As the group neared Talimdryl, nightfall began to ascend. The dragons formed a v-formation towards the city.
“Remember, only destroy the Western side of Talimdryl,” Saryn shouted to Grildar.
“Got it,” Grildar said as they crossed the hill.
“What is that coming our way?” An archer said, peering at the shadows moving closer to them. “Sarge, we have incoming...” The archer said as he and all of the other archers on the outer-city wall is forced off and burned by a fiery explosion as it charred the wall, breaking off chunks of the ramparts.
“Sounds the alarms, we are under attack,” The Sarge shouted.
Multiple balls of different elements strike the outer gates as the dragons strafe past it before banking to the right. One of the dragons began to veer off from the group, swooping in and grabbing the runner with their talons, picking them up. Dragons to the left and to the right split off from the group, one of them headed towards the barracks while the others head towards the buildings. Once they arrive, they spew fire onto the buildings. Multitudes of people can be seen running out of the buildings, encased by fire as they come out. Knight-Captain Ver’niya watched the dragons unleash their fury onto the town.
“I have no clue as to why our allies are attacking us,” Ver’niya said. “Wake up Mirla and Vyr’kas. Inform her that we have a few problems. Hurry!”
Grildar strafed as Saryn pointed to the inner-city gates, spewing flames everywhere, catching people off guard, then flew around the castle. Knight-Captain Ver’niya quickly raised her shield saving her from being burned alive.
“Wait, who's that?” Knight-Captain Ver’niya said, peering close to the person riding upon the dragon and realized that Saryn is on the dragons. “That’s Saryn and he’s riding with our allies. This is worse than I could have imagined.”
Grildar circled back to Knight-Captain Ver’niya, who can be seen waiting for an attack. Grilder fired a large, fiery projectile in her direction as he passed by. Knight-Captain Ver’niya is stunned by the attack, while holding her shield, unable to move and embraces for impact. As the large, fiery projectile impacted with Knight-Captain Ver’niya, she is thrown against the wall of the inner-city gate. A cracking noise can be heard coming from her. The life in her eyes and her breathing faded quickly. Vyr’kas began to peer out the window. He moved away from the window with a quickened haste as a fire soared past the window. He cautiously began to look out the window again to see dragons hovering all around the castle. The dragons opened up their mouths, firing large projectiles made of either fire, lightning, and ice into the room. He managed to get out of the way before one of the fiery projectiles soared into the window, exploding inside of his room, covering it in flames.
“Let’s go,” Saryn said as he pat Grildar with a light touch. “We’ve done enough damage tonight. Let’s head back.”
“Agreed,” Grildar said as he roared loudly and flying back where they came from, the others followed in their direction.
***
“Vyr’kas!” Mirla said in a frantic state, picking him up, and extinguishing the fire with her magic. “What happened to you and the castle?!”
“The dragons attacked us,” Vyr’kas said in a panicked state, his eyes widened and his breathing labored. “I was awoken by a large explosion outside of the castle. There were no alarms ringing throughout the city, which means that they took out the outer-city gates and all of its guards before they could warn us.”
“Dragons?!” Mirla said as she began to raise an eyebrow. “What do you mean dragons?”
“I didn’t think they were real,” Vyr’kas said. “But the creatures that almost roasted me, were the same in the history books.”
“No, I believe you on that part,” Mirla said as she sighed. “What did they look like?”
“Big monstrous lizards with wings,” Vyr’kas said as he ran throughout the hallway, flapping his arms.
“I... I don’t even know what to say,” Mirla said as she placed her hand on her face.
“I know?!” Vyr’kas said as he looked as Mirla with a confused look on his face. “Can you believe they’re actually real?”
Mirla rolled her eyes and shook her head at his stupidity, walking away from him. “Sleep in Selene’s old room for tonight until we figure out what’s going on. I’m going to make sure no remaining guard will sleep tonight.”
Mirla walked up to the door, opening it. She walked outside and began to search for any kind of survivors. The western side of the city is up in hot smoldering flames. Buildings, currently on fire, can be seen crumbling apart piece by piece while others can be seen with black putrid smoke coming off of the burnt wood and smoldering ash. Mirla noticed the city laying in ruins with no guards in sight. Even the guild hall is falling in on itself as flames begin to die down. Mirla eyes trembled with horror and for the first time, in a long time, she started to fear about losing everything in the blink of an eye.
“Why would Rallizir send his minions to attack me?” Mirla said out loud, turning around looking at the frail condition of the castle, which is currently breaking off little by little. “I let him out of his cage. I figured he would have appreciated the kind of gesture that I’ve done for him,” Mirla said, turning around to look at the town. “But why is only half of the town in ruins while the other is perfectly normal,” Mirla said, walking up to the line in the ground where the soot-covered grass met the untouched grass in a perfect line. “These lines are too perfect. The only logical explanation that could have done this, has to be done by magic. This has to be the work of Saryn and his band of miscreants. So, now the Daekar have joined up with him. Fine, I’ll just have to turn the tables around.”
Mirla quickly walked into the Castle and into Selene’s room where her staffs resting against the wall. She headed back to the Main Hall and out through the front door and out of the inner-city gate. Mirla lifted her staff into the air.
“Ascencio clientibus meis,” Mirla shouted as her staff began to glow.
Knight-Captain Ver’niya and the other guards, who had fallen, began to rise up on their feet.
“Venite ad dominum tuum,” Mirla continued, raising her voice.
The risen dead began to walk towards Mirla as she waited until all of them have arrived.
“Voce mea suavis et augendae eam,” Mirla shouted once more, her voice began to echo as the citizens of Talimdryl start to walk outside of their businesses and their homes. “Ad cives de Talimdryl, audi vocem meam,” Mirla said, lowering the head of her staff close to her mouth, music can be heard playing from the glowing crystal. “Step forward as you listen to my voice. Follow it as if you have no choice. Today will be the best day of your life,” Mirla sang as the citizens begin to walk toward the castle. “No longer will you have to be afraid as you will no longer live in strife. I will take care of you until you die. Come see what you will become. This is your ultimate destiny. The gods will smile upon you as you change into your perfect self,” Mirla continued to sing as citizens begin to form several rows in front of her, her eyebrows slant forward as she holds her hand out towards the civilians, black smoke circled around them. “Praemium Corpus!” Mirla growled as their body’s start to tremble vigorously then explodes out. Suetae hunc vexare terram! Ascencio ex inferis adsignatos! Jungo Mihi!” Mirla raised her voice as she growled.
Demons of different types form out of the flesh and blood on the ground. They walk to Mirla and file in front of her.
“Praemium Corpus! Suetae hunc vexare terram! Ascencio ex inferis adsignatos! Jungo mihi!” Mirla growled as the last of the civilians piled in through the crowded area, exploding outward, demons rising out of the flesh and blood, joining the others as the music began to fade
Hundreds of demonic creatures stand before Mirla and her newly risen zombie knights.
