Chapter Ten
Sarah and Nicole searched each passageway as Jack examined the walls of the cave; there was no sign of a crystalline formation. After what seemed like hours, Nicole forced herself through a narrow fissure in the wall of another tunnel. A cold breeze wafted through the crack, urging her forward. The narrow tunnel ended in a chamber of crystalline rock. Sarah threw her light spell to illuminate the chamber, and the room came alive from the sparkling reflection of the crystal. In the center of the crystal stood the frozen image of the Elf Queen.
“This is it!” she called through the crack. She’s here and she gorgeous!” Nicole gazed in awe at the golden haired elf. The Queen was dressed in a gold gown encased in what looked like rose quartz. Nicole moved to touch the surface of the pink crystal only to jerk her hand back in shock and pain. The beautiful, frigid rock burned her fingers.
A commotion from behind her caught her attention. The tunnel walls collapsed section by section into piles of rubble. Once the dust began to settle, Jack and Sarah climbed over the debris and into the chamber.
“You’re getting good at that.” Nicole grinned at Sarah as the sorceress examined the queen’s enclosure.
Jack caught a slight movement out of the corner of his eye and spun to face it. He surged forward; jumping passed them to yank the ancient elf wizard out from behind a large rock. “Who are you?” Jack demanded, shoving him toward the women.
“My name is Ahmity; I am here to warn you,” he answered, gazing past Jack toward Nicole.
“He’s the wizard that imprisoned the Queen! Kill him and let’s finish this,” Nicole spat, tired of his interference.
Jack stared at Nicole in surprise. “There’s been enough death in this adventure.”
“Give us your warning and leave,” Sarah ordered pulling the talisman from her robes.
Unsettled by the sight of the jewel the wizard stammered, “That is a device of darkness. Do not use the talisman! You will kill us all!”
“Leave us, old man. Before Nicole takes it upon herself to end your life,” Jack warned as he released him.
“It is merely an image of the Elf Queen before you,” the wizard explained, “The beast that lurks inside the crystal is a creature more powerful than the greatest of our wizards. Filled with such evil it will render everything in this land void of life.” The wizard moved toward Sarah, who ignored him. “Surely, as a student of magic you realize that a creature of such power, once released, would seek the darkest of revenge on those who imprisoned it?”
“Your fears or lies, whatever they may be, are useless. I am here to complete our quest and save the life of someone dear to me. The repercussions are not my concern. If you fear the Queen’s vengeance, then I suggest you flee while you still can.” Sarah glanced at him and raised the talisman over her head. She began the deliverance chant feeling the magic rise within her vanish. “It’s not working!”
The wizard answered her. “It is not meant to be, child. Puissant has sent you here to free the creature and begin the cycle of his return. He holds only hatred for the Queen,”
“Who the hell is Puissant?” Jack growled.
“Save your whimpering, old man,” Sarah snapped as she turned to Nicole. “I was supposed to do this as a fairy. Dr. Strong said only ancient magic could activate the talisman. You’re a special kind of elf...”
“Tell me what to say.” Nicole took the stone from Sarah.
“No!” The wizard gasped moving forward only to have Jack yank him back from Nicole and shove him toward the tunnel. The wizard spun and yelled at them. “It will destroy our world and return Puissant from yours to rule over the few creatures who survive its wrath.”
“Do it!” Jack ordered Nicole, and pushed the wizard closer to the exit.
Suddenly, a dark blur knocked Jack from his feet as the Dark Warrior darted from the cave entrance and to stop Nicole.
“Look out!” Sarah shouted, giving Nicole the split second she needed to avoid the deadly blow from his sword. Diving to the side, she tucked her head and rolled free of the charging warrior. The attack stopped instantly as Sarah jumped between them. The Dark Warrior stood before her, his chest heaving.
His eyes locked on to Sarah’s. His voice though calm and even was dark and menacing. “I will not allow the creature to be freed. I wish you no harm, but your friend will die if another attempt is made.”
