Warlord of the Forgotten Age

by Charles E Yallowitz

  “Find a place to hide until this is over,” Dariana whispers to the pair. Using a little more of Delvin’s powers, she helps them recover their energy. “I promise that Queen Trinity will find you two a place to live. You will be free just like her people. Still, it is best that you stay away from the fighting.”

  “I’d like to think we angered your father with this,” Delvin admits while Melanie and Raksha hurry out of the room. He is surprised at how quick the metal girl can run, her heavy footfalls echoing down the hallway. “Betting he wanted us to kill them, which would make us feel guilty for not finding a better way. Guilt seems to be a popular weapon with your family. So, what do we do to open the portal?”

  “Well, we have to wait for Luke, so let’s try not to open anything,” Nyx answers as she heads for the windows. A charge pulses through her body and makes all her hair rise towards the ceiling. “Please tell me everyone else felt that. Actually, I think I’d rather it only be me because that felt like a portal awakening. Didn’t the chaos elves say something about the sky tearing apart and the Baron falling into his throne?”

  Dariana rubs her arms, her skin suddenly feeling cold and clammy. “Yes, but I assumed my father would have moved the portal inside. That way he could summon demons and return to the Chaos Void in privacy.”

  “Well, I think he put it back where he found it.”

  With the sound of breaking stone, the castle’s roof is torn off by a storm that hurls the heavy wreckage into a mountain. Having defeated the demons, the chaos elves hurry back into the tunnels to avoid the winds that threaten to hurl them into the distance. The champions hold onto whatever they can find, which includes Sari who has locked herself in place. High above Shayd, a crimson portal opens to reveal the Chaos Void and attempts to suck everything into its churning maw. Smoke flows out of the edges to merge with the storm clouds, which unleash emerald lightning that is powerful enough to melt stone. Knowing that they have to go through the terrifying opening, the champions try to think of the easiest way to reach the portal. The decision is made for them when they spot Luke flailing in the wind before getting dragged into the gateway. Not wanting the forest tracker to face the Baron alone, everyone lets the violent storm violently yank them off the ground. Once they are through the portal, the sky settles back into its natural state and only six small crimson lights remain to mark the long-expected passage of the champions.

  *****

  Abandoned by the primordial God of Evil, Vir’s Castle sits on the highest cliff of the Chaos Void. A patch of night sky has been exposed in the thick smoke above the structure, the stars a sickly shade of green. Blood flows from the crimson stones and runs for miles until it reaches a lake where many demons come to drink. Barbed hooks line the battlements, which have a muscular gargoyle at each corner. The dormant beasts are frozen in horrific poses that have not changed since the current resident arrived against his will. Spires rise from the roof, their points glinting from crystals embedded in the black rock. Due to the curse, cracks run along the thick protrusions to prevent them from being used to contact the outside world. One has already toppled over, the remains scattered about the cliffs that met its fall. The front doors are sealed with hundreds of tight chains that mask most of the horned skull that is fused to the dark gray wood. Prismatic shells are over the windows, allowing those inside to see the outside world, but never feel the balmy breeze.

  Having spent the last week with a crushing sense of isolation, the Baron breathes a sigh of relief at the sensation of intruders. Rising from his chair at the head of a long table, he waves his hand to remove the dust from every corner of the dining room. Unable to send the cloud outside, he ignites it with a snap and uses the flames to light fresh candles for the chandeliers. Invisible servants float through a thin side door, all of them carrying brooms and mops to make sure the room is spotless. Sitting on the back wall, the picture of a shadowy figure twists and changes to show the Baron. With a smile, he watches the depiction of his throne and the six skulls at his feet appear in vivid detail. The shifting of a chair brings the immortal’s attention to a cloaked figure sitting at the other end of the table. Body shivering and hunched within the dark garment, the mysterious diner seems to grow smaller when its host laughs.

