The Endless Forest

A gust of wind blew past Felix, kicking up dust and leaves. It was cool, cooler than it had been. The sun above felt less intense than before. A few clouds began to cluster together, darkening.

Summer was over.

Autumn was here.

And a fight that would set the tone for the future would play out this day…

Shielding his eyes, he waited until the gust settled down before looking around. He scanned the main elven camp, slowly running his mana sight over everyone and everything. None would escape his gaze today.

He had a slight hunch that the individual sent here was nearby, hiding, waiting, and preparing their next move. He would not allow it. Not him, nor Kyrith, nor Zira, nor the Sages. Neither would the kobolds or any of his friends. The elves would not bow down as well.

They would fight. They would win. They would have a country… A home. No one would take that away from them. Felix had committed too much to bear witness to others trying to stop them.

If it meant him having to lay down his life, he would gladly do it. He had done it once before, after all.

But such thoughts aren't healthy. Eri's right, I shouldn't be thinking like that. I want to live long enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor…

He came to a stop, noticing something wrong. Well, ever so slightly out of place. A tent… A single tent.

It wasn't through his mana sight that it caught his attention. No, it was its construction. It stood haphazardly, like someone who rushed to put it together. But if that were all, he would have dismissed it. There were other tents just as poorly set up. What made this one unique was the refuse scattered around it.

Bits of food and soiled clothing laid piled in the entrance, propping open its flap. It reminded him of the scene he saw this morning–

Something tugged at his pant leg, startling him. Jumping back and preparing for a fight, Felix found Watcher. He let out a relieved sigh.

"Shouldn't you be with the other kobolds?" he asked, wiping away a bead of sweat. The tension was starting to get to him.

The gray kobold shook his head before peering up at him. "Watcher come help Master! Kobold no need Watcher."

Okay… He briefly considered sending the old kobold away. His intuition though… "Alright then, I'll tell you what. Help me check out this tent, then if it's clear, I want you to start checking the edge of the clearing. Whoever this invader is, they might be hiding out nearby."

Watcher gave a bow then charged the tent, much to his surprise.

"Wait! Hang on a second! It could be trapped!" But it was to no avail as the kobold let out a screech and leaped through the tent flap.

Felix charged in after him, ready to call upon his armor that was stored in his ring.

Throwing open the flap, he came to a sudden stop. The inside was a mess. A horrible stench filled his nose, and it wasn't from the half-eaten food piled in the corners. It smelled of someone who hadn't bathed in weeks and the clothes sitting by the entrance heavily implied that was the case.

No doubt about it, this is our culprit… He glanced over to Watcher who was sifting through a sleeping bag. "Find anything?"

The kobold frowned and shook his head. "Watcher no find trace other than stench."

Felix kneeled down and began sifting through the dirty clothes, letting out a sigh. Maybe we could use his scent to track him down? With how bad they had to smell, that might've been an actual option.

Nothing… He picked up an old, raggedy cloak. It had, at one point, looked like a fine piece of leather and cloth. No longer though, the only thing it would be useful for was tinder for a fire.

Still, Felix decided to hold onto it. The idea of tracking down this individual by their scent was starting to sound better and better. And then I can confirm it with my mana sight.

It was a sound plan. They even had direwolves who were good at tracking down prey. And, it seemed he wasn't the only one who had a similar idea…

"Master! Watcher take cloth and search! Tracker good at scenting!"

I…forgot about that. Not exactly what I had in mind but that might be a more subtle way to track them down. He gave Watcher a nod, that is, until he noticed what was in the kobold's hands. Underwear… Or, what had been underwear.

Felix held out the cloak, offering it to the gray kobold. "Might….want to take this instead. Or maybe their shirt." He gestured to the rest of the clothing, still laying on the ground.

But Watcher shook his head. "No! Underwear have strongest scent! Tracker find invader quicker."

He shrugged, dropping the cloak. "If you say so… Anyway, go ahead and get that to her then. The sooner we track down this invader, the sooner we can stop."

The kobold gave another bow and vanished into thin air, much to Felix's alarm. Quickly, he called out one final request. "Whatever you do, do not stop them! Keep an eye on them and come find me!"

There was no response and he could only hope the kobold heard him…

Torm gulped, sweat pouring down his brow. He was at the edge of the clearing, peering out from behind a tree. In front of him he saw the camp and, more specifically, his tent. The problem? The human was there…

Maybe I should go around? Yeah, that would be better. I don't need that tent anyway. I'll just snatch another one… He stepped back and began circling around towards the manor. He hoped if he came from that side, no one would notice.

Not good though– No, it's fine… It's not fine! The human is onto me! His careful steps became more and more frantic.

I have to wait back in the forest– No! I refuse to spend another night out here! He came behind another sky tree and collapsed, resting his back against it. He needed to think.

The necklace… They can't detect me. All I have to do is wait till that group arrives… When do they arrive? He let out a muffled curse. Of course I don't know!

Slamming his hand into the ground, Torm peered up into the canopy. He hoped and prayed the Gods would bless him with an answer… None came.

