Grandpa Agamor smiled. “Too much, I’m afraid.”
I’d never seen my grandfather so sad before. Before I could ask what was wrong, Gregory stepped up next to him.
“I trust you are sufficiently confused, Miss Magnus?” he asked, smiling.
I giggled. “You could say that. But it all seemed very interesting. Thank you for having me. Normally, the grown-ups wouldn't want me around for important things like this.
Gregory smiled again. “A pity. Usually, it's the children who have the most novel ideas. But you, Miss, are no longer a child. Although not yet an adult either.”
I shrugged. “Better than being called a little girl.”
“Indeed,” he said, still smiling. “Would you care to sit with us?” he asked.
Five minutes later, the three of us sat in front of the fire, sipping steaming mugs of hot cocoa. “Mmm, just like Grandma used to make.”
Grandpa laughed. “That was always my recipe. She just copied me.”
“And Agamor copied me,” said Gregory.
“Well, it's delicious no matter whose recipe it is,” I said through a fit of giggles. They're buttering me up. Something bad happened. I can feel it.
“Quite possibly. But you'll have to wait to find out.”
Gregory’s eyebrow raised. “It won’t be that long of a wait, I assure you.”
I dropped my empty mug in surprise. The pieces exploded in every direction when it hit the floor. “You can hear him?” I almost shouted.
“Of course,” said Gregory. “All artificial constructs have a voice in Otherworld.
I relaxed and sunk into my chair. “Oh, thank the Caretaker,” I said with a sigh.
“Did you think yourself daft?” asked Gregory.
I nodded. “Either that or possessed. I couldn't tell.” Both Gregory and my grandpa laughed. Even the voice got a good chuckle at that.
“Tell me,” said Gregory. “Have you named him yet?” I must have had a silly look on my face because he frowned. “Your construct.” He pointed at my mother's necklace.
Grandpa smiled, wrinkles forming near his eyes as it dawned on me. He nodded. “We had it forged for you when you were born. Think of it as a guide and a teacher.”
“But,” said Gregory, “you haven't given him a name, so in essence, you haven't claimed him.”
“What happens when I do?” I asked.
Gregory shrugged. “Who knows? Sometimes nothing, sometimes glowing. It's different for everyone. Just make sure you pick a good name.”
“And now,” said Grandpa, “the part we have been buttering you up for.” I turned and gave him my full attention. “I am sure you have seen the spiders acting differently as of late.”
I nodded. “Very.”
“Some outside force is bolstering their evolution. Experimenting with new breeds and such. And feeding the queen's base instincts to expand and conquer.”
“Who?” I asked.
Gregory frowned. “We don't know. But, it's become quite apparent that she is moving her horde of spiders as we speak. Already, Agamor’s village has fallen.”
“What? Grandpa? Is everyone all right?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yes. Fortunately, our hunters noticed them before it was too late. We only lost a few of the less experienced. Still a shame, however.”
He looked several years older all of a sudden. “We managed to flee. We are but a few days travel from Aspen, and the queen is not pushing south. It looks as if she will double back toward Pinewood Village and march on Bridgeport.”
“That is where you must go, Ashley. Take who you can, and make your way to the keep. Have Lord Macgregor of Bridgeport send for Abalonious in Garrigill.” Gregory stood. “Unfortunately, that is all the time we have.”
Grandpa stood, so I did the same. He wrapped his arms around me. “Be strong, little one. And give your gramms my love.”
“I will,” I said, stifling a sniffle. “Take care of yourself.” He smiled and led me to the doorway.
“Ashley,” called Gregory. “Don't forget to name him. You will become even stronger once you have. There's much he can teach you.”
“I will, as soon as I think of a good name for him.” I waved back and walked through the door.
I was sitting on my knees in front of the altar. Was that all a dream?
“Not at all. In fact, your skin temperature on your face seems to still be elevated from your proximity to the fireplace.”
