A few of the Goblins turned around and ran in the opposite direction after seeing the Lions, but it was too late. The Lions were fast, swooping out of the sky and catching their prey with sharp claws.
The Giants reached the group and aided to survivors to safety. Goblins and Howlers were ripped to shreds by enormous claws and sharp teeth, and in a matter of minutes, it was over—a quick and bloody battle.
“Wow,” Will breathed. “Those Lions are awesome.”
“They are helpful when they want to be, but the Lions usually keep to themselves, minding their own business. Dealing with them can be very challenging because they like to complicate things,” Rhyder said, starting to make his way down the hill. “We need to move with haste before more of those horrid beasts show up.”
“How are we going to cross the river?” Will asked. “Are you going to shift into the Dragon and carry us?”
“No,” he answered. “I won’t change for such a small task. It draws too much energy from me. I’m still recovering from last night, and need to save up my strength for the upcoming battle.”
Will wondered how they were going to get across the river, or what kind of magic Rhyder would use to get them there.
When they reached the riverbank, the water was even more treacherous than it appeared to be.
“Come, William.” Rhyder motioned for him to stand on a grassy spot just in front of the water.
Will stepped next to him and looked around. There was nothing but a gentle breeze blowing through the trees and grass, the sound of the river, and on the opposite side, the rocky cliff that led to the ruins. “Now what?”
“Stretch your hands over the water and call us a ride.”
“A ride? What kind of ride will I be calling?”
“We can’t be picky now, can we? Whomever or whatever is available will have to be suitable,” Rhyder said with a grin.
Will shrugged and stretched his arms, placing his complete trust in Rhyder. He didn’t know exactly what he was doing, but regardless, he was going to give it a shot.
He held his palms down over the water and closed his eyes. In his mind, he called for someone—anyone— to help carry them across the river. The same power he’d felt earlier tingled through his body and warmed his hands. When he opened his eyes, a bluish beam of light was shooting from his palms into the water, creating a whirlpool.
“Oh no. Who am I summoning now?”
“Don’t lose your concentration,” Rhyder urged, squeezing his shoulder.
There was another disturbance in the water. Then, from the middle of the whirlpool, a creature ascended. It was a horse—a large, gray horse with silver eyes—and from its sides extended wings of iridescent mist.
“What is that?” Will whispered in complete awe.
“A Ceffyl Dŵr,” Rhyder replied with a widening smile.
“A what?”
“A water horse.”
“Wow. I never thought I’d ever see a water horse.” Will remembered a story his mother told them about the water horses. They were wild and nearly impossible to tame.
The horse gracefully trotted along the top of the river, heading toward them. Its body fluctuated—changing from translucent, to a solid form, then back again.
“We need to be cautious. The water horses are mischievous creatures.”
“This one seems nice,” Will noted. “At least he came.”
Rhyder side eyed him. “Let’s see if you change your mind when he dumps you in the middle of the river.”
Will swallowed a lump in his throat as the beautiful creature stopped in front of them, just off the bank. Rhyder took a few steps forward and reached out to pet its muzzle.
“Thank you for coming to our aid, friend,” he spoke. “We need to cross the river and were hoping you could help us.”
The horse nodded, its misty wings disappeared as soon as it stepped out of the water onto the shore. Will backed up as the horse knelt, allowing them to climb onto its back.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a rough ride,” Rhyder whispered into Will’s ear. I hope you have a fairly good grip.”
Will nodded, grasping tightly to the horse’s mane. As the steed stepped back into the river, its magical wings of mist returned, spreading out to its sides. It suddenly took off at a full gallop across the surface of the water. The wind whipped wildly through Will’s hair, a smile plastered to his face. This was another amazing experience he’d never forget . . . aside from flying with the Dragon.
Halfway across the river, the water horse reared on its hind legs. Will and Rhyder leaned forward, holding on like their lives depended on it. As the horse came down, it dove straight into the water, taking them under its raging, white-watered surface.
