by Sharon Gibbs
‘Yes, and you also carry the magic.’
‘Argh! But you are wrong there, Granlock. I am no wizard.’
‘I didn’t say you were a wizard but you carry the magic. I can see it on your hand.’
Elle looked at her hands and sure enough the ring Christopher had given her shone bright in the dim light. She turned to Shyla. ‘I need you to go back inside. Find Rose and take her with you down to the kitchens. Tell cook to pack baskets of food. Things which are easy to carry.’
‘But what about Finch?’
‘There is nothing we can do right now. He is safe. He has his own Guardian to protect him. When this is all over, I’ll come and find you and we will bring him home. Until then, I want you here at the Keep. Do you understand?’
‘Yes, Miss.’ Shyla’s lip quivered as she answered Elle.
‘Promise me, Shyla. I don’t want to worry about you too.’
‘I promise.’
Elle hugged the girl. ‘He will be fine, Shyla. Now go and find Rose. I need to go down the mountain.’
The girl wiped her nose on her sleeve again and walked back inside the Keep.
Chapter Fifty-six
Earlier that morning, the young lad Finch and his companion Eron followed the river as it snaked back towards the east. They had travelled at a steady pace all night, and even though Finch had grown weary hours ago, he’d kept the mare moving. Now his stomach ached and growled and so he called out to Eron. ‘Guardian, we shall stop here and eat,’ he said. Eron halted and turned to stare at the young wizard.
‘As you wish.’ He lumbered back to the boy and watched him dismount and then seeing the young wizard settled, he wandered off into the trees. Milly and Shadow grazed on the grass in the small lea while Finch sat in the shade and unrolled his bundle. His stomach gurgled and groaned and he tucked into a thick slice of bread he’d taken from the kitchen.
With his stomach no longer empty and his skin of water still partially filled, he relaxed in the shade under the tree. Eron scouted the immediate area and sensing all was well returned to the boy’s side to settle down and wait. Finch watched the mare and foal nibble the tender, soft shoots by the water’s edge and his eye lids drooped. It wasn’t long before he slumbered.
<><><>
The morning passed to early afternoon and Eron lowered his head close to the boy. ‘Young wizard,’ he said and gave the boy a gentle shake. ‘It is time to wake. Do not make a sound for evil lurks not far away.’
Finch’s eyes popped open as he heard the grating voice close to his ear. Eron held a stone finger near his own lips and beckoned the boy to follow. At Milly’s side, the stone giant held his hand out for the boy to climb on, and grabbing hold of her mane, Finch swung his leg over the mare’s back. He then turned in his seat to locate Shadow and spied the young colt not far from the river, tugging at some reeds.
‘Do not call out to the young one. It will follow when we move on,’ Eron said as he carried the saddle and led the mare across the soft green grass. The foal noticed their movement and skittered to catch up as they disappeared into the trees.
Chapter Fifty-seven
Henry bustled past the kitchen with Christopher and James in tow and the three men took care as they descended the steps down into the depths of the mountain. Henry turned right and scooted along the dim passage away from the Wizards’ enclave. Through the twisting walkway he led them to another set of stairs that Christopher had never seen before.
‘Is that water I hear?’ Christopher asked as they ventured down the cut stone slabs.
‘Yes, lad, the melting snow above us trickles down through various veins in the mountain to converge not far from here into an underground river. It runs through a narrow cavern and eventually meets up with the Meer River near the village. Mind your step, son. It gets a little slippery around the next bend.’
Henry moved out of sight around the corner of the path, and as Christopher and James approached the exit the roar grew louder. As they peered into the dim light cast by Henry’s orb the water churned and splashed up onto the walls. Christopher peered to his right and saw his grandfather edge his way along the narrow ledge illuminated by the orb he carried.
Christopher looked back at James. ‘Did you want me to carry the bag?’
‘No, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry. I won’t drop it,’ he said as his mouth turned into a wicked grin and he pushed past his friend to head out on the ledge.
