Dedicated to NerdyNinja1

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Chapter 31 - Countdown

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Skye flicked her gaze between the two Silverborn, watching their carefully raised blades.

Alicia's right hand tightened its grip slightly; a mere twitch of the fingers.

It was all the warning Skye needed. She changed her weight to centre over her right foot and stepped backward. Alicia's blade lunged through the air, aimed at where Skye's chest had been.

Skye used the momentum to pivot around and circle to the right. She brought her sword up to parry. The resounding clang from Verdrana's blade travelled down her arm and through her bones. It felt solid, almost natural the way it made her blood run faster.

Skye twisted, giving way to instinct. She lashed out with her dagger, forcing Verdrana to retreat a few steps. The Silverborn's gaze never faltered despite her laboured breathing.

The gaze of a true hunter.

A small sound, a scuff of a boot in dirt alerted her to Alicia's presence. Skye stopped the covert attack with a quick side step. She waited for the moment Alicia, expecting force, would become unbalanced. Then, with a simple sweep of Skye's foot, Alicia fell face-first in the dirt.

Having bought herself a few seconds, Skye kicked Alicia's blade away and turned to face Verdrana once more. She had to disarm the second opponent before the first came back into the equation.

Skye stepped forward, closing the space between her and Verdrana. With a shorter blade, she'd have the advantage. Verdrana attempted to remedy the situation with a hasty retreat. Skye kept forward, forcing Verdrana to awkwardly block the dagger in a small amount of space. With a twist to the side, Skye caught Verdrana off guard and disarmed her, pressing the dagger to her neck.

With one foot remaining on Verdrana's fallen blade, Skye twisted her body around and flicked the point of her blade under Alicia's chin.

"Dead."

Verdrana accepted defeat with slumped shoulders and a sigh to the heavens. Alicia folded her arms and stomped her foot on the ground.

"You did that on purpose," she said,rubbing her thigh.

"That's the point of training. To do things on purpose."

"You know what I mean! You didn't have to make it so... so humiliating!"

Skye shrugged. "I've told you before -- don't expect someone to do something because you think they haven't heard you. If you'd remembered what I told you about expecting attacks, I'd have significantly more trouble relocating my foot under your knees."

Alicia's lip twitched. "Fine. Let's go again. I won't make the same mistake twice, even if you'd never pull it on anyone but me. Single blade, single combat."

Skye suppressed her laughter. Of all the Silverborn, Alicia confused her the most. When a new technique was introduced, the girl was confident to the point of arrogance in her ability to win until she was taken down in an embarrassing manner, upon which she'd drop the cocky attitude and her skill, attentiveness and determination would drastically rise.

She'd never understand. Whatever it was, the pride was useful for helping Alicia to learn. Skye just hoped it wouldn't translate over to demons and battle. Skye held out her dagger to Verdrana and felt the weight lift from her hand.

Skye spread her feet and gripped her sword with both hands, waiting for Alicia's attack.

*+*+*+*

Verdrana collapsed on the ground, making an audible 'thump' noise. She stretched out her arms behind her and laid back in the dirt. Unusually, she didn't seem particularly concerned with the dirt gathering in her hair.

"That was the best work out I've had in weeks. Thanks, Skye."

Skye sat down gently on the edge of the arena's step and smiled. "No problem. It was fun."

"How can you still have energy left?" asked Alicia, thumping down next to Verdrana. "We were at that for an hour, non-stop! You probably did twice the amount we did and -- how in the nether are you still holding your head up?"

"Stamina. I've been doing this since I could hold a blade. That, and I don't flail around with my blade and waste energy, Alicia."

Having joined Verdrana in laying on the ground, Alicia attempted to roll her head to glare at Skye. "I don't flail around. I'm not a headless chicken with a toothpick."

The image Alicia painted proved too much to hold in. Skye laughed, which caused Alicia's eyes to narrow further, assuming the laughter was directed at her.

"No, no. You're not. I mean that there's ways to use your energy more efficiently than you're doing now."

"You mean how you dance around confusing everyone?" asked Verdrana with closed eyes. Her hand reached for her shoulder. "Deities I'm going to be sore tomorrow."

