Soul of Light (The Hidden Wizard Book 4) Read online

  “Try again.” Lara darted off, trying to circle around the Skull Queen. She ducked in quickly and tried a slash with her dagger. It glanced off a piece of armour, but Lara managed to retreat safely.

  “She’s quite fast, but still needs time to manoeuvre the giant blade. I have some options.”

  “Hopefully, you won’t need them.” Alrion started to prepare another spell. He sent a wave of force at the Skull Queen, trying to wrap her up completely. She swung her great sword, the movement seemingly cutting through the waves of force and rendering them useless.

  What? That’s not possible.

  Taking advantage of their surprise, the Skull Queen launched a sweeping attack at Lara. The young thief only narrowly dodged away and quickly retreated.

  “Too close. Your spell failed?” Lara said in between breaths.

  “She somehow cut it down. I need to keep trying.” Alrion went back to basics. He launched a small fireball, aiming for the Skull Queen’s head. This time she batted it away like it was nothing. Lara had to dodge the fireball, and it exploded into the ground nearby.

  “Her sword, it’s magical somehow.”

  “I can see that,” Alrion muttered. He tried again. Drawing upon even more Spark, he raised a cage of fire around the Skull Queen, ensuring the flames rose to twice her height. She used her sword like a giant fan, blowing away a section of the flames and stepping through unharmed.

  Is she grinning? This is so frustrating.

  He needed something else. Ranged attacks were not working. But he had to conserve what little Soul Power he had. It took a long time to regenerate.

  Desperate times. Alrion drew his sword. The diamond on the pommel shone brightly in response to the Skull Queen.

  “Alrion, no. That’s too dangerous. She’s an elite fighter.” Lara started to retreat further, approaching him.

  “There’s no other way. I can protect myself.” Alrion gripped the sword tightly, then remembered Alyx’s training. He forced himself to relax, although it didn’t quite hold. But at least he had the right idea.

  “It’s me you want!” Alrion yelled. He strode forward in a defensive stance, closing the gap. He stared her in the eyes. Those pure white eyes on a ghastly face. He tried to picture Alyx within.

  There’s no way a bit of Soul Power can fix this.

  The Skull Queen closed in. Alrion stepped forward, launching into the most common sword routine they had practised.

  Remember. Remember, Alyx.

  The Skull Queen parried easily, anticipating each strike. Alrion kept pushing, going faster and faster. A strange unearthly laugh came from her. Despite his upping the intensity, she wasn’t even slightly challenged. As he prepared the final strike he stopped suddenly and dropped his sword. The Skull Queen had already begun to swing to counter him. However, the strike extended further out putting her slightly off-balance but sending the great sword hurtling at Alrion’s chest.

  “No!” Lara screamed. Alrion could sense her running in. Two knives bounced harmlessly off the Skull Queen. As the blade came in, Alrion used the remaining Soul Power he had to infuse into his hands. He caught the blade with his hands and threw it towards the ground.

  The swing in momentum threw the Skull Queen off balance, and the sword clattered away as she lurched forward. Alrion threw himself forward, tackling her, and they both fell to the ground. He found himself on top of her, staring into her ghastly face. Lara joined them immediately, helping to pin the Skull Queen to the ground.

  “You’re crazy,” Lara whispered.

  “Yes.” Alrion could say nothing else. He just stared into the eyes of his friend.

  8

  The Fall of Hurdenor

  The initial rally was heartening. The captain and the remaining guards defended the makeshift gate that Vincent had constructed. And initially, it worked. But Vincent could see a looming problem.

  Now that they’re in the gates, they can reinforce much faster and swarm us. Where’s the relief?

  Vincent sliced through a Blighter’s arm and kicked it to the ground. He turned quickly to look for his wife.

  No sign yet. Hopefully, she’s found something.

  Vincent returned to the fight. He was slowly draining his Soul Power, trying to keep his body from tiring too quickly. It was unfortunate that he had exerted himself so much in the frantic rush to build some fortifications. And they were paying dividends. But he was tiring way too quickly.

