With the death of the skelt tamer, the troubles of that night had ceased. The beasts fled without so much as another growl, and after retrieving their horses, the group had began riding north once more toward Elharlia.
They rode quietly in the moonlight, the night air around them warm and still. An ideal night for traveling. Inside Nihlen's heart though, a storm raged. The sudden disappearance of Marina left a void inside him. The shadows of his fear spread out once again, and despair rode in the saddle behind him, holding his waist like an inexperienced rider. A quick glance back at Cal confirmed he had similar thoughts of traveling without Marina. Shaila rode at the head of the group. She had not looked at them or spoken a word since they had departed. She was probably exhausted since she had done almost all the work in the previous battle.
Even through his anger, Nihlen could not help but respect and admire Shaila since that last battle. She exuded power, managing to contain so many skelt and still help them fight. I hope I can become as powerful as she is. No, even more so... I'll never succeed unless I'm the strongest. Nihlen thought, as he watched Shaila riding straight backed. I'm glad she was there though. There's no way we would have survived that encounter without her...
“Shaila.” Nihlen called, pulling out his most noble voice. “I don't like that Urian took Marina without so much as a warning. Nor do I like all the secrecy you both have displayed until now.” Shaila turned to face him then, an eyebrow cocked in response to his words. “However, I don't like anything about the current situation, and that won't change it. Back there, we would have died without your help, no question about it. I'm not sure about any of this, but you earned my respect in that battle back there. For now I will trust in what you say. Know this however. If Marina has been harmed in any way, I will make you both pay for it.”
“Duly noted Prince Nihlen.” Shaila said, inclining her head. “You are wise to question. I certainly would in your situation. When we reach Elharlia, and meet with Karishian, all will be made clear, and you will understand.”
“How can you simply accept this? They've taken her!” Cal yelled from the back. “She is powerful, but that doesn't make her truthful! We should be searching for her, not plodding along like nothing is wrong!”
“I feel she is honest.” Nihlen stated truthfully. “She saved us at Cascadia, and again last night. I sensed no malice as she battled.”
“It could all be a trap! We need to get out of here and try to find Marina!” Cal retorted.
“It could be.” Nihlen agreed. “I just don't think it is though. Going off half cocked will only cause us further troubles. He did teleport after all, and that makes following difficult. For now I think our best option is to continue on to our destination.”
“But-” Cal began, before suddenly being cut off.
“Cal Vaciri.” Shaila said, her voice powerful. A very light amount of aqua colored light emanated from her as she spoke. “Your past keeps you bound in chains of fear. Your dealings with people until now have been mostly on a life or death level. I am not surprised that you fear trusting us. I will tell you once more that I had no prior knowledge that Urian planned to take Marina.”
“Then why aren't you concerned about him taking her?” Cal roared back.
“Because I believe in Urian, and trust him. This is what I mean Cal. You must remember not everyone in the world wishes harm on others. That is why I will make you a promise. If Urian is not waiting for us when we reach Elharlia, I will contact him and insist he bring her immediately and explain himself. This is the best I can do in our current situation.” Shaila said.
Cal regarded her silently for several moments. Then, after a quick glance at Nihlen, he exhaled deeply. “I will accept your promise for now.” He said simply.
With a nod, the glow surrounding Shaila disappeared, and she turned back around. The group fell silent once more as they rode on in the night. Nihlen turned his eyes up toward the sky, and searched its vast expanse for an answer to his questions.
I wonder if she is seeing these stars right now too?
In the early morning hours, just as dawn was breaking, a storm rolled in. The three had just reached the border of Galden and Miken, when their pace was cut in half. They were wet, cold, and miserable, Each huddled silently under cloaks, trying to endure the freezing rain.
Nihlen tried to stretch out his cramped muscles, fatigue pulling at his body and eyes. Shaila had announced they would ride through the day, regardless of the weather or previous night spent riding. It appeared to Nihlen that the closer they got to Elharlia, the more she was pushing, like the final leg of a race.
“Can't you do something about this rain?” Cal complained. “You have mastery over water, don't you?”
“I could, but it would drain me of my strength. We need to be careful, we certainly aren't out of the woods yet. You're a strong man though, aren't you? Certainly you can handle a little rain...” Shaila said, her tone held just a hint of mocking.
Cal simply huffed in response, pulling his cloak tighter around himself.
