by Jay Lynn
He continued to glare at the warrior as, despite the seals, Alec started to rise.
Managing to get to his knees, Alec sat back on his heels and peered up at Vincent with a face of stone. Though his chest was heaving from the effort, and beads of sweat gathered on his brow, the warrior was deathly calm. The mark on his back tingled with a strange, almost searing pain.
Get up, Alakaid, the voice in his mind rang out. His spell cannot hope to hold you hence.
Hands resting on his thighs, the tendons of his neck pressed against his skin as Alec rose to his full height.
Brows lowered to points, Colton grit his teeth as he tried to feed more energy into his incantation. The number of magical seals, paired with the sheer volume of energy connected to Colton’s ancient enchantment, should be hindering the barbarian’s ability to move, let alone stand. How did this strange sorcerer continue to defy the laws of magic?
“This isn’t possible. What are you?”
Alec didn’t answer. Gaze set, he saw nothing and no one, but the noble from Parlen. It’s time to end this. Vincent wasn’t going to slither away this time. Energy beginning to swirl about him in a fine light mist, Alec gripped his blade with both hands. His limbs felt heavy from the effects of the spell, but the warrior would not be swayed to take another course.
The two men collided with an angry, piercing clash. Each attack was parried as the foes fought without gaining any ground. The invisible chains weighing upon the sage seemed to even the divide between the two warriors’ skills.
Just when their blades connected once again, Alec twisted his grip, purposely allowing Vincent to press his sword towards the ground. Stepping in close, the sorcerer pivoted so he was by the noble’s side as he drove his elbow between Vincent’s ribs.
Breath exhaling with a hiss, Vincent doubled over.
Alec’s next blow never connected. Pain radiating through his body, the sorcerer fought to keep his grip upon his blade. Staggering back, he moved out of range of Vincent’s swing as Colton’s spell returned to its normal intensity.
Having escaped his near demise, Vincent smiled broadly. “What’s the matter, slave? Running out of tricks already?”
His opponent made no reply as his eyes tracked every move he made. When their swords met again with an intense clang, Vincent slid to the side and stepped forward with a thrust aimed at Alec’s heart.
Blocking the attack with the edge of his blade, Alec twirled in a circle, bringing his weapon down diagonally. Vincent parried at the last moment, struggling to meet the barrage of attacks suddenly raining down upon him. The sage didn’t let up the assault. Twisting the hilt of his sword, he slashed first in one direction then the next.
Vincent’s blade flew up into the air, exposing his abdomen.
Alec tightened his hold and lunged forward. Taking a step, his body froze as if it was chained fast on each limb. Lips pressed into a thin line, his steely gaze shifted to the other sorcerer.
Fingers spread, Colton stood with his hands in front of him as he put every ounce of his energy into the enchantment.
“Kill him,” he urged Vincent through clenched teeth.
Alec’s eyes narrowed. “Your magic can’t bind me.”
The glow behind the sage’s dark brown eyes gleamed brightly as he tapped into the vast well of magic flowing in his blood. The mist surrounding him shined like his eyes. Lashing out, it swept across the chamber like a wind storm. Deep grooves cut into the stone, breaking the connection of several seals. Body pulsing, Alec drew his arms in close while turning his sword so that the tip of the blade was pointed downward. Lifting the weapon, he rammed it into the ground, sending a wave of power rolling over the space. A web of cracks spread through the polished surface, causing the remaining marks upon both the stone floor and ceiling to flicker and darken, losing all effect.
“No!” Colton shouted, dropping to his knees.
Lifting his chin, Alec took a deep breath and called back the strong aura shrouded about him. Pulling his blade free, his gaze returned to the sole enemy who truly earned his wrath.
Nostrils flaring and eyes unusually wide, Vincent hollered loudly as he charged straight at the sorcerer.
Alec raced to meet him. Flicking away his enemy’s blade, he invaded Vincent’s space to strike him in the chest with his open palm. The blow forced his opponent back momentarily, allowing the warrior to side step Vincent’s next attack as he twisted the hilt of his sword and thrust it behind him into the noble’s back.
