Nasir. Who was he? An elf. Brother to a now deceased Ryo. Traitor. The one who picked power and greed at the expense of two lives he had held dear so he could preserve his own life. Subservient to Kiressin. The dark mage who created the worst of the magical beasts plaguing these lands. The very beasts Nasir, as a Ranger, vowed to kill to ensure everyone's safety, even if he secretly wished to just prove his skill.
Now his promises were all subverted and twisted to fuel the deadly game Kiressin played. The dark mage wanted reports on how his creations fared against the Rangers so he could craft stronger monstrosities. Again, Nasir’s actions would kill those he valued.
The darkness that burrowed deep within clamped down on any lingering thoughts of decency or obligation. It also amplified every selfish impulse and desire he tried covering up. Ryo always saw through his bravado and the truth behind the mask. That frustrated him to no end.
He may be all this and more, but as a fledgling dark mage himself, he now wielded the power he needed, no, deserved, and would prove to Lyra once and for all that she should be with him.
“No, not should. She will be mine. Even if I have to force her to see the truth. Lyra has nothing left to live for, and she will be too prideful to crawl back to her mother. She won’t have any choice but to agree with me.”
He returned to the rest of the Ranger team he belonged to after scouting ahead. Nasir said, “I’m back, Shaerwyn. I found some promising signs of another beast in the vicinity. There could be more than one.” What he failed to disclose was how he knew this. Kiressin made sure his newest pet could detect his creations so he could guide others to them.
“Thanks, Nasir. Listen up Elemalu and Siranya. Our newest scout found us another target. Let’s go hunt another abomination,” said Shaerwyn.
Finished crafting a new batch of arrows, Elemalu added them to his quiver and rose. Siranya pulled out her daggers from the tree she had been using for target practice and said, “I still can’t believe how you got so good at finding them. I’ve been doing this for years, yet I need to rely on a young sprout to do what used to be my job.”
It was a fact that Nasir was the newest member, a replacement after Halbron died. He found it difficult following Shaerwyn’s orders, but his fear of Haera back in Timberwood outweighed any disagreements over leadership. Nasir spent decades under Lyra’s shadow. He knew how to pretend.
Kiressin wanted to test how a group fared this time instead of the usual single foe, so that’s what Nasir would do. Nasir was leading his team into danger, knowing he would be spared death if his team succumbed to the darkness that tried to devour them. These abominations were no less deadly. The latest mental communication through the forced dark link revealed they were headed toward a nest of wolf-sized spiders that exhibited pack mentality and tactics.
Everything will be fine. All I have to do is kill everything. Think of it as another test that proves once and for all how much stronger I am. They will beg me to lead them. It’s only a matter of time.
Shaerwyn led the group of hunters in the direction Nasir had pointed. The natural sounds of the forest dissipated the further they went.
Elemalu pointed up and said, “Aren’t those spider webs?”
“That can’t be possible. They are as thick as my fingers. How could a spider do that?” A baffled Siranya asked. Her neck craned back to see.
With a leap off the ground, Elemalu bounced between two trees and reached out for a low-hanging branch close to the spider webs. Studying it close up, she reached out to touch it.
“Anya, no! Did you forget spiders use vibrations in their webs to identify intruders or potential meals?”
The Ranger let go of the tree with a pout. “You never let me have any fun, Shaerwyn.”
“I always end up with more work when you have fun,” said Elemalu, dryly.
Finger shoved in his chest, Siranya said, “You’re our healer. Of course, it’s your job to patch us up. What’s so hard to understand about that?”
Nasir winced at the sound of Shaerwyn's hands slapping the back of their heads. Glaring at the two chastised Rangers, she said, “Now is not the time to get snippy at each other. We are professional Rangers, so act like it. I'm sure Haera would entertain you both in a refresher course.
The chastised Rangers snapped to attention when the rustle of leaves and the sounds of scurrying limbs echoed in the forest.
They were coming.
Yes. Plural. Just as Kiressin had informed him. Reaching for his sword, Nasir used an earthen reinforcement spell to strengthen and protect his body and a wind spell along the cutting edge to enhance its potential.
