by James Day
“It’s regenerating,” The Mystic Dayven said as he let out more fire. We need to get to the others because they will not survive this.”
“Keep moving forward,” the Boy-Mystic commanded as he let out more mystical fire that protected the duo. “Whatever is causing this must be destroyed or it will consume us.”
“What is it?”
“A Dark Fae Wood Witch,” the Boy-Mystic rushed forward as a vine wrapped around his arm. He released his blue flames which set fire to the streamers. “She must be revealed and destroyed, or we will all die.”
The Mystic Dayven exploded white-hot fire that left a blast behind him. Nothing was left but a smoldering pile burning wood. Dunnganon did the same and cleared the entire path as the others ran to them.
“Spellmakers use your magic to destroy the creepers and forest. Burn everything all around you and save the She-Elf Warrior and the others.
The Spellmakers went in pairs as green fire exploded into the woods, opening up the path as they ran down. They worked in pairs two in front and two in the back. Llyendrie and Hickory tended to the middle, each burning what came from the sides. In moments they would reach the others.
The She-Elf Warrior and Dwarf Assassin Razor were knocked off their feet as the vines skyrocketed straight up and a sapling erupted underneath one the guardsman smashing his chest. The other hacked away as venomous flora surrounded him. It spit little darts that covered the man’s face. He went down in a dead heap.
“Behind you,” the Dwarf Assassin screamed as a huge flower bloomed and spit a dart hitting the She-Elf Warrior in the neck. She collapsed onto the small patch of path as the Dwarf hacked away with his broadsword. The plants were enclosing and encasing them for the kill. He had nowhere to go as a huge bloom blossomed and he knelt beside the Shydrie waiting for a certain death. Suddenly a green wall of fire exploded and turned the trees to ash as the wall of vines collapsed and degenerated into ash. The Spellmakers entered as they moved forward wiping out the magic that was killing the She-Elf and Assassin. O’Dea and Llyendrie entered the circumference of safety.
“Shydrie,” Llyendrie cried out letting the full force of his fury into the creepers.
The Spellmakers continued with green fire as the Dwarf Assassin lifted the She-Elf’s body and ran down the cleared path. Behind them the green fire engulfed the deadwood as it turned black and dead. Part of the company had escaped.
Prince Grandur stood understanding that they were facing some kind of faerie creature that caused the dead forest to come alive and wipe out all life. The Sword of Shannon was glowing blue as huge flowers opened up all around the company. Gnome Assassin Dirk unsheathed his sword as Noleann stepped forward.
“We are leaving,” the Bounty Huntress boomed.
“You cannot leave,” the Dark Fae Wood Witch hissed as she began to change. All of the niceties of her human form faded as her true self was revealed, black stick like and with pale white skin. “The others attempt to save you, but my magic is more powerful than theirs. You will die Prince of Shannon and your group of friends will be obliterated and become one with the Dark Fae Wood.”
Prince Grandur went to slam the Sword of Shannon into her but vines instantly grew up surrounding his body as he cut them off. The others were also beginning to struggle with the climbers as they cut and hacked away. The Sword of Shannon smashed into the top of the mushroom as green fire exploded from the sword causing a crack in the on the side of the crown.
“You cannot destroy my magic. It infiltrates the forest, it poisons the ground and climbs through my brethren, the deadwood,” she cackled with dark coal eyes and pale skin reflecting with a green tint.
Noleann broke free with the assassin as they hacked the vines around the Prince freeing him. Then he swung at the stem of the mushroom and green fire laced into the white mass. A crack appeared as the Dark Fae Wood Witch screamed.
“No,” her voice echoed throughout the forest as the Sword of Shannon hit the stalk again. This time more damage occurred as the Dark Fae Wood Witch rose and let out a green fire.
Prince Grandur dodged the fire as it exploded behind him tearing through the creepers. Then her fingers exploded with more green flames as the Sword of Shannon was swept upward and blocked the faerie magic from killing the Prince. He forced the sword forward as her magic began faltering. Then a moment later he swung it at the foundation of the mushroom which cracked in half.
