by C Woodward
Amgati chased after him, "You will not escape this time, you lecher!" The women that were with Kalus looked at us oddly. Jerak smiled and approached them.
Talestria looked at the now fleeing Kalus, "Do you suppose we should do something about that?"
I gave her a shrug, "I’d rather not add anymore drama to it."
Talestria shook her head and smile, "It is good to see Kalus again. He is a nice fellow."
I looked over in time to see Jerak get slapped in the face. The woman that slapped him grunted something and walked away angrily.
Jerak put his hand to his face, "She has some fire in her!" He was still awful with women.
Talestria sighed, "Jerak, Jerak. I really need to have a talk with you."
Jerak looked at her oddly, "What do you mean?"
Talestria rolled her eyes, "I don't know where to start."
I gave Jerak a push, "Well, we can discuss that after we are done here." I looked around but saw no sign of Amgati nor Kalus. "Let's just go. Amgati can catch up."
Jerak jerked his head around, "I hope he doesn't do anything too bad to Kalus."
Talestria kept walking forward, "Bruises and broken bones will heal. That’s the worse that will happen."
We jogged down the street and soon saw the large, blue spire of the mage school. This building looked like it could hold every mage in the Farlands and their families. We saw one massive tower with a shiny, blue tile roof. Along either side stood two large two-story buildings that would make the magic school in Vunash look like backwater.
We approached the tall gate of the school. At a small guardhouse in front, an older man in fancy a fancy green robe stopped us.
"What business do you have here?" The mage asked. He looked at me and stepped aside, "Sorry! Come in, we didn't know the Drake Guard had official business."
"Drake Guard?" Talestria whispered to me.
"I have no idea, but at least we’ll get inside" I whispered. Perhaps he mistook me for someone else? No matter.
The campus area had stone benches and various statues of mages. There were many mages in different colored robes moving about. As we reached the main door, another elderly man in a fancy red robe and a matching cap stood to greet us. He had the bushiest eyebrows I had ever seen. He squinted at us which made it difficult to tell if his eyes were even open. He stroked his long, braided beard as we approached.
"Curious. I was told a member of the Drake Guard had business with us," He frowned. "You wear drake steel armor but nothing like the Drake Guard."
Talestria stepped in, "Oh! That makes sense now," She smiled, "Um, yes, this is my father's old armor. I am Talestria and this is Blake."
The old mages eyes perked up. He had beady little eyes, "You must be the ones from Vunash! Falstrid told us you went missing." He stroked his beard, "Wait, did you say your name is, oh wait! Let's go inside before we cause a scene." He turned his began to go inside.
We followed him through the busy halls. The sound of the mages going about their business filled the air. The old mage led us to a large wooden door with fancy runes crafted in bronze on front. He waved his hand and the door opened. We followed.
Inside was a large, round room with tall bookshelves filled to the brim with old books. In the center of the room was a stone platform with a single carved pillar that stood about a yard tall. On top of the carved pillar was a round, bright blue stone; a contact stone.
"The stone is already linked with Falstrid. Feel free to use it," the old mage instructed. He turned to the door, "I will be wandering the halls if you need me." He closed the fancy door behind him.
Talestria took no time taking off her pendant and marched up to the platform.
She placed her hand on it, "Hello?"
A voice spoke from the stone, "Hello? Is this Talestria?" The voice was Falstrid’s.
"Yes, Blake, Jerak, Amgati, and I are here." she responded. She took a long deep sigh, "About Clagmir,"
Falstrid interrupted, "Say no more. Ayjestus alerted me as soon as she sensed it."
Talestria wiped her eyes, "He died a hero. We are sorry that we couldn't do more."
Falstrid responded, "That old paladin gave his all. At least he died giving evil a bloody lip. I am surprised that I outlived him. Although he was headstrong and reckless, I do miss him! I am going to let Lady Ayjestus speak to you now. I am tired. Excuse me."
We heard Ayjestus voice speak from the stone, "Whom am I speaking to?"
Talestria looked at me, "I'll let you speak to Blake."
Ayjestus spoke, "It is quite alright Talestria. You don't need to be leery."
Talestria motioned me to come over, "Here is Blake." She didn't seem comfortable talking to her.
I took over, "This is Blake."
Ayjestus paused a moment before replying, "I wish no ill tidings with her." There was another pause before she continued, "The gateway was destroyed and the undead are no more. The obelisk that was in front of the mage school has crumbled. You were all successful."
I interrupted, "What about Xum'gol? Any sign of him there?"
"What?! He was banished, what do you mean?" Ayjestus replied in confusion.
I closed my eyes, "No. He was there, at the gateway, as a demon."
Ayjestus sounded panicked, "This is just, it can't be! I just don't understand how."
