The Last Mage (Under Revision)

Chapter 14

Time seemed to slow down to a crawl for Cedric as he watched the blade swing down towards the kings neck. Having no time to speak a spell, he went for a long shot and thrust out his arm. A bolt of darkness erupted out of his hand and struck the Fake Xavier square in the chest, sending him sprawled out on the ground.
 Our hero ran forwards to help the King, with Max and Xavier following in pursuit. As the King put his arm around Cedric the shadow beast was done recovering and was now getting up.
 "Oh ho ho, so you finally decided to show your face, and you brought friends too, what a treat. I can't wait to make you watch as I slaughter them. Now, if you would be so polite as to hand over his highness, we could make this go so much easier."
 Cedric narrowed his eyes and gave him the finger with his free hand. "Tell me, why are you doing this? What could you have to gain from taking over Sor'real?"
 "You must mean besides all of the riches. Well truth be told I don't give a damn what happens to this town. I'd rather watch it rot. But, my master says that he wants control over it, and I don't argue with the master."
 "Just who is your master?"
 Fake Xavier waggled his finger. "I think that's enough questions for today. Now I won't ask again, give me the King!"
 He didn't wait for an answer and instead rushed towards Cedric, sword outstretched and aimed for his chest. Cedric brought both of his knives up and pushed the blade away, then kicked his attacker in the chest. Xavier and Max came to his side, weapons readied.
 "Leave him alone, he's just a boy," Xavier growled. "Why don't you take your chances against me."
 "Don't forget about me either," Max piped up. "I still have to pay you back for making me a monster."
 The shadow beast laughed. "You think that you two stand a chance against me? Fine, let's see what you got."
 Xavier gestured to Cedric. "Get the King back to the castle alright? No arguments."
 Cedric nodded, then whistled and out of nowhere Hion appeared.
 When the King got saddled up Cedric hopped on and they sped towards the castle. Xavier turned back to his opponent and snarled.
 The shadow beast cackled. "Oh, don't try to intimidate me. The only one who can defeat me is master and your little mage."
 "We'll see about that you bastard!" Max charged at him and swung his axe, but it hit empty space where the Fake Xavier had been moments before. A sound behind him made him turn to receive a kick in the face.
 "God dammit he's quick." The blacksmith said, clutching his bleeding nose as the beast reappeared back in the same spot.
 "Well, so am I." Xavier growled.
 He rushed forwards and swung his sword. His "evil twin" was surprised at his speed and only managed to block it with his own weapon. The struggle began as the two each pressed forwards hoping to get the upper hand. It came down to a struggle of power and as strong as the old assassin was, he couldn't compete against the strength of a monster. He was pushed back and slashed in the stomach which made him fall to his knees. As he looked up he saw his attacker swing his sword and he thought he was done for, but then a figure stepped in his view and he heard a clang as metal clashed against metal.
 "Get back you damn beast." Max grunted as he pushed back Fake Xavier. He swung his axe again to make space between the two. He turned to look at Xavier.
 "You alright?"
 "Yes, yes I'm fine. All I need is rest."
 Max nodded and focused his attention back on the Fake Xavier. He raised his axe as a sword strike came from above. He pushed back but his enemy quickly recovered and stabbed forwards. Max turned to dodge and thrust out his foot. This earned him a gasp from the beast as he landed a blow to the stomach. However, what satisfaction he felt vanished as the monster grabbed his foot, and with some effort slammed him down onto the ground. The blacksmith stirred for a moment, but then lost consciousness. Xavier tried to stand up, but the pain was so much that he knew that soon he would pass out too.
 "Don't worry assassin, I won't kill you yet. If I did, then you wouldn't be able to witness me take over this town, or kill your little mage." Evil Xavier grinned as the real one passed out.

