-4-
Lynne the Younger's breath hitched slightly as she easily lifted bales of hay into the barn. This was part of her daily chore, and she hated it. She hated mucking out stables and grooming horses, almost as much as she hated waiting tables. She was meant to be slaying dragons, fighting evil, and earning her place among the Knights of the Hammer Guard. Her parents tried to encourage her to reach for her dreams, but the truth was, the Hammer Guard was mostly filled with sons and daughters of Nobility. It was difficult for the daughter of a peasant to become a knight. But she still dreamed. In the meantime, her parents encouraged her to make the most of her situation, but she still found it tiresome.
But the arrival of this boy, this young mage, could change things for her. She finally had a reason to go to the capital. If she could show him how strong she is, perhaps maybe he could vouch for her. Approval from a mage, any mage, would be worth its weight in gold according to the Hammer Guard. But her mother stubbornly refused to let her go. She knew the reason behind it, but she was dismayed all the same. She threw the bale of hay into the pile in frustration. Stopping only to take a breath, she eyed her sparring equipment in the barn. She supposed she could take a moment to get in a quick training session with her practice dummy. She picked up her sword and began attacking the training dummy, which stood as tall as she and was set on spinning gears and wheels, with wooden sticks protruding from the sides. This allowed the sticks to spin to and fro and allowed Lynn to properly practice as if she was fighting multiple foes.
Several minutes passed as she continued to train, finally stopping to catch her breath. She supposed that she should return to her chores, when she turned to see with surprise that the young mage, Liinken, had been watching her. He was leaning against the wooden walking stick he carried with him when first arriving at the inn.
"Ye have skill with a blade," he said.
"Verily," said Lynne proudly. "Do ye fancy a match?" She added hopefully. "I have always wanted to challenge a powerful mage such as yourself."
"Ye think too much of me," said Liinken, dismissing her compliment with a wave. "I do what I must to survive, but I am no warrior."
"Ye felled three men twice your size," Lynne pointed out.
"Drunks and workmen," said Liinken. "Hardly as skilled with the sword as ye are." He lifted his hand, which began to glow, and Lynne watched in awe as the bales of hay were lifted into the air and placed in the pile she had created. "I prefer practical magic over combat."
Lynne sighed wistfully as she leaned up against one of the hay bales, staring into the sunset. "What ails thee, my lady?" Asked Liinken.
"I love my home," said Lynne. "And I love my family. But I long to be more than just a chambermaid. I wish for adventure. I wish to become a knight, but I cannot have either if I remain here."
Liinken stood next to her, leaning on his staff. "Adventure is not as. . . enjoyable as ye think," he said, causing Lynne to glance towards him in surprise. "If the truth be told, 'tis I that envy the life ye have here." Lynne cocked her head to the side in confusion. This mage claimed to have traveled all over the realm. Why would he choose a boring life such as hers?
"I have been on my own a long time," Liinken continued. "My mother and father were. . . taken from me at a young age. I barely remember what they look like."
"I am sorry," said Lynne, ashamed that she touched a sore subject.
"Do not worry," said Liinken, dismissing her concern. "But what ye call adventure, I call survival. When one is on their own, one must find ways to survive, or they will perish. There are many dangers in the wild. There is no one to look after you. No one to hold you at night. No one to tell you they love you…"
Liinken's expression became somber as he continued, and turned to face Lynne. "But you have all of these things," he said. "Ye must treasure it, with all thine might, for one day, it may be gone."
Lynne and Liinken stood in silence, with the former pondering his words, feeling a pang of guilt in her heart. In all the times she was looking to the horizon, to her future ambitions, she never considered that she was taking the things closest to her for granted. They were shaken from their thoughts when a voice spoke from behind them, startling them both.
"Lucielle!" Shouted Lynne. "Must ye vex me with thine skullduggery?!"
"Apologies sister, master mage," said Lucielle, bowing politely. "Father wishes to inform ye that it is time for supper, and to be ready for our guests tonight."
"Aye, aye," said Lynne, waving impatiently. "I will be there shortly."
Lucielle turned to face Liinken. Though her eyes were covered by her black hair, he could feel the intensity in her gaze as it fell upon him. "Master Liinken," she said in a hushed voice. "I would be honored if a master of sorcery such as yourself would join us."
"Ye think too much of me," said Liinken. "I am but a humble mage."
"Nonsense!" Said Lynne, wrapping her arm around his neck and shoulder, surprising him. "Ye are our guest! Ye will dine with us!" Before he could protest, she began to drag him towards the inn with Lucielle following quickly in tow.