‘You’re a funny man,’ Christopher said as he too set foot to the slick rock path. The walkway beneath their feet had worn smooth over time and its edges were marred with divots where the water had eroded the soft part of limestone away. Christopher stepped with care, and using his right hand against the wall he steadied himself while upon his left hand he held an orb to light their way. The water splashed over the sides onto the path, soaking his feet as it sloshed around the curves in the worn bed making the trek treacherous.
They worked their way through the narrow path in the cavern, until not too far ahead, Henry came to the end of the narrow walkway. Roots trailed down from the roof to conceal the exit of the tunnel and as Henry stepped from the ledge and out into the fresh night air he extinguished his light.
‘Wizard, we have waited for you,’ a voice grated in the darkness and three sets of blue glistening eyes peeled open to reveal the Guardians’ presence.
James and Christopher emerged through the opening and as they appeared, the three stone giants stepped back from the river’s edge.
‘The area is secure, Wizard. Do what you must, and then we will escort you back to the fight.’
‘Right! Are you two lads ready? James, take that thing out of the sack. You’ll have to carry it.’
‘I’m aware of the power it holds, Henry, and don’t worry about me wearing it, it’s not my style.’
‘What? Oh, yes. I’d say not. Now hold hands you two.’
James glared at Christopher and then back at Henry. ‘Hold hands?’
‘Yes, James, we need to hold hands,’ Christopher said. ‘Once the spell is enacted no one will be able to see us and we won’t be able to see each other.’ Christopher held out his hand for James to take.
‘Right. Let’s begin.’
Henry waved his hands and chanted the words to the spell.
‘Sit visum est ignotus.’ Both men disappeared. ‘So while you can’t see each other, be careful when you speak. You don’t want to reveal your presence. Blessings, and take care.’
‘And you too, grandfather.’
‘Guardians,’ Henry said. ‘Inform the others the wizards are on their way.’
The stone giant closest to him stared out across the landscape and then looked back at Henry. ‘It is done, Wizard.’
<><><>
Clarence and Foreman made their way towards the far end of battle with Jack, Archer and Zane in tow.
‘Damn it they’re changing direction,’ Jack said. ‘We’ll have to change plans.’
‘We can’t! The others are probably already on their way,’ Clarence said. ‘The plan won’t work if we don’t get to the other side to stop Athena.’
‘Well, while those things can sense you Clarence, you won’t make it across unnoticed.’
‘Let’s try a childhood trick then and see if that works.’ He cast the spell of the Unknowing upon himself.
‘Geeze Clarence!’ Jack said. ‘You could have given us a little more warning before you disappeared.’
‘Sorry about that, Captain.’
‘Come on, we’re running behind schedule,’
As they hastened along behind the soldiers to the edge of the front line, the creatures suddenly deviated back to their original path.
‘Clarence, it would seem your childhood prank has worked,’ Jack said. ‘Zane and Archer will follow—Clarence, are you still with us?’
‘Yes, yes, Jack.’
‘Zane and Archer will escort you across the field and then wait in the trees while you and Foreman continue on.�
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‘Enough dilly-dallying,’ Clarence said. ‘We need to be off.’
‘How will I know where you are?’ Foreman asked. ‘I can’t very well lead an invisible prisoner up to the Sorceress.’
‘Argh, old friend. I’ll undo the spell once we near her.’
‘Take care, both of you,’ Jack said and then he jogged back to relieve Goodwin of command.
<><><>
‘Get back, you foul beasts!’ Joran, the leader of the Guardians roared as he blasted a winged beast from the night sky. He and two other Guardians stood eagle-eyed scanning the sky. Once the beasts were detected, the Guardians lit up the animals with their sensory light while another blasted the beast, causing it to deviate from its flight path. In unison the stone giants lowered their sights and used their radiating beams to abolish the walking cocoons as they attempted to infiltrate the line held by the soldiers, leaving a safe passage for Christopher and James to move across the field.
<><><>
Through the horde Christopher and James weaved, hand in hand, and made their way to a fallen tree. The trunk provided a niche of safety from the walking creatures and once Christopher and James had ducked within its dried branches they had a clear view of the Dark Lord.
