Rise of Centuria: Fall of Centuria Volume 2 Read online

  The dragon stayed close to them to fly through the sky, slowly resting on tree tops to allow the group time to catch up as they traveled cautiously through the Dark Forest. A portal opened up on the green aura and dissipated immediately. The protective magic that surrounded them was powerful against other forms of magic, but was not very effective toward physical threats. Tree branches and leaves flew through the wall of water and the green aura. Occasionally, someone in the group had to throw a hand up and shield themselves against the flying debris. Thoris became increasingly agitated as sticks continuously flew by his head. He stayed on the alert and shielded himself and others, and it seemed that most of the flying objects were after him.

  A loud roar echoed through the forest. Gathar held his right fist up commanding the group to halt with the simple gesture. Everyone stopped, and Nydraia thinned a portion of the water wall so Gathar could take a look through it. A betnoir was holding on to a tree floating horizontally as a vortex tried to pull her in. Gathar could tell it was a female demon by the tone of her voice, her curvy hips and breasts, and the armor that she wore. It was Centurian army armor. Gathar hesitated. He wanted to run to her rescue. Buun told him to wait. Nydraia stepped forward and asked the water to pursue the struggling demon. A wave of water glided across the forest floor as it hovered several feet above the semi-wet ground. The wave turned into the shape of a hand and grabbed the demon by her legs. Then it pulled her away from the vortex and brought her to the group. As it gently set her down within the protection of the magical aura around them, she struggled and fought the water while breathing heavily. She looked around at the humans and Nydraia and was terror-stricken. She leaped to her feet and put up her guard as her eyes shifted from one member of the group to the next.

  Ben stepped forward first and put up his hands in a sign of peace with his palms opened toward her. The demon stepped back a few paces and tripped over a tree root. The group jumped trying to save her from the fall for they saw a danger she did not realize yet. She fell backward and smacked her head hard on the trunk of the tree just as a portal opened at the edge of the protective barrier behind her. It was a stronger portal than the rest and it penetrated the magical barrier for a brief moment. It lasted just long enough to pull her toward it and rip off her gauntlets. She flailed in a panic. Afraid of the vortex behind her and the group in front of her she swung her claws wildly in all directions. Everyone in the group, including Ben, took a step back. They wanted to help her, but she was too disturbed to be rationalized with.

  The vortex pulled the branches so hard that several snapped off the trees on the other side of the group. Hearing the snapping first, they all ducked in anticipation of what was to come, all except the demon. The limb made contact with her dead in the chest and knocked the wind out of her. Simultaneously, the portal vanished as she fell back a few feet. The dragon had intervened once again and even saved a demon.

  Gathar knew that the dragons did not like to intervene with the affairs of humans and the growing pestilence of the demons were even less of a concern to them. However, this dragon was unique and clearly didn’t follow the typical rules of a traditional dragon. Something about it made him feel safe but at the same time terrified. Dragons were not known to do things out of kindness of their heart or good will. It was a trait that dragons just didn’t have, or so he had been told through all the stories he heard growing up.

  Chapter Six

  In the seaside city of Chugean, the richest city on the continent, north of Salidon, the Council of the Elemental Guardians met at their hall. Many robed men and women were discussing the recent events with travelers from afar. There were messengers from the east, west, north, south, and from islands in the nearby sea. Each had news similar to one another. “A mass of black demons, known as the betnoirs, has spread across the land and sea invading cities. Many believed the fighting had come to an end after the battles at Salidon and in the Great Plains. But they are wrong. The demons and the strange creatures have become more organized in their attacks and have spread across the world like a deadly plague,” said one messenger dressed in purple robes lined with silver lace.

