“Ugh…” Magnus groaned as he tried to remove the debris from himself, wincing in pain.
Elysia rushed to his side. "Hold on, Magnus. We’ll get you out," she said, her voice filled with urgency. She knelt beside him, her slender fingers trembling as she tried to lift a large piece of debris, but it was too heavy for her.
Some villagers ran over to help, their strong arms lifting the heavy debris off Magnus. The villagers worked swiftly, their faces set in grim determination. Others quickly grabbed the children and moved them away from the scene, ensuring their safety amidst the chaos.
"Are you okay? Hang in there, I'll heal you right now!" Elysia said, placing her hands on Magnus' chest and beginning to channel her healing powers. Her hands glowed brighter, a warm light spreading from her fingers to envelop Magnus.
Magnus shook his head slightly, grimacing. "I’m mostly fine. The attack just caught me off guard. Too sudden for me to block it properly."
On the other side of the village, the battle raged on. Tristan and Cedric were desperately trying to break through Morvin's tornado. The wind whipped around Morvin, creating a nearly impenetrable barrier.
Tristan and Cedric circled around him, looking for any possible opening. They lunged forward, thrusting their swords toward the swirling winds. Each attempt was futile, their blades meeting the impenetrable barrier and being deflected with force.
Morvin counterattacked, blasting them with powerful gusts of wind. Rocks, sharp planks, and debris hurtled toward them at dangerous speeds. Tristan skillfully blocked the projectiles with his sword, his movements precise and controlled. Cedric, on the other hand, dodged the attacks with agile movements, narrowly avoiding the debris.
Tristan’s mind raced as he sought a way to turn the tide. He observed Morvin's pattern, looking for any sign of weakness. An idea struck him, and he called out to Cedric. "Cedric! I need you to buy me some time!"
Cedric glanced at Tristan and saw the determined look in his eyes. "Got it!"
Tristan thrust his sword into the ground and closed his eyes, concentrating intensely. He focused all his energy, a glowing light beginning to emit from his hands. The light grew brighter with each passing second, radiating a warm, intense heat.
Cedric knew he had to act fast. He charged at Morvin, moving unpredictably to avoid the wind blasts. He struck at the tornado with his sword, trying to find any gap in Morvin's defenses. Each swing of his sword was calculated, precise, but the wind made it difficult to land a solid hit. Debris continued to swirl around, adding to the chaos.
Morvin, growing frustrated with Cedric's persistence, intensified his attacks. The wind howled louder, and more debris was pulled into the vortex. Sharp fragments of wood and stone flew at Cedric from all directions. He ducked and weaved, his reflexes sharp, but the relentless assault made it increasingly difficult to maneuver.
Cedric slowed his movements, his mind racing as he searched for an opening. The strong wind made it impossible for him to pierce through, and the swirling debris only added to the challenge. Each piece of wood and stone hurtling through the air created a dangerous obstacle.
He dodged another shard of wood, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the pattern of the wind. It was chaotic, but Cedric realized he didn’t need to pierce through the wind; he just needed to get close to Morvin.
Cedric stopped moving and raised his arm toward Morvin, standing perfectly still. Morvin, seeing an opportunity, directed a fierce gust of wind at Cedric, intent on finishing him off.
But in an instant, Cedric disappeared from Morvin's vision. He reappeared right in front of Morvin's face, his sword drawn and ready to strike. Morvin tried to grab Cedric, but Cedric ducked under his arm with lightning speed.
With precise accuracy, Cedric thrust his sword into Morvin's neck. But to his surprise, the sword lodged there, and Morvin remained standing. Morvin began to mutter incantations in some language Cedric couldn't understand, his voice a low, guttural chant.
A dark aura enveloped Morvin, and the wind intensified, becoming a violent storm. The force of the knockback sent Cedric flying through the air. He crashed into the debris where Magnus had been trapped, the impact jarring his entire body.
Elysia gasped and rushed to Cedric's side, her healing powers immediately working to mend his injuries. "Cedric! Are you alright?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.
Magnus, now free from the debris, looked at the scene unfolding before them. "What the hell is that?" he muttered, his eyes widening at the sight of Morvin's transformation.
On the other side of the battlefield, Tristan continued to concentrate, the orb of fire above him growing larger and more intense. Beads of sweat dripped down his face, but he remained focused, his energy building.
The wind died down a bit as Morvin emerged from the tornado. His transformation was complete. No longer resembling a human, Mordrith stood tall, his form a grotesque and terrifying sight. His skin had turned a dark, ashen gray, with veins of glowing green energy pulsing beneath the surface. His eyes were empty voids, emanating an eerie, otherworldly light.
