by Jay Lynn
Dashing forward, Nathan slashed his blade up at an angle. As the first man dropped, the warrior was already twisting his sword to bring it down upon the next. Their weapons slammed together with a deafening clang. Parrying another attack to his right, Nathan’s blade flashed between the two men. A sword swept by at an angle. Ducking under the speeding weapon, Nathan slashed the man to his right up the side of his leg. Turning his wrist, the warrior came back with a cut to the throat.
His other opponent roared, increasing the strength and rate of his attacks. Grip tightening, Nathan raised his blade to defend against the soldier’s rage-filled barrage. Pushed back, he searched for a way to turn the tide of the battle.
Nearing the metal bars of the gate, the Zerrokian soldier lifted his broad sword high into the air with both hands.
Waiting until the last moment, Nathan ducked to the side. As the man’s sword connected with the iron doors, the warrior jabbed him in the gut with a long dagger. He then rolled out of the way as the sword flew at him.
Blood spilling down the man’s side, his movements grew more sluggish and less controlled. When their weapons connected once again, Nathan felt his spirits lift. There was a clear difference in the soldier’s attacks. This was what he had been waiting for. Pushing against his opponent, the fighter increased his number of strikes. The two blades clanged back and forth as the swordsmen circled around each other. After a few counterattacks, Nathan’s foe was unable to keep up. Blade planted in his chest, he dropped to the ground.
Freeing his weapon, Nathan turned to the last remaining soldier. The man faced him with a dark scowl. Holding his sword with one hand, he pulled a knife from his belt with the other.
“Out of our way,” Isabelle ordered, thumping the guard on the back of the head with the hilt of her sword.
Head jerking back, Nathan raised his brows. Watching the way the sorceress swept her braid over her shoulder prior to approaching the gate had him chuckling in spite of himself.
“Hmm,” she murmured studying the solid metal. “I don’t suppose they’ll just open it if we ask nicely?”
“Doubtful.”
Isabelle shrugged. “Well, it can’t be helped then. Rokon, shift.”
Pointing towards the right side of the wall next to the gate, the sage slowly brought her arm down in a slicing motion. Turning to the left, she repeated the action before dispelling the magic. Nothing seemed to happen at first. A strange noise, similar to a low groan, sounded as the gate, frame and all, collapsed into the room beyond the corridor.
“Resourceful,” Nathan commented with approval. “I’m glad you decided to come with us.”
Isabelle didn’t get the chance to answer. Her partner was engaging the next wave of enemies and he wasn’t the only one upon whom they were bearing down. Drawing her blade, Isabelle met her attacker head on. The clang of metal rang out as Isabelle and her opponent battled in a dance of blades.
The man was a skilled fighter. Utilizing some of Alec’s training, Isabelle suddenly dashed to the side and slashed her foe across his thigh. As he dropped to his knee, she grimly landed a final blow.
Searching for another foe, the sorceress found that none remained standing. Blood dripping from his sword, Nathan was studying the chamber’s layout. A doorway, straight ahead and to the right, led down a corridor, while the two other openings on the left revealed sets of stairs.
“Which way?” he questioned, glancing down at the tall blonde by his side.
“Here,” Isabelle replied, pointing at the first staircase without hesitation.
The stone steps twisted around as they descended into the dimly lit dungeon. Quickly dispatching the four guards stationed at the bottom, the companions peered about with a sigh. Their luck seemed to have come to a halt. Six doorways were spaced across the circular room. Each led to a separate corridor filled with dingy cells.
“Searching each of these is going to take time we don’t have. Can you use that spell to seek the princes?”
She shook her head with a sigh. “I don’t know what they look like, so it would serve no purpose.”
Eyes darting between the doorways, Nathan turned back to the closest one. “It seems we have no choice but to search them all. Let us begin here.”
