by A. R. Wilson
The door burst open. Jurren yanked up a sword on the table closest to his right hand. A creature at least a full head shorter than him and covered in fur flashed up its hands.
“I’m here to help! Einiko is my enemy too.” The leathery hands trembled.
The furry arms slowly lowered. It appeared to be some kind of human mutated into a muskrat.
“You’re here to help fight Einiko?” Jurren lowered his sword only enough to see the creature’s face fully.
“Yes. More are coming.”
“Good. We need all the hands we can get. Do you know how to handle a bow?”
“No, but I can use a sword.”
“Take your pick.” Jurren headed to the window. “Do whatever you can when you catch sight of him. As soon as he is separated from his sword, I am bringing all of this to an end.”
Tears welled in the creature’s eyes as its mouth drew to a slash. Jurren didn’t linger to find out how long it would take for the furry man to recover from his shock. The inner knowing told him to move. And move fast. Whatever help the servants of the castles might be held little weight compared to his daughter fighting Einiko in flight.
Outside, Jurren heard a loud grunt followed by shouting. Noises of wind, slapping, and breaking rock soon followed. Jurren sprinted to the end of the roof. Climbing up into the window of an adjacent wall, he jumped up to catch the edge of the roof. He braced his feet for leverage and soon clambered on top. Black wings streaked this way, then white zipped that way. Jurren readied two arrows. When the black tore back, he fired. Einiko growled his pain, slowing to tear the projectiles out. Another volley came from the opposite direction. Jurren caught a glimpse of Azredan slipping behind a rooftop. Einiko flexed out his arms, arching his back. The arrows popped out of his chest and stomach.
Jurren followed Azredan’s lead. If they kept moving, then the halfling wouldn’t be able to anticipate the next attack. Hunkering down, Jurren moved to another position.
White caught his eye. He turned as Tascana swept in and bludgeoned Einiko with a mace against his wing. When he screamed, a shockwave pulsed out. Tascana spiraled and slammed into a wall. The world went dark for Jurren. Everything around him disappeared as his vision tunneled on Tascana. He shook his head to dispel the fog. Gripping three arrows between his fingers, Jurren fired in rapid succession at his weakened target. The halfling deflected the first, but the remaining two lodged into his side. He stumbled in the air. Before Einiko could magically push them out again, Jurren released another volley of three. They found their mark in his cheek and throat. Blood sprayed out as the warlock spun and plummeted. Jurren slid to the edge of the roof. Knotting an end of rope into his belt, he looped the other end over a metal spike protrusion. Protecting his grip with the hem of his cloak, he lowered himself to the next roof. He gathered the cord as he ran to the next edge. Looking down, he saw Einiko, unmoving, another four floors down, splayed out on the stone floor of a courtyard. Jurren looped the rope and repelled to the next expanse of roof.
Once at the bottom, Einiko started to shift. The sword rested farther away, against the wall. As Jurren readied a dagger, a furry form charged towards Einiko. The halfling merely held out a hand towards the man. A puff of dust and ash billowed to the ground where the furry man previously moved. Einiko pulled onto all fours. A stack of bloodied arrows clattered to the ground. Jurren flung the dagger in his hand. A great weight slammed against Jurren’s back. The accompanying screech of a goblin’s cry sliced an icy rod through Jurren’s spine.
“Your hands have been made clean. Whatever you put them to with a pure heart will never fail.”
The words of the Ever One’s promise filled Jurren. All fear of a possible goblin bite, or even a thousand goblin bites, fell to the ground. In an instant, he gripped two daggers and thrust them into the creature pushing over his shoulder. Piercing cries erupted for a moment then stopped as the burden slipped away. Another goblin came at Jurren from the right. Two others loped in from the left. Arrows whizzed in from above. Einiko flicked his gaze to find the shooter, and Jurren used the distraction to fling a pair of blades.
