by R. C. Rutter
He felt hot breath on his ear and then heard the whisper “Go ahead, tense your muscles, fight back, and I shall slay you here and now. No wolf can defeat me. No man will rule me. I am a warrior.” Lydia waited for the wolf to attack but instead he relaxed his muscles and pressed his neck on the sword. The light reflecting from the sword lit up the wolf’s neck. Lydia screamed “Shabb!” She threw down her swords and hugged Shabb. “Erica, come quick. Shabb is here!”
Erica ran back. “Well, I’ll be. Good to see you again. I trust all is well?”
Shabb turned his head back to where the soldiers were as he transformed. “I have brought friends; we need all the help we can get.”
The soldiers were about twenty paces away now. Erica started to walk toward them. Lydia picked up her swords and ran past Erica. “I’ve got this one!”
Lydia stopped about five paces in front of Captain Artemus. “Haven’t we met before?” The captain shook his head. “I know we have. You and your men were attacked by the Royal Army and captured. That did not matter to me. They could have killed you all and I would not have minded but when they decided to come after me, well that was enough playing around. I remember now, you would not tell me where the daughter of the King was. All I wanted was to find the daughter so I could go home and be done with all of this but you refused. That cost you the lives of several of your men. Remember me?”
The captain’s eyes were wide with alarm. He started backing up.
“Make no mistake about it.” Lydia pointed both swords at the captain, one at his chest and the other pointing lower. Captain Artemus looked down then back at Lydia. “Let me tell you a few things. One, you will fight with us. Two, you will not harm the wolf. Three, you will say “I am a pansy” three times.”
The captain did not hesitate,
“I am a pansy.
I am a pansy.
I am a pansy.”
“Well then, now that we are all in agreement, let us be on our way.” Lydia turned and winked as she walked past Shabb to stand next to Erica. “That was cruel Lydia, forcing him to say he is a pansy, funny but cruel.” They began walking further into the cave. Shabb leapt over them and took the lead. He knew he was better suited for this environment.
The path led to stairs. Shabb stopped and stepped aside to stand on a ledge. Erica and Lydia started down the stairs and the soldiers followed. As soon as the last soldier stepped on the stairs, Shabb howled. The steps disappeared into the rock wall as they lost their footing and began to slide. There was nothing to grab on to. Lydia looked up. She could not believe that they had been tricked by Shabb. He was soon gone from their view as they continued to slide down the path. They began to hear the sound of rushing water. It was getting louder.
* * *
“Yes, Master. I did as you instructed.” Creature was standing next to the boat looking at a demon. “The bodies are all here on the boat. I attacked them and they had no chance to resist. Look at this girl. Know who she is?”
The demon shook his head. Creature leaned over and exposed the wrist. The demon started hissing when he saw the birthmark. This was good news.
The demon pulled a bag from around his waist and let it drop to the ground. It busted open and coins rolled out. It was enough coins to build a castle and live in it comfortably for a long time.
The demon vanished with a wisp of smoke. Cerberus gathered up the coins and headed back to his shack.
Seth waited until they both were gone before he opened his eyes. He lifted his head slightly to look around. He was in the middle of the boat. Eric was next to him on his right, Gweneviere to his left, and Malcolm was by his feet. Robald and Thorgon were at the ends of the boat. No one was moving. They all appeared dead.
“Thank you King William” Seth said under his breath. “I just wish you could have saved everyone and not just me. It is time the creature died.”
Seth started to crawl over to the side of the boat. He crawled over Eric who despite being dead felt rather warm. Seth slipped over the side and landed on the rock. He froze as he gathered his bearings. The creature’s shack was to the right. He made his way quickly. His plan was to surprise Cerberus and chop his head off.
Seth was about ten feet from the door when it suddenly opened, the light illuminating him. He rushed the creature but it was too late. He was soon flipping through the air and stopped about five feet off the ground.
“So, playing possum? Why are you not dead with the others? You are making me angry.” The creature lifted his hand to cast a spell. He threw the spell at Seth and it just bounced off. “Well, well, what have we here? Been practicing magic again? Very well, take this!” Cerberus threw another spell which also bounced off Seth.
“Well, fine then. You can just stay there where you are. At least that spell works.”
The creature turned, walked back to his shack, and slammed the door shut.
Seth struggled to free himself but could not. The most he could do was to turn over. Looking at the cave roof did nothing to help so he turned back over. He was getting weary from trying. “Relax” was the sound inside Seth’s head. “He can do you no harm. You must free the others. Do not harm the creature for it is his spell that must be undone. If you kill him, all is lost.”
Seth recognized the voice of King William. Seth decided to relax and not fight the spell. He was soon asleep.
* * *
Lydia screamed as they left the slide and plunged into the water. It was cold, very cold.
