Johann and Lia's breathing can only be heard in the corridor, a sense of doom hovering around them. They looked up the flight of stone stairs that led to a wooden door, leading into Avencus Tendenhaul's own personal study. The most powerful warlock and the enemy of the Tanelic was waiting for them behind that door.
It was not a welcoming thought.
Johann took in a deep breath and squared his shoulders. His armour was smeared with smudge, burnt-marks and scratches from his climb up the spire but his spirit was still strong. 'This is it Lia. The moment we have been waiting for.'
Lia nodded. 'It's time to avenge those who were killed by Avencus.' Lia took a step on one of the staircase but stopped when she noticed Johann was following her. 'What's wrong?' She asked with a frown.
Johann fidgeted where he stood and he struggled to open his mouth. Finally, he said. 'Lia, there's something that I need to tell you. I know you already told me no but in case we don't survive this fight, I just want to tell you I…'
He stopped when Lia pressed her finger on his lips, knowing what he was about to say. 'Johann, thank you but let's not make this awkward between us. I told you that once we're done with the war and that peace comes to these lands, I can focus more on other matters. Remember?'
Johann nodded, disappointed. Lia removed her finger from Johann's lips and held his hands. 'Johann, you are my dearest friend. We've known each other since childhood. You were the only boy who didn't make fun of me and you always took me out for adventures out in the woods. I love you, as a brother. Can we stay like that for now? Please?'
Johann slowly smiled. 'Sure… I understand. Well I…'
He was taken by surprise again when Lia pressed her lips onto his, kissing him gently. Johann's eyes were wide opened in surprise as Lia continued to kiss him before pulling away. Lia smiled at Johann while the battle-commander stared at her, dumb-founded.
'Thank you for understanding Johann. Think of that kiss as a good luck charm. Let's get out of here alive all right? Let's finish this fight together.'
Johann managed to close his gaping mouth and nodded. 'Yeah together!'
The two friends slowly climbed up the stairs, taking one step at a time. As they climbed higher, the torches blazed furiously: as if acknowledging their existence. Their faces were covered in sweat as well as their hands and their breaths were rasped, not from the humidity in the corridor but from what to come.
Finally, they were standing right in front of the wooden door. Being a mage, Lia can feel the dark energy coming from the warlock's study. It felt sinister, as if violence and havoc was going to happen anytime soon. Lia reached for a small water-skin and took gulps of water with magical properties, restoring her energy. Besides her, Johann was taking deep breaths as he checked that his equipments were ready. Once they were prepared and at a nod, Johann kicked the door opened. As the doors flung forward, the battle-commander stepped into the study with Lia following behind him.
They were expected to be shot down by arrows, either mundane or magical. They expected a horde of demons of undead snarling at them and brandishing their weapons. They were expecting to step into a trap set up by Avencus that would trapped them forever if not kill them. What they did not expect was silence.
Johann and Lia looked around the study, wary for any form of attacks. Avencus' study was beautifully built using the most pleasant and expensive pinewood available in the land. The floors were heavily carpeted with red carpets from the North Desert and the walls carried beautifully crafted torches and paintings. Hanging right above a table covered in the map of Tanelic and Morte Mountain was a chandelier, made out of pure gold and gems. Bookshelves carrying ancient tomes lined up against the walls and there was a small cabinet containing flasks of wine.
Sitting right in front of a fireplace and on a cushioned chair was a man with dark hair and beard. His skin was fair and his body can be described as lanky, covered in black robes with a black cape that which to the bottom of his ankles. His yellow eyes were widened with interest as they strolled sideways on the book he was reading.
Avencus Tendenhaul, the first warlock of his kind and enemy of Tanelic, smiled as he looked up from his book: his eyes resting on Johann and Lia. His smile was one of a predator, studying his prey before pouncing of them.
'Ah… Visitors. What a pleasant surprise.' He said in a deceiving voice. 'You must be Johann the Hero of Light, hailing from Dallen Moor and Battle-Commander of the Tanelician Army. My what a big lad you are. And this lovely lady must be Lia Moonweaver, Archmage of Canaleodon and daughter of Hugo and Lana Moonweaver. I have known your parents very well my dear. We had… An interesting encounter.'
Lia growled, her hands crackling with magic. 'Don't you dare mention my parents' name you bastard! You kill them!'
'What trickery is this?' Johann added, gripping his sword tightly.