Jack rose slowly, gauging the warrior’s skill. He recalled the force of the blows from the dark elf in the hollow before Sarah’s creature appeared. That elf was skilled, fearless, and incredibly strong. Jack wasn’t sure he could defeat him. Maybe he didn’t have to. Jack glanced at the old man just in time to watch his image fade into nothingness.
Turning toward the Dark Warrior, Jack stepped forward and offered a challenge. “That’s where you are dead wrong,” He threatened, moving closer. “This is where I come in. I’m here to see that nothing stands in her way.”
Tearing his eyes from the beautiful sorceress, the Dark Warrior turned to face Jack. His voice penetrated Jack like a blast of ice, “You should have listened to the wizard.”
The sounds of battle reached Hopper’s troll ears in the small cave. The seriousness of his injuries seemed to have activated his senses. His sense of hearing and smell became very acute, like wolf hunting in the darkness. Struggling to rise, Hopper climbed off of the small ledge and rose to his feet. Feeling a portion of his strength returning, he steadied himself. Every inch of his oversized body throbbed in pain as he waded through the water, toward the sounds of striking metal. His long legs carried him through the maze of tunnels and caverns the others had searched so diligently. He could smell the scent of Sarah and followed it. The sounds of combat grew as he neared, each strike of metal throbbed in his temples, sending ripples of pain through his head. His head began to pound, his vision blurred. He forced himself to press on. Sarah was in danger.
Climbing over the remains of the narrow tunnel, Hopper made it to the cavern where the battle was taking place. He fell to his knees and slammed into the rock wall as his strength left him. Helpless, he watched Jack fight to keep the Dark Warrior away from Nicole and Sarah while they worked to free the Queen. Sarah whispered the spell of emancipation to Nicole a few words at a time. It was difficult for Nicole to concentrate as her heart longed to battle beside Jack.
Jack had met his equal. The Dark Warrior anticipated his every move with such agility and power that Jack was quickly overwhelmed. Sweat poured from Jack’s brow, and his muscles ached with fatigue. Already exhausted from his experience in the glen and with the lizard-monster, he felt the battle turn against him.
Forming the strange words, which flew off her tongue like a lover’s kiss, Nicole felt the magic flow through her into the jewel. The light in the cave started to dim, the pink crystalline enclosure began to hum. It seemed as if the gem was absorbing the magic from the crystal itself. The jewel began to glow rising from Nicole’s hands and floating in the air above her as she repeated the words Sarah spoke. The jewel’s aura grew, encompassing the small chamber in its dark purple light.
Something inside Nicole screamed over and over again for her to stop. The urgency of it terrified her, but she could no longer control the words that flowed from her. In an explosion of darkness, the gem shattered the pale crystal and released the Elf Queen.
Thrown across the floor by the blast, Nicole and Sarah untangled themselves and rose in the darkness. The frantic feeling within Nicole still screamed of danger. Sarah called upon the incantation of light and the chamber filled with an eerie soft green glow. The Dark Warrior, his battle forgotten, turned to face his new foe, one he knew he could not defeat.
The golden-haired Queen floated into the center of the chamber. Her long curling locks flowed about her delicate pink gown as she landed gracefully on the stone. Her large almond-shaped eyes sparkled coldly at the Dark Warrior. Sarah fought off the shiver that ran down her spine as the lifeless eyes turned to her. F
rowning, Nicole moved forward filled with the sudden need to protect Sarah. Jack stepped into her path, unsettled by the icy gaze of the Queen before them.
The Dark Warrior turned to Sarah with death in his eyes. “You’ve killed us all,” he scowled in a voice so soft Sarah could barely hear him, and then turned to attack the Queen.
