Forbidden Quest (22 page)

The two remaining warriors followed Jack and Nicole as they attacked the beasts driving it toward the pond.
Another,
burst of light struck it and it fell into the freezing water.  Sarah concentrated on the beast using all her power to send a continuous stream of the white hot energy into the pond where the beast struggled
. Again and again
she pounded the beast with the power of the crystal until it sank beneath the surface of the water.

Sarah fell to her knees, exhausted.  She could hear cheers of her fellow warriors.  Her thoughts turned to Todd. When the cheering came to a sudden halt she looked below to find the others gathered
around the still form of Prince Cabal. Sarah quickly climbed down the rocks to examine Cabal.  She felt numb as she neared the edge of the pond where the prince lie
.
Nicole knelt beside him, her head to his chest as Jack pulled the charred clothing from his legs. His face was pale.  He wore an expression of severe pain beneath the streams of blood that covered his face.

"Is he dead?" Sarah asked, not wanting to hear the answer.

"No
"
,
Nicole answered, smiling up at her. “But he could use the skills of
a good nurse
.”

"His men will have to care for him.”  Sarah said, “I'm going back for Todd."

Jack grabbed her arms.  He stared into her eyes and said softly,  “He’s out of our reach, Sarah.
"
If he survives, he will find us.  You have to trust him . . . and wait.”

The Elfin court seated before them stared silently as the three remaining adventurers approached. The grand hall in Fortress City housed the council of the three elf nations.  Golden banners swam from the ceilings and towering walls. White flowers, symbolizing fallen warriors cascaded from two large urns on each side of the large forum before them.  Prince Cabal squeezed Sarah's elbow as they neared, giving her an encouraging nod. Dressed in the rags of their original costumes, the three adventurers faced the high council with the tall prince at their side.

The elegant Queen Briees stood before them in amber robes. Her golden hair cascaded down to the floor portraying the same image as the beast in the cave.  Her face did not hold a welcoming smile.  Her eyes were not full of gratitude.  When she spoke, her voice was calm yet void of emotion. "We have discussed your situation and
the  events
that led to the release and consequent destruction of the great beast."  She paused as her gaze lingered on her son, Cabal.  “The High Council has ruled.  We believe your return to your homeland will cause you to revert back to your natural state and Puissant's powers
will be returned to him
.
Prince Cabal's argument of your victimization at the hands of the ancient wizard have been quite convincing; you did prove yourself as allies by destroying the beast and saving my son’s life
.
This combined with my son's assurance that you suffered as great a loss as any family in our city has given me reason to offer leniency. Although not all in the council share my belief, I offer you amnesty.
But
it comes at a price. 
Sorceress
Sarah Sims, you must stay here in Fortress City and complete your training under Amity's guidance.  An untrained sorceress is a deadly threat our city cannot risk
.
The barbarian Jack Tyler and Woodland Elf Nicole Waters shall serve in the Battle academy training our young men and women in the skills necessary to replace those precious warriors lost in this struggle."
Her deep blue eyes showed no warmth as
scutinized
Nicole and Jack.
"It will be difficult. You face many prejudices and threats of vengeance by the families of those you killed.
Your exceptional battle ski
l
ls and the testimony of the surviving warriors have been your saving grace."

"We regret the pain we have caused and are honored to serve you.” Jack answered as he took Nicole's hand in his. “We will not disappoint you.”

The Queen did not respond to Jack’s words, but simply continued, "You will also allow Amity to cast an enchantment upon you. It will insure that you never return to Puissant's world.
"
The Queen finished as her eyes met
Jack’s
.

"I have no desire to return.”  He said, “I can’t speak for the others.”  He turned to look at Nicole.

Nicole gazed into his eyes,
then
kissed him deeply.  She turned to the Queen and declared, "I wish only to be with him."

Sarah felt all eyes fall upon her.  She turned to gaze at the council of elderly elves and saw some filled with fear, others anger. She was a new threat to the security of Fortress City as well as the other elfin providences. If she turned against them or allowed
Puissant
to return it could mean their destruction.

"I accept your term as long as the enchantment will not interfere with my magic. I also humbly request that Amity aid me in seeking out and healing the trolls that roam the caverns under the Cave of Sorrow. They have been cursed with an illness I suspect Puissant cast long ago. I would have them freed in hopes of recovering our fallen comrade, Todd Hopper." Her voice broke as she spoke his name.  A tear rolled down her pale cheek.  Weeks had passed with no sign of him; she feared the worst.

The Queen gazed past Sarah and she turned to find the old wizard from the cave standing there. He nodded his consent.

"Let it be done." The Queen declared.

The End

Stay tuned for Hypnotic Journey Book 2, When Magic Fails coming soon!