Diary of a Conjurer
Page 28
Hacatine laughed “You are so right! I’m afraid though that if you die, these men will keep reviving you. Hand me the dagger and let me take care of them, and you if you want. For good!”
Promise moved her head, eyes roving in a search for him. Ivar moved closer to her. “I should never have taken your magic. I don’t want it. I don’t want to remember any of this. I’m so sorry.”
When Hacatine followed, he held the dagger out in warning. Green, white, and blue flames bounced from the blade in threatening bolts. He had no idea how strong the power was against them, still the others couldn’t possibly know either. They froze. With the queen, Amleth and Aren at bay, he took Promise’s hand “Take it back,” he said. “Take your magic and free me of this.”
“I can’t take it back, Ivar. I have no strength.”
“It’s too late for her, Daryl. Give me the dagger.” Hacatine reached out, her pale fingers beckoning him to hand her the weapon.
Ivar pulled Promise closer to him.
“Leave her alone, Daryl.” Hacatine shouted, a spell mounted in her flesh as she raised her hand, spinning energy that glowered in the night sky. “I’ll have to destroy the both of you if you get any closer to her. I’m warning you, you’ll both die.”
Ivar held his dagger up against the queen. A shield of blue light streamed from it. Hacatine jumped away. Ivar turned his back to the sorceress, took Promise’s chin in his hand, and looked into her blank eyes, his with tears. “You saved my life, and I destroyed you. I didn’t mean to? Why did this happen? Why did you care for me?”
“I had hoped things would be different for the Taikans someday. I had hoped that someone would save us. I saw a little bit of your future.”
“Take it back. I should never had stolen it from you.” He took her chin in his hands and touched his lips to hers. As they kissed, he willed the magic of sight back into her. Energy gushed out of him like a dam bursting. It was the best feeling he had ever experienced, as though a huge burden poured out of his soul. And then the magical warmth of a gentle sorceress and a loving wizard joining together, sealed the transfer. He didn’t want to let go, but Promise pushed him back. He laughed. “You can see?”
“Look out.” Promise ducked. Ivar spun around as a flaming projectile shot toward them. He held his arm up, the wizard’s energy blazed, bouncing the fire that had been thrust at him into the air.
“What are you after? This?” Ivar held the dagger above his head. The light of the moon, cast a glow on its blade. “You want this dagger, you disgusting witch? This is the reason for murdering and maiming anyone that comes in your way?” His sneer was as hateful as the queen’s glare. His eyes glowed green in the night. The ocean had risen and waves broke around his feet, trickling sand and shells over his toes as it receded. “You wicked tyrant? Have your way then. I’ll give it to you. Take it!”
Promise gasped and reached for his arm struggling to grab the dagger that was well out of her reach. “Ivar, no! You can’t give it to her! Don’t! It will be the end of all of us! Don’t give it to her!”
Ivar switched the weapon to his other hand and pushed Promise back. “Stay out of this, Promise.”
“Yes, sweetie. Let the boy return what doesn’t belong to him.” Hacatine lifted her chin.
Ivar rolled back his shoulders. That was enough! He’d heard more than he wanted from Hacatine.
“No, Ivar. Don’t!” Promise cried.
He threw the dagger. The sound of the wind that carried the weapon was so loud it drowned her voice. The blade sped through the air. Hacatine reached out to receive it with eager hands, a wry smile stretching across her face. But she wasn’t fast enough. The blade grazed her arm as it buried into her chest. She doubled over as the projectile penetrated her heart. With the dagger buried deep into her flesh, her body shook in violent spasms, twisting and contorting, a cloud of smoke oozed from her tortured body, dust and magic whirled around her as she transformed before their eyes. A snakelike shape slithered out of the mass, glowing until the green of Silvio’s magic faded. The creature squawked a painful sound as it spiraled through the sky and dove into the sea. Giant waves swelled over the black serpent. It surfaced again with a wake of foam, the salts sparkled in the moonlight. Again the serpent dove with a deafening screech and then vanished into the dark of night.
Ivar watched in disbelief. No one else said a word.
The sea boiled and then calmed.
The ships in the distance rocked. The warriors who had waited on the beach stood still. No one spoke for the longest time. Finally, Ivar turned to Promise and spoke softly. “She’s gone. You’re free. Taikus is free.” He called out to the warriors on the beach. “You’re all free!”
Silvio’s eyes were wide. His hair blew against his face as he gazed at the ships and the quiet sea. Amleth and Aren both watched Ivar, their bows were lowered. Ivar could not read their expressions. It didn’t matter. He was done with them.
“Let’s go.” Ivar took Promise’s hand.
“Your people,” she whispered and pulled away. “They need you.”
“They aren’t my people.” He dropped her hand and walked toward the man he once called his chief, his eyes locked on Amleth. These would be his last words to him. After this he would never have to look him in the eye again. “I wasn’t a Kaempern. You lied to me. You deceived me. You made me live a life that wasn’t mine. For that, we will never be at peace. I swear, Amleth, I will always be your enemy. Now and forever!”
Amleth didn’t respond.
“Ivar . . .” Promise took his arm, but drew back when Ivar stopped her with his eyes. The root of his scorn was too deep. She needed to stay out of it.
Silvio cleared his throat and waddled forward, his long knotty fingers shook as he held out his palm. “You have something of mine.”
Ivar didn’t answer, nor did he acknowledge the wizard. Instead he took Promise’s hand. “Come with me,” he said.
He led her toward the beach and to the skiff. He’d live out his dreams. He’d let the sea set his course and take Promise home to the island of Taikus.
Thank you for reading the Ian’s Realm Saga, book for and the short stories that weave history into them. This is not the conclusion, there is more to come.
Next Cassandra’s Castle.
Visit the website for more information about the books, the TV series being produced, and other novels by D. L. Gardner
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Other Realm Stories
Ian’s Realm Sagsa
Cassandra’s Castle
More to come…