“My minions,” Mirla said in a charming tone. “Your master wishes for you to go out of the town and ravage the lands. Raze cities to the ground and leave nothing standing in your path. Do this and take your place amongst the newly created Dir’lunde that you helped create,” Mirla said, all of the demon entities bow to Mirla then moved with haste out of the city.
***
The dragons land onto the platform where the Archangels and Seraphs, who had not been seen before, stand waiting for them.
“Saryn, you have arrived undamaged,” Michael said. “I take it that everything went smoothly that you didn’t need us.”
“Indeed, we were able to attack at night when the guards were still asleep,” Saryn said as he dismounted from Grildar, walking up to Michael, looking up at him. “The Daekar in general did a phenomenal job that Beleryn didn’t have to use his bow and Selene and Har’thon barely had to use their magic. Everything went better than I could have imagined.”
“That’s amazing,” Ariel said. “While all of you were away, Bavarax, Narziros, Persephiel, and the rest of the Daekar were able to pull off the impossible. Bavarax met up with the Dwarf King to not only get the ore needed, but has also agreed to help make the dragons protective armor that you had requested. The money you gave to Bavarax helped him tremendously. Right now, they are at the forge making everything that we will need.”
“Wow,” Saryn said.
Sharathyr can be seen carrying Norrinth, and the other Daekar land onto the platform. Norrinth’s condition looks very weak, barely being able to stand.
“Did all of you just get here?” Sharathyr said.
“Yes,” Selene said as she raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
“There’s hundreds of demons roaming the lands and razing cities to the ground,” Sharathyr said. “We noticed them and we were wondering if you saw them as well. I’m going to take Norrinth to a resting place and have Narziros look after him,” Sharathyr said, moving through the middle of everyone as they step aside.
“Demons?” Saryn replied with a disheartened look on his face. “We didn’t see any demons on our way there or on our way back.”
“Either way, something has to be done about them before they destroy all of Dir’lunde,” Michael said. “If we don’t act now, everyone living on Dir’lunde will perish under the fiery brimstone that they leave behind.”
“We know how they operate which will allow us to have the upper hand in this conflict,” Uriel said.
“I wonder how we even missed demons running amuck throughout the lands,” Saryn said, placing his left arm across his chest and placing his right hand over his mouth, propping his right arm on top of his left arm.
“We didn’t see them either when we traveled back,” Mynndra said. “The only logical explanation is that they were there after we were on our way back. If Nyranthyr did sell her soul to Zineus than it wouldn’t’t surprise me.”
“That makes sense, but how did she acquire an army of that magnitude?” Saryn said, his eyes jumping side to side then shifts to the middle as the realization began to set in. “I have an idea who they are, but I don’t know how she did it.”
“What?” Selene said, placing her hand on his shoulder. “You’re not thinking that she turned our town folk into demons?”
“That’s exactly what I’m thinking,” Saryn said as he tried to contain his emotions. “What if she found out that we only destroyed one side of the city and left the other side pretty much intact.”
“I see where you are going with this,” Sir Gregory said. “That may well be what she did and if that’s true, then I'm sorry that we provoked this kind of behavior.”
“It’s none of your faults,” Saryn said. “It’s mine. My plan of action didn’t encompass every consequence of our actions. I let our people down and they suffered because of it.”
“Hey, we didn’t anticipate this,” Selene said, taking his hand in hers. “The only thing we have to do now is realize the consequence of our actions, learn from it, and move forward. Let’s go take care of this and we’ll rebuild later. Okay.”
“Okay,” Saryn said with a disheartened expression on his face. “Let’s go ahead and go. We have a long night ahead of us.”
Everyone who had left before, began to leave again including the new arrivals. Hours pass by through the night as the sun began to set on the land. Bellows of demons can be heard throughout the land of Dir’lunde. As the last of the demons have been vanquished, the humans and the elves returned as exhaustion exuberated from them.
“I can’t believe she turned all of the civilians into demons,” Saryn said, still thinking about their actions leading up to this point. “Am I responsible for the many lives lost in Talimdryl and other cities as well?”
“If you’re referring to our involvement with invading Talimdryl after dusk then I would say it was all of our responsibility,” Selene said. “I also feel duly responsible for our actions. However, we didn’t think she would completely destroy the economy that Talimdryl had. I, also, believe she doesn’t truly realize that either based on her rash decisions.”
“You know I didn’t even think about that,” Saryn replied.
“All of you are more than welcome to stay here and rest for a few hours,” Michael said.
“When will the war be initiated if I may ask?” Gabriel said.
“Once we meet with our allies, it would start as soon as we all meet up,” Beleryn replied. “So, to answer your question, in two days’ time.”
“We need to see how smoothly the preparations are coming,” Tal’anna said. “We also need to see where are at with our allies. We don’t have much time given the factors that we have come across.”
“Then do what you need to do about your allies,” Ariel said. “We will help with facilitating the production process.”
“We will go to Dhon Varlorn and see where the Dwarves are at as well as the Timberland Elves,” Saryn said. “We will meet two miles north of Talimdryl.”
“Then it is done,” Ariel said.
“Relax a bit before you go,” Uriel said. “You’ll need your rest. We can take you where you will be staying.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Selene said.
***
Nyranthyr is seen walking into the Vraaxian Temple where a monstrous Dragon filled with horn-like growths all around his body and acid dripping from his mouth. His eyes burning with hatred, displaying an orangish-red color. Other Daekar can be seen standing around the room.
“Nyranthyr, what is the reason for your visit today?” Rallizir said.
“Rallizir, Zineus has asked me to come to you to figure out the terms of agreement regarding the land of Dir’lunde,” Nyranthyr said, bowing respectfully.
“We only agreed that if you let me out of my cage, I would ally with you to take over Dir’lunde,” Rallizir said. “If I am to help with your war efforts, all of Dir’lunde will be under my enslavement. I am aware that you sold your soul to that worm and because of that you have no bargaining power here as you are no longer a Daekar. You are merely a pawn in Zineus’ plot to exact rule on a claim that is invalid.”
“But I helped you escape from your cage? Doesn’t that account for something?” Nyranthyr retorted with caution. “I also helped you reclaim Vraax and stow Norrinth in that cage.”
“You did and I appreciate that. You did very well, I might add. If you are a good little human, I may allow you to be a regent over a section of this new land, but you will not have any rightful claim to it like we do,” Rallizir proclaimed. “However, I do not owe you any favors. If you want my help, it will come at a cost greater than you can imagine, but I'm lessening it to just the claim on Dir’lunde. I don’t have to tell you why you will need my help especially after what happened at Talimdryl earlier.”
“No favors?” Nyranthyr shouted. “I did you a favor by getting you out of that cage!”