He clicked his tongue. I need to THINK! It was obvious the human was looking for him, and something was going on at the free standing structure near the manor. But what it was escaped him. Only thing he could see was a large crowd forming–

That's it! There's a large crowd there! I can make my way to the other side and slip into the crowd! No one would expect a thing.

Relieved that he finally thought of something smart, Torm pulled himself up. But before he could take a single step, he heard a loud, THWACK!

Freezing, he slowly turned his head towards the tree and let out a yelp. There, buried in the bark, was an arrow.

As fast as his feet could carry him, he fled. The sound of a string snapping barely made it to his ears…

Another arrow flew past him, barely missing his right cheek. Then another, this one passed by his left. They're toying with me! he realized in absolute horror. All he could do was beg his feet to move faster.

On and on he ran, dodging and weaving between trees in hopes of breaking line of sight. For an eternity this continued with arrows occasionally flying past him until, that is, he misstepped…

Tripping upon a root, he tumbled forward and landed hard upon his chest.

This is it! This is how I die! He closed his eyes, waiting for his attacker to fire another arrow, to strike him dead.

One second passed… Two seconds passed… Three… He was still alive.

Have I done it? Have… Have I escaped?! He began to laugh uncontrollably as he rolled over. He hurt all over from his fall but he was still alive. His assassin had lost him.

I can still do this, he thought to himself. All I have to do is find new clothes and not reveal my face!

Smiling, he slowly got back onto his feet. But first… He looked around. Where am I?

Torm had scouted the clearing and the immediate area of the forest that surrounded it. He knew it well, or so he told himself. The issue now, though, was he had frantically ran. He had no direction he was following and everything looked…different.

The canopy above him proved little help. The trees blocked too much of the sky for him to see the sun's position…

Biting his lip, Torm took a random guess and picked a direction, specifically avoiding from where he had come. His feet once more carried him 'forward' and, hopefully, towards the clearing.

The trek took several minutes and multiple times he was beginning to think he had chosen poorly. Yet, he persevered and was soon rewarded with a familiar sight, the elven camp.

His shoulders slumped from both relief and exhaustion. He had managed to find his way back. Even more good news. He could see his tent and the human was nowhere in sight.

He started making his way through the brush until a thought occurred to him. I can't go to it… They might be watching it.

With a groan he turned around and found the nearest tree to rest against. I can't go that way to get around the manor either, he thought wearily. And I can't wait here for too long. His assassin was surely nearby and searching.

The thought of going the long way around to get to the crowd made his aching bones hurt even more. It was true that he had eaten his fill last night and slept well. But he was still exhausted, still hungry. Every part of his body begged him to eat and rest, to consume every morsel of food he could find and steal the softest of beds.

His eyes became lidded, his breathing slowing down. He just needed to rest for a little while. Then, and only then, would he make the trip the long way around and sneak into the crowd. There, he would be safe, safe enough to wait until this new group arrived. He would slip into their ranks and…

THWACK!

Another arrow missed him, landing mere inches from his head. This one was buried deep into the tree…

His assassin had found him.

Panic lifted him to his feet once more as yet another arrow flew at him. This time, however, it struck.

Torm let out a pained roar as the arrow bit into his arm. He fell to the ground, writhing.

I HAVE TO MOVE! He scrambled to get his legs back under him and proceeded to run, clutching his arm. Again, he had no direction; only the fear of death, of being hunted, to move him…

He blinked away the tears and came to a sudden stop. Through the haze of the burning, searing bite, he found himself out in the open. A mistake.

And he wasn't alone.

Standing in front of him, only a few yards away, was a gray kobold. They stared at him, cold hatred in their eyes. "Invader," they hissed.

Torm gulped and took a step back. An arrow landed next to him. He was trapped between his hidden assassin and this angry kobold.

Gods, what do I do? Thinking fast, he thought he might be able to talk his way out. "In…vader? N-no! I'm no invader! Just look–"

"Silence Invader! Invader reek of dead! Invader have taint of…evil." The kobold raised his arms and began to–

Hum? H-he's humming?! Torm would have laughed were it not for the fact that someone truly dangerous was watching him. What do I do?!

He blinked, and at that moment, the kobold vanished. Where–

A force slammed into his stomach, hard enough to send him careening backwards. He bounced and tumbled, only coming to a stop because of a tree.

Groaning, he tried to shake the blurriness from his vision and peered back to where he had stood. The kobold was there in his place.

"Invader shall die!"

Right before his eyes the kobold disappeared from existence, only to reappear right above him. A taloned foot kicked him and the sound of cracking ribs could be heard.

Torm gasped and writhed, struggling to bring air back into his lungs. "P-please…" he tried to beg but his voice only came out as a pitiful wheeze.

Another kick came.

And another.

And another…

He began to lose consciousness, every hit beating out his will to survive. This…is…it, he thought. I will…die–

A sickening whisper reached his ears. In it he could only hear the cold indifference to his suffering. Once again, you have failed me. You have ruined my plans. No more. Eat the crystals.

