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Four Adepts of Elvin line.

Four Adepts align.

White holds back time.

Red casts the dome.

Green holds the tome.

Blue carries the fate of all.

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The sparse light that was left to the overcast day all but disappeared as the clouds turned dark gray, little light filtered onto the area, the little town was quiet, birds and insect alike made not a peep, nor animal moved about. A place frozen in time the illusion broken by Merryn's padded footsteps. She stopped under a large tree, it's old branches twisted and bare of most leafs, the rain riveted down creating a sinister mouth shape on the trunk.

Skitter.

Shuffle.

Scrape.

Scratch... scratch.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see it. She spun around. "Who is it? A shadow appeared it crept over the decrepit area beside the tree, it dropped inside through a jagged broken widow out of sight. Drops of vexing water dribbled on her head from the tree she hid under, she startled and jumped forward walking faster along the path. A demon spirit? Most spirits couldn't leave where they died, but demons were different more powerful. She focused harder the normal shadows parting and all in view became crystal clear. This was one gift that wasn't a curse to have.

Skitter.

It didn't act like a demon spirit.

Getting sick of this, everything was so hostile over here! No wonder nobody ever came back home, once they left, probably getting eaten or possessed.

It started to rain harder and made pitter-patter as it hit the ground. Her hair clung to the back of her neck and the sides of her face, she pushed it away and tucked it behind an ear.

She rolled her almost healed shoulder. At least that wasn't an issue anymore, fighting would be easier.

"Parcival?"

Right then, a disgusting wriggling mass of Nug-worms took over the path. In the Undergod's name! She backed up as he grew closer. Would it eat her?

The jade-green cat stepped out of the forest shadows, cackling.

Run!

Rolling backwards over the cobblestone walkway onto the grass the contact with the dew pulled all the warmth from her body—suppressing a shiver she clenched and let go of the dagger handle while tracking its movements. How to stop it? Like a pin poking her scalp, a scattering of thoughts came and went. She clenched her jaw. "This isn't you! Let go!"

She shrieked as Parcival came up behind her crushing her to his chest, she twisted to face him. It seemed his circlet darkened then shimmered with an odd light. "Let go! Let go of me human! What's wrong with you?"

The cat twisted, bending into odd angles that no animal in nature ever should form from the paws up. Its skeletal structure and fur transformed to a humanoid shape, its paws changed to feet and dark brown leather boots flowed over them.

A creature no longer; a man stood in black pants, and a buttoned red vest decorated with gold etching, only his outfit changed. Maxwell's hardened face still framed by black ringlets and piercing eyes. The clawed staff hummed behind him. Raising his arms, he shouted an incantation when finished he chuckled. A huge swirling, crackling red portal opened.

He snapped his fingers. "Bring her to me."

Parcival stiffly dragged her over to the portal. Not another blasted portal.

She pulled an arm free and smacked his cheek. "Stop it! What are you doing?" Scanning around the area she couldn't find him. "Where's Han?"

Parcival didn't answer.

Maxwell walked up stopping by her ear. "They're mine for now. Do as I say. I don't make empty threats," he whispered.

Parcival pulled her into the portal and pushed her, the portal grew swirling faster pulling her toward it, she fell on her stomach clawing at the ground. No, not again!

A hissing and spitting Han was tossed though a moment later.

On the other side, the grasses dotted with wildflowers were annoying it was like everything was a mockery of the pain of these past days, and the bird's incessant chirping was a spike in an already growing headache.

Parcival wadded though over to her and just... stood staring off ahead, at nothing. Did he really have to resort to this? It wasn't needed.

Han rolled over and spat out a mouthful, wiping his mouth he got up and patted Parcival's arm. "Come on young man. Quit this." Han pulled on an arm and shook it, when he let go it fell limp to Parcival's side.

"What is this place?" Han came over to her.

“I've been here before.” The mansion it stood off a few feet to the East. Good, he tended to move it around at will, it was enough to drive a person crazy.

Han nodded. "Yes, you don't seem too confused." His eyes narrowed some. "Just what are you to him?"

She looked away at the ground.

Maxwell came though brushing past both the men. "Follow me. Now."

She and Han followed after him.

He stopped without turning. "Only her, you stay."

Stopping, Han raised an eyebrow. “Well?”

“We worked together in the past. Make sure he doesn't wonder off.” She pointed to Parcival. He had to be enchanted or something.

