Odder paused. He calmed his heavy breathing and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He moved the tip of the sword into the corner, pushing it forward several feet until it hit the wall. He held out his hand and waved in the open space. The light illuminated around the corner, hidden not by magic, but by the illusion of perspective.
He stepped into the thin hall and glanced back into the room. Amazing, he thought. An illusion without magic, tricking the eyes.
He traveled down the hall, and a pungent odor of rotting corpses greeted him as he entered a dim room. He held his fist to his mouth to keep from gagging.
"Ah, the vekart or perhaps something more? Come to free me of my sentence."
Odder cleared his throat and pointed his sword at the voice.
A skeleton with ragged armor and dead flesh peeling from its bones sat on a throne made of stone. Silver chains weaved into its arms. One end latched to a gold ring on the ground, and the other attached to the throne.
"I've seen you before," Odder said. "In a dream." He stepped closer, leading with his sword. "You're not as intimidating chained."
"It was no dream." Its jaw twisted to one side. "I am Infadecus."
"And who were you out in the sand?"
"An illusion." The demon jolted up, but the chains tightened and pulled him back. It laughed while its teeth clicked together. It shook his wrists. "As you can see, I am confined."
Odder stepped up, placing the flaming sword at Infadecus's cheek. The demon turned, its face contorted. Its teeth clicking rapidly.
"Why have you cursed me?" Odder asked.
"Destroy me!"
"Oh, without a doubt but in pieces." Odder pressed the sword into the demon's bone. Infadecus cried out. "Unless you give me answers. Why have you cursed me?"
"I did not curse you. I was summoned."
Odder inched his sword back. "By who?" he asked, puzzled.
Infadecus clenched its jaw in defiance. Riled, Odder dug the point deep into the demon's bone. The demon's body trembled, moving side to side. He pulled at the chains and yelled, "Salvat."
"The wizard?"
"Yesss..."
Odder's face washed pale. It doesn't make sense. "You're lying!"
"What benefit would it be for me to lie to you at the tip of your sword?"
"Then why would the wizard curse me to die?"
"That I do not know."
"Tell me demon!" The flames on Odder's blade grew.
"I do not know! I do not know!” It repeated in a high pitch tone.
For a moment, Odder pitied the demon. He stepped back.
"Destroy me then. The consequence is earned."
Odder glanced at the glowing demon mark on his forearm. He stared back at Infadecus, held up his sword, "I will hear your voice no more," and swung.
The skeleton vaporized into a dark mist that drifted toward the ceiling. Laughter echoed in the room. "Freedom...," it called. The mist disappeared into the mysterious void.
The glow on Odder's arm faded leaving the inked symbol. The ground rumbled, and the room shook. A crevice formed into the ground as fragments from the walls and ceiling fell. Stones collapsed into the hall preventing Odder from leaving. As the crevice expanded, Odder backed up to the wall and searched for an exit.
"Karzan what do I do?"
A burst of blue light flashed near the crevice, and a looking glass appeared. The structure continued to shake and fall apart. A loud crash sounded from the ceiling. Odder looked up and spotted a large stone breaking free and falling toward the mirror. He sprinted and jumped into the glass just as the stone hit the frame.
CHAPTER 17
BILUSUND, WRATH
Odder jumped into Finkle, pushing him into Serra's arms.
"Now, that's what I'm talking about." Finkle stared up at Serra with a captivated grin.
She dropped him.
"I meant that for Odder of course." Finkle winked.
Serra bared her teeth.
Aimma pushed Finkle aside and patted Odder on the back. "You did it!"
Odder stood, rubbed his arms, and pulled at his face. He wobbled but held his arms out to balance himself. His change of location seemed foreign, and he was oblivious to the significance of what happened.
“You are dazed,” said Karzan, approaching. “The feeling will pass in a moment.”
"You did well, Oddy," Serra said. "We saw everything."
"Indeed lad, indeed," Karzan said with a wide grin. "You defeated your first demon. How do you feel?"
