He knew because of her words, he wanted to change. He never knew how damaging words could be until he met her. He only cared about himself and his needs when he first arrived to Minslethrate, and now he realized that he cared for other people and their needs. He truly cared for both Natalia and Tairren. And even though his heart was broken—he still loved Natalia. He knew he probably would never let her know that—but he still loved her.
Phillip’s eyes opened and closed as sleep was coming upon him. He felt peace all around him now. Everyone must have been sleeping—because it was quiet outside of his tent. The serenity reminded him of the vision he had that night when they were attacked by the two-headed Nomed. He thought of the peace that came with the vision—and the mighty hand of light that seemed to reach out for him. And the words he heard, saying, “My Kingdom is great—and you are destined for greatness…”
Phillip’s heart seemed to smile a little, now feeling content. His eyes closed for good as his mind drifted away. His body was finally feeling the strain from the long day and it began to shut down. His muscles relaxed and his breath slowed and deepened—dreams beginning to stir as he fell fast asleep.
†††
Tairren felt numb as he rushed to his quarters to quickly grab his things. He was shocked at Natalia’s advances on him, but he also had an idea that Natalia had begun to create feelings for him during their journey. He thought then that Natalia just wanted to be close to him because of her being out in the dark wild—but now he knew why. Tairren began to feel bad for his very close friend, but he knew that beginning his new quest was the most important thing at that moment. He felt that he was even closer to rescuing Marrisa.
Tairren burst into his tent, quickly looking around for his things. He found his dagger and strapped it on his belt. He grabbed his bag and made sure his provisions were ample, then he looked for his bow and arrows. He realized that the Legna had filled his bag with some type of food and other things he may need. His quiver was also filled with plenty of golden arrows. He noticed that the Legna had left him a sword which looked just like their swords. It was a grand gift. Tairren held it up, examining it. The sword was made of a strange metal. It looked like pure gold and had a luster that shown like the sun. The sword was light as a feather but it was tough and hard like steel, and the blade was sharper than any blade he had ever seen. His dagger was dull compared to the fine edges of the sword. The hilt had jewels speckled upon it—much like the wing pendant he wore. It looked so beautiful and grand that he didn’t feel right using it as a weapon. He was pleased with his new things and felt strengthened and zealous as he put them on.
He began to think of his father as he pulled his seemingly clean cloak on. The deep-blue fabric looked good as new and the golden clasp on it shined like his new sword. He smiled to himself as he held the wing pendant that hung from his neck. He felt so blessed and comforted. And even though he was about to begin a whole new journey—he had peace about it. All of the stress and aggravation and doubt seemed to leave him. He thought about nothing but his quest now. He forgot about Natalia and Phillip and even the dark Nomed then. He began to understand that if he focused too much on things that were not of God—that he would have no peace. And he needed much peace before he was about to travel further towards the south.
“Thank you so much—my God of Light… You have put a crown of favor upon my head and a burning fire deep inside my heart…” Tairren said in a low tone—knowing that his God was listening.
After a few more moments of preparing for his departure, he quickly left his tent. He put his hood on and furtively rushed through the camp to where Lilly rested. The camp was silent and no one was out and about. The fires around him burned with a soft glow and the tents were dark. He finally made it to Lilly who seemed excited to see him again. He calmed her down then got his things situated in the saddle bags. He climbed onto her back, then looked around. He wished he could have thanked all of the Legna for all of their kindness and hospitality, but he knew he couldn’t. He silently got Lilly going. She calmly galloped through the camp, seeming really happy to get going. They made it to the edge of the camp, which faced south. Tairren pulled his compass out, making sure they were faced in the right direction, which would be in a southeastern direction. They had to go around the cliff, so they had to go in a much easterly direction.
