The Legends of Valoria Book Two Rise of the Divine Knight
Chapter 14

“What do you mean we are forbidden to pursue them? The Sidonis sword is the best weapon we have to defeat the forces of Daemon.” Talic yelled at the head councilman’s decision. The councilman smiled as he calmly refused to listen to reason.

“You have your orders. Might we instead rejoice in the knowledge that our beloved Sir Alec has returned to us from the dead? Usually the individuals responsible for such deceit would be charged with treason and executed but, after we execute the thief in the morning, the people will surely have had their fill of bloodshed.” Kristiana stepped forward.

“You would execute the thief I worked so hard to capture?”

“No, I received word moments ago that your prisoner succumbed to his wounds. We intend to execute the other thief, the traitor Anton Vosch.” Eliza and Talia gasped but Zelus stepped forward.

“Since when is the penalty for petty theft death? You already stated that what was stolen was a worthless trinket and he saved Alec’s life.”

“Simple, I do not intend to charge him with theft. I aim to charge him with high treason for crimes against the Imperial city. Now, none of you are to speak a word of today’s proceedings and absolutely under no condition is anyone to go after this folk lore blade. You are all to leave my sight now.” He shooed them away with his left hand as he turned his back to them.

Once back in the safety of Kaldur Manor, everyone involved let loose their rage.

“I cannot believe they would murder MY prisoner, even after all of the trouble I went through to bring him back alive.” Kristiana was growing even more angry. Talia raged in silence as a defiant plan began to unfold in the back of her mind. Eliza and the others continued to express their grievances. Zelus, however, having taken up Alec’s first watch was absent.

“They probably didn’t make it much further than Tarnas. I bet if I took the boys or someone who knew the contact that I could replace them in no time.” Kristiana went on to Talic’s dismay. He tried to calm her as Eliza stared. “If only Anton weren’t in the prison. He is the only one left who knows how to replace the buyer. I suppose that would be the best way to replace the sword.” Talic placed his arm around his wife and she looked at him warmly. As he and his wife moved towards their bedroom, Talic turned.

“Talia, I have already alerted the guards that you would require access to Alec tonight. I also let them know that if a lion hawk happened to fly over the wall on their watch to ignore it. Oz is a free spirit. Every now and again, he needs to fly over the countryside. Have a goodnight.” He waved as he and his wife retired for the evening. Eliza turned to face Talia.

“What do you need?” Talia looked out the window to the tower of the keep.

“Just a few directions.” Nearly two hours later, under the cover of darkness, Talia flew from the labyrinth on Oz’s back towards the prison tower.

“Alright, Oz just hold still for me for a moment.” Talia reached out her hand and began to inscribe the rune for “brittle,” since she was afraid that her singing might alert an unseen guard. As she finished out her rune, she leaned back and kicked the against the bars of the window. The bars gave ever so slightly, and Talia kicked again. The bars gave and, before they could fall to the ground, Talia lunged forward and caught them. Slowly, she lowered the bars to the ground as she climbed inside. Talia then began to creep around the upper floor of the tower.

As she silently crept about, she listened intently for any sign of guards. She began to recall the directions given to her by Eliza. Talia searched for the windowless cell on the top floor, which she could recall seeing from the outside. One last corner and she would come to the staircase that would lead her up to the final floor. The only problem Talia was faced with now was getting passed the numerous guards standing watch over Anton. Talia thought about how to get passed the guards and began to sing. The four guards stationed before the stairs rose from their chairs.

“I said to be quiet, over an hour ago. Whoever is doing that better desist before we beat you unconscious.” One of the guards spoke as he pounded his fist into his bare hand. Talia, however, continued her singing until she had successfully provoked the guards into coming after her. Talia then tapped into her power and unleashed a barrage of minor force runes that pummeled the guards mercilessly until they fell to the ground, unconscious.

Talia carefully stepped over the fallen guards, and pulling a key ring off from one’s belt, ascended to the uppermost level. The room Talia was now in was dark and seemed much more massive than the previous floor. The only light in the room was provided by a couple of torches.

“Who is it? Back to mock me some more? I already told you all that you hit as if you were a bunch of little kids.”

“Perhaps, I will try harder then.” Talia spoke as she allowed her inner light to seep out, illuminating the room. Anton shielded his eyes as they adjusted. Talia looked to her right to see a black fox with gold outlined flames on his body, all further accented by two bright blue eyes and three whipping tails. “So, this must be your true form then, Onyx.” Talia looked at the curious fox who turned his head towards Anton.

