He closed his eyes and tried to shut out the irritatingly loud chanting. He was beyond caring. His mind was in a solitary place of darkness. He didn’t feel or sense anything anymore. He was in a dark cocoon. Everything within him was fixated on not hearing his enemies. Suddenly, he felt a warm glow deep inside him. It suffused his being. And he imagined his enemies being swept away by a dark wind, as dark as the place where his mind was.
A light sprang into his consciousness, catching his focus. Around it was a whirlwind of darkness, growing in size and power. No sound accompanied it. It felt like a primordial force of nature. Savage, hungry, powerful and alive. It rapidly grew in strength, now nearly encompassing the corners of his mind. But the brightness remained. It was like the solitary light of a candle but unaffected by the maelstrom around it. It kept the escalating dark tempest at bay, an eye of a destructive storm of nature. He was fascinated by the soundless gale around the light. That it was alive, he had no doubt. Rational? He didn’t think so. It was like a child throwing the biggest tantrum it could make. He let its irrational anger grow. And grow some more. He could feel its exultation.
Then he felt a slap on his face. A hard one.
Surprised, he opened his eyes. His left cheek stung like mad.
He saw Eira in front of him. A terrified look on her amazingly gorgeous green eyes, though he could also see her body trembling with fear. He discovered he had stood up already. Jorund had moved to his side and was sitting on the ground, the weird halberd in one hand.
“Again, with the slapping,” he mumbled.
Hearing him, Eira’s eyes widened and she threw her arms around him. She hugged him tightly. He could hear her crying.
“Again, with the crying,“ he mumbled once more.
“Sire. Excuse me, but I have to attend to Habrok. Hopefully, that maniac is still alive,” said Jorund as the warrior tiredly stood up.
His blurry vision was clearing. Now he could see the field before him. It had a surprising lack of dead bodies. He looked around as he gathered the still crying Eira in his arms. The same sight greeted him. Only a few dead foes could be seen. But the ground cover was torn and broken, as if a giant lawnmower ran rampant around them.
Further into the Gap, he saw that a few tents and other camp structures remained, and these were the ones nearer to the front lines facing the town. A mass of figures was moving to the side of the Gap, running into the forest on his left. Or what remained of the forest. Nearer trees have been uprooted or stripped of their leaves and branches. It looked like a wasteland. He looked at Eira, her face still on his shoulder.
“Eira, what happened?” he softly asked.
CHAPTER LORE:
Jormungandr - Old Norse. A major figure in Norse mythology. Also known as the Midgard Serpent. The arch-enemy of the Norse god Thor.
Mjolnir - Old Norse. In Norse mythology, the hammer of the deity Thor. Depicted as one of the most powerful weapons in existence.
Gungnir - Old Norse. Meaning "the swaying one." In Norse mythology, the spear of the deity Odin. Believed to have the power to strike any target.
CHAPTER XVIII
Aftermath
“You did,” answered Eira, her beautiful face streaked with tears.
ME? I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE!
Just then, everybody’s attention was caught by the sight of part of the mound rising to form an earth and stone door. Rumpr stepped out.
“Well, lad! You did solve the problem!”
At the sight of the ancient landvaetter, Eira broke her hug and knelt before Rumpr.
“My respects, Ellri.”
Rumpr looked at the kneeling Eira. He took her hand and helped her stand.
“My lady. Long had it been since I last saw you. You have become more beautiful since then. Though I really would like to dispense with that “ancient” thing. Makes me feel … old. But the sight of you, my Lady, makes me feel young.”
Rumpr kissed her hand and looked at Tyler.
This guy is smooth. As glass. A very short one.
“My young and not so crazy mage, should we all be going? Ymir and his people may be a bit distracted right now, the perfect time to leave this place of death. I doubt if they could see us. You did put the fear of Havard in them,” chuckled Rumpr.
Tyler and Eira immediately entered the doorway. Tyler could hear Rumpr shouting to Jorund.
