Magic Discovered

Chapter 28

"So how many enemies are there?" James asked as he and Aur flew to the battlefield.

"We think there are 25 and have not detected any others in the surrounding area. However, if we delay much longer, then reinforcements will arrive. And when they find out that it was the Ikirian who fought..."

"Then Nu will know that you guys are going against his goals and try and wipe you out." James finished.

Aur nodded. "Exactly. We need to finish investigating the lantern as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Nu seems to have impressed its importance upon the squadron, and they aren't leaving it unguarded. As such, the plan is as follows. The Ikirian will focus the fighting on one side, which will leave only a small group defending the artifact. Then it will be up to you and your mages to take them down and protect Lydia."

"That should work."

"Good. We're almost at the site and your friends are already there. Prepare yourself."

The jungle thinned around them and over the rushing wind in his ears James could begin to hear the sounds of fighting. Occasionally, the glow from a spell or explosion lit up the trees and different elements flew up high into the sky before dissipating.

"Jesus, they're not holding back!" James said after seeing the intensity of a particularly nasty lightning bolt.

Aur didn't respond immediately. James was about to ask what was wrong when he shot downwards, causing the boy's stomach to enter his mouth. Overhead, a blast of pressure flew by and smashed into a tree, vaporizing a large hole out of the middle.

Aur set James on the ground and rose back up, hovering in the air.

"Flying isn't safe anymore with the number of spells being thrown. From here, head towards the battle and stay on the outskirts until you see an opportunity to head to the lantern. Your friends are being dropped off close to this position, and if I remember Lydia correctly, your amulets should allow you to communicate and reunite."

"Got you. How long do we have till the other guards arrive?"

Aur let out an annoyed chitter that didn't translate. "20 minutes at best. Let's be quick!"

He buzzed off, heading to rejoin the other Ikirian, and James began to push through the vegetation. Even with magic to cool him down, the air was still ridiculously muggy and hot.

"Hello? Guys, come in. Have you arrived yet?"

James pushed several plants out of the way and pulled out his amulet.

"I'm here, Algon. Where's the others?"

"Delta's standing right next to me, but we can't find Lydia. The battle's too thick!"

"Alright, stay there. We've got a little under 20 minutes to finish things up before the reinforcements arrive."

An explosion echoed out of the amulet and James' eyes widened.

"Are you guys ok!?!"

"We're fine, we're fine," Algon coughed after a moment. "Nothing broken. But I think that the guards... YEP, THAT'S A FIREBALL. DELTA!!!"

Through the link, James could hear Delta's pistols firing rapidly.

"The guards noticed us," Algon said in a hurry. "We'll retreat into the jungle and head around to the back of the fight. Find Lydia and meet up with us there."

"Understood," James said. "Don't die."

"We'll try not to."

The amulet's sigils faded, signaling they had ended the connection, and James continued forward. He didn't dare call out for fear of attracting unwanted attention but made sure to keep his eyes peeled for any sign of his friend. The ground rumbled as a pillar of fire spiraled into the sky off to his right.