The Sword of Light: The Complete Trilogy

by Aaron Hodges

  Together they trekked up the beach, the stones giving way to soft sand. Overhead the red cliffs of Witchcliffe island loomed as shadows against the dark sky. The wind whistled through the wiry branches of the trees dangling from the sheer walls. A faint glow lit the distant horizon, signalling the approach of dawn.

  Jonathan led her off the beach and up a trail through the long grass growing on the sand dunes. Without a torch they relied on the moonlight to guide them. Enala soon found herself tripping on the thin grass roots criss-crossing the trail, and cursed Jonathan’s lack of foresight. Insects buzzed around her head and flew at her face, the vicious flies biting wherever they discovered flesh. Enala swore and swatted them away as best she could.

  It did not take long to reach the first fork in the trail. A left turn continued along the beach, while the right led to the base of the cliffs where Enala glimpsed a narrow staircase carved into the rock. As they drew closer, Enala saw that wind and rain had worn the stairs smooth. Someone had strung a rope through hoops hammered into the cliff-face, but there was little else to prevent them plummeting to their deaths.

  At least it’s something, she thought, fighting down her nerves.

  Jonathan paused when they reached the bottom and turned back. His face was pale and sweat beaded his forehead.

  “These steps are treacherous, so be careful. Halfway up we will encounter the second protection spell. It will not be visible until we are right in front of it, but it encases the top of the island in a dome of magic. Only those who carry the correct keys can enter.”

  “Your bracelets are spelled to let you pass through the dome unharmed. Inside is a third protection, a maze which we must navigate together. The magic there is strange, ever changing to stop any threat powerful enough to bypass the first two traps. The bracelets may not protect you from everything,” he pulled down his shirt to reveal a gold and emerald necklace. “Nor will my amulet. We will have to work together to survive. Are you ready?”

  Enala ran her fingers over one of the bracelets, feeling the small indentations the emeralds made. She nodded. “Let’s go.”

  They made their way up, step by cautious step. Loose stones littered the stairs, rattling as their stray feet kicked them from the edge. After a few minutes of climbing, they were too high to hear the thud as they struck the ground below.

  They continued up, clambering over branches where the scraggly trees overgrew the path. Small thorns crisscrossed the trunks and pointy leaves sliced at their skin as they squeezed between the branches.

  It did not take long for Enala’s legs to start burning from the upwards march. After half an hour still the steep incline offered no pause. Enala’s lungs stung, but she pressed on. She panted along behind Jonathan, surprised by the large man’s stamina. The dim light offered no sign of the beach below, but by now it must be far beneath them.

  It took another half hour before Jonathan finally came to a stop.

  “This is it,” he announced.

  Enala leaned against to the cliff, panting for breath as she peered over his shoulder. Her eyes widened. Ahead a transparent bubble enveloped the path. Colours swirled across its surface, while beyond the path continued, winding its way up through the ghastly trees. The bubble stretched outwards in all directions, disappearing into the sky far above.

  “How high does it go?” Enala asked.

  “As I said, it forms a dome around the top of the island, to ensure none can pass unchallenged,” Jonathan answered. “When we enter, you must stop on the other side. We will need to take our bearings before continuing into the maze. Even with the keys, it is designed to confuse the mind. And there are dark creatures lurking there.”

  Enala stared at the barrier. “What maze? I can see the path on the other side.”

  “You’ll see,” was Jonathan’s only answer before he stepped into the bubble.

  Enala watched, expecting him to continue walking along the path on the other side. Instead, he vanished. Staring into the barrier, Enala bit the side of her cheek, wondering where the magic led.

  Taking a deep breath, she stepped after Jonathan.

  The bubble bent inwards as she entered, it’s cool surface pressing to her skin. Then a screech ran through her ears and the world spun. The barrier snapped closed and a strange wetness enveloped her body. Fighting down panic, Enala held her breath and took another step. The ground still felt solid, even as her eyes watched the world continue to spin.

