Aboard the Atlas

Nym rushed through the ashes to Ayla’s side as her eyes fluttered. “Ayla!” He called as he skidded to her side, catching her as she toppled to her side. He held her in his lap. He had gotten his fair share of injuries from the battle. He had a gash across his jaw, he had moved back just in time to avoid getting his head lobbed off by a demon. His clothing on his back was ripped open, over his shoulder, his mid back, and on his side. Blood stained into his clothing. His skin was pale. “Ayla.” He spoke and brushed her hair from her eyes as he looked to her.

Ayla choked slightly as she looked up to him. “N-Nym.” She turned into his lap, her breathing shuddered, blood leaked from her mouth and nose now.

**

Lando pushed aside a few soldiers that gathered around Ren. He knelt down and scooped her up into his arms. He ran through the crowd of people. The dark storm clouds had lightened, though rain still fell from the sky. He leaped over a few dead bodies, running directly toward Ayla and Nym. “Ayla!” He yelled as he came to her side. He set Ren down.

Nym looked to Ren, his eyes widened slightly. “Aconitum.” He spoke and reached forward, he touched turned her arm over looking to the green that ran along her arms, her face was crawling with green lines as well.

Ayla reached a shaken hand forward and gripped weakly onto Ren’s forearm. She grit her teeth and took in deep breaths as her eyes melted into the evergreen color once again. Her hand began to glow green, the light was dim compared to before. It crawled over Ren’s body.

“Ayla…” Nym watched as the green lines receded.

Ayla’s breaths shook terribly now, her body trembled. She shut her eyes tight as she forced more energy from her body.

“Ayla you gotta stop.” Nym spoke and pulled at her hand slightly. “You’re going to kill yourself.” He shook her slightly.

Ayla shook her head. “N-No…” She breathed. She opened her eyes, the green glow had returned. Blood leaked freely from her nose now. She gasped for air. Her eyes suddenly rolled back, and her body tensed. The glow that surrounded Ren dissipated. Ayla shook as her back arched.

Nym gripped onto her, protecting her from bashing her head into the ground. “Damnit.” He said through grit teeth. He looked to Ren, looking over her skin. The green lines were growing back once again. He glanced down to Ayla as her body loosened and became limp in his arms. Her breathing was there, though, it was weak. “We need to get to “Rayne, she will know what to do.” He spoke. “There are only a few herbs that will cure Ren, Ayla cannot do it in her condition…I fear she’s only made herself weaker with no avail. She may have even taken on some of the poison to give us time…” He shook his head. “We need to move fast, or Ren is going to die.” He spoke to Lando. “Rayne lives in the mountains west of here. Near Firebend.”

He turned and rushed through the crowd. He knew Alexandria well, he’d traveled here many times for special items that the smaller cities didn’t have. He made his way to the stables. “I need two horses.” He spoke.

The man glanced to Ren and then to Ayla. “You all risked everything, and saved our city.” He spoke and moved into the stables, he came back with a huge black horse and another that was a steel gray. “These are my fastest horses.” He looked to Ren again, he knew what happened to her. “Good luck.”

Nym nodded. “Thank you.” He spoke as he lifted Ayla up onto the horse. He lay her slumped over the saddle. He then climbed on and positioned her so that she sat in front of him, her head leaned to the side and back against his shoulder. He looked to Lando and gave a nod. “We must hurry.” He spoke as he spun the steel horse around and gave it a swift kick.

Nym held an arm wrapped around Ayla as they rode through the city, the hooves of the horses clicked loudly. People made way for them. “Open the gate!” Nym called as they rushed the gates to the city. The huge gates began to crank away and just as he got to them they were open just enough for him to slip through. He didn’t slow. He looked down to Ayla, her skin was pale, her nose still dripped blood. He bit his lip slightly and pushed his heels into the sides of the horse. They rode for several hours, up into the mountains. Nym knew the way by heart. Poison, potions, cures. Rayne was the Alchemist to go to. Though, many didn’t even know of her existence, unless they were elf born. She was an elf that had broken away from the dark elf king ages ago, on a path to end his destruction, or at least to slow his progress.

Nym glanced down to Ayla again as she moved slightly. “Ayla.” He spoke as he watched her eyes flutter open. “You’re okay.” He looked back ahead. “You’ll be okay, everything is okay.” He sounded as though he was reassuring himself more than her.

“Is Ren…”

“She is behind us with Lando, we have to hurry.” He spoke.

Ayla looked to her hands, her veins upon her hand that she’d gripped Ren with were running black, the black was crawling up her arm. “What…is…it?” She asked, her voice weak.

“Aconitum.” Nym spoke, “Don’t worry, I know how to fix this.” He kicked the horse again as they thundered along.

It wasn’t long that they wound up a mountain path and came upon a small cabin. It was beautifully kept. Vines ran along the bricks of the building and flowers were planted about. Other plants were in a garden off to the side of the home, special rare plants. Nym jumped down off of the horse and pulled Ayla into his arms. “Nym.” A voice spoke. “It’s been quite some time.” It was a woman.

Nym turned. “Rayne…” He spoke as he stepped forward, his vision was beginning to blur from the blood loss from his own injuries.

Rayne stood before him, she had icy blue eyes and pure blonde hair. Her ears poked through her hair as she looked to Ayla in his arms. She wore a beautifully crafted jacket that was emerald green it had belts and buckles about it. Bottles of liquid hung at her hips. Her eyes moved to Ren then. “Aconitum…” She rose her brows. “Very rare…and incredibly deadly. Where did you come from?” She questioned as she stepped to Ren and examined her.

“Alexandria.” Nym responded.

Rayne looked to him a long moment. “Come.” She spoke and led them inside.

The home was lined with books on shelves, as well as neatly potted plants and organized vials of powders and liquid. There was a black pot over the fireplace that had white jewels on the side of it and beautiful elven decorations. “I can’t believe you made it this far and she’s still breathing.” Rayne spoke. She glanced to Ayla again and stepped forward, she grasped her hand and moved it around. “A healer…” She spoke and shook her head. “I see.” She turned and began grabbing vials and plucking plants.

“Ayla tried to heal her, though she was already weak.”