As the warrior’s sword rose, the Queen’s image turned into a dark, nearly black, shade of purple and melted away to reveal a faceless black tar-like creature with clawed arms and stout cat-like legs. It rose in stature high above them. Without hesitation, Jack joined in the assault, fighting beside the warrior he tried to kill only seconds before. With one blow, the creature sent both of them reeling across the chamber, over Hopper’s head and into the darkness of the outer chamber.
It turned its faceless head to stare at Nicole and Sarah, each frozen by the discovery that the wizard had spoken the truth. Everything had gone horribly wrong. This world had become very real. Without a sound, the Tar Creature headed across the chamber toward Sarah. Her heart pounded while her mind raced to make sense of the situation. Suddenly, things became clear to Sarah. She recalled Dr. Strong’s words that the sorceress’ magic would strengthen it. Sarah suddenly realized this enemy must take her magic from her to survive. Backing away from the creature, Sarah whispered to Nicole, “It wants me, save yourself! Get Todd to safety.”
Sarah tried to call upon her magic. She felt none of the now familiar surging of power through her body as the magic became more dominant. Then it dawned on her, Dr. Strong meant for the creature to absorb her magic all along. She doubted she would survive it. Time was running out, and her thoughts raced to think of a spell that would stop the creature. None came.
Nicole’s instincts told her to stop as she walked toward Hopper. She ignored it, drew her short sword and raced to get in front of Sarah to keep her out of reach. Hopper gathered all of his remaining strength and sprang from the shadows onto the creature, tearing viciously at it with his one good set of claws.
“Get Sarah out!” he screamed as the Tar Creature’s dark form changed and became fluid. The tarry substance enveloped Hopper in a layer of darkness as it transformed. Sarah lunged forward, screaming in agony as Hopper disappeared into the bowels of the creature. Flames flew from her hands, into the monster, bouncing off its smooth surface. It turned to face her; the Queen’s icy blue eyes appeared within its faceless features. Jack and the Dark Warrior reappeared, charging over the rocks. The creature spat Hopper out, slamming the troll into the barbarian, sending them reeling into the chamber wall. A shout from beyond and the small group that had pursued them through the forest charged over the rocks to aid their commander in his attack. Nicole and Sarah rushed to where Jack held Hopper’s limp, bloody form.
Hopper’s face was ghostly pale. Gazing into Sarah’s eyes, he shook his head weakly. “The fantasy is over... we have to make this right,’’ he whispered, “We are the bad guys in this world.”
“Hopper, you’ve got to rest,” Sarah stammered. Her heart ached as she watched the life slip away from her beloved. He was the kindest, most courageous person she had ever known. He was her life. How could this have happened? It was supposed to be a vacation, an adventure. It was meant to be safe.
“At least... I was able to show you...” Hopper’s words were weak and forced.
“I know, my love... you would give your life for me.” Sarah sobbed, pulling him to her as he slipped into unconsciousness.
“He’s not going to die,” Nicole whispered, denying all that had occurred.
Anger rose from the depths of Jack’s soul. His best friend was dying in the name of a vacation adventure. Jack grabbed Nicole by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. “This is not a game Nicole. There is no more pretending! We are in trouble here. That wizard was telling the truth. Strong lied to us. He sent us to some alternate universe, another dimension or whatever you want to call it, to free that creature. We are his revenge! We are not going home. This is real!”
“No, it’s not true! I am not a warrior! I could never kill anyone. Hopper is not going to die! You’ll see we’ll be brought back any minute!” Nicole pushed him away.
Venom dripped from Jack’s voice, “Face it, Nicole. We killed innocent elves who were just trying to stop us from destroying their world, and we enjoyed it! Denial won’t change that, and it won’t save Todd. We’ve got to open our eyes and star acting like real heroes.”
The gravity of Jack’s words hit Nicole hard. Her head began to pulse, and her knees buckled. Jack caught her, pulling her to him and held her as sobs wracked her body.
Sarah held Hopper weeping for a few moments before easing Hooper down. She rose to her feet, wiped the tears from her eyes and announced, “We’ve got to find the book.”
