There were murmurs in the crowd and Sylk could see his words had turned some to his side. Cane looked at him darkly.
Arnas coughed, but looked at him with thinly-veiled admiration. “The weapon?”
“I choose the sword,” said Sylk.
“Let it be recorded that the weapon of choice is the sword,” said Arnas as two swords were brought to the center of the circle.
“Are you sure you want this weapon, two-legger? I have had many years to practice with a blade,” said Cane, grabbing one of the swords from Arnas and executing intricate thrusts and parries. Several in the crowd cheered him on.
“I may not be as old as you, but I have had ample time to learn the craft of fighting with a blade,” Sylk said and took the sword that was offered to him.
Sylk took a deep breath and centered himself. He sent his chi deep into the circle beneath him to see if it still had any life. Inside a tré I have a chance, but he has to try and use his abilities first. He could feel that the tré was merely dormant from years of disuse. It would take a large expenditure of chi to make it active again, more than he could expend on his own.
Arnas held up his hand to quiet the crowd down.
“Swords to the death,” said Arnas. “There are two conditions. Do not leave the circle.” He waited until Cane and Sylk acknowledged him. “Neither of you may use a special ability, aside from your wits. Violation of these conditions” —he looked at Cane—”frees the opponent to act as they wish.”
Cane looked at Sylk with a smile, and turned his head from side to side, cracking his neck and flexing.
“It’s not too late to turn tail and die,” said Cane with a grin that exposed his large fangs.
Sylk smiled and faced Cane. He needed to get him angry and unsettled. He wanted him to shift to canine form. It would be enough to reenergize the circle.
“Tell me, Cane, where were you when they were taking the young? A strong fighter like you, I would think you could take several of the night shadows on your own,” said Sylk. “Unless of course you fear them?”
“I fear nothing,” said Cane with a growl.
They were circling each other now. Sylk could see his words were having the desired effect.
“If you don’t fear them and you didn’t stop them that only leaves one explanation. You’re working with them. You are helping the night shadows take the young. How much do they give you?” said Sylk. He could see the anger reach Cane’s eyes.
“I’ll kill you, you filthy two-legger,” said Cane as he leapt forward.
Their swords clashed as Sylk barely managed stop the downward slash.
He’s relying on his strength and speed. Can’t match him in that. Sylk twisted his body and wrapped a foot around Cane’s causing him to stumble past. Have to make him lose face. “Did they promise you the pack?”
The crowd had gone silent at hearing Sylk’s words. Many were wondering silently what Sylk was voicing in the circle.
“No one gives me the pack, I take what is rightfully mine!” yelled Cane.
He lunged at Sylk, slashing. Sylk could see the skill and avoided one slash by a fraction of an inch. The second slash caught him in the arm and drew blood. Cane grinned. It was a feral, malicious thing.
Sylk ignored the cut. “How are you going to lead the pack? You can’t even protect the young. Why should they trust you? You’re nothing but a mangy half-breed,” said Sylk.
Cane screamed and tossed the sword to one side. Sylk had never seen the human form to Rah Ven transformation occur. Cane’s bones popped and cracked as they elongated to shift into the new form. His spine lengthened and his legs and arms changed to support the increase in weight. His hands changed into paws with large claws. His face grew longer and his fangs elongated. Hair grew in an astounding rate all over Cane’s body, covering him completely. In human form Cane was impressive— as a Rah Ven he was frightening. He stood taller than any Rah Ven Sylk had encountered. His yellow eyes shone with hatred and promised violence.
“Let’s dispense with the pretense, two-legger. I’m going to rip you in two and feast on your entrails,” said Cane.
Sylk could feel the circle thrum beneath him. The tré was active again.
“Anywhere else, I would agree. But here, today, in this circle, you have met your end,” said Sylk.
With a thought Sylk sent his chi into the outer ring of the circle, causing a barrier to shoot up, enclosing them.
THIRTY-NINE
THE CORRIDOR WAS deserted. It would seem the Gyrevex were there to make sure no one left the complex. I need to get outside. They hadn’t noticed me yet. Maybe I could just find another way out. I turned to head in the other direction. My body jerked to the side as a bell crashed into the wall where I stood a second before.
Vessel, you cannot fight them like this and I cannot help you more than I am. Your only recourse is to run.
I was tired of running.
I’m not running any more, I said.
You’ve grown tired of living, then? I trust my new vessel will live a longer life than you, said Maelstrom.
I turned to face the Gyrevex.
I’m not dying here either. We need to get outside. Ascendants are dying and I have to stop it, I said. Give me everything you have.
I told you, that would kill—
Give it to me now.
Very well. It has been my greatest displeasure knowing you, said Maelstrom.
I felt the increase of energy in my body as a swirling black vortex of chi surrounded me. I still held my staff, but it was smoldering. Red energy wafted up from it as the glyphs in my arms pulsed a deep crimson. My nostrils filled with the smell of burning clothes. My vision grew tight and it felt like my skin was too tight on my body.
Maelstrom was right. If I didn’t stop this soon it would kill me. I could feel the damage to my body as I remained in the vortex. It was unmaking me, swallowing me into itself. I was dying as I ran at the Gyrevex.