“You will tone down your voice when you speak to me!” Rallizir said with rage as other Daekar began to throw up their defenses. Rallizir moved up out of his seated position, walking over to Nyranthyr. “There are no favors since I didn’t kill you for selling your soul to a worm like Zineus. Therefore, you are a disgrace to the Daekar and as such you are not welcomed here. Sparing you was doing you a favor."
“So, you want all of Dir’lunde?” Nyranthyr said with a defeated attitude, lowering her head a bit. She knew at that point she had messed up.
“Tell Zineus that I’ll give him half of Dir’lunde only if he were submit to my authority as Supreme Ruler of Dir’lunde,” Rallizir said as he sauntered back to his spot.
“I shall bring him the news and we will inform you once we have made a decision,” Nyranthyr said, bowing before Rallizir before taking her leave.
“Oh, Nyranthyr,” Rallizir said, smiling ear to ear. “Once Dir’lunde is under our control, you are no longer allowed back here again. You can sit beside your master’s feet like the dog you are. If I shall ever catch you in our territory again, I will kill you where you stand.”
Nyranthyr continued to walk toward the entrance of the temple, smoke forming out of her nostrils as her eyes gleam with discontent. She makes her way to the platform, flying away.
“Oh, we will see who kills who,” Nyranthyr said with hate-fueled eyes. She instantly knew Rallizir would be next on the chopping block after her master. The disrespect of that overgrown beast made her scales burn with agony. “We will also see who the dog is when I reincarnate your lifeless body and make you sit at my feet. I dare you to cross me.”
***
Saryn, Selene, Beleryn, Tal’anna, and Harthon walk into the throne room of Dhon Varlorn. King Thurdren and Prince Rannyr are currently talking with King Sylluin.
“Two people that I need to talk to,” Saryn said, walking up to the throne room.
“How’s the production coming along?” Saryn said.
“I have my blacksmiths working feverishly,” King Thurdren said. “The armor should be done within the next few hours. I promise to deliver quality even with the short amount of time that we have available.
“Perfect,” Saryn said. “I wanted to inform you that we took care of an immense threat.”
“I saw several villages several burned villages along my way here,” King Sylluin replied. “What happened?”
“Mirla decided to retaliate against our efforts to destroy the Western side of Talimdryl,” Saryn said. “She turned all of my civilians into hundreds of demons.”
“How do you know?” King Thurdren asked.
“Sharathyr informed us that there were demons running throughout the land, razing cities and villages in their path,” Saryn said.
“This is definitely not good. How did you manage to kill hundreds of demons in one night?” Thurdren inquired.
“It was mostly the angels of Zion that helped with the efforts,” Saryn said.
“You went to Zion and saw the gods?” both of the kings exclaimed.
“Indeed,” Saryn said, turning back to the entrance. “Come in.”
Sir Gregory, four Archangels—Michael, Ariel, Gabriel, and Uriel and Sharathyr in her human form, step into the throne rom. As they make their way next to Saryn, he introduced them.
King Thurdren nodded in response, he stroked his beard. “Saryn was just telling us that all of ya helped destroy the demons. So, we can count on ya to help us rid this land of Mirla?”
“Yes, that is the plan,” Michael said.
“Are we sieging Talimdryl with dwarven machinery? Are we infiltrating Talimdryl? What are we going to expect?” King Sylluin asked.
“Tal’anna, my military tactician, has an idea,” Saryn said, nodding to Tal’anna.
“I was thinking that we could use the Dwarf War Machines as a front for our assault then hit them on several fronts,” Tal’anna said.
“We will expect them to use dark magic to raise demonic and undead forces. This is where we will have our celestial forces intervene at the right moment,” Tal’anna said. “We will also expect them to have Rallizir and his forces attack us on the same front now since they have a good idea that we will also have Daekarian forces as well.”
“We will make sure that Rallizir and his minions never set foot on the ground,” Sharathyr said.
“King Sylluin, we would like for you to take the eastern side of Talimdryl,” Tal’anna said. “You will have to scale the wall, but we will create a diversion with the Dwarf War Machines. Once your people are in, have them make their way to the side of the inner-city gates.”
“What will all of you do?” King Sylluin said.
“I believe Saryn is going to infiltrate the southern entrance into the castle,” Tal’anna replied.
Saryn nodded as he said, “Tal’anna will take command of the Celestial and Daekarian Forces as she will ride with the Daekar.”
“I forgot to mention that the Centaurs have agreed to fight,” King Sylluin said. “They understand that if they don’t try to destroy Mirla then her reign will extend into their land. I will also inform my people.
King Sylluin and Tal’anna walk up to the guards and follow them out of the throne room. Two more guards take their place. Selene stared off into the distance as her eyes widen. Saryn and the others take note of this. Saryn placed his hand around her arm.
“Selene... Selene,” Saryn said as he began to shake her gently as comes back into consciousness. “What’s wrong?”
“I saw something terrible concerning King Sylluin,” Selene replied in terror.
“You saw a vision?” Har’thon said.
“Yes, something to that extent,” Selene replied.
“What did you see?” Har’thon said.
“I saw a shadowy figure walk up to his bed while he was sleeping and slit his throat,” Selene said in a gaze.
“This is definitely not a good sign,” Har’thon said.
“What does this mean?” King Thurdren inquired.
“What this means, your highness, is that the vision, she is speaking of, will come to fruition,” Har’thon said as he turned his head toward the king. “We need to act quickly because it will tip the scale in Mirla’s favor if this comes true. We will also need to protect you as well. Without your leadership, the people will be in disarray and everything will turn to chaos. I don’t think I will need to explain further about the ramifications of this vision.”
“Say no more,” Saryn said. “Selene, Beleryn, and I will go Tir’lon. Har’thon and Tal’anna will stay here. We will meet two miles north of Talimdryl before dawn.”
“So, would Tal’anna be in danger should we encounter the other Daekar?” King Thurdren asked.
“Yes, we all know the danger as we deal with war,” Saryn said. “We are going to lose people that we know and love. However, we are also securing a brighter future of everyone.”
“Is she going to be the only one riding with the Daekar,” King Thurdren said.
“No, Har’thon has volunteered to ride as well,” Saryn said.
“I will be the magic in the sky as Selene will be the magic on the ground,” Har’thon said.
Tal’anna, King Sylluin, and the two guards walk back into the throne room. King Sylluin is currently holding several rolled-up pieces of parchment and a smile on his face.
“Saryn, you have a diamond here,” King Sylluin said as he laughed a bit. “She is a lifesaver. If she wasn’t your general, I would have to take her off your hands.”
Saryn smirked a bit as he turned around to see them walking up to them.
“Well, it’s time that we get everything ready,” Saryn said. “Get some sleep and we will see you tomorrow before dawn. From there, we will get in battle positions.”
“Before ya leave, let me see where we are with yer armament order,” King Thurdren said as he gets up from his throne, walking out of the front entrance to the throne, Prince Rannyr following behind him.