Will didn’t have a chance to catch his breath. As he looked up, he could see the sky directly above them, but knew he’d have to let go of the horse’s mane to break the surface. The river’s current was too powerful, and he knew he’d be swept away if he let go, so he held on.
Underwater, the horse became transparent, like it was part of the water. It was fluid, rippling and flowing through the currents with the greatest of ease.
Will struggled, his lungs burning for one breath of air.
He yanked on the horse’s mane, hoping it would take them back to the surface, inches away, but still far enough where he’d have to let go to claim it.
At the point of blacking out, the horse shot out of the water. Will gasped for air, watching the creature take a solid form. Behind him, Rhyder coughed and coughed, cursing at the horse.
“Are you okay?” Will asked, twisting back to make sure the Sorcerer was okay. Rhyder nodded and held up his hand, but by the look on his reddened face, he almost ran out of air too.
When they reached the other side, the horse carried them onto the dry riverbank. They quickly slid off its back, thankful to have survived.
The horse nudged Will with his muzzle. “What’s he doing?”
Ryder shook his head. “He wants payment.”
“Payment for what? Nearly drowning us?” Will puffed.
“Yes. Well, he doesn’t really deserve anything for his antics,” Rhyder grumbled. He held out his hand and a ripe red apple appeared in it. “But he did manage to deliver us to the other side, mostly alive.” He handed the apple to Will. “Give this to him.”
Will took the apple and held it out to the horse, his hand trembling. “Thank you,” he said.
The horse gave a quick nod, hooved the ground once, then snatched the apple from his hand. It reared on its hind legs, then dove back into the rushing river, disappearing from sight.
“I told you they were mischievous,” Rhyder said.
“No kidding. I thought I was going to die.”
“I’m sure we’ll have a lot more chances for that to happen,” Rhyder said wryly. “Which is why we must hurry and reach the ruins.”
Will moaned as they trekked up the narrow rocky, mountain path, passing the grisly, bloodstained ground where the Howlers and Goblins had been massacred. Heads were decapitated, limbs shredded and barely recognizable, and many were disemboweled—entrails strewn across the ground around them.
Will grimaced, trying his best to avoid unrecognizable chunks of flesh and bone. Rhyder, on the other hand, walked straight through the center of it all, unwavering and stone-faced. None of it seemed to faze him.
“They came to slaughter the innocent and received retribution,” Rhyder spoke.
Will nodded, glad it was the evil creatures ripped to shreds instead of them. Death was inevitable in this place, the birthplace of his mother and his father . . . his true home. It was all around him, and if he stood any chance of surviving, he had to accept it.
Exhausted and breathless, they finally reached the top of the mountain. A Giant’s head peeked over the top of the wall. “Survivors at the gate,” his deep voice bellowed.
The massive gate slowly rose, welcoming them into the safety of the ruins. Rhyder and Will stepped i
nside, and the gate closed behind them. Then whispers erupted, voices and bodies swirled around them.
A short, stout man, who looked an awful lot like Henry’s dad, approached them from the crowd.
“Rhyder, it’s so wonderful to see you.” The man bowed at his waist. “We’re a bit shocked you’re here, but thankful you’re still alive and haven’t been taken by the dark warrior. We’ve heard about the others and were afraid you’d been captured as well. Your presence will surely bring hope and light to the many dampened spirits here.”
Will could not mistake the striking resemblance between Henry’s dad and this man and had to ask. “Are you a Middling?”
The man’s eyes widened. “Why yes, I am. My name is Pog. Pog Hobbs.”
“Hobbs?” Will exhaled. “Are you, by any chance, related to Haribold Hobbs?”
“Haribold? Yes, of course! He’s my first cousin, on my father’s side. But we haven’t seen or heard from him in many, many years.”
“You may get the chance to see him again soon. He’s returned to Misteria with my mother, Talia, but they were captured by the dark warrior,” Will said sadly. “Haribold’s son, Henry, is on his way here. He and my sister should be arriving soon.”
