Authors notes: Wheee...only three months this time. Little better. Getting closer to the big showdown. Thanks as always to those who are hanging in there. KT
PART FIFTEEN
Camp that evening was somewhat subdued, even after most of them had napped that afternoon in an attempt to recover from the ordeal in the Vermiglio Mines. Will put forth the idea that the assorted gasses and fumes they'd breathed in had contributed to their overall feeling of illness. The young healer had been busy tending their various cuts and bruises, and he'd made a large dose of an herbal drink which he insisted they drink, declaring it had restorative properties. It was after drinking that potion that most of them had fallen lightly asleep. Will and Trini were the exceptions; they stayed awake and kept guard.
"Do you think Skullavich will try something?" Will asked as the two of them sat beside their small camp fire. The other four were bundled in their bedding nearby, peacefully slumbering.
"It would make sense," the young woman replied, not looking up from her task of sharpening her sword. "It's what I would do in his place."
"So, the question is really how, when and where," the Outcaste pondered, mending Zackary's shirt as he spoke.
"Precisely. I would expect the where to be near the monolith. Though, now that we have all the Orbs it could be anywhere, I suppose," Trini suggested, frowning slightly. "He has some serious magic at his command, and my experience has been he doesn't hesitate to use it. After all, he's sentenced Kymberly to a gruesome death simply for rejecting him."
"Merdrick mentioned him a time or two, nothing really helpful, I suppose. I do recall him saying that Skullavich wasn't as smart as he should be. That he tends to act impetuously. We might be able to find a way to use that to our advantage," Will suggested.
Trini nodded thoughtfully, running possible scenarios through her mind. "An opponent who does not keep a proper perspective at all times is easier to defeat, according to my Zahara Master." She paused, glancing at their slumbering companions. "How long are they going to sleep?" she asked casually.
Will had the basic honesty to blush at her question, and answered in his forthright manner. "Perhaps another hour or so. They really were pretty banged up. Well, except Kymberly. She needed to relax, she hides it very well, but the stress is getting to her," he noted.
"I wasn't arguing your reasoning, or your action. Tomas and Jason are both getting into their battle-ready mindset, and it's still too soon. And Zack, for all his humor, is just as bad. Must be something about you males," she commented serenely, ignoring her companion's glare. "Though if they figure out what you did, they may well be annoyed with you."
"Better annoyed and alive than pleased and dead," Will opined.
"Agreed."
~*~
Will got lucky after all, the napping quartet woke up feeling so much better they were not inclined to grumble about whatever method was used to affect the cure. Though all of them, especially Tomas and Jason, were still extremely stiff and sore, their spirits were better and after carefully stretching, they were fully mobile. Dinner was a relaxed affair, and once their hunger was sated the group sat around the waning fire, each lost in their own thoughts.
Jason was furtively watching Kymberly and Tomas, who sat side-by-side across the flames. Despite the physical discomfort - which was much muted by Will's potion - he felt more at peace now that they had all the Orbs. Whatever the next day brought, he was ready. Somewhere during the last twenty-four hours he'd reconciled himself to the fact that to Kymberly he could - would - be a friend, a contemporary, but nothing else. What had been a sharp pang of regret and sorrow yesterday was now a muted ache of acceptance. What was, was. As long as they could save Kym's life he had no complaints.
The young couple were not talking, just sitting close, deep into whatever thought were foremost in their minds. Kymberly's large brown eyes were suspiciously moist, and now and again a delicate hand would steal up to finger the now snug collar around her neck. After the third time that happened Tomas reached over and gently captured the errant hand, holding it in his own warm grip. He didn't look at her much, but he maintained his hold on her and let her know she was safe without words. His own gaze was considerably darker as he ran scenario after scenario of Skullavich's demise though his mind. He didn't know how he'd be able to do it, but he was determined to be the one to bring the dark wizard down and make him pay for Kymberly's distress.
Jason's gaze drifted to Trini and Zack, sitting in companionable silence to his left. She was now using her whetstone to sharpen the dagger she habitually carried in a holster on her lower right leg. The handle was ornate and she kept the blade extremely sharp. He'd seen her throw the small weapon with uncanny accuracy, once removing an opponent's earlobe without touching the man's face or neck. As for Zack, that young man had proven to be full of surprises. His genial nature and highly developed sense of humor hid a remarkable power of observation and considerable native intelligence. Jason didn't know what formal education he had, if any, but Zackary's ability to correctly assess a situation and come up with a viable plan of action was invaluable. He suspected that Zack's 'career' as a court jester was ended in favor of traveling with the young warrior priestess, helping maintain the balance between good and evil.