Odder stumbled to the table and sat. He moved his head from side to side, making a cracking sound each way as he gathered his wits. Aimma handed him a drink. "I do feel different." He took a sip. "Stronger." He tossed the cup, looked at his hand, and made a tight fist. "Confident," he said in a brash voice.
Serra, Aimma, and Finkle stood back.
"My wand." Karzan pulled it from his cloak. A soft blue glow illuminated the room. "Hold it."
Odder hesitated but then grabbed the base. The glow dimmed but remained lit.
"The light didn't diminish," said Finkle.
Odder moved the wand in the air. "Does this mean-"
"Yes," Serra said, "Your curse is breaking."
Anticipation bubbled inside of Odder. He glanced at his poisoned veins. A few streaks receded. He let out a deep hearty laugh and flicked the wand. "How do I cast a spell?"
Karzan seized Odder's hand and took the wand. He pulled Odder in close and studied his markings. "The poison is still spreading. The curse is not yet broken, and wielding magic is still premature."
“But…” Odder said, catching Karzan staring at his wooden sword. Aggravated, he pursed his lips and tried to pull free.
Karzan tightened his grip and removed the sword from Odder’s sheath.
He released Odder. "Only one weapon can destroy demons." Karzan held up the sword and read the inscription. "Spirit.
"Is it the Maha'De?" Serra asked. She walked up and rubbed her fingers across the smooth wooden surface.
Odder sat, tapping his fingers on the table.
"I believe it is," answered Karzan. ""Now do you see, Odder. Only the Champion can wield the Maha'De."
Odder recalled how the sword’s power coursed through his body, and the confidence he gained after defeating the demon of self-loathing.
"But the sword is wood?" Finkle said, scratching his neck. "Shouldn't it be made of steel?"
"Where did you get it?" Aimma asked.
"I don't remember. The Prince found me with it strapped to my back. May I have it back now?"
"I don't detect any unusual magic," Karzan said, adjusting his spectacles.
"We witnessed its power through the looking glass," said Serra. "Only the Maha'De is that powerful."
Everyone stood in silence, staring at the sword.
"Spirit," Odder said. "Maybe the wood is only part of the Maha’De."
"Brilliant." Karzan pounded his fist on the table several times. "Of course. What better way to hide such a powerful magic item?"
"And how is that?" Finkle asked as he blew his tassel out of his face.
"By removing the spirit, in physical form, from the sword." Karzan held up the sword. He examined the wood, the writing, and the grain. "Yes, I'm sure of it. Separated, no one can identify its true purpose, but together..." He placed his hand alongside the wood and created a flame that traveled up to the tip. "...The power is revealed."
With his eyes coveting, Odder reached for the sword. "It's mine."
Karzan tightened his lips and handed it back. The flames died as Odder gripped the handle.
"Then I suppose the question is, where is the other piece?" Serra asked.
Karzan sat at the table with everyone joining him. "Do you recall seeing the other half of the sword, being drawn to an object, or developing an urge to go to a particular area?"
Odder squinted, rubbing his temples. He sighed. "Sorry, nothing."
Karzan tapped his fingers on the table. "Alright. Enough
for tonight." He stood. "Rest well. Tomorrow you take on Bilusund, the demon of wrath, and perhaps, after some rest, you’ll recall some details of the Maha’De."
***
Odder rolled to his back and opened his eyes. Three figures stood above him. "Ahh!"
"Calm down, laddy," said Finkle, snickering.
"Why are you three hovering over my bed?"
"It's morning," Aimma said handing him a hot cup of macco. "New light, and we're anxious to see if you can conjure any spells."
"I still have to break the curse," said Odder.
"Just get up." Serra yanked his covers off. "We want to teach you some spells. You might actually learn something plus save your life."
Odder took a big swig of the drink and wiped his lips. "Alright, where to?"
"Ha, pay up gnomie." Serra held out her hand.
Finkle took off his fez, reached in and pulled out a ducket. He reluctantly gave it to Serra.
"Did you just make a bet on me?" Odder asked, annoyed.
"Yeah, and I lost," Finkle said. "I thought for sure you would avoid any lessons on magic."