Einiko snapped back at Jurren in time to raise a hand at the coming daggers. The blades dissolved like the furry man. A flicker of movement up at the edge of Jurren’s peripheral vision showed Azredan getting ready to take a shot. Jurren released blade after blade. Grinning, Einiko held out a hand, turning each one to ash as he straightened into a full stand. The wounds on his face and neck pulled in on themselves. Blood covered much of his chest. He dipped his head from side to side, easing the muscles in his neck, then flexed his other hand. Fire erupted along his body and wings. His eyes drew to that other hand as though suddenly realizing he lost his sword.
Azredan released his volley. One after another. Six were airborne before the first tip struck Einiko. The halfling spun on his heel to stop the barrage. Seizing the moment, Jurren bolted. With Einiko facing Azredan, Jurren released another round of daggers. He ran in a wide circle as he kept up the assault. Though nothing hit, as long as Einiko’s attention remained on the projectiles, he wouldn’t notice the shrinking distance between Jurren and the sword.
More screaming. Jurren caught a glimpse in his peripheral vision of men coming up to the edge of the next section of roof. He kept his focus centered on the sword thirty feet away. No time for the luxury of concerning himself with the welfare of others. This monster had mortally wounded his daughter. There existed only one way for Jurren to get a good shot at taking the halfling’s life in return.
The sounds of men puffing into ash hit Jurren’s ears as loud as the maniacal cackle of the one inducing the slaughter. Down to his last dagger, Jurren waited an extra two seconds to throw it. Would the break in his rhythm trick the warlock? Nope. He watched the blade dissolve as he pulled out the other bow.
By now, Jurren had gained enough ground circling around the halfling that he inched closer to the sword than Einiko. The warlock’s gaze shifted hard as this fact punched him in the face. With a bouncing leap, Einiko took flight. Black wings spread out wide as Einiko stooped to retrieve it. Jurren released two arrows at once then dropped his bow to tackle the warlock. The momentum carried him forward hard enough to slam Einiko into the wall.
“You will never wield my power.” Einiko reared he head back then pitched it forward.
Jurren narrowly dodged another blow to the face. The warlock shuddered as he gave an inhuman growl, thrashing to fling Jurren off. Both to hold on, and to slow the warlock down, Jurren dug both hands around Einiko’s throat. Clawed hands raked up at him. One tore open his shoulder. Another swipe ripped open the back of his neck. Jurren focused all fear of Tascana’s safety into pressing against the pulsing evidence that Einiko still lived. Something crashed into Jurren’s back, but he didn’t budge. Einiko’s movements were slowing. Another slam. The tension in Einiko’s muscles stiffened then relaxed. Falling backward, Jurren landed with the warlock on top of him.
Arkose’s face pulled in close as he shoved the winged mass away. “Quick!”
Jurren clawed onto his stomach, reaching for the sword. A wing lashed out at him. Arkose stomped on it. Something snapped. One more reach, and Jurren’s hand wrapped around a leather handle. Heaving, Einiko twisted under Arkose’s weight, tossing the man several feet away. Scrambling to his feet, Jurren held the new sword at the ready. Warmth filled his arms. Einiko’s eyes flashed hot, his mouth curling into a grimace. The halfling lurched forward. Kicking out his foot, Jurren caught him in the chest. Einiko slammed back.
Jurren held up the sword, marveling that it felt lighter with each tick of his pulse. “By the Power of the Ever One, Whom I serve, and with Whom I commune, I declare an end to your reign.”
Slashing downward, he pierced the blade into the ground. Vibrations racked under his feet, causing the shingles to shutter. The floor gave way. Cracks splintered out all around them.
“What have you done?” Einiko staggered to gain his feet. His wings drooping in defe
at, he repeated his question with enraged horror. “What have you done?”
Walls thinned as they melted into their bare elements. A great wind rushed through, carrying away the clouds of dust caused by the crumbling castle. The gale increased, tearing away at the dissolving kingdom. Dissipating stone swirled outward. Arkose straightened to a stand in the chaos of dust, pulling up his cloak to shield against the choking air. Einiko dove at Jurren with clawed hands. Flexing his wrists, Jurren angled the sword to block the attack. Brightness emanated from the blade. Einiko shielded his eyes as though burned by the light. The warlock’s hands withered to gnarled stubs.