*****
Rael turned suddenly. The weapon bearer, here? He turned back to face Monique, his attention divided.
“I would love to dance with you, but it seems the person I’m looking for is calling me,” he said as he stepped back from her.
Two Gyrevex stepped in between them.
“I would hate to leave you without a dance partner. Accept my apologies. If you survive, we will meet again, I’m sure,” he said as he signaled the Gyrevex.
Monique moved back, keeping a defensive stance as the Gyrevex materialized their bells.
“What the hell is that?” said Monique under her breath.
“Kill her. I don’t want her or the Black Lotus interfering. Make sure they don’t,” he said as he ran off toward the sensation that was tugging at him.
*****
The first Gyrevex came at me. This had been the one that tried to turn me into paste a minute ago. Another bell came at me. I rolled under it and closed the distance with the first Gyrevex. Sidestepping a swipe of its large hand, I buried my staff in its chest. On its way down I materialized a blade in my hand, leaving the smoldering staff buried in the Gyrevex and removed its head.
Two more bells came at me, but the vortex was strong enough to throw them off course and they ended up going past me. As the chains came in contact with the vortex they disintegrated, allowing the bells to continue their trajectory and they crashed into the walls behind me.
I stepped to the second Gyrevex. This one was expecting me. It launched a flurry of attacks. I jumped back, away from a kick and dodged punches that would have done serious damage had they connected. My sword seemed to not affect it even though I cut it many times over. A bell appeared in its hand. I could hear the whirr of the second bell being spun by the third Gyrevex. They were going to attack at the same time.
Those are chi weapons. Let them come, said Maelstrom.
I stood still as the Gyrevex launched both bells at me. The vortex flared with hints of red in the black. As the bells entered the vortex, I could
see them disintegrate. I leapt up higher than I should have been able to and catapulted off one of the side walls past the second Gyrevex, slicing its neck as I did so. The third Gyrevex charged. I feinted a dodge left and slid right. I was fast, much faster than it. When it tried to correct its direction of attack I was there waiting. I sliced across its neck and watched it fall to the ground.
Behind me, someone was clapping.
FORTY
THE BARRIER CLOSED the circle, creating a semi-opaque dome that enclosed the space and rose fifty feet in the air. The crowd stepped back in surprise. A few of Cane’s pack mates attempted to push against the barrier. Sylk could hear the screams and smell the burning skin.
“This will only make your death swift, two-legger,” said Cane as he circled Sylk. Sylk stood in the center. He had no need to turn and face Cane. Inside a tré his senses were heightened and he could ‘see’ every inch of the circle without his eyes. He summoned a shield of orbs. Each one was an inch in diameter and floated in lazy circles around him.
Cane shimmered and disappeared using his camouflage. Sylk expected this. He spread out the trajectory of the orbs and sped them up. The first one collided with Cane as he tried to attack. The impact rocked him back into view. He landed on his hind legs, lost his balance and fell into the barrier. Cane stepped away from the barrier, his fur singed where it had touched him.
“Your cheap tricks won’t stop me,” said Cane.
“Tell me, Cane, what were you offered?” said Sylk.
“Shut your filthy mouth,” growled Cane.
Sylk stepped close and the pendant around his neck began to glow with a subdued white light. Cane swiped at him and missed, hitting an orb. The explosion threw him on his side. Sylk could see the blood flowing from the paw. Sylk ran in and stabbed him as he lay on the ground. Cane howled.
“You will tell me before I end you. What was the nature of your agreement with the night shadows?” said Sylk as he stabbed again.
Blood flowed freely into the circle now. Cane shimmered but did not disappear, Sylk was too close and the pendant interfered with the camouflage. Sylk avoided a lunge and a snap of the jaws that would have removed his leg. He brought down his sword on Cane’s head and sent more orbs into him. These didn’t explode, but punctured Cane’s body. None of the orbs exited his body. Cane lay on his side by the edge of the circle. His breathing was ragged and drool flowed from his jaws.
“You thought I was defenseless like the young you sold,” said Sylk as he walked to the center of the circle.
“You think you can stop them? They are the night. They will kill you,” said Cane. He stood up and began running at Sylk and froze time. Sylk with a thought detonated all of the orbs inside Cane’s body. A few seconds later Cane’s bloody body crashed to the ground, missing a leg and gasping for breath.
Sylk approached the dying Rah Ven as he dropped the barrier around the circle. There were gasps from the crowd but no one moved as Arnas stepped into the circle.
“How did you know?” said Cane.
Cane turned his head and looked at Sylk. The metallic smell of blood filled the air.
“I didn’t know,” said Sylk as he raised his sword. “I said those words to provoke you.
Cane laughed and coughed up blood.
“Well done, two-legger,” he rasped. “Finish it.”
“My name is Sylk,” said Sylk as he brought the sword down, ending Cane’s life.
“The rite of acceptance is complete, said Arnas, grabbing Sylk’s arm and raising it. “The victor!” There were cheers. Sylk looked into the crowd and noticed that not all were cheering. One group looked ready to jump into the circle and attack. Those would be his pack mates. Will have to keep an eye on them.