Avencus chuckled, standing from his chair. He was taller than either Johann or Lia. 'Trickery? There's none. I'm just please to be in the presence of the Battle-Commander and the Archmage. A rare honour indeed.' He turned to Lia who was still glaring at him. 'Tell me my dear, have you heard of The Dark Arts and How to Master Them by Dragoon the Almighty? It's one of my favourites.'
'Master Aaron had taken off that book off the shelves!' Lia replied, starring daggers at Avencus. 'That book is full of evil magic!'
Avencus sighed as he closed the book, placing it back into a shelf. 'A pity. Master Aaron is a good man but he is rather… Close-minded to take up new challenges and try out magic beyond our reach.' He ignored Lia's snarl as he smirked at them. 'Please forgive my rudeness. You must be thirsty after your long climb. Can I get you anything? Wine? Ale? How about some cherries from across the sea?'
'Enough of this!' Johann growled as he stepped towards Avencus, sword in hand. 'Your armies of the dead have been destroyed. Your abomination you called a son is dead. And now, we're going to put an end to all of your evil. You can either submit or die by my sword!'
Avencus looked amused rather than frightened. 'Before that happened, let me ask you this? Why do you serve my brother? He has usurped my birthright and has taken my lands. In a few years time he will be nothing but dust while I… I will live forever!'
Lia knew that warlocks were capable of sucking out the life force of their victims, using that life-force to heal their injuries or to give them a younger image. Despite Avencus' looking like middle-age man, Lia knew that Avencus was almost the same age as Arald.
'No Avencus.' Lia spoke, surprisingly calmly and in a matter-of-fact tone. 'You won't live forever. You're only deluding your followers and yourself. You took Tanelic through treachery and you ruled the entire land with an iron fist. Arald Tendenhaul may not live forever but he had sired a successor who will be a strong ruler after he is gone. Stronger than you.'
Avencus' lips curled into a snarl but he kept his voice casual. 'You mean my niece Charlotte? Surely you jest? Why do you want to serve someone like her when you yourself can become future king and queen of Tanelic? Join me and together, we shall rule Tanelic!'
'I think not!' Johann answered. 'You will probably stab us in the back when you achieve your goals. Besides, after all the innocents you have slaughtered, we will never work with you!'
'For our friends, for our comrades, and for my parents, we shall end you Avencus!' Lia added, raising her crackling hands.
Avencus sighed before a snarl escaped from his lips. He raised his right hand and lo and behold, his staff appeared in it. 'So be it! Then you shall die here, alone and forgotten!'
He snapped his left fingers and all deceptions were uncovered. The study simmered with magic as rifts appeared around Johann and Lia. The rifts opened wider, revealing black voids that seem to be endless. Then without warning, dark figures stepped out of the rifts and into the study. These figures were humanoids with black muscular bodies. Spike sprouted from every part of their bodies along with two horns on their heads. Their hands and feet were claws, razor sharped. Their eyes were pitiless red and their snarling mouths were full of teeth. In their hands were axes, wickedly sharp and covered in dried bloods.
Demons. Demons summoned by Avencus.
'Balqolk Tefeafz! Plizw tu yfyteyz ofk xlefr swyel wyokz!' Avencus shouted, pointing his staff at Johann and Lia.
The demons and Johann's roar shook the study as the demonic warriors closed in on the two humans. Johann raised his shield just in time to block an axe swing from one of the demons, the downward swing sending him to his knees. Johann grunted at the pressure before pushing the axe away, thrusting his sword into his attacker's abdomen.
He did not have time to register the fate of the demon as he pulled out his sword from the creature's body and parried an axe swing. Johann slashed upwards, carving a demon warrior in half, before cutting off the arm of another. He gasped out loud as an axe struck him in the shoulders, almost crippling him. Johann braved the wound and slammed his shield into his attacker, sending the demon crashing into its brethren.
As Johann fought with his sword, Lia was fighting with magic. Uttering not a word, the Archmage unleashed magic missiles or lightning bolts at any incoming demons who dared to attack her. Burnt or electrocuted corpses of demons laid before Lia as the two humans continued to fight an endless tide of demonic creatures. No matter how many demons they slew, there were many more to replace those who had fallen by blade and magic. As Lia and Johann continued to fight, they can hear Avencus laughing in the background.