Meanwhile at the castle, Cedric and the King, who said to call him Richard, were discussing what happened. They sat at a table in the dining area, and although he seemed calm, Cedric was worried about his friends. He knew Max was tough, and Xavier very skilled, but they were up against a strong monster.
 "Boy? Cedric!" He came back to reality at the sound of the Kings voice. Of course, he was being so dense. The King was affected by this too. His men were out there dying trying to defend his town. This couldn't have been easy on him.
 "I'm sorry Richard, I was just thinking about my friends. What were you saying?"
 The King sighed. "I understand. I was just wondering how you were able to cast a spell without speaking a word."
 "To be honest, I'm not sure myself. It happened very recently. I focus on what spell I want to use and it just happens."
 "I see. Only one other could do that. I'm sure you've heard of him."
 Cedric nodded. "The Mage of Destiny."
 "Indeed. Speaking of mages, it's been so long since we have seen one, and now there is you... breaking into my castle."
 "As I said, I really was just trying to warn you about what was going to happen."
 Richard let out another sigh. "I believe you. In my haste I didn't listen and acted rashly. Please forgive me."
 "I do forgive you, trust me. However, I don't understand how we are supposed to stop all of this. That beast is stronger than anyone I've ever met."
 The King rubbed his temples. At this moment, Cedric studied him as he didn't get a good look at him before.

 You could tell just by looking at him that he was a kind man. He had soft green eyes like the color of grass. Long brown hair flowed down his neck, matching his beard. Looking at him, yes, he was old, but yet you could just sense that he was strong. A silver broadsword hung at his side and Cedric had a feeling he knew how to use it.
 The King looked at the Mage. "There must be a way to stop him. Yet I feel as though only you can do it, young one."
 Cedric nodded. "I feel the same way. I  just don't understand how I'm going to do it. Every time I've faced him I've lost. I'm too weak."
 "You have defeated my best knight and taken out tons of my guard at once. You are anything but weak."
 Cedric smiled. "Thank you, but I'm afraid I still can't defeat him."
 Richard stroked his beard. "Well, we just have to think of a way. If it helps, before he captured me I heard the beast say his name was Xethos and that his master was close to you."
 "Xethos... No, never heard it before. If only we knew who he worked for. A name, some sort of description would be helpful."
 The two continued their train of thought, trying to think of some way to save the town.

 Xethos kicked another corpse out of his way. Whether it was civilian or assassin he didn't know, nor did he care. As long as he secured the town, the whole lot of them could die. Still though, he wondered why his master wanted it. That was the detail he left out. He also left out how much of an annoyance that damned mage would be. He should have just killed him when he had the chance. Oh well, he couldn't change it now. A movement caught his eye and he whirled around to be met with a ray of light. It didn't hurt him so much as it pushed him back, but it still angered him.
 "Leave this town you evil creature." Said a voice.
 Xethos looked around to see the assassin and blacksmith with someone new. It was an old man dressed in a white robe, clutching a staff.

 Hugo stepped forwards, knowing that he stood no chance against the beast. The assassin and blacksmith went up against him and were easily defeated. Still though he also had to try, for Cedric's sake.
 "Who the hell are you?" The shadow beast hissed.
 "A friend to Cedric." Hugo replied.
 "Damn that mage. He has allies everywhere." Xethos then smiled sadistically. "I guess I'll have to change that."
 He drew his sword and charged forwards. Hugo swiftly dodged and now hit him in the back with the butt of his staff. Xethos tried again, this time slashing downwards, but Hugo deflected it and shot another ray of light out of his staff.
 Xethos looked ticked. "How are you so god damn fast old man?!"
 Hugo smirked. "Potions are a wonderful resource to have, aren't they? They can heal you, make you stronger... or faster."
 The monster glared at the wizard and once again charged. He threw his fist forward and Hugo turned to dodge. However the monster then turned, smashing his arm rather than his fist into the old wizards face. He stumbled backwards which gave his opponent the opportunity to stab at him. Quickly, Hugo spun his staff redirecting the sword to his left. To his dismay this didn't seem to affect him as he then headbutted Hugo and then tripped him. He landed hard on the ground and he knew he couldn't get back up.

 "Leave him alone you bastard!" Max shouted as Xethos raised his blade.
 He laughed. "Oh no, I've let too many of that boys allies live and all they've done is be a nuisance. I've run out of mercy." With that, he stabbed his sword down, straight through Hugo's heart.
 The old mans eyes widened, and he coughed up blood as his body jerked. Then he began to smile.
 "Cedric will stop you." He whispered.
 The the life drained out of his eyes, and Hugo was alive no more.

 Back in the castle, Cedric dropped to his knees, and began to sob.

*Alright guys, this is probably going to be the second to last chapter. Don't worry though I already have an idea and name for the next book. I just have to make a cover and work on the story a bit more. I want to call it "The Wandering Mage." I hope you all enjoy the chapter, and don't be afraid to tell me what you think of it."