Magic Spawn Origins

Magic Spawn: Chapter 61

by Meredith Skye

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The moon floated partway behind a cloud, though a mist threatened to cover it up. The night air was cool.

Groggy, Rian lay on the ground, looking up at the night sky. His mind scrambled to remember why he'd laid down. He tried to sit up but discovered his hands were tied. He lifted his head and saw two skeletons standing over him.

Then the memory hit him: he had attacked Kyran and failed! He felt a sinking despair, remembering the haunting look in Kyran's eyes. And his little brother had said his name. Had they been wrong about Kyran? Was he not completely in the wizard's power? And Rian had tried to kill him.

He cursed himself.

A movement drew his attention as someone approached. As he tried to reposition himself to see, a body fell down next to him. Whoever it was groaned and turned over.

"Zane?" whispered Rian. "Are you all right?"

He opened his eyes. "Rian?"

Rian felt relief. At least they weren't all dead, but considering that the one who held them captive was a necromancer, he wasn't sure that was very comforting. Who knew what evil Molan had in store for them?

"What about the others? Are they all right?" asked Rian.

"I ... I don't know."

Rian laid his head back down. "I'm sorry. I think I really screwed up."

"What was it this time?" Even under the dire circumstances, Zane couldn't cut him a break!

"Are you blaming me for all of this?" Rian nodded his head in the direction of the crypt. "You think I wanted this?"

Zane shook his head. "I'm sorry. No, of course not. I know the necromancer has your Mom and I'm sure it hasn't been easy for you either. It's just that you are ... such a control freak!"

"Who me?" demanded Rian.

"Yes," said Zane. "Especially when you are the Steward! You're insufferable! Why do you think I wanted to challenge you in the Spring tournament?"

"To be a dick?" asked Rian.

"No! Because people are tired of being bossed around by you. You're a kill joy, always so serious."

"And you don't think this situation is serious?" asked Rian.

"Yes, now it is. I was talking in general terms. You. The group. You need to lighten up a little, that's all. Consider other people. It's not always about you or your little brother, you know."

Rian made an effort to control his anger and consider it. Zane seemed sincere. He wasn't saying this just to upset Rian. "Okay," said Rian. "I'll try harder."

"Good," said Zane. "That's all we want."

We. As if the whole group felt the same way. Or did they? All of them seemed to agree with Zane. Everyone liked him. Was Rian bossy? He supposed it could be true.

"So," said Zane. "You were saying ... you screwed up?"

"With Kyran."

"Yeah, he zapped you!"

"I meant to kill him this time, I mean, really do it—for all our sakes," said Rian. "But, I didn't have a chance. He just stood there and watched me come all the way up the hill. But ... he knew my name. I think he might have helped us. Instead I tried to kill him--my own brother!" He felt sick.

Zane nodded. "Well, it's a hard choice. We all know how much he means to you. Do you think that there's a way to save him?"

"I don't know," said Rian. He fervently wished there were. If only.

"Well, now's the time," said Zane. If there ever was going to be a time for saving Kyran. "And without Kyran, necromancer-man is screwed," said Zane, in his snappy way.

Rian nodded thoughtfully. "Yes."

Glumly, Rian considered their situation. They were being held in the meadow in front of the crypt. From where he sat on the ground, he saw four or five skeletons. Rian had no idea where his sword was. No doubt they'd taken it when they'd captured him. Both their hands were bound. So far, he didn't see any of his other friends here. That meant that either they were still alive and fighting--or they'd been killed.

At least he didn't see Ehina. He hoped that she'd found a way past Molan and into the crypt, otherwise, their chances weren't very good.

Then Rian spotted their weapons—against the wall near the crypt door. If he could just get to his sword and then he'd have a chance. But he didn't know what the necromancer was planning or how much time they had to counter it.

"No, they've got Edward and Ray!" whispered Zane.

Rian turned to see skeletons escorting them up the hill. Their hands were bound and the skeletons carried their weapons. Rian felt torn between feeling disappointment at seeing they'd been captured and relief at seeing them still alive.

"Harlan's not with them," whispered Rian. Zane nodded silently.

Nor had Rian seen Bernard or any of those who went with him.

Rian struggled to get his hands free but the ropes were tight. After ten minutes or so, he gave up for the moment.

Maybe Aldena, Harlan, and Daren would think of a new plan. All Rian and Zane could do now was wait.

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