House of the Serpent Bearer (On Hold)

Chapter 2: Barriers

"Captain Archimedes, leader of the Hellion Squad, reporting." Archi said to the General

We straightened our bodies and gave our salute, putting our fist in our chest. We were inside the room of the General. It looked liked a trial court. They said it was to maintain respect to the higher-ups. It was big enough for a hundred of soldiers.

"Captain Archimedes, I would like you to report the current situation regarding the Nymphs." General Kohl answered with authority

"The number of Nymphs these past few days are increasing. Not to mention that their individual capacities rose significantly. There were sightings of a large number of Nymphs in the southern part of Ariescania. Some assumed that there were nests."

"Hmm.. Brother. It seems the issue with those vile creatures is getting out of hand. I think-" His brother said from the council

"No. I cannot allow them to go out there in the Abyss. I will not take the risk. Besides, our majesty didn't order anything yet. I'll inform her about your idea." then he faced towards us as if concealing a secret code "Captain Archimedes, stay. The rest of the hellion squad may now go.

The Abyss? I think I've heard that before...

"Sir yes sir!" then we bowed our heads while maintaining our fist on our chest.

Damon walked in circles and here I am getting annoyed at him again.

"Dame can you please settle down? You're annoying to look at."

"Hmph! Well it's not my fault. It was as if we were just extras inside there a minute ago."

"Then shut up"

"What? Why would I just up if-" I covered his mouth and pointed him his ears.

"Bryle I told you that it will endanger the lives of our soldiers. We can't risk taking them to that place and of course to do the forbidden arts. Captain Archimedes what do you suggest?" we could hear their arguments here. It's a good thing the General's office's walls are thin.

"I think that using the forbidden arts may harm the people around us. We must think of another way to deal with this. The elders may lend us their help"

"You buffoons! You will endanger the whole House of Aries if we do not sacrifice something! Ariesians are expected to be brave and durable. Any citizen of this country that cowers over this matter deserves to be banished!" We heard Bryle stomping his way out of the room. When he saw us standing in front of the room he just shook his head as if he's disgusted. We saw Archi's silver hair while coming out of the room. His hair always amazes me.

"What are you still doing here? Don't tell me your just roaming around the corridors because I know for a fact that both of you likes to eavesdrop" he said while he walks his way before us.

The three of us walked down the corridors. It was decorated with many painted picture in the sides while on the other side were the windows where we could see the garden of the palace.

"Amara do you still remember what I said yesterday?" Archi asked me. He threw his cold stares again.

"About the 'bookish problems'? Yeah... I'm still arguing if it is a compliment or an insult"

"Leader, I've been meaning to ask you something." Damon interrupted.

"What is it?" He looked at him like he doesn't know yet but I could feel that he had a clue.

"About all the crazy stuff happening in our House. You know the thing about Nymphs, strange people in the palace, the forbidden arts yeah things like those." He glanced at him waiting for the answer but Archi just kept walking. Until he finally broke the ice after seconds of arguments inside his head.

"As always you are eavesdroppers. If you really want to know come with me. We'll go to the cursed land." he sighed

"Cursed land.." I mumbled. Then I remembered that term in an Ancient text. "You mean the Abyss?! Are you insane? According to the legends once you go there you can never leave the place again. Many who tried to go there never came back."

"Yes. Unfortunately for your second-rate books Miss Amara, someone's gotten out of there." he smirked at my direction and gave me an I won look.

******

We started to go up the mountains. I asked Archi where we were going but he just kept walking up. After the continuous battle yesterday with the Nymphs I can't believe they had energy left to spare. Even Damon has stamina coming out of his ears.

"Archi, please tell me we ARE getting closer" I looked at his back and had the urge to tear him to pieces.

"Hmm... I don't know. Just think about it as part of your training."

He replied without turning his head to us. I could really feel that he's just toying with us. Moments later, we found an odd looking cabin. It looks like a mini mansion with a gate with intricate designs. Before we could get closer this 'idiot' ran to the cabin.

"Wait Damon!" Archi halted Damon but he was too late. Damon was tear apart and limped down. We walked to him and saw many cuts and burns in his skin.

"What.. The heck was that?" Damon grunted

"Sorry guys. I should've mentioned this earlier. The cabin inside the woods is enveloped with a very strong barrier spell. It was created by the Ancients not even from the modern age knows the invocations to undo the runes. One touch from the barrier and it can rip you." he said "Amara take care of him first. I'll undo the barrier." then he summoned his scythe from his hands.

"Wait Archi! I thought barrier spells requires 3 people?"

"Yes, but I'm not planning to undo the runes." then something in the air feels unstable. I saw his eyes widen.

"We must make haste. We can't waste our time here doing nothing " he looked at me and for the first time I saw something in his eyes. Fear. "It's about to happen. Again."

Then with a loud crash the earth shook from the shockwaves from afar we saw a light. A very brilliant light.