"Hey!"
"Like a game of Ramparts, strategy over strength will give you victory."
Odder stood, brushing the dirt from his pants. "So, a swift spell attack can best an opponent conjuring a long spell."
Drugan winked and tapped the side of his head. “You learn quickly.” They went over several more spells before the others got back.
"Is everything alright?" Finkle asked.
"We heard a crash," added Serra.
"Drugan was just teaching me spells," Odder said. "Where's Karzan?"
Karzan walked into view from behind several trees. "Here lad." He walked with a slight limp. "I found some berries."
"And I found some yams." Finkle held up four large yams by their vines, their roots still clinging on to the soil.
Everyone gathered around the fire as Aimma and Finkle prepared the meal.
"How are you?" Odder asked.
Karzan rubbed his thigh. "Besides this splendid limp and sharp shooting pain, superb."
"Next time, I won't leave your side," said Serra, with a stern stare toward Odder.
"I'm sure there will be plenty more opportunities," replied Karzan.
"More opportunities to die," mumbled Drugan.
Everyone, except Karzan, veered their gaze toward Drugan.
"True old friend," Karzan said, without looking up.
"I do have to say I missed your overly optimistic face," Drugan smirked. "How long has it been?"
"Too long not to miss your dreadful demeanor."
An uneasy silence lingered in the air. Odder resisted making eye contact with either. Even Finkle sat as still as a youngling waiting to get scolded by his elder. Then both Karzan and Drugan, like thunder before the rain, roared with laughter.
Odder, a bit surprised to see Drugan laugh let alone show any emotions of joy, joined in with a chuckle. Soon Finkle, Aimma, and even Serra found themselves laughing hysterically.
I must admit, it feels good to release some tension, Odder thought.
"Karzan and I have crossed path many times," Drugan said.
"Yes, sometimes allies and sometimes enemies." Karzan cleared his throat.
"And this time?" asked Finkle.
"My fight is against the goblins and their Queen," Drugan said with a nod to Karzan, "so allies it is."
"I believe we all share the same fight." Karzan cleared the ground making it a blank slate. "I have a plan."
"How about the Maha'De," chimed in Finkle. "Can we see the magnificent sword?"
Odder shifted in his seat. His mind battled with his ego on whether he should unsheathe such power. “It’s not complete.”
"Come on now Odder," said Serra. "If we are to rally behind you and your sword, then let us at least see it."
Odder gripped the hilt and slowly exposed the ancient steel. The sword whistled as he moved it through the air like a maiden caressing her petite finger on the rim of a half-filled crystal chalice. The sun's light gleamed on the mirrored surface giving the sword a magic glow.
Everyone looked with awe and reverence, their mouths gaped as if hypnotized by the glory of the Celestines. Power surged into Odder, and he knew at that moment, without a doubt, his destiny would be to lead and unite the elves.
He returned his sword to its sheath.
"Astonishing," said Aimma.
"You looked like a king holding the sword in the air," Finkle added.
"Indeed. We have the Champion, the Maha'De, and now the next step." Karzan drew a map in the dirt. "We are here. Before Kellas sets, we need to be in this cove. Corbin is waiting in a wind ship with its crew to take us over the Cydin Sea." He marked an X in the dirt. "We land here, near Skyger, and make our way to Rigan. Any questions?"
Finkle leaned into Odder and whispered. "I guess the dark elf was right about the wind ships.”
"Shh," Odder said, hoping Drugan didn't hear.
Serra spoke up, "Rigan is at least five days by foot."
"Arrangements are already made. Steeds and a cart are waiting. If all goes well, we can be there in a day."
"What about the shadow reapers?" Odder asked. "They have found us at every stop we've made."
"No doubt they are drawn to you, and I expect they will intercept us at some point between here and Rigan, but all we can do is be prepared."
"I have the best cloaking spells in Arcaina," Drugan boasted. "They won't completely mask you from the reapers, but they will buy us time."
"Perfect, let's get moving." Karzan turned toward Odder. "We can go over spells while we're traveling."