"That lich helped bring him back," I answered. I looked at Talestria and Jerak, "He came back with the body of a demon. I don't fully know how, but he was too strong."
Talestria walked back over, "He took Blake's life force and Clagmir attacked Xum'gol and destroyed the gateway in the process."
Ayjestus replied in a confused matter, "If he took your life force, how are you still speaking to us Blake? Unless, oh yes, the Dragon Spirit."
I looked at Talestria then spoke to the stone, "Is there a way to get my life force back so I won’t turn into..."
Ayjestus spoke in a troubled tone, "The only way is to get it back from Xum'gol."
Jerak commented, "Easier said than done."
"Yes, he must have very great power now. The only other option is to seek the Dragon Spirit himself and see if he can halt it." Ayjestus explained.
"Where can we do that?" I asked.
Ayjestus answered, "To the north is my sister Milunus, who you may know. She has spoken to me about the dragons far north in Dragon's Back. She will help you."
"Any idea why Xum'gol would be after my life force?" I asked. Then I remembered what he said to me at that moment, "Wait, he said he led us to him just to acquire my life force. There must be an important reason."
Ayjestus responded, "The life force of an off-worlder would offer him a great boost of power in a short time. Perhaps there is still another step in his goal. Why is what is still a mystery to us." She paused for a moment and then spoke again, "Wait, he might be after one of the Source Runes!"
"What's a Source Rune?" I asked.
Talestria explained, "Source Runes is the power source that helped create this world. Some say it also powers the very magic."
Ayjestus added, "There are various ones scattered throughout the world. I only know of two, and only one is even somewhat close." She continued, "It resides deep in what is called "The Dead Sore".
Jerak tilted his head back, "That sounds vile."
Ayjestus responded, "It is a large lake in the middle of the Iron Mountains. The way to the lake is most difficult and the Source Rune lies under the lake in which no creature can survive."
Jerak shrugged, "Then Xum'gol can't reach it."
Ayjestus spoke, "Perhaps that is why he took your life force, Blake. He must have figured a way in and needed it to get to the Source Rune and control it. Not even my kind can harness such power. No telling what Xum'gol can do in his demon form."
Talestria protested, "You can't be serious! Even if he is somehow able to reach it, such power is beyond any being of this world. Oh dear. That is why he took your life force."
"Indeed, that mus
t be his reason. He must have figured out a means to use it," Ayjestus chimed in. "Though even as a demon, reaching the Rune will take him a considerable amount of time. I hate to burden you all with this, but please seek out my sister and then maybe we’ll have the means to stop him before he achieves his goal!"
I felt way over my head here, "He is too strong for us! How can we even try?"
Ayjestus interrupted, "Seek the Dragon Spirit, he might be our only hope!" Her tone changed, "Ask the arch mage for aid. He should be able to supply you with everything you need. Please seek out my sister." The contact stone began to fade.
Talestria paced back and forth a bit. She finally looked at us, "Well, I’m not sure how we could stand a chance against a monster like Xum'gol, but we need to see the Dragon Spirit."
Jerak lifted his mace and pointed proudly, "To Ayjestus' sister! Whatever her name is!"
"Milunus." I corrected.
"To Milunus!" Jerak spoke proudly. He marched toward the door.
Talestria and I looked at each other and then followed Jerak.
We met up with the old arch mage shortly after leaving the chamber.
"So? What did Lady Ayjestus need?" the old made asked.
"We need to travel to see Milunus." I answered.
A large crowd was looking at us. They began to whisper among each other while they kept their distance.
"Um, Talestria?" I coughed.
Talestria looked around and then perked up, "Oh, I forgot to put my pendant on!" she quickly put it on.
The arch mage looked at his young mages, "Go carry on with your studies! Be gone!" He waved his arms franticly at the crowd. They quickly scattered and made themselves scarce.
"Well, that almost escalated to something dire," the arch mage joked. "I assume you need some provisions before venturing out?"
I nodded, "That will be most helpful, thank you"
He smiled back, "I would offer boarding here for you three but I fear Talestria might cause my pupils to panic."
Talestria sighed, "It is quite alright. I have a way with people"
The arch mage stroked his beard, "As it seems, there is a nice place to up north for you to stay. It is called the Traveler's Respite. It is where the more wealthy mages go when they want to escape the busier times of the year." He proceeded to give me a handful of coins.
Talestria smiled, "Oh, thank you! I long for a warm bed!"
The arch wiped his nose, "They also have personal baths." I knew he implied how ripe we smelled.
I smiled, "Thank you once again!"
The arch mage smiled and waved, "A friend of Falstrid is a friend of mine!" He turned to Talestria, "When your dilemma is over, I have heard about your collection of tomes."
Talestria grinned, "Oh, ask Bolam. He takes notes of some of my books. He should be where Falstrid is now."
