Sekali, "The Sister City"

 

                                Chapter 3

 

     Astonished, Sekali beheld a strange mirror of blackness between them, reflecting Mahkaia’s image. He looked up at Mahkaia who lowered her hands to either side, not quite touching the surface of the chamber floor as she chanted, daggers gripped tightly within her fists. Steadily, she began to raise her hands, struggling as if lifting something unseen. Sekali’s attention was suddenly drawn to the blackness before him as multiple lengths of serrated, razor-sharp, horns steadily raised up from the obsidian-like pool of night.
     As the horns extended upward, Sekali fought against a sudden dread that seemed to take hold of his physical body and paralyze him. As the head of the creature appeared, a second chant hatefully flooded the chamber with rage and fury, straining in vain against Mahkaia’s spell.
  Sekali knew the exertion of Mahkaia’s chant weighed heavily upon her. In silence, he watched her, waiting for that familiar sign she would give when he was needed. Riveting his attention to her hands, he readied himself, watching her fingers without blinking. If she briefly extended the smallest finger on either hand toward her enemy, he would attack.  As its thick shoulders rose up from the dark portal, it ceased its chant and focused its attention upon Mahkaia, who was suddenly quiet and still. Her eyes shaded quickly back to their natural color, neither she nor the creature moving. Sekali recognized it for what it was, a Gorilith Vahkrin, also known in dark legend as the Eater of Souls. The white serrated horns and spines which covered the entirety of its body were coated with an oily toxin, and would quickly infect a victim who was unlucky enough to be wounded by even the smallest scratch. Few lived to tell the tale of an encounter with this dreaded nightmare, whose most terrifying ability was to instantly leech the power of its fallen victim, absorbing its life force to wield for its own.
     Despair instantly filled his heart. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to breath evenly. It seemed the creature was ignorant of his presence, giving him the advantage as well as courage and hope.
The Gorilith spread its wings and shook its head, shaking its mane of poisonous spines as it narrowly looked down upon Mahkaia, attempting to intimidate her. In a deep, rumble, it broke the silence.

     "Have you accepted my offer?" It’s voice echoed unnaturally through the chamber. Unblinking, Mahkaia stared at it, seemingly void of emotion as it waited for a response. As the Gorilith waited for her reply, it noticed the daggers Mahkaia held, suddenly understanding why she had forced its presence. Menacingly, it looked at her and snarled. "You would try," it challenged her in a deep, rumbling tone.

     Hardly daring to breath, lest this terrible thing from the underworld take notice of his presence, Sekali waited like a cat, ready to spring, focusing intently upon Mahkaia. He recalled her saying she wished to confront this being, but he did not know her full intentions at this point.  After a time, Mahkaia bowed slightly. Apparently she wished to parley with it.
     "Speak, elf. Why have you forced my presence?" Mahkaia shrugged and smiled, a light, like the embers of a fire beginning to glow deep within her dark eyes.

     "I have not brought you here to bandy useless words. I brought you here to end this invasive trespass. How dare you defile my people’s domain, filth." A sudden wave of energy washed through the chamber as the glow deep within Mahkaia’s eyes surfaced, changing to a fiery gleam. She briefly extend the smallest finger of each hand toward the Gorilith, giving the attack signal.

     Negotiations were ended.

     As she spoke, the body of the enemy ignited with a blood-red fire as it hissed vehemently, hatred and malice twisting into its hideous face.

     “So be it,” the Gorilith hissed. Like a scorpion, it raised its tail, preparing to strike as the end opened, revealing a deadly blade of ooze covered, serrated, bone. An almost unbearable stench filled the air, instantly causing Sekali’s stomach to rebel. Lashing out, it attempted to drive the blade through Mahkaia’s face as it advanced upon her.

     Anticipating its attack, she leapt to the side, avoiding the deadly strike and countered its strike with both daggers, instantly severing the blade from the end of its tail. Shrieking in pain, the Eater of Souls recoiled back in surprise as Mahkaia backed a pace, readying herself defensively.

     Sekali noted her position, knowing she was baiting the enemy so as to give him the element of surprise. Without hesitation, he silently leapt forward, avoiding contact with the conjuration point. With all his strength, Sekali leapt into the back of the Gorilith, sinking the tip of his blade deep between its wings. The entire length of the blade vanished and emerged out through its chest, as a bone-splintering sound filled the air. Without hesitation, he wrenched his blade to the side, opening up a terrible wound in its back, half severing the base of its right wing. Instantly the handle of his sword became searing hot, forcing him to let go. Crying out, he launched from it back, disarmed by the unexpected retribution.