“Merryn?”

“This is my fault, stay here. Watch Parcival.” Have to keep him and Han safe, I can't let them or anyone else pay for what happened. She followed behind Maxwell.

On entering the house Maxwell blew off his palm a white powder at her, while wiggling his fingers. A fine-lined smile parted his lips.

Talc! She dusted off what was in reach, throwing her most scorching look at him. Of all the dirty tricks, couldn't cast any shadow spells today.

He said, “This way if you will,” then pushed aside the hanging portière door with a hand while waiting.

She walked straight through without a word, head held high, before turning and facing him.

"Don't ignore me." She opened and closed a fist. While this suked hopefully he would still abide by the king guards rules of honor... they weren't that far below true knights in rank and ethics.

His snotty smile vanished. He ran his hands through his hair, before sitting on a small padded bench. “Such a sour look, it doesn't become you.”

He sat down with his head on his hands doing so in extremely slow exaggerated motions. Did he just flex? So not a turn on, not anymore.

She breathed in deep while still glaring. “Let's get on with it already.”

"You said not to ignore you, can't be pleased. Fine then."

He sat more relaxed with his hands on his lap and a neutral expression across his face. His thick bouncy curls framed his face just so, when he moved is head it was vomit inducing. The light played off the contours of his face, just so. Maybie a glamor spell?

A thin smile again quivered at the edges of his lips. “I never imagined you'd fail so horribly.” His face convoluted before smoothing again.

Why the flaming 23rd hell's was he so damn happy? “I will deal with this onus.” She willed her hand to stop shaking before folding them on her lap. Hateful man, dirty rotten liar! You said you'd never fail me, that you loved me! He's playing me. Remember. Don't become distracted, that's what he wants.

With slow motions he untied the strings of the cape and it slid down off his back.

“You think so huh?” Maxwell said, he held out his hand. A blink later, a gentle light filled his palm, until a teacup appeared that filled up to the brim with a steaming tea, and a steaming sweet honey scent drifted over.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Her chest tightened a little. The words tumbled forth before she could stop. “I miss the old you.” She played with a dagger handle. Dear goods what's wrong with me? Memories of better times tumbled before her, His genuine smile faded out to later that year, replaced with a maniacal gape, his falchion coated with blood as he— Push it away! Survive for now. If only the Elders would listen. Why won't they listen, and hear me out?

He chuckled pulling her out of her thoughts. He always chuckled this way except that it was.. was...repulsive. A long ringlet of curls fell over an eye, he flipped his hair smoothing it back. Completely repulsive.

Her eyebrow twitched multiple times, no—way—he's trying to flirt? Her lips enfolded together. He's like a dip in a acid lake, beautiful but offers complete obliteration.

Now he was licking his lips. She couldn't stop staring. "Casting a charm are you?" A part inside want to jump out a window, get burned alive anything but watch this! Elaema, please help me resist.

"Does it matter? I'm being kind don't be so quick to dismiss this. I'm not what you think I am." He held a hand palm up then mimed blowing a kiss, before running his fingers through his hair again and arching his back, his biceps bulged and rippled under the silk shirt.

With a glance, she scanned the room. Then back at him again. Please brain cooperate! The scrolls? He always had scrolls, lots of them, but not this time all the shelves were empty, as were the baskets by the window. Nothing to use.

He got up leaned forward, his shirt now half open just but an inch away—

She squeezed her eyes shut jerking her face the other way. What was in that powder? Was it the powder? Or a charm spell. I don't know anymore!

"I know you still want me," his voice smooth and deep. He grinned again while slowly pulling his shirt up and over before lazily dropping it to the floor.

Is he sick? Some part of his mind must be failing if he thinks that! This had to be some demented cracked, melted, replasted dream, going crazy, that he smells like like, like— smoke, and pine, adult fantasies, power, cinnamon of magic— wait where did that come from? She half fell, half rolled off the chair backing away, held her head and shook her head before rubbing her eyes.

Grinding her teeth, she forced out, "no," she shook her head. "If you think for even, one minute, one second..." Several sensations however, were harder to control. Something worse than a charm spell. "Playing dirty now, truly sickening." She un-clenched her burning jaw, moving it to undo the stiff muscles It's a spell. Remember the goal—find out what he wants— think of Parcival. Think of Han. Hells bells that isn't helping. Think of a dead kitten, a poor dead fluffy kitten.