They quickly went through a small forest which eventually thinned out, opening to a full view of the south. All Tairren could see was forest, hills, brushes and beyond that the great Fiara Mountains and a night sky that looked gloomy and haunting above him. He began to become nervous, wondering if it really was a good idea to go off by himself, at night. He knew that there were many Nomed abroad and that the forest was thick and cruel. But by his map and the view he had from the cliff, he saw that ne was near the end of the Black Forest. He began to think of Mikhal’s word about his quest and how he was to have his guardian Legna, Rafiul, by his side to guide him. But then he became comforted by the thought of him having his map, compass, new weaponry and a torch with him.
He sat on Lilly’s back for a moment, thinking of his journey and how much he had strengthened and grown spiritually since he left Minslethrate. When he first left the kingdom, he was clueless, his provisions were low and his weaponry was weak. His strength was feeble and his health was slowly declining because of the infected lacerations the flying Nomed left on his arm. He had fire in his heart but he also was scared. He knew this quest was his, but he didn’t know exactly what he was getting himself into. All he knew was that he loved Marrisa with all of his heart, and that the God of Light who was his strength—was also his passion… Now he felt as if he was a new man—the power of light had changed him. He knew deep down inside that he was changed. He felt saved, sanctified and that he could take on anything that darkness had to give.
He felt so thankful—for everything. He thought of his mother and deceased father again. He thought of his comrades. He thought of the Legna and the great owl. He thought of the Great God of Light and the legend of King Yehoshua… He thought of his quest and Minslethrate—the world. And he thought of princess Marrisa. He knew he had to get going, for the night was late and a new day would come soon—closer to the night of a blood-red moon…
Tairren grabbed his wing-pendant as he pressed his lips together. He patted Lilly’s neck, then he was off. With a pounding heart, he rode off into the night, ready for whatever was to come at him…
CHAPTER 22
Full Circle
The night was silent and still and very late. It seemed that all should have been sleeping upon Minslethrate. All through the south was hushed as dark shadows and insidious things lurked about the lands. Much deeper into the south lay a dark and dreadful tower, sitting upon jagged cliffs at the base of Fiara Mountain. Inside the tower a dark and evil presence rested quietly, waiting for a new day to approach. There was no light within the frightful place except for a couple of randomly lit torches. Rats and chattering bugs skittered upon the stone floors, looking for anything to fill their mouths. Dried bones and whole skeletons lye here and there, covered in dust and cobwebs. Spiders dwelled in the corners of the dark chambers and bats made their homes in the darkest parts of the massive halls that inhabited the insidious temple. The air smelled heavy of mildew and mold, and the stone walls were covered with different types of growth. The heavy presence of something dark and mad filled the air, seeming to grow angrier every day that went by.
In a chamber at the top of the tower, Marrisa sat, cowering in a dimly lit corner. She had her back against the cold stone walls, her body balled up upon a bed of straw. Her knees were up against her chest and her face was buried into her dirty hands. A torch crackled above her, allowing a soft light to touch her head. All around her was dark, and the thick feeling of terror grew thick upon her frail body. She trembled with fear and from the chilled night. Her emotions were like the jagged tops of mountains—going up and down. One moment she would be so depressed and becom
e self-loathing, and the next she would feel wrath come upon her—then terror.
She grew angry that no one had come for her, and that everything good seemed to have abandoned her. She was angry at God for seeming to turn his back upon her, she was depressed that even Tairren had not come for her, and she was terrified at what was happening to her. She was alone, and wished so badly that she would be pulled away from everything. She wished that she could sprout wings so she could take flight right out of the window.
Her skin crawled and she didn’t know whether it was from the dreadful atmosphere or from the small bugs that dwelled inside of the hay she sat on. There was a large opened window to the right of her, above her head. She would randomly look up out the window, catching only darkness upon her eyes. There were no stars or moon in the sky, and a strong wind came in every now and then—pushing the stale smell of the chamber away from her nostrils. She had no idea how far she was from home, or exactly where she was at. She knew she was in the Dark Tower of Sacrifice, but she didn’t know where that tower was.
