“I do not wish to fight you. I just want to be released,” Jael answered.
“No chance,” she spat. “Guards, stand down. Leave this boy to me.”
Helena sprinted towards Jael. He quickly cast Kappe Flam and Rokka, dodging Helena. “What’s the matter? Are you scared of a young lady like me?” Helena taunted and chuckled. Jael silently tried to dodge Helena and remained calm. Helena’s speed gradually increased. When Jael was unable to catch up with her speed, she kicked him from behind. Jael’s face smashed into the ground and blood gushed from his nose.
What great power! She’s stronger than I thought.
“Don’t just stand there, boy. You might get killed.” Helena laughed at him again. Jael however, still remained calm, holding his defence. “Why are you on a defensive stance?” Helena demanded. “You wanted to fight me.”
Jael again chose to be silent.
Helena rushed toward Jael and he managed to dodge a few slashes from Helena’s sword. He was caught up by one of her attacks at his back and staggered. Helena slashed Jael’s back, the cut stretching from his left shoulder to his right hip. Jael stumbled to his knees, fists clenched, chest heaving in great pain. “Fight me! Or do you surrender now?”
He didn’t answer.
“Very well,” Helena said, and she cancelled her wings and sword, moving in for the arrest.
As soon as Jael saw that Helena had removed her weapons, Jael suddenly cast Blazia along with Explosion, aiming at the ground to cover his escape. The ground crumpled and burst into a fiery explosion, and he cast Rokka and aimed to dance his feet, skipping atop the flying rocks that hurtled him away. Away from the explosion and toward the direction of the castle entrance. From the door Jael thought he could see a woman approaching, her face veiled in the distance.
“Thunder Blitz!” Helena cried. A sudden lightning bolt struck Jael, momentarily stunned him, the instant flash of light illuminating the face of the queen clad in royal pyjamas.
“That is enough!” Queen Jeannah intervened.
“My Queen!” Helena said and at once fell onto her knees, bowing down before the Queen.
“Bring me that boy,” Queen Jeannah ordered the guards. At once the guards closed in, seizing his arms and dragging him before the Queen. Jael gasped in pain when they released him, and too he fell to his knees before the Queen, though not for want of trying. The deep searing pain dragged him to humility and his head sagged. She looked at him with mercy in her eyes, though, and raised her hands, extending healing magickal light that wrapped around him in a radiant hug. Jael shuddered, a deep shiver as the pain subsided and his flesh knit once more together. Even the bloody taste faded. “Are you all right, child?” Queen Jeannah asked.
“Yes, my Queen,” Jael replied.
“Treat this young man and friends as guests here in the castle. The girl with this young man is the sister of one of the Titans. Her heart is different. She will be a great help to us,” Queen Jeannah ordered and disappeared back into the castle.
“Very well. It seems I have made a mistake, boy...” Helena wrinkled her nose in unspoken disgust, and apologised. “I don’t claim to understand the Queen’s decision, but you must be treated as guests. May I ask, why didn’t you attack me? Why didn’t you fight back?”
Jael looked suddenly embarrassed. “Well... I am a Fire mage. It is a brutish magick. If I attacked you, I might scathe your beauty. It would be a shame for a dazzling woman to be tarnished by a common mage like me,” he explained.
Helena raised a brow and sniffed a little. “Is that right? Don’t be so sure you would have gotten close, boy. Wait here and I’ll get your friends.” She strode firmly away, gesturing for a few guards to follow. They searched for Vaan, Izabelle and Frekkis and finally spotted them by the magickal fountain of Erradia. Vaan saw them from afar and the trio ran.
“Halt!” Helena shouted. “Jael is resting in the castle. The Queen ordered to treat you as guests. Please come with us.”
“What? Now we are guests?” Vaan demanded.
“I think she is telling the truth, Vaan,” Izabelle replied, putting a gentle hand to his arm.
“Of course I am,” Helena said sharply. “Were I not you would already be my prisoners.” And so they went to Helena with Frekkis. “We are terribly sorry for treating you as outlaws. Please let me personally usher you to the castle. I recall we met before. I believe you are Izabelle, and you are Vaan, and you are Frekkis.” Helena tried small talking to them while walking but it was evidently a chore for her. The only break in her serious face was a slight softening of the brow, and not a smile made it to her unimpressed lips.
