“Wait… wait… hear me out!” Reighild cried. He fell to his knees before the queen and her prince. “I was also under the spell of the Dark Mage! Like Vaan and Cassandra. Please, let me avenge myself… let me fight with you…”
“How can we be certain that what you’re saying is true?!” Helena asked, fury in her eyes.
“I don’t have anything to prove it! But I am telling the truth! Please believe me. Let me defend my kingdom! I have failed once but I want to redeem my honour!” he said.
“You may come with us, Reighild…” Queen Jeannah said. “There is no point in arguing now. We need all the help we can have.”
“Thank you, my queen. I can never apologise enough for my betrayal…” he said.
“It was not your fault. Gather your pride and help us defeat Malevolentia,” Queen Jeannah replied.
“Yes, my queen…” Reighild answered, and he entered the valkyrie.
Jael scowled at his back, clearly not so comfortable with the idea as his mother was. He held his spell still at the ready, but Jeannah put a hand to his arm, urging him to lower it. “Jael, believe in me. And believe in him just like how you believed in him…” Queen Jeannah uttered.
“Yes, mother,” Jael replied and revoked his Blazia.
“Amazing! You really are my son!” Arcthrel said. “That Blazia spell, I have a spell of my own, the exact same thing.”
“I know. It’s called Infierna, right, father?” Jael replied.
“How did you know that?” he asked.
“I fought Malevolentia while he possessed you, father.”
They made haste towards Fulbor, and as they journeyed through the sky, they took the brief moment of respite from training and extensive planning to talk and catch up. Helena was unhappy to see Reighild, but still had questions for the traitor knight, and so she asked, “Reighild, how did you survive the Fate magick?”
“When the spell was about to hit me, I called upon the shield of Aries. And it saved me. I was left in total shock but I recovered quickly and that Fate magick instantly eliminated the mind manipulating spell,” Reighild explained. “How about you? What happened to your arms?”
“The Fate magick took both my hands. That was the price I had to pay in order to cast such a powerful spell. Fortunately, the queen has crafted a spell called Mazgoju, which transformed my Retribution to become my arms,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Jael and Arcthrel too were deep in conversation. “I never knew that I had a son. Please forgive me for not being there when you ventured alone,” Arcthrel said. “You are much like me, it seems.”
“I understand, father. I had a wolf companion, her name was Frekkis. But it turned out to be my second mother, Artemia,” Jael replied.
“What?! The one who raised you was a wolf?” Arcthrel hysterically laughed.
“No no no… she was a beast mage, but before she gave up her life to save mine, she successfully transferred her spirit into a wolf…”
“I was teasing you, Jael. It was a good laugh.” The mage laughed again. “I haven’t been so alive in so many years! I am really surprised to learn that I have a son.”
“I want to know more, father,” Jael replied.
“I’ll tell you everything I know,” he answered and they conversed all throughout the valkyrie trip. The queen delightfully stared at them, and let them catch up, satisfied to listen and watch.
It was almost midnight when they arrived at Fulbor, but still Consul Viktor quickly welcomed them. “My queen, what has brought you here?” he said.
“Viktor, old friend…” Arcthrel said.
“Arcthrel! It had been a long time! How are you? How was your hunt for the Teliko Mageia?” he asked.
“We can babble later, but for now, we need you to prepare the Equinox Project,” Arcthrel said, and he explained the situation with Malevolentia.
“I understand. We shall charge it to full power, and when Malevolentia reaches the range of the Equinox you give the signal to us and we will fire it.” Viktor said.
“Thank you, my friend,” Arcthrel said. “Thank you, Consul,” Queen Jeannah said.
“This is all for our kingdom!” Viktor replied. He provided lodging for the exhausted team, who took respite until morning.
That morning, Arcthrel gathered the team and explained how the plan was to work. Three teams would be made. Draken and Vaan would serve to lure. Helena and Reighild would strike. And Jael and Arcthrel would stabilise.
“How about me?!” Queen Jeannah asked.
