Kaysa broke through the waters swiftly, though she wasn’t as graceful as Marro. Unable to clear the waters, Kaysa’s arms and hands found purchase as she searched about for Marro. Strewn out before her were the dead and dying bodies of a squad of Thorindale soldiers, victims of precision and savagery. All that remained in Marro’s way was a single soldier, and Kaysa had emerged in time to see Marro run him through with his blade. The soldier gasped and choked on blood as he faltered to his knees as Marro withdrew his blade. The soldier fell dead while Marro staggered, looking about the blood-stained rock and dust for more to quarrel with. Finding none, the mercenary turned, bloody and breathless to face Kaysa.
Kaysa cried out at the sight of him. Marro was battered and bloodied. A dagger rested deeply in his abdomen. Dropping his sword, Marro gripped the blade and pulled it from his stomach before dropping to his knees at the exertion. Pulling herself clear of the waters, Kaysa rushed to Marro before he fell completely.
“Marro!” cried Kaysa as she clutched the wounded mercenary.
“Quiet yourself,” hissed Marro through pain and prudence. “Do not alert others of our presence.”
“We must be away from here,” whispered Kaysa as she began to weep. “I must get you to safety.”
“No,” said Marro as he shook his head and grimaced. “You must be away from here. I wouldn’t make it far. I shall remain and stall them as long as I am able.”
“No,” said Kaysa, countering his directive. “You are coming with me.” Marro could hear fire kindling in her voice.
“I don’t think you give the orders here, young one,” said Marro.
Kaysa grabbed him by the shoulders, picking him up from the ground. “As I remember it, it is you who are under my employ, mercenary. Now stand upon your feet this instant and move!”
Developed instincts rose then, and Marro stood. Kaysa placed one of his arms across her shoulders to offer the mercenary support. Marro used the bloodied sword in his other hand for further support as the two elves retreated from their enemies. Kaysa searched about as they moved, wary of more soldiers. She found no opposition, but storm clouds and a rising ill wind kept her uneasy.
"You will not make it far supporting me," uttered Marro.
"Well I will go nowhere without you," countered Kaysa.
"Children," mumbled Marro.
Kaysa did not know what direction to travel, so she kept her sights set on moving forward. The landscape before them was growing even more barren than before. She had no way of knowing how far they had traveled underground, or which heading the currents had placed them on. Kaysa's only focus was to be free of her tormentors at all costs.
"A storm is coming," observed Marro grimly.
"I do not smell rain within the air," said Kaysa as she observed a nearly cloudless sky.
"You won't," replied Marro, grunting at the observance. All that will rain upon us here is dust and decay."
"What do we do?"
"We must find a place to hide, for soon we will be consumed in unrelenting fury," said Marro. His words unnerved her, for Marro never offered exaggeration.
"Where should we head?" asked Kaysa of him.
Searching about, Marro grimaced as he pointed. "To that jut of rocks, Kaysa. We may be able to fashion some form of shelter before the storm."
"Very well," said Kaysa before she urged the wounded mercenary with her.
The pace was painfully slow, yet Kaysa refused to release Marro. Marro did not protest, but she could feel his strength waning as his pain intensified. Warmth seeped onto her clothing where the mercenary had been stabbed. Kaysa clung to him tightly at this revelation, hoping that the pressure would slow his bleeding.
Both Kaysa and Marro fixed their sights upon the rock as the sky above darkened ominously. The smells upon the wind invaded Kaysa's nostrils and she found the scent to be dreadful. It was as if death had merged into a swarm and now approached like a horde of insects upon her. She heard the air grow still before a rising sound like rolling thunder swept over her senses.
"We must move more quickly," said Marro as he winced and pushed himself.
Kaysa said nothing but obliged his wishes. The rock was looming closer now. She remained hopeful at the sight of it, for while there was little it did drape over the ground like a canopy. If they could erect some barrier, the two of them would be somewhat protected from the elements. Plans slowly formed in Kaysa's mind as they continued to rush toward safety.