"I suppose that's an extra bonus to it, but yes," said Skye. "Avoiding blows as opposed to blocking or parrying tends to put less strain on the muscles. So when your opponent's arms become tired from attacking, yours are still relatively rested and you're able to mount a strong offensive. Plus, tainted, especially Crevtons, hit way too hard to block more than a few strikes with your shield."

Both Silverborn nodded sleepily at her words.

"Alicia, you did well picking up the evasion I taught you today, by the way."

"After you tripped me about six times," grumbled Alicia, the words clearly not meant to be heard.

She jumped when Skye started talking. "Yes, but it taught you to dodge them fairly effectively didn't it?"

Verdrana stifled a giggle. Alicia elbowed her in the side, which caused Verdrana to sit up and poke Alicia in the cheek. Sensing another round of 'no-you-started-it' between them, Skye asked the question that'd been annoying her since the trial.

"Alicia, how'd you get the scar on your face?

Alicia lifted her hand to the left side of her face. She traced the silvery scar from her brow to cheekbone. The overconfidence gave way to something else Skye knew from looking at her own face in the mirror at night.

"I... when I was fleeing my home in Celestin, I was attacked by demons outside the wards. They seemed to know I was coming, but it could have been my imagination and bad luck. There was a tainted, larger than the rest. When I tried to run, he picked me up as if I were nothing. Held me, wrapped in one talon, and gave me this."

She traced the line from the top of her head, across the eyelid and down until her finger flicked off her face.

The Hunter caught her? Why would he have an interest in her, especially in keeping her alive? Skye wondered.

"He said that if I ever tried to run again, he would do much, much worse, despite any..." Alicia trailed off, biting her lip.

Verdrana watched her, concern filling her face.

"How did you escape? He hunted us on our flight to Alguarde. I doubt I could have escaped him even with the Silverborn blessings. I doubt any of us could if Skye hadn't been there."

"He wouldn't have attacked you if I hadn't been there, 'Ana."

Verdrana shrugged. "But you were, and you're safe from the Master now." Apparently catching on to Skye's guilt, she added, "We'd do the same again, even knowing what it'd cost us. Anyway, how did you escape?" she asked, addressing the question to Alicia.

Alicia's face marred for a moment with worry, before transforming into the smug grin Skye expected from her. "Because," she said. "I have skills."

Both Skye and Verdrana gave her a disbelieving look.

"...And I might've had help from a friendly spirit, too," she admitted.

The conversation continued on in an easy tone for a few more minutes. The three replenished their water containers and wandered back to the arena a few minutes later.

Verdrana glanced around, checking to see if anyone was around, and lowered her voice.

"We heard about what happened today through the Whisper. If it comes to anything, the Silverborn are on your side. I don't know what she's playing at, but the Queen's been acting strangely lately."

"It was a chance occurrence, 'Ana. Luke almost ruined it, but--"

"She never goes out for rides. Never," said Verdrana, her face serious. "She's never cared about the people before now, either, considering it below her station in life. So why now? A Sentinel arrives, and she suddenly cares?"

"Perhaps she's scared I'm going to... I don't know... challenge her about her lack of interest in them?" asked Skye, only half joking.

Verdrana shrugged. "Maybe. Either way, just... be careful, okay?" she said.

Skye nodded. They sat by the edge of the arena, watching the other Silverborn training in silence. Alicia fidgeted relentlessly, casting sideways glances at Skye who tried to ignore them as best she could.

Eventually, Alicia sprang up and bounced on the balls of her feet directly in front of Skye.

"Didn't you say earlier that you wanted to train? Using your magic?"

"I thought you'd be too tired after--" Skye began.

"I'm feeling much better! You can train with me, now, if you'd like? Let's go!"

Alicia jogged backward several steps before unsheathing her blade. With a glance at Verdrana who still seemed completely worn out, and wondering where Alicia's eager burst of energy had arisen from, Skye moved to join her.

"So, how're we going to do this?" asked Alicia.