"Perhaps true a few days ago." Odder stood and put on his boots, "but I've changed."
"The oak tree," Aimma interrupted. "Let's practice there."
"Perfect," replied Serra.
***
The wind danced over the blades of grass which moved in a particular pattern as if the wind had an agenda, a plan, a purpose. "The wind,” Odder said, “it seems different today?"
Serra placed a target on the tree. "Without an intimate relationship with magic, in a way, you've been blind all your life. As your ability to wield magic strengthens, I'm sure everything will seem different - more alive."
"Let's start with a basic healing spell," said Aimma.
"You're joking," Serra said, as she picked up several rocks. "He needs to start with an attack spell."
Aimma gave Serra a harsh stare. "Healing is a necessity. Right, Finkle?"
"Huh... well, they both um..." He pulled at his collar, "are necessary. Um, how about speaking to trees?"
Serra and Aimma rolled their eyes.
Odder interrupted, "I want to learn how to heal myself. Let's start there."
Serra's smirk shifted into a stern growl. She threw her rocks at Odder's feet. "Have fun trying to heal yourself when trolls are ripping off your limbs.” She walked off.
"Wait, Serra. I just think a healing spell should be..."
She vanished into a dark haze.
"...my first spell." Odder scowled. "What's her problem?"
"What do you expect from a dark elf?" responded Aimma.
"I think she's heavenly," said Finkle, with a smitten grin.
Aimma shook her head. "Definitely not your type, gnome."
"There you are, Odder," called a voice, from behind the group.
Startled, Odder turned. "Karzan."
"Why are you all up so early this morning?"
"We wanted to see Odder cast spells," said Aimma.
"And where's Serra?"
"She left." Odder pointed to the stones at his feet. "I wanted my first spell to be a healing spell instead of an attack spell. She got upset and fled into her dark cloud."
Karzan looked at Aimma and Finkle. Deep fissures formed in his face as he frowned. "Come walk with me, Odder," he said in a voice flat like a fallen gravestone.
Aimma and Finkle glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
A lump formed in Odder's throat. Dread overtook him like a student called out of magic class for turning a classmate into a purple cuttlefish.
Karzan picked up the stones and walked with Odder to the marsh. "What do you know of Serra?" he asked, tossing a stone into the water."
"Not much." Odder picked up a flat rock and skipped it across the surface. "She did save us, but I'm not sure I can trust her."
"Has she done anything to harm you?"
"No, of course not but she did try and kill my master."
"The Prince of Elestus."
"Yes."
"I see." Karzan tossed another stone, this time making it dive in and out of the water using the movement of his hand. "She has good reasons to dislike your master."
"Sure he's arrogant, but he's just. Why would she want to kill him? What reason makes it right?"
"Sometimes the lines between right and wrong can be blurred in the eyes of injustice. Many years ago, numerous Xenduri left the shadow region to escape its evil tyranny. They set up camps throughout our lands."
"Did the Kings attack?"
"Many of our kind saw them as a blight on our land, but the King of Elestus, Skyger, and Villamari took pity on them. In exchange for their loyalty, spells, and magic items, the Xenduri could settle in certain areas. The Kings appointed overseers, called Shire Reeves, to govern their camps. However, without the sympathy of the elves, some of the Shire Reeves became corrupt. As a youngling, Serra settled in a camp named Deadwood with her father and mother, just north of here in the Elestus territory. An egotistical Shire Reeve named Judan Lehsaar ruled over them with an unhealthy appetite for Xenduri magic."
"Did he hurt Serra?" asked Odder knowing the answer.
Karzan swallowed hard then sneered. "He collected their dark magic."
"Spells you mean?"
"Their blood, Odder! That perverse Shire consumed the magic blood of the Xenduri."
Odder cringed. Shock and anger exploding inside him. "Horrid!" His spirit sank, and his expression turned to dread. He pulled the hairs on the side of his head. "Did Prince Destin... Did he drink - "
"No, thank the Celestines."
Odder relaxed and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. "What then?"