“Yes, we met in Belthasar,” Vaan replied. “Where is Jael?” Izabelle asked.
“He is currently waiting for you in the West wing of Krimmirr. Vaan will share his quarters. Izabelle and Frekkis will share a different room,” Helena explained. They chatted until they reached the West Wing. “Please rest the night. You will be attended tomorrow by the castle butlers. Again, we apologise for the mistreatment,” Helena said and left.
When Vaan entered the room, Jael was sleeping soundly on one of the two decidedly luxurious beds. If this was meant to be a prison, it was at least a grand one, and so he decided to get some sleep as well.
Meanwhile in the Floating Fortress, the Dark Mage commanded. “Vistregio has been obliterated. Well done, Terra. Now that we have Bristal’s attention, we must continue to attack. Tiamat, attack the town of Veronia to the east. Leave no trace.”
“Yes, master,” Chollo replied.
“Terra, your next assignment will be given to you later on. For now, you must rest,” the Dark Mage said.
“Thank you, master,” the commander of Terra replied. “Bristal will soon be ours and Malevolentiam will reign supreme!” the Dark Mage exclaimed and the four Titans shouted with him, “For Malevolentiam!”
On the eastern coast of Bristal lay the seaside town of Veronia. It was known for its lush landscapes of dazzling foliage, mostly flowers, many rare. The open position exposed to the sea left Veronia no defence against Chollo’s forces. Together, Chollo Nugash and Vince Azurael led the Tiamat to Veronia’s demise, easily destroying the town before support could arrive. The minimal defence forces of Bristalian soldiers were helpless against Chollo’s Tidal magick. Tiamat destroyed the entire town, and any survivors ran screaming, abandoning belongings and fallen family. Chollo indicated for any townsfolk evacuating to be left unharmed. Vince dragged over a gasping, wounded Bristal soldier.
Vince Azurael, a childhood friend of Chollo, had joined Malevolentiam shortly after Chollo. They were both trained by the Dark Mage, Dio, and both considered for the position as Tiamat commander. But the more powerful Chollo, took the position, while Vince became his right-hand man. Chollo’s element was water, Vince’s element was ice. They had always fought together in the attacks ordered by the Dark Mage.
Vince dropped the Bristalian and shoved him to his knees before Chollo, who observed him coldly. “Tell your Queen that the town of Talim is next,” Chollo said. “Tell her to stop us. Now go!” The soldier immediately scrambled to his feet and fled. As he ran, he used his transmitter to contact Krimmirr and report.
“Vince, you go ahead to the town of Talim, I will follow afterwards,” Chollo said.
“If the Queen’s dogs arrive before you, I might destroy them before you get a chance to join in the fun. So make it fast,” Vince replied.
Chollo laughed. “If you can, you have my blessing.”
Shadows were short and the sun high in the sky when Jael and the others were at long last awakened by staff members of Krimmirr castle. Jael could hardly believe how long he’d slept, but it had been a long time since he had slept in a truly comfortable bed. Baths and food were offered, and after a few preparations, Jael and the others were summoned by the Queen.
As they entered the Throne Room, the Queen welcomed them. Jael cast shallow looks about the room; tall towering pillars rowed the walkway. To one side a l
ong table stretched out, set with silver dishes and the daintiest of ceramic cups painted with wispy strokes of blue, purple or silver that crafted tiny scenes of Bristalian life. Cases displayed highly valuable jewellery and precious gems, and white statues of past monarchs were posted in the rooftop wings. Stained glass windows cast coloured arrays across the floor, scenes of ancient times illustrated in geometric tiles illuminated by the morning sun. Helena was there, in her formal Master Knight armour, as well as another man who stood too in Master Knight garb, one step below the queen.
“Welcome to Krimmirr, young ones. I want you to meet the highest Master Knight in Bristal, Reighild. Reighild, please introduce yourself,” the Queen said.
“I am Reighild Zandeux, commander of the first regiment of the Knights of Bristal.”
“Reighild is the highest Master Knight. While I am formally the commander-in-chief, Reighild acts as the military commander of the whole army of Bristal,” the Queen said.
