Serra, Finkle, and Karzan surrounded Aimma and Odder.
"The other elves are dead," Aimma said.
Odder stared deep into the Xenduri's bloodshot eyes. "Can I trust you?"
Drugan bowed his head.
Odder held up his hand, and a bright blue beam fired, shattering the canisters around Drugan's hands. Drugan collapsed to the ground.
"Heal him enough so he can run." Odder removed Drugan's gag. "We don't have time for a full recovery."
Drugan stretched his fingers out and rubbed his neck. "Thank you." He looked puzzled. "You can now wield magic?"
"I’ve defeated the demons."
"How's your strength?" Aimma interrupted.
Drugan stood. "I'm strong enough." He conjured a fireball in each hand and launched it a two nearby skags.
"Then let's go," Karzan commanded.
The group ran toward the clear road between the tall buildings fighting goblins on the way. A high-pitched shrieking sound pierced the air behind them.
Serra turned. "It's a reaper!"
They sprinted down the cobblestone street. Serra stopped and chanted a spell as she threw her arms open. A magic web-like rope flew from her palms and attached to the walls of two battered buildings opposite of each other. Just as the reaper turned the corner, she pulled collapsing the buildings down on the reaper.
"Where we going?" Finkle asked, gasping.
"Just ahead," answered Karzan.
The debris exploded behind them. The black smoke swirled around the reaper as it rose into the air. It screeched and soared toward the group.
They fired magic beams and fireballs as they ran but the reaper dodged each attack.
"We're close!" said Karzan.
Odder spotted several fairies holding open a shimmering mirror-like sphere with a blue outer glow. "I see it."
Two more shadow reapers appeared behind the other. One launched a black fireball at a fairy holding open the portal and vaporized it. The portal buckled and collapsed on one side.
"Everybody jump in. I'll hold them off." Karzan shot lightning bolts at the nearest reaper.
"I will stay behind and help," said Drugan.
"You're not strong enough yet," Odder said. "Finkle take him through the portal."
Finkle and Drugan jumped in.
"You next," said Serra to Odder.
"No way."
"Don't argue. The reaper is almost here, and I need to protect the remaining fairies."
Odder used magic to push Serra into the portal. Her eyes and mouth sprung open as she fell in.
"Now you, Aimma," Odder said.
She looked at Odder and then the fast approaching reaper. She pulled out the snare cloth from her satchel and tossed it. As the cloth flew, it became a large fibrous mesh that wrapped around the reaper, propelling it back, and attaching it to the side of a building like a trapped insect.
"Wow. Nice work healer," said Karzan. "Now jump through the portal before the other two get here. You too Odder."
Just as Aimma's image faded into the portal, the earth rumbled, knocking Odder to the ground. A colossal stone hand lifted from the cobblestone and clutched Karzan. Odder battled the tremors to get to his feet. He pounded at the stone attempting to free Karzan.
"Stop." Karzan huffed, his words laced in anguish. "You have to go."
Odder spotted one of the reapers hovering while chanting a spell and the other advancing on their location. His spirit wrenched.
A saw blade whizzed over his head and sliced another fairy. The Portal shrunk and flapped on one side like linen left out during a wild storm. A horde of goblins turned the corner and advanced toward them.
Odder regretted his only option. "I'll be back for you."
He quickly sprinted for the portal, but a black snake-like tentacle wrapped around his leg, knocking him to the ground, and pulling him back toward the reaper. He rolled to his back and struck the tentacle with the sword several times with no effect.
The tentacle came from the mouth of the advancing shadow reaper. Its yellow eyes blared, and its dark heart thrashed as it approached. Odder punched and ripped at the tentacle in a wild panic until the reaper's menacing form stood over him. Odder looked at its face with fear, but then pity. For a moment, the true face of the shadow reaper revealed itself. A face in agony, a tormented soul, an elf who allowed his body to be a puppet to a demon.
The reaper extended its arm above its head, and long metallic claws grew from its fingertips. Odder held up his palms to cast a spell when a high-pitched whistle sounded, and a bright light exploded in front of the reaper. The tentacle turned to ash and crumbled. The creature covered its eyes, screeched, and cowered.
