Chapter 27: A Soldier's Duty
Ragnar yanked out the last arrow from his skin as he made his way silently down the lighted corridor. Healie waved its tentacles in a rhythmic fashion and the wound slowly closed up, a thin scar the only trace of its ever being there. "Thanks," the soldier muttered, gingerly rubbing the scar.
The corridor began to curve and Ragnar could see a bright light illuminate the stone walls. Beyond the bend, he heard noises like children screaming. He stopped just short of the corner and thought of a suitable battle plan. However, despite Healie's healing, the soldier felt weary.
He had no idea how long he had been charging down this tower. More than half a dozen battles in the last couple of hours had taken its toll emotionally, if not physically. The forward charging and surprise attacks seemed useless now. All he wanted to do was grab the children and get out of here. Ragnar figured it would be the best course of action. If whatever enemies were around the bend caused trouble, he would simply plow through them.
He took a single, deep breath and rounded the corner, a confident strut in his stride. The room he entered was large, far larger than even Burland Castle's audience hall. Large tiers rested at the opposite end, brilliant fires within lighting the imposing chamber.
The soldier didn't really have much time to notice anything else for his attention was almost immediately drawn to a pair of figures just a few feet ahead of him. One was very strange; it had an extremely thin, blue body and one, giant eyeball on top, several, tiny feelers wriggling around it. The other was a human boy!
The child was struggling with the giant eyeball, screaming in fear. He managed to turn towards Ragnar and a flash of hope crossed the frightened boy's eyes. Somehow, he managed to break free of the giant eyeball's grasp and ran towards Ragnar, crying, "Help! Help me!"
The soldier bent down and the boy ran into Ragnar's arms, surprising him. Ragnar, feeling a bit uncomfortable in this position, looked down at the young boy. He had several, dark bruises outlining his face and his clothes were torn to shreds. "Who did this to you?" he asked, although he already had a pretty good idea who it was.
"Oh, sir!" the boy cried, tears streaming his bruised face. "They say I'm the Hero and treat me badly!" He pointed at the giant eyeball that seemed to be running to the opposite end of the large room towards a small pedestal. Someone else was on the pedestal but, at this distance Ragnar couldn't make out any details.
He looked back at the boy and asked, "Are there anymore of you?"
"P.. Pocos is in a... a cell," the boy replied, pointing to a large jail door. He then turned to the pedestal and added, "That bad man has the key..."
Ragnar nodded and muttered, "Don't worry. I'll take care of it." Without looking, he handed the boy to Healie and said, "See what you can do for him." He then stood up and headed over to the pedestal, his mind so focused he hardly heard the young boy's squeal of delight at seeing Healie.
Ragnar kept his gaze on the two figures ahead, his eyes like a pair of steel blades. He really didn't want to have to go through another confrontation. Maybe he would be able to talk his way out of it.
Ragnar chuckled, shaking his head. Who was he kidding? Of course he was going to be fighting again. Almost sighing, he grabbed the Sword of Malice from his scabbard, fingering the hilt gingerly to get a strong grip.
As Ragnar got closer to the pedestal, he was finally able to make out the features of the second figure. It was dressed in a similar fashion as the elf he had killed at the secret playground; only the robes were green and purple. However, judging from the attire, Ragnar quickly concluded that this was yet another elf. He was going to have to be careful.
The giant eyeball, which seemed to be talking (Ragnar wondered how it could do that without a mouth?) to the elf, stepped away from the pedestal, taking a flanking position to the left. The elf remained still, fingering the staff in his right hand. Once Ragnar was within twenty feet of the pedestal, the elf finally said, "I recognize you. You were at the old well. I thought Sequerus killed you."
"Sorry to disappoint," Ragnar replied, giving a sly smile but keeping his steel gaze, "but it was the other way around."
The elf shook his head, muttering, "Never send a conjurer to do a karon's job."
"I don't have time for this," Ragnar suddenly roared, his face becoming red. "Hand over the key now and I'll let you live." He then pointed the Sword of Malice at the elf. "If not, I'll just take it from you."
The elf remained still, a weird smile creeping onto his face. "I see you have the sword I gave the other human," he said, amusement in his voice. "Tell me. Did he give it to you willingly or did you kill him for it?"
"This is your last warning," Ragnar growled, his teeth clenched in anger. "Give me the key or die." He began to slowly raise the Sword of Malice, intending to knock the snide elf off the pedestal with a fireball.
The elf still did not move, continuing his questions about Sandor. "Did you enjoy killing him?" he asked. "Did it feel good to be able to slaughter one of your own kind?"
Ragnar tried to ignore the comments, knowing they were only intended to get some sort of reaction out of him. "You had your chance," he grimly stated and raised the Sword of Malice.
The burning sensation began to grow inside his body as a fiery aura began to form at the hilt and blade. However, just as the fireball formed and flew forth, the elf uttered a strange word and waved his hand. The fiery aura instantly fizzled into nothing, a few trace sparks floating away. Ragnar brought down the sword and looked at it, confused as to why it hadn't work. The elf began to laugh.
