by Lana Axe
“Show yourself,” he commanded. Immediately, he felt as if a hand were trying to grip his throat. He fought back with magic, not allowing the evil spirit to frighten him.
The image of an elf woman appeared before him. “You are a strange being,” she said. “I can sense your power, but you are not strong enough to command me.”
“I have come to help you,” he replied. “Tell me what I can do.”
“You can leave this place and never return!”
With those words, she sent out a magical blast that knocked River backward. As soon as he regained his footing, she sent out a second blast, this time strong enough to expel him from the cave. He flew out into the light, landing hard on his backside.
The sound of the first blast had attracted a crowd, which arrived in time to witness the event. Lenora and Galen both heard the noise and came to check on their friend. Seeing him fly out of the cave backward was unexpected, and they rushed to his aid.
“Are you all right?” Lenora asked, scanning his body with white magic.
Seeing that his friend was conscious, Galen said, “Why didn’t you summon a puddle to cushion your fall?” He chuckled, not bothering to hide his amusement.
River stared at him, his expression one of annoyance.
The dwarves muttered among themselves, but one voice came through loud and clear. Rudi laughed heartily and said, “Look at me! I’m a magical elf man, and I’ve come to save the day.” He doubled over laughing and slapped his hand against his knee. Turning away from the incident, he wiped tears from his eyes. The other dwarves joined him in laughing for a moment before returning to their own affairs.
“It would seem only your pride is wounded,” Lenora declared, finishing her scan. She tucked in her lips to suppress a giggle.
Galen continued to laugh, and Kaiya stared at River, wondering if he would have the power necessary to force the apparition to leave. She knew the evil creature was capable of great magic, but she had hoped River would prove stronger. It would seem he had his limits as well, and it was clear they would need to work together.
River finally stood, rubbing his lower back. “She’s more powerful than I expected.”
Kaiya nodded. “Now you see what we’re up against.”
Chapter 20
Gazing into the fire, Telorithan watched as River left the protection of the Vale and journeyed into the mountains. He’s making this too easy, he thought. A heaviness came over him as he continued to observe the elf, and he sensed an additional magical being was nearby. Neither dwarves nor Westerling Elves naturally possessed the level of magic he felt emanating from the fire. It rivaled the power of an elemental, and his own power as well. Telorithan felt uneasy, not knowing what dwelt in the mountains.
Perhaps he is there to meet with an earth elemental. The idea of taking on two elementals, even with one of them being in elf form, did not sit well with him. It was rare for him to doubt his abilities, but this was magic he had never yet attempted. He knew he could best any Enlightened Elf who was foolish enough to challenge him, but the power of an elemental is raw and untamed. In the back of his mind, he wondered if he had the strength to conquer one.
A soft knock came from the laboratory door, and a servant slowly poked his head inside. “Sirra is here to see you, Master,” he said quietly.
“Show her in,” he replied without looking at the servant.
Sirra could be rather annoying, but she was also quite intelligent. If she could assist him in further augmenting his powers, then she might be worth his time. A cleverer enchantress he had never met, especially considering the difficulty women had in learning magic. Enlightened Elf women were never granted the title of Master, since they were not given the proper training to master any portion of the craft. Sirra had immense talent, but she could never hope to be as powerful as a man. A woman’s training was capped at one hundred years, while men were allowed to study indefinitely.
“Hello, dear,” Sirra said as she entered the room. She leaned in to kiss a grimacing Telorithan on his cheek. “What are you looking at in the fire?”
“The elemental you told me about,” he replied, without looking away from the fire.
“I see,” she replied, gazing into the flames. “How do you plan to subdue him? Will you gather an army to invade the Vale?”
“He’s no longer in the Vale. He’s traveled into the mountains to a dwarf village.”
Sirra laughed. “What could he possibly want from them?”
“I know not,” he replied. “They are ignorant of all things magic and unworthy of my time. There must be something other than dwarves that has drawn the elemental’s attention.”
“At least dwarves will be easily conquered, being without magic themselves. You won’t have anything to worry about.”
Telorithan turned to look at her, his eyes severe. “There is magic there unlike any that should be present among the dwarves. I believe there may be a second elemental.”
Sirra’s eyes went wide. This was exciting news, and she briefly thought he might ask for her help. His pride would prevent him from asking directly, but perhaps she could offer in a way that would not insult him. Now would not be the best time to offer, but once he had a plan in place, she could more easily offer her assistance. The once-in-a-lifetime chance of being present at the binding of an elemental was something she simply had to witness.
“Do you mean you could capture two of them?” she asked, her excitement building.
“I don’t know,” he said, turning away. He would never reveal his reservations about taking on one elemental, let alone two.
Staring deep into the fire, Sirra said, “I sense the ancient magic of an elemental, but also something else.”
“A second elemental?” he asked eagerly.
“No, this is much younger. It is no less wild, though. I would say it is someone powerful yet untested.” She gave Telorithan a sly look. “You might be the right elf to test it.”
He scoffed at her, knowing her words to be pure flattery. “Don’t bother me with your flirtations. Take them elsewhere if you can’t be of assistance.”