Horns jutted from his forehead, twisted and sharp, and his mouth was filled with rows of jagged teeth. His fingers ended in razor-sharp claws, and from his back sprouted membranous wings that seemed to shimmer with the same green energy coursing through his body. Tornadoes of wind swirled around his form, making him appear like a storm given flesh.
Magnus, seeing the demon in his full form, rushed to join the fight. "That's Mordrith," Elysia mumbled, her voice trembling. Cedric glanced at her, sensing her fear.
"Do you know him?" Cedric asked, keeping his eyes on Mordrith.
Elysia nodded, her face pale. "He was one of Argoth's underlings. A very strong demon. In my past life, Prince Tristan had to use nearly all of his power to fight against him."
Mordrith rushed toward Tristan, intent on killing him. Cedric quickly raised his hand and, in an instant, appeared beside Mordrith, sweeping his arm to strike. Mordrith was quicker; he grabbed Cedric by the neck and lifted him off the ground.
Cedric used the moment to grab his sword from Mordrith's neck and kicked his face with all his might. The force caused Mordrith to release him, and Cedric fell to the ground, gasping for air.
With a furious roar, Mordrith summoned the wind again. Debris and sharp planks floated into the air, swirling around him. He aimed his deadly projectiles at Cedric, intent on ending his life.
Magnus ran forward and ducked in front of Cedric, a large shield appearing in front of him just in time to block the attack. The debris and planks shattered against the magical barrier, but the force of the wind was relentless.
"Got any plan?" Magnus shouted over the roar of the tornado. The shield strained against the pressure, cracks beginning to form.
Cedric, still catching his breath, yelled back, "Tristan seems to have an idea. We just need to buy time for him!"
Magnus gritted his teeth, pushing back against the force. "Alright, let's give him the time he needs!"
Cedric nodded, his mind racing for strategies to keep Mordrith occupied. He noticed Tristan, still standing his ground, the orb of fire above him growing ever larger and more intense. Beads of sweat dripped down Tristan's face, but he remained focused, his energy building.
Cedric pushed himself to his feet, determination burning in his eyes. "We have to keep him busy!" he shouted to Magnus, who nodded in agreement.
Cedric moved forward, drawing Mordrith's attention. The demon snarled, sending another gust of wind towards Cedric. But Cedric was ready. He dodged to the side, grabbed a large piece of debris, and hurled it towards Mordrith's face. The debris was deflected by the wind, but the distraction was enough to momentarily divert Mordrith's focus.
Magnus took advantage of the distraction, charging forward with his shield raised. He bashed into Mordrith with all his strength, causing the demon to stagger. Cedric followed up with a quick slash to Mordrith's legs, aiming to weaken his mobility.
Mordrith roared in fury, the wind around him intensifying. "You cannot stop me!" he bellowed, sending another powerful gust that knocked both Cedric and Magnus back.
Mordrith summoned another massive tornado, its winds swirling with terrifying intensity. The tornado tore through the village, ripping apart huts and sending debris flying in all directions. The force of the wind uprooted trees and shattered stones, reducing the once peaceful village to chaos and destruction.
Everyone was thrown into the air by the sheer force of the tornado, their screams drowned out by the howling wind. Cedric, Elysia, and Magnus were sent spiraling through the air, struggling to find their bearings. Only Tristan remained grounded, his sword plunged into the earth, anchoring him against the storm's fury.
Cedric, mid-air, tried to regain control. He leaped between flying debris and any solid object large enough to serve as a temporary platform. His eyes were locked on Mordrith, who hovered in the eye of the storm, protected by the violent winds. Cedric's leg was struck by a piece of debris, sending a sharp pain through his body, but he gritted his teeth and pressed on.
"Tristan! Are you ready? We can't hold him any longer!" Cedric shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the tornado.
In that moment, Tristan's eyes snapped open. The fireball he had been concentrating on erupted with a brilliant light, transforming into a massive, dragon-like shape made of pure flame. The fiery dragon roared, its form majestic and terrifying, casting an intense heat that countered the cold, destructive wind of Mordrith's tornado.
The dragon of flame coiled and writhed, its eyes burning with fierce determination. With a powerful roar, it lunged towards Mordrith, its fiery form cutting through the tornado. The intense heat caused the wind to waver and weaken, creating a path through the storm.
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Mordrith's eyes widened in shock and fear as the dragon closed in on him. He tried to summon more wind to defend himself, but the dragon's heat was too powerful. The tornado began to dissipate, the winds losing their strength against the relentless flames.
The tornado stopped instantly. Everyone was thrown to the ground as Mordrith, engulfed in flames, began to fall. The village was left in shambles, with debris scattered everywhere.
