Author's Note: At the request of Eve Eastborne, the only person who told me what they wanted, I'm going to kill Jordan. I might have a sequel anyway, maybe an apprentice hell bent on revenge…anyway back to the present. Now I can use my fun death scene! Well, I think it's fun.
Eve Eastborne: If she can see the ring of light than there's a crack in the lid around well. Maybe we can pour down molten lava or something, if we can find something thin enough to get through the crack and resilient enough not to melt with the lava…I'll look into it.
The group walked mutely through the woods toward Winding Circle. There was no need for idle chatter. Things were far past that now. But the silent troop didn't go far. They saw again, about 200 yards in front of them, the crazed face of Jordan. Behind him, was a group of at least 20 or more other mages (who must have been the ones Jordan was housing that helped him break down Winding Circle's defenses).
"Thought you could get away?" He asked them. "Come now. You should know me better than that. But then, your stupidity never did cease to amaze me." Everyone stood still. No one could think of what to do or say. Even the famous four were rendered helpless. "I am growing very tired of you all. I wanted you to stay here with me for a while. I never really got the chance to play with you. But now I see that you will not be held. No matter. Since you don't wish to stay with me, you will just have to die now." Jordan closed his eyes and began muttering and drawing signs in the air. Before him, the group saw a ball of red electricity begin to form. When it was the size of a large boulder, Jordan let it go. It hurtled toward them, ready to bury them in its electric charge. And there was nothing they could do.
Dan, however, got an adrenaline rush. He refused to die a coward, standing behind the others and letting them take the brunt of it. He ran to the front and opened his arms in a protective gesture, as if trying to block the ball from touching anyone but himself. In doing this, he let flow a tidal wave of his magic. It flowed outward from him in a blinding pale blue light to protect their group. When it faded, the electric ball was gone. Along with Jordan and his mages. All that was left of them were charred remains and the smell of burnt flesh. Dan collapsed and Tris, Briar, and Elizabeth caught him. He was unconscious but his steady, even breathing told them that he was just asleep. His whole being shown with an ethereal glow. All nine of them stood around him for a moment, rendered silent. Then, remembering what they were doing out here in the first place, Briar began to pick him up so he could be carried back. Tris helped him, and together they made easy work of it.
When they reached the city, the rain had already begun. They left Dan on the side of the road and grouped together to make a game plan. Unfortunately, no one had any ideas. Then words spoken months ago came to Elizabeth. She was sitting by a pond, listening to Calithil speak to her and Dan.
You two are very important to me. Calithil said seriously. I gave you more power than I give most people. I have a reason for doing that. You have been given a harder path to take than most. You will have amazing power, but for that reason you will face treacherous and dangerous situations. Always remember that you have that power for a reason. Never underestimate it and never take it for granted. And I suggest that you come to terms with your fear of the sea. You'll need him.
Elizabeth knew what she had to do. Dan had faced off with Jordan and won. Now she had to too. "I have to do it." She declared. "I know what has to be done, and I know I have to do it." With that she left, never giving them a chance to respond.
Elizabeth ran until she got to Winding Circle's walls. She knew they would be locked. That was okay. She didn't need to be inside. She followed the wall until she reached the seashore. Elizabeth had pretty much avoided coming here until now. Swallowing the bile that rose in her throat at the thought of what she had to do, she stepped into the raging sea once more.
She wasn't exactly sure what to say, but she didn't need to. She was recognized.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK HERE? Elizabeth fought her urge to run at the sound of that voice, the voice of the sea. Steeling herself, she sent out her response.
I need your help, sir. You are the only one strong enough to help me.
AND JUST WHY SHOULD I HELP YOU?
Please, sir, my home is about to be flooded by a magical storm. The only way to stop it, is if the storm can be transferred to a new location.
I ASKED WHY SHOULD I HELP YOU, NOT HOW! Elizabeth could tell from experience that the sea was getting angry.
Because, she continued, without your help, everyone that I know and love will drown.
I DO NOT CARE ABOUT THOSE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS FOR MORTALS. I AM NOT A MORTAL.
Elizabeth realized her predicament. She tried the last thing she could think of. If there was one thing she'd learned how to do in the past few days, it was how to manipulate.
Then Jordan was right. She stated, in the most dejected way she could, You can't do it.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN CAN'T?!?! The sea thundered in reply.
Please, sir, she said with mock fear-well, almost mock, I did not say this. I did not believe it either. But you yourself have been making excuses as to why you shall not do it. Just as Jordan said you would.
WHO IS THIS JORDAN YOU SPEAK OF? So he was taking the bait, Elizabeth thought.
A mage. She replied, He set this storm up to prove he was more powerful than you. He told me you could not stop it. I did not want to believe him, but- The sea interrupted her.
I WILL NOT ALLOW A MORTAL TO BELIEVE HIMSELF MORE POWERFUL THAN I. IT APPEARS THAT FOR ONCE OUR INTENTIONS COINCIDE. I SHALL HELP YOU. Elizabeth could have wept with joy, but she controlled her emotions. There was still the matter of re-directing the storm. She would place it above the sea so that it could absorb both the rain and the magic that came with it. After over an hour, she waded out of the water and back up the hill. She fell beside Adam, completely weary, and leaned on him for support as she watched the storm moving from over Winding Circle, to instead be over the sea.
They decided to sleep by the road that night. Dan was passed out and Elizabeth was too tired to walk all the way home without aid, and once they got there they would still need to undo the spells on the gates. They decided that was all better left till morning. They went to sleep feeling anxious but, for the first time in what seemed like ages, safe.
Author's Note: *Holds up sign saying "The End is Near!!!"* My story is almost over! *sob* I think I might create a sequel anyway, I just can't give up my characters. I think I might have some serious love triangles in the next one though. J I am so mean.