After several minutes of waiting, King Thurdren and Rannyr come back. King Thurdren motioned everyone to follow them. Everyone walked out of the throne room, following them to the courtyard. As they entered the courtyard, they are welcomed by several large carts containing large plates shaped to fit on a dragon with metal spikes to protect their horn-like growths. They are all ranging in different sizes made specifically to fit each dragon differently. Everyone is shocked by how many carts stands before them.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“My blacksmiths employed more help by their assistants,” King Thurdren said. “I had other Dwarf clans to the East and the West help with the order.”
“I am honestly speechless,” Saryn said. “You’ve completed a very tall order in a short amount of time.”
“You can say that again,” King Sylluin said. “This is a reminder of why I trade with you. Forgive me for ever thinking that you would cheat me.”
“All is forgiven,” King Thurdren said as he started to chuckle. “We will leave with our machines soon. It’ll take us awhile to get them there.”
“Let’s just hope that my vision doesn’t come true,” Selene said. “We may have to take shifts on watch so we can get some sleep.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” Saryn replied.
***
The trip to Tir’lon was uneventful along the way. Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn made their way through the front door of King Sylluin’s throne room, opening the door for the king. After everyone is through, Beleryn closed the door and quickly rejoined the rest.
“You’re welcome to stay here if you’d like,” King Sylluin said. “Guest rooms are on the left. If you need me, my room is located down this hall all the way towards the end. I’m going to head to bed. Have a goodnight.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Saryn said.
“You’re welcome,” King Sylluin replied as he departed to his room.
“Alright, we need to find his room and guard it,” Saryn said.
“Who’s taking first watch?” Selene asked.
“I will,” Beleryn said.
“Alright,” Saryn said as he walked down the hall towards the king’s room, Selene and Beleryn follow. “Let’s find out where his room is. We may also have to guard our rooms as well.”
“I can cast an alarm spell to ensure anything from happening,” Selene whispered.
“Good thinking,” Saryn whispered.
“He said that his room is all the way towards the end,” Selene whispered, stopping at the middle of the hallway. “Is that it?”
“Might be,” Beleryn whispered. “There looks like two other doors on either side of it. What do we do?”
“We could knock on the door,” Saryn whispered.
“I believe that is our only viable option at this point,” Selene said, “The last room in the middle makes sense to me.”
Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn made their way to the middle room at the end of the hallway. As they reach the door, they hear snoring coming from the other side of the door.
“Wow, he’s a fast sleeper,” Saryn said.
“No joke,” Selene replied. “Let’s do this quickly.”
“Okay,” Saryn said.
Saryn placed his hand around the door latch, pulling it down slowly. The door opened up to a dark room. Several immaculate objects can be seen slightly as the darkness obscured their true beauty. King Sylluin is fast asleep, who can be seen lying on his belly, head to the side with one arm dangling off of the bed.
“Alright,” Beleryn whispered as he looked at Saryn. “Go, get some sleep.”
“See you in a bit,” Saryn replied as his whisper caused King Sylluin to wake up a bit then turned over to his side.
Selene grabbed his hand as they took their leave. Beleryn closed the door with care, making little noise as possible then takes a seat at the foot of the king’s bed, taking off his bow and placing it over his lap. A couple of hours pass by as the door opened up a little. As Beleryn noticed the door opening, he notched an arrow into the string, pointing it towards the door.
“Psst,” Saryn whispered. “It’s me. I’m coming in.”
“Okay,” Beleryn whispered as he lowered the bow, letting the tension go slowly while resting his finger on the shaft of the arrow.
An hour passed by as faint sounds of wood creaking piqued Saryn’s interest. He immediately began to move to the other side of the room, unsheathing his daggers. Two figures walk into the room, a female with a long braid and a male with short hair. Saryn’s eyes become fixated on them as he watched their actions, planning on when to attack based on their actions. The female walked over to the foot of the bed as the other one began to shut the door quietly. She slapped their hand against King Sylluin’s feet as the weary king rose up out of bed as the male pulled out a knife, springing into action. The male’s side is impaled with dagger spewing green liquid out of the wound as he fell onto the bed. King Sylluin and the female are surprised as she rushed over to the downed male’s body. She is met with another dagger impaled into her chest and a hand over her mouth. King Sylluin placed his back against the wall in a hurried fashion. Blood spurted onto his face along with the satin sheets of his bed.
“You chose the wrong night to attack the king,” Saryn said as he whispered into her ear as her eyes widened.
“How did you know?” Arlena trembled as she winced in pain.
“A little birdy told me,” Saryn said as a smirk ran across his face.
“Damn you, Mirla,” Arlena said as she fell to the ground.
“Mirla?” King Sylluin said wearily in a daze. “She was conspiring with Mirla? How did you know that she was going to kill me?”
“Your highness, Selene received a vision that your life would be in danger,” Saryn said as he knelt down, cleansing the blood on Arlena’s clothing. “This was the main reason why we traveled with you. So, we could ensure not only your safety but also the safety of the people of Tir’lon.”
“A vision of my death?” King Sylluin said, shaking his head. “I can’t thank you enough for this. Tell me how I can make it up to you.”
“When I reclaim Talimdryl, I want trade established between us in an attempt to re-establish the economy in Talimdryl,” Saryn proclaimed.
“That’s it?” King Sylluin said with a puzzled look on his frightened face.
“Yes,” Saryn replied.
“Of course, I will. Talimdryl is known for its well-established economy even with the risk for war,” King Sylluin said appreciatively.
***
Several strands of black smoke revolve around a man lying on the altar, lifting him up in the air. The smoke began to electrify with red electricity as it encased his entire body. The man’s body is lowered as he landed gently on the ground upright. The smoke dissipated from the man revealing a human in his twenties with medium-length, brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His sclera encased in black like darkness itself with his pupils glowing red and his iris burning with the fires of the underworld. He can be seen wearing an elegant leather jacket with a hood laying down his back and leather folds covering his wool pants. Karbur comes into the man’s domain.
“Lord Zineus,” Karbur said as he knelt down, placing his fist on his chest. “You’re back to your full power.”
As he extended his hands out, red electricity formed around it as Zineus said, “Not yet. One last thing must happen.”
He began to mutter in an ancient language as he threw his hands up in the air. A ball of red lightning formed above him as screams of men and women can be heard coming from it. After the last scream became stifled, trails of crimson blood shot of the orb found their way into him. His muscles grew slightly as a black aura formed around his body
“Rise citizens of Brehling, your master beckons you. Is it time to take your place at the gates of Talimdryl,” Zineus commanded as his arms began to glow red. “In order to fulfill your master’s orders, you shall have a minuscule portion of my power and with it, you shall be more powerful than your fragile minds can comprehend. Now, go forth to Talimdryl and protect that castle at all costs. Kill anyone who stands in your way!”
***
The sound of banging on wood woke Saryn from a peaceful slumber. He turned to see Selene blinking awake, confusion plain on her face.
