Chapter 185: Escape From Widow’s Crag

Chapter 185: Escape From Widow’s Crag

Callum Veres ran with what little energy he had left in his exhausted body. They had been moving since early morning, now it was dark and they were running for their lives. His classmates and the commoner families they were escorting, should have all been resting in their tents by now. This should have been a simple final exam. No one was supposed to get hurt.

Callum looked behind him at the cliff in the distance where Stryg and Clypeus Gale had stayed behind. Callum wanted to kick himself. Here he was complaining to himself of his legs aching, while those two were fighting tooth and nail to save everyone.

Callum glanced at the others; Kithinas freckled cheeks were stained with tears and her eyes were puffy, she hadnt said anything since they had run away. Kegrogs eyes were dull, he carried the unconscious Nora Azol in his sturdy arms. The few other students that remained kept muttering to themselves, some prayed to the gods for salvation, others cursed everyone for their situation.

Callum couldnt blame them. Half the students and commoners were already dead and the rest were at the brink of collapsing.

Defending against the evening ambush had used up practically all of their energy. And now, as if the universe was spitting on their misfortune, the infamous War Lord Marek had attacked them.

Excuse me, sir? Sir? Sir!?

Huh? Callum looked up.

A middle-aged human stood in front of him, Callum recalled the man had been nominated by the other commoners to be their spokesperson.

My people cant go on, two of them have already fainted from exhaustion. If we keep this going Im afraid of what will happen.

Callums shoulders shook with anger, If we dont keep moving, well die. Dont you understand what my friends did back there!? They are going to die! They are dying so that we can have a chance to escape. And now you want to stop!?

The man looked down, ...I know, I understand, I really do, and Im truly sorry for your loss. But my people will be left behind if we keep up this pace and then they will die too. Youre all magi, yes? I noticed some of you healing wounds earlier. Could you, perhaps, I dont know, renew our stamina somehow?

Callum sighed, Chromatic healing spells dont work that way. Maybe if we had an actual elemental life mage But, we dont. We are alone. Our best bet is trying to reach the second sharp cliff a few leagues from here. Our professors should be waiting for us there, hopefully

The mans face fell into dismay, A few leagues? We have children with us and older folk. They wont make it that far.

Im sorry, there is nothing else we can do. Tell your families to hold on a little longer. For now, lets just focus on climbing up this hill, well figure out the rest afterward, Callum said bitterly.

The man opened his mouth to retort, but he stopped. He understood he couldnt argue against a mage, let alone an aristocrat. He nodded glumly and walked back to his family.

The world exploded in a roar of flame. Callums body was blown away, he tumbled to the ground in a chain of painful crashes as he rolled down the hill. His ears rang in a high-pitch squeal. Horrid screams echoed dimly all around. He blinked several times, trying to dispel the disorientating haze. Something warm dripped down his cheek. He recognized the scent of blood, but there were other scents in the air.

Callum sat up with a painful grimace. A volatile swathe of flame burned at the bottom of the hill. His dazed mind slowly began to comprehend the horrid noise. A dozen people screamed within the flames, their bodies burned and crumpled, till only charred bone was left.

Cal, get up! Kithina ran over and pulled his arm.

T-the commoners, he muttered.

Theyre all dead! So are most of our classmates. We need to move if we dont want to end up like them! Kegrog yelled.

Im afraid that wont be happening, a voice called from above.

The few remaining students looked up at the top of the hill. Two figures shrouded in grey cloaks stared down at them.

They were way behind us, how did they get up there? Kegrog whispered with dread.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

The hybrid twins strolled down the hill.

Were sorry you were all caught up in this, but we cannot allow you to leave, Vaughn said.

Surrender quietly and we will take the few of you left as prisoners. Otherwise, you will die, Dawn said.

Callum glanced between the enormous fire and the twins. The flame spell had been far greater than he had ever seen. These people werent simple magi. They were powerful.

Cal, we need to run! Kithina tried pulling him away.

His feet didnt budge.

Theres no point, Kitty... We cant escape, we cant even fight back, Callums voice cracked. He fell to his knees and bowed his head in defeat.

Cal Kithina bit her quivering lip.

A lone figure walked past them, Stand, Callum. You are a Veres. You should never yield to adversity.

Callum slowly looked up and stared in wonder. A lone dwarf stepped in front of the others, she held a hammer and shield in her hands. Her legs were spread wide in a battle stance. The orange light of the blazing fire, bathed her golden bright. Her small figure seemed different, almost larger than life.

Whats this? Dawns eyes gleamed with interest.

The dwarf pointed her hammer at the twins, I am Freya of the House of Goldelm! I will not run nor will I cower in front of you damn savages!

Hm, your death will be far from painless, little girl, Dawns fingers crackled with lightning.

Freya swallowed, she stared up at her enemies with an iron resolve. Kegrog, you may not be an aristocrat, but Im placing my trust in you. Keep the others safe, youre in charge now.

...Understood, Kegrog nodded.