“She’s lucky.” Rayne spoke and glanced to him before she went back to work. “If she would have healed her fully her heart would have stopped hours ago.” She snapped her fingers and a fire began in the fireplace beneath the cauldron. She moved about quickly through the home gathering supplies. “Aconitum is an incredibly dangerous poison, I’ve only seen it a few times in my lifetime.” She spoke and stirred in the ingredients into the cauldron. The jewels upon the side began to flicker to an orange color. “Most that are poisoned by this are dead within an hour.” She glanced to Ren. “Set her there.” She pointed to the couch. “Who attacked you, Nym?”

Nym lay Ayla on the other couch that sat across from where Ren was laying. He looked her over, the blackness had crawled up her arm almost all the way to her shoulder now. He let out a slow breath. “Trichondris’ demons.”

Rayne froze for a moment as she stared to the cauldron. “The demon Trichondris. So the phase has not failed me.” She glanced to him. “I heard whisperings, but I didn’t want to believe it.” She poured a few more things in. The liquid in the cauldron began to disappear until she carefully poured it into a small vial. She smiled as she looked to the yellow liquid within the vial. It was almost neon, it looked as though it was glowing. She set it in the rack and pulled a needle from the drawer. She drew up the liquid into the vial and then moved to Ren’s side. “This won’t be comfortable.” She spoke as she grasped her arm and slipped the needle into her skin. She slowly pushed the liquid in before she pulled the needle back. “Though, this is the only thing that will end the war within her body.” She nodded and then moved back to the cauldron where she began to mix powders and liquids together once again. “It is a long shot.” She spoke as the jewels began to glow purple. “But this may stop the poison from destroying Ayla.” She glanced to her. “There has never been a mage to survive trying to heal someone infected with Aconitum. So I am shooting in the dark here…” She mixed a few more things and stirred.

“What if it doesn’t work?” Nym asked softly.

Rayne looked to him, she gave a soft almost sad smile. “She has a few hours.” She looked to the darkness. “Once it reaches her head it will choke her, it will stop her heart. It will be painful, and horrible. I imagine she would beg for death. Though it will drag on and as it does it brings more pain until ultimately she will succumb to the poison.”

Nym took in a slow breath. He bit his lip and paced slightly. He sat down, his body was trembling. He wasn’t sure if it was from fear or blood loss. “You’ll get this right Rayne, you’ve never failed me.”

Rayne shook her head. “Don’t get your hopes up, Nym.” She spoke as she poured a bright blue liquid into a vial. She drew it up into a syringe and moved to Ayla’s side. She gripped Ayla’s arm and pushed the needle into her skin before she injected it. She pulled the needle out and stepped back looking her over. “Now we wait.” She gave a nod and stepped away. “Tea?” She asked from her kitchen.

Nym let out a long sigh, he looked over Ayla a moment and then looked to Ren. He followed Rayne to the kitchen. "Y-yeah..." He spoke and collapsed into a chair, he was weak.

Nym rested for a few hours before he came back into the room. “Thank you Lando.” He gave a nod and then turned to Ayla. Her brows were drawn together in her sleep. He knelt next to her and let out a sigh as he looked over the darkness that crept up her arm like a blanket of shadows. Her skin had filled in with the black that was moving through her veins. Her arm almost looked as though it was dipped in tar.

“I fear for her.” Rayne spoke, she held a cup of tea in her hands.

“Is there anything that you can do?” Nym asked softly.

“I’ve done all that I know that I can do.” She spoke and shook her head. “Coming back from something like this will be a rough road. Take her to the guest bed, it will offer some comfort.”

Nym sighed and scooped Ayla into his arms, a soft whimper came over her lips as he lifted her. “Ayla?” He asked and looked to her, though she was still unconscious.

“She’s fighting off the darkness, Nym.” Rayne nodded. “This isn’t going to be easy.”

Nym looked to the elf for a moment before he carried Ayla from the room. He set her on the bed and tucked her in. “Come on, Ayla. Don’t give in.” He spoke and brushed her hair from her eyes. “We still have to find the princess, hm?” He gave a weak smile. “You have to protect her, you’re the lieutenant.” He chuckled and then sighed.

**

Ayla stood in a round area, huge rocks jutted up out of the ground around her. She held her sword in her hands.

“Think you can defeat us?” A voice chuckled.

Ayla spun around to find herself staring into the eyes of the demon that she’d killed. “If I have to kill you a thousand times I will.” She cried as she rushed forward and sliced her sword into him.

The demon snickered as he reached up and gripped her around her neck. “Good try, Lieutenant.” He smirked as his body absorbed the blade. “We’re going to play a little game.”

Suddenly she was slammed back against the rocks and shackles held her in place. Ayla thrashed against the shackles as the demon approached her. “Let me go!” She cried.

The demon snickered from behind his helmet. “I’d rather have a bit of fun with you. You put yourself here Lieutenant. Trying to heal someone infected with Aconitum.” He held her jaw again. “How stupid of you. Oh I almost forgot. Let me make you more comfortable.” His helmet melted away, revealing his face. He stood before her a man with short black hair, his skin was flawless. His iris was red like blood, but other than that he looked like any normal human. “This should suite you better.” He moved and pulled a dagger from a table. “So tell me, Lieutenant.” He stepped to her. “Who is your mother? You’re awfully strong.” He stared into her eyes.

“I didn’t know her.” Ayla spoke, she stared to the dagger that he flipped around in his hand. “She died when she gave birth to me.”

The demon chuckled deeply then. “Oh, such a tragedy, that’s what he’s told you?” He sliced along her arm then drawing blood.

Ayla grit her teeth. “What do you want?” She tried to pull from the shackles.

“To know more about you, so that I can defeat you.” He grinned. “I haven’t been able to gain much information from your father.”

Ayla paused a long moment, she stared to him. “My…father?” She questioned. “He’s alive?”

The demon grinned wildly then. “Yes. Very much alive. You didn’t know?” He sliced along her abdomen with a quick slash.

Ayla buckled against the shackles, she let out a cry as her blood spilled to the ground. “Who is he?” She whimpered.

The demon watched her a moment, he licked her blood from the knife and hummed happily, his eyes lit up with a bright white light for a moment before it faded away. “Oh, your father?” He asked and smirked. He lifted her arm up that he cut into and allowed a few drops of blood to drip into his mouth. He then stepped back, “Your father is Jonathan.”

Ayla stared to him, her jaw loose.