“They have ears too, I guess because they must have heard you all argue from the other side of the forest. Honestly, you’re supposed to be one of the best Ranger teams. Try acting like it.”
Elemalu grinned, hand still rubbing the back of his head. “Don’t mind us, Nasir. We may act like this occasionally, but we always fight seriously." The elf put action to his words as he strung up his bow and knocked an arrow.
Less forgiving of the criticism, Siranya glared at Nasir. Contempt dripped from her lips as she said, “Sure, you have a knack for finding more magical beasts than me, but in a fight, you’re still a pup who needs to learn their place.”
Coughing in her hand, Shaerwyn grabbed the team's attention and said, “Elemalu, try to thin their numbers. Siranya, I need you to disable them so that Nasir and I can finish them. Watch out for the web and keep moving. Nasir, with me.”
The first abomination revealed itself. Eight giant furry legs connected to a wolf-sized bulbous body. Its head resembled a wolf, except for the two giant spider fangs sprouting out of its mouth. Despite its size, the creature scurried across the spiderwebs crisscrossing the branches up in the trees.
Springing into the air, it launched itself straight down at Siranya. Elemalu launched several arrows in a row that sunk deep into the belly of the abomination. Lighting arcing up and down Siranya’s daggers, the elf rolled out of the way and sprang back, both weapons sinking into its side, releasing the magical charge.
Nasir laughed at the twitching abomination and said, “Shall we call them wolf spiders?”
Swift to act, Shaerwyn moved in and lobbed its head off. Sword resting on her shoulder, she said, “Wolf spider is a good name. Let’s go with that.”
Three more scurried along the ground, trying to growl, but failing because of the enlarged fangs protruding from their jaws. On closer inspection, Nasir could see a viscous liquid dripping from the fangs.
Of course, they have venom. Knowing him, he did something to it.
A wall of water shot up in front of Shaerwyn, blocking the spray of venom that shot out of the lead wolf spider's mouth. The vegetation dissolved where it landed.
“Watch out, their venom eats away at anything it touches!” Shaerwyn shouted, her water spell reshaping into multiple arrows. Siranya waved her hand over the water arrows, infusing them with lightning. Nasir’s leader hurled the spell at the three magical beasts. They did not penetrate far, but that didn’t matter. Lightning coursed through their bodies, forcing them to the ground, a twitching mess. Everyone but Elemalu rushed in for the easy kill. Careful not to step on any of the lingering venom.
“Get back!”
Elemalu’s frantic shout drew the rest of the group's attention. Nasir felt the dark pulse of mana and looked in the direction their archer was pointing. Not knowing what to make of the monstrosity before him, he could only retreat with the rest.
He didn’t mention this.
Unlike the others, this spider towered above the rest. It’s children scurrying underneath it. Trees bent out of the way under the weight of its body pushing between them. It was all he could do to keep the tremors from reaching his hands. He would rather die than show weakness.
Calm and assertive, Shaerwyn took charge of her team.
Pointing at the wolf spiders hiding near its legs, she said, “Ele, focus on the young, keep them off our backs, and watch out for the venom.” Calling out to an already charging Siranya, she said, “Anya, I need you to keep Ele safe.”
“I know.” Reply lost in the mass of chittering wolf spiders.
That left the big one up to him and Shaerwyn. Reinforcing his spells, Nasir nodded to her and said, “You ready for this, Wyn?”
“You know I am. When the other two give us an opening, let’s focus on disabling its legs,” said Shaerwyn, her sword gripped at her side.
“Let’s do this.”
Their miniature forest battlefield erupted into chaos. Lighting strikes rained down on the wolf spiders, giving Elemalu the time he needed to fire off arrows with devastating results. Any that evaded the disabling effects of Siranya's spells or Elemalu’s arrows retaliated with a volley of venom.
The archer escaped their attack with ease, quick to fire off more arrows into their ranks. Siranya didn’t fare so well. Her acrobatics and the small earthen wall she tossed up couldn’t save her from the assault so close to the enemy. Screaming in pain, she crushed the survivors into another wave of lightning strikes that split a few trees in half from the force. Rushing to her side, Elemalu dragged her back, hand already glowing with life energy healing her wounds.
