“Qenn?” Tane screamed, coming awake suddenly, his pulse racing from the nightmare he had been trapped in for the past hour. He sat upright, alone, his brother nowhere in sight. He panicked. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes frantically. “Qenn? Where are you?”
“Sh!” Qenn came rushing in, his eyes wide and his narrow face flush with the same panic. “Someone’s coming.”
Tane was already scrambling to his feet as Qenn pointed to a window on the far side of the room. Together they raced to it, Tane clearing his head of his dream, wondering how long he’d been asleep, noticing that Kandish was missing as well.
“Down the street. Look.” Qenn pointed, careful not to be overheard.
Tane saw the dark figure moving along the sidewalk directly for them. Tall, hooded, black cloak drawn tight. Taker. Tane backed away from the window. He looked around the building, but quickly realized that there was no place to hide. But it didn’t matter. Takers would find them no matter how invisible they could be.
“It’s one of them.”
Qenn gasped aloud as he stared at the figure approaching. His senses were sharp, alert as the danger approached. The alarm inside him began screaming that he was in danger.
“We have to leave!”
Tane began to respond, but the door opened and everything changed.
Takers.
Beneath faceless cowls, red eyes burned. Inhumane sounds released with their breathing, chilling the warm night air. As one they came, marching towards the two brothers with clawed hands extending, fingers ready to rip flesh off of bone. There was no place to hide; the fight would last only seconds.
“Qenn!” Tane screamed. He backed up, protecting his brother.
Immediately red fire burst from their hands, searing into the wood behind the brothers as they jumped aside. As they scrambled to their feet, they were forced to jump for cover again as red fire smashed into the floor where they stood. There were too many to fight, too many to sneak past or escape from.
“We need to get out of here!” Qenn yelled, running towards the far wall with Tane, looking for an exit, finding none. The Takers had spread apart, leaving no chance for them to exit.
Then Qenn went down. The floor beneath him exploded in a red haze and the elf was sent sprawling face-first across the floor. He was left stunned and gasping for air. He thought he could hear Tane yelling, but he was in no condition to decipher it. By the time he began to stand, Tane was pulling him off the floor and to his feet.
“Qenn! Get up! Let’s go!”
Qenn could see clearly now. Takers had circled them, trapped them amidst the fire, and were moving in for the kill.
“Stay close to me, Qenn!”
The brothers positioned themselves back-to-back. But weaponless, they stood no chance at surviving. The shrieks around them rose to ear-piercing heights. Clawed hands began to glow red as the demons called their magic forth one final time.
Then a white light fell down around Qenn and Tane. In the split second that it took for them to wonder where it came from, the Takers already figured it out. Red fire immediately shot forth to devour the white light as their shrieks of delight turned into screams of rage. But their magic failed to penetrate the light. And as they turned from it to destroy the one standing against them, they were met with magic themselves.
Shadox stood in the entry, long arms extended towards the Takers, white fire spewing from his fingers. The shield he cast over Tane and Qenn would last; he didn’t expect the battle to be long. Bathed in his own shield, he stood against the onslaught, firing his magic into the foremost attacker until it disintegrated before him, its ashes raining down amongst its kin. The remaining charged him, shooting red bolts of fire.
But it was all in vain.
Shadox took what they had to offer, sending them his own dose, of which they could not stand. One at a time he poured his white fire into them until they exploded. Once he was finished, and nothing remained but ashes showering down, he relaxed and withdrew his shields. He walked over to the frightened brothers and extended his hand.
“Ellantri brothers, I have come for you.”
Tane reached out and shook his hand, surprised to find that it was not hot. “You saved our lives, sorcerer.”
“How do you know us?” Qenn asked, shaking his hand as well, finding the other’s grip to be like iron.
Shadox drew back his hood, his face sweaty, his eyes menacing. “I have been looking for you for some time now. It appears I have found you at the right time.”
The two brothers stared at him for a few moments and said nothing. They studied his features, never before seeing someone so big, so powerful. Sorcerers didn’t frequent Meadow.
