November 10, 2002
Shades of Gray: Chapter III: Journey into the Vortex, part 2
"You let him get a way!" shrieked Rhianna Graylight as she swiped her hand across the face of a strange half woman half bird like being.
The creature grabbed a hold of Rhianna's hand and dug her sharp nails that were more like talons into the skin. "How dare you slap me? It is I, Hunga the Harpy you should be more worried about", she snapped.
Rhianna shot a blast that numbed Hunga's arm, which then released her, but Hunga used her magic staff in her other hand to create a blast of bright light. Rhianna screamed, covering her face, crying out, "Okay, okay, you know you have the advantage of me over seeing things in the light. I am sorry for my temper".
Hunga stood up, and looked at the cowering woman she was subdued. Rhianna then looked up, the light now gone, and looked Hunga right in the eyes.
"Okay, now let's talk in a more professional level", said Rhianna.
"I completely destroyed those Bright Moon members, except that boy got away and managed to cross the border into Whispering Woods before I could get him. You know that I cannot get into the woods, as you cannot either. It is just sad that you have sunken so deep into the black arts that you are helpless in the light. I know my boundaries", said Hunga.
"There are other powers that can take on the light. It is not all that powerful", said Rhianna.
"Well, then, what do you suppose we should do about our little problem? Once that boy reaches Bright Moon and tells him of what happened, they'll get their most powerful allies and stop our construction of the base we have created for our allies", said Hunga.
"We have to think this through. The boy might not have seen anything. Everyone knows that that land is dangerous so they could also think that a natural disaster like a lightning strike or volcanic eruptions destroyed their ships", said Rhianna.
"And what of this cosmic gateway you claimed to have opened up? Others might find out and try to close it. A big hole in Etheria's atmosphere is not something that may go unnoticed", said Hunga, shaking her staff at Rhianna.
"I'll talk with Desdemelda and make sure our defenses are secure. The armies of Bright Moon are no threat to my dark magic. It is their magical ruler, Queen Isabella and her two children that might be a problem. They have powers that far out weigh anybody that I have ever encountered in Mystacore", said Rhianna, as she turned away from Hunga and looked over the edge of Hunga's home on top of Talon Mountain.
Princess Angella was exhausted by the time she had made her flight into Whispering Woods. She landed in the camp where the twiggets stayed. She saw Madam Razz and her friend, Broom sitting on a log by a campfire, talking with one rather anxious twigget. Madam Razz was a short, heavyset older woman dressed in red rags and wearing a red witches hat. Her companion Broom was actually a wooden broom, enchanted for flying. He was very much alive as she was. The twiggets were little creature with a sort of light gray skin. They dressed in organic clothing of leaves and twigs, sewed together by thin strong vines that grew in the woods. Angella felt awkward in the woods, for everyone around her was less than half as tall as she was. When Madam Razz saw her, she could tell the witch seemed to be just as awkward being in the presence of royalty.
Madam Razz stopped talking to the twigget and approached Angella. She bowed and said, "Princess Angella, it is such an honor to see you here. I never thought you'd accept my invitation to come visit".
"Oh, I would have come in a heartbeat. It is just that my father keeps me busy, preparing me for when I take over the throne", said Angella, as she sighed.
"And a good queen you shall be, Angella", said Madam Razz.
"My father seems to think so, but I don't know. When I was little, the idea excited me to have my own kingdom and sit upon my father's throne, but now I see how much responsibility he has and people depend on him for everything. I just don't want to let my people down", said Angella.
"Well, Angella, I am so glad you're hear because we have one of your people in our hospital tent. He managed to say that some members of your army were killed out there in that dangerous territory outside of here, but before he could say more, he collapsed", said Madam Razz.
"Where is he?" asked Angella, sounding concerned and anxious.
"I did not get his name, but perhaps you might recognize him. He might not be awake yet though", said Madam Razz, as she took the princess's hand.
"I won't wake up, but I would like to see him to see if I do know who he is", said Angella.
Madam Razz led Angella into one of the small tents on the outside of the twigget camp. She saw a young man, looking maybe her age or a few years older lying on a cot that the twiggets must have set up. She could see that his arm and head were already bandaged up. Madam Razz and the twiggets were known for their hospitality so this young man was very fortunate to have stumbled upon their camp before he collapsed. She did not recognize the man but she could not help but look at his handsome features undamaged and uncovered by the bandages.
