Fan Fiction ❯ Chaos Insues ❯ CI8 ( Chapter 8 )

The further west we went the more problems I could see. D Bryan's influence was far reaching. Stretched out in front of us were thousands of tents and many troops. They out numbered us; I couldn't even begin to hazard a guess as to how many. Beyond the camps the real trouble started. We'd have to figure out a way into a fortress that wasn't even at ground level. Not to mention, the armed guards, they would see us coming. If we get in, the next thing to consider was, where to find Kathryn.

I moved back to our own campsite. This would have been simpler had I come alone. Handing myself over, or at least pretending to, would have gotten me inside without a fight. Now I could see no other choice! Frustratedly I stuck the nearest tree. My fist colliding with the rough bark caused my friends to jump in alarm. I understood why, never have they seen me lose my cool to this extent, in the past I'd sit brooding. Thinking things to death was my bad habit…well, one of them anyway.

"You ok there, girl?" Pyros asked, her bright green eyes filled with concern.

I looked away from her, "Yeah, just peachy." My gaze drifted in the direction of the enemy forces. "Listen up, guys, I'm only going to say this once. Tomorrow night we'll quickly, and as quietly as possible, make our way to the bottom of the mountain. Let's try to keep the body count down. Avoid fighting if you can."

Lee frowned, "What're we gonna do about gettin' inside?"

"Don't concern yourself, with that, that's my problem," I replied tersely. "The sun will be up soon so try and get some rest."

*****

Sleep brought more nightmares. It was becoming difficult to get any rest these days. The thought that I had sentenced my own sister to some horrendous fate caused a flood of unwanted images to assault my dreams. They only seemed to be getting worse the closer I got to the fortress.

The setting sun acting like a trigger. I awoke and climbed to my feet. The others woke quickly as I walked about our campsite. A tense silence hovering over us. Leftovers were consumed in the same soundless fashion. I could tell from my friend's faces that this wasn't the best plan I've ever made. We were about to go up against an unknown adversary whose motives weren't clear. His power unknown as well as what he was going to do next.

What I was proposing to do seemed like madness. Only fools rush in where the smart ones yield. Ironically, even a warrior can be a jester, when placed in a bad situation. I couldn't think of a worse one than this, but I would be damned to stop now. My one hope was, if this is to be suicide, that my pyre would be the only one to burn.

The guys were ready to go when I asked. The emotional upheaval I felt melted away as we moved toward the encampment. When the first tent was a stones throw away I gave the signal for them to spread out. Lee, despite my orders, matched my pace. His round blue eyes seemed to dare me to object. I glared at him before turning my attention to the men and beasts that were resting about the fires.

Almost all the races were represented. The humans out numbering the other creatures. I was starting to have doubts about my own plan. There were no guarantees that this would work, hell, it would be a miracle if we made it to the cliff's base. I shook my head; we had to succeed, no matter what!

I could see the outlines of my friends as they darted from one shadow to the next. Once or twice I held my breath as they passed within feet of the enemy. Lee and myself were also having a rough time of it. I thought we might make it when the tent I was creeping past opened.

"What the-Who the hell are you?" A deep male's voice asked loudly.

I spun around, saying the first thing that popped into my head, "Shit!"

Lee gave a more colorful yell as he whacked the man over the head with a rock. I didn't know when he collected the stone, not that it was important, but it did the trick. The guy let out a groan as he pitched to the ground. Lee made a face as he chucked the weapon over his shoulder and reached for his sword. It seemed the whole tent city knew we had arrived, for at that moment, voices were raised and we were surrounded.

They started closing in on us causing our exit to disappear. I pivoted and kicked the nearest man square in the chest. Someone grabbed me from behind and pulled me out of the way of a sword that sliced through the air. Glancing over my shoulder I saw Lee grinning at me. I had no time to thank him for our enemies were being rather insistent to see us dead.

Back to back, Lee and I matched each other's movements, keeping our assailants where we could see them. I limited myself, to physical brutality, saving my energy for D Bryan and Nanashi. It would do no good to get all the way inside only to collapse from exhaustion at my foes' feet. The more I fought the more it occurred to me that these guys weren't trying to kill me. They did attack, just, not in the `I want to rip you limb from limb' sort of way. I was being lead away from Lee with every swing of my staff…Why?