The command was clear. While the kobold continued to lay into his 'good' side, Torm reached for the pouch with his wounded arm, numb to the pain. Shakily, struggling, he pulled it free.

He waited, desperately trying to hold on, desperately waiting for the kobold to tire. It didn't come…

EAT THE DAMN CRYSTALS!

A jolt of pure, agonizing pain shot through his body. It revived him. It reminded him of why he was here. Of whose fault this all was. Those damn eggs…

He would destroy them.

With one final rage induced roar, he surprised the kobold. They jumped back and in their place an arrow found its mark. It buried deep into his back.

It only added to his resolve.

Slowly, Torm stood, bringing the bag close to his face. His eyes were nearly swollen shut and his breathing came in shallow, irregular huffs. Yet he persevered, he had to. His master was watching, commanding him to do what he was already willing to do.

With shivering, battered hands, he opened the pouch.

STOP STALLING YOU–

Torm dumped the contents into his mouth and down his throat. In a single gulp he swallowed them whole.

A shadow panther leaped through the air, landing upon the ground. A moment later, it faded into the shadows, slithering forward. It twisted and winded through the sun-lit earth. It raced at inhuman speeds, its world distorted and flattened. To anyone else it would have been disorienting, but to him, to Karno? He lived in it, thrived even. This was his domain…

His form seamlessly crossed rock, dirt, and canyons. Nothing was an obstacle, nothing except what awaited him above. He was climbing a mountain and time was against him. There would be no element of surprise, no time to scout and observe. Only to get there and strike.

And he would strike.

I am the Lord's shadow. I will not fail. I will regain my honor and prove my faith. Felix wasn't the only Heretic. He wasn't even the first, nor the last. But it was him who did this to me. I will fulfill my duty and return to His light…

The thought trailed off as a boiling rage took over. He could sense his useless slave slowly being consumed. It wouldn't be long until that problem sorted itself out.

A shame that it won't kill him. Felix deserves something far, far worse though. I only wish that it could have been me. Unfortunately, it wasn't in the grand design of The Lord. His mission would conclude after this and he would be set back onto the path of light.

He came to a sudden stop, finding himself on a plateau. Not bothering with concealing himself he took in the scene.

Surrounding the plateau were tall spires, each one gathering and condensing holy energy. It was chokingly dense and he could feel more coursing below him.

Across the ground and along the spires were traces, small lines used for sustained blessings and curses. Or, as the fey so called them, enchantments. The name mattered little to Karno, though. What did, however, was where those traces led to…

A woman dressed in all purple, standing in the very center. She had her arms crossed and smirked in his direction.

Karno came out of his shadow, taking on his panther form. I see you managed to escape. Where's your friend? he whispered through the inky void of his domain.

"Resting. He's quite old and would only serve to get in the way," she responded, waving his 'concern' away.

A shame, I had hoped to kill you both.

The woman let out a laugh before suddenly dropping all pretenses. I'd like to see you try.

In the blink of an eye, she charged…

Watcher was flung back into the clearing, the scent of potent corruption filled his lungs. Yet he had a duty. A duty to protect the eggs. A duty to protect his Masters. A duty to protect his pack. He would not fail.

Elves, dwarves, gnomes… They felt it too, fear took hold of them. They began to scatter, running in the opposite direction and towards the Hatchery. They sought refuge and safety.

Above them all two dragons were already diving, their jaws open and preparing to unleash their own attacks. Many watched in fear and deadly curiosity as two beams, one of black-inky void and another of molten stone, spewed forth. None saw the impact but the growing miasma, the corruption, was proof they had missed.

Further away and hidden within the safety of the manor, Eri balled her hands. The chaotic release had reached even her. Her guards were considering their next move.

Back in the clearing, Oralyn and the two Sages were directing and giving instructions. They knew that the Hatchery wouldn't be safe, nowhere here was safe. But it would take time. Time to get everyone away.

And buying that time fell to one person…

Felix rushed forward through the camp. He had moved on to searching other areas and now he was cursing his decision. Mana flared out from his core, surrounding him in a protective cocoon. One that slowly expanded.

As the camp gave way to open ground, he came to a sudden stop. His eyes widened at the sight before him. Standing, unscathed from the dragons' attack, was a figure of shadow and corruption. An elf.

A quick glance found Watcher not far away. The kobold was being assisted by Tracker but he looked okay. Felix focused his attention back on the elf.

You…

The sickly whisper sent a shiver down his spine as the elf slowly turned and made eye contact, and in the time it took for Felix to blink, he was gone.

Felix had barely a moment to activate his armor and sword. He managed to get his blade up in time as the elf reappeared in front of him and struck. Miasma and flesh connected with steel.

The impact sent him sliding backwards several yards. Coming to a stop, he was not given an opportunity to strike back. His corrupted foe struck again, setting upon him faster than he could react.

The strike was absorbed by his armor.

I will kill you…

Another punch, another few yards lost.

Then…

Another…

I will destroy them!

With a newfound rage, the elf released a new onslaught. This one with his miasma only.

Felix relied on his mana sight as he dodged. He barely managed it and, unfortunately, it put him off-balance. The elf exploited it.