“Don’t look at me. I didn’t tell her.” Anton shrugged his shoulders as the fox looked back at Talia. Without the fox’s lips moving, he spoke to Anton who, in turn, translated for him.

“You are rather curious indeed, is what he said.” Talia looked to Onyx again before turning back to Anton.

“They are going to execute you in the morning,”

Anton waved her off.

“I don’t plan on being here in the morning. Onyx and I are leaving tonight.”

“I need for you to come with me.”

Anton smiled.

“What’s in it for me?”

“I will help you escape. I only need your help to replace the sword.”

Onyx looked at Anton.

“I’ve got it covered. I don’t need your help.”

“I could always alert the guards.”

“I wouldn’t let you. Move aside Talia, you are in my way.” Talia was unsure how but Anton reached out and pulled open the door.

“Neither of us may leave until you have agreed to assist me,” Talia stated with an irritable tone in her voice. Anton’s facial expression changed and Talia knew he was growing impatient.

“Talia, I may have defended Alec and embarrassed Tatianna because of the way he treated you but if you make yourself my obstacle, I will fight you.” Talia raised her arms up into the air.

“Challenge accepted!” Talia yelled as she shot out a rune of force and began chanting. Anton dodged out of the way, as the blast struck the door, rattling it loudly. As Anton dodged, a second blast launched his way. Onyx moved over to the corner and stretched out as he sat and watched.

As Anton recovered he looked to Talia, using his fox vision and saw as a number of runes began crafting themselves.

“How are you capable of creating so many runes?” He asked as he jumped into the air, narrowly avoiding a small barrage of runes. Watching again through his enhanced vision he saw to his disbelief that seven more runes had already been created, each possessing a secondary rune over top.

“Alright, alright, please don’t blow us up. You’ve passed my test.”

Talia allowed for her light to fade away slightly.

“What test?”

“Well, I was curious to see just how far you were willing to go.”

“And what does Onyx say?” Anton looked at Onyx then back at Talia.

“He told me to stop talking tough and take you up on your offer. We never meant for any harm to come to Alec.”

“He is unhurt; I have you to thank for that.”

Anton smiled.

“Well, if you’re busting me out of here, then where to?”

“I have opened up an escape route on the floor down below. It should not…” Talia stopped as she heard the guards yell from below.

“Must be they heard our little duel.” Anton suggested. “So, what do we do now?” Talia took a couple of steps down the stairs and saw that a steady stream of guards was already on their way to the upper floor. Talia quickly inscribed her dual rune on the stairway, creating a small cave in.

“That will buy us a few minutes.” Talia spoke hastily as she moved toward the wall opposite the staircase and began inscribing her rune.

“What are you doing?” Anton asked nervously as Talia began to draw her second rune.

“I do not wish to harm anymore of my comrades.” Talia spoke as she began to chant again. After a few verses, the wall began to break apart as a barrage of collapsed runes began to sound off. A hole, just big enough for them to squeeze through, appeared and Talia’s chanting relented as she collapsed to her knees.

“Are you alright?” Anton placed himself under her arm and helped Talia to her feet.

“Quite fine, thank you,” Talia answered while trying to catch her breath. “I have just used a great deal of energy today. I will be fine; let us hurry, Oz is waiting.” Anton turned and looked at Talia as Onyx climbed through the hole.

“Wait! Oz!” You mean to tell me that we are flying out of here on the massive bird beast?”

“Yes, we are flying out of here. You did not expect us to jump did you?”

“I didn’t know what to expect. You’re a divine right? Can’t you just use a rune so that we can gently float down to the ground below?”

“I am afraid that I know of no such rune.”

“Me too, you’re not alone.” Anton muttered in a cowardly fashion as he peered straight down to the ground below. Talia looked off to the left as she climbed out onto the ledge beside Anton and saw Oz, Onyx already on his back.

“Take it easy Talia. You’re going to send me to my death.” He cried out as he nestled back to the wall and grasped it for dear life. “Shut up Onyx, it has nothing to do with that, alright.” Talia snickered as she imagined what Onyx might have said. Talia reached out for Oz and swinging her leg over Oz’s back and mounted.

“We must make haste, Sir Anton. The guards will be among us at any moment.” Anton looked away from the wall slightly so that he could see the ground again.

