swung from side to side, snapping at his face and arms as he attempted to strangle the beast. Crawling-on top Hopper sat on its chest and continued to squeeze, digging his claws into its scaled flesh. Shifting its long body with a jerk, it sent the sting of its tail into Hopper's eyes, sending him reeling as his vision darkened with blood.
Sarah's screams filled the air as the beast jumped onto Hopper's back and shredded the flesh of his already blood soaked shoulder with its massive jaws.
A spell! She must use a spell to save Todd! Sarah snatched up her book and tore it open. She screamed the first incantation she came across. The beast jerked, dropping Todd as it turned to stare at the sorceress screeching words of magic. Falling to the ground it began to writhe, shrieking in pain. As she watched, the black beast became covered with large open sores, its claws and tail began to decay from the potency of her spell. In its anguish, it rose and charged her.
Not fully recovered from his battle with the tunnel troll, Hopper's strength was failing. Yet he knew if the beast reached Sarah she would be dead in an instant. Forcing his body to move Hopper grabbed the beast's back legs. Lunging back at him the creature crushed his arm in its jaws and threw him against the large fir tree.
Dropping the book, Sarah ran forward terrified for Hopper. The beast turned, its snout dripping with blood, and charged. Without words Sarah threw her fire spell at the beast and screamed. Her cry was matched by that of another as Nicole dove into the beast, her small sword flashing. Jack tackled Sarah knocking her out of the beast’s path and dragging her further from the battle.
"Get Hopper to the cave!" He yelled, shoving her toward the motionless figure lying in the grass. Sarah raced to his side and pulled Hopper to his feet. Dragging
him toward the thicket. Behind her, the brutal sounds of battle escalated as her friends sought to destroy the monster. Plunging into the brush, she vowed to place Hopper out of harms reach and return to help them. Finding the entrance to the cave, she cast the spell of light Hopper had helped her memorize and gasped at the small cave filled with a soft white light. Hopper was completely covered in blood. The gash in his neck pulsed blood with each heart beat. His left arm was nearly severed at the elbow.
Forgetting the others, she ripped the hood from her robe and bound his arm tightly to stop the flow of blood. She pushed the soft fabric into his reopened and now the much worse neck wound and held it there against the flow of blood.
"Dr. Strong!" She screamed, "I've had enough, end this now!" Her only answer was the echo of her scream. "You cannot allow Todd to continue!" Still only echoes replied. "I will sue!" She-screamed, horrified that something had gone wrong. Had Todd really been injured and they were so involved with his wounds that he could not be brought back? Was the blood she was seeing real? What was happening? Fighting back the tears, Sarah battled Hopper's injuries and prayed that she had not become so involved in the fantasy that she'd lost her mind.
" It's belly!" Jack yelled across the dying embers of the fire. "Go for the soft skin of its stomach!" Without hesitation, Nicole slid under the beast and slashed at the gray skin of its stomach as she rolled free."
“Quit the acrobatics and kill it!” Jack yelled as he ran forward.
Nicole jumped back and allowed Jack to move toward the snarling creature. "It's a creature of magic; you shouldn't have sent Sarah away. Once she calmed down she could have killed it." She yelled, over the beast howls of rage.
"A sword in the gut is as good as any spell." Jack said as he dove on the beast and pulled back its snout. His sword landed at Nicole she grabbed it and shoved it deep its belly.
The black creature gasped, jerked, then fell silent at Nicole's feet. She yanked the sword free and handed it back to Jack. A shout of fury came from the darkness they glanced up to see the elf warriors charge into the hollow, swords drawn. Sheathing his sword, Jack grabbed Nicole's arm and ran for the thicket. They dove inside and raced for the narrow entrance of the cave. As they entered they found Sarah leaning over the blood soaked Hopper. Jack stared, so stricken he could not move.
Nicole took control, "The game is over." She gasped, fearing Jack was right about their host. "Dr. Strong has lost control and the elves are coming. We've got to assume whatever happen to us at this point is real to our minds and just as damaging to our bodies. Get Hopper deeper into the cave."