“The wizard said the Tar Creature was stronger than any sorcerer in existence,” Jack reminded her. He couldn’t imagine a scenario where they could take on the creature and not all end up like Hopper.
“Well I’m no sorcerer, am I?” She stared back into the chamber, watching as the elves fought desperately to kill the creature, taking strength from their courage. “Todd was right, we have to fix this. And maybe, just maybe there’s a healing spell I overlooked.”
“Sarah,” Hopper called.
She rushed to his side, kneeling next to him. “Todd, we’re going for the book. I will find a spell to heal you, I promise,” Sarah whispered to him pulling him closer.
Jack and Nicole carried Hopper toward the hollow where they entered. As they reached the tunnels, a familiar stench stung their noses, growing steadily stronger as they moved deeper into the tunnels. When it became overwhelming, Jack lay Hopper down on the tunnel floor and waited as Nicole moved to his side. The trolls appeared at the edge of the dim light from the orb that hovered over Sarah. This time they were quiet and unthreatening. They moved slowly forward sniffing and grunting as they came.
“Don’t hurt them,” Hopper gasped through the pain, “They are here for me.”
“Don’t worry; they aren’t going to get to you, Hopper,” Jack sneered. His barbarian instincts kicked in again readying him for battle. He moved forward prepared to draw his sword.
“No, Jack,” Hopper managed weakly, “They want to help.”
“No, Todd!” Sarah said, “They tried to kill you!”
“They were protecting their home.” Hopper could no longer feel his legs. “I’m dying. I’ll be dead before dawn, unless you let them take me.”
Sarah was in a near panic at his suggestion. “No, Todd. They’re animals, you said so yourself, and they’re unclean.”
“They’re sick, not filthy and they’re smarter than you think. Otherwise, I would be an animal too. There’s more to these trolls than what you see.” Hopper reached up and caressed Sarah's cheek. “Sarah, it’s my only chance. Let them take me. Your book has no healing spells, no spells of strength or vitality. They are all spells of destruction and pain. There’s no help for me in there, and I’m only holding you back from making this right.”
Jack placed his hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “Sarah, this whole journey has been based on instincts. We have to go with them. If Todd says he needs the trolls, then we have let them take him.”
Jack eased Sarah back away from Hopper slowly keeping one hand on the hilt of his sword. He needed to make certain the trolls would not harm any of them. Sarah broke away from Jack’s grip and threw herself into Hopper’s arms.
“I’m going with you!” she cried.
“You won’t survive in the darkness and cold,” Todd managed. “Don’t worry; as soon as I’m better, you know I’ll find you.”
Jack pried Sarah from Hopper’s arms. The trolls moved forward, ever so gently picked Hopper up and carried him into the darkness. Sarah’s sobs filled the tunnel. One troll remained behind staring at Sarah. It moved slowly forward watching her collapse into Jack’s arms, then turned back and disappeared into the darkness.
Jack??
?s eyes filled with tears. He pulled Sarah closer and stared at Nicole trying to find words that would comfort them all. “He’ll make it through this, Sarah. I know it.” She hugged him fiercely then allowed them to steer her toward the hollow.
“I don’t know how Strong did this, but we are going to find a way to kill that thing and stop him from returning.” Jack’s eyes narrowed as he gazed into the darkness.
“This is my fault. I pushed everyone to come on this trip,” Nicole spoke for the first time since they left the Cavern of Sorrows. The burden of the adventure weighed on her; she was the one who found Dr. Strong. She was the one who said it was safe. She was the one who pushed everyone to come. Nicole had never felt so much regret in her life.
“We all wanted to come, Nicole. You couldn’t have known.” Sarah composed herself and called upon her magic to send boulders flying into the thicket outside, clearing a path for them. Once outside they searched for the Book of Conjuration. The fire had died to a soft glow, giving no aid to their quest. The body of the serpent nearly completely decayed by Sarah’s spell lay across the center of the clearing. Jack searched the tall grass beyond the light of the fire. Nicole focused her efforts on the small bushes that encircled the entrance to the cave.