“It looks like they’re heading for a cave. You won’t be able to sense anything in there.”
“You doubt my abilities?”
“Not at all,” she replied. “Surely you remember some earth magic from before your studies with fire. The metals in the cave will prevent scrying.”
Telorithan had long since forgotten some basic elemental magic. His focus had rested purely with fire and learning new ways to harness its power. “Remembering that sort of thing is beneath me,” he said with a dismissing wave of his hand. She was correct. Once the elemental entered the cave, he could no longer sense it. The other presence, however, was still just as strong. Whatever the other being is, it is not inside that cave. Looking more closely, Telorithan could see no one but dwarves. In his eyes, they were incapable of any real magic, so he dismissed them without a second thought.
“Come away from this,” Sirra begged. “Let’s pass the time in a more enjoyable manner.”
“Nothing could be more enjoyable,” he said. “I am nearing my ultimate goal of binding a god. What could be better?”
“What would you do with all that power?” Her voice sounded playful.
“Firstly, I would live apart from those who annoy me.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at her.
“Well, I have in mind something that you’re better at than magic.” She brushed her fingers through his silver hair and licked her lips seductively.
As his anger rose, Telorithan’s eyes flashed red. “I am better at nothing than magic. Get out of my sight,” he commanded, pointing to the door.
Obviously hurt, she replied, “But, I only meant—”
“I said leave!” he shouted, before turning his back to her.
With a sigh, she turned to leave. Without looking back, she slammed the door behind her. Telorithan ignored the sound and gazed deeper into the flames. Before his eyes
, the elemental was forced from the cave, landing unceremoniously on his behind. Laughing quietly to himself, he thought, This one might not be as strong as I feared.
Chapter 21
Stepping closer to the cave and peering inside, Kaiya said, “I’ll go in with you this time.” She regretted not going with him the first time. Her magic may well have protected him from the attack, and she wouldn’t let him go alone again.
River nodded, looking down at the young dwarf. He admired her determination and courage. She had already felt this being’s wrath and witnessed her attack on River, but she did not hesitate to venture back inside.
“We’ll all come,” Lenora said, stepping forward.
Galen looked uneasily at her. Facing down a magical being that could best River was not something he hoped to do.
“Thank you, Lenora, but you two should wait outside. I don’t want to overwhelm whoever this apparition is. It’s best if only Kaiya and I enter.”
Galen let out a breath in relief.
“All right, but if I hear anything that concerns me, I’m coming in.” Lenora trusted his judgment, but she wouldn’t stand by while others were hurt. She might not be able to match the power of the being within the cave, but she would do whatever was necessary to help her friends.
Kaiya stepped inside with River, and the two disappeared in the darkness. A chill ran up Kaiya’s spine, but still she pressed on. River seemed unfazed as they journeyed deeper inside. A cold wind blew as they neared the gleaming white basin that lay directly in front of the apparition’s pool. The sound of rushing water filled their ears and invigorated River. Closing his eyes, he approached the water cascading from the cave ceiling. Cupping his hands, he collected some water and rubbed it onto his face. His eyes flashed with blue fire.
A sense of calm came over Kaiya. Before she had felt only anger within the cave, but now she could sense peace and serenity. River’s magic was overwhelming the hatred and replacing it with kindness. The wind swirled as a light appeared over the pool. Kaiya realized this was her chance to prepare, and she threw out her arms to gather the wind about her. Laying her hands on top of her heart, she closed her eyes and ignored the light forming before her. Focusing only on the wind itself, she created a shield to protect her from the evil spirit’s attack. A swirling vortex of wind surrounded her, and her eyes glowed with a silver light.
Side by side, River and Kaiya faced the apparition. This time, she would not force them from the cave.
“Why have you come to this place?” River asked.
The elf spirit reached out her hand, testing the layers of magic surrounding her visitors. Finding it respectably strong, she said, “You are not the beings who came before me previously. Now you show your true forms.”
Kaiya remained focused, refusing to allow the spirit’s words to distract her. Any lapse in concentration and her spell of protection might fail. “You are harming my kinsmen,” she said. “You must stop.”
The apparition laughed, throwing her arms up in the air. “Wind and water, such a brave pair,” she said, still laughing.
A bright flash of light blinked before their eyes, but still their magic held fast. The cave rumbled, and rocks fell from the ceiling. Projecting his aura of peace, River refused to be moved by her tricks. Kaiya tensed momentarily but opened her mind to absorb the calm of her companion. Without River at her side, she knew her concentration would fail. Her eyes filled with tears, wishing she could express her gratitude.
“You will not drive us away,” River said. “I can sense your torment, and I would help you if I could. Tell us how we can free you from this place.”
“You wish only to expel me!” she cried, her voice filling with anger.
A blue light emitted from River’s hand and slowly made its way to the apparition. Screaming with rage at its approach, the woman held up a hand to block it. Undeterred, the blue light encompassed her, calming her despite her efforts to stop it. Tears glistened as they slowly slid down her cheeks, and an immense sadness filled the cave.
