CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Lakin looked around. All of the Magima were split into two groups and sent above, with Mekken and Vernia each in charge of one. This left himself and Brin alone in the lower levels. He placed a spell around the door of the dragon's cell, and also in the hallway where the portal would appear. They were easy to overcome spells, but not too easy. He had to make it appear as if he wanted them stopped.
Next, he created an alcove with a barrier which would hide himself and Brin, where they could wait and watch until the right moment. Brin was going to be the key. Lakin wasn’t certain how he was going to get her in the state of mind he was going to need, but she was close. The time they had spent together had been perfect. She was now completely his. Lakin knew the sight of her siblings would make her doubt, but he figured enough time had passed and he could convince her to do anything. Then, and idea came to him.
Brin watched as Lakin sent off the other Magima, and was quite happy when Vernia and Mekken were told to leave with them. Vernia didn’t look impressed, but bowed and moved off with her group in tow. When they were alone, she watched him create the secret alcove where they would hide, then cast the spells which would prevent her siblings from finishing their quest. Lakin had explained to her the twins would need to cast their spell, but not finish it. It was he who needed to finish the final steps in order for the magic to not take hold properly. Brin was anxious. She knew there was a part in this for her, but just didn’t know what. Lakin finally finished his preparations, and he looked to be in deep thought, when suddenly he went stiff. His eyes turned completely white and his skin went ashen. After what felt like forever, everything went back to normal. Brin rushed to his side, for it appeared as if all his strength had drained from him. Slowly she lowered him to the floor, so he could rest for a moment.
“What happened?” she asked fearfully.
“I had a vision,” he said through gasping breaths. “It showed me the true evil.” He then raised his head to look her in the eyes. “One of the twins, I do not know which, they are the true evil. They are using the others to achieve their goal of ruling all magic. When they cast their spell to release the magic, the one who uses water is to be destroyed.” He then sank down and fainted against the wall. His breathing had returned to normal, so Brin was not worried. She was bothered by the fact one of her siblings needed to be destroyed. Koral was the one who used water, she had seen it herself. Recalling all that had happened, Brin realized Lakin was right. Koral had been secretive and could be manipulative as well. “I will make sure it is done,” she whispered to Lakin, and went off to find him a blanket. When she had moved off, Lakin smiled.
The room was a decent size, but was clear of any objects save a mirror. It was the size of an entire wall. Mordekai explained that this was a special type of scrying device. It allowed those who spoke the spell to move through it. It was designed so the wizards could move to the homes of those who had submitted applications to the school, and interview them.
“It could also move armies through it,” stated Darly.
“Yes, and a few nobles had attacked the school for that exact reason,” replied Mordekai. “However, the magic in the school would know if it was conquered, and would cause it to crack, rendering it useless.”
“How it be knowin' that?” asked Drundle.
“If the school were to come under attack, the device would be linked to two wizards. If one should perish, then the other would release a spell into the school letting it know to be on guard, so to speak. If both perish, it would automatically place a single crack through it. Easy enough for us to fix, should we hold the school,” answered Mordekai.
“Now, to decide who is actually going through,” said Gillock, to the shock of everyone. They had all thought they would be going through. “Dilmek, you are the only goblin coming with us. I need to rest of you to keep guard.” Gillock stated. “We are opening this portal, but you can bet a spell is ready at the other end to allow anyone to pass back through. You need to watch for Magima, and Lakin.”
The goblins grumbled their agreement.
“Glavlin and Darly are needed to guard Koral and Eric,” continued Gillock. “Grund and Drundle, you will come through, but stay near the portal. We may come back through fighting.”
The dwarves, not happy about being told to sit and wait, just nodded their agreement.
“As for you Maeve, you will be staying behind with Mordekai. The two of you need to watch for an attack from the outside.”
Maeve was going to protest, but Mordekai put a hand on her shoulder. “You will find your answers soon enough,” he whispered to her. He then handed a medium sized, unusual shaped stone to Gillock.
Gillock moved in front of the wall. “It is time.” Then he turned and spoke the words to activate the portal. Time appeared to slow, and to all it felt like every second was a minute. When he finished his chanting, the wall shimmered, and before them now was a hallway.
