Wizard's Key (The Darkwolf Saga Book 1)

by Mitch Reinhardt

  “Now, Stormlord! Strike!” said Ishara, who had just fired her last arrow at the werewolf.

  “Hurry, Sawyer! It’s breaking free!” shouted Geoff.

  Jane could only watch and chant as the werewolf ripped its way through its woodsy prison. She felt the strength of the beast as the vines and limbs that had held it captive gave way. The werewolf was just too strong.

  Sawyer grasped his sword and scrambled to his feet. The snapping and crunching of vines and limbs echoed throughout the deserted village. Sawyer ducked another swing from the werewolf, and as he did, he thrust his sword up into its midsection. It howled in pain and chomped at the last of the tree limbs that restrained it. Sawyer stepped to the side and slashed its leg. This time, the werewolf flinched and yelped.

  Sawyer raised his sword overhead and was about to strike when the werewolf broke free. Instead of attacking Sawyer, however, it stumbled backward. It snarled and glared at them with a malevolent look in its eyes.

  “Kill it!” shouted Ishara. “Kill it now!”

  Sawyer didn’t move. The werewolf growled and limped into the night.

  Jane dropped to her knees. She felt drained, she was tired. So tired. Ariel said this could happen, she thought. Everything’s spinning, turning black. Then she lost consciousness.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  A New Day

  “Wake up, Geoff.”

  Geoff felt a hand on his shoulder shaking him.

  He had tried to remain awake all night but failed.

  “Wake up.” It was Ishara.

  He opened his eyes and saw her kneeling beside him. Her dark blond locks were tussled and dangled over her shoulders. She smiled at Geoff.

  “Hmmm? What is it? Jane. Is she okay?” he asked as he squinted and rubbed his eyes.

  “She is fine. She needed rest. It’s morning,” said Ishara. “A new day for us.”

  Geoff sat up. “What about Ariel? Is she back?”

  He looked over at Sawyer and Jane, who were also waking up.

  “What’s all the commotion?” groaned Sawyer. He lay on his cot, stretched his arms, and arched his back.

  “Ariel’s here?” asked Jane.

  “Yeah,” said Sawyer, standing up and stretching. “Where is she?”

  A burst of light entered the barracks as a lone figure stepped into the doorway. Geoff shielded his eyes. The morning sunlight sparkled about the new arrival, creating a nebulous radiance. Geoff squinted and looked at the glittering familiar figure in the doorway.

  “Ariel!” Geoff said as he scrambled to his feet.

  “Hello,” said Ariel.

  A warm smile spread across her face. Jane ran to Ariel and wrapped her arms around her.

  “We were so worried about you!” said Jane. “Thank goodness you came back!”

  “Careful,” said Ariel with a slight grimace. “That side is still a bit tender.”

  “Can I help?” asked Jane. “I know a spell…”

  Ariel laughed. “Thank you, but I have already healed myself.”

  She looks more beautiful than ever, thought Geoff. Maybe it was the way the sun played off her hair, but Ariel was simply luminous. He felt his spirits rise. Sawyer was also grinning as he hugged Ariel.

  “Your friend. Did you…do it? Did you fight him?” asked Geoff.

  The smile faded from her face and she lowered her head. “Yes,” she said. “The dark druid has been defeated.”

  “I’m so sorry, Ariel,” said Jane. “I really am. Are you okay?”

  Ariel nodded. “I did what had to be done.”

  “Hal’inari,” said Ishara, bowing slightly to Ariel. “We are honored.”

  Ariel smiled. “Hal’inari, little one.”

  Geoff watched the interaction between Ishara and Ariel. They were obviously fond of each other, but he noticed that Ishara now spoke to her with a more reverent tone. Something was different now.

  Ariel looked at the damaged wall that once contained a window and the splintered door that was strewn about.

  “What has happened here?” she said.

  Before Geoff could answer, Ishara spoke.

  “We were attacked by the werewolf.”

  Ariel looked at them. “Truly? Is anyone injured?”

  “No,” said Geoff. “We chased it off.”

