‘I want you to go back to Urfius-Menom. I’ll ask a Nymph to fly you back home.
Finaria wiped a tear and looked up with a sigh:
‘Why?’
‘There’s no need for you to stay here. I don’t want you to be part of this grief. Go back home, to your family.’
‘Do you think I’ll be more cheerful there? After all the towns find out what happened the entire Aora will cry!’
She stood up and embraced him, but he had no reaction; she then let go of him and took his sad face in her hands:
‘I want to be with you, you must not face this pain alone.’
‘Please, do as I tell you …’
Afaris turned his back to her and left for the town without adding anything. Finaria, in sorrow, continued to watch him get father.
Strolling on the streets with slow, yet firm steps, Afaris listened around but kept his eyes down. He generated a white hood to cover his head so as not to be recognized. He could hear cries and words filled with fear coming from all the houses. This time the people did not have anybody to promise them everything would be fine.
Leaving the town, Afaris picked up a high number of Aorians who were guarding the town. Nobody had asked them to, it was obvious they had volunteered to protect it in those difficult times. Some guards recognized him underneath his hood and greeted him respectfully, but received no answer.
‘Where is he going?’ he heard an Aorian’s voice.
‘Leave him alone, you can tell he’s destroyed … he may be out for a walk.’
‘But it’s dangerous! He should stay in town, where he’s safe!’
‘I’m afraid no place is safe any longer …’
On the field, in front of him, all the Nymphs who had arrived that day were sitting and resting. Even they had decided to postpone their departure to the Nest in order to offer Aorians their support. Akdarosif was lying down fast asleep in the middle of the field, replenishing his strength. Falus, who was next to his father, saw Afaris remove his hood so that he could recognize him and joined him:
‘How are you?’
‘Walk with me, please.’
Afaris led Falus to the edge of the forest, far from the other Nymphs. He looked behind to make sure nobody was watching them, then whispered:
‘I need to ask you something: take Finaria back to Urfius-Menom. You will find her next to the tower.’
‘Sure. But what are you going to do?’
‘Nothing. I’m just out for a walk.’
‘Afaris, I know you better than this. You are on to something.’
Afaris sighed, then said:
‘Do you trust me?’
‘With my life.’
‘Then, please, do as I say and don’t come after me.’
‘Are you going to the pit?’ Falus asked surprised.
Afaris looked down.
‘I need to do this, it’s the only way.’
‘You won’t succeed on your own.’
‘If I can’t, then nobody can. Falus, please, trust me and don’t follow me.’
‘Do you want me to let you die!?’
‘Listen to me, we’re all dead unless I manage to seal it! The strongest of us was killed and we don’t even know who did it. Maybe sealing all pits we’ll be able to save ourselves.’
‘You are brave, Afaris, but very fool at the same time. You will not make alone!’
‘If you don’t shut up, I’ll knock you down and make sure you cannot utter a word. I need you here, you and Akdarosif have to lead the Nymphs.’
‘And you must lead the Aorians …’
‘The Aorians can manage without me. I must go, there’s no time to waste.’
He left for the forest, then stopped and added:
‘I want you to know you’re one trustworthy friend, Falus.’
Chapter 28
The one lurking in the shadows
Having exited the forest, Afaris ran at full speed up the mountain cliff to where he knew the energy pit was. It was cold on the mountain and at mid-distance he entered the thick clouds surrounding it. Visibility was low forcing him to use his extra-sensorial perception to find his way.
He went atop the clouds, slowed down trying to figure out where he should head. To his right the sun was descending behind the clouds creating a mesmerizing scene. It seemed to be sinking into the clouds like into an ocean. But Afaris was not in the mood to notice it. He had more important concerns.
