“Now!” Terrowin called in utmost urgency. I didn’t hesitate and rapidly took my place behind him, somewhat stubborn at the matter, whilst I still couldn’t get over what I was seeing. Close by I could feel the intensity of the heat, threatening to burn my very lungs. It was amazing how the fire had no effect on Terrowin himself.
I noticed as the creature struggled to get back up on its roasted paws. It strengthened its stance and growled at Terrowin, lunging at him, but Terrowin was quick to act as he raised his fist and blasted the creature with fire that left behind trails of sparks reaching for the trees. Fire devoured the beast for only seconds before it found its balance once again.
There was a shower of sparks as the embers leaped and twirled in a fiery dance, cascading to the earth setting alight the tinder dry plant-litter and roots of the eerie trees.
The creature threw itself at Terrowin, but Terrowin managed to evade the attack, missing its claws by mere inches. Terrowin gave a step back and gathered his fire, tendrils of flame snaking to his fingers before he shot his hands out, sending a wall of flame rolling outwards like the smoke of a mushroom cloud.
The beast roared and stumbled back, its gaze momentarily blinded by the plumes of grey smoke that wound itself around it.
Fire licked the ground, blazing out of control, flaring, leaping and spitting.
I stared in awe at this amazing, yet all the same terrifying, battle that was busy taking place right in front of my own two eyes. It took me back to when I was little. My mind drifted away, numbed, awe-inspired, consumed by the absolute stupendous scene my mind was yet to fully understand.
My aunt, dear ole Millicent, had once decided to take me to see a play in the far town of Foreighna. She called it a business trip, I called it vacation…
***
“Come on! It’s starting! Hurry up! Hurry up!” I called excitedly, constantly yanking at Millicent’s arm in order to get her to move faster. I pulled on Millicent’s arm to get her to move faster. Foreighna had decided to put on a play for all who were eager to come and watch, probably tricking us into a history lesson or something. And by all, I mean us little ones.
We went to the amphitheatre grounds and took a seat at the top row. Millicent didn’t notice but I smuggled in some snacks for myself. I started nibbling on a pack of nuts. The curtains rose and the play started.
A man walked onto stage.
“Aunt Milli! It’s the wizard! It’s the wizard!”
I always wanted to see a real wizard in all my life. It was one of my deepest desires and I always had this tingly feeling that one day it would come true.
A few things occurred with a king, a witch, a squirrel, a toe, dental hygiene and a giant. Later on, it was finally time for the wizard to pull the strings on the tale and use his magic for the better good.
“Look!”
My gaze remained intently focused on the wizard. The wizard acted out a few movements with his hands and aimed at a wooden cart, but nothing tremendous happened. There was no magic shooting out of his hands or raising from the stage ground. I caught a glimpse of a man from behind the curtains unnoticeably trying to set the cart on fire with flint stone. It worked, but didn’t exactly prove believable to me, even though the others cheered and applauded.
I was disappointed and my smile turned upside down as I sank back down into my seat, pursing my lips with an angry frown plastered to my face.
“Hey, that isn’t real,” I complained.
“Of course not, dear. This is all pretend.”
I crossed my arms, wallowing in my own resentment.
“What a complete rip-off! Why couldn’t they find a real wizard?”
I shot a questioning look at my aunt.
“Wizards are far too busy these days, my dear, almost as though they want nothing to do with us regular mortals,” Millicent replied, giving a little chuckle.
“Hell, they won’t even come if you call them to help in war, fighting for Ysellian, even if it is their homeland as well.”
That gave me a bit of an idea about these wizard guys. Quite stubborn, if anything.
Millicent patted me on the head and quickly nicked one of my nuts from the packet. I looked at her with broadened eyes as she ate it.
“If you want to keep it a secret, you will have to do better than that.”
We broke into a laugh and shared the rest of the remaining snacks while we enjoyed the play... well, mostly enjoyed it.
***
I was sent falling back into reality as I quickly had to step aside for Terrowin, otherwise we would’ve bumped into each other. I shielded my face from a flurry of fire by use of my arm during the next attack.
I merely stood and watched, watched the ever-burning fire that blazed, watching everything burn…
Plants and roots cracked and wilted under the weight of the weightless fire. Seemingly, it was only the tree stumps and leaves themselves that refused to ignite, for they looked somewhat dampened.
From the fight, I knew this was no joke. This was no play, no laughing matter…
I never did see any real wizard, or apprentice, in this case, in action before. All I ever saw was that one pitiful pretend play, but this was real. This was great!
I watched as Terrowin ran around, trying to roast the thing with his flames, but the beast just somehow managed to get back on its feet every single time, as though nothing had happened. The more I watched, the more I wanted to help. It was an urge I just couldn’t hold back. Strangely, the fear I had, had gone away…
The creature groaned in pain as the fires hit it – scorched it. Unfortunately, it jumped straight back onto its fury paws.
The lizard beast made itself ready for another attack. Terrowin saw no chance of success in using magic. He sighed and shakily took out an expensive-looking silver dagger from his black belt and held it ready. I had never seen anyone so hesitant in using a weapon before. He looked as though he stood rooted to the spot, still debating whether or not he had the courage to use the dagger.