The demon snickered. “Yes, King Jonathan Zowrey. The king of Askabar.” He then stabbed into her chest with the dagger and twisted the blade, causing Ayla to emit a cry of pain. “But you didn’t know that, because the king kept it from you that lying dog.” He ripped the blade out and stabbed her again. Ayla’s scream echoed off of the rocky walls. “Tell me about your mother.”

“I don’t know anything…” Ayla whimpered.

“Wrong answer.” The demon sliced her throat then. He took a step back and watched as she gagged and choked on her own blood. He waited a moment before he snapped his fingers. Ayla’s wounds healed and her eyes opened. “We can do this again and again, Lieutenant.” He stabbed the dagger into her thigh this time, right through into the wall. Ayla screamed as he twisted the blade to release it from the boulder. “I think we could use you, elf.”

Ayla had tears streaming down her cheeks, “Use…me?” She choked.

The demon grinned devilishly. “Yes, your mother was a Lythari.” He searched her eyes. “The power to be gained from you is limitless. If only your mother was still alive. The Lythari are nearly extinct.” He snickered.

**

Ayla writhed in her sleep, she whimpered and her body trembled. Nym paced the room. “Rayne how long will this take?” He snapped and then glanced to Ren who was awake. “She has to wake…” He paced a bit more and re-entered the room.

Rayne stepped into the room and looked Ayla over. The darkness was creeping up her neck. She grit her teeth and raced from the room. She quickly began throwing things together. Smoke came from the cauldron. She coughed and continued on the jewels began to pulse blue as she tossed in more things. She stirred and poured in a black liquid. Another burst of smoke came from the cauldron. Rayne poured the liquid over into a vial and drew it up into a syringe. She rushed into the guest room and pulled Ayla’s arm. “Okay.” She spoke and injected her.

Ayla’s muscles immediately tensed, and her jaw clenched. A cry came over her lips as her brows drew together. She began to breathe quickly. Nym stared to her with worried eyes. “What did you do?” He asked.

“Just wait.” She spoke and stood there, her eyes trained on Ayla.

“Let me go!” Ayla screamed as she sat up quickly, her breaths heavy.

Nym rushed forward. “You’re okay.” He wrapped his arms around her.

Ayla fought against him, she thrashed against his arms. “Let go!” She cried. “Let me go!”

Nym held on more tightly. “Ayla!” He called to her. “You’re safe, it’s okay.” He brushed her hair from her eyes.

Ayla stopped fighting, she stared into his eyes. “N-Nym…” She choked. “Wh….what…” She looked around the room, “Where am I? What happened?”

Nym looked to Rayne whom nodded to him, she looked to the darkness that still wrapped around Ayla’s arm. “You’re in my home.” She replied before she left the room to check on Ren.

Nym sighed softly. “After we defeated the demons, Ren was found shot with poison arrows. You were weak, you tried to heal her and it infected you.” He looked to her arm. He lifted it and flipped it around in his hands. “It appears the darkness is still gripping you.” He looked to her neck, the lines of darkness still reached up her neck.

Ayla stood slowly. “What of Ren?” She asked. “Lando?” She waivered slightly.

“Take it easy, they are out here.” He brought her out and helped her to the couch.

Ayla sat down and took in a slow breath. “Ren.” She gave a weak smile.

“Drink this.” Rayne handed her a glass of green fluid. “It will taste horrible, but it will hopefully ward off the darkness.”

Ayla took in a breath and drank the glass. She gagged and looked away from the empty glass. “Oh…what was that?” She grit her teeth. She coughed and winced slightly. “Oh that was horrible.”

Rayne looked to her and chuckled slightly. “Well hopefully that fixes the darkness.” She took the glass. “How are you doing Ren?” She looked her over. “A bit weak?” She asked and then moved to the cauldron where she threw a few items in and came back with a clear glass. “Drink up.” She smiled.

Ayla sat up slowly, her eyes were a deep evergreen. “I feel weak.” She replied softly. She looked to her hand, the black veins still remained on her arm, though the darkness had receded from her neck line.

Rayne crossed her arms. “You spoke of Firebend.” She looked to Ren. “My potions are not going to cure Ayla.” She looked back to Ayla, “It must be because you’re a half-blood.” She raised a brow as she thought. “It appears that the potion has slowed the progress and even caused it to recede slightly…but I fear that it will soon continue to engulf her body and mind.”

Ayla stared to Rayne for a moment. “What is this?” She asked softly.

Rayne shook her head slightly, “It is the reaction of your body and the poison. When you healed Ren, this is the result. You’re lucky you aren’t dead.” She then looked back to Ren. “There is a mage, a very old mage that has been around for centuries, her name is Rakalis. She is the only mage that resides in Firebend. If you are worthy of entering, she will help you.” She looked to Ayla. “For your sake, I do hope that the entrance shows itself. Otherwise…” She looked away. “I’ll make a few more potions for the road. When the darkness begins to spread again, just take one. I don’t have much Larkspur left, so I can only make you two.” She mixed a few things together and began to boil it in the cauldron.

Ayla sighed softly as she ran her fingertip over the black lines on her skin. “What if we don’t get in?” She asked. “How long are those going to last?”

Rayne took in a slow breath. “If you don’t get in, as soon as the darkness engulfs you, you will die, your heart will stop. I can’t say how long the potion will last, I am hopeful that it will last around 4 hours, but there can be no guarantees.”

Nym shifted uncomfortably. “Is there anything else we can do…?” He asked.

Rayne shook her head. “That is the answer, Rakalis can save her.” She poured the liquid into two vials and sealed the top with a cork. She turned and held the vials out toward Ayla.

Ayla reached forward and took the vials. She looked to the liquid as she thought of the dream. The demon. She took in a quick breath.

“Ayla?” Nym asked. “What is it?”

Ayla shook her head, “Nothing.” She responded as she placed the vials into her pouch.

“Disoriented?” Rayne asked and looked to her eyes as they shifted to the ocean blue color. “What did you see?”

Ayla looked to her and took in a breath. “The demon that I killed in Alexandria…”

Rayne raised her brow, “Tell me what happened.” She spoke and searched her eyes. “We may be playing with something larger than the poison. He may have done something to you to cause this darkness to overtake you.”

“He wanted information on my mother…he stated that I am a Lythari Elf…”

Nym brought his brows together. “No one knew what Novalis was.” He spoke. “How would he know that?”