“On second thought, execution doesn’t sound so bad. The word has such a pleasant sound after all.” Again, Onyx must have said something to Anton, because he shot the fox a nasty look before pulling away from the wall and shimmying towards Oz. As Anton drew near, Oz began to growl at him.

“See, he’s waiting to kill me. Let’s just fight our way pass the guards.”

“Anton, get on now!” Talia commanded. “Oz please be nice to Anton. We need him to help us replace the Sidonis sword.” Oz desisted his growling, but the malicious glare remained. Slowly Anton finished his trek to Oz and climbed onto his back, being sure to cling desperately to Talia the entire while. Talia patted Oz on his side and the massive lion hawk spread his wings and leapt from the ledge.

“Where shall we begin our search? All I know is that we were to meet the contact in Ternia near the Highmoorian border.” Talia thought for a moment before answering.

“Lady Kristiana said that she managed to wound two of the thieves badly enough to require medical attention. Should we try investigating a nearby town?”

“That’s better than any idea that I have. Let’s give it a try.” Talia leaned down and patted Oz on his side.

“Oz, could you please take us to Tarnas?” Oz veered ever so slightly to the south and Talia figured their heading was now southeast toward Tarnas. She rested her head against Oz’s back and immediately fell asleep. An hour later, as Oz began his landing outside of town, Anton nudged Talia gently.

“We are there.” Talia snapped her head upright and looked around as Oz touched down on the ground. Anton dove sideways off from Oz’s back and pressed his face to the wet morning dew on the grass.

“LAND!” Oh, how I’ve longed for the feel of your touch again.” Talia shook her head as she dismounted and walked away from him. Onyx jumped on the back of Anton’s head and began to trot alongside Talia.

“Oz, I need for you to wait outside of town while Anton, Onyx and I search for the thieves.” Oz looked at Talia with deep mournful eyes but she merely shook her head. “Oz, I am serious. I need you to be our lookout in case we are in trouble or if Anton attempts to run away.” Anton nodded his head in agreement until he caught on to the last part to which he began to disagree but, unable to replace standing ground, allowed the comment to pass by. Oz glared at Anton and then took to the sky.

“Well, I suppose we should just get started then.” Anton spoke as he walked towards town. I will head towards the medical center. I would suggest that you start with the temple. I feel that you may have an easier time dealing with them than I would.”

“Agreed,” Talia spoke as she struck a different course from Anton’s. As Talia walked through town, she saw as people began to emerge from their homes, ready to start the new day. Talia made haste for the temple, hoping to get lucky and replace the sword.

“Milady Talia,” Father Triam spoke as he answered the door and bowed.

“Please rise Father. There is no need to bow in my presence.”

“I fear milady, that no formality will be enough to greet one such as thee.” Talia blushed slightly, but then cleared her throat and proceeded to the business at hand.

“Father, I am in pursuit of a pair of criminals. One who has stolen the Sidonis sword.” The look on father Triam’s face immediately turned to a grave expression.

“What do you require of me, my lady divine?”

“Has anyone come to you late in the night or this morning seeking medical treatment?”

“Yes, two young men came in last night, seeking medical assistance. Both had been stabbed but one had been stabbed in the neck with what appeared to be a hair ornament.”

Talia smiled.

“That must be the one. Is he still here?”

Father Triam shook his head.

“No, they left this morning following the road east.” He pointed down the main road leading out of town.

Talia smiled.

“Thank you Father. I must be off.”

“Be careful young divine. Forsaken walk these lands and where they aren’t, others of devilish ilk bare their fangs.”

Talia turned and ran after she thanked Father Triam once more.

“Oz!” She yelled as she neared the edge of town. As she entered the shaded cover of the woods, Oz bounded out from the trees Onyx still beside him.

“We only just missed them, they are headed east.” Oz chirped loudly as Talia swung onto Oz’s back.

“Onyx can you call for Anton?” Onyx nodded his head and pointing his nose to the sky let out an odd whimper as his body glowed with purple flame. Moments later, Anton appeared running at full speed.

“They are headed east!” Talia yelled and Anton stopped. “What are you doing?”

“I think I know where they are headed. We are going to need help.”

Talia shook her head.

“There is no time!”

“You go ahead and follow the thieves. I will go to get help. If you do not believe me, then take Onyx with you.” Talia looked to Onyx who still in his fox form nodded his head.

“Head to the Grand Cathedral. Ask for Dominic Calnus. Tell them that you have a message from Talia Degracia and show them this.” Talia quickly, yet carefully, removed her necklace and tossed it to Anton.

