She glanced over her shoulder as the drone and whine of a sizzling ball of electric energy slammed into Lord Aurellia’s faltering shield. The dark lord grunted, eyes widening in shock at the strength of the attack.
Rikar tried to lift himself up but a hard knot of pain immobilized him. Was his back broken? He couldn’t feel his feet. When he lifted his hands, he discovered that at least they could function.
You must heal yourself! cried the Naemarians.
In his mind he saw hands moving in a flourish. They were the movements needed for a new spell. In weakness he tried to replicate the spell but found the magic sputtering, as if his will to live wasn’t strong enough to cast the spell.
He winced and leaned back against the wall, new searing tendrils of pain lancing through him.
Was it better for him to die? But when he opened his eyes he melted under Devonia’s worried face. How could he leave her to suffer and die out here on this strange world?
So he tried again. This time the spell took and the golden waves of light poured into his body, filling him with warmth and healing energy. A numbing sensation rained over him, eliminating the pain.
He could breathe fully now. His back popped several times and realigned itself. He tried wiggling his toes and sighed in relief at discovering he could move them.
“I’m alright,” he whispered, and with her help rose to his feet. They stumbled together back toward the dark lord and found the square filled with the Naemarian horde again. Aurellia looked weak and ready to fall back under the blistering blows cast by the priests. They were primarily targeting their balcony. Rikar went to cast the shield spell, but stopped when he found the vast well of power inside had disappeared.
Complete emptiness.
The feeling of emptiness inside was horrifying. There was only a trickle of magic flowing through him, perhaps enough to cast the healing spell, but nothing else. Certainly not enough to summon the immense amount of energy needed for the shield. He felt in his pocket where the star fragment had once been. It was gone.
Terror filled him at the idea of being here in this war without the fragment. He reached around in his pocket and his fingers sifted through what felt like sand. Scooping up the substance, he inspected them under the light of the explosions raining over the sky above him. No, it wasn’t sand. It was the remnants of the fragment shattered into shiny bits the size of sand.
He looked up in time to see a massive blast of twisting black and silver light strike his master, obliterating his shield. The spell continued, worming its way into Aurellia’s body. The dark lord’s eyes went wild with terror.
Black cords with heads like snakes bored their way in and out of his master, consuming the ash within.
Aurellia shouted and flared out his hands in an attempt to push out the foreign power. But the snakes grew stronger at his resistance and dug into the raving lord with renewed power.
His master’s sudden transformation whirled in front of Rikar, ash and silver and lightning twirling in a dust devil. The storm split into three parts, and each part was chased after by the snakes. One escaped but two were consumed by the two largest heads. They devoured the ash with glee.
The remaining snakes next turned to Rikar and Devonia with ruby eyes of terrifying demons. One slithered in the air toward her and the largest aimed its course at him.
He tried to cast a spell again in the hopes of knocking the fabrications down to the square, but only a sputtering wind was released from his fingers.
Nothing close to being enough. The snakes continued their smooth, demonic path, sliding and twisting toward them.
Abject terror settled into the pit of Rikar’s stomach. His mouth was dry and acidic.
What strange, hideous creatures. But beautiful, too.
There was nothing he could do to stop them. He reached out and held Devonia’s hand. They retreated from their foe, hoping to find some escape.
Where was Caisa, where was his masters when he needed them? Was Aurellia truly vanquished?
Rikar stopped, noticing something. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a giant creature lumbering across the temple steps toward the priests. The hairless, hideous creature stood perhaps three times the height of a man. Hope flooded Rikar as the beast seized a priest and tossed it into its mouth, chomping it down.
Who had come to help the battle? Was it Talis and Mara—had they come at last?
A cold thing punched into Rikar’s chest.
No! he thought. Get it out of me!
He looked down and, in horror, saw the snake wriggling its way into his body.
All is lost! shrieked the Naemarians. What have you done, what have you done! Can you give us nothing more?
His chest failed to respond to his desire to breathe. It was so cold.
Stars exploded in his vision.
I feel like I’m drunk. Why do I feel this way?
He smiled, feeling giddy suddenly. There was no pain, only a wonderful euphoria. A pleasant numbness from these weird things crawling their way through his body, consuming his flesh, replicating, and devouring the force of his life.
The world is fading.
He looked over and saw Devonia also struggling with the demonic snake, her eyes horrified.
No, get away from her! He tried to move his hands but could do nothing to stop them.
She had tried transforming into dragon form, but it had provided little aid against the dark spell. Her skin changed to a deathly shade of pale and she returned to human form, giving up.
The snakes were feeding on her.
Her gaze turned to him.
Don’t be afraid. He wanted to say the words, but his mouth was unresponsive.
He could see the love for him in her eyes. It was enough, and filled him with peace.
She squeezed his hand and mouthed the words, I love you.
A smile came to her lips, the kindest, purest smile he’d ever received.
All his anger, all his hatred, all his self-doubt and worry disappeared in the tenderness of that smile. Her eyes sparkled in the infinity she saw.
He followed her, diving into the endless, warm sea. They swam together and let go.
“I love you,” she said again. And this time he could hear her beautiful voice.
