Chapter 17: Minor Setbacks

The group of seven set out immediately. Darren had no desire to see any more of the village, and despite what he had said to his mother, he’d probably kill Zerach if he saw him.

Darren didn’t appear any more upset than he did before crossing the desert, but they still left him alone, walking in silence. Legerra sized up Thendat, wondering whether he was any good with a sword or not. It didn’t seem so.

Thendat was a walking stick. Thin to the point of nonexistent and a little shorter than Darren, his disproportionate size seemed impossible. Dirty blond hair was usually covered with his hood, for camouflage purposes. His eyes were an interesting shade of gray, making him an outcast among most people. For some reason, gray-eyed men were hated throughout Shirn, and Acerin clearly held to the stereotype that prevailed, staying as far away from Thendat as possible in the tent and when walking, always keeping one eye on him.

Of course, it was widely known to be true that gray-eyed people had better aim. That would explain why he chose to be an archer and a scout. He liked his role, and refused to take up anything with a blade and longer than three feet.

Fraydon, on the other hand, seemed totally useless. Not only was she the shortest member of the group, she was the least graceful in city settings. She was always tripping over steps and stones; he couldn’t see how she moved so quietly in the wilderness. Her hair was short and slightly darker than Darren’s, and she was armed only with throwing weapons and short knives. The only thing she seemed to do was sense when Legerra was watching her and whirl around, almost catching him a number of times. I’m not checking you out, I’m just sizing you up…yeah, like that sounds any better when said. He shook his head. She wasn’t his type, as a woman or for sparring.

As for women…

Darren smacked him on the back of the head. “Owww! What was that for?”

Darren just looked at him. “You may not be looking at her, but you’re not helping Sara by thinking like that.”

Legerra waved his finger in Darren’s face. “And just how do you know I was thinking about her?”

Darren pointed behind them at glistening grass. “Stop drooling.”

Legerra dropped his arm. “Well…maybe I was just hungry.”

Darren smiled. “Sure you were. That might be because you give half your rations to Sara every meal.”

Legerra looked at Darren. “Have you been watching us?” Darren laughed softly. “I’ve been watching you. It’s great entertainment, really.”

Legerra folded his arms. “Well if she doesn’t return the affection, then why does she accept the food?” Darren put a hand on his shoulder. “Legerra…she’s too nice to refuse it. She thinks about what would happen if she refuses, about how hurt you’d be. And she doesn’t want to make enemies or cause strife.” Darren raised his voice. “Unlike Sir Kill-Joy over there.”

“Shut up.” Acerin didn’t even look at Darren. Darren sighed. How can he survive without humor? I just don’t get that boy…

The rest of the day passed quickly, their energy renewed. Night fell and the group sought shelter within a clump of dense trees, not bothering with tents and setting watchmen with shifts. They rolled the dice…and Sara got the first shift.

It’s not that bad. Just staying up a little later than normal. And I get to sleep the whole night the next time they do this.

The ground shook ever so slightly. Less than two seconds later, another tremor hit. If Fraydon hadn’t been teaching her how to detect movement, she would never have known what it was. Some kind of animal…four legs…fast runner.

She resisted the urge to light up the grove of trees. There were people sleeping not two feet from her, after all. This had to be settled quietly. Dozens of tiny darts of ice formed around her, aimed in all directions.

A rush of air, and then the animal was upon her. It moved too quickly to score a direct hit. A few darts struck home in the thing’s leg, but it didn’t stop. It knocked her down and rolled her over, a claw raking across her back where she was unprotected. Then her darts found their mark in the creature’s neck, piercing its throat, and it collapsed on her.
~
Thendat found her the next morning, his shouts waking the rest of them. Sara barely stirred. Two steps and Darren was beside her, lifting and feeling her head. “She’s burning up. Where’s the animal?”

Thendat shrugged. It’s not here. It died or else it would have finished her off, but it probably melted in the light.”

Darren lifted her up and ran a finger over one of the three tears in her back. His eyes closed, contorted, and snapped open. “Poison. And beyond any healer’s skill to heal. We must have made some powerful enemies if they can send trained animals to poison us.”

Sara opened her eyes slightly, and Thendat leaned over her. “Sara! Why didn’t you wake us up when this thing attacked you?”

She stared at him, vision blurry. “I didn’t…want to wake you all…it was…too sudden…and…I didn’t want to be …jumping at…the slightest…noise….ugh…” Her head lolled to the side.

Darren set her down against a tree, giving instructions to Fraydon. “Dress the wound as best you can. Let me know whether she gets better or worse, and if she wakes, keep that way as long as possible.” Fraydon nodded.

Darren walked a little ways away, hands clasped behind his head, thinking. At length he turned around. “We can’t head for the library. Even if we were to get there in time…there’s no-one there who could take care of this. The only choice we have is to head west towards The Mage’s Tower.”

Milar sat down on a log. “Darren, The Mage hasn’t received visitors in over a decade. The running joke is that he changed his name from The Mage to The Hermit. Our chances would be better going towards the library.”

Acerin leaned against a tree and said nothing.

Legerra spoke up. “Milar, who would heal her there? Unless The Mage now lives at the library, nobody can heal this bad of a poison. The only other person might be Sara. And she can’t, obviously.”

Thendat kicked at a rock. “If only someone else had gotten the first watch…”

“Then something else would’ve gone wrong.” Darren turned away from the sun. “The point is, there’s no sense arguing about it. We need to be unified in purpose, and right now that’s to help Sara. That’s what we as a group of friends are here for. One falls, the rest help that person up.”

There were scattered nods.

“Now, I know it’s a long shot, but going to The Mage’s Tower might help. And if he doesn’t…at least he can…make her comfortable.” Darren looked at Fraydon. “Ready?”

Fraydon nodded. “She won’t feel the jolts.”

Darren looked around. “Milar, you look the most rested. Is that how you feel?” Milar nodded. “I can take her for at least a couple hours.”

They set out west, keeping the sun at their backs. Rotating the person carrying Sara kept the pace quick, only slowing the group down to scout the areas that looked unsafe. Night fell, and they rotated two people on two hour shifts, setting out before it was completely morning.

They traveled for days, always tired and sore. They had to cover Sara’s mouth so she wouldn’t cry out the spells she had seen in the book which Darren carried with him, or reveal their location through noise.

The Mage’s Tower came into view on dawn of the fifth day. Cheering up slightly, they quickened their pace and stood at the huge wooden doors around noon. Fraydon looked up. “This place is huge! I’ve seen drawings, but never imagined it was this big!”

Darren stepped up with Milar and Acerin, slamming the huge iron knocker three times. The noise reverberated throughout the tower, and then faded as silence rolled back over it. Darren knocked again, harder. No answer.

Acerin stepped back. “Wrong doorbell, Darren.” A fireball shot from his hands, blazing a trail straight up, exploding just above the top of the tower. A minute passed, then two. Darren was turning to go when the door creaked loudly. Instantly he spun around, motioning the rest forward.

They stood in a large room, grand staircases leading up both sides to the next floor. At least a dozen doors lined each floor in sight. All the stairs tricked the eye into seeing the tower go up forever, but a quick change in step and the floors ended somewhere up in the high twenties. The stairs lead all the way to the top, if desired. Or they could get off at any floor.

Darren had no idea what to do. The others were no help; they’d never been in there. It didn’t matter, as The Mage knew of their presence. If he knew, then he was waiting…and he knows he can wait longer than we can.

“We’re going up. No questions,” he said, seeing the look on their faces. “You’d rather pick a random floor? No? Then we go.” And off they went.

The stairs were much more tiring than walking across flat ground. They were forced to have a different person carry Sara every three floors or so and this quickly wore them all out.

Around the twentieth floor, Fraydon turned to Darren. “You feel it? The walls have eyes…and not literally. Whatever we do is known to him.” Darren replied tiredly. “We’re in his tower. His home, his rules.”

Thendat had been keeping count of the floors. When they hit the top, “Twenty-eight floors, Darren. Does it mean anything?” Darren shook his head. “I wouldn’t know.”

There were still eleven doors on the floor to choose from. Darren immediately walked to the second to last door, pulling it open and striding through, the others right behind him.

The Mage sat on a raised dais, clothed in a resplendent shimmering robe, a long metal staff in his left hand, with three folded spikes clasped around a large red orb, cloudy and swirling. Acerin caught his breath. “The Staff of Magnus…”

Darren glanced at him. Acerin didn’t move his eyes from the staff. “It’s said that whoever holds the staff controls the very land itself for miles, not to mention the immense power...”

Darren pondered this new development and then looked up at The Mage. “Sir? We ask your help.” The Mage didn’t move, staring at each one of them in turn. “Sir? Our friend was attacked by an animal with a powerful poison, and she’s dying. We need your help.”

The Mage stood, robes rustling. “I know.” Darren’s brow furrowed. “Will you help us?” The Mage replied “I don’t know. Will you help me?”

Acerin burst in. “How can we help one so powerful?” Darren glared at him.

The Mage gestured with his right hand at Sara. “You want her to live. I want her to live. We are both good people that way. You want her to come with you, and that is where your desires differ from mine.”

It dawned on Legerra first. “You want…to keep her here, is that it?”

The Mage nodded. “Yes, I need to study her way of magic. Hers is different.”

Milar sighed. “How do we know we can trust you?” Realizing how he sounded, he quickly added “Sir.” The Mage nodded. “A wise question. I let you in my house, didn’t I?”

Milar fell silent. The others looked at Darren. Thendat laid a hand on his shoulder. “Darren, at least she’d be alive. And it’s not like we have much choice.”

Darren raised his gaze to The Mage. “Exactly. We don’t have a choice.” The Mage nodded. Darren wasn’t finished. “And that’s exactly what he wants.”

Fraydon flashed a quick look at Darren. “Darren, remember who you’re talking to.” Darren looked down at Sara, fully aware of how light she was in his arms. They couldn’t get much food down her even when she was awake.

“I know who I’m talking to. I’m talking to The Mage, a very powerful sorcerer and magician. A man who seeks to learn more, by any means necessary. A man who controls the land for miles around, keeping creatures of all kinds and experimenting with strange and exotic chemicals.”

Milar stared in horror at Darren. “Darren! You’re saying he sent the animal?”

Darren never took his gaze from The Mage’s dark red eyes. “He sent the animal. One does not easily forget his master’s tools of torment.”

The group exchanged stunned looks. Thendat spoke with more than slight hesitation. “So…even if we do get out of this alive…what about her?”

Darren dropped his gaze from the Mage to Sara. “There are antidotes to the poison in this tower. It’s no chore to find them. The problem is that they only work when The Mage wills it, or when he’s dead.”