“Saryn!” Beleryn shouted from the hallway. “There’s an army of Minotaurs in the city. I’m going to help.”
“Understood,” Saryn shouted, jumping out of bed.
“Minotaurs?” Selene replied. “Here in the western regions of Dir’lunde. Why?”
“That is a very good question that needs some answering,” Saryn said. “Maybe, these are the same minotaurs that stormed Talimdryl during that night when we first met.”
After several minutes, Saryn and Selene rushed out of the front door of the throne room. Sounds of metal clanking against one another as screams from the townsfolk can be heard throughout the city. Beleryn can be seen firing fiery arrows down below. Saryn and Selene rush over to Beleryn’s side. Hundreds of minotaurs wait for them down below as the large lift containing a thousand soldiers can be seen going down.
“You two stay up here and do some crowd control,” Saryn said as he sprinted toward the lift.
Saryn jumps down gracefully onto the descending platform, taking the soldier’s off their battle-readied faces. Saryn motioned his sword over to the blood crazed minotaurs awaiting their arrival. Soldiers take notice, remembering the battle that was about to ensue. After the landing pad touched the ramp, the soldiers charged the minotaurs, locking their swords against the minotaur’s axes. Saryn incanted the magical word, quickly moving over to the fray. A minotaur charged at Saryn with fury, slinging back his axe before bringing it downward at him. Saryn stepped to the side as he slashed the minotaur on the leg with a fluid motion, singing the fur and cauterizing the wound. The minotaur spun around the fierce strength, bringing the head of the axe toward Saryn’s head. Saryn slid underneath the minotaur’s legs; the blade of the axe zoomed past him. Saryn quickly rose up onto his feet, impaling both of his blades into the back of the minotaur. Another minotaur charged toward Saryn, cleaving his axe at Saryn. Saryn ducks, pulling out the blades, spinning around with the blades outward. The minotaur’s axe imbeds into the other minotaur. The minotaur fell to the ground, his legs dismembered. Saryn comes down onto the downed minotaur with both swords. A flaming arrow zooms past him as another minotaur is struck in the head. Saryn stands up to watch the battlefield as Selene shouts an incantation in ancient elvish.
“Méadaigh neart agus luathas tapaidh,” Selene said.
The soldier’s muscles increase more as well as the speed of their movements increase. The battle tips in the timberland elves favor as the minotaurs could not withstand the agility and strength of the buffed soldiers. Sounds of horns can be heard as orcs and hobgoblins come out of the woods to assist the minotaurs. The orcs and the hobgoblins clash into the buffed timberland elves as they also began to swarm Saryn as well. An orc lunged at Saryn as he dodged the attack, counter it and moving toward the next one. A hobgoblin tried to sweep Saryn, but he backflips into the air, slinging six daggers into six different orcs and hobgoblins. Saryn landed down onto the ground with each sword to his side and his feet ready to spring into action. Sounds of hooves galloping can be heard as Centaurs charge toward the three forces. After thirty minutes of combat, timberland elves, centaurs, Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn have won the fight as a few minotaurs, orcs, and hobgoblins ran back to where they had come from. One minotaur remained on the ground as a centaur had its hood planted on its chest and a glaive pointed at its head.
Saryn walked over to the prone minotaur as Selene and Beleryn are coming down on the large lift.
“Can you speak, beast?” Saryn said.
“Yes, I can understand you,” The minotaur said.
“What is your name?” Saryn said.
“My name is Karbur Thunderhoof,” The minotaur replied.
“Well, Karbur Thunderhoof, who gave you the directive to attack Tir’lon?” Saryn said.
“I am here out of my own volition,” Karbur replied. “My people and I wanted to claim this city for our own.”
“He’s lying,” Selene said as her and Beleryn walk up, standing on either side of Saryn.
“Really, now?” Saryn said as he drew his sword, placing the sword on his neck. “Lie to me again and I’ll make an example out of you. Who sent you?”
Karbur shook his head in defeat. “She’ll kill me if I said anything.”
“She, huh?” Saryn replied. “She being Mirla, perhaps?”
“Yes,” Karbur said. “She killed my brother, and she will kill me if I go back. You may as well kill me now.”
Saryn tilted his head, considering the Minotaur’s words. Would his addition to the army be a risky, yet rewarding outcome? Should he let him live allowing him to risk being out in the open alone?
“You said you were dead either way,” Saryn said. “It’ll be easier to just tell us what we want to know and we let you go.”
“You would let me go after I attacked you?” Karbur said.
“I don’t get that either,” King Sylluin said as he walked up to the group.
“You see, your highness,” Saryn said, looking back at the king. “He can’t go back in fear of death. If he wanted to die, he would have made that clear in the first place and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
“That’s an interesting observation,” King Sylluin said. “However, I will have to have him brought before our court for attacking my people.”
“If you let him go, I believe not being able to go back home in fear for his life is punishment enough,” Saryn said. “If he was ever caught by Mirla, she would have him killed on the spot.”
“That is true,” King Sylluin said.
“I’m sorry,” Karbur said, taking hold of Saryn’s blade, driving it into him, forcing Saryn off balance.
Saryn and everyone else is mortified by Karbur’s action. After a few seconds, Karbur’s eyes began to gloss over. The bloody hand that was once holding the blade falls to the side. Saryn pulled his sword out of Karbur’s chest.
“Burn the bodies except for Karbur’s,” Saryn said. “Despite being our enemy, he has shown great courage even in his final minutes. Anyone who would take their life to save the lives of their kin, should be honored.”
Saryn sighed, looking down at Karbur’s corpse. Too many had died in this battle. It was time to end it. It was time to take back Talimdryl.
***
After four hours of traveling and pushing their horses beyond their limits, Saryn and the others, along with the entire force of Timberland elves and Centaurs, finally arrived to the location as dawn wakened on the land. Tal’anna was the first to spot them, and Saryn saw her point out the party to King Thurdren.
Noticing the others, the king said, “By Myanvis, what took ya so long?”
“We were attacked by several hundred minotaurs,” Saryn said.
We were grateful to have Saryn, Beleryn, Selene, and our allies, the Centaurs, with us,” King Sylluin said, gesturing to the Centaur leader, Damdommar, who stood next to him. “Without them, we surely would have perished.”
“Seems like they were starting the invasions early,” King Thurdren said.
Peering at the battlements, Saryn said, “Seems like the army is back in full force.”
“My people, we dismount from here, we will scale the Eastern wall right over there,” King Sylluin said. “Our mission is to flank them once they have entered through the outer-city gates. Stealth is our major role in this. Follow me,” King Sylluin said as he headed through the wood line on the eastern side of Talimdryl, his people following closely behind him.
Tal’anna walked toward Damdommar as she began to introduce herself, “I am Tal’anna, General of New Talimdryl. If you would flank from the Western side of Talimdryl,” Tal’anna said. “The Daekar will blow a hole big enough for all of you to ride through. There is a wood line on the Western side that you can hide in.”