Nasir worked with Shaerwyn to cut down any wolf spiders that got too close to them, avoiding the area of lightning spells and arrows being fired off by the other two. To his surprise, the giant wolf spider did nothing but chitter as its young fell in droves.
When it lifted the two front legs and swung them out, toppling any tree in its path, Nasir charged. Curving around the left side, he added a few layers of earth over the bottom of his feet that regenerated to counteract the venom lacing the ground.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Shaerwyn gliding on a thin layer of wind that kept her off the ground. She wasn’t a master at the element but made use of what she could when the need arose. Jumping on the now toppled tree, she hurled a handful of water arrows at the beast’s head the moment before jumping up, sword arcing for the spider leg that still hung in the air.
Following her example, Nasir ran at full strength. Pushing off with all his might, he clung to his sword with both hands and cleaved deep into the other leg raised high in the air. Unable to cut all the way through, he ripped it out on his way back down. Nasir watched the beast's two front legs slam back down; a wave of venom-covered dirt in all directions.
His quick thinking of moving behind a nearby tree saved him from the worst of it. To his delight, the damaged legs could no longer hold the spider's weight. Bent in an odd direction where their blades cut deep into them, it cried out.
Another wave of lightning strikes and precise arrow shots drilled into the wounded magical beast, forcing it backward. Not wanting to give it any chance of escaping, Nasir ran toward its rear, pressed his hand to the ground, reached for the darkness lurking beneath the skin, and poured all his hate into a single dirt spike that sprang from the ground, piercing its abdomen.
Shaerwyn rejoined Siranya long enough to join forces for another lightning-water arrow. Much larger than the previous spells, the force of the impact snapped one of the giant fangs, sending a stream of venom gushing out of its mouth.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Sending the end was near, Nasir forced a small pillar of earth under him to shoot up in the air, propelling him up above his prey. Tucking his shoulder in, he rolled to a stop on the back of the wolf spider and said, “Feel the bite of my blade, you foul creature. Your death only serves to strengthen me.”
Thrusting his blade into the base of its neck, he twisted it, then yanked it up with all his might cleaving its head nearly in two. He held on when it collapsed to the ground, dead. Triumphant, Nasir held his sword high in the air and roared. The dark energy seeped from the beast finding a new home within himself.
His new god rewarded those who were loyal and the most powerful. The weak were only fuel to empower the strong. Misery and suffering the energy that gave his followers the power to dominate. Nasir rejoined the rest of his team, the smirk that slipped out not going unnoticed by the wounded Anya.
Siranya growled at Nasir, venom spewing from her lips as she said, “Don’t you dare smirk at me. Just because you dealt the final blow doesn’t give you the right to look down on me. I earned my spot on this team, and I’ll stab you in the eye before I ever acknowledge you for being anything but an insecure, pompous asshole.”
Eyes narrowed, Nasir gripped his blade, the spider's venom still in the process of eating away at the material. It would not last much longer.
Doing her job, Shaerwyn stepped between the two and said, “Nasir, you are healthy enough. Go scout the area and report back to me.”
The darkness whispered in his ear, telling him to attack. To kill those weaker than him. Still feeling the rush of power from absorbing the dark mana, it took all his mental restraint to force himself around and walk away.
You did well, my pet. I felt my creation die to your blade as its mana was transferred to you. Now tell me, how could they have done better?
Thank you. The venom that could eat away at anything it came into contact with was beautiful. The giant wolf spider could wreak a lot of damage, but its size got in the way and made it easy to hinder its mobility and strike a killing blow. It would need a stronger defense that could stop magical weapon strikes to stand any chance.
Thank you. That will be all for now. Head back now. I have a feeling you will like what you find.
At once, sir.
“There are no more threats in the area. I suggest we make our way back home,” said Nasir when he joined back up with his team, Shaerwyn still talking with an upset Siranya. It appears the venom attack that splashed over her arm and leg ate away enough to question her fitness to stay on active duty.
“I won’t repeat myself, Anya. You need to be evaluated back at base. I won’t watch a friend die because she was too stubborn to admit when her time was up. We already lost Halbron. Don’t ask me to lose another needlessly.”