     In disbelief and shock, the enemy turned and leapt back from between them, distancing itself instinctively as it stumbled backward over its now useless wing which dragged the floor. Hateful desperation burned within its eyes as it looked at the both of them, hesitating. Mahkaia sneered at it.

     “You are going to die, you know that,” Mahkaia stated calmly. The Gorilith snapped at her as it moved back into the trophies, stumbling over its wing again. Reaching back, it caught its balance by resting a hand upon covered head of the Gorgon.

     “You may end my life, witch, but the final victory will be mine!” It screamed at her hatefully as Sekali froze, suddenly realizing the danger. Mahkaia also noticed the peril, but instantly broke into mocking laughter as she pointed at it.

     “Your words are an empty threat. I also have a portal to your personal domain. I will go and take all that you possess. I will keep it all!” She laughed again and turned halfway to the portal and glanced in, as if she were about to leap into it.

     Instantly, the Eater of Souls lurched forward, breaking contact with the one thing it could instantly defeat them with. The stand upon which the Gorgon’s severed head rested rocked dangerously as the cloth slid halfway from it, nearly exposing its face. Sekali lunged for the deadly trophy, even as the Gorilith moved forward, centering its attention upon Mahkaia, who moved dangerously close to the edge of the portal, positioning herself as if about to jump.

     Sekali placed his hand on the cloth just in time to keep it from sliding off. Ignoring the Gorilith Vahkrin, he quickly adjusted the cloth back into position and gripped the stand, steadying it.

     Breaking into a crazed rage, the Gorilith pointed at Mahkaia, spitting out the words of a powerful curse.

     “Dithinoth take you into everlasting madness!” It shrieked in misery as it jerked its now useless wing out from under its right foot.

     Sekali felt the very air about him surge to life with a terrible energy as Mahkaia was suddenly thrown back into the wall of the chamber, violently slamming into the stone, scattering a number of trophies across the floor. Fire erupted from the Vahkrin as it screamed at her hatefully.

     “Die witch!” It seethed, and staggered forward, intent on her as Sekali eyed the glowing hilt of his blade still protruding from its back. If he could get hold of the hilt, he could end this conflict, though he knew he would pay dearly for the attempt. He was already badly burnt.

     As the Gorilith reached out to take her, Mahkaia rolled to the side, chanting a quick spell. Before her enemy could turn, she leapt to her feet, throwing her arms wide.
“Shiahna ish Asiah (power of flight),” she shouted as the Gorilith turned and lunged. Instantly, Mahkaia ascended upward, barely evading its deadly embrace as a terrible power suddenly radiated from her being, causing Sekali to falter before her.

     In the past, Sekali had witnessed Mahkaia throw down powerful foes, one after the other. But in all the time he had known her, those displays of power were nothing in comparison to now. In her full wrath, Sekali found himself unable, or unwilling, to move toward her. All he could do was watch as Mahkaia and the enemy met head on, slashing and hacking at one another in a fury of talons and daggers. Never before had he seen Mahkaia fight hand-to-hand, as he was trained to do. Truly, she was a foe not to be underestimated. Her moves were direct and swift, though not as powerful as the Gorilith’s attacks.

     As the battle raged on, Sekali forced himself under control. He wanted to flee, get out of Mahkaia’s home, run to the other side of the citadel, hide where he knew he would be safe. Startled at his own thoughts, Sekali felt a sudden shame and rage explode within him as Mahkaia called out to him for assistance.

     Breaking the shackles of fear which held him bound, he rushed forward and leapt over the conjuration point, landing directly into the Vahkrin's back and gripped the handle of his blade. The impact caused the Gorilith to stagger forward as he tore his blade free with all his might, his hands instantly searing to the hilt. Screaming in pain, he staggered back, nearly falling into the void of blackness. As the Gorilith caught its balance, Mahkaia leapt back and pointed at it, casting another spell, filling the cavern with words, painful to bear.

     “Vitika ish morgel (attack of death)”, she shouted, then screamed in the voice of thunder, as if something unnatural was coming to life within her. Without hesitation, Mahkaia looked at Sekali and whispered his name. The sound of her voice caused him to cry out, as if he had been suddenly awakened from a terrible nightmare. The sound of her voice paralyzed him with dread, and he found himself compelled to look at her.
As if she was suddenly freed from possession, a phantom-like apparition, in the form of a dragon rose up from Mahkaia, expanding and growing as it struck out, rending their enemy's flesh deeply in many places, forcing it to its knees.