Morning shifted to afternoon, with no sign of the storm abating. Shaila suddenly signaled a stop at a nearby stream, so the horses could drink and rest. The three took shelter beneath a few nearby trees, shaking the rain from their hair and cloaks.
“Shaila, will you stop traveling with us once we reach Karishian?” Nihlen asked, resting himself against one of the trees.
“I do not know yet.” Shaila answered. “I owe allegiance to a lot of people right now. It is likely I will continue with you though. Above all, Helida is my first mission. I must settle things between her and the village. Between she and I as well. Since you are her target, it would make sense to travel with you. It's possible I will have to return to Inthule though, or Urian will have other work for me. It's difficult to say.”
“I know I would appreciate your strength in my cause.” Nihlen said.
“And I will do all I can to aid you. Don't be overly awed just yet though. You have only scraped the surface of the world, and your own power. One day I wager people will be wishing to be as strong as you instead.” Shaila said.
“How long until we reach Elharlia?” Cal asked.
“Four days if this weather keeps up, three if it abates. We aren't far now. Hopefully we won't encounter any more problems.” Shaila said.
“Where do we go once we reach Elharlia?” Nihlen asked.
“There should be someone waiting to meet us. The Alglican Mountains are nearly impassible, with only a few possible paths across the entire continent. This is part of what has helped the land to become forgotten. From what Urian has said, Karishian keeps a tight hold on all the paths, controlling all traffic in or out. We are headed for a specific entrance in Galden.” Shaila said.
“I'm looking forward to finally learning more about what is going on. It feels like I've been fumbling in the dark up until now.” Nihlen said.
“Elharlia will be a very important stop on your Path, Prince Nihlen. It will be the true beginning of your destiny.” Shaila said.
Nihlen frowned at her, but remained silent. What does she really know I wonder?
“We should get moving once more.” Shaila said, pulling her cloak back on. “We'll need to gain as much ground as we can in this weather before nightfall.”
On they trudged through the day, and into the evening. Evening turned to night, and the storm had only intensified. They found a small cave, and Shaila called them to a halt. They quickly shed their soaked clothes, and hung them up to dry. After donning dry clothes from their packs, they sat down to wait for a hastily cooked meal Shaila was making. Somehow she had found wood dry enough to make a fire. Maybe she pulled the water out. He considered. They waited in silence, frozen to the bone. The raging storm had pelted them relentlessly, each drop a frozen attack draining a bit of strength.
After hungrily devouring their meal, the group moved quickly for their blankets. Each wanted nothing more than to greet the warmth and comfort of slumber.
&nbs
p; The next day, the storm still raged. Within minutes of riding in the icy rain, Nihlen felt drained once more. The rain pelted him until his body was numb, cold and unyielding. The clouds were dark and ominous, and covered all of the sky he could see. Lighting split the sky in fantastic arcs, and the thunder that followed was deafening. The storm was large, and would not be leaving anytime soon. On they rode though, trying vainly to hide behind cloaks long since soaked through.
So the pattern of misery continued. As each day passed, their fatigue grew. Resting did little to relieve it. By the morning of the final day, Nihlen's weariness was nearing unimaginable limits. The chill in his bones lingered as he rose that morning. Simply moving was quite taxing. There was no time for complaints though as they broke down camp and began moving once more. The storm still raged, fierce as it had been for days. Nihlen cursed the weather as he wiped water from his face.
“The Alglican mountains will come into sight soon.” Shaila called over the furious winds. “They are quite breath taking.”
Within the hour, they had crested a hill, and the mountains came into sight.
They were enormous, towering one after another across the land. Like a giant gate, they separated the land in front of them from the land behind them, though they couldn't see beyond. Nihlen could see why people may think it was the end of the continent. The peaks were capped with snow, even in late summer, attesting to their massive elevation.
“Truly one of the greatest natural fortifications. Trying to cross those mountains haphazardly will only lead to death. Many have become lost trying to explore beyond them.” Shaila said.
Their goal finally in sight, the group gained a second wind, moving quickly toward the mountains. It was nearly evening before they finally reached the base of the mountain range. Shaila led them up a nearby path, and they started in.
