Deep underground, Nasir sat there alone in the dark. Splinters littered his feet and hands from the wooden planks lining the floor. Haera stripped him of everything but his pants, which were soaked from the sweat all over his body. The moisture in the air labored his breaths. An experience he was unfamiliar with.
All he found was a bucket of water after crawling around. Without using magic or a rope from above, climbing up the smooth tunnel that led to the surface was impossible. This place punished those who needed a reminder that actions had consequences. His stomach rumbled, reminding him of the last time he had anything to eat. The memory of Rolim’s signature stew made his mouth water.
Where did it all go wrong? True, there were a few missteps. That’s a given. Those destined for power and greatness always encounter setbacks on their path to the top. Haera didn’t kick me out, so there must be a way to salvage this and escape this torment.
A voice appeared in the dark in front of him and said, “Get up.”
Speaking out loud for the first time in who knows how long, Nasir asked, “Haera?”
The urge to grab her by the throat and slam her against the wall sat there patiently, waiting for a chance to act. His awareness of who would win such an attempt tempered his resolve, and he rose to his feet.
“Good. I will say this once, so listen carefully. Against my better judgment and at the behest of your family, I have asked your group to give you a chance to redeem yourself and prove your loyalty to the cause and your fellow Rangers.”
Still unable to see, her magical aura shoved Nasir against the wall. Then she said, “If you give them any grief, force your ideals on them, or ignore any order from your leader, I'll hear about it, and you won't like what happens. Am I understood?”
Struggling to breathe, Nasir panicked as he gasped for air. Haera drew her aura back.
Hand clutching his chest, he said, “Understood.”
Her lack of response was his only indication that she had teleported out, leaving him alone once more. Shortly after, a soft glow came from the tunnel, followed by something hitting the ground. Struggling across the wooden planks, Nasir winced as the wood cut into his hands as he reached the tunnel and fumbled for the rope that he could vaguely see from what little light shined from above.
Remembering how they had tied the rope around his waist and lowered him down here, he did the same and climbed. Hands raw from sliding down the rope multiple times, Nasir forced himself over the lip of the opening. He winced at the window that allowed the natural light to come in. The Rangers standing guard glared at him. One of them pointed at a table that held all his belongings and said, “Get dressed and report to Haera. If you give us any trouble, we get to toss you back down there.” The look in the elf's eyes told Nasir he would love nothing more than to do so.
Nasir, too weak to argue, followed their instructions and made his way to see Haera after he strapped on his armor and weapons. She had a sour look on her face, but that wasn’t anything new to him. He didn’t care if she liked him. His new master gave him a mission and if he wanted to live, he had to carry it out.
“Stop by to see the healers before heading to town to get something to eat. You will need your strength for the mission tomorrow. I’m sending your team out on a patrol to check on a village nearby. If you understand, then get out of my sight before I get the urge to shove you back down that hole.”
Quick to escape her wrath, Nasir stopped by and let the healer help him recover some of his strength, leaving just his rumbling stomach. Avoiding the glares from his fellow Rangers, he passed by Siranya. She smiled wickedly. Closing the distance, Nasir froze in place. He couldn’t fight back. No one would believe him.
Shoving him to the ground, the Ranger sat on his chest and held a dagger to his throat. He looked around for help and found that no one bothered to look his way. He might have enjoyed the sensation of her body pressing against him more if it weren’t for the dagger or the violent desire radiating from her gaze.
She leaned down till her breath tickled his ear and said, “Lyra is my friend now. If you ever do something that stupid again, I will end you before Haera can. Seeing his discomfort, she rocked her hips back and forth until she felt his body react. Siranya pushed herself off, slammed her foot down on his growing interest, and walked away.
Holding his groin in pain, all he could do was curl up in a ball and cry. Amidst the agony, Nasir felt a hand on his shoulder, and he flinched.
“Nasir, it’s me, Elemalu. Let me help.”
He grit his teeth, the darkness within him fueling his anger. “Why?”
“As long as you remain a member of my group, your wellbeing is my responsibility, and I take that seriously. Now stop arguing and let me help. I heard what Siranya did to you.”
Accepting the help begrudgingly, Nasir stood up and said, “Thank you.”
Elemalu nodded and patted Nasir on the shoulder. With a sympathetic smile, the Ranger walked away. Nasir was grateful for the help, though. That didn’t change who he was and what he had to do. His life wasn’t his own anymore.
I gave up everything for you, Lyra. What is the point if I can’t have you? My master gave me this power. It’s about time I used it instead of pretending to be the elf I used to be.
Anyone nearby that could sense magic and recognize the foulness of it would have felt a chill go down their back from the damn holding Nasir’s potential as a dark mage back-breaking apart. His master’s consciousness focused on his mind. Feeling the mage probe his thoughts, Nasir opened himself fully to the darkness and basked in the power racing through his body.