'Foolish peons! You village brats are no match against me! I'm Avencus Tendenhaul! Master Warlock and ruler of Morte Mountain. I have studied the dark arts for decades! I have ruled the entire mountains even before you were born. No one, and I mean no one, will stop me!'
Lia grunted after casting an ice spell, freezing a demon into a statue. 'We shall see about that!' She made sure that no demon was attacking before she stretched out both her hands. 'Kshonna, wanya!'
A shockwave burst from Lia, going out in all directions. It did not affect the demon warriors who did not flinch when the shockwave slammed into them but the spell was not meant for them. It was for the rifts that Avencus had opened. As soon as the shockwave touched the rifts, those rifts slowly sealed shut. With reinforcement cut, the remaining demons were easy prey to Johann's sword.
The last demon let out a howl as Johann stabbed it through the chest, piercing the heart. The black carcass of the demon fell on its back as Lia and Johann turned to Avencus who gave them a smile of grimace.
'Not bad… Now feel the power of the Netherworld! Wyddbely!'
Avencus raised his staff the crystal glowed fiery red. Then green fire erupted from the tip of the staff shot towards Lia and Johann. Johann raised his shied in a futile attempt to protect himself from the flames but like before, Lia stepped in front of him. She thrust her palm forward and a magical shield surrounded them. Lia casted the spell just in time as the flames splashed onto the shield, crackling around it.
Seeing his attack failed, Avencus snarled and raised his staff higher. He poured more of his power into his attack, green flame now surrounding and engulfing the shield dome. Lia grunted, as she too needed to put more effort into her defence. Sweat covered her face as she furrowed her brows in concentration, sealing any cracks that appeared on her shield. Johann looked over her shoulders, impressed.
'This reminded me of that time we have to rescue our villager.' He said with a small smile. ''Your magic really save us back then.'
'Thank you for the compliment as always Johann but can we focus here? He is going break through my spell!'
'Right sorry! So, is there a way to fight through his fire?'
Lia nodded. 'There is. Get in front of me Johann.'
Johann looked at her in surprise. 'W-why?'
'Just do it!'
Johann shrugged and stepped in front of Lia, looking uncertain but his weapon were ready. Still holding Avencus' fire at bay, Lia placed a hand on Johann's shoulder and muttered another spell. Johann was startled when his entire body simmered with light-green and light-blue glows, the latter the same colour as the shield. Still holding onto Johann's shoulders, Lia spoke only to Johann's ears alone.
'It's done. Johann, moved towards Avencus!'
'But won't that take us outside of the shield?' Johann asked.
'If this spell work, we will still be in the shield!'
'"If"?' Johann asked skeptically. 'That doesn't sound reassuring!'
'Johann seriously, you better move it or we will be turn into roast humans for his demons!' Lia screamed at him.
Johann grunted and began moving forward, his shield raised and his sword readied. To his and Lia's surprise, the shield dome moved along with Johann, protecting them as they made their way forward. Lia was looking around, with an amazed look on her face.
'I wasn't expecting it to work.' she admitted.
Johann grunted. 'Glad you were wrong.'
Avencus' attacks became more frantic as Lia and Johann closed in on him. As well as his fire spells, the warlock began casting lightning bolts on the shield with his left hand: hoping it will break the shield before Johann and Lia can reach him. Fire and lightning slammed into the shield and Lia had to strengthen the shield so it would not break under the magical onslaught while Johann made haste to reach Avencus.
As soon as they were mere inches away from the warlock, Lia shouted. 'Kshonnarim, wanya!'
A shockwave made out of light purple energy and bigger than the first one flowed forward, fanning the green flames away from the shield. Avencus grunted as he cast a magical shield around him so to prevent being burnt by his own fire. With his attack on Lia and Johann disrupted, Johann charged forward with a raised sword. He yelled and brought his sword down onto the warlock.
Only for Avencus to calmly raised his staff horizontally to block Johann's blade, kicking him in the stomach. Johann gasped as Avencus foot slammed into his mid-section and pushed him away, making him land on his back. Avencus then thrust his left palm forward, black lightning shooting out from his fingers and colliding with Lia's own lightning spell. With her power drained from the shield and dispel spells, Lia was finding it a difficult time to hold her ground as Avencus black lightning slowly pushed her blue lightning back.