Silence settled over the group as they looked from The Mage, standing majestic and terrible, to themselves, ragged and tired. Legerra raised his voice. “Darren! Again you don’t tell us the whole story, and again you don’t tell us what we’re up against!”

Darren turned to Legerra, eyes blazing. “And if I did? How would that change anything? Would you have rather gone to the library? Waited for us at the bottom of the stairs? Why should I tell you a single thing?!?”

Legerra stared silently at Darren. Milar spoke quietly, almost whispering, “Because you have no reason to hide it from us. We’ve fought beside you, laughed and cried together, and there shouldn’t be anything that you couldn’t tell us. I’d follow you to death, Darren. You know that.”

Darren turned to Milar, the fire dying slowly as his eyes cooled. “Thank you, Milar. I understand what you mean. But…” A finger pressed over his lips, sealing them shut. Sara raised her head slightly. “No…buts. To death, Darren.” Her head sank back down, heavy with effort.

Darren bowed his head. “It won’t come to that.” He laid Sara down on the cold marble floor behind him, the rest of the group spreading out. “Mage! Come and fight.” He turned his head side to side, glancing at the group. “I’m sorry, my friends. You cannot fight him.”

Instantly everyone except Darren and The Mage was pressed against the wall, unable to move. The five that were conscious struggled for a while, and then realized the futility of that action.

Darren cast his hood over his face, speaking loudly and clearly. “Mage. Former master. Your apprentice returns in need of help, and finds evil sought where knowledge was once treasured. I have no choice but to fight you, to the death of one of us.”

The Mage’s voice rang out. “Darren Kinsley. Former apprentice. Your master still seeks knowledge. Knowledge makes no distinction between good and evil.”

Darren didn’t look up. “Then if knowledge is not, it is most definitely you who is evil to seek to hurt another.”

“Knowledge must sometimes be gained in unsavory ways, you know that, Darren.”

“When was the last time you helped someone with your knowledge, other than yourself or your tower? You’re no better than a common thief, a hoarder of the wealth of others.”

The Mage’s answer was a blast of fire from his staff which Darren easily deflected, still speaking. “The Mage has sought knowledge, and what has he found? Despair.” Another fireball came, followed by bolts of lightning. “You fight well, Darren. You, too, have learned much in your time away. But you have not despaired. Why?”

Darren countered with multiple beams of white light, slowing them and attacking from all directions while sending a single powerful beam directly at The Mage. “Because I learned more than you did. You spent your time in this tower, holed up and not interacting with any other human, relying on your…‘pets’ to get you information.”

Darren held up his hand and absorbed the powerful blast of energy coming at him. “That’s no way to live, and you will certainly despair if you replace real people with fake ones.”

The Mage stared down at Darren, withholding his attack for a while. “And you, immortal young human, experienced traveler, you have real people around you? All you have are weak shells of fragile existence, people with problems innumerable, pathetic lowlife and scum that cannot bear to see another die, and yet you kill hundreds to save one.”

Darren winced, but kept attacking. “Tell me, Mage. When exactly did you give up friends for solace, thinking it would make you stronger?”

The Mage stepped forward, dropping to the ground. “Enough. You will not see the power I have gained, and I do not see all the power you say you have.” The Mage let his staff float above him, extending both his hands. “Feel the knowledge gained!”

Darkness slammed into Darren’s barrier, pushing him back several feet, the sheer force of it whipping his cloak in a violent wind and sending his hood back. His shield withered in seconds, and pain rushed in. The attack stopped and he fell to one knee, gasping for breath. The Mage took a step closer. “Do you see? You cannot even stand!” He tossed Darren above him, blasting him with magic at will, sending him flying across the room.

Darren stayed silent, holding the pain within, determined to stay strong. Eventually the Mage dropped him to the ground in front of the dais. “Darren, when you’re gone, your friends lose a link. That is weakness.” Darren struggled to breath. “Yes…but…” His muscles shuddered uncontrollably and he collapsed.

The Mage leaned in and lifted Darren by his ear, staring into his eyes. “But what?”

Darren had just the faintest hint of a smile on his face. “With all the links, we are far more valuable than a single piece.” His last words said, he gathered all the power he had in him, whether for one last attack or one last attempt at defense was unknown, because at that moment a very powerful wave of fire rolled over The Mage, turning his attention.

With his power gathered inside him, Darren’s will holding his friends to the wall had dissipated. Fireballs from The Mage were dispelled by the swords of Milar and Legerra; arrows flew from Thendat, making it harder to focus on attacking, and a small, almost unnoticeable throwing star, blazing with Acerin’s concentrated power flew towards the Staff of Magnus.

Darren shot out a foot, tripping The Mage and sending him crashing to the ground. The star collided with the clasped orb, cracking it. The Mage clambered to his feet and turned to the group, eyes blazing. “Fools! You cannot destroy it!”

Acerin began chanting, the others forming a barrier around him. The Mage listened for a moment, and then began relentlessly attacking. One by one the group was sent flying to a different place in the room, unable to fight anymore. Acerin stood alone, pointing a finger at The Mage, the spell complete. “Let it be so.” The moment the spell left him, a countering spell hit him with full force, sending him crashing into the wall. He crumpled to the ground.

But the spell was cast, and it no longer depended on the caster to sustain it. A swirling cloud of energy formed in the center of the room, winds of power gathering it from sources unknown. The Mage shaded his eyes and prepared to shield. The spell struck with devastating force, and for a moment it looked like it might break him. But he shifted slightly and the spell deflected and hit the orb on top of the Staff of Magnus, completely by accident.

The orb shattered completely, scattering into pieces of various sizes. The Mage shook with blind fury. Finding the largest piece, he levitated it, himself, and Darren to the ceiling. Darren struggled but was still too spent for anything beyond a weak barrier which was easily dispelled. “You and your friends have done much trouble. But your mischief ends here.”

With a wave of his hand, The Mage sent the large fragment of the orb through Darren’s right hand, pinning him to the ceiling and then releasing him from levitation, dangling Darren from his right hand. Darren watched the blood flow down, still barely able to contain his screams of pain. The Mage floated to the ground, hands above his head. “Die and curse me no more!” Forked bolts of lightning shot out, centered, and blasted into Darren, exploding and blowing the roof completely off the tower. When the dust cleared, there was nothing to be seen.

The Mage smiled evilly. “How ironic. Killed by his old favorite spell.”

“You know, that is some good irony. Except for the whole killing thing.”

The Mage whirled around to see Darren standing on the dais. “There is no way you could have survived that. You were weak, and you had no way of protecting yourself.”

Darren held up his right hand, a wound healing around a glowing red stone embedded in his palm. “Your greatest strength is your greatest weakness, Mage. That was the first lesson you taught me. You fell away from your own teachings, and thus I must label you…dead to me.”
Darren’s voice changed to a deep tone of supreme authority.
“Dead to the world.”
The Mage surveyed the people around him, sneering slightly at the ‘lowlifes.’
“Your power will be given to those who can handle it better, and your spirit will pay for what you have done to the people of this world.”

Darren finished speaking, the stone glowing even brighter red. The Mage felt every ounce of his strength being drained, his agelessness slowly fading. There was no time for last words, but the glares he gave Darren would suffice.

His power completely gone, The Mage shriveled and turned to dust in seconds.

Darren let the pieces of the broken orb float up, and collected them into a small pouch he carried.

Acerin stirred. “Ugh…it was only a small blast…” He raised his head from the ground to see Darren leaning over the others, checking their vital signs. “Darren…” Darren sat down next to him. “What is it, Acerin?” Acerin leaned closer. “Heal me.”

Darren tilted his head to one side. “Why?” Acerin grimaced. “So you don’t count me as a friend, then?” Darren shook his head. “That’s not what I meant, Acerin. Why do you need healing? You’re not hurt.”

Acerin mentally checked himself. He’s right. “But…a blast of that size would have broken dozens of bones!” Darren slapped him on the back. “Normally, yes. But that spell you cast from the book attacked The Mage and healed you all at the same time. I’m surprised you remembered it from that one look. I couldn’t have done a better job myself.” He winked at Acerin. “Now would be the best time to look smug.”

Fraydon was leaning over Sara. “Darren! She’s getting worse!” Darren shook his head. “Or not.” He ran out the door, motioning Acerin to follow him.

Acerin caught up with him at the top of the stairs. “What floor are we going to?” Darren looked at him oddly. “Don’t worry about that. Just follow me.” He backed up, got a running start, and dived off the rail, Acerin close behind. The floors flew by as they blazed downward, Darren gathering fire and trailing his hands.

The first floor rushed up far too quickly for Acerin, but Darren didn’t slow. The floor exploded in a shower of tiles and dirt as Darren blasted through it, continuing down into a dark tunnel. They flew on, dodging roots and large rocks. They came to large steel doors, and Darren stopped. “Head for that corner.”

When they both stood on certain tiles, the doors opened. Acerin shot suspicious glances through the doors. “That’s it? All you need is two people?” Darren held up his hand, which was glowing red. “Yes, but the power of The Mage has to be present.” He stepped through the door into a huge lab, chemicals lining the walls and all sorts of equipment.

“Well, not much has changed.” He grabbed a piece of paper and a quill, scratching out a list for Acerin. “Go get these bottles. Quick is good, quicker is saving a life.” Acerin nodded and ran off. Darren familiarized himself with some of the newer equipment, checking up on the older stuff. By the time Acerin returned with the chemicals, Darren was all set up and ready.

Making the potion didn’t take all that long. It couldn’t have been more than five minutes before Darren corked the bottle and called Acerin over from the chemical rack. “One last thing.” He handed Acerin a bottle he hadn’t used. “Set that on top of the desk in the middle of the room, and then we leave.”

Acerin did as he was told, puzzled. They left through the doors, leaving them open. Darren turned around, an aura forming. “This lab will never be used for evil again, and no evil will come forth.” A small fireball slowly traveled from where he was standing and made a slow journey towards the bottle. Darren turned and blazed off. “Now! Don’t slow down until we’re out of here!”

They flew back the way they came, fear pushing Acerin faster until he shot out of the tunnel just ahead of Darren, heading for the top floor. Darren followed and grabbed the railing as he hit the top floor, throwing himself into the room as the explosion rocked the tower, a pillar of fire blazing from the hole in the floor. Fraydon looked up as Darren ran in. “What is going on down there?”

Darren stooped beside Sara. “No time to explain now. Have her drink half, then apply the rest to her wounds.” They coaxed her to swallow as much as she could, waiting as precious seconds ticked away, not daring to turn her over before she could keep the liquid down. Finally they rolled her over and poured most of the liquid in the ugly scratches, wetting a bandage with the rest and wrapping her in it.