A strike came to his side. His armor locked up, once again absorbing the hit but leaving him exposed.

The elf struck again from the other side.

WHY? WHY WON'T YOU DIE?!

It was evident that the corrupted elf had not considered that killing Felix wouldn't be an easy task…

In another bout of searing, white hot anger, they pulled a knife from their side.

Immediately, Felix sensed the danger. I have to avoid that, he idly thought, taking a moment to re-assess his opponent. They can control miasma… And they're fast. Too fast for me to destroy the corruption.

He spat at the ground, giving the elf a smile. "And here I thought this would be difficult–"

With a screech, his enemy attacked.

The blade came for his life, aiming squarely for his heart, but Felix was ready. He merely side-stepped and swept his sword across them. It passed right through.

What? That hadn't been something he had accounted for. Damn it… There goes that plan. He had hoped to wound the elf, to slow them down.

Something pulled at his mind. It was Zira and she sounded frantic.

Felix, move!

He jumped back just as a beam of void mana went through the space he had occupied. It struck the elf and, for a moment, he hoped it would be enough.

GODS DAMN DRAGONS! The chaotic, flowing miasma began to coalesce into hundreds of invisible bolts, missiles.

The hairs on the back of Felix's neck stood up. DODGE!

He did what he could and sent his mana forward, condensing it in a vain attempt to block them. Most made it through before he could finish adjusting his barrier.

With a newfound fear, he watched helplessly as Zira climbed in an attempt to get out of their range. It wasn't working and she chose to dive, avoiding most. However, many were still set upon her…

Something thudded within Felix's chest, his core. An idea came to him. He had to act fast. Crouching low, he split his mana.

With a roar of his own, he sent one-half of the mana through his bond. With the rest, he launched his own assault.

For Zira, she felt Felix's mana pouring through her body and surrounding her. It came just in time as several bolts found their mark. They would have pierced her scales but her partner's quick thinking protected her. The missiles dissipated, his protection taking the brunt.

Thank you, she responded through their bond, sending a flood of encouragement to him.

He would need it.

Felix brought his sword up, pouring mana into it and activating any enchantments it might've had. If only I knew what enchantments they were.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

He let out a curse at his unpreparedness as his blade swept down upon the elf who tried to take the life of his bonded partner, a member of his family. He would not let them survive for such a transgression.

With a hiss, his blade cut through the air. It struck–

The elf blocked it with their knife.

Shit, was the only thought he had before an explosion of mana and miasma swept across the clearing. Both opponents were sent flying and Felix landed hard, bouncing and rolling until he crashed into a tent.

Eri jerked in her seat, she could feel Felix, Zira, and Kyrith fighting. They were doing everything they could to stop this threat. Yet, here she sat, like a captured princess from stories of old. She desperately wanted to join in and to stand with her family.

All she could do was offer silent encouragement. She did not want to do anything more, fearful that it might distract them. In fact, she did everything in her power to withhold her thoughts from the others.

It was taking a toll upon her well-being…

"Your Majesty." The voice of her guard captain was a welcome distraction. "I know you don't wish to leave but…"

"But you don't think it's safe anymore," she finished for him, her tone grim.

He looked surprised but quickly recovered. "I… Yes. That is what I'm thinking."

She drew a heavy breath through her nose. "And what of Oralyn? Where is she?"

He glanced back at the other guards who simply gave him a shrug. "I don't know… But she was heading back towards the rest of the clearing. I suspect that she is attempting to assist."

"And the rest of my retinue? Are they safe?"

The captain looked torn. "Your Majesty, I don't know the condition of anyone outside of this room," he finally said. "Our job is to keep you safe. That is all that matters to us at the moment."

Eri gestured to the room. "And you think the manor isn't the safest place? The very same manor that Fea, the Dragon Queen, built? I don't know if you are well versed in magic, but even a novice can feel how heavily enchanted this place is. No where is safer than right here."

"And that may be, but the manor was damaged during the last attack," he countered, sounding more bold. "And what if the assailant makes his way inside? Do you think the enchantments would protect you then?"

She furrowed her brows, taking offense to what that implied. "Felix won't let that happen."

Her icy tone made the guard wince, yet he pressed on. "Your Majesty, I have no doubt that Felix is capable of handling the issue. But– and I mean no offense –you weren't there. You didn't see how dangerous and deadly that… That monster was. If what happened last time is happening now, then we should evacuate and get you as far away as possible."

His words cut deep, reminding her of her and Felix's failure. How Oralyn and Calinna had taken charge. How Calinna had died. How am I supposed to be the next Queen when I hide and only worry about my own safety?

Of course, this wasn't just about her. Everyone was worried about her health, and the health of her child. Felix included. A part of her wanted to charge out there and prove them all wrong. But a larger part of her realized something else. They were right…

That hurt. It hurt her pride, her ego. But I cannot think selfishly. I want my child's birth to go without complications. I want a healthy baby boy, especially if his life is destined for more. I have to think about what's best for him. I have to be a mother. I have to make sacrifices…

Eri stood, a determined look upon her face. She looked squarely at her guards.