“Let us go, Oz.” Oz spun around and took off at a sprint until he obtained lift. As they rose above the trees, Talia turned to see Anton running for the stables. Talia watched as first the people, then the town disappeared and she turned back to search for their target.

Talia scanned the expanding horizons for some time before she noticed anything other than rolling hills that led to the south where the Grand Cathedral awaited Anton. In the distance, Talia could make out the outline of a wagon pulled by a team of horses that were blazing through the countryside.

“That could be them Oz!” We need to catch them to be sure.” Oz slowly began to descend upon their target as Talia leaned forward, eyes fixated on the wagon. She watched carefully as one of the men hopped from the front of the wagon into the back and began rummaging about until he pulled out a bow and quiver. Talia immediately began chanting and formed a projectile ward that encircled them. As the bowman began to fire upon them, Talia could feel her rune pressing the arrows aside and simultaneously sapping her strength.

“Do not worry Oz; my ward shall protect us from them.”

As she spoke, a creature from the east began flying towards them. “Oz what is that?” She asked as she squeezed tightly to Oz and Onyx. She trembled as the beast ahead of them let loose a tremendous roar as it descended upon the wagon. The wagon was immediately smashed upon being pummeled by the creature and Talia listened to the insufferable screams of the men and horses below as they echoed up towards them. Oz began to dive towards the beast and Talia saw that it carried a black armored rider who dismounted and began to rummage through the wreckage. Talia could see the armored man lifting something out of the rubble as he returned to his beast.

Talia could begin to make out more detail as they neared. Lion’s head, scorpion tail and massive batwings were the first things she noticed.

“Is that what I think it is?” Talia continued to fear what she knew to be true as Onyx jumped free from Oz’s back and began to emit a purple hue.

“Onyx!” Talia tried to catch the fox but missed as the manticore and rider below noticed her presence. The manticore roared as it flapped its wings and jumped, giving it the lift it needed to rise into the air. Onyx now fully alight, crashed into the side of the winged monstrosity and its rider.

Both monsters cried out revealing the rider to be female as Onyx’s flames seared them. Talia still chanting, waited for Onyx to fall free from the devilish pair and then unleashed a massive force blast. As the rune struck its target, Oz crashed into the manticore, knocking the beast out of the sky and its rider to the ground.

Talia jumped, landing on her feet, as Oz swooped up into the air for another attack. Talia watched as the black armored knight howled with rage. Onyx’s fire was still eating away at the female knight’s armor. As the manticore recovered, Oz slammed into it again, knocking it down.

Onyx charged for his second attack on the knight, while Talia began chanting and she caught a better look at both the female Daemon knight and the manticore. The manticore was no doubt frightening but it lacked in size what it made up for in awkward body parts. The knight however was similar to Belias, though Talia could tell that there was something different other than the obvious. This one, for some reason, seemed deadlier to her.

The knight threw out the hand not burning in purple flame and several beads of light shot out in front of her. Talia dipped slightly to the side and watched as not light but blades shot passed her. Onyx, however, was too close and was pinned as the blades landed around him and burst with malevolent energy.

As the knight turned its attention to the battle between Oz and the manticore, Talia finished her chant and sent a mass of force runes, toppling the knight who screamed as her burning arm broke free from her body. Immediately Talia grew dizzy and nauseous as she was struck by the banshee wail. Even Onyx and Oz seemed effected as Oz dropped to all fours and Onyx did his best to shield his ears.

Again, the Daemon knight rose but, instead of attacking, threw its severed limb and ran for the manticore, which, on level ground, took advantage of the wail of the banshee’s effect on Oz and knocked him aside. As Talia ran up to catch the knight, the severed arm burst, spewing shrapnel in every which direction. Talia dove for cover, but still felt the severe pain of several sharp points serrating her flesh.

Talia cried out in pain as she watched the manticore lift off into the air. Talia cursed as she pounded the ground and looked down to see the extent of her wounds. From what she could tell, the arm had burst into a series of long needles several of which had struck her between her stomach and legs, leaving her with the appearance of having quills.

As she attempted to disassociate herself from the pain, she was in, Oz and Onyx appeared at her side. She also heard the sound of horses running in formation thundering towards them. As the sound of the hooves against the road lessened, Talia heard a familiar, gruff, yet kind voice calling to her.

“Talia! Talia where are you?”