Legerra looked around them at the crumbling tower. “There’s no way we’re going to make it out, Darren. It’s collapsing right now!”

Darren closed his eyes and placed his hands on the ground, palms down. The shuddering stopped, and an eerie silence settled over them. Thendat walked to the edge and peered over, noticing the tower dropping away. The floor they were on was sturdy enough to be levitated away from the blast radius and set gently down on the ground a quarter-mile away.

Milar took several deep breaths. “Darren…what did we all just do?” Darren looked down at Sara, feeling her cool forehead and watching her sleep peacefully for the first time in a week. “We protected and saved a friend in need.”

- posted by Nick @ 4/30/2004 04:33:00 PM

 

Chapter 16: Homecoming

Darren waved his hand and the door opened, Sara’s hand hanging in mid-air ready to knock. “Come in.” Sara smiled hesitantly and walked in, sitting on the edge of the other bed a few feet away from his. “I didn’t know if you wanted to be alone or not.”

Darren continued to stare up. “When I want to be alone, you’ll know.”

Sara smiled slightly. “Slamming the door, scaring the desk clerk, hood over the face…those aren’t clues you want to be alone?”

His gaze was fixed on something moving on the ceiling. “If I wanted to be alone, the door would be across town, the clerk would be in pieces, and I wouldn’t let you in.”

Her smile was gone. “You’re…very bitter.” He sat up, avoiding her eyes. “They almost killed me. Wouldn’t you be?”

Sara looked down at the floor. “…Yes…” She paused. “You want to talk about it?”

Darren turned to her. “Alright. I was young. I had a gift. They thought I was a freak, that I was not normal. They tried to suppress the gift, they tried to destroy the magic inside me, and when that failed they tried to kill me.”

Sara waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, she ventured “Obviously they didn’t succeed.”

Darren almost rolled his eyes. “Obviously. I escaped and vowed never to come back if I could help it. But I can’t help it, apparently, so here I am.”

The room grew dark and the rest of the group joined them. Sara stood up. “We should all get some sleep. Fraydon and I have the other room. Is there even space for all you guys in here?”

Darren didn’t move. “We’ll manage. Goodnight.” Sara sighed. “Goodnight, Darren.”

The women left and Acerin closed the door. Everyone but Darren began unloading materials and bedrolls, making a place on the floor. Darren sat up and Legerra spoke, eyes averted. “Darren…we should probably open the window. It’ll get hot in here.”

Darren stood and shook out the loose folds of his cloak. “Do what you want. Thendat and Acerin get the beds. I’ll be back in the morning and we can head out as soon as everyone’s ready.”

Thendat voiced his misgivings with some hesitation. “Darren, where will you sleep? And where are you going?”

Darren threw his hood over his face. “I’ll sleep where I’m comfortable. And what I do is my own business.”

Thendat wasn’t intimidated. “Don’t do anything rash.”

Darren didn’t move or respond, but even from across the room Legerra could hear his fingers popping from his clenched fist as he strode out.

Acerin sat on the bed and whistled. “I’m a hothead, huh?” The sheets lifted at the edges and twisted around him, tying him up with only his head sticking out of a makeshift bag. Acerin yelled “Hey! What the…Darren! I was just joking, man! You’re the one who told me to settle down!” The sheets untangled and lay flat. Acerin stood up and glared at the empty doorway. “Yeah…that’s right! You better-agh!” The bed jerked sideways, knocking him to the floor. He rubbed his head and held his tongue. Milar glanced at him. “Good idea.”
~
Sara couldn’t sleep again. Even with the window open and a cool breeze flowing, she was still wondering about Darren. A voice sounded from the bed next to hers. “You’re worried about him. Even when there’s nothing wrong, you’re still anxious.”

Sara jumped slightly. “How’d you know?” She couldn’t see Fraydon but she could swear she saw a smile.

“Because you’re always looking at him, making sure he’s okay, checking to see if what you’re doing is satisfactory. You’re either a huge people-pleaser, or you like the guy.”

Sara blushed. “Well…I guess I might.”

Fraydon sighed. “He’s got a complicated past, a confused present, and a very bleak future. What’s there to like?”

Sara thought back to when their lives had been relatively peaceful, when “He was very sweet. He would defend whoever needed it, and he always cared about the little things, trying to make life better for his friends.”

Fraydon rolled over and peered through the darkness at Sara. “And those traits remain. But right now he’s got a lot of problems. The best thing you can do is silently support him, and not add to those problems.”

Sara sighed. “You’re telling me not to act on my feelings.” Fraydon smiled. “You catch on quick. Just wait until he’s less…upset. Until he has less on his mind.”

Sara agreed, and drifted off to sleep without dreams.
~
Milar woke to loud noises. It couldn’t be sunrise, but it was getting near. He shook his head to clear it and woke the others. “Guys…we may need to be out there. It sounds ugly.” They groaned and rolled over. Darren sat in the corner, still asleep with hood pulled over his head. When did he come back in? “Guys! It sounds serious!” One by one they stumbled groggily to the door and made their way to the front of the inn.

Legerra turned and ran back to get Darren, who took his time walking past the clerk, watching him huddle in the corner. He stepped outside, blinking his eyes at the dim light outside. It was some sort of procession…almost like a funeral procession. A woman stumbled by, chained to four armed guards and barely able to stand.

Fraydon and Sara walked up behind him, rubbing their eyes and yawning. “What’s going on?”

Darren stared at the woman, his senses failing. No…it can’t be…Zerach walked by, hesitated, and then came over to where they were standing. “I’m sorry you have to see this. This woman was caught stealing food, and since we know she’s done it many times, the guards have no choice but to hang her.”

Darren turned to Zerach, looking him full on in the eyes. “What’s her name?” Zerach spoke with a tone of…something unidentifiable in his voice. “Ms. Henderson.” Darren smiled politely. “Oh, I see. Thank you, Governor. Oh, Governor, one more question.”

Zerach smiled. “Sure.” Darren’s smile disappeared. “What’s her real name?” Zerach’s smile wavered slightly, but stayed plastered on. “I’m…not sure what you mean.” Darren stepped forward and grabbed Zerach by the neck of his clothing. “Don’t play games with me. I want her real name, and I want it now.”

Thendat pulled at his elbow. “Darren, the Governor said-” “I know what he said. I want to know what he didn’t say. Governor?” Darren tightened his grip a little. Zerach choked slightly. “All…right…fine. Her name is…Mary. It used to be Mary Henderson, that much was true. But she married into the…Kinsley family.”

Another round of gasps ran through the group. Darren didn’t move, his voice growing louder. “So, let me see if this is correct. Our OWN MOTHER, who is going to be EXECUTED, was stealing food because YOU DIDN’T TAKE CARE OF HER?!?” Zerach was still smiling that accursed diplomatic smile. “Darren, we have laws, and we had to hire soldiers-”

Darren cut him off. “I know about these…soldiers. They march under a false crest, with fake names, terrorizing villagers and doing what they please. They’re mercenaries, not soldiers. At least a soldier has HONOR!” He dropped Zerach, who quickly smoothed his expensive purple robe, the growing sunlight glinting off huge rings on fat fingers.

“Darren, assaulting a public official is punishable by time in jail. I’ll overlook it if you leave quickly.” Darren smiled grimly. “Oh, I’ll leave alright. I just have to finish what you started…” His voice hardened like tempered steel as he stared into the depths of Zerach’s eyes, gazing into his shriveled soul. “Older brother.”

He turned and followed the procession, his friends trailing. Zerach looked around. “Guards! To me! The traveler in the dark brown cloak is attempting to free the prisoner!” Darren chuckled darkly. Doesn’t he remember? A thought took root and began to boil, numbing his brain. He…he doesn’t remember. He’s forgotten…the way he…they way they ALL treated me. He acts like it never happened…because in his mind it didn’t!

It was with a supreme effort that he kept walking, barely able to keep himself from turning and blasting Zerach off the continent. He reached the platform where his mother stood on a wooden block, a noose around her neck, beaten and bloody. This is your reward? You gave so much to the village, to me, even to HIM! And THIS is how he repays you?!?

Sara and Acerin stood under the platform, shielding themselves and the rest of the group with their combined energy. They had no desire to kill any of the villagers and Zerach knew this, which is why he ordered the hired men to stop Darren and leave the rest alone.

They gladly obliged. They were mercenaries. They made their living from killing other people. They rushed up the raised platform and at Darren with weapons drawn. He didn’t move from his position facing his mother. They didn’t stop to try and take him unarmed. The first one to reach him swung a huge two-handed claymore, aiming to cut him in half and end the fight quickly.

Darren turned around and watched the sword come towards him, not caring whether the world slowed down or sped up this time. The first rays of sunlight shone directly into the attacker’s eyes and all around Darren, mingling with his aura and making it impossible to see him, but the mercenary kept swinging. He connected with the pulsating energy and screamed, dropping the sword and wringing his hand.

Shading their eyes, the rest of the hired men slowed, but didn’t stop completely. They kept attacking what they couldn’t see, and some got hurt worse than others. One had the idea of going after the woman that Darren seemed to be protecting. It was his last.

Darren’s hand shot out of the glowing ball and grabbed the man’s throat, ripping it out and tossing it on the ground. The attacks slowed, and then stopped altogether. Some of the men began backing away, but a surprising amount held their ground as the energy dissipated.

Darren’s friends made their way out from under the platform and looked up at the scene. The mercenaries stood facing a man holding a dark brown cloak, with long black hair and a dark blue cape flowing behind him in a breeze that existed only in another dimension. His breastplate, boots, greaves, and gauntlets seemed to be made of some ethereal material that flashed in the dawn. Twin longswords hung at his waist. He opened his eyes, and it seemed to Sara that they absorbed color from whatever he looked at, constantly changing.

The group stared at him, awestruck. One of the mercs ran up and tried another blow to Darren’s armor. Darren didn’t move, letting him score a direct hit on his chest, not moving an inch. The vibrations made the axe shiver and the merc dropped it.

Darren reached out and grabbed the man by his neck, lifting him up and staring directly into his eyes. The man worked up saliva, and spit at Darren’s face. It slowed and halted an inch from Darren’s nose, then slowly moved back until it hung directly between them. Then it burst into flame, flying into the man’s face. Darren flung him off the platform, turning to face his mother.

He slowly unsheathed one longsword, watching the silvery metal shine as he swung it through the deadly rope. Mary collapsed and Darren tenderly picked her up, jumping off into the middle of the protective barrier and laying her inside, looking around at his friends. “Protect her if they try anything.” They nodded, and he leaped back up on the platform, watching the mercenaries.