Liinken sat silently as he ate the food before him, trying desperately to stave off the awkward feeling rising in his chest as the boisterous family who was his host clambered around the table. Liinken was unused to dining in company, but even if he was, he was certain that this family was not known for their etiquette. Even Loela, the self-proclaimed 'princess' of the house, abandoned all pretense as she fought her way through the feast with the others. He jumped slightly as he felt someone nudge him. It was the minstrel of the family, Lunara, who had fought her sisters tooth and nail to have the honor of sitting next to the young mage.
"Oi, mate!" She said to him, nudging his arm again. "Try some mutton, best in the region." She began loading up his plate with large slabs of mutton chops and gravy. Lucielle, who was sitting on the other side of him, began loading his plate up with a large mound of mashed potatoes, and their mother was passing by, already filling up his flagon with fresh mead.
"There is really no need to fuss," said Liinken, slightly overwhelmed but also somewhat amused at their antics.
"Nonsense!" Said Reitha. "Ye are but skin and bone, we must fatten thee up while ye are still with us." She leaned over and pinched his cheek affectionately, which caused him to blush profusely, which did not go unnoticed by Luanna, the young harlequin.
"But mother, our little guest already looks scrumptious enough to eat," she said slyly. "I say we cook him now." Liinken's blush deepened as several of the girls laughed around him.
"Now, now, don't vex the poor boy!" said Lynne the Elder sternly, but still keeping a smile on his face. "Pay them no mind, Sir Mage. They are simply enjoying the company ye keep."
"Peace, my lord," said Liinken. "I am not offended."
Lynne the Elder looked out the window, seeing the sun set in the West. "Our guests will soon be upon us, girls," he said, wiping his mouth with a rag and standing. "Finish thine meals and prepare for the night. Liinken, if ye wish, ye may stay and enjoy the night, or retire to thine quarters."
"Nay," said Liinken, standing immediately. "Ye have been so kind to me, I wish to help thee."
"That is not necessary," said Lynne the Elder. "Ye are our guest."
"I must insist, my lord," said Liinken. "I am a man of honor. Ye have done me great kindness since I have come. I must do what I can to return the favor in kind."
Lynne the Elder looked at the boy with appreciation. "Ye possess an admirable spirit, young lad," he said, patting him on the shoulder. Just then, the girls began to stand from their seats, gathering their plates.
"Nay, do not trouble yourselves," said Liinken. He lifted his hand towards the table. In an instant, his hand began to glow, and the plates, utensils and leftover food began to float off the table. This startled the family at first, but soon they began to marvel and cheer in awe as the plates flew into the kitchen, only for them to wash, dry and put themselves away, as well as the food to return to the pantry. Once finished, the family let out a round of applause at the boy's spectacular display.
"I say, I like this boy!" Said Lynne the Elder, patting Liinken on the back appreciatively. Liinken scratched his head in embarrassment, but couldn't help the smile that came to his face.
As the night came, the inn was filled with the sounds of music, jovial laughter, and conversation. Wonderful smells of roasted meats and fresh breads wafted through the air. The tavern area was bustling with excitement as Luanna and Lunara performed for the guests. While The latter supplied wonderful music from an array of instruments, Luanna would poke jovial fun at the guests, causing them to roar in raucous laughter.
Liinken watched the scene from the top of the stairs. Part of him wanted to go to bed, but the other half of him was rather weary, not wanting a repeat of the other night, so he kept vigilant. Despite this, he felt an odd sense of peace overcome him, a sensation that he hadn't felt in. . . longer than he could remember. It wasn't happiness, but rather, a feeling of safety. He looked down at Lorrea and Leniera as they weaved through the tavern, placing food and carrying empty trays back to the kitchen.
There was a lull in the music as Lunara thanked the audience for their attendance. She cast her gaze up at Liinken, startling him slightly. "We have a very special treat for you tonight!" She said with much bravado. "Please join me in welcoming our very own Master Magician: Liinken!"
The crowd cheered and clapped as they looked up at Liinken on the balcony. He looked away as he felt his face flush, embarrassed by the attention. However, this action only seemed to encourage the two entertainers more.
"Come, Master Mage!" Said Luanna, beckoning him to join them on the stage. Liinken shook his head quickly, but they were undeterred.