Jack glanced toward the entrance and turned back to Sarah. “You've got to block the passage."
"I don't have my book." she stammered, shaking her head.
"You've read every spell in that book at least a dozen times. You can remember you're a
sorceress!" Jack reached down and he took her gently by the shoulders. "Todd’s life may depend on it!”
"You're serious? You think Strong has lost control?" Sarah rose and stared at Nicole.
“Does it look like Hopper's having a good time?" Nicole answered, softly.
"Nicole, wrap his shoulder, very tightly." She ordered and she turned toward the entrance. "Keep pressure on his neck, Jack."
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Sarah moved closer to the entrance. The
sounds of the warriors searching the brush grew louder as Sarah recalled the fire spell she had used in the tunnels. She chanted the strange words and felt the magic surge up inside her as the purple flame flared and burned growing larger to keep the elves at bay. She searched the magic, still strong within her for another spell. Then without warning, it came to her. A spell of disaster.
“Move Todd further into the cave!” She yelled back to them over the roar of the fire. She began the chant and slowly backed away from the entrance. The magic tingled and grew within her, stronger that it had ever been before. Sarah felt the power surge through her, captivating her senses. The walls of the cave began to crumble the entrance filled with dust and sand, followed quickly by a deafening shower of rock.
Moving quickly away from the avalanche of boulders, Sarah cast a light spell in front of them. They struggled to carry Hopper’s large form as they began the search for a place to rest. Hopper failed to regain consciousness as they ventured further into the cave. Finally the narrow passageway gave way to a large chamber that allowed them to place Hopper on a patch of sand encasing a small stream.
"He's dying!” Sarah sobbed, "How can this be happening?"
"He's going to be fine." Nicole soothed, "The battle has gotten out of hand, that's all. We should be in the last hour or so of our adventure. Dr. Strong gave us a hypnotic suggestion that the fantasy will end once we free the Elf Queen."
“Nicole," Jack said, “Strong sent us into a fantasy he cannot control. The stress of managing four minds must be too much for him. You said so yourself, we were his test group."
"That's not likely. If he felt any of us were in danger . . .”
Sarah interrupted Nicole, "Then why is it that I've asked him, begged him several times to end the fantasy and he has not? I'm beginning to think I've lost my mind and this . . . nightmare is real.”
"You're as sane as I am." Jack countered. "Maybe Nicole’s right maybe Strong can't end the fantasy until we finish the quest.”
"Then let's get it done and get the hell out of here!” Sarah spat between clenched teeth.
“You'll have to go on without me." Hopper said with a grunt as he tried to rise.
"I won't leave you behind." Sarah gasped as she kneeled down to embrace him. She brushed the scraggly hair back from his face and began to examine his wounds.
"Stuff me under a ledge and find the elf queen. I'll only slow you down." Hopper insisted, falling back onto the sand. "I don't even have the strength to sit up, you'd
have to carry me."
"Nicole, head down that passage to the right and check for another cave." Jack ordered, nodding at Hopper.
“I won't leave him!" Sarah rose to face Jack.
Jack’s voice softened as he stepped closer to Sarah. "There's a ledge on the other side of the stream, he can hide in the shadows if anyone ap
pears. I don't think they have a wizard. They won’t see him by torch light.” Jack reached for her hand. "We'll travel twice as fast without him. We don’t want those wounds opening up again and I’m sure you really don’t want to force him to endure the pain of being dragged through the caverns."
Sarah stared at Jack in silence then she turned to Hopper and said, "You promise to stay put?"
"Yes, ma'am." He smiled, weakly and reached up to squeeze her hand. It was as cold as ice. Sarah conceded, suddenly terrified of the alternative.
Nicole returned and smiled softly at her injured friend. "There's a large cavern
with several passages a few meters into the tunnel."
They carried Hopper across the shallow stream and placed him on a small stretch of sand under the rock ledge just above the water line. Sarah kissed him deeply and ripped the bottom half of her robe off at the knees. She placed it over him as Hopper said, “Promise me you won’t rip anymore of your robes until you get back. They’re looking a bit skimpy at the moment.”