     In the blink of an eye, it leapt upon Sekali, taking him into its claws and lifting him up before its mouth. Dread filled him as it gripped him within its inescapable clutches. His heart throbbed painfully within his chest as he tore his gaze from Mahkaia and looked into the phantom dragon’s slanted eyes.

     “Sekali,” Mahkaia whispered again, this time in her own voice. Instantly Sekali was gently set down upon his feet as the Gorilith Vahkrin gagged and convulsed upon the ground. Like a rush of sudden wind, Mahkaia’s spell passed over Sekali and vanished through the stone wall of the chamber behind him, leaving him terribly shaken, yet unharmed. As it departed, Sekali found himself free of that terrible dread. Without hesitation, he leapt in and let his blade fall upon the neck of their enemy, instantly beheading it.

     His wounds began to overcome him, even as he sealed their victory. Quickly he retreated, dropping the searing blade, even as their defeated enemy struck out in one desperate attempt to kill, catching Sekali in the right side with the serrated point of its good wing, flinging him back to the stone floor. Fire and molten blood belched forth from its neck as it began to thrash about, filling the chamber with a horrible stench.
Even though his armor had turned the last strike of the Gorilith Vahkrin, Sekali felt a terrible pain in his side. He tried to stand, but failed, falling to his knees as he held his right side, unable to take in more than a short breath.

     “Mahkaia!” He called out desperately as the chamber began to fade. He struggled in vain to stand as he tried desperately to fight back the engulfing darkness that now threatened to take him. But it was no use; his wounds were too much, even for a seasoned warrior such as he.

     Resigning himself to his fate, Sekali closed his eyes and let himself fall, bending his mind upon that place where he knew pain could not touch him. It was his own refuge of peace within, and he leapt into it willingly, feeling the throes of his wounds left behind, welcoming the darkness as if greeting an old trusted friend.

     Hope kindled as she saw him attempt to rise, then shattered as he fell to his knees. She sprinted around the conjuration area as Sekali struggled to stand, calling out for her desperately, the sound of his voice filling her heart with fear. As he fell, she caught him in her shaking arms and quickly dragged him away from their still thrashing enemy.
It was unnatural to see it still struggling for life as she pulled Sekali to safety. Against the cold stone wall, she held him, ignoring her own wounds, which burned like fire, tending to him with every care as she began to sob, kissing him and wrapping her arms about him.

     “No, no, stay with me Sekali,” she begged. Closing her eyes, she chanted the words of healing that would mend his wounds and burns, tears streaming her blood-soaked face. As she finished the spell, a bluish aura engulfed him for a few moments, then faded away. It was done. Placing an ear to his mouth, she sighed in relief to feel his breath upon her.

     “I’m sorry Sekali,” she whispered regretfully, “I should have prepared you for this. I’m so sorry.” She held him close as her wounds began to torment her, the Gorilith’s poison coming to full effect. Exhausted, and in pain, Mahkaia also found her place within blackness, and slipped into it.

     After a time, the conjuration point plummeted in silence, leaving the floor as it was before.

     As if slain, both lay motionless upon the floor of Mahkaia’s home for hours before Sekali slowly opened his eyes, blinking in confusion as he focused upon the wrecked chamber, wondering where he was. When his eyes fell upon Mahkaia, the memory of the battle returned. Quickly, he took her up into his arms in sudden panic, mingled with the terrible thought of her being dead. Placing an ear to her mouth, he felt her breath steadily.

     She was alive!

     He faithfully held her in his arms until Mahkaia came to, throwing her a nervous smile.
     “Welcome back.” He tried to sound positive as he helped her to sit up. Gritting her teeth, Mahkaia began sobbing and threw her arms about him, burying her face in his neck, her body involuntarily convulsing.

     “I’m so sorry, Sekali. I nearly killed you. Forgive me.” Sekali tightened his arms about her, kissing the top of her head.

     “There is nothing to ask forgiveness of. I am honored to stand with you. I am more than honored to fall defending you,” he whispered, thinking it was over. But to his dismay, he felt her convulse as she squeezed him tightly. Sekali parted from her, concerned.
     “Mahkaia, I need to get you to a healer.” Shaking her head, she pointed to a nearby area.
     “Look for the small wooden chest under the blankets, there,” she pointed at her bed, her arm suddenly rebelling. “Bring me the chest,” she stated quickly through clenched teeth as the muscles in her jaw constricted.