The path was steep, and treacherous from the storm. It took a considerable amount of time to hike up the slope into the range. As they crested the peak of the slope, Nihlen wiped water from his eyes. A short distance ahead of him, a lone figure was sitting on a horse, a deep cowl and the twilight of the storm hiding them from view.
“Is that our envoy?” Nihlen asked Shaila, glancing over his shoulder to make sure neither Cal nor Galen had slipped. They were both nearly at the top though.
“I would assume so. Surely no one else would wish to be out in this weather.” Shaila said. “Except me perhaps. Still, be cautious.”
The person ahead made no acknowledgment of them as they waited for Cal and Galen. As Nihlen waited, a feeling of apprehension grew. The eye was telling him the situation was dangerous. Power leaked into him, and he let his senses fly toward the person. As his senses neared the person, suddenly they halted, and were thrown back. Nihlen jumped as his mind returned, a shudder taking him.
“Shaila, I think we may have a -” Nihlen said, turning. Lighting struck, blinding in its brightness. It seemed to have struck right next to them. As his vision returned, his words were cut short by what he saw.
Standing on the back of Shaila's horse was a man. He held a blade right to her throat, applying just enough pressure to barely keep from cutting her. Cal and Galen had stopped near the top of the hill, seemingly dumbfounded by the man's appearance.
“Welcome to Elharlia.” The man said, throwing his cloak aside. He was dressed in the finest clothes, colored in black and gold-threading. An assortment of jewels shined in the weakened light as he flourished his hands. “We don't get a lot of visitors. What brings you here?” He asked lightly, as if he wasn't holding one of their comrades hostage.
“What is it you're after? Gold? I'll give you everything we have. Just release her, and let us be on our way.” Nihlen said, hoping to just end the situation as quickly as possible. His eye relayed fear of the power these two people possessed, and as much as he might wish to, he couldn't ignore it. These people were very dangerous.
“Well aren't you agreeable.” The man said, bowing his head slightly. “We do not seek gold though. You've wandered into a dangerous place. You can feel it right? I can see it in your eye. What happened to the other one?” He asked, gesturing at Nihlen's eye hidden beneath the hat.
Nihlen hesitated, unsure of how to move from here. This guy should be able to sense my eye, even though I'm not projecting it yet. Is he just playing with me?
“I lost it in an accident as a child.” Nihlen lied, deciding to test the man a little.
The man smiled, but said nothing more on the subject, turning his attention instead to Shaila. “This is quite an interesting group you're leading here. You're definitely not ordinary travelers. What is it that would bring you into the no man's land of Elharlia?”
“We're here to see Karishian Delmoore.” Shaila said, seemingly unperturbed by the blade resting on her neck.
“Interesting.” The man said, wiping water from his face. “What business could you possibly have with him, I wonder? It matters not though. You'll never meet Karishian. Unfortunately you stumbled upon us, and things have been very boring around here. Whatever the reason for your journey, it will stay here with your corpses.”
Nihlen reached back for his halberd, the eye screaming at him that it was dangerous to engage this man.
“Wait there.” The man said, pointing to the blade at Shaila's neck. “I will be keeping this woman out of the fight. The rest of you will fight with my comrade.”
At his signal, the other figure who had been waiting began to ride toward them. As the person closed in, they dismounted from their horse, and just stood in a relaxed stance.
Nihlen looked at the hooded figure apprehensively. The eye was screaming danger with this person just as loudly. Nowhere to go though, and no choice. We'll just have to make something happen. Nihlen thought, steeling himself.
“I'll go straight at him, you two go around and flank him.” Nihlen said, pulling his halberd off his back.
Thrusting his fear down, he surged forward. Even as he closed in, the figure made no move to raise a weapon or defend themselves. He pulled his halberd back, and thrust it forward. With no resistance, it sunk through the figure's flesh, sticking cleanly through the stomach and out the other side.
Time seemed to stop as Nihlen stood there, the rain pelting his hands as he held his weapon. The figure still stood, showing no sign of the grievous injury that had just occurred. Then the figure suddenly reached up, and pulled back the hood. Beneath the hood was a woman. Her skin was a rich caramel color, her eyes black and piercing like the storm clouds that surrounded them. Lightning flashed as she smiled at him, not phased in the least by the blade sticking through her.