The energy of that pit was present. It was hitting his psychic shield like fists against a wall. He followed the energy trace to its spring. Passing a rock covered in snow he finally saw the energy pit. A dark ball bigger than him was pouring out energy. He stepped through the deep snow to the pit, studying while approaching. Its advanced shape discouraged him momentarily, but he was determined to continue. A few steps away from the pit he did not feel or notice any unusual aggression. He reached out to the energy sphere and touched it with one finger, but it had no reaction. It was as if he touched water surface.
He took some steps back, then sat down on the snow, crossed legs, continuing to stare at the energy sphere levitating in front of him. He closed his eyes and relaxed as best as he could. After several minutes he whispered:
‘Now’s the time …’
He shut down his psychic shield allowing the energy to enter his mind. The first thing he experienced was its power. It was like a hurricane, determined to destroy everything it encountered. He became apprehensive, but his thoughts continued to belong to him. He felt his own powers grow. He was becoming stronger and stronger. His heart was pounding outside his chest. It was time he freed the hatred within. He opened his eyes to the pit; they were as dark as tar, fuelled by that energy and the fury inside him. He shouted from the bottom of his lungs, releasing that colossal energy gathered in him and directing it all to the pit.
He closed his eyes again and continued to fight with the energy river running out of the pit. It was extremely powerful, but he was growing stronger and stronger as seconds flew by. He could seal it, he was certain. Then, something changed. It was as if the energy he was directing to the pit encountered no obstacle and was simply flowing to nowhere without a purpose. Without opening his eyes, he let his senses study ahead, still nothing. The pit was gone. Even the temperature seemed much higher.
He opened his eyes and was surprised. He was no longer on the mountain. He was in a valley of stones. Around him, magma rivers were flowing, and the temperature was very high.
He stood up and looked around in an attempt to find out where he was and how he had gotten there.
Then, a voice came from behind:
‘You’re quite curious, aren’t you?’
He turned around in surprise and saw who was talking to him; his eyes grew bigger with awe. It was the same creature he had seen in his hallucinations in the Nest. That Aorian-shaped being, its body covered in a dark solid shell. Three curved and sharp horns were planted in his forehead, but the face was not the same. It had a face and a nose. The eyes were normal, but reddish.
The creature grinned terribly, unveiling its sharp teeth, arms crossed on its chest.
Afaris took one step back and the creature disappeared together with the scenery. He was once again on the mountain, in the snow. The energy sphere was still there, floating in front of him. He came to terms with what was actually happening: the sphere was not an energy pit, but a portal to another world. And the creature was the lurking enemy. Their true enemy.
He turned his back to the dark sphere and dashed through the snow, down the mountain. He had to warn everybody about his finding.
***
Running through the forest back to Saraf-Menom, from his right, from between the trees he heard a girl’s voice:
‘Come on! Faster!’
He headed in that direction. Reaching the place, he saw Ulmaf and Debian running fast among the trees.
‘Hey!’ he shouted.
The two came to a halt, surprised.
�
��Afaris!’ Debiana shouted. ‘You’re safe! I thought you went to the energy pit on your own.’
‘What are you doing here?’ he asked them.
‘We went to the tower to look for you’ Debiana said. ‘We wanted to make sure you were alright, but didn’t find you anywhere. We then looked for you all over the town.’
‘Yes, then I joked about you fighting the pit alone, and Debiana took it seriously’ Ulmaf added panting. ‘It seems she was right.’
‘Listen to me, we have to go back to the town at once!’
‘Why? What’s the matter?’
‘I went to the pit as you’ve guessed. I tried to seal it …’
Afaris stopped his story. A hiss drew his attention.
‘You’re mad!’ Ulmaf said. How could you …’
Afaris waved at him to shut up, then pointed in that direction where he had heard the hiss. Ulmaf and Debiana paid attention; they, too, had heard something:
‘What is that?’ Debiana asked.
‘It seems like … somebody’s breath’ Ulmaf replied.
