Dian has shown Natsha and Holl-tu how to play the one note that activates the amulet. Her lips are sore and raw from blowing into the flute. She is thankful for the break in the playing.
It has been two days of travel with Amari to the fore, directing the others. Fin still rides Gareth’s mighty shoulders. His health fully restored. He tried walking on his own, but his pace of four steps to one of the warriors is exhausting.
Natsha and Gareth walk the flanks, while Truk brings up the rear of their march. Holl-tu and Mimna follow close behind the Maiden in one of their endless discussions.
In mid-sentence, Mimna stops walking and looks off into the wood. “Amari, hold your steps!
The Maiden turns and faces Mimna. “What is it sister?”
“I possess no magic as thou, but my woman’s intuition senses something is out there—following us.”
Amari slides the amulet into her bodice and motions to Natsha to stop playing the note on the flute. She reaches out with her mind. Her eyes grow wide as she draws Katana from its scabbard.
“Warriors we are encircled. Druids and their minions of the Shadow Clan are drawing the circle tighter about us. I am a fool for not reaching out and checking the path we are traveling. Pray that I have not killed us as well. Draw swords and close in. We fight at each other’s back.”
Amari’s companions join her and face outward, each with drawn blade in a defensive posture.
Fin drops from Gareth’s shoulders and disappears into the brush. One would have thought he was running away if he had not turned, pulled his small sword and smiled.
Gareth talks over his shoulder. “Maiden, how many of these evil dogs do we face this day?”
“I cannot see them all. Perhaps fifty who want are blood? They are coming from every direction. Does it matter how many?”
“Yes! I need to know whether they are enough to go around, and worthwhile that I have drawn my blade.”
Amari can feel Natsha’s back against hers. “Natsha, if you please.”
The last of the Mod-gin using her free hand raps Gareth behind the head again.
He just smiles while keeping his eyes to the front.
Dian, taking her water bladder from her shoulder pours its contents into her hand. As she does while singing her chant, Hydrosin takes form and grows. It shimmers in the light as she raises it over her head in a salute to the gods. This enchanted saber may be made of water, but it cuts as well as any steel.
Natsha sticks her sword in the dirt in front of her. She cocks her crossbow and readies the quiver for easy access to the supply of bolts.
Holl-tu reaches over, takes the crossbow from where it is slung across Gareth’s back. He copies Natsha and does the same with his sword. He is facing the other side of the ring of warriors. He speaks to the others. “This is not an ideal defense. We are standing out in the open and easy targets for their arrows. We have no shields to stay the shafts!”
Amari begins to chant while gently stroking Katana. The saber seems to come alive and glow with a reassuring blue of power. Hydrosin and Helixx grow warm in the hand of their masters as well. Gareth and Dian can feel great strength pulsing from the swords and into their bodies. From Katana an orange light grows and blankets those standing there about to do battle.
“My spell will stop any arrows in flight against us. It will not stop handheld blades or knives. This will end up being a fight in close quarters. Oh, this spell only affects what is fired at us. Natsha and Holl-tu you may let loose your flights when you have targets.
“Good,” says Gareth. “I welcome a fair exchange of blade against blade.”
No sooner has the arrow shield covers them when dozens of shafts exit from the trees and strike against the magic that protects them. They either bounce to the ground or ricochet off into the air. Some back the way they came.
“Here they come!” Truk shouts while swinging his heavy battle axe.
Stepping into the clearing are several Druids followed by dozens of their battle slaves. Those hooded followers of evil hold back and send their minions into the fray.
Four of the attackers drop at Natsha’s well-placed bolts. Holl-tu only takes down one after firing several arrows.
“Hey wizard,” yells Gareth. “Stop wasting my arrows!”
Two of the attackers drop to the ground as they come through the thick brush. They grab at their legs as blood gushes from deep cuts below the knees.
Something small moves quick from hiding, stabs each of them lying there through the heart and disappears again.
Not knowing what killed their companions, some of the other attackers stop and are reluctant to go forward—even with the urgings of the Druids.
Gareth raises his sword in salute to where the elf went back into the bush. “It would seem might and size is not everything. Our new elfish friend just sent two of the enemy to their ancestors.” He yells. “Well done warrior…well done!”
By some unheard command, the fighters for the light are rushed from all sides. Blades sing as they strike against each other. The Shadow Slaves of the Druids stay just out of reach of the warriors hoping the enemies of their masters will tire. They are unaware that the three Kcaj Sabers are magic and will sustain the energy of Amari and her companions for a long time.
In an effort to reach his opponents, Gareth takes a few steps away from the circle. He is rewarded as a full dozen of the Shadow Clan rush him. In a whirlwind of speed and steel, the slaves are dispatched without even crossing swords with the big man.
“Gareth!” Amari yells. “Get back here; you are outside of my protection spell.”
He walks backward quickly. An arrow bounces off the invisible shield. A moment of hesitation and not heeding Amari’s warning quickly, would find him with the shaft in his throat.
“Sorry Maiden. I was caught up in the battle.”
“Stay close you big oaf. Let them come to you.”
