“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to stare,” she said softly. “It’s just I’ve heard so many stories about you and the other Sorcerers. I never, ever thought I’d meet you, especially one-on-one. And, it’s quite exciting.”
“I can assure you, there is nothing exciting about this old man.”
“Oh, yes there is. There are wondrous tales of you and the founding fathers of Misteria.”
Rhyder’s eyes widened. “Wondrous tales?”
“Yes,” she said excitedly. “And my favorite has always been the story of the great silver Dragon.”
Rhyder’s temper lightened a bit, curious as to what these stories entailed. “Is that so? What’s your name, little one?”
“Brynn,” she answered with a flutter of her wings.
“It’s nice to meet you, Brynn,” he said, mustering a smile. “Since it looks like we have quite a while before nightfall, why don’t you share some of those wondrous tales with me?”
Brynn squealed with excitement. “I’d be happy to.”
Over the next few hours, she did just that.
Back at the courtyard, Will and Anna resumed their training. In a corner of the arena, Anna noticed a girl behind some fallen boulders, intently watching them. She had dirt on her face and brambles in her wild hair.
“Do you see the girl by the debris?” she asked Will.
“What?”
“The girl behind the rocks, to your right. She’s been watching us all afternoon.”
Will paused and glanced around. “I see her. Why is she hiding? Should I throw a flame at her?”
“Are you crazy?”
“I was joking.” He exhaled loudly and rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you go over there and talk to her. She looks like she could use a friend . . . and a bath.”
“You’d better be nice.” Anna glared at him.
A cheesy smile widened across her brother’s face. “I’m always nice.”
“Yeah, right.” Anna headed toward the boulders, and as soon as the girl noticed her, she ducked down and disappeared.
“Hello,” Anna called. “I saw you watching us. It’s okay to come out.” Two dark eyes peeked from behind the rock.
The girl had brown skin, with jet black hair and onyx eyes. She was young, around the same age as Anna and Will.
“What’s your name?” Anna asked, approaching her slowly, hoping not to frighten her.
The girl didn’t speak but ducked back behind the boulder.
“Don’t be shy. My name is Anna. I’d like to be your friend.”
After a few quiet moments, the girl peeked from behind the boulder again. “Y-you want to be my friend?” Her voice was soft and sweet.
“Yes,” Anna replied. “What’s your name?”
“Raven.”
“When did you get here, Raven?”
Her eyes averted direct contact with Anna’s. “This morning.”
“She’s not much of a conversationalist,” Will teased.
“Shut up, Will,” Anna scolded, slowly coming closer to Raven. “You must be hungry. There is hot food in the Middling camp. I can take you there.”
Raven finally stood, her timid eyes caught Will’s and froze.
“Creepy,” Will sang in a ghost-like voice.
Raven immediately dropped her head, eyes fixed on her feet, shoulder-length hair screening her face.
“What if she heard you?” Anna’s narrowed gaze snapped at her brother.
“There’s no way.”
“Zohar can.”
“Because he’s a Unicorn.”
Anna shook her head, then held her hand out to Raven. “Come, Raven. Let’s go.” Raven took hold of her hand and they walked out of the arena.
“What about practice?” Will called after her.
“Yes, keep practicing.” A smile twisted on Anna’s lips as she glanced back to Will. “You definitely need it.”
Will crossing his arms over his chest. “Ha. Ha. Ha.”
Both Anna and Raven giggled.
“I’ll be back in a bit.”
Anna led Raven to the Middling’s area and introduced her to Pog, who was busy stirring some kind of soup in his large kettle.
“Come, come. Have a seat,” Pog said, leading them to a small table. Anna sat next to Raven as Pog filled a bowl with hot soup. “Anna, would you like some? It’s vegetable.”
Anna rubbed her belly. “No thank you. I’m still full from breakfast.”
“All right,” Pog chuckled. “You know where to come when you get hungry.”
“I do. And thank you.”
Pog hummed a happy tune as he served Raven the steaming bowl. He then sliced some bread, filled a cup with water, and set them down on the table in front of her. “Please, enjoy the food. And let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thank you,” Raven said politely.
Pog winked at Anna before he left.
Anna felt bad as she watched Raven inhale her food, wondering when her last meal had been. She was a bit thin and seemed to be alone.
Down the cobbled path, Lavinia made her way toward them with Thane at her side, discussing the upcoming battle. She was wearing a long, green gown; her auburn hair was braided up into a circle above her head.
Raven’s face lit up as soon as she saw her. “Lady Lavinia,” she called out.
“Raven?” Lavinia’s eyes quickly glanced around her. “Where are your parents?”
Raven’s eyes suddenly saddened, tears welled within them.
“Have they been captured?” Lavinia questioned.
Raven shook her head and sucked in a deep breath. “They were killed.” Tears fell and trailed down her dirty cheeks. “It was Slag. The black Dragon.”
“Oh, Raven.” Lavinia knelt and hugged her, stroking her dirty hair. “I’m so sorry.”
“I barely escaped,” she sobbed.
Lavinia held her tight as she wept. “You will always have a place with us.”
“Thank you,” Raven exhaled.
