Moonlight War- Act II (The Realmers Book 3)

by William Collins

  “Rest for now, Evan.” Vanderain prepared to leave. “We’ll have much to do in the future. I’ll see you again soon.”

  Evan watched him leave in silence, his mind battling with emotions, from guilt and fear, to relief and rage.

  Chapter 58- The Evil Which Lay Hidden

  Tyrell squinted against the snow as it pelted his face.

  Before setting out, he and his mission group had donned enchanted thermal vests underneath their armour, so they didn’t freeze in this frozen world. He could’ve summoned a spell to keep the snow off his face too, but it was always best to preserve your sorcery for when you absolutely needed it

  “No rest for the wicked, eh?” Lok called up to him.

  Tyrell led the way for all of them as they marched up the mountain. Lok had been directly behind him, now he moved to Tyrell’s side.

  “You and I must be on a record for most amounts of missions set this year, my friend.” Lok grinned. “I’m happy so many of mine have been with you, though.”

  He looked at Lok incredulously. “Has a demon possessed you? That doesn’t sound like the Lok I know at all.”

  “Hey, a guy can reminisce sometimes.” Lok chuckled. “It just occurred to me all you and I have been through together.”

  “Well, we’ve known each other for three years,” Tyrell replied. “It’s only natural.”

  He and Lok had only been back at the Fortress for a day before tasked with their next assignment. But like his mission in London, it was an urgent one. This time they knew in advance that Rakarn were involved. It was the reason he led so many Venators. He looked down at the line of Realmers following him.

  Due to the severity of the mission their group was bolstered by three High-Realmers, too. Billy, Taylor and Poppy, and then Jimmy Revlin rounded out the group.

  It was little Jimmy’s very first mission, after becoming a Mid-Realmer only two weeks ago.

  There was a lot of them, but they needed the numbers to clear out the rumoured group of Rakarn terrorising this realm from their hideout.

  Tyrell wasn’t keen to have inexperienced Venators, like Jimmy, being thrust into difficult missions so quickly, but he knew it had become a necessary evil with the Realmer ranks being spread on so many assignments later.

  Tyrell kept reminding himself he could look after his group though, like he always did.

  “This way,” he called to the others, leading them up the slope to their left, instead of their right. By his eyes, the left slope was the easiest route.

  Tyrell didn’t like the leadership role in his missions, yet it often happened naturally. The Masters also liked to pair inexperienced Venators with him, they knew he’d keep them safe.

  He was glad of it though, for many reasons, chief among them when he was a mission guide for Ren. Tyrell reckoned her first mission with him might’ve been the thing that brought the two of them closer together. He’d been friends with Ren for years before they’d started dating. Truth be told, he was a little annoyed he’d been sent on a mission so soon after London. He hadn’t seen his girlfriend in what felt like forever. Don’t worry, you’ll see Ren again tonight. This mission shouldn’t take too long.

  The mission report had pinpointed the exact location the Rakarn were hiding. He knew they were near the entrance to the ice caves already. The cursed Dark-Venators had made a home in the snowy mountain, where they periodically released demons to terrorize the towns below the mountain range.

  Tyrell hated the Rakarn scum. He understood demons, they had no understanding beyond wanting to eat and kill. But humans like Dark-Venators, he couldn’t comprehend how they could be so cruel.

  “How much further?” Billy shouted up to him.

  “Yeah,” Taylor chimed in. “Why couldn’t we have just portalled inside the mountain?”

  “I told you already,” he said. “The Rakarn have likely blocked the entrance with magical traps. And this way we’ll take them by surprise.”

  Billy and Taylor just grumbled in reply. The two boys were sixteen and had been in training for years. Though they were unruly, at least they weren’t scared. Poppy looked queasy and had barely spoken, whilst Jimmy was huddled into his hooded cloak, trembling more from fear than the cold.

  “C’mon Jimmy,” he called over. “We’re almost there.”

  “You’re right,” said Lok, “I think I see a cave mouth up ahead. Hey,” Lok turned to him suddenly. “Do you want to wait outside the entrance whilst I lead the others in?”

  “What, why?”

  “In case the Dark-Venators have left the caves and return whilst we’re inside. They’d be the ones ambushing us then.”

