“Talia?” His words exited in a whisper.
All these years he’d forgotten what she looked like. Forgotten her beautiful face, silky auburn hair, and piercing emerald eyes. But seeing her also brought back a multitude of emotions. Most of which were filled with hatred and regret.
Talia gasped as she took in Malzador’s face. Her body began to tremble, and as he took a step toward her, she shuffled away from him, closer to the wall.
“Stay away from me,” she demanded, with a fire in her deep emerald eyes.
She had once been the love of his life, but she also destroyed him. Ruined his heart beyond repair. And it was because of her, he was imprisoned to the Underworld.
“I—I watched you die,” he breathed, confounded to see her.
“You tried to kill me, but I lived.” She bit out the words with contempt.
“How?”
“Fate saw fit that I survive,” she responded, making him growl. “Why are you doing this?”
“Why? Because you chose the Elven prince over me!” Malzador’s face hardened, his eyes became dark.
“I never loved you, Malzador. You were my friend, but nothing more. I could never have loved you the way you wanted me too.”
“Why? Why was it so hard to love me?” His words were laced with pain and contempt.
“Because of the darkness inside you. Look where it’s led you. You chose it over me.” Her arms snapped against the chains making them clang loudly.
Malzador shook his head, embittered that Talia still didn’t get it. After all these years, she didn’t realize how much he truly loved her, and how he would have given her everything. “The woman I loved, who I would have given the world to, left me for a worthless Elven Prince. And after she broke my heart, Misteria treated me like an outcast. I was banished to the Underworld, and now that I’m back . . . they’ll all pay.”
“They banished you because you murdered innocent people. Because you tried to murder me,” Talia snapped.
Malzador’s heart ached for a moment, but in a flash, it was gone. They didn’t understand who he was, or the power he possessed. They didn’t know the hatred that burned deep inside his chest, wanting to incinerate them all. To make them pay for what he had to endure those years in the Underworld. Now, he’d show them who the greatest Sorcerer in Misteria was.
“You killed my mother and my husband,” Talia sobbed.
“Those who died deserved it.”
“You’re a monster!” she screamed.
Her words sliced him. “Enough!” he snapped, walking away.
“Malzador,” Talia called after him, pushing against her chains. “If you destroy the barrier, the blood of everyone in Misteria will be on your hands. I will never forgive you.”
He paused at the doorway but didn’t turn back. “So be it.” His head then angled to the side. “But to show you the kind of man I am, I will find your children and allow them to meet their beloved grandfather before his end.”
Talia attempted to rise to her feet, but the heavy chains clasped around her wrists held her back. “If you touch my children or my father, I will kill you.”
Malzador finally turned and glared at her with utter contempt. “You can try and put this all on me, but remember one thing, Talia. None of this would have happened if you had chosen me.” Then he left, and with a wave of his hand, the cell door slammed shut and locked.
“Malzador!” Talia screamed.
But her cries fell on deaf ears.
They’d all heard the thunderous boom that originated from the Crystal Castle. Felt that great power that swept across Misteria, and knew it meant one thing. The portal had been opened, and Malzador had been set free.
Soon after, sounds of drums reverberated throughout the ruins as the enemy marched toward them, illuminating the forest with countless torches.
“They’re coming!” the guard from the watchtower hollered.
The night sky grew even darker as evil winged creatures circled above the ruins, awaiting the barrier to drop.
Survivors hurried up to the ruined battlements to watch the thousands of torches creeping closer to them.
“There are so many of them,” Henry exhaled.
Will put his arm around his friend’s shoulder and squeezed. “Don’t worry, Henry. We’ve got this.”
“I hope so,” Henry exhaled. “Just don’t stand too close to me if I get into a sword fight. It’ll be my first, and I don’t want you to lose a limb.”
Will laughed. “I think I’m more afraid of you hacking off one of your own limbs.”
“Do ya tink da Sorcerers are wit’ dem, Lady Oriana?” Tobin asked as he approached the group.
Oriana, standing on the side of them, cleared her throat. “To break the barrier, they will need at least one of them. Unless Malzador has found another way. With the dark magic he’s practiced and given his soul to possess, he might be able to bring the barrier down on his own.”
Anna’s eyes met Tobin as he stepped between her and Will. “Tobin, where have you been?”
“Assistin’ Lady Lavinia. Helpin’ da Elves an’ all.”
“It’s good to see you again,” Will said, patting Tobin on the back.
Henry nudged Will with his elbow. “Maybe they’ll bring your grandfather.”
The thought of his grandfather coming made Will’s stomach twist and knot.
“Don’t lose focus,” Anna warned.
“Do you think he’d recognize us if he saw us?”
Anna shrugged. “Would we recognize him?”
“Probably not.”
War horns blared in the distance.
“Malzador’s army is coming!” Lavinia’s voice carried loud and strong. “Arm yourselves!”
Elven archers dressed in leather armor, with brass chest plates and helmets, marched up to the front of the battlements and readied their bows. They stood strong and brave. Not one of them showing fear.