“Hey, huskarl! Come on, bring Habrok. But bring him like a princess. Broken bones. Lots, I think. That damn night-wolf better not die on me. Still have dates with his girlfriends!”
They found themselves later in a giant cavern. Eira did cast a healing spell on the unconscious ranger while they were in the passage. But she mentioned that the recuperative magic she did was a temporary measure. Habrok needed serious magical treatment, one which required time and examination.
The cavern itself appeared to be created out of natural processes though a long stone table with matching chairs awaited them. A stone bed was on one side of the cavern. Waiting for them was Hrun. Standing near the stone dais. Rumpr directed Jorund to bring the ranger to the bed. Though Tyler noticed that the warrior also had wounds of his own. Some had closed but the serious slashes on his arms and legs were bleeding. He guessed the man also had minor healing skills but not enough for the larger wounds.
“Eira, please see what you can do to help. Jorund also is wounded.”
She nodded and moved to the stone platform. As he proceeded to a chair, he noticed Eira again knelt before Hrun.
Just what are these beings? They appear to be elementals but Eira treats them as gods. There’s no way Rumpr is mere a landvaetter. No matter how ancient he claims to be.
Rumpr followed him to the table and sat down. Tyler looked at him.
So many dead at my hands. How can Rumpr be so blasé about it? I know I was responsible. I know they would have slit my throat gladly and that’s the merciful way they would go about it. Still…
“I know what you’re thinking, lad. Why old Rumpr could be so cold about the thousands who died. I’ve seen them come and go. Heroes, kings, empires, and even gods. These things can’t be avoided. And some need killing more than others.”
“It doesn’t make it easier. On my conscience.”
“Yes. And it shouldn’t. When the time comes that it doesn’t affect your conscience, then that’s the time you begin your journey to your own personal hell. But your guilt should not overcome you and your purpose, whatever it is. Though I could say you have Adar’s interests in mind, and that’s how it should be.”
Tyler looked at his hands, wondering how many will still die.
“Don’t think about it now. Rest for a while, my friend. And a friend you are now indeed. Eat your fill. Magic is hard work."
Rumpr made a gesture and the table filled with food and drink.
“I do have something to show you. But in a little while.” Rumpr stood up and went to where Habrok was being treated.
Tyler started eating. Jorund joined him and also partook of the meal. No words were exchanged. Each had thoughts of his own. But Tyler could see the huskarl’s wounds were already healed. Only red welts showed where he sustained serious cuts and wounds. He waited until the man finished eating.
“Jorund. Tell me, what did you see? My eyes were closed and I was waiting for death. I really thought we were all done for.”
“It was a … strange sight, Sire. I was able to defend myself, thanks to your help, though I was already weary beyond measure. The one surviving ice elf had a vargyr come over and he left just before that damned chanting begun. I went over to your side as I saw you on your knees. Then a dark soundless whirlwind came into being around the mound. It became stronger, bigger, and it whirled faster. Its reach went far beyond the mound. It became taller with flashes of something which looked like lightning within the maelstrom. No sound, that’s what unnerved me. Only the voices and shouts of those caught within it. And thousands were swallowed by the storm.”
“It was then
lucky that my eyes were closed.”
“Indeed, Sire. It was like watching a terrible nightmare come to life. The storm had no voice and yet, I could sense it laughing and enjoying crushing your enemies. It was alive. It was rapidly growing. I don’t know if it fed on the enemies it had caught up in its clutches. It was a good thing the Lady woke you up. No telling how big and how powerful the whirlwind may have become.”
“I could have destroyed Scarburg if I didn’t wake up?”
“Yes, Sire. But I don’t know if it would have stopped at Scarburg.”
“Jorund. Believe me when I say I have no idea how that whirlwind came about.”
“Surely, Sire. I trust you and your judgment. But then again, if you knew what you were doing, why fight for Scarburg only to destroy it in a way more complete than even the jotnar intended.”
