Chapter Twenty Two

Beyond the Witches of Sarna and personal guards that surrounded him, Joliel could feel the waves of magic on the battlefield. He fought the annoyance of not feeling it the same way he previously could. No longer could he drop into the mystical and see the fibers and strands of power flowing in and out of everything. The Seom learned quickly the powers given to him by the Methulas’ blood were a far cry different than what was naturally his. It made no matter, he would wipe them all from the battle and then let his demons do the rest while he healed himself more and prepared the way for Rhiya.

Reaching the battle the witches told him of, he could sense the old power of Amadagu. Much to his surprise he could also sense a magic almost as old yet faint and very powerful. Several places he found small pools or splatters of blood. With the exception of the bodies the witches had killed, the blood tasted of magic as he brought it to his lips and tongue; witches blood each of them. Joliel breathed deep to keep his rising frustration from boiling over as he head already began to pound.

Thankfully the sun was high as mid day and most of the chill of the day was gone, allowing him to concentrate more. Using the blood of the southern soldiers, Joliel infused it with magic and watched it flow into one of the dead soldiers. Immediately the soldier cried out and opened his eyes.

“You are known in the darkness Seom of Rhiya, why have you interrupted the journey.” A voice distant and strong spoke forward.

“I seek Minoc great keeper of the Dark Gates, my blood and his are the same.” Joliel spoke calmly. Those with him immediately made a circle around him turning their backs from his work.

“You no longer can move freely, what do you offer for this passage?” The voice questioned.

“I have used the blood of my enemy seeking my destruction, defeated in battle on my behalf.” Brightly the glyph on his stomach began to glow as did the blood still upon his fingers.

“Your time is short, but your name is known and thus your passage is accepted.” The voice faded away as did the world as it finished.

Darkness beyond words he could fathom, yet always comforting to him, Joliel moved the familiar steps that would leave him to the lingering essences of his ancestors. Violent, cruel and quick to anger, many times he walked away with less than he started of his own physical blood. He remained confident with this mission, they would receive him well.

The swelling of fire, bluish and blinding marked the pathway he needed to take. Passing easily through the barrier, he felt his surroundings grow cold as it seemed to grab him by his throat. Minoc had indeed responded.

“Great warrior of Rhiya, I some seeking a pathway and guide to the one you know as Amadagu, disciple of Xhuri and bane to Rhiya.” Joliel felt the air shudder and spit violently through him.

“Speak such a foul name again and you will not leave this place bloodline.” A gruff voice swirled and took form before him.

Minoc was a hulking man, clearly a vision of his original demonic heritage. Skin seemed to threaten to burst forth from their containing of massive muscles and bones. Even his residual image was imposing and its power was almost suffocating. Joliel refused to look away as the fiery eyes peered deep into seemingly searching for something.

“I will do this for you, but you will do something for me as well. Agreed?” Minoc questioned as a smile seemed to form on his vaporous lips.

“Of course Minoc.” Joliel answered quickly. In this place he was unsure of what he could do. In all that he read, those in the darkness were trapped there for failing in their service.

“Use the blood of the druid you carry on you and summon this essence back to form. My service to Rhiya is incomplete and my vengeance must be delivered. Do this for me and I will reveal Amadagu to you.” Minoc gave his demands.

“I do not have his blood yet mighty one.” Joliel answered in confusion.

Roaring loudly a massive hand began crushing his throat. “You would lie to me and deny me while you wish something from me!” Minoc roared again as he pulled a pouch from Joliel’s side.

“But mighty one…” Joliel choked behind the pressure of the hand. “That is the blood of a woman and not the druid.”

Instantly he was released as Minoc burst into laughter and tossed the mystical image of the bag back to Joliel.

“That woman is of his bloodline and ours. His essence is still tied to it you fool.” Minoc once again moved closed to Joliel as he continued to cough in recovery. “You must agree to our terms.”

Joliel could feel himself slipping away from the darkness. In pinpoint spots, sunlight began to push the darkness back. The image of Minoc was fading before him. Before the darkness was completely gone, Joliel yelled out his agreement.

Dropping his head to the cold ground, Joliel violently vomited bile and a strange black fluid. Previously to his battle with the Timewalker, he could at will enter the darkness to traverse the land or seek answers beyond his physical world’s ability. Never had it been violent or caused such a reaction. Understanding the process only caused him more frustration. With his nature magic gone, he was intruding on the mystical darkness; he was no longer part of it.