“No,” the Dark Fae Wood Witch screamed as the mushroom turned black and the greenery around her began dying. She fell forward as blue fire exploded and Noleann let forth her Mystic blood fire. The faerie creature withered in agony as everything around them turned black. She attempted to break free but Prince Grandur took the sword and loped her head off. Noleann fell to her knees as the Gnome Assassin Dirk turned and blue fire exploded into the trees turning them to ash. It was the Mystic Dayven with the company as they entered the clearing.
“She is dead,” Prince Grandur said as he helped Noleann up who looked weak and tired.
“Are any of you injured?” The Mystic asked holding his cousins shoulder.
“No,” the Gnome Assassin Dirk replied. “Now can we leave this accursed place. I’ve had enough of this mountainside.
The company regrouped back at the camp as Llyendrie tended to the She-Elf Warrior who was pale and barely breathing. He cast spells over her as a green aura wrapped around her. His incantations sounded throughout the dead forest as the others watched. The Spellmakers watched knowing that if the spells did not work, she would die. Tears streamed down his face as he focused all of his power on the She-Elf Warrior. Her body glowed green then white. Llyendrie raised his finger above her as a dark streamer of smoke came out of the She-Elf’s body and evaporated into the air. Llyendrie then collapsed as the other Spellmakers tended to him. Shydrie stopped breathing as the others looked on in horror. She was dying. A paleness came over her face then all of the sudden her convulsed up and she gulped air and began breathing. Llyendrie broke away from the Spellmakers as he bent over her body and she opened her emerald eyes.
“Shydrie, I thought you were dead,” he whispered putting his fingers through her hair.
The She-Elf Warrior sat up examining the curious faces of the company.
“You saved me,” she said with tears in her eyes.
The company realized that they were in love. No one said anything as they wrapped the She-Elf in blankets. She rested and fell asleep. The Spellmaker Llyendrie stayed with her.
Then they heard a howling and turned down the path. It was a hooded man dressed in a black cowl. He carried a steel rod staff with an orb which glowed red. He examined the company with hatred as Dayven stepped forward.
“Reveal yourself,” The Mystic boomed as the others turned waiting for an attack.
“I am the Dark Fae Warlock,” his voice echoed. “I shall destroy you Dayven. I shall have my brethren come forth burn the countryside in Dragon fire. You will not survive to achieve your goals. I know everything.”
“Jarret,” Dayven said coldly. “What have you become?”
“I no longer go by a weak boy’s name. I reveal myself to you. You shall be the last to die.”
Just then the orb exploded a red green fire into Dayven as he raised his hands to block it with a blue aura. The others went to respond but a wall flames came at them as the Spellmakers cast a spell of protection over the company.
Dayven rose and the Dark Fae Warlock was gone.
SEVEN
At dusk, the mists rolled in through the mountain and off Block Dam. Skydark stood in the distance in its new glory. Six years ago, the ancient fortress had been nearly destroyed when the Crimson Seekers destroyed the Dam. A wall of water had rushed down from the broken Dam to destroy half the fortress. It slid down into oblivion, but now it was almost rebuilt. The fortress had blocks of stones and on hand cranked elevators which were tied with rope and netting. The Dwarves and Gnomes of Skydark had rebuilt the spiral like fortress. The Da
m had been rebuilt with another Dam just below and gigantic spillways which routed the water into streams that were guided by dug out stone streams. A stone chasm guided the water past the foundation of the dark fortress so that it would never slide into valley again. It was now impregnable. The ancient fortress steps had been chiseled out of the stone. The entire structure was covered in scaffolding as the two races worked together to complete it. It sat east and south of the Dwarf and Gnome Homelands. They had combined the races to form the Skydark Riders. They patrolled the area and traded between the Gnomes and Dwarves and people of Mayens Hall. Just beyond Mayens Hall lie Blue Shimmer, a city surrounded by a lake where Fire Rock Crater had erupted with Dayven had restored the Hearthstone Sword.
Now a Mystic, Dayven and the others had returned to Skydark to seek passage through the valley and beyond to the mountains of Mayens Hall. Hundreds of workers milled around like busy bees, moving stone with oxen and elephants, and yelling and screaming orders. They worked like well-oiled machine. Skydark was nearing completion and a Council of Dwarves and Gnomes had taken over the pass for trade. Visitors were welcome to stay at a price and fortress stood as a protectorate over the valley. The waters were controlled to feed the valleys below which had regrown since the initial flood when the Dam broke.
