by Lynn Hardy
He gives a barely perceptible nod. I hurl us toward the castle, sending a piece of my mind streaking across the night sky. Faint pictures overlay my sight, like a ghost on a TV screen. When I spot a familiar, stocky figure, I send a piece of my consciousness toward it. “Jerik, we’re in trouble. We need backup.”
I watch with the rest of the Cuthburan army, helpless to stop the incoming invaders. The demon sphere whirls into contact with the outer force field. The globe slows, but its momentum pushes the mass through the primary field. The stunned layer of demons is dispatched in a fiery glare.
“Blazing-staff,” I pronounce. With magesight, I note the cobalt light gathering around the ends of my stave.
Dozens upon dozens of human-sized demons fan out inside the protective barrier. Two giants, larger than orcs, unfold themselves from the fetal position they held in the yoke. The soldiers use the force field as intended. The two barriers create a safety zone they can run to when outnumbered or when they need to regroup. Tag teams of men harry the giants, keeping them from the gates. Even with the magical defense as a support, soldiers drop like moths at a bug zapper.
“Hai-ya!” Lacking magical energy, I wield my six-foot pole with deadly proficiency. Blue magefire pooled around the ends dissolves everything it touches.
“Archmage!” a soldier bellows beside me. Swiveling around, I aim the staff’s end at the fiend I sense, taking it out. From the corner of my eye, I see another beast behead the man who saved my life.
The bodies piling up brings a pain like none I’ve ever known. It grips my heart in a band of steel. Rage spikes from deep within my soul. Adrenalin surges into my bloodstream. In the grips of a battle fury, I become a blur of movement. I take down one of the smaller demons then another. Within a few minutes, all but the pair of giants are dispatched.
Unlike the orcs, these are monstrosities no human fairy tale ever contemplated. Tall and wiry, covered in black scales shimmering with oozing slime, they have three segments to their arms, the last of which is double jointed. A spiked tail is responsible for more than one death.
The top cranial portion is a shield hanging over the three eyes and wide, fanged mouth. although their heads seem to be put on backwards, they display intelligence equal to the best soldier.
I try to get close enough to engage one of the giants. Followed by the Wizard’s Guard, I flank the two princes. A battle cry tears from my lips. We charge the closest monster. Side by side, the brothers fight, but it is all they can do to keep the right sword occupied while we apply ourselves to the left. Faster than lightning, the beast parries the blows.
“I’ve got an idea! Keep it busy!” I yell, dropping out of the assault.
I circle behind the beast as Jerik and Charles arrive with more than a hundred men to replace the ones lying in a deep circle around the other monster.
Allinon steps up beside me, I ask, “Can you cast a lightning bolt?”
The elf gives a tight nod. He begins to chant. I squeeze my eyes shut as the hair rises on the back of my neck. Light brightens the darkness. Opening my eyes, I sprint toward the stunned creature’s backside. Planting my staff like a pole-vaulter, I spring upward. With my added strength, I soar into the night sky, over fifteen feet straight up. Coming down over the creature, I use my staff to soften my landing, planting the stave in the serpent’s skull.
Slicing through its head like a branding iron in a snow bank, the move does little to break my fall. However, the demon’s limp body provides cushion enough. Having witnessed its companion’s demise, the last monster rises to its full height, letting loose a bone-trembling shriek.
“I don’t think that trick will work a second time.” Wiping sweat off his brow, Alex looks toward the sky growing lighter in the east.
Allinon sucks in long breaths, bracing himself on his sword. “Doesn’t matter… Without the forest to draw from, I’m tapped out.”
“But now we know they’re vulnerable to magefire.” Pausing, I take a moment to weigh the options. “Alex, if I use all the energy Szames and I have, I should be able to kill that demon. But it will leave both of us weak, possibly unconscious.”
“If you can dispatch this creature with one blow, I will personally see you to safety,” Alex declares.
“Andrayia and the others will aid you.” Unable to utter another word to the man to whom I must entrust my life, I extend my left hand to his brother.