“I still have to learn a lot, Jorund. For me, this journey is also a quest for knowledge.”
“Then we will have that knowledge, Sire. Of that, I have no doubt.”
Tyler stayed quiet.
My companions have more trust in me and my abilities than I do. I don’t know if I should be happy or scared for all of us.
Rumpr came over.
“The ranger princess is now fine. He merely needs to rest. But Hrun and Eira are still finishing with the healing. In the meantime, please come with me, lad. It’s just me and the mage, Jorund. Stay here and rest. Those two healers may also have need of you. The princess may find himself too weak when he wakes up.”
Jorund bowed. Tyler and Rumpr walked towards an alcove on the far end of the cavern. Reaching it, a door appeared and the two entered. After a while, they reached the exit.
“Close your eyes, young mage.”
Tyler closed his eyes.
“Welcome to this peculiar little dump.”
Upon opening his eyes, Tyler saw he was in a small clearing. A few trees stood to his sides and the dell was surrounded by the sheer stone faces of the surrounding tall mountains. No visible exit or entry to the glade could be seen. But in the middle of all of it was a ruined structure. With the distinctive black stone columns of the temple he found in Fossegrim forest.
“Thought you may be interested.”
He walked to the ruin, Rumpr following.
“It was a nice odd little thing before. Until those hotheads started their brawl nearby. Ruined it with all the rocks, bolts, and whatnot flying around. We had to close off the clearing with the pretty peaks you see now. A lot of the original mountains were broken and even flattened. Hrun had to build them up again. Took him and his family a long time. Good thing those brawlers didn’t obliterate it by accident.”
HRUN BUILDS MOUNTAINS?
Reaching the remains of the edifice, Tyler looked for the embedded tablets. Rumpr left him and sat down under the shade of a tree, the usual stump rising from the ground to serve as his chair. He started on the right side of the ruin. The tablets he could see were again covered by huge boulders as he could see the cracked remnants peering out of the stone. Must have been one hell of a blast or blasts to break them. The stones must have fallen from the surrounding mountains after the temple was hit. He went around the boulders, trying to find an intact tablet. Upon nearing the back of the structure, he found his way blocked by a large fallen rock ledge. He went to the left side of the temple. The broken tablet pieces won’t work for him. Hal had told him about that.
Picking his way along the left side which was full of rocky obstacles unlike the right side of the temple, he found that most of the tablets were already covered by the stone boulders. But as he was nearing the back of the temple, where the fallen ledge awaited him, he thought he saw a part in the piled boulders which made for a clear area. He went closer. A part was indeed missed by the rocky cover but whatever was on the ground was obscured by gravel and small rocks. Using his hands, he carefully removed them.
As he was clearing the patch, his hand inadvertently touched the tablet beneath. A surge of power imbued with knowledge immediately flooded his mind. For a while, he was stunned by the impact of the incoming energy. He could feel its overwhelming eagerness to be released. He sat down, overcome by the pressure on his brain. Mercifully, no headache accompanied the rush. After a while, the flow ebbed and disappeared. He could feel the tablet turning into dust.
Rumpr appeared beside him.
“You hurt? Felt a surge of power. Thought you may need old Rumpr’s help.”
“No, I’m alright. Run into something. But I guess it’s gone now. Thanks.”
“You sure, lad? Not that I’m prying or anything but it wouldn’t do for you to die now after all that garbage work,” he chortled.
“I’m sure, Rumpr. I just need to take a break.”
“Shout if you need me, will go back to my spot. Haven’t visited this glade for a long time. Brings back memories. Some bad. But those memories do have a way of reminding one of the need for perspective.” With that, Rumpr disappeared.
Tyler sat for a while. He could feel the new power and information fitting into that indecipherable mass of knowledge at the back of his mind.
Greetings, Elder.
That you, Hal?
Affirmative. That latest data input has activated me. But this version is basic and unsatisfactory for our communication needs.