After they had left the Black Forest, Lilith blind folded her and bound her wrists so that she had no idea where she was at, and if she knew she couldn’t get too far. She was forced into the temple and pulled up a stair-well of a dark tower. Finally her hands were unbound and eyes set free before she was pushed into the small chamber. Lilith had told her that she wasn’t even going to bother putting her in shackles yet because there was no way she could escape, unless she took her own life. There were many times she tried to end her life when escaping from Lilith—but Lilith would not let her… She kept telling her that her flesh was wanted by the Dark Lord and needed to stay fresh and alive as long as possible.
Marrisa had been in the chamber for hours on end. She knew it was really late because the sun had gone down what seemed like ages ago to her. She told her to rest her body, “flesh” Lilith would say, but she couldn’t. Her eyes were tired and her body ached but her mind was wide awake.
Sporadically, she would quickly glance in the dark space across from her. On the other side of the small chamber, where it was the blackest—Lilith sat quietly. Marrisa could not see her, but she knew she was there; she could hear her breathing. She could feel Lilith staring at her from the darkness of the chamber even though she could not see her black eyes.
“You do not want to rest your lovely countenance?” Lilith finally asked from the darkness, after hours of silence. Her voice was low and threatening.
Marrisa just sat silently, staring at the blackened side of the chamber across from her. She began to breathe heavily as fear welled up in her heart.
“It is strange how time flies—soaring like destructive winds on high… Time kills, and destroys—but yet it lives forever…” Lilith let out a low raspy chuckle. “…Do you want to hear a story?”
Marrisa continued to stay silent, staring into the darkness where Lilith perched.
“Once upon a time—there was a glorious kingdom. And this kingdom was called—Minslethrate,” Lilith mocked as she spoke. “This kingdom was so lovely and filled with things that despised darkness… This kingdom despised darkness so much that a king came—and banished it! But darkness is so powerful, so fierce, that the people of it killed that pig of a king—stripping him of his armor and crown and dividing it out amongst four leaders of darkness… His shield was given to water, his armor was given to earth, his sword was given to fire, and his crown to darkness... The Dark Lord was so pleased, but still had grand plans to punish all who denied him—all those who followed this king of light.
“So he elected many powers, advocate followers of darkness, to continue on with his great plans… And do you know who those chosen ones were?” Lilith became quiet for a moment, watching Marrisa as tears fell from her eyes. “Us… Yes us, my princess. Lilith is filled with many of us, but I Natas, am the high power over Lilith—and I have many followers of darkness... And soon you will have us and even a higher power among you—the Dark Lord yearns for you!” Lilith gave out another chuckle. “Oh, but don’t fret—it will be soon…
“Now back to our story… It is the best part for your ancestors are about to be added unto it… Many years went by. Many people died. People became heavy with burdens—and darkness became stronger. We Nomed became stronger. The Dark Lord called upon us—and we were spawned by the pagan worship that dwelled amongst the old ways of Minslethrate. And we ascended out of the darkest parts of Minslethrate… So long ago I sat with a lost maiden in this very chamber. Our full circle begins with a fair maiden… Her face was pale like the moon and her hair was long and like that of a raven’s tail. She was young and beautiful—and terrified.”
Lilith grew quiet as Marrisa continued to weep. The madness was thick around them and Lilith enjoyed every moment of it.
“Do not cry, my princess,” Lilith said in a mocking tone, “for that maiden was your fair grandmother—the grand queen of Minslethrate—Queen Karnidge… The Dark Lord followed her through the halls of this temple while we played a game of hide and seek…
“Do you know that game? As I can recall, you used to play that many a time with Moira… I hope you haven’t forgotten that bond that you and Moira possessed when you were a child. It should not matter though—she is lost in the fiery pits of hell...” Lilith let out another chuckle, taking pleasure in tormenting Marrisa. “But we should not stray from our story… The beautiful Queen Karnidge ran through these very halls, screaming like a banshee. She was taken by the Dark Lord, and he became one with her.