***
After a few hours. The group walked into the small port village of Anglest. A ten-foot wooden fence surrounded a dozen homes, and a stone shrine large enough to hold the town's residents.
"This town looks abandoned," Finkle said.
Aimma pointed at the shrine. "Maybe they're hiding in there."
"Was the town vacant when you left?" asked Odder.
Karzan replied, "No. In fact, the port was bustling."
"The homes are intact, no damage or fires," said Drugan. "I'll scout up ahead."
"I'll join you," Serra said.
"We'll meet you at the docks," Karzan said, leading the way.
Odder noticed the symbol on the roof of the shrine as they walked by. "That symbol, a six-sided star with an eye in the middle, what sect is it?"
"They are followers of the light," said Karzan, "except their sect believes death does not lead to the spirit realm but rather a series of afterlives until they are found worthy of entering the final paradise. The six points on the star signify the six existences after death."
"Seems strange," said Odder, with a frown.
Karzan laughed. "We are a diverse world with many creatures, many ideas, and many beliefs. In fact, I would guess there are hundreds of different sects within our faiths."
"What do Salutarians believe in?" Odder asked Aimma.
"We have several prominent sects following the light." She wrinkled her nose. "I don't think much of it."
"So, you don't believe in the Celestines?" Odder questioned.
"Like I said, I don't think about it."
"Interesting," Karzan said. "And where do you think magic comes from?"
"In my studies, I've learned the science of magic. That magic is a force inside of us that we can conjure, manipulate, and control."
Karzan shook his head from side to side. "What are they teaching our youth nowadays?"
Serra materialized in front of them. "All clear."
"Where's Drugan?" Aimma asked.
"At the docs." Serra pointed. "Just around the corner but we didn't' see a ship."
The group turned the corner - only two empty piers extending into the calm water. Drugan stood at the end of the doc, moving his hands in the air as if sliding them on an invisible wall.
"What is it?" asked Karzan as he walked up to Drugan.
"Cloaking and protection spell. I can sense it." He chanted a few magic words and the air flashed.
Odder, blinded, rubbed his eyes until his vision became clear. In front of him rocked a rickety boat, around thirty feet long, and tied against the pier.
"There it is," Karzan announced.
"No way I'm getting on that." Finkle moved his hands back and forth in front of him. "It doesn't even have masts or sails. I'm sure the barge will sink once we get into high seas."
"Nonsense gnome." Drugan walked up to the ship and boarded. "This ship was originally a Xenduri starsail used to smuggle refugees out of Xenduri. There are no finer built ships in all of Arcaina."
"Sounds like you are very fond of these relics," Aimma said.
"Fond indeed. I used to pilot one until the King of Villamari confiscated it and renamed it a Villamari wind ship."
A whistling and clicking noise arose from below deck.
Odder sprung on board. "Is that Corbin? Corbin!"
A hatch lifted and Odder peered in. He smiled broadly from ear to ear seeing his big friend.
/> "Well?" Asked Serra.
Two golden hands reached out and grabbed the edge. Corbin pulled himself out. "It is me, Corbin."
"Good to see you, friend," said Karzan.
Everyone climbed on board and gathered around the golem.
"So where are the townsfolk?" asked Karzan.
Corbin whistled, his gears moved. "A Skyger Raven patrol arrived and evacuated everyone. I hid, but the captain found me. I explained my mission and he let me be."
"So, the captain must have cast the cloaking spell on the ship," Aimma said.
"That explains why no other ships are in the dock," Finkle added. "Maybe they fled to Skyger."
"What do we do now?" Odder asked.
"Drugan can fly the ship," Serra said.
"Well, it's been over half a century." He paused. "But I remember every move." Drugan made his way to the aft of the ship, climbed a small ladder and stood on a raised quarterdeck. He looked energized at his new position. "Odder, pull up the anchor. Gnome pull in the ramp."
Odder and Finkle did as they were told. Although, Finkle complained the whole time.
"Now if you want to observe some unique Xenduri magic, come stand by my side."
Odder, Finkle, Aimma, and even Serra dashed to the quarterdeck like giddy younglings.