“Dominic, I am over here!” She called back. She could hear the clanking of the giant man’s armor as he rushed over to her.

“By Aneira, Talia what happened?

Still refusing to look down Talia asked Dominic.

“How bad is it?”

Dominic hesitated.

“I’m no healer, but I would guess that once we get all of these removed that you shall recover. Just hold on for a moment let me have Zelus help.”

“Zelus is here?”

Dominic nodded.

“Yes, he arrived just as we were leaving. Your friend is with him now.”

“Anton?”

“Yes, you’re lucky none of these struck any vital organs.” One of Dominic’s men approached. “Please go and replace commander Zelus immediately.”

“Yes sir,” the guard saluted and then ran at full speed calling out Zelus’ name.

“Don’t worry Talia,” Dominic spoke softly as he held her hand and stroked her hair. “Several of my men have experienced similar wounds and, though many died before we could remove the shards, Zelus can pull them out with ease. Just hang on for a little longer.”

Talia was shaking horribly, she had grown feverish and her lower body had gone numb. The only thing Talia allowed her mind to focus on was the thought of being there when Alec awoke. She could feel as the needles began to press deeper and unable to reach her divinity instead squeezed Dominic’s hand tightly as she resisted the urge to scream.

“Talia!” She could hear Zelus yell as he ran up to her. “Just hang on Talia; I’m going to take the needles out. Everyone get out of my way. I need some space.” They all began to move away from Talia and Zelus. He turned so that his back blocked everyone’s view.

“Here you are Talia. Bite down on this.” He handed her a small stick wrapped in leather, which she grabbed and clenched down on aggressively. Zelus removed his gloves and placed his bare hands over Talia’s wounds and began to reach for the needles one at a time. As he reached out for the first needle, Talia could feel it respond and it began to wiggle itself in deeper. Talia did her best not to writhe from the pain, but her trembling intensified without her consent.

Talia rolled her head to the side and watched as Zelus began pulling the needle free from her body. As the needle left her stomach, Talia watched as it vibrated in midair and then launched itself at Zelus. Zelus grimaced slightly as the needle pierced his forearm. Talia quickly removed the leather covered stick from her mouth.

“Zelus, are you alright?” He smiled and nodded his head and Talia watched as the needle broke and dissipated.

“Yes, this happens every time. Just try and stay calm, I still have thirty-six more to remove.” Talia’s eyes grew wide and she rested her head, placed the stick back in her mouth and closed her eyes. A lifetime of pain later Zelus, out of breath, whispered to her.

“I am finished. You can open your eyes now.” Talia did so, sat upright and attempted to move her legs. Tears began to fall from her eyes as her legs responded to the commands given to them and she reached out and hugged Zelus.

“Thank you, Sir Zelus, thank you.” Zelus patted her on the back and whispered again.

“Please, don’t tell Eliza.” Talia looked at Zelus curiously.

“I mean it, Talia. You cannot tell her.” Talia nodded her head.

“I promise that I will not.” Talia looked around, “Where is Eliza anyway?” Zelus embraced a panicked expression and he began looking over his shoulder.

“I left her at the capitol. She doesn’t know where I am. I was ordered to capture you and Anton and bring you back to the council; someone had to stay behind to care for Alec. Lady Kristiana and Talic both agreed that it would be easier for me to simply leave.” Talia thought about what Zelus said for a moment.

“Zelus, I am grateful to you for saving me, but I cannot return to Valascaa yet. Not until I have recovered the Sidonis sword.” Zelus held out his hand to stop Talia.

“Alas, I have no intentions of taking you back just yet. Sir Dominic has informed me that there is a small troop of Forsaken due east of here that just passed the border and have taken a number of citizens hostage. Sir Dominic and his men were preparing to assault the camp and rescue the hostages before Anton arrived with your message. It appears that both of our objectives need to be wrestled from the hands of the same force.

Since the citizens of Valascaana are my number one priority as a Valascaan knight, it appears as though I have no choice but to take you with me.”

“I suppose so,” Talia smiled as she began chanting in order to heal her wounds. As she finished her chant, she waited for a moment for the rune to appear, but it never did. Talia, baffled, gave it a moment before trying again to no avail. After her fourth failed attempt, Talia began to panic.

“What’s wrong?” Zelus asked. Talia began shaking all over as she came to terms with what was happening. She reached out and began to draw a rune, which glowed weakly.

“I cannot access my power…I…It is almost as if I am no longer a .”