“Laser bolt,” I command the mammoth laser I installed in my arsenal last night. Black spots crowd the edge of my vision. I lock my knees, clinging to consciousness. The shot flies straight and true, taking the monster in the head. Pain blinds me as it slices into my brain like a thousand acupuncture needles. A pair of strong arms encircles me. Dark, cool nothingness overwhelms my senses.
Chapter Thirty
True consciousness evades me. I catch sporadic sensations of joy and relief as a swaying tells me that I am carried through the city, but I am unable to break through the corridor of darkness surrounding my mind. The siege of Castle Eldrich, the Jewel of Cuthburan, is broken.
“I saw Szames fall. Is it a mortal wound?” Arturo’s words are winded, as if he has run a great distance. Seared with emotion, they echo into the dark that binds me.
I struggle to open my eyes.
“He received no wound, Father. He fell while joined with Reba to destroy the last of the lizard kings.” Alex answers.
“Has the mage’s life been forfeited along with my youngest son?” The worry in the monarch’s tone causes me to redouble my effort to be free of the darkness tying my limbs. A hand touches my forehead as the stretcher jostles to a halt. I feel a mind brush against my own.
“Her soul remains within her body. Reba didn’t deplete her reservoir completely.” Jamison voice penetrates the darkness.
“She can take us home,” Allinon’s whispered sigh barely reaches my ears.
A swinging sensation lulls me again as the men carrying the litter set off once more. Consciousness slips from me. My mind stirs as I am placed upon a cushioned surface.
“The enemy is routed, but the gate has yet to be located.” Arturo’s fears have not been assuaged. “Will she recover in time for the Demon Campaign?”
“Your Majesty, in a day, two at most, I believe Reba will make a full recovery,” Jamison pronounces over my still form. “Offer her water when she wakes, and food should be brought within the hour.”
“Yes, milord,” Crystal murmurs.
With the kingdom’s fate more certain, Arturo asks the question stabbing through his heart, “And my son? Will Szames wake as well?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Relief washes through the king. I sense the monarch leave my immediate vicinity as he strides into the next room. Jamison and Allinon also leave my bedside. The rustle of clothing and clinking of armor dies down as those privileged enough to be allowed entrance wait expectantly.
I struggle to hear what news Arturo gives of the battle. “Today’s victory is the beginning. As the prophecy stated: delivered by magic, unto magic. Archmage Reba will lead the campaign two days hence. The Flame shall overcome the darkness!”
The shouted words reach my enhanced ears as if whispered from a great distance. I begin to relax as I feel the emotional storm of worry depart for a new location. I know Arturo has left for his son’s bedside, yet true rest is elusive. Though my body is unable to rouse, my mind worries over what is to come.
The demons’ strength is so much greater than we expected. Their tactics, so cunning. We’ve won the battle, but will we win the war? I dismiss the topic, determined not to borrow trouble. Still, I am unable to find the peacefulness of true sleep.
Like a hound after a scent, I search for the root of the problem. Home? If I manage to save the glorious kingdom of Cuthburan, nay, the entire world, will I be able to return to my old life, a mere housewife?
If I had an ounce of strength, my teeth would be grinding. I’m going home to Kyle! I’m not staying on this world whe
re fidelity is considered folly.
The thought crystallizes in my consciousness. An icy chill spreads down my back. A flash of white light startles me in the night that surrounds my senses. My body has been taxed beyond human endurance, but my muscles still tense with expectation. One strand of magic remains strong: precognition.
My destabilized mind is too weak for the powerful vision. Instead of witnessing the event, I am drawn into it, experiencing it with the fullness of my senses.
~
I am sitting at a small table across from Alex. The interior of the massive pavilion is aglow with the dim morning light. Everything is slightly out of focus, fuzzy. In a flash of insight, I realize I am intoxicated.
I miss the exchange of words. My weakened senses reel as I bound to my feet after downing the contents of the cup before me.
“Yes, I’ll survive, even if I am alone,” the mumbled words mean little to my distorted mind. I take a step toward the door but stumble in my inebriated state. Alex’s strong hands steady me. Surrounded by his arms, my tongue runs free. “And who will be there to hold me then?”