"No, Madam, I do not know him but I do recognize his clothing to be a member of our royal guard", said Angella as she kneeled down beside the cot.
"When he wakes up, perhaps he could tell us what happened. I know those lands are avoided by many, but I have never known them to be dangerous. They are just dark and dreary, hardly providing an environment for villagers who rely on their farms for food. His wounds look like they were caused by severe burns", said Madam Razz.
"I shall stay until he does awake. I need to know exactly what happened. I don't want to go and alarm my father and have it turn out to be nothing, like some natural occurrence", said Angella, as she gently touched the hand of the wounded victim.
The next day, Liora Light Spinner was surprised that Norwyn did not bring up her issue of punching Mortella in class the night before. He seemed to be preoccupied with other things. She and Castaspella washed up and put on their gray and silver apprentice robes, preparing for another day of classes in their magical studies. They both went out into the main living area and sat down at the table, awaiting Norwyn to conjure up some breakfast for them. Norwyn came out his room all dressed up in his robes.
"Girls, I am afraid we are going to have to have a quick breakfast. I have some business to attend to with some of the members of the Academy", said Norwyn, as he tightened the gold sash that held his robe together.
"What about us?" asked Liora.
"You two are coming along for the ride until we hit the Whispering Woods. There I shall drop you off and I will take off and return soon to come get you", said Norwyn.
"Where are you going, Norwyn?" asked Liora.
"You have not to worry about that, Liora. It might be dangerous where I am heading so you and Cassie are going to stay in the woods where it is safe", said Norwyn.
"What kind of danger?" asked Liora, still not satisfied with her mentor's answers.
"Like dragons and werebats?" asked Castaspella.
"Maybe when you are older you'll find out, but for now, this has no concern to you. I don't want to go and I don't want you two involved", said Norwyn.
"Then why are you going?" asked Castaspella.
"Because, as adults, we have certain responsibilities that we have to face, whether we want to or not. Sometimes we have to do things that we don't like", said Norwyn.
Liora and Castaspella were to follow Norwyn to the quarters of Kyros, the head of the Academy of Magic. Neither Liora nor Castaspella had ever seen the man before, but he was well respected with in the school and kingdom of Mystacore. He was said to be one of Etheria's most powerful sorcerers. He was oldest than most of the sorcerers, but he never seemed to be winding down one bit. Liora looked over at Norwyn and could tell that he was nervous about meeting face to face with the powerful leader.
"Girls, I need you to be quiet and stay close to me. We shall be meeting several witches and wizards and their students", said Norwyn as he kept walking with his head down.
When Norwyn, Liora, and Castaspella had entered the large room, several members of the Academy of Magic joined them. He took a seat in the back of the room where several chairs had been supplied. Liora and Castaspella took their seats next to Norwyn. Both of the girls looked around trying to take in the room's elegant design. Kyros had designed a small office in his quarters where he could hold meetings.
Liora looked at the ground and started fidgeting. She was hoping that the meeting would be sort and she could go out to Whispering Woods where she could at least find something more interesting to do. She snapped to attention when she heard a loud bellow from the front of the room. She looked up to see an elderly gentleman with long gray hair and beard that hung on his worn navy blue robes. She figured that must be Kyros. He had such a presence about him, that even though the meeting was most likely going to be boring, she could not help but listen to the man's words.
"I am afraid it has come to my attention that we must be careful and more attentive of our surroundings. We are now sure that our mysterious person who has caused unexplainable destruction is Rhianna Graylight, an ex member of our kingdom. She has grown powerful in black magic, but we can stop her. If she is free to continue her practices, then she could turn others to her side and be a threat to this planet", said Kyros, as he stood tall over the seated audience.
"What must we do to stop her?" shouted a voice from the crowd.
"I have selected a few individuals to check out the site where Bright Moon's soldiers were last seen. Through my magic, I have sensed a vortex in the atmosphere that could very possibly lead unwelcome guests to our planet. I have no idea what Rhianna is up to, but I feel she might have allies on other worlds that could help her become much more powerful", said Kyros.
Norwyn raised his hand in the air until he had caught the attention of Kyros. He stood up and said, "I am one of those individuals you have selected, Lord Kyros. What is it you want us to do?"