"Your Majesty?"

"Lead me to safety."

Karno dropped into the shadows as a beam of void magic shot past him. That was close…crafty bitch. He 'moved,' silent and obscured. But if that had been enough, then he wouldn't have needed to fight the dragon-in-disguise.

Another beam shot from above, forcing him to dodge. A single hit would be devastating to him… It's not like I don't have anything devastating of my own, though. He sneered, popping out from the shadows and taking on his shadowy, 'human' form.

He glanced up to one of the spires, finding his target. You'll have to do better than that, he taunted and prepared his own attack.

Shadows, siphoned from the objects that borne them, flowed toward him. He gathered them, condensing them into a small ball.

The woman in purple raised an eyebrow, looking unimpressed. "That won't work twice, you know?"

Too confident, you are. Unfortunately, I have no plans of replicating my previous attempt of sealing you away. Instead, I think I will do the opposite.

"Oh? Let's see it then," she said with a smile before hopping off her vantage point.

Arrogant! Though, I suppose that's normal for your kind. No more shadows were left…

"Arrogant? Hah! If I were arrogant, I'd have already crushed the Holy–"

Karno released the ball of shadows, letting it expand in the blink of an eye. Darkness soon consumed all light within the plateau. Within here, he was untouchable.

I've won… He turned his attention towards the center, towards where the enchantment laid. First I shall deal with that and then… His eyes fell upon the woman in purple. Then I will end your life.

He took a step and froze. A hand appeared on his shoulder, a feminine hand…

"Boo."

How?! He immediately vanished, hoping to escape.

She tracked him with a disinterested look before holding out a hand. A scale appeared. It was blue, a deep blue…almost sapphire in color. "You're not the only one with a few tricks."

With his anger boiling over from being outsmarted, Karno took control of the shadows. Let's see how long it lasts before its power is all used up. He watched with satisfaction as the dragon's eyes widened.

Feel it? The constriction? Finding it hard to breathe? This is my domain. Your borrowed scale won't save you forever.

She took a step, breaking free from his bonds. The scale burned up in a bright flash. "Damn, I had hoped that would last a little longer," she commented, staring at her empty hand. "No matter–"

Karno didn't let her finish her sentence and commanded his shadows to wrap around her once more. I was going to save you for last, but clearly you are far too annoying to ignore. Now, die.

He watched, constricting the life out of the woman in purple. He didn't stop until she went limp.

Better make sure… The pressure around the dragon increased, bones crunching and snapping. The woman's body shrank until, finally, her head popped.

Karno had won, yet he could only feel disappointment. The dragon was clearly no match for him and it left him wanting. Perhaps the other will appear?

Whether or not they did, he still had business to finish. With slow, confident steps he made his way towards the center…

Felix winced, every part of his body begging for him to quit, to rest. He ignored it and pushed through the strain to stagger back onto his feet. His armor had saved him from the worst of it, but its enchantments were overloaded by the sheer amount of energy the two opponents used.

As he scoured the devastation, his eyes widened in shock. The clearing, the camps that occupied it, were wrecked. Tents were flattened, and bodies littered the periphery. Many of them convulsing.

I… I have to do something! Without a second thought, Felix delved into his soul. However, he wasn't the only one standing.

The corrupted elf peered at him with pure hatred. I WILL KILL YOU! They pulled at their miasma, their corruption, and brought it close.

The distance that separated the two felt vast, but looks can be deceiving. They were only a mere hundred yards apart. Normally, plenty of distance. Not for Felix or the elf. Their magic could reach out that far with ease.

And it did.

Using their rage, the corrupted elf launched forward. Their miasma formed into bolts ahead of them, aiming for the human.

Felix, though, held off from his own assault, wary about the mounting casualties. He could only hope that he would make it in time.

At point blank range, the elf appeared before him, their bolts let loose. I'VE GOT–

A pulse resonated out from Felix.

A hum filled the air, its melody strong and defiant. A single voice reverberated throughout the clearing.

No more.

There was no hatred, no rage or anger. It simply had enough.

The bolts faded, the convulsing elves and dwarves and gnomes stopped. Then there was Felix…

Coursing throughout his body was his life force. Flowing through his veins was his very being. He would use it all if necessary.

The corruption that had spread, faded before his resolve. Glowing emerald eyes snapped onto the elf, judging.

For the first time during their fight, the corrupted elf felt fear. They tried to flee.

They didn't get far.

Felix raised a hand and ordered a simple command. Stop.

Their body locked up, frozen by his command and a sudden dread. They had to do something, else they wouldn't have their victory.

I CAN'T DIE! NOT YET! they screamed but Felix only shook his head.

You do not get to decide anything. He turned his attention to the clearing itself. He saw Aluin, Josephel, even Zira and Kyrith. The two dragons had, at some point, landed and were helping people escape. Unfortunately, there were plenty who were too stunned, many were still near the Hatchery. The portal had closed.

He issued a new command. FLEE, GET AWAY FROM THE HATCHERY–

Torm was panicking, trying desperately to come up with a way to escape In his desperation he nearly missed the words of the human.

