“We know everything about you and have been watching you since you and your brother were born, hoping one of you would make it here,” Livae said. Let us show you Talonsphere.”
They spoke a spell that Vartan could not understand, then raised their arms. The room rumbled as a circle in the floor slid open, and the Talonsphere he had seen in his vision, rose into the room. His companions let out a collective gasp as the weapon came into view.
Vartan heard battle cries from outside, and the rumble of an army marching. He ran to a nearby window, looking behind the castle. His eyes widened as he saw an immense army that outnumbered his own. “What is this?”
Dryden, Anakari, and Yuski all caught up to him, and stared at the massive gathering before them. Many of them held weapons, but there were leagues of soldiers that wore robes, and held staffs.
“That is an invasion army,” Yuski said, pulling out her orb. The colours still swirled inside, and would not settle.
“Of course, we need to protect ourselves,” Livae said.
“This looks far greater than protection,” Dryden said.
“Do not judge what you cannot understand. This army has been long preparing, in case you failed, Vartan. Surely, you do not wish Marithians to perish, if you had not made it to Talonsphere.”
Keturah, I know I have not called on you in a long time. Are they speaking the truth? Vartan thought.
Vartan, I have been long waiting for you to ask for me, since Helenia’s death. It seems we face your own. My powers do not work here, Keturah said.
Keturah’s sadness washed through him, but he was more concerned with what he was seeing. Their answers made sense, but nothing else did.
“Vartan, we have nothing to hide from you. Your chance to save Marithia is before you. What do you want to do?” Livae said.
Vartan stared at Talonsphere and the hole the size of a man that he could only guess was waiting for him. “What will happen to me when I activate Talonsphere?”
Livae stared at him with a grim frown. “We cannot say for sure, but we can tell that your soul is the power to active it. Anything else will be as much of a surprise to us, as it would be to you.”
Vartan stared at the weapon, knowing that his purpose was to activate it. “Peace. It is what I want for Marithia, and for myself.”
They heard distant rumbles, and the queens’ faces hardened, as if they were listening to someone speaking. “You need to make your choice fast, for darkness approaches. Shindar is here, and he is coming for you.”
Vartan drew a deep breath and approached Talonsphere. The weapon began to rumble as he approached it.
I am sorry, Keturah, what must be will be.
Shindar narrowed his eyes, watching the two kings through his mask. He had waited his whole life for this moment, and was not about to let them stop him, but he had to know more. They had exchanged magical blows, but neither had faltered. The two kings stood in his way, with their palms raised, and a magical net barrier preventing injury.
Far in the distance was the city he knew would hold Talonsphere, and the one who could activate it.
“Shindar, you dare oppose the elder kings? He should never have made it this far, should he, elder Kran?” an ancient king said.
“No, he should be dead already, elder Truhe,” Kran said.
“I have a tendency to be underestimated. Step aside. Marithia will belong to me, and we do not need to fight, unless that is what you want,” Shindar said, drawing his sword and extending his shield.
If magical weapons failed, then he would try brute force. As he charged toward the two kings, he came to an abrupt stop. Angeline, his dead wife that had been so brutally murdered all those years ago, stepped out from behind Kran. Her ears were elven, like the ancients, but it was her. He could not believe his eyes, and he lowered his weapon.
“My love, can it be true? You live? This must be some kind of trick,” Shindar said.
“This is no trick. It is I. I know how much my death hurt you, but then I have seen, over my many lives, who and what you have become. We have been watching all of you, hoping it would not come to this,” Angeline said.
Shindar retreated a few steps. “How could any of this be? I held your cold body. You died!”
The kings maintained their shields. “Because we created you, and her. The prophecies, all of the events that have unfolded, are of our making. Some surprises occurred and we guided events where needed.”
Shindar looked deeper into Angeline’s eyes. He saw the same spark that was there, all those many years ago. “How could she remember? And why would you do this?”
