by Jason Wilcox
Running his finger over it, he could feel that it was still skin, just a different color. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on healing himself.
“So, if we’re in the future and creatures were ready to kill me, let’s go back so you can prove it.”
Tagen opened one red eye and glared. If his new master were this stupid, he would get them killed. He looked down at his hand. Nothing had changed. The white skin was still there. He had never seen anything like it; he wasn’t sure what was going on.
“Did you hear me? Take me back and prove it.” Mauldrin lifted his right hand towards his shoulder, readying to draw the sword.
Tagen stared at him, ready to bolt if he pulled the sword. “I just saved you, and this is the thanks I get. I’m not going back unless I have an army behind me, because we’ll get ourselves killed.”
Mauldrin lowered his hand. Spots of his original blue eyes interrupted his now black eyes. “Fine, I’ll trust you for now, but if you give me any reason not to, I swear I’ll cut you in two.”
Shifting his weight, Tagen held back his anger. “You still don’t trust me even though I saved you.”
Taking a moment to respond, Mauldrin stared at him. “You know who Domblin is, right? And don’t lie to me.” Mauldrin stepped closer and raised his hand towards the sword.
“Of course I do, and you don’t need to keep threatening me!” Tagen furrowed his brow.
“Do you know where I can find him? Is he still on my planet?”
If he told him Domblin was locked up at Triaad’s castle, he’d just want to go there, and that was the last place he wanted to be. He shifted his weight and looked back towards the direction of the gate and then towards the city where he was headed. “He often hangs out in the city.” Tagen pointed.
“Take me to him.”
Giving a halfhearted smile, Tagen turned and headed towards the city, feeling proud of his cunning ways. “If you’re in such a hurry, let’s see if you can keep up with me.” Satisfied they were leaving the woods, Tagen picked up his pace and found Mauldrin was able to stay right behind him. “I see the dark matter helped with your speed,” Tagen yelled back. He wondered what else Mauldrin could do since he was partially a dark soul.
CHAPTER 2
The woods were quiet outside of the Witch’s home which sat high above the forest’s floor. Stretching, Azgiel looked over the wooded village his beautiful wife Maselda helped build during the years he had been away. Since his return, two years ago, he had grown fond of his new dwellings. There was something that emanated through the village that he never felt back at his old castle, now possessed by Triaad.
A dark blue demon, with red flecks on his shoulder, caught Azgiel’s attention. He stood on the landing across a bridge. The demon gave a friendly wave and continued on his way using a ladder to get down, since he didn’t have wings like some of the other demons.
“Did you send for me?” Maselda asked. Her voice was magical, which filled his chest with a calm that he never grew tired of. Her white glow shone on the walls, and her caring, blue eyes were soft.
“Yes, I did.” He walked over to her, passing their hand-made, wooden bed. “The demons and trolls are telling me they think the gate will be operational soon. We need to start discussing what we are going to do with Bridget.” Over the last two years, Azgiel had been feverishly working on fixing the gate, hoping to find his sword on the other side. During those years he had noticed his wife growing attached to Bridget. The situation concerned him deeply, since Bridget was only there as a tool against Mauldrin. He often voiced his concerns which only ended as passionate arguments.
“I don’t see how the gate being fixed has anything to do with her.” She lifted her chin and the softness that had been in her eyes dissipated.
“She can’t stay Maselda; you’ve known that from the beginning. When we get…”
“Things have changed Az. She’s become one of us, and you can’t throw that away.”
Azgiel took a deep breath. There wasn’t going to be an easy way to say what he needed to say, “Once we find Mauldrin and get the sword, they both need to be disposed of. We’ll do it in a way that will be painless. You agreed to this from the beginning.”
“No. You’re not going to take her away from me. She’s like a daughter.” Maselda’s eyes became black and her complexion dark.
