Umbaroth descended. As they got closer, they could see Danon’s army pouring through a breach in the city walls. The streets of Delfinnia’s third largest city ran red with the blood of defenders and civilians alike.
“Look, there are survivors,” Umbaroth bellowed.
On the north side of the city, a contingent of several hundred legionaries was fleeing across the plains. The red cloaks of the Blood Riders, the Legion’s elite cavalry force, were unmistakable as they charged the enemy lines. Desperate fighting ensued as the surviving legionaries fought to break through and escape.
“We have to help them,” Luxon shouted. Umbaroth roared in acknowledgement, before diving down and unleashing fire onto the enemy. The attack inflicted horrendous damage onto the enemy lines, allowing the Blood Riders to punch a hole and allow the fleeing Legion to slip through.
“The city is lost, and the Legion is routed. There’s now nothing between here and Sunguard to stop Danon. Ricard’s gamble has failed,” Luxon said in disbelief. Umbaroth climbed and turned away from the city. With a shudder, Luxon took one last look at the fallen city. It would soon be a fate that would befall the rest of the realm. With no King’s Legion and the armies of the baron’s divided, there was no one to halt Danon’s advance.
“We still have company!” he yelled as fire blazed close overhead. Drakis was gaining on them, his terrifying black shape growing larger by the second. Danon may be winning the war, but there was still a chance to show him that it wasn’t over yet. Gripping Asphodel tightly, he gritted his teeth in determination.
“Umbaroth, turn and face Drakis. I will give Danon a reason to be wary. I will show him that we’re not defeated yet!”
The silver dragon suddenly turned in a wide arc, its wings spread wide. The drop in momentum took Drakis by surprise, forcing him to overshoot. Umbaroth steepened the turn and Drakis, meanwhile, threw himself into a turn of his own. Luxon watched, his heart racing; the dragons were lining up for a direct head to head confrontation.
“I hope you’re sure about this,” Umbaroth grumbled.
Luxon tightened his grip on Asphodel’s hilt and braced himself. Drakis was now directly in front of them and closing fast. To an observer on the ground, the sight of two of the largest and most powerful dragons speeding towards one another would have been spectacular.
Drakis opened his cavernous mouth. Huge sharp teeth and a forked tongue filled the maw, and an orange glow formed at the back of the dragon’s throat, signalling that he was about to breathe fire. Luxon raised Asphodel above his head and tapped into its power. With his free hand, he conjured a magical shield. Drakis fired, the flames racing towards Umbaroth. With a grunt, Luxon dug his legs into Umbaroth’s sides as the powerful attack struck the shield. The power of the fire took him by surprise, but he held on, using all his strength to keep the shield active. Heat washed over him but passed by harmlessly. Just as it seemed that the two mighty beasts were about to crash into each other, Umbaroth dived underneath Drakis’s exposed belly. Luxon thrust upwards with Asphodel, and the magic blade pierced scales and flesh. Drakis roared in agony, but Luxon was not done yet. Umbaroth climbed and looped until he was above the black dragon.
With a yell of terror, Luxon jumped from Umbaroth’s back. Wind whistled past his ears as he fell. Using magic, he controlled his fall and landed with a thud on Drakis’s back. The dragon roared again as it sensed his presence. Drakis shook violently, desperately trying to shake Luxon off. Luxon magically anchored himself to the dragon. The thrashing grew more intense and almost made him vomit, but he shook it off; his mind was set on his goal. Quickly, he ran down the length of Drakis’s huge back until he reached the beast’s long neck.
Taking a deep breath, he raised Asphodel above his head in a two-handed grip and brought the sword down with all his might. As before, the sacred blade sliced deeply into Drakis’s neck. He swung again and again, every blow elicting a roar of pain from the black dragon. Until, with a final snap, the dragon’s neck was separated from its shoulders.
