by Marc Johnson
“Yes. I’m going with you.”
I didn’t argue. “All right.”
I put my wizard’s robes on and inhaled the sweet aroma that lingered on them. “Smells as if a beautiful woman wore them and kept them safe.”
She touched my black robes. “I’m going to miss wearing them. It felt as if a part of you were there, holding me.” Krystal stepped closer, and I wrapped my arms around her and spun her outwards. I ached to kiss the back of her neck like I used to. “But I don’t need them any longer.” She broke the embrace and asked, “Are you ready to see the council?”
“Shouldn’t we wait and get you a clean and extravagant dress?”
“Hellsfire, you’re stalling.”
“I’m just...nervous. I’ve been in a room with three of them, and the power they radiate is intense. Plus, I decimated their army, Krystal. What if they want revenge?”
“If they wanted you dead, they would have already killed you.”
I ran my fingers through my hair and shrugged. “You’re right, of course. But these people have long memories, and they will want something. I still can’t forgive them for what they did to you and Ardimus.”
“Neither can I, but you must push aside those feelings and work with them for the greater good. Or would you rather the war continue?”
“I’ll try.”
“You’ll do fine, and whatever you decide, I’ll be right beside you,” Krystal said.
“I thank the gods for that every day.”
She bestowed that special smile that was reserved only for me. “As well you should.”
----
We ended up in the same stark chambers. The only difference was now there were six chairs instead of three. It also lacked Ashton’s mana symbols in the background. The Elemental Council looked comfortable as they chatted with each other, but they probably didn’t realize it.
“We summoned you, Hellsfire, not the princess,” Helios said and gave a slight nod to Krystal.
Before I could open my mouth to reply, Krystal said, “His fate concerns me.”
“Very well.”
“You killed thousands of our troops,” Bellona said, her already black eyes darkening. “And you attempted to kill us.”
I almost said, “And you tortured the princess and threatened to bring war to my homeland,” but thought silence would be best. I nodded, glanced away from their eyes, and clenched my fists.
“This is not the time for that,” Ardonis said, his calming magic dampening our emotions. “We’re past that. It’s time we discuss the future.”
Nairi crossed her arms. “Yes, yes. So we’ve been told.”
“How did you cast that fire?” Dorissa said. “We’ve learned you’ve only recently become a wizard.”
“Hellsfire, indeed,” Helios said with a youthful smile.
“I don’t understand, council,” I said.
“Humph,” Zephyrus said. “You don’t even comprehend the extremely dangerous spell you performed. Youth today.”
“Your name,” Helios said, his red eyes flashing, “is perfect for you. The fire you created is called ‘hellsfire.’ It’s when you master both black and red mana and combine them into one. I have trouble with it myself, but Bellona and I could easily perform it together.”
“Oh. Thank you,” I said. I paused. Stradus was right. He had chosen the perfect name for me. I stepped forward. “Does something else happen when you create this hellsfire?”
“What do you mean?” Ardonis asked, with an intent look on his face.
“Is there a...feeling or a presence there?” I wanted to tell them more, but couldn’t trust them. I wasn’t about to tell them how the flames whispered to me or that they caused me to take delight in things I wouldn’t normally.
At that second, a visual of how my dark flames incinerated a wizard flashed into my mind. His defenses burned like his flesh. A small smile crossed my lips.
“It’s because you’re young,” Bellona said, pulling me away from my sinister thoughts. “You cast a spell far too advanced for you.”
“There’s nothing more dangerous than a wizard who cannot control his powers,” Nairi said in her deep voice. “Even Renak’s creatures learned control.”
The others nodded in agreement, but that wasn’t it. There was something else behind the magic. Something more sinister and powerful.
“Thank the gods, you were able to get yourself under control,” Dorissa said, smiling. “Or we might not be here now.”
I stared at the Elemental Council, then glanced back at Krystal. Did they not see what had happened? She was why I’d stopped. There was no other reason—or were they omitting that fact on purpose?
“These are new times for us—for everyone,” Zephyrus said.
“Indeed they are,” Bellona said. “But before we get to that, we must know if you’ll accept our sentencing. Will you abide by our ruling for you and your friends for your actions earlier?” The light in the chambers darkened as the Elemental Council peered down at me.
“No,” I said. “I will accept whatever you have in store from me, but you will let the princess and the others go. They had nothing to do with the ritual I performed.”
Helios turned his head and stared at the princess. “That’s not true. They guarded you, and they are here because of you.”
Before I could open my mouth, Krystal said, “We’ll accept your judgment, council. We stand together.”
I wanted to argue with her, but now wasn’t the time. I also wanted to wrap my arms around her and kiss her for standing by me.
“Good,” Dorissa said. “After much discussion, we have decided to let you go, Hellsfire.”
I was surprised to hear that, but glad to be free. Dorissa had a kind smile on her face as if she genuinely meant what she said, but Bellona and Nairi did not look happy about that outcome.
“This also includes the princess, along with the elves, the dwarf, and even the troublesome Fortune,” Dorissa continued. “We would like to send more diplomatic forays into Northern Shala. Perhaps we can trade and share information.”