The arch looked curious and walked toward the chamber where the contact stone was present. He gave us a friendly wave before going into the chamber.
"I guess he is eager to have a chat with Bolam now," I chuckled.
Talestria shrugged, "Maybe," she called out toward the front door. “I don't let Bolam touch my best tomes."
I followed her out, "Well, you don't even let me touch them."
Talestria nodded, "That's right!"
We walked outside of the mage school to see a strange brown-winged creature. It had two legs and large wings. The face was mostly covered in heavy studded leather that acted like blinders. The creature had a crest full of horns and large tusks. It wore reigns like a horses harness. On top of it sat a man in dark armor which looked quite different than mine. Before I knew it, another winged creature landed right beside it.
The armored man stepped off from his winged mount. The creature used its wings like arms to keep itself stable on the ground. Its claws scratched into at the dirt. The armored man wore a cloak of the Lyonus Empire with yellow trim along the sides.
The armored man stared at me, "There was word of a strange figure in drake steel wandering the city." He didn't look amused. He spoke in a stern tone, "The Drake Guard does not permit outsiders using drake steel."
I stared at him, remembering Clagmir's sword sheathed beside me. I saw the other creature carrying another armored man with a pike held high.
"Care to explain yourself before we arrest you?" the first armored man threatened. He slowly took out his sword and the pummel started glowing green. He looked at the pummel in surprise and then back at me, "Why do I detect dragon's blood?"
Talestria and I looked at each other. I didn't think I was well enough to get into a fight. Besides these two guys looked fierce.
The first man pointed his sword at me, "You are Blake from the Farlands!"
I gave him a nod, "Yes, and this armor, well I got it as a gift from my..."
"You are that fiend that released that dragon deity!" the armored man interrupted. "The Drake Guard sentenced you to death!" he yelled as he charged at me.
Chapter 6
The armored man swung right for my neck. I drew Clagmir's sword out just in time to parry the blow. He pressed forward. I struggled to hold him back even with two hands gripping the sword. The blade of Clagmir's sword ignited seconds after our blades clashed. It was enough to cause the armored man to back off.
The armored man stepped back. He lifted his visor and gave me a cold stare. "You are not as strong as I expected. Perhaps your enchanted blade is your crutch," he mocked.
"Stop this at once!" Talestria screamed, her arms in the air.
"Back away elf! I am here for this villain," The armored man ordered. He closed his visor, "Interfere and I'll have you in shackles!" he threatened.
The other armored man advanced on his winged beast which crawled by using its massive wings on the ground. Jerak stood facing him with full determination. The beast snarled at Jerak. He held his mace firm and positioned himself for the next move.
I was charged as I glanced at Jerak's situation. I side-stepped and his attack bounced off my sword. He quickly stepped aside and swung from a different angle. I parried and stepped in. I glanced down at his feet to see where he where he might strike next. He was obviously stronger than I was. His skills were top notch as well.
His attacks were precise and hard hitting. Each parry pushed me back little by little. He was on the offence and kept attacking and exploiting my staggers. I stepped in and aimed for his blade. He blocked it with ease. I pushed forward to see if I could change the roles in this fight. I let out a small war cry to build extra strength but I was too weak. He quickly released one hand and punched me in the face with his armored fist.
I staggered back. If I hadn't had my helmet on, it would have broken something. The collision still caused pain and loud ringing. I took a deep breath and tried to recover but that was all he needed to get in another strike.
I lifted my sword up to parry. I could barely block with one hand. His hit was hard enough to knock the sword out of my hand. He then leaned in with his shoulder and knocked me flat on my back.
"I am almost disappointed at how weak you are," the armored man mocked. He moved in and stomped on my chest.
I reached for his ankle but he leaned more heavily on me, constricting me. I tried to pry him off but had no success.
He lifted his visor and flashed a sinister grin. "Your death will make the Fohrne family proud."
A large ball of ice shot right at him. He flew back several yards as it shattered on his armored body. I turned my head and saw Talestria standing there with a death stare. The spell disrupted the effects of her pendant and revealed her true form.
The mounted armored man turned to Talestria. She extended her arm in his direction which was enough to make him hesitate.
"You! You're that witch, Talestria!" the armored man cried. He lifted his head and appeared to be in shock.
Talestria stepped in front of me, blocking me from them, "Mess with my Blake and no children's story is going to describe my wraith!"
"What is all this?!" the arch mage shouted. He marched into view.
The armored man slowly got up and yelled, "We are here to stop two known villains!"
The arch mage stepped in, "I will allow no such thing! Leave at once!"
The armored man lifted his sword, "This is official Drake Guard business! We will not cease until..."
The arch mage stomped his staff hard on the ground. A loud crack of thunder roared in the sky above. The sound startled the mounted beasts and caused them to panic.