All the anger, frustration, and fears tumble out of me. “What am I doing? I’m not who everyone thinks I am. I have no training, no upbringing for this.” Tears come unbidden, streaming uncontrollably down my face. “Being an archmage is going to be so very lonely.”
I fight to hold onto consciousness, needing to know the dangers ahead.
“Shush, it is okay.” Gently Alex strokes my hair, comforting me as he would a small child. “It will be okay.”
“Yeah, here is the all-powerful savior of”—I hiccup—“your kingdom, weeping like a child.” Gradually I regain control of my composure. The emotional outburst has exhausted me. I struggle to remain standing.
The last dregs of my strength ebb from me. Darkness crowds the premonition. I peer through the shadowy fog. I feel the warmth of the prince’s skin through my silky tunic as he eases closer to my body.
In a smooth motion, Alex sweeps me off my feet. Carrying me as easily as a child, his long strides bring us quickly to the bed.
A knowing solidifies deep inside me. When I wake, the true battle will begin: the Demon Crusade and the battle to retain my moral integrity in this seductive world of moral decadence. Unconsciousness steals the premonition from my grasp. I am released from the horrific vision as my exhausted mind slips into the oblivion of a coma.
Alex and Reba
The saga of Reba, Szames, and Alex continues in Book Two - Love’s Price.
Find out more about the Prophecy of the Flame series at:
LynnHardy.com
Glossary
Ap-bjan: Demonic invader with the body of a snake. The top portion is a two-headed orc with three arms.
Armoire: A large ornate cabinet or wardrobe.
Aura: The field of energy that surrounds every human being. Magesight allows the aura to be seen in color patterns representing different affinities: blue for magic, green for healing, fuchsia for charisma, gold for empathy, burgundy for telepathy, etc.
AV: Aura virus
Castle Eldrich: Home and ruling center for the Royalty of Cuthburan, located in the city now known as Eldrich
Consortium of Knowledge: University of Cuthburan
Corinth: A soft metal prevalent in Cuthburan. When mixed with other metals, the alloy is malleable and prevents rust and tarnish. With other metals the allow is malleable, prevents rust and tarnish
Faux Pas: Social blunder
Filk: The art of changing published and/or known music lyrics to fit a specific theme. Different lyrics sung to a well known tune.
Igildru: Demonic invader. Blacker than night, this monster is humanoid in appearance with the exception of the fused first and second finger of the left hand which are elongated, and can be use as a whip. Bones sprout from eyes sockets and the rear of the head as well. Usually carries a crossbow with tips that burst into flame upon contact.
Jarovegi: A long-limbed demon able to tunnel underground at remarkable speed. The bite of this creature infects the aura of the wounded, draining spiritual essence from it, eventually killing the victim.
Kypros: Country bordering Cuthburan to the southwest.
Marmari-sterk: A stone prized for building due to its weight and denseness. Marbled marmari-sterk is also prized for its beauty.
Octal: A Cuthburan unit of measurement, eight days.
Perinthess: Cuthburan metal alloy composed of brass and corinth.
Ralolik: Demon that jumps like a kangaroo. The, fuzzy hindquarters shoot quills at the enemy. A scaly raptor torso with a vicious beak and fore claws complete this monster.
Rapier: A long, slender, two-edged sword with a cup-like hilt, used with thrusting maneuvers
Ren: Short form of Renaissance, usually in reference to a Renaissance Faire
Scry: To trance, enabling out-of-body searching of large areas as well as other dimensions for a specific item or person or answer to a specific question.
Tuvarnava: Kingdom to the northwest of Cuthburan
Umfang: Cuthburish word for the essence in the aura necessary for a portal spell
Wineskins: Canteens made of animal intestines and covered over with the hide of the animal
Wyvern: Commonly known as a miniature dragon. A flying demon with wings like a bat and claws like a dragon. It has two arms that support the tops of its wings.
Character Glossary
Names beginning with Sz denote the European J, sounding like a cross between “ssh” and “j.”
Alexandros: Firstborn of King Arturo, crown prince to the Kingdom of Cuthburan
Alicia: Unrecognized master healer whom Reba activates a gift within.