As the flames died down, Mordrith emerged, severely injured but still barely alive. His dark, charred form struggled to maintain its footing.
Tristan knelt down in exhaustion, gasping for air as the flames slowly receded back into his ring, leaving him drained.
Mordrith attempted to summon the wind again, but Magnus intervened, swinging his battle axe with immense force. Mordrith raised his arm to block the attack, leaving himself vulnerable. Cedric, despite the pain searing through his leg, teleported in to assist Magnus. With a swift motion, he struck Mordrith's leg, causing the demon to scream in agony and collapse to the ground.
Magnus quickly reacted, using the handle of his axe to lock Mordrith's neck in place. Cedric stabbed Mordrith's leg again, trying to pin him down. Elysia, seeing the opportunity, rushed over and began using her healing powers to subdue the demon, channeling her energy to weaken him further.
"Tristan!" Cedric yelled, his voice filled with urgency.
Tristan, barely able to stand, began limping towards them. Each step was a struggle, his body on the verge of collapse. As he neared, he fell to his knees, his strength nearly gone. He reached out and grabbed Mordrith's face with both hands, his eyes locking onto the demon's.
With the last of his stamina, Tristan summoned his power. Flames erupted from his hands, consuming Mordrith's face. The demon thrashed and screamed, the intense heat overwhelming him. The fire burned brighter and hotter, fueled by Tristan's unwavering determination.
Mordrith's screams echoed through the village, growing weaker as the flames did their work. His form began to disintegrate, turning to ash under the relentless assault. Tristan held on, pouring every ounce of his remaining strength into the fire until, finally, there was nothing left of Mordrith but a smoldering pile of ash.
Tristan collapsed, his energy completely spent. Elysia rushed to his side, her hands glowing as she began to heal him. Cedric and Magnus, both exhausted, fell back, breathing heavily. The battle was over, but the toll it had taken on them was immense.
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Everyone was panting from the exhaustion and pain. Magnus came to help Cedric get up, his strong arm offering support as they both steadied themselves. The villagers slowly emerged from the treeline, their eyes wide with shock and sorrow as they took in the sight of what used to be their home.
Many lizardmen and children had managed to escape to safety during the fight, but some unfortunate individuals lay motionless on the ground. The elder lizardman walked toward Cedric and Magnus, his steps heavy with grief and responsibility. Cedric and Magnus limped to meet him, their faces etched with the weight of the battle's aftermath.
Cedric, his voice hoarse, spoke first. "I'm sorry for what happened to the village."
The elder lizardman looked conflicted, his eyes reflecting the deep sorrow and loss he felt. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment before speaking. "Yes, you saved us from Mordrith, but the cost was high." He sighed heavily, the burden of his words hanging in the air. "What's done is done, but there's something else I'd like you to do to help make amends for the destruction."
He pointed his hand toward a direction. Cedric and Magnus turned to look, and there they saw a heart-wrenching sight. Lying still on the ground was Myssara, the kind lizardwoman who had taken in Liora. Beside her, Liora sat crying, her small frame shaking with sobs.
Cedric's heart clenched at the sight. He and Magnus exchanged a grim look, both understanding the depth of the elder's request. They limped over to Liora, their steps heavy with the weight of the moment.
The elder gently picked up the crying Liora, her small hands clutching at his scales as she sobbed, "Mother... why won't you wake up?"
The elder's eyes filled with sorrow as he tried to soothe her. He then turned to Cedric and Magnus, his expression one of both plea and resolution. "Please, take the child with you. We lizardmen can survive in harsher conditions, but this human child won't be able to make it here."
Cedric and Magnus exchanged a heavy look, the weight of their guilt pressing down on them. The elder continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "For Liora's sake, and for Myssara's. She needs a chance at a better life, one that we can't provide here."
Liora continued to cry in the elder's arms, her voice trembling as she asked, "Why isn't Mother waking up?"
The elder rocked her gently, his tone soothing. "Myssara is just taking a really long nap, little one. She would want you to find your real parents. Going with these adventurers will make her very happy."
Liora's confusion was evident, her tears streaming down her face. "But I don't want to leave Mother..."
The elder's grip tightened slightly, his resolve firm. "They will take good care of you, Liora. You need to stay strong and find your real parents. That's what Myssara would want for you."
Liora, still clutching the elder's hand, nodded hesitantly, her young mind struggling to grasp the gravity of the situation. She wiped her tears and looked up at the elder with wide, questioning eyes. "Can I take my parents and come see Mother?" she asked softly.
The elder nodded gently, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and hope. "Yes, little one. You can."