  How are we going to win this? Where’s Alrion?

  The battle raged on. Vincent pushed forward to the front line. His Runesteel was working wonders, quickly and efficiently slicing through Blighters. But he was just one man, and he was not a young man. Despite his level of activity and proficiency, the blade could have done more in the hands of an elite fighter. Vincent was not that man, although he accounted well for himself.

  The assault slowed, and the Blighters started to hold back.

  “Hold!’ the captain shouted. Vincent nodded at him. The man knew when to keep the men in line. The guards waited, a strange silence falling over them. The Blighters parted, and a man walked out. He was dressed in black armour, with white trim along most of the edges. He had a sword and shield strapped to his back.

  “I wondered who I would find here. I so wanted to meet Alrion, but I knew that the bait was just too tempting.” The man spoke loudly, to no one in particular. The guards murmured amongst themselves.

  “Blacksmith, show yourself. I would speak with you.” The guards looked amongst each other, then noticed Vincent. Vincent checked again for Celes, but there was no sign.

  Play along for now.

  Vincent sheathed his sword and slowly picked his way through the defenders until he was alone in front of the Blight horde. The man regarded him.

  “I don’t believe we have formally met. I’m Darvin. I…”

  “I know what you are.” Vincent interrupted him.

  “Good, that makes things easier. Your name is… Vincent?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, not your true name. But, you see, I can play along with everyone.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  What is he playing at?

  “You are probably wondering where your son is. He’s with the Skull Queen right now. I gave him a choice, you see. Come here and save a city or go there and save one person.”

  “I see.”

  “Not very good at arithmetic, is he?” Darvin laughed.

  “There are different ways to save people.”

  “How interesting. I’m so glad that you came, this was going to be quite a bore otherwise.” Darvin started pacing around. Vincent watched him with caution, hand on his sword hilt.

  “That’s a nice blade you have there. But it’s not enough.” Darvin paused his pacing and regarded Vincent. A cruel smile came across his face.

  “Ah, I have it. I am going to give you a choice as well.” Darvin chuckled. Vincent tightened his grip on the sword.

  Where is Celes?

  “Everyone, pay attention. If this man here accepts a one-on-one fight with me and wins, I will spare this city. If he runs away, or if he loses, then you all die.” Darvin watched the crowd. Murmurs ran through the guards. The captain walked over to Vincent.

  “Are you going to accept?”

  “Likely. Although I have no chance.”

  “We have no chance of winning this battle. Any chance is better than that.” Vincent nodded.

  “I am sorry this falls to you, although you seem to have some connection to this. Perhaps you can perform a miracle this day.” The captain clapped Vincent on the shoulder and started to walk away.

  “The name’s Douglas by the way. We should call you Vincent?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good luck, Vincent.”

  “Thanks.” Vincent looked again for a sign of his wife but found nothing.

  I’ll try and drag this out as long as possible.

  “I accept your challenge. What are the terms?”

>   “We duel, and the loser loses.”

  “To the death?”

  “I’ll see how I feel about that.” Darvin laughed and started to arm himself.

  I need to be careful, he could do anything. I don’t even know what his real strength is.

  Vincent unsheathed his sword and took a ready stance. He felt within himself for his Soul Power. There was very little remaining.

  I need to save it. Use it for an advantage.

  Darvin was ready, his shield strapped to one arm and his sword in the other. He banged the shield with the sword, and the dread shield reverberated through the space.

  “Let’s see what you can bring.” Darvin started advancing. Vincent took a deep breath.

  Here we go.

  Vincent struck first, stepping into a sequence of blows, alternating low and high. Darvin led with his shield, blocking the strikes easily. The Runesteel bounced harmlessly off. Darvin then parried the final attack and lashed out with his shield. Vincent noticed just in time, tumbling to the side and quickly scrambling back onto his feet.

