Protector of the Enchanted

It doesn’t take long before our carriage pulls up in the middle of a barren town square. The only people wandering around are the ones carrying shopping bags in their arms, who seem to be in a rush to go somewhere. As I look around, it becomes clear that something unusual is going on in town.

Some of the houses are padlocked shut from the outside. While others have wood nailed to the windows. Shop fronts are also mostly blocked off, with only a window big enough to pass groceries and bags through.

Wandering deeper into the town, we find a place to park the carriage, securing it in place by the reins. The air feels so heavy that I don’t have the heart to break the silence that descended as soon as we arrived. But it needs to be broken nonetheless.

“What now?” Cylen whispers as he glances around.

Gem taps a finger on her chin, before shrugging. “We decided to find the castle.”

“How?” His hand sweeps across the town square, “We can’t even see it from here.”

“We’ll have to ask someone.” Ryan runs a hand through his hair, letting his eyes wander.

“Easier said than done.”

“True.” I cut in, “But it might just be the only option we have.”

My cousin nods, “Let’s just hope that they speak in a language we understand this time.” I feel the corners of my lips twitch but decide to just nod.

Like Cylen mentioned, finding a guide is easier said than done. No one we come across stops to listen. In fact they don’t stop at all, too absorbed in their own tasks. I do notice that some of them start to slow for a second but speed up once again as soon as they hear the word ‘castle’, eyes growing wide and face growing ashen.

Soon, understanding dawns on me that the castle is considered to be a taboo subject with the people of this town. The others seem to have come to the same conclusion, with Gem pulling me to sit on the side of the path.

“I don’t think anyone here will be willing to tell us anything about a castle.”

“Then what do we do?” Cylen mutters, nervously glancing around.

“I suppose,” Ryan answers him, “We’ll just have to wander around and hope to come across it.” His voice seems contemplative. I wonder what he’s thinking about.

A growl draws all our attention back to a sheepish Cylen, a hand covering his blushing face.

“Pft.” A laugh escapes me, leading Gem to chuckle as well. Ryan has his eyebrows raised, but there’s a smile playing upon his lips. “Maybe we should get something to eat before then.”

He returns my grin, his voice coming out in a whisper, “That would be a great idea.”

Rumbling echoed around her as she stood on the hill, screams carried through the wind. She could feel her heartbeat in her ears as she rushed into the midst of the battle. Her daggers clutched close to her body, ready to strike at any moment. It had been some while since she had needed to utilise them, her duties making it impossible to join her cousin’s journeys.

Pain pulled at her heart in that moment, but she forced the tears back. Later. She would think upon it later.

The lessons came blaring back as an enemy soldier neared, a voice yelling at her to strike the heart. She had once been told that the heart was the easiest way to kill someone, however if it was armoured, she would need to go for the head. Luckily, the woman was not wearing much armour, so she wouldn’t need to behead anyone just yet. She offered a prayer for her soul, hoped that death would save her from the possession, before continuing her path.

Manor. That’s where she needed to go. What she needed to focus on. Not the screaming of children as the tendrils of darkness attacked them. If she focused on that, then she would not be able to suppress the feeling of hopelessness that threatened to consume her.

She wondered who was controlling them.What manner of emotion consumed them? For it was the emotion, she had been told, that decided the purpose of the power. Another pang of pain. Hopefully that man would one day find some peace. She didn’t want her friend to suffer so much.

Almost there. She wielded her daggers to cut any darkness or enemy in her way. Her prayers becoming fewer as she raced against time, with the numbers growing. Later. She would offer a prayer for all their souls later, if she survived. The manor was only a few steps away.

Suddenly, she felt something wrap around her ankle, pain coursing through her body. A wince and then a muffled scream as the thing pulled her to the ground, dragging her across it and into the air. She tried to slash the tendril of darkness with her dagger, but it would not disperse.

More joined it, holding her in place. They seemed to be mocking her, as the pain she expected to come didn’t, they only held her still. What were they doing?

She got the answer to her question as two familiar voices screamed in pain. Her eyes grew wide, a silent screaming coming from her mouth. She struggled against their hold, frantically trying to break free.