“She went back to the kingdom of Minslethrate, carrying many of us along with her. Just like Lilith—she was a doorway to the kingdom of Lucif—just as you will be… We influenced her during her rule—and she killed and burned and killed and burned—many people…” Lilith let out a laugh this time. Her croaky sounds echoed through the chamber. “But the story is not finished yet…
“Queen Karnidge died and I Natas, along with many other followers of the Dark Lord, stayed planted among your family and your kingdom. Many servants died—many innocent souls were killed because of us… Your grandparents, Moira—your mother… And the story continues as I sit here and look upon you. You are the next chapter… But our story will not end until the Lord of Darkness has taken his crown—and rules over all the kingdoms of this earth with light trampled beneath his feat!”
Marrisa covered her face and shook her head, still crying.
Lilith let out another revolting laugh—making Marrisa cringe. Lilith became quiet and an uncomfortable feeling came over the chamber. Silence was the most terrifying sound when Lilith could not be seen. The thick silence lingered on for some time.
“Do you want to play a game?” Lilith finally asked in her wicked voice.
Marrisa slowly looked up into the darkness as she stopped crying a little. Her heart quickened. Her eyes became wide while large tears continued to fall from them. She shook her head frantically, looking intensely into the blackness before her. That question frightened her, sending goosebumps across her cold skin.
“I will count to three—and when I get to three… I am going to—get—you…” Lilith said in a terrifying and teasing voice.
Marrisa began to cry frantically again as she brought her shaken hands to her mouth. Her heart began to pound in her chest and she felt as if her breath was leaving her.
“One… Two…” Lilith’s voice grew louder with every word.
She slowly crept out of the darkest area of the chamber, making her way towards Marrisa. She crawled on her hands and knees, appearing like a threatening animal. She looked like a menacing fiend with black eyes and dying skin. She had a large black smile on her face that stretched from ear to ear—appearing wicked.
“THREE!” Lilith roared out as she quickly crawled towards Marrisa, having an angry look on her ugly face all of the sudden. She pounced at her—appearing like an unruly beast. Her white and knurly fingers were spread out like claws. Her black mouth stretched wide open as she roared out an
inhuman sound.
Marrisa let out a blood-curdling scream as she flung herself on her side, dodging Lilith’s thrashing hands. She got up to her feet as quick as she could. She hastily ran, flying through the threshold and past the heavy chamber door. Her feeble and exhausted body kicked into action as panic and adrenaline sprung up inside of her. She grabbed and pushed the door close as hard as she could. The door was solid and heavy and the rusted hinges made it difficult to close, but the strength and energy that came upon her allowed her to do so. Lilith forced her hand through the doorway with a shriek as the heavy door quickly closed. It slammed onto her hand, making her squeal like a hurt wild animal.
Without knowing where to go, Marrisa ran down the dark hallway. She never looked back. A few torches were lit throughout the hall so she had very little light to see anything in front of her. She continued down the hall and down a stair-well. She breathed loudly as her feat patted against the bitter stone. She could hear Lilith behind her somewhere, shrieking and laughing as the taunts from the unclean spirits emitted from her mouth. They echoed down the halls, seeming to come from every which way. Marrisa ran down another hall as quick as she could. Her chest burned as she sucked in the stale air around her. She tried all the doors but they were either locked or stuck shut! Her shaken hands barely had the ability to hold on to the door-latches. She screamed with frustration as she yanked at the latches as hard as she could. Nothing would budge! She pressed her hands on her ears as Lilith’s advancing voice echoed all around her.
“Leave me alone!” Marrisa screamed out as she tightened her fists.
She began to cry frantically as hope seemed to get smaller and smaller. She felt so lost and helpless. There seemed to be no way out! She looked down the hall and could see two curtains which barely hung from the threshold of a doorway. The curtains moved in the air, indicating that wind was coming through the massive doorway. Her terrified heart fluttered as she flew down the exceedingly long hall and through the massive door-way.
The Last Legend: Awakened Page 40