by M. A. Torres
The concern on the orderly’s face heightened as they progressed into the broadening darkness. He hastened his pace to keep up with the patient they had instructed him to chaperone.
“Mr. Mallory, it’s time to head back,” he called out.
But Quentin paid him no mind. He hurried his pace, weaving through the maze of trees. The orderly sped to a jog, trying to reach him. He weaved through the pines as best he could, but soon realized he had lost him.
“Mr. Mallory! Mr. Mallory!” he called out. He looked left and right, calling out his name, but receiving no response.
“MR. MALLORY!” he screamed, but only his echo answered.
I’m going to get fired if I lose him!
He sped through the gloom of the forest, his head on a swivel, attempting to catch sight of the old, delusional geezer. Minutes later, he paused with exhaustion, his hands at his knees, his breath eluding. He panted heavily, the sweat running down his temples. He glimpsed a brief flash past a clearing up ahead. He rushed to the spot as quickly as his fatigued body allowed. He reached the clearing, but there was no one in sight. The orderly sighed and looked around in panic.
“MR. MALLORY! WHERE ARE YOU?!” he hollered again. And again, only his echo paid him mind. But that’s when he caught sight of it, right below his feet. He knelt beside the square mirror glistening beneath the sunlight. He picked it up and noticed its reflective surface was wet with a sparkling fluid. He ran his fingers over it and inspected the tiny bits of shiny residue between them.
What is this?
He scanned the empty forest around him.
“MR. MALLORY!” he shouted, but there would be no answer. Not now, not later, not ever again.
WEAPONS OF THE FALLEN GODS
FLAMECLAW
Brealin’s famed flame sword, which he used for multiple millennia to defend the world of Derathiel from rogue gods and demons. Constructed from the claws of the rare and magical Red Dragon, its flames are rumored to be the Red Dragon’s fire breath itself. Earned by the blue-eyed knight, Jey, of House Taylor from a cave hidden within the Hill of the Dead Gods. Currently wielded by the young knight Kevin, of House Martinez.
TOMBSTONE
The god of death and the Afterworld, Grimm, used this magic war hammer to maintain order in his realms, including the Void, where the most wicked of beings reside. Strong enough to crush through iron, the hammer can be launched and will return to its wielder. Currently owned by Jake, of House Stevens, who pulled it from the jagged rock inside the temple at The Hill of the Dead Gods.
DIAMONDPEAK
Zaron, the god of the earth, used his famous spear to protect the lands of Derathiel from the dangers of interdimensional marauders, keeping the farmlands and pastures secure for the people and wildlife of the world. The spear’s tip is said to have been derived from enchanted diamonds from the planet’s core, and said to turn its foes to sand. The spear is rumored to reside somewhere near ‘The Edge’—short for the edge of the world—the westernmost portion of Derathiel.
WHIPLASH
Parelore, the goddess of the seas, rivers, and lakes used her armored tentacle to defend her realms from those who would seek to poison the liquid life source of the planet. Said to slice through the strongest of metals with ease, and rumored to reside within the Bottomless Lake.
LIGHTNING
Used by Whispawn, the god of the skies and weather, to protect his realm from any malevolent airborne threats. The longbow is said to loose unending bolts of lightning, created when the bowstring is pulled back.
THANK YOU
Thank you for reading book 2 in the Crimson Knights saga! It took one year to write this one, requiring countless hours of brainstorming, most while driving to and from work, or daydreaming throughout the day. Some ideas would sprout at random times, like in the shower or while dozing before bed. Either way, I had to keep a notepad handy to jot them down, especially if the idea was particularly devious, he, he. I’m well into book 3, and oh is it a doozy! The things I have planned for that one...
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