[Book II Chapter 145] DYLAN: The Manifestation Of Horror
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Torak’s other disciples disappeared into one of Eva Fox’s portal, leaving only Adam Bishop. We should withdraw too.
Dylan had only followed Free because of Roxanne. With the necromancer intending to buy time, he was fairly confident they could escape. Still, there was no point in pushing their luck.
“Don’t run.” Adam warned. Hundreds of deformed monstrosities materialized where the werewolves had waited. He could feel multiple immortal level-threats within their numbers. Crimson fire flared from Roxanne’s staff, and Dylan braced himself for battle.
“Honor my last request and bear witness to my transformation.” Adam continued. “Do so and my lingering gratitude will protect you.”
He’s not leaving us much of a choice, Dylan grimaced. He had no doubt that the horde of nightmares would pursue them if they attempted to retreat.
“What about Jonathan Bark?” Rose called out. “Can he not fulfill that role?”
“Jonathan?” Adam glanced back towards Thornbridge Manor. “Sadly, he won’t be around by that point.”
“What do you mean?” Zentrias shouted with a hint of alarm.
Adam grinned, “Just watch.” He jumped back and landed in the center of the powered-up magic circle. Kaygren’s corrupted claw was raised high above his head.
“Carefully remember everything that happens.” Roxanne said softly. “It may be key to reversing this calamity.”
“And be ready to run.” She added. “Even if the Nightmare King isn’t hostile, those who follow him surely will be.”
Kaygren’s claw slammed down, and reality shuttered. The ground under Thornbridge Manor collapsed. It was as if a sink hole had just opened, with the garden’s edges warped downward.
Adam’s figure disappeared, and for a moment there was stillness. Then a wisp of smoke shot up from the bottomless darkness, thickening into a rounded shape. The outer edge separated into two enormous wings, revealing an indistinct knight in jet black armor. Red eyes opened on every feather, their glare inspiring primal terror which froze Dylan stiff. The world came to a halt as the incomprehensible being observed them.
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Inhuman shrieks rang out from the newly formed pit, and a wave of burning air assaulted them. Roxanne, staff smoldering, gestured, “We retreat.”
Diving into the wall of fog, Dylan glanced back to see the nightmarish entity glide off in another direction. His relief from this was marred by the horrific creatures pouring out from below.
They accelerated, focusing on Roxanne’s flaming staff to stay together. The ground rumbled under them, the intensity constantly increasing. Soon thundering footsteps drowned out the other noise. They weren’t getting away.
Roxanne pivoted and planted her staff, sending off a wave of fire. The mist was instantly forced back, creating an island of clarity. “This is where I make my stand.” She declared. “Keep going.”
Their pursuer came into view. The humanoid figure was massive, easily the size of large building. Over its disheveled pelt it wore chainmail armor made of large and small bones. It smiled, revealing rows of misaligned sharp teeth. A horde of deformed creatures, smaller versions of the giant, joined on either side.
“That’s Gorday, the Bone Hoarder, one of the six troll king.” Carol cried in alarm. Roxanne didn’t respond.
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At least she will be able to. If it had been that other thing… The terror which had gripped him earlier had yet to fade.
“Come on.” Rose yelled, bitting her lip. As she dashed away, a figure rushed in the other direction. Free?! Shock and disappointment halted Dylan’s stride.
The insane girl stopped in front of Roxanne. “What are you doing?” The necromancer shrieked.
“Preventing a needless death.” Free answered, calmly facing the mass of deformed flesh charging at them.
Off-balance, Roxanne grimaced and jumped back, preparing her staff. Dylan watch in slow motion as the troll king’s giant fist barreled down on the lone girl standing before it. His eyes opened wide when the punch hit the ground… Just to the right of Free. A now severed arm stood upright, like a hideous pillar.
Goriday howled in pain, gripping the gaping cut on his shoulder. His underlings slowed, their mad glee turning to uncertainty.
“Invisible Scythes.” Said a deep voice from nowhere. The troll army exploded into a wild splattering of blood and body parts. It was as hundreds of unseen blades were appearing, one after another, and slicing them to bits. Everyone paused their escape in bewilderment.
“Thank god I was right.” Free sighed. She grabbed the stunned Roxanne and dragged her towards them. “Keep going. Don’t waste this opportunity Darius is giving us.”
Dylan gasped. “Him?” He’d harbored suspicions that his companion was an immortal, but…
“That’s a paragon…” Roxanne mumbled.
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“Follow me.” Zentrias pushed ahead of them. “There is a good place to hole up on this side of the Undermist.”