Will was, as usual, sitting at Jason's right side. He was perusing one of the scrolls he'd brought with him, frowning in concentration as he studied the small script. Jason wasn't close enough to read it clearly, but it appeared to be a collection of potions and spells, and Jason had to smile at his friend's determination to contribute to the safety of the group. Will might not be particularly large or strong, but he was knowledgeable in such a diverse array of subjects that there were few problems he couldn't think his way out of. A slight grin crossed the dark haired prince's face as he contemplated an opponent trying to get the best of Zackary and Will together.
As the last of the flames sputtered and died the small group retired to their respective bedrolls and a night of restlessness. They were all - for varying reason - anxious for the next day to be done.
One way or another, it would finally be over.
~*~
On the opposite side of the mountain, almost equidistant away, Skullavich consulted his Vision Sphere, anxious to find a way to ensure that he reached the altar before Princess Kymberly and her rescuers. He was easily able to ascertain their location, and grinned in self-satisfied malice as a plan to slow, if not stop, their progress came to mind. Settling down in his room at a small, isolated inn, he began to chant softly, making quick work of the trap he wanted to set.
~*~
The sextet of travelers was up and on the road before the sun had risen above the mountain they were traveling toward. The morning air was damp and chilly, but the day promised to mature to a sunny warmth, the perfect setting for the showdown that was sure to come. The very air seemed heavy with foreboding; birds dared not disturb the solemn silence that surrounded the group. Even the horses appeared to sense the importance of what would happen today, and they seemed to move with a kind of odd stealth. None of them had even eaten breakfast, too wound up with anticipation to tarry for something as unimportant as sustenance.
They rode three abreast, with Jason, Tomas and Trini leading the way. The low farmlands gradually gave way to a forest, sparse at first but soon turning dense and dark. The road narrowed, forcing the group to move first to double file, then single, with Jason at the front and Tomas taking up the rear.
Pine trees and low growing ferns were gradually joined by more tropical vegetation, and the former silence was now filled with the myriad sounds of the creatures that called the lush environment home. It was Trini who noticed when the normal sounds ceased.
"Jason," she called out suddenly, her voice taut with anxiety. "Something is not right here," she explained as the line of riders stopped at the edge of one of the small clearings that dotted the way.
"Yes," he replied thoughtfully. "But what?"
"Well, maybe that?" Zack contributed, pointing a slightly unsteady finger toward their left. There at the edge of the clearing sat an enormous bear, its deadly claws several inches long. At its side was a trio of gray wolves, their eyes glowing with aggression. A powerful ape paced just beyond the canines, it's attention never wavering from the travelers. In the high branches of the trees behind the other animals a pair of falcons perched, poised and ready for flight.
"What the hell?" Tomas wondered, knowing full well that the gathering of those animals was in no way natural.
Before anyone could reply Kymberly let out a shrill scream as nearly a dozen black frogs leapt from the moist grass at her horse's feet and scrambled up the young royal's legs. In her surprised panic she inadvertently kicked her horse into a startled run, nearly unseating the petite young woman. Zack, who had been directly in front of her, reacted with admirable reflexes and was almost able to grab the reins before the horse took off. He missed by mere inches, but was the first to spur his own mount after Kymberly. Before any of the others could react or formulate a plan, the other creatures moved in to attack.
The ape charged at Trini, while the bear appeared to target Jason. The falcons swooped down toward Tomas as the wolves stalked Will. The four remaining young people separated a bit to allow for fighting room as the animals made their move. Tomas ducked down as much as possible in the saddle as the large birds of prey dove at him with talons at the ready. Pain shot up his leg as the second falcon tore a bloody path across the leg he had draped across the saddle. His horse, spooked by the aerial attack, ducked away, unseating the tall hero. He landed badly; narrowly missing being hit in the head by his horse's flailing hooves as the panicked animal fled. 'At least now I'm a lower target,' he thought with some irony as he took up a defensive stance near a group of large boulders that at least provided some cover for his back.
Meanwhile Trini was having only marginal success against the large, enraged ape, whose tactic was to try and take down the young woman's horse. The simian attacker had managed to gain possession of one rein, but with Trini's urging the frightened mount was keeping just out of range of the aggressor's deadly grasp.
Will and Jason were facing opposite directions while staying side-by-side, both working hard at keeping the wolves and bear away from their vulnerable horses.
"I don't understand, this is not normal!" Tomas shouted, wishing he could do more to help his companions, but any attempt to leave the semi-shelter of the rocks resulted in another attack from the birds of prey that had targeted him.