With that, Liora climbed down from his arms and walked over to Cedric and Magnus. Her small steps were unsteady, but there was a newfound determination in her eyes.
Together, they walked back to Tristan and Elysia. The villagers watched them as they passed, their expressions a blend of relief and lingering resentment. Cedric couldn't help but feel the weight of their gazes, unsure whether they saw him as a savior or a harbinger of destruction. He tried to push the thoughts aside, but the guilt gnawed at him.
Magnus supported Cedric, helping him over to where Tristan was resting. Elysia, despite the sweat beading on her forehead from the exertion of her healing powers, immediately began to work on Cedric's injuries. Her hands glowed with a soft, warm light, and Cedric could feel the soothing energy mending his wounds.
"You did well, Cedric," Elysia said softly, her voice tired but kind. "Just hold still for a moment longer."
Magnus, seeing that Cedric was in capable hands, went to retrieve the runaway horses. As he walked away, he glanced back at the villagers, who were beginning to regroup and assess the damage to their homes. He felt a pang of guilt as well, knowing that their presence had brought both salvation and devastation.
The atmosphere was heavy with a mixture of sorrow and cautious hope. Liora clung to Cedric's side, her eyes still red from crying but filled with a quiet resolve. She looked up at him, her voice small but clear. "Will you help me find my parents?"
Cedric nodded, his heart aching for the child. "Yes, Liora. We'll help you find them."
Tristan, now partially recovered, stood up slowly, using his sword for support. He looked at the scene before him—the ruined village, the grieving lizardmen, and the determined faces of his companions. "This is all my fault. I should have seen it, despite it being under my nose the whole time," he said, his voice tinged with regret and frustration.
Elysia looked up from her healing, her eyes soft with understanding. "Your highness, none of us could have predicted this. We did what we could with the information we had."
Magnus returned with the horses, his expression serious. "We can't change what happened, but we can make sure something like this doesn't happen again. We need to be more vigilant."
After some much-needed rest, Magnus managed to bring the wagon back to the group. It was battered, with a few broken planks and some missing parts, but miraculously, it was still functional. The supplies they had gathered earlier were intact, a small blessing amidst the chaos.
Tristan approached the elder lizardman, his expression earnest. "Is there anything more we can do to help you?" he asked. "We can provide supplies, assistance, anything you need."
The elder shook his head gently, his eyes reflecting a deep wisdom. "We will manage on our own," he replied, his voice steady. "It is best that you and your companions leave the village before long. You have a child with you now, and she needs to be taken care of."
Tristan nodded, a sense of responsibility and guilt weighing heavily on him. He silently vowed to himself that once this expedition was over, he would return to help rebuild the village and make amends for the destruction caused. It was the least he could do to atone for his perceived failures.
He walked back to the wagon, his steps heavy with the burden of his thoughts. Cedric and Magnus were already seated on the driver's bench, ready to depart. Elysia was in the back of the wagon, comforting Liora, who clung to her side, her small face still marked with tears.
Tristan climbed into the wagon, taking a seat beside Elysia. He cast one last look at the village, now a shadow of its former self, with villagers beginning the arduous task of rebuilding their lives. He silently promised that he would return.
"Let's go," Tristan said quietly, his voice filled with resolve.
Magnus nodded and flicked the reins, urging the horses forward. The wagon creaked and groaned as it began to move, but it held together, carrying them away from the village and back onto the road. The journey ahead was long and uncertain, but they had no choice but to press on.
The landscape around them gradually changed as they left the village behind. The dense forest gave way to rolling hills and rocky paths. The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the terrain. The air was cooler, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore hinted at their proximity to the port city.
Cedric kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, his senses alert for any signs of danger. Magnus, despite his usually boisterous nature, was unusually quiet, his focus on steering the wagon through the uneven terrain. The horses trotted steadily, their hooves clattering against the rocky road.
In the back, Elysia gently rocked Liora, humming a soft tune to soothe her. The little girl had finally stopped crying, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Elysia's touch was gentle and reassuring, a beacon of calm amidst the turmoil.
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A few days later, the journey had become increasingly arduous. The pathway had become less and less maneuverable, forcing them to travel through the dense forest. Cedric and Tristan sat at the front of the wagon, steering the horses through the overgrown trails, while Magnus rested in the back with Elysia and Liora.
Cedric unfurled a map, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We seem to be going in the right direction, but why are there no paths? Carriages and wagons should be using this same route," he muttered, half to himself.
Tristan, overhearing, nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe because train and waterway travel exist now, fewer people are using these land paths. Over the years, the pathways have likely faded and eventually became nearly invisible."