Sarah smiled as she covered his chest and arms. "I love you.” She whispered, turned to follow the others to the next cavern. The light vanished as she disappeared leaving Hopper in total darkness. Sarah glanced back and said a quick prayer that adventure was under control and that Todd would be fine. Lighting each tunnel and cave they entered, she joined in the search for the Cavern of Sorrow, her thoughts never left Todd. If he believed he was dying . . . under hypnosis what would happen?
Chapter Nine
Sarah and Nicole searched each passageway as Jack examined the walls of the cave, there was no sign of a crystal1ine formation. After what seemed like hours Nicole forced herself through a narrow crack in the wall of another tunnel. A cold breeze wafted through the small crack, urging her forward. As the narrow tunnel ended, Nicole found herself in a small chamber of crystalline rock. Sarah threw her light spell into the chamber and the Elf Queen's image appeared before Nicole.
"This is it!" She called through the crack. She's here and she gorgeous!” Nicole gazed at the beautiful golden haired elf dressed in a gold gown encased in what looked like rose quartz. Nicole she moved to touch the surface of the pink crystal and jerked her hand back as the frigid rock burned her fingers. A commotion came from behind her as the tunnel walls collapsed into rubble. As the dust began to settle Jack and Sarah climbed over the debris and into the chamber.
“You're getting good at that." Nicole grinned at Sarah as the sorceress examined the queen’s enclosure.
A slight movement in the shadows caught Jacks attention and he surged forward, jumping past them to yank the ancient elf wizard into the light. "Who are you?" Jack demanded, shoving him toward the women.
"My name is Ahmity, I am here to warn you." He answered, gazing past Jack toward Nicole.
"He's the wizard that imprisoned the Queen! Kill him and let's finish this." Nicole spat, tired of his interference.
Jack said as she stared at Nicole in surprise. "There's been enough death in this adventure.”
"Give us your warning and leave." Sarah ordered as she pulled the talisman from her robes.
Unsettled by the sight of the jewel the wizard spoke quickly. “That is a device of darkness. Use it and we will all perish.”
"Leave us, old man. Before Nicole takes it on herself to end your life."Jack warned as he released him.
"It is merely the image of the Elf Queen before you.” The wizard explained, “What lurks inside the crystal is a creature more powerful than the greatest of our wizards. Filled with such evil that it will render everything in this land void of life." The wizard moved toward Sarah, who ignored him. "Surely as a student of magic you realize that a beast of such power, once released, would seek the darkest of revenge on those who imprisoned it?"
"Your fears or lies, whatever they may be are useless. I am here to complete our quest and save the 1ife of someone dear to me. The repercussions are not my concern. If you fear the Queen's vengeance, then I suggest you flee while you still can.” Sarah glanced at him and raised the talisman over her head. She began the deliverance chant feeling the magic rise within her then die quickly, without warning. “lt's not working!"
"It is not meant to be, child. Puissant has sent you here to free the beast and begin the cycle of his return. He holds only hatred for the Queen." The wizard said.
“Who the Hell is Puissant?” Jack asked.
"Save your whimpering, old man.” Sarah snapped as she turned to Nicole. "I was supposed to do this as a fairy. Dr. Strong said that ancient magic was needed. You're a
special kind of elf . . .”
"Tell me what to say." Nicole took the stone from Sarah.
"No!" The wizard gasped moving forward to have Jack quickly snatch him back from Nicole and shove him toward the tunnel. "It will destroy our world and return Puissant from yours to rule over the few creatures who survive its wrath."
"Do it!" Jack ordered, pushing the wizard closer to the exit.
Suddenly a dark blur knocked Jack from his feet as the dark warrior rushed to stop Nicole. A shout from Sarah gave her the split second she needed to avoid his deadly blow. Diving to the side, she tucked her head and rolled free of the charging warrior Stopping instantly as Sarah placed herself between them the dark warrior stood before her, his chest heaving.