Not wanting to see history repeats itself, Johann straightened up and with a roar, threw his sword towards Avencus. Grunting, Avencus was forced to step backwards in order to avoid getting impaled by the sword. The sword harmlessly flew pass him, sinking into one of his book. With the warlock distracted, Lia pushed her lightning spell with renewed effort: dispersing the black lightning and sending them straight towards Avencus.
Avencus screamed in agony as the lightning struck him, making his body shake violently. As Avencus stood there writhing and screaming, his entire body blackened and his robes fried into a crisp. When the lightning died down, all that was left was a blackened body of Avencus. It stood straight for a second before falling onto its back: not moving.
Lia waited for the blackened corpse to make any movement and when it did not, she rushed towards Johann's side. She grabbed Johann by his hand and pulled him up onto his feet. Johann groaned as he arched his back, making sure nothing was broken. Lia placed a hand on Johann's back and muttered.
'Tanka harwar.'
Her hand glowed with light green as it mended any broken bones in Johann's body. The light dimmed away from her hand as it was done healing Johann. Lia lowered her hand and turned to blackened body before them. Johann and Lia turned to each other, smiling. Before they could congratulate one another, they jumped at the sound of a voice.
'That was a close call wasn't it?'
Johann and Lia whirled around and to their horror, they faced a grinning Avenues: still healthy and whole. In disbelief, they turned back to the corpse that they thought it was Avencus'. Despite the body being burnt, they can make out the horned form of a demon. Avencus had cast an illusionary spell on one of the demon to trick them.
They turned to face Avencus again but before they could confront or attack him, they were violently lifted off their feet and sent flying backwards. Johann cried out as his back slammed against one of the shelf, sending books falling onto him, while Lia yelped as she slammed onto the table that was covered by the map. Lia moaned and rolled off the table, damaging herself even more, while Johann pushed the books off him.
Realising that Avencus was approaching the defenceless Lia, Johann quickly got to his feet and looked for something as a weapon. Luckily for him, he found his sword stuck in one of the books. Wasting no time, he pulled his sword out from the book and leaped onto his feet: launching himself onto Avencus.
Before Johann could bring his sword down on the warlock, Avencus pushed the air towards Johann: stopping the battle-commander in mid-air. Panicked, Johann flailed his arms wildly in the air as Avencus laughed. The warlock flung his arm sideway and sent Johann slamming against the wall. Johann hit the wall with a loud thud and slumped painfully onto the floor, holding his head.
Avencus pulled his arm back to cast a spell on the helpless Johann but he grunted in surprise when he suddenly felt cold. He looked up and saw that his hand was encased in ice, making his hand heavy. As his hand fell towards the floor, the warlock muttered out a spell and immediately the ice melted. He turned a glare at Lia who was still on her stomach but with her hand opened towards him.
'Khelek pilini'!'
Her hand shrouded with snow mist and five ice missiles materialised before her. She pushed her hand forward and the five ice missiles flew straight towards Avencus. The warlock used his free hand to draw a circle in the air. Instead of hitting Avencus, the ice missiles melted in a ring of fire that Avencus conjured. As the ice missiles turned into steam, Avencus put his frozen hand into the ring. The ring of fire slowly extinguished as it thawed Avencus' frozen hand, disappearing shortly.
Avencus smiled and moved the fingers of his frozen hand before turning his attention back to his adversaries. Both Johann and Lia were backed on their feet, weapons readied and magic ready to unleash. Avencus looked at them, a smirk playing on his face.
'If one cannot win through brute force, deception is the key to victory!'
He snapped his fingers again and the study simmered in dazzling lights, as if the entire place was on fire. Even though that Avencus could strike them, Johann and Lia shielded their eyes from the bright lights. Through their fingers the light flashed brighter and brighter, threatening to send them into a coma.
Finally when the lights dimmed down, Johann and Lia uncovered their faces. No changes were made to the study but instead of Avencus, they were greeted by another three figures. Instead of the black naked bodies of demons or the black armoured Legionnaires, two of the new figures wore brown and green armour while the other one's armour was pure white. Worse, these figures were familiar faces to them.
'You abandoned us to die!' Eric Hodenc shouted at them, his face red with rage.
'You took my love for granted!' Matthias Alston snarled. 'If you had accepted my love Lia, I would not have die!'
'If I had known you would betray us like this, I would have never helped you long ago!' Daniel Cavalier spoke icily, drawing Hope.