“Please, sit. We have much to discuss.” Shadox motioned for them to join him as he sat on the floor with his legs crossed. The brothers sat in front of him in the same fashion.
“Who are you?” Qenn asked immediately, knowing he could not sit comfortably until he knew. “How did you know we were in here? How long have you been following us?”
“My name is Shadox. I am a friend.”
“Friend?” Qenn asked. “We don’t know you.”
Shadox smiled. “Of course. But I knew Tane’s father. Doing so makes us allies. Which is how I knew to find you in Meadow. I arrived there shortly after you had fled and simply tracked you to here.”
Tane and Qenn looked to each other, the same questions mirrored, the same astonishment in their eyes.
“How did you know my father?” Tane asked quickly.
“I was a friend of his until his death. And even now, through you.” Shadox stared at their faces, so full of doubt. “I knew of your mother and that she bore two sons. And I know of the things that hunt you.”
“Us? What are you talking about?” Tane asked as he shifted his posture. His face was frowning, his eyes curious and cautious. They still knew nothing of this sorcerer and Tane didn’t like the fact that Shadox knew of them.
“They are on a mission to see you dead, Tane. They see you as a threat, and so they seek to destroy you. I am on a mission to save you, so you can save us all in return.”
Shadox paused, watching the brothers share a look of disbelief. But he had not the time to waste in wondering any further. Time was vital and too much of it had already been spent. “What I came here for was help. I need you both to play a large role in the war that is coming.”
“What war?” asked Qenn, eyebrows raised.
“Elves and Men?” Tane asked doubtfully.
“The war to end all wars, Tane. Takers are coming. The magic creating them is poisoning the land. It will destroy all living things.”
“I don’t understand how we—” Tane began, but Shadox cut him short.
“Watch.”
With his hands moving in circular motions, Shadox began to spin a web of magic in the air before them. Visions began to appear, images of them both fighting legions of Takers. Many men surrounded Tane as he fought with a broadsword, burning in a crimson color. Takers came at him from every angle. Elves fought alongside, their magic burning into the night. Then it changed to someplace desolate. Qenn was walking with a great pain, carrying Kandish as a great darkness tried to consume him. The images flashed again and the world as they knew it was black and charred. Smoking bodies littered the ground for as far as they could see.
Tane and Qenn watched in horror as Takers stormed through cities unchecked. The world as they knew it had ended.
Shadox stopped moving his hands, bringing them back to his lap. His eyes were intense. The brothers were worried, and they would protest, Tane especially, but in the end they would do what was necessary. He saw it in their eyes, read it in their body language as they turned to each other and whispered for a few seconds, then turn back to him with uncertainty.
“What you saw was what will come to pass if we do not stop the Takers. That is your future. Mankind will be annihilated. There will be no survivors. There will be nothing.”
Tane sighed. “Even if that
is true, what help are we? We fled the monsters back in Meadow, and still they find us. Still they come, and we have nothing to destroy them. We have no magic. We have no weapons even.”
Qenn nodded to his side. “We cannot help ourselves. How could we help you?”
“We can help each other it seems.” Shadox smiled. “First, let me tell you what we are up against.”
Shadox went right into the Dark Elves and the birth of the Mrenx Ku to the creation of the Takers and why they were created. He painted a dark picture of the end of the world if the Mrenx Ku is not defeated. He told them of a secret magic that must be found and carried into the dark spirit, while the other Races fight against Takers.
When he was finished, he stared at the wide-eyed brothers before him. They would be ready, he thought. They had to be.
“What do you know about my father?” Tane asked.
“Your father was Turyn Andelline. King of Cillitran. He was a dear friend of mine. He died recently. His son was killed weeks before. This was done to leave no heir to the throne of Cillitran.” Shadox watched their faces shift with curiosity and disbelief. “You, Tane, are the only heir left.”
“What?”
“You are King of Cillitran.” Shadox stated flatly.
“No…” Qenn shook his head in disbelief.
“My mother—” Tane began, but Shadox cut him short.