It was then that a fur-laced fanged creature eclipsed the rock and locked its red, ravenous eyes upon them. Kaysa halted, gasping at the sight of it. The creature appeared to have been ripped from its life and forged into a monstrosity. Dark, matted fur clung to its skin in mounds, riddled with dust and dirt. At the sight of Kaysa and Marro, the claws in its four paws extended, piercing into the rock as it growled. Through all the grime that racked the creature, its teeth shimmered white as it bared them to its prey.
"It is a creature of the Huntsman," whispered Marro as he raised his sword. "We have been found."
The creature then snarled and leaped at Kaysa and Marro.
The swiftness of the beast was intense. Marro was only able to get his arms up enough to deflect the attack, taking wounds from slashing claws as he did. The force of the assault knocked Kaysa and Marro to the ground as the beast was deflected to soar over them. The beast crashed and rolled upon the ground before snarling and resuming its attack. Hungry eyes fueled with hatred darted between Kaysa and Marro, as if deciding who to feast upon first.
With Marro wounded, Kaysa was swifter in reclaiming her footing. Looking between the beast and the mercenary, Kaysa gave little thought to the danger and grabbed Marro's sword. As Marro tried to stop her, Kaysa thrust herself between the creature and her ally, adamant to protect him at all costs. The beast hissed and roared, swiping with its claws as Kaysa swung the sword fiercely at her enemy.
The creature retreated some steps, taken aback by the young elf's defiance. Kaysa screamed angrily as she defended Marro, fueled equally by rage and preservation. The creature continued to hiss and snarl, seemingly enthralled with the deathly dance ensuing. Kaysa desired to end the conflict before exhaustion claimed her, and in desperation swung the sword mightily and missed.
The creature saw its chance as Kaysa was thrown off balance by the swing. Jumping back from the attack, the beast then lunged at Kaysa, claws outstretched and teeth bared as saliva exploded from its mouth in sheer anticipation. As Kaysa spun she instantly realized her mistake. Instead of resisting it, the young elf continued her spin, coming again to face the creature as she struck again with the blade.
The beast howled as the blade dug into its side. Striking with the blade in her right hand, Kaysa caught the beast in her left arm as both elf and creature crashed upon the ground. Kaysa screamed as she held to the beast, still pressing the sword into her bloodied foe as the creature thrashed and rolled. Rocks and pebbles tore at the young elf, yet Kaysa would not let go in fear of being ravaged by the creature's claws and teeth.
Kaysa could feel her strength waning against such brutality. Still rolling back and forth, the creature repeatedly bashed Kaysa upon the ground, stealing more of her breath and resolve with each bout. Kaysa screamed defiantly as she continued to fight the beast, even as it finally set its claws upon her. She knew that if she stopped, if she gave even a little, she would be killed and Marro would likely soon follow.
Kaysa did not wish for death in those moments, yet she was prepared for it just the same.
With only her determination to survive still holding on, Kaysa heard Marro's scream join the conflict. Soon his shadow eclipsed her as the mercenary struck the creature before wrapping an arm around its throat. Marro then held his pistol by the barrel before he proceeded to strike the creature repeatedly and with utter relentlessness. The creature shrieked and thrashed, but neither Marro nor Kaysa let go as its blood spattered upon them.
Soon the reactions of the creature dulled, and its fig
ht slackened, but Marro did not relent. He continued until he was soaked in blood, continued until the barrel of his pistol splintered, and continued until the creature moved no more. Even then he struck it one last time in a great display before falling upon the slain beast. Kaysa could feel life leave the beast and at last she released it and the sword within her grip. A wave of pained exhaustion wracked her being as her energy drained fully.
Kaysa urged her limbs for movement but was denied. She lay next to the slain beast, her lungs scrambling to regain lost breath. The world was swirling in her eyes, and through it she could hear ominous sounds as the winds shrieked and moaned. Darkness was enfolding her, far more quickly than dusk would have allowed.
The storm was upon them.
“Kaysa,” said Marro, crawling to the young elf. She could hear the urgency of his voice through the haze and gathering storm.
“Marro,” she croaked, her voice sounding weaker than she even realized.