She could feel something coming towards her. She quickly took a few strokes backward and the force passed right in front of her. She could feel it coming back. “Everybody MOVE NOW. OUT OF THE WATER AS FAST AS YOU CAN! SOMETHING IS HERE!” She jerked back again as the force went past her. She had no intention of letting it touch her and backed up each time it passed. As it got closer, the birthmark on her wrist started throbbing. It had never throbbed like this before. Not since she was a child. She was now close enough to the shoreline that the next time it passed; she lunged and was pulled out of the water by a few of the soldiers.
Erica pulled a blanket out of the air and wrapped it around Lydia. She waved her hand and a roaring fire erupted in front of them. “Quickly, gather round, we must dry off, best not to stay in one place very long.” Erica lifted her hand and a flare shot up into the air. It popped and lit up the surrounding area. They could see that they were in a large cavern. Nothing else was around them.
Lydia looked down at her wrist. The throbbing had subsided a little. She raised her head to find Erica staring at her and her wrist. She quickly covered up her arm.
“Well, we should take advantage of the opportunity; there is no telling when we might eat again.” A large pot of stew appeared on top of the fire. It was bubbling and smelled wonderful. They passed bowls around until everyone had a serving. “Here, take this one” Erica said as she handed a bowl to Lydia. “It has a little bit of something extra in it for you.” Erica winked.
* * *
“I thought I heard you call. Working for the demons, eh?” The creature looked over at the bodies in the boat. “Did you bring the rest of them?”
Shabb shook his head up and down. Shabb leapt in the air and landed on his feet. Standing up straight, he now towered over the creature. “The rest are in the next cavern, beware, the woman wizard is with them.”
“Ah, no worries about that one, wizards and wizettes find trouble down here. Used to relying on their powers they are. They find it hard to battle the ancient ways.”
Shabb walked over to the boat and looked at the bodies. He sniffed the air and growled. Something was not right. He started to say something to the creature when a demon appeared.
“Hello Shabb, Cerberus. You have provided a great service to us and I am pleased it will soon be over. I have come to take the girl’s body with me. It will help us greatly for her dad to see that she is really dead. His power is waning. Soon he will be defeated.”
“And what of me? What of our agreem
ent?” asked Shabb, “I have done everything you asked.
“Yes, of course. We shall honor our agreement. ”
Shabb nodded his head.
The demon took out a small bag and reached inside. He pulled out a small amount of powder and unexpectedly blew it at Shabb.
Shabb had no time to react and inhaled some of the powder. His body stiffened and he fell over dead.
“Now that was too easy.” The demon laughed. “Oh well, he served his purpose. What a fool. To think I would keep an agreement with such an inferior being.” The demon looked over at Cerberus who now had an alarmed look on his face. The demon realized what he had just said and tried to cover it up.
“Of course, we shall keep our agreement with you. Shabb was a renegade, could not be trusted. You, on the other hand, are a formidable ally and an even worse enemy. I promise you, you will not be harmed and our agreement will…..”
The demon shrieked then screamed as Shabb’s jaws closed around his neck. He tried lifting his hands and as he did, Creature pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the heart. The demon’s eyes opened wide and he tried to scream but all that came out was a gurgle.
Shabb shook the body back and forth making sure the demon was dead. He did not let go of the neck until he felt the last heartbeat leave the body.
“Demon’s can’t be trusted.”
“You fool, what have you done? Now all of them will be after us!” cried Cerberus. He started to lift his hands and Shabb swelled in front of him and growled. The creature could feel the wolf’s hot breath and thought it would be better not to attack now.
“Never make a deal with the demons. They can’t be trusted. You were next.”
“Just what kind of deal did you make?” Your own kingdom? Perhaps revenge? Wealth? Females?” asked Cerberus.
“I wanted it all. My overwhelming desire clouded my senses. When I felt they could not be trusted, I chose to overlook it. That is how much I wanted it, I was willing to compromise. Now, I have made a mess of things.”
“Well, a mess is just the start. Undoubtedly the demons will also hold me responsible. I can tell them the truth that you killed the demon but then they will want to know why I did not interfere. I could have. If I did, you would now be dead and the demon, well, wounded, but alive. You really have messed it up for me.”
Shabb took a step back and growled. The creature put his hands down. “No worries, Shabb, you can relax, I can’t battle the demons and you at the same time. We will need some help.” The creatures gaze fell on Seth who was still hanging in the air. With a wave of the hand, Seth fell to the ground.
“Ouch, what did you have to go and do that for? Forgot the spell for standing up?” Seth got to his feet, rubbing his shoulder. “You want more help? What about them?” Seth pointed to the boat.
“Yes, yes, of course.” The creature waved his hand and threw a green lightning bolt. The spell hit the boat and was soon followed by moaning. One at a time, Eric, Malcolm, Gweneviere, Robald, and Thorgon crawled out of the boat.
Eric raised his staff but was interrupted by Seth. “Whoa, don’t do it. It’s okay. Cerberus and Shabb are joining forces with us. Eric glared at Shabb.