They slowly advanced up the stairs, fanning out. Darren’s voice hadn’t changed any. “Well, if it’ll give you a better chance, you can do that down here.” Darren did a backflip off the platform into the cleared road of town, unsheathing his other sword as he flipped. He landed with legs spread slightly apart and a sword in each hand, watching the mercenaries begin to circle him.

One charged too early, using an overhead chop. It was a simple matter to step forward and send his head flying with a quick slice. They grew wary, realizing his speed and strength. Just now they’re realizing this? Pretty dense for mercs…

The leader’s eyes flicked back and forth, finally blinking twice. Wow, that wasn’t a signal or anything. The circle closed in on him. He jumped a good twenty feet and landed outside the circle. Well, cartoons have lied to me again. They didn’t stab each other or collide comically.

There was no more group mindset in the mercenaries. Each acted as he thought would best work against Darren as they charged him in a blind rage. He raised his blades until they crossed over, then waited until the first man was just within reach, using the blades like scissors and cutting the man in half.

From there, it was only a question of which people to finish off first. His swords were pointing away from him, and two men charged, one swinging to the left and the other to the right. He swung his right sword to the left and vice-versa, knocking their weapons away, then brought his blades back across their throats. They collapsed in the dirt.

Enough. His weapons assumed the same properties as his armor. He charged his enemies, blades glowing with a strange light. One swing cut through their armor like paper, scattering men easily. They fell in rows, some cut down even before they had a chance to see him. A few turned to run. Not so fast. The ground shook and buckled beneath the cowards, flinging them back towards Darren, who jumped into the air and spun in a deadly whirlwind of blades.

Only the leader was left now. He knew he was no match for this powerful fighter, but he saluted Darren in mercenary fashion and strode towards him. Darren sheathed one of his swords, making it as fair a fight as he could.

The leader fought well. He knew the tricks of swordplay, and was able to foresee some of Darren’s techniques after watching him carve up his men. They kept at it for a few minutes, parrying and lunging, slashing and dodging, until Darren knocked his opponent’s sword to the side and stabbed through his heart. The leader coughed and half-smiled at Darren. “It…was nice to duel…a real fighter…instead of…bullying villagers…”

Darren bowed his head and walked a few steps away. A spot of light spread from under him and hid him from view as it closed around him. The cloak flew from Acerin’s hands and into the pillar of light. After a few seconds, it cleared and revealed Darren, dressed in the cloak as always, on one knee and breathing heavily.

Legerra ran over and slapped him on the back. “Wow, man! That was incredible! What was that thing?” Fraydon shot him a look and kneeled beside Darren. “Are you okay?”

Darren stood up and gently pushed his friends back a few feet. “I’m not hurt. That was the spirit of an ancient knight from long ago, named Delis. But explanations come later, as usual. Where’s my mother?”

The group stepped to either side, allowing Milar to walk through, carrying Mary in his arms. “Darren…she’s not going to make it.”

Darren ignored him and took her, carrying her to a tree nearby and setting her down with her back against it, sitting down beside her. She opened her eyes and turned to him, squinting in the light. “My…son…Darren? I’m glad I could see you one last time.”

Darren shook his head. “No, don’t talk like that.” His mother lifted her hand to his shoulder. “You know as well as I do I can’t recover from wounds like these. Thank you for liberating the village from those brutes. Your brother wants peace, but he does not know the minds of the people.”

Darren clenched a fist and stared off at the direction Zerach had gone. Mary noticed it. “No, do not seek vengeance on your own brother. Please…for my sake.”

Darren said nothing, avoiding her eyes. She reached up and turned his head towards hers. “Please.”

He caught his breath. “Alright. But if he does anything else to hurt the village, I will have to set it right, even if it means...removing him.” His mother sighed. “Very well. I’m sorry, Darren. I did my best to help you out…but I couldn’t be there all the time to help you against the villagers…please forgive me.”

Darren’s eyes filled with tears. “My dear mother…there is nothing to forgive.”

Mary’s eyes brightened. “Then I can go easy. My son…live well.” She leaned back and exhaled one last time.

Darren bowed his head, silent tears streaming down his face and drenching the earth. The group stood in silence, heads down, paying homage.

One by one they left, going back to the inn to gather their things, until only Sara remained. She walked up behind him, knelt, and put a hand on his shoulder. His hand covered hers, and they stayed until the group returned, silent comfort exchanged.
- posted by Nick @ 4/29/2004 02:15:00 PM

 

Chapter 15: As it Tends to Do

Sara woke up in blackness on top of the cliff. For crying out loud! I’m getting really sick of this place.

She climbed down the cliff without the aid of a light, hitting bottom and waiting for Nanashi. They always said I heard voices…never thought they were right.

The voice floated out. “You’re growing stronger. Soon you won’t need any of them.”

Talk like that made Sara nervous. “I’ll always need my friends.”

Nanashi’s response was hard mocking laughter. “You called them friends. Do you really think they are? You think you need them?”

Sara didn’t have to answer. Nanashi’s voice turned thoughtful. “Apparently you do. Interesting. Well, our time for this is over. Enjoy the waking world.”

Sara said nothing as the pain began, concentrating on dissipating it.

“Sara, you must stop fighting it and give in to make it go away.”

She laughed, but it came out as a hoarse gasp because of the pain. “If you had…told me that at the…beginning…I might’ve…believed you then.”

The pain eased and the light came, turning her vision to white, and then darkness.

She opened her eyes to more darkness. A brief moment of panic at not being able to move her legs set in, which left when her light revealed a pile of sand on her lower body. The sand was easily moved, and she extended the light to wherever she was.

It looked like a tunnel. The sand two dozen feet above her head looked solid enough, but so had the sand beneath her feet up on the surface. Now she was completely disoriented, and had no idea where to go. Either follow the tunnel up, or follow the tunnel down. Going up means fresh air, freedom, and possibly the others.

She started the trek. The tunnels were a bit steep, but she never had to climb. Time raced by, not heeding the struggle. She got to what apparently used to be the hole they fell through…only to see it end in sand. I don’t dare try to dig up…a cave-in is the last thing I need. Well, if the others survived…She mentally avoided thinking like that. …then they can’t have gone up here, so they must be down there.

She looked around. There was a piece of wood in the tunnel. It appeared to be an old signpost. The engraving was too hard to make out in the dim light, so she put it to the best use she could think of.

Sara flew down the tunnel, standing on the board, effectively surfing the sand down the tunnel for the better part of an hour, until a wavering light in the distance slowed her down.

Getting off the board and taking it with her, she crept closer to the light, which now appeared to be moving towards her. She tensed and readied a defensive spell.

A torch lit up a familiar face. “Milar?”

Milar’s shoulders sank with relief. “Yes. We’ve been looking all over for you. We’re all here, and we’ve found a sort of shelter. Let’s go.”

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the “shelter.” Sara craned her neck, looking upwards. The tunnel roof sloped up and disappeared into darkness. A tall building, clearly old in design, rose out of the sand and formed an excellent place to rest.

She walked up the steps to the main floor. Tall pillars supported a heavy marble roof, which must have been incredible to behold before the sand wore it down. The tents were set up in the middle, and the rest of the group sat in a circle talking in hushed voices. When they saw her they rose to their feet, welcoming Sara back.

After thanking them for the warm reception, it was time to figure out what was going on. “What is this place?” Darren turned to her. “I wish I knew. This thing looks like an old meeting place or something. We can’t really go anywhere, so we’ve been discussing what options we have.” He noticed the piece of wood in her hand. “What’s that?”

She held it up, staring at it as if seeing it for the first time. “I don’t know. Something I found further up in the tunnel, near where we got sucked in. I used it to slide down here.” Everyone smiled except Darren. He was busy examining the writing on the board. Sara handed it to him. “I couldn’t make out what it said.”

Darren grinned. “There are ways of taking care of that.”

He stood the board up against one of the pillars and stepped away, motioning to Acerin. A bright flash of searing flame from Acerin burned the board completely away and etched the word FIMAS into the marble. Darren sat down heavily on the floor. “Fimas. The resting point at the end of the desert.”

Sara looked at the others, then back at him. “I don’t understand. What does that mean?”

Darren looked up at her. “It means the desert is constantly expanding, and even swallowing towns. That’s why we couldn’t get past before night fell. The desert was bigger. And that explains why this place looks familiar. It’s part of the town.”

Sara looked towards the back. “What’s back there?” Fraydon shrugged. “We don’t know. It seemed too unstable to explore safely.”

Sara began to walk towards it, Milar calling after her. “Where do you think you’re going? It’s unstable!” She looked back, shaking her head. “No, it’ll be fine. It’s stable.”

Milar looked at Darren for help. Darren got the same response. So he asked “But how do you know that, Sara?” “I…don’t know. I just do.”

Darren shrugged helplessly and followed her into the darkness. Milar followed him after a moment’s hesitation. Thendat and Fraydon looked at each other and followed, shaking their heads. Acerin hung back for a little while, then realized how bored he was and went as well. Legerra trailed, muttering. “This is crazy.” He raised his voice. “I hope you all know that! This is craziness!”

Sara walked forward, still not understanding why she felt the urge to keep going. The pillars formed a hallway, the roof now slanting downwards. Normally she would feel trapped, but this was hardly normal. The others caught up to her and continued to follow, casting dubious glances at her and the environment.

Darren whispered just loud enough so everyone could hear. “Keep it down. The less noise we make, the greater our chance of getting out.”

Sara continued to walk. The hallway hit a dead end. In a small alcove stood a large statue of a man with hood cast over his face, and hands hid inside his robe.

Sara stopped and looked around. “There’s something here. Something important.” Legerra leaned on a pillar. “Well, how can we find it? It’s not like we have some kind of radar that-”

Darren pointed to the statue. “It’s behind there.” Legerra rolled his eyes. “Or…maybe we do have some kind of radar. Whatever.”

They now had a new dilemma, which Fraydon voiced. “How are we supposed to get the statue down, or break it, without bringing down the whole tunnel on us?”

Thendat crept closer to the statue. “It looks too solid to break. We’d have to move it somehow. Darren, Sara, Acerin, you guys have magic. What could you do?”

Acerin looked at him and then resumed shaking sand out of his boots. “Nothing. I destroy stuff, I don’t move it.”

Sara and Darren looked at each other and shrugged. “I guess we could try something. Sara, lift it very slightly off the ground and I’ll move it straight out.” Sara nodded.