"Close the vortex. Do whatever you have to? It was opened by magic, so it can be closed back up by magic. I am not going to say it will not be dangerous, but I have selected my most powerful sorcerers and those that I would trust with my life", said Kyros.
Norwyn nodded and replied, "Thank you. It shall be my honor to carry out this responsibility".
Norwyn sat back down. He was nervous, but if Kyros thought him to be capable of handling this dangerous task, then he was flattered. Never before had Kyros ever referred to him as one of Mystacore's most powerful sorcerers.
Later that day, Norwyn, Liora, Castaspella, Candor, and Candor's apprentice, Javen, all packed up and strapped their luggage to horses just outside of the Enchanted Castle. A few other sorcerers and sorceresses and their students were getting their equipment on their steeds.
Norwyn helped Liora and then Castaspella on one of the horses that was tied to Norwyn's horse so he could lead and not let his students out of his site. Liora looked down at Norwyn from a top her horse and asked, "Why can't we all just teleport? It would be so much faster".
"Indeed it would, Liora, but remember, only those that are skilled in teleportation can teleport themselves and maybe one other. We have too many students here, so even all of the magic combined by us teachers would not be enough to get us all to Whispering Woods. Once in the woods and free of our students, then we'll use a much quicker way to travel", said Norwyn.
"When will I learn that?" asked Liora.
"Patience, my child. You have a lot to learn and teleportation is one of those things. With age and practice, you'll be able to master it to perfection", said Norwyn, as he mounted his horse.
Princess Angella had been standing at the bedside of the wounded man for hours. When he finally woke up, he turned his head and looked over the woman. Angella smiled and said, "Easy, sir, you are badly hurt".
"You mean I am not dead?" asked the man.
"Of course you're not. You're in Whispering Woods", said Angella.
"Aren't you an angel?" asked the man.
Angella smiled and replied, "No, I am not an angel. I am Angella".
"My name is Micah. You're beautiful enough to be an angel", said the man, as he grimaced in pain.
"Thank you, Micah. You are safe now. I am making sure you have the best treatment", said Angella, as she placed her hand on Micah's forehead.
"Wait, you're King Zandor's daughter. You're Princess Angella", exclaimed Micah.
"Yes, I am, but you can just call me Angella. You don't have to use an royal titles on me", said Angella.
"Wow, Princess Angella. All my years working with my father at Castle Bright Moon, and the last time I saw you, you were just a little girl. I was just a boy then though too", said Micah.
"Who is your father?" asked Angella.
"General Avery", replied Micah.
"General Avery? He is one of my father's best friends. He has been with the kingdom for years", said Angella.
"He doesn't like me out in the open. He was totally against me wanting to be a pilot so I used to go off on my own in the middle of the night to fly the flyers", said Micah.
"Oh, so that is you that does that. I know my father had mentioned that, but it never seemed to bother him. I guess you must have been pretty good in order for him to trust you like that", said Angella.
Micah got a worried look on his face. He looked at Angella and said, "Oh, your father knew. I hope he is not angry".
"No. He really is easy going; at least toward others. With me it is a different story", said Angella.
"Your father is really a good man. I am surprised I have never met you before. I do remember seeing you from way back. You were just a young girl", said Angella.
"My father tends to go from wanting me to be a responsible leader and sometimes he treats me like a child. I think he doesn't know what to do, either raise a daughter or a future leader of Bright Moon", said Angella.
Angella turned around to the opening in the tent. Micah looked at her and asked, "What is it, Angella?"
"I'll be right back, Micah. I hear voices outside", said Angella, as she stood up and exited the tent.
Angella walked out of the tent and saw a small group of people at the Twigget camp talking to Madam Razz. She recognized them as sorcerers from the kingdom of Mystacore.
Norwyn turned to the young princess and said, "It is an honor to see you again, Princess Angella. I am surprised to see you here".
"Are you here for the attacks in the forbidden land?" asked Angella.
"Indeed we are, your highness. I promise we'll get to the bottom of this", said Norwyn.
"Thank you, Norwyn. I would go with you, but I promised my father I would go no farther than the Whispering Woods", said Angella.
"He worries about you and perhaps he is right", said Norwyn.
"You might need my magic, Norwyn. My father just does not realize the power I possess", said Angella.
"Indeed your magic is strong, Princess Angella, but I would prefer you respect your father's wishes and stay here. I do not want to be responsible if anything happens to the future queen of Bright Moon", said Norwyn.
