by C C Morgen
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I assured her I ‘d take great care in that responsibility. The flame of the dragon is the hottest fire, strong enough to eliminate a foe in the blink of an eye. Wielding such power gave me excitement. “What else can you do?” I eagerly wanted her to show more of her power.
“I’m afraid you will have to wait until we need it,” she answered. “It takes up a lot of energy to play with magic especially the dark arts, it’s very draining. I don’t want to be rendered useless before reaching the mountain.”
“That’s too bad,” Eric reacted with disappointment. “I was hoping to see what else you can do. Can Claudia do the same?”
“My sister is stronger than I am,” she answered. “She can do more than what my abilities can handle. Like summon the Black Flames of Oblivion.”
“What’s that?” I became curious.
“It’s a dangerous spell; even the other lords don’t bother with it. You plea to Oblivion for its power. It comes as a black flame, igniting in one large force of destruction. The power of the flames will destroy everything in its path. Depending on the will of the wielder, it can decimate an entire village. Although, if you are not careful, it will kill you as well. My sister has only summoned it once in our lifetime. Never again after that.”
“Why did she use it in the first place if it’s that destructive?” I asked.
“Remember when I told you when an Incubus and Succubus have an attachment to the ones that mature them? Claudia being half Succubi and half vampire chose our childhood friend to be the one to mature her. Claudia loved her dearly. I think she would have made her a lifelong mate if it weren’t for the Demon wars. She was a part of the lower lords, attacked first by the Harpy Clan. Your family killed so many that it forced us into submission. But before we could admit defeat, your grandmother killed the love of Claudia’s life before her eyes. My sister became so enraged she summoned the black flames to defeat the Dark Queen. However, it backfired. Claudia engulfed her entire army within the black flames, killing everyone except your grandmother. She didn’t know that Celaeno hid in the shadows before the flames released. When she came forth once again to see what Claudia had done, she didn’t even bother to end my sister’s life. Claudia said she stood there with a blank stare like there was no need to do anymore. Your grandmother left and spared my sister’s life. Claudia was never the same after that. She never summoned the Flames of Oblivion ever again. Although, it didn’t end there, she had to endure the shame of killing our kind. It brought a lot of scrutiny on our family as prodigies in the dark arts.”
“That’s sad to hear,” Eric blurted out. “I can imagine how she felt seeing the one she love die. She lost all sight of reason. Didn’t think, just acted on impulse to kill the one that took away her love.”
“So, you and Claudia are the most skilled in the dark arts?” I wanted to know more.
“Yes,” Angelica sighed. “Unfortunately, since that day our practice has been limited. Acts like that are now punishable by death. My family are not at its prime like how it used to be since they warned us that they would remove our place in the council. We would no longer hold a high seat in the Demon Empire if we misuse the Dark Arts again.”
“That’s unfortunate,” I added. “Seems like for one heated mistake your family suffers. I am sorry though that my family was called forth to end the Demon wars. As much as your kind blames the Harpys, we do not act without being hired to the cause. My grandmother would have never wasted the energy if a deal wasn’t made. I think everyone just forgets how my family works. The one that hired my family wanted your old empire to lose at the cost of being in debt to the Harpy clan.”
“That’s a large debt to pay. Did the Dark Queen collect her due?” Angelica huffed in anger.
“I don’t know really,” I answered. “How payments are made is not really talked about. My family never collects unless they need something. It’s just a mass list of favors to be honest.”
“A favor for a favor. That’s the Harpys motto, isn’t it?” Angelica became spiteful. Then suddenly she nodded her head. “I’m sorry Ali. I know I shouldn’t take my aggression out on you. You weren’t even born yet when all that happened, and you have chosen not to join the clan.”