Tomas's comment caught Will's attention as they continued to fight off nearly continuous attacks. Seeing the somewhat dazed look in the wolves' eyes, Will realized that the animals were under some sort of enchantment. Almost simultaneously he recognized the spell that must have been used, and called out anxiously to his companions.
"I think I can stop this, but I need to have a few moments to set up and get out the herbs and candles," he informed them. "Any suggestions?" he asked even as he used his staff to knock the largest of the wolves aside, narrowly missing being unseated in the effort.
"Over here," Tomas called out, ducking away from yet another diving attack from the falcons. The large birds were uncannily good at synchronizing their attacks. "There's a protected hollow here, and we could defend the entrance."
"Let's do it!" Jason decided, hitting the bear with all his considerable strength as Will sent two of the wolves scampering from his flailing staff. They two young men darted over to Tomas's position, with Will throwing himself from his horse with his knapsack and staff in hand. Ducking behind Tomas the young apprentice wizard hastily pulled out a single white candle and his packet of herbs. The sound of the flint reached Tomas's ears as the tall hero grabbed Will's discarded staff and used it along with his own staff to dissuade the wolves.
Trini and Jason flanked Tomas, using their horse's bodies, their staffs, and their legs to beat back the attacking animals as they heard Will's soft voice begin chanting. Moments later the beasts seemed to stagger, and Trini saw the ape's eyes glow a sudden blue before the big animal simply turned and lumbered back toward the jungle. The wolves and bear similarly slunk off, and the falcons were suddenly nowhere to be seen. All four of the travels breathed a sigh of relief to find they were once again alone.
"Good job, Will," Tomas declared, turning with a broad smile for the Outcaste. "Thank the Gods you knew the counter spell, 'cause they sure weren't showing any signs of giving up."
"It's a fairly basic enchantment," the blond demurred, packing his supplies back up carefully. "I should have recognized it sooner."
"We'd better see if we can find Kymberly and Zack," Tomas noted. "And my horse would be a good thing to have, too," he added with a scowl.
"I think it headed the same way Kymberly and Zack did," Jason said as he held out a hand to assist Tomas to mount behind him. The tall young man swung up easily, and the quartet set out at a brisk trot to find their missing companions.
~*~
On the far side of Seraph Mountain Skullavich threw the Vision Sphere away from him in frustration, vowing once again to have his revenge on all six of the young people who dared to oppose him.
~*~
It was nearly an hour later before Jason spotted their wayward companions heading back toward them, with Tomas's horse following docilely. Kymberly rode with her head down, following Zack's lead. The usually jovial jester was liberally spattered with mud, and a soiled bandage was wrapped around his left hand.
"Are you okay?" Jason asked, not feeling at all confident about how the two of them looked.
"Better now that the local critters stopped attacking us," Zack reported wearily. "I'm guessing you guys had something to do with that?"
"Will reversed the spell," Tomas said, approaching the subdued princess with a concerned frown. "What happened?" he asked her gently.
"I panicked," she muttered, still staring with great concentration at the saddle horn. Tomas cast a curious glance at Zack, wordlessly asking for more explanation.
"Those frogs were tenacious," the dark skinned young man noted without humor. "Stuck to her, the horse, everything. By the time I was able to get her stopped, they'd managed to even get caught up in her hair. Nasty things," he reported as Kymberly shuddered at the memory.
"We ended up near a pond, and I swear more of them came out to attack. The horses were even getting freaked out," Zack continued. "But at least the frogs wouldn't really HURT us, you know? Then the squirrels started in."
"Squirrels?" Jason asked, desperately schooling his expression into a serious concern.
"Yes, squirrels. And it's not funny," Zackary retorted, not ready to see anything comical about the situation. "One of the furry menaces bit me," he added, holding up his bandaged hand. "After my horse threw me at the edge of the pond." That explained his muddy attire.
"It was all my fault," Kymberly sighed, finally glancing up at her companions with tear filled eyes. The four young men were surprised; Kymberly had been so fearless and strong, but frogs were able to reduce her to tears? It didn't make any sense to them. Trini, however, seemed to understand the situation and realized that the princess needed some time to recover from her ordeal.
"Why don't you guys go help Zack get cleaned up, and I'll help Kymberly do the same," she suggested, hoping they men would understand what she didn't say. It appeared they did because there was no comment from any of them as they turned back toward the pond Zack and Kym had just left.
Once they were alone the two young women dismounted and the petite royal sat down on a nearby fallen log with a shaky sigh. Trini took a seat on a nearby rock, and waited patiently until Kymberly looked over at her.