  “You are resourceful. But as you can see, your weapon does nothing. I can withstand your blows all day.” Darvin advanced again, looming in front of Vincent. The general was of average height, but he had a huge presence.

  Just focus on the basics.

  Vincent stepped back and waited. Darvin became inpatient and launched into an attack of his own. He led with his sword, opening with a criss-cross pattern of slashes that forced Vincent to parry, dodge, and retreat. Darvin grew bolder, launching another series that interspersed his shield seemingly at random. The clangs of sword on sword, sword on shield rang out through the space. Vincent was holding his own but couldn’t press Darvin. The general’s defences seemed impenetrable.

  I need to create an opening. But even if I do, how would it work?

  Vincent felt within for his Soul Power. It sat there, waiting. He could try to use it for a burst of speed or strength. But neither seemed like enough. There had to be more he could do.

  Purely by instinct, Vincent started channelling the Soul Power into his hand. But then further. He tried to force it into his sword. He could sense the resistance. Then it started to give way.

  It’s working.

  It was a slow progress, but it seemed to be holding. Darvin hadn’t seemed to notice, and as the blows continued Vincent didn’t notice any difference in the clashes between blade and shield.

  It’s almost like I need to have more, or I need to activate it.

  Vincent dashed back and found more space. He continued the slow infusing of the weapon.

  “I’m getting bored, Vincent. You started with a bit of fire, but now you’re just playing for time. I won’t put up with that. Let’s get this really going.” Darvin charged forward.

  I need to be ready.

  Vincent waited cautiously, gauging the right time. With every shield block, he did his best to notice the way the shield had been constructed. Gradually, he built up a mental map of the shield’s formation and potential weak spots.

  It’s clearly special, but it was still built. I can do some good here.

  Vincent let the last of the Soul Power go. He was ready. Launching a flurry of blows, he took Darvin by surprise. Again, and again Vincent moved forward, seeking the advantage. At the end of each strike, he pivoted and found another angle. Vincent could sense the frustration in his opponent and built on it. More and more he pushed. Finally, the blacksmith had a good opening.

  This is my only chance.

  Vincent wound up a powerful strike. Darvin shifted back and held up his shield to absorb the blow. Vincent adjusted his arm slightly, aiming for a spot where he thought the shield was weakest. At the same time, he unleashed whatever Soul Power he had been saving. The blade glowed white hot, the light and heat streaking off in a fiery blaze. Vincent heard gasps from the crowd as the blade fell, biting into the shield.

  Darvin stumbled back, swearing. Vincent stumbled, having put everything into that blow. He looked up to see his handiwork. There was a great big crack through the dark shield. It wasn’t broken, but it was weakened.

  I’ve laid the foundation. That’s all I can do.

  A cheer rose up from the guards. But they didn’t realise, not yet, that this wasn’t the start of a comeback. That was Vincent’s best and only shot.

  “Nice trick, blacksmith. But the shield still held.” Darvin practically snarled the words. His eyes were alight with a fiery anger that wasn’t present before.

  Should I feel proud or distinctly afraid now?

  “You may feel like you’ve won, but all you’ve done is annoy me. The real fight starts now.” Darvin rushed forward with incredible speed. Vincent watched the sword closely, teasing out the real strike amongst all the movements.

  There! He picked it up and went to parry. Even with perfect timing and execution, he was knocked back by the pure force and intensity of the strike. The noise from the onlookers suddenly dropped. It was clear how the rest of the fight was going to go.

  I can’t fall here. There’s too much at stake.

  Vincent rose from a crouch. He felt weaker, his strength was fading.

  Not now. Not now. With weariness, he forced himself into a ready stance.

  “We both know you’re done for. Now you’ve shown them all the true power of the Blight. I wonder how I’ll finish you off?” Darvin gave Vincent an evil grin.

  “You’re wrong. I broke your unbreakable shield. I am not the one to take you down, but I’ve shown it’s possible. Word will spread, don’t you worry.”