“That was impressive, Blood Sylk,” said a voice from the crowd.
Sylk knew the voice and turned to face the speaker. A wave of energy preceded the speaker as he drew closer. The Rah Ven parted as the figure strode into view.
“While you’re here playing with these dogs, the Harbinger is killing ascendants in the hub and the barrier between planes is failing,” said the figure.
The speaker stepped forward to hard stares from the crowd and entered the circle. Sylk took a step back. He could feel the overwhelming flow of chi as it left Roman and flowed into the circle beneath them.
“Roman. What do you want?” said Sylk.
“Balance, Sylk, My job is to restore balance and in order to do that I need the core ascendant. I thought he would be with you or the monitor but it appears she is indisposed and he is not here,” said Roman. His large hammer hung from his back. He’s been to see the healer.
“Did you kill them?” said Sylk.
“What kind of monster do you take me for? I only need the core, alive. Of course I didn’t kill them,” said Roman.
“I don’t know where he is— as you said, I have been busy here,” said Sylk. He kept his voice calm. I don’t want to set him off. That would mean a massacre.
Roman nodded and murmured something under his breath.
“Aurora will not be pleased, Sylk, if she gets directly involved in this…”
“Please convey my apologies to your mistress. Once I find him I will be certain to communicate that to her or you,” said Sylk.
“No need, Sylk, I will find him. I found you”—he turned to face the Rah Ven—”even here. I will find him. Stay out of my way, Karashihan. I would hate to have to kill you,” he said as he opened a portal and vanished from the circle.
FORTY-ONE
I TURNED AROUND to see the Harbinger giving me a golf clap and blocking the exit.
“A core ascendant and the weapon bearer, you are full of surprises,” he said as he drew his swords.
“Stay away. I don’t think I can control it anymore,” I said.
The vortex continued to swirl around me, red and black. I could see that it was dissolving the wall to either side of me.
“That’s because it’s not yours— you need to return the weapon. It doesn’t belong to you,” he said.
“It’s mine now,” I said.
Energy arced from his swords into the floors and walls causing scorch marks wherever it hit. The dim light of the hallway made it hard to make out his expression.
“Are you strong enough to kill me?” he said. “Before it kills you?”
“I need to get outside. I need to get to the others. Get out of my way,” I said.
“You’re dead anyway. Why prolong the inevitable? Let me end you and take the weapon back to my master. That way we all win,” he said as he closed the distance. I could see he noticed the glyphs on my arms. They were hard to miss, glowing the way they were.
“What the hell are those?” he pointed at my forearms. “Wait, don’t tell me. They put suppression shackles on you, didn’t they?” he said, incredulous.
“Custom made,” I said as I raised my arm.
“And you got free how…oh no. You used the weapon, didn’t you,” he said.
“It was the only way,” I said.
“The only way? You idiot! The weapon is bonded to you now. I can’t remove it from you now even if I wanted to, even if death came and claimed you herself. I couldn’t help you. Only he can take it from you now,” he said.
“Who?” I said.
“I can’t let you die. Goddammit, things can never be simple. Fine, I can take you to him near death— alive is all that matters,” he said as he attacked.
I still had the sword in my hand and brought it up to protect myself as his swords came at me. The arcing energy from his swords was being absorbed by the vortex around me. I could feel the surge in power as it drained the swords of energy.
“You can’t stop me,” I said as I felt myself losing my grip on everything. “No one can.” I started laughing.
“I don’t need to stop you, I just need to give you enough energy and you will do it for me,” he said as we locked swords.
The vortex swirled on, unmaking me. It seemed to have
little outward effect on him. He must have seen the surprise register on my face as he stepped into the destructive force.
“I’m harder to kill than most,” he said as he let one sword disintegrate and grabbed my hand.
He began to send energy in every direction as the vortex grew around us. His other sword was being dismantled by the vortex. In seconds, it too would be gone. I could see him begin to trace symbols with his free hand.
Behind me I could sense Devin getting closer. Behind him I could ‘see’ Monique and a group of monitors closing in on us. I pushed back and tried to break contact with Rael. His grip was too strong. I managed to push his sword to the side. He was so focused on the symbols he was tracing he didn’t see my attack until it was too late. My sword entered his neck as a portal opened beneath us.
“Dante, no!” yelled Devin. It was too late.
“That should do it,” said Rael as he fell to the ground.
He wasn’t distracted. He let me attack him. My attack unleashed more chi than I ever thought possible. The portal flared and I began falling. I turned in time to see Devin and the rest flung to the walls by the backlash of the chi wave. Then my vision went white.
FORTY-TWO
“HOW LONG BEFORE they are ready to move?” said Sylk.
He had gone straight to the healer’s home after Roman left the circle. Fearing the worst, he entered and found the group undisturbed with the healer tending to the beds. Mara and Kal were standing guard as he came in. He told them about the ritual and was anxious to get back to the hub, especially after seeing Roman.
“This is not a fast process. Blood flow must be controlled. Too much and they can become part Rah Ven, too little and they die,” said the healer.
Warriors of the Way-Pentalogy Page 34