“I’m not sure how he found out…the demon eluded to how useful my blood would be. It’s a fuel for them…” She paused, her voice shook slightly. “He told me who my father is…”

Nym tilted his head slightly, “No one knew who your father was, he ran. That’s what everyone said…”

“No…he is a coward.” Ayla spoke. “My father is the king…King Jonathan…” She stood and waivered slightly. “We need to go…I can feel it growing stronger.” She shut her eyes and took one of the vials. The world spun around her slightly.

Nym wrapped his arm around her. “We will get you healed.” He spoke as he looked to Ren. “You know where it is…you lead the way Ren.”

Ayla took the pedal into her fingertips and rubbed the silky texture. “I’m not sure what my father wanted or wants with me…he has turned the demons onto me to kill me, so I’m not sure he is aware of the power that my mother held, or the power that I hold…the only reason I am truly alive is because of Elanor…she fought with him.” She looked away, saddened. Saying it out loud. Speaking of the king as her father. Hearing it from Ren’s lips. It destroyed her. He had beaten her nearly every day. No wonder. His hatred for her must have come from the accidental pregnancy he had with Nouvis…

Ayla lifted the pedal to her lips and slipped it into her mouth then, she chewed and within a few seconds she felt the energy rush into her body. Ayla took in a breath and pulled herself from Nym’s arms, she gave a gentle smile to him. “Thank you, Nym.” She smiled and then looked to Rayne. “Thank you for doing what you could for us.” She nodded and then they were off.

As they trekked through the desert Ayla became dizzy from the heat. The darkness clutched at her, making it hard to breathe at times. Nym wrapped his arm back around her. The flower had given her strength but she needed more than that to make it through the heat of the desert. Ayla shut her eyes tightly for a moment. In the heat she could see the demon, he walked next to them, a grin on his lips.

“I’ll have you yet, you’ll do quite well in aiding my master.” The demon chuckled at the end.

Ayla turned her face into Nym’s chest and let out a shaken breath. “Leave me alone.” She whispered.

Nym glanced down to her just as they approached the arch. “What was that?” He asked, he had been listening to Lando and Ren speak. He looked to her and drew his brows together. He slipped the last vial from her belt and popped the cork out. “Drink this, Ayla.” He looked to the darkness that was clutching at her jawline. She didn’t have much time left before it would consume her.

Ayla drank the potion and waivered slightly as she looked to Ren before the portal. She listened to her speak and a hint of sadness crossed her face. In the stories it spoke of how Ren was immortal, she’d never really believed it, though for one to wish for death.

“You’re mine.” The demon’s voice echoed in her mind.

Ayla nearly fell over. Nym caught her. “Hey, come on.” He pushed her toward the portal. “Tell it your deepest desire and you can get through.”

Ayla breathed heavily, her mind spinning. She could feel the darkness clutching onto her. She gripped onto the edge of the arch. “My deepest desire is to not be alone.” Her voice quivered. The portal opened and she stepped through. Ayla fell to her knees on the other side.

Nym stood at the portal and stared to it. He took in a deep breath. “My deepest desire is the lieutenant.” He spoke and the portal came up. He bit his lip slightly, he’d never admitted that out loud. Though, he most likely would never speak it again. He was too afraid to tell her. “Ayla…” He stepped forward and lifted her into his arms. “We need to hurry, that potion isn’t lasting very long at all…” He looked to Ren. He then looked to the long bridge that led upward toward the city. “Oh wow.” He spoke as he looked to the beautiful underground city that was upon a huge marble wall. “I’ve heard stories of Firebend, but…nothing compares.” He breathed. He moved forward quickly up into the city.

“A lot of visitors lately.” A woman spoke. She stood next to a fountain. “Are you with the others?” She asked curiously. She then narrowed her brows. “What happened…?” She asked as she approached Ayla.

“We had a bit of a run in with the demons that attacked Alexandria. She tried to heal her.” He nodded toward Ren, “She’d been shot by a aconitum poisoned arrow. Rayne sent us.”

“Rayne.” The woman smiled. “Ah a good old friend she is.”

“Are you…Rakalis?” Nym asked softly.

“Yes, of course.” Rakalis spoke. She was a beautiful woman, with long auburn hair and bright green eyes. “Come, we don’t have time for chatter, she’s already fighting a losing battle.” Rakalis turned and led them through the city quickly. She brought them into a beautiful home and motioned for Nym to follow her. She brought him downstairs. “Lay her there.” She pointed to a bed as she prepped a few things.

“You’re going to be okay, Ayla.” Nym spoke and looked to her.

Ayla’s eyes had rolled back, her body was tense. The darkness was advancing once again. Her breaths were small painful gasps. Rakalis looked to him a moment before she knelt and placed her hand on Ayla’s forehead. Her eyes flashed a bright white and the glow moved to her hand. She began speaking in ancient tongue then for a few moments until she fell completely silent.

Nym stared to her and then looked to Ayla, his face full of worry.

**

Ayla stood in the darkness, the wind rushed around her, howling. “I’ll have you!” The demons voice chuckled. He rushed passed her and sliced through her thigh.

Ayla let out a cry and fell to a knee on the ground. Blood gushed from the wound. “Let me go.” She breathed. “I won’t give in.”

The demon appeared before her. “You will, eventually, they all do.” He chuckled. “Ever wonder where all the other Lythari have gone?” He gripped her throat. “Don’t end up like them.” He smiled and then disappeared again. Ayla fell to her hands and knees. She felt a sharp pain in her side as he stabbed into her with the sword. He kicked her from the blade and planted his heel in her chest. “The darkness that consumes you will bring you to me.” He smirked. “To my master, how did the king not know?” He chuckled. “How did he throw away your mother like he did? Murdered her in cold blood.”

Suddenly there was a burst of light. The demon was knocked from her chest. The howling of the wind lessened slightly. Ayla gasped as she was lifted to her feet. “Don’t give in.” The woman spoke. It was Rakalis. “I’m going to get you out of this, just follow my lead.”

**

Nym paced slightly, Rakalis’ head was resting against the side of the bed. It had been a few hours at this point. “How long does this take…?” He asked softly and looked to Ren. “What did she mean by others? Do you think the princess is here somewhere in the city?”