There had to be some logical reason for all of this, albeit, a twisted one. My staff crashed into what could have been a goblin knocking the creature to my right. It danced about before vanishing from my sight. Lee gave a sudden yelp. I turned towards him, pulling a knife from my belt. I tossed it at the precise instant that Lee had dropped to one knee. The blade connected with the man, hilt deep in his chest, holding an axe high over head. I sighed, this was taking too damn long. I had to get to the bottom of this, or rather, the top…

I lifted my gaze towards the castle. Smoldering golden eyes zeroed in on a figure standing at one of the windows. The lights, from within, casting the man's face into shadow, but, I knew who it was. I threw out my fist, at the human that rushed me from my left, not taking my eyes off the silhouette.

*****

D Bryan watched, with amused detachment, the battles being fought below. His gray eyes scanned for the woman that would bring the world to a staggering halt. She didn't know her role, but that didn't matter. He spotted her then; hidden by a black cloak, however, her weapon identified her. A smile pulled at his lips as he turned away from the scene.

"Nanashi, bring the sister here," he ordered, striding over to his chair. "Everything must be in place before our guest arrives."

Nanashi left and quickly rejoined the man with Kathryn Wayfinder in tow. She hardly looked like herself any more. Her once vibrant green eyes were now glossy and unfocused in her downcast face. A limp made it difficult for her to move too fast. It was all too clear to D Bryan that the woman was at Death's door and he hoped she wouldn't knock. They reached the far end of the chamber next to the raised dais that he sat upon. She was then chained to the wall.

His gaze shifted, "What news of the final item?"

Nanashi frowned slightly, "It should have been here by now. I don't know what's keeping..." His words seemed to die out as he stared at the large window as it began to shake.

*****

I growled as the shadowy visage moved out of my sight. He excelled at irritating me and I took my frustration out on the man standing in front of me. I gripped my staff now stained with blood, in both hands, and rammed it upwards. It had the same effect as one of Lee's uppercuts clipping the man's chin. Spinning quickly I brought my weapon around for a follow-up whack to his temple. He hit the ground, like a sack of potatoes, the sound drowned out by the continuous roar of combat.

I finally had the space I needed to change. Twin white bulges emerged from my shoulder blades and expanded well past my fingertips. I was forced to fold the appendages; my attackers were crowding in on me. Lacking the room, I resorted to using a minor wind spell, to get me off the ground. I took to the air, feathery wings pushing me higher, leaving my friends to battle without me. Lee's voice rang out from below. If things were different, even marginally, I might have listened. The sickening feeling in my gut, however, told me to get to Kat's side, now.

Soaring upward, past arrows and energy balls, I twisted about dodging their laughable attempts to strike me. I made a sharp curve toward the large windows of the keep. Lifting an open palm, I shot, a blazing red sphere, that appeared before my fingers, through the glass. The blast forced the millions of shards into the vast room creating an opening big enough for me to fly through. Folding my wings I dove into the chamber.

*****

"No! DARIA!!!" Lee yelled with all his might.

Too late. She had gone higher than his voice could reach. A surge of panic fueled by anger rose up in him that he redirected at the swarm of bodies around him. The sound of metal hitting bone echoed in his ears as Lee continued to attack. His blade spun and twirled in his expert grip. It cut through the air with an audible `swoosh' slicing a guy, across the chest, on his right.

He cast about, searching for the others, hoping someone was nearby to help him. Fatigue of battle seeping into every part of him. Aching muscles threatened to slow him down further. He was sweating so much he wondered how his opponents weren't dropping from the stench alone.

Alarms went off in his head but not soon enough. Pain coursed through his right arm blood rushing forth. He'd managed to tuck his arm in close and escaped from a more serious injury. He jumped back colliding with something solid. Lee knew without looking that he had reached the base of the cliff. Not that this knowledge did him any good other than to confirm there was no place to run.

He laughed, "Heh. `Don't concern yourself,' she says! Damnitall, Dar, you're twisted."

"Lee, watch your eyes!" Pyros shouted from somewhere in the midst of the group in front of him.

After years of fighting, Lee had learned, you do what you're told and don't ask questions. He immediately closed his eyes and tossed an arm over his face. A moment later there was a brilliant flash of light that blinded all those who saw it. When he thought it was safe he opened his eyes. Standing in a protective semi-circle were the others. He was relieved to see them.