  A beautiful woman with a much toned physique, long bleached white hair going down to her waist, and fair skin as smooth as silk, stood before the many leaders to give her speech. The hall fell silent when she spoke as if her melodic voice cast a magical spell on all within earshot. “Thank you all for being here on such a moment’s notice. I am Sarella, a member of the Council of the Elemental Guardians. We have been called forth due to the brutal attacks from demons and other strange creatures entering our land and seas. I am afraid to say that we are not the only ones dealing with these abominations. We used to think the creatures of the swamp were horrific, but these things are much worse. The demons with crimson skin, the remnants, are relentless and show no mercy, no fear, and no regret. They are inhuman. Unlike the betnoirs, their bones are made of metal and seem only to want one thing—destruction.”

  There was great commotion spreading through the crowd. They all felt uneasy with the truth she spoke. At her side was a bearded man no taller than four feet, carrying a heavy battle axe. The dwarf stood up out of his wooden gem-speckled chair and cleared his throat loudly to regain silence for the lady he served. Sarella continued, “We have been told that some of these betnoirs were once human, but we cannot prove it. Yet, we do know that the demons have a lord. He goes by the name Lord Emalf and he is imprisoned at Khalan. His fate has yet to be determined for he holds many secrets that those skilled in magic want to unveil.” The news of his escape had not reached Chugean yet. A tomato flew out of the crowd toward Sarella and was quickly swatted back at the offender by one swing of the dwarf’s great battle axe. Many people believed that spellcasters were evil and were not well accepted everywhere they went. The plump tomato exploded in the offender’s face and splattered the nearby crowd. “Thank you, Agar.” Sarella said softly to the dwarf.

  The meeting carried on and Agar kept a keen eye on the people to watch for anyone else that wanted to disrespect his lady. After the tomato incident, the crowd had settled and listened intently to what Sarella had to share. There were a few occasional moans, but otherwise they kept quiet and still. When Sarella had finished she sat down and Agar followed suit. Another wizard arrived dressed in filthy brown and tattered robes spoke of the hardships the demons and creatures had caused on his home far west of the city of Khalan. He had traveled for four grueling days on horseback to reach Chugean to share his news and request help. Sarella gave her word on behalf of the Council of the Elemental Guardians that they will send aid. The wizard bowed respectfully and thanked her.

  Messengers from the cities within four days travel and many more on their way had taken a turn to share their story. The Council members finished the meeting letting the messengers know that they will send help as they saw fit.

  The high priestess, leader of the Council, approached Sarella and Agar, “I have a quest for you, Sarella. The Council needs a skilled and experienced shaman of the earth elements and you were chosen. Your skills have been recognized and this quest is of upmost importance to the fight against Lord Emalf and the demons. You should feel honored,” she placed one hand on Sarella’s shoulder and the other on Agar’s. “We believe you two have the skill set for such a task.” Sarella smiled. “We need you to seek answers from the table held in the great hall of Chugean. Our Majesty has granted us permission to meet in the hall for a meeting but is not aware of the secrets the table within holds. It only reveals its secrets to one blessed with the skills to be one with the natural elements of earth. You are that person. Agar, you may join your lady in the great hall, but we ask that you keep what you see a secret from the royalty of Chugean. If we tell them the table holds many secrets and listens to all that happens around it they will surely place it somewhere else. We, the Council, had strategically given it to the royal family specifically for this reason. They received it as a fancy gift for the union between the Co
uncil and the royal family, and that is all they know.

  “There will be people from other cities meeting you at the great hall to discuss matters and offer aid in your quest. General Gathar of the fallen Centuria is among them. Those present with him are permitted to learn the secret of the table.”

  “What do you mean the fallen Centuria?” Sarella asked.

  “Usha has told us that the once magnificent city of Centuria is no more. A crater lies upon its land.” Sarella gasped and placed a hand over her breast. “General Gathar is aware of what has become of the city he once served. Centuria will be great again. That is, if we succeed in our quests and rid Palatovia of the evils Lord Emalf has brought.”

  “What is it that you need me to do?”

  “I was hoping you would ask. Does this mean you accept the quest we want you for?”

  “Yes.”