Anna’s heart was breaking. She couldn’t imagine the pain she must have been feeling. She lost both of her parents in one day, and probably watched it happen.
“Have you finished eating?” Lavinia asked. Raven nodded, wiping her tears. “Good then. Why don’t you follow me? We’ll get you cleaned up and find you some new clothes. How does that sound?”
“Good,” Raven said softly.
Lavinia smiled and tipped her head toward Anna in thanks. But before they left, Raven looked Anna directly in the eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Anytime,” Anna said.
As Lavinia led the girl away, Anna stood and headed back to Will.
After a few more hours of practice, Anna could place a protective shield around her boulder for a full eight seconds before making it disappear, and not explode.
Will was finally able to hold a shield for five seconds, and with Anna’s instruction, he also learned to make it disappear without exploding.
Each time they called their power, it became easier and stronger, but their physical bodies became weaker. Anna, to the point of exhaustion, fell to her knees, her body trembling.
“I can’t do this anymore. I’m going to pass out.”
Will glanced at her and nodded in agreement. “We’re done. We’ve practiced all we can. Let’s go.”
Anna sighed, ready to curl up on the stone floor and close her eyes. “But the alignment is tonight.”
“Exactly. If we don’t get some rest, we’ll be worthless.”
Loud growls and high-pitched howls reverberated in the air, waking Will and Anna from their sleep. The sun had already set, and the stars now speckled the dark sky. A cool breeze carried a faint, familiar scent, a scent that seemed to follow the evil creatures roaming Misteria.
Inside the ruins, the survivors were bustling about. The air was thick with worry as they prepared for battle. The Middling had been busy fixing old, and creating new armaments. The Lions were adorned with beautiful golden helmet
s and chest plates, and the Centaurs readied their double-edged swords and shields. The Giants wore leather armor and held large clubs and maces in their hands, while others, like the Spriggan and Satyr, gathered whatever weapons were available.
“It’s time, children,” Lavinia said, pointing to the northern sky.
The alignment was taking place. Both Will and Anna stood and witnessed the blood-red moon.
“I don’t think we’re ready.” Anna’s heart pounded so loud she could barely think.
“Just remember, we’re doing this for Mom.”
“What if something happens to us and we can’t save her?”
“Don’t say that,” Will answered firmly, his sapphire eyes turning to her. “We have no other option. We have to save her and the others.”
Anna nodded, still physically exhausted. She tried to push her doubts and weakness out of her mind, focusing on saving their mom, but even that was another weight heavy on her shoulders.
Oriana assisted a few Middling as they placed special armor on Zohar. He looked uncomfortable as Oriana explained the importance of wearing it.
“How are you holding up, Zohar?” Anna asked, coming up beside them.
“I can barely move. This metal armor is worthless.” He didn’t sound happy.
“It could save your life,” Anna pointed out.
“She’s right, old friend,” Oriana said out loud, fastening his headpiece.
Once his armor was on and everyone stepped back, Zohar reared in the air, his silver and gold-plated armor glimmered in the torched firelight.
“Wow,” Will gushed. “Zohar looks incredible.”
“He does, doesn’t he?” Anna agreed with a broad smile on her face.
“I don’t care how good it looks. It’s uncomfortable and I want it off,” Zohar grumbled.
Henry finally came around the corner and stood with them. He was wearing a brass helmet with a matching breastplate. In one hand, he was holding a round shield, while the other was resting on the hilt of his new sword, fastened in a sheath around his waist.
“What do you think?” he asked, raising his shield while bending into a fighting stance.
“Where’d you get the gear?” Will asked.
“The Middling. They have cool armor for the both of you too. Actually, they sent me to get you.”
“Who sent you?” Anna asked.
Henry thumbed behind him.
Two plump Middling women stood there, both the same size, around three and a half feet tall. One had rosy cheeks and dark hair, the older had gray hair pulled into a messy bun. In each of their hands they carried garments.
“Come, children. Let’s get you ready,” the gray-haired woman said, motioning them to follow.
“Where’s Lavinia?” Anna asked, glancing around. She was nowhere in sight.
Henry shrugged. “I saw her earlier, talking to a dark-haired girl and some of the Elves. I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. But, you better move, ‘cause those Middling women can get pretty bossy.”
Brynn and Rhyder remained hunkered down in the old tree, but Rhyder stood and paced in that tiny Sprite dwelling. He was anxious, knowing the battle was close. Brynn tried her best to keep him occupied, but his mind and his eyes kept wandering outside, to the darkness and evil steadily creeping over the land.
As Brynn babbled on about their new dwelling a few miles away, Rhyder held up his hand, silencing her.
“What is it?” she whispered, fluttering above his shoulder.
“Drums,” he replied.
She tipped her head toward the exit. “I hear them. Where are they coming from?”
Rhyder didn’t answer. Instead, he walked out from the protection of the tree, where a chilled wind carried the sounds of drums and terror toward them.
“Wait, you can’t leave!” Brynn exclaimed, tugging at his cloak. She immediately stopped after seeing the caution in his eyes, his face calm and resolute.
“I have to see it,” he muttered. “I have to witness it with my own eyes.”