  “You…chased it off?” said an astonished Ariel. She looked at Ishara.

  “No. Not me,” said Ishara. She motioned toward Sawyer, Jane, and Geoff.

  “They did.”

  Ariel raised her eyebrows, “How did you manage such a feat? That werewolf is a most fearsome foe.”

  “Together,” said Ishara. “They fought as one and chased away the beast. My arrows were of no consequence. Geoff blinded it with the light from a mage stone while Sawyer kept it at bay. However, it was Jane who cast the spell which ensnared it and gave Sawyer the chance to drive the werewolf away.”

  A smile beamed across Ariel’s face.

  “Magnificent,” she said. “Simply magnificent.”

  “We thought it was going to kill us,” said Jane. “We were so scared.”

  “Yeah,” said Sawyer. “It tore this place apart to get us.”

  “They were brave,” said Ishara. “As brave as any warrior.”

  “Indeed,” said Ariel. She glanced at Sawyer, Jane, and then Geoff. “I suspected as much. I am glad none of you were hurt. Come. I have something to show you.”

  They gathered their belongings and followed her outside. Geoff looked around. The morning sunlight fell on the green leaves of the surrounding shrubbery and the freshly sprouted grass. Trees that had been black and twisted resumed their natural colors while small white daisies had sprung up, revealing their yellow centers.

  “Hey, what happened here?” said Geoff. “This place isn’t so scary now.”

  “Yeah. It looks…kinda normal,” said Sawyer. “There’s no more mist or creepy stuff here anymore. And it doesn’t stink.”

  “Looks like a nice, quaint village,” said Jane, scanning their surroundings. “Do you think the townsfolk will return to Somerdale now?”

  “Yes. I believe so.” said Ariel.

  “Cool,” said Sawyer. “I like it here now.”

  “Me too,” said Geoff. “Looks like a nice place to live.”

  The sun shone on them as they continued past the edge of the village. The bright rays warmed them and lifted their spirits. Geoff found himself smiling. He had a bounce to his step and he felt energized. He looked at Sawyer and Jane and saw they were also smiling.

  “Oh, wow,” said Jane. “The swamp is…is it changing back into a forest? I don’t understand. How could it change so much overnight?”

  “Because,” answered Ishara, “the high druid desires it.”

  They looked at Ishara, who was looking at Ariel.

  “Oh, yeah,” said Sawyer. “So you’re the commander, right? The highest rank?”

  “High druid,” said Ishara. “Now she is the greatest druid.”

  “Well, I think Ariel was always the greatest druid,” Jane said.

  “I agree. Amen to that,” said Sawyer.

  “Thank you,” Ariel said with a slight bow of her head. “Though I wish the circumstances of my ascension had been different.”

  “Hey…do you hear that? I think I hear birds singing,” said Geoff. “Don’t you?”

  They paused and listened.

  “I hear ’em too.” Sawyer said.

  They looked overhead. At least three large flocks of birds were flying by on their way to the recovering forest. Then a flash of yellow and green fluttered by and caught Geoff’s attention. He watched as two butterflies flitted and danced about Jane before they landed on her shoulder. Jane
was unaware of her visitors. That’s the second time butterflies did that, thought Geoff. Maybe they just like her for some reason.

  “Come,” said Ariel. “Follow me.”

  She stepped forward and held her hands out to her sides, palms extended upward. The nearest trees that were twisted and deformed moved. Their trunks straightened and unraveled while the branches spun out of Ariel’s way. As she walked by them, their black, oozy bark changed and became various shades of brown and green.

  Thick grass grew in Ariel’s wake and flowers bloomed beside her as she walked. Geoff’s mouth fell open as he watched the forest flourish around her. Ishara nudged him. She winked and hurried after Ariel. He looked at Sawyer and Jane, who were beside him. They also stood transfixed and astonished.

  “Oh,” mumbled Jane. “Have you ever seen anything like that?”

  “No way,” said Sawyer. “Maybe in the movies…”

  “Is this what she wanted to show us?” asked Geoff.

