Threat of the Shadow Mage

EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM LOOKED AT EACH OTHER KNOWING IT had to be done. “But she’s such a gentle soul. She wouldn’t hurt anybody.” “That’s just it. What if she’s one of them, deliberately trying to start a war with this kingdom?”

“Aspen wouldn’t do that. She doesn’t show any sign of being a Mage.”

“That doesn’t mean that she isn’t one. Mages can be pretty crafty.”

An argument started, and soon all but Dante was involved with it. Dante couldn’t bear to hear any more of this nonsense.

“Hey!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.

Having not raised his voice in over 15 years, he had enough breath that it was loud enough to stop the insanity.

Everyone turned and looked at Dante who found himself a barrel to stand upon.

“What has happened to you? Are you going to let the ways of the Shadow Mage corrupt you? We are people of peace and understanding. But look at you! Arguing amongst yourselves debating whether or not one of our own, a refugee, is one of them trying to start war. Aspen ran from the farthest kingdom to get here so that she may live a longer life. She ran here seeking another home. Aspen Silvertongue has the beauty of a goddess, and yet you accuse her of being something of an evil nature. Have you no minds?” Dante stopped for a moment to allow the thought process to ignite. He shook his head.

“Have you not read the books of the Shadow Mages’ ways? They are available to us so that we may know what to look for so we can put a stop to their ways before it’s too late. The Mages will not touch a thing of beauty. It is against their laws to turn a precious gem into bedrock. So why are you accusing her of being a Mage when it is clearly against their laws to do otherwise? Yes, you want your children back, and you’ll go through anything to get them safely home. I understand that. But think of what we have to do to protect Aspen.” He sighed.

“You all know the tragedy my family suffered a few years ago. You know that I haven’t come to your older daughters seeking a relationship because of it. Ever since Aspen arrived…I’ve found myself finding the relationship I wasn’t seeking. She’s everything I was hoping for and more. If she’s taken out of the equation, I don’t know what I’d do with my life. Please…find it in your hearts to help both situations be golden. Let’s find a way to keep both our children, and Aspen from harm.” “But how can we do that? You heard him say we can’t use any sort of sorcery to make them think otherwise.” Dante thought for a moment, and then had an idea. He hopped down from the barrel, and joined them.

“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do.”

“It’s done.”

“Very good,” Akoff congratulated him. “Now, there are a few things we have to do before we continue. Walk with me.” He did so.

“I want you to send out spies to be absolutely certain that they will do as told, but only a few. We don’t want them knowing we’re observing them.” “Understood, sir.”

“And…now that you are at your strongest, it’s time we change your name. One that is unfamiliar to those you used to know.” Tex bowed his head, knowing what needed to be done had to be done; including the changing of his name.

“Aspen,” Dante said softly as he touched her shoulder. “Aspen?” he said again.

She shifted and rolled her head in his direction. “Dante?” she asked sleepily.

He smiled. “Hey.”

“What time is it?”

“Almost day break.”

“Why up so early? Is something wrong?”

“No. I just wanted to talk to you, and it’s important you listen carefully.”

Aspen sat up looking confused.

Dante took her hands in his as he looked at them. “You know I would do nothing to hurt you, and do everything in my power to protect you.” She nodded.

“What I’m about to tell you may upset you, but I have a plan to counter it, and everything will turn out for the better. I promise.” “You will now be known as, Namtar. Threatening Darkness as it is in our language. Go forth and watch, fellow soldiers, as Namtar feeds on the villagers.” Tex, or now Namtar, smirked in a sinister way, and prepared to leave when a voice called out.

“Akoff!”

They all turned to look upon the one who called, but didn’t see her until she landed and the dust settled.

“Akoff you lying bastard! You are under my orders, not your own!”

Akoff just looked at her, not changing his devious expression.

“Tex you will do no such thing. You will remain here until Aspen Silvertongue is delivered here at dusk.”

Nobody moved, and just gave a slight stare of confusion and arrogance. Orianna began to forcefully walk towards Akoff, but she was rudely stopped by two soldiers who were standing by.

“What are you doing? Let go of me!” she yelled as she momentarily broke free.

The soldiers didn’t want to hurt her, but they knew they were under orders.

“Akoff, you stop this nonsense and come with me. We’ll discuss your fate once we get there.”

Akoff sarcastically looked at her surprised.

“And who said that I will be going anywhere?” The soldiers grabbed her again, but didn’t let go. Orianna struggled again, but couldn’t break free this time.

“Akoff! You will regret this!”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Realizing what it was he was intending she recognized that it would be her fate being decided; only…it had already been decided.

“Fine,” she said not struggling anymore, seeing it was pointless. She had a plan in mind that would be completed in a matter of seconds, but she had to be out of sight so that Akoff wouldn’t send the entire army after her.

“What? No. No, I can’t. I won’t! How could you do this to me Dante?”

“Aspen listen to me,”

“No! You’re turning against me! After all we’ve been through, it was just a bunch of lies?” Her eyes began to tear up, but she had forgotten what he had said before this conversation.

“No. No Aspen, it’s not lies. Aspen listen to me.”

“NO!” she yelled as she jerked her hand away from his. Now she began to cry, so she covered her mouth and fell to the couch.

