by Dawn Chapman
“Jessica and the others to my right. We’ll need all available forces ready to go in. These creatures will not want to go back. But once the energy around that is feeding them has gone, there will be nothing but going back for them.
“They’re not easy to fight, Akillia,” Abel said, holding out an arm with several chunks and stitches in it.
I winced at the sight of his wounds, wanting to go to him to help, but I knew I had to focus.
“No, they won’t be easy to fight. And a fair few of you will lose your lives, but know this—once this portal is closed, we will have the chance to close it forever so that it never bothers Puatera or its way of life again.”
Commander Kohol stood behind the guys. “We’re with you, come hell or high water. This plan is something different, but we needed this. We might never have made it anyway. There are no guarantees in life. At least now, with the Night Guild, we have a chance.”
“The Night Guild and all of the Dark Lords,” Kamaal said, noting his colleagues around him.
I saw Kohol pale and almost fall over, but, instead, he nodded to each of them in respect.
“To the Dark Lords and our princess, Akillia! Together we have a chance.”
I smiled, but the princess part still had me laughing internally. I still needed that information from Abel.
The group started to fan out. I raised my arm and sent Zurath into the air, moving with Kamaal and Jessica by my side. The girl’s petite navy dress was adorned with gems and artefacts, stunning. I wondered what they all were until she caught me looking. “I spent the time learning, seeking, and finding anything to enhance my skills as a mage. Every item here’s been won, bought, or stolen.”
Stolen, huh? I thought for just a brief moment of the adventures she might have had compared to me, wondered for a brief minute if I would actually get to see them. Maybe I could.
Approaching the riverbank, I looked out to see the mists had gathered. They were much thicker here, and it was obvious they knew something was coming. I only hoped they had a little fear because I was scared.
I glanced at Jessica, whose red hair seemed to burn in the early morning light. Zurath’s cries I could hear from the skies, and the rumble of the armies gathering beside us was enough to make me glance back down the lines. It looked and felt impressive, but looking closer at each face, I could also see their fear. I didn’t want them to fear.Fear would also be our destruction.
The water before us started to ripple. And I noticed there were many bubbles. Quickly, I reached out and under the water to see not just the one creature I’d had the opportunity to touch before, but there were hundreds. When I saw that she was right before me, I felt one thing from our solidarity. The creatures of the lakes and skies were with us. Puatera, on the whole, was fighting this phenomenon—whatever it was.
I raised my right hand, and Kamaal and Jessica followed suit. The three of us would lead the spell, the others would enhance it, and we’d drain this land for everything it had.
As my energies started to reach out, I worried for a brief moment about the creatures in the water, but my energy passed over and out into the banks before them. The land started to change colour already and the energy dissipated. There was nothing for the creature on the other side to attach too, and they had already started to squirm and look worried.
When our mages started to pool their massive amounts of pure energy into the spells the three of us were working, the spreading white fire before us began to speed up—speed up and out, like a quick fire about to take out a whole forest of paper trees.
That’s when Abel and the others started to walk between us. For one moment, I thought they were going to hit the water and just drown, maybe under the kind of spell that captured humans from sirens.
But the creatures of the river started to rise, and as they did, I could see the sturdy backs forming long lines across for our soldiers.
There had indeed been some preparation gone into this, and I actually felt a tear burn in my eyes. There was more than hope. There was a fight in us that nothing could quell.
Abel looked at me the once, winked, and stepped out onto the back of the first creature. With a loud war cry, he then ran full pelt into the army of our enemy.
Zurath’s cry to the fight doubled the energy in the soldiers as they all ran forward, swords and weapons are drawn. They were not scared now. They had surpassed any of my expectations.
I watched but tried not to let my focus fall as they began to cut apart the creatures that were now stepping back into the fight. They weren’t worried about the white Spartan land, they saw the enemy and wanted to cut them down. The white didn’t seem to bother either side, and yet I wanted to see some kind of hurt or pain. Perhaps we weren’t doing it quickly enough or deep enough.
I looked at Kamaal. “Stronger,” I said.
Motioning for the necromancers to step in, Patrise actually placed a hand on my bare shoulder, just where I noticed an emblazoned mark spreading. “I will supply you. Kamaal can call for other favours. Just make sure you take what you need to finish this.” I looked into her eyes. “No matter the consequences, my children will survive, Akillia!”
I knew what she meant without being told. I swallowed and nodded. What more than an ultimate sacrifice could any parent give? I cracked the bones in my neck feeling it ease a little of the tension that was brewing, and I let go. The energy I was using took a slightly different colour, the tone shifting to the darker side of the spectrum.
I knew it was blacker magic than anything Kamaal had offered up for me, but I didn’t feel like it would turn me into anything bad, so I did use her. She had a seemingly endless supply of it, and as I watched the white spreading out, I took the opportunity to connect with Zurath to see how far and into the port it was reaching.
Abel and the others were getting slaughtered. The creatures were taking one after another of the soldiers over the river. They couldn’t win this without more, without something to push these darned horrible things back.