     “Hurry,” she choked. Sekali quicky made her as comfortable as he could and jumped to his feet, making his way over to Mahkaia’s bedding, which consisted of four cured and softened leather hides. Quickly peeling back the neatly arranged coverings, he spotted a hand-sized white box with silver hinges with a small black lock securing its lid. Snatching it up, he hastily returned to her, glancing at the Gorilith Vahkrin apprehensively as he passed by, as if it was still a threat. It was then that Sekali remembered his wounds. He was healed; Mahkaia must have tended to him while he was unconscious. Then why not heal herself? He wondered as he knelt beside her, turning the front of the box toward her.

     With great effort, Mahkaia tried to retrieve something from about her neck, but the effects of the poison now hindered her muscle coordination. She groaned and then coughed, trying to clear her throat.

     “Sekali, the chain.” She forced the words out with considerable effort as he watched on, feeling helpless to aid her. Sekali reached about her neck, feeling a thin chain which he hastily pulled over her head. As the necklace came free, he beheld a single, tiny, golden key. As he took the key between his fingers, Mahkaia gripped the box with trembling hands and caught her breath as if suddenly choking. As she struggled for breath, Mahkaia closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall.

     Sekali quickly pulled the small box free of her hands, placed it on the stone floor and smoothly slid the key into the lock, twisting it. Time was short for Mahkaia, but to panic at this point would only hinder the chance of obtaining what she needed.
Snap, went the lock. He opened the small chest to reveal a number of chains and rings and other oddities piled up within.

     “Which one, Mahkaia, which?” He stated quickly, a fear rising in his voice.
     “Ruby,” was all she could force from between clenched teeth. Sekali fingered quickly through the pieces in the small chest as his heart began to beat quickly. Mahkaia was dying!

     It was a ring he found with a ruby set within a thin band of black-gold. Quickly he took it out and slipped it onto her smallest finger, then nodded, taking her into his arms as she struggled for breath. As he did so, she closed a trembling hand about the ring, making a tight fist.

     Instantly there came a red glow within her hand. It lasted but a brief moment and then slowly began to fade. As the red light diminished, Mahkaia relaxed, and her breathing returned to normal. Taking a deep breath, she sighed and slowly opened her eyes and looked at Sekali weakly.

     “I am in your debt,” she whispered quietly, giving him an exhausted smile.
     “No,” he whispered, relieved to feel the convulsions and tremors cease. She rested her head against him, her eyes taking in their defeated foe.

     “Sekali, it will not take long to regain my strength, but I need to rest for a while,” she whispered. Nodding, Sekali stood and carried Mahkaia to her bed, placing her upon the soft, cured-leather blankets, a sense of relief flooding his mind.

     For a few hours Mahkaia slept as Sekali cleaned up the chamber, putting everything back in order as it had been. He took the body of the Vahkrin and moved it out into the tunnel, then returned to her side and sat down, taking her hand.

     After a few hours, Mahkaia opened her eyes and stretched. Looking at Sekali, she smiled and sat up. After a moment, she reached out and hooked the top his chest-plate with a finger and pulled him close to her.

     “You are filthy, and I stink,” she whispered. Nodding, Sekali looked at Mahkaia’s hair and grinned.

     “I know,” he stated flatly, not knowing what else to say. Her eyes glittered playfully and she snaked her arms up about his neck and embraced him tight. He returned her embrace in silence, grateful she was safe. This time it had worked out for the best.
     "Thank you," she sincerely whispered.

     “Any time,” he replied, stroking her hair, his eyes showing a deep concern as he pulled her close. Mahkaia was as intense as firefall, as lethal as a raging dragon. He recalled the unleashed power she had demonstrated only a few hours ago, the terrible fear by which she nearly broke his mind. Truly this deadly witch was beyond what he considered her to be, and the most desirable and lovely creature he had ever set eyes upon. To him, Mahkaia was more desirable than all the flawless jewels of the world; she was his heart that kept hope for his future alive.

     “You amaze me, Mahkaia,” he stated solemnly as they parted.

     “How so?” She whispered. Sekali shook his head and shrugged, his eyes brightening.

     “I don’t think I would have time to explain before the next watch, so you will have to trust that I speak the truth.” Sekali fell silent as Mahkaia smiled, flattered by his words.

     “I concede; you are right. I am amazing --- at choosing the best man in the world.” Mahkaia slowly stood, stealing a kiss from him, then walked away.

     “I’m going to go clean up. I’ll set some towels out for you to use when I’m finished. We both smell like wurm drole.” Sekali arose as her face twisted in disgust, then vanished through an alcove a few paces beyond her bedding, leaving him staring after her, a look plastered into his face that would have provoked harassment from the others on his team had they witnessed it.

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