“You are who I say, Tane. I am here to take you home.”
Tane began shaking his head, rising to his feet. “No. This is all wrong. You are mistaken, sorcerer.”
“I am not wrong, Tane. Sit. Listen.”
Tane was furious. “Leave!”
Shadox stood then, towering over Qenn as he rose beside him. Tane stood his ground, pointing to the door. Shadox’s stern expression did not lessen, his dark eyes remained fixed on Tane’s. “The reason your father and brother died, was because the Mrenx Ku is aware of a power you three possess. A power you can unlock, rather. It’s in your blood. With you three removed, the ability to unlock the power would be removed as well.”
Shadox gave Tane a look so hard that the other lowered his hand and obediently began to listen. Once Tane surrendered his attention, Shadox began again. “Many, many years ago, the Elves fought beside the Men of Cillitran. The Elven Lord created a power and gave it to the King. This power was hidden inside a sword. To make certain that the power was never unleashed by an unrightful bearer, the Elven Lord also infused a magic into the King’s body, his blood. It is how the Elves keep their magic, passing it on through their bloodline. So it was natural that they created the sword’s power to do the same. Doing this ensured the King that only his heirs would be able to use the power.”
“What kind of power?” Qenn asked.
Shadox smiled. “That is something I cannot give a good answer too, Qenn. You see, the power was never used. It’s been lying dormant within its seclusion all this time. But I will tell you that the power created by the Elves and given to the King was exceptional, and very powerful.”
Doubt still covered their faces, Shadox saw. Especially the one he needed to come with him.
“Understand then that the power of the sword was known by those searching to obtain all magic—the Dark Elves. When they created the Mrenx Ku, they sought to claim all magic for themselves. They successfully claimed what the Lyyn Elves had to offer. Then they sought out what they could from other places. They read the Elven histories and such to learn about where they could find the most powerful magic. That’s when they came across the gift to the King of Cillitran. I’m not sure if they ever found the sword, or that they simply could not unlock what it held. But once the Mrenx Ku was formed, it realized that the power, if awoke by the King, or a blood heir, was enough to destroy its minions, and quite possibly itself. I believe that the Ku was weary of this, and wanted the sword destroyed. Or even for itself, if it believes that it is powerful enough to withdraw the power locked away. Either way, they have eliminated the heirs. And the only one left that could rightfully activate the magic is you, Tane.”
Tane stared into Shadox’s dark eyes. “If what you say is true, then they will be searching for us no matter where we go.”
Shadox nodded, watching Tane’s face turn pale. “That is why you must come with me now.”
Tane swallowed hard. It was as if he had stepped out of one nightmare and into another. None of this was possible, he thought. This has to be a mistake.
But it was Qenn who spoke up, standing next to his brother, his soft voice filled with reason and acceptance. “Tane, I think we need to listen to him.” The look Tane gave made Qenn think that he was absurd for even talking. Qenn continued, with more confidence and a stern voice. “Even though I can’t fully understand it, I do not think he’s lying. I think we should go and find out for ourselves.”
“Qenn, listen to what you’re saying. I am not a king. In your life, I have never left your side. You know me.”
Qenn nodded, holding firm. “I admire you for who you are. I look up to you, Tane. I always have. You’ve always been there for me and mom. You always make the right decisions. I know this is not easy to swallow, but deep inside, I think you know what the right decision is, too.”
Tane reached out and held his brother’s shoulder. “Qenn, I am not a king. How can you take his side on this?”
“Tane, remember what you said about wishing mom was going to tell you something that she was keeping secret? This is it. You need to follow it, Tane. This is you.” Qenn smiled, watching his brother’s face shift into sadness. “I think we need to go with him. I think that there’s more to this than we know, and I think you owe it to yourself to find it out.”
Qenn paused for a moment, before adding, “We can’t run forever.”
Tane wanted to cry, he wanted to let go of the pain he felt from the guilt he carried for their mother’s death. He didn’t know if he should believe the sorcerer or not. But being a king would be a lot of weight to carry, a lot of people to protect. He wasn’t sure he could. What if he failed? What if more people died because of his actions?