  “It appears the guests I have waited for all these years have finally arrived,” the Baron announces with a bow. Rolling his wrist, he summons his rapier and swings it a few times to make sure it feels natural in his hands. “The armor can wait for when I am ready to leave. Yes, I believe you are right that I should enjoy more of the show. I spent the earlier years of my incarceration creating so many traps and challenges that it would be worthwhile to see if it was time well spent. Oh, did you mean the opposite? It is dreadfully hard to understand you right now. Speak up with your thoughts instead of muttering.”

  Six of his servants arrive with large mirrors, which they set up along the table. The glassy surfaces ripple as they each show a champion and turn to the Baron. Reclaiming his seat, he puts his rapier across his lap and holds out his hand for a goblet. He considers offering food and drink to his cloaked guest, but the figure’s violent spasms and faint whispers makes him feel that it is best to leave the person alone. The last thing he wants is for his enjoyment to be ruined by any complaints or unnecessary screams of pain.

  “Besides, there is the barrier that has to come down,” the warlord casually mentions. Taking a sip of wine, he settles back in his cushioned chair and puts his booted feet on the table. “I could do it myself with the Compass Key, but I believe they should be punished for their treatment of Lord Fortune. My victory will be even sweeter if my tests are defeated by those who were forged to stop me. Such a twisted, toxic web you have woven, Gabriel. Let us see if your chosen can fail you once again.”

  12

  Leaning against the wall and holding onto a manacle for support, Nyx feels like her stomach is about to lurch out of her body. The toxic magic of the Chaos Void pounds on her natural defenses like an insistent battering ram. Sinking to the floor, the channeler picks at the fragile scales that have appeared on her hands. The crystalline flecks sizzle and twist in the hopes of reattaching to her skin, which has been left pink and raw. The half-elf’s hair has grown rough and edged, the tresses cutting her shirt whenever she moves her head. Burning holes are on her clothes from her attempts at fixing the damage, her spells having repeatedly resulted in a backlash. With only a second to realize what is about to happen, Nyx vomits gelatinous aura until her body is cleansed of the demonic energy she has unintentionally absorbed. Knowing she can be infected again, the champion creates a barrier within her own body and takes a steady breath before standing. A wave of vertigo hits her and she collapses into Sari’s arms, the gypsy gladly helping her friend walk.

  Having been wandering in silence for an hour, the champions worry that they are going in circles. Even with Timoran’s keen ears and Luke taking the form of Stiletto, they have found nothing more than empty supply closets and a single bedroom. They take some comfort in the lack of traps and demons, but their anxiety grows with each passing minute. The shadows cast by flickering torches have begun playing tricks on their minds, which causes them to take every turn cautiously and with weapons drawn. Coming to a part of the hallway that has two well-lit alcoves and a trio of potted plants, the champions decide to rest and let Nyx recover more of her strength. With the benches made out of human bones, they settle for sitting on the floor and passing around their last waterskin.

  “I think I’m adjusting,” Nyx groans, handing off the drink to Luke. She struggles to fold her shaking arms, black veins appearing before the ichor seeps out of her fingertips. “Didn’t say it was happening quickly. There’s so much demonic magic in the air that my body keeps trying to absorb it. My internal barriers are helping a bit, but the gunk is gathering just beneath my skin, which is disgusting. Do you think it’s safe for me to match the darker wavelength? That should solve the problem and give me some control, but I don’t kn
ow about the side-effects. Why is this place making me feel like I ate week old garbage?”

  “This was once Vir’s home,” Dariana explains while rubbing her temples. Shivering and sucking in a breath, she senses nothing more than a void of thought that makes her feel naked and exposed. “The Primordial God of Evil lived up to his name. Nobody knows where he disappeared to, but the rumor is that he was put into a deep slumber. That is why there has never been another. It is said the same may have happened to his wife, sister, and brother-in-law. All of them disappeared around the time Mylrix the Magical Plane crashed into the physical plane and none of you really care about that. The point is that this castle had been abandoned until Gabriel turned it into my father’s prison. Nyx isn’t really connecting to the demonic energies of the Chaos Void, which is not very different than the ambient energy of our world. Her channeler nature is trying to absorb the dark aura of Vir that remains in these walls.”