Face scrunched up in dissatisfaction, Siranya grunted, turning her back to Nasir, and walked away. Her slight limp was all the reward Nasir needed. Elemalu stepped up next to him and asked, “Need any healing?”
Still feeling the bite of the venom in a few spots, Nasir nodded. Elemalu frowned when he used his healing magic. Nasir noticed the resistance but didn’t voice his concerns. Treatment finished, the elf jogged ahead and joined Siranya and Shaerwyn, leaving Nasir alone in the rear.
The trek back to Timberwood was uneventful. Siranya’s sour mood put a damper on the group’s morale, except for Nasir, who inwardly took great satisfaction in her distress. Their healer did all he could to return her to normal, but his abilities couldn’t regrow the missing parts destroyed by the venom. They would need a more powerful healer to accomplish that.
When they arrived at the settlement, Shaerwyn guided them into the Ranger compound outside of Timberwood to report to Haera.
Elemalu took Siranya off to see the Ranger's top healer, which left Nasir alone. He was still deciding what he would do when he heard a familiar voice from behind.
“Nasir! You’re back.”
He turned and faced the annoyingly happy Paeral along with a much more tolerable sister, Keya. They worked well together, but he hated spending time with the pair.
“We just passed by Elemalu and limping Siranya. When I asked what happened, Siranya just snarled at me and kept walking.”
Wishing they would just leave, Nasir said, “Our last fight was against a wolf spider mutation that spat venom that could eat away at anything it touched.”
Punching her brother in the arm, Keya glared at her brother before he asked another question and said, “I'm glad you all survived the encounter. We had our fun while you were gone.”
Paeral jumped back into the conversation and said, “That’s right. We were guarding a merchant when this random elf showed up. They had detected a magical beast before we could, then helped us take it out.”
Picking up where her brother left off, Keya said, “She ended up being a friend of Elora.”
Saved by the door opening, Nasir turned in time to see Shaerwyn walk out. When their eyes met, she said, “Good work, Nasir. You’re dismissed. We need to wait for a report back on Siranya.”
A chill went down his spine when Haera walked out, her presence still a force to be reckoned with. Gathering his courage, Nasir said, “I have a request. May we speak inside?”
“Make it quick, rookie.”
Nasir followed Haera into her office and sat down. A desk with an elaborate wooden chair behind it, with a few simple chairs on the side. Trophies hung on the wall from her kills when she still fought with a team. Heads of mutated wolves, bears, cougars, and a necklace of elf ears from the corrupted mages she encountered. The giant antler rack sitting on the ground in the corner looked new.
“That? An elf helped Keya and her brother out and killed the mutation while they were guarding a merchant. They took care of the corpse and then brought this as a trophy for Kellam. Gorre hasn’t decided if they will let this inside the settlement.”
After he took a seat, Nasir faced Haera, finger tapping on her desk, and said, “I want permission to recruit my sister-in-law. Under her father, Daylor, she outperformed everyone else. She lost her family to a magical beast. I think it would be best for her and us if she joined the Rangers.”
Eye’s narrowed, Haera said, “If I recall, Adjor took over after Daylor died during the blood moon mage rebellion. You may not know this, but the traitors who killed your instructor weren’t the only ones. There were simultaneous attacks across the region that night.”
She stood up and walked over to the necklace of ears hanging on the wall. Hand caressing them, she said “My team and I were on patrol. My exploits that night propelled me to the position I'm in today.”
Nasir felt Haera's attention focus back on him. Her aura pressed against his.
“I appreciate your enthusiasm in trying to recruit a family member. If Lyra is willing, I will consider it. Gorre has the final say though.” Handing Nasir a small token, a wooden carving of two swords crossed, she said, “Give this to him. It’s my approval for your request."
Chair sliding back, Nasir accepted the token and saluted. Quickly leaving, he made his way out and turned toward Timberwood. Siranya and Elemalu hadn’t returned from the healer yet, and Shaerwyn had left.
When he passed by the guard on his way out, he asked, “Did you see Shaerwyn pass by?”