No! No. No. No. Please no. She couldn’t stop the tears streaming down her face as she was forced to watch, her struggles only increasing the sting on her limbs. She did not care.

‘Let them go!’ Her thoughts screamed. She would have screamed the words out loud; however, the words would not leave her mouth. Her ability to speak stolen by the sight that lay before her eyes.

Her parents, wrapped in the tendrils, the slimy colour growing murky as they feasted. Her heart thundered, silent sobs tremoring through her as their movement grew weaker, their eyes growing vacant. Their souls were being taken from them. Tears clouded her vision, her heart feeling as if it would shatter, but she made herself keep watching.

Death. It would be a welcome release for the soulless. Everyone knew it as fact. Knew they themselves would rather die than have their bodies be puppets under some monster’s control. She knew it too.

Yet a blinding pain threatened to break her as she considered what she needed to do. In her sorrow, she dropped the daggers, her sobs becoming more audible as the reality sunk in. She would need to kill them.

Another kind of pain struck her as the darkness tightened its hold. Her struggle began anew as she realised what their target was. She could not and would not let this happen passively, would not accept this as her fate. How could she let her soul be stolen when she still had duties to fulfil, tasks she needed to complete, and promises that needed to be kept. Pure and utter impotence filled her senses as her struggle proved futile. Striking pain soon overtaking.

‘I wish she were here.’ She missed her now more than ever. It was funny, how it had taken her not being there for her to realise just how much she needed her. How much they all needed her. They needed light to defeat the darkness, yet the light was no longer around.

That was another harrowing pain. One that lingered still. Her cousin had always been there, even when she had needed to undergo training. Which was what made her absence all the more heartbreaking.

‘I’ll never get to tell him…’ Thinking became harder, ‘Never get to say the words…’

A promise still not fulfilled, she regretted it. Regretted not marrying him when he had first asked her to. Tears streamed down her face as she closed her eyes, her limbs growing feebler with the passage of time. She opened them once again when a shrill scream echoed in the air, the tendrils loosening their hold.

Light. Pure light ate at the darkness, burning it with its hold, slowly consuming it. It wound its hold around her, creating a barrier around her. Disbelief made her eyes widen, jaw dropping slightly as she watched. Hearing the screams grow louder until…the light had completely consumed the darkness. It lay her gently on the ground, gesturing an apology before moving towards the manor, enveloping all it came across.

It was only when the manor crumbled to the ground, her parents falling to the ground in eternal sleep, that she believed it was truly real. The light made its way to the rest of the city. Shrill screams and relieved sighs reverberating in the wind, leaving her motionless on the ground.

Familiar. The touch of the light had been so familiar that it hurt, tears streamed down her face for another reason. Her hand came to cover her mouth as she shuddered with sobs, wondering if she would even have any tears left.

Relief filled her body as well. Relief that she hadn’t needed to make the kill, and that the light had purified them. She could not stop, the sobs turned into wails as the emotions consumed her. Relief, pain, and sorrow intermingling, triggering the grief.

Passage of time evaded her as she released the knot that tightened her chest, all the while trying to hide her face. Slowly, the wails turned into sobs, the sobs abating into trembles. She wiped her face, making her feet stand, to pick up her daggers.

The grief remained, yet the release had created a calm within her. Echoes of pain remained, and she knew that although her soul had not been taken from her, she did not have much time left. Even so, she was not afraid. Not anymore.

There was only one destination she had in mind when she walked through her city. She took in the strange calm that now filled it, and a small smile flittered across her face. Her people were safe. There was no longer need for her to remain. She could go to him.

Sating our hunger had given us some time to contemplate our options. Sadly, we had none. Well, none except to wander around aimlessly until we came across something resembling a castle. Gem said that would take too long, but I pointed out that we didn’t really have any other options. So, she’d reluctantly agreed to the plan, but not before stealing a chocolate bun from Cylen.

“Are we really going to just wander around aimlessly until we come across something.”

“For the hundredth time, yes.”

Gem scrunches up her face, “It’s only the tenth time.”

“That’s nine times too many.” I point out, earning an amused chuckle from Ryan and a muttered sentence from Cylen.