  Lungs screaming, Enala pressed on, unsure whether she could breathe in the strange material. Her stomach twisted and her chest strained with the desire for air, but her feet did not betray her. A heartbeat later the spinning ceased and she stepped from the wetness into the maze.

  The air howled, tearing at her clothes and threatening to push her from the path. Sand or something like it whipped at her face as she tried to make sense of what she saw. Shadows spread out through a world tinted blue, some just beginning to form as others faded into the misty ether. Ahead the path splintered out in a dozen different directions, each trailing away into the ghostly landscape.

  One path called to her, and without thinking she made to step towards it.

  A firm hand grasped her by the shoulder. “Stop,” Jonathan whispered in her ear. “Wait. We must stick together if we are to survive. The maze is alive, and it lies. If it draws you in, you will never see the real world again. Do not trust what your senses tell you.”

  Enala felt a fog enveloping her mind, slowing her thoughts. After a time, Jonathan’s words seeped into her consciousness. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. “Then which path do we take?”

  Jonathan raised a finger to his lips. He pointed at the shadows. They continued to shift, some growing while others shrank, but bit by bit the maze grew clearer. Through the apparitions she saw ceilings and stairwells which seemed to fold back on one another, and in places the trails led straight up walls. Her stomach twisted at the impossibilities of the maze before her.

  The bracelets burned at her wrists, and some of the queerness faded away. One pathway grew clearer, though the others criss-crossed it like tangled wool.

  “Do you see it?” Jonathan whispered.

  “I think so,” Enala nodded.

  “Good. We must take care. The magic of our keys might not last the trip. If it runs out, we will have to rely on our own cunning to escape,” he paused. “Whatever you do, do not touch the shadows that surround us. They are death. And keep quiet, we are not alone here. Dark creatures roam these corridors. It would be best if we avoided them.”

  Jonathan swallowed. “Follow me,” he stepped onto the path.

  Enala could not miss the fear in Jonathan’s eyes. Biting her lip, she braced herself against the wind and followed in his footsteps. She prayed his courage would hold. Whatever lurked in these shadows, she did not wish to face it alone. But she had a feeling Jonathan’s hands were not the safest in which to place one’s life.

  Still, he was the only guide she had. They made their way deeper into the maze, shadows pressing in on them. Enala kept her arms close to her sides, mindful of Jonathan’s warning. Her fingers brushed across the bracelets, drawing scant comfort from the warmth of their touch.

  Her thoughts turned to Eric, and whether Laurel had found him. It did not feel right to continue without him, not after they had been through so much. She had watched him die – and somehow come back to life. She thought she was dreaming as Eric stumbled towards her, his clothes brown with dust and lightning leaping from his fingers to join her flames. She would feel better with him at her side.

  But he was not here. It was up to her to find the Sword, to bring it back to Kalgan.

  Time stretched on as they passed through the strange realm. Bit by bit the wind died away, leaving silence in its wake. Not even their boots made a sound as they trod the dark path. The fog slowly returned to her mind, turning her thoughts to porridge. She kneaded her forehead and tried to focus on the true path. Jonathan walked ahead of her,
his stride becoming hesitant.

  With the maze all around, they did not stop for food or rest. The path led inexorably upwards, staircases and steep tracks carrying them further into the ghostly sky. The shadows drifted like clouds, moving across the path to slow their passage. Somewhere outside, Enala guessed they must be nearing the summit of the island. But the maze stretched on, endless.

  “Almost there,” Jonathan whispered after what seemed like hours.

  Enala grunted, too exhausted to reply. Her body ached and she had come to the end of her strength. The Magickers may have healed her body, but they had not restored her completely. Her stamina was gone.

  A chill wind blew from behind them. The hackles on Enala’s neck stood as she smelt the stench of rotting carrion. Her stomach swirled and she slowed, turning to search for the source of the deathly tang.

  Behind, a beast stood on the path, its hungry red eyes following them. Saliva dripped from its gapping maw and rows of dagger-like teeth glinted in the shadow light. Long arms reached for them, claws stretched wide. It crouched, the knotted muscles taut and ready to spring. A broad tail flicked out behind it. Jet-black scales covered its body from head to foot.

