by C E Johnson
Brytam removed her finger from her chin and she smiled broadly. The sight warmed Iscar’s heart like the first rays of sun in the morning after the darkest of nights. “Beautiful,” she whispered breathlessly. Addressing their small group, she shone like a dazzling star. “We theorized that bullets might be more easily deflected by our shields. I’ve done laboratory tests, but this is the first live-action conflict our magicians have encountered.”
“I can’t believe it.” Marcus looked from Ullr to Brytam. “The speed of a bullet is incredible.”
Brytam leaned back in her chair and continued teaching. “With their small size, and with the ease at buffeting the tip slightly to the side to reorient the tiny missiles, we hoped to avoid injuries from this different type of weapon, and thankfully our shields worked.” Mesmerized by the rapid rise and fall of her chest, Iscar watched her excitement.
“So, are you telling me arrows and bolts are truly more effective than bullets?” Marcus raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
Brytam nodded. “Arrows and crossbow bolts take a much greater amount of magus to turn. When we fight magicians, I suggest we continue to arm the majority of our soldiers with our Acacean-type weapons.” She looked to Ullr with pride glistening in her eyes.
“My half-dead warriors are more comfortable with swords and bows anyway, as am I.” Ullr tapped the longsword at his side. “I’m only giving firearms to a small component of our troops.”
“Interesting,” Marcus Tate said slowly. He rubbed the head of his cave lion bondsmate with one hand. “I wouldn’t have predicted that.” Marcus stretched out his long legs and ran his other hand through his own coal-black hair. “We’ll soon be battling on Earth just as we did on Acacia.” His golden eyes shone with pleasure. “I like this form of war.”
The magician leader of a team of dark rejuvenators abruptly entered through the doorway in a rush. His squad was trailing on his heels. “It’s time for us to breathe new life into your bodies,” he said proudly. Speaking boldly, he knew the reverence with which his group was held. Surrounded by a squad of goblins garbed in matching black boiled leather armor, there was an air of military precision to the whole process. “We’re prepared to grant you all your full daily healing spell.”
“I thought you said we were on rejuvenation rations today, a half dose,” Marcus said.
The magician leader glanced at Ullr and gave him a wink as he continued to speak, “Luckily we didn’t have to expend much of our energy on our warriors who just went into battle. They were victorious without any casualties.” He began to clap his hands together for Ullr who continued to beam joyfully. The rest of the magicians clapped mechanically along with their leader. Then they went right to work restoring and reinvigorating Iscar, Brytam, and Marcus before leaving the room.
“Our rejuvenators are going to be very valuable in keeping not only ourselves, but also our magicians primed with enough energy to cast their spells,” Marcus murmured. He rubbed his massive jaw thoughtfully while gesturing toward the departing squad of green magicians with a look of admiration. “The shield spells and healing spells are going to be the most important incantations on Earth.” Marcus was almost radiating with the infused electric power he had been given. He stood and stretched his brawny arms above his head.
“I’ve placed a team of half-deads around each band of dark rejuvenators,” Iscar said. I hope I’m guarding this asset enough, he thought to himself. “I agree with you, Marcus. I want to keep them protected or we’re all going to be in trouble.”
Marcus fingered his pointed beard which appeared slick and wet, nearly dripping with oil. “How is Project Wormwood progressing?” he asked absently. Although Marcus was asking Iscar the question, his eyes kept drifting over to study Brytam.
“Marcus,” Iscar began, but Marcus obviously wasn’t listening to him. Iscar had to cough pointedly to get him to pull his attention away from Brytam. Marcus is a good warrior, Iscar thought, but he will never be able to leave Brytam well enough alone.
I would say he’s not so different from you, Tengu teased.
She is exceptional, Iscar sighed to his bondsmate, glancing back in Brytam’s direction. Just like Marcus, he became lost in her beauty.
You were going to talk about Wormwood to Marcus, Tengu prompted Iscar gently.
