Beyond the Rabbit Hole

Scars to Remember

Remiel rained lightning onto the ground, circling above and rarely deigning to descend himself.

Kokabiel's movements slowed slightly after he was struck, but he remained mobile enough to dodge the subsequent strikes, waiting patiently for an opening to counterattack.

Benard's face twisted in confusion as he listened to Morgyn's plan. "I'm. . . not quite sure I understand. You want me to attack you?"

"This is absurd," Serana muttered. "What are you hoping to accomplish?"

"I don't entirely understand it either," said Morgyn, lowering his gaze. "All I know is I felt power fill me while I fought Remiel before. It seemed to increase when I blocked his attacks."

"Power?" Serana shook her head. "Is this about what Hector said before?" Her voice turned cold with suspicion. "Just what are you three hiding from us?"

Thunder struck again in the background while lightning crackled in the sky.

"I don't have time to explain," Morgyn said meekly, his head dizzy from concussion and fatigue. "We need to do something fast."

"Very well," Benard agreed reluctantly. He drew Deathwarden and held it aloft. "How hard should I swing?"

"With all you've got," said Morgyn, holding his dagger out to the side.

Intensity filled Benard's face as he mustered his strength into his arms and brought down his sword on Morgyn's dagger with a heavy overhead slash.

Morgyn recoiled at the impact, struggling to keep the blade in his hands.

"Well?" Benard asked softly.

"I. . . I'm not sure." Morgyn winced. "Try it again."

Benard took a deep breath and slashed again.

Morgyn winced once more, his arm throbbing in mild pain. "Something isn't right."

Serana sighed. "Just what do you think is going to happen?"

Benard averted his eyes in silence.

Why did it happen before, but not now? Was it something to do with Remiel rather than me? I shouldn't have just assumed I could gain the power to stand beside her. . . Morgyn shook his head violently. Now isn't the time! What's different now? What's changed? Before, it happened when I blocked with both my sword and dagger. Morgyn gritted his teeth and looked down at his weapon, chipped and weathered from the fighting. I lost the sword when I landed the fatal blow on Remiel. Then, his eyes narrowed. He shifted his gaze to Bjurrin, who finally stopped spasming, yet lay still on the ground. "Let's try it again, but. . ." Morgyn picked up the dreadmetal axe and examined it for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I'll be borrowing this," he whispered before turning back to Benard. "This time I want you to attack me directly. Use that same strike, and I will block it as it comes down."

"Are you insane?" Serana spat. "That's a dreadmetal sword—even a scratch can be fatal."

Benard lowered his blade in hesitation. "I don't think this is a good idea. . . Morg- no, My Lord, you aren't Alyss. You must come to accept that."

"I know." Morgyn's voice trembled with frustration. "But please, trust me." He held the axe just above his head in preparation for the strike and positioned his dagger just behind it to help brace for the impact.

"My lord. . ." Benard spoke up hesitantly. "It would be more effective to defend with both hands on the axe."

Morgyn's eyes closed tightly as a shaky breath escaped his lips. "You can teach me these things later, Benard. But for now, please. . . just trust me."