The two concentrated, the glow amplified by their combined efforts. The statue rumbled slightly, dropping a few loose grains of sand down on their heads. But they couldn’t stop. The statue lifted an inch off the ground, its head less than that from the roof.

It flew out, barely missing Darren and almost crashed into a pillar before Darren stopped it. “Whew. Had to get it out of there quickly. Let’s find out what’s behind. Sara, you seem to know what you’re doing, and although I don’t like the idea, you should probably check it out.” Sara nodded again and stepped into a small space, stepping out quickly. “There’s a book on a pedestal there. I don’t know if this place has any traps or anything.”

Darren shook his head. “No. It should be fine. We’ll back you up.” The book was retrieved and laid on the floor gently. Sara blew the dust off the cover. “No need to destroy this one, pyromaniac.” Acerin sat down, clearly disappointed.

The book was written in a foreign language that only the three with magic could read. There was no memory of it, but they could read it like it was being spoken to them. The cover read “Magic of the Spoken Word.”

Darren jerked his head up. “It’s a spellbook! Do not read anything out loud. Even those without magic, say nothing.” The group agreed not to, and crowded around, trying to read what they could not.

The handwriting was all looping curves and flowing script. It had definitely been made with care, as it was easy to read and gentle on the eyes. Sara scanned the pages, noting how well preserved the book was. Attack spells, defensive spells, it’s all here and even more. Some of them seem harder to pronounce and require some kind of movement. Interesting.

Acerin pointed to a specific spell. “We can use this one to escape.” Darren looked where he was pointing. “We could. But we don’t know where it’ll take us, and there has to be a lot more effective spells than a simple escape spell.” Acerin smirked. “You don’t know it, do you?” Darren glanced at him, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. “I choose to focus on the ones I do know, practicing and making them better. What are you, a multi-purpose tool? You know this one?”

Acerin’s face turned red. “No. But it can’t be that hard to figure out.” Darren held his gaze for a second, and then turned back to the book. “Very well. You cast it, then. Get us in this very spot, but on top of the sand.”

Acerin rolled his eyes. “Oh, right. So if anything goes wrong, you can blame it on me. A good way to save your reputation from the fire, no doubt.” Darren grinned. “That’s one way of looking at it. Or you could look at it as a challenge, a way to prove yourself, and a way for you to stop complaining that I’m doing all the work.”

Acerin thought for a moment. “Fine, I’ll do it. The spell has to be cast in close proximity to all the people escaping, so nobody move.” He traced the spell with his finger, burning it into his mind, mentally pronouncing it over and over, tone and inflection perfect.

“Alright, here goes.” Acerin took a deep breath. “Krytht menehaes plythe!”

A cool wind spread from the pages, enveloping the group and shielding them as blue light surrounded them and prevented sight. A moment later the wind turned dry and harsh as the light disappeared and the desert surrounded them once more. Acerin couldn’t help but look smug. Darren let him enjoy the moment for a little while longer before asking him which direction they should go.

Acerin, of course, had no idea and was instantly deflated. Darren pointed east at the rising sun, which Acerin turned to face. They had only been in there for a night, and most of them were rested. “Which way is south?” Acerin mumbled something under his breath and pointed to his right. Darren grinned. “Good. Let’s get out of the desert.”

A few hours later they hit blessedly solid ground. Legerra smacked the side of his head a few times, knocking sand out of his ears. “Bleh…I never want to come this way again.”

Darren frowned. “The sand shouldn’t be moving at all. A whole town…all those people forced out of their homes. They’d have to find shelter. But…the nearest town is…” Instead of finishing the sentence, he started walking again.

Sara walked ahead of him with Fraydon, as usual. She looked over her shoulder at Darren and whispered “What’s up with him and the nearest town?” Fraydon looked straight ahead and whispered back “It’s where he grew up.” Sara looked confused. “Shouldn’t he be happy, then?” Fraydon looked at Sara, then at Darren. “There are a lot of things he should be.” She smiled at her own cryptic response. “He was happier when he left than ever before. Not only was he mocked for his gift, they tried to destroy it altogether. A year passed between the time he left and the time we met. He was aging normally then. And he’s never told us much else other than that.”

Sara took it all in quietly, stealing glances over her shoulder at Darren, who would normally be talking and laughing with Milar and Legerra while practicing with Acerin. Now he walked silently, avoiding eye contact with everyone else, his hood thrown over his face.

They reached the town as the sun started to sink below the horizon. A sign had been painted over, now saying WELCOME TO FIMAS in bold lettering. Darren’s step and body language revealed nothing as they walked past it. A huge iron gate barred them from entering. A watchman came out of a small booth in the side, looking at the seven with a large amount of suspicion. “Well, well…we don’t get travelers in these parts much anymore…what with the sand and all. What’s your business here?”

Sara looked at Darren, who said nothing. Milar stepped up. “We’re on our way to Pilosh, and we were hoping to stay inside the town tonight. We wish no harm to anyone.” The watchman looked them all up and down. “Sounds good enough. And it’s a pretty quiet town, Fimas is. Not much happens here. So rest up and continue.”

Milar thanked him and they traveled through the archway as the rusted gate squealed open. They were greeted by more suspicious eyes. Parents gathered their children closer. Someone in fancy dress clothes came out to meet them in the town square. Word traveled fast in Fimas.

The man stepped forward. “On behalf of the people, I want to welcome you to Fimas. I am Governor Zerach Kinsley.” There were sharp intakes of breath from Thendat and Milar. Fraydon almost fell over. Legerra and Acerin were staring open-mouthed. Sara couldn’t believe it. He has family still alive?

Zerach didn’t appear to notice their reactions and was still talking. “…nice to have to all here. May I have your names?” Again, Milar stepped in for Darren, who was still hiding his face under his hood. “Well, I’m Milar. The women are Fraydon and Sara. This is Thendat, and the young man over there is Acerin. Oh, this is Legerra. And…”

Darren stepped forward and threw back the hood. “My name is Darren…Kinsley.” He spoke the last word like a curse, almost spitting on the ground after saying it.

Zerach stepped forward, incredulous. “Darren? Is it really you?” Darren smiled without humor. “No, it’s all a trick. I’m not really Darren; I just came here to fool you.” Zerach laughed. “It is Darren! I don’t believe it! Welcome back, brother!”

The other six blinked. Had they heard right? Brother? Darren spoke between clenched teeth. “Which way to the inn, Governor?” Zerach was either really dense or just didn’t care, because he kept smiling and chatting away with Darren like they were old pals. If Sara hadn’t known Darren, she would’ve said he was being rude and sided with the well-dressed man. But Darren did everything for a reason. She knew that much by now.

Eventually Zerach bid them good-day and left. Darren replaced his hood and walked quietly to the center of town, where the inn was. The rest of the group followed, talking amongst themselves in hushed tones as the townspeople stared at them. I’m not deaf, people. I can hear you.

Darren practically threw money for a few days’ stay at the desk and took the keys without a word. He looked down at them as he walked. Both rooms at the end of the hall on the second story. Figures.

He chose the room at the far end, leaving the door key for the room across from his outside in front of the door. No-one’s going to take it.

He didn’t bother locking the door after slamming it shut. No-one’s going to bother. He flung himself onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. Except…
- posted by Nick @ 4/28/2004 05:06:00 PM

 

Chapter 14: And Life Goes On

Thendat woke at daybreak, as was his habit. After checking to make sure nothing had been disturbed during the night, he strung his bow and left to go find some small game for food. The stuff they had was only good for a while before it started getting old.

A few squirrels were roasting over a small fire when Milar woke up. He yawned and scratched his face. “Mmm…smells good. You gonna make anything for yourself?”

Thendat ventured a small smile. “I figured I’d stick you over the fire after you were done eating…more meat that way.”

Milar relented. “Alright, alright…half of one?” Thendat nodded.

Legerra walked by, sticking the end of his sword into one of the crisp animals and tossing it into the air, slicing it in half and lobbing one piece to Darren as he approached the fire.

“Y’know, Darren, you could cook this stuff a lot quicker than we could.” Legerra winked. Darren smiled, then let it drop and ate in silence. After a few minutes, Legerra started looking around at the others. “You want me to wake Sara?”

Darren rolled his eyes. “Sure, go ahead.” He pointed. “That one.”

Legerra walked nonchalantly over to the tent as quietly as he could, but his plate mail armor could be heard for hundreds of feet. He yanked open the flap, howling in surprise when a powerful wind threw him back to the fire, almost landing him in it.

“If I’d wanted a wake-up call, I’d have asked for one.” Acerin stumbled out, visibly annoyed at having his sleep disturbed. Legerra stood up, glaring at Darren. “That’s the tent you, Acerin, and Thendat share, not Sara’s tent. And besides, didn’t you just tell him that the magic was not to be played with?”

Darren looked at Acerin. “I don’t know. That seemed like a perfectly legitimate use of magic to me.” There were scattered chuckles and assertions. Darren smiled slightly. “At least he had the decency to stop before you hit the fire.”

Acerin looked up from his food, bleary eyed. “I couldn’t keep up the wind for that long this early in the morning.” Legerra said nothing, shifting his eyes to the third tent.

Darren sighed. “She’s not in there, Legerra. Fraydon took her scouting to learn the basics.”

Legerra finished his food, leaned back on a log, and closed his eyes. “It’s no banquet, but it’ll do.”

He lazily opened one eye and peered at Darren. “Alright man, spill the beans.” Darren turned to face him. “What?”

Legerra opened the other eye and sat up, leaning forward. “What’s with you and Sara? You guys seem more than just friends, but you don’t seem to be…you know…”

Darren shook his head. “We’re close friends. It’s been a bit hard on her coming to a strange world, you know? I’m the only familiar thing here, so naturally she draws closer to me. As for you, control yourself when you’re around her, man. She’s quite willing to ice you. Literally.”

The fire was put out, the small tents were quickly taken down, and they were ready to go when the women got back. Taking their places, the group began walking south. The day passed uneventfully. Everyone knew their role in the group, and they fulfilled it to the best they could. The night passed uneventfully except for the occasional wolf howl.

The next day was exactly like the one before. They got up, they ate, they broke camp, and they left. This night, the dream came to Sara. The voice came, spoke disjointed sentences and fancy words, and ended with pain. The pain was considerably less than at the beginning, however.

The following day was a little different. Sara spent more time up in front with the scouting group, learning the tricks and techniques. Milar spent time teaching Acerin basic swordplay and Darren occasionally trained him in magic.

Fraydon stopped at the top of a raised hill. “What do you see?”