Loc called over his shoulder to Lee, "We have to buy, Daria, more time!"

"I ain't buyin' her nothin' except maybe a leash!" Lee retorted, moving to join his friends.

It looked as though they were banged up as well. There was blood coating their clothes and Lee couldn't tell how much was from, or caused by, the enemy troops. Haggard and cornered, as they were, he didn't think-no, scratch that-he knew this wouldn't end well for them. He heard a commotion above him, which he ignored, as he charged the nearest person.

*****

I rolled across the carpeted floor headfirst. Twisting slightly, and sticking out my left leg, I slid to a halt in the center of the room. Both wings and cloak were shed, the latter tossed aside, as I glanced around the chamber. I spied the two figures, in front of me, at the far end of the room. The taller of the two had been facing the window I just demolished.

"Nanashi," I growled as I stood up. "Where is she?"

He smiled at me, the smug bastard. "She's right here," he said, stepping to one side.

Kat lifted her head and was looking about. The expression she wore was one of fear. Relief washed over me, she was still alive, the Goddess be praised! I had been prepared to find her dead and I was more than happy to see I had been wrong. True, she looked pretty bad, but that could be fixed later.

"Daria! Get out of here, it's a trap!" Kat called franticly, her chains clacking together as she spoke.

"Heh, of course it is, sis. They wouldn't have bothered with capturing you otherwise," I replied calmly. Movement drew my attention away from Kat. "Don't take another step closer to her."

D Bryan paused, for but a moment, considering what to do. I spared my sister another look in that time. Something was a-miss with her. She seemed to be staring right through me. She was muttering what I only hoped to be a protection spell; for things were going to get *very* messy real quick.

"Miss Wayfinder, you're spirited as ever, I see," he replied, taking one final step albeit in my direction. "I must admit you've arrived a bit early. I wasn't expecting you for at least another five minutes."

I snorted loudly, I'd never been a punctual person, it was down right laughable. Doing things on a set schedule would be great if it weren't so boring. Considering my life, however, I almost wished for some boredom.

"Isn't that too bad for you. Tell you what, let my sister go, we'll leave, and I'll come back, to kick your sorry ass around this room, later."

A tense silence followed my words. It didn't last for long. A door opened behind me and I could hear someone's hurried footsteps. "I got it!" called an all too familiar voice.

I whirled around to be absolutely certain. As sure as the sun rises, running towards me, was Ronnie. He took note of me and halted a few feet away. We were both shocked at seeing each other. His eyes, a moment before wide in surprise, narrowed to slits. I cursed under my breath `cause of the object he held tightly in his arms. An orb, the size of a person's head, shined brightly. I knew it could only be the Chaos Sphere. Just what, in the blue blazes of hell, had gotten into that boy?

If he weren't the son of one of my friends I would have blasted him where he stood. The Chaos Sphere, reputed to be one of the most deadliest of items ever created, could not be allowed to fall into D Bryan's hands. It's so old that even I had no clue to the full extent of what it was capable of doing. I read once that it was an unspeakable horror and no more had been written down.

"Ronnie, be a dear," I spoke with candor, "and grab some stone. Your mother will want to deal with you when she gets in here. That's right, she's outside."

He paled considerably at my words and dropped onto the floor as he was told. If it were possible, he was even more blanched in the face than when I had introduced myself. Darkness, though mousy looking, could be every bit as vicious as a wild dog that had been backed into a corner.

When I turned around, D Bryan was frowning at the boy. It seemed clear, to me, that he had no idea the kid was related to one of his foes. He didn't seem too concerned about it; his attention once more on me.

"Well, now, it appears everything is set. I'll gladly release your sister, if you will be kind enough as to read this," he held up a piece of paper, "So I can claim my destiny."

I stared at him blankly. Several moments later I started laughing, "Ha ha ha! I'm sorry, but that's just, heh, too good. You expect me, to help you, so that you can `claim your destiny'? Whatever you're taking you should think about upping the dose."

"I somehow knew you wouldn't agree. You've never been one to give in to the simple requests of people such as myself. My uncle was right about you, you're a hard woman to do business with, Miss Wayfinder."

"Your, uncle?" I asked rather confused.

"A man by the name of Val Depri. You're shocked I see."