  Enala knew enough of the dark tales told in Chole to recognise a Raptor. She could not fathom how one had come to be here, so far from the desert, but there was no mistaking the greed in its eyes. Moving carefully, she edged her way backwards up the path.

  A shout came from behind her. She glanced back in time to see the colour flee the king’s face. Terror overtook him as he screamed again. He turned and bolted, leaving Enala for dead.

  Enala swore and raced after him. Behind, the Raptor roared, turning her stomach to ice. Jonathan’s long legs quickly outpaced her, while Enala felt her strength fading with each step. Before she could catch him, Jonathan disappeared around a corner in the maze. Another roar came, right behind her now.

  Goosebumps prickled on Enala’s neck and instinct shrieked for her to move. She dove, the ground rising up to meet her as a shape whistled past. Claws caught in her cloak, almost tearing it from her neck. Then the fabric ripped and the creature’s momentum carried it past.

  Springing to her feet, Enala searched the shadows for a weapon. Jonathan wore a sword, but that would do her little good now. The cowardly king was long gone. Her search came up empty – this world held nothing but shadows.

  And the Raptor. It had regained its feet and now stalked towards her, head bent low and outstretched, teeth glistening. Its slitted nostrils widened as it scented her. A low rumble came from its throat.

  Enala backed away, fear making her heart thump painfully in her chest. She could not flee this thing, that much was clear. Nor could she fight it with her bare hands. That left only one option – magic.

  Staring at the beast, Enala sought to summon her fear, her rage; anything that might bring the magic forth. The fear was easy, bubbling beneath the surface, threatening to steal away the last vestiges of her strength.

  The rage followed, festering at the king’s cowardice. With his sword they might have stood a chance, might have overcome the beast. Instead, he had fled, leaving her there to die.

  Enala growled, anger stirring as she stepped towards the beast. It burned through her body, searing away her fears. The creature stilled, staring at her, the hunger in its eyes turning to doubt. She felt the power rising within her and made no attempt to control it. She needed it now and did not care if it wreaked havoc in this phantom realm.

  The power throbbed in her chest, burning as it spread through her skin.

  Enala closed her eyes and willed the fire forth.

  Heat encircled her arms, burning into her wrists. For a moment, she thought the flame magic had taken light but when she looked her hands were empty. Instead the bracelets shone bright on her arms, their heat scorching her skin. Pain lanced from her wrists, bringing tears to her eyes. She gasped, concentration snapping, and the power sank back into the depths of her subconscious.

  She looked up in panic and knew the Raptor could sense the change. Its jaws widened in a reptilian grin. It started forward again, unstoppable.

  Enala wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to flee. She raced down a random path, mind racing as she searched for a new plan.

  What happened to my magic?

  But there was no time to dwell on that question. From behind came the monster’s roar as it leapt after her. She could not avoid it for long, and who knew which path she now tread. Jonathan had warned her to stay on the true one – though his word suddenly held little value to her.

  Ahead a shadow loomed and Jonathan’s words came back to her.

  To touch them is death!

  An idea flashed through her thoughts and she ran on. The shadow wall loomed, a ghostly barrier blocking the way. Half her mind urged her to spring through, to test the truth of Jonathan’s warning. But there would be no second chances here and out of options, she put her faith in the cowardly king.

  At the last moment, Enala spun to face the creature. It bounded towards her, claws outstretched, mouth wide to tear her head from her shoulders. It roared – and sprang.

  Enala only had a split second to react. She dove for the ground, as she had earlier. The beast’s momentum carried it past once more, straight for the shadow wall blocking the path. But this time the Raptor was ready. Its claws lashed out, biting deep into the flesh of her arm. She screamed as the beast’s weight caught her, almost tearing her arm from its socket.

  Then the beast struck the shadow. The wall disintegrated at the Raptor’s touch, collapsing down to envelop the creature in darkness. It thrashed, jaws gaping as the shadow engulfed its head. The red eyes rolled back in its skull and its legs kicked helplessly.