"You idiot," the elf laughed. "Do you really think my kin would create a magical blade where we couldn't counter its magical effects?"
The elf suddenly stopped his laughing and looked at Ragnar seriously. "I give you this one chance to respond only," he said, a dangerous tone in his voice. "Join us or die."
The soldier looked at the elf for long moments, unable to decide what to do next. For some reason, he was beginning to doubt what he was doing. It really did seem futile. The elf he had killed had been done in by shear surprise. If Healie hadn't been there, Ragnar would have died. The soldier figured this elf had to be even more powerful than the other if he was in charge here. There would be no possible way that he could survive if he attacked.
He kneeled and started to lay his sword down to surrender.
"Ragnar!" he heard a watery voice shout out in surprise. The soldier shook his head and looked back, seeing Healie and the young boy looking at him in shock. Once he gazed upon the child, broken and beaten at the hands of the elf just a few feet ahead, all of the doubts were suddenly erased. He remembered his vow to Garn: protect all children.
He stood back up, the Sword of Malice in his hand. The elf looked at Ragnar, shock in his otherwise calm eyes. "No!" he cried. "This is not possible! How can you resist?" The elf's gaze turned to the giant eyeball, which Ragnar had almost forgotten about.
Ragnar looked at the giant eyeball as well and saw the feelers on the giant eye were waving much rapidly than before. Somehow, it clicked in for the soldier. The giant eyeball had somehow been taking over his mind, forcing him to surrender. He could already feel some doubts begin to creep up into the back of his mind again. He wasn't about to let them get the better of him this time.
Letting his rage take full control, Ragnar charged towards the giant eyeball. A surprised and feared gaze glossed over the monster as Ragnar solidly chopped into the right of the monster's eye, sending green fluid squirting into Ragnar's face. No sound of pain came from the creature as the soldier wedged his sword out of the giant eye. The monster fell to the ground, green fluid spilling from the large wound.
Ragnar turned to face the elf on the pedestal. "Your mind tricks won't work anymore," he growled, hatred filling his eyes as he wiped the green fluid clean from his face, "but I will let you live if you just give me the key and let the children go." He took a step forward, the Sword of Malice pointed at the elf.
"You fool," the elf laughed, although the soldier couldn't detect any humor in the laughter, "I've been infused with powers from Saro. I am in essence his very shadow!"
"I wouldn't care if you were the Ruler of Evil Himself!" Ragnar roared, the name 'Saro' having no meaning to the soldier. "I gave you the warning. I guess I'll just have to take the key from you!" He charged up the pedestal, roaring in rage.
The elf remained calm. "As you wish," he smiled, "I'll smash you to bits!" Without warning, a fireball formed at the elf's left hand and he threw it at Ragnar. The soldier wasn't prepared for such an attack and didn't have enough time to get his shield up. The fireball impacted solidly on his breastplate and the soldier flew back, the force of the fireball sending him several feet.
Ragnar groggily got up, shaking his head. He quickly checked his body. His back seemed to have a bruise and his red armor had a few burn marks but he was otherwise fine. Ragnar managed to get up on one knee when the elf leapt off the pedestal, his staff extended forward intent on impaling the soldier. Ragnar managed to roll to the left just as the staff impacted on where his head had been.
Ragnar spun around and took up a defensive position. His opponent stood just a few feet in front of the soldier, keeping his staff up defensively. The elf started to chuckle. "You think I will come after you?" he smiled. "Why should I bother when I can pick you off from afar?"
Once again, a fireball formed at the elf's hand, throwing it at the soldier. Ragnar swung his shield up to block but it hit with such force that the soldier had no choice but to step back.
Ragnar looked up and realized the elf was casting another one. If he was going to attack, Ragnar was going to have to do it now. The soldier charged forth, keeping his shield in front. The elf let loose the second fireball and it impacted solidly on Ragnar's shield. However, the soldier had built up enough momentum to keep his stride and rammed into the surprised elf.
They flew back under Ragnar's weight and both crashed into one of the tiers, knocking it over. Dozens of hot coals spilled onto the floor and fire leapt across the room. The blaze slowly started to spread but Ragnar hardly noticed. His enemy was directly in front of him.
Ragnar stabbed the Sword of Malice at the heart but the elf managed roll to the right and dodge the deadly blade. However, Ragnar was still able to graze the elf's left arm as he attacked, creating a deep gash.
The elf quickly stood up and brought his staff up, prepared to attack. He noticed the pain in his left arm as he did so and glanced at it. He saw his robe torn and blood oozing out of the deep wound Ragnar had given. The elf looked back at Ragnar and the soldier saw a red fire forming in the elf's eyes. The elf's eyes twitched once, then he screamed out in fury and charged at Ragnar, swinging his staff wildly.
Ragnar had no choice but to back up, fending off the wild attacks. He was able to block the staff with his shield but he was unable to counterattack, so quick and vicious the elf's attacks were. As he backed up, Ragnar began to feel heat forming at his back. He took a quick glance behind and realized he was backing straight into a large fire! The elf's attacks weren't just created out of random rage. He was forcing Ragnar into the flame.