Her leg then came up, and she kicked Nihlen hard in the chest. Still gripping the halberd, Nihlen was thrown back. The halberd was pulled from the woman's body, and he slammed onto the ground several feet back. As he slid back on the wet ground, he rolled up to his feet, clutching at his chest to catch his breath. He stared at the woman through the rain. The skin where the halberd had just been was undamaged, smooth as if nothing had ever happened.
Cal and Galen had both stopped their attacks after Nihlen had stabbed the woman. Both seemed unsure of how to proceed against an opponent who was unharmed after being ran completely through.
“It must be some trick. Lets go!” Nihlen called, running in again. He drew deep on the power of the Eye of Kings, the world slowing around him.
Galen reached the woman first. As he attacked, the woman made no move to defend herself. Galen slashed the woman's arm, but just as the cut was appearing, Nihlen saw the wound healing itself just as fast.
What is that?
Just as Galen was finishing his slash, the woman grabbed him, and using his own momentum against him, slammed him hard into the ground in front of Cal. Cal jumped over Galen, hefting his enormous blade over his head. With a yell, he brought the blade down toward the woman. She stepped lightly to the side, but not soon enough. The blade bit into her shoulder, cleaving straight down to cut her arm off. Once aga
in though, just as the blade was separating flesh, the flesh was healing right behind it. Cal's blade had indeed cut the woman's arm off, but it had healed as it was being separated, rendering the attack ineffective. Jumping up as Cal's attack finished, she struck him hard in the face with her knee, lifting even his massive body off the ground. He crashed down on the ground holding his face in his hands.
This is bad... Nihlen thought as he closed in. With every movement he was trying to calculate his attack. A strike that would still injure this person even if she healed. Choosing his target, he pulled on the eye as deeply as he could, and surged forward with all the speed he could muster.
As he closed in for the attack, the woman's eyes met his. He knew before he even attacked it was hopeless. He chopped at the woman's neck, the strike right on target. He watched once again though as the flesh healed right as he severed it, even faster than the previous times. The blade left her neck, and Nihlen was completely off balance. Like a serpent, the woman's arm came out and grabbed him. Suddenly he was off the ground, and flying through the air. The world spun around him, and he couldn't tell up from down. Until he hit the ground again.
He hit hard, sliding face down across the muddy ground. He pushed himself up, spitting mud and blood from his mouth. He looked over at the man holding Shaila hostage. He was watching the scene with a look of mild interest. Looking back to the woman, he saw that Galen and Cal were on their feet too.
In his rage, Cal was the first to attack again. A quick slice bit through the middle of the woman, then another, then a diagonal one. On his fourth attack, the woman finally moved from her spot. She kicked aside the incoming blade, causing it to stick deep into the soft mud. With a few quick steps she was behind him. She kicked the back of both his knees, making Cal fall forward onto his hands. As he fell, the woman moved quickly in front of him, catching his face as he fell. Thrusting upward, she pulled Cal off his feet, and slammed him into the ground. Then she lifted him, and slammed him again.
Galen quickly closed in on the woman, trying to drive her away from Cal. Abandoning his weapon, he attacked the woman with his fists. She took his punch to the jaw though with no visible pain at all. Before he could even ready a second attack her fist was crashing into his chest, sending him reeling backward several feet. She then continued her previous task of slamming Cal's body into the ground.
Not only blades, but blunt weapons are ineffective as well... Is this woman immortal? Nihlen shivered at the thought.
Still, he couldn't just sit by as Cal was killed in front of him. Without a thought, he rushed forward on instinct. When he reached the woman, he grabbed her right arm, and moved to kick her ribs. She reversed the hold though, and kicked him in the ribs instead. Then another, over and over again until Nihlen's body began to slack in her grip. She let go at that point, letting him drop to a heap at her feet.
In a desperate bid, he rose to his feet, striking at the woman's face. She moved her head, dodging the blow. As she counter attacked though, Nihlen dodged too, coiling around and under her arm. The woman's eye brows raised slightly as he moved in for his own counter attack. Just as he was preparing to strike though, he was suddenly pitching forward. The woman had kicked his leg out as he was moving. The woman's knee then came into sight, crashing hard into the side of his face. He rolled hard across the ground, gasping for breath.