"Back to the abyss foul creature," a voice hollered from the other side of the light.
Surprised, Odder jumped up off the ground - his sword drawn. He turned to see Thalius, the monk from the market. His pristine white robe now tarnished in soot, soil, and blood. He charged at the reaper holding his staff high in front of him. From the golden eye beamed a blinding white light. The reaper retreated into the dark shadows behind the buildings.
Thalius stopped near Odder. "Savior, remember me when you meet the Celestines."
Savior, Odder thought with bewilderment. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Please!" Thalius insisted. "Remind them of my sacrifice."
Odder reluctantly nodded. The monk smiled and charged at the reaper hovering in the air. The blinding light caused it to turn away and broke the spell. The stone hand collapsed, and Karzan fell to the ground.
Odder ran to his side.
"Help me through the portal," said Karzan.
"But the monk. Shouldn't we help him?"
"He is a Follower of the Light. It's his honor to give his life for the Celestines. Let him be. We must hurry. The portal is unstable and collapsing."
Odder helped Karzan through the portal but took a quick glance back before entering. Two more reapers joined the fight along with the goblins nearing his position. Thalius fought with great faith, impeding several of the reapers, but lost ground when struck by several saw blades. A reaper penetrated his defenses and dug its claws into his neck. Thalius held his staff high and cried out for strength, but the light faded, allowing the other reapers to rip him apart.
Odder turned back to the portal, his soul remorseful. He wanted to help, but he knew there was no other way. Under his breath, he said, "Please remember this faithful and heroic elf." He sighed, his heart heavy with anguish as he dove into the portal.
CHAPTER 23
THE WIND SHIPS
Serra gripped Odder around his neck as the portal closed behind him. She pulled him in close until his eyes met her fiery gaze. Odder gasped. "Don't you ever deny me a fight again." She pushed and released her grip. Odder stumbled back nearly falling into a tree.
Finkle jumped in between them with his hands held up. "Now, now you two. It's time to calm down." He pointed at Karzan stretched on the ground with Aimma conjuring over him.
Serra and Odder ran to his side.
"Karzan?" Serra fell to her knees and held his hand.
Odder knelt next to her. She never looked so vulnerable. Her expression reminded him of a lonely wilted rose. What can I say? He thought. "He was alright a moment ago." He regretted saying those words as soon as they left his lips.
Aimma whispered, "Please I need room to work."
"I have a healing potion," Serra said, shuffling through her satchel.
"I already gave him one," Aimma responded, hovering her hands above Karzan's legs. "We don't want to mix potions."
Odder gently pulled Serra away and led her to a nearby fallen oak where Finkle and Drugan sat.
"He'll be fine," Aimma said. "Some crushed bones and internal bleeding, but I can heal him."
Serra sighed.
"I'm sorry Serra," said Odder, his head lower than his voice. He picked at his fingernails waiting for a response. "The reapers almost had us."
; She glared at Odder. "I should have been there to help. This is your fault!"
"I know." He looked away. "I didn't want you hurt."
She clenched her fists and stepped up to him, striking Odder with the cold tension of her indifference.
"Stop it," Karzan muttered, his voice raspy. He lifted onto his elbows. "I'm fine. Serra, Odder did what he thought was best." He grunted and laid back down. "You need to trust him."
"No more getting up," Aimma said, in a stern, lower-pitched tone. "You need your rest."
Serra walked to a nearby tree and sat against its trunk. Odder took a seat next to Finkle.
"I think she's upset," Finkle said.
Odder slumped his shoulder. "You think?"
"So, we’re all here except for Corbin. Where do you think Corbin is?" Finkle asked, fidgeting his fingers.
Odder looked around. "We'll have to ask Karzan when he's recovered. Where are we anyway?"
Finkle pulled at his whiskers and lifted his nose in the air. "I smell musk sedge." He sniffed. "And sour water moss. We must be near the cove."
"Villamari," Drugan added. He pointed at a flock of birds. "Golden skylers. They only eat skull beetles that feed on the bogbean plant which only grows near Villamari."