Removing a torch from the wall, the swordsman led the way towards the first dark, musty cell block as the sorceress copied his actions. Relatively deep beneath the main structure, the dungeon contained a familiar chill that Isabelle didn’t desire to recall. Water dripping down the wall beside her head, the sage paused her steps. Face paling, she couldn’t seem to move her feet. The shadows cast over her surroundings took on a life of their own, intensifying as they sought to swallow her whole. Fingers lightly resting on her arm, caused Isabelle to flinch.
“Isabelle,” Nathan called softly, studying her face with furrowed brows. “Are you unwell?”
Placing a hand over her pounding heart, Isabelle shook her head shakily. I didn’t expect these memories to return like this. She never experienced something of this kind before. For such powerful sensations to completely immobilize her was unsettling. Even during her time locked in the dungeon of Terra, the sorceress couldn’t recall being so frightened. Alec was with me then. Even with a broken spirit, his presence alone was enough to bring her comfort. The warrior was not with her in this hollow darkness. Yet, Isabelle reminded herself that she wasn’t alone. Lifting her gaze, Isabelle’s light green eyes met Nathan’s bluish-green irises. She shook her head again. This time more steadily.
“I’m fine.”
Removing his hand, the warrior twisted back in the other direction. “Stay close.”
They continued on, calling the princes’ names with no success. Prisoners came to the bars, reaching out towards them as they begged, threatened and cursed the two intruders to release them from their cells.
Observing the way so many of them eyed the sorceress beside him, Nathan pulled Isabelle along, ignoring the chaos of words directed their way. Whether criminals or slaves, he knew not. They didn’t have the luxury of time to free any of these prisoners only for them to turn on them.
Finally reaching the end of the row, the companions stepped out into a different corridor which was linked with the other neighboring cell blocks. Turning right, Nathan began the search anew. It was taking longer than he anticipated, and now that the prisoners were all riled up, he didn’t see their task improving in the near future.
“Let’s keep moving,” he advised.
Offering no protest, Isabelle trailed closely behind as they traveled down the next hallway. Close to the main chamber they originally started from, Isabelle’s steps stilled. It took Nathan a moment to realize she wasn’t with him. Frowning, he joined her side, gazing into the cell she had stopped in front of.
A youth of perhaps fourteen sat glumly by the far wall. He wasn’t caked with dirt as the other prisoners were, nor was he dressed in rags. The plain tunic and dark breeches resembled that of a higher-ranking servant. Everything about him clashed when compared to the others locked within the dungeon.
“What is your name?” Isabelle asked, moving closer to the bars. Lifting the torch she tried to brighten the dark cell and get a better view of the boy inside. “I’m Isabelle,” she added when he didn’t respond. “Did you work in the palace?”
Her words seemed to catch his attention. Peering up at his visitor, the boy tilted his head to the side. Watching them with large eyes, he kept his arms locked around his knees as he slowly dipped his pale blond head in a bob.
Smiling, Isabelle inched closer still. I knew it. “We are here to rescue Prince Ashton and Prince Sebastian. Pray, do you know where they are being held?”
“Careful,” Nathan warned drawing her back from the bars. “This could be one of their traps.”
He found it odd that they would lock this lad here among gruff and hardened criminals unless he earned his place among them. Prisons usually had a system for housing their inmates. The area in which they began
their search seemed to be for the worst of them.
“Let’s go,” Nathan insisted.
A rat scurried by their feet. Isabelle peered back at the youth with determination.
“How can you suggest that we just abandon him? This boy can help us.”
Shuffling closer, the young prisoner stood slightly hunched over with his arms hugging himself. “You’re really not with the Zerrokian Guard?”
“No. We are from Malyndor.”
He took several more steps. “My name is Derek. I used to serve Prince Ashton. If you free me, I can aid you. I know where they were taken.”
Brightening, Isabelle turned back toward the cell. “Agreed.”
Lifting his hand, Nathan halted her actions once again. “Wait.” Eyes narrowing, he gazed sternly at Derek. “How would you know of their location? A servant assigned to royalty wouldn’t have knowledge of the dungeon’s layout.”