“You are in charge of cheering, my love,” Arcthrel replied. “I haven’t seen you in such a long time, I cannot bear to risk harm to you. Plus, you are the queen, you must not be harmed. I cannot not allow such abomination to befall you. You will stay with Viktor and Cassandra, and you shall call the signal for the Equinox,” he explained. Then he explained the roles and strategy of each team.
“Now, I want the teams to train together for the rest of the day. I want you to act as one unit. If anyone of us fails, we will all fail. We need to have one heart and one purpose. Bristal is your mother land. Defend her!” Arcthrel stated and everyone split up to train with their respective partners.
It was the night before the completion of Malevolentia’s fusion. Arcthrel went to Jeannah. “Before we engage Malevolentia, I want to take this time to apologise to you for leaving you in Sanhera,” he said.
“I understand, Arcthrel. You were searching for something precious, something that could change the whole world,” she replied.
Arcthrel grasped the Queen’s cheek, touching her gentle skin and gazed deep into her starry eyes. “I am sorry for leaving you. I didn’t know that you bore a child. I was so selfish. I… I never thought of your situation! I do not deserve all of this forgiveness!” he said. Tears quickly spread onto his face.
“Now, now.” She gave him a tight comforting hug, holding him as he grieved. “Don’t blame yourself. What’s done is done. We can never change the past. What we should focus is here and now.”
“Do you still love me?” he asked softly.
“Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you, Arcthrel,” she replied. Arcthrel slowly leaned forward and gave her a warm, fervent kiss. Memories of the night in Sanhera clouded their minds, leading to a night of laughter, reminiscence; full of passion.
The next morning came. Malevolentia successfully merged with Excauhalt. At this point, Mikhal could only assume the evil being would have a weakness as he grew accustomed to his new form. Something incorporeal could not be destroyed; if he mastered the fortress he might become quickly unstoppable. “Everyone! Malevolentia has completed the fusion! This is it! Be ready! For this will be the final battle!”
The fusion was complete. A loud roar echoed across the lands from the west, from the fortress fused with demonic force. This was it. The lures moved in: Vaan went underground; Draken hid in the shadows and they moved in towards Malevolentia. Arcthrel gave his last commands to the strike team. “Helena and Reighild, damage Malevolentia with all you got. Jael and I will distract him,” he said.
“We will give him hell!” Reighild said.
“That’s the spirit! Give him all you’ve got. This is a defence against eradication!” Arcthrel said, and they both hyped up. “Jael, remember what I told you yesterday. Just focus,” he said.
“Are you certain I can do it?” Jael asked.
“Yes. I am positive. Just do what I told you,” he answered. “Yes, father.”
After raising the confidence of the team, Arcthrel hurried to the Main Core of Fulbor. The city was empty, all the civilian residents having been evacuated to Erradia. Magistreck screens displayed the progress of the Equinox. Still charging; 87%. “Viktor, how is the Equinox?”
“By the time Malevolentia reaches Fulbor, it should be fully charged,” Viktor replied.
“Very well. Please stand by. Wait for the queen to give you the go-ahead to activate the Equinox,” he said. Viktor acknowledged this, and Arcthrel hur
ried to where the queen stood overseeing the process. He put his hands on her shoulders and gazed into her eyes with compassion before giving his grim order. “My love, I want you to give the signal for the activation of the Equinox as soon as Malevolentia is weakened. Whatever the circumstance, please do not hesitate. Whether we are still out there, do not hesitate.”
“But, Arcthrel…”
“Shhhhh… Jeannah, I want you to know that I loved you then, and I still love you, until this very day, until forever,” Arcthrel softly whispered. He leaned forward and kissed the queen gently. “Focus, my love. Keep focus on the mission at hand,” Arcthrel said, leaving the queen speechless and in a mixed state of pure bliss and dread.
Mikhal ran into the room. “I have bad news! They are almost here!”
“What?! Viktor, how much time is needed?” Arcthrel asked. “We need at least one more hour for the Equinox to be fully
charged,” Viktor answered.
“Damn it! I miscalculated…” The Flame Maven turned to the queen and pressed his hands once more to her arms. “Jeannah, stay here. When the Equinox is fully charged, activate it. There is no more time. I need to go,” Arcthrel said and he hastened off to regroup with Jael.