“Follow me, children.” Lavinia stepped in front of them, her auburn hair braided back behind her. She was also dressed in finely-made leather armor which appeared to have minimal wear. Her chest and shoulders were covered with polished gold plates—thin and light—probably to keep her movements fluid. She put her arm around Will and Anna and led them down the stone stairway to the lower level where Raven stood.
The girl was clean—freshly bathed and in a new change of clothes—and was very pretty. Her onyx hair was finely braided and tied over her right shoulder, her tanned face was flawless, and her dark eyes . . . they were fastened on Will, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.
“Dude, she’s giving you the eye,” Henry whispered, elbowing him in the rib.
Will growled at him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, I do. She’s checking you out.”
Anna giggled but was interrupted.
“Don’t say a word,” Will dared his sister. So, she kept quiet.
“Will, I’m not picking on you,” Henry murmured. “I’d give anything for a girl to look at me like she’s interested. They usually give me looks . . . well, like the one your sister is giving me right now.”
Will glanced over at Anna, her eyes narrowed on Henry with indifference, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Henry, you try too hard, and it comes off as creepy.”
“Are you serious?” Henry puffed. He brought his mouth close to Will’s ear. “Your sister thinks I’m creepy? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Would you two shut up!” Anna scolded. “You’re embarrassing yourselves and me.”
Lavinia cleared her throat, making them all stop and turn their attention to her. “I want you three to stay with Raven,” she instructed. “Before they break through the barrier, she will lead you through a secret passageway which will take you down near the river.
From there, you’ll need to head toward the castle to free the Sorcerers. I must stay and help the others, but we will all make our way to you as soon as we can.” She grab
bed hold of Anna’s arms. “Please, take care of yourselves. Remember what Rhyder taught you. Don’t fear the power inside. Embrace it, and let it guide you.”
Will stepped forward. “Wait, why can’t we stay here and fight, and then all go together?”
“Because someone needs to rescue the Sorcerers and stop Malzador. If the barrier around Misteria falls, our land will perish, along with everything in it.” Lavinia placed both hands on his shoulders and steadied him. “This is why you are here, William. You and your sister are not here by chance. You are the last hope for Misteria, and I know you will find a way.”
“We’re just kids,” Anna said. “We’ve never fought in a war, let alone stop a powerful Sorcerer.”
Lavinia knelt in front of Anna and took both of her hands. “A prophecy never lies. Everything you need to stop him is already inside you. You just have to believe it.”
A tear trickled down Anna’s cheek. She wrapped her arms around Lavinia. “In case we don’t see you again.”
“We will meet again. Always have faith, dear child.” Lavinia kissed the top of her head, then pulled Will into their group hug.
When Lavinia released them, Will quickly pulled back and adjusted his armor. “I have no idea where we’re going or what lies ahead, but if our mom is in that castle, that’s where we’re going.”
“Raven will guide you. And your mother . . . I know she is extremely proud of you both.” Lavinia grabbed Will’s arm and pulled him to the side. “Please be safe and promise you’ll take care of your sister.”
“I will. I promise.”
“Good then. I have to go, but I’ll see you soon.” Lavinia tipped her head to them, then disappeared up the stairs.
Henry paced back and forth, looking anxious. “What do we do now?”
“We wait,” Raven replied.
The ground shook as Malzador’s army advanced. Above them, a loud roar filled the air, shaking the walls and sending debris tumbling down around them. An enormous, red Dragon swooped overhead, its membranous wings spread wide. A blaze of fire streamed from its mouth, scorching the dome of protection.
Screams echoed inside the ruins. The elders and children were taken deep inside, to a secret underground shelter that had been glamoured and warded by Rhyder, so any passerby would merely see a stone wall.
“He’s come,” Raven’s voice was ominous as she pointed upward.
“Who?” Will asked, following her finger.
“Malzador,” she said. “He’s come.”
Black smoke twisted in the air, camouflaging the enemies in the sky, making it nearly impossible to see anything beyond the barrier.
“Where is he?” Will asked.
Raven’s voice quivered. “Atop Slag, the black Dragon.”
“You can see him?” Anna questioned, her eyes focused on the sky.
“Yes,” Raven replied.
They all looked at each other, wondering if she was serious, then Anna gasped as she looked at Raven’s eyes, which had gone completely black.
“What are you?” Anna exhaled.
“A friend,” she replied with a grin and a tilt of her head. “The barrier will soon fall. We must leave now. Follow me.”
“Wait!” a voice yelled from afar. When they turned back, Thaddeus stood with his hand in the air. He was wearing a silver helmet and breastplate, and in his hand carried a sword. “Be safe, my friends.”
“You too!” Will hollered, waving back.
Anna and Henry also waved at their Satyr friend before heading toward the others.
Raven quickly led them toward the back of the ruins, to a corner which had a slight crack in the wall. She then nudged a boulder over and stepped inside.
“Hold up.” Henry paused at the dark entrance. “Where does this lead?”
“To the outside, near the river. It’s how I got in,” Raven answered. “Only a few know this tunnel exists.”
“Why isn’t everyone else following us?” Will questioned.
“Because if they followed, our enemy would know. They would ambush us. The others have to stay so you can be free.”
“What about the Hellhounds and Howlers?” Will had felt the bite of a Hellhound once, and wanted to avoid another attempt at his life at all costs.