“Yes,” Krystal said. “I would very much like that. There is much to be learned from one another.”
“Don’t forget Prastian and Jastillian,” Zephyrus said. “We’ll have to discuss things with them as well.”
“There is one thing we would like to ask of you, Hellsfire,” Helios said. “We would prefer it if you stayed down here to—”
“To atone for what you’ve done,” Nairi said, staring down at me.
“Help us,” Helios said.
“You’ve crossed into the Dead Zone,” Dorissa said in her calming voice. “That is one of the more extreme examples, but there are a lot of other things that need to be fixed, such as our old capital of Fairhaven.”
I understood the implications. If I left, there would be repercussions. It might even give them an excuse to attack Northern Shala and the country that harbored me. They most certainly had other reasons for letting me live, but whatever the reasons, I had to atone for all the deaths I had caused. This would also be a great chance for me to learn more about my magic and even find a cure for Krystal, if I had access to even half of their resources and knowledge. And there was still the looming threat Renak had warned me about. I had to identify and stop it.
I glanced at the princess. What would she think about me staying in Southern Shala? Would it matter to her? It’s not like I could ever return to Alexandria.
I bowed my head. “As you wish.”
“We would also like your expertise and guidance in Northern Shala as a fellow wizard.” Helios glanced to the others. “So that other incidents may be avoided. You understand better than us what it’s like up there.”
“We also want what you learned in Masep,” Bellona said, her black eyes intent.
I looked at Krystal. She gave a subtle nod.
“Very well,” I said.
“Great,” Ardonis said, clapping his hands together. “We look forw
ard to getting to know you.”
Krystal bowed, and I did the same. She turned and walked away. I stopped and realized this was as good a time as any to ask for a favor.
“Council, if I may,” I said. “I have a request.”
Nairi leaned forward and gripped her staff tighter. “You’ve already done enough, Hellsfire. We owe you nothing. You should thank the gods we let you live. Not all of us were in favor of that.”
“Let’s be reasonable and at least hear his request,” Ardonis said, putting a hand up. “There’s no harm in that.” He smiled. “Go ahead.”
“Can you help me break Renak’s curse on the princess? Ask your price and I’ll pay it.”
“Hellsfire, what are you doing?” Krystal asked.
“What I must,” I said.
Ardonis peered over at Krystal. “So that’s what I see in her. How and why did Renak curse you?”
“It was Premier’s doing. He twisted and altered the spell used in the Great Barrier to kill her if I succeeded in bringing it down.” I stared at the council from Ashton. “He’s tricky and not to be trusted.”
The council’s colorful eyes all rested on Krystal as they sized her up.
“Humph,” Zephyrus said. “It would require a very delicate touch for a wizard to twist Renak’s spell, and he must have known you were coming.”
“Give us a few days and we’ll see what we can do,” Bellona said. “That’s all we can promise you.”
Dorissa smiled at her. “I knew you were a romantic at heart.”
Bellona’s face became sour.
I bowed my head. “Thank you, Council.”
We left the council’s chambers. As we traveled the quiet hallways, Krystal and I walked arm in arm.
“Would you really pay any price to cure me of this affliction, Hellsfire?”
“Of course, Princess.”
She leaned her head against mine. “That’s sweet. Do you think the council will be able to help?”
“I hope so. They’re the Elemental Council. No one knows more about magic than they do.”
“But the magic was created by Renak and twisted by Premier. We shouldn’t get our hopes up, Hellsfire.”
I untwined my arm and hugged her waist. “If they’re not able to find a way, I promise I won’t stop trying.”
She didn’t respond.
----
We spent the following week in Romenia, and the council was true to their word. They performed tests on both me and Krystal. We endured a lot as they probed us with magic, performed rituals, and concocted a few potions. However, in the end, they couldn’t help us. They said that Renak’s curse was too adaptable and strong. It wasn’t only embedded in the princess, but in me. All of their powerful magic didn’t affect the curse in the slightest.
They were the almighty Elemental Council, but not even they could defeat Renak. This might have been Premier’s fault, but it was Renak’s magic that was the source of it. Those council members from Ashton were awed by Renak’s curse, even while it defeated them. I was surprised when the council said there might be others in Southern Shala who could help. Those who were more skilled in curses. They also told me that when Fairhaven was opened, something might be found in that abandoned city.
As disappointed as I was that the Elemental Council couldn’t cure Krystal, I wasn’t going to give up hope.
Captain Rebekah, Ardimus, and at least one of the others constantly shadowed and hovered over us. They were apprehensive that people might attack us in retribution. I was worried, too, not for myself but for the princess.
Krystal, Prastian, Jastillian, Fortune, and Malik sought to work things out, talking to the people as we went to the market, the temple’s services, or the inns. They had a difficult time because of my presence. The regular people that lived in Romenia were more relieved that the war was over, but even they had lost people because of what I had done. I had a harder time meeting their eyes than anyone else’s.
