The seers have prophesied since the downfall of the Guardians and the escape of the demons, of one born of magic; their worlds only hope. A young woman fills that space but will she be able to unite the people or will her youth be their downfall? Wi...
The mist parted suddenly as Misty's hooves touched down on a roof in the city. Brielle was confused at first, the little horse tossing its head and snorting. She looked around but couldn't see anything on the roof but a few loose stones. She stroked Misty's nose trying to calm her. She guessed the horse didn't like the roof. She held out her hand standing in front of the horse, feeling this was the way, and the tiny horse appeared in her hand looking up at her with its metallic eyes then going still. She put it in her pocket as she heard a noise behind her.
"Brielle! I thought...I thought the worst!" She turned into her mother's embrace, tears of relief jumping to her eyes. "I'm so glad you're safe! I had thought with all those demons you'd been killed. Oh you're safe!" They clung to each other a long while just glad to be together. Then Laura held her out at arm's length, her smile brighter than Brielle had seen it in a long time. "Gideon arranged everything and our transport will be here soon." Laura looked around perhaps looking for the others. Brielle felt a twinge of guilt. Obviously her mother was worried where everyone else was.
"I sent them away. All but Nathan. He wouldn't go for some reason..." She paused thinking about him, worry beginning to chew her insides. "Last I saw him he was with Zarlo. He had a plan, but..." Her mother stared at her and she hurried on before any questions could start. "The others are safe. I sent them where no harm could come to them. I sent them to Jefferey." She knew immediately this was a bad thing to say as her mother's eyes filled with tears. "He's okay mother! I saw him-"
"But we won't be in about three seconds if we don't get off this roof!" A man had appeared suddenly, Laura jumping to her feet as he grabbed her hand and started to run. Too late she felt the heat at her back. A red wall of flame burst up in front of them and spread in a small circle around them. Her heart was beating louder than the flames about them as she slowly turned around.
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Zarlo stood silhouetted by the flames, his cloak blacker than the darkest of nights. Yet she could see his eyes reflecting the light in that cavernous hood and it chilled her deeper than the searing flames could heat. Gideon stood in front of them, a small knife held in his hand, yet his face said he knew what good it would do. Zarlo stood there considering them for long moments before speaking.
"Seems I lost one treasure and found another. I do feel lucky." His gaze settled on her and she felt her blood go cold. His hood fell back revealing his frightening smile and a thin tight human-like face. "I thought of something better than killing you, girl. I'm going to keep you till your little hound comes to your rescue." She realized he was talking about Nathan. Then he had got away. The cold dropped to her feet as she realized another thing. Her mother was now in danger. This man too. He had no reason to keep them alive. Her grip tightened on Laura and she tried her best to look confident before turning back to Zarlo. She took a deep breath to steady herself.
"You want me alive so Nathan will come to you but I'll kill myself if you harm either of them." His smile widened and she realized how stupid that was. He wanted her dead anyway. Nathan would show up soon enough now that he was alone. His raspy laugh confirmed her fears.
"I should kill them just to antagonize you but they may have a use." His smile was too victorious. She forced a smile herself.
"They stay with me or you have another long wait." His smile didn't change.
"I suppose little girls should have pets."
The first flash from his rod sent Gideon to his knees, the second one hitting her mother square in the chest. Laura grunted and Brielle felt her slipping from her arms, shrinking and changing shape, finally emerging small and furry. Huge black eyes stared up at her in confusion and Brielle scooped the little squirrel from the roof. Brielle held Laura tight as Gideon rose shakily to his feet. Zarlo glared at him. Was there confusion there? Then she smiled. Gideon's knife glowed faintly. Just like the Guardians' swords. No wonder his magic hadn't affected the man. She stood behind him wondering what to do next. It was answered when the fire around them flickered and went out.
All around them were demons. She moved closer to Gideon wishing Nathan were there. Nathan was always sort of relaxed as she could feel Gideon tense, ready but tense. The demons moved in and she knew what she had to do. She pushed in front of Gideon ignoring everything but Zarlo.
"You should let him go. After all, Nathan won't know what's happened. Someone needs to tell him where I've gone." She felt Gideon's hand on her shoulder but she held her ground concentrating completely on Zarlo. So it was a surprise when Gideon pulled her backward slightly causing her to lose her balance. There were howls of pain from demons before she was able to roll over and look. Gideon struggled in the demons grasp, their claws sunk into his arms and legs. Four Others were writhing on the roof a little ways off, bright glowing gashes here and there. The knife was on the ground near Gideon and she stumbled toward him scooping it up and into her shirt while Zarlo seemed so pleased watching him struggle.
"Let him go!" She went as far as to step toward Zarlo, stopping when sharp little teeth clamped down on her hand. She had almost forgotten her mother who must have held onto her through the fall and her jumping about. The last of the four wounded went quiet finally, bodies still twitching but silently. Zarlo's mouth curled in another frightening smile.
"Okay. Let him go." His hand swept toward the edge of the roof and the Others dragged Gideon that way. She yelled and tried to run forward but another demon slid in front of her, sitting on her feet. Just its touch terrified her more, adding to her dread of Gideon's fate. Her eyes couldn't seem to leave those claws that held him. And as she ran out of breath Gideon disappeared over the edge. Zarlo's voice so close to her ear made her shudder.
"I thought that's what you meant, little mage."
****** Thanks everyone who has helped me out with this! Remember now, I appreciate any comments you have so don't hesitate to toss in your opinions. And thank you for all the votes! -SLB