“The guards speak of it freely. No one has ever escaped from this prison, so they don’t stay their words.” He could not meet Nathan’s intense gaze. Voice quivering, Derek glanced at the sorceress as he pleaded, “I don’t want to die here.”
“Captain Andrews,” Isabelle said, giving him a probing look he didn’t care for.
Despite his reservations, the warrior knew Isabelle was right. There wasn’t really a choice for them. Looming over the edge of the cage, Nathan stared down at the youth with hard eyes.
“Mislead us and I will kill you. Understand boy?”
For the briefest moment, Nathan thought he saw a smirk cross Derek’s face in the flickering light of the torch. Blinking, he dismissed it. He must have been mistaken.
The boy nodded meekly prior to being instructed to stand back.
Isabelle raised her hands and shifted her focus to the cell door. Casting a fire spell, she melted the lock. Quickly swinging the door open, the two rescuers stood to the side to let Derek pass.
Eyeing the sorceress thoughtfully, Derek didn’t move right away.
Sighing impatiently, Nathan lunged forward, gripping the youth lightly by his upper arm as he tugged him out of the cell.
“You should be thanking her,” the warrior grumbled. “It’s time to uphold your part of the bargain. Take us to the princes.”
Nodding, Derek led them back to the main central chamber of the dungeon with a murmured thanks. Gazing around for a moment, he lifted a shaky hand and directed, “This way.”
Traveling all the way to the right, the small group strode down the dim corridor. The prisoners in this part were less rowdy and appeared more withdrawn, like hollow shells. Most wore clothing reduced to rags and were little more than skin and bones.
Isabelle tried not to look too closely at them as their pitiful cries echoed through the stone halls. Gripping the side of her tunic, she forced her sights to remain on the direction in which they were heading. Unlike the other corridors, halfway down there was a junction where the hall split. Turning right, then left shortly after, Derek entered another smaller side chamber. The room reminded Isabelle of the cell she shared with Alec. A chill raced over her skin.
Each room was slightly larger than the previous cells with a small single bed tucked to the side. As they entered, two men in the center cells rose and walked towards the bars. They both had sandy brown hair and hazel eyes. The one on the right was tall and medium-built with a mustache and short beard just on the bottom half of his face. His brother was equally as tall, though more on the stocky side, with hair that reached his ears in gentle waves.
“Your Highnesses,” Derek greeted dropping into a deep bow. “These brave Malyndorians have come to rescue you.”
The elder brother, Prince Ashton, studied their would-be rescuers. “Well done, Derek. You may rise.” He lifted his solemn hazel eyes to gaze at Nathan and Isabelle.
“Do not think me ungrateful for your assistance,” he began watching them closely. “Yet, how was King Titus informed of our plight so quickly? The Pure’s treachery only just occurred.”
Nathan knew the true meaning of the royal’s inquiry. Ashton was right, even should a request for aid have been sent, it would have been much too soon for troops to be sent and offer any sort of assistance. It would seem that he wanted to know what they were really doing in his realm. Now wasn’t the time to quarrel with the rightful rulers of this kingdom. More soldiers would be upon them at any moment.
“Forgive me, but time is not a luxury that we possess, Your Highness.”
Glancing at Isabelle, he gave her a nod to proceed. Summoning her spell once more, the sorceress asked them to stand clear as she opened both cells. The younger prince narrowed his gaze sharply and his brows lowered to points. Even without the lock impeding him, Sebastian made no effort to depart the cell.
“Sorcery,” he spat under his breath.
“Sebastian,” Ashton scolded, stepping into the chamber. “Thank you for your assistance.”
His face gave away nothing of what he was thinking. Why was Malcolm insisting on us saving these men? Her experience in Zerrok didn’t offer any redeeming qualities of its monarch. Her line of sight shifted to Sebastian before moving back to Ashton. From what she could see, it was difficult to tell if these men were good or bad. Isabelle could have been peering at a block of granite for all of the emotion the older prince was revealing.