Staring into his Qenn’s eyes, staring into the hope that filled them, Tane began to slowly nod. His brother was right. Even if he was scared of failing again, he did need to go with Shadox to find the truth. “You’re right, Qenn.”
Tane turned to Shadox. “I would like to see proof of your story, sorcerer. We’ll go with you.”
Shadox smiled. “I will be taking you alone.” Shadox’s smile disappeared as he watched their faces sag with disbelief. “Qenn, your road leads in another direction.”
The brothers were stunned. They stood opened mouthed for a second, unable to comprehend what they just heard. Tane began to protest at once. “I’m not going without him. You cannot come in here and convince us that we must go with you, only to separate us!”
Shadox looked only to Qenn. “Your path is a dangerous one, nonetheless. And equally important, if not more-so. You will march north, far into the swamp lands and deliver a talisman of immense power to destroy the Mrenx Ku itself.”
Qenn couldn’t breathe. He staggered slightly. He felt a coldness devour him from within. He could hear Tane’s objections immediately, defending his brother as he always had, but then his voice faded, replaced by Shadox’s. The sorcerer began speaking into his mind.
Qenn, you need to go without Tane because the dark ones will sense the power in his blood and they will stop you long before you can reach your goal. Tane would be destroyed. You must go without him. Do not be afraid, you will not be alone. You will travel to the LifeWaters and retrieve magic from it. Be wary; it is very powerful. You will be hunted all the while, but you must not give in to your fears. You will hold the power to destroy the Ku. Be guided by your heart. It will not lead you astray.
Slowly Tane’s voice faded in, still objecting to the sorcerer’s last statement. Qenn looked away, turning to his brother, who was still vividly refusing Shadox’s demands. But Qenn could do nothing to help Tane’s reb
uttal. Shadox had left him with no doubt of what was needed.
“I am asking you for the last time to leave, sorcerer!” Tane’s eyes were flush with anger.
“Tane,” Qenn began softly, “it’s okay. It’s okay. Calm down.”
“Qenn, think about this.” Tane roared. He stared into his brother’s eyes and wondered how he could be so calm. They had never been apart. They had never dreamt that they would.
Qenn smiled. “When we were little, you would run off and hide and I would spend hours looking for you. Remember?”
Tane was shaking his head. “This is not a game.”
“I searched for you until I found you. This will be no different. When this business is finished, I will find you. But we have much to do in the meantime, brother. We have to do this for mother. For your father. For you.”
“I would not be there to protect you. You’re the only family I have!”
“You’re not losing me, Tane. You’re finding yourself.” Qenn hugged him tight then felt Tane’s strong arms squeeze him back.
“Time is short for us all,” Shadox interrupted quietly. “Those joining Qenn will be returning soon. We must be leaving, Tane.”
Tane and Qenn broke apart, both teary-eyed and nervous. “I’ll miss you,” they both said simultaneously, each smiling to convince the other that all was okay.
“Qenn, use your senses and be strong. Follow your heart, and you’ll succeed.” Shadox reached out and touched Qenn’s forehead with two fingers, rubbing slightly. “Sleep, elf. Rest what is offered.” He gave Qenn a reassuring smile, then turned and began walking for the door.
Tane grabbed Qenn’s narrow shoulders and squeezed. “Look to the stars, and I’ll be there.”
“Let your Elven senses be heard in those Man ears,” Qenn mused. “I will see you again, brother.”
Tane nodded. He thought of saying something more, but he could see Shadox in the doorway waiting. He studied Qenn’s features for a moment longer, missing him already, then turned and walked away. As he met Shadox at the doorway, he followed the other out into the night. He didn’t look back. He didn’t want Qenn to see that he was scared.
Qenn stood alone in the room and felt tired. He sat to the floor and stretched out on his back. He could barely gather a thought. His eyes closed. He was deep asleep almost instantly.
CHAPTER TWELVE