“More,” I shouted. “We need more.”
“There’s only one other choice for us here, Akillia.”
I wanted to ask what, but I understood. It wasn’t just going to be the sacrifice of Patrise or Jessica or Abel. It might take all of us. I found myself touching the minds of those around me. Even the Demon Lords as I sent out this one plea.
IF I TAKE YOUR LIFE FORCE TO 5%, WE MIGHT DO THIS. WILL YOU COMPLY?
There was a unanimous sign of agreement.
And I guess that’s when I really did turn to the dark side. I’d never thought I would take something from a living creature, but I was doing it now. Their life force and their energy started to fill my mind, and with that, came all the thoughts of power that you would think associated with it. World domination, death, destruction. I felt bloodlust. I needed it.
Watching as the white path we’d created started to take on that of a pink tinge, I fought back the darkening of my mind and tried to think of something that made me happier instead. Like Abel. I could see he was outnumbered and almost about to go down. I knew it was a game, and yeah, he’d re-spawn, but at this very moment, it was as if those creatures were winning, and I needed to stop them now.
Building and swirling the energy within me, I moved across, and Zurath smiled inside my mind. I even heard his almost evil chuckle as he did so. “Now that’s what I call a power boost.”
From the sky above, I let my view scan the fighting, and yes, it was now or never.
“Have we got this, Zurath?”
“Yes, we have.”
“On my mark, then…”
As Zurath went into a dive, his wings folding close to pick up tremendous speed, he aimed himself right for the portal. It seemed his idea was to destroy it altogether, and I couldn’t blame him.
Three
Two
The portal was almost so close, if he didn’t time this just right, he would be through it and stuck wherever the other side was.
One
“Now!” I screamed.
Everyone on the far side of the bank let out their final push of energy, and so did Zurath. The explosion from the sky and the river sped towards the portal at faster than neuron energy ever could. That spark would never, ever be replicated.
I collapsed as the blinding light exploded.
From Zurath’s point of view, I caught glimpses as the creatures that my friends were fighting just simply disintegrated as the portal itself turned a darker grey, then started to white out from the centre.
I actually heard a rumble, and the ground itself started to shake. The water in the rivers moved so much that it started to splash the sides of the bank.
I didn’t think any of us had enough energy to do much. Five percent health was a walking time bomb, and if this didn’t end soon, I knew it would kill us all. I had only one option left.
Patrise stared at me as I pulled out from my bag the cloth with the stones in—the stones that would now save our asses.
I pulled my bow and arrows out of their satchel, quickly attaching the stones to the arrow as best I could. This would greatly affect its ability to fly true.
Patrise motioned to me to knock it, and she started to pool the last of her reserves to put a spell to guide it.
I wasn’t asking her for this—she was doing it. It wasn’t I who was killing her. I tried to focus on the good things, the people we’d save. Staring down the eye of the portal as it started to grow and the ground shook some more, I let loose.
The stones didn’t swing or alter its course. With the abilities that I’d picked up and the spell, they managed to fly true, and they hit home.
The portal groaned as if it were an actual being. The centre whitened more, and then, as if the air around us was sucked away by a giant hurricane, I found myself unable to breathe as Patrise’s eyes rolled back and I fumbled forward to catch her.
With just as much intensity, the ground shook once more, and the air rushed back. I sucked in a breath, and Kamaal was soon by Patrise’s side. “You foolish woman,” he said. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
She had barely one percent left when I saw a teardrop from his face onto hers—not just a second in command then. She glanced to the largest of the necromancers as he too rushed to her side. I suddenly realised this was not just a working relationship—they were a family, and she was going to die.
I found myself crying. Zurath’s screech could be heard above. I glanced to see the huge fireball in the sky dropping like a stone. He shrank down with amazing skill and intensity as Patrise looked up into the face of her husband.
I quickly acted and did the only thing I could think of to back up my Familiar. I shoved Kamaal right out of the way, causing him to roll backwards and almost to the water’s edge.
It was then that the necromancer struck out at me.
His sharp fingers struck the side of my face—but it was done.
Zurath had vanished, and so had Patrise.
I tried to stand to straighten myself up and take another hit if I had to, but the wind started to whirl all around me. It wasn’t coming from me this time though—Jessica.
“Back off, Necro,” she said, stalking forward with her energy sparked and ready. I’d no idea how she recovered so quickly, but she threw me a ring, and I immediately felt the energy returning to my soul.
I reached out, grabbing her arm before I could do anything else. I didn’t want her or them arguing. This wasn’t the fight we were supposed to be having—we were on the same side.
Chapter 35
Kamaal stared at us both with defiant evil in his eyes, but I managed to hold up my hand and call back Zurath.
When the bird appeared in the skies this time, the large creature that he was, had something astride his back.
Kamaal and the necromancer both stared. Then they looked to me. “What is this?”
I tried not to smile, but I had hoped.
When Zurath came in to land, this time he didn’t shrink—he thudded down in his full glory.
Patrise looked at her husband and frowned. “Now you weren’t going to hurt the princess, were you, dear?”
