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The Lost Stars ChronicleChapter 41: The Spirit Of BloodVaine
They rested this time. They didn’t even bother voting. Everyone was emotionally drained, and they needed a short rest. Luxus was staring off down the chamber where yet a third hallway waited for them to pass through it. Aros came up to him.
“What’s, up little bro?” he asked.
“That’s the last hallway,” said Luxus, “In the next chamber is where we have to go.”
“How do you know, Luxus?”
“I don’t know, Aros, I just do…” said Luxus, still concerned mostly with the hallway ahead of them.
Finally, having rested a good hour or more, Bjarn climbed to his feet.
“Come on all,” he said, “We’ve got to finish this.”
Very reluctantly, they all got to their feet, and headed off to the hallway. This time it was different. They did not lose touch with reality. Instead, once they entered the hall, the illusion was dropped, and they saw it as it really was. It was a long, seventy-foot hall, full of flame. Bright, orange flames danced the whole length of the hall, seemingly burning off of nothing.
Luxus screamed, terrified. Both Reno and Aros took an involuntary step backwards, having gone deathly pale. Shainya was clutching Reno, shaking like a willow. Bjarn and Anardan simply gaped at what was a Forestman’s nightmare, memories of the Great Burning coming back. Voolmark quietly made a painful announcement.
“I can do nothing. This belongs to a magic much stronger than any I can use.”
Sir Dractor and Gib looked at each other.
“We have to go on,” said Sir Dractor, “The only thing we can do is run the length of the hall at full speed, and hope that we come out scathed as little as possible. Give me Luxus, I’ll lead the way.”
“I’m scared,” said Luxus.
“I can’t do it!” shrieked Shainya, memories of Olgendale fresh in her mind, “I can’t!”
Reno just hugged her tight, but he too was staring at the flames in bug-eyed fear.
“We have to,” said Bjarn, “Right Anardan, Gib?”
“Right,” said Anardan slowly.
Sir Dractor had Luxus securely tied to his back.
“Enough talk,” he said, “We’re off.”
And with Luxus yelling in terror, the big warrior took off at the fastest sprint humanly possible, tearing down the length of the hall, flames licking at his cloak and boots. Their teeth clenched together, hands on their weapons, the Fellowship Of The Pendants thundered after Sir Dractor through the flaming hall. The wreathes of fire seemed to grow as they approached, and Anardan had to use all of his remaining willpower not to turn aside from the searing heat. Everything was flames again, as in his vision, waves of white-hot pain lancing through his body with every step. It seemed like it would never end, he could not go on....
Then it was over. The flames were behind them, their eerie glow barely lighting the chamber surrounding them. Anardan looked down upon himself and was astonished. Barely a light sheen of sweat bore witness to his passage through the fire, not a piece of his clothing even slightly charred.
“Those were no regular flames, mortal or magic.” said Anardan, still staring in wonder at his unscathed garments, “That was a spell. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the likes of it before.”
The others were similarly unhurt, staring back at the deadly-looking flames still flickering menacingly behind them. Luxus’ eyes were still clamped shut and he was still shivering with fear, clutching the big knight’s shoulders fiercely.
“You’re right, Anardan.” said Bjarn, watching the fire that filled the passage behind them.
“There must be many strange spells in this place, and even with my limited knowledge of magic I can tell that a lot of magic resides here. How else could the Temple have survived unscathed these ages underground? What do you think, Gib?”
But he did not answer. Gib was staring around him, looking confusedly at the people surrounding him, his face blank.
“Who are you?”
“What?” said Bjarn, “Snap out of it Gib. It’s me, Bjarn.”
“I don’t think he can snap out of it, Bjarn.”
It was Reno speaking.
“He’s been acting like that ever since we passed the second hall. Gib, don’t you remember us?”
“I-I think I do but…only as if in a dream, or the dream of a dream. What are we doing here?”
“Reno, Aros!” Bjarn called, “This temple is playing tricks on our minds. We have to get out of here! We’re in the final chamber now, put the Pendants together and end this!”
“Right!” said Reno and Aros at the same time.
They both reached for the pendants around their necks.
“Whoa! They’re glowing.” said Reno.
And he was right. Aros’ was glowing too. The two brothers moved together, Pendants outstretched. But at that moment there was a rush of wind and a shadow leapt from the dark of the corners, snatching the pendants away. A cruel, sadistic laugh filled the chamber.
“It’s BloodVaine!” Voolmark shrieked, “His spirit! It’s so strong here, supported by…by Inion!”
The wizard slumped against a pillar, gasping. He’d used so much energy getting through the three halls and now this…
“Greetings, travelers!” came the eerie voice, “You have passed the three tests! And passed right into my trap.”
A man appeared from the shadows at the far end of the chamber. It was Malder Peregil. Or was it? His mouth seemed plastered into a evil smile and his eyes were glowing with a sinister blue light.
“How convenient for me.” said Malder in BloodVaine’s voice, “All the people responsible for my defeat, neatly gathered into one spot. I will have my revenge on all of you! Especially you Gib. I’ve been burning in hellfire because of you! Oh, and by the way, Gart says hello.”
“Gart?” Gib mumbled. The name sounded familiar.
A creature stepped from the shadows on Malder’s left. It was a gargoyle. A living, breathing, stone skinned, gargoyle. Shainya thought back to the ones they had seen when they first entered the temple. Had they been watching? Spies for BloodVaine? The beast held out the two Pendants on it’s long claws.
“Thank you, my pet.” said BloodVaine, putting the pendants around his neck, “I thought I’d gotten rid of these pendants before, along with you Reggas. Well, I’ll make no mistake this time.”
Malder drew a long Mansemune from a sheath on his back and another gargoyle stepped from the shadows on his right. Sir Dractor set Luxus down on the temple floor and drew his sword.
“Just like you said, Bjarn. We all have a part to play.”
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