The company treaded into the valley as a group of riders came galloping toward them. Gnomes and Dwarves held maces, bows and broadswords. They encircled the group as two of the Skydark leaders got off their horse. A Dwarf named Jens and Gnome called Relic greeted the company and recognized the Dwarf Assassin Razor and Gnome Assassin Dirk.
“Hail Razor and Dirk,” the Dwarf Jens called out as the Gnome called Relic jumped off his steed.
“What brings you here?” Relic said with some displeasure.
The Mystic Dayven walked up to them with the Staff of Power in hand. “We have come to seek safe passage through Skydark.”
“Yes, Mystic Dayven. You are known in these parts. Mayens Hall is your home. You seek passage through, and we can provide you with an escort.” Dwarf Jens announced.
“I have bad news Dwarf Jens and Gnome Relic; a Faerie War is upon us. The Dark Fae Warlock has risen to destroy the Kingdom of Shannon. He has released some of his creatures to do his bidding and they hunt us down. I am going to Mayens Hall.”
“You Mystics always bring trouble wherever you go,” Gnome Relic spit his chewing tobacco. Our camps lie throughout this valley and will defend it to the end. Our Skydark Riders have a small army at your disposal if you need it.”
“Where is Allenor and Dunnganon,” Jens asked with curiosity.
The Boy-Mystic came up to him. “I am Dunnganon, swept away by the Life Springs to become young as I am.”
The Dwarf and Gnome could not believe their eyes as they examined him with a grin. They chalked it up to some Mystic magic gone wrong. Then they asked about the Mystic Allenor who had not been seen in a long time. The Skydark Riders were told that he was on some urgent business and would return to Mayens Hall when needed. The company explained the Fire Imps and Dark Fae Wolven Elves that scoured the lands. Then Jens had explained that one of the creatures had attacked the camp killing a bunch of dwarves and they had hunted the creature down and killed it. Dayven explained that the Dragons would return to wage war on the Kingdom of Shannon and Six Providences.
“Dragons! Ha!” The Dwarf Jens spat. “We will immediately construct giant iron crossbows that will take them out of the sky. “Send message to the Stone Builders,” he ordered one of the men and he took off to announce the new order.
“We will replenish your supplies,” the Gnome Relic ordered as he examined Shydrie. “A She-Elf in these parts. Now I have seen it all. Your quest must be important.
They rested the horses, and which were given fresh hay, apples, and carrots. The company was given backpacks full of food, breads, and cheeses to carry along the way. A campfire was set up as the Skydark Riders were dispersed and the two leaders stayed with the company.
The moon was high in the night when the Dark Fae Warlock rode to Block Dam with the Fire Imps behind him. His army of Imps had doubled. Dozens of Dark Elven Wolves rode on their beasts as they amassed near the mountainside and watched all of the campfires below. Torchlights danced throughout the fortress of Skydark as builders switched shifts to continue restoring the castle fortress.
The Dark Fae Warlock got off his Dark Fae Wolf and walked alongside the mountainside. A smile washed over his dried lips as he watched them below. Once again, his magic would be released to hunt down and destroy his opponents. He went down to a grassy knoll that a had a burned-out Fae Mound. His staff exploded with green red fire and the dirt bubbled and boiled like black tar. Smoke rose up as a green mist surrounded a gigantic egg the size of his hand. He waited for the green mist to scatter into the air. It was a large dragon egg and it began hatching. A crack formed from the sides of the shells as a small horn pecked away at it. The sides of the egg broke open as the baby dragon came forth, spreading its little wings. It was a green creature, almost featureless. And looked more like a salamander with wings. The dragon features would come out and she would lay more eggs for his army. He relished in the thought that his plans were coming to fruition. She would grow fast; in a few days she would be bigger than an ox. Then she would take to the sky and hunt. In a week she would be big enough to ride and he would train her to well. He had the Faerie Magic and he could use Dragonspeak to commune with her. She would understand his every command and be the Dragon Queen of Legions of her brood. She would then hunt and dominate the other Dragons that had been freed. Her fire would be a Faerie Green Fire, not the red-hot flames of other dragons but enticed with magic. The dragon was left to her own devices, she would feed on insects and move up to smaller wildlife until she was able to eat large livestock. He moved away and would call for her when she was needed. Skydark was the perfect hunting ground for her. He had given her name.