Damdommar nodded once, then motioned for his people follow him.
King Thurdren stuck a finger in the air, spinning it in a quick circle. The dwarf army moved to arm the dwarven war machines. “It’s finally time to rid this world of Mirla and the ones who follow her.”
The Dragons, Angels, Archangels, and the Seraphs extend their wings, lifting themselves up into the air. The angels circle around toward the Eastern side as the Dragons circle around toward the Western side. King Thurdren raises his hand into the air, pushing it forward as trebuchets can be seen firing boulders at the outer-city gates. Sir Gregory, Bavarax, Narziros, and the other Drakkons march forth toward Talimdryl with their weapons at the ready. The rest of the dwarf army march behind them with King Thurdren and Prince Rannyr in the lead. The Boulders hit the battlements as another volley is sent toward the city’s walls. The portcullis can be seen closing as zombified archers, on the battlements, can be seen drawing back their bowstrings. After several minutes, alarms begin to blare throughout the city. Vyr’kas quickly headed out of his bed, followed by Mirla, who can be seen covering her naked body with a sheet.
“Who’s attacking?” Vyr’kas said as he poked his head out of the windows. “Is it my brother?”
“Logic would state that you would be correct,” Mirla said, peering out of the window with Vyr’kas. “It doesn’t matter, we have to deal with it or we lose everything we have tried to build. Prepare yourself to hold this city, I will call upon Rallizir and the other Daekar,” Mirla said as she left his side to get dressed.
“Damn it, Saryn,” Vyr’kas said, slamming his palm down before leaving to get suited up. “Why can’t you just leave well enough alone?”
Mirla headed out of the main entrance of the castle, changing into her Daekarian form. She opened her mouth, letting a fierce roar in the air that can be heard for miles before changing back into her human form. Waves of demons in armor can be seen rushing toward the entrance while other demons with wings can be seen extending their wings to meet with the angels, archangels, and seraphs. A dark figure comes out of the shadows, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Master, they have come to reclaim Talimdryl,” Mirla said as she turned her head to the dark figure, with a black smoke continuously falling off of him, standing behind her. “I have just called upon Rallizir and his minions.”
“Good, let them come. We can show them the true power of the darkness. My improved army from Brehling will be here soon to deal with them,” Zineus said. “After we finish this battle, we annihilated Rallizir and the rest of the Daekar.”
***
Another volley hits the battlements causing the outer-city entrance to crumble. One boulder hits the portcullis, rupturing the gates as the boulder rolls through the open archway. Dragons can be seen strafing past armies, setting them on fire with their breath while other dragons blast holes into the Western wall, allowing for the centaurs to run through. Roars echo throughout the land as Rallizir and the other Daekar can be seen flying toward Talimdryl.
“Embrace yourselves!” Sharathyr roared as she and the other dragons circle around toward the sounds of the roars. “Rallizir and his minions head this way. Remember, Rallizir must be captured for judgment.”
“Sharathyr!” Rallizir roared. “You and the other Daekar have disgraced yourself as the Daekar by joining up with these people. For this, I judge you for the crimes against our race. The punishment for these crimes is death.”
“It’s you that should be punished for your crimes,” Sharathyr replied. “Not only have you made a mockery of our race but you attacked your own kind.”
Sharathyr and the other dragons clash into Rallizir and his minions. Har’thon’s glyphs glow as he began casting spells at Rallizir’s followers. One of his followers come up from behind Drexel and Har’thon. The follower grabbed Har’thon, ripping him off of Drexel as Drexel tried to evade.
“Tulach dealanaich,” Har’thon said as he pointed his staff toward the dragon’s neck, the staff surged with lightning as a bluish spear with lightning surging all around it, penetrated the dragon’s neck. In its final moments, the dragon clinched its hand, splitting Har’thon in half. Both parts of his body descended rapidly.
“Har’thon!” Drexel screamed in anguish as Tal’anna looked back, seeing two parts of Har’thon and the follower of Rallizir falling to the ground.
“Leave him for now, Drexel,” Fafnir yelled. “We will retrieve the dead later after this is over.”
“Har’thon,” Tal’anna said as tears streamed down her face. She wiped away her tears, becoming more focused on the task at hand. “Stay vigilant!”
King Sylluins and the other timberland elves sprung out from the behind the buildings on the Western side of the city as the Dwarves charged the armored zombies coming from the East. Persephiel and the other celestials land as they finish dispatching the winged demons, clashing with the other demons, which are currently locked in a heated battle with Sir Gregory, Bavarax, Narziros, and the other Drakkons. A few of the demons can be seen killing several of the Drakkons and the Angels. Horns can be heard throughout the city as soldier’s carrying Brehling’s flag can be seen attacking the dwarves manning the dwarf war machines. More and more demons surround the others.
“Now!” Sir Gregory said as he and Narziros sheathe their weapons in a hurried fashion, raising their symbols into the air. “An die geister tilanda undeathins, ei hinum vondaohreinindum ehgoi Narziros kai ehgoi Sir Gregory Draconis, Afneita dval paraitithete apoti indiesem lanti. Sie werden hor eiste exorismenoi! Olafta sto, im namen von Norrinth, dem wahrenkaenig ton Daekar, afiste to fos gruber dir regieren, estiki maeta vera.”
A bubble of golden-white light began to form around everyone as it expanded outward over the demonic forces that are surrounding them, weakening the demons. The demons continue to press forth closer and closer to them as the bubble began to dissipate.
“Töte den óheilagt!” Narziros screamed as a beam of holy light descended from the skies, imbued with golden-white fire.
As the golden-white fire descended onto the demons, they disintegrate into ash as their bodies are engulfed by the golden-white flames. The Brehling soldiers invoked with supernatural might and glowing red eyes press forth into the outer-city gates clashing into the dwarves as the rest of the orcs, hobgoblins, and minotaurs came rushing through the gates. They clash into the dwarves as followers of Rallizir and Followers of Norrinth can be seen plummeting toward the ground. A blackened spear impaled into Narziros coming from the Castle’s inner-city gates. Everyone turned around to see Mirla standing in a battle-ready position as Zineus stands behind her. Sir Gregory turned around to the horror Narziros lying on the ground, life fleeted from his body and Zineus back to his original form.
“Help the dwarves!” King Sylluin said, pointing his finger at the dwarves. King Sylluin rushed to the dwarves’ aid with his men following behind them.
Rannyr came downward on an orc, slashing through its body. He spun around, swinging his axe, and imbedding it through a hobgoblin on his side. A minotaur charged Rannyr, smacking him fifteen feet away as King Thurdren twirled his double axes, cutting through the minotaur’s legs.
“Narziros!” Bavarax yelled as his eyes fuel with hate as he extends his wings, flapping them with a quickened pace, charging at Mirla. “That was my brother!”