I have to get away! I can't fight him! I must find the eggs and destroy them–

Hatchery?

Hatchery…

HATCHERY! With wild eyes he peered to the free-standing building near the manor. OF COURSE! But…how do I escape? How do I break free of his bonds? Or shall I call him my master for now on?

The very thought sickened him, turning into a burning fire that re-energized his rage. But how?!

Set me free…

In his moment of doubt, he heard the whisper echo in his mind. It was soft, comforting even, and nothing like his master's voice. It even offered him a solution.

I can defeat him. I can destroy those eggs. All you must do is let me take over.

It was a tempting offer, this…voice sounded confident. Can you? Can you really beat him?

A shadowy smile filled his mind's eye. Of course. And I will fulfill your desire. I will destroy those dragon eggs.

Torm gulped and closed his eyes. The human was far stronger than he had anticipated and as he was, he stood no chance. He doubted that he was capable of killing the bastard on his own.

But he didn't need to do the killing. He only wanted the human gone and the cursed eggs smashed. Even if it wasn't him… It would be enough of a victory.

He felt the crystals' power pumping through every fiber of his being, begging to be released. He would give in to them.

A laugh escaped him and grew until the human faced him once more. His expression turned into a scowl You… You are the reason why I am here, he said. It is because of you and those eggs, that I had to suffer. But no more. No, no longer will I suffer. You will know my pain.

From deep within his core, he let the beast take hold…

Felix felt a sudden surge of corruption exploding out from the elf. He could only shield his eyes as he felt the soul within get consumed. It overpowered his command.

With a burst of terrifying power, he was flung back once again. This time he managed to brace and landed in a ready, low crouch.

Not good.

Not good indeed. Miasma flowed freely, breaking through his mana. The clearing was once more at risk and people were still clearing out.

I have to buy more time. But for that, he needed more mana.

The corrupted elf didn't wait for him and charged. He had only a moment to summon his sword and block. To his horror, the knife slipped through his blade. There wasn't enough time to dodge.

It reached for his heart…

And pierced his armor.

Felix could only let out a roar of pain as the knife touched his flesh. That was all it needed. Miasma seeped into his body, quickly corrupting his mana. Quickly eating away at his life-force.

The blade pulled free and he collapsed to his knees.

Another roar sounded out in the distance. FELIX!

It was Zira and her terror flooded his mind. Between it and the searing, his vision began to blur. He was starting to lose concentration.

Stay…away, he muttered weakly. The last thing he wanted was Zira getting hurt.

What?! Absolutely not! I'm coming–

He cracked a smile. I'm…not done yet. Get…

Out…

Of…

Here.

Felix closed his eyes.

***

Down he sank, down to the very core of his being. He found his soul, fighting, losing to the miasma. It had overwhelmed him, reversing control. But he was not out of hope. Not yet.

There was still someone who he could call upon to help.

Moving closer to his soul, Felix felt himself get pulled in. And once inside?

He found who he was looking for. A magnificent platinum dragon, slumbering.

Gently landing onto an invisible ground, he approached. An eye cracked open.

Felix… Her voice was soft and tender, just as he remembered it.

Fea. He bit his figurative lip, he was about to ask her to do something that he had tried to avoid. I need your help.

She lifted her head and in an instant, her form changed. She took on her human form, smiling. I will do anything for you.

Her words caused a pang in his soul. I know, and now I need your strength. The clearing– Everyone is in danger.

She opened her arms wide, her smile only growing. This may be the last time I can help, but Felix? No matter what happens, I always loved you. I will continue to do so, even as you move on.

In a single instant of time, they embraced.

I know. Tears streamed down his cheeks. And I will always remember you.

Two souls, bonded, connected and became one for the final time…

Finally, I shall fulfill my mission. Karno stared down at the enchantment that kept the island's barrier running. He had studied it from afar. He had eavesdropped into many conversations. He had gathered all the knowledge he could so that when the time was right, he would be able to destroy it.

And now it is time.

He lowered himself to a knee, placing a shadowy hand upon its surface. The energy was strongest here, simply standing next to it was enough to make his shadows quiver. This was his moment…

Yet, he hesitated.

It was a little too easy to reach this point. His 'fight' with the dragon-in-disguise hadn't been nearly as tough as he thought. Is it a trap?

The thought made him pull his hand back ever so slightly. He looked over to the crushed and mangled body of the woman. Blood oozed out from her severed head.

It was definitely real.

Where is the other one? She had a scale of his, so they are working together. He pulled his hand away fully and pondered that mystery.

If I remember right, the other dragon was Lorenzen… Something clicked within his mind. Ah, right. He was heavily wounded from the time before they fled here. Our last encounter must have exhausted him.

That put his mind at ease, but not entirely. From what he knew, the sapphire dragon would never abandon his post. He would be here– He should be here even if it killed him.

So where is he?

Dropping into the shadows, Karno peered through them looking, searching. The dragon had to be here–

He felt a presence, one that radiated holy energy. It was dense and seemed to have no end to it. And, it was quickly approaching.

