by Timothy Ray
Were these prophecies that he beheld or some part of his subconscious preying on his fears? They felt vivid; too real to be mere fantasy. The truth was, he didn’t know, and was unprepared to ask even his wife for advice. He needed time to analyze them further. The uncertainty that came with it made him restless and irritable. Combined with the lack of sleep, he’d been in a foul mood most of the morning. He hadn’t recognized the people he had seen, which told him that if they were prophecy, it wasn’t going to happen any time soon.
Sighing, he turned his thoughts to current events.
His magister had been right. When he had approached the Council with the news from Lancaster, they fidgeted and whined about the safety of their home. The consensus was that more time was needed; more debate required before action could be taken. Technically, as King, he could force the army to march and what could they do to stop him? Yet, he was a man of law, and as such, he had to obey them as well or they were not worth the parchment they were written upon.
He was glad that they’d anticipated their reaction. Revan had been busy while he was in the council chambers.
A few hours earlier, a contingent of his knights rode across the grasslands on their way to Lancaster’s aid. They were led by one of his oldest friends and ally, Tar Reiz. The elf was a grizzled veteran and would do what he could to help Constantine stall for time while he tried to get the army underway. Tar Reiz had been eager for the command, plagued by the same restlessness that he felt in his bones. A small band of druids accompanied them and he could see they were eager to put their skills to work as well. Only five hundred had gone, a token force, but more than he been advised to provide.
Upon reflecting on that nightmare of an army besieging his castle, he began to doubt that sending them was the right move. If that army appeared after he sent forces south—best not to think on that. The fact was, he could not stand there and do nothing. Help had been called for and he had to respond. He knew that if that dream did come to pass, five hundred Elves would mean nothing against a force of that size.
No, he had done the right thing and would doubt himself no longer. He would continue to work on the Council again that afternoon, knowing that they would attack him for sending a force out against their wishes. A training exercise would have worked as an excuse any other time, but the timing would shed light on that lie. He would own it and call for more to be sent. They would not cower behind the castle walls while their friends and allies faced the enemy alone. Even if he had to commit political suicide, he would see it done.
A wave of nausea hit and bile rose quickly in an attempt to make him vomit. His vision blurred and he was suddenly unsteady on his feet. He raised a hand to his forehead in a vain attempt to control the dizziness sweeping through him. Gravity pulled him sideways and he used his other hand to try to keep upright.
“My name—is Merlin.”
His bones vibrated at those words and his nerves lit up. His entire body tingled, his vision shifted, forcing him to one knee. Gasping for air, he fought the urge to vomit, he wasn’t successful. Then the world went black.
“It has begun.”
IV
Though her body lay in a bed within the confines of her fortress, her spirit resided within that of a crow. She was perched on a branch, high in a tree, overlooking a glen in a distant forest. Her red eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings; taking note of everything they saw. Four figures stood along the tree line, while two frisky teenagers made out just beneath her claws. With great interest, she listened to the conversation that ensued and if a crow could smile, it would be ear to ear.
She had spies everywhere, but it was nice to get what she sought straight from the source.
The Phoenix didn’t know all those assembled; but that didn’t matter. Soon they’d all be dead, and no one would stand to oppose her; her victory would be assured. Her eyes switched from the cowardly mage and focused on the black armored whelp standing next to her brother. Maybe she’d save that one for later; she missed the woman’s tortured screams.
“My name—is Merlin,” her adversary said, removing his hood.
He had finally come out of the shadows and revealed himself to the world! She had been waiting for this moment for far too long. Now she would finally have her revenge upon the man that had engineered her downfall.
The crow’s body shook with the power behind his words and she could feel the fabric of time tremble with what had been put in motion. Anger and hate boiled in her small vessel, almost making it explode. She wanted to fly down there and peck his eyes out; end his life before he ever took another step.
Her vision went black as an arrow penetrated the crow’s body, its life-force extinguished. Enraged, she awoke to the shell she had created and screamed. The walls shook with her anger. All that heard it cringed with fear that soon their lives would become forfeit.
She needed to hear what came next!
Her mind searched for another minion to occupy but could no longer pinpoint the location of that forest clearing. That they were now shielded from her eyes drove her into a rage and she leapt off the bed.
Naked, she strode from her chambers and her vicious gaze fell on a goblin cowering in a nearby corner. She brought her hands together, called upon her magic, and then forced her arms wide. The creature disintegrated before her eyes, blood spattering the walls in a gruesome display of power.
Her bloodlust was not even close to being sated, but no others were in immediate reach, having fled at the sound of her first cry. Her breaths came in quick forceful gasp; her vision red. She stalked back into her chambers and reached for her clothes. Once adorned with her regal robes, she went to the mirror on her wall and called upon her magic once more.
A gargoyle appeared in the reflection and he cringed at the visage that greeted him. “Yes, your Majesty?”
“It’s time General. Give the order. Kill every man and child, enslave the women, and bring me the head of the man carrying the crystalline staff,” she demanded, spit flying with her furious words.
“Yes, your Majesty,” the commander of her army choked and the image disappeared.