“I warned you. You’ve gotten too close to her. What is she going to do when she finds out who and what we really are? Do you think she is going to stand by us? She grows more powerful each month. We can’t have her going rogue and killing our troops. She’s a walking time bomb, and I won’t have her around once we get what we need from Mauldrin. She’ll be a threat to our mission.”
The darkness on Maselda’s face lightened. “We could keep her hidden away from him.” She gave a pleading look to Azgiel, but he didn’t say a word, he didn’t dare. “Fine,” she snapped and threw up her hands. “FINE! But I still think there’s a better plan.”
“I’ve thought about it long and hard. When the gate is fixed and it comes time to send her in, I’ll send demons with her to keep her safe. Their job will be to locate Mauldrin and the sword and return them to me. If she dies on Triaad’s planet during the process, so be it.” Azgiel stepped to the window his wife was leaning on.
“We don’t even know what it’s like on the other side of the gate. You could be sending her to her death.” She took a breath and looked out the window. “You don’t even know if Mauldrin is still alive. For all you know, Triaad might’ve grabbed him, dragged him to the other side of the gate and destroyed the portal. That way he could keep the sword without our disturbance. So, I don’t think you should send her to her death until we know what is going on. She could be a valuable servant.” Her black eyes lightened and her skin returned to its white glow as she cooled down.
Azgiel looked her up and down. He was definitely in love with her, but every decision had to be calculated or they could lose the war they were waging with Triaad, and now wasn’t the time to be soft. “I’m sorry, Love. I’ve made up my mind. She’s going with the group through the gate. We have to keep hope that Mauldrin will summon her again, and it will lead us to him so we don’t lose many demons.”
The blackness in her eyes returned with a crackling noise from her hands and a smell of smoke. Putting one foot back, Azgiel prepared in case she attacked. Just then, he heard footsteps from behind. The Witch swallowed and let out a deep breath, silencing the crackling noise.
“They found the last fragment of the gate and replaced it. It is now operational,” Kaz’s deep voice broke the tension. Azgiel turned to face the large red demon. The tips of his horns almost touched the ceiling and just behind stood Bridget. She peeked around the side as Kaz continued, “They tell me that when they put the last piece in, the gate ignited a tremendous blast. One troll was found dead, and everyone else was knocked out for some time.”
“Make sure we have a ceremony for the deceased troll,” Azgiel paused for a moment before continuing, “However, excellent news about the gate. We need to gather a scouting team immediately and prepare to send them through.” He refused to look at his wife while he spoke. He could only imagine the look she was giving him.
“And what if Mauldrin’s already dead,” the Witch snapped from behind. It took Azgiel by surprise. They had that conversation numerous times in the past, but always in private, never around Bridget. Azgiel knew she was trying to manipulate the situation so Bridget wouldn’t have to go. “It’s foolish to send a team in there. We should send a preel to scout it out.”
Bridget looked to the floor uncomfortably after Maselda’s comment that Mauldrin might be dead. Her sorrowful gaze surprised Azgiel. He hadn’t realized Bridget had never thought of that possibility until now.
“Maselda,” Azgiel focused. “If we send a preel and it finds him, it won’t be able to get him back here. We have to send a scouting party. That way if they find him, they can attempt to bring him home.”
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Feet stomped across the floor as the Witch placed herself in front of Azgiel to look him in the eye. “Send the preel first, and if he’s alive, then send the team! Stop being stubborn.”
He gritted his teeth and took a breath, trying to keep his anger in check. Kaz stepped back, awkwardly. It was the first time Kaz had been present during a fight; they always kept their disagreements away from everyone. “Enough Maselda!” Azgiel snapped.
“Don’t tell me it’s enough!” Maselda snapped back. Her glow brightened and the walls around them began to bend outwards as energy flowed through the room. Kaz backed towards the open door.
Lifting a hand, Bridget barely touched the Witch’s shoulder. “Can I be a part of the scouting party? I want to be there when they find him.”