Finkle jumped to his feet, this time pulling aggressively at his whiskers. "Yes, I was getting to that."
"I'm sure you were." Drugan cracked a smile.
Odder cringed. The soft smile on Drugan's hard creased face seemed out of place. "Sit down Finkle. We don't need any more trouble."
“I don’t trust him,” Finkle mumbled as he plopped on the log. "So why Villamari then?" he asked in a mocking tone.
"If Karzan brought us here," Drugan answered, "then his intention is likely to fly us toward Rigan."
"Fly? What spell?" Odder questioned.
"Not a spell. A wind ship."
"Never heard of it." Finkle elbowed Odder in the ribs and whispered, "I think he's a little delusional from his captivity."
Drugan stood. "Have some respect. This is not how you talk to the King's Sheild." He walked over to Serra.
"Finkle!" Odder's brows bent. "That was disrespectful."
"Like I said, I just don't trust him."
Odder scowled. “We’re few in numbers. We need to try.”
"Alright. I'll apologize after he talks with Serra." Finkle peered over. "What do you think they're talking about?"
Odder moved to the edge of the log. His posture straightened as he pointed an ear toward Serra and Drugan. "Shhh. I think they are talking in Xenduri."
"Your eyes," Finkle said. "They're glowing."
Odder mouthed their words. "Pashing reoakata Xenduri yutang? Where is your loyalty Xenduri maiden? - Tan yin reoaka yintazan. I am loyal to myself. - Panshin yu ditto bi Xenduri. Your Xenduri is wretched."
Serra stood. Her expression crossed. "I have not spoken Xenduri in many years."
"Hey snoops," Aimma called out. "Instead of prying, why don't you do something useful like start a fire. Kellas will be setting soon."
Odder and Finkle collected small logs and branches from the woods.
"You did it again," said Finkle.
"What's that?"
"You used magic without saying a spell. I saw your eyes light up. How did you do it?"
"Not sure really. I focused on their conversation and thought I needed to understand what they were saying, and it came to me."
Finkle swayed his head up and down. "Amazing. I wonder what the limits of your abilities are?"
Odder pretended to ignore Finkle, but the question planted roots in his thoughts. How strong will I become? Will it be enough to fight Queen Sorren and defend the portal? He headed back to the camp with Finkle trailing. The questions twisted in his gut like a dull blade. I'm not ready. I need to learn more spells.
Serra finished setting up a cloaking and protection spell, and Drugan and Aimma sat near Karzan.
Finkle finished the firepit. "Alright, now light it."
"What's the spell?" Odder asked.
"Just do what you did with Drugan and Serra."
"And what did he do?" asked Serra.
Finkle pointed at Odder.
"I... I translated your conversation with Drugan."
He expected her to lash out, but she calmly nodded.
"You translated Xenduri?" Drugan questioned. "Have you ever heard our language before?"
"No," responded Odder, even disbelieving his own words.
"Interesting," said Drugan, with a look of disappointment. "So, the curse is broken then."
"That's right," Finkle said with his fist in the air.
Odder elbowed him off the log. "Do you know anything about the curse?"
"I should," said Drugan. "I helped create it."
Finkle fell off the log just as he climbed back up. Serra gasped, and Aimma left Karzan's side to sit next to Odder.
Odder arched a brow. "But, the wizard Salvat told me he created it?" He rubbed his forehead. “I don't understand.”
"You spoke to Salvat?" Drugan pursed his lips. His faced creased more than usual.
"Yes, and he gave me details about the curse."
Karzan stirred and let out a small moan.
"Aimma," Serra said with concern.
With a quick glance, Aimma said, "Still resting. He'll be fine in the morning."
"Did you help Salvat?" Odder asked, returning to his conversation.
Drugan snapped flames at the logs until they ignited. He knelt next to the fire and poked it with a stick. "I suppose there's no consequence if you know." He cleared his raspy throat. "The wizard Salvat discovered your demon marking."
"And where did it come from?" Odder questioned.