Skye thought for a moment. The sudden request -- or had it been a demand? -- had taken her off guard. Only minutes ago, Alicia had been unwilling to move. Now, here she was as if she'd never lifted a blade today.

"We'll go single blades. I haven't done much of this before, so pull your strikes back. I can heal most things but I'm unsure what will happen and I have no wish to die today. Aim below the neck. Ready?"

Alicia gave her nod of consent.

Skye opted for the lighter of her two blades and drew her dagger. "On you."

The taller girl eyed her warily, taking small, constant steps to her left. Skye moved quietly, adjusting with half movements to keep Alicia in front of her. Left hand on her dagger, her right was partially extended, fingers flexed and bathed in emerald light.

Alicia's gaze shifted for a second to Skye's illuminated hand, giving the elf an idea. She swayed gently from side to side, keeping her movements quiet and subtle, yet entrancing to watch as the light danced through the air, side to side, to side, to side, to side...

Alicia shook her head, her eyebrows drawing together.

Interesting, thought Skye. Probably won't work on the Master, but weaker willed demons, perhaps...

The Silverborn sprang forward with a side arc aimed at Skye's left hip. Skye intercepted the blade with her dagger. Alicia wasted no time, rebounding her blade off the expected resistance and into another, higher cut aimed at Skye's shoulder.

Skye thought quickly. She compiled a list of spells and enchantments she'd learned in her hours of study with Kiarae and at the Sentinel library in Alguarde while deflecting Alicia's onslaught of attacks.

Coming to a decision, she waited for the next time Alicia attacked her side. She didn't have to wait long. In the split second Alicia's guard was down, her blade engaged with Skye's dagger, Skye thrust her right hand forward and converted the energy into light, the simplest spell she could remember.

Alicia drew her blade back, and Skye unleashed the burst of light into Alicia's face.

"What the--"

Temporarily blinded, Alicia retreated a few steps. She struggled to keep her balance, shielding her eyes with one hand.

Skye smiled, pleased with the result. She sent more energy to her hand in preparation to do it again, and hesitated.

All around her, faded black shapes appeared on the ground, most spaced with barely a few metres between them. Some moved, raising an extended part of them, but most lay still.

For some reason, they sent a shiver up her spine.

It was in this hesitation that Alicia's blade flew out of nowhere and crashed into Skye's upper thigh.

Skye stumbled backward and dropped her dagger. The enchanted tasset belt caught the impact, yet the jarring sensation ran down her leg and shook her. She remained silent, trying to figure out what exactly had just happened.

Alicia stared with wide eyes, blade horizontal in her hands.

"Did you just... Wow." Verdrana's voice came from somewhere behind her.

Skye glanced around. The figures were fading.

What the Nether was that?

"Uh, Skye?" said Alicia. "You okay?"

Get over it. It's the magic playing tricks on you again.

"Yeah," said Skye. "I told you I didn't know what would happen with magic. The after effect just caught me off guard, is all."

Alicia nodded. "Go again?"

Skye picked up her weapon and resumed her previous position -- left hand on dagger, right raised and ready.

It didn't take Alicia long to begin her attack. Skye deflected the first few, preparing herself for the magic. She took deep breaths, finding Alicia's rhythm before beginning her own offense.

Alicia attempted a thrust, which Skye leapt back out of. Anticipating Alicia's forward movement, Skye summoned a tendril of plant life from the ground. When Alicia tried to press her attack, her foot became entangled within a root and she fell to her knees.

It didn't keep her down for long. The Silverborn pushed off her hands and lashed out with her boot, freeing it. She rolled away from Skye's dagger and brought herself to her feet.

For Skye, keeping up with Alicia's movements was becoming increasingly difficult. At her summoning of the root, the black figures had returned. Being pushed back by Alicia, Skye found her feet within one of the dark, misty forms. It unnerved her.

Her glance cost her, and Alicia landed another strike on her side. It was softer than the first, but it still hurt. Skye brought her dagger around and launched a quick succession of strikes at Alicia, keeping the Silverborn back for a moment while she gave herself a chance to think.