The Witch stopped and turned to Bridget, her mouth ajar from shock. Azgiel smiled and spoke before his wife could, “I think that’s a great idea. You could help give him the strength to get out of there, and who knows, maybe if you get on the same planet, he may summon you like he did when he was in the dark soul’s cell.”
“Yes, that is my hope,” she seemed to brighten as she spoke, and a smile began to push back her soft cheeks.
“But you might be killed,” the Witch spoke as she took Bridget’s hand. “Triaad is very powerful and isn’t someone to underestimate.”
“I understand, but I want to be there when they find him,” Bridget smiled as she spoke. Tears developed in the Witch’s eyes. “I’m not afraid. I’ll be safe with the demons.”
The Witch dropped her shoulders and walked out of the house heading across one of the wooden bridges. Azgiel let out a deep breath. He didn’t want to hurt his wife, but he knew it was best to send Bridget to her death.
“I didn’t mean to upset her,” Bridget spoke softly as she turned to Azgiel. Her look was one of searching for guidance or comfort, like a child to her father. Azgiel’s first reaction was to pull her in and comfort, a strange feeling indeed, but just as he had done so many times, he extinguished the feelings. She could hurt their plans if she stayed too long. She had to die before she found the truth, before her life complicated everything. That had been the plan from the beginning.
“Don’t mind her. She’s worried about your safety, because she cares about you. I on the other hand have great respect for your choice to carry out such a mission. It’s very admirable.” He meant those words. He was impressed with her desire to risk her life for her husband.
Kaz stepped back into the room. “What’s your plan?”
Azgiel lowered his head and began to pace. “Well, the gate is going to take us into the main hall of the castle, unless he’s moved it, which I doubt.” He stopped for a moment looking out the window. “Find your five best demons who can get the job done.” As he spoke, he looked up at Kaz. The demon’s red face showed no signs of emotion.
“I’ll be honored to be one of the five,” Kaz began, “I’ll want to be there to keep Bridget safe while we find Mauldrin.” He tilted his head, causing one of his horns to touch the ceiling. Bridget smiled and reached out a hand to place on his. Her fingers were tiny compared to Kaz’s well-worn thick hands. Emotion shone on his face as he looked down and gave her a small smile.
“No,” Azgiel stopped talking for a moment. He was speaking with too harsh a tone. “No, no. I need you here to run missions and help get our army ready for the coming war.”
“I will do whatever you need,” Kaz lowered himself a little to speak face to face with Azgiel. “With respect though, I would like to add that I think it’s best I go with them to find Mauldrin.”
In any other situation, Kaz would be right, but there were too many variables that made the situation too risky to send him. There was no way Azgiel could take the chance of losing Kaz; he was vital to everything they were doing.
“I hear you. But my answer is still no.” Azgiel turned back towards the window. The situation was beginning to make him feel uncomfortable. He rarely went so harshly against both his wife’s and Kaz’s opinions. Everything was beginning to feel wrong, but it didn’t matter, he had to act and soon. Time was running out. “As soon as you pick five demons, send them to me so I can prep them about what they will be doing.”
Without further argument, Kaz turned and left the room. Bridget followed behind. Her glowing skin dazzled as she stepped into the sun and crossed the bridge.
CHAPTER 3
Caden looked down a long vacant road in amazement. They had finally made it to civilization, but everything was different. Buildings were empty and war torn. There were no cars in sight and bullet holes spattered everything, even the road. He stood there in shock. Tagen’s right, we’re in the future, but how far in the future?
“What are you waiting for?” Tagen stepped in front of Caden. “Let’s go so we can find your Domblin, or have you changed your mind?”
Looking the black, oily creature up and down and still not trusting the dark soul, Caden spoke, “Of course we’re still going, I only stopped for a moment.” Using an elbow, he pushed past Tagen, his oily skin slimy to the touch.
“Sensitive, aren’t we?”
Stopping in his tracks, Caden spun around and threw a punch. Tagen vanished and reappeared to the left of him.
“You must be tired. That was pathetic.”