Immediately, Drakis’s body went limp, his huge wings folding inwards. Luxon looked around in panic as the dead dragon began to plummet towards the world below. Turning, he sprinted down the mighty beasts back and leapt out into open air. The wind rushed past him as he fell, the ground growing larger by the second. From such a height he doubted that his magic would do much to prevent him from slamming into the earth. Nonetheless, he did his best to ignore the fear filling him, and tried to focus his powers. But just as he was about to trigger a levitation spell, Umbaroth swooped down and caught him in his talons. Luxon shouted in relief at the rescue and watched as Drakis’s corpse crashed into Danon’s forces. The impact wreaked havoc through the ranks of Sarpi; dozens were crushed, and others sent sprawling by the shockwave. Dark energy burst out of the dragon’s corpse and washed over the plains.
“You did it, Luxon. You have freed my kin from Danon’s influence,” Umbaroth shouted excitedly. Luxon couldn’t help but smile at the dragon’s happiness. His own joy was shortlived, however. He looked at the burning city of Bison and heard the screams of its populace as it was put to the sword; anger filled him.
“Get as close to the city as you can,” Luxon commanded.
Umbaroth flew as close to the city as he dared whilst Luxon clambered back up onto his back.
“I want Danon to see this. I want him to see that he’s not won yet.”
*
Danon’s hands gripped the stone crenellations of Bison’s northern wall in a death grip. His black eyes were fixed on the silver dragon hovering before him. Luxon was standing on Umbaroth’s back, the golden sword of Asphodel held high in the air above him.
For the first time in millennia, Danon felt a twinge of true fear. The sacred sword had been recovered – the only blade to have hurt him, to have made him feel … something. Behind him, he sensed the presence of Sintinius. The Sarpi general’s black robes were covered in mud and blood.
“Why not strike the dragon down, my lord?” Sintinius asked in his rasping voice.
Danon closed his eyes, forcing a smile onto his lips.
“Now is not the time. I want them to witness their world’s supplication. Order your men to put this city to the sword. Kill all who dwell in it; they will be added to the ranks of the undead.”
“As you wish, my lord,” Sintinius said. “The undead will go some way to replacing our losses. I have to admit that the Delfinnians have fought bravely thus far. Even against our superior might, they still fight on.”
Danon frowned and spun to face his general. With supernatural speed, he crossed the distance to the Sarpi and grabbed him tightly by the throat, lifting Sintinius into the air.
“Is that a hint of respect I hear in your voice Sintinius?”
Sintinius looked away, unable to look his master in the eye.
“It is not the Delfinnians that encourage the people to resist me. It is him,” Danon snarled as he pointed at Luxon. “I have underestimated him, and it has cost me. He has retrieved Asphodel and has freed the dragons from my influence.”
“Forgive me, master, but it is Accadus who has failed you, not I,” Sintinius gasped.
Danon’s face contorted with fury, and with a terryfying ease threw Sintinius aside, sending him crashing to the fractured stone ground. It was true; Accadus had failed him.
“For his sake, he had best be dead. If not, I will skin him alive. Once this city is slain, gather the army. We march on Sunguard at the first opportunity.”
25.
Caldaria
“Were you ever going to tell me?” Luxon asked softly.
It was late at night, and the grand master’s chambers were lit by a solitary lantern. Thanos and Umbaroth had reached the mage city earlier that evening, and news of Bison’s fall was spreading fast across what was left of free Delfinnia. Luxon had hastened to the Medica to check on Yepert, and had sat at his friend’s side for several hours. Looking into his eyes, there had been no trace of Yepert
’s personality, or any hint of awareness of the world around him. Now he sat in Thanos’s quarters, finally having the conversation that he knew was inevitable. Thanos stood with his back to him; the arch mage was staring out of the large circular window that overlooked the city below. He sighed deeply and shrugged his shoulders.
“I do not know,” Thanos said softly, in answer to Luxon’s question.
Luxon leant forward in his chair and ran a hand through his sandy blonde hair. “You’re Niveren, the immortal god hero that everyone in this land worships. You’re Danon’s brother, a being as old as humanity itself, and you’re telling me that you’re not sure whether you were going to tell me that or not? You should have told me as soon as we knew about Cliria.”
“And what would that have achieved? By the time we knew for certain that Cliria was planning to free Danon from the Void, it was too late. I understand your anger, Luxon, but trust me when I say that this knowledge would have made little difference to all that has occurred.”