The mercenary knelt beside Kaysa as he looked about. Kaysa did not know if it was her dimming vision or the encroaching storm, but it was growing more difficult to see Marro’s features. She reached up for him and without looking, Marro accepted her hand. He turned again to look upon her face and the young elf smiled faintly before closing her eyes.
Kaysa almost felt guilty for the sweet release that accepted her warmly.
Kaysa woke, with reluctance fighting her every step of the way. She moaned as she tried to move, feeling nothing but stiff soreness meeting her intent to rise. Kaysa felt smothered, and all she could see was a veil of black before her. Yet somehow she was warm and safe despite adversity.
It took processing, but Kaysa at last discovered the reason for her restrictions. Stretching out her arms, her left met the stiffened body of the creature she and Marro had felled. To her right the warm body of Marro knelt over her. Above them was a cloth of some sort, and it had shielded them from the assaulting storm. Kaysa could almost taste the dirt and dust that wanted entrance to her, yet behind that, she could sense sunlight and fresh air.
Reaching up slowly, Kaysa took hold of the thick cloth and pulled it aside, revealing a dull, yet nearly clear sky. The terrain had been grouted with dust and debris, and the stench from the storm lingered. Yet Kaysa understood that the danger had passed. She breathed a sigh of relief as she sat herself up, grateful that they had somehow survived.
Yet as she rose, Marro fell to his side, his constant vigil over her while wounded at an end.
“Marro!” gasped Kaysa as she brought her hands under his head. The mercenary grunted, looking gaunt and sickly as he fought to remain conscious.
Kaysa cried out in that moment, hating to see Marro in his condition. The wound at his side had been caked and dried by the dust storm, but while the bleeding had stopped much blood had been lost. Marro looked battered and was fading, and Kaysa realized he had utilized what strength he still held to keep her protected from the storm. Little life remained in the mercenary, and Kaysa was uncertain if he would live long enough for them to find healing. She wanted nothing more than to weep for Marro as she searched about for a solution.
Soon she remembered the seed resting upon her neck. Kaysa had no way of knowing if it could be utilized to heal Marro now that it was awake, but she meant to try. Quickly she reached for it, yet at the feel feel she froze. The necklace felt lighter than normal and the sensation racked Kaysa with fear. Removing the seed from her neck, Kaysa examined the leather holding the seed.
And instantly, the young elf’s heart dropped.
Looking at the contents in her hands, Kaysa burst fiercely into tears. The leather that held the seed had punctured it. One of the creatures gnashing teeth had punctured it. Tilting the little pouch, Kaysa groaned as the last of the seed poured out in dust, soon joining the landscape as a soft wind carried it away. All that Kaysa was left with was an empty container as her own hopes blew away with the dust of the seed.
She had failed.
The finality and gravity of her failure rushed over Kaysa as she dropped the pouch and necklace. She buried her face into her hands as frustration fueled her tears. Kel’Thara was lost, and Marro would surely perish. The shame of it burrowed into her spirit, for Kaysa knew she could not face her friends in this life or the next. Talcoros had trusted the seed to her for protection, and she had failed completely.
A weakened, trembling hand rose to rest on Kaysa’s shoulder, yet she could not turn to look at the mercenary. “Why do you cry, young one?” whispered Marro.
Kaysa fought the lump in her throat so that she could respond properly. “The seed is broken, Marro. I have failed it. And I have failed you. I have failed everyone,” she said.
“You didn’t fail me,” said Marro hoarsely.
“But I have!” she cried.
“I do not think I am in much condition to argue at the moment,” breathed Marro softly. “We will just have to settle on an agreement to disagree.”
Kaysa clutched to Marro then as her frustration claimed her. With a shaky hand Marro patted her back, holding the strength to do little else. Sobs broke heavily from Kaysa as the full effect of her emotions were released. Soon she calmed, and the young elf wiped at her eyes as her jaw slowly set.
“Our path does not end here,” she said to Marro, but the words were also for her. “We must press on.”
“That is the spirit, young one,” said Marro with a still dimming voice.