He put Nora over his shoulder, grabbed Callums shirt, and threw him over his other shoulder. Callum didnt resist, his mind felt numb. What was Freya doing?

The dwarf banged her hammer against her shield, What are you waiting for, you purple-eyed freaks!?

I see House Goldelms hubris lives up to its name, Dawn curled her blue lips in an amused smile.

Vaughn stared at Freyas trembling legs, Despite all your boasting, you are afraid, Goldelm. Yet you still taunt us? Are you a fool?

Freya smiled shakily, Never. I just rather die protecting them than be your bitch.

Dawn opened her hand, blue lighting surged across her palm and formed a crackling spear, I have no time for your quips and we really only need one prisoner. The rest of you can die here.

Freyas face paled.

You can still change your mind, surrender, and let us end this quickly, Vaughn offered.

Freyas breath quickened. She shook her head, I I wont let you past me.

I dont need to, Dawn stomped her foot.

A wall of stone rose from the ground and blocked off Kegrog and the others from escaping.

Freyas eyes widened in shock.

Sweet Bellum, Callum trembled.

Vaughn glanced at the sky, Oh no.

Shit, Dawn whispered grimly.

Elzri looked up, ...What?

The silver full moon flew high in the evening sky, yet the impossible was unfolding in front of them. A crimson light crept over the edge of the moon, bathing its silver face in a wave of blood-red.

A deep dreadful howl rumbled across the air in shattering waves. Its echoes dug sharply into everyones eardrums. The students cried out in pain, the twins covered each other's ears, Elzri winced and held his head.

Four centaurs ran at a breakneck speed across the fells from a distance. A lone rider led them. As they neared, Elzri noticed the riders abnormally large size and the bloodied woman he carried.

Vaughn! Vaughn! Marek called out from his saddle.

Marek? Vaughn tilted his head.

Marek, you dumb fuck! What did you do?! Dawn marched towards him, lightning crackling in her hands.

What?! Its Nokuti! Shes dying! I tried to stop the bleeding but theres so much blood... Vaughn, you need to save her! Please, Im begging you! Marek cried out in panic.

Let her die, Dawn spat.

No, the master wouldnt want that, Vaughn sighed.

Goddammit, Dawn grumbled.

Marek? Elzri stood still.

This was him. This was the man who killed his only grandson. The monster who had burned him to death. War Lord Marek was right in front of him. Elzri slowly clenched his fist.

Vaughn ran up to unconscious Nokuti and laid his hands over her. A soft white glow seeped into her body. Dawn kept a wary eye on Elzri.

Nokutis injuries are critical and shes lost a lot of blood. I cant believe shes still alive. This wont be easy, Vaughn frowned.

Can you save her? Mareks voice cracked.

Ill try, Vaughn nodded.

Youre Marek, chieftain of the Cairn Tribe, Elzri said quietly.

Marek glanced at him, What? Who is the middle-aged drow?

Elzri of the House of Noir, Dawn said.

Marek cleared his throat, ...Lord Noir, I have heard terrifying stories of you. But the woman I love is dying, I dont have time for you. You want to capture me? In front of both my arch-magi? Good luck, youll lose, horribly.

Dawn coughed, Shut up, Marek.

You killed my grandson, Elzirs voice dripped with rage.

Marek frowned, Grandson? I have never met your grandson.

I dont care what you say, human. I will end your existence if its the last thing I do, Elzri snarled.

Lord Noir? Freya whispered.

Elzri turned around and was met with the few students left; they looked haggard and worn, but most of all they looked terrified.

Elzri paused. If he fought here to the death, what would happen to these children caught in the crossfire?

He slowly unclenched his fists.

...Take your people and go, human. The next time I see you will be your last, Elzri muttered.

Marek bowed his head, You are a man of honor.

Dawn didnt wait for a response, she hopped onto one of the centaurs. Vaughn saddled up on another centaur. Marek gingerly placed Nokuti in front of Vaughns saddle as the arch-mage continued healing her.

Marek clambered up on his saddle and sent one final glance at Elzri, The young Gale warriors body is up on the cliff He fought bravely until the end, he died with honor. He should be given a proper burial.

Marek and the others galloped away without another word.

Gale Clypeus is dead? Kegrog muttered.

No! Kithina cried.

Callum crumpled to the ground and slammed his fist into the dirt. Dammit, Im useless! he screamed through tears.

Nora lay on the ground, unconscious still.

...Where is the student known as Stryg? Elzri asked.

He He was with Clypeus, they stayed behind so we could escape, Freya mumbled.

...Fuck, Elzri sighed.

He glanced up at the red moon. He had no idea what was happening. He needed answers and fast. But first, he needed to save these children.

We need to reach the nearest river town as quickly as possible, Elzri said.

We can barely move, weve been running all night, Freya said hesitantly.

...I see.

Elzri slowly sat down, closed his eyes, and focused on his accelerated heartbeat. That woman arch-mage was right. He had pushed himself greatly just to fly all the way over here. He was already nearing his limits before he even arrived.

Well rest for a bit, Elzri nodded.