I narrow my eyes at him, but he only puts his hands up in surrender, a sheepish smile accompanying.

“Well,” Gem pokes my side, “I still think this is a terrible idea.”

“Do you have a better one?” I tilt my head, “Because I’m open to suggestions.”

Before she has a chance to reply, Cylen gasps, freezing in his steps. I understand his shock when I see what has him gasping that loud. There across the street are some gold-plated soldiers, their eyes so vacant, they could be mistaken for ghouls. Their cheeks are hollow, their colouring pale and green.

But the most disturbing aspect is how they seem to just mindlessly move from one step to another. No emotion in their figure, arms limp. The people around them scramble to move out of their path.

“Alright, something is definitely wrong here.” Cylen whispers.

“But what?” I ask.

“I suppose that’s what we’ll need to find out.” Ryan gives a solemn nod before walking towards them.

Instinct seems to take over as I follow close behind. The only thought in my mind to find out what the hell is going on here. One of the soldiers sees us approach, his vacant face sluggishly taking us in before stopping in place. The others don’t seem to register our approach, continuing their movements.

No words come out of his mouth, only a slow nod signalling us to speak. My mind goes blank, no idea how to start this conversation. Luckily, I don’t need to find words.

“Have you always been like this?”Straight to the point I see.

A shake of his head.

“Can you tell us how you became like this?” I enquire.

The soldier opens his mouth, yet all that comes out is a grumbled groan.

“You can’t speak?” I ask at the same time as my partner mutters, “You are mute?”

A slow nod. Oh. Well then.

“He can still give us answers,” I turn to Ryan. “We just need to ask in a yes or no format.” He hums in acknowledgment.

“How long have you been like this?” Cylen asks coming in beside us.

The soldier tilts his head, blinking his eyes before holding up to two fingers. Oh, I suppose it’s not just yes or no questions.

“Two what?” Gem joins. “Months?” A shake of his head.

“Years?” No.

“Days?” Cylen asks in a hopeful tone. A small smile. Still no.

“What else could it be?” Gem questions, hands flying into the air.

“Decades?” Ryan slowly guesses, meeting his eyes. A slow nod. Decades it is.

The answer leads to a stunned silence between us, Cylen’s mouth gaping open. What could have led to two decades of silent near zombification? How did they even get to be in this state? Why would the people avoid them? Wait…Avoid them…

“Does this have something to do with why no-one will speak about the castle?” I break the silence.

He nods his head. Ah, so my guess was correct.

“I would ask what’s in the castle,” Ryan sighs, “However you would not be able to provide an answer.” An apologetic smile.

“Will you tell us where the castle is?” Gem suddenly interrupts.

His skin turns even more pallid, if that’s even possible, eyes wide as he makes a ‘why’ gesture.

“We have some business there.” Ryan mutters coolly.

“Please.” I add.

He hesitates for a moment, but ultimately points us in the direction before moving away at a speed faster than what we’ve observed so far.

“Perhaps we can find a way to help them.”

I sigh, “Perhaps. If we can figure out what’s causing their condition.”

“How are we going to do that?” Gem gives me a curious look.

“I don’t know.” A sigh, “I guess we’ll see when we get there.”

“You sure do like to offer your aid.” I level him with a look before glancing around. Once again, my feet halt in their movement.

“Is that what I think it is?” My voice comes out calmer than I feel.

“Yes.” A solemn nod. “That is most definitely a tendril of darkness.”

“What?” The other two ask in unison. It seemed to be a rhetorical question as they didn’t enquire any further, rapidly turning.

“What are those things doing here?”

“How are they here?” The only answer they receive is a shrug, none of us know what or how they got here.

“What should we do?” Cylen unconsciously moves a hand to the spear on his back, “We can’t just let them float around.”

Gem pales, “It’s too dangerous.”

“We’ve already fought them before.” I remind her, “What do you mean too dangerous?” Gem shakes her head, a shudder running through her body. Then, with tremoring hands, she reaches out and takes Cylen’s.

“They are said to be able to reap your soul.” Cylen answers for her. “In fact, I still find it amazing how you survived.”