Caden looked at him and could tell by the way the dark red eyes studied him that he was measuring Caden. There was a look of disenchantment. He swallowed the lump building in his throat, knowing his move was a mistake. If Tagen found out his power was gone and he couldn’t draw the sword, he’d be dead. He needed to keep his cool, think through his moves, and make pragmatic choices.
He needed to change the topic. “How far in the future do you think we are?” He turned around and began to walk, looking at the buildings with bullet holes and chunks of wall blown out.
“Not sure,” Tagen spoke, now walking next to Caden rather than behind him. “By the looks of things, I would guess that no matter how much time’s passed, it’s been ugly while we were gone.”
Caden felt better that the topic changed. The last thing he needed was a fight with the dark soul, when he wasn’t sure if he could fight him. The feelings of power that he had before were gone.
They walked in silence for the next hour. Not once did they see any sign of life, just war torn buildings and streets. The dark presence next to him became the norm, and when he disappeared unannounced while they passed an area that was worse than the others, it startled Caden. He spun around twice to see where Tagen went.
“Tagen?”
“Shush,” Tagen spoke softly from close by, but Caden still couldn’t see him.
“Where are you?”
“Will you shut up! Someone’s coming.”
Caden looked around, but there was no one to be seen. There were a couple of huge piles of rubble on either side of the street, and all but one of the houses was totaled.
“I don’t see anyone. Where are they?” Caden asked hoping the unseen dark soul was still close by. Getting no answer, he decided to head towards a house that had no real damage except for a broken out window and bullet holes. The house was a dark blue color, which was hard to see with the dirt on it.
He took a couple of steps across the old road with cracks and potholes before a gunshot rang out. He quickly ducked down as a bullet ricocheted close by. Either the shooter was a horrible shot, or it was a warning. Caden looked in the direction where the gunfire came from, but still nothing.
“Who’s there?” Caden yelled.
Except for a small breeze whistling through the rubble, the area was silent. He took two more steps towards the house hoping to draw the shooter into the open.
“Stop right there, son, or I’ll blow a hole through you so big a dog could jump through it.” An older man stepped from behind the closest pile of rubble near the house. He held a large gun that appeared to be pieced together.
Figuring if they could chat, the old man might settle down. Caden clear
ed his throat and spoke up, “Do you mind if I ask what the year is?”
The man didn’t answer. He just kept looking Caden up and down. Tired of wasting time, Caden decided to take another step forward, this time with hands out to show he wasn’t a threat. Caden looked the man over. He had a long gray beard and wore dark patchwork armor made from odds and ends of household items.
“All he has is a sword,” the old man yelled. Caden stopped. The man was a decoy, a scout. Twenty to thirty men and women began to climb to the top of the rubble piles, each holding makeshift weapons.
Caden was tempted to call out to Tagen, to see where he was, hoping he was close. Just when he needed him, he was gone, leaving Caden to die. If he got out of the situation alive, he knew he would hunt the dark soul down and kill him.
“Throw me your sword and I might let you live,” a taller, broader man spoke from the top of the rubble. He actually held a real gun, an automatic machine gun with a large knife strapped to the end of it. On his chest was a bulletproof vest that said ‘POLICE.’ The P and the E were almost worn off.
“Are you the law around here?” Caden tried to sound respectful, hoping to get into the man’s good graces.
“You could say something like that,” the man said. “Now throw me the sword and any other weapons you have.”
“All I have is this sword, and I would prefer to keep it with me, but I’ll give you my word that I’m not here to fight.”
The man looked at Caden before he spoke again. “Last chance. Hand me the sword, or I will start shooting.”
“Okay, okay.” Caden tried to pull the sword, but nothing. He swallowed and tried to keep his composure, he had been worried that he wouldn’t be able to draw the sword. Un-strapping the weapon, he picked it up by its sheath. He was a little uncomfortable with what he was doing, but if it got the people around him to calm down it was for the best. After taking a breath, he threw the sword forward. It landed about half way between him and the leader of the group.