Damn it. Karno reformed himself and placed his hand back onto the enchantment. It was definitely Lorenzen he felt, but the power the dragon wielded was nothing like before.

The bitch must've been trying to delay– No point worrying about that now, I've already won.

With little time to act, Karno gathered all his shadows, his holy energy. He waited as his domain slowly vanished, bringing back the outer world. And, with a knowing smile, he spotted a massive sapphire dragon diving.

You're too late! I have won! He casted–

What? Something was wrong, something was very wrong. His holy energy poured into the enchantment but it did not break. It did not weaken.

It grew.

Suddenly, rings of light began to form around him. One by one, they grew ever closer around him until… The very plateau glowed.

The sapphire dragon circled above before landing upon one of the spires, shrinking his size in the process. But he wasn't alone. The woman in purple sat on the opposite spire of her counterpart, a wicked grin upon her face.

Impossible! I killed you! He wildly scanned the area, looking for her body…

"Sorry to say, but I never left my perch." She held up a hand and dozens of sapphire scales flashed into existence. "Oh, and by the way…" Her expression grew cold.

"You lose."

Karno let out a scream as his entire world turned white, burning away all his shadows…

A beam of pure mana shot into the sky. The barrier flickered and faltered. It failed but with its fall, a new opportunity arose.

As the light from the barrier faded, Ithea landed upon the ground. Lorenzen followed soon after, his wings letting out a single beat before he grounded himself. The two dragons approached, one with grim determination and the other with callous disregard.

"Was all that necessary?" the mighty sapphire dragon asked. "That was more effort than was needed."

Ithea waved away his concern. "It had to be believable. If I didn't at least put on a show, he would have suspected something immediately. You saw how he grew cautious towards the end."

Lorenzen narrowed his eyes. "Indeed, but that's because you did such a lazy job of it. If I had done it all myself, it wouldn't have taken so long no–"

She rolled her eyes. "Look, it's been a while since I've had any fun. I don't normally get to play with my food."

"And that's exactly what I'm talking about…" he trailed off after realizing she wasn't listening. With a frustrated sigh, he turned his attention to what was left of the 'Lord's shadow' and came to a dead stop before them.

"Damn. After all that, he's still alive," Ithea muttered. He nodded in agreement, noting that they were barely clinging to life. However…

"That's not all." With a flick of a talon, he flipped the body over. "I know who this is."

She raised an eyebrow and peered down at the person. "He does look familiar… Who is it?"

He took a deep breath, realizing how complicated this would all become. "Ovidius."

There was a pause before Ithea frowned. "Who?"

One of Lorenzen's eye-ridges twitched. "One of– You know what? It doesn't matter. I'll take him to Yarnel."

"So I can't finish him off?" she asked, annoyed.

"No, not yet."

"Damn it… Well, whatever. I guess if you don't need me, then I have somewhere else I'd like to be."

"Oh? So you are going?"

She transformed into her true and proper self. "Yes, is that a problem?"

He let out a deep rumbling chuckle, even as he himself turned into his dwarven form. "No, but you won't be the only one there."

That gave her pause. "Who else is going to be there?"

"Zephyria."

A shiver ran down her spine. Why does it have to be her?! "What about guarding the island? We're already so thin and now the barrier is gone!"

He considered her question. "I'll take her place– And yours by the way. Once I deliver this human to Yarnel, I will head to the coast."

"Great… Who in the Hells decided this– Actually, when was this decided?"

"The rest of us. We thought it would be wise to send someone as an envoy. And, to your second question, a few days ago." He gestured toward the human. "It was good that he decided to strike before the big day. I suspect the elf that was with him was caught."

Ithea wasn't so sure about that, her instincts were telling her something else. They're definitely in danger… I guess I will have to go and save the day. I will never hear the end of it if that bitch somehow gets there before me.

She let out a hiss, not liking the feeling she got both about the clearing and about who was on their way. "Whatever, I'll leave him to you."

She didn't wait for a response and quickly took to the skies…

Watcher…watched from the hatchery. He watched as his Master fought against the invader. He felt the powerful spells at work, sending men and women of every race to the ground. Even he was not immune to the evil magic, even with blessings and spells of his own. His Master's Master protected him from the worst of it, giving him the power to protect.

Protect. That single word was the only thing running through his mind. He needed to protect the Hatchery and the eggs housed inside. Already, he cut the mana to the portal, ensuring that the Sanctuary would be safe.

His Master would thank him for his quick thinking.

But right now, his Master was struggling. Watcher looked on with steadfast determination as his Master fell to his knees. The other Masters roared defiantly but did not interfere. For they, like him, knew his Master was not done. He only needed time.

Watcher buy time! Watcher protect eggs!

The invader laughed as they pulled their knife from his Master. They seemed to ponder finishing him off. But a chill swept through the clearing as they turned their head and faced the Hatchery.

Watcher knew they had made their decision. As his namesake implied, he had seen it coming. He acted before they did.