I felt my forehead. “Huh…”
3
The sun was setting as I left the prayer cabin, and the air was getting colder. I tried convincing several villagers to possibly leave. As usual, no one wanted to listen to me because I was “just a kid.”
Not much else I can do. I might as well head home.
“Those who do not leave will surely die. There is little you can do to change that,” said the voice. That didn’t make me feel any better. I walked slowly, trying to think of any way at all to help them, but nothing came to mind.
I was home before I even realized it. “Dad, I’m home,” I said, closing the squeaky door to our cabin. “Dad?” I called. No answer. I searched the house and didn’t find him anywhere. I didn’t think much of it, so I headed to bed.
The next morning when I got to the inn, Luther was already there. I nodded to him as I sat down. Ms. Wellington already had a plate ready for me.
“There’s a crowd at the square, and it looks like a funeral in here,” I said, stuffing my mouth full of eggs. “What'd I miss?”
Luther frowned. “Patrol went missing last night,” he said. “They found their bodies all around the village. And they were covered in spider bites.”
My stomach dropped out from under me. “Was my dad—”
Luther shook his head. “He's fine. His patrol was the evening shift.”
“That explains why he wasn't home last night.”
He nodded. “Everyone is volunteering for the patrols. Well, they were until five of them turned up dead.”
“I think it's time to leave Pinewood,” I said.
“I hate to agree, but you might be right,” he said.
I told him and Ms. Wellington what Agamor and Gregory told me.
“By the Caretaker…” Ms. Wellington exhaled loudly.
“The village is gone?” asked Luther. “Just like that?”
“That's what they told me.”
“Is there any chance it could have been a dream?” he asked. “Maybe you fell asleep at the prayer stone?”
I shook my head. “It felt pretty real to me.”
“I gave her the letter from Agamor myself. And I've spoken to him through the stones in the past.”
“Then we're in deep shit,” he said.
Ms. Wellington nodded. “I'm afraid so…” She turned to me. “Ashley, dear, go find your father and see if he'll take you to Bridgeport. I'm going to start packing some small things just in case. Luther, you should as well.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, saluting. He turned and was halfway out the door when she called out to him.
“Be safe, nephew,” she said.
He frowned. “You too.” He ran from the inn.
I turned back to her. “You're Luther's aunt?”
Ms. Wellington smiled. “Yes, I'm all that boy has left of his family. We don't talk about it much, however. Too much pain.”
I nodded. “He told me about his mom,” I said. “It was really sad.”
“Many unfortunate things happened, but that, I fear, is life sometimes.” She frowned. “You need to go find your father and speak with him. Let him know we'll be leaving at sunup tomorrow.”
“I will,” I said.
“I know, darling,” said my dad. “I was planning on leaving tomorrow. We’ll join Etta and Luther at the inn and head out in the morning, just like they planned.”
I smiled. “Okay.” I looked down for a moment and frowned. “Dad? Will you do me a favor?”
“What is it?” he asked.
“Don’t patrol tonight. Please?” I started begging and fell to my knees crying.
He rushed over to me and put his arms around my shoulders. “Sweetie, there’s nothing to worry about. They’re a little shorthanded with the patrols. I’m just helping out.”
“I know about the patrol last night. I know the spiders killed them and left their bodies in the village.” I stared daggers at him. “You know, you don’t have to patronize me. I’m not some helpless little girl anymore. I’ve killed more spiders in the last week than the entire village ever will in their lives.”
Dad flinched. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to talk down to you.” He frowned. “All right. I won’t go on patrol tonight. I’ll stay home and pack some things instead. Will that make you happy?”
I nodded. “Okay.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon packing some minor things like food and clothing into burlap bags—two for Dad and one for me. The plan was to only be gone for a little while. We’d stay with Grandma Magnus while this whole thing blew over.
Later that afternoon, Dad went to the town hall meeting, which I thought was a waste of time. Instead, I met with Luther and Ms. Wellington at the inn.