“Bavarax! Wait!” Sir Gregory said as he looked up to see Bavarax charging at them.
“He’s going to get himself killed,” Persephiel said. “Celestials of Elevax, follow me,” Persephiel said as she followed Bavarax, the others following closely behind her.
“Ignis a pluvia,” Zineus yelled as fire formed in his hand. With a wave of his staff, casting the flame outwardly. Fire rained down on Minotaurs, orcs, hobgoblins, and dwarves, and timberland elves alike. Tal’anna watched in horror as King Thurdren is caught in the downpour, his clothes going up in flames. King Sylluin vaulted backward evading the fiery rain. They all run around trying to put out the fire as more of their bodies are encased in fire.
***
Rallizir gains the upper hand on Sharathyr as Grildar’s, Nienzir’s, and Tyrsantir’s lifeless body fall to the ground. Rallizir bit down onto Sharathyr’s wing causing her to plummet towards the ground. With a loud thud and dust being scattered vigorously, Rallizir landed on top of her. As he goes in for the killing blow, a roar can be heard ringing throughout the city. Both Rallizir and Sharathyr look to see where the roar came from. Norrinth can be seen flying overhead as an evil grin is displayed on Rallizir’s face. Rallizir flew up into the air, leaving Sharathyr on the ground to embrace his brother.
Rallizir’s body fell to the ground next to Sharathyr as Norrinth landed on top of him. Rallizir tried to attack Norrinth with his claw, but Norrinth placed his hand down onto it, forcing it into the ground. He tried again with his other hand, but Norrinth reacts with haste, placing his hand on top of Rallizir, forcing it into the ground. Norrinth goes in for a bite into the side of Rallizir’s neck.
“Brother! He must be taken to Zion for judgment,” Sharathyr said as Norrinth backed off as Gabriel, Uriel, Ariel, and Michael flying over to them.
“We will take him back,” Ariel said as she punched Rallizir hard in the head, knocking him out.
“Thank you,” Sharathyr said as she stood up, wincing in pain.
***
Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn make their way through the southern side of the castle, where a wall stands before them. Saryn placed his hand on a stone brick. A section of the wall moved to the side as a damp hallway engulfed by darkness stands before them. Saryn lead the three of them toward the stairs leading to a closed wooden door with a metal latch.
“This leads to the cellar, next to the dungeon,” Saryn said he took out a key from his leather tunic, placing the key into the keyhole and pulled the latch toward him, opening the wooden door upward.
Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn make their way through the wooden door and into a dark room filled with non-perishables and oak barrels of wine. They make their way through the cellar and into a hallway either leading up the stairwell or to the dungeon. They slowly make their way up through the stairwell, being careful to any resistance that they may encounter.
Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn come into Western Wing of the castle, seeing soldiers running up to them.
“Boltaí tajemna,” Selene said as she whipped her staff forward, casting five individual bolts of arcane magic toward the incoming soldiers, dispatching the soldiers with ease.
More waves of soldiers run toward the three of them, screaming Saryn’s name out. Sounds of a pair of greaves hitting the wooden floor can be heard coming out from the main hall.
“Well, we got my brother’s attention,” Saryn said. “Embrace yourselves.”
Vyr’kas comes out from around the corner as Selene can be seen dispatching the soldiers with a lightning spell traveling to each of the soldiers. Beleryn aims his bow at Vyr’kas as Selene turned around pointing her staff at him.
“Saryn!” Vyr’kas growled as he unsheathed his sword and shield. “This ends right here, right now,” Vyr’kas said, pointing his sword at Saryn as Beleryn lowered his bow. “I challenge you!”
“Fine,” Saryn said as he unsheathed his swords.
“Do you think this is a good idea?” Selene whispered as she grabbed his arm.
“It’s the only way,” Saryn said, looking back at her.
Holding his sword loosely in his hand, Saryn walked forward, crouching slightly when he was within a few feet of his brother. Vyr’kas raised his sword and shield in a defensive stance. Both walk in the opposite direction, eyeing each other to see who will take the first move. Vyr’kas tried to jab at him but Saryn dodged the attack, counter attacking with a right slash. Vyr’kas blocked the attack with shield as he goes in for a leg sweep. Vyr’kas successfully sweeps Saryn’s leg as he goes in with a downward stab. However, Saryn rolled out of the way. Vyr’kas charged at Saryn with bloodlust in his eyes as Saryn is still on ground. Saryn turned his feet toward Vyr‘kas, placing his feet on his torso. He rolled backwards, tossing Vyr’kas behind him. Saryn pulled out a couple of daggers, incanting the rune word, slinging the daggers forward at Vyr’kas. The daggers penetrate into the side of his armor. Vyr’kas is unable to get up as he winced in pain. Saryn stood back up as he walked over to his brother.
“I’m really sorry that you chose this life,” Saryn said as Vyr’kas looked up at him. “I didn’t want to do this, but you’ve forced my hand.
“Everything was for the betterment of our race,” Vyr’kas said. “I just needed you and father out of the way to achieve it.”
“The betterment for our race?!” Saryn screamed as Selene and Beleryn make their way over to them. “You think by killing our father and joining Mirla was for the betterment of our race? Mirla seeks to destroy everything in her path. I figured you would have seen that by now.”
“I’m sorry, brother,” Vyr’kas said as a tear rolled down his face as the poison began to take over his body. “Please, end my death quickly.”
“No, I want you to see the destruction that this war has caused,” Saryn said as he gripped the back of his brother’s armor, dragging Vyr’kas to the Main hall, Selene and Beleryn follow him.
Saryn opened one of the doors as Beleryn and Selene, come out into courtyard, eyeing Mirla and Zineus starting to cast another spell. Beleryn aimed his bow at both of them, pulling it back as much as he can. The magic around the arrow began to enlarge as Selene started incanting a spell.
“Pléascadh de tajemna,” Selene said she pointed her staff toward Mirla and Zineus. At the same time that Beleryn let his fiery arrow fly, a bright, blue light traveled from Selene’s staff, both headed straight for the mages.
The blue light hit the ground behind them as the arrow hits Zineus in the back, both exploding on impact. They are sent different directions as Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn run toward the inner-city gates. As they walk to the gates, they can see Bavarax and the celestials stopping their movement. Zineus stood up slowly with a gaping hole in his chest.
“I invoke the ancient law of magic!” Zineus said, turning to Selene, pointing a trembling finger at her. “I challenge you.”
“What’s the ancient law of magic?” Saryn said.
“A one on one duel to the death based on your skills of magic,” Selene said. “No one can interfere without recourse.”
“What’s the recourse should one intervene?” Beleryn said.
“Death,” Selene said.
“Are you going to accept it?” Saryn said.
In response, Selene stepped closer to Zineus. “I accept your challenge,” she said.
“Good then I shall end this quickly,” Zineus said, slamming his staff into the ground.