Lia's panicked eyes darted to her friends who were supposed to be dead. They… They looked real. Just like they were when they were alive. Except they were furious at her and Johann.
'Eric…' Lia began brokenly. 'It's not what you think. Matthias… I-I'm sorry b-but… Daniel… I didn't mean…'
'Prepare to meet thy maker!' Daniel intoned and raised Hope, bringing it down on Lia.
Johann gave a yell as he stepped before Lia, blocking Hope with his shield. He quickly pushed the blade away to parry Matthias' blades. He quickly backed away as Eric's spear glanced him on the abdominal, leaving his armour scratched. Johann kicked the spear away and swung his sword at Daniel who ducked and swung his own blade against Johann's shield.
As they fought, Lia just stood there: unable to move, let alone fight. Her eyes grew wide with horror as she watched Johann fighting Eric, Matthias and Daniel.
'I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry…. I'm so sorry…'
'Get a hold of yourself Lia!' Johann snapped as he countered Eric's spear again. 'They're not real! They're dead! We buried them, remembered? This must be Avencus' spell to break us! Lia, I need you to find that damned warlock and put an end to this spell!'
'B-but Johann��' Lia said. 'They looked so real…'
'Damn it Lia!' Johann whirled on Lia, eyes, blazing. 'You're the Archmage of Canaleodon! You should be able to tell that this is some kind of illusion! And think, would any one of them say those things to us?' he demanded again. 'Would they?'
Johann turned around and was greeted with Matthias' twin blades, clashing against his sword. Johann fended off his attackers while Lia reconsidered Johann's words and recollected her thoughts. He was right! The Eric, Matthias and Daniel she knew would never blamed anyone so blatantly. At those thoughts, she felt ashamed.
I allowed my emotions to overcome my reasoning. She thought bitterly. Master Aaron would be disappointed with me.
Lia pushed her thoughts aside and pushed her palm forward at a charging Daniel. The former Grand Crusader grunted when he was suddenly rooted to the floor, his armoured feet frozen in a block of ice. As he tried to free himself, Lia cast another ice spell on Eric: turning him into an ice statue.
With Johann dealing with Matthias and the other two frozen, Lia closed her eyes and concentrated. Avencus maybe a powerful and more experienced spell caster but warlocks were impatient to master technical spells, invisibility being one of them.
Instead of casting a spell to reveal the warlock's whereabouts, Lia focussed on where the magic was more active in the study. After a few seconds, she found a heavy aura of dark energy to where the table was. Pretending she was going to attack Daniel, Lia collected magic energy in her right had. Soon flames swirled around her hand harmlessly but will cause damage when come into contact.
Without warning, she twirled on her foot and threw her punch towards the table. She got what she wanted. The air before her was disturbed as Avencus appeared, blocking her fire punch with his staff. Avencus snarled and shot black lightning at the Archmage who threw her magical shield before her, blocking the lightning spell.
With Avencus defending himself from Lia's wrath, the illusions of Matthias, Eric and Daniel slowly faded away. Johann lowered his sword and breath in a sigh of relief, as he did not need to fight the illusions of his friends anymore. He turned to see Lia pressing the attack on Avencus.
Lia pushed her palm forward and send a gust of wind slamming into Avencus' stomach. Avencus gasped as he stumbled backwards, steadying himself before launching three fireballs at Lia. The archmage called down a blizzard storm to nullify the green fireballs before jumping toward Avencus. Before warlock could cast another spell, Lia gasped out a spell that came right into her mind.
'Elea i'dolen!'
A shockwave emitted from both of them as the study simmered with magic, slowly changing the surrounding. Johann, Lia and even Avencus watched as the warlock's study transformed. They found themselves in a room made out of stonewalls and red carpets covered the floors. Tapestries hanged from the ceilings and touched the floors while coloured-glass windows let in the sunlight.
Most astonishing of all were two figures in the new surrounding. One was a middle-aged man with brown hair and beard with white strands. He was tall and powerfully built while his blue eyes shone sternly at the boy before him. The boy had short brown hair and blue eyes. He was thin and lanky, his royal clothes hanging loosely on his frame. His eyes were downcast and he wore a sullen look as the man scolded him.
'I'm very disappointed with you Avencus!' Gregory Tendenhaul, Arald and Avencus' father, scolded. 'How can you treat those citizens like slaves? I did not raise you to be so cruel!'