Glavlin and Darly spoke the words, then with swords drawn and defensive spells on their lips, moved through. They took up defensive positions on either side of the hall, their eyes constantly moving. Gillock then had the rest speak the spell, and they moved through. The dwarves stopped just outside the portal, as was decided, the rest slowly moved along. They had only taken a few steps when the first attacked happened.
Gillock had assumed Lakin would have had spells in place, guarding the area. Bolts of electricity flew around the room, one catching Darly on the arm. It just grazed her, but it left a smouldering line upon her tunic. “A little more to the left and that may have hurt,” she commented jokingly, clearly happy to be fighting again.
It took Gillock a few moments, but he figured out the counter spell, and the bolts dissipated. Dilmek told them there were many doors down there, but the one at the end of the hall with the odd frame around it was where they needed to go. Glavlin moved slowly away, casting feeler spells to detect if magical defences were in the area, and only sensed one around the door Dilmek had told them about. As he passed one of the many doorways, he felt compelled to open one, and he knew what lay within. He wanted desperately to stop and open the door, but he knew the quest had to be completed first. Slowly he pushed past.
Lakin, hiding in his alcove, saw Glavlin hesitate. He had hoped the elves before him, would have stopped to rescue the old king, but knew they would take him eventually. It made him smile to see everything going according to plan. Even Brin, standing next to him, appeared prepared for what was needed. She had sucked in her breath when she saw her brother and sister move into view, but that was all.
Cautiously, they moved towards their destination. Everyone waiting for an attack, but happy their presence had not yet been detected. When they arrived at the door, Gillock again worked at a counter spell. It took a bit longer than the last, but finally it was gone, and they opened the door. All moved in quickly, shutting the door behind them. Gasps were heard from all over as they all caught sight of the beautiful dragon. The dragon pulled itself and stared at the creatures before it.
Gillock moved out in front to stand in a shaft of light. “Demosi,” he said, tears coming to his eyes. “I did not know,” he started to say, but was unable to finish.
The dragon slowly lowered its head and sniffed. “You have seen many dinners, old wizard,” it said, the voice booming through the cavern.
Gillock laughed. “We have much to talk about, but first we need to free you and need your help. We have a stone. Within it’s all the magic Lakin had tried to siphon off from the creatures he destroyed. Only the breath of a dragon can crack it and help us release it again into the world. Will you help us?”
Demosi sat back up and after many moments replied, “Yes.”
“We haven't a moment to lose,” said Gillock, moving in a flurry of robe. “We will set the stone down in front of the door, just on this side. Koral and Eric stand outside of the door, spell ready. When you see a black smoke come through the door, cast your spell. When it is don
e, we will all move back to the portal, and the safety of the school.”
Glavlin moved and opened the door. Searching the hallway before him, he saw and heard nothing. He gestured all was clear and he, Dilmek and Darly moved out. Koral and Eric moved to the outside of the door, standing just off so they weren’t burned. Gillock counteracted the spell designed to stop the dragon’s fire from burning long, then placed a spell around himself so he did not get burned.
Lakin and Brin prepared themselves. It was almost time. Brin, having thought of what spell she should use to destroy her sister, had it brimming on her lips. Eric and Koral heard the dragon take a deep breath, and started to prepare the spell. Within moments, they could feel the heat, and see the smoke.
Quietly, they chanted the spell. Koral created a ball of water and sent it towards the smoke, Eric created a ball of fire to mix with the water and create the mist. The spells mixed, and the mist began to spread. Both knew they had to maintain the spell until it all spread out; otherwise, it could be released chaotically. Darly and Glavlin stared in awe at the mist as it began to form, neither one saw Brin move out from her hiding place and send a bolt of energy right at Koral.
The bolt hit Koral, and she gasped, not sure as to what was happening. Slowly, she spun and fell, but was caught by Glavlin before hitting the floor. Darly and Dilmek grabbed Eric and pulled him back towards the portal. Brin moved back into hiding but not before Glavlin and Koral saw her. Gillock cast a spell shrinking Demosi, so he could easily fly down the hall into the portal. Koral, laying facing the hallway, suddenly realized she is now her dream.
Glavlin scooped her up in his arms and ran towards the portal, tears streaming down his face. As he was approaching the doorway, he felt the warmth leave her body. Slowly, he stepped through the portal and back into the room. He looked at everyone before him and lowered Koral to the floor. “She's gone,” he says behind the tears.