**

“Come on.” Rakalis spoke, “Get up!” She looked to Ayla. “Don’t give in.” Her body was surrounded by a white aura. “This will make you stronger.” She spoke as she clashed blades with a shadow demon. “Get up and fight.”

Ayla stood and drew her sword. Demons surrounded her then. She spun around, her body moving fluidly, her blade clashed with the blade of a demon soldier. She kicked his feet out and stabbed him through the chest. She elbowed another and then lobbed off his head. She seemed to fight effortlessly.

Rakalis grinned as she watched her fight. “That’s it!” She called.

The demon appeared then. “Stop it!” He snapped and shoved his sword into Rakalis, he lifted her up into the air as blood poured from her body. “She’s mine.” He snarled and tossed her aside.

**

Rakalis fell back and gasped. She scrambled to her feet.

“Did you do it?” Nym asked, his eyes focused on her. “Will she be okay?”

“Far from it.” Rakalis spoke. “She has a demon that chooses to haunt her. He knocked me out…I…” She grit her teeth. “I can save her.” She gave a nod, “I just need something.” She left the room then and returned with a cup of liquid. She lifted Ayla’s body and carefully poured the liquid into her mouth. “The darkness that grips her is from a demon. He is the right hand to Trichondris, I saw him years ago. His name is Elkin. He is a very ancient and very old demon. He wants her for something.” She spoke.

**

Ayla was slammed against a wall. The demon sliced through her skin along her neck. “Who was that?” He snarled. “You think you can be saved by a mage?” He growled deeply. He snickered.

Ayla shut her eyes and gripped her fists. “I don’t need to be saved.” She broke from the chains that held her and fell to her knees on the ground. She stumbled to her feet. “I’ll kill you myself.” She rushed forward and tackled the demon to the ground. They went toppling down a hillside, she could hear her bones shatter as she slammed into a boulder at the bottom. Ayla gasped as she stabbed her dagger through his throat and twisted, severing the spine. The demon stared to her with wide eyes as blood leaked down over her hand.

Rakalis appeared next to them again, the darkness scattered away from her quickly. “Come on.” She held her hand out.

Ayla gripped her hand and she was pulled into the light.

**

Ayla sat up quickly, she took in a huge gasp of air, as if she’d been underwater for too long. The dark lines upon her skin began to scatter and shorten until nothing was left. She gripped her hand and looked to it as the last of the darkness left her system. She looked up just as Nym rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her. Ayla chuckled and grinned. “It will have to be a hell of a lot worse than that to get rid of me.” She spoke as he squeezed her tightly. “Who was that?” She looked and saw Rakalis as she stood next to the bed. “Thank you.” She smiled.

“I am Rakalis, the keeper of Firebend.” She smiled and nodded.

Ayla looked up as Ren and Rakalis had their reunion. She stood, Nym stood next to her his eyes watching her closely. She wasn’t weak anymore. She looked to the others that filed into the room, strangers. She then heard the sound of footsteps as they approached the room. The door pushed open. “What is everyone doing in…” Amalliey stood in the doorway. “Ayla?” She asked, her eyes lit up. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Ayla. “I thought you were dead!” She exclaimed and then stepped back.

Ayla let out a chuckle, a grin on her lips. “It takes a lot more than a demon and his soldiers to kill me off, princess.” She then let out a soft sigh. “You’re a hard one to catch.” She spoke and looked to the others.

“Xavier, this is my most trusted knight from the castle.” Amalliey spoke. “This is Lynn.” She introduced Ayla. “They have kept me safe.” She nodded. She then held the pendant that hung around her neck. “Ayla I…” She crossed her arms and took in a breath. “My mother is still alive, she’s trapped in this pendant.” She wrapped her fingers a bit more around the jewel that glowed a light blue. “We have to figure out how to free her…she may know where the chest is that the dragon’s souls are locked away in.”

Ayla shifted slightly she stared to the pendant. “You really are an Azazel Mage aren’t you?” She asked and looked to the princess, whom nodded in response. Ayla shook her head and let out a soft chuckle. “Well apparently I am a part of a very ancient line of elves…” She paused then and drew her brows together.

Amalliey searched her eyes. “What is it?” She asked curiously.

“Nothing.” Ayla shook her head. She thought about the king in that moment. Her father. Amalliey’s father. This was her half sister standing before her. How did she tell her?

“How about some dinner, hm?” Rakalis asked with a grin. “Ren, we have a lot of catching up to do and I am sure there will be other pressing matters as well. Ren doesn’t just venture off of her ship for anything…except maybe chocolate.” She chuckled. “I did manage to grab some of that chocolate you love Ren.” She stepped from the room.

As everyone else filed from the room Amalliey remained looking to Ayla. “What’s troubling you?” She asked. “You can’t lie, I’ve known you since I was born, I know that look.” Amalliey searched her eyes.

Ayla took in a breath and let it out slowly. “A lot of things have changed in the past week, Amalliey.” She looked to the princess. “I’ve learned more of Nouvis than I’ve ever known, and yet I still know nothing of her. I know who my father is…”

“Who?” Amalliey chimed in quickly. “Who is it?”

Ayla bit her lip slightly as she looked to the princess. “The king.” She replied.

Amalliey drew her brows together slightly. “He knows doesn’t he?” She asked softly. “I’m sorry Ayla.” She stepped back and leaned against the wall. “All those times…” She shook her head. “How could he…?”

“Amalliey…” Ayla looked to her. “He is a monster, he forced a mage to kill your mother and raise Trichondris from the pits of hell…”

“It was supposed to be me.” Amalliey spoke and looked to the lieutenant. “My mother saved me…she stopped it…”

Ayla’s expression fell, her jaw loose. “He…he aimed to murder you?” She shook her head. “I will be sure that he finds himself a cell in the castle when we return and rid this land of Trichondris for the last time.”

A soft knock came from the door before it creaked open. “Ayla?” Nym asked as he pushed the door open. “Princess.” He bowed his head. “Dinner is ready.” He turned and left the room.

Amalliey looked to Ayla who was staring to the door. “Will you ever go after him?” She asked and let out a soft chuckle.

Ayla looked to the princess and then laughed as well. “I’m too busy protecting you.” She opened the door and they headed into the dining room where Rakalis put together an entire dinner spread. She looked to Xavier then. “Xavier…” She spoke, “Who are you exactly?”