“I understand,” I said. “I still have bitterness lingering in me about Werewolves even though it was really just a bad few that gave me these scars. It’s hard to forget the pain. It’s difficult to forgive. Your aggression towards Harpys, I can understand why. They are the most misunderstood race among the realms. Not that they care about what others think or say about them. My grandmother says we are not monsters; we are true to who we are. My grandmother can be merciful and kind even though she doesn’t love. Her history is frightening, and I can see why she is hated, but if they knew the good things she did as well and how much better things became because of her actions, maybe they would think more highly of my family and what they do for the realms.”
“Your right,” Angelica admitted. “Their actions are frowned upon, but it’s not like we were any better. The old Demon world was imbalanced. We broke the laws of the universe being selfish and power hungry. Because of the war ending, everyone could have peace. No more pillaging. No more taking away freedom. It was shameful what happened. Enslaving the Fae population and spirit creatures. We collected them like objects. I guess some of us still live in denial of the harm we caused and use the Harpys to blame since they were so much more powerful than we were. To see our kind suffer, watching the ones we love fall victim to the superior race, even I could only see the death of my kind and not the victims the Demon population had racked up in a mere decade. Your family ended everything in one day. Saved many if the war went on until this day. It’s just hard to stomach the loss. It’s easier to hate than to accept.”
“I’m sorry you sister suffered her loss,” my thoughts reverted to Claudia suddenly thinking about her and the soul connection we had that didn’t stick. “And you lost a friend. You don’t have to like a Harpy, and you don’t have to accept things if you don’t want to. Even I have trouble accepting things that haunt me till this day. Healing I guess is not easy as said and done. Therefore, I do understand hating is easier than anything else. The rage is much purer, but not necessarily satisfying. Although, it’s better than accepting the truth.”
“You, I and Claudia have quite a bit in common, I’ve noticed,” Angelica grabbed my arm and pulled at it. I moved closer and laid my head on her back. “We all have trouble accepting things—and our past is not as bright. Maybe that’s why I want to stay connected to you for a little while longer.”
Eric road closer to us. “Don’t you want to stay connected to me too?” He winked, and I pulled out Angelica’s large dagger, hidden above her belt and cut the strap to the saddle that held it secure. Eric slid to the left and fell off the Strider, thudding on the ground. He grunted in pain and we all stopped. The men were laughing, and Angelica elbowed me hard in the stomach, knocking me off the Strider’s back, but I landed on my feet instead of collapsing on the ground as Eric did.
“You two can ride together if you want to act like younglings around me.” Angelica heeled the side of the Strider and kept riding off with the rest of the men still laughing at us.
Eric chuckled, “Ha-ha—someone’s being punished for her behavior.” He blew a kiss at me. “No more kisses from that beauty.”
“Shut your mouth,” I kicked dirt at him and hunched over. “The ninth, that hurt. She hits hard for a refined lady.”
“She didn’t hold back one bit—did she?” Eric grabbed ahold of the saddle and tried to fix it quick.
“Actually—I think she was holding back,” I stood up straight and helped him get the saddle mounted on the Strider again.
“She’s a strong lady,” he commented. “Gorgeous as well. She seems to like you. Are we finally opening up to the idea?”
I stayed quiet as he hopped on the Strider and I leaped up behind him, but sitting back to back
, leaning on each other. “She is really pretty—and desirable.”
“So, what do you think Ali? Do you want to make the empire your home?” He heeled the horse to move faster to catch up with the others. “I actually wouldn’t mind if you did. If we survive—I think I’d want to plant my roots here and be employed by the empire for a while.”
“I’m not opposed to it,” I answered. “It is where I belong. But I won’t stay if she doesn’t want me to.” I see the gap between Angelica and us close-in.
I’ll stay if she asks.
CHAPTER 20
Angelica
WE RODE JUST A MERE HALF DAY before we reached the outskirts of Ashhedge. The heat alone made the Shadow Striders trot with unease, and they stopped and huffed in agitation. Ali leaped off from behind Eric and the other men began to dismount from their saddles.