Dante was silent for a moment as he saw how hurt she was. He felt terrible for having caused her to look like this. Letting out a sigh, he looped around to come behind Aspen and took a careful seat.

“Aspen?” he said softly, but she kept her cold shoulder turned.

Aspen was trying to take in what was happening, and tried to calm herself, before finally remembering what Dante said before. Her breathing became normal again, and she shook her hair out of her face.

Leaning forward ever so slightly, Dante placed his hands on her shoulders, and then slid them down until they were halfway down her arm, and rested his chin beside her ear. Aspen tried her best to remain composed, and sighed.

“So what exactly is my plan of action?” she finally asked.

Dante looked at her, raised his chin from her shoulder, and sat straight.

All a while, Orianna secretly planned her escape as she was escorted away from Akoff’s sight. The soldier on her left then spoke to her using telepathy.

“I’m sorry Orianna. I’m aware of your situation, but I’m trying to follow orders so that I can later be released from duty.” Orianna looked down a little as she responded.

“I appreciate the concern, but do you really think that Akoff will relieve you of your duty willingly?”

“He said he would.”

“Well he lies, and he’s very good at that; take it from me. Once you finish your final task and ask for your relief, he’s going to either turn you into the monster he is or kill you.” “But he gave me his word.”

“His word is bogus!” she said aloud.

All three of them stopped as Orianna looked to the one she was speaking to.

“You can’t trust a syllable that is uttered off his deceptive serpent’s tongue. If your wit is dull enough to trust anything he says, then you’re no better than he is.” Orianna paused for a moment as she examined the soldier’s eyes.

“You have a family, don’t you?” she asked, seeing a little something more in his reasoning shown in his eyes.

He hesitated and scrambled his eyes as if to hide that fact.

“It doesn’t matter. Now get moving!” he said as he jerked her arm forward to get her walking. Orianna held her gaze and refused to move; at least until she was given her answer. Seeing that her eyes were demanding that answer, the soldier caved.

“Alright, yes, I have a family, but what is that to you?”

Orianna didn’t say a word as she got her point across without letting the other soldier hear her thoughts. The soldier almost broke, allowing trails of sorrow to trickle down his face and his lip to quiver. He turned his face away from hers, and the other one took her the rest of the way. Just as planned.

“So I give myself up, find the kids, and miraculously find a way to escape without being seen after I have somehow defeated Akoff or whoever I’m appointed to?” Aspen asked, clarifying that she heard right.

“No, no, no. You turn yourself in and find the kids while I and some of the villagers engage Akoff and his men so you can get out with ease.” Aspen nodded, understanding, but her face was still stained with the tears from earlier. As Aspen looked away for a moment, Dante ducked his head, trying to keep eye contact.

“You okay?”

She turned back to him. “Yah, no, I’m fine.” She sniffed and wiped her face from the tears that remained.

“You sure?” asked Dante, feeling something else was up.

She said nothing, but gazed at the floor.

Dante then took her hand in his, and this caused her to look at him. Then, with his other hand, he rubbed her jet black hair between his fingers - it was as soft as rabbit’s fur. Aspen closed her eyes and leaned into his hand as another tear fell from her eye. Rubbing her gentle face with his thumb, he too cocked his head in admiration.

“Dante…”

“Shh. It’s okay. I’m here for you. I will always be here.” He smiled as she opened her eyes.

“But how do I know that I’m going to be there when this is all over?”

“Hey now, don’t go talking with despair. We’re going to make it through this together. We can face any challenge that comes our way, and we can make it turn out for our good.” He rubbed her cheek again. “You’ll see.” Aspen wanted to believe him, but she was scared. She then came forward and placed her head on his chest as she hugged him. Dante brought his hand around to the back of her head and cradled her as he gently rocked back and forth.

Meanwhile Lillian had seen and heard the whole thing. She was not woken by Aspen earlier, for she had trouble sleeping regardless and was about to get something to drink when this all occurred. Lillian quietly closed the door and then turned to lean against it. Was there anything she could do to help lighten this situation? She wasn’t sure; she hadn’t been entirely briefed on the situation at hand, so she didn’t know the obligations.

Now Orianna and the remaining soldier were left alone in a room all to themselves. The soldier shoved her inside, causing her to fall, but she caught herself before face planting on the rocky flooring. He shut the door, put the lock in place, and then slowly turned to face her.

Orianna glanced up at him in a nonappreciative way, but his face remained solidly stern. He took one step to his right, and then another, and very slowly he made his way in front of her. Remaining on the floor, she moved her head with him as she watched him prepare himself to carry out his given task.

“Any last words, Orianna?” he asked once he stopped, facing forward.

She held her position, and said not a word.

“You know how I hate to have the last words in a death. How am I supposed to make up a lie for the family based on what the victim says if they’re silent?” Still nothing was uttered.

He sighed, and was about to cast a not so friendly spell when…BAM! He was pushed against the wall, and then knocked down to the floor. Just when he thought it was over, he was grabbed up by the throat and held in the air. Right when he thought he wasn’t going to make it, he was released, and fell to the floor.

As he gasped for air, rubbing his throat, he saw a pair of feet step in front of him, a bright light began to illuminate the room. A bright ball and hair waving in an unnatural wind was the last thing he saw.

Dante grabbed Aspen’s cloak and held it out to her as he asked, “You ready?”