Sarah went to the tree she and Hopper had leaned against when they had been waiting for Jack and Nicole to return from hunting. Touching the tree, she replayed the tender moment they shared here. Tears welled as her thoughts turned to Hopper’s insecurities about proposing. Pushing the pain deep inside, she vowed to find him as soon as they destroyed the monster. She brushed away the tears and concentrated on her task. Crawling on her hands and knees, she searched the area surrounding the tree to no avail. The book was nowhere to be found. A movement came from the brush and Nicole appeared at a run.
“Someone’s coming!” She grabbed Sarah and pulled her back behind the tree.
Jack appeared at their side as the Dark Warrior and a handful of elf warriors emerged from the bushes. His elfin vision had no trouble detecting them in the darkness. The Dark Warrior motioned for his men to remain behind as he headed across the small hollow. His short-cropped blonde hair was speckled with blood; his black chain-maille fell in shards about his chest, revealing large muscles torn and bloody from combat. He ripped what remained of his helmet from his head and tossed it aside, not taking his eyes off the sorceress before him.
“The creature has retreated deeper into the caverns. It seeks shelter to gain strength. Apparently, our direct attack so soon after its release has weakened it.” His eyes narrowed as Jack placed himself between the elf and Sarah. Ignoring the barbarian, the elf continued to address Sarah. “We do not possess the power to destroy it. It took twelve of our most powerful wizards to imprison the creature hundreds of years ago. Many of whom have died mysterious deaths since then. Now merely a handful remain. That’s not nearly enough to defeat the creature.” His eyes took in Sarah’s pale, drawn features. Could she actually be mourning the loss of that giant troll?
‘‘We were deceived...” Sarah tried to explain.
He stepped closer, “Regardless of your reasons, you have sentenced us all to death.” He tore his eyes from hers, ignoring the depth of emotion he found there. “My warriors have asked for the privilege of killing those who have sentenced us to certain death. Being a man of honor, I will give you a moment to prepare yourselves.”
“I want to destroy the creature,” Sarah declared, heedless of their current status with the Dark Warrior.
“As do I,” he answered. Her words surprised him. He’d expected a plea for mercy or a threat of vengeance. “But that is beyond us now. When you have been dispatched, we will return to the caverns and search for the creature. Perhaps we can wound it, and delay its strike against our land. In the very least, we will give our lives trying to save our people.”
Sarah stood her ground. “I can kill it. I hold the magic of Puissant.”
“He was a powerful wizard.” His eyes searched hers trying to gauge what lay behind her innocent face. Was she to be trusted? “If you hold his power than you are truly evil, for his magic came from the darkness that can only be gained by the death of another wizard.”
Sarah stepped toward him, closing the gap between them. “I know nothing of how he came into his power. His intention was to give it to Nicole and sacrifice her to the creature, but it came to me instead. He told us the Elf Queen was imprisoned in the Cave of Sorrows and it was our duty to rescue her. We are victims, the same as you. Except we have to live with the guilt from the loss of life and the sorrow we caused because of Puissant’s treachery.”
A snap of the Dark Warrior’s fingers brought one of his warriors forward. The young elf faced her. She could see the open hatred in his eyes. The Dark Warrior held out his hand, and the warrior placed Sarah’s Book of Conjuration in it.
“Is this the weapon you intend to use against the creature?” he asked, holding it out to her.
“Yes,” she answered confidently, her eyes locking onto the book.
Tossing it into the embers of the fire, he sneered. “It is nothing more than a young wizard’s book of instruction. An apprentice could wield more powerful spells than these!”
“I don’t care!” Sarah screamed, banging her fists against his muscular chest. “I can kill it! That is why we are here! Not to free the creature, we’re here to destroy it!”