Drugan hovered his hands over a lifted table with a wooden lever mounted on the left. In the center, levitated an iron cross surrounded by an iron circle. He said several words. "Quam Fu Gra."
A magic green light left his hands and moved into the table causing it to illuminate. Drugan pulled on the lever. Another light shot to the edges of the ship and formed wings. Next, he lifted the cross. A bright beam shot past the front of the ship by about twenty feet and formed two translucent triangular magic sails. Although prominently green, the sails shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors like a rainbow gliding in the wind.
Drugan pulled the lever higher and the ship elevated. "This lever is for lift and..." The ship drifted and crashed into the dock. He moved the cross to the left. The ship veered back. "Sorry, give me a moment while I get a feel for the controls again."
"No masts, so how do we move forward?" asked Finkle.
Drugan grinned. "Like this." He pushed the iron cross forward. The magic sails drifted fifty feet up in the air, and the ship accelerated into the sky.
Odder ran to the edge and peered over. Excitement bellowed inside of him, and his eyes sparkled from the reflection of the water. "Brilliant."
Finkle, Aimma, and Serra joined him.
"This is unbelievable. We're soaring in the heavens like an eagle," Aimma said.
Finkle pointed back at Anglest. "It looks so tiny."
"Like you." Odder joked, ecstatic to get such a gratifying jab in.
Finkle narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips.
"Look, black smoke." Serra pointed south of the village. "I think it's coming from Villamari."
Corbin lifted Karzan onto the quarterdeck. "Yes, I believe you're right."
"So Villamari is devastated as well," Drugan said.
Odder sighed. "I wonder how many more Houses have fallen?"
"The goblins may have sieged Rigan too," Aimma said. "Should we continue?"
"Odder must dip the Maha'De into Rigan's silq. We have to go," Serra demanded.
"Odder?" Karzan questioned.
Without hesitation, Odder responded, "We stick to the plan."
"In that case, where to Karzan?" Drugan asked.
"Baku Prei."
"I know the exact location." Drugan moved the ship to the east. "We won't arrive until tomorrow night."
"Good," replied Karzan. "We have time to teach Odder spells in between."
"The Tetrad's only a week away." Odder conjured a fireball in his palm. "Will it be enough time?"
"Have faith, Odder. We are on the side of the light." Karzan looked at the others. "It will be night soon. Find a place to rest. We all need it."
***
Odder laid on the deck staring up at the night sky. Ophelia peeked over the horizon but didn't give enough light to thwart the vividness of the stars or the Eye of Adeit. So quiet and peaceful. The ship drifted motionless with only the wind flowing overhead. He closed his eyes, embracing the breeze on his face, and listened.
"You asleep already?" Finkle interrupted.
Odder took a long deep breath and opened his eyes. "No, just enjoying the brief moment of peace."
"I found blankets." Finkle handed one to Odder.
"Thanks. I didn't notice the chill."
Finkle laid next to Odder and stared up. "The eye, it's amazing. This is my first chance to admire its beauty."
"Do you see how it reaches for the stars as if trying to ensnare them?" asked Odder.
Finkle scratched his head. "Hmm, no." He paused. "Maybe your new magic awareness is playing tricks on your eyes."
The eye stirred in the darkness like the life and death dance between a fly trapped in a web and a looming spider. "Maybe," he whispered.
CHAPTER 24
THE WIZARD TATTOO
"Laddy, get up. You gotta see this."
"Wha... what is it, Finkle?" Odder sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He shielded the morning light.
"Hurry, you'll miss it."
"Alright." Odder walked over to the edge and looked over. "What are you so excited abou..." He rubbed his eyes again. "Oh, what are they?"
"Merrows," Karzan said from the quarterdeck. "Half male or female and fish. I spotted them earlier."
Hundreds of merrows with grayish-green fishtails jumped in and out of the water, disappearing like a memory in a dream only to resurface and join their fellow ensemble. Each leaving a wake fanning behind them like a knife cutting through a liquid mirror.
Such harmony, "I never thought I would see them," Odder said.