Thinking fast, Ragnar blocked the elf's next attack with his sword instead of his shield, forcing the lower part of the staff down while leaving his upper body defenseless. The elf saw the opening and followed through with his upper staff, aiming for a vital blow. However, Ragnar had guessed the deranged elf would go for the obvious opening and spun to his left. The elf grazed Ragnar's shoulder but caught more armor than flesh.
Continuing his spin, Ragnar slammed his shield into his opponent's back. The blow sent the elf reeling forward completely off balance. He managed to stop just before the growing flames.
By the time the elf faced Ragnar again the soldier was already attacking. Without any time to block, Ragnar swung the Sword of Malice down on the elf's right shoulder. The blade chopped in, nearly severing the arm. The elf screamed in pain and instinctively grabbed for his shoulder as Ragnar withdrew the blade, blood spurting from the deadly wound. The elf looked up at Ragnar, hatred in his eyes. Ragnar's blade was already there, waiting.
"You are defeated," Ragnar flatly said, having to shout a bit to be heard over the growing flames just in front of him. "Now give me the key or else I will run you through."
The elf looked down at his feet and muttered, "I can't believe I lost..." Gritting his teeth in an effort to stem the pain from his shoulder, he looked up at Ragnar. He then suddenly smiled; a sly, devious smile. Ragnar was confused by the elf's action but kept his blade up all the same. "I'm sure Saro will continue to seek out the Hero..." he said to Ragnar, chuckling as he took a step back.
"Wait a minute," Ragnar said, keeping his ground. "Don't do anything rash!"
"All mankind will soon learn the meaning of pain and suffering," the elf laughed, pain racking through his wounded body as he did. "I'll see you in Vah-Kirgol!" He then stepped back into the fire.
"No!" Ragnar cried out and tried to stop the elf but it was too late. Screams of agony came from the flames as it consumed his flesh. All Ragnar could do was stare, dumbfounded.
The soldier was so intent on watching the elf die that he didn't even notice a figure sneak up on him from the side. The attack came quickly and powerfully. A solid blow landed on Ragnar's shield and the soldier went flying to the right, his head landing inches from the fire.
Shaking his head, Ragnar managed to get back up and saw something charging at him. It was the giant eyeball! It was actually still alive!
Ragnar tried to get his sword up to defend in time but the monster was much too fast and swung a broken half of the fallen tier at Ragnar's sword arm. The metal weapon crushed him and Ragnar felt the bone snap painfully.
The soldier fell to the ground in pain, clutching his arm. He looked up at the giant eyeball, seeing a blood-red glaze over the monster's wounded eye. Ragnar's only thought at that moment was how such a skinny monster could wield such force.
Just as the giant eyeball was about to bring the broken tier down upon Ragnar for a deathblow, it hesitated, as if something had stopped it. Ragnar looked up at the metal weapon and saw several, pink tentacles wrapped around it.
"Healie!" the soldier exclaimed, amazed at his companion's bravery to intervene. The giant eyeball, finally noticing Healie, swung the broken tier sideways. The momentum was more than the healer could bear and was sent flying, splattering into the side of a wall.
However, Healie's distraction had bought Ragnar enough time to get his shield undone and the Sword of Malice into his left hand. Just as the giant eyeball turned back to Ragnar to finish off the soldier, Ragnar swung a backhand slash at the monster's thin neck. The deadly blade went cleanly through and the large, blood red eye flew off, rolling a few feet away. The body fell to the ground, the broken tier clanging noisily on the stone floor after it.
Satisfied the giant eyeball was now dead, Ragnar rushed over to his companion whom he last saw flying into the wall. "Healie!" he cried out, fearing the worst. He got over to the healer and saw that it was all right!
"How...?" he began, amazed at Healie's quick recovery.
"For-get?" Healie asked. "I... heal-er... heal... fast..." The healer then noticed Ragnar's many wounds. "Rag-nar... you... need-"
"Forget about it," the soldier muttered, gingerly rubbing his broken arm. "Right now we have to figure out a way to get Pocos out of his cell before that fire gets too severe. I didn't manage to get the key so-"
"Po-cos... free..." Healie interrupted, sounding somewhat proud.
"What?" Ragnar exclaimed, looking at the healer in amazement, "How did he get free? I didn't get the key!"
"No... key... need," Healie explained. "Fire… open"
"You mean I..." Ragnar began, looking at the portion of the fire where the elf had burned to death. He then looked at Healie, bewilderment in his eyes. Healie remained emotionless, though its tentacles were slightly twitching.
Finally, Ragnar smiled, then laughed. "Come on," he said. "Let's get out of here before that fire gets out of control. Where are the kids?"
"In... tun-nel," Healie replied, pointing to the corridor that led out. Ragnar nodded and they hurried to the corridor, the growing fire slowly consuming the chamber behind them.