Taking hold of her wrists, he held her back from him and stared at her in silence. Her words gave purpose to the cautions that had been plaguing him since the moment he first saw her wield her magic. Perhaps she was right; maybe Puissant had unknowingly given birth to his final aggression. As long as the creature was imprisoned, there was always a chance it would escape.
Could Puissant’s quest for revenge and dominance end with this innocent sorceress? Was she powerful enough to destroy the creature? Could Puissant have become desperate enough to hand over his powers to an inexperienced young woman? Was the realm the wizards had sent him into so savage that he would risk all to return? Or was his quest for revenge overshadowing his innermost thoughts? Yes, Puissant would risk everything to wreak havoc on the elfin people. The elf commander had no doubt this was true. If the same power that created the creature was instilled in this girl, perhaps it was possible for her to destroy it and in the process seal Puissant’s fate forever. He cherished the thought of the old bastard stranded in a foreign land without as much as a card trick to protect himself.
Jack moved forward to take hold of Sarah’s shoulders and guide her back from the elf. ‘‘We won’t stand idly by and allow you to murder us,” Jack cautioned. “We set the creature free, that’s true, but if the creature fled as you say, perhaps it’s not as invincible as you believe. It was not able to strengthen itself as planned. It was supposed to absorb magic, Sarah’s magic. Perhaps now is the time to strike before it finds another victim and gains strength.”
Pulling his eyes away from Sarah, the Dark Warrior faced Jack. “I was surprised at the weakened condition of the creature.”
Jack jumped at the opening the Dark Warrior’s admission offered. He looked back at Nicole, and then addressed the warrior. “Puissant said we’d need the ancient magic of the fairies to escape. It’s possible that Woodland magic’s origin is not of the forest and has failed it in some way.”
The dark knight frowned at Nicole. “Not much is known of Woodlands. Your people are a mixed breed. Your heritage is a union of elf and wood nymph, sister to the fairies.” Moving to Nicole, he returned his sword to his belt. “Tell me of your talents,” he demanded, stopping before her.
Nicole’s eyes narrowed. She was not frightened of this warrior. His skills were great, but she was not afraid to die. Her thoughts went to Hopper’s cold dark tomb. He had told them to continue, to end it. Her eyes went to Jack and softened, his worried smile of encouragement sent ripples through her. When this was over, she would tell him that she loved him.
Turning ba
ck to the warrior, she said, “I can speak with the animals. I discovered when we entered the caves, I have night vision. I can hear a river that is more than a mile to the south as it splashes against the small rocks in its path. I know much of the earth’s magic of counterspells, I can feel the magic in others, gauge their strength in it and the type of power they wield.”
“Can you cast enchantments?”
“I have knowledge of charms,” Nicole admitted, “I have never felt the urge to attempt wizardry.”
Moving to the fire, the Dark Warrior kicked the smoldering book from the embers and picked it up with a gloved hand. Bringing it to Nicole, he opened it, tore out a page, and tossed the book into the grass.
“Read this aloud,” He ordered, handing Nicole the page.
“I can’t read the words,” Nicole said flatly, handing it back to him.
He turned to Sarah, “Is this true?”
“Yes, I am the only one who can read them,” Sarah answered, then moved to retrieve what was left of her book, wanting desperately to search it for a spell to help Hopper.
The Dark Warrior turned back to Nicole, grabbed her arm, and pulled her to the fire. “Will it to burn higher! With all of your strength!”
Eager to test the strength of her magic Nicole did as he commanded. Nothing happened. Releasing her, he moved toward his men, shouting orders.
“You must have been right,” Nicole whispered to Jack, “They’re heading back in.”
“We’re going with you,” Jack declared, following them into the brush.
The elf commander turned back to him. His eyes were icy and menacing. “I am Cabal, Prince of the Highland Elves, heir to the throne of Fortress City. I will not sacrifice any of my warriors for your protection. “