  As the Raptor weakened, Enala struggled to free herself from its claws. Pain tore into her, unbearable, but the shadow was crawling over the beast towards her. She guessed if it reached her, she would soon join the Raptor in its suffocating death. Claw grated on bone as Enala fought to break away.

  Steel flashed as a blade descended towards her. Enala flinched as it struck the creature’s arm: once, twice, three times. On the final blow the limb snapped and Enala tore herself free.

  She stumbled backwards, looking around for her saviour. She found Jonathan standing over her, his brow wet with sweat and his breath coming in heavy gasps. His eyes still shivered with panic, but somehow he had summoned the courage to return.

  Enala could not decide whether to embrace the king, or punch him in the face.

  Then the maze collapsed around them, and there was no time for either.

  Twenty One

  An involuntary tremor ran through Eric as the demon laughed at them. Panic shook his hold on his magic and they dropped half a foot. Laurel shrieked and gripped his hand tighter. Eric grimaced and steadied the winds.

  “Ah, my old benefactor, however did you come to be here?” the demon’s voice crackled with power.

  Eric did not bother to reply. He reached out to the swirling winds, then turned and fled for the city. His racing heart thrust him onwards – he knew this was not a fight they could win. Their only hope was to find shelter in the buildings below. He tightened his hold on Laurel’s arm, dragging her with him.

  Then the winds gave an abrupt crack, and disappeared as though sucked into a vacuum of nothingness. Eric found himself falling, tumbling towards the city below. The rooftops raced up, the spires of a nearby church beckoning.

  Eric reached desperately for his magic, fighting back fear as his stomach climbed into his chest. He reached for the wind, cords of magic seeking any parcel of air. But the sky was empty – there was nothing, nothing, noth – there!

  The wind howled as it caught them, halting their freefall. Looking down Eric hesitated, then drove them towards the pavement, eager to regain solid earth. The demon now ruled the sky. Its laughter came from behind, its magic hot on their heels.

  Eric sucked in a breath of relief as they touched down, but there was no time to
waste. Laurel tugged at his arm, dragging him down the street. She could not know what they faced, but nor was she a fool. There was no mistaking the power of the demon.

  Before they could take five steps a roar came from behind them. Eric felt his ears pop with the release of energy. The earth in front of them split open, the bricked road tumbled into the chasm. Houses on either side of the road tore in two with a violent crack. Screams came from nearby citizens as the earth shook them from their feet.

  The demon’s cackle rose above the chaos. Eric spun in time to see it touch down, the black cloak billowing in the breeze. It held a sword in either hand, one dark green, the other blue. Energy rippled in the depths of those blades, a dark power which sent a chill to his very soul.

  “Stick around a while, won’t you,” the demon smirked.

  Summoning his courage, Eric took a step towards it. “Stay back,” he growled.

  The demon ignored him, striding forward, dark eyes locked on them. “I don’t believe I will, mortal. Now, where is the girl? Where is the Sword?”

  Eric answered with lightning.

  The air crackled as he unleashed the bolt. Then a surge of energy struck Eric, sending him reeling back, and the lightning stopped dead a few feet from the demon. It hung there, frozen in place, and yet still sizzling with power. The demon laughed and waved a hand.

  The blue fire reversed direction, slamming into Eric’s chest and flinging him backwards. Air exploded from his lungs as he struck the ground and went tumbling across the ground. The chasm loomed up before him. He grasped for purchase, his body plunging over the edge.

  Laurel’s hand found his, halting his fall. Grunting, she managed to pull him back from the brink. Together they scrambled clear. He stood, accepting a shoulder from Laurel. They looked across at the demon, helpless fear taking hold. Eric clenched his teeth against the pain rippling through his body.

  “Where is the girl? Where is the Sword?” the demon ground out.

  It stalked towards them, cracks radiating from where its boots struck the road. The air shimmered, rings of heat seeping from the Soul Blades. The earth shook again, driving them to their knees.