"As Lehsaar captured Serra's parents, she escaped into the woods and found a group of the King's guards led by a very young Prince. She explained and pleaded for help, but the Prince turned her away and said it was not his concern. She returned only to find her dead mother and father hanging from a tree by their ankles, and drained."
A flood of emotions made Odder lightheaded. He sat on the sand to regain his composure.
"I found her wandering the forest, frail and in despair." Karzan sat next to him. "I took her in and for many years, helped her channel her fear and anger."
They sat in silence until Karzan threw another stone into the pond.
"So now you know why she acts the way she does and why she seeks justice."
Odder bit his lip. His forehead wrinkled. "Yes, but..." An inner battle raged between his loyalty and anger. "That was a long time ago. I'm sure he's not the same person."
"Maybe not, but what about the mask?"
"Mask?"
"The Mask of Vasul worn by the Prince. Do you think the elves created it?"
Odder shrugged.
"Goblin magic," Karzan said.
"Wait, wait." Odder stood. "Are you saying Destin has ties with the goblins?"
Karzan pushed himself up and grunted while doing so. "All I'm saying is be careful of your blind trust."
"And does that apply," Odder raised his voice, "to you as well!" An uncontrollable fury erupted inside him. His nostrils flared, and he lunged for Karzan’s neck.
Karzan sidestepped and held up his hand. An explosion of blue light pushed Odder to the ground.
Odder shuffled back across the sand shaking his head. "I'm sorry." He frowned. "I, I don't know what came over me."
"Bilusund, the demon of wrath. These demons, they are internal and influence you." Karzan held out his hand. "How did you feel when you defeated Infadecus?"
Odder reached for Karzan's hand and pulled himself up. "Stronger, confident, and absent of his demeaning words."
"And just now?"
"A blind rage consumed me."
"Yes, the work of Bilusund. Recognize the sensation. He will use it against you."
"And if I defeat him?"
"When you do, you will have control of the rage that burns inside you." He patted him on the back, kno
cking off some sand. "Let’s not give Bilusund another opportunity to take my life.” Karzan laughed. “It’s time. Meet me in the potion room. Oh, and one last thing, trust in Serra. She will be your shield."
***
"So, what do I need to know?"
"Don't be intimidated and don't give in to your rage." Karzan pointed at the demon in the book. "He will feed on your loss of control and become stronger while you become weaker."
"Where's Serra?" Finkle whispered to Aimma.
"We don't need her," Aimma answered.
"I'll be fine without her," Odder lied, forcing the words through his tightened throat.
Karzan approached the looking glass, placed his hands together, and chanted. The mirrored glass burst into flames, then cleared. An image of lava flowing down a cliff and surrounding small islands of black rock materialized in the background. Plumes of smoke exploded from the shifting lava lake.
Karzan pointed to an opening at the base of a mountain. "Bilusund waits for you there."
Odder swallowed hard as Karzan’s words unearthed a memory of Odder’s flesh ripping from his skin. “What will Bilusund do?"
"Expect pain," said Karzan, "but now you have experience and the Maha'De."
Finkle gave a nod and wink while Aimma handed him a drink. "Can't forget your elixir," she said.
Odder downed the drink. "Alright, I'm ready." He stepped up to the mirror."
"And remember, the pain you feel is an illusion," Karzan said.
Odder entered the mirror, this time without hesitation.
He heard Karzan shout, "Control your temp...." just as he passed through.
A sulfur cloud escaped the lava near Odder. He covered his mouth and nose. This is far worse than what I saw.
His eyes and skin burned, as the thick smoke filled his lungs. "Remember the pain is an illusion," he repeated to himself several times.
He squeezed his eyes closed and focused on his breathing - in and out, in and out. His mind and body calmed, and the pain subsided. He opened his eyes to get his bearings. A plume of lava flew over Odder’s head. He ducked, but not without a few stray drops landing on his face and burning pits into his skin. He frantically wiped off the embers before continuing.
The jagged yet porous rocks crumbled under each step as he walked. Molten lava moved small islands like boats tossing in a storm.
Odder- The Blood Curse Page 19