  “How is that supposed to be any better?” Sari asks as she puts cold water on the channeler’s forehead. The droplets evaporate on contact, which creates an uncomfortable steam that lingers around the group. “Not sure if that means you have a fever or your magic is acting funny. I don’t think Nyxie is going to be much help in a fight like this. We should rest until she can block the infection or we find a way to help her. Luke, you said that you landed in a garden before coming inside and searching for us. Maybe there are some herbs that will help her out.”

  The forest tracker thinks back to his rough arrival, streaks of dirt still on his face. “I’ve been looking for the way back, but nothing makes sense here. From what I saw as I arrived, the castle isn’t big enough for us to get lost like this. We should have found more rooms or double-backed to something familiar long ago. I even tried asking for the garden when I opened a door, but I still got a broom closet with a really big spider. Still can’t believe those are found here. What about giving her the ginger pills I use for seasickness?”

  “That will help her stomach, but not fix the problem,” Timoran points out, turning his head towards his shoulder. Mouth partly open, he freezes for a moment and blushes before facing his friends. “Sorry. I forgot that Fizzle is no longer with us. I was wondering if his bond with Nyx would help ease her suffering or eliminate it completely. Perhaps this is why the real battle is supposed to take place in Gaia. This ugly land has made some of us too weak to fight at our full strength. Regardless of that possibility, I do hope we can end it here and not put all of our waiting friends in danger.”

  His limbs slightly numb from the atmosphere, Delvin crawls over to Nyx and gives her a deep kiss. The warrior nearly collapses as his arms buckle and the bitter taste in his fiancée’s mouth mixes with his own sour saliva. Sparks ripple between their lips and flames coil around their arms, the energy fading as the channeler’s body settles. When their auras synchronize, Nyx breaks contact and takes the waterskin to have a drink. She frowns when Delvin hurries toward one of the potted plants to throw up, the fern rotting in seconds. Gasping and spitting, he gets the last of the foul aura out of his system and lies down on the floor.

  “Please don’t be offended,” the warrior says, raising his hand and making a fist. Letting his arm flop onto his stomach, he pulls out a ring to wash his mouth out with a sweet coffee. “Give me a few minutes to recover. I’m having some issues too, but it’s more that the castle is trying to pull my energy out than put itself inside. The link I just made with Nyx should last for a day or two, but I can’t maintain it if a real fight breaks out. I’m starting to hear whispers, so we can go once my head clears.”

  “Voices,” Dariana blurts out, her curiosity stirred. Unable to push through the mental silence, she nervously chews on her bottom lip and gets up to bounce on her toes. “My powers are being blocked by something. That’s another reason I haven’t been able to find my father. I could use more of my telepathy, but I know there are creatures here that will hunt us down if they sense us. They were placed here specifically to keep me in check when I . . . lived here as a child.”

  “Can you remember your way around?” Luke asks as everyone stands. Seeing that Delvin is having trouble, he takes the other warrior’s arm and drapes it over his shoulders. “I’m sure this is better than Timoran carrying you like a baby. Now, all we have to do is let Dariana lead us through this maze.”

  The telepath sighs and steps away, the expectant stares making her uncomfortable. “Calling it a maze is almost correct. This castle changes to confuse all who refuse to either dominate or merge with its power. Most of my time here was spent in a single room. The times I left were always by my father’s side. Without him, I would become lost until someone found me. That was centuries ago, so there is no chance of me finding my way now. Not unless I can break through this void without attracting the monsters.”

  “I say bring it on.”

  “These are like nothing you have ever fought before, Luke.”