The tip of the blade shone through Vincent’s chest as his weapon slipped from his fingers. The color red spotted his lips. Alec pulled the blade free and peered at him with no change in his expression. With hard eyes, the sorcerer watched Vincent’s corpse collapse. No smile touched his mouth from the death. Despite all he had done, killing the noble had been a last resort. There was already enough blood covering Alec’s hands.
Gradually, his gaze shifted to the three leaders seated behind a row of soldiers. Nearby, Colton tried to rise as he inhaled raggedly. Finally upright, he swayed.
“Infureono, blast.”
No flame came to life in the bird-like sage’s hand. Completely drained of mana, his spell was useless. With no blade and no magic, the sorcerer was defenseless. His bottom lip quivered as Alec’s gaze connected with his.
“Not now,” Alec quipped, pointing a hand at the other sage. “Surgeon, stun.”
Unable to block the enchantment, Colton was paralyzed where he stood. Inwardly cursing, he waited for Alec to deliver the finishing blow. However, the powerful sage was no longer paying him any mind.
“There is no need to be so hasty, Your Highness,” Beltmore began, holding up his hands as if in surrender. “This is not what you think.”
Remaining seated, Desmond added, “It is true that we recruited Lord Vincent to bring you here. Our measures, though a tad extreme, were meant to test you and not to bring you harm. A man easily defeated by one such as him could not possibly be the true savior of the realms.”
Alec exhaled with a huff. “You can’t possibly expect me to believe that. Only a few moments ago you were practically ordering him to slay me.”
“Lord Vincent had no knowledge of the true nature of our mission. He was but a tool for a greater cause. Prince Alakaid, we need your aid to battle the dragons plaguing our beloved Kingdom.”
His words caused Alec’s brows to lower slightly. Could he be speaking of the rogue Iron Scales Clan? As far as he knew, they didn’t venture too far from the Sea of Ash unless it was to hunt. To openly attack a kingdom would draw the attention of Ellfraya. From what Cassidy told him, the banished dragons wouldn’t stand a chance in an all-out war.
Do not listen to them! Jade thought urgently, unaware that it was more his inner thoughts holding his focus. These men had no valor and their words were nothing but poison. Her earlier conversation with The Pure leaders showed Jade that they could not be trusted. These men only sought power and taking Alec’s life was part of that lofty goal. A hand clamped over the noblewoman’s mouth was keeping her from exposing them. With Alec’s head tilted to the side and his blade aimed at the floor, she couldn’t be sure that he wasn’t being swayed. I must do something. Gathering her courage, Jade managed to wiggle her arm free enough to slam her elbow into her guard’s side.
Inhaling sharply, the man’s one hand loosened on her.
Biting down hard, Jade pulled her face away from his grip and shouted towards the sage, “Do not let them deceive you, these men were responsible for your kidnapping as a child.”
The guard was able to regain control over the noblewoman, yet the damage was already done.
Stiffening, Alec was about to strike when Sever made his move. Removing two vials from his tunic, the man tossed the containers onto the ground at Alec’s feet. Thick wafts of smoke twisted up from the broken shards, surrounding the sorcerer in a grey cloud. Holding his breath, Alec flinched as the toxin started to dissolve his clothing and burn his flesh. The soldie
rs inched back, leaning away from the smoke as they intently searched the cloud for their enemy.
As the elixir dissipated, all which remained were tattered pieces of the sage’s cloak. The Pure lords emitted a booming chuckle as they rose to their feet with a grin. A smirk shone on even Sever’s face. It had been a challenging task, but finally, the marked one was no more.
“Well done, my friend,” Beltmore praised his fellow ruler. “I’m glad you always carry some of your creations with you.”
His lips pulled back with a sneer. “Yes. I even created this particular mix just for him.”
Their victory celebration was short lived as a soldier all the way to the right fell to the ground in a growing pool of his own blood. Everyone’s attention turned in that direction, but no adversary appeared from the shadows.
Quietly sneaking up behind Jade’s captor, Alec drove a knife into the man’s side. Pulling the guard back, the warrior freed his beloved prior to running the steel over the soldier’s throat.