Eric: Program engineer from modern-day Earth; his character is Charles
Andertz: Bastard son of Andrayia and Prince Alexandros
Andrayia: Instructor in the arts of history, science, language, and mathematics to the nobility of Cuthburan; also the mistress of Prince Alexandros
Andskoti: Common name of the deity of Cuthburan
Anzin, Count: Ruler of Gandrus
Araine: A child assigned to collect stones for the archmage
Archbishop: see Prestur
Arturo, King: Ruling monarch of Cuthburan
Baulyard, Count: Ruler of Mountview
Chad: Medical student from modern-day Earth; his character is Jamison
Chazan: A child assigned to collect stones for the archmage
Cheryl: Elder sister to Rebecca
Crystal: Head chambermaid, assigned to Archmage Reba upon her arrival
Cuthburan: The kingdom over which King Arturo rules
Darren: Architect from modern-day Earth; his character is Jerik
Edward: Master tailor
Eldhress, Baron: Ruler of Brightport
Kappi: A child assigned to collect stones for the archmage
Gaakobah: Former apprentice of Merithin
Gabion, Duke: Ruler of Everand
George: Accountant from modern-day Earth; his character is Allinon
Goran: Father of Gaakobah
Harold: Squire to Prince Szames
Hestur: Master steward of Cuthburan
Keth: Brother to Phedra; added to Archmage Reba’s staff after demons killed the rest of his family
Laeknaen: Elder healer who has no gift of healing
Lani: Full name: RaLain; twin sister to Rebecca
Malegur: A healer with so much anger that Reba decided not to activate his healing gift
Maria: A child assigned to collect stones for the archmage
Mik: Stable master of Castle Eldrich
Nemir: Apprentice to Merithin
Phedra: Sister to Keth; added to Archmage Reba’s staff after demons killed the rest of her family.
Prestur, Archbishop: Leader of the Church of Cuthburan
Rebecca: Secretary and housewife from modern-day Earth; her character is Archmage Reba
Rikard: Stonemason who created Castle Eldrich and t
he surrounding city; known also as Master Stonemason Rik
Rokroa, Duke: Ruler of Kempmore
Sheldon: First of the Cuthburan line of rulers; married to Roseanne, his first cousin, then to Monique, princess of the Isles, after Roseanne’s death
Szeanne Rose, Princess: Princess of Cuthburan, third child of King Arturo, second born of Queen Szacquelyn
Szacquelyn, Queen: Queen of Cuthburan, second wife of King Arturo
Szames (Sha-mes), Prince: General of the Forces of Cuthburan, second born of King Arturo, first born of Queen Szacquelyn
Todd: A child assigned to collect stones for ArchMage Reba
Tupper: Master healer
Varpalava: Prince of Tuvarnava; betrothed of Princess Szeanne Rose of Cuthburan
Vinfastur, Marquess: Ruler of Rhymon
William: Page to crown prince Alexandros. Assigned to Archmage Reba upon her arrival
Yivgeni: Master artist of Cuthburan
Lynn Hardy
Led by a series of dreams and encouraged by friends, Lynn Hardy began the journey to become an author. She stored her work in a computer file labeled “second job.” Writing began as a passion she could not contain and has become much more than she ever expected.
Lynn has attended many science fiction conventions and has had the privilege of serving on panels about writing. Renaissance fairs are another favorite event for the author. Seeing others dressed in costume (as she always is during book signings) makes her feel right at home.
Lynn is now a stay-at-home mother of two. The road has been longer and more complicated than she would have ever guessed – not always smooth, but filled with wonderful surprises. Like most stories, Lynn is sure that her journey has only just begun.
Prophecy of the Flame
Book Two
Love’s Price
By Lynn Hardy
In a small clearing, ten feet from the trees, I sit cross-legged. I open my senses, broadcasting mentally as well as vocally. “I come in peace, offering a treaty against those who threaten all sentient beings on this world. Will you speak with me?”
The forest remains silent. I feel a presence, perhaps more than one. “These demons threaten not only mankind, but all life. Have you not felt their malignancy? How long until they take one of your kind?”