-----
At the end of the week, it was time to depart. The council had given my friends enough supplies for the long journey back into Northern Shala, along with gifts. We were outside the city, with the horses loaded. The low sun shone over our heads.
“May I talk to you, Your Highness?” I asked Krystal.
“Of course.”
I led her away from the others, and well away from the elves with their excellent hearing. Krystal pulled on her horse’s reins and put the horse in between us and our friends.
As much time as we had spent together over the past week, with me clinging at her hip and her mine, we hadn’t discussed the fact that I was going to stay down here. We both knew it, but I think it was too painful for either of us to talk about. At least, for me it was.
“I guess this is it,” I said.
“How long will you be gone?” she asked.
I sighed. “I’m not sure. I have to help the council take down whatever defenses and traps are left and try to repair the land, but I’m also going to look for a way to break Renak’s curse. And there’s also Premier. I doubt Paige caught him. He’s bound to be planning something nefarious.” I met her eyes. “While the council may not believe me about Renak’s threat of the gods’ war, I do. There’s a danger out there, Krystal. One that I’m going to have to deal with. They didn’t see what I saw in Renak’s eyes.”
“I believe you.” She dragged her fingertips along my side and gave me a sad smile. “Just try not to take too long, hero, and please be careful. We don’t know what else is out there.”
“I’ll try.”
Krystal dug into one of her saddlebags and pulled out a vial of blood and a lock of her hair. She put it in my hand.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“I was told this could help you test your spells without me being here.”
I stared at her. She thought of everything. I placed those items into my purse and reeled her in. She snuggled up against me as I grasped her warm body tighter.
A single tear trickled down her face, and her royal mask started to break. “Hellsfire, I—”
“Shhh.” I mustered all my strength to use magic I wasn’t trained to use. “Close your eyes.”
I leaned in close enough to kiss Krystal. Her slow, rhythmic breathing rang in my ears. I concentrated and reached into my soul, grasping onto my feelings for her. The amulet I had given her glowed in response, and I gently blew. My breath scattered across her face, flowing all over her. She shivered in response as the feeling of a thousand kisses brushed upon her tingling body. Her knees buckled, and she nearly fell.
“That was amazing,” she said. She laid her hand against my face. I nuzzled against it, wishing I could feel her skin.
Krystal’s hand became limp and fell. She turned and mounted horse, wheeling it around to face north.
There was one last thing I wanted to tell her before she left. Something I should have told her earlier.
“Krystal, I love you.”
For a brief instant, her entire face lit up with the grandest smile, and the jade hexagram’s light blinded me. When I opened my eyes, both had vanished. Krystal didn’t say anything for the longest time, her violet eyes drinking in the sight of me.
She sadly smiled and said, “I know.”
The princess spurred her horse onward, galloping back towards Alexandria. I stared at her shrinking figure, feeling my heart drop into my stomach. Captain Rebekah and Ardimus sped by to catch up to her, and they gave me a cursory nod. The elves rode by and waved. Jastillian smiled as he passed. They might have said something, but I couldn’t hear them. I couldn’t hear anything.
Fortune and Malik came to me. Fortune slapped me on the shoulder, ripping me from my trance. “Come on, kid. I’ll buy you a drink.”
Serena flew from Malik and settled on my shoulder. “Don’t be so glum, cutie. We’ll have lots of fun while you’re down here.”
“He’s not here for fun, Serena,” Malik said. “We’ll do all we can to help you with the p
rincess’s curse.”
I stared at the now tiny horses, waiting for Krystal to turn around. She didn’t once look back. Did she not feel for me what I felt for her? Then I remembered what she had given me. She wanted me to find a cure, so she must have some feeling for me. Memories of us together raced through my mind. It hurt to remember her laughter and smile, that fierce gaze she wore when she fought, and the way she never gave up. The most painful one was the memory of before I left for the Wastelands and what she would have asked her father, but never did.
I couldn’t help but dwell on King Furlong’s words. Was I someone she was just passing the time with? She never said she would wait until I found a cure. That scared me more than anything. What if I couldn’t find a cure? Even if I did, what if I was never allowed back into Alexandria? What would she do? What would I do? Kathleen was right. I loved Krystal more than I’d ever loved her, and that was why not knowing hurt more than anything.
I shook my head. I wasn’t going to give up hope of a future with the princess unless that was what she wanted. She was all that mattered to me. I would do everything in my power to break this curse Premier had twisted upon us and find a way back into Alexandria. I would sacrifice everything to do so.
But the recent war and the council’s action reminded me that I still had a duty to perform. Krystal wouldn’t have wanted me to shrink away from it. I was going to help repair and restore what I had to in Southern Shala, hunt Premier down, and find clues to the menace Renak feared.
I stared at my hand, feeling the dark flame within me. I was going to have to deal with it and learn to control it, lest it overwhelm me. It threatened to rise up, its shadowy promises weaving into my mind. It was getting easier to summon, but no matter how much it promised, it could never give me Krystal...or could it?
To be continued in
REAWAKENING
The Passage of Hellsfire series, Book 3
AUTHOR’S NOTE
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