She peeked sideways at him, trying to find the man she knew and yearned for, the one of light and kindness from before. Could he still be in there? It isn't right what he's doing, but it is kinder than before. Am I wrong? It's a dance along a razor, that having hope for someone and not being taken for a fool. I won't give up on him yet.

His was the kind of handsome that stole one's soul if you stayed about too long, even with the shades cast inside tarnishing what light was left. While the outside could send her body into fits of longing, the tempestuous black hole where his heart was greatly lacking in anything pleasing. It was dismaying wanting to romp with him and weep for what was all at the same time.

In one step he stood in front of her, his eyes alight. "I've been thinking. I will make you pay for what you did. But really it'd be a shame to destroy everything. Don't you agree? You can, spend a year or two in the container room again. That would be a good trade." Then he ran the back of his hand down the side of her face.

She shivered, sweat pooled down her back to her lower spine. Her knees weakened, she locked them unmoving. A compelling need bubbled forth, to say yes. She crushed it back down. Strength! Find it. It has to be a spell, what with the muddled thoughts. This is madness! Don't play with madness!

"Not going to happen." Her voice was sickeningly thick and husky. Going to puke. Nothing good here. Nothing. "Get this," she shook both her hands in front of her face, "off of me!"

"Declined, it stays on. You see... it wouldn't work in the slightest if you didn't desire me so." What does that say about you?" He took her hand, licking the top of it his eyes peaked at the corners becoming wolfish and and so very hungry. "You so sure, angel? I'll pardon everything be my right hand again."

"How you you whiplash so much?" At least he admits it now. Come on think. "Don't try it won't work." That look. A flash of memories flew past of him doing the same exact thing countless times before, among other things. She bit hard on her knuckles. "Take this off."

His eyes lost that spark, he put his hand away stood straight tying his shirt back up, then went back over to the chair. “As you wish, always as you wish. it'll wear off, eventually. But know this, even when it disappears I'll be there for your last breath.” His face lowered into darkness, that drew out any last drop of goodwill left, if there ever was. And, placed his hands on the arm of her empty chair, gripping it until the wood cracked and splintered. Straightening quickly he pushed it back, and it slid across the floor hitting the wall. Bang!

"The poxed elders did this. You know it! They didn't want to get their hands dirty so sent you!"

She held her breath for a moment. Lies!

I can save you if you choose.

She stiffened. Don't need your kind of saving!

Then find my body and you'll see the truth.

Have far too many man troubles, and sure as fang and blood don't need to add yours to the list!

Maybe if I flex for you?

No!

Unnamed laughed lightly.

He spun around, smoothed his hair back behind his ears, then breathed in several breaths with his eyes closed before opening them slowly. He smiled, now as to why it reached his eyes and crinkled the corners wasn't something wise to ask about. He motioned with his hands. “Every time I land a mortal blow, you recover. Why is that? Yet you are gaunt and pale.” He gestured for her to come over. “Well?”

So hard focusing on anything he said and—pucker this blown up mess—more how his hands looked, the length of the fingers, that little. She pinched her arm. Fight it!

"Uncomfortable? That's a true shame. I made a fine offer. It still stands. I will wear you down. I won't make you, but oh I'll make you wanten. Crave me." He straightened up further and gave a look over, fixating on her lips, a moment before holding his hands behind his head and stretching. Of course he made sure to flex his shoulder blades showing off his back muscles. All he cares about is getting his own way.

One breath, two and she calmed, a fraction. Find a way to save them, find a way out of here. Don't think about that. She worked her face into a mask and made the muscles relax, she pulled back inside herself. Am of stone, give no cards away. Has he no idea how twisted this is? Or does he enjoy it too much to care?

Unable to answer she jumped up and ran to the portière, or rather where the portière had been. Now of course a wall of bricks appeared. Typical of him.

He appeared in an instant, the spell silent. and pushed her against it, his hand on her shoulder. “I was thinking of having a nice chat with that Parcival fellow.” He squeezed her arm whispering an incantation, a cold crept into the skin down to the muscles and bone. A fire from this cold built up it stopped just shy of where she couldn't stand it. "I could tell him to keep walking until he fell off a nice deep canyon, you know that one south of here filled with the spikes?

Shaking she breathed harsh breaths from her nose. “No—oo!”