“So, he agreed then?” asked Luther.
“Yup,” I said. “We’ll leave with you in the morning and head to stay with my gramms.”
Ms. Wellington smiled. “That’s very good news indeed.” I ate supper with them and headed back home.
Dad was still at the meeting, so I read for a little while and then headed for bed.
“It may behoove her highness to rise from her deep slumber…” whispered the annoying voice.
Even in my dreams… Why can’t you ever leave me alone?
“Not in matters of self-preservation. A great deal is happening just outside your window. You must rise to the occasion...”
A scream startled me, and I was instantly awake. A glow caught my attention from the window, and I looked outside. Looking at the sky, I could tell that it was still night, but outside was as bright as day. The village was burning, and people ran back and forth screaming. There were bodies and blood and spiderwebs everywhere.
I tossed on my leathers, took a deep breath, and stepped outside of my home for the last time.
4
“Another fifty on your right,” whispered the voice in my mind. I pulled energy from the flames around the burning buildings into myself, gathering power from outside. I didn’t even know I could do that; it just came by instinct. Without looking, I raised my right hand and incinerated an entire building along with the fifty spiders without a second thought. My nerves were on edge, and I was breathing heavily. It’d only been about ten minutes, but it felt like days. Right now, surviving tonight was my only goal.
“Ashley!” someone screamed. I looked around and saw Luther on the ground a bit down the cobblestone pathway. Dead spiders surrounded him, and he was covered in blood. I rushed over to him and helped him to his feet.
“Are you okay?” I asked. “Can you walk?” My hands shook from the adrenaline.
“I think so. We have to get to the inn. We set up a shelter there,” he said. A spider crashed through a window, flying straight for my face. A quick slash of his sword sent its pieces falling to the ground. I nodded my thanks, and I helped him limp toward the inn.
“Isn’t that Reinhardt and Stewart?” I asked, pointing at two men while I helped him limp. They were defending two more men on the ground. They weren’t looking good...
“Yeah, let's go,” he said, holding up his sword and trying to stand on his own. His legs almost gave out.
“No, let me,” I said. I shot a blast of fire to either side of the group, taking the pressure off them. “Okay, now let’s go.”
“Luther!” gasped Reinhardt. “You’re alive, good. And—Ashley? Well, I’ll be damned.” He smiled. “Always knew you had a spine, glad to see you here.”
“I don’ think these guys are breathin’,” said Stewart. “Can’t leave ’em like this though.”
Reinhardt frowned. “Take their weapons, Stew.” He grabbed an ax and a shortsword from the two downed men. “I’m really sorry boys, you fought well. I wish we could give you more of a burial than this…” He raised both of his hands toward the bodies, and the ground turned to quicksand and pulled them both down. After he lowered his hands, the ground was solid again. “Damned shame…” he said.
Luther coughed blood onto my shoulder and doubled over in pain. “We need to get moving,” I said. “Or you’ll have to bury Luther too.” They both nodded. Stewart took Luther, and Reinhardt grabbed the shortsword and took point.
Spiders tried to come at us from the sides and behind, but I made quick work of them. The inn was under siege, but a green bubble of energy pushed the spiders back. We hobbled quickly toward the bubble, and I caught sight of Ms. Wellington standing with her arms outstretched in front of the inn.
We moved as fast as we could toward the shield, almost dragging Luther with us. I used fire to hold back the wave of spiders. The more of them I cooked, the more were replaced. There was no end to them.
Ms. Wellington saw us coming. “Over here!” she screamed over the noises of the burning village. “Hurry!”
As we passed the shield, Stewart and Luther collapsed next to Ms. Wellington. Reinhardt and I turned around and unleashed fire and earth magic at the oncoming horde to buy her enough time to heal Luther.
She lowered the shield and tended to Luther’s wounds while we kept the pressure on the spiders. One of the buildings crumbled to the ground, and a massive armored spider shoved its way out of the rubble.