Let them gather and plan; it would not matter. Within days her armies would sweep their way and eradicate every last one of them. That infernal mage was too late; her forces were already in motion. Nothing that old fool could do would make a damn bit of difference. She had planned for this moment for a very long time and she licked her lips in the anticipation of seeing his severed head on a pike.
The war would be over long before anyone realized what was happening.
“It has begun,” she told her reflection.
The smile that creased her face looked unnatural and the cackle that ensued was even more horrifying. It echoed behind her as she strode towards her bed. She had been scheming and planning for this moment for a very long time and she wanted to see every bit of anguish she compelled.
Disrobing, she laid down on the bed and closed her eyes once more, letting her spirit soar.
Chapter 4
Opening Moves
I
“It can’t be,” Willow whispered in disbelief.
He heard the familiar twang of a bow in the distance and seconds later there was a soft thump on his right. He jerked, his hand reaching for his sword. An arrow shaft was protruding from the grass near his right foot. Had someone just shot at them? Hand on pommel, he bent over to inspect the impaled object.
A crow was thrashing in its final death throes surrounded by bloodied grass, its body curling around the arrow that had so immediately snuffed out its life. Its wings were still twitching, neck craning its head to glare up at him. A shiver ran up his spine at the hate reflected in its beady eyes. Disgusted, he kicked it as hard as he could, the grass lessening the blow, but still enough to get it out of his eyesight. It bounced a few feet and disappeared into the long grass; a sigh of relief escaping him.
“What was it?” Willow inquired, leaning over his shoulder, having just mi
ssed his punting of the dying creature and glancing at him with curiosity.
“A freaky ass bird,” he told her, looking up.
The three members of Merlin’s group had stepped forward, the two warriors flanking the cloaked man for protection. The blind boy strode in the direction the corpse had flown and began poking at the ground with his staff.
“It’s just a bird,” he stated, confused by the protective posture of the people in front of him. What was with the overreaction?
“We had eyes on us,” Jared offered over his shoulder, the shaft in hand and the corpse hanging off the end of the arrow as if being inspected.
Merlin’s eyes never left the two of them and the lack of surprise reflected that he understood the cryptic words of the blind boy. Well, good for you, that makes one of us! Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone emerging from the tree line and broke from the other man’s stare to follow the movement.
A female elf trotted their way, a very large dire wolf keeping pace at her side. His eyes widened and he had begun to draw his sword, when the cloaked figure before him spoke up. “She’s with us.”
Talking from the side of his mouth, he sneered. “Us? Really? You mean she’s with you.”
The white-haired albino came to a halt upon reaching them, her eyes darting between the two of them, unsure at first what she had been missing and obviously curious about what was going on. She was dressed like a ranger, her bow in hand, an arrow notched and ready to fly at a moment’s notice. The wolf beside her glared in the direction of the blindfolded youth and issued a menacing growl.
His hand tightened on his sword and his anger began to rise. Just how many of these people had the Guardians allowed through?
Jared was using his foot to pin the crow to the ground and with a yank pulled the arrow free of its prey. He tossed it in their direction and the elf snatched it out of the air with a swift motion. She was inspecting it for damage before his mind caught up to what he was seeing.
Was this kid truly blind? How did he know where to toss it?
“Sorry I was late. Took longer to get around them than I planned,” the newcomer reported, seemingly satisfied with the condition of her arrow and wiping it clean of gore. “They’re good.”
He knew instinctively that she was referring to their assigned Guardians patrolling the forest. The reality of their vulnerability sapped his strength and increased the misery within. That these people had bypassed a hard-trained group of elite protectors with such ease made him realize how much danger they might be in.
“Jared,” the man finally spoke. “I need you to make sure there aren’t any more of them. Alert Kylee if they come into range. Reyna, can you check on the horses? She might go after them if she can’t get to us,” he told the black armored figure moving to stand beside the blind boy.
After a harsh whisper to Jared, she slowly turned to face them. It was obvious by the distaste on her face that she was less than a willing participant and hated taking orders from anybody. Her mouth was pinched, head tilted down, eyes glaring; her hand on the hilt of her sword. What could drive such a person to be here against her will? Did it have to do with the youth she was obviously trying to protect?
With a grunt, she broke away and stomped towards the lone path beyond.
Jared appeared to be watching her leave, then shook his head and walked to the edge of the nearby pond. His smirk slowly faded and a look of peace came over the young face. He took a seat on the muddy embankment, his staff slowly circling in the water. The posture and lax look made it seem like no one was home, like he’d drifted off to sleep while sitting up.
Kylee moved to his side with her bow held ready, eyes scanning the forest and sky.
Darkness fell upon him and his eyes were drawn towards the towering hulk that had drawn closer during the distraction. Even at this range, he could not penetrate the shadows of the man’s cowl. The red eyes were analyzing Willow and he once again placed himself before her.
“I can take care of myself,” Willow muttered under her breath.
He knew that, but it was an instinctual reaction that he found hard to resist. He looked upon the armored behemoth before him and wondered what possible defense she’d have against the gigantic monstrosity.