Luxon couldn’t help but feel anger fill him. He stood up forcibly and planted his trembling hands on the desk.
“Little difference? You were blessed personally by a god. With your power, you could have faced Danon. Instead, you used my friends and me to do what you should have done. I was just a boy when you sent me to find the Diasect. Its because you’re … you’re …”
Thanos turned to face his apprentice, a stern look on his face.
“Say it.”
“… you’re a coward, Niveren,” Luxon finished bitterly.
Thanos rubbed his face before sitting heavily in his high-backed chair. “You are correct. I trust the portals on the Isle showed you what happened – how I was unable to kill my brother; how I allowed his evil to linger in this world. It is all my fault. Over the ages, I have tried to make amends. I helped Zahnia on his quest to end my brother’s age of darkness, I helped Marcus conquer the corrupted Golden Empire, and now I am helping you, Luxon.”
Luxon sat back down with a sigh; he could see the pain and turmoil in Thanos’s eyes.
“You say that I was blessed by a god,” Thanos continued, “but I say I was cursed. To me, time has little meaning, and those events millenia ago are as fresh to me as this moment is now. I cannot … I will not kill my brother. Despite everything he has done, I still believe that he can be saved. What happened to him was not his fault.”
“He killed my mother,” Luxon said angrily. “He’s destroyed Yepert’s mind and is conquering this land. Perhaps he is a victim of some evil goddess, perhaps not. It changes nothing. He must be stopped, and I will do so with or without your help.”
“I understand Luxon,” the Grand Master said. “I will help you, of course. I have sent word to all peoples still free from Danon’s reach, asking them to come to Caldaria. I do not want to see another Dark Age descend upon this world. and I will resist it with all of my power. But stopping Danon – my brother – I will leave to you.”
*
Five days later
Luxon woke up early. The sun was streaming in through the window of his room, casting its light on Hannah’s sleeping form at his side. He softly stroked her face, before climbing out of bed. The day promised to be a busy one. Emissaries had been dispacthed to all corners of the kingdom to summon anyone capable of bearing arms to Caldaria. Luxon walked barefoot into the small bathroom that adjoined the bed chamber and dipped a finger in the bucket of water that had been placed there by a servant the night before. It was cold – just what he wanted. Scooping up the water, he splashed it on his face, gasping at the refreshing sensation, and glad to feel some of the weariness wash away.
He then walked back into the bed chamber and put on his trousers and tunic. Hannah stirred and sat up stretching. Luxon admired her lithe figure for a moment before putting on his boots.
“Today’s the day, then?” she asked tiredly. She had spent virtually all of her time at Yepert’s side, working with Master Enil to come up with some way to heal his condition. So far, no spell or potion had proven affective.
“Yes. All of the preparations have been made,” Luxon said as he took his green wizard’s cloak from the peg next to the chamber’s door and put it on. “Now we need to convince whoever will listen to follow the strategy we’ve devised,” Hannah got out of the bed and walked over to him. She helped him with some of the buckles on his belt and the scabbard that he now wore on his hip. It was the first time she had ever seen him carry a sword. It made him look more military – the epitome of a warrior wizard.
“Have you decided what you’re going to do?” Luxon asked.
She stepped back, admiring his appearence. He had changed so much since they first met. He was no longer the mischevious, curious boy; now he was a wizard, powerful and wise. She placed a palm on his broad chest and rested her head against his.
“I’ve decided to stay in Caldaria. I know I said that I would never leave your side, but I think its best I stay. You cannot do the things you will need to do if you’re worrying about me.” She placed a finger against his lips to stop his protest. “If I hadn’t been there when we retreived Asphodel, Danon would never have been able to do what he did. I almost cost us the mission. If I’m not at your side, then your enemies cannot exploit your love for me.”
Luxon tilted her back and kissed her. He smiled as their lips parted.
“You being at my side makes me stronger, Hannah, but I understand what you’re saying. I might be gone for a long time, if I return at all.”
“I’ll be waiting for you, however long it takes,” she replied softly, “and I trust you not to get yourself killed.” They kissed again before Luxon turned and left the chamber. Then Hannah sat back on the bed and wept.