The figure hadn't hurt her, even when she'd moved into it. From what she could tell, they had no negative effect other than distracting her. It seemed Alicia nor Verdrana could see them, so that put it down to the magic. Was it perhaps because she was using it offensively? She had no idea.

Determination kicked in and she lit her palm with magic. The figures solidified more, their edges taking on shapes.

Alicia sidestepped an attack and tried to sweep Skye's feet out from underneath her. She was rewarded with another light-filled fist to the face, blinding her once more. Skye took a step back, using the opportunity to observe the figures.

Deities -- They're people.

The figures stretched out, defining themselves under Skye's continued use of magic. And now, she could see, each indistinct blob had been a body.

More precisely, an elven body.

They lay sprawled on stomach, back and side, limbs scattered in unnatural positions. Several wore shredded armour. Most did not. They were dressed in only linen robes and other simple garments the people of Naisha favoured.

Some reached out in Skye's direction. Their fingers clawed the air in desperation, until they dropped to the earth, only to try again a few moments later.

The rest were abnormally still.

What is this?

Alicia completely forgotten, Skye moved around the arena, searching the faces of the elves. Searching for the faces she knew. Most weren't clear enough, the figures already fading back into indistinct black blobs once more.

Alicia's blade caught Skye on the back. The impact forced her to her knees.

Verdrana's voice came from somewhere in the distance. "Nice work, Alicia! I mean... uh, Skye? You okay?"

Skye's head pounded. She was reminded of when the forest had beaten against her soul, demanding entry to warn her of the nearby demon threat in the Silverborn's flight to Alguarde.

The figures, the forest... could it be?

A hand wrapped about her arm and pulled her to her feet. She felt something pressed between her shoulder blades where Alicia had struck her.

"Skye? Can you hear me?" asked Verdrana.

"I didn't hit her that hard, 'Ana..."

I need to get somewhere alone, where I can release this magic.

The thought consumed Skye. She forced her head up and a smile on to her face.

"Yeah, sorry. I think that fatigue you were talking about earlier is just setting in... I might call it a night if you don't mind," she said, fighting the urge to leave that instant.

Verdrana nodded. "Sure, you've done a lot today. I'm surprised you didn't call it quits earlier, to be honest."

"Well, I think I might now. I bid you good night, Silverborn."

"Wait!" said Alicia.

Skye turned, impatient to be gone. "Yes?"

"You'll practice magic again with me later? I'm sorry if I hit you too hard, it won't happen again."

"Sure. Until then."

Skye headed toward her quarters, grasping her lowered head the entire way.

*+*+*+*

Skye forced a hand away from her head and made a grab at the handle.

In the short trip from arena to bedroom, the uncomfortable pressure building in the back of her skull transformed into a splitting headache that made it a struggle to stay upright. Only her clutched hands assured her someone hadn’t planted an axe in her head. The pain was worse than any injury she’d ever sustained.  

One hand wasn’t enough to hold the agony fragmenting her thoughts any longer. She wrapped her right arm over her head, pressing her ear into silence, fingers scraping at the hairline in a desperate bid to keep her skull from exploding.

Just... Almost... Need to get in there...

Skye pushed the handle down, trying to see through the fog plaguing her vision. She leant against the door, praying for it to open. The cracks in her mind blurred her memory. She couldn’t focus enough to remember how to open the door. Her hand faltered over the wood and found the handle. She pushed down. Another wave of agony shook her body.

The door swung inward, dragging her with it.

Skye held on to the handle for all she was worth. Her feet scraped along the ground, trying to keep up with her torso. A small step took her across the threshold and she let go, legs folding underneath her as she collapsed. The door bounced off the wall, wide open and leaving her exposed.

The waves of fracturing pain increased. Skye pressed her forehead to the ground, trying to gather her willpower. She was only glad that no one was around to see her like this. No one except Kiarae could help her, and she had little right to complain against the Celestial’s misfortune.

With a sluggish roll, Skye moved her lower body away from the door. Numb fingers wrapped around the edge of the door and gave a feeble shove. The door glanced off her boot. Frustrated tears coalesced in her eyes. Nothing was listening to her. Her leg refused to move. Had her brain disconnected from the rest of her?

