Sword of Stars

Chapter Fourteen. Blade and Beam.

The ragtag party made its way through the hilly forest east of Feldor city. Luckily the drunken sailor, Hery, had kept his word and waited for them at the docks outside the tower. The last two gold bits were too valuable to give up and he had licked his lips greedily when Cecil handed them over after they had docked safely once more. After they had made it back to the fishing village they made their way east along the shore towards the spot marked on the map.

Garek looked over his shoulder to check on Dyn and Ryn. They walked side by side jumping playfully over fallen branches and hidden holes when they appeared. Aeryn smiled at their childlike antics. A hint of sad nostalgia was subtle in her eyes. She no doubt had fond memories of her and her brothers growing up.

So far the twins had proved themselves capable of keeping up with the adults. So far nothing had happened to make use of their Heterochromancy so Garek was still unsure about them in that respect, with the exception of Ryn’s healing abilities. It would be interesting to see Dyn wielding such great power, although, it was said that the twins were famous, or infamous depending on whom you were talking to, in combining their Heterochromancy in unique ways.

Garek turned to Cecil. He was deep in thought, barely paying attention where he was going. His mood lately had become sombre ever since their visit to the tower. The memories of the place must be distracting. “Hey Cess, watch out for that branch.”

Cecil snapped out of his thoughts and quickly raised his leg higher and stepped over the dead wood. “Sorry Garek. My mind seems to be fogging up as of late.” He said gloomily.

“You can’t let the mistakes of the past affect the present. Remember what you told me years ago? ‘What’s done is done, there’s nothing you can do to change the things we regret in our past’.” Garek quoted.

Cecil sighed. “You’re right Garek. Or should I say I’m right?”

“You should listen to your own advice old man.” Garek laughed.

The old man smiled. His eyes suddenly widened in shock. “Get down!” he yelled as he grabbed Garek’s arm and pulled him to the damp forest floor. A reddish beam of energy flew over their heads and exploded against the nearest tree sending splinters of bark scattering. Aeryn spun and notched an arrow in her short bow, scanning for the source of the attack.

Garek looked up to see both Dyn and Ryn’s eyes glowing with power. Spheres of Heterochromatic power began forming in their hands. Dyn hurled a ball of fire overhead just as Ryn extended her hands and a huge gust of wind propelled the ball of fire forwards, making it roar with enhanced heat. A black figure darted out from behind the tree a split second before the ball of flame crashed into the trunk, setting the bark alight. The figure skidded to a halt then launched himself towards the twins, blades flashing from his wrists.

“Stars!” Garek jumped to his feet, drawing the Sword of Prophecy.

Aeryn loosed an arrow at the assailant and drew a second arrow, notching in quickly. Without stopping the man swung his blade and cut the arrow in half before it pierced his chest.  A brief grin spread beneath the dark hood.

The man’s eyes suddenly flashed out, blood red and bent on death. Dyn flinched back at the sight of the assassin’s eyes. “Ryn! Split up!” he yelled as he darted off while Ryn ran in the opposite direction. The assassin didn’t hesitate and shot straight after Ryn, a perverted smile on his face.

“Ryn, towards me!” Garek’s legs pumped as hard as he could as Ryn launched a gust of wind at a nearby tree, propelling her in Garek’s direction. As she flew past she threw another whirlwind, throwing the assassin off balance. His hood blew back as Garek swung his sword with a scream of rage. The assassin’s dark hair fanned out behind him as he lifted his blade to block Garek’s attack, despite Ryn’s distraction. The blades squealed as they clashed. The assassin’s eyes glared at Garek through the gap in the gleaming edges.