Screaming, Einiko took a step back. No healing spread over the wounds. “Impossible.”
The shriek of the horsk dragon cut through the air.
“This is not over.” Einiko hissed out the words, tucking his hands under his arms. “The sword may have rejected me for now, but I will find a way.”
He took to the sky, rising to meet the massive dragon circling overhead. A blaze of fire issued from the beast, and Jurren angled the blade upward. Light spread out, creating a barrier that held the flames at bay in the sky above.
The ground shook again. Light broke through the billowing clouds of dust. Seven beams of white raised up to surround the halfling, blocking his escape to the east.
“Until we meet again, Jurren.” Einiko clung as a tiny rider on the back of a dragon as black as his wings. “And when that meeting comes, you will regret this day.”
The pair retreated from the crumbling empire, heading west.
CHAPTER 28
The wind calmed into a gentle breeze. A vast expanse of stone, wood, and metal dissolved into mist as the Seven Pillars of Light increased in magnitude. White raced along the ground. Jurren caught sight of Tascana propped on her side, hand to her forehead. Nearly dropping the sword in surprise, he slid it into his scabbard as he rushed to her. Did he dare hold her? Was anything broken?
Her pale face looked up at him. “Hi, Daddy.”
He dropped to his knees. “Hello yourself.”
“I’m all right.” She took a deep breath, the wings on her back shrinking away. “How did you find me?”
Reaching to touch her face, he hesitated. “It would take days to tell you the story.”
She grinned, putting a hand to her chest. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
“While there is still breath, there is still hope.”
Tears pooled and slipped over her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Daddy. I should have told you the truth. That I was studying magic in Gaulden Forest. That I knew the goblin had come for me—”
He clutched her to his chest. “You don’t owe me a single thing. I’m the one who should apologize to you. I should have told you about where I came from, and the heritage you carry.”
“But I—”
“Shh!” He rocked her back and forth. Even the searing pain of the spreading infection in his neck could not take away from this moment. “All that matters is you are free of his grasp. Whatever happened before, is in the past. You’re safe now.”
Azredan walked towards them. Couldn’t he give them just one minute?
The elf squatted next to Jurren. “You know it’s not over.”
Jurren closed his eyes. “She will be safe with me.”
“But the world will not. If the sword and the child are together, Einiko will have every reason to focus the whole of his efforts on the two of you.”
Taking a slow inhale, Jurren bit the inside of his cheek. He relaxed his embrace to gaze at his only daughter. Her tear-streaked face made him relive Einiko’s retreat. That coward had denied Jurren the revenge he so desperately needed.
Jurren screwed his mouth to the side. Did he dare ask the question burning against his tongue? It didn’t really matter if he spoke the thought aloud. He could sense that inner knowing nudging him into the truth. She was already pregnant. The child, a son, nearly three months along.
“I can’t lose you again, Little Mally.” Jurren lowered his arms to grip her hands.
Azredan put a hand on Jurren’s shoulder. “When the time is right, I will bring her to you. The Ever One will show me the way to escort her safely back.”
Samren came forward, standing a few steps behind Azredan. At first, Tascana flinched and Jurren bounded to a stand to protect her. Her amused giggle assured him the reaction was more surprise than fear, and he reached to help her up.
“So you truly are an elf.” She stared at Samren as she accepted Jurren’s offer. “I knew you tried to help me.”
“If you would have me, I would be honored to accompany you as your protector.” Samren put a fist to his chest, bowing his head.
Jurren watched Tascana’s face soften. She chewed on her lower lip a moment before responding. “But how did you regain this elven form?”
“I released him from Einiko’s spell.” Azredan gave a nod of respect. “Before the halfling bewitched him, Samren was a dear friend of mine. Now that he sees the difference between the Light and the dark, his loyalties will never be divided again.”
A grin played on Tascana’s lips. “Samren?”
The man in black nodded. “My elven name.”