  The thought had occurred to Tyrell, though not him being the one on guard duty.

  “No, I mean it’s a good idea. But maybe you should guard the entrance.”

  Lok frowned. “Are you sure, mate? I really don’t mind leading the others in the attack.”

  Tyrell nodded. “No offence, Lok. You know I love you, you’re my best friend. But you don’t exactly make people feel safe. You’ll start laughing maniacally before you battle the Rakarn and freak the rest of the team out.”

  “Huh, good point,” Lok smiled faintly. “I just thought maybe I should take the leadership role for once. I’ll have too, with you leaving soon.”

  It was true. Mistress Aqenna had let slip to Tyrell that in a month or two his training would be complete and he’d be a full-time Realmer. Leaving Veneseron for a long term mission would be bittersweet. He loved the Fortress and it had been his home for years. But he’d decided to request to return to Earth. Tyrell knew there was enough assignments he could take on. Ireland was currently deep in conflict between its druids and its leprechaun population, whilst the Oni monsters in Japan were becoming a big problem. But what he’d most like to do was return to his home country of Italy. Not only would it be good to return home, he knew stopping the hunters from making dragons extinct there was well worth the time.

  “Good point,” he replied. “How about this? Because Rakarn are involved, this is serious High-Risk. But next time we have a mission together, I’ll let you lead, deal?”

  Lok nodded, and Tyrell saw a strange sadness in his eyes. Tyrell didn’t know his friend had cared that much.

  “Well, if you’re sure,” said Lok. “Although we might not get another mission together.”

  Tyrell chuckled. “I believe this is our ninth job together, mate.”

  “I know.” Lok grinned, “Maybe we’ve set a record. Do you remember those water nymphs we had to-”

  “Hold on,” Tyrell cut him off. “We’re here.”

  The mountainous slope had ended. Punched into the mountain wall was a jagged cave mouth, leading down into darkness.

  “Finally,” Billy muttered.

  “Alright, everyone ready,” Tyrell said, turning to his companions.

  They all nodded, even Jimmy, who looked like he was about to vomit.

  “I’ll stay here then,” Lok said, leaning against the rock wall. “As long as you’re sure, Tyrell?”

  “Why? You scared?” Billy asked.

  “No, you idiot,” said Lok. “Someone needs to be the lookout in case the Rakarn aren’t home.”

  Tyrell hesitated. He’d have liked both himself and Lok to fight the Rakarn together. But none of his other companions had faced the Rakarn before and they needed the experience.

  “Yes, I’m sure,” he said at last. “You’ll be able to handle yourself the best if the Rakarn try to ambush us from here.”

  Lok nodded, though his eyes showed a touch of melancholy.

  “All right, no one make a sound as we enter the caves,” said Tyrell. “If you have to communicate, do it as quietly as you can. The report said only four Dark-Venators have been spotted around the mountain range, summoning portals from demon realms and setting them loose. But if we find more than six Rakarn, we’ll back off and wait for reinforcements. I don’t want any of you to sustain injury today, much less die.”


  His companions murmured their assent and so Tyrell led them into the cave, minus Lok. Just before he stepped inside, he waved his hand over the entrance, checking for any enchantments the Rakarn might’ve placed, but he found nothing there. He wasn’t surprised by the Dark-Venators incompetence, they weren’t the most cautious of people.

  The darkness as the mountain swallowed them was almost blinding, but Tyrell waited for his eyes adjust rather than using the Darkbreaker spell. They couldn’t give their enemy’s any sign they were coming.

  The cave path was narrow and led down steeply. There was only enough room for them to move single-file.

  Sooner than he’d expected, the flicker of torchlight bloomed at the end of the path.

  “Okay, move slower, not a sound,” he whispered.

  The tunnel curled to the left as the light became stronger and Tyrell stopped by the turning, peeking round the corner. Beyond was a wide clearing where four Dark-Venators sat by a campfire.

  His body tensed as adrenaline funnelled through him, readying himself for battle.

  The Rakarn faced away from the path’s entrance, muttering quietly to one another. They didn’t suspect a thing, but they were fully armoured, and weapons at their belts. All four of them even had their helms on too, the glowing blue eye-holes the only source of light in the caves, save for the small fire.