  “I guess. I’ve no idea what could top this.” Sawyer was still gaping at the wondrous sight.

  Ishara turned around and beckoned them to come along.

  “Yo, Geoff,” said Sawyer. “I think she likes you.”

  “Huh? No way!” Geoff felt his cheeks grow warm.

  “Sawyer may be right, Geoff,” said Jane. “She isn’t shy about you; that’s for sure.”

  “That’s true,” said Sawyer. “What exactly did you two do while you were kidnapped by the brigands?”

  Geoff looked at them. Jane’s eyes were wide open. Sawyer was rubbing his chin and feigning suspicion.

  “Mmhmm,” said Sawyer in a low tone.

  “Aww, c’mon, guys!” Geoff laughed, but felt awkward. The idea of a beautiful elven girl being interested in him was just not possible. She couldn’t be, he thought. But it would be awesome! Geoff swallowed and fidgeted where he stood.

  “Okay, okay. We better get going, loverboy,” said Jane.

  Geoff exhaled. He was thankful for the change of subject. Following Sawyer, Jane, he ran after Ariel and Ishara.

  Soon they walked into a picturesque grove. Birds zipped about and chirped at each other while bees meandered among a rainbow of colorful wildflowers. At the center of the grove was a circular pool of clear water. Large carved stones displaying odd symbols and runes littered the grassy knolls here and there.

  “Oh, wow! This is awesome,” said Jane. “I think it’s paradise. It’s like the Garden of Eden.”

  Ariel waited for them by the pool, with Ishara standing a couple of steps behind her. Near the center of the grove grew a small tree. It shone with a light green luminescence that sparkled in the sunlight. Jane went over to the tree for a closer look. Sawyer and Geoff followed.

  “It’s beautiful,” said Jane. “Just beautiful.”

  “It’s an oak,” said Geoff, circling the tree, “but it’s, like, perfect. Why is it glowing?”

  “Magic. I think it’s a blessing,” said Jane.

  “How do you know that?” asked Geoff.

  “She knows,” said Ariel. “This tree will nourish and strengthen not only this grove but the entire forest.”

  “Very cool,” said Sawyer. “So is it changing the swamp back into a forest?”

  Ariel smiled and nodded.

  “It’s so peaceful here,” said Jane, running her fingers over the growing trunk. “I wish we had a place like this back home.”

  “Come here,” said Ariel. She beckoned to them and they walked over to her.

  She looked at Geoff. “I believe this belongs to you,” she said as she held out her hand. Resting in her palm was the familiar white alabaster key they had found in his father’s study. It glimmered as the sun’s rays caressed it.

  “Wow!” Geoff’s heart leapt. “You found it!” His mouth dropped open. He never thought he would see it again, but there it was, mere inches away. “I can’t believe it!”

  “Oh my god!” said Jane, putting her hands over her mouth.

  “Believe it,” said Ariel with a big smile.

  Geoff’s fingers trembled as he took the key from Ariel. He felt the same strange tingling sensation he had experienced in his father’s study. Little arcs of electricity, like tiny lightning bolts, zoomed up and down the key. He couldn’t take his eyes off it.

  “I thought it was gone,” said Geoff. “This can’t be. It’s impossible.”

  “Impossible? How can it be impossible when it has happened?” said Ariel.

  Jane removed her hands from her mouth. “Will we…can we…go home now?”

  “But…we need an archway,” said Geoff. He looked at Ariel. “Don’t we?”

  Ariel stepped aside, Ishara did the same. Thirty feet behind them stood an archway similar to the one in Geoff’s house. It was made of white marble with a dramatic array of green and gold veins of varying sizes. Instead of gargoyles and dragon heads, this archway was exquisitely adorned with a collage of vines, leaves, and flowers.

  “Yes! Jane, we’re going home!” said Sawyer, grabbing Jane and giving her a bear-hug.

  Ariel placed a slender hand on the back of Geoff’s neck and ran her fingers through his blond hair.

  “Before you go, Geoff,” she said, “we must discuss your key.”