  “The table speaks to one who can listen. It soaks in all information that occurs in the natural world and what happens around it in the great hall. The table was made from a world tree, an elder tree, and it has powers far beyond our understanding. Speak to it and it shall reveal its secrets. I believe it will open your eyes to where you will be needed next. Expect a following. We do not expect you to do this alone when the time comes.”

  “Very well, I accept this mission and will keep the Council informed. Agar, will you remain at my side for this?”

  “It would be a pleasure, my lady.”

  * * *

  In Salidon, Gathar was lying in bed staring at the ceiling thinking of all that had happened recently. His son, Ptolemy, was a demon; Sherson’s sacrifice to save Ptolemy; and all of the battles with the flying spiders, remnants, betnoirs, ogres, pixies, sea monsters, alamours, and demon lords. Vivid thoughts of his son haunted his mind. He remembered the night Ptolemy left home. Ptolemy was arguing about the importance of magic and how he wanted to be a wizard no matter what anyone said. Angela, Gathar’s wife, grew angry and slapped him across the face. Ptolemy’s eyes filled with tears while his face turned red where the open palm had hit him. Angela continued to yell at Ptolemy and told him, “Get your act together. Magic is not the answer to your troubles and you know our family does not approve of its use. Your father hates magic with a passion and for good reason. He only makes an exception for Sherson because they grew up together and have been close friends for a long time.” Gathar sat quietly in his chair by one of the fireplaces while they fought. Ptolemy went to his room crying and began to pack some personal belongings. Gathar did not want to intervene in the heated argument, for Angela was right. He did not like the thought of magic being in his house. Ptolemy stepped out of his room and looked at his dad sitting silently. They stared at each other for a brief moment until Gathar nodded. The fireplace crackled in the background and made a loud popping sound. Ptolemy put his head down and walked to the front door. Angela continued yelling at him as if she didn’t notice he had packed a sack and was planning on leaving for good. Gathar stood up and looked out the window. He watched Ptolemy walk over to the barn and bring his Appaloosa horse, Beth, out. It was already dusk and Gathar could only see Ptolemy by the light provided by torches outside. It was not too much later that Ptolemy had saddled up and rode to the gates of Centuria.

  Gathar returned to his chair while Angela continued to stand in the doorway with her arms crossed. He knew what had to be done and chose not to react because that would have made the situation worse. He also believed that Ptolemy would return in a day or two.

  Thoris walked into the room and addressed the general. “Sir, we have news from the Council of the Elemental Guardians in Chugean. They requested our presence and want us to inform them of what we found in the wastes of Centuria. How do you wish to respond, sir?”

  General Gathar sat up and answered, “Send a message that we are on our way. Tell the others to pack up. We leave in thirty.”

  “Yes, sir!” Thoris answered enthusiastically. He saluted and left the room quickly.

  Gathar appreciated Thoris’s response to his command. The young ‘un had much to learn, but Gathar could imagine him being a strong leader in the near future, maybe even sooner than expected, for he didn’t know what to expect anymore. Chaos was happening all around them and their city was gone. Who would they serve and why? he thought. To escape his thoughts Gathar focused on his senses. He could hear the hustle and bustle in the market. People were bartering, children were laughing and giggling, a man was playing the flute next to a set of open baskets while a woman dressed in a fancy wavy dress danced, and chickens clucked loudly as small dogs chased them around. The sad thoughts faded as his body absorbed the atmosphere around him.

  Another knock came to his door. It was a soft, gentle knock and he recognized it right away. Angela had heard of his whereabouts and tracked him down. Her smiling face was a delight to his heart as he opened the door to greet her gleefully. He took her hands and led her in. “My lady, it is a pleasure to see you!”

  “And you as well.”

  “I missed you.”

  “We are together now, no more missing.” Gathar wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently.

  “I’m sorry,” he sobbed.

  “It is not your fault, Gathar. I have heard of the news from the battle in the Great Plains and what has become of Centuria. Like Ptolemy, we will get Megan back. Deep down, I believe it to be.” Her eyes glistened. Tears dripped down the side of her nose. “We have to be strong, Gathar. You know that.” She began sobbing. “I miss them so much.”