“You disappoint me. My trust in you is faltering. I shall keep my eye on you and make no mistake about it, if you do anything even remotely questionable, I shall kill you without hesitation.”
“No, you won’t kill me. You need me alive for the antidote. There are more humans here, your sister, Lydia, and soldiers, in the next cavern.”
“Shabb go to them and lead them here. Wait, on second thought, take Seth with you. Here, take this cloth. Give it to the old woman. It will prove your identity and loyalty. Seth, protect Shabb, don’t let them kill him. I want to reserve that privilege for me.” After giving the orders, Eric turned to Cerberus. “We have much to discuss. Tell me, how many ways are there to get out of the cave?”
The wizard and creature disappeared into the shack. Eric poked his head out and lifted his staff. A fire was soon roaring with several pots of food getting hot. Eric winked.
* * *
Lydia froze. “Something is coming our way. Prepare to fight!”
The soldiers scattered to the sides and drew their swords. Erica doused the fire and raised her hands. Lydia stood facing the noise with both swords raised high. This was going to be a battle of warriors.
Lydia caught the silhouette of a wolf coming towards her. “Wolf coming, it has to be Shabb. I am going to enjoy this!”
As Shabb got closer, they could see that there was something on the back of the wolf. The rider saw them and began yelling “Wait, Eric sent us. Wait!”
Erica waved a flare into the air. Shabb slowed down until he was about fifteen paces from Lydia. He pawed the ground and lowered his head. Seth nearly fell off, grabbing a handful of fur and throwing himself onto the ground. He landed on his feet and approached Lydia. She was taking no chances and pointed her swords at his throat.
“I come from Eric bearing greetings. We are in the next cavern and need your help fighting the demons.” Seth pulled the cloth from his pocket and handed it to Lydia. “It is good to finally meet you. I am Seth.”
“I recognize you from that day in the clearing. I am Lydia of Evandale.” She looked at the ugly, worn, and stained cloth and took a step back. “Is that a decoration or can you really fight?” said Lydia, eyeing the sword that Seth was wearing.
He instinctively reached for the sword hilt and felt his skin being pinched. Looking at his hand, he realized that Lydia’s sword was about to cut his hand off.
Lydia stared directly into Seth’s eyes. “Be careful who you align yourself with. My enemies don’t live long.”
Erica knew she had to break the tension in the air. “Here, let me see that” she said, recognizing the cloth pattern. She took it and promptly put it on fire. It would not burn.
“Where did you get this?” demanded Erica, looking fiercely at Seth.
“Like I said, from Eric.”
Erica laughed. “He still has to be reminded to wash now and then. I am satisfied, it is safe, we will go now.”
Shabb lifted his head back and started walking away. Seth looked directly at Erica. “No, you can’t kill him. Eric is going to do that!” He thought for a minute and said “And Eric said you can’t kill me either!”
“No, Shabb will suffer at my hands. After all, he turned on me but I am willing to wait until I see Eric. He will agree that I will do the deed, I guarantee it.”
“Shabb, lead the way” said Lydia as she moved to follow him. “Seth, you get behind me with the soldiers so I know this is not some kind of a trick, my swords work equally well in front of and behind me. Erica, with your blessing, we shall go.”
Shabb took off and howled.
* * *
The howl could be heard inside the shack. The creature sniffed the air. “Sounds like Shabb was successful. You got your wish. He is still alive.”
“He is dangerous to be sure but I have more important things to worry about. We must get the daughter to the King before it is too late. We need to get out of these caves as quickly as possible. My magic is of limited use here. You must guide us!”
“No, I can’t. My power is tied to this shack. The further I venture from here, the weaker my power is. That is my curse. Why else would I live here?” The creature laughed. “No sunlight, no fresh air, don’t even ask about fresh vegetables.
“How far can you travel?” asked Eric. “Will you die if you travel too far?”
“I don’t know. The risk of losing my power is too great. Without my power, I would certainly die. Too many enemies” the creature hesitated, “Including Shabb.”
“Well, it is settled then. You will guide us out of here and I shall protect you!”
“Hah! You protect me?” Cerberus snickered. “What makes you think you can?”
“I give you my word. Unless of course, you refuse, in which case you can stay here to battle the demons by yourself
.” Eric winked.
Cerberus was about to say something but was interrupted by a loud commotion outside. They got up and went to the door. The creature raised his hands and Eric lifted his staff, preparing for battle. Eric grabbed the door handle and pulled it open quickly. They were met by loud cheering and clapping.
Eric walked out as Cerberus slammed the door shut grumbling “Just what I did not want, more visitors. Now I really will not get any work done.” The rocks covered his door again.
The group was standing around the fire and looking over the water to the group that had arrived.
Eric waved his staff and created a water bridge. Shabb bounded across the bridge followed by Erica, then Lydia. The soldiers brought up the rear.