Kaysa stood and fetched Marro’s pack before rummaging through it. Satisfied when she found twine and bandages, the young elf patched up Marro before searching about. “You won’t make it far on your own legs. We must fashion a means to carry you,” she said.
“No,” whispered Marro.
Kaysa stopped to eye the mercenary sternly. “What do you mean no?”
Marro returned Kaysa’s stern gaze. Despite his faded strength, his resolve remained without question. “You must leave me and press on. I will only slow you down enough that we would be caught. You must be free of here while you still can as you still hold great importance.”
Kaysa fought his reasoning as she pointed to the seed’s remains. “Not anymore, Marro.”
Marro shook his head. “Your importance goes beyond the measure of a seed. Now listen to me, curse you, and be free of this place.”
“I will not,” said Kaysa.
“Kaysa!” hissed Marro.
Kaysa squatted to look the mercenary keenly in his eyes. “We have traveled far, Marro, and you have become my friend despite your best efforts. No matter what you think of me, if I were to leave you here to die I would not be worthy to carry that seed regardless. We leave this place together or not at all,” she said.
“Stubborn child,” sighed Marro as he fought to remain awake.
“You should have listened to the mercenary, girl. It would have been futile still, but had you fled you would have lived a bit longer,” said a voice.
Kaysa swung quickly to face the voice, feeling dread swell within and pierce her sorrow. There standing several measures away was their tormentor from before, an elf she knew as the Huntsman. The Huntsman stood calmly as he gazed upon her like prey, his blue predatory eyes being the only shimmer from his being. He wore tattered, dusty clothes and boots, all covered with an even dustier cloak. The Huntsman removed the makeshift mask of cloth from his face, revealing scars and browning teeth. He smiled at her, holding not a care in the world, for it was clear to him that he held all of the cards.
Now holding her attention, the Huntsman spoke again. "The mercenary made you formidable quarry, but no prey can run forever. I shall be rewarded greatly for your acquisition."
"You waste yourself," replied Kaysa as she came to stand between Marro and the Huntsman. "For there is nothing left of us to give."
"And you waste words on him," stated Marro grimly. "For you still believe him to be anything but a monster."
The Huntsman eyed Marro, observing keenly the wound at his side. "I could have found that bloo
d scent anywhere, for I know your blood well, Marro. It is with great relish that I will be able to claim your death before all others."
With his sword out of reach, Marro drew a blood-caked pistol. "And so we tempt the fates once more."
The Huntsman chuckled at this. "I think not. You have traveled through deep waters and the storm, with no time to clean that weapon. The chances of it firing are as low as your chances of survival."
Marro pulled the trigger then, and was met with a disappointing click before he lowered the weapon. "I would hold an eternal regret if I didn't at least take the chance."
At this, the Huntsman smiled again. "Patience is a tremendous weapon, and one that I wield well. I knew this moment would come. And now that it is here it is worth every expense."
"You are mistaken, Huntsman," countered Kaysa. "You have nothing to offer your masters." She held up the broken necklace. "Your own creature has born your undoing. The seed is broken."
At this message, the Huntsman was unaffected. "It is unfortunate for you that you think such things matter to me. This world has passed on and I have adapted to it. Regardless of the seed, I still get my prize,” he said. He then revealed more of his browning teeth, offering a malicious grin.
“What are you getting at, hunter?” asked Kaysa.
Still baring his feral grin, the Huntsman responded casually. “In the end, I was charged with bringing you back, dead or alive. My mission was to halt your efforts, not further the cause of the Ageless King. That is left to Vakk. In the end, it will be your word against mine, and you will be dead long before the debt comes due. My pets will feed upon Marro and the rest of your ilk. I shall have my reward, along with a pleasant bonus.” At these words, the Huntsman’s eyes scoured over Kaysa. Immediately she was unnerved by such a gaze. “I’d never in these days expect to find one so beautiful and ripe for conquest.”
At his words, fury returned to Marro who somehow found his feet. “Your perverse dreams die with you on this day,” he growled.
The Last of Kel'Thara Page 17