“I didn’t want it to end like this. I wanted to grow old with you and live… live free and forever.”
There, beyond the cobalt sea, rose a golden light above the glittering horizon. A trembling wave of light darted over the sky.
He held Devonia’s hand tighter and together they watched the sunrise. Where was this place? It was so incredibly beautiful. The light and the heat of the sun embraced them.
Then the light wavered and they were on a tropical beach. The big blue sea met the foaming waves as they crawled up to kiss the sand and retreated out in a rush.
Figures rippled off in the distance, like a mirage. Familiar ones coming to greet them. One figure made his heart sink with the pain one can only feel for a lost loved one.
Is it really you?
Rikar’s father walked toward him, steps hesitant, eyes apologetic and downcast.
“You’ve come at last, son,” the figure said. “But your life was too short.”
Devonia stood and walked to another figure. It was her father. She greeted him and looked up into his face. His eyes held no accusation, only love and a sense of sadness at seeing her here. They embraced and she cried, spilling tears onto his shoulder as she sobbed.
Rikar looked around. Was this the Fair Seas? Had his father somehow been here all along? Perhaps Zagros had tricked him all this time. Perhaps the story of the dead was all a lie. At least now his life of suffering had come to an end. He’d finally found peace.
He listened in his mind and didn’t hear any voices. The madness was gone.
Yes, at last, his long journey had come to an end. But, unexpectedly, a new one had begun.
30. The Witness
Talis felt the living shield absorb t
he dark spell as if it were a frog consuming a fly. Crar and Jolem had taught him the spell and they’d tested it several times. Each magical strike strengthened the shield and sent a nourishing river flowing over the surface. It was both invigorating and reassuring at the same time. He never knew when they might be attacked by some hidden sorcerer.
He glanced around and spied Mara moving over to position herself behind an enemy priest. Her invisibility had gained her several kills already. But after each strike she was vulnerable for a moment, becoming visible as she plunged her daggers into the alien bodies of the priests.
Once, Talis had cast the shield around her to block a powerful spell from striking her in the back. It proved incredibly useful, though he knew that the daggers would probably absorb anything that threatened her life. Still, he wasn’t taking any chances.
The problem with the living shield was that he felt every kind of spell deep within the marrow of his bones. Disease spells made him sick while fire spells made him sweat profusely. It seemed that absorbing the spells’ energy also had a positive or negative effect on him along with strengthening the shield.
At least it seemed like they were winning. After they’d captured two alien priests to use as hosts for Jorem and Crar, they had cast the spell and split their souls away from the giant beast. Nikulo had played his part and immediately cast the mentalist spell the ancient masters had taught him and taken control of the creature. Crar and Jorem’s souls had left the beast and dove into the bodies of the priests.
Jorem had insisted that they would later find more suitable bodies, as the weird, hairless aliens made them disgusted. Talis couldn’t blame them. Every time he saw the aliens he experienced a similar revulsion to his first time entering the temple of Yavreel.
“As predicted, it is an utter rout,” said Crar, slapping his hands together to shake off the black energy from his last spell. “It seems the priests were already in a weakened state. Who were they fighting?”
“I doubt this is their full force.” Mara looked around. “When we last flew over the temple, I recall a far greater number of priests. I can’t believe so many could have been killed.”
Talis scanned the area looking for the place where he had last seen Rikar, Devonia, Aurellia, and Caisa fighting the priests. There it was. A balcony overlooking the square. But it was greatly damaged now, burned and blackened like it had suffered many strikes from the enemy. The place was empty and they were nowhere to be found.
“Have you seen Rikar?” Talis said, glancing over to where Mara was cleaning her daggers.
“No, come to think of it, I haven’t. Nor have I seen Aurellia or Caisa.” Mara looked worried. “Perhaps the priests went after them?”
Talis frowned, glancing over to where Nikulo was commanding the giant creature. The thing reared up tall and smashed its fists down onto a priest, causing a shower of blood to splatter everyone in the area. Talis wiped his face, wishing the thing hadn’t done that. It was utterly revolting.
“Maybe you can tell it to limit the splat radius? I don’t want alien blood all over me.”
Nikulo shrugged. “Do you think I do? How am I supposed to control the bloodthirsty beast? I only asked it to kill the priests. I suppose next time I could be more specific about the method, though I doubt it will listen. I can barely keep the thing from eating us.”
“I thought they taught you a spell to control the creature? And you’re still having problems?” Mara smirked at him.
“Why don’t you try controlling the thing? It would snack on you in a second. I don’t even think Rikar could tame it, despite all his Starwalker power.” Nikulo glanced around. “Speaking of the old bastard, where is Rikar and Devonia? I thought I saw someone up there earlier on the balcony, but they disappeared after a flock of priests flew up after them.”
“It looks like the main fight leads us elsewhere.” Talis pointed at the balcony. “Let’s head up there and find out. But be careful and stay together. I don’t want anyone getting ambushed.”
“Why would you worry?” said Jorem. “The shield will protect you. And if you’re planning on leaving to chase after more of those heinous priests, then we’re coming with you.”