Pog stood still, his eyes and mouth gaping wide open. After a few moments, he snapped it shut. “I’m sorry. Please forgive my rudeness.” He shook his head and smiled. “Mammy will be thrilled to know Haribold is back, along with his son. A son,” he squealed. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? We don’t have much, but we are happy to share whatever we have.”
“Thank you, Pog,” Rhyder replied. “This is William, Talia’s son. I’m sure he’s hungry and would love something to eat. I’ll come by later . . . after I take care of some business first.”
“Yes, yes,” Pog replied. “Go right ahead and take care of what you need to. I’ll take care of the boy.”
Rhyder put his hand on Will’s shoulder. “I’ll be up top if you need me. You are safe now.”
“Thank you,” Will said.
As they went their separate ways, Will took notice of all the new faces they passed by, and they all had one thing in common. They looked tired and defeated, barely hanging on, and Will felt for them. He wondered how many witnessed loved ones being captured or killed, and what they had to endure to get there. They were the survivors, who had journeyed from across Misteria to the ruins. To safety.
“We have some hot stew in the pot,” Pog chimed, leading Will past a few mythical creatures he’d never seen before.
Will tried his best to keep his face normal, smiling as he passed, as not to offend anyone. But his stomach growled the answer. “Stew sounds wonderful. We’ve been eating jerky and nuts for the past few days.” He suddenly felt bad and ungrateful. “I—I am grateful. It’s just—"
“Don’t worry. I understand. A hot meal does wonders for the soul.” Pog chuckled as they passed a group of Satyrs.
Will wondered if they knew Thaddeus, but he didn’t ask. The Satyrs didn’t look very friendly, and their narrowed glares kept him quiet as he followed behind Pog. The further they walked, the more creatures they passed. Will recognized some of them from his mom’s stories, but there were some he had no clue as to what they were.
The day quickly turned to night, and Will was worried. There were no signs of Anna or the others although survivors kept arriving from across Misteria in a steady stream. Some were injured and others just fleeing the evil taking over their lands. As they entered the gates, they all looked exhausted—their eyes filled with sadness and despair. Hope was diminishing in the ruins.
Will had settled down on a bed of hay, gazing into the endless night sky filled with glittering stars when a voice called, “Survivors at the gate!”
No one budged, because those words had been repeated countless times throughout the day. But Will, still hopeful that one of the arrivals would be his sister, called out to her in his mind. There was no answer, but he got up and made his way toward the entrance anyway.
As the gate opened, he watched a Unicorn enter, and atop his back, rode Oriana. Behind them, entered a few dozen Centaurs.
Will ran toward Oriana, hopeful to see Anna and Henry. Then, two Centaurs entered carrying Tobin and Thaddeus on their backs.
“Will!” Thaddeus hollered. “You made it!”
“Tis good ta see ya, lad,” Tobin added with a broad smile.
“Yes.” Will smiled and waved, craning his neck to peek out the door for more people. “Where’s my sister and Henry?”
As he looked back, the gatekeeper shut the gate.
“Wait!” he yelled, his heart-wrenching. “Where’s Anna?”
Oriana dismounted the Unicorn and came to him. “Your sister is with the leader of the Centaurs. We were attacked by a pack of Howlers, and they were separated from us.”
“Where are they now?” he asked, worried.
“I don’t know. When we split up during the attack, we were forced to leave. But rest assured, they are in the best of hands.”
“How can you be sure? Those evil creatures are slaughtering everyone they come into contact with. I have to go find them.” He headed back to the gate and leaned his head back to look at the Giant. “Open it.”
“No, William. You cannot leave the safety of these walls,” Oriana urged. “They will kill you. And if you die, all hope dies with you.”
“I can’t stay here behind these walls, while my sister is out there in the open. People are dying out there.” He pushed away from them. “Open the gate,” Will ordered the gatekeeper.
“Survivors at the gate!” the watchman yelled from on top of the wall.