All that he had been or wished to be died. Swallowed within a black pit, no light could penetrate. Nasir became a true dark mage. Lyra would rue the day she ever said no to him.
Stuck in the rear, Nasir could only glare at Siranya, who took back her position as the scout for their group. His reunion earlier that morning had been strenuous at best. His anger boiled just thinking about it.
Shaerwyn had stepped between Siranya and Nasir and said, “That’s enough out of the both of you. Nasir, one wrong step and you will be lucky to leave still breathing. Haera made that very clear. Siranya, just because you are friends with Lyra now doesn’t give you the right to threaten and assault another Ranger.”
After that, Shaerwyn ordered Siranya up front to scout and stuck me in the back to keep the peace. To be honest, I am tired of being treated like this. My master was right. They all deserve to die. Though he cares more about his experiments than killing them.
“Hey, Nasir, are you listening?”
Looking up, Nasir saw Shaerwyn calling out to him. Not sure what she wanted, he said, “Sorry, I was lost in thought.”
“Don’t be sorry, be present in the moment, and keep our rear covered. Or do I need to send you back now and save us all the headache?”
He forced himself to salute as he said, “Understood.”
Elemalu had been silent the entire morning unless Shaerwyn asked him a question. The healer always tried to remain impartial during disagreements. It could be hard to trust someone to heal you if they sided against you in an argument. He also had his perceived duty to his group members. It made Nasir feel sick thinking about it, but if it meant Elemalu would keep him alive, he could tolerate the elf a bit longer.
The group reached Pebble Blossom before the sun reached its peak in the sky. Tucked away between a river and a small meadow of flowers, the village became a rest stop for travelers en route to Timberwood. Besides catering to the many travelers, the villagers started producing their own wares to trade.
Nasir found them mildly interesting. He wondered how they would all do against the attack his master planned to send their way. When he found out their destination that morning, the first thing he did was inform the dark mage, who was all too happy to send a force out in that direction.
He focused on the dark connection and waited for his master to acknowledge him.
Speak.
I have arrived, master.
Excellent. I decided to watch today’s performance. My latest experiment with an entire wolf pack is ready for some action.
As you wish. I shall not disappoint you.
See that you don’t.
Following along with the others, Nasir watched Shaerwyn meet with the leader and said hello to the other villagers while Elemalu healed anyone who needed it. The few children who got close to him ran away. Now that he embraced his dark power fully, he didn’t bother hiding it.
The village leader offered them a meal when they were done with their patrol. No one argued when Nasir offered to take his meal outside and keep watch. Siranya smiled when he left, but that didn’t matter. Why be friendly with someone who will die soon?
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It’s time.
Nasir grinned as he ate his food. The initial screams coming from the guards watching the perimeter filled him with joy. Why did he ever resist this gift? He was foolish to have ever doubted his master.
The doors to the home behind him burst open. Shaerwyn looked at him and said, “It’s time to do your job. Move out.”
Nasir carefully set his food down where it wouldn’t be knocked over, then pulled out his weapon and followed behind Shaerwyn and Siranya. He couldn’t help but grin in satisfaction.
Let the fun begin.
The screams only intensified from every direction. So many wolves, it was impossible to count, attacked anything in sight. They had surrounded the village before committing to the assault. Directed by the dark mage, if Nasir had to guess.
“Nasir, I need you and Siranya to push them back and help any survivor make it to safety. I will work with Elemalu and protect the villagers.”
Truth be told, he didn’t care what Shaerwyn said. The only way he would grow stronger was through combat. Killing the weak, taking their strength and making it his own. Enhancing his body and blade, Nasir blazed through the village, slicing into any wolf he found. Greedy for power, he drained their energy at the same time.
If he sliced into a villager struggling underneath, well, there was nothing he could do about that. It was their fault for being so weak. They should honor him by offering themselves.
He did attempt to save those he could. It would be foolish to destroy any hope of proving his worth to the Rangers when he still had use of them. Death would be preferable to going in that hole again.
Focused on the fight, Nasir listened to the cries of those still struggling to survive. Two elves ran toward him with five wolves who were in hot pursuit. Dashing around them, he cut three down in one blow and kicked the fourth into the fifth before stabbing them in the heart. Ignoring their thanks, he pointed toward safety and moved on.
What he could only assume was a mother who sat there curled around a frightened child. Three wolves faced an elf, struggling to keep them at bay. How heroic of him. It made Nasir sick to think he once wanted to be like him. Dilutions of the weak and ignorant. Yet, he had to play the part of the valiant Ranger.