"Salvat did not say, but I suspect from Queen Sorren." Drugan sat back on a log across from Odder. " Three great wizards were needed to create the spell, Salvat, Myself, and the King."
Odder nodded. "It makes sense. Before the King died, he warned me not to go to the portal but to seek out the wizard Salvat."
Kellas’s light faded under the horizon, allowing the darkness to crawl over the countryside. For one night a month, Ophelia did not occupy the sky, liberating the pure blackness of the heavens to reign. The Eye of Adeit woke, fanning its luminescent gold gas outward as if trying to snare nearby stars while its inner scarlet flame pulsed like a beating heart.
"Salvat believed the demon blood would control you. By design, our spell prevented you from using your magic to open the portal to the demon realm."
Odder rubbed his temples. The thought never occurred to him that he may be doing exactly what the Queen wanted and what the others feared. Opening the portal to allow an army of demons to enter our world.
"Do you believe I should stay away from the portal?" Odder asked Drugan.
Drugan squinted and tapped his lip for several moments before answering. "Your path is predetermined. A series of events, chance meetings, and choices have led you to where you are now." He threw a log into the fire. "I believe you are meant to be at the portal and whatever the outcome, will be determined there."
"Do I have a choice?"
"You always have choices, Odder," Serra interjected. "Don't let the seeds of doubt take root in your soul. You are capable of doing good." She looked at her arms and watched her blackened veins dance in circular patterns. "We are all capable."
"It's getting late," Drugan said. "We should get rest. I'm sure Karzan planned a busy day for us tomorrow."
"I'll take the first watch," said Finkle, keeping a keen eye on Drugan.
"I'll take the second," Serra said. "Aimma, will you take the third?"
"I can take it," said Odder.
"No," Aimma said. "You need your rest more than any of us. I’ll take the third."
Everyone cleared an area except for Finkle who sat by the fire with his legs crossed and battle hammer in his arms.
"Sleep well," Finkle whispered.
***
Odder woke with a splitting headach
e - his sleep far from restful. He rubbed the blur from his eyes.
"Rough night?" Drugan handed him a warm cup.
Odder hesitated, still unsure of Drugan’s allegiance.
"It's macco. Compliments of Aimma."
He grabbed the cup, inhaled a whiff of the roasted bitter aroma, and took a swig. "Ah." His spirit lifted. "Thank you, Drugan." He tilted his cup to Aimma. "I needed that."
Odder looked around. "Where are the others and Karzan?"
"They went to find food," Aimma said. "Karzan needed to stretch his legs."
"He's healed then?"
She grinned. "As good as new."
"Drugan, I'm sorry for Finkle's behavior."
"I have no ill will. He's feisty, as a gnome should be." Drugan took a swig of his drip, and sat next to Odder.
Odder stared at Drugan's marks as they moved across his skin. They were much thicker than Serra's and not quite as dark. "Do all Xenduri have them?"
Drugan held up his arm. "What these? I forget I even have them." He put his arm down and took another sip. "Yes. Traits of the Xenduri."
After a long pause, Odder noticed Drugan fixating on the Maha'De.
Odder gripped the hilt and pulled away. "The sword’s not complete. We need to go to Rigan."
"Are you ready?"
Odder sighed. "Do you... I need..." He paused to calm his thoughts and inhaled. "I'm worried I'm not strong enough to take on the Queen?"
Drugan took another drink but this time downing the whole cup. "I can help." He stood and walked to a clearing with Odder following.
"In battle, it's not always the loftiest or grandest spells that win, but often the swiftest and most precise." Drugan recited a spell of numerous words and intricate hand gestures that caused several large boulders to rise in the air and launch at a tree.
"Impressive," said Odder.
"Do you think you can replicate my spell?"
Odder visualized the words and magic. "Without a doubt."
I'll impress him with those larger boulders. Odder grinned, drawing on the power of his magic building within him. He repeated the words and lifted the large boulders.
"Vestus ro." Drugan pulled with his hands, and Odder fell to the ground. The boulders crashed behind him.
Odder- The Blood Curse Page 25