Nihlen's chest heaved as he tried to regain his breath. He looked out toward the others. Cal wasn't moving. Galen was trying to push himself up, and seemed to be succeeding, so Nihlen dug deep, struggling against the pain that filled his body. He rose, nodding to Galen that they should continue. Both closed in at once, reaching the woman at the same time. Galen struck low, trying to sweep the woman off her feet. Nihlen jumped into the air, raising his foot into the air and slamming it down toward the woman. The crushing energy of his attack suddenly stopped though as the woman caught his foot. The force of the sudden stop jarred his leg, sending fierce pain throughout. At the same instant, she caught Galen's foot with her other hand. Both were stopped once more, and completely defenseless.
The weightlessness of being stopped then disappeared as Nihlen was suddenly rushing into the ground. The woman slammed him into Galen, the force pushing both of them into the muddy land. Nihlen felt Galen gasp below him, and go limp. He'd lost consciousness now too.
I'm going to die...
“It looks like this is about over. I was hoping it would be a little more entertaining though.” The man called, drawing Nihlen's attention. “I guess we should wrap this up. Let's get out of the rain and get some drinks.”
Nonchalantly the man reached up, and chopped Shaila in the neck. Her body fell limply to the ground. Pain stabbed in Nihlen's head. Everyone is down. If I end it here, we'll all die. We have to make it through here! We've come too far to fail!
Pain stabbed in his head again. The world began to grow hazy, and Nihlen's head began to swim. This is like when I first manifested the eye... I'm losing control of it! I have to maintain control! Nihlen grabbed his head as the stabbing pain increased in frequency. The Eye of Kings was overpowering him, washing him in its power. Offering to take over. He tried to fight it, to maintain, but it was hard. He was tired, his body hurt. The haze felt so much better.
Then the pain ceased.
The power of the eye overcame him. Its aura washed over his emotions, thoughts, his entire being. Nihlen had receded into to the eye. In an instant his body was up, hat off and eye fully exposed. His regular eye was glassed over as he stared at the woman, and power far greater than he'd ever emitted burst forth.
“Now this is interesting.” The man said, stepping over Shaila's limp body. “It might be a little more serious now, be on your guard Pheora.”
“He can't beat me yet, even like this Karishian. Still, the power he's emitting now is truly incredible.” Pheora said. Her hands came up as she prepared for a real fight.
“I'm surprised they made it here to be honest. They only joined with Shaila since arriving in Cascadia. They really made it most of the way by themselves. They definitely have potential.” Karishian said.
Any other conversation was cut short as Nihlen suddenly attacked. The raw power of the eye, unrestrained by Nihlen, increased his attributes many times over. As Pheora guarded against the blow, there was a loud snap as the bone in her arm splintered. Pheora jumped back, flexing her hand as the damage healed.
“This much power at such a young age. The Eye of Kings is truly as fearsome as Urian described.” Pheora said, taking the initiative in the battle.
She rushed at Nihlen, kicking hard at him. The enhanced Nihlen easily dodged the blow though, coiling around her leg with ease. He grabbed her leg, and threw it upwards, trying to throw Pheora off balance. Pheora rose with him however, pulling her leg from his grip and flipping backward. As she landed, she kicked out once more, hitting Nihlen hard in the chest. Enthralled in the eye's power, he showed no sign of feeling the attack at all, lunging forward to attack again. He swiftly threw punches and kicks at Pheora, full of power and killing intent. She dodged and blocked, dancing backward as she avoided the attacks.
As the possessed Nihlen attacked more, power from the eye continued to surge. Stronger, faster, more accurate attacks poured out. The blows began grazing and glancing Pheora, dealing damage even when successfully defended. Then, as Nihlen burst forth with a punch, Pheora stopped dodging backward. With incredible grace she lightly sidestepped the attack, grabbing Nihlen's arm. With a swift kick she took his legs out from under him, and drove him into the ground.
“I think we've seen enough now.” Karishian said. “He's just as Urian described. I think he will be perfect for our goals. Subdue him, heal them up, and lets get out of here.”
Nihlen's unconscious body, under the influence of the eye, refused to give up. He squirmed against Pheora's grip, trying to escape with all his power.
“It's over now.” Pheora said lightly. Warmth spread from her hands, and poured into Nihlen. His bod
y stilled, and the influence of the eye retreated. “Rest well.”
Pheora moved to each of the others, healing them and placing them in a deep slumber. Then they loaded everyone onto their horses, and led them deeper into the lands of Elharlia.
Chapter 21
Elharlia