'Why shouldn't I?' the younger Avencus shot back. 'I'm your heir and I'm the prince! They should do what I tell them!'
'By ordering them to carry you around the city and humiliating them in public?' Gregory asked. 'No king would ever do that to his subjects! A king must be kind, generous and an inspiring role model to his people! Your behaviour to the people is disgraceful and that is why I've declared Arald to be my heir! Not you!'
Avencus opened his mouth, in shock fury. 'That's not fair! I'm the eldest and by my right, I'm supposed to succeed after you! Just because Arald is your favourite doesn't mean you can push me away in favour of him!'
'You're acting like a spoilt child!' Gregory said. 'Arald is wise beyond his years and more mature to handle state matters than you! This is why I'm making him my heir instead of you! Now enough of this! If this barbaric behaviour of yours continued, you can forget attaining your princedom! Am I understood?'
They did not get a chance to hear Avencus' response as the vision changed again. From the stonewalls turned into a room similar to Avencus' study but much more pleasant. The walls were lined with bookshelves full of ancient texts and green smokes hovered closed to the ceilings. To Lia's surprise, she saw Avencus again with a younger Aaron Wentworth. At that time, Aaron had no beard. His hair was still brown and his chin was shaved. He was casting a disapproving look at Avencus' green-glowing hands.
'This is unacceptable Avencus.' He lectured him.
'Why?' Avencus argued, the green glow dimming from his hands. 'With the mastery of the dark arts, I am so powerful! I can take on an entire army! I can conquer lands! I can…'
'Can be easily corrupted by the dark magic.' Aaron told him sternly. 'I have told you many times that the more you use this dark magic the more corrupted and inhuman your soul become. Listen to me Avencus, cease this use of the dark arts or else I must inform your father and stop lessons with you. Is that understood?'
Avencus opened his mouth to argue but stopped himself, muttering bitterly. 'Yes Master Aaron…'
Aaron's visage softened and he spoke gently. 'Good… Now let's continue on with our lesson. To cast a teleportation spell requires patience and…'
The vision changed again. This time they were in the Royal Gardens at night. The sky was filled with stars and the atmosphere in the gardens was tranquil and peaceful. In the background they can hear the sound of music and merriment, no doubt coming from Canaleodon's Throne Room after another battle won.
Before them was Avencus again with a girl. This girl had long blonde hair that reached to her waist and sparkling blue eyes. Her skin was fair and her body nicely shaped, covered in a dress made from golden materials. On her head was a silver tiara with a ruby in the middle. Her back was turned on Avencus as he was pleading to her.
'But Ciera why? I love you!'
Ciera sighed as she turned to face Avencus, giving him an apologetic look. 'I'm sorry Avencus but you're too… Impulsive and your fascination of the dark arts is scaring everyone… Scaring me… Also…' She placed her hand where her heart was. 'There is somebody I have already given my heart to.'
Avencus' eyes blazed with rage. 'Is it my brother? Why him? Just because he won a few battles makes him better than me? I'm more powerful than he or anyone in this kingdom! I know magic before the time of the Ancients and more! I'm way more better than my brother!'
Ciera now gave him a look of disgust. 'If you're going to rage and throw a tantrum like a spoilt brat, I don't want to talk to you anymore!' Ciera turned to walk away but she turned back to him. 'At least your brother is not an arrogant prick like you! That's why I love him!'
With that, she stormed away: leaving Avencus standing there. As Ciera walked out from the gardens, Avencus stayed where he was: his body trembling with hatred. Then without warning, the visions stopped and they were back into the warlock's study. Both Johann and Lia looked at Avencus, seeing him shaking with fury like his younger self in the last vision.
'How… How dare you remind me of my past?'
After watching glimpses of the warlock's past, Lia gave him a look of pity. 'So that's why you're doing all this. Your father gave the throne to Arald and not to you, you have failed to impress Master Aaron and the girl you loved gave her heart to Arald instead. It was not out of greed or power why you rebel but because you were jealous. Jealous of your brother's succession and his marriage to Ciera, Charlotte's mother.'
Avencus snarled, gritting his teeth. 'I don't need your pity girl! How dare you take pity on me? I will destroy you!'
With a savage snarl, the warlock raised his staff into the air and screamed. 'Wyddbely! Efpefylosy tu yfyteyz!'
