The Summoner and the Seer: Darklight Universe: Book 1
Page 32
WHERE IS SHE?!!!
WHERE IS SHE?!!!!!!
EPILOGUE
Endings and New Beginnings
Radcliff left more capable leaders in charge and took a walk in the strange new woods. The plants were green and the trees had brown bark, but the leaves were oddly shaped. Same yet different. Perhaps one day he would enjoy cataloging the differences. Right now he simply hurt. He too was the same but different. This personality had all the darkness of his original self, yet somehow it had formed an attachment anyway. And it hurt. He could have spent more time with Calydus, but there was always going to be more time. Time now stolen. And that hurt worse. He screwed up with the only man he’d ever call Father, but there was someone else he could do right by.
There was a stream not too far from the portal drop. Radcliff sat on a rock and waited. It didn’t take long.
The image appeared and looked like it was spoiling for a fight. I won’t go down quietly. You can try to absorb me or destroy me, but I want a life!
Radcliff projected his full image into his mind and stepped towards his copy. He wasn’t really sure what to say that wouldn’t already be said, so he remained silent as he approached.
I mean it. The image backed up a step before scowling and planting its feet. It bravely stood its ground.
Radcliff cocked his head and thought of a word to say. As he touched his image he said, goodbye.
Radcliff had control of the body again but the victory was ashes in his mouth. He left me. It was a thousand times worse than losing Calydus. After coexisting for so long, now there was this empty chasm where his prickly personality used to reside. He replayed dark Radcliff’s parting memory.
Surprise! I bet you didn’t see this coming. I’ve lived a long time, longer than you have, since I experienced every day of those thousand years. You are bright and hopeful because you forgot the evil done to you whereas I started out hateful and angry and only got worse as I fought the nightmares.
I’ve taken the liberty of stealing all the bad memories you had, because you don’t deserve to be messed up like me. Since I don’t want you to remain ignorant of your past, I’ve altered them so you’ll view my darkest memories as an outside observer. You will go forth without the mental scars left by our master and you can decide what kind of man you want to be. You’ll also have all of my knowledge—use it wisely.
As you know, I always did what was logical but not always moral. I will never apologize for my actions—I did what I felt was necessary. But the people I’ve wronged will never forgive me, while they might forgive you in time.
I know you want a life with Amira and you’ll say I could always hang around while you experienced everything in my body. But we both know I would only bring anger and resentment and eventually jealousy to the mix. Three’s a crowd in our case.
I was never a happy ever after kind of guy, but I think you are. So, I’ve decided to bow out and give you the second chance at life I was denied. Good luck and know that in my own way, I love you.
Radcliff Durnhast, the Destroyer.
Radcliff was still weeping when Amira found him. Even though her silver hair was loosely flowing down her back like an image out of a dream, his gaze barely lingered. He couldn’t help it, his heart felt like it was being ripped out of his chest.
Resting the staff up against a tree, she sat next to him and quietly asked, “What’s wrong? I heard about the emperor. I’m so sorry.”
Radcliff sniffed. “He’s gone.”
“Someone else besides the emperor?”
He nodded. “Radcliff. The dark version.” He wiped his eyes and wondered how stupid it sounded to be mourning the death of a memory fragment. He looked at Amira but she had only sympathy and a touch of sorrow in her eyes. It matched the feelings coming through their bond. He pulled her into a hug. “He gave me, us, a second chance.”
“I’ll miss him too you know. He was like a grumpy version of you.”
Radcliff’s lips twitched into a little smile. “He grew to like you too.”
“I know. Even though he tried hard not to show it.”
Radcliff looked around at the tranquil beauty of this place. “He would never have enjoyed this, would he?”
Amira chuckled. “Definitely not.”
Radcliff grew serious again. “I’m not sure I’ll make a good leader. What was Calydus thinking?”
“He loved you very much and you are more than capable. Just give yourself a chance. It’s what he’d want.”
Radcliff sighed. The ache was still there, but having Amira by his side helped. “Come,” he said as he stood and held out a hand. “Let’s explore this new world, together.”
Amira placed her hand in his and let him help her up.
As they walked deeper into the forest, Radcliff knew that as long as they were together, they’d live a long and happy life.
As the couple vanished into the forest, the staff began to glow. A faint yellow mist seeped out of the wood and drifted slowly to the ground where it swirled around for several seconds. It sent wispy tendrils outward to explore the new world and sensed no taint. Still weak, it gave a satisfied sigh as it seeped into the soil. Hopefully here, it would have enough time….
The staff pulsed once, brightly, then winked out.
The End
From the Author
Thank you for reading my book. I really hope you enjoyed it. If you have a spare moment, please leave a review. They are a big help for readers who might be interested in this book.
Thanks for your support.
C. Gold
Books by the Author
The Darklight Universe
Book 1: The Summoner and the Seer
Short Stories
The Archmage's Eclipse
Unscaled
About the Author
C. Gold is an avid World of Warcraft gamer and book reading junkie. She enjoys reading a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, paranormal, and a variety of romance combinations.
Her worlds are influenced by her background in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Math. After a long career in software testing, she began writing the stories that kept clamoring to be told.
Right now she's writing fantasy in the Darklight Universe and science fiction in a new series still in development.
Ways to contact C. Gold:
Facebook Page
Official Website
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Acknowledgements
This book would not have been written if not for Brandon Tackett. He first got me to remember how much I used to enjoy writing when he asked me to read his first story.