald; and Jastillian, Prastian, Behast, Demay, and Krystal were busy discussing the attack.
“Sure took you long enough,” Cynder said and snorted. “We don’t have all night.”
“Forgive me, everyone,” I said. “But I can't fly like some creatures here.”
“Not yet, you can't,” Master Stradus said. “Not yet.” Everyone laughed, releasing our tension.
I stopped laughing. I took a deep breath and said, “I'm ready.”
“Plans have changed, Hellsfire,” Master Stradus said.
“Oh,” I said, hoping that he hadn’t changed his mind about me going with the team into Alexandria.
Master Stradus looked at the night sky. “Unfortunately, the clear night is going to cause a problem. The creatures will spot you before you get to the walls. We're going to fix that and provide adequate cover. Pick up the bucket and let's be on our way. We'll be back in an hour or so.” He started to walk towards Alexandria.
I grabbed the bucket and picked up my pace to catch up to Master Stradus.
“Good luck,” Krystal said. I turned around, and she gave me a warm smile.
We left the camp and walked north over the rough, barren terrain. We stopped when we saw the city walls.
I squinted. “Think they can see us from here, Master?”
“No, but this is far enough. I want you to create fog, and you will do so by using the water in this bucket. I will bring the clouds towards us so that they will blanket the area and shut out the light. You do know how to go about it, don't you?”
I nodded.
“Good.”
“Will Premier be able to figure out who’s behind this?”
Master Stradus smiled. “He’s going to think you’re behind this, and he’d be right.”
“What if he decides to undo the spell and they spot us?”
“He won’t. If I know him, his overconfidence won’t allow him to. He won’t see the point of it. He’s in a position of strength. Us hiding our troop positions won’t worry him.”
“If you say so, Master.”
Master Stradus walked away, and I sat down cross-legged in front of the bucket. Since fog is a combination of air and water, those were the mana I had to use. I closed my eyes and reached out to the fierce wind and water.
“May the cold air guide this water into fog. May the cold air guide this water into fog.” I repeated the incantation in Caleea over and over. The cold air rose from behind me and flowed all around my body, numbing my hands and face. I wasn't sure how long it would take to create enough fog to blanket the entire field, so I kept repeating the words. Goose bumps popped on my body. This was much different from sitting on the ledge of the White Mountain. I wasn’t using my fire mana, and without it, the power of the cold overwhelmed me, making my body shiver. I forced myself to stay awake and finish the job.
“Hellsfire,” a sleepy voice said. “Hellsfire, come out of your trance.” I opened my heavy eyes. “Good job, my boy. Hurry, we must get back to the others.”
I wobbled to my feet. At first, I thought my eyes were fuzzy because of the deep trance I had been in, but the mist blanketed everything. I waved my arm through the ocean of fog. Everything looked unreal.
“Make haste and lead the way back to camp,” he said.
I took a step forward, then stopped. I turned my head to the left and then to the right. “Master, I'm not sure which way that is.”
“It's that way,” he said, and pointed. “Would you like me to provide some light, or would you like to do that?”
“I'll be more than happy to.” I released the inner fire that dwelled in me. The heat coursed through my body and filled me with life. I let out a sigh of enjoyment. I made a ball of fire that stayed in my hand. “I feel soooo much better, Master. Let’s go.”
It took us longer to go back to the encampment than it had to leave. I wanted to take it nice and slow so I wouldn't veer off and get us lost. However, I soon heard voices and continued to walk us in that direction until I was able to see who was talking.
“We're glad you're back,” King Sharald said.
There were multiple torches surrounding him, so I extinguished my little ball of fire.
“Is everything ready?” Lenora asked.
“As you can see, we have provided everyone with adequate cover,” Master Stradus said. “As soon as they leave, I'll work on a counterspell to this.” He looked at the princess. “You have one hour to make it to the walls before you'll lose your cover.” He turned his attention back to Lenora and Sharald. “Is your army ready?”
“Aye,” Lenora said.
“Are your elves ready, Prastian?” Jastillian asked.
“Yes. We can depart as soon as your dwarves are ready.” Prastian smiled.
Jastillian laughed and clapped him hard on the back. He put a helm over his head. “Then let’s be on our way. Your Highness, if you please.”
“Good luck, my son, and please be careful,” Master Stradus said. “And heed my words—don’t fight Premier without me.”
“I won’t.” I didn’t want to face Premier by myself. He did have the Book of Shazul. I walked over to Krystal. “Ready, Your Highness?”