"We are a world of diverse creatures, lad," said Karzan.
"Where're they going?" asked Finkle.
"They're on course to Skyger," said Drugan.
Serra and Aimma came up from below.
"What's all the commotion?" asked Serra.
"Merrows," replied Odder, with a broad smile.
Serra and Aimma ran to the edge.
"Fascinating," said Aimma. "Are they migrating?"
"Or fleeing?" Serra added.
Odder spotted, what appeared to be large dark birds flying in the distance. "Maybe they're trying not to be fish food to those giant birds."
"Giant birds, where?" Finkle jumped on Odder's shoulder.
"Everyone," Drugan yelled. "Back away from the edge and gather in the middle. Corbin, get below."
"What's going on?" Odder whispered to Karzan.
"Just do as your told, lad." Karzan pulled out his wand and made a circular motion in the direction of the birds. A lens formed. He twisted it until a close-up of the birds came into focus.
"Raven Knights of Skyger," Serra said.
Finkle jumped down from Odder shoulder. "Are they going to attack us?"
"Everyone stay calm," said Karzan. "Probably just an inspection."
Drugan stopped the wind ship as the ravens approached. A dozen ravens as large as horses and each carrying a knight mounted in a saddle circled the ship.
Drugan held his fingers up to his temple and appeared to mind whisper.
One of the knights, wearing black leather armor, helmet, and several red tassels connected to his shoulder placed his fingers on his temple. He looked at the other knights and motioned for them to continue to circle the ship. The knight then flew on the deck and dismounted.
Like the High Wizard Edan, the raven morphed into an elf wearing a black cloak, but with unchanged black-pearl raven eyes which peered at Odder. Serra stepped in between to block his stare.
The knight with the red tassels spoke, "I am lord Ordo, captain of the Raven Knights. He is Veselus, my raven scout. We give our deepest condolences to the loss of your king and your township." He turned toward Drugan. "We have evacuated nearby village
s and invited them to occupy Skyger. You too are welcome."
"Have any other Houses fallen?" Odder asked.
Ordo responded to the group. "We know Elestus and Villamari have fallen, as well as many small villages. It appears the attack originated in the west. We lost communication with the other four Houses."
"What about Rigan?" Karzan questioned.
"We do not know, but a fierce battle rages at Witchfinger to the east above Rigan. So far, our armies hold strong, and I imagine Rigan is safe for now." Ordo motioned toward Skyger. "We can escort you to our safe haven."
"Thank you, captain, but we are on our own mission to Rigan." Drugan leaned in and asked with authority, "Do you have any knights who can escort us."
Ordo straightened his posture as if caught off guard. "Sadly, I do not have any to spare."
"But our mission concerns the Maha'De," Aimma blurted out.
"What are you saying, child?" Ordo’s words cracked like a whip.
"It's alright," said Karzan. "Odder show him."
Odder unsheathed the Maha'De and held it high. The crows squawked and fluttered their wings, while the knights whispered amongst themselves."
Ordo and his raven scout took a knee. "Your mission is righteous."
"Please stand," Odder said.
"You hold the Maha'De, but what good is it without the Champion?" Ordo asked.
Odder held up his arm and revealed his markings. "I am the Champion."
Ordo bowed his head. "Forgive me. We assumed the Champion did not survive the game."
"The Celestines had other plans," Karzan said.
"Then hope is not lost. We are the last of the Raven Knights. I will inform King Kesis to ask him to allow us to join your mission. Until then, I can offer you my trusted scout to help guide you."
"I Veselus bestow my loyalty to you, Champion."
Odder bowed. "I am honored. When can we expect an answer, my lord?"
Another crow and knight landed on the deck to pick up Ordo. "If all goes well, by morning. Until then, farewell and may the Celestines be with you." The knights flew toward Skyger.
"Karzan?" asked Odder.
"An answer by morning will be too late," Karzan answered. "We will do with what we have."
Drugan returned to the quarterdeck. "Serra, come join me. I wish to teach you how to pilot the ship. It is in your blood."
Odder- The Blood Curse Page 26