Wondering if Minoc had heard his agreement, Joliel was distracted by the suddenly shaking of the ground. Directly before him, the ground split and hissed causing those creating his protective circle to quickly move out of the way. Although it was not large, the split shot in a direction back toward the line of Rhiyan troops. Minoc had indeed heard his agreement. Jumping to his feet, Joliel almost ran following the crack; he was being pointed to the Timewalker.

****

“Notify the Baron I am escorting these men back to their lands. I expect an escort through Tova and all the way down the mountain path.” Elidra spoke directly to the Rakshar that barred their way. “You would do well to recognize I am still your Empress.”

Immediately the guard ran off and within moment, Baron Burakani arrived in haste. Taking a moment to look out over the surprising number of armed men from Keybridge as well as Rakshar lesser military leaders, Burakani frowned at Elidra.

“They would serve better to protect this city. If it falls, our lands on the other side of Dragonspine will be easy targets.” Burakani stated with a tone of bitterness.

“These men and woman have made their choice. Any that wish to stay in Tova will be allowed such. The rest are aware of what the Ministry is doing and want to protect and help their lands.” Elidra stated loudly for all to hear. “As their Empress, my personal contingent and I will lead them to the lines and hope we can break through. If we can, they will be free to join the King of South or follow me to the Pikes.”

“The Pikes? Why the Pikes?” Burakani asked in surprise. “There is nothing safe there Elidra.”

“Because I wish to go there. If we can break through the Rhiyan line, I have earned that right.” Escort these men Baron while I gather my daughter.” Waving to her contingent of guards, she moved quickly past the Baron and almost ran into the main hall of the royal court yard.

“If you wish to stay here, you are welcome and will need to wait in the courtyard. Those of you following the Empress, come with me.”

With a sigh, Burakani moved the people through the city toward the massive gates that lead to the descending path from Tova.

****

“Keep pushing!” Mora called out as she stood shoulder to shoulder with the young King of the South. Far ahead of them Delvakhan could see Amadagu continue to use his powers to push and slaughter those that would form a flank and trap them in the middle of the Rhiyan forces.

Shoving Mora away, Delvakhan slapped a spear to the ground and drove his sword into the neck of the attacker. Withdrawing it and swinging as Mora had taught him he used his momentum to roll along the falling dead attacker to strike cleanly through another soldier.

Immediately next to him again, Mora pulled an attackers head down as she shoved her blade up piercing through the visor's slit. As Delvakhan struck high, she responded by striking low. With his arms burning unlike anything he had ever felt Delvakhan was afraid to stop. All around them it felt as if a sea of soldiers continued to grow. No matter how many they killed or maimed, more and more seemed to appear out of nothing. Looking up, Amadagu seemed to push further and further away from them. He was starting to feel helpless.

Delvakhan heard Mora gasp before he turned and suddenly lost his footing. Hissing through the air and just missing him, a massive axe struck the ground inches from his leg. In the distance he heard Amadagu yell out but Delvakhan couldn’t take his eyes off the massive and grotesque creature hurling yet another axe at them. In his hands, Bhor Wethrin seemed to loose all weight and began to hum.

“This cannot be is that a demon?” She stated more than questioned. Turning to look Delvakhan in his eyes, he saw her body harden and her eyes widen. “Get to Hammerhold my king.”

Before he could respond, Mora danced between the soldiers who seemed willing to give her path to the demon. Covering half the distance, she was suddenly thrown back even beyond where Delvakhan knelt, entranced in what was happening. From the corner of his eye, he saw more of the witches they killed only a couple days prior. In the middle of them a tall young man covered in strange symbols extended his arms directly in the direction Mora had flown back to.

For a brief moment he and the symbol covered man locked eyes. Around him, Delvakhan could feel the air compress and a crackling sound began to fill his ears, as if the source was directly above his head. Violently he was shoved down into the ground as Amadagu used himself as a shield for the magic that flew forward from the strange man.

Peddling backwards Delvakhan watched as the Timewalker staggered back just a step and then shoved the power back. In front of them, several waves of soldiers were simply incinerated. Screaming through the air, half a dozen witches materialized and pounced on the druid.