“Kore, give us some space. You’re making the natives restless,” Merlin teased, his gaze trained on them. The large man chuckled, but remained where he was, bouncing the shaft of his axe in his large plated hand.
Finally, Merlin’s eyes broke away and he glared at the towering man.
He boiled over. “You want to calm the natives? Why not begin with what the hell is going on? Who are you? What do you want with us? What’s up with that bird and why does a crow shake you all up so much?” he began, not able to voice all of it but unable to hold out any longer. “And is that kid truly blind?”
Willow put her hands on his shoulders and physically shoved him aside. He stumbled and almost ended up flat on his back. She gave him an “I told you so” look, then faced the cloaked figure before them. “You are not Merlin.”
“Mind if we sit?” the man inquired, sudden weariness drenching his voice. His eyes had closed and his mouth was set as if the man was in sudden pain. He held that pose for a moment before finally relaxing. Fingers gripped his staff hard enough to make them white and his other hand rose to hold the side of his head.
“You feel that?” Jared groaned.
“Feel what?” he blurted out. “Would someone tell me what the fuck is going on?”
Merlin stood considering, then a smile broke out upon his pained face. “She’s not very happy at the moment.”
“Who’s not happy? What the hell are you two going on about?” he thundered, his patience slipping. “Reyna? I think it’s quite obvious she’s barely putting up with your shit. Maybe she had the right idea by leaving.”
“Tristan,” Willow tried to soothe.
“No! I’m tired of the riddles. If someone doesn’t start giving it to me straight, I’m done. You can strike me down, but not before I cry out for my guards. There must have been a reason you avoided drawing their attention. I may fall, but I’m confident they’ll make you pay for it,” he spat.
He fumed for over a minute, his vision edging with the red of his fury. Willow remained silent by his side, waiting for him to calm down. He shrugged her hand off his shoulder, preparing to draw his ineffective sword, and end this farce one way or another.
“Are you done?” Merlin sighed.
“Are you?” he snarked.
“Let’s take a seat, take a deep breath, and try to calm down. Then I’ll try to bring you up to speed,” Merlin responded. He then bent down and sat on the edge of their blanket, with total disregard as to whether they were doing the same.
He looked at Willow and saw the same frustration mirrored in her eyes. How could she stay so composed? Why wasn’t she helping to force the issue? Her eyes diverted to the white-haired elf standing next to Jared and he saw a faint look of recognition cross her features. Did they know each other? Is that why she was so willing to hear this man out?
Their eyes met and she shook her head, then shrugged. What choice did they really have? He sighed, letting his anger go. As his features softened he felt her hand take his and squeeze it gently.
The man at their feet had reached into their basket and his hands came back with a few of their remaining biscuits. He let out the breath he wasn’t aware of holding and resigned himself to sitting back down. He dropped with a thud and leaned against the tree. A heart had recently been carved there with the initials W & T. It was perfectly spaced between them as Willow plopped down at his side. Such a beautiful moment it had been earlier; now it had shattered. Would they ever get it back?
“I am Merlin,” the older man told them when they finally got settled. His hands were breaking apart a biscuit and he was eating it slowly.
“But—,” Willow began, but the man across from them raised his hand to cut her off.
“Do
you want answers or a debate?” Merlin snapped with exasperation. It was the first time the man had broken from his cool exterior and he felt relieved that there were emotions in that secretive shell after all.
The towering shadow had lifted off them; Kore had moved to stand next to the other members of his party.
“He’s not human,” Tristan found himself blurting out without thought. That seemed to be a bad habit of his.
“Does that bother you?” their visitor inquired, glaring at him.
He grunted. “Not as long as we’re not on the business end of that axe.” It occurred to him that he might have come close to that very thing just minutes before. He let out another sigh.
Merlin shook his head. “Then let it be for now. As I said, we don’t mean you any harm. Now, as to your questions. The “she” we were talking about is the Phoenix.”
His heart leapt in his chest. That wasn’t possible. “Bullshit.”
The older man gave him a grim smile, another piece of biscuit disappearing from view. “I assure you, it is possible. And yes, I read your mind.”
What the hell? He felt violated. He was about to say so when the man continued on.
“It’s only surface thoughts; they are hard not to hear. You will have to learn how to shelter them if you are to continue on with us. Wait, hold your questions,” Merlin insisted, and the words that had been forming died in a croak. “The Phoenix has risen once more and her armies are on the move. There is still time, if we move fast, to counteract her evil and possibly end her existence once and for all. To do that, we have to be on the road, and soon.” The man looked into the sky, as if expecting it to open up and rain fire on them any moment.
“Now, one of her powers is astral projection. She can move her spirit out of her body and travel about the world unnoticed. She tends to possess the lesser intelligent species and use them as spies. That crow was one such creature. After the connection was lost, she went into a fury and tried a more direct approach of watching us. I am currently shielding us from her view, but it takes tremendous effort to do so. A by product is, I get hungry.” The man was tearing apart another biscuit as he spoke. “She can sense the anger and hate in a person’s soul, so you really must calm down. You are a beacon that she can easily notice and latch onto.”