“I wouldn’t say no to the offer.” Talis frowned, wondering why they were being so helpful. He expected them to go off on their own after the temple was secured. “But we seem to be doing alright on our own.”
Crar scoffed. “With our shield and the other spells we’ve taught you. Don’t forget that. Besides, you have no idea about the strength of their elder priests. The ones we’ve encountered so far have been weak.”
“I’ve sensed something strange since coming up to the surface.” Jorem sniffed the air like a hound catching a scent. “It’s very disturbing.”
Crar and Jorem looked at each other for a long time as if they were silently communicating with each other.
“What is it?” Talis said. “If we’re in danger you have to tell us.”
“We don’t have to tell you a thing.” Crar cracked his knuckles and gave him a haughty scowl. “If it suits our purpose and if we will benefit by telling you, then we might disclose the information.”
“Just be cautious when going after your allies. We sense something very old and powerful in the area. A familiar feeling…” Jorem stared off toward the balcony, a flicker of fear crossing his face. Talis didn’t like it at all.
“Perhaps we should send the little one to scout ahead. Her daggers are powerful. I doubt anyone will be able to penetrate the veil of invisibility.” Crar gave Mara a considered look.
“So you’re suggesting I should be the bait?” Mara huffed in irritation. “You sense something old and ancient and evil. And you want me to go in there? Are you nuts? Daggers or not, how do I know this thing won’t sense me?”
Jorem looked unconcerned. “It matters not to us. Though it merely seems the prudent approach. If we sent your friend Talis, he would most certainly be discovered. Is that what you want? To risk his life?”
“No, of course not. Do I look like an idiot? I was thinking that you would go. You look like a regular temple priest after all. Why would they bother you? It seems to me like the perfect setup. They think you’ve come to help and you blast them to pieces.”
“That all sounds very well-constructed,” said Crar. “But you are missing an important element. They will sense our energy. It’s that easy for us to be discovered. And I’m not about to have this body die so quickly without finding another suitable host.”
“So much for all your legendary powers,” Mara said, pointing her dagger at the balcony. “If I go up there and risk my neck to help you, what are you going to offer us in return?”
“We’ve already promised to open a portal and allow you to return home.” Jorem tilted his head at Mara. “What more could you want? You depart from this world and leave the Origin World for us to control. It sounds like a simple transaction to me.”
“No, that won’t do. You also promised to kill the Nameless. You have to help us obliterate her, otherwise, she’ll come after us.” Mara gave Jorem a shrewd look. “You have to do it. I mean permanently eliminate the Nameless. Body, mind, and soul. Otherwise, we’ll never get rid of her. I just know it.”
Charna bounded ahead, catching Talis’ attention. He was about to whistle for her to stop when the lynx did something impossible. A golden glow appeared around her and she jumped toward the balcony. But instead of making the improbable leap, the cat stalked up the wall, sideways, like somehow it had the ability to twist gravity. How in the name of the gods had she done that? Soon Charna pounced up to the balcony edge and turned back to stare at Talis.
“Well, look at that. It seems like your cat has settled the argument. She’s taking the lead.” Crar gave a rumbling laugh. “As for killing the Nameless, we shall see if she gets in our way. Otherwise, she is of no concern to us. Old quests for vengeance are meaningless. Wielding power is all that matters. But if she is the same entity I remember, she’ll fi
ght to the very last.”
“Then I consider that an agreement,” said Mara, and she headed toward the balcony.
Talis followed her, cautiously searching for enemies.
Jorem cast a spell and Talis found himself floating up toward the balcony. Mara was hit by the spell also and flew up ahead and reached the top. She stepped into the balcony, then stopped, her face horrified.
She gasped.
“Talis,” she whispered, her eyes downcast. She began to mumble a chant. “The Goddess Nestria be merciful… keep their souls at peace.”
“What is it?” Talis reached the balcony’s edge and followed her gaze.
Good gods, how?
A large knot formed in the pit of his stomach. He tasted bile rising up his throat.
Rikar’s body lay sprawled on the dirty, blackened floor. His head leaned to the side, eyes open, still staring at Devonia.
She was dead also. But not by any physical means. Some spell had done this. A faint silver glow still shone around Rikar, as if the Starwalker power refused to dissipate.
Mara wept, sinking to her knees next to Rikar. She placed a hand over his face and closed his eyes.
“How did this happen?” She sniffled, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Why did you have to die?”
Talis joined her and kneeled next to his old friend. He put his arm around Mara and nuzzled his head against hers.
A line of blood dripped from Rikar’s nostril. Talis wiped it away, finding tears welling up in his eyes.
Where was Rikar’s soul now? Was he finally at peace with his father? Did Lord Zagros grant him his respite in the Underworld? Or was he being tortured in the endless Grim March?
Talis sighed, not wanting to believe they were really dead. But at least Rikar and Devonia were together. It would be a lasting peace, an end to war. He deserved that, at least. After all the suffering he’d been through, he deserved a rest from all the violence and the war.
“You will be missed, old friend,” Talis said, wiping his cheek.
Mara’s eyes steeled over and her jaw clenched in anger. “I’m going to kill the bastards who did this to him. I’m going to kill every single last one of them.”
Origin Mage Page 20