“This passage will take us beyond Malzador’s army, to a forest about five miles from the Crystal Castle.”
“Then what do we do?” Anna asked.
“We find your mother and rescue the Sorcerers.”
Hearing those words gave Will a shot of optimism, which was short-lived. Screams echoed in the ruins as the red Dragon continued its fiery assault. Then, a loud voice boomed, cutting through the chaos.
“Tonight, Misteria will fall!”
Raven’s body tensed as she disappeared down the narrow, dark path. “Hurry!”
“I can’t see a thing,” Henry complained.
That was something Will could help with. Holding up the palm of his hand, he sent a small amount of energy up, creating a bluish light which illuminated about ten feet around them.
“Dude, that’s so much better,” Henry chimed. “At least I can see what I’m bumping into.” He walked a few steps and screamed, pointing to a small insect in front of him. “Spider!”
“Oh gosh.” Anna exhaled.
They continued weaving their way, walking as fast as they could through the twisted and cramped tunnel. In some areas, they had to get down on all fours and crawl over dirt and rocks.
“This isn’t going to get any smaller is it?” Henry’s breath was loud and labored. “I don’t do well in confined areas.”
“No,” Raven responded. “This is as narrow as it gets. We’re halfway there.”
“Halfway?” Henry was nearly hyperventilating, his brow dripping with sweat. “I thought we’d have been there by now.”
“If you like, you can exit now,” Raven informed, her hands on her hips. “But you’d come up directly in the middle of Malzador’s army. If that’s what you prefer?”
“Nope,” he answered. “I’ll stick with the dark, claustrophobic tunnel.”
Will moaned and shook his head, but he was glad Henry had come with them. He always had a way of making a stressful situation feel a bit lighter.
Raven whispered quietly to Anna. “Your friend complains a lot. Are you sure he’s up for this?”
Anna shrugged. “I guess we’ll see.” But inside, she hoped he would be.
“Are you thinking about Henry?” Will asked his sister.
“Get out of my thoughts,” she scolded. “You don’t belong here.”
“You don’t have feelings for him, do you?”
“Are you mad? Of course not!” she snapped. “If anything, I feel sorry he has nothing but a sword and shield to defend himself… things he doesn’t know how to use. He’s your friend Will, but he’s clumsy and witless. And with his track record, and those creatures out there, I don’t know if he’ll survive.”
“He has us. That gives him a bit of an advantage,” Will responded, reassuring her.
“We won’t be able to watch him all the time.”
“He wants to find his dad as much as we want to find Mom. It was his decision to come. He knows what he’s getting into.”
“None of us know what we are getting into.”
“I’ll keep an extra eye on him,” Will promised. He didn’t want anything bad to happen to his best friend.
“Fine. You do that,” Anna answered, then went silent. Will knew she was trying to keep her thoughts to herself.
After a while, the tunnel opened and became much easier to stand and maneuver through.
“I smell damp grass,” Henry noted, sniffing the air.
“And I hear water,” Will added, hoping they were close.
Raven began to pick up the pace. “The exit is just ahead.”
“Oh, thank God,” Henry said, tripping on a stone.
After a few more minutes, a gust of wind blew through the tunnel.
Raven st
opped and faced them. “Stay here and be quiet. I’m going to go out and make sure it’s safe.” The three nodded as she slipped outside.
A few minutes later, Raven popped her head into the passageway with a finger pressed to her lips. “It’s clear. Follow me.”
Anna exited first, followed by Henry, and then Will. The air was cold and crisp against Anna’s exposed skin, but a foul, rotting scent tainted the air. Surrounding them were tall oak and pine trees, and to their left, a large, rushing river.
Anna shuttered as she glimpsed the daunting water. “Is that the Forked-Tongue River?”
“It is,” Raven whispered. “If we follow it, it will lead us toward the castle. Evil creatures roam these woods, so we must be vigilant.”
“Stay away from that river,” Will warned his sister with a side-eyed glance.
“Don’t worry. I will.” The Forked-Tongue River wouldn’t claim her again.
The beating of war drums pulsed through Anna’s chest. She wondered how the survivors were faring in the ruins, wondered if Malzador had already brought down the barrier that protected them. She knew they would fight hard and strong for their beloved Misteria.
Now, it was up to her and Will to do their part. To rescue the Sorcerers, find their mother, and possibly—possibly—find a way to end it all.
As they followed the river Raven suddenly halted, her head snapped toward the sky.
“Hide!” she exclaimed.
Without hesitation, Will grabbed Anna’s wrist and pulled her behind a large tree. Henry pressed his frame against the one next to them.
They froze like statues as a shadow, darker than the night, passed overhead. It was enormous, and the roar bellowing from it twisted Anna’s insides.
“What is that?” Henry asked softly.
“Blayze,” Raven breathed, motionless against a tree a few yards away.
Henry gulped, a hand clasping his neck. “What’s a Blayze?”
“The red Dragon,” Raven whispered.
“Dragon?” Henry’s eyes widened, his body visibly trembling.
“Yes, and he has exceptional eyesight, so don’t move unless I tell you.”