The entire staff radiated a strong green aura as a beam of concentrated green fire burst from the crystal, flying towards Lia. The heat of the green flames was so intense that it made study felt like a sauna as it burnt anything in its way. The map of Tanelic that laid on top of the table was turned into ashes as the flames flew above it.
Lia hurriedly summoned her own powers, her hands glowing bright blue, as she shouted. 'Faina templa!'
Two beams made from her concentrated powers shot from both her hands and collided with the green fire, creating a loud explosion as the two beams of magical energy met in the middle. So powerful the collision was that it forced Johann to back away, shielding his eyes, as the two magic-users entered their own battles.
Sweat poured out from Lia and Avencus' forehead as they continued pouring out their magic. Lia's beam of concentrated energy and Avencus' green fire pushed one another back and forth, stuck in a magical stalemate.
As Lia continued asserting her power into her attack, she can hear voices in her head. Like Kor'Fiend, Avencus was attacking her in the mind. However, his words were more powerful and enticing than his son.
Why do you fight? he asked in her mind. Why do you attempt to fight the impossible? I am Avencus Tendenhaul, rightful ruler of Tanelic and the first warlock of my kind! I've known powers even before you were born. You village brat are no match for me!
Normal mages would have faltered at these words but not Lia Moonweaver. That where you are wrong! she told him calmly in her mind. Master Aaron told me before that a great wizard relies on his strength of his or her mind and how to use spells effectively. You may learnt more spells than me but you cannot defeat me. I am Lia Moonweaver, Archmage of Canaleodon, daughter to Hugo and Lana Moonweaver, and friend to all you have slain. I will defeat you! For my kingdom! For my friends! For my parents!
Lia closed her eyes just briefly as she slowly pushed Avencus away from her mind. It was a difficult battle as the warlock clung to her mind but finally, she managed to push him away. Ignoring Avencus' frustration, Lia increased her effort in her attack. Not only did she poured in more magic but she also poured in her determination, her will and her desire for vengeance.
Slowly but surely, Lia's beams pushed Avencus flames towards him. The warlock grunted in surprise and roared, adding more power into his attack. His eyes widened in surprise as his attack was being pushed back by Lia. Before the combined magic hit him, Lia heard Avencus screamed in both fear and anger.
A loud explosion boomed in the study and everything went white. Lia yelped as she was flung backwards and slammed painfully against the wall as the roof of the spire collapsed. Even in her blinded state, she can feel the walls crumbling and the roof being blown off. It took a moment for everything to calm down.
Lia groaned as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking repeatedly as the sunlight hit her. They were still in the study, or what left of it. The walls, roof and every piece of furniture had vanished and making the spire's top squared. Lia looked up and saw the clear sky and Johann's worried expression.
'Lia!' She can hear him shouting. 'Can you hear me?'
Lia winced at the tone of his voice. 'Johann… You're too loud…'
Johann almost laughed with relief. 'Oh thank the light! You're alive!'
'Yes I am…' Lia coughed. 'I'll be fine Johann… What about…'
Johann slowly lifted Lia in sitting position so she can see what was before her. They were not alone. Lying on his back and groaning was Avencus, his face blackened and his body burnt by both his own fire and Lia's magic. His staff laid besides him, shattered and the crystal destroyed. The warlock flailed his arm and managed to prop himself against a rubble, looking up at the sky. He then turned to his side as he coughed out thick blood onto the floor.
Making sure Lia was all right and she was propped against a rubble, Johann walked towards Avencus with a drawn sword. He stood before him and pressed the tip of his blade into Avencus' neck. Avencus' eyes looked up in fear at Johann vengeful visage.
'It's all over.' Johann told the warlock. 'This is your end. You will pay for the deaths of the slain and to our friends. For Eric Hodenc. For Matthias Alston. And for Daniel Cavalier.'
To his surprise, Avencus chuckled as blood spurted from his mouth. He gave a weak sneer at the Hero of Light. 'Oh you poor�� Ignorant… Fool… If only… You knew…'
Johann wanted to demand the warlock what he meant but fearing some sort of trap, he snarled and pushed his blade forward. Avencus gurgled as the sword sunk into his throat, blood now pouring out like a river. The warlock gurgled on his own blood as his eyes rolled back. With a final jerk of his body, he felt on his side. His body stayed limp on the floor.
Avencus Tendenhaul was no more.