Xavier took a sip of his wine and gave a nod. “I am Elanor’s brother, Amalliey’s uncle.” He spoke.

“Are you an Azazel?” Ayla asked her brow raised.

“No, I’m not blood to Elanor, but she was adopted into my family.” Xavier responded.

Ayla gave a slight nod. “I see.” She then took a sip from the red wine and her lips curled up, it had been a long time since she’d had a good glass of wine.

Nym looked to her from across the table. He glanced to Xavier and then his eyes wandered back to the Lieutenant. Xavier looked to the elf and then he turned his attention to Ren. “Ren my friend.” He smiled. “Do tell us what you can of the Azazel.”

Rakalis looked to Ren and chuckled. “Not many are alive still today that were alive then, Ren is about the only one I know.” She smirked.

Amalliey stared to Ren, her eyes showed a hint of sadness. Her pendant around her neck began to glow again. She looked down to it and curled her fingers around it. “The chest.” She spoke, “Would they be ignorant enough to hide it in the city that they have created?”

Xavier leaned forward, his elbow on the table. “Ignorant isn’t the word, princess.” He let out a chuckle. “Arrogant, those elves believe they have won everything, they believe they can stop anything.”

Amalliey thought for a long moment. “That name.” She spoke. “Rykor.” She had a troubled look upon her face then.

Ayla’s brows rose then, a realization. “Rykor, the elven king?” She looked to Ren. “He’s still alive.”

“Rykor’s soldiers attacked a trade caravan of our men, taking out several of the kingdoms guard, killing all but one. Allowing him to return to the kingdom and tell us of this horrible news.” Amalliey spoke, “My father sent more after them, and more died because of his rash actions. My mother argued with him, yet he was determined to wipe them off of this world.” She paused a moment, “Rykor sent a treaty. He sent five men. The lead was…” Amalliey looked to Ren, searching her eyes a moment. “His name was Malfurion…they offered my father an artifact as a peace treaty….” She looked away from Ren then. “After that he became consumed with wanting to end them, he talked about it nearly every meal. Of course my mother would always put an end to it.” Her pendant pulsed again.

“I remember standing by the kings side as he accepted this gift.” Ayla spoke, her brows pulled together. “How…are they still alive?”

“You don’t know much of the Azazel mages do you, Ayla?” He asked with a grin. “How is Elanor alive?” He asked and then chuckled. “The soul of an Azazel Mage is immortal. The lifespan is nearly as long as a Lythari elf, one of the longest living creatures of our world. With the exception of Ren of course.” He smiled to Ren then.

Ayla looked to Xavier then her eyes searching his. Rakalis smirked. “You have a Lythari sitting at the table with you, Xavier.”

Xavier looked to Rakalis and followed her eyes to Ayla. He brought his brows together slightly. “Your ears…”

“My ears were cut off.” Ayla spoke, “When I was a child the king had my ears cropped.” She had a tight jaw, the memories of her childhood rushed her mind. All of the pain.

Amalliey stood suddenly, she took in a quick breath, her eyes fluttered. She gripped onto the pendant tightly. “I…” She stumbled back. Her eyes began to glow white.

“Amalliey?” Ayla turned her attention to the princess.

“Don’t!” Xavier warned as he watched Ayla reach toward the princess.

Ayla’s hand grasped Amalliey’s arm and steadied her. “Amalliey?” She asked, she felt a surge of energy rush through her body. Her pulse began to bound as though her heart would escape her chest.

“Ay-la….” Amalliey said through grit teeth just before her body collapsed.

Ayla gasped as her eyes flooded with a green glow. She too collapsed onto the floor, her hand still held onto Amalliey.

“Ayla…” Nym moved to touch her and Xavier grabbed him. “What’s going on?” Nym questioned.

“You can’t touch her, not now.” Xavier spoke and looked to him. “You too will get pulled in.” He looked to the slight trickle of blood that came from Amalliey’s nose. “She has been pulled into a trance by either Elanor or Ryuk.”

Nym looked to Ayla, her breaths were quick, her brows pulled together. Her hand balled into a fist. “It doesn’t look like she is just having a simple conversation…” He muttered.

**

Ayla screamed as she tumbled down a hill in a pitch-black world. She slammed into something at the bottom. The sound of her bones fracturing filled her ears. She took in quick breaths. “Amalliey!” She called out. Ayla stumbled and pushed herself up. She gasped and held her side. Her eyes began to glow green as she healed herself. She stumbled forward as her bones began to mend. “Princess!” She called. She soon ran through the darkness. She began to see a light in the distance. Ayla pushed herself to run faster. As she became closer she could see two figures standing in the light. “Amalliey!” Ayla called again.

As she came closer she felt a sudden burst of heat. Ayla was slammed back into the ground. She fought against the force that held her down. Her fists were balled tightly. She stared up to Amalliey and Elanor in the distance. “You will not make it to them. You’re not her savior.” A voice spoke. “Though, I’ll kill them and everyone, until you surrender to me.” The demon spoke and chuckled.

Ayla let out a cry as she broke from his grasp and scrambled to her feet. “Where are you?” She spun around, her eyes still glowing, she pulled her sword from her hip.

“That won’t stop me.” He chuckled. Suddenly the sword disintegrated from her grasp and floated off in a stream of ashes. “My master needs your power elf.” Suddenly from the darkness the demon rushed forward. His fingers gripped around her neck. “Your power should allow him to absorb the Azazel’s power, and then.” He snickered. “The world will be ours.”

Ayla choked as he held her up into the air, her feet kicked against him. “You….won’t….win…” She said through grit teeth. A burst of power came from her and she broke from his grasp. She jumped back and stared to him.

The demon turned and sprinted toward the princess and Elanor. “I’ll kill them then.” He spoke and chuckled.

“No!” Ayla raced after him. She nearly leaped across the ground. Her speed was incredible. She jumped into the air and wrapped her arms around him, tackling him to the ground. She pinned him down and slammed her dagger into his skull. “You’ll never win.” She whispered, her breaths heavy. His body burst into embers beneath her.

“Ayla?” A familiar voice spoke.

She looked up then to find that she sat in front of the princess and the queen. “My queen.” She stood and bowed her head.

“It is you.” Elanor spoke, she smiled then and reached forward.

