[Book II Chapter 144] ROSE: A Dark Ritual
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“Where is this place?” Dylan asked.
The portal closed, stranding them in a dark place surrounded by a thick mist. The glow of purple leaves provided the only light.
“Somewhere in the Undermist.” Dawn answered. “No idea where.”
This was madness. What can we accomplish even if we catch up? Rose had acted on the spur of moment, and now regret was setting in. They stood no chance against three former masks of Xarst. Why didn’t Wise stop us?
She turned to her brother. “What do we do next?” She pressed. Sadly, there was no response.
She frowned. “Wise?” Noticing the look of agony on his face, she grabbed him. “What is wrong?”
“The people are about to be massacred.” Wise said miserably. “Those stationed in the Nolfis Base Fortress and those collecting dark crystals.”
“You want us to go save them?” Rose guessed.
However, Wise shook his head. “If we all go, it won’t work. Someone needs to find Adam Bishop at Thornbridge Manor and make him speak. Delay what is about to happen. There won’t be enough time otherwise.”
“Is that a suicide mission?” Rose asked grimly.
“I don’t know.” Wise gesture around them. “Finding anything in this fog is hard even for me. It suppresses my effectiveness.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Roxanne chimed in. “I am confident in buying you the opportunity to escape if necessary.”
“Great.” Free stated. “Then I’ll go. Which way?” She headed out with Roxanne in the direction Wise indicated.
Does she have a deathwish too? Rose wanted to give them both a piece of her mind, but Free’s teammate, a man in his early twenties, spoke up first.
“Do even know what danger you’re walking into?” He called out. “Why are you so determined to throw your lives away?”
Before he could say more, a giant in dressed in black passed him by silently, following Free silently. “Darius…?” He whispered. Then, swearing under his breath, he joined them. Rose watched shocked.
“Dawn come with me. I need your help to warn the workers.” Wise said. “The rest of you, when you catch up with others, remember that ‘they’ will lose interest if you flee far enough.”
Rose found herself alone with Carol and Zentrias in the inverted woods. The man sighed heavily. “When confronting the unknown, the bold are rewarded. Let’s uncover what the villains are plotting.”
If it was just me, I could share this conviction, Rose thought bitterly. However, my mentor is a heroic sacrifice waiting to happen.
“Strange,” Zentrias said as they moved. “Visibility is improving.”
It is, Rose concurred. The white was thinning. By the time they’d caught up, it was gone entirely.
Free waved them over. “Look.” She whispered.
They were at the edge of the forest, atop a small hill. Across the fields below, thousands of werewolves sat at attention, unmoving. Rose could feel the heat from their burning pelts even at this distance. That’s the reason the fog lifted… The beasts were spread in a giant circle, facing the stone walls of a large garden. A majestic building stood at the center.
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“Despite my extended visit, I never realized Thornbridge Manor’s exterior was so exquisite.” Carol shook her head. “What a waste.”
Rose was more focus on the shining lines of the massive magic circle which surrounded the building. Even more concerning was the complex patterns of the second circle assembled outside its front entrance. There, three black-robed figures hovered besides one of their companions who sat cross-legged channeling enough energy to warp the air around them.
“That’s Aldric Moonkin.” Roxanne commented. “The Melder of Horrors is a supreme enchanter, capable of manipulating even high sorcery. It won’t be long before he finishes corrupting Kaygren’s claw to his purpose.”
There’s no way to stop this. “Maybe we should retreat before drawing their attention?” Rose asked anxiously.
“Didn’t Wise send us to speak with them?” Free replied. “Although I am a little nervous about stepping out…”
“Then allow me.” Roxanne smirked, striding out fearlessly. With a deep breath, She yelled in a booming voice. “Adam Bishop! What are you scheming?”
Oh, damn… The werewolves sprang to their feet, snarling. Strangely though, they didn’t attack. Meanwhile, the three standing robed figures conferred briefly before jumping to the garden’s outer wall. Rose recognized the two women they’d chased through the portal but not the man with them. Must be Adam Bishop.
“Roxanne Sibil…” Adam shouted back. “We fought millennia ago. I’d believed you’d perished.” He gestured. “And I see you brought friends. Tell them to come out, there’s no point in hiding.”
Everyone left the trees, and the two groups faced off across the growling werewolves.
“We weren’t expecting company.” Adam continued. “I ask that you wait patiently until we’re ready for the show.”
“They must have followed through my portal.” Eva Fox hissed. “Why didn’t you warn us, Hestia?”
“Because I was hoping they wouldn’t interfere.” Hestia sighed. “I knew Adam wouldn’t let us deal with them.”
“Can you blame me?” Adam laughed. “This will be my crowning achievement, so it is pleasing to have an audience.”
Aldric suddenly appeared besides them, handing Adam a claw which glowed a blackish purple. “It is done. All you need to do is stab this in the circle’s center.”
“Thank you.” Adam held his prize with a triumphant grin.
“What will do with that?” Roxanne asked.
“Summon the Moonlit Lands’ most ancient primal.” Adam grinned.
“How?” Carol spoke out. “The Knightmare King is something more akin to an ideal than a conscious entity. He embodies that figure which inspires absolute terror above all others. Taking a physical form robs him of his mystery, undermining the principles that power him. His ability to incarnate is severely limited.”
Adam studied her for a moment. “You are fearmancer… I have a soft spot for those with the resolve to tread the same path as me. This sentimentalism may yet prove your salvation.”
“As for your question, you are correct. No mere summoning could unleash the Nightmare King’s full splendor.” He continued. “That’s why I will fuse with him. My body and soul will serve as an anchor granting him a lasting presence.”
“No mortal can handle a supreme primal.” Carol objected. “You’ll be consumed!”
“And until the last me vanishes, the nightmare king will have free reign.” Adam agreed. “I can think no end more satisfying than dying for this higher purpose.”
He’s willing to sacrifice everything in Torak’s name. That makes him more a zealot than a disciple. Rose grimaced.
“Are you about done?” Aldric demanded. “Every second you delay, you put everything in jeopardy.”
“Control your impatience.” Adam snapped back. “Hestia will warn of us of additional interlopers.”
Recalling Wise and Dawn ongoing rescue efforts, Rose spoke up. “What about the werewolves? What purpose do they serve?” We must buy time.
“Ah right, those… I suppose it’s time.” Adam raised two fingers and made flicking gesture.
The werewolves sprung forwards and dashed over the garden wall. Converging on the elaborate magic circle, they crossed its threshold and self-immolated one after another in a blinding blaze. Once they were done, the mystical formation pulsed a vibrant purple, black lightning crackling over its lines.
“So that’s why you were helping spread Kaine’s curse!” Rose understood. “From the beginning, you intended to use them as sacrifices.”
“And thanks to your brother, this proved a challenging endeavor which necessitated my personal attention.” Hestia raged. “Where is he by the way? For him, I’d make an exception and hunt him down, no matter what Adam says.” The Dark Oracle then hesitated, turning to Adam. “If he also followed through the portal… After the trick his sister Hope pulled on us, I’m not certain my foresight can anticipate him.”
“Understood.” Adam sighed. “Eva portal everyone far from here.”
“Surely we can watch from a distance?” Eva objected. “Although you will have no direct control, your beliefs should still influence the Nightmare King.”
“This is precisely why.” Adam shook his head. “Part of me has always resented the lack of caution you’ve displayed towards him. He’ll react to this and teach respect to all foolish enough not to fear him.”