The last word of Max's spell, the only one that Serena could hear clearly, was "Morte..."
Serena didn't know much about spells, but she did know this term. Words often varied from language to language, from country to country. But this word remained virtually unchanged across the world, regardless of language.
"Morte" meant "Death."
Max gently folded the ripped paper and tucked it into his robe. Beyond the flaps of the tent, a breeze stirred in the trees. The gust of air moved as if it were alive, wending through the forest canopy all around them, carrying words and whispers of the spell.
"What is happening?" Serena asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"I don't know, exactly," Max said, peering out of the tent but keeping behind the flaps for safety. "The parchment had part of the spell. I think I remembered the rest."
"You think?"
"Well, remembering is only part of it," Max replied, turning to Serena, a bit annoyed. "Casting spells is a very difficult business under the best of conditions. Even if I remembered everything perfectly, there's pronunciation to worry about, solstices, phases of the moon... uh... one or two other things."
The breeze blew over the two barbarians, physically moving these previously immovable objects. The men appeared dazed, disoriented, as if caught in some unseen force.
"When will we know if it worked?" Serena asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
The wind carried into the tent. Max dove to the ground, grabbing Serena's hand and taking her with him. The air flew over them and out of the tent, swirling into the night.
Max watched the wind as it whispered and moved off into the trees.
"Soon," Max whispered. "Very soon."
YOU ARE READING
The Pirate Groom
Adventure"The Pirate Groom" is a swashbuckling tale of adventure, love, and revenge that will sweep you off your feet and into the treacherous waters of the high seas. Follow the daring Westley, the fierce Inigo, and a band of unforgettable characters as the...