With a hum forming from the back of his throat, he felt his connection to the world expand. He called upon his Master's Master to give him the strength to carry out his duty.

Watcher protect!

As the invader moved at incredible speed, so did he. His call was answered as he and the Invader crossed paths. A barrier of pure mana formed, blocking the rush of evil magic.

The Invader peered down at him with a sneer. You…

The onslaught continued, and his barrier was quickly fading. Watcher Protect!

His hum grew louder, his call bringing forth ever more mana. It stemmed the tide but the Invader had other plans…

Forced to concentrate on his spell, Watcher was left exposed.

Before he could react, a knife's blade slipped through his barrier and into his chest. It sank deep, its corruption immediately taking hold.

Blood spat out of his snout and his magic flickered before failing entirely. His life was being drained. Watcher… Pro…tect…

He fell backwards, the knife pulling free. Watcher…

A smile formed on his lips as the light slowly faded from his eyes, as his Master appeared behind the invader. He had done his duty, he had bought time.

Protect…

Felix stood, tears streaming down his cheeks. His eyes were locked onto Watcher and his jaw hung open, screaming. There was no sound, only silence. Inside, the only thing he could feel was rage. Exploding rage.

Mana, his and Fea's, coursed through him. It destroyed the miasma in a matter of moments and now it was becoming chaotic. He could not direct it, nor control it. It was taking on a life of its own.

From his core to his body to the air around him. It expanded, swelling over what had been the main elven camp. But that was not enough. It continued to grow while its unstable, uncontrollable state took on a shape. It took a form…

A dragon.

A gargantuan dragon.

A gargantuan, platinum dragon.

His mana became the ethereal form of Fea's true self. And it mirrored his own rage, letting out a roar that shook the very air.

Felix took a step, and didn't so much as move as his mana did. The open ground that separated them, shrunk. The miasma, so callously spreading, vanished– No, it betrayed its owner.

The corrupted elf had looked back towards him. Gone was their evil, sadistic glee. Now they wore a look of pure terror.

He issued a single command to it. Cease.

And so it did. The corruption was stripped away, converted to pure mana. He added it to his own. Though, he was not finished. His attention fell upon the one responsible…

Time slowed, the world coming to a stop. The corrupted elf looked small in comparison to him. Laying motionless on the ground was Watcher, a smile upon the kobold's snout.

Pain, sorrow, and loss filled Felix's soul. He had lost two people he cared about but there would be no more. He took another step.

The corrupted elf tried to flee.

He launched his attack.

The corrupted elf fell to their knees…

Emptiness. A black void of nothing. No emotion could be felt.

Emptiness. A place where his soul used to lie.

Emptiness. A last moment before it all went away.

Numb, Torm floated.

Numb, he was at the bottomless pit.

Numb, he waited and slowly drowned.

Gone was his hatred.

Gone was his desire.

Gone he would be.

Floating on, waiting for death, a presence emerged. The presence judged him. The presence found him wanting.

Kill me.

No, was the response.

Why not?

Because, you are already dead.

A single tear ran down his cheek, falling into the void. Have you come to torment me?

No.

Then why?

The presence paused, considering the question. To make sure.

His consciousness began to fade, but held on for a little longer. Will I finally be free?

Yes.

Can you do something for me? Can you remember my name?

Why should I?

Torm drew his last shallow breath. Because…

What is your name? the presence asked.

Torm. His life flickered in front of him…

I shall remember you, but not for your pleasure.

That…is fine. Every decision he ever made played out. With it, there was one final emotion.

Regret.

Go in peace, Torm. The presence pulled away.

Darkness set in. The emptiness taking him.

The void consumed him.

It was done. It was over.

Felix breathed heavily as he looked down at the elf, at Torm. The name was vaguely familiar, but not one he could immediately place. It doesn't matter right now…

His gaze slowly transitioned to the gray kobold. A pang of sorrow and guilt hit him.

"Watcher…" his voice was barely a whisper. He approached and kneeled. "I'm… I'm so–"

A gasp startled him.

For a brief moment the light returned to the kobold's eyes. His arm reached out above him. "Mmmaster…"

"Watcher!" Felix quickly grabbed the scarred hand. "Watcher! I'm right here!"

"Mmmaster… Waaatcher no see… I no see Master…"

He squeezed Watcher's hand tightly, feeling every scar. He remembered how the kobold had received them. Panic began to take hold. "Shh! It's okay– A healer! I NEED A HEALER!" He scanned the clearing, praying someone was near.

"Did… Did I do good?"

"ALUIN! SOMEONE!" His wild eyes fell upon the kobold once more. "Just hang on! We'll get you a healer–"

The kobold coughed blood. "No. Watcher go… Goddess calls." He gave Felix a strained smile. "Did Watcher do good?"

The light slowly left.

"WAIT! WATCHER! NO! DON'T GO! YES! YES YOU DID AMAZING–"

"Then Watcher happy. I die happy."

Watcher's hand fell limp.

Felix's vision blurred. Tears poured out, splashing the ground. He let out a wailing scream. A scream that turned into a roar. A roar that turned into an oath.

No one else will die.