The Shadow Clan slaves that did come closer were easy meat for saber and arrow. Even Holl-tu was getting better with his targets, but now, his supply is gone…the same with Natsha. Slinging the crossbow over her back, she draws her father’s sword and deals deadly blows to any that venture close enough.
Circling, the Druids and the Clan think that it would be easy to break their ranks by attacking Amari and Mimna on the ends.
Mimna thrusts, and her blade slices through the stomach of the slave in front of her, spilling the would-be attacker’s insides in the dirt at his feet. He drops in a heap writhing in pain. Mimna’s attention has already moved on to the next man coming her way. He too joins his companions in a heap at Mimna’s feet. Like the attacker before him, this one joins his ancestors—except, now headless.
Mimna beholds all the carnage about them. “Amari, the Shadow Clan’s numbers are lessening. Only a few remain just outside our reach.”
A blur about the legs of one of the enemy sends him tumbling to the ground. A quick chop at the neck with a tiny blade and the man lies still.
“Ok, one less thanks to Fin,” says Mimna.
Seeing that they cannot defeat the warriors, the last of the Shadow Clan runs off, leaving the Druids standing there.
“Come on cowards” yells Gareth. I will make the transition to the next realm quick, but, not that painless.”
The last five Druids point their swords at the warriors. The blades are bathed in flames as bolts of fire are sent toward the fighters for light.
“Quickly,” yells Amari. “Touch blades over our heads.”
Even before all the warrior’s swords come together, Amari is weaving a spell.
The fire bolts from the Druids stop several feet from Amari’s band and hover there with streams of red hot sparks dropping to the ground and igniting the brush.
One of the Druids lowers his sword and pulls back his hood to reveal a hideous face and bald head. The skin on the tattooed skull is full of snakes and runes. The Druid only says one word…“Kcaj!” He turns and runs away with the others.
Amari closes her eyes and reaches out once again with her mind. She opens them and looks to Mimna. Her sister warrior shakes her head.
The protective shield disappears.
“The Druids and the Shadow Clan slaves have been defeated. No more exist around us,” says Amari.
The warriors fan out and check to see if the life force still exists in any of the bodies there. As Amari said, none had survived. Gareth and Natsha went about cutting out their crossbow bolts, cleaning the blood from them and restocking quivers.
The warriors do not take any of the enemy’s shafts, as they are too long and poorly made. If one looked down its length from flight to arrow point, they are crooked and bent.
“I wonder how these followers of the shade are able to hit any target with these things.” Natsha says while handing one to Gareth to see.
He takes it and snaps the wooden arrow between his fingers. “This is so bent and twisted I am surprised it does not turn in the air and strike the shooter.”
They continue retrieving any of their own arrows they can find.
Dian’s enchanted water sword returns to liquid and flows from her hand. The water is quickly absorbed into the ground.
Amari checks the slain Druids and removes their magic wrist guards. “These should not fall into unknowing hands. The spell upon these fanciful things will turn even the good into an evil servant to the Druids.”
Fin comes walking out from the brush stopping only briefly to wipe his sword on a body lying there. “That was truly a great battle Maiden.”
“Thanks to your quick blade and speed my friend. No one should under estimate your warrior’s blood.”
“I have the advantage in the wood, as it offers cover and concealment,” the littlest among them says. “No enemy thinks to look below their belt for an attacker.”
Amari spreads her arms to encompass her friends. “Gather round, all you Warriors of The Light. Let us give thanks to the Gods and spirits who watch over us.”
Standing in the very spot they had stood fighting, a circle is formed; this time facing inward, as each grasp the hand of the person next to them. Even Fin is counted as one of them now. Amari repeats some mystic words and reaffirms her vow to stand with the others. They all do the same.
“My friends,” Amari says while holding her arms out to them. These may have been our enemies, but they still deserve a proper burial fire. Gather up the bodies and build a pyre of them. Fin I have a task worthy of you. Collect all the weapons and throw them down the hollow tree you came out of earlier. Close the door of the trunk once you are done.”
“I will do as you request lady.” The elf says.
Amari joins the others carrying the dead to the center of the clearing and stacking them.
As Fin walks by with an arm full of swords, Holl-tu takes one from the top. It has a large red jewel embedded in the end of the hilt. The blade is longer than most, and the heft is solid and balanced. “This will I take small one. Thank you.”
“It suits you wizard.” The Elf says. “May the steel protect you in many battles with our enemies?”
Fin walks away as the sorcerer swings the sword gaging it weight and strength. He finds a scabbard with ornate runes upon it that fits the sword.
The pyre for the dead is finished, and the weapons disposed. The warriors all gather around as Amari speaks her magic over the piled bodies.
Flames created by magic appear at the base of the pyre and quickly spread, engulfing the dead. With a short arc of her arm, the Maiden throws the Druids wrist guards upon the fire. They crackle as flames consume the magic bands and bodies, turning it all to ash.
A long plume of smoke rises high into the air. It takes several hours before all in the pyre is consumed. Only ash and assorted bits of metal remain.
Without a word, the warriors leave the clearing and follow Natsha, who now has the Greek Amulet pointing the way. Holl-tu is next to her blowing the same magical note after note on the flute.