Like I said, I wanted to help, but couldn’t risk getting in his way. I trailed a few steps backward and saw the monster attacking Terrowin. The beast scratched him on the arm with its tiger claws. Terrowin’s robe was torn and exposed a terrible wound, dark red blood seeping from the slashes.
The creature swiped its large claws at Terrowin’s head, but my friend was too quick and ducked. He took the chance and stabbed the monster, unfortunately missing its heart by mere inches.
The creature cried out in agony and tried snapping at Terrowin with its threatening fangs. Terrowin had no choice but to leap out of the way, ending up on the ground as the aftermath of his attempt. The monster’s bloodshot eyes glinted in opportunity as it pinned Terrowin firmly to the ground, its claws intentionally digging deeper into his shoulders. Terrowin could but only clench his jaw against the pain, his face screwed up in eternal anguish.
Even I knew that he wasn’t getting out of that one.
Luckily for him, I had a plan. Only, it wasn’t a very good one. My eyes probed the area around me and I decided to climb the nearest tree whilst Terrowin was out being all heroic and stuff.
After I reached the perfect height, I let go and jumped from the tree and onto the creature’s back, having almost slipped. I had to claw myself back up.
You’re crazy, Carlaylin! I thought to myself as I clung on to the creature’s fur for dear life. The creature was startled by my sudden appearance on its back and let go of Terrowin as I distracted it. Its scaly tale swiped at me, but I ducked, feeling the force of the wind it carried alongside with it as it swished pass me.
What were you thinking?! This is absolutely suicidal.
I bit down on my teeth as lay flat on the creature’s back, frankly too scared to sit upright and ride this bull properly.
The world spun around me in a blur as the monster tried to get rid of me.
You’re going to die. Yep, you’re dead.
I mustered my courage and did what I came for. My grip on the beast tightened and I gave it a forceful yank to my left. The monster roared and turned right, gaze blinded by rage as it ran straight into a large tree.
I guess left really isn’t that bad after all!
I let go at impact and took a dive to the ground with flailing arms, only to hit the ground, going for a quick roll before I came to a halt in a cloud of dust, robbed from my breath, exhausted with the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. I was quick to stand.
The monster collapsed, but not yet unconscious. I felt like bursting into a rage as the creature just wouldn’t die, or at the very least, black out. I grunted as it got back to its feet, shaking its sore head.
I was frozen, almost driven from all hope I had left in me. My shoulders slumped and I closed my eyes, biting down on my lip as the bloody monster dashed toward me, bearing its fangs, ready to end my life.
It pounced, lunging itself at me, my heart pounding against my ribcage, but, instead of ripping me to shreds, I heard it fell sideways, hitting the ground as it groaned in what sounded like possible pain. It wasn’t long before its moaning fell silent, fading away into the still nothingness of the uncanny, dead forest.
I slowly reopened my eyes, only to see Terrowin standing right in front of me with his dagger held outstretched, dripping with blood. His arm fell to his side, dropping the dagger. He did it. He killed the monster. He… saved me?
The creature lied dead on the ground, motionless, robbed of its life.
Terrowin didn’t even flash me a glance and merely kept his eyes fixated on the lifeless body.
“Terrowin?” I asked cautiously, my voice soft.
He only passed over my remark with no reply.
“Your arm, your shoulders… Are you okay?”
Terrowin heaved a heavy sigh, still frozen on the spot.
“You still there, Terro-”
“I told you not to fight. I told you to stay back… You could’ve gotten killed!” he snapped as he furiously swung around to face me. My heart skipped a beat, sinking down to the very edges of my feet.
“I-”
“You should’ve known better!”
Even though I just wanted to shrink and disappear, I felt a fire kindled in my soul as my blood started to boil, boiling ice cold…
“If I didn’t save your life you could have gotten killed!”
“I could have handled it!”
“No, I don’t think so. If I hadn’t saved you, you would have died. And when you’re dead, you can’t protect me from that thing and it could have killed me as well. There. Feel better now? I helped you in your bloody… ‘quest’.”
I felt a single raindrop dripping on my bare skin. Gradually, bit by bit, it started to rain, a light shower caressing the draught stricken earth. I smelled wet earth clawing at my feet.
“Really? Really?!” he shouted. “What would the Wizard say if you died?!”
My heart pulled together into a single cramp.
“So… This is all about him then. About you… You don’t really care what happens to me, do you?”
I saw the fire in him dying down as his sturdy frown loosened into something a bit softer. I truly think we both had had enough of this. We were both tired, exhausted, over this entire journey, even though it had practically only just begun.
I noticed the blood staining Terrowin’s robes. The gashes had only worsened.
“Your arm…” I said once again, even more startled than last time. I wasn’t used to seeing so much blood. It looked painful, even though Terrowin didn’t show it. I think he was trying his best to hide the anguish that brewed inside him. I stepped closer to help, but he rejected and reeled away.
His frown hardened once again, the anger inside him not yet subsided as he swung around and walked away
“But-”
“It wasn’t your battle!”