"Do not disappoint the guests, now!" Said Lunara. "Give them a taste of thine mighty power! Give them a show they shall not forget!" Luanna then began to chant his name, with the rest of the patrons joining along. Liinken felt like he was frozen in place. He was unused to such attention, positive or otherwise, and was at a loss of what to do. As he was contemplating, he suddenly felt someone grab him from behind, lifting him off his feet. He let out a gasp as he turned to see Lynne the Younger carrying him down the stairs, making her way towards the stage, placing him straight in the middle.
"Magic, Master Liinken!" Shouted Luanna excitedly. "Show us your magic!" Soon, the entire McCloud family was gathering around the stage, eager to see his power in action, offering him encouraging looks. Liinken was hesitant. He always wanted to keep a low profile when it came to his magic, and immediately he became the most popular man in the room. He wanted to simply run up the stairs and hide under his bed in his room. However, after gazing at the looks of the family that fed him, clothed him, and gave him room and board, he knew that he could not deny them.
Clearing his throat, he lifted his hand, and caused the candles around the room to extinguish. The crowd chattered in surprise and shock at the sudden darkness of the room, but didn't move from their seats. Liinken used his other hand to raise his staff and began muttering something under his breath. A green and yellow light began to emanate from the staff, suddenly coming to life and twisting upwards towards the ceiling. With a fluorescent glow, the light transformed into the shape of a dragon, who breathed "fire" down at the patrons, who gasped and yelled in excitement and amazement.
Liinken twisted his hand, and another light shot out from the end of the staff, shining bright blue and red. The lights contorted into the shape of a daring knight, taking sword and shield in hand, and challenging the light dragon he had just conjured. A battle ensued, in which the dragon tried to use his flames to light the knight ablaze, but the gallant knight's shield did not break against the attack, and he soon pursued his foe. In a mighty swoop of his sword, the dragon exploded into a flash of light, causing the patrons to yell in amazement as tiny stars from the explosion descended upon them, disappearing before it could touch them.
In an instant, the knight disappeared. Liinken snapped his fingers, and the candles around the inn ignited once again. The patrons of the inn roared in thunderous applause, cheering and whistling at the wonderful display. Lynne embraced Liinken in a giant hug, spinning him around excitedly.
"That was the most astounding display I have ever witnessed!" She said, finally putting him down. "Ye are truly an amazing sorcerer, Master Liinken!"
Liinken blushed and scratched his nose, embarrassed by the attention, but at the same time, a ray of happiness entered into his heart, pleased that he was able to impress the patrons, but also help the family who had been so kind to him, if only in a small way.
The happiness was short-lived, however, as loud noises began to raise at an alarming rate outside the tavern. The patrons turned towards the door, confused at what could be causing it. Horses and animals began to cry out in fear and pain, and were suddenly silenced. The shouting and noises grew louder as the door to the inn flew open, revealing a lanky man wearing a frayed tunic, clutching his arm in pain. He looked as if he was torn apart by a wolf, as blood seeped from a large gash in his arm, with cuts and bruises aligning his face and body that was not covered by his clothes.
"Fletcher?!" Said Lynne the Elder, approaching the man. "What happened?"
"Lynne, ye must flee!" Said Fletcher, clutching Lynne and staring at him like a madman. "They are on their way! Ye all must flee before it is too late!"
"What is going on?" Said Lynne the Elder. "Who is on their way?!"
Before he could answer, there was a loud, guttural roar that came from the doorway. The sound of scraping bone grew louder, and a putrid smell of rotting flesh filled the air. Fletcher turned slowly towards the door, his eyes ablaze with fear. "No," he said, horrified. "We are too late. It is here! The dead have risen!"
In a blinding flash, a large, skeletal arm reached in from the doorway and dragged the screaming Fletcher out of the inn, causing the patrons to cry out in terror. Liinken could hear the painful screams and loud squelches of flesh being torn from his bones. Liinken gazed in horrified shock.
They had found him.
Lynne the Elder quickly tried to slam the door shut, but was pushed backward with incredible force, causing the door to break from its hinges and slamming him towards the floor. The glass windows round the house began to shatter as skeletal hands and appendages broke through, grasping at the frightened patrons around the inn. With the door no longer there to block it, the invader slowly stepped into the light, causing the group to scream in terror. It was a large skeletal creature. It had torn, tattered clothing stretched about its rotting body. Its form was crude and misshapen, as if it was made from a hodgepodge of bones and bodies from multiple people and creatures. It released a horrifying guttural scream as it lunged for the defenseless McCloud patriarch on the floor before him.