The towering Malevolentia pursued Draken and Vaan. Vaan stumbled upon a huge boulder beneath the surface and the fortress demon loomed overhead. “Vaan! Quick! Malevolentia is directly above you!” Draken shouted.
“Revolut!” Vaan cast and used the whirling rocks to slice and bash through obstacles hindering his route. “Let’s go!” They raged towards Malevolentia.
“Helena! Reighild! Take heart, they are almost here,” Arcthrel said. They heard the thundering roar of Malevolentia. Helena soared into the air on her summoned wings, surveying through the cloudy darkness for the massive creature. Jael’s heart pounded, sweat drops beading on his forehead. “Son, are you all right?”
“I… I… I’m just a bit nervous…” he replied.
“Keep yourself together. Remember what I told you? We will do it together…” Arcthrel answered.
“Y-yes father…”
“There it is!” Helena shouted, flying above the city. “Reighild?” On the ground, he stood mumbling, rocking back and forth, dumbfounded at nothing. “Hey, Reighild! Knock it off! Malevolentia is almost here!”
“I call upon thee… the Demon Slayer… Capricorn!” Reighild shouted. His armour turned dark, his helmet extended that resemble horns and a death-scythe appeared within his grasp. “Now, I shall have my revenge…” Reighild whispered, gripping the fierce, elaborate bladed staff in his two hands. He reassured Helena when she came in close enough to observe him. “I needed to fight off the demon spirit of Capricorn before I was able to use it. Do not worry, I have overcome it.”
“Very well, get ready. They are here,” she ordered.
Darkness covered Fulbor. Malevolentia crashed his bodily fortress into the city walls, and stone and metal crumbled all around. An unnatural, eerie black mist enshrouded much of the former floating fortress now embodied with a force of dread evil. Vaan and Draken emerged beside Arcthrel and Jael, catching their breath. “You did great luring him in. Rest for a while,” Arcthrel said. Malevolentia had successfully merged with Excauhalt, transforming the lower half of the fortress into a massive demonic wolf with the other half attached on its back. Massive wings were affixed on the fortress that had once merely floated, giving the ability of flight and better manoeuvrability, though it still lumbered through the air.
“Flame Maven… what a pleasant surprise!” The demon’s loud screech was heard throughout the city.
“You made a mistake defiling my body! You shall taste death!” Arcthrel shouted.
Malevolentia laughed hysterically. “How can you think to defeat me with just a handful of mages?! Hahahaha! My body cannot even be harmed now!”
“Living Flames!” Arcthrel shouted, and flaming golems came crashing towards Malevolentia. “Jael, now!” he exclaimed and Jael immediately cast Kappe Flam directed at Malevolentia.
“Fools! I do not feel pain! You cannot weaken me, you mongrels,” Malevolentia uttered.
“Hmph. Eruptio!” Arcthrel uttered. Massive explosions emerged, ejecting particle flares of flame all around Malevolentia. The summoned swarm of flame golems took hold onto the wolf-fortress, dragging it down to the ground. “Helena, Reighild, Attack now!”
“Anemosh!” Helena shouted. She swung her arms, creating slicing gusts of wind which slowly eroded the wolf-fortress’s walls. Simultaneously, Reighild, wearing the demon armour, faced Malevolentia’s wolf directly.
“You trickster! My scythe shall destroy you!”
The fortress thundered with laughter. “You cannot defeat me!”
He immediately dashed towards the head of the wolf and slashed his way through. As Reighild and Helena continued to attack, Malevolentia gathered an enormous well of energy and a dark beam blasted out from the wolf’s mouth. Luckily, none were caught up in the blast. In its wake debris was strewn in a miles long line from the city buildings destroyed instantly. Malevolentia violently beat his wings and flew high above. Helena was caught in the gust of air, and Arcthrel shouted after her, “Helena, do not follow him! You will be instantly killed!”
She came back in towards the party and Jael asked, “What is he doing, father?”