Oh, I am sorry! Will try to find more tablets in mint condition next time!
Is that sarcasm, Elder? I am afraid that would be lost on me. I am, as I mentioned, a basic form in this iteration. Though more information is available, the means of converting and applying them in communicable format is extremely limited.
No wonder you sound so robotic.
An apt analogy, Elder. But at least, I am awake and able to communicate, even in a limited sense.
I guess that would be better than nothing at all. How about the guardian of this temple? Your counterpart?
His module had been destroyed. All that remained is this one tablet. But the data contained therein is intact and I have already processed it.
Just how many tablets are there, Hal?
Present database unable to provide the answer. But this tablet you accessed is Number 15.”
So that makes 1, 2, and 15?
Yes, Elder.
Will Adar beings be able to sense you?
No, Elder. My energy and present form is beyond their comprehension. They won’t be able to sense me at all. Unless you allow me to adopt an independent semi-autonomous existence later on when the knowledge is available.
Alright. I won’t shut you down. As of now. But stay in the background. Observe and only talk when I ask you. Except of course if my life is threatened, then do what you think is best.
Offensive measures too, Elder?
Wait… hmmm… not for now. Still have to learn what you can do. Defensive measures only. Make it appear as if they are runic spells. And never scan or interfere with my thoughts!
As you order, Elder. I will only respond to thoughts directed at me.
Bye for now, Hal.
Till you call me, Elder.
Shit, good I caught that. No telling what Hal can do in offensive mode. Though I have a rider now. Scratch that. Hal has been with me since Fossegrim. A conscious rider. Or a virus? Well, so far, he has been MY virus. Wait. That doesn’t sound right. The only way I could be reassured is if I get him his own body. Outside of mine.
Tyler walked to the front of the ruins. Rumpr was still seated in his stump throne, looking at the mountain peaks. He waited until the being noticed him and came over.
“Time to go back?”
Tyler nodded.
When the two appeared back at the cavern, things were better. Habrok was seated and eating at the table with the rest. As they took their seats, he noticed Hrun was looking at him. The stone elemental gave him an imperceptible nod. Eira stood up and took a seat beside Tyler. Tyler smiled at her.
“I really do appreciate the wake-up call, painful as it may be. How did you know when to come? Jorun
d tells me it could have been worse if you weren’t around.”
“The staff. As long as you hold it, I can sense what you are going through if the emotion is deep and strong enough. I felt darkness around you. A rising hungry darkness.”
“So Scarburg is within your transference capabilities then?”
“It lies just inside it. Even with what we found, I find it difficult to hold this form far from Fossegrim. I may have to leave in a while.”
“How about the attacks on Fossegrim?”
“They have lessened since the assault on Scarburg began. But nothing like before. My guardians can easily take care of such threats in my absence.”
“Is Habrok alright?” He looked at the ranger before turning his attention back to Eira.
“A bit weak but he’ll be fine. With the Ellri at my side, it was a lot easier. His armor prevented what would have been a fatal strike. His main injuries was the damage to his ribs and the area around it.”
“Thanks, Eira, you can’t imagine how grateful I am. That womanizing ranger, even with his non-stop talking, had begun growing on me.”
Eira laughed. Such a wonderful laugh. Musical and ethereal at the same time.
“As long as you don’t follow his ways? I mean, two nymphs would be fine but a whole horde of them?”
Eira laughed again. She evidently didn’t forget her jibe at him back in the forest.
“But it’s time for me to go back. I can feel the strain of keeping my form here.”
She stood up and went to the two ancient beings to say her goodbyes. She then went to a position some distance from the table and looked at Tyler. He stood up and walked to her. As he got close, she laid her hand on his face.
“Please do be careful, kerasti. Don’t die. I will not always be able to go to you. And your journey may take you far from me and mine.”
The Accidental Archmage: Book One - Ragnarok Rising (MOBI EDITION) Page 37