by Tom Rogal
“You seem uncomfortable.”
Dyenarus explained, “It’s a feeling. Something doesn’t feel right. Isn’t Mimerck acting strange to you?”
Vindar commented, “Well, I always thought him crazy, but you’re right. There is something odd with the way he's speaking, moving around. I didn’t know he wanted the Relic as much as Neeza.”
That was another thing worrying her too. What did he mean by when he said that he would have grabbed it if not for its weight being more than he could handle? Was he going to grab it and leave? She overheard him say that he was here for gold, but to be as bold as to find it and then betray them would have been foolish.
Now that she looked around, everyone was seemingly acting odd the closer they got. Lindaris became incredibly silent, something not in his character. Joakon began whispering and laughing every few minutes. Gerran seemed to be losing his senses, taking him twice as long to find the Relic’s path despite admitting its power was growing. Even Haldirin began to show signs of overprotectiveness for Neeza. The only ones not affect were her, Vindar, and Condarin. The one thing they shared in common: they were wearing or standing near the amulet.
Dyenarus suggested, “I want you two to stay close to me. Don’t wander too far ahead. I think we’ve all underestimated the power this Relic has.”
Condarin asked, “But what good can we do? We still can’t cast magic for a while longer.”
She didn’t know. She just didn’t know. But she would find a way. She didn’t come all this way to die. When they reached the it, the answers would hopefully come to her. If not, then may the gods have mercy on their souls.
They finally reached a long corridor leading to a partially opened door. Everything about the hallway was frightening. It was completely dark, meaning Neeza and Mimerck were the only ones who could light the way. The relic room appeared to be lit somehow from where they were.
Mimerck urged on, “Come! It’s just ahead. It’s magnificent!”
Dyenarus highly doubted it, but the other mages seemed excited, like they were seeing a city made of gold. Condarin and Vindar were more uneasy, not experiencing the strange euphoria, being as close as they were to the amulet.
The door was foreboding enough. A skull surrounded by vines was engraved on the ancient doorway. The elves liked to post what was inside a room on their doors or archways so as to warn the person entering what they might face. Is this what they really were saying with this door? If so, she wasn’t too sure she wanted to enter.
At last they were in the room that had housed Valendri’s Relic. The light was coming from a large number of air pockets too high to get to and too small to climb out of. At least that meant that they were near the edge of the mountain. By the time Dyenarus and her small group of trusted allies entered the room, the others were staring ahead in marvel.
Mimerck said, “There it is! The Relic, the mechanism of Power!”
Condarin examined it closer, unbelieving to what she was seeing, “So, the Relic is . . . is . . .”
Vindar finished her sentence, “It’s a coffin.”
So that was what the line in the song referred to. The Relic was actually a coffin, Valendri’s Coffin. It was that artifact that brought about the destruction of the defenders and settlers of the once proud elvish stronghold. It wasn’t a disease of the body, but a disease of the mind. She wasn’t certain, but she had a feeling it had something to do with the appearance of the Garchai as well.
Neeza walked slowly toward it. The Coffin was very intimidating. The top was sunken in and was covered in dried red liquid. The design on the side was beautiful. It was a combination of language, drawings of ancient battles, and vines etched into the stone. It was partially made of stone, but mostly it was made from an unfamiliar black metal. Strangest thing he had seen.
As he ran his fingers over the metal, Neeza said, “At last. The Relic. I have the tool to save you.”
Mimerck moved carefully over toward Neeza, causing Haldirin to react, “You see? We must carry it out. Needs four people to lift. Telekinetics won’t work. Tried, I did.”
“We should open it.”
Everyone looked in Lindaris’ direction. His face was dark, and he had an angry smirk on his face. Nothing was right about this. Opening it was just as bad an idea as was taking it with them.
Lindaris continued, “We discovered it. We should be the first to gaze on its glory.”