Maneuvering in the wolves' blind spot as they harassed the family, Nasir gripped one wolf by the tail, swung it up, and slammed it down into another wolf. Between their yelps of pain, the elf stabbed the remaining wolf. Finishing the two wolves he had stunned, Nasir pointed toward the center of the village and said, “Go.”
He ignored their thanks, already hunting for more prey. Victims he would sacrifice for glory and power. It didn’t take long to find his next target. The village was littered with them.
When Nasir found Siranya, she was dancing among many bleeding wolves, chomping at the chance to tear her limb from limb. The Ranger hadn’t noticed him yet, so he watched from the shadows. Content to see her die forever messing with him.
To his dismay, the electric attacks that stunned the wolves made it impossible to overwhelm her with numbers alone. They needed something more that could pack a punch and shrug off her attempts to stun it.
For instance, the giant magical beast stalking behind her.
Is this the pack leader?
Yes. Enjoy the show.
Using the shadows to conceal himself, Nasir waited. No longer unfamiliar with shadow manipulation after his master had forced the information into his brain, the possibilities were endless.
The amped-up alpha wolf gripped one of the dead villagers by the leg and hurled it into Siranya’s side, knocking her to the ground. Struggling to push the body off of her, one wolf she was engaged with clamped down on her wrist and shook its head violently back and forth, eliciting a streak of agony from the wounded Ranger.
Chills went down Nasir’s back, watching the alpha stalk over and press its giant paw down on Siranya’s chest. She tried stabbing it with her one free hand, but his fur deflected the strike somehow. Similar to the crows encountered during Lyra's trial mission.
She cried out, “Someone! Anyone!” Her attempts at fighting back wavered after each failed strike. Struggling for breath, she said, “Help me, please.”
Master, I have a request.
Speak.
If it pleases you, I would be honored to sacrifice the Ranger at your feet.
Silence filled Nasir’s mind, leaving him wondering if he had asked too much.
Come quickly. Follow the wolf. I shall transport the elf.
Yes, master. Thank you.
True to his words, the alpha lifted its head and slammed it down on Siranya’s face. The impact cut her scream short, knocking her out. The beast then gripped her by the shirt and tossed her in the air. Her body flopped on its back.
Nasir shed his shadow cloak and chased after the magical beast; sword drawn so that any who witnessed it would assume he was trying to save her. The thought alone made him want to gag.
For good measure, he cut down any wolf that still lingered nearby to make his performance more believable. It didn’t hurt to steal more power for himself. Though he doubted anyone would see him run off after the wolf. The other two Rangers focused on protecting the surviving villagers.
Eager to reach the dark mage, Nasir raced after the alpha. Siranya’s unconscious body jostled on top. He only now noticed her daggers were still on the ground back in the village.
“Hmmm. Better off this way. It will give me some credibility.”
His heart pounded with excitement standing before his master. A stark contrast to the first time back when he sacrificed his family for power. The alpha let the Ranger slide off and hit the ground, causing her to stir.
Empowering his enhancement magic with shadows, Nasir picked Siranya up by the neck till her feet dangled in the air. She clawed at his wrist with her one remaining working hand; the wolf had left her other hand in a mutilated state.
Siranya focused on who held her up, and he grinned with delight at her shock.
“Yes, it’s me. Congratulations. You get to be my first."
Her expression changed to one of horror and disgust, making it clear what she thought.
“No, not that. I’ve had plenty of that. If you could have learned to keep your mouth shut, I would have been willing to show you a good time. Alas, it was not meant to be. You, my dear Siranya, get to be my first sacrifice as a dark mage.”
When she no longer struggled, Nasir walked over to the earthen altar crafted by his master and placed her across the slab, releasing her throat so he could caress her cheek.
Siranya forced out a breath and asked, “Why?”
The shadows by his feet writhed to the beat of his anger pulsing through his veins.
“Why? Because you’re a worthless elf who deserves to die, so I can devour you and grow stronger. That, my dear, is all you are worth to me. Trust me when I say this is going to hurt.”
Nasir let his eyes wander as he took his time stripping her clothes off. She thrashed back and forth, forcing him to slice into her limbs with his sword, which prevented her from fighting back anymore. Accepting the black dagger from his master, Nasir followed his master's guidance as he sliced into repeatedly, careful not to cut anywhere that would make her bleed out instantly. She screamed until her voice was too raw to make a sound.
He knew they would eventually find him if he took too long, so he finished ripping her fingernails off and admired his work. She hardly reacted to his administration anymore. Satisfied, he slapped her cheek till she opened her eyes. Gripping her chin, he leaned in and kissed her. Using his free hand, he plunged the dagger in and out of her chest until he felt her last breath and broke off the kiss, leaving the dagger behind.
“Wonderful work, my newest disciple. Let me reward you.”