“Of course,” she answered at last, realizing they had been standing in an awkward silence while she was lost in thought.
Moving towards the doorway, Nathan suddenly leapt back, raising his blade. No sooner than the second their footsteps ceased, did a pack of strange dog-like creatures suddenly race into the space.
“Oh, no!” Isabelle exclaimed.
She recognized their newest foes at once from her studies. The beasts were known as howlers. Creatures of darkness, they only allied themselves with masters of pure evil intent so they could feed off their negative energies. Short, thick black fur covered an even thicker hide. Long, razor sharp spikes trailed down their spines, matching two similar horns protruding from their skulls in an arch. Dozens of pointed teeth could be seen in their long snouts. No doubt they would be just as deadly as the steel-like extended claws on each of their four toes. Watching their intelligent crimson colored eyes, Isabelle somehow knew what their first move would be.
“Surgeon, shield,” she called out, jumping in front of Nathan.
The barrier blocked a stream of flames shooting at them just in time. Without previous knowledge of howlers, someone facing these creatures wouldn’t expect tongues of fire to shoot out of their mouths. How did Zerrok find these rare and allusive beasts?
“Holy shit,” Nathan yelled, leaning back with wide eyes as the heat wave slammed into Isabelle’s energy spell.
Ceasing their attack, the three howlers barked and snarled at each other. There was no telling what they would do next.
“Everyone stay back,” Nathan ordered. They couldn’t be in a worse position to battle fire-breathing demon dogs. “How do we fight them, Isabelle?”
Biting her lip, the sorceress tried to think. Only she and Nathan were armed, and her swordsmanship skills probably weren’t a match for these types of foes. There was however, her more recent training. To fight a beast, there were times when you needed a creature of your own.
“I have a spell that can defeat them.”
“Great, use it.”
Isabelle frowned. “It’s not that simple.” Glancing over her shoulder, she told him, “It requires an enchantment in Elan. I’ll need time to cast it, but...” She returned her gaze to their waiting foes.
It didn’t need to be said. The instant she lowered the shield, the howlers would commence with another attack.
Footsteps sounded behind her as Nathan came to join the sorceress’s side. Gripping the hilt of his blade, he clenched his jaw.
“Alright,” the warrior said without peering at her.” When I tell you, drop the shield and get behind me.”
“Excuse me? Are you mad?” she whispe
red back. “I’m not going to hide while these things rip you to shreds.”
“We don’t have a choice. Let me buy you the time you require.”
The exasperated sigh she emitted was answer enough. “I only need you to hold them off for a minute. Pray, don’t do anything foolish.”
“No promises.”
Isabelle released a humorless laugh. “You sound like Alec.”
Nathan couldn’t help but grin briefly. “There is no need for flattery. Are you ready?”
“Quite.”
Eyes locked upon the humans, the howlers growled low in the back of their throats. Rolling their shoulders, the hell hounds claws left grooves in the stone floor as they pawed the ground.
For Isabelle, everything seemed to switch to slow motion. Nathan lifted his blade and took another step forward. The howlers bared their teeth. The crimson of their eyes glowed faintly as their attention shifted to the swordsman.
“Now.”
Spinning on her heel, the sorceress ducked behind the warrior. Blocking out the sounds of their battle, she quickly summoned her spell.
“Tsumorri. Sumonno orbis agel. Rasolee altor eis, Taj.”
A large blue magic circle appeared on the floor. The moisture in the air crystallized, making each breath she took visible to the eye. Slowly, a pure white tiger of ice rose out of the floor.
Unaware of what was taking place behind him, Nathan slashed at the nearest howler. Snapping its jaws, the faint spark of flames danced in the rear of its throat. Throwing the creature off, he cut a long gash into the chest of a second beast bearing down on his right. Foot slipping on the suddenly frosty stones, Nathan briefly dropped his guard. A set of razor-sharp claws slashed his left arm, cutting through his vambrace and into his flesh. The three hell hounds made to pounce simultaneously. Nathan braced himself, preparing for one last stand.