  “Keep in mind that I just killed three Spurges on my own.”

  “I’m sorry, but these creatures are worse than that.”

  “Well, we can’t wander the hallways until the Baron gets tired of laughing at us.”

  “What about a way around the void and monsters?” Delvin interrupts while pushing away from Luke. He lurches forward and puts his hands against the wall, a deep breath helping to clear his head. “These voices are calling to me. They say my name. Use me as a bridge to locate them and we can see where it goes. I’m already feeling stronger. Three more cups of coffee should get me back to normal.”

  “Looks like somebody’s aura is making the rounds,” Sari teases before Nyx flicks the side of her head. Rubbing the sore spot, she moves to put Timoran between herself and the scowling half-elf. “I think I should say what all of us are probably thinking. How do we know this isn’t a trap?”

  Letting the question hang in the air, Dariana nervously reaches out to take Delvin’s wrists and places her forehead against his. A dribble of blood runs out of her nose, the immediate strain of bypassing the mental blocks catching her by surprise. Moving her hands to her friend’s shoulders, she grips him tighter and pushes a little harder to access his mind. The blast of psychic energy that strikes Dariana’s brain is enough to launch her into the wall, the telepath sliding down to the bench. Her limbs spasm for a second until she can regain control of her muscles, the effort making her ears bleed. With the voices now echoing in her skull, she smacks herself and lets the jolts of pain help her focus. Multiple roars erupt to drown out the moaning chorus, but the awakening monsters are distracted by an even louder bellow.

  “Seems my father doesn’t want us to suffer too much,” Dariana whispers, smiling to reveal blood across her teeth. Knocking her head with the meaty part of her palm, the telepath stands like a drunk and heads back the way they came. “I know what is calling to us now. The countless dead found Nyx attractive. Then they found Delvin delicious. Now, they want to show me the room I always forget. Such a horrible, terrible room. Time for my punishment, big brother? Does daddy know you want to make me suffer again?”

  “I sense that this will not end well,” Timoran mutters under his breath.

  *****

  Walking around the corner, the champions find themselves at the top of a slide that plunges into an orange light. They are about to move away when Dariana sits down and pushes herself forward. Not wanting to lose their guide, the others follow and do their best to avoid hitting the rough walls whenever they reach a sudden turn. Yellow molds and swarms of beetles can be seen on the ceiling, the insects taking flight as Timoran goes by. Nyx flicks fist-sized fireballs at the chittering mass of bugs, which threaten to devour the channeler who has fallen to the rear of the group. Stretching her body, she touches both walls and ignites them to create a tunnel of flames that drives the hungry swarm away. Unable to twist in time, the half-elf flies out of the slide at an awkward angle and is nearly engulfed by the emerald fog that covers the basement. Luke and Delvin swiftly catch her wrist
s and swing her onto the wide ledge, but she feels her foot hit something squishy in the mist. Looking down at her boot, Nyx finds an eyeball stuck to the toe and shudders as she scrapes it off.

  “I can hear them suffering,” Dariana whispers as she tries to step off the ledge. She is grabbed by Sari, who refuses to let go or unlock her body. “You don’t understand. They miss me. Stephen always told me that I helped them. The countless dead talked to me whenever I was bad. We were friends. It’s been so long since we got to play.”

  “There is nothing moving down there,” Timoran mentions while he stares into the glittering fog. A foul stench rises from below, the stink reminding him of a three day old battlefield in the summer. “I am sure everyone else smells that. Perhaps we are looking at ghouls since those do not touch the ground. Then again, we would have been attacked already. We should find a way to snap Dariana back to her senses.”

  “Give me a minute,” Sari says, the telepath struggling against her. Delivering an enchanted kiss to her friend’s neck, she maintains her hold until she feels no more resistance. “I had to use a pretty strong serenity spell, but she’s conscious enough to talk. Might act a little loopy and drunk though. Can you tell us where we are, Dari?”