Her reaction time slowed from exhaustion, Iris met the same fate as a fourth imp lunged at her, knocking her to the ground. Lucas fumbled for his sword as the imp chomped into his skin. “Ahh!” he yelled, removing the sword from its sheath and stabbing the vicious attacker.
Remembering the knife he had obtained from Aiden, Hagan sliced the neck of the first imp while the second continued to claw at him. Managing to shove the other foe with his free hand, he got to his feet.
Iris, inexperienced with physical combat, and knowing that she was far too drained to conjure, tried with all of her might to throw the aggressor off of her. While she was able to push it away from her, it returned incessantly, only becoming more and more irritated. In a panic, she slapped the imp across its face. This proved to be surprisingly effective. The creature was temporarily dazed by the strike, giving Iris an opportunity to kick the imp away as she fled.
Noticing Iris’s struggle, Lucas hastily finished off her aggressor with a thrust of his blade as Hagan delivered a lethal stab to the final imp. Unfortunately, none of them had a chance to say a word before Hagan was unexpectedly stabbed in his back. He let out a cry of pain as Lucas and Iris turned to see one of the monstrous scorpions pulling its stinger out of him. Hagan collapsed in agony, dropping the knife and prompting Lucas to charge the beast. Thrusting its tail at him, Lucas barely dodged in time. Iris shrieked, helpless to assist in the struggle.
Lucas took a swipe at the scorpion, but it merely blocked his blade using one of its massive pincers. Taking advantage of this, it lunged its stinger at Lucas’s face, who quickly darted his head to the right to avoid it. Lucas stumbled backward. That was close!
As Lucas prepared for his next attempt to defeat the beast, a figure wearing a white hooded cloak emerged with lightning speed from the shadows. Armed with a black katana, the lone figure hacked the scorpion to pieces with little effort. Lucas and Iris both took a few steps back, a look of shock on their faces. The figure looked at them. Its face was completely covered with the exception of its eyes, which were blue.
Hagan struggled to get to his feet but was still in great pain from the scorpion’s attack. “Who ar– agh!!” he fell back down.
Iris ran to his aid. “You need to stay calm. Allow me to inspect your wound.”
Meanwhile, Lucas stared at the mysterious person in the white cloak. “Thank you,” he said. “Who are you?”
“What are you doing out here?” the figure replied coldly. To the trio’s surprise, the voice was clearly feminine.
“We’re stranded,” Lucas replied. “We were going to spend the night in Secar but they won’t let us in.”
“Agggh!” Hagan let out another cry of pain. “Don’t do that!”
“Sorry,” Iris replied. She looked back at Lucas. “I’m afraid Hagan’s injury is more severe than I had initially speculated. It’s also possible that he’s been poisoned.”
The woman in the white cloak approached his body. Iris looked at her but was unsure of what to say. After a brief pause, the woman spoke. “He doesn’t have much time. I’ve seen this before. Most don’t survive more than a few hours after the initial sting.”
“Well my day – agh! – just keeps getting better!!” Hagan shouted.
The woman in white sheathed the katana on her back and walked into the desert. “Carry him and follow me. I can help him if you’d like.” Her tone was apathetic, despite the generous assistance she had offered the group.
Iris looked at Lucas, as though she were leaving it up to him to decide if they should trust the stranger. He gave a nod and looked back to the woman, who continued walking. “Thank you,” he said, sheathing his sword. “Just give us a minute to get him.” She stopped walking as Lucas quickly collected the lantern, still lying on the ground.
The woman in white turned back around. “Hurry up, before I change my mind.”
Lucas was unsure of what to do with the lantern, considering that he and Iris would need both of their hands free to carry Hagan. He approached the woman and handed it to her. “Could you hold this please?”
“I have no need for that toy,” she replied coldly. “I can see clearly without it.”
“I need my hands free to carry Hagan,” he argued.
“Then have her carry it,” she replied, pointing to Iris.
“I’ll need her help carrying Hagan,” Lucas responded, a bit frustrated by the woman’s refusal.
She grunted, snatching the lantern from his hand. “Cry baby,” she muttered. “Now hurry up. I don’t have to do this, you know.”