“Shindar, you were indeed sent by the gods, all those years ago, as a messenger of good. One of our own, Angeline, was tasked with being born into Marithia and finding you, when the time was right. She is one of us and retains her memories between lives,” Kran said.
“If you created her life—” Shindar said.
“Yes. We engineered her death. She knew what was coming, just not when or how. And in turn, the first of our weapons, you, was created. Sadly, you would not be strong enough to fulfil your purpose, and neither was Kassina, who we painstakingly manipulated for the Blood Red Moon prophecy.”
Shindar’s rage built, but he needed to know more.
Could my whole life have been a lie?
“Damn you!” Shindar said, charging into their shield with all his might. He connected with a solid thud, but the shield exploded as it sent him reeling backwards.
Truh continued, as they cast their shield once more. “This must be hard for you to grasp, but your own goals and this war that you have failed to succeed in, is not your own.”
Shindar’s body spasmed as he rose to his feet. “Damn your goals. I will win this war.”
“If you had succeeded, then we would have had no need for Vartan to activate Talonsphere. The fact he is here is proof that you have failed beyond all possibilities,” Kran said.
Shindar’s eyes widened and he stepped further back, shaking his head. “No! The weapon was never going to be used by Marithians at all, was it?”
The kings smiled, lowering their shields. “You are smarter than we thought, but not clever enough to stop what is coming. At any moment, Talonsphere will rise, and he will succeed where you have failed. Marithia will be wiped out, and the only ones left alive will be met with a swift death when we return, reclaiming the lands that should have always been ours.”
In that moment, the sky brightened, and an almighty roar filled the air. Shindar brought his arm up to shield the bright light, then blinked hard until his vision cleared. A bright light shone through billowing smoke.
“It has already begun. Run now, with your pitiful demon army that follows you. You are no match for us,” Kran said.
“Did you ever love me, Angeline?” Shindar said.
“With all my heart,” Angeline said, her eyes welling with tears.
Shindar fled toward the entrance. He had a new purpose and enemy, and his bitter hatred for Marithians was no more. The ancients would rue the day they ever crossed him.
Vartan screamed at the intensity of the weapon activating. It roared through the air around him. His companions maintained a safe distance. He watched as his life flashed before his eyes. Every moment from being born, his childhood with Finn, and recent events, all played out before him within minutes.
There was no pain, but he was slipping away. An energy built within him, and his vision flashed as Mazu tried to send him messages. The god’s frantic voice was overshadowed by the dark laughter of Talonsphere.
You fool! Played right into the hands of my masters. Finally, I can be free of this vile contraption and see out my purpose. Once Marithia is cleansed, then my masters can return. Yes, it will be a glorious death for Marithians, Talonsphere said.
You demon! Why did you lie to me? Vartan said.
Because it was the only way and what I was built for. You will not be reborn with me, but I am not without a heart for your gif
t of freedom. I will send you to Mother Dragon, instead of destroying your soul. You should thank me!
Mazu’s booming voice cut through. Vartan! It is too late for you to free yourself of Talonsphere’s grasp, but know this: Once he is set free, I will take over your body, and I will fight for Marithia and stop the ancients. Your death will be avenged.
Talonsphere puffed. I would like to see you try!
The last images Vartan held on to were ones of Helenia.
My love, I am coming to you. Find me, as I will try to find you.
Vartan cried out as his soul was taken from his body and his world turned black.
Chapter 22 : Dead Flowers
“Everything I thought I knew to be true, is a vile lie.
The anger that fed my hate has left me, and only one purpose remains: to survive and win back the heart of my love, who I thought I would never see again.”
(Shindar)
Dryden held Yuski’s hand, fleeing the ancient castle with Anakari flying behind them. The force of Talonsphere activating had made them airborne. Vartan’s body flew with them, and only the weapon was left behind in a pillar of fire. Anakari, or Losa who had been activated within her, had cried out at the sight and took to the air, blowing fire and smoke through the castle like a tornado. She had swept in and picked up Vartan’s limp body.