“Help more and get to the Empress Delva. I will buy you time.” Amadagu called out as he fell back and to the ground from the physical force of the witches.

“Hurry!” The druid forced out as he struck the ground heavily.

Bhor Wethrin high, Delvakhan yelled and charged into soldier after soldier fighting his way to Mora. As he got closer, he saw a line of dead bodies leading to Mora as she continued to fight north toward their goal. Rushing to right side where her arm hung limp and blood flowed unhindered from the top of her shoulder, Delva intercepted a blow that would have killed her. The blade broke though his hardened leathers and cut his skin down the middle of his chest.

Crying out he swung Bhor Wethrin wide. No longer could he feel his arm and he was uncertain if he hit anything. Ahead of them he could see a thinning of the soldiers. Yelling and pointing, he and Mora seemed recharged and continued killing any soldier in black that stood in their way.

****

Burakani stood speechless as the opened front gates showed six black draped figures standing in a formation holding a child, a child he recognized. None of the spoke as the figures simply stood there holding the little girl for all to see. The standstill was broken as a shrill cry out from Elidra could be heard.

“KHELIDRA!” Elidra screamed out as she saw the figures holding her daughter. With amazing speed, Elidra had run across the courtyard. The blade of her power had already formed as the woman seemed to fly toward the gate.

The figure in the lead, holding the child, used one hand and pulled back its hood. Seeing the face, Elidra stopped and dropped next to Burakani and fell to her knees, tears falling heavily upon her face.

“No Jade. By the Light no.” Elidra cried out.

“You betrayed the Emperor and his people Vessel; you do not deserve the child from his loins. She has a destiny we will be sure is fulfilled.” Jade answered as a smile spread across her face. “Khelidra would have been better served if you simply attended to your duties. The ministry will see she is properly prepared.”

Screaming, Elidra jumped to her feet and charged Jade. Before she could reach her, the six witches seemed to explode into nothingness. Slowly and carefully Burakani walked up to Elidra and hugged her shoulders, rocking her back and forth.

After a moment, Elidra stood and turned to the soldiers Burakani had escorted. “To the lines men and woman of the South, you have seen what the Ministry does. We go to free my daughter and free ourselves.”

“You are not going alone.” Burakani stated, his eyes dancing. “To arms and battle Rakshar, our Empress needs us!”

A massive roar escaped all of Tova as every man and woman began spilling out of the massive gate. Taking lead, Elidra’s form shimmered into a massive panther and began running down the hill.

****

Bloodied and moving slowly, Delvakhan and Mora continued plodding toward the hill before them. With every step, their breath labored harder and harder. Looking up, Delvakhan’s already tired and shaking legs gave out as a massive force seemed to be charging directly at them. In the lead, a massive panther bounded right for him. He was spent and done. Delvakhan knew he failed and there would be no fighting this force. With every ounce of strength, he leveled his sword at the beast. Suddenly it shimmered and before him stood a beautiful woman with long black hair offered only a stern look, holding up her hand to stop the people. Confusion set it as a light breeze flowed between them causing the metal links in her hair to chime as they collided.

Beside him, Mora suddenly gripped his arm and beside the woman a face he never thought he would see again opened in a huge warm and greeting smile.

“DELVA!” Burakani called out and rushed to his friend, lifting him to his feet. Looking to Elidra and then to Delvakhan announced them. “Empress Elidra, I introduce you to the King of the South, Delvakhan. Delvakhan, I introduce you to the Empress of the Rakshar, Elidra.”

Before another word could be spoken all turned to watch Tagor the Seer approached, seemingly to float slightly above the ground.

“Chosen of the South shall be lost and then found as the Guardian betrays. The prophecy remains true. That which is dead will find life and that which is life shall entrench within death.” Tagor paused and Delvakhan thought he could see wetness of tears wetting the Seer’s blindfold. “You are being told this because my sister has betrayed her curse and damned herself with it”

“But what do we do with it?” Delvakhan questioned. “You have only repeated what you have already told us.”

“No King of the South, I have now told you the prophecy remains true. That which has happened is first, that which will happen is next. Heed my words.” Once again Tagor said nothing more, turned and walked away.

“I don’t understand.” Delvakhan called out.

Tagor stopped a moment, and then turned around. “You four must get the child back King of the South. If you do not, the prophecy will become false and this world will die.”