The dark mage master gathered the energy from the dead Ranger and raised his hands to the sky. Nasir looked from his master to the sky, then wished he hadn’t. A black bolt of lightning struck the top of his head, setting his nerves on fire. Regaining consciousness lying on the ground, he forced his head up and saw a group of wolves devouring Siranya’s corpse. Bile rose from his gut at the sight, but he regained his composure.
Nasir rose and stared at his palm. Black lightning sparked back and forth between his fingertips. Her power now was his, but better.
“Your last mission to become a true disciple worthy of my attention stands before you. Defeat my creation or don’t. Your death concerns me not, only the results. I have other pressing concerns. I will leave you to it.”
The dark mage scratched the chin of the alpha wolf and said, “If you kill him, I will reward you with a new pack and more power.”
And just like that, Nasir faced off against the magical alpha wolf whose brethren were busy devouring the rest of Siranya, leaving only scraps behind. A part of him was grateful no one would know what he had done to her. The pleasure he felt watching her scream. Death was too good for her.
The alpha roared, its breath reeking of blood and flesh. Nasir waved a hand over his sword, watching with delight how the black lightning crackled along the edge of the blade. He grinned up at his opponent and said, “It’s you or me now. Let’s get on with it.”
Leaping up, the alpha wolf pounced. They intended to smash Nasir into the ground from the get-go. Nasir felt the shadows underneath the wolf call to him, so he stepped into his shadow and out of the alphas behind him.
With all his might, he slashed across the hind quarter of the wolf, leaving a shallow cut. Bravado emboldened him to strike again. “Come on fur ball, is that all you got?”
He blinked in confusion as he tumbled through the air, slamming his back into a tree. Reinforcing his body in shadows saved his life. Forcing himself up on his feet, Nasir watched as the alpha’s tail shrunk back to its normal size.
“You smacked me with your tail? Cool trick. Too bad it didn’t finish me off.”
Eager to retaliate, Nasir rushed in. Dodging claws, teeth, and a tail that could change size at will. At his disposal was his standard reinforcement magic, along with shadow enhancement and teleportation, shadow hiding, which was useless now, and the black lightning taken from Siranya.
That didn’t mean he was perfect. The alpha’s fur could cut him just as easily as its claws. Each time he was a hair's breadth late, the alpha capitalized on the moment, slicing deep gouges across the Ranger’s body. Both combatants bleed freely as the fight wore on.
Nasir felt new shadows drawing near. Yet another ability he hadn’t realized he possessed. If he had to guess, Shaerwyn was among them. He needed to end this quickly. They couldn’t know about his new shadow abilities. Refocused, he hacked at the same paw until the leg collapsed, forcing the beast down to the ground.
“Nasir?”
“Siranya?”
“Where are you?”
Of course, she would look for us. That must mean the village is secure by now. I wonder how many survived.
Nasir Shadow stepped into the alpha’s blind side, dashed in, and blinded the beast in one fell swoop as he yelled, “Over here!”
Shaerwyn burst into view, sword drawn just as Nasir maneuvered on the magical beast’s back and with a shadow-enhanced black lighting sword strike to its neck, though it took three tries to cleave it off completely.
Lifting the head toward Shaerwyn in triumph, Nasir expected some praise but only received concern mixed with blame from her expressions. Frantic, she said, “Where is Siranya? What did you do to her?”
With a forced expression of sadness, he lowered the alpha's head and shook his own. “Let me explain what I know.”
He wiped the blood off his sword, sheathed it, and pointed toward the scraps of clothing and leftover remains after the wolves had devoured the Ranger.
The alpha found her surrounded by the others and subdued her. When I ran after, there wasn’t anything I could do to save her once they started tearing her apart. So, I fought this creature to end the threat.”
Looking at Shaerwyn, he said, “That is what a Ranger does, is it not? Finish the job and bring safety to these lands?”
His leader paused, tried to speak, and gave up. Nodding once, she rushed over to where Nasir had pointed and fell to her knees. Finding enough evidence to confirm his words, Shaerwyn cried.
Amidst the tears, Nasir heard her whisper, “Why couldn’t it have been you?”
Why? Because I’m more powerful than all of you. Soon I will be stronger than even Haera. She will find out what it means to be weak. Until then, I will wait and pretend to be a dutiful Ranger.
Chuckling to himself, he pondered. If they don’t find a reason to kick me out instead. I know, what if I offer to hunt a beast on my own to prove myself?
Nasir looked at the other elves who had accompanied Shaerwyn and said, “We should head back and make sure the village is still secure. My leader will join us when she is ready.”
In unison, they nodded and turned around. He started walking away, looking back once, wanting to say something, but saying the truth would only make things difficult if she knew how much he despised them all.
He settled on looking up with a sigh and said, “You're next, my pretty little bird.”