“Oh no, no.” The Sprite whimpered, settling back into the protection of the tree.
Rhyder continued until he found a small clearing, his eyes focused on the dark sky. “It’s happening.”
“What’s happening?” Brynn asked, fluttering next to him.
“The alignment. The portal has been opened.”
“What will happen if they can’t save us?”
Rhyder looked at the tiny Sprite. “Then our story will come to an end.”
“I’m scared.” Brynn’s body shivered, her eyes focused on the blood-red moon.
“It’s alright to be scared, little one. Fear dwells inside each of us, and we have a choice. We can let it weaken us or release strength inside we never imagined possible.” He held out the palm of his hand and the tiny Sprite landed in it.
“We aren’t going to stay here, are we?”
“I can’t,” Rhyder answered. “They need me, and I will not stay here and hide inside a tree while they are fighting to save our land.”
“But what will happen if you’re captured?”
“What use will I be if there is no one left to protect?” He sighed, deep and heavy. “I’ve made my decision.” His eyes fixed on the crimson moon, and Brynn flew up and perched on his shoulder. “Then I will go with you. And fight until the end.”
Rhyder smiled. “You are very brave, little one. But I think it’s best you remain here.”
“Here may not exist tomorrow,” she replied, sadly.
“Well then.” He smiled. “Are you going to show me the way out?”
Brynn flew off his shoulder. “It’s this way,” she said, fluttering ahead of him. “Follow me.”
The four Sorcerers were dragged to a platform in the center of the Crystal Castle’s courtyard, their hoods removed so they could observe the glorious event. The crimson moon, full and bright, made the vile and wicked beasts roar and howl.
However, it wasn’t a glorious event for the fathers of Misteria. The Sorcerers gazed up at the blood-red moon, their faces like stone, their eyes swirling with a mixture of dread and uncertainty. They were bound with lead shackles that were spelled— suppressing their magic and making them weak.
Horns blared, while booming drums resonated.
The alignment had begun.
A hypnotic formation of clouds slowly swirled above them. Lightning cracked and splintered across the sky, immediately followed by a deep rumbling thunder. Wind ripped and whirled across the courtyard, causing the beasts to go wild.
Then, the sky brightened as a massive bolt of lightning shot from a dark cloud, striking a newly constructed statue of Malzador. The stone figure burst with a violent force, shooting rubble and dust hundreds of feet away.
As the dust settled, a figure emerged—a tall man with dark, sharp features and pitch-black hair. From his back flowed a long black cape, flapping in the wind.
The entire courtyard fell silent; every beast stilled.
Their moment had arrived.
Malzador had returned.
His eyes were shut, his chest slowly rising as he sucked in a deep breath. Then, his dark eyes snapped open, and his arms shot upward.
“I am free!” His voice boomed, amplified, so every creature could hear. The entire courtyard went mad, roaring and cheering, but when the dark Sorcerer held up his hand, they fell silent. “I’ve been held captive far too long, awaiting this very moment.” His eyes narrowed on the four Sorcerers. “You sent me away, long ago, but tonight…tonight, you shall behold my power. Tonight, Misteria will fall!”
The Dragons roared, sending fiery breaths into the heavens, while the beasts and creatures erupted in complete pandemonium.
Malzador stepped down from the stone platform and made his way toward the castle stairs where he greeted his emissary—the dark warrior.
“There is something you should see, my Lord,” the dark Warrior said, bowing low at his waist. “Down in the dungeons.”
??
?Take me,” Malzador commanded.
The entrance was lined with Troll guards—brutish creatures that had come down from their stone caves in the mountains. They were disgusting, scary looking creatures, over fifteen feet tall, with huge heads and large round ears. Their limbs were long, skin thick as stone, and their noses were elongated and bulbous. The Troll midsections were wide and bulky—disproportionally larger than the rest of their body. They were known to be slow and dim-witted and chosen to be guards because they had a good sense of smell and loved to smash and kill things.
“You’ve done well in my absence,” Malzador said, addressing the dark warrior.
The dark warrior bowed his head. “I live to serve you, my Lord.”
“What about the final Sorcerer?” Malzador’s face became hard. “Have you found him?”
“He will be captured before the eclipse. We have word he is in the ruins of the Hunchback Hills.”
“Heads will roll if he is not captured,” Malzador growled. “And yours will be first.”
“Yes, my Lord.” He bowed again.
Reaching the dungeon, the dark warrior stopped before a guard standing in front of a door. As soon as the guard saw Malzador, he began trembling, and it took him a moment before his hand steadied enough to fit the key inside of the lock.
Once inside, they walked down a long, dark corridor, and at the end was a guard standing in front of another door. A cell door.
As the guard watched them approach, he unlocked the door and stood to the side, letting Malzador step inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, but in a far corner of the room, Malzador spotted a figure, huddled in a corner. It was a woman.
“Is this a joke?” Malzador roared, his gaze wicked. “You bring me here to see a woman?”
“It’s not just any woman, my Lord,” the dark warrior replied, his hand gesturing toward the figure.
The woman moaned and lifted her head, and as soon as Malzador took in her face, he froze—as if he were staring at a ghost.