*
The city was packed with people from all across Delfinnia. Mages rubbed shoulders with the burly men of the east, and legionaries mingled with Knights of Niveren. As soon as they had returned to the city, Kaiden had ordered the knights to withdraw from Sumil and head to Caldaria. The survivors of the Legion had likewise heeded the call.
Luxon walked through the bustling streets and passed the Arc Tower. As he went, people stepped aside. Some even bowed or offered well wishes to him, while others pointed or gawped at the wizard who wielded the sword Asphodel. The meeting to which he was heading was being held outside the city walls. He left the city via the southern gate and crossed the small bridge that led to the nearby forest. Once among the trees, he followed the worn path to a wide clearing that had a wide circular stone in its centre. Umbaroth was sat there, his huge bulk taking up half of the space.
“Greetings Umbaroth. How are your kin settling in?” Luxon asked as he walked through the long grass.
“Very well, considering the weather is gradually getting worse. Soon the full force of winter will descend upon this land, and us dragons do not like the cold. Fortunately, your mages have come up with some creative ways to keep us warm.” The dragon pointed to his throat. He wore a metal chain, and attached to it was a large glowing stone.
“Is that a firestone? I’ve never seen one so large before,” Luxon said, choosing a spot in which to sit.
“Yes, its magic provides warmth throughout our bodies. Your Master of Alteration, Fy’odo, came up with the idea.”
Their conversation was interrupted as more people emerged from the trees. Ferran and Sophia waved at them and sat next to Luxon, whilst the masters gathered in the stone circle. As well as the leading mages, there were the highest ranking members of the Nightblades and order of battle mages, as well as several men wearing the garb of the King’s Legion. More and more people filed into the clearing, including Kaiden who was dressed in his full Knight Commander armour. At his side was Thrift, the bald thief wearing the typical clothing of a Fleetfoot, and another knight who Luxon didn’t recognise. Finally, Grand Master Thanos entered the clearing, and at his side was King Alderlade. At seeing the boy king, everyone knelt and bowed their heads.
“Rise,” Alderlade shouted, s
o that his childish voice could be heard by all. He then hurried over to where Luxon sat and chose a place next to him. Luxon smiled to the boy. He wondered if the lad had any idea that they were half-brothers, but that was a conversation for another time.
Thanos stepped into the centre of the circle and looked at the gathered crowd.
“I have called this council because our land stands on the edge of annihilation. The armies of Danon have spread and are now encamped at the walls of Sunguard. Thanks to the actions of the usurper, Ricard, the King’s Legion is unable to even to attempt to defend it.” He held his hands up to quiet the angry shouts that followed Ricard’s name. They were shouts of, “Coward” and, “Traitor!”
“What soliders there are in the city have evacuated the populace as best as they have been able, and those refugees are on their way to Caldaria. The loss of the city is a grave blow, but we must remember that towns and cities can be rebuilt, whereas human lives cannot.” Mutterings of agreement could be heard among the crowd. “I have more grave news. The Barony of Robinta has also fallen. Rusay Broadmane’s army was defeated by a Sarpi force on the banks of the Ridder River three days ago. We do not know whether the baron survived or not. What we do know is that the Sarpi sacked the city of Robinta.” More cries of outrage and despair came from the crowd.
“As such, we mages have devised a strategy,” Thanos continued. “The remaining might of Delfinnia’s military is gathering in Caldaria. What’s left of the King’s Legion, the Knights of Niveren and the Dragons are here. We shall concentrate all of our remaining strength, and we shall hold out for as long as we can.”
A legionary stood.
“Why should we put our trust in you, mage? We’ve been fighting non-stop whilst you wielders sit on your backsides and let us all die. I was at Bison; I saw what the enemy is capable of. For four days, we fought a rearguard action to try and slow them down. They smashed us, and we were lucky to escape alive. They have magic, Fell Beasts and undead at their command. We don’t stand a chance. If we all gather here, we will be slaughtered all the same. The Legion is scattered, and the armies of the baronies have either been defeated or refuse to fight.”
Quest for the Sundered Crown (The Sundered Crown Saga Book 3) Page 20