Sara shaded her eyes and scanned the horizon. Flatlands gave way to rocky ground, then sand. The sand stretched from about a quarter-mile from where they were to an unknown distance. She told this to Fraydon, who nodded. “Go tell Darren.”

Sara obliged while Fraydon sat and took a drink of water from her canteen. Thendat kneeled, looking around. After a time, he sighed. “She’s got potential, but her mind is distracted.”

Fraydon smiled. “Yes, and it’s quite obvious why.” Thendat grinned. “Don’t tell me you’re going to have a heart-to-heart with her about that?” Fraydon tilted her head to the side. “What’s wrong with that?” Thendat looked away to hide his wide grin. “Well…I can’t exactly see…you…having a heart-to-heart…with anybody. Ow!” He rubbed his arm. Fraydon sniffed, assuming an air of polite indignation. “Don’t mock my sensitive side.” Thendat rolled onto his back laughing, oblivious to the mock-savage kicks Fraydon aimed at him.

Right then, Darren walked up with the rest of the group. The two got up and stood waiting for orders. Darren did his own scanning of the terrain, noting layout. “We cross it today, and avoid spending the night down in the desert.” No-one argued. Nobody complained. They simply gathered what gear they had, shouldered their packs, and made formation, starting towards the seemingly endless sand.

Hours later, Sara was getting worried. There seemed to be no progress made at all. They couldn’t be going in circles; they knew what direction they were heading in. Sand on all sides made for bland scenery. Darren stopped them all at the top of a sand dune. “Well…it’ll get dark soon. We can’t do much else besides keep going and make camp if it gets dark. I’d really like to avoid getting caught here at night, though.”

With that, they pressed on, pushing their tired bodies further than they normally would. Finally, they stopped. It was almost totally dark. Darren set down his pack and began to set up his tent, when a rumbling shook the sands. Reactions were natural and quick.

Thendat already had an arrow ready, whirling around trying to locate the noise. Fraydon knelt, ear to the ground. Milar and Legerra unsheathed their swords, back to back around Sara, who had both knives unsheathed and ready. Acerin did nothing, but was ready to use magic if necessary. Darren stopped putting up the tent and laid a hand on the hilt of his sword.

The rumbling ceased. Darren shot a questioning look at Fraydon, who straightened up and pointed to the north, behind them. Everyone turned in that direction, waiting for the rumbling. It began again, more violent this time. A pillar of sand rose in the distance, then fell and disappeared.

Sara’s eyes widened. A moment later, a giant worm-like creature burst from the sand not fifteen feet from the group. It was easily twenty feet wide, and four times as long. Fraydon jumped back, out of range, throwing razor-sharp stars that proved ineffectual against its hide. Thendat’s arrow glanced off its body. Acerin’s fire barely seemed to hurt it. Even the ice Sara pelted it with didn’t seem to cause any damage. Milar and Legerra stayed back, waiting for a chance to strike. Only Darren didn’t move.

The Sand Worm slowed and stopped rising, then hovering for a brief second, began to fall. Sara and Acerin backpedaled out of the way as it crashed through the sand, spraying them all with the stinging grains. But when it sank down, the sand began to shift.

Soon the entire party was being dragged down into a sand whirlpool. There was nothing to hold on to. The sand’s pull was too strong to fly out of. Acerin struggled as much as he could before disappearing beneath the sand. One by one, the party slipped below the surface, until only Sara was left. The whirlpool was too fast, too powerful. The sand closed over her head, and she lost consciousness.

- posted by Nick @ 4/28/2004 10:56:00 AM

 

Chapter 13: Auld Acquaintance

Darren finished up his report with the town authorities, making sure nothing would happen to Louis and Martinez. He rejoined Sara, Milar, and Legerra in the bar, noting that the bartender was still absent. I’ll take care of that later…

Milar and Legerra bowed as Darren walked up to them. Milar handed Darren’s sword back. “A very good show, but did you really have to scare Sara like that?”

Sara checked her reflection in a nearby glass. I don’t look shaken or anything…I think.

Legerra laughed. “Just check the upstairs windowsill…it’s got ten permanent grooves now.” Sara blushed. Oh…right…

Darren smiled, his voice taking on a light, teasing tone. “Oh really? I’m surprised Legerra didn’t try to ‘comfort’ her.” Legerra rubbed his side. “I tried.”

Darren smiled, but it was quickly gone from his face, noticing Sara climbing up the stairs rather quickly. He headed for the stairs too, elbowing Legerra in the ribs when he tried to follow. “Owww…fine, you can have your fun…” Darren glared at him. “Or not…”

Sara kneeled at the windowsill, tracing over and over the grooves her hands had left. Darren walked up behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder. She stood and turned around, facing Darren with watery eyes. Darren’s heart melted and he caught her in his arms.

Sara said nothing, just crying, releasing pent up frustration and pain, the worries and anxiety that had plagued her ever since she arrived in Shirn. Darren said nothing, letting her get it out. Finally, he whispered into her ear. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about what my actions were doing to you.”

Sara pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes for a minute, then hugged him close again. They stayed there until Milar came running up the stairs, out of breath and noticeably embarrassed to be interrupting. “Sorry Darren, but there’s someone down here who demands to see you.”

Darren nodded at him and looked down at Sara. She sniffed and wiped her eyes. Darren smiled gently and let her go. “We’ll talk later. Come down whenever you’re ready.”

He turned and walked down the hallway, down the stairs, and into the bar. Legerra and Milar stood next to a man and a woman, facing someone Darren had never seen before. He can’t be more than 19…18 would be my guess. Although technically I’m perpetually 19, at least I have the benefit of experience.

He nodded to the man, clothed like Milar and Legerra, but with a long bow made of some strange wood on his back. “Thendat.” He bowed to the woman, who wore the same type of clothing as Sara, but with less armor. “Fraydon. Good to see you both again.” They bowed low.

He turned to the young man facing them. “And you I’ve never seen before.”

“My name is Acerin. I came to fight you, Darren Kinsley.” Darren raised an eyebrow. “Fight me? Didn’t you just see what happened out there?”

Acerin nodded. “Yes, and I can take you.” Darren shook his head in amazement. “Kids these days…why do you want to fight me?”

The young man shrugged. “To test myself? Because I can? Because I want to?”

Darren smiled. “Seems to me like you don’t quite know why yourself. How’d you like to come along on a little journey instead of fighting me?”

Acerin eyed Darren with no small amount of suspicion. Darren’s smile grew. “Yes, I know it seems like a trap of some sort, but consider it your chance to study me, and if the time comes when you wish to leave, you can choose to, and we’ll fight then.”

It was quite obvious that there was a grudging respect for Darren from Acerin, but just as obvious that there was almost no trust. Right about then, Sara came down. Acerin’s eyes widened and Darren laughed, as it had become the standard reaction from most men seeing Sara.

Acerin quickly turned back to the business at hand. “What do you stand to gain?”

Darren thought for a second. “Well, I gain a traveling partner. If you’re as good as you say, you can help out me and help…someone high up in the royal court. If I backstab you in the wilderness, what do I have to gain? Nothing.”

Acerin mulled this over for a minute. Darren held up his hands. “Take your time. I’ll be here for another couple of hou-”

The bartender got up from behind the counter, and Darren whirled to face him. Anger blazed across his face. “YOU!”

Instantly the bartender bolted for the back door, but it slammed shut and locked itself. Luckily the bar was empty except for Darren, his friends, and Acerin, or questions might have been asked. Acerin started at the glow surrounding Darren. “You can use magic?”

Darren never took his eyes off the man behind the counter. “Introductions later. Retribution now.”

Sara said nothing, watching the bartender made a run for the front door, only to be picked up by a powerful wind and smashed against a wall. Darren mentally thanked Sara, and walked to the back door. “Everybody out the back. Now.”

They filed out, leaving Sara and Darren in the room. Milar’s voice floated in. “Don’t forget, we have some basic gear in our upstairs room. It’s the only locked one.”

Darren nodded. “Sara, release him and go with the others. I’ll grab the gear and meet up with you all at the rock, as planned.” Sara nodded silently. {Darren, be quick.} {I will be.}

The group left the bar and watched the door slam shut. They made their way east, out of town to the well-known landmark. There was no-one there at this time, which was probably for the best. Legerra climbed to the top of the rock and called down to the others. “You can see the second story from the top.”

Sara climbed up and watched the upstairs inn. Please, God…no fire…no explosions…It came as a tremendous relief to see Darren walking towards them carrying the gear.

He dropped the gear with a heavy sigh at the base of the rock as Legerra and Sara climbed down. “Okay, quick introductions. Sara, this is Fraydon, one of the best scouts on Shirn. She knows it better than I do, and excels at stealth.” The women exchanged smiles and nods.

“Thendat is an incredible archer. I still haven’t found his equal, except perhaps when he shoots twice.” Everyone chuckled.

“Milar and Legerra are swordsmen. I don’t know which one is ‘better,’ but it’s quite entertaining to watch them spar. And this is Acerin, apparently a magic-user.” Acerin whirled to face Darren. “How’d you know?” Darren smiled patiently. “You saw my aura. Only people who use magic can see the power being collected.” Acerin nodded slowly and turned away again.

Darren looked around. “Okay, so that’s all of us. Everyone, this is Sara. A good friend from Silver Lake, she can also use magic and has skill with long knives.” There were polite and friendly greetings all around. “So we’re all here, ahead of schedule, and now we just have to get to the Great Library in Pilosh.”

Acerin spoke up. “What are we doing there?” There were murmurs of assent all around. Apparently Darren had kept their mission objectives quiet.

Darren smiled. “We’re doing research.” Acerin started to say something, but Darren cut him off. “We’re on an unofficial secret mission from the king himself to find the Stone of Naugan.”

The group exchanged incredulous looks. Legerra raised his voice and spoke with a slightly sarcastic tone. “If you had told us it was going to be a suicide mission, and that we didn’t even know where we were going to die, I might have thought differently about accompanying you on this one.”

Darren looked directly at him. “You’re free to leave.” Legerra held up his hands in front of him. “I didn’t say I wanted to leave. It’s just…it doesn’t seem like you trust us that much, Darren. We’re here for you.”

Darren said nothing. At length Thendat, leaning against a rock with hood pulled over his head, spoke. “When do we leave for the library?”

Darren walked to each person, handing out gear and rations. “Unless you have something you need to get, we leave now.” No-one moved. “Let’s go.”

The group of seven began walking at a steady pace towards the south, the sun directly above them and blazing down. Everyone seemed to have a place, and fell into step accordingly. Fraydon walked twenty or thirty feet ahead of Darren, Thendat trailing Fraydon by five to ten feet. They made no noise, and seemed to be the scouting party for what lay ahead.