Iscar tore himself away from gazing upon Brytam and pulled up an image of a bank of missiles on his computer. “Marcus, have a look here.” He strove to focus his councilor on his screen. “Phase Two we are calling Project Wormwood. We have another stockpile of missiles that we kept in hardened sites that we plan to unleash.”
“Our second wave of hardened missiles will all launch simultaneously,” Brytam added. “We will not only send out a second stronger EMP blast, but we will also knock out all known facilities that manufacture weapons, guns, and explosives.”
“I don’t like the thought of random bullets killing our troops,” Iscar said. “It will take years, but I’ve already started confiscating and destroying all firearms that we encounter. Enemy nuclear weapons have obviously all been silenced.”
“Marcus, these figures show the predicted temperature after the fallout.” Brytam pointed out a new set of data to Marcus. Marcus leapt nimbly to his large feet and moved to a position just behind Brytam. He gazed at the data and then appreciatively at her once again.
You’re definitely going to have to keep your eye on Marcus, Tengu sighed. The man tries to work with Brytam every chance he gets. Marcus and Brytam continued to pore over the results of their first wave of missiles.
“Brytam, are any of our satellites still working?” Iscar asked. Drifting back to their own favorite position, his eyes studied her face.
How do either you or Marcus get anything done in her presence? Tengu snorted dismissively in Iscar’s mind.
Brytam nodded an affirmative. “Although all of our low Earth orbit satellites were destroyed, we do have several satellites that survived the initial blast. They were in the highest orbit possible, a geosynchronous orbit. I have them now targeting all residual communications on Earth. We’re picking up increasing chatter in certain areas, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s minimal. Backup generators are being put into use, and replacement parts are being transposed in only scattered regions.”
“Wasn’t anyone prepared?” Marcus asked. He shook his head in amazement at their outstanding results.
Brytam began to point out areas on a map. “Out of all earthlings, the Russians thought they were prepared for an EMP blast, but we increased the fall-out in their region, and they’re largely in the dark. Wave Two will silence them, just like everyone else.”
“The next several days are the most critical to our plans,” Iscar said warily, not wanting them to become too satisfied. “I want you both to stay vigilant. We don’t want to miss verification of any component of our complex project.”
“What about these back-up generators that you mentioned?” Marcus pointed out several clusters of residual lights that were functioning. “There are quite a few of them coming to life.”
Flashing Marcus a satisfied smile, Iscar chuckled. “Back-up systems are coming online, but this is exactly what we want to happen. We’ll wait a little longer until Brytam thinks everything is ready.”
Brytam gave Iscar her own triumphant smile. “Once we believe the majority of sites with residual capabilities are active, we’ll launch the second wave to eradicate them. That should destroy the majority of their auxiliary generators and electronics.”
Iscar brought up an image from his computer which demonstrated fires burning through many cities. “Panic is already setting in. They don’t know what to do without their power.”
Brytam typed into her keyboard. “Our models show over ninety percent of earthlings will be dead within the month. There’s no heat, no water, no gas pumps, no refrigeration. Hospitals aren’t able to function.” She displayed images from satellites showing riots in several cities. “We’re finding that the humans ar
e even losing a portion of their cognitive processes due to the blast. I believe the EMP actually affected the electrical voltage across neurons in the brain causing feelings of anxiety and disorientation. They’re attacking each other in many places over the globe. Every area was affected, so no one can come to anyone with aid.”
“Ullr, how are our half-deads? Any problems?” Iscar asked while glancing at his shade warrior.
“They aren’t showing any deficits, sir.” Ullr had moved to a position where he stood ramrod straight at attention by the doorway. Pride sat glorious on his features.
Brytam’s monitor now displayed images of underground thermal heat. “We not only want to thin the population of Earth; we want each survivor to desperately need our help. We will also launch our own nuclear weapons against the four largest super-volcanoes during our next EMP round.” Brytam pushed buttons on her computer which showed them images of several super-volcanoes as she described their next tactic. “Yellowstone, Long Valley, Lake Toba, and Taupo will be targeted to stimulate their eruption by strong nuclear blasts. These magma chambers are already poised to erupt, and our weapons will be the trigger that nudges the volcanoes into destabilization. The unleashed lava and ash will force Earth into another ice age. Those that survive will certainly rush to us for guidance.” She gave a short laugh. “The volcanoes will then put everyone in caves for years.”