The elf pointed toward Timberwood and said, “Sure did. Looked like she needed a strong drink. Can’t blame her after seeing Siranya limping in the way she did.”
Dismissing the guard, Nasir made his way over to Timberwood. Seeing who was on duty, he waved at Nindrol and said, “Hey, how have you been?”
With a grin, Nindrol waved back. “Welcome back. I’m fine. We’ve had a few run-ins with some magical beasts getting close to town while you been out.”
“I heard a random elf appeared who helped put a beast down. I saw the antlers in Haera’s office.”
The guard nodded enthusiastically and said, “They are friends with Elora, I hear. Childhood friends if the rumors are true. In fact, they are back in town, and they brought a friend with them this time."
Could this be the reason why he told me to go back home?
The dark mage was still a mystery to Nasir. An elf who worshipped this dark force who reveled in death and misery. He knew this was wrong on a fundamental level, but he couldn’t let go of his ambition. His pride would be his downfall and whatever the darkness swirling inside Nasir knew this too. Even now it amplified his worst thoughts. Consuming all he could have been until he became what Kiressin needed.
If Nasir wanted to confess his crimes, he could. If the Rangers didn’t kill him for it, the dark mage would. All the sacrifices he made would be all for nothing.
I would rather watch the forest burn down than give up on Lyra. She will be mine.
Thoughts focused on his inner struggle; Nasir missed Elora walking into a popular two-story establishment with two companions. He moved toward the inner gate where the guard held up a hand halting him.
“Greetings, Ranger. What business do you have inside today?”
Nasir pulled out the token Haera gave him, showed it to the guard, and said, “I have permission to speak with Gorre.”
They stepped aside allowing him access. Marveling at the inner settlement’s stylish homes reserve red for those important enough to keep safe behind a second wall. Elaborate carvings spread over the outside telling a story. This history of Timberwood since its rebirth when the Rangers were founded.
In the very center stood a grand building taller than any other around where the ruling officials and the head of the Rangers in charge of this area spent most of their days while people like him were outside unprotected keeping the beasts away.
Now they have a new beast pretending to be a Ranger in their midst. A snake slithering around their ankles. It would only take a single command for me to kill everyone and plunge Timberwood into chaos. My hope relies on Kiressin's focus on playing with his creations instead of dismantling the Rangers.
Nasir presented his token again at the door proceeded to Gorre's office and knocked.
“Come in,” said the stern muffled voice from within.
Another beast of a Ranger with a long history and an even longer trail of bodies left in their wake from their time fighting on the front lines in this never-ending battle. Gorre didn’t scare Nasir like Haera could, but he wore his authority on his shoulders and made sure no one ever forgot it.
“Make it quick. I don’t have all day to listen to every request a Ranger makes."
Where Haera decorated her room with trophies, left his bare. There were intricate carvings along the walls, but other than the single desk and chair, nothing of note was there. Gorre spoke with Kellam's authority and Nasir knew his place. Placing the token on the desk, Nasir stood at attention and said, “I wish to recruit Lyra. She is my sister-in-law and has a fresh reason to fight back against the beasts we hunt.”
Twirling the token between his fingers, Gorre stared at Nasir for an uncomfortably long time. “I can assume you convinced Haera that this would be worth my time and energy.” Nasir knew better than to reply, a trap the elf used often. “What’s her name?”
“Lyra, sir. She specializes in ice daggers with proficiency in wind and fire. There are a few others, but less notable.”
Tossing the token in the air, Gorre snatched it out of the air. “Lyra, you say. As it so happens, I received a report not long ago about a few guests who entered last night. The elf who helped take down the magical beast recently and her companion, Lyra. What are the odds she is the one you speak of?”
Was Lyra here? It couldn’t be true. Could it? Wait! She has to be. Why else would that mage tell him to head home? He knew his obsession with her. But how did he know?
His hands clenched; a manic grin stretched across his face. He had to know. Saluting, he said, “I will confirm her identity and present her to Haera if it is indeed my Lyra.”
Gorre raised an eyebrow when he emphasized, “My Lyra,” But made no remark. The Ranger's second-in-command waved him away, still messing with the token Nasir handed over.