It was decided to play the note several times, then, let the compass go dark, following its last pointing for a good distance. After a time, repeat the tone and assure themselves they were still going the way the enchanted talisman was directing them.
Amari walks along silently behind them, every so often, reaching out with her mind around them and to the front of their line of travel. She vows to the others they will never be caught again by surprise and have nowhere to escape.
Another day of travel where the flute has been passed back and forth among those who can play that certain note. It is at the next morning when Natsha announces. “Our goal is near at hand. The line upon the jewel face is almost non-existent. It is now pointing to that small hill to our left.”
She continues to lead them until they reach the side of the hill. A rock wall stands in their way. They cannot proceed any further.
Natsha goes to Amari and hands her the amulet. “See sister. The line is gone now. This has to be the place, but this is a solid rock wall?”
“Yes, it would appear so.” Amari touches the wall and rubs her hand on the surface. “It is true earth with no visible portal. Lanz did not tell us how to enter, only that the Amulet would lead us here.”
“Maybe we have to dig.” Offers Mimna.
Amari shakes her head, “not so sister warrior. This is solid rock. Worse, it is granite!”
They spread out going to the left and right—returning to report no entrance or portal was found.
“This is but a small hill. Perchance, what we seek is on top, or on the other side?” Truk asks while squatting in the fashion of a dwarf.
“I do not think so,” Amari says, idly fingering the smooth dark gem.
While standing next to Gareth looking at the hill, Fin speaks. “What is that sound?”
“What sound?” Dian and Mimna ask at almost the same time.
He turns his head one way, then the other. “It is a low humming coming from somewhere.” The Elf walks toward the wall. “Wait? It grows weaker.”
The others look at each other. “We do not hear what you are hearing little one.”
“It may be those pointy ears of his.” Gareth says. “They may be attuned to sounds beyond our ability to hear.”
Fin walks back and forth, trying to close in on where the humming originates. He eventually stands next to Gareth again. “It is the strongest here.”
He bends down and touches the ground. “Not here.” As he grabs Gareth’s arm to stand back up, he stares at the big man. “It is coming from you large one!”
“Me? I do not hear anything. Did you take a blow to the head from our last battle Fin?”
Amari walks over to Gareth. Moving her hands in complicated gestures toward Gareth, she smiles. “I cannot hear what Fin says is a humming, but with a little magic, I can see vibrations as color waves. Whatever it is, originates at your side. Helixx is talking to us, although only Fin can hear its speech of sorts.”
Gareth pulls the Kcaj blade from its holder and brings it to his ear. “I hear or see nothing sister. Are you sure it is from this blade?”
“Yes, I can see it. Go to the stone wall and touch your blade upon it. Remember, you hold the Earth Sword. You should be able to command the things of the land; rocks, stones and earth are yours to control with the right calling of magic.”
The onetime sailor puts the sword point against the wall. A rumbling swells and the rock begins to split where the tip of his blade touches. There is a cascade of sparks flowing off the stone like a waterfall. As the rock continues to widen, a large puff of gray smoky stale air escapes the fissure.
The splitting of the stone continues. It outlines the shape of a large door. As Gareth pulls back the sword, the he
avy stone slab opens, revealing a dark interior.
“Of course,” Amari says with a look of realization on her face. “Helixx is the earth sword and can command elements. We had the key all the time. We just needed the Greek Amulet to find this door.”
Gareth brings the saber to his lips and kisses the blade. “Who knew?”
Fin peers inside. “It is a passage. Shall I gather more sticks for torches?” He asks Amari.
“No, this time we are going to do something quite different.” Cupping her hands, she creates a ball of shimmering light. “This has been sealed for a long time, but I am not taking any risks. Holl-tu, can you conjure up images of us and send them in first? If there any ancient evils about, let them strike first at our illusions.”
The wizard nods his head. He utters several strange words into the air above our heads. To us, it sounds like gibberish. To him—it is magic. He touches each warrior’s head. A mirror image of that person appears next to them. When he has finished with Fin, he stands back and waves his hand. The images gather and proceed the light ball through the entrance.
“Forgetting someone?” Truk asks.
“If you mean one for me,” returns the sorcerer. “Holding the enchantment of your doubles; I cannot have one of my own. It takes considerable concentration to maintain those images. I could do one of me, but not all of us together. The magic I employ does not work that way. Spells and conjuring does have limitations.
I am sure Amari can conjure an image of me, but it will take a measure of meditation to keep it visible. We would fare better if she keeps attentive to her inner sight of approaching danger.”
“Good thought magician!” Truk says nodding his head to the others.
When the last apparition passes through the doorway, Amari creates two more balls of light.
“One illumination orb will proceed us and one to follow. Our way will be well lit. Keep in mind. Holl-tu’s phantoms have no substance, so if there are any hidden traps, they will pass through without setting anything off, whereas we will not.
Fin is the last to enter the ancient passage. As he jumps to Gareth’s back, the stone door behind them closes with a loud rumble. He grips the big man’s shoulders a little tighter.
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