I laughed and held out a hand for her. “I hope the ride wasn’t too bumpy?”
“One of the most thrilling experiences I’ve ever had, besides nearly losing my life in defending my home and my family.”
I never expected the woman to pull me in close, but she did so. Whispering in my ear. “You not only have our gratitude but our eternal loyalty.”
“I did what I could. Without all of us,” I pulled away slightly and looked to the others who were now getting to their feet, “it wouldn’t have been a fight. It would’ve been a one-sided slaughter. If not for the selfless sacrifice of our warriors today, we all owe our lives to those who lost theirs—and there were losses.”
Patrise lowered her lashes at me, and she nodded. “I know, on both sides. I could feel as we lost one, the other side gained something in strength and in the numbers. What we did for that final push wasn’t just stupid, but beyond heroic—for even our side.” Her hands let go and ran down my armoured shoulders and bare skin. There she stopped, noticing the extra marks I’d acquired.
I looked at my arm and saw it, deep within my skin, an extra set of tattoos. There was no way I could know what they said. “Maybe someone will be able to decipher it for me one day,” I replied to her thoughtful expression.
I glanced back to the river and noted that the animals were still as they were before. The soldiers from both our parties were helping each other back to the bank. Those who were able carried the wounded over their shoulders or on anything that could be fashioned as stretchers.
Macie moved to my side. She looked out to the wounded. “We’ve some healing to do. I would ask that the necromancers who are able to heal the living, aid us?”
“Marok, you will go with Macie. You are strongest of our healers,” Patrise said.
The large necromancer bowed his head once to his mother and moved to walk with Macie. A sight to see. I almost had to take another look.
Jessica had not taken her aim off Kamaal, though, and as Patrise backed away, she placed a hand on the young girl’s finger to lower it. “You, my child, are something else too. I thank you for your assistance.”
Jessica frowned and folded her arms in a typical teenager stance. “What do we do now?” she asked looking at me. “There’s no quest update. I don’t get it?”
There was a slight ping, and I saw a message come across my screen.
There’s need for some more work here, don’t panic.
How can he say not to panic?
I touched Jessica’s arm. “Give the system time to reboot or something. I’m sure it will be fine.”
She nodded and watched as the others started to reach our side. “I’ll go help. I’m good with healing too,” and off she wandered.
Kamaal stepped before me now and lowered his head. “I apologise for my behaviour and that of my sons.” He reached out to touch the side of my face, and I noted a little blood when he removed his hand.
I winced when I pressed it myself. “It will add to my character’s rep.” I laughed. “Leave it.”
I motioned to Zurath, who had started to shrink, this time a little slower. I guess using a lot less energy than for a big attempt.
“We’re ready to leave.” He lowered his head and motioned to the skies once more.
“Not yet. Let’s make sure every one of our party is okay, that everyone is healed as much as they can be.”
With a nod, he flapped his wings, and in the blink of an eye, he was his usual size.
I saw Abel making his way over. He struggled with his leg, and Borroth helped him. I watched as they carefully made their way out to the water’s edge and then across to the bank.
I almost ran to him—and after stopping myself, I dropped my gear and did run. Borroth allowed him to step away from me to hob
ble one pace towards me. I threw my arms around him, and he hugged me tight enough to make my health dip. I slapped the side of his arms. “Hey, fragile elf here, you know.”
He let go and kissed me, instead. His face was sweaty and bloody, and I didn’t care. I kissed him back with the fervour that I really needed. “We’re to regroup and head for Hell’s Pass immediately. There’s no time to waste.”
“Still nothing from the system on an update, but I guess it just needs to re-adjust and reboot. We did basically wipe all of Port Vocol off the map.” I glanced to the white space behind him. There was nothing there. No land, no trees, no houses, or port. Gone.
“Will Dresel be able to do something with it? I don’t think any of the locals will like seeing that.”
“He’ll have a plan, I’m sure of it, but we can check later. I want to hold you for real, Emma.” When he whispered my name in my ear, I got shivers down my spine and goose bumps all over.
“Yes,” I said. “As soon as the wagon is on the road, we’ll log off together. You’ll come down and see me.”
Abel kissed my lips once more and squeezed tight. This time it was Zurath who complained by buzzing the top of his head.
Taking time to walk around the battlefield with Abel still hobbling, I settled him in front of Macie and let them work on him while I made sure that everyone else was getting cared for.
It was Jessica who intercepted me with a grin. “Quest update,” she said. “You get it?”
I shook my head, just as I heard the ping and read the delivery.
THE THREE SISTERS, JESSICA, DAHLIA, AND LILA, NEED ASSISTANCE. THEY MUST BE RETURNED HOME IN ??? HOURS.
There were question marks instead of the time. Still part of the glitch?
“That was the original quest,” Jessica said. “The time has passed. I’ve been in-game four weeks.”
I sighed. “Then at least that’s not an issue then. Tell me what is?”
“I can’t log out.”
“That is something new. Why are you even in here? You’re only what, sixteen? I’m sure it’s not legal, is it?”