“Reinhardt?” I asked. “Got any more of that quicksand?”
“On it,” he said. He lifted his hands toward the monster, and the ground quivered. It jumped over the trap and growled and then started lumbering toward us, one step at a time. The rest of the spiders cleared out of its way.
I focused my power into my palms and shot three Firelances at it. They streaked through the air, burning spider corpses as it flashed past. The orbs ricocheted off its armor and three buildings turned to ash in thundering booms that shook the ground.
“I’m out of ideas,” I managed between breaths. “Can you throw a big rock at it or something?”
A massive rock broke through the ground in front of us, floated for a little, and then flew off at the giant spider. Right before it hit, the monster lifted one of its arms and hit the rock. Shards of stone flew all around it, piercing buildings and spiders alike. Reinhardt shrugged.
A scream from above startled us both. Luther flew over our heads, sword held high as he flew through the air. He flipped over twice and surged toward the spider as it raised its arms to block his sword. Luther landed in front of it in a crouch. Its two front arms and its head landed next to him as its body collapsed to the ground.
Luther rushed back over to us and smiled. “Seemed it was bred to ward off magic,” he said with a grin. “Nothing a sword can’t handle.” Reinhardt and I looked at each other and shook our heads. We all headed back to Ms. Wellington's side as she put her shield back up.
“What happened to the defense?” asked Luther.
She frowned. “The spiders broke in through the back wall and killed everyone inside while we defended up here. They’re all dead.” Her voice had turned bitter. “All of them.”
Luther nodded. “Nothing to be done about it then. We should look for survivors and make our way out of the village.” He looked around. “Ashley, where is your father?”
I looked at the ground. “I’m not sure. He never came home last night.”
He put his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s look for him then. He’s probably out fighting the spiders with the other villagers.”.
I nodded, and we packed up what supplies we could carry and headed out into the village. We found several more guards around the mayor’s body. They were all dead.
“Over here!” shouted Reinhardt. “This one’s still alive!”
We rushed over, and I stopped dead in my tracks. Ms. Wellington rushed past me, dropped to her knees, and immediately began healing the man.
“No…” I said, tears forming at the corners of my eyes. Blood poured out of his mouth and ears and from a big cut on his shoulder. My father was dying. Tears started flowing freely, and I sobbed.
“It’ll be close,” she breathed. “He’s hurt really bad.” She turned to Luther. “Get her back.” She went to work trying to save him.
“Ashley.” My dad coughed. “Come closer…”
“Don’t speak,” said Ms. Wellington. “Save your strength.”
He shook his head as I knelt next to him. “There isn’t time, Etta. Save your mana.” He turned to me and smiled. “Ashley. You look so much like your mother. But you’re powerful like your gramms.” He coughed up more blood. “Go to her. Be strong, and believe in yourself. You’re more powerful than you’d ever imagine…” His eyes closed, and his head dropped to the side.
Ms. Wellington’s arms dropped to her sides. “I’m sorry, Ashley. There was just too much internal damage.”
I began to shake. And cry.
“You must regain control of your emotions before they gain control of you.”
Either help or shut the hell up.
A massive crash from the front gates caught all of our attention. We looked over, and the queen of spiders stood in the splintered doorway to the village. Her scarred and burnt face stared daggers into my soul.
“You…” I seethed as a huge grin split my face. Flames began to dance all around my body. “You’ve taken everything from me.”
“Shit. Everyone, get to cover!” screamed Luther. He tackled Ms. Wellington, and the other two dove for cover along with them.
My anger took me, and my vision went blood red. I ran toward the queen as the flames around me grew. I drew in all the flames across the entire village, and night retook the sky as the fires went out.
Then I released all of my anger as I willed Flame Infusion to make me stronger. The explosion of fire from my body vaporized the building next to me, as well as the wall around the queen and all her spiders along the top of it.
A Fable of Flame Page 3