Some branches cracked from the direction of the hiss from behind the trees. It was quite dark and they could not see in the distance. Afaris tried to use his perception, but traced nobody. Then a large dark silhouette started taking form behind the trees. It was heading their direction. Its heavy steps were breaking tree roots and the breath kept going stronger and stronger.
The three stayed put, waiting to see who or what it was. Judging by the size, it was probably a Nymph, but they could not see his wings. Then, as it approached them, they could make it out between the trees.
‘What is that thing?’ Debiana asked her voice trembling in awe.
Ulmaf took several steps back. Afaris continued to study the creature attentively. It was a monstrous creature, three times taller than them. It had two stout arms and two legs, covered in what seemed to be thick black skin. Instead of fingers and toes, it had claws. Its back was as wide as Afaris’s height. Its head was big with two horns coming out of it, eyes like flames and teeth as sharp as swords. It could easily bite off a tree and shred it in its mouth. A thick, dark liquid was pouring out of its mouth. It was, no doubt, the most terrifying thing Afaris had ever seen.
The creature continued its way to them threateningly, walking on its rear feet and grinning his claws.
Ulmaf and Debiana took some steps back while Afaris remained on spot looking at it and frowning.
‘Afaris, what is that?’ Debiana shouted again.
Afaris generated an energo-spiritual sword in his right hand and fuelled it with energy, making it glow intensely. The creature, annoyed by his gesture, looked up and howled so strongly that the trees around it started cracking. It then dashed onto them.
Afaris made an attempt to enter its mind hoping he could kill it rapidly, but it was protected by an incredibly strong shield.
Debiana generated an energy bow and shot an arrow to the creature. The arrow hit its chest and turned into dust. The creature seemed not to notice it. It ran to Afaris and tried to hit him with his right claw, but he ducked. Debiana continued to shoot arrows at the creature, but to no effect; yet, she drew the creature’s attention. It turned its head to her and fixed her with a killer look.
As it was not paying attention, Afaris jumped to its feet and hit its right leg using his entire force. The energy sword turned into dust under his amazed eyes. The following second, with outstanding speed, the creature turned to him and delivered a blow with its right claw into a tree which gave in and snapped collapsing onto him.
Afaris was unharmed, having generated a strong energy shield around himself since the creature had appeared. He pushed away the trunk and stood up ready to fight. Debiana was hidden behind the trees continuing to shoot arrows at the creature. It was felling tree after tree with its strong arms trying to reach her.
Ulmaf was keeping a safe distance and watching the scene terrified.
‘Do something!’ Afaris shouted to him, but Ulmaf did not budge.
Afaris quickly generated two energy balls between his palms and cast them at the creature. Like a lightning the balls exploded on its back. The creature howled, then turned to him, showing its fangs and charged. Afaris generated an energy shield which he cast to the creature. It broke the energy barrier effortlessly and threw itself claws first onto Afaris, who bowed to avoid the first attack, then in a split second he generated two energo-form swords, the blades of which were attached to his elbow and came perpendicular to the sheath he was gripping tight. His swords were much longer and heavier than regular ones, but also filled with energy. He blocked the second attack with his left sword, but he did so with great difficulty. The monster was unbelievably strong. He hit the creature in the stomach with his other hand, but barely managed to pierce its skin. A dark viscous liquid started dripping from its stomach.
The creature howled in rage and grabbed Afaris with his claw. He lifted him and smashed him to the ground. Seeing he did not move, he charged at Debiana who gave up her bow and generated an energy sword right before the creature’s strike, but the sword shattered and she took the full blow. She rolled on the ground and stopped on the belly several bones broken and blood running between her lips. She looked up and saw Ulmaf who was still and following the action, eyes gaped in horror.
Afaris rose to his elbows and knees clinging onto his swords, healing his wounds and moaning in pain. He knew he could not defeat the creature. Running away was out of the question, it was obvious it could outrun them. He saw Debiana crying for Ulmaf’s help, but her friend was not moving, a few meters in front of her. He then saw the creature approaching her. It knew it had won the fight so it was in no rush.