Val and his kin were like cockroaches; around when you don't want them and getting rid of them hard. I shook my head, "More like disgusted. How is that even possible? I thought he was an only child."

D Bryan smiled, "He didn't want anyone to know, about my father, a pathetic man indeed." His expression soured, "I come from a long line of mages and my father possesses not even the smallest trace of magical talent. The great Depri name would be disgraced if people knew. So, my uncle took care of it, by altering the books."

"Well, that explains why you're not on record, Val's disappearing act, and how you have this here building," I said. Sighing softly, I lowered one end my staff to the ground and leaned on it, "Now, for the million gold coin question, what the hell does any of that have to do with me?"

"You, my dear, come from an equally powerful line. The Wayfinder name is rumored to be one of the oldest surviving families to reach these lands. It sickens me that one such as you exists. All that power, wasted on the weak-minded souls of this planet! Your ancestors, however, were far more ambitious. They forged several items of great magical forces like none the world had ever seen!"

I decided that if he started to laugh, like the madman I knew him to be, I'd go over there and shove his cape down his throat. Laughing leads to hand rubbing and other unusual criminal behavior. It was bad enough he'd mastered the art of ranting. I realized he was still going on and tuned back in…You never know, he might get to a point soon.

"For years I've been in hiding, unable to tell the world who I really am! I'm through with concealing myself! As of this night, the whole world will know my name and cower at my feet! You, Daria Wayfinder, can activate the five talismans. Only a direct descendant has the power required for the spell. I, Bryan Depri, will be king of…!"

"Are we going to fight or do you plan on talking me to death?" I asked, interrupting him, mid sentence. "Despite what you might think, I didn't come all this way to listen to you. And, I certainly don't intend to help you, in any way."

"Don't be so insolent," Nanashi spoke up, each word filled with disdain, "Witch!"

Somehow, I got the feeling that, that wasn't what he intended to say. He moved toward me with a murderous glint in his eyes. They resembled hard green gems, which stared down at me from his angular face. What armor he was wearing creaked with each step he took. His, still ridiculous, cape fanned out behind him. He drew the massive broadsword that hung at his waist with a nasty smile. Yep, he certainly hadn't meant to sound so nice.

I tilted my head to the side. My neck cracked loudly, at the action, not used to being in that position. Shifting my weight, I watched him carefully, gathering the energies that were running through me into my staff. This wasn't going to be like the first time we faced off. I'd sooner see him dead than to end up on my hands and knees at his feet.

"So, what's your deal?" I asked, taking a step behind and to my right. "Try and keep it brief, I don't need a full life's history."

He followed me, step for step, in a circular pattern around the chamber. He feigned a lunge, which I dodged, as he spoke, "I've been working for the Depri's all my life. It's pure good fortune that I'm in Bryan's services these days. Whatever he asks I will do without question!"

He rushed at me with incredible speed. I darted left, to avoid his sword, which I found out too late that he'd anticipated. His fist crashed into my face and I teetered on unsteady legs. Pissed off, I unleashed my power, at full strength. The air between us expanded and sent Nanashi flying backwards. I didn't waste my time counting my teeth; I knew that attack wouldn't keep him down long, as I started to mutter another spell.

Before I could finish my binding spell he sent a spray of ice shards at me. I had felt the attack rather than seeing it. Constrained once more, to defending myself, I spun my staff in my hands. This windmill action blocked the bulk of his cold projectiles. However, those that did get through, left biting shallow cuts. Gritting my teeth I pressed forward. I got within striking distance, his assault dying out. His blade swung quickly toward me and I countered, staff meeting sword.

Our two weapons twisted around in a tight spiral, my grip loosening from sweaty palms. I gave a strangled cry of anger as my staff was sent skittering across the chamber. I was slow to pull the dagger from my belt, Nanashi's follow-up attack coming down hard. The metallic ring that resounded in my ears comforted me, but the tip of his sword, which wavered mere inches from my eyes, did nothing for me. Shoving upward caused him to take a step back. I flicked my wrist, blade now flat against my arm, and slashed his thigh.

Ignoring his shouting, I dove for my staff that lay several feet to my left. I hit the ground hard, my weapon just out of reach. The air in my lungs escaped in a whoosh. Nanashi had tackled me. I lashed out at him, with my dagger hand, and desperately tried to procure my staff with the other. Pain raced through my arm as it was wrenched and pushed into my back. His iron like grip on my wrist, and the glass shards beneath me, added to my suffering.

