The Prophecy of Moonlight

Chapter 10

The next day, preparations for the battle were made. Everyone was informed of the plan, and they were decked in battle gear. The group that Aaqil had sent to find an underwater passage came back, unsuccessful. Lucius took a look at the Midnight Tower. The fortified tower reached high up. It was made of dark stone and its windows looked like black gaping holes. The tower was located far from the shore on an island. Lucius now saw why it would be useful to have attackers from the air.

The sun streaked the sky a multitude hues of red and pink as it set below the horizon. The wizards stood ready at the shore in organized groups. They were ready. Lucius stood next to Aaqil and the guards he had been given. Al, Logan, and four others were part of Lucius's guards.

Aaqil frowned as he intently watched the tower. "What's wrong?" asked Lucius.

"The tower. It's too quiet," clarified Aaqil.

Lucius looked at it. It was true. There was no one there, and the Society hadn't seen any guards all day.

"Well, there's no time to waste," said Aaqil. He signaled to the leader of the first group that would head off and attack from the back of the tower. The leader nodded. The wizards dived into the water. They wore bubbles around their head similar to those Chloe had made for them on their quest and had enchanted their armor to prevent them from hindering their swimming. Lucius watched the thirty wizards but soon lost them as the dark, murky water hid them.

The other members of the Society waited quietly. Nothing happened. No sound of a conflict came.

Then, Aaqil put his finger to his temple, as though listening to something. Lucius realized he was communicating with the leader of the group that had set off.

His frown deepened. He lowered his finger. "They've reached the tower. They're in plain sight, but no one's approached."

The second he finished, a booming voice appeared out of nowhere and was heard everywhere. "The Society of Moonlight! I am pleased to see such an assemblage," said the voice of Sephiran. The Society looked around as though trying to find where he was.

"But, I don't mean to fight. I would absolutely hate to have such bloodshed on my hands. In fact, this unpleasantry can be avoided. I have an offer. Give me the boy Lucius and war will be prevented."

Aaqil gritted his teeth. He yelled out loud, "That won't be happening Sephiran! We are not going to give up and hand you Lucius. We are prepared to fight you. We will go to war if necessary."

The members of the Society roared in approval. Lucius felt terrible about it. He didn't want people to die for him anymore.

"How charming! But, what does the boy have to say about this?" asked Sephiran.

Everyone turned to him expectantly. Making up his mind, Lucius yelled, "I'll come to you! There is no need for war."

The others yelled in disapproval. Aaqil turned to him. "Lucius, that's not an option! What do you think you're doing?"

In a low voice, Lucius leaned towards Aaqil and answered, "I'm not handing myself over. I'm going to fight him. Just like the prophecy said."

Aaqil replied, "I understand that. But, I still don't like the idea." Looking at Lucius's determined face, he finally nodded, though didn't seem too pleased. "Alright, then. But, make sure you're careful and don't get hurt."

Sephiran voice spoke again. "So, do we have a deal?"

"Yes! We do. Lucius is coming to you," replied Aaqil.

There was a deafening uproar from the wizards. Amidst the noise, Sephiran voice boomed, "Splendid! Lucius, you may come."

As he spoke, a stone walkway appeared over the water of the ocean, connecting the island to the shore.