Johann pulled his sword from the warlock's neck and stood there, waiting for any movement from his enemy. There was some movement but it was not an indication of life. Avencus' body started melting, sending out a sizzling sound as a pool of his flesh and blood formed beneath his corpse. His clothes melted along with his body until it showed his skeleton. For some reason, his liquid flesh evaporated as his skeleton began crumbling into dust. Soon every bones of Avencus disintegrated and the wind blew away any trace of the warlock.
'For their uses of the dark arts.' Lia said as she limped next to Johann. 'Warlocks bodies become… Fused with the black magic they used and their bodies melts away. That's… The price of power I believe.'
'Aye…' Johann can only say as he sheathed his sword. They stood there for a long time before Johann scooped Lia into a hug, tears in his eyes. 'Lia! We did it! We finally did it! We have avenged our village and restore peace to the land!'
Lia's eyes were full of tears too. 'Yes! Avencus Tendenhaul is no more!'
Both of them laughed gayly before Johann let go of Lia. Smiling, they turned to the sun. Its warm rays sending warmth and tranquility to such a morbid place. They stood there, embracing the sun, as Lia continued.
'Eric, Matthias, Daniel, mother, father, and everyone who died in this war. You can rest in peace. We have won!'
Johann nodded, both of them lost in blissful happiness as the sun set.
________________________________________________________________________________
Johann and Lia, supporting Owen the Steadfast, walked into the courtyard of the spire. They were greeted by a cheering mass of both White Crusaders and Tanelician. Some of them were stacking up piles of corpses while others were taking care of the injured. Many others, on the other hand, were celebrating a major victory for the first time in forty decades. Their cheering became louder when Lia, Johann and Owen climbed down from the spire.
Before they could take part in the celebration, someone shouted. 'Kneel before the king!'
Everybody immediately went down to their knees as King Arald Tendenhaul rode into the courtyard, followed by the rest of the army. Despite their fatigued state, Johann, Lia and Owen knelt as the king stopped before them. Arald quickly dismounted and walked towards them, pulling the three of them up onto their feet. They looked up to see a proud smile on his face.
'My loyal and brave warriors!' He announced. 'Your bravery and won us this battle! I'm blessed to have such mighty men and woman at my side. Avencus… Is he…'
Johann pulled out the staff that once belong to Avencus. 'He is dead your majesty. So too is his son Kor'Dalhar. They will trouble you and Tanelic no more.'
Johann held out the staff and Arald gently took it. He studied it, looking sadly at it. Lia and Johann can hear him talking to himself.
'Oh my brother… If only things did not go like it did…'
The king suddenly shook his head and raised the staff for all to see. He announced. 'For seven decades, Avencus Tendenhaul had menaced the land and hounded its people for too long. His evil spread and many people died by his hands. Thanks to the action of Johann the Hero of Light, Lia Moonwaever, Owen the Steadfast and all of you, we have cleansed the land of an evil tyrant!'
Everybody erupted in cheering. The soldiers banged their sword on their shields and shouted the names of Johann or Lia. Mages who came along applauded while the crusaders and paladins raised their weapons in salute of the victory. Arald raised both his hands into the air and the cheering stopped. He continued on.
'However we must still remain vigilant! Although Avencus is dead and we have taken Blackrock Spire, his daughter, Aria Tendenhaul, is still alive. They still have the Frozen Fortress and Rorhael deep within Morte Mountain. Who knows what other monstrosities is among their ranks.'
The air became sombre. The thoughts of fighting another war was taxing. Their spirits returned as Arald continued on.
'But we will prevail and we will triumph! We have the Light and justice on our side. Those who will continue to spread evil into out lands will be destroy by our righteousness! We fight for our lands! We fight for our families and friends! We fight for justice! For Tanelic!'
'FOR TANELIC!' Everyone roared and they began cheering again, shouting out Arald's name. It took the king sometimes to calm them down before he continued.
'The first thing we must do is gathered the dead and the injured. We will increase the defences in Blackrock Spire and use it against our enemies! For now, we shall return to Canaleodon.' He then grinned. 'After all, we must quenched our thirst with fine wine and fill our belies with a good food after a hard-earned victory right?'
Everybody laughed at their king's jest and more cheering followed, this time they were not stopped. Arald turned to his followers: Johann, Lia, Owen, Kara Cavalier, Argus Ward and many more. They were all tired from the fighting but they were smiling. He smiled back at them.
'Now let's go home.'