Finally my questing fingers wrapped around the haft of my staff. I swung blindly at him. I felt it connect and was rewarded, with mobility, my arm free of his grasp. Something hit the floor to my right and as I twisted about I saw it was his sword. I whacked it with my own weapon, sending it to the other side of the room, before he could snatch it up.

A new struggle started, with him trying to avoid getting stabbed or having me ring his chimes. He'd make a grab for one and I'd attack with the other. The armor he wore made it difficult to score a solid strike with my blade. I gave up and pitched the thing to my left in the same direction as his weapon. Flat on my back I fought to pull my staff out of his hands. The action itself was a futile one, my energy was nearly drained, and he seemed to be getting his second wind.

I got reminded that ours wasn't the only fight going on. Nanashi hadn't caused the tickle that ran down my spine. This was followed by an intensely harrowing, high-pitched, wail coming from my right. It was absolutely bone chilling. Time had no meaning as I turned my head towards the frightening sound. My already shaking frame shook all the more as I stared in horror at my sister.

Kathryn was on her knees her body taut. Bright red lapping flames engulfed her, not yet hot enough to kill. The tough leather hide she wore would only protect her for so long. Seeing her like that brought back memories of our parents lying on the walk to our childhood home. Kat's expression, mirrored our father's, one of desperation and fear. I could hear my name, which cut through the air and straight to my heart. The rest of Kat's words were drowned out by her own cries of pain. I thrashed underneath Nanashi, attempting to get up and over to my sister.

"What will you do now?" Bryan called loudly. "IF you do what I ask, I'll spare her life. All you have to do is chant the spell."

"Never!" I yelled at him, half rising from the floor. Nanashi pushed me back down roughly. "Get the hell off of me! Ugh, Kathryn! Hold on, I'm coming! Don't you *dare* die on me!!"

I tapped into my reserves, the power I'd been saving for Bryan, surged through me. The air around my body coalesced to such a degree it could be seen with the naked eye. It expanded in an affect to blanket the room with its magical mist. I took a deep breath and prayed this would work. My plan being to smother the flames and knock out both of my foes at the same time. My left hand left my staff, which in turn slammed into my shoulders, and I placed it flat on Nanashi's chest. He had but a moment of warning, my fingertips glowing a soft blue, before the energy coursed into him. A lightning bolt to the chest, at close range, sent him flying off and away.

Scrambling I got to my feet pushing off the ground hard. Bryan stood in my way, a mystical aura surrounded him, as he cast his spell. `I can't let him finish it!' I thought as I raced towards him. My world soon titled on its' side and I was lifted off my feet. He swung his arm out in my direction and I flew back at such an incredible rate. A scream issued out of me, followed by some choice words of malice, as I hit the wall.

Colored dots of light danced before my eyes, my head hurt something awful. Blood sprayed out of my mouth when I coughed which caused my body to ache more. I was pretty sure I'd broken a few bones too. I couldn't move from my spot on the wall no matter how hard I tried. Wild golden eyes fell once more on Kat.

Her flesh-oh, Goddess, the smell!-curled and rose into the air. Hair and clothes had been burned away minutes before. The fire ravaging her kept her silent. My spell, that fizzled out when Bryan attacked, had only seemed to slow the process and prolonged her suffering. I tried to call out to her but found my own voice had been muted. Unable to speak, or cast a spell, I could do nothing except watch her die.

An eternity passed before her frame collapsed, dropping to the floor in ablaze. What remained quickly turned to a large pile of ash. The tears that I had shed, considering how many there were, could've saved her had she been beneath me. My chin fell to my chest and remained there. I'd lost her.

*****

Author's Notes: Well, I finally got it done! Yes, it took me over a year to produce this chapter, but damnit, life has a way of interrupting. We're at an R rating now, what with all the dead people popping up (or down). Although I think I probably should have done so sooner…oh well ^_^. Woohoo at fiery deaths!! And yes, I'm poking fun at villains! The RPG kind of course. If this were made into a movie I'd love to see either Ewan McGregor or Ethan Hawke in the role of D Bryan/Bryan Depri. This is far from over. I still have a few more plot twists to toss into the mix. Be on the look out for chapter nine! As always, C&C is encouraged and welcomed!