“They can certainly do that.” Ryan acknowledges. “Still… that leaves the question of whether or not we are going to interfere. Although,” He tilts his head, facing me, “I don’t suppose you fancy the idea of leaving it as it is.”

“There could be a hoard of them nearby.”

A nod, “Yes. Most likely.”

“They’re a danger to the people living in this city.” Another nod.

I meet each of their eyes, “I say we put it to a vote.” I put my hand in the middle, “My vote is to help.”

“So is mine.” Cylen places his hand on mine, Gem reluctantly following.

I turn my eyes to see a slightly smiling Ryan. “As you wish.” He places his hand on the huddle.

With our course of action decided, there was nothing to be done but find a way to achieve our purpose in the swiftest method possible. After deliberating for a few moments, we decided to set a trap in the middle of the square to draw the darkness into one place. It also means we won’t have to run around the city looking for the tendrils individually.

We also concurred that it would be best to get the inhabitants of the city to stay inside. Partially so they would be out of harm’s way. But also, so they wouldn’t get in our way.

“Are you sure this will work?” I’m still sceptical that this would be able to draw them in.

“Positive, they won’t be able to resist this stuff.” He doesn’t look up from where he’s drawing a circle.

“It’s just a flower.”

“Not just a flower.” He shoots me a quick smile, “It’s a white daisy, which means that its pure. Trust me, darkness is always drawn to the light.” The last sentence is said in an almost mocking manner, making me wonder whether he’s speaking from experience.

It’s not your place to pry.True. Besides, there is another question nagging at me, “Have you had daisies with you this whole time? How many are in there?”

I hear a chuckle before he clears his throat, “Look they’re back.” He gets up and walks towards them.

“Don’t change the subject!” I shout after him, resulting in amused laughter being carried to me.

Settling down in a nearby bush, we wait for the darkness to gather. It doesn’t take very long for swirling tendrils to make their way into the centre of the trap, wrapping their slimy tentacles around the daisy, seeming to fight amongst themselves for it. Eventually the once white daisy turns to black ash. However, when they attempt to escape, the circle on the floor creates a frozen dome of ice around them. I take that as a cue for me to enact our plan.

Motioning to Gem and Cylen to get in position, I swing Storm Cleaver in an arc, creating a doorway for us to enter. The darkness seems to rear in shock, the tendril screaming in anger as they violently attack the ice encaging them. Some trying to get to the entrance. I cut down the ones that get too close.

But it soon becomes apparent that I won’t be able to combat them all at once. To make matters worse, they seem to be regenerating from the cuts. In the spare moments I have, I turn to see that a similar situation is occurring for my cousin and her boyfriend.

Crack! Suddenly, cracks appear on the surface of the dome, the ice starting to shatter from the momentum. Swinging at the approaching tendrils, I turn to glance at Ryan. Sweat beads at his forehead, his eyes trained on the cracks as he focuses his power on keeping the darkness contained. However, I don’t think it will be enough, not with just how many of these tendrils there are. He can’t keep them all contained in such a small area. Not while he’s still recovering.

An idea strikes. “Make a bigger ice barrier around the city centre!” A confused expression crosses his eyes, asking me whether giving them more room is a good idea. “If they have more space, than there will be less force on the barrier!”

Understanding lights his eyes, arms spread wide to do as told, letting the smaller barrier fall in the wake. Waves of darkness pass me, barely held back by the force of my blade.

A loud cry makes me immediately turn, my legs already running towards the source, arms striking the tendrils near me. Ryan does the same, the dome maintained by a glow at his fingertips, and ice freezing the tendrils themselves. We both reach her at the same time, sharing a brief look before I drop to my knees, trusting him to protect me as I do so. Then finally,finally,I focus on the trembling woman in front of me.

“Gem.” My voice is but a soft whisper. “What’s wrong?”

A whimper comes out of her mouth, hands pressed firmly to her ears, tears streaming down her face. Cylen tries to get her to release them with whispered murmurs, but it is no use.

“She won’t respond.” The concern in his eyes is overwhelming. His hands shake, his spear almost falling to the ground. “I…don’t know…what to do.” The pleading in his tone makes me rest a hand on his shoulder in comfort.