Lucas and Iris followed the cloaked woman, carrying Hagan with them. There was no conversation along the way, as Lucas and Iris had to use every ounce of physical and mental strength left to tote their teammate. Hagan himself was experiencing a surging pain throughout his body, which seemed to grow more severe as they trudged on. A winged creature swooped from the sky toward the group at one point, but was quickly taken out by the woman in white before Lucas or Iris could react. “We’re almost there,” she said as she returned the katana to the sheath on her back. “Just keep following me.”
Lucas eyed the corpse as they walked by it. A bird‑like beast with four wings lay motionless in the sand, a cut delivered with deadly precision across its body. I’m glad she’s on our side. He looked back up at her. At least, I think she is. He tried to read her emotions, but was overcome with Hagan’s feelings, causing him to stumble and nearly drop his ally. He deactivated his power. “Sorry.”
“Are you alright?” Iris asked.
Lucas nodded. “Just keep going.”
At last, the group reached a small isolated shack. The woman in white opened the door and went inside, leaving it ajar behind her for Lucas and Iris. Once they had entered, the cloaked woman set the lantern on a small table and walked over to a drawer. As she searched its contents, she glanced back at the trio.
“Set him face down over there.” She pointed to a corner of the one‑room shack in which a shabby looking blanket and pillow lay. Lucas and Iris obeyed, carefully placing their disoriented friend onto the blanket.
Lucas shut the door and took off the backpack, setting it on the ground. He looked around the room, dimly lit only by the light of the lantern. “Is this where you live?” he asked while Iris, completely drained, collapsed into a wooden chair.
“Yes,” the cloaked woman replied, removing a vial of light‑blue liquid from the drawer. She approached Hagan’s body. “I discovered it years ago, completely abandoned.”
Lucas took the half‑full bottle of water out of the backpack and handed it to Iris, seeing that she was in far more desperate need of hydration than he was. Meanwhile, the woman removed Hagan’s bow and quiver. Then, she took out a dagger and began cutting his shirt off. “Wha... my shirt,” Hagan asserted, his voice muffled by the pillow.
“Do you value your shirt over your life?” the woman asked, removing the vial’s cap. “Now get ready, this is going to hurt.”
After Iris had taken a drink of water, she handed the bottle to Lucas. “Remedium Potion,” she commented, eying the vial in the woman’s hand.
The woman glanced at her before turning her focus back to Hagan. “You know your stuff,” she noted as Lucas quenched his thirst, leaving just enough water for Hagan.
“I’m an alchemist,” Iris informed the woman in white, who was now pouring a small amount of the liquid onto Hagan’s wound.
“Aaaaaahhh!!!” he screamed.
“Suck it up,” the woman ordered calmly. She replaced the cap on the vial and returned it to the drawer. “He will just need a good night’s rest. It’s going to hurt for a while, but it’s nothing a big guy like him can’t handle.”
“We cannot begin to express our thanks for your assistance,” Iris said as Lucas gave the bottle of water to Hagan.
“Yeah, I owe you big time,” Hagan added as he slowly turned on his side to take a drink.
“No thanks necessary,” the woman responded, making her way toward th
e door. “I have some business to take care of. I’ll be back later. You may sleep here tonight, but I want you out in the morning. If any monsters try to break in while I’m gone you’ll be on your own.” She opened the door and glanced back at them. “By the way... if you want to get into Secar, you have to wait until late at night. Kuraikaji’s nightshift patrol are a bunch of slackers.” She proceeded outside.
“Wait!” said Lucas. “Can we at least get your name?”
“No,” she responded bluntly, exiting the shack and shutting the door behind her.
“Interesting turn of events,” Iris noted.
“Seriously,” Lucas replied. “How are you feeling, Hagan?”
“Like crap,” Hagan grumbled. “Let’s just get some sleep. We can worry about what’s next in the morning.”
Lucas gave a nod. “Oh, by the way. I put the knife you got from Aiden in the backpack.” Without turning his head to him, Hagan gave Lucas a thumbs up.