  “Me too,” he squeezed her gently but did not let go. The seconds felt like an eternity as they stood together in silence thinking about all that had happened to them.

  Chapter Seven

  Gathar, his group, Sarella, and Agar stood around a table in the great hall. The table looked like any ordinary table. Made of elder wood and glazed over with a shiny coating it sat there surrounded by chairs and people. The flicker from the nearby torches and sunlight reflected off of it. Gathar did not like the silence and cleared his throat, impatiently waiting for the meeting to begin. Agar stared him up and down with his beady black eyes. Gathar felt no fear for he underestimated the strength and agility of the mighty dwarf. Sarella held up a hand and motioned for Agar to stand down.

  “Yes, my lady,” he responded, glaring at Gathar one last time for being disrespectful, before turning to see several members of the Council of the Elemental Guardians enter the hall dressed in vibrant hooded robes, seeking to be inconspicuous but also standing out very much so.

  “Welcome, friends.” One of the robed members of the Council spoke while pulling back his hood. The speaker had a withered, pale face and long gray hair stretching down beneath the back of his robe. “I am Cabol.” He paused for a moment and waited for the rest of the people in the great hall to introduce themselves. He refused to continue until everyone he invited was present and accounted for.

  Gathar spoke loudly first. “I am General Gathar of the city that once was.” Thoris, Ben, Ungo, and Risaldora introduced themselves afterward.

  Cabol turned to Sarella. “Sarella, my lady, despite the circumstances, it is good to see you again and you, too, Agar.” He bowed his head to them with a genuine smile on his face. Gathar took notice that his teeth were perfect: white, straight, and unusually clean. “We have just one more we are waiting for to join us before we begin. Let us sit at this table and enjoy a drink.” They all sat down and the remaining members of the Council introduced themselves as drinks were summoned. Each had a goblet full to their liking with sweet mead to satisfy their tastes. The doors to the north entrance opened and bright sunlight poured in with another cloaked figure appearing in the doorway. “Come in, dear friend, and join us for a drink,” Cabol said happily.

  The newcomer sat down at the table. A goblet with a dragon having two different colored gemstones for eyes matching his own eyes was set before him. He looked around at the rest of the group before speaking.

  “I am Reznek, but I s
ense it is not me who you were waiting for.”

  Cabol answered, “You are correct, Reznek, but your presence is much welcome in these dire times. You may join us as you wish, for your help would be a great service to our cause.” Reznek nodded and shifted in his chair. He looked over at Gathar with his one gold and one green eye. He placed a hand over the scar on his face just under his gold-colored eye, and then turned his gaze to Sarella as they waited for one more guest. The members of the Council held quiet conversations as did Gathar and those that followed him.

  The talisman on Gathar’s chest, given to him by the great wizard, Horace Galthon, started to glow. Not much later the doors to the great hall opened again and sunlight poured in a second time. A young figure walked in. Gathar stood up immediately. It was Ptolemy! “By the light!” he said. Without thought, he hurriedly walked over to Ptolemy and embraced him. Ptolemy did so in return. The guests at the table fell silent and watched, not a general, but a father reunite with his son.

  They walked over to the table and Thoris had risen from his seat so Ptolemy could sit next to Gathar. Once seated, Ptolemy opened his travel sack and pulled out the Book of Stars. At one point, Gathar would have frowned at the book’s presence, but his opinion of magic was changing. His son would still be in demon form if not for magic. His beliefs tore him apart. He would still have his close friend Sherson if not for magic, but Sherson had made a choice to save Ptolemy. Gathar closed his mouth and clenched his teeth.

  Cabol stood up and began the meeting, “Our final guest has arrived. If you would so kindly introduce yourself for some of us do not know who you are.”

  “My name is Ptolemy. I am General Gathar’s son. I have been saved by magic after being cursed by the wretched demons. I’m here to help bring an end to the plague that taints our lands.” A few members pounded on the table showing agreement and approval of his powerful words.