“He is preparing a massive spell called Elemental Creed! It is so powerful, it can vaporise anything it touches. Only extremely powerful mages could fight off the effect of that spell. It would be unwise to attack without caution,” Arcthrel explained. “All of you! Make sure you are not touched by that spell! Be ready to dodge!”
As Malevolentia rose higher, he shouted, “Elemental Creed!” and again the blast came from the mouth of the wolf.
“Rokka!” Jael shouted, and he dashed away from the fierce dark blast, as did the others, and they fell apart, separated in the explosion created by the spell. Helena alone hung in the air, and Jael dragged himself to his feet near her.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
“Yes, how are the others?” Jael asked. “It seems they are fine,” she replied.
But the demon wolf fortress assaulted them with a flurry of myriads of magickal elements. “Be alert!” Arcthrel shouted. “Damn it! How long can we wait for the Equinox!”
At the Main Core, the Equinox was already at 95%, and Viktor stared at the number with dread and excitement overwhelming him. “My queen! Should we fire once it hits 100%?”
Viktor asked.
“Yes! You no longer need my permission. I order you to fire it once it reaches its maximum charge. How many minutes left?” she replied.
“Approximately twenty minutes, my queen,” he answered.
“I hope they can survive twenty minutes facing that monstrous being…” Queen Jeannah murmured.
The six mages were hammered by the spells fired by Malevolentia. Jael shouted over the calamity, calling to regroup. Vaan cast Upheaval to craft a shield overhead, protecting them from the endless rain of magickal attacks. “We need to aim for the mouth!” Jael said.
“If only we could disable it… Malevolentia will surely need to recover at some point,” Reighild said.
“As soon as Malevolentia stops his flurry, I want all of you to cast spells simultaneously, aiming at the mouth,” Arcthrel said.
“Yes sir!” they all replied.
“Hmmmm, hiding beneath a rock, eh?” Malevolentia taunted and ceased fire for a brief moment. As soon as he stopped firing, Arcthrel and the team counter attacked. Jael and Arcthrel used Dragon’s Breath and Shout. Helena used her Thunder Blitz. Draken wove Pestilence overhead to cover them, erasing visibility for Malevolentia. Soon, Malevolentia returned to the ground and they successfully damaged Malevolentia with a barrage of attacks. The head of the wolf started to crumble, falling apart. But the fortress only laughed and laughed, that mighty noise ringing out like a great storm. A new head emerged. “My body is made up of rocks and stones! You fools!”
“We need to make more time! But we can’t use up all of our magick carelessly,” Reighild said.
“We can do this! Do not lose hope!” Helena said.
“I agree with Helena. If we lose hope now, we will lose the battle,” Arcthrel replied. “Now give him all you’ve got!” Malevolentia and the six mages continued to exchange blows, but Arcthrel and the others were slowly exhausting their stamina and magick.
Malevolentia was a force to be reckoned with. It attacked over and over again from the mouth of the wolf, a seemingly endless hail of spells of every element imaginable. But Viktor held confidence that the Equinox cannon held the power to vaporise the fiend. “My queen, the Equinox is almost ready!” he said.
“Good. I want you to aim for the upper fortress,” Queen Jeannah replied.
“No offence, my queen, may I ask why? Because it is clearly attacking from the mouth.”
The queen frowned. “Yes. Malevolentia fires all his magickal spells from the mouth of the wolf, but the real question we must ask is, where is Malevolentia? If he can easily dismantle any part of the wolf, he must be able to see it. Clearly he is controlling it from a different location. He must be in the fortress,” Queen Jeannah explained.
“I see, I hadn’t realised that until now. Very well, my queen. Be ready. Five minutes more!” Viktor replied.
“I call upon thee, The Great Beast! Leo!” Reighild shouted, and the broad sword appeared. “Let’s do this…” he said and he sprinted with all his might towards Malevolentia, now on the ground and within range for melee attacks.
“Reighild! Don’t be rash with your actions!” Helena shouted. “No! We need to follow him! We can’t let Malevolentia cast Elemental Creed once more!” Arcthrel uttered and altogether, they attacked Malevolentia.
Teliko Mageia: Curse of the Frozen Flame Page 40