Turning his focus to the shack’s window, Lucas stared out into the night. I should have read her while she was in here. Oh well, she saved us and gave us somewhere to sleep. She can’t be too bad. Still, I wonder who she is and what she’s doing way out here...
Chapter 34: Identity Theft
Taking a small purple crystal out of the bag on her waist, she placed it into a groove on the colorless mountainside. It glowed brightly as the rock shifted, creating an opening. Removing the crystal and placing it back inside of her bag, she proceeded into the passage. She could hear the rock returning to its original formation behind her as she walked down the hallway. A man in his early forties dressed in armor emerged from around the corner. He had short, dirty‑blond hair and brown eyes.
“Zoe!” the man greeted. “You’ve returned. Do you have the fragment?” Reaching back into the bag on her waist, she removed the fragment and handed it to him.
Suddenly the image before her eyes morphed to look like Zoe. “Stay out of my head!!” she shouted.
Veronica’s eyes opened. Picking up a pen lying in front of her on the table, she jotted down the latest development on a lengthy piece of parchment. Once she was finished, she turned to Laverick and smiled. “Bingo.” A massive toothy grin consumed Laverick’s face as Veronica got out of her seat. “Stay put,” she ordered. “I’m going to get Lord Quinn. Watch her carefully; I don’t know how long the effects of his holding spell will last.”
Laverick nodded several times. “You got it, Ma!”
The door closed behind Veronica and Laverick immediately jumped to his feet, running around the table and stopping in front of Zoe’s motionless body. She stood like a statue, the look of anger on her face, her mouth still positioned to form words for her argument with Lord Quinn. “Hi Zoe!” Laverick said. “I know ya can’t talk right now but that’s okay. I’m Laverick. Ma and I are gonna be rich and famous thanks to you!”
Zoe was infuriated. Shut up, moron.
Laverick took a few steps toward her, swinging his arms in a carefree fashion as he spoke. “I know you’re a little mad right now but that’s okay, I’ll make it up to you. I’ll let you marry me and we can live haaaaaapily ever after!”
I’d rather die, you stupid man‑child!! Zoe’s inability to verbalize her thoughts only made her angrier.
Luckily, at that moment, Veronica reentered the room with Lord Quinn, causing Laverick to scurry back to his seat. Though Zoe was greatly nervous about what was to come, she was relieved to have Laverick out of her sight.
“It seems that the Spade base is protected by an enchanted door,” Veronica explained as she and Lord Quinn made their way back to their chairs. “I saw her activate it using a purple crystal which she kept in a sack. While I will have no trouble directing Laverick to the base’s location telepathically, the door could prove to be a major issue without that crystal.”
Lord Quinn smiled. “There is no need to worry. When she was caught sneaking into Valdis Prison, the guards confiscated her belongings, including a sack containing, among other things, a small purple crystal. It’s currently in the basement with the rest of her possessions.” He sat down at the end of the table as Veronica seated herself on the chair to his left. He glanced at Zoe, then back to Veronica. “What a fortunate turn of events. When I had initially come to you, that old man Roshan was still in my captivity. From what I now understand, he was operating from his restaurant at the time and may have been unaware of the exact location of the most recent Spade base. It seems to have all worked out for the best.” He paused for a moment, looking back at Zoe and smiling. Returning his attention to Veronica, he went on. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, I would like to request a demonstration.” Lord Quinn looked at Laverick. “Show me what you’re capable of.”
Excitedly, Laverick jumped out of his chair and bolted back to the other side of the table where Zoe stood. He came to a halt directly in front of her, as his face suddenly turned to stone. With bulging eyes, he studied her.
This made Zoe incredibly uncomfortable. What the hell is this creep doing?! Hey! Stop that! Is he checking me out?! Ew! Get away from me, weirdo!
“The emerald took years to perfect,” Veronica explained. “It’s the product of countless rituals, performed to perfect detail. I originally created it as a gift for my son’s birthday. I always told him he could be anything he wanted to be.” She watched as Laverick carefully eyed Zoe. Turning her head back toward Lord Quinn, she added, “I believe you will be most pleased with what you are about to witness.”