‘Ulmaf, help us!’ Debiana cried.
Ulmaf started to shake. A tear ran down his cheek. He turned around and ran away under Afaris and Debiana’s petrified look.
‘Ulmaaaf!!!’ Debiana shouted behind, but he vanished among the trees.
Debiana’s cry ceased suddenly, when the creature’s claws entered her back down to the ground under her.
‘Noooo!!!’ Afaris screamed.
The creature lifted her body which was still stuck in its claws and hurled her against a tree, then her body fell on the ground. Her head was facing Afaris who saw in her open eyes that the energy called life was no longer present in his friend.
He stood up, boiling with rage. His teeth were clenched, eyes in tears. He removed the swords which were still attached to his arms and dropped them while taking firm steps towards the creature. It noticed his behaviour and turned to him, puffing angrily.
‘You … have made a big mistake …’
The creature roared at him, but he did not budge. He felt stronger than ever. His anger had opened his mind. Energy was flowing inside his body, fuelling him, making him stronger.
‘You’ve killed my father. You’ve killed Debiana and now I shall kill you.’
He dashed to the creature and it dashed to him. It raised its claws trying to severe him, but Afaris punched back. His fist was full of so much energy that it shattered its claws without even touching them. Then the fist stopped in the creature’s palm. Its arm went to pieces after the impact. It fell on its back, howling with pain, then stood up fast just to see Afaris running towards it, preparing a new attack. Afaris punched it again to the right of its chest, causing a deep wound. The black liquid sprung from the creature’s chest and it collapsed.
Afaris grabbed it by one of its horns and threw in to the trees knocking down some. He followed it determined to kill it. Despite its wounds and the destroyed limb, the creature stood up. It rose its head and howled again over the entire forest. Then something unexpected occurred. Its mouth spit flames which engulfed its body. From between its fangs, fire drops were falling setting the ground ablaze. It looked at Afaris who was approaching. It opened its mouth and a jet of fire spurted to him, but Afaris blocked the flames with a simple energy shield, even though those were not simple flames, but energy-enhanced.
<
br /> That moment, Afaris heard several trees cracking and falling down and a strong psychic voice behind him:
‘Duck!’
He threw himself immediately to the ground and Akdarosif stormed over his head hitting the creature with his claws, knocking it to the ground alongside a group of trees.
Akdarosif got off the burning creature, then tore it to pieces with his claws. Bits were falling, continuing to burn. The liquid inside its body seemed flammable, maintaining the burning.
‘Are you alright?’ Akdarosif asked.
‘Yes …’
The forest started to shake. In front of Akdarosif, among the trees, several similar creatures appeared. As dark as the night, eyes as red as the flames and of various sizes. Some were treading on the rear feet, others were designed so as to treat on both front and rear feet.
They stopped in front of Akdarosif ready to fight. Akdarosif looked at Afaris and urged him:
‘Run!’
Without no delay, Afaris ran away to where Debiana had fallen. He saw her lying on the ground lifeless, amid several fallen trees. He grabbed her, eyes in tears and ran to the town as fast he could.
Exiting the forest, onto the field around Saraf-Menom, he saw the Nymphs agitated, failing to understand what was happening!
‘Akdarosif needs you!’ he shouted to them.
‘Where is he?’ one of the Nymphs asked.
Afaris pointed to the forest; immediately after, all the Nymphs took off in that direction, and he resumed his way to the town.
From behind he could hear the loud roars of the creatures. A sound which could terrify anyone.
Entering the town running, he stopped briefly on a street; several Aorians were looking at him inquisitively and in apprehension. He put Debiana carefully onto the street stones, regarding her with sadness. An Aorian passing by asked and stopped:
‘What is going on? What happened to her?’
Afaris remained quiet for some seconds then spoke in a loud voice so that everybody could hear him:
Afaris: Shadows on Aora Page 26