Converging Destinies: Part 1

Chapter 51

       Zerai guided everyone out of the prison, before hesitating before exiting the prison. Eris took the time to lockpick the manacles off of every one of the fifteen former slaves that were there. Unfortunately, the party didn't have any extra clothes, so they would have to stand in a circle with the rescued people in the center.

       "I hate having to constantly depend on your magic, but we need your help sneaking to the docks Cedric." Zerai said.

       "Alright, but this is the last powerful magic I have." Cedric said. Cedric placed his hands together and muttered the incantation, the shuffling of the group's footsteps was reduced to nothing. When the group exited the building, the night was dark, this was their chance.

       In spite of the spell, the group still received several glances from those who still remained. As they got to the docks, Cedric spotted a few armored figures closing in on them from the distance.

       "We need to hurry, I bought us time, but not much." Cedric said.

       "Alright, Cedric, Ara'Sei, Eris, get them to one of the ships and begin to take off. Me and Ella should stay behind and fight anything that comes our way. We'll be able to catch up to the ship." Zerai said. Ella nodded.

       "All of you, go! I can fight them head on for you, no worries." Ella said with a smile. Then, she armed her greatsword and turned towards the armored figures. Zerai brushed his hand against Ella's granting her one last bit of vitality before the two of them fought the incoming guards. Ella took the time to breathe, gathering her energy for her last fight in Duskholme.

       "We need more help!" One of the guards shouted. Three guards charged forward to meet the two combatants.

       "I'll help from behind, you battle them up front." Zerai said.

       "Of course!" Ella agreed. She raised her greatsword and ran forward to meet the guards. Her first strike was parried, but her second struck true. The strike sent one of the guards reeling, and then the guard fell to the ground. Zerai pointed his glowing blade at the second. Radiant flames burst up and around them. The sheer fury of the flames instantly burnt the guard to death. The third guard took a few steps back.

       "How many do we have to fight?!" Ella asked.

       "Enough to buy time." Zerai answered.

       Meanwhile on the ship, Ara' Sei had effortlessly escorted everyone on. Upon investigating, Eris concluded no one else was on the ship, and they unfurled the ship's sails. Unfortunately, in the night, there was almost no wind.

       "How are we going to set sail?" Ara' Sei asked. Cedric pondered for a moment.

       "Eris, untie the ship, I have just one more thing I can do." Cedric said. Eris nodded before swiftly running over to the dock to untie the ship from the dock. The ship began to drift, sending slight ripples through the water.

       "Alright Eris, I'm going to need your help with steering." Cedric said.

       "On it Cedric!" Eris said before running to the steering wheel of the ship. Cedric ran to the stern of the ship. He took a deep breath, then dived into the water. With a flash of emerald beneath the waves, Cedric's form became that of a small shark. The shark was about ten feet in length, but it had the swimming power that Cedric didn't. He pressed his new form against the stern and began beating with his tail using all of his might. The ship wasn't moving, at least not yet.

       Meanwhile, with two new allies, the guards charged onto Ella. The first slash cut into her side. The second skimmed her shoulder. The third was a jab to her stomach.

       "Zerai! We need to go!"

Ella then counterattacked against one of the guards. The first strike didn't hit, and neither did the second.

       "Alright, we'll get out of here." Zerai said. He placed his hand on Ella's back, and with a flash of golden light. Then, the two ran as fast as they could towards the ship. To Zerai's relief, the gangplank had been lowered. But, the ship had hardly moved.

       Looking back, Ara' Sei saw the dire situation that her friends were in. She raised her hand, and let a beacon build within it, then, the beacon flew towards one of the guards with incredible force. It slammed into the guard, but the guard still stood, only now they were alarmed. Ara' Sei gathered herself. She had no choice but to succeed, if she failed, her friends, and the newly rescued she was protecting would surely meet terrible fates.