  Tyrell silently signalled for his team to unsheathe their weapons and ready their magic. He then mouthed a countdown from three to one and sprinted from behind the corner to ambush the Rakarn.

  As soon as they ran into the clearing the Dark-Venators sprang to their feet, their weapons in hand and magic at their fingertips. It was as if the Rakarn had expected them.

  Tyrell had no idea how, maybe the cave had been spelled after all, but just to alert the Rakarn to intruders, nothing else.

  But now all element of surprise was out of the window, but still they had the numbers.

  Metallic laughter rang out beneath the Rakarns’ horned helms.

  “Welcome Venators,” said one of them. “How brave of you, to walk willingly to your deaths.”

  “Don’t worry,” Tyrell shouted to his companions without looking back at them, keeping his eyes fixed on the four Rakarn. “We can take them, just follow my lead. I’ll-“

  A scream erupted over his shoulder and he whirled to see three more Dark-Realmers had appeared behind his team. Each Rakarn seized a Venator. It was Jimmy who screamed, as one attacker wrapped his arm around his neck. Poppy and Taylor were restrained too, but trying to fight back.

  Before Tyrell could help them, the first four Rakarn leaped at him. He span back swiftly, his sword flicking through the air to parry all four enemies, whilst bringing his free hand out to shoot multiple fireballs into their midst.

  The Rakarn fell back before him as Tyrell flew through their midst, hacking the sword from one opponents hand, before knocking another to the ground with a leg sweep.

  Billy duelled another Rakarn as he tried to free their companions, but the Dark-Venator was the superior swordsman.

  Tyrell fought like a madman, beating the Rakarn into submission, despite the fact it was four against one. The panicked shouts of his companions spurred him on, he had to save them.

  After knocking another Dark-Venator to the floor, he backed up, summoning a huge torrent of energy magic in his hand. As Tyrell went to launch his sorcery, he felt a punch in his back.

  He looked down at the sword tip sticking through his chest in confusion. His companions screamed in shock and horror. Tyrell felt nothing as the sword was yanked back out of him and he fell to his knees.

  “Don’t kill them, fools!” He heard Lok shout. “Just hold them there.”

  Lok stepped our from behind Tyrell, his sword coated in blood. Tyrell’s brain refused to piece it together. Surely the person who stabbed him in the back couldn’t have been Lok.

  “Traitor!” Billy screamed, fighting off the Rakarn who held him and leaping for Lok. Lok sidestepped, however, before sweeping his sword up high, slitting Billy’s throat.

  Tyrell was positive now that the Rakarn must’ve hit him with a powerful illusion spell. This wasn’t actually happening. Billy gurgled as he collapsed, blood jetting from his neck.

  Tyrell could see the hole in his chest and fluid pumped out of it in a torrent, but still, he felt no pain.

  “Lok?” he called to his best friend.

  He could hear Jimmy, Taylor and Poppy shouting hysterically, but they were bound with magic by the Rakarn.

  Tyrell tried to go to their aid, but fell to his knees instead. Lok stepped over Billy’s body, and came back to him.

  The Lok who stood before him wasn’t the Lok he knew. There was no trace of his usual mischievousness or aloof amusement, only a cold expression, tinged with guilt.

  ‘Why,” Tyrell rasped as blood bubbled from his mouth.

  “Sorry mate,” Lok crouched down beside him. “There’s no malice in it. You’re just collateral damage.”

  He tried to reply, but more blood gushed from his mouth, he was choking on it.

  “I tried to save you,” Lok whispered in his ear. “But you wouldn’t be the lookout. You left me no choice, Tyrell. I’m truly sorry.”

  Lok stepped away, turning his back on him.

  Tyrell stared after him, willing the illusion to melt away. In real life he knew Lok would be fighting by his side. He’d known him for years. There was no way his friend would do this.

  The illusion didn’t fade, however, it didn’t exist. As his vision began to black at the edges, Tyrell knew it was over. He thought of Ren, of Veneseron, of Lok. And then he died.

  *

  Lok forced himself to turn back around after he heard Tyrell slump onto the cave floor. He hadn’t wanted to see him take his last breath.