The giant peeked over the gate, then pulled it open. Will stood face to face with another Centaur. Then, Anna and Henry peeked from around his back.
“Will!” Anna screamed, sliding off and running to him.
“I thought you were dead,” Will exhaled, wrapping his arms around his sister in a bear hug. He tried to hide his emotions, but seeing his sister alive after he thought she was dead, was too much to bear.
“I thought I was too,” she breathed. “But the Mermaids saved us.”
“Mermaids?”
“Yes. They took Ashlyn and me to the River Sprites. They healed us.” Anna stepped back and looked around. “Where is Ashlyn? Is she here?”
Thaddeus stepped forward next to Will. “Not yet. We lost her in the forest, but I’m sure that little Pixie will show up soon. She’s very resilient.”
“I hope so,” Anna’s brow furrowed. “She’s my friend.”
Will smiled, relieved his sister was safe. “I’m glad you’re okay. I’ve never been so scared in all my life.”
“Me too. I thought I was going to die.” Anna sighed, her eyes roaming the area. “Did you find Rhyder?”
“Yeah,” he answered, pointing up to the battlements. “He’s somewhere up top.”
Henry jumped off Rupe’s back and limped toward them.
“What happened to you?” Will asked.
“Dang Howler caught my leg before dropping off the side of a cliff. I’ve got some awesome new battle scars now,” Henry grinned, while Anna rolled her eyes. “So you found the Sorcerer?”
“Yeah, and we were attacked by the dark warrior and his beasts. But Rhyder shifted into his Dragon form and fought them off. It was amazing.” Will was excited to tell his story but knew they were probably tired from their travels. “Come on. Follow me. You can get settled in and have some real food, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Deal, then I get to tell our story,” Henry laughed, following after him. “Riding for hours and hours on the back of that man-horse was brutal. I seriously don’t think I’ll walk straight for days. I don’t know what hurts more—my butt or the large gashes on my legs. Which reminds me, I need to find a healer.”
“They’re scratches, Henry,” Anna corrected. “You’ll just need to wash them out.”
Will laughed. “Henry, you’re such a drama king.”
“
They're big scratches! And see? The middle one is bleeding now . . . a little.”
“I’m sure there is someone here who can help clean them out,” Anna said. “Can we please go? I’m hungry.”
Will stopped and slapped Henry on the back. “I found your family, and one of them looks just like your dad. They’re here and they have hot stew.”
Henry narrowed his eyes. “Don’t joke, Will. I’m not in the mood.”
“I’m dead serious. One of them is your dad’s first cousin. He’s a Middling named Pog Hobbs. He’s right over there.” Will pointed a finger at Pog’s camp. “They’re super cool and are looking forward to meeting you.”
Anna gasped and clapped. “Let’s go meet them!”
“You want to meet them?” Henry’s asked.
“Why not? They’re your relatives, Henry, which you seem to have lacked all your life. Don’t be rude!” Anna scolded.
Will glanced at Henry with a raised brow. “She’s right. They are really nice. And great cooks.”
“Fine,” Henry sighed. “I’m starving.”
“I’m sure they can help clean those battle scars on your leg, too.” Anna giggled.
“We’re all hungry,” Thaddeus added. “May we join you?”
“They’ve welcomed everyone,” Will said. “Come on, follow me.”
The entire group made their way toward the Middling camp where Pog stood, stirring a large pot of stew. Will walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hello, Will. How may I be of service?” Pog asked.
“I’d like you to meet someone.” Will stepped aside and ushered Henry forward. “This is Henry Hobbs. Haribold’s son.”
Pog gasped. “Oh my. Oh my.” He dropped the stew spoon and stepped forward to greet Henry with open arms. Henry stiffened as Pog wrapped his arms around his waist. “It’s so nice to meet you, Henry.”
“Thank you,” Henry said awkwardly, patting his hands on Pog’s back.
Pog faced the rest of the Middling sitting behind him. “Look. Look!” he exclaimed. “Haribold’s son, Henry, has come. They’ve returned to Misteria.”