Unable to control herself, Jade launched herself into Alec’s embrace. Gripping the back of his tunic, she inhaled deeply. He is here. Alakaid is really here.
“I knew you would come,” she whispered with the hint of tears.
Gaze still focused on their enemies, he rested his cheek on the top of her silky brown hair as he held her tightly to him.
“Of course love, no army could keep me from reaching you.”
Smiling brightly, Jade released him and took a step back. The danger had not passed. There would be plenty of time later to enjoy their reunion. Right now, they needed to focus on finding their friends and escaping from Zerrok.
Directing Jade behind him, Alec’s set gaze pierced the three startled leaders. When the prince spoke, his words were filled with all the warmth of an iceberg.
“You made a grave mistake in taking her. Jade is not my weakness, she is my greatest strength. And for harming her you will pay.”
Alec allowed them no time in which to muster themselves after his chilling declaration. Dashing forward, he cut across the first two men, cleaving their swords in half as he left a groove across their chests. The soldiers fell back, pressing a hand to their wounds as the next challengers moved forward to meet Alec’s blade.
At the back of the group, the three leaders made their way towards the lone doorway.
“You will not escape me.” Momentarily pushing the men he was fighting off, the sage called up a spell. “Infureono, fire wall.”
A tall blaze appeared, blocking off the right side of the room. Countering a few strikes, Alec cart-wheeled over a passing blade then cut low to sever the tendons in his opponent’s leg. Sweeping his hand to the side, the flames followed, spreading to the other half of the space as he blocked off access to the stairs. So long as his fires burned, there was nowhere to go. Three soldiers were left standing between Alec and his targets.
Standing off to the side, Jade eyed a sword lying by her former guard’s side. Retrieving the steel, she swallowed the lump trying to set in her throat. This was what she had trained for: to be able to defend herself, to protect herself. If she could be of any aid to Alec, then it would be well worth the hard work invested. Tightening her grip, Jade pulled back her shoulders and stood before the three leaders with all the determination she could muster.
The last soldier protecting them stared at the lady with raised brows. Realizing her intent, a vile smirk shadowed his features. In challenge, he held his blade at the ready while blowing Jade a kiss.
Mouth parting slightly, Jade rallied her senses and scrunched up her face with disgust. I shall show him that I am so much more than just a pretty face. Dashing forward, Jade struck with a slash to the man’s side. The moment their blades touched, Jade’s sword changed direction, attacking once more.
The smile was quickly erased from her opponent’s face. Having trained with the heavy burden of armor, the lady’s movements were much faster than she realized since she was now free of the excess weight. Parrying and counter-parrying, the two fighters danced in front of the bottom of the platform with no clear winner.
To the left, the last of the soldiers charged at Alec with a roar. Swiftly, the sage locked his weapon with the first man’s as he connected with a kick to the second’s chest. Drawing back, Alec ducked under a passing blade as he used a knife to slice his opponent’s leg.
Gimping, the man held his sword steady as he waited for the next strike.
Alec didn’t disappoint him. Releasing a dagger, he charged forward. As the guard deflected the flying blade, the sage moved in to slash him across the abdomen. Alec’s foe dropped to the ground with blood oozing from between his fingers. Just as quickly, his remaining enemies were upon him. Relieving the deceased soldier of his weapon, Alec twisted around, blocking dual strikes. The fighters expertly moved about the chamber in the fire’s dancing light. The glow shadowed Alec’s features, making them appear darker and even more menacing, as he silently pushed his foes back to where the battle first began. Darting past a blade, Alec kicked the left man in the outer thigh causing him to drop to a knee. Spinning around, the warrior used the injured guard’s back as a stepping stone to leap into the air and somersault over the second man. Landing lightly behind him, Alec stabbed the man with both blades.
On his feet once more, the first soldier charged at the sage with the grace of a maddened bull. Blocking the wild attack with one sword, Alec lowered his other arm, running his enemy through with the second blade.