  “You were a good friend, Tyrell.” He leaned down and respectfully closed Tyrell’s eyelids, forever.

  One of the Rakarn pulled off his helm and Lok recognised him. Darcy, who’d been a newcomer to Velkarath when Lok had left.

  “Aww, the turncloak’s gone soft. All that time living with ‘em.” Darcy said.

  Lok chuckled. “I was a Rakarn long before you, Darcy. Before all of you, I’d wager.”

  Velkarath had been the first place where he’d felt a semblance of control, the first place he felt powerful.

  “Yeah, well,” said Darcy, “You’d think someone with so much experience would know, the Masters would rather convert Venators to add to our number, not kill them.”

  “I told you,” Lok said quietly, “I know Tyrell, there’s no chance he’d join us. I didn’t know Billy had that much moxy either. Velkarath tells us to kill if they won’t join us.”

  ‘Velkarath can break anyone, it always does in the end.”

  “Not this guy,” Lok gestured to Tyrell’s body. “He’s Veneseron thick and thin. He’d never let himself be an asset for Velkarath. These three will be easily converted.” He pointed to Taylor, Poppy and Jimmy.

  “No, what are you doing,” Poppy screeched.

  “Where are you taking us?” Jimmy sobbed.

  “These weaklings” Darcy glared at the Venators. “I doubt any of them have enough to make a good Dark-Realmer. Besides, won’t Veneseron’s masters start to suspect you soon?” Darcy asked him. “Especially after the other Venator you gave us. Ages ago now, might I add.”

  “Naa,” Lok said, “I wasn’t on a mission with Brie. I knew she was on a rare solo mission though, she left Veneseron the same time I did. I just portalled over to her before I started my own mission and sent her to Velkarath, the Masters didn’t suspect me at all. This is different. The fools at Veneseron think Brie Silcorn is missing, I’ll tell them this lot all perished by your hands and only I survived. That’s why I thought I’d bring you four Ven’s at once. Well, three now.”

  “Well, good effort at least,” Darcy smirked. “Your offering might just satisfy some of Velkarath’s lords.”

  “Glarq off,” Lok bris
tled. “I’ve already converted three Venators still in Veneseron, who have pledged to join our cause. When the time’s right, they will join you in Velkarath too.”

  “You better hope our queen believes it to be enough.”

  Lok snorted. “Akirandon herself sent me to Veneseron years ago, you Ushk. And I’ve been feeding you valuable information to Velkarath ever since. I’ve probably saved all of your lives at one time or another, by informing you when the Venators were about to disrupt one of your missions.”

  “Yeah, and failed to inform us when Venators are going to intervene on many other missions,” Darcy replied.

  “I can’t know every single mission plan Veneseron has now, can I?”

  “You could try harder.”

  A handful of the Dark-Venators joined Darcy in his laughter. Lok had almost forgotten how much he loathed the majority of his brethren.

  “Akirandon knows how well I’m doing, she wouldn’t have given me such a vital mission if she didn’t know I’d excel at it. Make sure you tell them how I brought you three more Realmers, I doubt any of you have had successful missions lately. Selina’s mission to bring London to ruin failed, can’t you do anything right?”

  “Yeah, because you worked against her,” Darcy snarled. “She’s been telling everyone at Velkarath about it.”

  “Lies. I purposefully refrained from killing any of my kin. She simply screwed up.”

  “You better get back to Veneseron,” Darcy said, “hopefully you can get round to converting more than a paltry three Venators to our side.”

  Lok grinned, “Oh, don’t you worry. I’m already working on others. I’m really close to converting another girl actually. She was in the group that stopped us turning London into a warzone. She’ll be a valuable asset to us.”

  “She better be,” Darcy said, walking over to Jimmy and grabbing his chin. “This little one will probably dead in a week, we’ll need replacements.”

  Lok didn’t bother answering, but punched himself in the mouth instead After spitting out blood with a smirk. He placed the tip of his sword to his face and sliced through his own eyebrow, letting the blood run down his face. And drip over his armour. He completed the self-abuse by ripping off his left chest plate and firing an energy spell at it, powerful enough to crack the armour in half.