Vibrations ripple through the ground as an arcane cage surrounds the two of them.
“Mors tenebris fulmen iniectum,” Zineus said as he pointed his staff at Selene.
“Sciath draíochta,” Selene said quickly, a magical shield forming around her just as Zineus’s spell hits it, blue lights sparking. “Dealanach sáithithe incendiu śruba!”
“Quin potius pater magicae,” Zineus said as the spell heads toward him, changing its direction back at Selene.
Selene is hit with the spell, knocking her backward with her back down on the ground. Zineus walked over Selene, grinning ear to ear, pulling a sword out of thin air.
“No!” Saryn said as he sprinted toward the magical barrier.
“Saryn, stop!” Beleryn said, chasing after Saryn. “You can’t intervene or you’ll die.”
“Without her, I’ll die!” Saryn said, looking back at Beleryn.
“Saryn, stop,” Selene said as she winced in pain, looking at Saryn on the other side of the magical barrier. “You need to live even if I die. The fate of Talimdryl rests upon your shoulders.”
“But I can’t go on without you,” Saryn said as a tear began to form in his eye, beading down his face.
“I know you’ll be fine,” Selene said as she waited for her fate.
“I’m very disappointed,” Zineus said, standing over Selene’s body. “From the stories that I have been told about you, I figured that I would have a better duel. Oh well,” Zineus said as he attacked Selene with the sword.
Zineus is pushed back with force against the magical barrier as two blue apparitiona took form. El’kar and Arien stand in front of Selene, guarding her as they enact a magical barrier between her and Zineus.
“Selene,” El’kar said. “It’s time.”
“Papa, is that you?” Selene said, hearing her father’s voice.
“Yes, dear,” Arien said. “It is us. Show Zineus your true form. We can’t hold him back for long.”
Zineus assisted himself up with his staff, fire forms in his blackened eyes. “Auferte spirituum,” Zineus yelled as he pointed his staff at El’kar and Arien.
El’kar and Arien’s ethereal bodies dissipated into the air. Selene watched them being forced away from her once more. Anger formed on Selene’s face as her eyes and her glyphs glow purple. She stood up with ease as her wounds clear away.
“Now, you will pay!” Selene said.
“Bracchia ex tenebrae,” Zineus said, pointing his staff at Selene as tentacles form out of the ground, entangling Selene.
“Díspreagadh an draíochta,” Selene said as the tentacles disappear.
“Mors tenebris fulmen iniectum,” Zineus said as he pointed his staff at Selene.
“Armúr draíochta,” Selene said as the spell hits her bouncing off of her, hitting the magical barrier.
The magical barrier falls apart ending the effects of the magical barrier. Fear exudes from Zineus as he realized Selene’s power from the history books.
“How is this possible,” Zineus said. “Xae’la died long ago.”
“As did you,” Selene said, pointing her staff at Zineus. “And as you will again,” Selene said, motioning her staff up. Zineus lifted into the air, his arms and legs becoming immobilized.
Taking notice of Zineus’ weakened state, Mirla reacted quickly said, “Zineus et animo ea quae mihi sumam abstulistis.” Zineus’ newly formed skin became sickly pale as Mirla is hit with a huge wave of energy. Her eyes becoming engorged with hatred.
“Ghrodula,” Selene said as Zineus’ body ruptures into tiny pieces.
Saryn and Beleryn walked up to Selene. Selene’s eyes and glyphs fade back to normal. Mirla painfully saunters over to her weakened king, grabbing his arm.
“Maledicite lentum mortis!” Mirla said as she looked up at Selene, pointing her staff at her.
Selene fell to the ground as Saryn caught her at the last second. Beleryn whipped his bow around at Mirla, firing a fiery arrow at her.
“Spatium futurum magicas inter quaero,” Mirla said as she disappeared with Vyr’kas just seconds before the arrow hits the ground.
“She’ll be back,” Saryn said. “We must worry about Selene’s condition now.”
“She needs help,” Sir Gregory said, walking over to Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn, Persephiel as King Sylluin followed Sir Gregory.
“She is badly wounded,” Saryn said as he noticed Sir Gregory and Persephiel walking up to them.
“This is no ordinary spell,” Persephiel said, noticing the effects on Selene. “This is a curse that will kill the subject slowly as it places them in a deep state of sleep. We can’t break the curse either. The only way the curse will end is with the death of the caster.”
“Then we must find Mirla,” Saryn said.
“I’m afraid that Mirla is no longer on Dir’lunde,” Persephiel said. “I cannot sense her darkness.”
“Where could she have gone,” Saryn proclaimed.
“I don’t know,” Persephiel said as she lowered her head.
“Then I will take her to our bed until we find a way to track Mirla,” Saryn said, walking to the Castle, Beleryn following in suit.
“We will clean up the city,” King Sylluin said.
“I will help heal everyone that needs it and give rites to the dead, ensuring a safe passage to Zion,” Sir Gregory said.
“I will restore it back to its original condition,” Persephiel said.
Five days later, Saryn made his way through the main hall of Talimdryl, his heart torn in two. On one hand, he had saved his kingdom and the people who Mirla and Zineus had not yet corrupted. On the other, he had killed his own brother, traitor though he was, and Selene lay in a fatal coma. Needing to see her, he let his feet lead him toward the room they shared. Just as he was about to exit the main hall, he spied a strange blue wisp disappear blue apparition on into the Eastern Wing. Eyes narrowing, he hurried to follow it. Perhaps Mirla had come back to finish the job. If so, he had a surprise for her. But when he turned around the corner, the blue apparition was nowhere to be seen.
Slowly Saryn walked the hallway, his eyes and ears alert. Footsteps sounded from the stairwell nearby, and he unsheathed his blades before heading up the stairs. The door to Selene’s old room stood slightly ajar, and Saryn eyed it warily, running situations through his head, before pushing the door fully open. Not seeing anyone, he entered the room more fully just as the door slammed shut behind him. He spun around, unsheathing his sword maniacally and whipping the blade in front of him to see blue smoke forming in the air.
A tall lanky man with shoulder-length sapphire blue hair stepped out of the smoke. “I have been trying to get your attention for a little over a day and a half now,”
Saryn’s eyes widened as he recognized the God of Time and Space from the Zion High Council. “Chronos?”
The being nodded regally.
“Why have you come to see me in the physical realm?” Saryn said, in shock.
“We have seen the battle you faced, Saryn. However, Zineus still lives and Mirla has now resurrected Vyr’kas.””
“What?! That’s impossible,” Saryn said, dropping his swords. “Selene killed Zineus.”
“Yes,” Chronos said. “But another has taken his soul, infusing it with theirs.”
“Mirla!” Saryn seethed. “What do I do?”
“You must meet me in the ruins of your great grandfather,” Chronos said. “Come alone, and bring anything you need for a long journey. Where you are going, no one can follow.”