Nightshade.
The Dark Fae Warlock called for his minions and they came in droves and witnessed the baby dragon. It was the beginning of a new error and soon all of their clans would be released. The Dark Fae Wolves howled in the night and it echoed across the valley. He ambled down toward the Block Dam which was guarded by Gnome and Dwarf Guardians. He gave the order for them to clear the Block Dam so he could wield his magic. Once he had been a captive of the Crimson Seeker magic, but now he was master. He watched as dozens of Fire Imps made it quietly down the mountainside and covered the Block Dam. They killed the posted guardians and everyone in the area. He would make his stand and unleash his faerie magic to show his newfound power. Nothing would be able to stop the monster which would come forth from the Dark Fae World.
As he made his way down to the Dam, he passed by the dead bodies of the unsuspecting gnomes and dwarves. They had been dispatched so easily, but the Mystic and his companions were another issue. They would be hard to destroy, but with some luck he would stop them and crush them from retaining the Hearthstone Sword. He would rip it from the Lady of Lava, destroy her and use the sword for his own dark purpose. It was possible that what was once in his grasp would be found again, this time whole and evermore powerful, the Hearthstone Sword.
He knew time was running short and that the dwarves and gnomes would attempt to protect the Mystic and the Elves in their quest. He had managed to kill a few of the Spellmakers, and their power would be eventually obliterated. The Prince and Princess of Shannon had killed the Dark Fae Wood Witch. He had underestimated the power of the Bounty Huntress. They had created some kind of new weapon that was equivalent to his steel rod staff. They would have to be dealt with and possibly turned if it were possible. The Mystic Dayven was his true enemy. He would destroy him at all costs. He had stolen the Hearthstone Blade and stabbed him with it, leaving him to die at Fire Rock Crater, but his master had other plans and save the dying boy he had once been. Now that boy was gone, totally obliterated. Some of his past memories remained, but they were now dead to him.
He denied the recollections and locked those feelings away. Now they were replaced by his supreme power and desire to serve the dark magic. That was all he knew, and he relished it and made it part of his inner being. The power from him staff gave him limitless possibilities, but he had to be careful. He would not be fooled again by the evil that nearly destroyed him in his boyhood. Now a man, he would rule the Kingdom of Shannon and the Six Providences and all of the races. The races would bow down and call him their master, their Dark Fae Warlock Lord. He was slowly building his army and would release other creatures a little at a time, but he needed to be patient. The Elves and Mystics knew of his plans, but the rest of the races were like sleeping sheep to be swallowed up by a dark wolf. He breathed in the fresh air and could smell the water at Block Dam. He would not spend his time destroying Skydark, just the dwarves and gnomes. He would make Skydark his Kingdom to rule and wage war on the rest of the Kingdom. The waters would be poisoned by his faerie magic and Elven Homeland would die. He would then send the dragons to burn everything. He would wipe out the Elves and their magic. They had a thousand years’ worth of knowledge. They Mystics also had that knowledge but did not possess the lifespan of the elves. Mayens Hall would be well defended and he knew that he would have to think of a way to get inside without the Mystics knowledge. He would have to release something dark and sinister if he failed at his mission at Skydark. He needed more time, but it was running out. The Mystic Dayven was getting closer to obtaining the Hearthstone Sword. He would set a trap for them. He knew he had to think ahead of them. The Dark Fae Warlock lifted his cowl in the cool wind that blew by. It was getting late and he would have to expend all of his energy to summon the creature to do battle at Skydark. There would be no way to stop this creature. No way to destroy it. Once he started his spell, they would be aware of his presence and dispatch an army to destroy him. He would have to use his minions to outwit them and keep them busy while he tended to his spell. If he failed, he would have to retreat and have them followed while he regained his strength. There were so many variables and he had to consider them all. He had to be smarter than the Mystics. This time, he would bring all of his power to fulfillment even if it killed him. The Dark Fae Warlock began summoning the magic from the spell as the crystal orb turned a lime green which became luminescent in the dark. The magic swirled as it exploded into the side of the mountain. Suddenly an earthquake struck as the ground shook.