Maxwell let go and quickly sat back at the table drumming his fingers. “I suppose...now isn't the time.” He pouted his lips hard, his tone mocking.

The icy cold flaked off as the spell wore off.

Maxwell chuckled. He went over to where the exit had been and rapped it with a knuckle. “Go. There's a portal waiting outside.”

"What was the point of all this?"

"Come on. You should know better then to try to play me like that. You know why. Go." He made a dismissing hand motion.

She started to get up.

He gave a stopping movement with his hands. “When you do you are mine. You'll always be mine. Forget the elders they did this to themselves, why save such buffoons?” He empathized the last word with a deeper tone, then moved over squeezing her arms and drawing her in close squeezing her against his chest. "A small punishment, a few screams, even some happy ones too."

"You're wrong! They'd never do anything like that!" She moved her head away. He's gone, he never was who he said he was. "You're not going to confuse me!"

A muscle on his cheek twitched and said not a word as he breathed in deep in the nape of her neck, his warm breath tickled. "We were to be married next spring. Remember?" A mixture of emotions played across his face. "I, can with time even forgive what you did, after all you've always had a strong— though misplaced— sense of duty. Come back to me. Let the god go free, it's not that strong, the elders can surely trap it again. Maybe in a nice tree, like the huge old one by the golden brook even. It's so diminished, I realize that, and have no need for it, not really."

She stared, her mouth falling open. He was serious. He wasn't trying to.... he'd let the god go like that? She huffed. Her chest hurt, then clenched and spread into her shoulder. She hissed and griped it. Or does he lie again?

It had to be the spell. Right. No. Elaema would send more pain for the lies. Don't need this.

"I don't know anymore."

He let her go standing a ways away by a window.

"Yes you do. Admit it."

She held her breath willing the burning tears away, spun around and ran to the entrance, it reappeared as she neared the wall. "Sacred forest sooth me, hide me, lead me home for I am lost," she said in a soft-tone.

"For the lost shall find family of bygone ages, and a joy that transcends time." Had forgotten that he knew the prayers too, he hadn't said them in for years.

He materialized before her. Ah, his eyes still held the anger as did his face but that something that hadn't shown for so long almost forgotten had come back again. "You'd do better to take my heart out right now." It'd hurt less. "Don't you know I can't? Please, understand." I can't let them die. The elders they held our immortality within them, if they died all of us would age. Why this was wasn't known at least not by her teachers or family anyway.

He sighed. “You have a new mission. Eject that sad excuse of a god from the pendent, re-seal it into a rock or other hard object and bring it back to me. The elders will understand, in fact they told me this." He paused. "Fail this and Parcival will suddenly think he's a bird. If you die I'll just bring you back. So forget about the elders, think about it have they even sent you one message?”

"Not one. I'd wondered about that." Something smelled of turned life wine here! I'd better send a letter soon. Play along.

"Yes. I remember." Then hung her head. A cold clamminess stole the warmth from her hands, rubbing them didn't change this. The ache in her chest that was always there, clenched harder. She muttered a prayer of fools, gods and heroes. Have to play both sides for now, let this work.

####

Outside a portal opened to a wavering image of the Falboia Woods. She walked over to it.

Parcival ran after her. “Hey! Are you going to tell us what happened?” Parcival yelled this.

“Calm down. Like I said we've worked together before.” She rubbed the still aching shoulder, warming it and her fingers. Glad he's back. The spell whatever it was called, she dubbed it rip-pants-off-and fling them spell would do for now.

Need to find a safe area for them, then get them to stay there.

“You never told me that.” He snorted then jerked his arms above his head and down again.

Don't look at him, don't breathe. The spell was still in full effect and Parcival was too much to handle right now.

Ignoring him she faced Han. "I need to talk to you about something."

"Are you still in a snit about before?"

His ears perked up, swiveling behind, but she didn't face him, the glamor spell wasn't of the normal type a weak human would've ripped off his clothing by now and... and.. His scent it's of apples and an... an... earthy... Stop! She bit the inside of her cheek. Portal. Han. Look at the amazing cute cat-man. Yes. Give him a robe someday and maybe carve a pipe to look like a stem of wheat. Her breathing calmed. Good. Good now go. Feel nothing. Be stone.

“Let's go.” She walked through. On the other side, Parcival hesitated then a moment later came through with Han following. It closed with a flash behind them.