Dryden had seen nothing like Talonsphere’s activation. It had been so sudden, and they weren’t sure of anything that took place after the initial blast. What scared him the most was the final cry from Vartan before everything flashed: They betray us. Run!
They were taking fire from magical blasts, and he could only assume it was from the ancients.
Why are they attacking us?
“Mazu! Brother, wake up. I can feel you fading,” Losa said.
Yuski stayed with Dryden, beads of sweat running down her pale face as they kept running. Dryden drew his sword and gritted his teeth. They were among enemies, not friends.
“No matter what happens, just keep moving!” Dryden said.
Yuski nodded and he glanced up to see Losa above them.
“Don’t worry, I will keep you safe!” Losa said.
A whirlwind grew around them, blowing back attacking ancients.
He knew that there was only one place to go, and it was the entrance to Marithia. They could not survive against an army of ancients. A massive explosion sounded from behind them. Dryden wanted to look back, but he knew that if he spent any time stopping, it could mean the death of them. Marithia would need them now more than ever.
He heard a mighty roar that sounded like an immense beast. It could only have been Talonsphere. His armour was heavy, and they could not sustain running for too much longer, but he knew they had to escape the city. Daessar’s forest was before them, and as soon as they made it past the first line of trees, Dryden thought it safe enough to survey their surroundings.
“Losa, I have to see Talonsphere!” Dryden said.
“We are not being followed,” Losa said, dissipating the whirlwind, and hovering toward the ground. Her glowing symbols accompanied her flowing hair and glowing eyes. Dryden knew they were among gods, and he watched Vartan be eased to the ground.
Dryden’s heart thumped heavily against his chest as he turned around. The top of the castle had been blown open, large chunks of it had fallen to the city below, crushing nearby homes. Sitting atop the castle was a dragon, but unlike any dragon he had ever seen.
“By the gods, what have we done?” Losa said. “That is no peaceful dragon. The dark magic soaring through its veins will bring much death to Marithia.”
Talonsphere’s scales were as black as night, and its eyes glowed red. Its body emitted a dark smoke, and its spine was covered with large spikes. It blew long jets of fire, roaring as its body continued to stretch and grow. It was already as large as Finn. Its muscles rolled, and it cried out as its bones stretched, expanding its mass.
The march of the ancient army resonated through the lands.
“It cannot be undone, and it seems we have all been fooled. Vartan paid the ultimate price, and we have to get to Greenhaven to warn them, now!” Dryden said.
Dryden nearly jumped out of his skin as Vartan coughed, rising to his feet. Vartan’s eyes were strange. Only his iris glowed.
“Mazu! I am so glad you are alive,” Losa said, running to hug Vartan’s body.
“I live, but only for as long as Vartan’s body allows it. We have much to do. This war has reached levels that are far greater than we could have predicted, and it will be up to all of us to stop the ancients from wiping out Marithia,” Mazu said.
Dryden’s elation dropped. Vartan was truly gone.
Losa shook her head and rubbed her eyes. When she opened them, Dryden knew that Anakari had returned. Her eyes widened as she surveyed Daessar and the growing dragon. “What happened?”
Dryden looked her in the eyes and placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “Talonsphere is activated. Vartan is gone, and Mazu has taken his place.”
“But why are we running away?” Anakari said.
“Because it would appear that the ancients are the true enemies of Marithia. I heard Talonsphere’s voice. They do not mean to save Marithia. The fire that Talonsphere brings to the night, will be meant for all of us,” Mazu said.
“Oh no. I should never have brought Vartan here. This is my doing. I have doomed us all,” Anakari said.
“No! This is nobody’s doing but the ancients’” Dryden said, leading the way toward the entrance to Daessar, hoping that they could make it back to Greenhaven.
“Come as fast as you can. We have to somehow cross the ocean to make it to Greenhaven, and there is something I must do,” Dryden said.