“I guess we walk from here,” Achilles announced while grabbing his spear and shield. Everyone grabbed their weapons and gear, getting ready for a long walk on the barren dry land, black and gray like old remains of molten lava. They didn’t seem discouraged by the circumstance as if they expected it. Gabriel tied his sword to his back. Eric did the same with his axe, keeping their hands free from carrying anything that would deplete their stamina.
Ali waited for me to slide off the Strider after grabbing my bag. Her hand reached up for me to hold on to as I dismounted in pain, feeling the ache in my behind from the long ride. I fell into her arms and almost tripped, but she held me tight before I could lose my balance.
“Are you ok?” She looked concerned, when I moaned in grief.
“I’m fine!” I answered while trying to stand on my own without her help, but it was difficult. “I guess I’m still not used to riding for so long. The days have collided into one with how sore I feel.”
“This hasn’t been an easy journey for you—I understand.” Ali smacked the rear of the Strider to leave, and it heaved and raced off, disappearing into thin air. “You should probably drink another vial of that elixir. Just so you’re prepared.”
“Maybe you’re right.” I leaned next to her and went through my bag. Her face suddenly flushed pink when my face was too close to hers. I pulled out one of the vials and drank from it. The energy in the liquid rejuvenated my stamina and the pain in my thighs slowly went away. “Thank you. I feel much better now.” I glanced at the rest of the men. “Is everyone feeling alright? Are the enchantments working?”
“I hardly feel the heat,” Gabriel spoke while shifting his armor. “I’m barely breaking a sweat.
“I feel cooler than usual,” Eric answered. “It seems like it’s working fine.”
“How about you Ali?” I asked. “I noticed you don’t have any charms, but the one to block poisonous attacks.”
“I don’t need it,” she answered. “Elven armor has been blessed with such enchantments. Plus, I’m quarter Demon remember? The heat doesn’t bother me as much.”
“Let me know if you feel different,” I stated. “It will only get hotter.”
“I’m ready for this.” She walked off towards the mountain ahead. “We best get going before night falls upon us.”
“So eager!” Eric shouted. “We have plenty of time.”
He rushed beside her and the men joined them. This was it, the men before me might be the last I see. Ali desires war and I think of home and my sister.
My legs struggled to keep up the pace they were walking since the fear had struck me stiff; trying to keep myself moving forward. The air smelled of brimstone as I heard lava exploding in the distance while climbing the mountain trail, leading to the main arched gate. Its bars made of black obsidian just as the structure, built into the rock walls.
Before us was a narrow path after passing through the archway. Ash covered the walls as I grazed my hand along the rough surface, brushing the gray powder against my fingertips. It engulfed the sky above in clouds, shrouding us in darkness. The burning flames radiating from the sea of fire caused the light we saw ahead. We stood at the edge before a bridge forged out of fire-resistant stone, so the lava burning hot below our feet could not destroy it. The men gasped at the sight and the obsidian castle across the wide, stretched bridge; made completely out of black obsidian stone, built with archways and tall towers.
We were high above the volcano where the bursting liquid didn’t reach us, but I could feel the heat. I’m sure the men can sense the difference with their enchantments. The spells are not strong enough to withstand falling into this. Even I would die if I accidently fell into the lava.
Everyone remained silent with uneasy glares, not knowing what to expect. It was quiet without a Ghoul yet in sight. They were probably expecting an ambush the moment we arrived.
Ali’s eyes spoke focus and caution with her steady movements, and Eric unstrapped his axe and carried it firmly. Gabriel unsheathed his glittering sword. The rest held their shields at neck length, holding their spears, ready.
Ali un-shouldered her bow and pulled out an arrow. She handed it to me, wanting me to put the Dragon fire spell into the arrowhead. I whispered soft words until the blade glowed red.