“Regiments are the Master Knights’ special army. While there are still considered as the army of Bristal, regiments are considered more skilful. The army of Bristal consists of soldiers, while the regiments are consisted of knights,” Reighild explained.
“Your name is Izabelle, yes?” Queen Jeannah asked. “Yes, my Queen,” Izabelle replied with a bow.
“You are the kin of Chollo, the commander of Tiamat. Can you share with us anything about him?” Queen Jeannah asked and Izabelle again shared her story of Chollo.
She said, “My Queen, please do not kill my brother, I beg you. I understand that he has committed terrible crimes, but I beg for your mercy and ask that you spare his life.”
“I’m afraid I can make no promises as to what we will do with your brother, young lady. He is a terrorist who destroyed settlements and killed hundreds of people, displacing thousands more. However, things will go better for him if he surrenders,” Queen Jeannah replied.
“My Queen, we would like to help in defeating Chollo,” Jael said.
“And why would a young mage like you desire to aid this kingdom with battle?” Queen Jeannah replied.
“Ah, your Highness. Izabelle is a good friend to us. We’d like to help her regain her brother,” Vaan answered.
The queen spent but a moment considering this. “Very well, since Izabelle is Chollo’s sister, I will not stop you from helping us. Truthfully, you are all known as powerful mages, and your help could be of assistance. But do know that you must be accompanied by one of the Master Knights. Since Chollo’s next target is the town of Talim, this is your best chance of stopping him. Reighild, can you accompany them to Talim?” Queen Jeannah stated.
“My Queen, I would rather stay here and make sure that you are well defended. Since Helena is the only Master Knight present, why doesn’t she go with Jael?” Reighild replied.
“Very well. Helena, you shall accompany them to Talim and stop Chollo from destroying the town,” the Queen ordered.
“Yes, my Queen, with pleasure,” Helena replied.
“Take care, young ones, and prepare for battle,” Queen Jeannah said, and they were escorted from the throne room.
After the meeting with the Queen and the others, Helena returned to her quarters and prepared herself. There was a sudden knock at the door. “Who is it?” Helena asked.
“It’s us, Cassandra and Alexa,” came the voices of two girls from the other side of the door. Cassandra and Alexa were both part of Helena’s regiments, knights serving the Queen, experts in the use of swords and not easy to be dealt with.
“Come in,” Helena replied.
The door burst open. Helena was assaulted by excitement that downright exploded from the two women. “Helena!” Alexa blurted out. She dropped down on Helena’s bed beside her suitcase.
She picked up a pair of Helena’s underwear, observed it full of holes, and frowned.
Helena snatched back the article of clothing and shoved it into her pack. “What? I’m not in a good mood right now,” Helena snapped, grumbling and slamming shut her small suitcase.
“This Jael guy you get to escort… he is so charming,” Alexa said and smiled.
“What are you talking about? Hmph.”
“Oh c’mon, Helena, you may be the only woman in the five Master Knights, but you’re still a woman, right?” the girls tittered.
“That’s enough,” Helena said. “Are we moving out? We heard that you’re going to face the Tiamat.” Alexa asked.
“Yes. Prepare the third regiment. We are leaving today,” Helena replied.
Alexa snapped back to her feet and Cassandra saluted. “Yes, Madame!”
Cassandra smirked at Helena, but she was not amused. “I said cut this nonsense! That Jael fellow doesn’t amuse me like he evidently does you. Stop acting immature and prepare yourselves,” Helena furiously replied.
“Yes, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am,” Alexa said; she saluted and left Helena’s quarters.
“What were you thinking? You two are just immature girls. Hmph.” Helena shoed Cassandra after Alexa and slammed her door back shut to finish making preparations.
After the preparations were finalised, Jael, Frekkis, Vaan, Izabelle and Helena along with the third regiment boarded a valkyrie of the army and they took flight, heading straight to the town of Talim. After a few hours of travel, they arrived at Talim, where a large amount of Tiamat mages stood in wait for the battle to come. The town itself seemed oddly dwarfed in the presence of Chollo’s army. But they were not without reinforcements of their own. The valkyrie set down on the outskirts of the town, and the team disembarked.