The smile returned to Laverick’s face as he turned back to his mother and Lord Quinn. “Okay, I think I got it.” Laverick reported cheerfully. He faced Zoe again, this time placing both of his hands on the emerald attached to his bizarre looking necklace. Staring intensely into Zoe’s eyes, he shouted “identitatis apparentia effingo!”
The moment the words left his lips, the emerald glowed and Laverick’s skin became liquid‑like. His hair changed shape, perfectly resembling Zoe’s hairstyle. Next, its color darkened, turning black. Then, his entire body shape‑shifted into Zoe’s form. Needless to say, Zoe was in total shock as she witnessed the transformation. Laverick now completely resembled her in perfect detail, despite his clothing which was rather loose and baggy on his new form. The emerald ceased its glowing as Laverick took his hands off of the necklace and turned to Lord Quinn.
“Ta‑daaah!” he exclaimed in Zoe’s voice.
What the hell are you going to do with my body, you creep?! Zoe screamed within her mind. You’d better hope you’re not around when I’m able to move again.
Lord Quinn smiled. “Excellent. You have exceeded my expectations.”
“Marvelous work, Laverick,” Veronica added, clapping her hands in approval. Laverick bowed.
“We shall carry out phase two in the morning,” Lord Quinn said, turning his attention back to Veronica. “You and your son may sleep in any of the guest rooms for tonight. Report back to this room at 9am for further instruction.”
Veronica got out of her chair. “As you wish. Come, Laverick!”
Laverick placed his hands on the emerald. “Identitatis apparentia authenticum!” The jewel glowed once again as the shape‑shifting process reversed itself, returning him to his original form. Veronica walked toward the door as Laverick ran to catch up with her.
Once the two had left, Lord Quinn approached Zoe. He stood in front of her for a moment, saying nothing at first as he eyed the ‘X’ on her forehead. Then, looking into her eyes, he spoke. “When you awake tomorrow, you are to stay in your room. Understood?” He paused before saying, “umbra somnus,” causing Zoe to suddenly lose consciousness and collapse. Catching her as she fell, Lord Quinn carried her out of the room.
Chapter 35: Reflections Of The Past (Part VI)
He spent the rest of the day studying The Forbidden Art of Necromancy (For Scholastic Use Only!) carefully. It was going to take a lot of work to bring Vera back, but he read that he could c
ommunicate with her quite easily using a rather simplistic ritual. The next day, he gathered the materials he would need to perform it. The book warned that there were many dangers involved with the endeavor, but he was unconcerned. He did not care what risk he would have to take. He now knew that he could bring her back, and he had to act as soon as possible.
Once nighttime had arrived, he made his attempt. Carefully lighting several candles and positioning them to form a large circle, he sat in the middle and read the long chant aloud. Being rather gifted in the field of magic, he was successful on his first try. Voices soon flooded his head. He found the clutter to be extremely unpleasant. Following the book’s instructions, he closed his eyes and remained still, focusing his thoughts on Vera. Slowly and gradually, the voices faded one by one. Soon, only a single voice remained. At last, he had found her. His eyes glistened; the tears were impossible to hold back.
He apologized profusely for his inability to defend her, and went on to explain all that had happened since her passing. He told her that, with the aid of the book he had recently discovered, he would be able to bring her back. He expressed again and again his eagerness to resume their life as it was, feeling his days of darkness were at last coming to an end.
Vera’s reply, however, was not at all what he had expected. She told him that it had been her time to go, as tragic and unwanted as it may have seemed in the moment. She said that he would understand one day, and though she cared about him deeply, she wanted to remain where she was. She told him that it would be best for both of them if he just let go.
Refusing his pleas over and over again, she eventually apologized and ended the communication. He opened his eyes and sat in silence. What would he do now? He didn’t know. Hours passed. Finally, he got to his feet.
Then, something unexpected happened as he blew out the last candle. “Javan,” he heard. Hastily, he snapped his head around, attempting to find the source of the voice. But there was only silence. Perplexed and a bit frightened, he collected the book and left the room.
Tales of Aria: The Legend of Damiano's Disk Page 16