“Let me try.” I gesture behind Gem, “Could you make sure the darkness doesn’t attack from that side?” He contemplates this for a short moment before shakily nodding. His posture becomes more confident as he stands, spear positioned to attack anything that approaches. Warmth wells up inside me at the implied trust.

“Gem.” No response. “Gem. Please…Tell me what’s wrong.”She lifts her head to look into my eyes, searching. Whatever it is that she’s looking for, she seems to find it, for her hands come down from her ears and rest on mine.

“It’s too dark.” She sobs, “All I can hear are screams.” Dark? The sky is clear. As for the second part of what she said…I frown…it sounds like…

“Dark? Love, the sky is clear.” Cylen interrupts before I can answer. Ryan shakes his head, sighing.

The next moment, Gem’s grip on my hands gets tighter, her breathing growing more ragged. “Dark. So dark.” She sobs in between short breaths. “It’s so loud.” Another sob. “Make it stop.” Her hands return to her ears, eyes scrunching shut.

“Gem.” She flinches when I reach my hand out. “Mira. Look at me.” However, this time she doesn’t listen. Her breathing growing shorter with every passing moment.

“Cousin.” She looks up. “I need you to breathe.” My hands go to her face. “Just take a breath in and out.” She tries to follow, yet it’s interrupted when a tendril of darkness seeps through the cracks, screeching with its horrifying head. I huff in annoyance and irritation, cutting before it can reach her. She was just about to try breathing properly again!

“Keep trying.” I mutter softly, “In and out, okay?” She shakily nods, attempting to copy my motions. However, Cylen is distracted by her progress, and another tendril slips through. I immediately use a hand to cut it in half, before facing Cylen.

“Let’s switch places. You help her breathe.” He’s obviously not going to be able to focus on protecting us if he’s worried about her. I give him a sharp look when he tries to protest and take his place.

“This isn’t going to work.” A shot of ice and then an arrow. “They keep regenerating.”

I swing my sword, “Has that always happened.”

A pause. “No…They seem to have become stronger.”

“This isn’t the same as what we encountered the other day.” I state in a questioning tone.

“It’s not. There are different kinds of darkness.” A contemplative pause. “The ones we encountered were new, with a purpose. These seem to be very old, possibly ancient. Which means they’ve had plenty of time to adapt.” He doesn’t stop his movements, easily being able to freeze and shoot whilst talking. Although I can see what beading on his forehead.

“Would…Would all darkness have a common weakness?” I can hear Gem’s breathing growing a little more stable with nothing to attack her.

“Yes. Yes, it would.” The tone of his voice tells me that he understands what I’m trying to ask. Good.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it, the last time it just surged out in anger, and I didn’t really have control over it.Maybe you can do it the same way you made your sword ablaze with flame.The thought triggers a response within me, fire blooming instinctively along Storm Cleaver’s hilt.

I hear a shocked gasp behind me but decide to ignore it for now. Light. That’s the magic I need to use, the only thing truly capable of combating the darkness. Its equal. I let myself reach into the depths of my mind, into that hallway of doors, and let the light flow into and out of me. The opened door disappearing into the large one, as if my acknowledgement was all it needed.

When I open my eyes, a sense of calm has consumed me, a far outcry from the anger of the last time I’d used this power. That was instinct. This time I was using it out of my own freewill.

“Shoot.” I call to him. “I’ll make sure they don’t regenerate.”

So, I do. I let the light play upon my fingertips, willing it to sweep away the darkness as he shoots. Then further, to the ones attacking the ice dome, consuming them until there is nothing left of them but dust.

Eventually, the screeching dies out, what was once hundreds of dark tendrils now only ashes on the wind. Yet still, I let the light shine, filling the entire area. Letting it circle Gem and Cylen as well, wanting to soothe their pain, to light the darkness. Then, as the barrier melts, I will the flames to evaporate the water left behind.

Another door gone. Fire and light combine until there is nothing left of the putrid scent that had been there before.

“You can stop gaping now.” He looks suspiciously proud, but I’ll ignore that for now.

“Are you ok?” I ask, rushing up to my cousin and looking her over.

“I’m fine.” She whispers, “You drove the darkness away.”