As their eyes met the warrior hesitated and said, “I will not allow the beast to be
freed." His voice though calm and even was deep and deadly. "I wish you no harm, but she will die if another attempt is made."
Jack rose slowly, gauging the large warrior's skill. He remembered the force of the blow the dark elf had made in the hollow before Sarah's beast appeared. He was skilled, fearless and incredibly strong. Jack wasn't sure he could defeat him. But then maybe he didn’t have to. He glanced to where the old man had stood just in time to watch his image fade into nothingness.
Turning toward his foe, Jack stepped forward and offered a challenge. "That’s where you are dead wrong.” He growled, moving closer. "I’m here to see that nothing stands in her way."
Tearing his eyes from the beautiful sorceress the dark knight turned to face Jack he said, "You should have listened to the wizard, it would have saved your life."
The sounds of battle reached Hopper’s troll ears in the small cave. The seriousness of his injuries seemed to have activated his troll senses. His sense of hearing and sense of smell were suddenly very acute. Feeling a portion of his strength returning, he pulled himself up and waded through the water, toward the sounds of striking metal. His long legs carried him quickly through the maze of tunnels and caverns the others had searched so diligently. He could smell the scent of Sarah that was what he followed. The sounds of combat grew as he neared. His head began to pound in his ears as he fought to ignore his failing vision. He pressed on. Sarah was in danger.
Climbing over the remains of the narrow tunnel, Hopper fell to his knees as his strength left him. Helpless, he watched as Jack fought to keep the dark elf away from Nicole and Sarah as they worked to free the Queen. Sarah whispered the spell of emancipation to Nicole a few words at a time. It was difficult for Nicole to concentrate as her heart went into battle with Jack.
Jack had met his equal. The dark knight anticipated his every move. His agility and power was overwhelming. Already exhausted from his experience in the glen and with the serpent, Jack felt the battle turn against him.
Forming the strange words, Nicole felt the magic flow through her into the jewel. The light in the cave started to dim, the pink crystalline enclosure began to hum. It seemed as if the gem was absorbing the magic from the crystal itself. Suddenly, the jewel began to glow. It rose from Nicole’s hands and floated in the air above her as she repeated the words Sarah spoke. The jewel’s aura grew, encompassing the small chamber in its dark purple light.
Something inside Nicole screamed for her to stop. The urgency of it terrified her,
but she could no longer control the words that flowed from her.
In an explosion of darkness, the gem shattered the pale crystal and released what was imprisoned inside.
Thrown across the floor by the explosion, Nicole and Sarah untangled themselves and rose in the darkness. The frantic feeling within Nicole still screamed of danger. Sarah called upon the incantation of light and the chamber filled with an eerie soft green glow. The dark warrior, his battle forgotten, turned to face his new foe, one he knew he could not defeat.
The golden-haired Queen floated into the center of the chamber. Her long curling locks flowed to the floor as she landed gracefully on the stone. Her blue eyes sparkled, coldly at the dark warrior. Sarah fought off the shiver that ran down her spine as the lifeless eyes turned to her. Frowning, Nicole moved forward. Jack stepped into her path, unsettled by the icy gaze of the Queen before them.
The dark knight turned to Sarah with death in his eyes. "You've killed us all." . He whispered then turned and attacked.
As the warrior's sword rose the Queen's image turned into a deep nearly black shade of purple and melted away to reveal a faceless black tar-like creature that rose in stature high above them. Without hesitation Jack joined in the assault, fighting beside with the warrior he would have killed only seconds before. With one blow the creature sent both of them reeling across the chamber, over Hopper's head and into the darkness beyond.
It turned its faceless head to stare at Nicole and Sarah, each frozen by the discovery that the wizard had spoken the truth. Everything had gone horribly wrong. Somehow this world had become very real. Without a sound the beast headed across the chamber toward Sarah. Things became suddenly very clear to Sarah. She recalled Dr. Strong's words that the sorceress magic would strengthen it, Sarah knew it must take her magic in order to survive. Backing away from the beast, Sarah whispered to Nicole. "It wants me, save you! Get Todd to safety. "
Forbidden Quest Page 11