Jerking his weapon free, the warrior scanned the area searching for Jade. He felt a mixture of dread and pride as he spotted her locked in combat with their last obstacle to The Pure leaders. The soldier had the advantage of strength and size, but Jade learned her lessons well and was using the man’s power for her own gain. Light as a feather, she countered the guard’s blows with a graceful swiftness few could achieve.
Striding towards them, Alec frowned. He recognized the stance she was taking. It was one of the moves he’d taught her. If all went well, Alec knew exactly how it would end. Should she fail to perform it correctly however, the blood would not be on her blade. Running full speed, Alec silently called up a wind spell to aid him.
Blade connecting with her opponent’s once again, Jade pushed away the urge to cuss. This battle was more difficult than she anticipated. Luckily, she seemed to be holding her own. Yet, being locked in a stalemate was not getting her any closer to the three men whom she wanted to face. Just a little longer. Alec was bound to finish defeating the others soon and would join her side. Instead, she tried to think of a way to turn the tables. There was a move she recalled practicing with Alec prior to his departure. It was risky, but it could be just what she needed to defeat this foe. Mind set, Jade’s next strike was to the side. As the soldier’s sword went to parry the attack Jade disengaged.
It was too late for the man to pull back from the feint.
Spinning in a tight circle, Jade twisted around to the man’s exposed side and struck. As her blade cut through the air, it suddenly occurred to her what was about to take place. Oh no, he is going to fall by my blade. Perhaps the noble wasn’t as ready as she thought. It was too late to stay her sword. Closing her eyes, Jade turned her face away from the scene playing out before her. The sudden ring of metal striking metal echoed in her ears and vibrated up Jade’s arms. Blinking rapidly, she glanced back at her opponent. The guard was no longer the only man present.
Alec stood between the two fighters. His sword was blocking Jade’s while he grasped the hilt of a knife in the other. The tip of the short blade was buried up to the handguard in between the soldier’s ribs. Pulling the blade free, Alec pushed the deceased assailant away from them. Slowly, Jade and Alec each lowered their weapons to the floor.
“I know you are strong Jade. But as long as I’m beside you, you won’t have to sully your hands with the blood of men. Let me be your shield.”
Jade couldn’t say if her pounding heart was from the battle she just faced
or from having Alec so close, but the sincerity of his words warmed her. This was merely one of the reasons she loved him so. Smiling gently, Jade lightly touched his arm with her free hand.
“I would not be opposed to us shielding each other.”
Her gaze caught sight of the three lords backing towards the other side of the altar. How could she have briefly forgotten about them? Now was not the time to get caught up in her whirling emotions.
“I fear this discussion shall have to await another time. There are those who still owe us answers.”
Alec shifted his sights in the direction Jade was peering. Jaw tensing, he began to stalk towards the men. Lacking a continuous flow of power, the magical blazes blocking off any means of escape flickered and waned.
Still, instead of heading towards the doorway, The Pure leaders had been inching their way towards the opposite side of the altar.
What game is this? Alec thought sourly. Studying their calm expressions and proud stances, his lips pressed tightly together. These men are not behaving as if they have been defeated. Holding out his hands, Alec fed more energy into the flames, causing them to shoot up several more feet.
The lords jumped, quickly drawing away from the intense heat.
“Start talking,” Alec advised, as tongues of fire curved up his fingers and snaked up his arm to wrap around his forearm.
Alec’s fire spell wasn’t the only enchantment which lost strength. Keeping his movements to a minimum so he wouldn’t draw his enemy’s attention, Colton slowly wiggled his fingers. A tingling sensation flowed through his extremities. However, he was pleased with his overall range of motion. It wouldn’t be long now until he had enough mana recharged to break through the spell.
Watching the other sorcerer, Colton bit back a retort. What was it about this strange man that continued to disturb him? Colton didn’t believe for a moment that he was the prince of Malyndor. There was no way a person like him was royalty. Hands curling into fists, Colton forced himself to take a slow, deep breath. Alec was a barbarian just like his father said and nothing more. Then why didn’t Alec finish him off while he had the chance? Jerric would never have wasted the opportunity to get rid of an enemy.