Joakon and Gerran joined in agreement. Condarin and Vindar watched in disbelief and horror. The people who showed excellent judgment the whole trip were now suddenly going on whims and assumptions. Their careful natures were being overtaken by desire.
Mimerck stopped in front of them and said, “No! We must leave with it! When we return we can open it. Then we can see its glories!”
The two sides began arguing against opening it now or later. The jewel in the amulet began to shine bright. That was it! The amulet was the answer. If she could get close enough to the Coffin and place it on top, it should block the Coffin’s power. Getting to it was going to be the challenge. There were three who wanted to open the Coffin here at all costs and three who wanted to take it with, two of which could still cast magic at this point. It was going to have to take some guile.
Neeza finally decided, “I’m the leader here! And young Lindaris has a mighty fine idea. Let us see what the Relic holds! Better here where we can claim as being the only ones to lay eyes on it!”
Eyes . . . maybe that was the reason the Garchai and everything else suffered from ailments that led to blindness. The Relic was probably opened and everyone who looked inside it became blind; First with power, then with their sight. She had to do something. That Coffin couldn’t be opened for any reason.
Dyenarus looked at Vindar and Condarin and said, “Follow me. I need to get to the Relic, but I think they might stop me. Help me get there.”
They nodded as she walked forward. Neeza was about to open it before Dyenarus interrupted him.
“Hold it, my great Master Neeza. We can’t open it yet. The ritual must first be performed.”
Joakon asked, “Ritual? What ritual?”
Dyenarus explained, “The ritual of the amulet. The Coffin is surrounded by a powerful shield, one I can sense because of my knowledge in the area of Illusions, but is blind to you all. Why do you think it is so heavy to lift? Let me put the amulet on top of it, and then we can begin the ritual. We can open it once the seal is broken.”
She sure hoped that worked. It was a long shot, but it was the only way she could think of being able to get it on the coffin without fighting. It was a better option than just trying to run it there.
Neeza began to evaluate her request, examining the amulet and then her eyes. She had to keep that conviction in them if she was going to pull off this farce. She also hoped that Neeza didn’t recognize it. He was the one who gave it to her after all, and if he remembered what it did, the running option would look pretty darn good.
Surprisingly, Neeza was allowing her through. Just as she was about to walk past him, a hand grabbed her arm. She saw it was Neeza’s, and it was quite a firm one as well. He tossed her back with a strength she didn’t expect from 800 year-old arms.
Neeza said, “Don’t play me stupid! I know there is no seal on it. It wants us to open it.”
Lindaris and Mimerck yelled, “Liar! Betrayer!”
Neeza began slowly walking her back toward the end of the room. She was going the wrong way. She had to find an opening and fast otherwise they would subdue her and stop any chance of leaving.
Dyenarus, knowing the ploy was over, no longer tried to hide it, “Neeza, I need to put this on it. We can still take the Relic, but let me just put this amulet on it. It will do no harm.”
Lindaris yelled, “Liar!”
Neeza replied, “By how you state it, I highly doubt that. Joakon, retrieve this amulet and smash it against a stone.”
Joakon walked over to Dyenarus, but never quite made it. Vindar tackled
him and punched him in the face, dazing him. Gerran began running toward Vindar seeing his mate in trouble.
“Dyenarus! Go, now!”
Gerran rammed into Vindar, knocking him off Joakon. The Divination mage recovered faster and began hitting their navigator mage with his fist and whenever he could, his staff. Gerran began attacking relentlessly, something he didn’t expect from him. Dyenarus tried to run, but Neeza was blocking her at every turn.
“Where do you think you’re going? Time to put an end to this now!”
Neeza brought his hands back to use a spell, but it was negated when he felt something hit his shoulder. Condarin was in back throwing rocks at him. It was not the most intimidating thing she could do, but it peeled his attention off Dyenarus as she continued forward.
