Episode 9
Blast! Magic sizzled in the air like electricity as Sizrit cast his first spell. A bolt of indigo lightning blasted from the fingertips of the white robed woman Sizrit had taken the form of. The bolt flew true and sent Direz reeling into the forest snapping branches as he was launched almost fifty feet from where he stood, robe and arms flailing madly as he flew.
“Insolent Wench!" Screamed the other Red Wizard, Malek, as he began gesturing in the air preparing his spell. Red sparks crackled on his fingertips as he swept the air in graceful arcs. He thrust his hands forward and five fiery stars erupted from the campfire, floated above it for a moment, and then streaked toward Sizrit. Sizrit dodged most of them but was struck by one in the arm as he spun to avoid the blow. His skin was left charred on the shoulder of Owl feather’s form. He looked up and began reciting a spell, malice blazing in his eyes. Aluthine stopped chanting, seemingly distracted for a moment by the magical display.
“Keep going witch!" The last wizard, Kahn, commanded Aluthine and she lurched up. As if struck in the forehead by some unseen force she continued her chant to unlock her mother's mask in her hypnotized daze. Meanwhile, Quinn watched the battle from the forest, fearing for his friend as "She" began another spell. Sizrit's body became wreathed in golden fire while Quinn watched. Direz was shaking off the daze of the first spell and began climbing to his feet to aid his comrades.
“I don't think so." Quinn whispered to himself and drew a small dagger from his sleeve. Thunk! The dagger flew with deadly accuracy into the back of Direz' neck. He fell face-first into the ferns and lay still. Quinn suppressed a cheer of triumph so as not to give his hiding place away. Quinn turned back to the scene just in time to see Sizrit lunge at Malek and tackle him to the ground. Malek screamed as his body was consumed in amber flame as they rolled together. Quinn looked over to Aluthine and saw the mask floating in front of her on its own accord. He had to stop her! Lord Kahn, it seemed, needed to keep his concentration on Aluthine to continue his control over her, Quinn surmised. He began to sneak through the forest toward the head wizard.
"Get off of me Harper!" Malek shrieked and pushed Sizrit away with some effort. Sizrit took the blow and spun gracefully away from the smoldering wizard who was now wearing little more than robe tatters and charred skin.
“Harper? I'm flattered but no, I'm no Harper." Sizrit taunted seductively. “Just passing through."
“What do you want then?” He asked, painfully climbing to his feet to square off again. They began circling each other preparing for the next attack.
“You wouldn't happen to know of one called the Simbul, would you?" Sizrit smiled sweetly. Terror crossed over Malek's face and he looked around to see if anyone else was approaching unseen. Sizrit smiled broader seeing that his ruse had the effect he was looking for.
“Sh..She’s here?" He said panicked.
“No, but she will be. I have sent word that I have found your little band. You see we've been looking for you and it just so happens that I mistakenly stumbled upon your little bonfire and found you."
“You lie!" Malek snarled.
"Would you like to wait and see your statement true or would you like to keep your life?" Sizrit put a hand on his hip like a taunting barmaid. Malek bared his teeth and began gesturing for another spell. “As you wish." Sizrit began his own spell in unison.
Quinn made his way around just behind Kahn, being as cautious as possible. The wizard was still chanting with Aluthine and the mask now spun slowly in the air in front of her. Quinn nocked a bolt into his crossbow and leveled it at Kahn. The bolt sang true to its target but when it reached him it stopped mid-flight and fell harmlessly to the ground. Kahn spun around, breaking his concentration, and stared at the Halfling looking back at him from the forest. Aluthine fell in a crumpled heap, the mask clattering to the ground atop her.
"You! Meddling Halfling, you'll pay for that." He spoke a command word and Quinn's muscles froze. He was paralyzed! The wizard walked calmly into the woods towards him. He would have trembled but his body wasn't responding to his commands.
A spout of blue flame leapt from Sizrit's mouth and met Malek's green bolt midflight. The beams fought in a tug of war of magic pushing one way and then the other. The wizard called out a command and the green bolt widened. It began to push against Sizrit's jet. With his hands free, Sizrit sent a missile of energy at Malek's gut stopping the green bolt and sending the blue flame into his face. Malek let out one last scream before falling, dead, to the ground.
"Say hello to Direz for me." Sizrit waved his hand toward where the previous wizard lay in a pool of blood.
“Dear, Dear. You have made a mess of my plans haven't you?" Kahn said with a paralyzed Quinn at his side. “Care to make a wager, Witch?" Sizrit looked at his frozen friend and then back at Kahn.
“I don't make deals Wizard." He growled and began gesturing a spell in hopes of saving his friend.
"Pity. Truly a pity." Kahn laughed. Sizrit sent another indigo bolt at Kahn just to have it rebound at the last moment and turn on him. The bolt struck the wide eyed woman and sent her reeling into a tree knocking him senseless.
"Hahahaha. I'm sorry my dear. It may have been in your favor to gamble this night." Kahn sneered. He turned to Quinn “As for you. I will not kill you just yet but you will make ample sport for my irons." a cruel smile crossed his lips and he teleported away taking Quinn with him.
Sizrit looked up in time to see Kahn disappear with Quinn. His vision faded as he transformed back into his raven form.
"Yenir! We could use your help right about now." He gasped.
As his vision faded the fire erupted in golden light and in its place stood a form.
Then all went dark...
To be continued.....
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