Cedric nodded, considering Tristan's explanation. The forest around them was thick, the canopy above blocking out much of the sunlight, casting long shadows across the uneven terrain. The air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, creating an eerie but tranquil atmosphere.
Tristan broke the silence again, glancing at Cedric. "I've noticed how well you've been handling Liora these past few days. How do you know so much about caring for a child?"
Cedric's expression softened, his thoughts drifting to memories of a different time and place. "I have experience from caring for a child before," he replied quietly.
As he spoke, Cedric's mind wandered to Vita, the child he had once protected in another world. He wondered how she was doing now, or if anything had truly continued after he left her world. A pang of sadness tugged at his heart, but he tried to shake it off. They couldn't remember him now that he had left their world anyway, and his duty here was what mattered.
Tristan noticed the shift in Cedric's demeanor but didn't press further. Instead, he offered a small, understanding nod. "It's a good skill to have. Liora needs that kind of care and stability right now."
Cedric gave a faint smile. "Yeah, she does." He focused back on the path ahead, pushing aside the lingering sadness. The forest grew denser, and the trail more difficult to navigate, but they pressed on, determined to reach their destination.
They kept traveling, the forest growing thicker around them, and nothing much happened for a while. Eventually, the sky began to darken, signaling an approaching rainstorm. They had experienced rain before, and the wagon should be able to hold up, but soon, droplets started falling from the sky.
Cedric continued to guide the horses as usual, but the rain grew heavier and more rapid, making it difficult to see ahead. The downpour turned into a deluge, the sound of raindrops pounding on the wagon roof and the forest floor around them.
Tristan shouted over the heavy rain, his voice barely audible. "We should find a place to stop and camp!"
Cedric nodded, squinting through the rain as he searched for a suitable spot. The dense canopy above offered little protection from the rain, and the ground was quickly turning to mud. As he scanned the surroundings, something caught his eye—a structure barely visible through the downpour.
An old manor, standing alone in the middle of the forest, appeared in the distance. It seemed out of place, almost surreal in the midst of the wilderness. Cedric pointed towards it, shouting back to Tristan. "There! An old manor! It’s the best shelter we can find right now!"
Tristan followed Cedric's gaze and nodded in agreement. "Let's hope the people inside won't mind us taking shelter!"
They directed the wagon towards the manor, the rain making it difficult to move quickly. As they approached, the manor's details became clearer. It was a grand, albeit weathered, structure, with tall, looming walls and ivy creeping up its sides. The windows were dark, giving no indication of whether it was inhabited.
Cedric guided the horses to the front of the manor, and they stopped just outside the entrance. He hopped down from the wagon, his clothes quickly becoming soaked in the relentless rain. Tristan, Magnus, Elysia, and Liora followed, all huddling together to avoid the worst of the downpour.
Cedric approached the large wooden door and knocked firmly, hoping someone would answer and grant them shelter from the storm. They waited, the sound of the rain their only companion, as they stood on the manor's doorstep, seeking refuge.
The heavy wooden door creaked under his knocks, but there was no response. The rain continued to pour, soaking them further as they waited in vain.
Cedric knocked again, louder this time, but still, there was no answer. He glanced back at his companions, their faces tired and wet, and made a decision. "Stay close," he said, reaching for the handle. With a firm push, the door creaked open, revealing the dark interior of the manor.
The air inside was musty and cool, a stark contrast to the wet, stormy weather outside. Cedric took a cautious step inside, peering into the dimly lit hallway. The manor appeared to be empty and abandoned. Dust covered the wooden floors and the furniture, and cobwebs hung in the corners. The only light came from the flashes of lightning outside, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"Let's go in," Cedric said, beckoning his team to follow. "It looks abandoned, but it's dry."
One by one, they entered the manor, their footsteps echoing in the quiet space. Cedric led the way, moving further into the dark interior. He found a large room with a fireplace, its grand size suggesting it was once used for gatherings. He motioned for everyone to settle in.
Magnus and Tristan began to unload some supplies from the wagon and bring them inside, while Elysia and Liora huddled near the fireplace. "We need to get a fire going," Cedric said.
Tristan stepped forward, holding out his hand. With a focused expression, he summoned his power, and flames burst forth from his palm, igniting the logs in the fireplace. The warm glow of the fire quickly filled the room, providing much-needed warmth and light.
The group settled around the fire, their clothes slowly drying as the flames crackled and danced. The manor, though empty and neglected, had a strange, haunting beauty to it. The walls were adorned with faded tapestries, and the furniture, though covered in dust, hinted at a once-grand past.
With the fire burning brightly, the team finally found a moment of respite from their arduous journey.