‘Seems a strange thing to be holding hands with you, my friend,’ James said as he squeezed Christopher’s hand.
‘It’s a natural thing to do if one doesn’t wish to be lost.’
James scanned the willowy trees behind Zute. Glowing orbs of light littered the ground, shrouding the area in an eerie glow. ‘Can you see them yet?’
‘No,’ Christopher said as he too searched the shadows for any sign of them.
<><><>
At the far end of the field Clarence and Foreman were making their way towards the tree line.
‘We’ll wait here for you,’ Archer said as he and Zane took up their final positions.
‘Clarence, are you here?’ Foreman whispered.
‘Yes, I’m right behind you.’
‘Oh!’ Foreman jumped and turned to face the voice. ‘You scared the wits out of me. When are you going to remove that spell?’
‘When we are closer. We can’t afford to have the army turn, if they sense me.’
‘Well, I think we should at least tie your hands now. We don’t want to be caught off guard.’
‘True,’ Clarence said.
Foreman pulled a coil of rope from his shirt and held the end out for Clarence to take. Clarence grasped the end and rolled his wrists to wrap the rope around them. Foreman then fastened the cord. He passed his end between Clarence’s arms and pulled the rope tight. ‘There,’ he said. ‘Now all you have to do is let go of your end to release the rope.
‘It’s a little tight.’
‘Well we need it to look convincing,’ Foreman said. ‘Shall we go?’
Clarence frowned. Had he misjudged this man?
Foreman pulled on the cord and Clarence stumbled after him as they weaved their way through the trees towards the eerie glow ahead. As they drew closer to the light, Foreman could see his Mistress Athena. ‘Clarence,’ he whispered, ‘remove the spell. They are just up ahead.’
Clarence eyed the other man. ‘The ropes are too tight. Loosen them a little.’
‘If they are at all loose she will notice.’
Clarence wriggled his hands and the cord loosened some and so he removed the spell.
‘Good. Now act like you’ve been walking for days,’ Foreman said. ‘Alright?’
Clarence nodded, and Foreman again yanked on the rope as they moved on. A quiver fluttered in Clarence’s belly as he remembered a similar walk from not so long ago, but he placed his faith in his friend and followed along.
Foreman stomped through the trees, snapping twigs under foot as they approached the Sorceress. Athena heard a branch snap just off to the right. She turned towards the sound to see two figures step into the light.
‘Foreman! What are you doing here! I told you to stay home.’
‘No, Mistress, you told me to do what’s right, and I had a dream. I couldn’t stay home. I dreamt I’d found one of the wizards and here he is,’ he said, pulling Clarence forward and holding out the length of rope.
‘Bring him here.’ Athena recognised the wizard.
Foreman tottered forward. ‘Mistress, I felt you needed me and so I journeyed north.’ He yanked on the rope and hissed at Clarence. ‘Kneel before our Mistress, you hapless sack of a fool.’
Clarence dropped to his knees.
Athena glared at him. ‘So you thought you could run away. Silly you. Didn’t you know I would eventually find you?’ She turned to Zute. ‘My love, look at what I have here,’ she said as she dangled the rope.
Zute turned to see the prisoner knelt before Athena. ‘Could this day be any more fun, my love?’
Athena smile at him before turning her attention back to her slave. ‘So, how many more wizards are out there, Foreman?’
‘Mistress, there are two others. I’m not sure where they are, but they’re out there somewhere.’
A sudden bolt of wizard’s magic hurtled into a group of Zute’s army, startling the Sorceress. Not long after an orb crashed into another stream of their resurrected.
Athena smiled. ‘Well there are only two more to capture then.’
Chapter Fifty-eight
Christopher and James crouched behind the fallen trunk and whispered as they searched for signs of the others.
‘There.’ James pointed. ‘Just past the line of trees to the side. I see them.’
Christopher scanned the distance and spied Foreman’s approach. They watched as Foreman hesitated and held out the length of rope to the Sorceress.
