Catalyst(106)

Inside the keep, at the top of the main staircase, were the bodies of Krystal’s guards. One man lay on his stomach, his neck twisted so that his vacant eyes stared at the ceiling. Another guard’s face was so charred and blackened I could see half her skull.

I crept to the nearest body. She slumped against the wall, leaving a bloody trail against it. There was a fist-sized hole in her chest. I bent down and put my fingers to the blood. It was still warm. Whatever caused it could lurk nearby.

I worried that Krystal was amongst these bodies, even though the magic I felt wasn’t near here. It was off towards the end of the corridor. But the dagger could have been taken from her. I checked the bodies, and they all wore the armor of Alexandria.

I kept my guard up and crept forward, stepping over the dead bodies. Something moved. I created a very hot and hungry fireball in my hand.

“Help me,” said a weak voice. It was coming from one of the hunched, shadowy bodies. He tried to move again, and cried out in pain.

I crept toward the voice, still scanning the area. It could be a trap waiting to spring when I helped the wounded soldier.

“The princess…you must help her.” My heart beat fast at that. That meant she was still alive.

I rushed to the man, ignoring the possible trap. I had to find out what he knew. It was Ardimus. Fresh cuts and bruises marked his face, and blood trailed from a large gash in his right arm, dripping into a puddle on the floor.

“Are you all right?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

“No, but I'll live.”

My eyes scanned the shadows and open doors. There were far too many hiding places. “Is there anyone else here?”

Ardimus shook his head.

I ripped off a fallen soldier’s tunic and tied it tightly around his open wound. The cloth darkened with red. It wasn’t enough, but it would have to do. I helped Ardimus up, taking his left hand. He grunted in pain and touched a hand to his right side. It came back with more blood.

“What happened here? Where's the princess?”

“Premier came. He attacked us with magic and took her.” Ardimus shook his head in shame. “I failed.”

Ardimus’s clothes had disintegrated over his chest, but his chainmail remained intact. I sensed magic coming from the chainmail. I latched onto some mana and touched it. It hummed in response.

“How did you—”

“My chainmail and sword are enchanted. They were a gift, long ago, and provided some protection.” Ardimus squirmed in pain. “But they weren't enough.” He looked at the dead bodies strewn across the floor. “My people…the princess. We've got to help her.”

“No, I will find her.”

“But—”

“You're in no shape to fight Premier. If you weren't hurt, I would be honored to have you by my side. I need you—no, the princess needs you to guard King Furlong. Will you do that?”

“I will follow her orders,” he said, the embers in his eyes growing into flames. “Please give me my sword.”

I walked a few paces away and picked up his scimitar. Magical power lurked within. I handed Ardimus his sword. He drew himself erect and proud, even though it hurt him to do so.

“Make him pay dearly for what he's done, Hellsfire.”

“You have my word.” I left Ardimus and called the wind to help me in my race.

I followed the magic, running through the empty hallways and down another flight of stairs. It was strange to be inside the castle with no guards or servants. The enchantment led me down familiar corridors until I realized there was only one place Premier would have taken her—his tower.

When I arrived at the northwest tower and stepped through the doorway, I had my magic at the ready. I didn't summon any mana in case Premier could sense it, but it lurked just under the surface. I prayed Premier would be alone. I didn’t want to have to worry about that damn ogre of his.

I expected they would be down in his workroom, but my spell pulled me upstairs. I crept up the stairs and hid at the top, peeking around the corner. The haze in my head disappeared when I saw them. Premier and Krystal stood in a large, spacious room. Parts of the stone walls were cracked, bits of them scattered on the floor. Black scorch marks spotted the walls. There was no furniture. The starkness and condition of the room reminded me of the training room in the White Mountain. The princess still had the dagger; I could sense the hidden weapon.

“For the last time, I will not give you what you want!” the princess said. Her hands were bound, but she stood tall and proud before Premier.

Premier turned to the side, a thoughtful look on his face. “I underestimated you. I had thought you weak. Who would have thought that the blood of Alexander would run so strong in a girl?”