A red magician burst into the room and stood at attention by the door. His face was flushed as dark a red as his flame-colored cloak. Iscar studied his crimson aura which suggested hostility and a short temper. What now? he wondered while gesturing to the man to enter. The magician surged forward, a light layer of chainmail clinking under the well-worn fabric of the man’s outer garment. He had long, dark unbound hair which fell forward on his shoulders as he bent to whisper into Iscar’s ear, “Shadoe is dead, and his elves are dispersed.”
Iscar beamed happily. “This is wonderful.” He felt his heart race excitedly, so fast he thought it would burst. Relief flooded through him.
Maaca succeeded, Tengu whispered in awe.
“Continue,” Iscar urged.
The red magician swallowed uncomfortably and sweat beaded on his forehead. His next words came so quietly that Iscar had to lean toward him to hear what he said, “As he died, Shadoe was able to destroy the majority of the half-dead combat brigade in the Dothan Forest.”
“What are you talking about?” Iscar shook his head in disbelief. His heart rumbled, and his head groaned as he tried to wrap his mind around what the news meant.
An entire brigade? Tengu echoed.
The red magician gritted his teeth and hesitantly continued, “Survivors believe he must have used a magestone set. There’s no other way he could have decimated our forces in such a manner.” The magician gave Iscar other information gained from survivors of the massacre.
Once he was finished with his report, Iscar sat in stunned silence for a moment before whispering, “Our Dothan contingent?” The magician nodded and Iscar felt himself sinking into darkness. His skin began to itch, and he wanted to scream. “What about Emily Dalton?” His words were flat. The room felt airless.
The magician’s shoulders sagged. “She was in Shadoe’s fortress as Maaca predicted, but we believe she has escaped.”
Ask about Maaca herself, Tengu urged. She’s the key.
“And Maaca?” Iscar managed to ask. His stomach was forming into a hard rock.
The red gave him a haunted look. “Maaca has disappeared. We aren’t sure if she survived.”
Iscar leaned back into his chair and waved dismissively for the magician to leave. He couldn’t listen to any more bad news. Already acid was pumping like fire through his veins, and his vision was blurring. The red scurried away.
Tell them the news, Tengu whispered. Get their advice.
Very well, Iscar said to his bondsmate as he tried to calm himself.
“What did you learn, my liege?” Brytam asked softly.
Iscar swallowed hard in an attempt to clear the hard lump forming in his throat before speaking to Brytam, Marcus, and Ullr. “I’ve just been informed that Shadoe is dead, and the elves in the Dothan Forest are either killed or have fled the woods.”
Marcus Tate pounded the table with his right hand. “Bravo!’ His whole face lit up with his excitement. “I didn’t think Maaca could do it, but somehow she succeeded against the elves.” His cave lion bondsmate let out a roar.
“What’s wrong, Iscar?” Brytam wasn’t smiling. “I can feel anger and disgust radiating off you in waves.”
Iscar coughed to clear the rock in his airway that still wouldn’t go away. “The news is definitely not all good.” He rubbed his temples. “Survivors theorize that Shadoe activated a magestone set just before his death. I’m told the sextet must have acted like a bomb destroying the majority of Maaca’s forces. Our Southern Combat Brigade has gone to the light.”
“A whole brigade?” The smile disappeared from Marcus’ face.
Ullr took an involuntary step toward Iscar. “And what of Maaca?” he blurted.
Iscar attempted to slow his breathing to help silence the pounding in his head. He continued, “Maaca has vanished. Her surviving captains aren’t certain if she still lives.” He sighed. “This will change our plans concerning our future Acacean conquest.” His heart felt heavy as he glanced to Brytam. I have to be strong for her, he thought.
You are strong, Tengu whispered.