‘That’s not how we planned it,’ Christopher said.
‘Maybe he’s had to improvise. Anyway, we can’t pull out now.’ James squeezed Christopher’s hand. ‘Are you ready?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then I will go. Give me to the count of fifty before you approach. I should be in position by then.’ James set off, dodging the loping force, and made his way towards the Dark Lord and Athena.
Christopher counted to himself. Ten - eleven - twelve. Wizard’s fire flashed not far behind him. Fourteen – fifteen – sixteen – seventeen - eighteen. Another flash soared ahead of him. Henry was busy indeed. Christopher smiled. Twenty two—
<><><>
Evil swarmed around the Terralil bush where James stood. The army growled and groaned as it lumbered past him and headed out into the field. Flames from the pits near the common had died down to an orange hazy glow and in the darkness thunder rumbled across the sky. James scoured the shadows beyond the light as the rain continued to fall. Water trickled down his neck and a shiver ran up his spine. He clenched the metal coil in his hand as the wind lashed at his sodden hair. Motionless he waited, mere meters from the Dark Lord and the Sorceress, while out in the darkness, the land flashed with the light of wizards’ magic.
<><><>
Forty five – forty six.
<><><>
Henry urged the mare on again to the far end of the battle line before he pivoted and galloped back just far enough to keep up the illusion. His magic soared out into the oncoming masses along with his allies’ blasts, and as the Guardians attacks brightened the field Henry caught sight of figures in the distance. He yanked on the reins, pulling the mare to a halt and stared at them.
‘Surely not. It can’t be.’ Henry saw a familiar figure humbled in front of the Sorceress. Be safe my friend. A screech echoed in the din and zapped his thoughts back to the matter at hand. He searched the sky trying to locate its source. Jorath, the leader of the Guardians, stood not far from Henry and released a blaze of blue light as one of the Lord’s creatures torpedoed towards them.
Garlon evaded the powerful blast and rolled into a dive plateauing out to soar low over the combatants.
‘Move, wizard, now!’ Jorath roared.
Garlon thrust his talons forward as he honed
in on Henry, and the wizard staggered back as his ally ground past him to intercept the creature. With an upward thrust, Jorath swung his heavy granite mace. The stone spiked head nailed the beast in the chest and Garlon released a yelp as he was knocked back and sent sprawling across the earth. Henry conjured an orb in his palms.
‘No, wizard. Your magic will do no good here. Their hide is as hard as dragon scales. They can only be slain with our stone.’
Garlon sprang to his feet and with snarls and gnashing teeth he crept forward. His ruby red eyes kept track of his prey.
‘Stay behind me, wizard,’ Jorath said as he pulled his sword from his belt to hold a weapon in each hand.
Henry recalled his essence. ‘But dragons no longer exist.’
‘Maybe not now, but once upon a time they ruled the world.’
Garlon opened his wings as he quickened his step.
‘Stelthod! Artom! The wizard is under attack!’
Rock ground against rock as the two Guardians responded to Jorath’s call. As they raced to their leader’s side, Garlon leapt from the mud. He burst through the air with a force that caught Jorath by surprise, knocking his weapons from his hands and as the leader of the Guardians wrestled to keep the beast from attacking Henry, they both crashed into the mud. Garlon growled and writhed trying to escape the stone giant’s clutches. His needle sharp talons scratched and slipped on the hard chest of the Guardian beneath him and he splayed his wings to beat at the air as he tried to escape, while Jorath held a firm grip on the creature with both stony hands.
Sprinting to his aid, the two Guardians raised their weapons and brought them down in swift succession on top of the creature. Sparks flew from their granite armaments as the hardened scales on Garlon’s wings resisted the sharp edge of their swords. Again they raised their stone and struck at the creature but as their swords slid from its wings, Jorath called out.
‘Use your Lithe dagger and thrust it into his heart.’ Jorath held on to the leathery beast as he snapped and raked at his granite face, trying to rip open his rocky features to access the magic within and destroy the Guardian.