I’m the only one who can control my body. Move!

She kicked out, her muscles coming to life. She growled and closed the last few centimetres with her foot.

She forced herself up, crawling on to her knees. She dragged herself across the floor and to her dresser, determined to reach the small yellow flower sitting atop it. That would give her strength. The flower’s aura would help her. Hands wrapping around the wooden rim, she pulled herself to her feet, leaning heavily on the solid frame.

She could see it. The flower was there. The amber on its petals called to her, pulsated with resolve. Leaves stretched towards her, and she leaned toward it. Her fingers inched closer to the clay pot it was housed in.

Deity, help m--

Another wave of pain wracked her skull. Her legs wobbled. She tried to hold on to an upright position for a moment, tried to make a desperate grab for the flower. One after the other, her legs, the ones she’d trained so hard, gave out and she slammed into the dark wood of the dresser. She fell backwards, head colliding with the bed behind her.

Another typhoon of agony and she collapsed to the ground with a small whimper, begging the agony to subside. It was all she could do to lie on the floor, curled in the fallen bed sheets and try to hold her sanity together. She couldn’t think. She couldn’t breathe. And still, the torture continued.

In the minutes or possibly seconds following, Skye found a thought amid the turmoil in her mind.

I’m not going to make it. Too much energy.

Last time, she’d shared it with Tayne and almost dragged him into the tempest with her. This time, she was alone.

I need to use it. Now.

With a gigantic effort, Skye raised her right hand and willed the energy into it. It glowed, brighter and more brilliantly, until finally, the energy ignited and exploded in a halo of light. Blessedly, the pain dissolved with it.

Skye sat up, grasping her head as phantom pain ran through her veins. When she opened her eyes, she found herself in Naisha.

Or at least, what used to be Naisha.

All around her, elves were running, fleeing the horde of demons leaving corruption in their wake.

The stones they touched hissed and burned a purple-black, emitting a void that sucked light and anything else unlucky enough to be near them. The stone roof she’d tested Tayne’s agility with was missing large sections. Elves screamed in agony, pulled by their hair, while the monsters ransacked the hidden town. But it wasn’t that catching her attention.

In the centre of the town was the Master. A void engulfed his hand, centred around an iridescent stone that Skye immediately recognised as the Opal Kiarae had spoken of. Kumos’ ultimate weapon, here, in the hands of an insane lunatic.

A tainted, a Vercton, approached the Master and knelt. In each claw squirmed an elf, desperately trying to free themselves. The tainted raised them above his head in presentation. The Opal gleamed, flashed, and with an unearthly squeal, the two elves were separated from their souls.

They shuddered. The Master nodded, watching as the Opal absorbed the blue and red ghost-like souls, exact replica’s of the elves physical forms. Then, as the Opal had to their soul, the tainted turned and devoured the physical remains.

Unable to move past her square metre of space, she was ignored by everything that moved around her and occasionally through her. She stood there, numb and dying on the inside at her inability.

Why are you showing me this?

Because, a voice in her mind replied, this needs to be stopped. This is what will happen if you do not intervene, Sentinel.

Skye raised her eyes to the sky. Directly under a section of missing roof, she searched for the moon she knew should be there. The torches were low. It was nearing dawn. And there was no moon to be seen.

Two nights, the voice whispered. You have two nights to stop this slaughter.

Skye’s vision blurred and once more, she found herself sprawled on the floor of her room in Alguarde.

She felt cold. A quick glance revealed she was covered in dirt. Fragments of the ceramic pot lay scattered around her, and the small yellow flower sat on her chest, spreading its petals in welcome.

She took it gently with one hand, conviction filling her. She glanced around her room, putting together a quick inventory of what she’d need for the journey before scribbling a quick note and leaving it in the centre of the dirt pile where a Silverborn would inevitably find it. 

Two nights. I have two nights to save Naisha.

The Silverborn would follow. Tayne knew where Naisha was, but Skye had to leave. Now. 

There was no time to lose. 

*+*+*+*