I give her a smile. “You can tell me what that was all about later.” She nods.

Cylen’s eyes are wide, “How did you do that?”

“Do what?” I tilted my head. “I told you about the magic.”

“No, you didn’t.” A chuckle, “You left that part out darling.” Oh…I guess I forgot to mention that particular part of our experience. Oops.

“Well, you already knew about the fire.” I stated weakly.

Silence.

“Ahem. I suppose you want an explanation.” Nods “It just came to me.” A pause. “Like a door in my mind swinging open.”

Accepting that’s the only explanation I can give them; they don’t ask any more questions. We take a little break to recharge before continuing on our way. The villagers we pass, part as soon as we approach, giving their thanks. There is a hopeful glint in their eyes, as if they’ve seen water in the middle of a drought. Some of them hesitate for a moment, but ultimately remain silent.

Soon after we reach the castle, it becomes very obvious that something is not right. Again. For one, there are massive parts of the castle missing, rubble laying on the ground. However, I’ve gotten used to the sight of destroyed homes on our journey, so that isn’t too much of a warning flag. What does seem more than a little unusual and unsettling is all the signs that say, ‘don’t look into the mirror’ and ’it will drive you insane.”

None of us break the silence, the air heavy with dread. Although a certain someone doesn’t seem too fazed. We follow the road of rubble into the only remaining room in the castle. Well, at least the only untouched room. Everything else is chipped and cracked in at least one place.

It’s clear that no one has used this room in a long time, there are cobwebs everywhere, dust lining the furniture. I’m surprised there aren’t any spiders hanging around either. The room is made creepier by the fact that every single mirror is covered by a sheet.

Cackling laughter filled the throne room. The princess sat triumphantly on the throne, the men at her side looking more than a little unsettled. Her stepmother lay on a stone bed in front of her, the mirror to the side reflecting both these sights. The sleeping woman was bound by silver chains, a diadem atop her head.

“I’ve won!” The princess exclaimed, “I have everything I could possibly want now.” She gleefully started to plan what she would do now that she had taken control of the city. Her father was on his deathbed anyway, it was fine for her as his only heir to take control.

The men at the side did not interrupt, their conscious was weighing on them. Only one of them had made the journey, but they all knew what had conspired. The interesting prospect of the crown paled in comparison to the wounds on their souls. Remorse filled them. They were not good in any means of the word, but they still drew a line at cursing those that had done them well.

“What about…” The man who had gone started but thought better of finishing.

The princess just scoffed, not even glancing at them. She knew what they were thinking and thought them fools for it. She for one would only focus on the future of her reign. She had to take care in how she proceeded, she needed to find a way to get rid of the crone before anyone suspected foul play.

She bit her thumb, contemplating her next step. The mirror was said to have the ability to alter reality, however she had yet to figure out how it worked. It was a great treasure, having it meant that she wouldn’t need to lift a finger to be respected by the people. After all, having the capability to have the treasure was the most important factor, wasn’t it?

“They got what they deserved.” A mocking smile. “If they weren’t so eager to help out, they wouldn’t have ended up as they did.” The men’s expression tightened, wanting to remind her that without that help, she would most likely be dead. However, they knew better than to try and persuade a lunatic.

Just as the princess finished uttering those words, a light shone from the mirror, absorbing the sleeping woman into it. A scream shattered the air as the castle started to shake, thunder rumbling up above. The princess tried to run, but a tendril of light held her in place. It forced her to watch as the gold she so valued was sucked into the mirror, and the people abandoned the castle. Until all that was left was an empty room with a mirror.

Abandoned in the room, there was no one to hear her scream as her body was engulfed in the light. A minute later, what was once a throne room was turned into a room of mirrors. The bright gold of the mirror turned rusty, a black thread along the edge, a symbol of the curse placed upon it.

“Foolish mortal. No remorse or gratitude. This kingdom would be destroyed at your hands. I place a curse on you. You will never know a day of peace, what you so desired will forever be out of reach.” A whispered oath rings through the castle as it crumbles, a light consuming the king into the mirror. “Kindness begets kindness. Heartlessness can only be answered in kind.”