  “Fear will spread when they hear of what I’ve done to you!” With each word, Darvin’s voice escalated until he was shouting.

  “Not on my watch, creature!” Celes shouted, drawing his attention. He didn’t spot the thing she had hurled until the last second. The vial shattered at Darvin’s feet, a mini explosion staggering him and the ensuing smoke screening the battlefield.

  “Now!” Celes shouted. Vincent turned and ran. There was no honour in dying here, as much as it pained him to leave these people.

  “I don’t like this,” he said.

  “Be thankful that you’re alive to not like it.” Celes led him back through the makeshift fortifications, deeper into the Trade District.

  “But what of them?”

  “They’ve already started evacuating, you bought them some time. Now it’s time for you to leave.” Celes tightened her grip on his hand.

  “I’m not arguing.” Vincent tried to shake his hand free, but Celes just tightened her grip.

  “And I’m not letting go. There’s a tunnel we can use to escape the city.” Celes dragged him into a shop and rushed towards the back. There was a rug pushed to the side, and a square trap down in the floor.

  “Open her up.” Celes pointed. Vincent dropped down and heaved the trapdoor up. He could see a set of stairs descending into darkness. Some rather bad smells wafted up as well.

  “Quick. Go.” Celes almost shoved him into the hatch. Vincent started climbing down, then stopped.

  “Hey, what about you? Don’t worry about hiding this.”

  “I’ve got a guy lined up for that. Just keep going so I can join you.”

  Vincent continued climbing and noted with relief that his wife was joining him. As they reached the bottom, there was enough light to see their surroundings. It was an old and disused tunnel. Murky and wet.

  “Grab that torch and let’s get moving. You really riled that monster up.”

  “He asked for it. Do you think he’ll follow us down here?” Vincent said as he retrieved the torch. He started walking quickly down the tunnel.

  “Absolutely. He wants to make an example of you, that much is clear.”

  “Hasn’t he already done that?” Vincent picked up the pace.

  “No, you have a way with people. And monsters.” Celes let out a small chuckle.

  “I really wish that wasn’t the case.” Vincent felt conflicted running from the fight.
But he knew he couldn’t win. And it was reassuring that Celes had helped the townsfolk evacuate.

  Alrion, I hope you’re safe. What are you doing?

  9

  Fall of the Skull Queen

  The Skull Queen hissed at him and struggled to throw him off. But Alrion held on, and Lara’s weight helped pin her down.

  “This is not going to last long.”

  “I know. We have to try.” Lara grunted and shifted her weight again.

  “Hand me the Soul Orb.” Alrion held out his hand. Lara fished it out and handed it over. The Skull Queen shifted suddenly, knocking the orb to the ground. It clattered away out of reach.

  “I’ll get it.” Lara scrambled off to retrieve the orb. The Skull Queen capitalised, shaking Alrion off. He quickly rose, keeping close. The Skull Queen looked cautiously between the two, eyeing off her blade. She needed to go through Lara to get there.

  “There’s no time. I’ll make a distraction, you try to finish it.” Alrion started advancing at the Skull Queen.

  Without her sword, my Spark is more useful.

  Alrion decided to be cautious. He threw a wave of force at one leg, trying to upset her balance. The Skull Queen noticed the magic but mostly shrugged it off.

  Let’s try some fire.

  Alrion let loose a series of small fireballs, aimed at her chest. The creature let some impact, the flames licking at her armour and burning out. She swatted two away.

  Keep your eyes on me.

  Alrion tried something else. He needed something with more power, that wasn’t so easily dealt with. He combined wind and fire, and something else. The combination was instinctive, drawing from his desire for a new form. Lightning arced from his hand, surprising the Skull Queen. She roared in pain, and crouched down, trying to shield herself. But there was nothing to be done.

  “This won’t last long,” Alrion shouted. He could see her testing her strength, fighting against the lightning. He saw Lara sneaking up behind the Skull Queen, the Soul Orb in her hands.