"I'm such an idiot."
"What makes you say that?" Trini asked gently.
"Frogs aren't dangerous, they can't hurt me, but there I was, screaming and running like a four-year-old. Frogs!" She stated with self-loathing evident in her tone.
"Book Beetles."
"What?" Kymberly's brow furrowed with confusion at Trini's response.
"Those disgusting black beetles that sometimes get into older books? Have you ever seen them?"
"Sure. I remember seeing my tutor find some once," she replied, still wondering what Trini was talking about.
"It happened just before I left the Temple of Zahara. I'd finished my training, was now accepted as a warrior priestess. I went to the library, just wanting to visit it one last time. A volume about astrology caught my eye, so I took it down to read a bit. I opened it up and five or six of those beetles swarmed out and up my arms. I screamed and dropped the book, running out the door as if trying to escape the very gates of Hell. I nearly knocked over my Master as I fled, beating at my arms like someone possessed. He followed me to where I ended up, crouched beneath a tree near the gardens. Sanity had finally returned and I was so embarrassed, if the ground had opened up and swallowed me whole at that moment I would have been grateful. To react in such a manner to so minor - so harmless - a thing, it was shameful. Or so I felt," Trini said softly, while Kymberly nodded in sympathetic understanding.
"But the Master simply knelt down beside me, and carefully rubbed my arms, as if to help rid me of the lingering feel of those insects crawling. I started to apologize for such a blatant show of fear, but he brushed my words aside as easily as he'd brushed away the beetles. 'Child, he said, that was not fear you experienced, that was shock. Surprise. Something as unpleasant as it was unexpected. Once you get over the surprise you shall be fine. Such is the difference between surprise and fear. Surprise is short term, fear is lifelong. The challenge is to not let surprise turn into fear.' Then he led me back into the library, and opened the book Id dropped in my panic. He took out one of the remaining beetles and put it into my hand. Honestly, the poor bug must have been so confused; my hand was shaking so much. But the Master simply helped steady me, and reached over for one of the magnifying glasses they kept there. He had me look at the details of the beetle, pointing out the intricacies of its body, the graceful antennae, the deep black of its shell. Once I could see the beauty of the creature, once Id held it for a while without harm, the lingering fear fled. Knowledge is the most effective defense against fear, he told me. By helping me gain knowledge of the source of my shock, it kept it from developing into an actual fear."
Kymberly couldn't hide her surprise at Trini's story. During their time together the young princess had developed almost a hero's worship of the calm, capable, serene warrior priestess. To hear that even a highly trained, powerful woman could be reduced to terror by something essentially harmless made her own reaction easier to accept. The glint of worry in the almond eyes of her friend prompted Kymberly to take the elegant hands into her own as she tried to find the right words to say.
"Thank you, Trini. I didn't think anyone could say anything to make me feel better. But you did. And it means the world to me that you've trusted me with your confidence," she added, wanting to reassure her friend that she would not be sharing this story with anyone else.
Trini smiled at her gratitude, and then stood up, striding over to the nearby spring that followed the meandering path through the wilderness. Her quick eye had noted the small frogs that called the watery area home, and it was swift work to gently capture one. Kymberlys expression was anything but happy when she realized what Trini was up to.
Oh, no, I dont need to hold one. Im not afraid, I promise, she protested, holding her hands up in a warding off gesture. Really, this is so not necessary.
Still, when Trini caught her hand and carefully deposited the tiny amphibian into it, Kymberly shuddered in reaction, nearly throwing the defenseless creature. Only her stubborn pride and desire to not be thought of as weak stayed her hand. After a few moments where the princess, priestess and frog all remained motionless, Kymberly finally took a good look at the source of her trauma.
It was a tiny frog, grass green with delicate stripes of vibrant red, and random dots of bright yellow. The slightly bulging eyes were trying to look every direction at once, and the webbed feet actually tickled the palm of her hand. When it swelled up and released a surprisingly loud croak of outrage at its situation, both young women burst into laughter. Kymberly leaned down and let the small animal hop down into the damp grass.
There, youre free. No need to shout about it, she scolded it between giggles. Geez, wonder what it would sound like if it was bigger? she wondered.
Im glad we dont have to find out, Trini replied with a wide grin. The two young women sat quietly for a few moments, letting the peace of the meadow calm them.
I guess wed better go catch up with the guys, Kymberly said at last, standing up and brushing at her clothing. We still have a ways to go.
Trini didnt comment, simply walked with her companion to their horses. A kick of their heels sent them back along the path to the inevitable showdown with Skullavich.
~*~
To Be Continued