Ayla flinched slightly when she felt a sensation she’d never felt before. Her ears. She reached her own hand up and felt along the ears that jutted out from her head. Larger than any elven ears she’d seen. Thin and pointed. Her breaths shook. She looked to her arms, lines ran along her skin, elvish inscriptions.

Elanor smiled and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Amalliey told me.” She whispered. “I knew I had to protect you from him, something told me to.” She pulled back. “Your mother…” She paused a moment. “She was an incredible elf. The strongest I’ve ever met, and…I never quite knew why.”

Amalliey looked to Ayla from over her mother’s shoulder. “We have to free her, Ayla.” She spoke softly.

Suddenly blood splattered forward, a sword pushed through Amalliey’s chest, the demon cackled as he kicked her body forward. “Freeing her won’t do you any good.” He sliced forward. Elanor avoided his attack easily.

**

Amalliey sat up gasping for air. “Ayla….” She turned, Ayla still lay unconscious.

“Princess?” Nym asked and helped her to her feet. “What happened?” He asked.

“I don’t know…” She shook her head, “It was painful.” She held her hands over where the blade had sliced through her chest.

Nym grit his teeth. He glanced down to Ayla, her body had a slight glow to it. Her magic. He took in a breath and scooped her up into his arms. Though he wasn’t pulled into the trance. He looked to Rakalis. “Where can I put her?” He asked.

“Right this way.” Rakalis led him through the home. “Here.” She pat the bed.

Nym set her down and looked her over. “What’s happening to her, Rakalis?”

The woman shifted and crossed her arms. “I’m not sure.” She spoke. She reached forward and examined the lines that drew along her skin. The old elvish designs. “Oh…” She looked to Ayla’s ears. “Her…ears are growing back…” She stepped back. “Never in my years have I seen anything like this.” She turned then. “Ren?” She asked. “Ren have you ever seen this?” She pulled Ren into the room. “Her ears are coming back…I’ve never seen an elf with cropped ears regain their ears.”

**

Ayla rushed forward and slammed her fist into the jaw of the demon, blood splattered from his mouth. He began to chuckle as he grabbed her and threw her easily. Elanor lay on the ground, a sword through her chest as well, she writhed on the ground. Her skin was becoming pale. Ayla rushed for the sword only to be batted away like a fly. She slammed into a wall and groaned. The demon slammed his fists into her abdomen several times before he stepped back. “You can’t save her.” He chuckled.

Ayla crawled on her hands and knees, blood dripped from her mouth. She moved toward the queen. The demon kicked her harshly in the side, sending her to her back on the ground. She felt her ribs crack and break in her side. Though she turned and pushed herself to her feet. She stumbled slightly. Her eyes were black as the night. She rushed forward toward the demon and collided with him. She tackled him to the ground and they tossed and turned, fighting with each other. Ayla let out a cry as he slammed her back into the cold ground. He then smirked to her, counting his victory. Ayla reached up her hand began to glow and a blast of power came from her palm knocking him from her. Ayla spat blood from her mouth as she stood. She looked to the demon whom writhed in pain on the ground, a hole blasted through his chest. She moved to the queen’s side and pulled the sword from her chest before she collapsed to her knees. “Don’t worry…” She whispered as she placed her hand over Elanor’s that stifled the blood that gushed from her chest. Ayla closed her eyes as she began to heal the queen. Her body began to loosen as she did this. “We will get you out.” She spoke just as she disappeared into the darkness.

**

Ayla’s eyes fluttered open, the lines along her skin flashed with the green glow of her power before they disappeared. She sat up slowly, blood dripped from her nose.

“Here.” Nym spoke. He held a cloth up and dabbed away the blood. “Are you okay, Ayla?”

Ayla nodded in response. “Y-yeah…the demon…” She spoke and looked to him. “He won’t stop until he gets me, will he?” She asked softly.

Ayla looked back and forth between Lynn and Ren as they bickered slightly. It wasn’t long until the decision was made, they would go to the void. Ayla looked down to her hand as a drop of blood dripped onto the back of her hand, splashing slightly as it landed. She looked to the crimson liquid on the back of her hand.

Nym moved forward and brushed the blood away, “You should rest.” He spoke and searched her eyes.

Ayla took in a breath, “Promise me, Nym.” She stared to him a long moment. “Don’t let me lose my mind, okay? Don’t let me become lost in the void. I….” She drew her brows together. “I’ve heard stories….from old mages of the void. The dangers and the advantages. Yet, the dangers far outweigh the advantages. However, in this case, Lynn is correct, we don’t have the time to train Amalliey, nor myself. I am an inexperienced mage, to say the least.”

Nym shifted slightly and let out a sigh. “At least you are a mage.” He gave a gentle smile. “I may have a magical essence, but my family line does not possess the magic capable of anything that you do, Ayla. It’s incredible, and without any formal training. I believe Ren will help get us there…” He let out a soft chuckle. “Lynn seems to be a bit hard headed, don’t you think? Full of herself. Though to be so young and be the archmage of the Circle, I imagine it has filled her with the thought that she knows everything, in a sense.”

Ayla lay back on the bed and let out a soft breath. “She knows much more than many young mages. Much more than I myself know. I am a sword and shield first, before anything else. Yet, there is more, isn’t there?” She reached up and touched her long ears. “I’ve always dreamed of having my ears.” She spoke softly. “What it would be like.” She sighed softly then. Nym sat down on his bed, he stared to her in the dimly lit room. His eyes sad. He eventually lay back on his bed and stared to the ceiling. He remembered the moments that he’d watched the king cut her ears. “I remember you know?” She spoke and shut her eyes. “I know you would have stopped him, if you could have, but we were so young Nym. It isn’t your fault, the things that the king did to me.” She rolled onto her side and curled up, slipping into sleep quickly.

**

Ayla stood in the middle of a village. She glanced around. Bridges ran between trees to homes that were built within the giant dark oak trees that stretched toward the skies. The homes protruded from the trees, held up by carefully placed scaffolding.

“Welcome to Alamur.” A voice spoke from behind her.

Ayla spun around to find herself looking up to an elf. He wore finely threaded clothing. Silver rings upon his hands. He wore a black shirt that was formed to his skin, over that was a dark teal colored jacket that a long white cloak was attached to. He had silver shoulder pieces that glistened in the night. His hair was long and so blonde that it was nearly white. His ears were slender and long like hers. He had his hand resting on the head of a huge white wolf. Its eyes looked over Ayla. “Alamur?” She questioned.