Helena took the lead and strode towards the waiting army. “Chollo! Show yourself!” she shouted.
The town gate swung open, and a man came out of the town gate, stopping a few metres before Helena and her regiment. “Chollo is not here. I am currently in charge. I am Vince Azurael. I welcome you to Talim, territory of the Malevolentiam. Soon to be dissipated,” Vince said.
Helena shook her head. “You have no quarrel with the townsfolk. Let’s bring the fight out here, outside Talim.”
“If you defeat me, we will leave peacefully.”
“Deal!” Helena replied. Vince snapped his fingers and suddenly the whole army of Tiamat rushed to attack her and the others.
Different elements imbued by malevolent magick swirled together. An endless storm of brutal assaults began to strike all around as dark mages attacked Jael and his allies. “What dark magick!” Vaan gasped.
“We need to defeat Vince! I will try to aim at him, cover me while I make my way!” Helena said and drew her sword.
Cassandra and Alexa replied, “Yes, Madame!” Chaos broke loose.
Immense exchanges of massive magickal energy took place between the two groups, both trying to exhaust their opponent. The true determination of a magickal battle between balanced forces was stamina, not strength. Jael along with Vaan, Frekkis and Izabelle all lent a helping hand with the battle of Talim. But there seemed to be equilibrium upon both sides. Every time Tiamat defeated a knight of the third regiment, one of Tiamat’s would fall.
The battle intensified. Helena fought her way toward Vince, striking mages aside with physical strength rather than magickal blows to conserve her stamina. Cassandra and Alexa ran just behind her, taking down anyone who did not immediately fall to Helena’s blade. Cassandra’s magick element was Poison magick, and she fought with a sword that sapped the magickal stamina and wellbeing of her enemies. Alexa, on the other hand, was a steel mage, well-known for her ability to turn her skin into lightweight metal that could deflect many blows. She too battled with a blade, swiftly striking any who dared to stray into her path. Along with Helena, Cassandra and Alexa were known to the public as the Fiore Selvatico, the best female swordsmen in the army of Bristal.
Vince sat casually on a bench near the town gate, waiting for Helena. At last Helena burst from the fray, though Cassandra and Alexa had fallen behind in the magickal foray, opponents keening for death at their blade
s. But Helena had eyes for one only, and at last reached Vince. “Fight me!” she shouted.
Vince stood slowly and slyly cast Wintersoul. Claws made of ice emerged from his arms and his body was slowly mummified in diamond-like ice claws acting as armour. “Can you endure extreme cold?” he taunts.
“Don’t play with me,” she replied.
Vince grinned, and he raised his hands, summoning a snow storm that swirled around them in a lethal interplay of shard-like crystals. They whipped around with wicked speed and tore apart any flesh that came into contact. It would easily prevent anyone from entering. “Frost Era!” he conjured, and a snowstorm raged up within, beginning to minimise visibility. “Welcome to my world, milady,” he said and his face went fierce and savage, new lust coming to his eyes. He strode towards Helena; she backed away and the slicing ice wall tore up an exposed bit of upper arm unprepared for such temperatures. Small pinprick pimples covered her arms, and she yanked away from it.
“It is a shame for such a beautiful woman like you not to show your gorgeous body,” Vince said in a perverse tone, his fat leathery tongue licking at his lips in chilling arousal. He raised one hand, curving it to the feminine shape he envisioned beneath, imagining larger breasts than an athletic woman would have, and let rip a spell. Helena’s armour froze, and it slowly cracked. “Aren’t you a little cold?” Vince sneered. Soon the snowstorm built to such a crescendo it was impossible for Helena to see which the beast was and which was the storm.
“Show yourself! Don’t be a coward hiding behind your snow act!” Helena said in rage. Vince punched Helena from behind and she fell to her knees.
“Did you know that extreme cold can deplete your stamina? Why not surrender? You have no chance in winning this fight! Surrender and become my slave!” Vince said and laughed and laughed and laughed.
“I serve no one except the Queen. Do not push me!” Helena replied, and she clawed her way back to her feet.
Teliko Mageia: Curse of the Frozen Flame Page 16