Neeza instantly began firing spells in her direction, causing her to run for cover. She finally hid behind a decent-sized rock and covered her face. Rock and dust flew everywhere from the spells.
Condarin yelled as tears ran down her cheek, “Please, Neeza! Stop this! This isn’t you!”
Dyenarus was about halfway when she noticed Lindaris coming hard from the side. He was the most athletic between the two, but she was the smarter of them. She reached down and grabbed some sand on the ground and as he neared, she blew the powder into his face. He negated his tackle and fell to the ground trying to wipe the dust from his eyes. The Coffin was only ten feet away when she was finally brought down from behind by Mimerck, who was holding on tightly to her legs.
She looked back to see how the others were fairing. Vindar was now getting double teamed by Gerran and Joakon, who recovered from Vindar’s opening assault. Haldirin joined in as well. As she looked back at Neeza, he was chanting to cast a spell at Condarin. No, not just chanting . . . he was pleading. He was pleading to their gods . . . oh no! He was trying to cast one of the forbidden spells! If he got that off, they were all dead. She had to get to the Relic and get to it now.
She was able to free one of her legs as she hobbled to reach it. She was no more than two feet from the Coffin, but Mimerck’s resistance was causing her to lose ground fast. Taking the amulet, she drove one of the edges into his hand, puncturing it deeply. He let go of her leg finally as blood began to flow. Dyenarus dove, slamming the amulet on the Relic.
The jewel lit brightly like the sun for a few seconds as everything suddenly went quiet. Dyenarus looked back to see all the mages possessed before grabbing their heads.
Neeza asked, “What . . . happened?”
Gerran answered, “I don’t know but my head feels like it had rocks thrown at it.”
Thank the gods! It worked! Dyenarus relaxed her body as everyone began to stand up. Haldirin helped her up as they all surrounded her.
Dyenarus explained, “You were all consumed by the Relic’s power. You were going to open it, so I stopped you by placing the amulet on it.”
Neeza and the others could see the amulet giving off a soft yellowish glow. It was strange that he couldn’t remember anything after their eyes first gazed on the Relic. Was it purely evil? Whatever the case, they were going to need to be very careful with it.
Mimerck stood up finally and yelled, “What in the bloody version of hell happened to my hand?”
Dyenarus commented, “You hit a sharp stone. You should really be more careful.”
She walked over to Vindar and Condarin, who patted her shoulder. Condarin had some scrapes from the rocks that hit her while Vindar had some bruises on his face that she was certain were going to leave their mark. Both had smiles on their faces despite that.
“We thank you for saving us, Dyenarus. Now, let’s get the Relic to the ship and get out of here.”
She had to stop. Did her ears deceive her? Was Neeza still intending on taking the relic even after what just transpired?
Dyenarus pleaded, “What are you doing? How is this still an option after what just happened? This Relic is evil! You must see this! Let it go, Neeza. Whatever you need it for is not worth the pain it causes!”
Condarin and Vindar both voiced their concerns as well. Neeza put his head down. You were all right. He could see now that this was truly a dangerous item that they were next to. It was probably even a mistake coming in the first place. They lost one man on the expedition and nearly more just a few moments ago. But his thoughts referred back to Mierena. He was here because this might be the last thing in the known world that could save her . . . and their family in his lifetime. On Dyyros years ago, he was so close, but never got the chance. Here, he was actually touching the item of her salvation. As much as this was a threat, he couldn’t abandon it.
Neeza answered solemnly, “I sense you might be right. I haven’t come all this way to fail. I have to try and see if what I think this can do works. When we are done, I promise you, we will willingly hand it over to the elves so that it can be destroyed. I know you might not understand, but I must try.”
As Neeza tried to pass, Dyenarus blocked his progress. The look she gave, he had never seen from her before. It was one of anger and concern.
"Neeza, please! Leave it. I know Biverin said to get the Relic, but he didn't know what I know now. Don't let your guilt for his death make you do something we all might regret."