Eric walked ahead and waved for us to follow close behind. The rest of them went first and Ali held her arm at my chest, indicating that we were to take the rear. She took the arrow from me and mounted it on her bow. Her eyes focused on the towers and above the walls of the castle entrance. She glanced at me and moved close enough to whisper faintly in my ear. “Don’t leave my side. They are watching us.”
I searched around but didn’t see a thing. If they were watching, why aren’t they attacking now? Unless they are waiting for us to enter the castle grounds. I pulled at Ali’s arm. “They are waiting for us to enter the castle. We enter they can attack from all ends. We designed the structure in a way to be open on the inside. We will have no cover. There are many bridges leading into many corridors and chambers with the fire below. Once we enter there will be no return.”
She pushed away my hand. “Stay close.” She ignored my warning, as if they already knew it; we are at the mercy of fate. The eight of us were now prepared for any obstacle as we crossed the long bridge. The wind brushed through, pushing me near the edge. This was far more dangerous than I’ve ever imagined for a Demon lord. The tall obsidian walls had a sheen that reflected our image off its shiny surface. Achilles and Leonidas stood with Eric and pushed the massive door to move, and it creaked loudly as they opened it. Doors like these are usually opened by a turning wheel and chain that automatically opened with the door attendant. However, this castle has been abandoned for a century with no life left. Only the Demon Lord has made this place his stronghold. I saw the rusted chain dangling above as we walked in. The metal turning wheel eroded, nearly falling apart from lack of maintenance. The walls covered in ash and the floor seemed slippery when I walked forward behind Ali.
The air suddenly smelled like rotting flesh. It was the scent of Ghouls that lingered around us. They were close yet not seen, giving me a terrifying feeling of death being close by. The dark corridor was long, and the air flowed down at the end with a faint light guiding our way. My breath became shaky the closer we got to the end. Sweat dripped down my face as I grabbed my large dagger from behind my back. I whispered into the blade as soft as the wind along with the fear growing inside me with every breath. The blade on my dagger became long like that of a sword, thin and burning a fiery red, lighting the rest of the way through the tunnel. Ali glanced over her shoulder and at my glowing sword in amazement.
Once we reached the end where there were balconies built around the rectangular courtyard, it revealed the sea of fire below. Bridges stretched left to right like a grid, leading from one part of the castle to the other. It was a long wide courtyard of bridges and fire, and far in the distance was a large structure at the end which appeared to be building size podium where the throne used to sit for the lord of this mountain. It was an empty platform high above the sea of fire and difficult to reach, without climbin
g. The castle had many chambers and corridors, which were dangerous to venture through in the darkness, but staying outside meant we could fall over the bridges if not careful. They were wide, but not wide enough for a fight. Knowing this gave me no confidence that this would end well.
All of a sudden, I heard scurrying along the walls above us. Ghouls began to growl as we walked out to the bridge and strolled far enough to see the clouded sky raging above us, snowing ash and cinder. We huddled in a circle, Romulus and Ethos raised their shield from the right and left. Leonidas in the back and Achilles forward. Eric stood near me and Gabriel next to Ali with his sword igniting into flames.
Rustling louder with screeching nails on the obsidian stone. I looked up as the ash fell on my face like the snow on a winter’s day. This was the last moment of peace before the Ghouls appeared before us in packs. Crowding the roof and racing across the bridge from a distance, their feet stomped on the structure creating a tremor along the bridge. It was a stampede heading straight for us. I gasped to catch my breath while looking at Ali, glancing at me one last time, as the rumbling became louder and louder with every second. Eric grit his jaw, raising his axe. The men stood in a strong defensive stance, waiting for the horde colliding into each other as they approached closer and closer.
In that moment, Ali drew back her bowstring and point the tip at the horde, coming from the podium. Then released it; the arrow glided in the air until it embedded itself into the chest of a Ghoul, setting it into a large blaze; expanding outward and devouring ten other raging Ghouls around it. Five others fell over the bridge outside the blast and burned in the lava below.