She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. The sight of that soft tip punched Jurren in the gut. Almost as shocking as the fact that Arkose said nothing about the change.
“Daddy?”
“Hmm?” He shifted his gaze away from her ear.
“I want to ask your permission, first.”
“For what?”
“To accompany these men. Had I asked your permission three years ago to study magic, you never would have had to go on this journey. I should have honored your rules.”
He looked back and forth between Azredan and Samren. His eyes settled on Tascana and he pulled her close. Pressing his cheek into the top of her head, he closed his eyes. In this moment she was safe. For now, he knew exactly where she was and what she was doing. He knew the warlock could not touch her. But who was this girl? The bold confession of her secret was not something his Little Mally did. She lived as guarded as he. Since when did she blurt out an admission to a question no one had asked?
“I finally get you back and I’m losing you all over again.”
She tucked her arms into her chest, pressing into him as she once did as a small child. He gave her another squeeze then stepped back to hold her shoulders.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
His eyes dropped to her middle. “Azredan will protect you. Both of you.”
Her arms wrapped around her stomach. “You know everything, don’t you?”
“Not everything. But I have learned much on this journey.” He took a long inhale. “Azredan has sworn to protect you and your child.”
Lips quivering, she struggled to speak again but could only form a few stuttered syllables.
“All that matters to me is if you are safe. The only reason I am even willing to let you go is because of the trust I have gained in Azredan. He will not allow your foot to stumble.”
“If he is half as capable as Samren, then I have nothing to fear.” She wiped away the tears and straightened a little taller.
He turned to Azredan. “Which direction will you go?”
“For her protection, as well as your own, it’s best if you don’t know.”
Jurren nodded. The truth was never easy to hear, but still better than a lie. “Can it wait until morning?”
Azredan glanced up at the Seven Pillars of Light blazing into the sky. The ghostly image of a fiery griffin glided among them, barely visible even to Jurren’s keen eyes.
“Under the watchful gaze of the Ever One, I’m sure we will be protected for the moment.” Azredan’s grin returned.
“Where is Kidelar?” Arkose stepped away, searching.
“I haven’t seen him since Tascana formed the armory.” Azredan turned to scan the horizon.
The sound of a horse neigh
ing drew all their gazes to the southeast. Between two of the columns of Light came Kidelar walking beside a unicorn.
“Ok, now I’ve seen everything.” Arkose rubbed a hand on the back of his neck.
“This one says he belongs to you.” Kidelar directed his comment to Samren.
“Veredict.” Samren hurried towards the pale stallion. “You honor me by meeting me in this place.”
A deep, male voice spoke as though coming from the unicorn. “The wrongs committed against this land have been made right. You have done well.”
Samren put a fist to his chest. “It was never easy, but it was worth it.”
“A talking unicorn?” Arkose dropped his hand. “Ok, now I’ve seen everything.”
“There is yet much for you to see in this world, young Arkose.”
“How does he know my name?”
Kidelar gave a smug grin, folding his arms. “I told him.”
“While the rest of us were battling a crazed warlock, and a mob of goblins, you were having a tea party with unicorns?”
“Don’t be irrelevant. Unicorns don’t partake in tea parties.”
Jurren laughed. Of all the absurd conversations.
“Too bad we lost our bedrolls.” Arkose shrugged to stretch out a muscle in his shoulder.
“There are worse things to lose.” Kidelar scratched at his thickening beard.
Tascana held out her hands. Two travel packs bulging with gear instantly appeared. Before Jurren could open his mouth to respond, Samren stepped forward to pluck them from her.
“Let’s lay off the magic while in the presence of the Light.” Samren gestured to the seven columns.
“Why?” Tascana gave them a passive glance.
“Not everyone appreciates magic. Especially that of Einiko’s kind.”
“I’m only trying to help.”
“I know. And they know.” Samren set down the packs. “But we are standing before... something greater here.”
The man’s loss of words was easy for Jurren to understand. How could Tascana learn about the power of the Ever One in a few sentences?
