As the wind was forced outward Bren heard a slight scream and felt something grab onto his leg pulling him to the ground. Catching a bit of his own attack, Bren’s ears popped causing his head to feels as if it was spinning. Closing his eyes tight Bren fought against the sensation. When he opened his eyes again, Bren saw a small form still grasping his leg. “Faye?” Bren asked shakily “What are you doing here?”
“Did you think I would just let you run away so easily,” Faye replied with a weak grin. “Fool.”
Lifting Faye from the ground he placed her gently on her feet but when her legs couldn’t hold her, Bren lifted her and placed her over his shoulder.
Rushing toward the entrance of the valley Bren didn’t look back as he started pulling in magic. Outside though still weak, there was plenty of energy for one mage to use. Once he had pulled in almost too much for him to hold, Bren let loose a torrent of energy.
As soon as the wave subsided, the magical energy that had been held at bay flooded the area and Bren felt relieved. He knew that every piece of the cursed white metal had been destroyed so there was no more worry that his spells would be blocked. He had expected to feel tired but instead he felt a tingling sensation over his entire body. He felt light and energized, as if he had just slept for an entire week. Even with Faye weighing him down Bren found no trouble in running at full speed.
As he closed in on the entrance to the valley he found it blocked by a wide band of soldiers. It would seem that they planned in case he was able to make it out of the library. Though the white swords had been destroyed there was still far too little energy for him to take on a whole army at one time.
As he had trained, Bren pulled in wind energy which was the most plentifully in open areas and started forming a large whirlwind around it. It was weak at first but was gradually growing stronger. The Brotherhood sensing the danger rushed him pushing through the strong winds.
Letting go of Thuraman, Bren focused a small amount of wind energy to keep it floating at his side as he drew his sword. With one hand holding Faye and one holding his sword Bren advanced.
The soldiers continued to fight against the wind, slowly moving toward him. Most lost their battle and were picked off the ground and flung into the distance but those who made it through came at Bren with everything they had left.
The first one to reach Bren still had plenty of energy as the wind was still weak but his attack was slightly off balance and made while he was at a full run making it easy for Bren to move to the side. Using a backhand slice, Bren’s blade bit into the man’s back cutting a thick line and sending him to the ground. Without looking back Bren continued on but he did hear the man’s final scream as the wind picked him up and tossed him far into the night.
The longer the spell continued the lighter he felt and the easy Bren found it to move. It was almost as if the magic was being infused directly into his very body. When the next soldier approached, Bren found it easy to dodge the attack. A quick kick from his foot sent the man flying into the air.
At first soldiers appeared after every few steps but soon the winds were so strong none could pass through them, but the strength he had felt at first was starting to wane. Once it appeared that no more soldiers were going to make it through the whirlwind Bren sheathed his sword and once again took Thuraman in his hand and started to run.
His feet struck the ground with such force that it caused holes as he ran. The ground passed before him as if he was riding at full speed on the back of a trained warhorse, though he was tiring quickly.
As the wind around him began to die so did the energy that burned through Bren’s body. Suddenly he found himself out of energy and laying on the ground with Faye softly calling to him. Bren looked back toward where he had come to find that he couldn’t even see a hint of the hills that had surrounded the valley. He had the map and they were safe, at least for now and all Bren could think about was sleep.
EPILOGUE
When Bren woke he found himself surrounded by his friends. At first he didn’t know what to say but the silence that hung in the air was quickly filled with complaintsfrom his companions.
Unable to help himself Bren started laughing. He knew that they were mad at him but it didn’t matter, they were safe and once again together and though he was uncertain if he could keep them that way, for now that was all that mattered.
“What now?” Cass said in his irritated voice.
“We find a place where we can study the map in peace. It doesn’t matter where. We just need a place that can hide us from the Brotherhood until we find out next destination.”
“I think I know the prefect place then my lord,” Hayao said bowing. “My village is not far from these lands and I am sure that they will allow us a place of rest and respite where you can achieve your goal.”
“I thought that your village was…” Bren started to say but Hayao’s smile silenced him.
“The same as Arashi’s?” Hayao replied with a sharp grin. “No, I was only hired to work in that land. My village is one of secrets, you should consider it an honor to be able to visit such a place. Normally only the daimios are allowed such an honor.”
“Then I will take you up on that honor,” Bren said clasping Hayao’s offered hand and pulling himself to his feet.
Silver Mage (Book 2) Page 24