  “I know,” he said. “Something like I should put it back and forget it? That’s exactly what I plan to do!”

  “I am not so sure about that,” said Ariel. “A wizard’s key is an extremely rare thing. One does not simply happen upon them. I do not know how a portal and key came to be in your home, but it must have taken great effort to place them there.”

  Geoff frowned. “So what do I do with the key? If I lose it my dad will be angry.”

  “That choice is yours. Perhaps you can hide it,” said Ariel. “I am only saying someone of great power placed it in your house. And their intentions may not be good. Be careful.”

  “I never thought about that. You’re right,” he said, scratching his head. “There’s no way the portal could even fit through the door. How could it have gotten there?”

  “Magic,” said Ariel. “It could only be placed there with powerful magic.”

  “Okay, but why Geoff’s house?” Sawyer asked. “Why Geoff? I was with him when he found the key. Why not Jane’s house? Or mine?”

  “I do not know,” said Ariel. “Perhaps you will discover that for yourselves when you return home. Take care. I fear evil may try to seek you in your world.”

  The five of them walked to the archway at the far side of the grove. It’s exquisite, thought Geoff. Look at the detail in the carvings. Each leaf and vine intertwines with the others. It’s so lifelike and there isn’t a mark on it.

  “Hey, Geoff, this one’s in a lot better shape than the one in your dad’s study,” said Sawyer.

  “That one has been damaged,” said Jane to Ariel. “Like it was in a fire or explosion.

  Geoff watched Ariel’s reaction. She frowned, pursed her lips, and looked at the archway.

  “There are but a small number of these portals known to exist. No one knows the true number or their locations.”

  “Ariel…” Ishara began. Ariel gave her a quick nod and gestured with her hand. “One moment.”

  “Remember, when you go home,” said Ariel, “look after one another.”

  “Okay,” said Jane. “Hey, will I still be able to make plants grow and heal injuries?”

  Ariel smiled. “Why not?”

  Jane’s face beamed as she gave Ariel another hug. “Thank you!”

  “You are welcome,” said Ariel. “I am honored and grateful to have met each of you.”

  Jane turned away from Ariel and wiped a tear from her eye. Sawyer stood before Ariel and smiled. He held up his sword.

  �
�Here, you better take this,” he said. “It belongs here. Use it on the Shadowlord. Besides, if my dad found it he would probably pawn it.”

  “The Stormblade has chosen you,” said Ariel. “It is yours.”

  “Yeah, but somehow I’d lose it. I know I would. You better keep it. Give it to the next guy.”

  “There is no ‘next guy,’” said Ariel. “However, if you wish, I will keep it safe for you should you return.”

  Sawyer laughed. “Ha! Return? No offense, but no way! Once we’re back home I’m putting this place behind me. Who needs werewolves and orcs and trolls? You can have ’em!”

  Ariel accepted the sword with a slight nod. Geoff saw Ishara’s jaw drop. She appeared astonished that someone would give up such a weapon.

  “Thank you for everything,” said Geoff. “I hope you win the war. Beat that Shadowlord guy, okay?”

  “Hell yeah!” agreed Sawyer.

  Ariel bowed slightly to Geoff, but didn’t say anything as he walked to the portal. The tiny arcs of electricity on the key increased in frequency and his hair once again stood up.

  “Geoff,” said Ishara.

  She went to him and ran her fingers through his hair, mimicking Ariel. Her eyes met his then she kissed him on the cheek. Geoff immediately turned a bright red.

  “Good-bye, little sneak thief. I will miss you.”

  Geoff blinked. He had never been kissed by a girl before. What was he supposed to do now? His heart began to beat faster. He smiled at her and put his hand on his warm cheek. “I’ll miss you, too. I wish we had met sooner.”

  “Mmhmm,” said Sawyer.

  Ariel walked to the portal and put her arm around Geoff.

  “You must concentrate on your destination,” she said. “Think only of your home when you step through.”

  “Geoff,” said Sawyer, holding up a fist, “you better not mess up and send us somewhere else.”

  “Concentrate, Geoff,” said Jane. “Get us home.”