Thank you, Iscar sent back to his bondsmate along with feelings of love and appreciation.
Drogor won’t like this at all, Tengu worried darkly.
Brytam rubbed her temples. “We will have to succeed here on Earth. There’s no other choice.” Her voice sounded dry and she appeared instantly as sapped and depleted as Iscar’s body felt. She sipped on her ice water before she continued, “What about Emily Dalton?”
Iscar realized he had been holding his breath while waiting for her response. He exhaled deeply when he realized she was already focusing on strategy and contingency plans. Glancing at the computer monitors showing a map of Earth, he studied the outline of the United States. “Emily Dalton is extremely crafty,” he said in a low voice. His marrow felt numb.
“We need to take her prisoner and forcefully open her mind shields,” Brytam said in a rush. “She must know of a link-point between the two worlds. We need to discover everything about her portal.” Her words shook, and Iscar could feel the icy chill in her heart.
“Do you know where she’ll go?” Marcus thundered his question, shadows forming in his strong face.
Iscar pulled out his goldstone given to him by his father. It was in the shape of a hexagon. He spun the magestone on the desk, and it emitted a faint magus light on its own, pure and vibrant. “She was in Shadoe’s fortress and she probably escaped our trap. I presume she returned to Earth through her portal.”
“How do we capture her?” Marcus asked.
“With Wuldur,” Iscar answered. “Not long ago I placed him into a surveillance position by Emily’s house in Austin.” Striving to put iron in his voice, Iscar sat up straighter. “I created my own contingency plan.” He felt an inner satisfaction as hope appeared in Brytam’s brown eyes. She appeared to be pursuing his every word with a hungry determination. Iscar continued with even more resilience, “If Emily returns to her home, Wuldur will attempt to bring her to our forming New Orleans in-processing center. I’ll dream-link with Milo shortly to find out if they have Emily in their sights.”
“Do you have spells to make her reveal her secrets?” Marcus asked fervently.
“The pooled might of our magicians should be able to breech her mental shields as Brytam suggests.” Iscar took in a heavy breath. Picturing Emily Dalton in his hands, unpleasant thoughts filled his mind and swallowed his soul. He bit his lip to hide his emotions, but he felt a cruel smile form on his face.
If our magicians can’t plunder her mind, Drogor should be able to force Emily to reveal just about anythi
ng, Tengu whispered.
That will be our last resort, Iscar agreed.
“Do you think General Wuldur can capture Emily?” Marcus asked Ullr. Marcus began pulling his scabbarded sword slightly in and out of it sheath, his concern and unease rumbling off his large frame.
Ullr shrugged his shoulders. “We talked recently through dream-linked magicians. He has a strong group of warriors under his command.”
“Can he capture her?” Brytam repeated Marcus’ question which Ullr hadn’t answered.
“I think he’ll be able to imprison the witch,” Ullr answered slowly, but he didn’t sound overly confident. There was more than an ounce of indecision in his tone. “Wuldur’s never failed on a mission yet,” he added quickly.
CHAPTER 6
Aftermath
“I want all of your wolves dispatched to watch our perimeter as we travel,” Wuldur ordered Lyall in a low and even tone from the lead position of the column of half-dead and magician troops. Thankfully Kirbee was at his right side, and her presence was steadying his off-balance mind.
“Do you want to add a few shades to our squad?” Lyall growled.
“What?” Wuldur snapped.
“Perhaps a few shades and vampires should join us,” Lyall rumbled, staring pointedly at Kirbee. The were-wolf was padding to the left side of Wuldur’s mount. “My pack took the brunt of the last Blacksky attack along with the goblins.”
It took all of Wuldur’s willpower not to roar at the half-dead were-wolf in annoyance. “Your were-creatures are the most skilled at scouting,” Wuldur spoke the obvious slowly, biting his lip to keep from saying anything that would provoke more infighting. He narrowed his silver eyes at his friend in irritation. “I don’t want any more trouble from Blacksky or anyone else. I want you to keep us safe.”