Milar walked a few feet behind and to Darren’s right, Legerra a few feet behind and to Darren’s left. Acerin walked directly to Darren’s left, Sara directly to Darren’s right.

After an hour or so of silent walking, Sara turned to Darren. “Darren…what did you do to the bartender?” Darren stared at the horizon, eyes always ahead. “I gave him a taste of his own medicine. I sealed the bar, tied him up, and left him sitting at a table. Illusions of anyone he had ever loved and everyone he trusted will be appearing throughout the next week, ignoring his pleas to untie him and help him. He’s being betrayed.” Darren turned to Sara and smiled sardonically. “Imagine that. But if he figures out the point of what I’m doing, then the ropes will shrivel and he’ll live. If not, he’ll die of starvation.”

Sara shuddered and said nothing. Darren noticed her troubled face and also said nothing, choosing to walk on in silence rather than bring it up. I know I told her we’d talk later…but will we ever get the chance?

Apparently Acerin quickly decided walking was too boring, because he began juggling spheres of fire and ice as they continued the journey. Darren glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, still saying nothing. But when Acerin made them spin around Darren’s head…That’s enough.

“Boy, the magic is not to be played with.”

“Boy? Where do you get off saying ‘Boy’ when you’re just a year or two older?”

Darren smiled darkly inside, keeping his face expressionless. It was always refreshing to see someone so young and naïve. “Don’t you know enough to study your enemies before you challenge them?” His tone turned mocking. “Or do you always rush in, demanding the satisfaction of a duel and hoping they’ll back down?”

Acerin said nothing. A lightbulb went on in Darren’s head. “Or…is this your first challenge? Wow…I’ve seen some real hotheads, but you take the cake.”

“Enough!” Acerin had an aura. “You think you’re all that, Darren? You think you have all this power? I have a direct tap to the source!" He unleashed a concentrated wave of fire directly at Darren. Sara didn’t even have time to think about a defensive spell before Darren reacted.

Darren focused a large amount on defense and sent a small surge of magic back to Acerin’s attack, effectively cutting it off before it even reached him. Acerin stood there dumbfounded. “What…how…?”

Darren let his magic die, slowly allowing Acerin access to his power again. Acerin looked at Darren cautiously, a slight waver in his voice. “Don’t tell me you’re going to kill me now. That would just be inhumane.”

Darren walked to Acerin, stopping two inches away from his face. “Oh, I see. I’m held to a higher code of morals, just because I’m different for some reason? It didn’t seem to stop you from attacking without giving warning. Why the double standard? Are you that scared for your life?”

Acerin remained silent. Darren stepped back. “That’s the smartest thing you’ve said all day.” The younger one was visibly furious at this remark. Darren pointed at him. “That’s your problem. You get too worked up about nothing. Let it go as an insult, and insult me back later. You don’t blast a man just for snubbing you in the street.”

He turned and resumed walking, and so did Acerin. The rest of the group eased up a little, putting away their weapons but still eyeing Acerin with some measure of suspicion. Everyone took their place again.

Darren continued talking. “Your method of pure power in huge amounts may work on lesser people, but against experience you have no advantage. I’m surprised that although you’ve heard of my power, my agelessness doesn’t make it into the legends. That’s good, by the way. The less they know, the better. Acerin, public displays of power don’t get you anything but mistrust. Just look around. Another move like that fire and you’d be dead, even if you killed me. They’re watching you now, and it’ll be some time before you’re trusted by them again.”

Acerin mumbled an apology. “Oh, don’t apologize. It’s worth making mistakes now and then. If nothing else, learn this lesson: choose wisely which mistakes you make.” Darren ended the discussion, refusing to answer any questions until they were camped for the night.
~
Sara couldn’t sleep. It was hot and stuffy inside the small tent she shared with Fraydon. How am I supposed to get to sleep? She rolled over and looked at her companion. No use asking her; she’s been doing this for years, according to Darren. She sighed and got up, opening the tent flap. Fraydon and Milar had fixed the strap on her armor, and there was a noticeable difference. She could move much quicker and quieter now.

She stepped out and looked around. Nothing but a clump of trees where we are and rocky flatland in every direction.

A dull noise reached her ears. Sounds like someone’s yelling…that’s all we need now. She reached out with magic, sensing the direction of the noise. Further south.

It was only a one-minute walk. The flatlands took a deceiving dip and rise, effectively creating a natural hole. No wonder I didn’t see this place. She knelt and crawled until she could look over the edge without being noticed.

Darren floated in a small crater, dressed in the traveling style of Shirn with his cloak nowhere to be seen, rocks spinning around him in an endless circle. Eyes closed and not moving, he almost looked comatose. Without warning, his left arm shot out and smashed a rock to dust. He did it again, this time with a smaller rock and his right arm. Again and again he practiced with different rocks and techniques, improving dexterity and speed.

He sank to the ground slowly, the glow around him disappearing. Sara was about to stand up when suddenly a glint appeared near the ground. She focused on it, but it disappeared. After a few more glints, she wished a hole would open up and swallow her.

He was crying. Weeping silently, he buried his face in his hands and sank even lower, face almost touching the ground. Sara couldn’t act, too many thoughts running through her head to even focus on any coherent one.

The tears suddenly stopped, Darren clenching both hands into white-knuckled fists. Kneeling and then standing, he ran full speed, arms and legs wild, at a huge old stone standing in the pit, screaming “AAAAAHHHHHHH!” There was still no power coming from him. And that’s when Sara realized: he didn’t plan to use it.

Darren practically threw himself at the stone, punching until the blood flowed from his hands and down his arms, spattering the rock and painting the ground red.

Sara covered her mouth with her hand so she wouldn’t cry out.

Darren kept punching, seemingly immune to the pain he was inflicting on himself. He finished after a minute or two, the stone unhurt, unmoving, and uncaring. Without using magic, he knew he couldn’t destroy it. He stood up, the pain and his wounds fading as he let the power heal him, fire burning away all trace of blood from the environment.

He stood looking at the ground and the rock for a while. It could have been a minute. It could have been an hour. Finally Sara crawled backwards until it felt safe enough to stand and walk silently. She eased the closed tent flap open, shutting it behind her. Fraydon didn’t even stir.

Sara sighed. Her body needed rest, but her brain forbade it. Finally she began to drift off out of pure exhaustion. And out of all her drifting thoughts, out of all the confusion and fear, she fell asleep with one thing still on her mind.

Didn’t I leave the tent flap open when I first left?
- posted by Nick @ 4/26/2004 10:44:00 AM

 

Chapter 12: The Good, the Bad, and the Living

As it turned out, no-one had actually seen Darren protect the ship. The crew and family had been below deck. And the ship had been too far from town at the time for passerby to notice someone on the mast.

Sara went to the lower deck and helped the family out while Darren talked with the captain about various concerns. Darren returned as the boat was docking.

Sara looked at him quizzically. “Why didn’t we go to the cabin when the storm started?” Darren gestured towards the door. “Go see for yourself.”

Sara pushed on the door. “The lock won’t turn, and the door won’t open. What gives?”

Darren stepped up to the door, looked around to make sure no-one was watching, and kicked hard on it. The door flew into the room, small pieces of wood falling off. Sara leaned in.

The bolted down furniture had come loose, and from the dents and holes in the walls, had slammed all around the room. Darren shook his head. “I noticed during our shared pain that the furniture was easily moved by thrashing. They always skimp on the safety of the guest cabin…”

Sara swallowed hard and went to check on the family. Darren walked down the gangplank to dry land, looking around him. A windblown sign proclaimed the town to be Quidan. It was much larger than B’thda, certainly. Multiple bars, inns, shops for food and traveling, and much more could be found. {Sara, it’s time. Bring the family.}

Sara and the family caught up and fell in step beside him as he walked down the main road. Darren glanced from side to side as they made their way down a well-hidden backstreet to a surprisingly upscale inn.

Darren opened the door, still watching the street. Sara ushered the family inside, and only then did they relax. Darren stepped into the back room to talk business with the manager while Sara showed the family to their new home. The mother was grateful beyond words, and after a while stopped speaking altogether. The boy did his best to keep up his act of toughness and unconcern. But happiness shone on all their faces for hours.

Darren tugged at Sara’s sleeve. “We need to go.” They said their goodbyes and left.

Sara sighed as they left the inn and walked back the way they came. “Helping out people brings happiness. Is that why you became a Guide?”

Darren drew his cloak tighter around himself, warding off the chill morning air. “Partially.” He chose not to elaborate.

They kept walking towards the ship, when Darren made a sudden right turn down another backstreet and knocked twice on a nondescript wooden door. It opened within ten seconds and Darren quickly stepped inside, motioning for Sara to come with him.

Sara didn’t understand much of what was going on, but she came anyways, resting her hands familiarly on her knives. They made their way through darkened rooms in maze-like fashion, to confuse thieves and intruders. A sudden entry into a brightly lit room made her shield her eyes, drawing back to protect herself.

Darren laid a hand on her shoulder. “Relax. We’re among friends.”

Sara gazed around the room. It sure doesn’t look that way. Big men carrying obviously concealed weapons dotted the room, scowls on their faces.

One of them, marked as the leader by the red piece of cloth pinned to his shoulder, spoke up. “Darren. You come back to us on a ship laden with gnib, containing runaway slaves, heralded by rain, thunder, and lightning, and you expect us to welcome you?”

Darren thought for a second, and then replied, “Pretty much.”

All the men burst out laughing, the leader slapping Darren on the back. “Ha ha! We should’ve recruited you years ago! Good work, Kinsley. We’ll take care of the smugglers and make sure your refugees are alright.” The group exited through a hidden door, still laughing.

Sara turned to Darren. “I thought you weren’t going to report the smugglers?”

Darren half-smiled. “What they did was illegal, immoral, and causes problems for thousands.”

Sara shook her head dubiously. “But you told them you wouldn’t. You lied?”

Darren looked at her strangely. “Would you prefer I hadn’t and let them continue ruining lives throughout Shirn? By not reporting them, I would be indirectly contributing to the deaths of hundreds every day; the continuing addiction would be partially my fault.”

Sara shrugged. Darren sighed. “Look, I’m not justifying what I said. Yes, it was wrong. But I sleep better knowing that two dozen evil men are behind bars and unable to wreak havoc on the general population.”

Sara held up her hands. “Alright, alright. So now we have to gather a group of people and head for the library.”

Darren searched her eyes, looking for something she seemed not to be saying. At length, he spoke. “Yes, we’ll have to head for a couple bars. Not the best place to find people, admittedly, but I have some friends with skills you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll head for the Running Toad now. If we get separated for any reason, don’t head for the bars. Go east out of town and find the large rock formation nearby. We’ll meet there.”