No longer lost in thought, Nasir followed the rumors and made his inquiries. All pointed in one direction. The most popular place in Timberwood to hang out and have a good meal or a strong drink in Shaerwyn's case.
He pushed his way inside. Head whipping back and forth trying to find her. One of the elves who worked there said something that he ignored. Shrugging, she left him be. Eyes focused on a group snuggled in the corner, Nasir could make out Elora who sat next to a stranger. What pushed his feet forward wasn’t them, but the mystery third who had her back to him.
“Thank you, Elora. I appreciate all you have done for me,” said a voice he knew all too well.
“You’re welcome. Any friend of Tinesi is a friend of mine. I'm sure you will succeed wherever you decide to settle down.”
“I doubt I’ll ever put down new roots. I tried that already and it was ripped away from me.”
Any doubt that lingered was squashed instantly. Hand reaching out, he moved closer. So many words battled to be the first past his lips. Hand gripping his shoulder from behind, he heard, “Not so fast, Ranger. What business do you have with my wife and her friends?”
Captain Reptar spun Nasir around. His no-nonsense attitude was on full display. Mind still struggling for the words to say, he looked back toward the three. Eyes meeting hers for the first time since before he betrayed her, Lyra stared at Nasir. Her expression was void of all emotion. A blank slate watching him with disinterest.
“Lyra?”
“Hello, Nasir. You don’t look surprised to see me. I guess you know what happened?”
Grip still holding Nasir, Reptar looked to his wife. Elora shooed him away with a wave of her hand. He complied, sitting back down with a group of off-duty guards.
Free to move, Nasir stepped closer and said, “I do. My team and I just returned home myself so I couldn’t find out what happened to you yet.”
Lyra's outburst of laughter caught the attention of everyone else inside. She took a few deep breaths composing herself and said, “We grew up together, Nasir. You have many talents, but lying isn’t one of them. Stop treating me like a fool. We both know you never made an effort to find me.”
Every instinct that pushed Nasir to make himself look smaller and submit to her overwhelming presence vanished in an instant. Destroyed by the darkness clutching his heart with tendrils of power. Jaw set straight, he said, “First and foremost I am a Ranger with responsibilities of my own. By the time I learned, too much time had gone by.”
Shaking her head, Lyra took a deep breath and let it out. “Let's move past the ugly truth and get down to why I’m here. You have something to ask me, don’t you?”
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. She should be a broken mess. Pliable to his needs and desires. He all but guaranteed it the moment he sacrificed Ryo and Airdan in exchange for power and another chance to live. Refusing to back down, he said “Join the Rangers. You belong here. Being a housewife was never supposed to be how you spent your life.”
You belong with me.
Ice dagger appearing in her grasp, the chair sliding back from the force of her standing, Lyra pointed it at Nasir and growled out, “I may have put up with this dismissive behavior before, but not anymore. No one dictates how I live my life, let alone you Nasir. The one who never could handle not being the best. I choose to become a Ranger. I will make you realize how outclassed you are.”
Hand resting on the pummel of his sword, Captain Reptar said, “Lyra, we don’t take kindly to those who pull out weapons inside of town. You need to dismiss the spell or I will be forced to act.”
Elora chuckled from her seat. When her husband glanced over at her, she said, “You would be dead before the sword ever left its sheath, dear husband.” Her friend next to Elora said, “And I would kill anyone who harmed my companion.”
A loud booming voice empowered with wind magic shouted, “That’s enough! Take your dispute outside before I toss you all out myself and refuse you service for the rest of my life.”
After the ice dagger melted in her hand, Lyra turned to the owner and bowed. “I apologize for my actions. It will never happen again.” Waving at Elora and the other elf, Lyra walked past Nasir and Captain Reptar. When she reached the door, Lyra looked over her shoulder and asked, “Are you coming, Nasir?”
I did it. Lyra is going to be a Ranger. I don't care how it happens or how feisty you may be. Nothing escapes the darkness. Even your father fell to its power.
“Yes. I need to introduce you to Haera. She handles the recruits.”
I said you would like what you found. Remember this the next time you