Kaiya felt herself beginning to falter, and she dropped to one knee. Bowing her head, she once again tried to focus her mind to hold the spell. River placed his hand on her shoulder, his aura once again giving her strength. The sadness did not disappear, but Kaiya’s heart was lifted. She stood strong once more, the air continuing to swirl around her.
Turning his attention back to the apparition, River saw her tears. “Let us help you,” he said quietly.
“You cannot help,” she replied. “I am bound to this place.”
“There is a way to free you, and we will find it,” he said.
“I was murdered here,” she stated. “The one I loved most betrayed me, and now I cannot leave. I have slept here for many long years, but the dwarves have disturbed my rest. They must be punished.”
“My people meant you no harm,” Kaiya said. “They are ignorant of magic, and they did not feel your presence.”
The apparition’s eyes filled with anger at Kaiya’s response. “You could sense me,” she spat. “You should have stopped them.”
“They don’t listen to me,” Kaiya replied. “They fear magic.”
“Then they deserve their fate,” she declared.
“I am sorry they disturbed you,” Kaiya continued. “They were unaware, and they don’t deserve what you’ve done to them. Please let us help you.”
“If you would help, then leave me in peace,” the spirit replied. “Any who come here will be cursed.” Her tears had ceased, and anger crept into her voice. River’s calming effect was waning.
“You cannot curse me!” Kaiya said boldly, taking a step toward the pool.
“Your magic protects you,” the spirit replied coolly. “For now, at least.” A wicked laugh escaped her throat.
“We’ve seen enough,” River said to Kaiya. “Keep your focus until we’re out of the cave.”
Kaiya nodded, knowing that the apparition would attack her if her magic faltered. She followed closely behind River as they made their way through the darkness. Stepping out into the light, both of them dropped their magical defenses.
Lenora rushed to River. “Are you all right?”
“We’re fine,” he replied. “I know what I’m dealing with now. She is an ancient spirit, and she is capable of great evil. We won’t easily be rid of her.”
Chapter 22
Pounding on the door of Yiranor’s tower with his fist, Telorithan waited impatiently for a servant to answer. When a timid young apprentice finally opened the door, Telorithan shoved him out of the way and entered the tower. He did not spare so much as a glance at the apprentice, who quickly ran up the stairs to fetch his master.
Yiranor hurried down the winding staircase to meet his former student. His hair was in slight disarray, but his face was shining. “Telorithan,” he said. “It’s nice to have you back so soon.”
Telorithan folded his arms. “I’ve located an elemental.” He was in no mood for pointless banter. He already felt delayed by his own misgivings, and he was anxious to get some answers.
Yiranor asked, “The Red Isle?”
“No,” he replied. “A water elemental who is also an elf.”
“Extraordinary!” Yiranor exclaimed. He had never heard of such a thing and was honestly intrigued. “Please, sit. You must tell me everything.”
The two elves took seats in the waiting area. Yiranor motioned a servant to bring wine. This could be a lengthy discussion.
“It seems there is an elf living in the Westerling Vale who embodies the spirit of an elemental. I’m not sure how this occurred or who is in control of this body, but he has left the safety of the Vale to visit a dwarf village in the mountains.”
“What is he doing there?” Yiranor was puzzled. No elf spent time among the dwarves. They were a boorish race, unworthy of an elf’s attention.
“I know not,” Telorithan replied with a sigh. “I sense great power in him, and he is not alone.”
“A second ele
mental?” Yiranor’s eyes were wide. Was Telorithan considering taking on two of these creatures at once?
“I sense its power, but I can’t see it. All I see are dwarves and the two elves who traveled with the elemental.”
“Perhaps one of those elves is also an elemental?”
“I don’t believe so. I can sense their power, and it is quite weak. One of them is so weak I can barely sense anything from him.”
“Do you suppose it could be a dwarf?” Yiranor liked to consider all options, while his former pupil preferred to ignore answers he did not like.
“Have you lost the small amount of mind you have left? How could it possibly be a dwarf?” Redness crept into his face, displaying his anger to his mentor.
“Perhaps one of them is possessed by a spirit just as the elf is.”
Silence followed. Telorithan had not considered that scenario. Their nature not being fully understood, elementals were capable of incredible feats of magic. “My question to you is, do you think being half-elf and half-elemental would make this creature more or less powerful? Why would an elemental need an elf body unless it augmented its own power?”
“I cannot say,” the old elf replied. “I do know one thing: only the gods possess more power than elementals.”
“You mean that an elf body would suppress an elemental’s powers.” Telorithan spoke more to himself than to Yiranor. Perhaps it was taking elf form merely out of curiosity. Old tales spoke of elementals who grew bored and found strange ways of amusing themselves.
“I don’t believe having an elf body would make it more powerful.” Yiranor’s words were sincere. He doubted Telorithan could tackle a true elemental, but he may well succeed in binding this half-breed. “Unless,” he said, thinking out loud, “the elemental were to release itself from the body of the elf, it might no longer be inhibited.”
Telorithan’s eyes flashed red, his gaze piercing. “I hadn’t considered that,” he said, sounding uncertain. “Yiranor,” he pleaded. “You must help me. I have to find a way to bind an elemental. It’s my only hope of binding a god.”