He braced himself for the inevitable, but it never came. He opened his eyes to see a large, translucent wall had formed between him and the creature. He turned back to see that Liinken had his hand outstretched towards him. The young mage had managed to form a protective shield around him.
"For your life, my lord, RUN!" He shouted.
Lynne wasted no time scrambling to his feet, getting some distance between himself and that creature as it clawed at the shield. Reitha and his daughters began herding the patrons out the back door in an effort to escape, but they soon found that they were surrounded, and several of the skeletal creatures began to give chase to the patrons as they ran off into the night, while the rest of the creatures continued to lay siege to the crumbling inn.
Liinken leaped forward with incredible speed as he closed the distance between himself and the monster as the shield dropped from between them. Lorrea yelled in terror, afraid for the boy's safety, but the boy simply held a finger to his lips and blew on the tip, causing a large eruption of flames to extend from his fingertip, enveloping the creature. It shrieked in pain as it burned. It began to run aimlessly as it attempted to extinguish the fire. The overturned flagons of mead and broken tables only added fuel to the fire, causing the inn to alight in flame. Liinken continued his assault on the other skeletons, causing them to break off their attack.
"Flee!" He shouted, turning to the frightened family. "I will hold them off!"
"Liinken!" Shouted Leniera.
"You'll die!" Cried Loela.
"GO!" Shouted Liinken. Lynne the Elder and Reitha complied, herding their children towards the basement of the tavern. Inside was an escape tunnel that Liselle and Lanalei had dug for emergency situations, but neither of them could have fathomed its use would be prompted by autonomous skeletons. In fact, Liselle would have found it fascinating, if she wasn't terrified out of her mind.
Lynne the Elder began guiding his children into the tunnel, using a lantern to light the way. "Stay close!" He said. "Let us hope those. . . creatures don't follow us!"
"We have to go back for Liinken!" Shouted Lynne the Younger.
"We can't leave him to die!" Said Lucielle.
"Hush, girls!" Said Reitha. "He is trying to save thee. His efforts would be in vain if ye were to return to the danger."
"But-"
"Enough!" Said Reitha. The girls grew silent, with some of the younger ones crying as they marched along. Though she remained stoic on the outside, Reitha was nearly overcome with worry for the young mage. She hated the very notion of leaving him behind, but there was nothing they could possibly do against those monsters. She could only pray to the gods that he would be safe.
They finally reached the end of the tunnel. A small wooden door was blocking their path. Lynne the Elder retrieved a key and removed the deadbolt, opening the door. Upon exiting the tunnel, they had traveled several yards from the inn, into an empty field down the road from their home. They watched in horror as the house was engulfed in flames.
"Our home!" Shouted Reitha, clutching her husband, who gazed in horror.
"Liinken. . ." Lorrea whispered, frightened.
The family's mourning was cut short as they suddenly heard the shrill cry of the monsters that attacked the inn. They turned to see that there were three that were descending upon them from the other side of the field. They would be upon them in seconds, and there was nothing they could do to stop them.
"Get behind me!" Shouted Lynne the Elder, shielding his family. "Take the children and flee, Reitha."
"Husband!" Said Reitha, shocked.
"Do as I say, woman!" Shouted the Elder Lynne. "Save the children!" Without a second thought, he roared as he ran towards the monsters, knowing he was about to meet his doom, but hoped that they would be too busy devouring him to go after his family, buying much needed time to escape. Before the monsters reached him, however, there was a bright flash of light that came between them, causing Lynne the Elder and the monsters to balk in surprise. Lynne could hardly believe his eyes as he saw the source of the flash.
Liinken was standing between him and the monsters, alive and unharmed.
"Liinken!" Shouted Lorrea, tears streaming down her face.
"Stay back!" He shouted, raising his hand to them. Another large energy field was erected before them, placing a shield between them and the monsters. As the creatures got their second wind, they roared once again and resumed their attack, but Liinken didn't blink.
"Back to Hell where ye belong!" He shouted. His staff discarded, he clapped his hands together before jutting them out towards the creatures, causing an even more massive flame to erupt from his palms, engulfing the monsters completely. They shrieked in pain as they began to melt before their very eyes, eventually burning to ash.
Liinken ceased his attack, breathing a heavy sigh. He turned to the family, who stared at him in awe and wonder. Before any of them could react, the forcefield dropped before them, and Liinken fell to the grass beneath him. The last thing he could hear was the family shouting his name as they gathered around him before he drifted into unconsciousness.