“Don’t worry. I will get us all there, and fast. The ancients are at war with the gods now. More of us will come, and there will be no greater fury.” Mazu said.
Nathalia swam so fast that her face strained against the pressure. Fish could not keep up with her, but a hammerhead shark kept her company. She reached over and pat the shark’s head, feeling safer in numbers. It was not much further to the home of the sea serpents. She swam over a thick mound of coral, then saw the entrance. Three sea serpents circled over the mouth of the underwater cave.
She burst through the opening, her chest heaving and heart thumping. There they were, most of her people. Jasmine swam to her, embracing her in a tight hold. “Mother, I feared you were dead.”
Nathalia laid her head on her daughter’s shoulder. “Far from it. I feared the same of you, and of all of our sisters.”
The mermaids gathered, forming a circle around them.
“We nearly swam into Shindar’s demon army. They marched along the sea floor,” Jasmine said.
Nathalia’s smile dropped.
“Some of us had been slaughtered along the way, I know. From what I had seen of their bodies, they did not die without a fight,” Nathalia said.
I have to find out how Shindar discovered Alyanti. Very few carry the knowledge of its location, Nathalia thought.
The mermaids surrounded her in a large circle, waiting for her command.
Jasmine leaned into her mother’s ear. “Where is Raehar? Did he make it?”
Nathalia shook her head, then drew a deep breath of water. She knew her daughter well, and Jasmine would be shaken up inside, but she hid it well.
There is the strong woman I raised, Nathalia thought.
“Sisters, the long awaited time has come. We can only assume that Talonsphere may rise at any moment. We all know what is coming, and we want to be nowhere near Marithian shores when the ancients march out of Daessar. Our agreement has been met. We are now free. We will be spared the ancients’ wrath in the war to come.”
The mermaids clapped their hands and smiled. Nathalia raised her hand.
“But all is not as simple as it seems. The gods will not look kindly at our choices, and we can only hope that they will be too busy fighting the war to save Marithia, to worry
about us. We must head deep into the ocean, to build a new home. But first, I have been long awaiting the day that we could leave Alyanti, in full force. We have heard the stories of our taken ones, and the monsters they have been turned into,” Nathalia said.
The water filled with murmuring, and Nathalia raised her trident. “For many years now, our sisters have been captured, and suffered unspeakable acts to be turned into floating ships. They live their new life without any knowledge of who they truly are. Many of you have seen them first hand, when we saved Jasmine from suffering the same fate.”
Nathalia pulled her daughter close to her. “We lost many lives in that battle, and it is time the price of blood is paid. The ones responsible, who many of you fought recently, are the Pirates of Grenlees. Let’s go pay them a visit, on the way to the deepest blue, and make them regret the day they crossed our paths!”
The mermaids cheered, and then the ocean floor rumbled loudly around them.
“It would appear that Talonsphere is already here. We leave, now!”
Nathalia held her daughter’s hand, and rocketed in the direction of Grenlees. The other mermaids and sea serpents followed behind her.
Andrielle ran to Greenhaven’s parapets, wearing hastily donned armour. A crowd had gathered, and even dragons had awoken to the sound of the deafening roar. The scaled ones sat in a long row, beside the west wall. Far in the distance, Mount Wayrin had erupted. Ash and fire spilled into the sky, raining down on the surrounding lands. The projectiles were near Greenhaven, but not close enough to do damage. She’Ma’Ryn and Veldrenn were directly in the volcano’s path.
“By the gods! Is that what I think it is?” Karven said, sitting a short distance in front of Andrielle’s view.
A giant dragon climbed out of the volcano, screaming as it sent chunks of earth flying, then spreading out its enormous black wings. The dragon was three times the size of Karven.
“Talonsphere is here! We are saved!” Andrielle said, crying out her message to the people of Greenhaven. The city erupted in cheers.
Legends of Marithia: Book 3 - Talonsphere Page 26