Condarin and Vindar supported her as her legs looked weak. Neeza didn't say a word. He patted her on the shoulder as he continued toward the Relic. The others followed hesitantly, nearly driving Dyenarus to tears.
Dyenarus didn’t like their leader's suggestion. It was a mistake to bring the object back home. What else could she do, though? He was aware of the risk of what he was doing. Her words, as true as they were, failed to sway his opinion. This was the first time that she allowed her curiosity as to why the Relic was this important to him dominate her mind.
Neeza ordered, “Secure the amulet to the Coffin. I’ll need one man to each handle. Let’s go home.”
---------------------
The mages reached the southern island after spending most of the afternoon crossing atoll after atoll. Mimerck anchored in a very ideal location. The atolls led right to the island, where he was ten miles away. Good thing too. Valendri’s Relic was bulky in all the right spots making it difficult to maneuver. Surprisingly, the Coffin was light in weight. Quite amazing for something made entirely of what appeared to be a heavy metal.
Haldirin, Lindaris, Joakon and Vindar were charged with holding the Relic. Condarin was excused because she was the first to regain her magic back after the spell. Gerran and Mimerck were leading them toward the ship. Neeza stayed back with Dyenarus as he wanted to speak with her alone while they traveled.
Neeza said, “Dyenarus. I know that this may not be the proper time, but Haldirin had told me how brave you were when we all separated. Plus, if not for you, we would probably still be in the relic room doing . . . well, who knows what we would have been doing. Your disapproval of us taking the Relic was out of place, but it's one I understand why you feel as such. When we return home, I am giving you the full endorsement.”
She was honored. It was what she had hoped for on this trip. With the honor bestowed to her, she was one step closer to being able to reveal her half-mage origins. Although she was honored, she was surprised others didn’t receive it.
“This is a blessing, and I am grateful to receive it, but I was certain others like Condarin would get it. She did save your life after all.”
Neeza said, “This is true. Her judgment in that situation was immaculate. However, this entire journey you have shown the leadership skill and the magical know-how to prove to me that you are deserving of this award. Plus, your mates really like you and trust you. Those are two qualities that will earn you respect and as you will find, will be key as you go on with your life.”
She replied, “Then I would be honored to accept this upon our return. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We still have to return before it becomes relevant.”
That was why he chose her. She wouldn’t feel safe until they we
re back on the shore of Myyril. She shouldn’t feel safe, either. They went unopposed as they exited Mount Hrithgorn, but they weren’t on their boat yet. And the Relic did slow them down. Mimerck assured him that the damage to the boat was not serious enough that it would stop them from departing. Repairs had to be made, but most could be done enroute.
He took another glance at Mount Hrithgorn, probably the last time he would ever look upon it. He remembered the awe they felt when they first saw it. The mystery that it held, and the excitement and fear they experienced upon arriving seemed like a distant memory. As much as he was happy to go home, he was sad to go as well. So much had happened here, so many good and bad memories. It was something he was certain neither he nor the students would ever forget.
It was then that he saw something climbing down the side of the mountain. To be able to see it from that far, that clearly meant that they were big. There was only one thing that big that he was aware of. This couldn’t have ended easy, could it?
Neeza asked, “How far are we from the ship?”
Mimerck said, “I’d say about seven miles. Why?”
The roars in the distance were all they needed to hear to understand what he meant.
Neeza answered anyway, “Because we’re going to have company very soon. Everyone move! Someone be sure that the amulet stays secure.”
They began to run as fast as they could. It was not going to be easy to run seven miles carrying the Relic. They were going to need to change positions every couple miles to keep people fresh. They had to reach the ship. There was no way they would be able to fight the Garchai, not with only three of them being able to cast magic.
They reached a more heavily wooded section about three miles in. The uneven ground was making it difficult to keep a steady pace, slowing them down even more. The roars were getting closer. By the gods, he forgot how fast these things were out in the open.