"I understand, Norwyn. Even though I do not agree, I would not put that burden on you", said Angella.
Madam Razz looked over at Liora, Castaspella, and a few other apprentices and said, "I'll stay here and watch over the young ones. I promise they are in good hands".
"I appreciate that, Madam Razz", said Norwyn.
"We'd better get going, Norwyn. It will be dark soon and that place gets more dangerous at night", said Candor.
Norwyn walked over to Liora and Castaspella and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Now, you two stay here and keep out of trouble. I should not be gone long".
"Yes, Norwyn", replied Liora.
"We promise to be good, Norwyn", said Castaspella.
"Take care, girls. I'll be back", said Norwyn.
Norwyn, Candor, and a few other sorcerers and sorceresses made it to the edge of Whispering Woods in just minutes. They all looked over the edge that dropped down in a huge canyon. A gray mist hung over the sharp ridges of rock.
Norwyn rubbed the side of his head, as if he were in pain. Candor noticed him.
"What is it?" asked Candor.
"A strange feeling. Something is definitely going on here. I can feel black magic in the air, poisoning my mind. This might be more difficult than we imagined", said Norwyn.
"We proceed with caution, Norwyn. If what I have heard about Rhianna Graylight, then we are in danger if we're not careful", said Candor.
The group of mages slowly walked down a somewhat gentle slope. The fog began to get thicker as they went deeper and deeper into the canyon. When they made it to the bottom, they walked slowly into the fog. As nighttime approached, the ability to see became almost impossible.
"How are we supposed to find the missing Bright Moon soldiers?" asked Tailynn.
"I don't know. My magical senses are failing to pick up any signs of life", said Norwyn.
Candor stopped dead in his tracks just a few a head of the other mages and turned around to face them. He exclaimed, "I hear something. Like a rumbling".
Norwyn stopped and listened. He heard it too. He said, "I don't like the sound of that".
"Look!" cried Tailynn, as she ran toward the other mages just as the ground opened up where she had been.
Norwyn tried to run, but he felt himself hit something solid. He thought he had ran into a brick wall, but there was nothing in sight ahead of him. He recovered from the collision and put his arm out forward. There was indeed a wall of some sort, but it was invisible. The other mages felt themselves hitting the invisible wall.
"We are in some sort of invisible prison", said Candor, as he raised his hand.
A bolt of blue light shot from Candor's hand. It stopped as it hit the invisible wall, and bounced back, hitting him. Candor fell to the ground, crumpled up in pain.
"Is that the best you got, Candor?" asked a voice.
Candor looked up, and from what he thought to be outside of the invisible wall was an older woman dressed in a black cloak, and a hood to concealed her young looking face that was starting to deteriorate.
"Rhianna Graylight. I can't say it is a pleasure to finally see you after all these years", said Candor.
"You know here, Candor?" asked Norwyn, on an opposite of the invisible dome.
"Yes, unfortunately. She was a classmate of mine before my mentor saw her for the witch she really was. I guess some people never learn that the light is more powerful than the dark", said Candor.
"Well, Candor, if you think you are so powerful, then why can't you all get out. Believe me, I am just one and there are six of you. Why can't you just blast your way out of this dome?" asked Rhianna, with a wicked laugh.
"Why are you doing this, Rhianna? You never learn. Look at you. The once beautiful girl I knew in Mystacore is becoming nothing but a walking corpse. I have learned that dark magic over the years eats away at your body until it totally consumes you. It uses you, Rhianna", said Candor.
"Shut up, Candor. I always knew you had a problem with that. You could never keep your mouth shut when it did you good", said Rhianna as she shot an energy bolt that struck Candor.
Candor screamed in pain as the bolt burned his skin and then worked its way into his insides. He saw nothing but the darkness until he closed his eyes and lay motionless. Norwyn, Tailynn, and the other sorcerers ran to his side, fearing he was dead.
"Listen to me, fools. You are powerful against me. One day this planet will learn which is the stronger magic. It is time we learn the greatness that dark magic gives us", said Rhianna.
Norwyn sighed with relief when he checked Candor for a pulse and found he was still alive. He was trapped, and for once in his life, he knew that there was a lot more to learn, that he the teacher would need to learn more for himself in order to better train Liora Light Spinner and Castaspella into becoming the sorceresses they deserved to be.