I sighed nervously, eyebrows knitted.
“Come on, you still holding on to that?” I pleaded, but I received not a word.
I swallowed.
Terrowin went on ahead and I reluctantly decided to follow, keeping my distance. A part of me couldn’t stand him being mad at me. I felt trapped in a box. I only wanted the peace to come back, but we were far from it. My lips quivered and I couldn’t help but stare at the road beneath my shoes as I walked on.
It’s not my fault if I only wanted to help… is it?
CHAPTER 4
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE INSANITY
PART 1
TERROWIN
WE WALKED FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE FOREVER, every ticking second, an eon.
The pain bit at my arm, stinging… burning. Every step I took felt like a mile as my mind grew clouded. I couldn’t exactly think straight. My gaze hazed by the amount of blood I had lost.
I had let my anger get the best of me once again. I was too infuriated to care for myself and ended up paying dearly for it by not tending to my wound. A feeling of worry rattled within me.
At least, eventually, I calmed, more or less, and ended up ripping a shred off my robe’s sleeve, binding it around my worst and currently most fatal wound.
Luckily, I wore a long sleeved robe, meaning I had more than enough material to use as a makeshift bandage.
After a good long while, Carlaylin jogged closer, taking my side. I felt a sense of irritation sparking up within me. I couldn’t help but try to ignore her, failing the urge to roll my eyes, letting go of an unnoticeable sigh.
I didn’t mean to be callous, but sometimes I just couldn’t help it. That’s just who I was. I was quick to anger, no matter how hard I tried to fight it.
“Want to know what I called that monster…?” she asked, evidently deliberately. I leisurely came to a stop, crossed my arms and stared silently at her, frowning as I awaited an answer.
“I call him Terrowin,” she smirked, “because he’s so terrifying, stubborn, annoying and kind of disrespectful… and pretty powerful, actually.”
It was clear that her words carried anger, despite the slight amazement evident in her last few words.
Yet again I sighed, raising an eyebrow.
“I only tried to help, okay. And newsflash, I’m still breathing. Get over it, would you?” she said.
She disappointedly shook her head and turned around, walking back from whence we came. I narrowed my eyes and watched as she continued her way back.
“Where are you going?” I asked, slightly curious, but deep inside I already knew the answer.
“I’m going back to Thorodan. I hope it’s not too late to beg Olaf to give me my old job back.”
“Why?”
“Because if you think that I will travel all the way to that wizard fellow with you, then you are sorely mistaken.”
Carlaylin kept on walking. Thunder roared loudly and lightning struck. The rain got worse and doused the earth, soaking my robes. The sky now appeared as dark shades of grey. I knew that she wasn’t aiming on going all the way back to Thorodan Town, not after how far we’ve come. She was clearly playing me, clearly playing on my guilt… And it worked.
“Carlaylin!” I called. She might have heard me, but she didn’t stop.
I bit down on my teeth, gritting, grunting, absolutely incensed as I stomped my foot to the ground.
I can’t believe it worked. I can’t believe I’m falling for this!
I swallowed back the anger, at least trying too, as I hurriedly rushed to Carlaylin.
“Wait!” I called as I ran in front of her, stopping her dead in her tracks. I was forced to face her, forced to meet her hurt eyes. I could see the wretchedness in her stare. There was a moment of silence as I tried to gather myself, tried to gather my words.
“I’m sorry,” I a
pologized, struggling with my words, but meaning it sincerely.
“Sometimes anger just gets a hold of me. I didn’t mean to snap at you back there. I guess… I do owe you my gratitude. Let’s keep it at that. Now please, will you come with me to the Wizard? He needs you. Ysellian needs you.”
Not a word. I took a deep breath, trying to keep myself calm.
“Fine,” I muttered, “I need you.”
There was another moment of lingering silence with nothing but the sound of rain and thunder drilling at my ears.
I snorted and knew what had to be said.
“Will you forgive me?” I raised my hands for good measure.
She smiled, seemingly grateful and nodded, punching me playfully on the shoulder. I returned a slight smile and removed my hood. I offered it to her to protect her from the rain, for I had nothing else to give. She gently took it. “Thanks.”
I gestured her to take the lead. She put on the hood, gave a single nod and I followed her side by side on our path ahead. I must admit, I hated it when she won these disputes… Actually, she always won, come to think of it.
***
“Why didn’t you want to fight with your dagger?” Carlaylin asked, “You looked so concerned when you had that weapon in your hand.”
I froze for a moment.
Bad memories started rushing into my head. I didn’t exactly wanted to blurt my past out to some girl I barely knew. My past was both good, and terrible, but this is a dark nook in my memories I wasn’t so keen on exploring again. I simply tried covering with a somewhat honest and rather obvious answer, “I just don’t like fighting with weapons. It’s either magic or nothing. That’s all.”
“And why is that?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
A mischievous smile appeared on Carlaylin’s lips.
“Come on…”
“No.”
“Please!”
“No.”
“Hey! Another crossroads.”
“What?”
Wizard of Elements Page 5