Sara waved it off and walked out the door the men had left open. Darren followed quickly.

They were in a totally different backstreet again. This came as no surprise to Sara, who was beginning to become slightly nervous about Quidan, even if she didn’t show it.

Darren led the way to the main street, avoiding people altogether until they could no longer stay hidden without looking suspicious. Sara automatically took the space a little behind him and to his right, always on the lookout for something wrong.

The Running Toad was one of the better bars in Quidan, which Sara thought said a lot about the town. Again, there were catcalls and comments from men around the room, some of the women shooting Sara murderous glances and envious looks.

Sara placed a hand on a knife, and the men quieted a bit, but not much. These were fighting men, men used to seeing weapons, and although they could tell she knew how to handle them, they still thought it worth the risk.

Darren stepped up to the bar, Sara still at his side. The bartender glanced up from the glass he was cleaning, and almost dropped it. “Darren!”

“Barkeep. Good to see you again.” The look on Darren’s face said the exact opposite.

The bartender backed away slightly. “Now listen, Darren. I didn’t tell anyone where you were going, I swear!”

Darren sat down on a stool, and Sara did the same. “That’s funny, because I was followed not once, not twice, but five times. I’m not here for revenge right now, however. I’m looking for Milar and Legerra.”

The bartender jerked his head towards a dark corner where two men in full armor sat at a small round table. “You’re early, but they’ve been here since yesterday.”

Darren smiled for the first time, but it seemed to Sara that the bartender cringed at it more than the lack of a smile. “Good. Thank you for your services, kind man.”

They left the bar and headed over to the table, Sara dodging the groping hands and leering eyes. If I was here by myself…I’d have already started cutting people.

Darren sat down in the empty chair on the left without waiting to be invited, a broad smile still on his face. Sara took the right. They said nothing, apparently waiting for the others to say something. Finally one of the armored men spoke, leaning forward into the light.

“You’re late.” He began to chuckle, his companion joining in a bit. Darren and Sara decided against it. The companion leaned into the light as well. “Ah, come on, Darren. Lighten up! We were here first and so we won. Now, the prize has yet to be decided upon…but your friend seems good enough.”

Sara glanced at Darren out of the corner of her eye. {I’m giving him ten seconds and then he’s going to be VERY cold.}

Darren burst out laughing. “Ah, Legerra. You’ll never know how close you continue to come to your slow and painful death. Sara, that…thing that looks human but acts like a total jerk is Legerra.”

Legerra bowed as best he could from a sitting position. Sara could easily tell why he was a womanizer: just because he could be. Tall, dark, handsome, and probably in his late twenties, he liked to be noticed.

Darren continued. “This other man is Milar.” Milar was also tall and dark, but more grizzled and aloof, with an air of knowledge made perfect by age. He nodded politely.

Darren spoke to Milar, now. Sara did her best to ignore Legerra’s eyes and listen to the other two. “Milar, have you heard from anyone else?” “No, they were supposed to come here, but you’re early. They still have time.”

Darren frowned. “The earlier we leave the better.” Milar stood, armor slightly clanging. “Well, you can go look for the others. Legerra and I are still tired from our long journey. We’re staying at the inn upstairs here.”

Darren stood, Sara rising as well. “Well then, friends. I take leave of you. Legerra…I would highly advise you against any…unwanted advances towards a certain blonde-haired young woman. Consider yourself warned.”

Legerra grinned and winked at Sara. Sara rolled her eyes and started to follow Darren towards the door they came in, when suddenly,

“Darren Kinsley! Come out unarmed and alone!”

Darren turned to Milar. “Wasn’t me, Darren. I’ve been with Legerra, and we haven’t moved from this spot the entire day.”

Darren looked at the bar. “No bartender during the noon rush? I should’ve guessed…what’s one more betrayal when he’s already done five?”

Darren walked towards the door, handing his sword to Milar. “Hold her if she tries to follow.”

Sara defiantly walked after Darren, mentally preparing the magic to push Milar away as he moved towards her.

Darren stopped dead in his tracks, turned, and looked Sara directly in the eyes. {Low profile, Sara. No magic. If I come out with someone else, not only have I lost my chance to find out who it is, there’s a chance someone innocent could get caught in the crossfire before I get them away.}

Sara let the magic die slowly, stubbornly, Milar’s gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. “Sorry, Sara. Just following orders.”

Sara looked up at him. “Is there any way I can see what’s going on?”

Milar scratched his chin. “Well…we could head upstairs, I guess.” Seeing the look on Sara’s face, he sighed. “Let’s go.”

Sara reached the upstairs window just as Darren exited the bar. {Be careful, Darren.} {Aren’t I always?} {No, you’re not!} {I’ll be careful this time, but…I won’t let them appear kind.} Sara shook her head. {What do you mean by that?} There was no answer.

From her vantage point, Sara could see at least two dozen archers with full quivers, bows strung, and arrows drawn back, ready to fire. Hidden well, they formed a semi-circle around the entrance/exit to the bar. Darren stepped off the wooden porch and looked around, raising his voice. “Let the speaker step forth!”

Two men detached themselves from the shadows in an alley, one of them the speaker. “You’re alone. Are you unarmed?”

Darren laughed. “I’m never completely unarmed. However, for this one meeting, I have taken leave of my sword.”

The speaker stepped forward. “It wouldn’t have helped much even if you had it.”

Darren blinked. “So you say…is it really Louis? So the one with you must be Martinez.”

The two stepped into Sara’s view. The doctor did say there were others…but there’s still one unaccounted for.

Darren was thinking the same thing. “Did Antonio survive?”

Martinez and Louis glanced at each other. Louis drilled a small hole in the dust with the toe of his boot. “We…don’t know. We’ve been trying to find him. And we’ve decided to ‘coerce’ you into helping us find him.”

Darren shook his head. “I haven’t seen or heard of him. But he’s not in North Shirn, so he’s probably on this continent. How would you plan on getting me to find him?”

The two looked at each other again, and this time Martinez spoke. “Well, you did that…thing with the cathedral. Are you saying that’s gone?”

Darren laughed again. “I’m not omnipotent, guys.”

They took that to mean a ‘yes,’ just like Darren wanted them to. Milar chuckled. “The man’s a master of deceptions.” Sara glanced up at him, and then turned her attention back to Martinez and Louis.

They smiled evilly. “Well then, you’re no use to us. We might as well kill you, then.”

Darren shrugged. “Your move.”

Louis looked at him, then around at the scenery nervously. “You got friends here?”

Darren studied him, weighing his intentions. “Yes. They’re inside.”

Martinez instantly looked over Darren’s shoulder into the bar. “Is Sara with you?”

Darren looked at him. “What’s it to you? Antonio’s the one after Sara. If he wants her, let him find her himself.”

Louis smiled triumphantly. “So she is with you. Excellent. Kindly step into this alley, so we can tie you up and not have to kill you.”

Darren narrowed his eyes. “You really think I’d do that?”

Martinez sighed. “No, but you can’t blame us for trying. Killing you wouldn’t get us a good reputation; just the opposite. But if we have to, so be it.”

Darren shrugged. “Your move.”

An arrow came from a bush towards Darren’s chest. He quickly dodged, letting it fly past him, hearing it slam into the wooden wall of the bar. A moment of dead silence hung in the air.

Another arrow was loosed, then another. Despite Louis’ order to stop, the archers kept firing. Darren looked around quickly while jumping and twisting to avoid dozens of arrows, noticing how they went wild and got stuck in walls, sometimes coming close to hitting an onlooker. There are too many people around. Someone’s going to get hurt. The archers stopped firing, finally hearing Louis’ shouts. Fine, then. My turn.

He watched the next archer nock an arrow. He stood in the center of twenty four archers, all ready to fire at him when the order was given. I’ve had worse.

Darren reached down and picked up a rock. The archers craned their necks to see it, wondering what was going on. Martinez and Louis stared at him, suspicious. Louis raised his hand. “On my signal, fire at him until every last one of your arrows is spent!”

Darren looked at him, and then threw the rock directly at Louis’ head. Louis dropped his hands to protect his face, realizing as he did so the mistake he had just made. The archers fired and would not stop, no matter what Louis shouted now.

Darren watched twenty-four arrows travel towards him, all at the same time. He made no effort to dodge, watching the world slow down. He reached out and lightly ran his hand against the closest arrowhead as it came within inches of his body, feeling the coolness of the sharp metal, watching the rest travel towards him.

He shook his head. Closing his eyes and clearing his mind, he watched himself move. Twisting, spinning, arms and hands constantly moving, he caught the arrows as they flew towards him. Dropping them onto a small pile gradually growing larger, he made no effort to attack. The pile grew, and he began tossing them out of the way, not caring whether they landed neatly. His cloak was moving so quickly that dust billowed in clouds at his feet. He continued harvesting the arrows from the air as the archers kept planting them. He was both the puppet master and the puppet, both inside and outside his body.

The barrage couldn’t have been more than a minute long. The archers ran out of arrows, realized their peril, and fled. Martinez and Louis stood stone still, resigned to their fate. Darren stood by 624 arrows lying on the ground, a carpet of dust, wood, and metal surrounding him.

Darren took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and looked around. The people watching might dismiss what he had just done as quick reflexes…or they might not. Either way, might as well have a fancy ending. He picked up an arrow in each hand and walked to his two scared adversaries. Milar raised an eyebrow. “Finishing them off? Very un-Darren-like.” Legerra nodded.

Darren stood in front of the two that had tortured him, the two that had threatened Sara, and the two that had escaped death. A memory resounded in his head. Let it be…He tightened his grip on both arrows until they snapped in half. He lowered his voice so only Martinez and Louis could hear him. “Go. My fight is not with you anymore. If Antonio wishes to continue this…this ‘rivalry’ he has started, it’s up to him. I offer you the chance to leave me in the past and not look back. Take it and move on with life, leave it and continue holding on to grudges, do whatever, but don’t come back to fight me without Antonio leading in front. Or next time, you will die. Understood?”

The pair nodded and shuffled off towards another part of town, heads hanging low.

Darren kneeled and watched them go, deep in thought. Loyal followers without a good leader…if only I could guide them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem likely.

He straightened up and looked around at the people standing around, shocked looks on their faces. He looked again at the numerous arrows littering the ground in front of the bar, then back at the people.

Darren pointed to a random person in the crowd. “You, sir! You look like you could use some arrows, and it just so happens I’m having a sale.”

- posted by Nick @ 4/24/2004 02:37:00 PM