The man smiled to her. “My apologies. You don’t know me, do you?” He asked and lifted his hand from the wolf.

“I…” Ayla froze as the creature stepped forward and circled around her, sniffing at her. The head of the beast was nearly at her chest. It could break her in two.

“It makes sense, you grew up without your mother.” The man spoke. “I am Onas.” He spoke and paused a moment, “King of Alamur, and your grandfather.” His eyes looked over her and his fingers snapped. The wolf returned to his side then.

“Grandfather?” Ayla asked, she looked over his young skin. He looked to be about 30, if that. “Where is Alamur?”

Onas smiled then, “Hidden away so that we are not bled for our magic. The demons, the humans….it doesn’t matter, we have been hunted for centuries. Your mother was taken by the dark elf king Rykor. He bled her and used her for her magic to fuel himself and his soldiers as they became weak when the Azazel mage magic ran from their veins.” He paused a moment. “Come.” He spoke and led her through the city. “I fought to get her back. But I knew once Rykor had her she was lost…there was nothing I could do without losing more of our already dwindling race.” The wolf followed Onas closely moving through the city. They came to a large tree and began to ascend it.

“But…she was free in Askabar…” Ayla spoke softly.

“Yes, and no.” Onas spoke as they came to a large room, a throne room. It was beautiful, the floors were made of a gorgeous marble that seemed to reflect everything upon it. “She was freed by Elanor, only to then become a servant in Askabar. Hidden away so that the dark elf king would not find her. But, he did and when he found out that Nouvis was murdered.” He shook his head. “King Jonathan has had his head on a stake since that moment, Rykor has been plotting rising Trichondris for decades. They had no idea that you had been born, that a Lythari existed in the world outside of Alamur. If they catch you, Ayla, they will drain you day in and day out to a weakness that places you unable to fight back, unable to move.” Onas crossed his arms. “You need to come home, to be truly safe.”

Ayla shook her head, “How do I know I will be safe…?” She asked. “I need to stop Trichondris, not flee from him. You are a coward for hiding.” Her voice was slightly angered.

“I know what will happen to the Lythari if we leave this city, there are less than 20 of us now alive in Algut…you are the next to rule…and yet you throw yourself in danger as if it will never hurt you.” Onas looked to her, “You are not invincible.” He searched her eyes. “Come, when you are ready, Ayla.” He reached forward and touched her cheek. “You need to be with the Lythari. Do not give them the chance to use you like that.”

Ayla took in a shaken breath, memories of the dragon wars began to floor her mind. She saw Lythari elves held over a huge metal bowl and their throats slit. Their bodies bled dry. Humans, demons, elves, mages…it didn’t matter where, they all drank of the blood to gain the magical powers. To overcome the other within the war. The Lythari were nearly wiped off of Algut in that time. Only a few remained…

**

Ayla sat up quickly from her slumber. She took in quick breaths and looked to Nym whom slept peacefully. She left the room and walked out into the living room where she stared to herself in a mirror. She ran her fingertips along her ears again. Her eyes had a green glow to them in the darkness of the room. Her magic. She could see the runes upon her skin, the elvish markings of a Lythari elf. She focused and the runes began to glow as well. Her breaths shook slightly.

“Can’t sleep?” Rakalis asked, she stood in the doorway, looking to Ayla. “You’re more powerful than you know…” She held a mug of tea in her hands. “Would you like tea?” She asked.

Ayla looked to her with glowing green eyes, the runes and the glow began to dissipate. “Y-yeah….” She nodded. She followed her into the kitchen. It was early in the morning. The home was silent.

Rakalis moved around putting leaves into the tea kettle and placing it upon the stove. “Is it the void?” She asked. “That worries you?”

Ayla shook her head slightly. “I had a dream…have you heard of Alamur?”

Rakalis’ eyes lit up slightly, she rose her brows. “Oh yes, but, I’ve never met an elf from there, only Lythari elves reside there.” She tilted her head slightly. “Why do you ask?”

“I had a dream of it…Onas the king…is my grandfather…” She spoke softly.

Rakalis looked to her for a long moment. “He contacted you then?” She asked.

“Yes, he told me I need to return, to be safe…I saw…horrible things…what happened to the Lythari during the dragon wars…how we were hunted and bled…my mother was used by Rykor for power…bled for years until somehow Elanor managed to free her.” Ayla stared to her hands, runes appeared on the back of her hands as she spoke. “I have so many questions, yet, all the answers seem to make everything more complicated than before.”

Rakalis shifted and stood as the tea began to whistle. She poured a new glass and slid it in front of Ayla. “When dealing with power, and the threads that have been intertwined in your case.” She shook her head. “It will always be complicated. Especially being Lythari…the demons know, yes?” She asked.

Ayla gave a nod and sipped her tea. “Yes, the commander that Trichondris has sent to retrieve me knows, he found out…they were ordered to kill me, but now that is far from the case. They want me…”

“You would offer advantage. They get ahold of you and Amalliey, this entire war is over, we will all have lost before we can even make a counter. Hell, even if that demon were to get ahold on Ren, her blood as a fairy would offer some of the aspects that yours does.”

“Onas wants me back in Alamur…but I can’t abandon Amalliey…or Askabar for that matter…the world…it will all end if I run and hide.”

“I agree, you are a very important key, especially being a half sister to the princess.” Rakalis sipped from her tea. “You are stronger than most Lythari, Ayla. You can fight, you will defend yourself. You see, a lot of the Lythari elves, the downfall was that they focused on healing, not defending, so when attacked there is no defense. No fight. Failure comes easy at that rate. Thus so many were captured and Alamur was created and hidden, as a haven for the docile elves. It isn’t fair, really. To hunt something that doesn’t fight back.” Rakalis ran her fingertip along the edge of the mug. “That is why you have such a higher chance of survival, you will fight, you won’t give in.” She nodded.

Ayla sipped from her tea. “Why wouldn’t they fight back.” She spoke softly and shook her head. “What if I am lost in the void?” She asked, her brows tucked together, worry in her eyes. “What Lynn wants us to do…it’s dangerous…even Ren said so…I understand why…but…we could die…or go mad, in that case it is nearly the same, we might as well die at that point.”