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Previous Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 22: Victory

Next Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 24: No Time

All Chapters HERE .

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CHAPTER 23: DISJUNCTURE

There was a sickening smell. An unknown, disgusting odor. Malia wanted to get away from it, so she was forced to open her eyes.

It took her a while to remember where she was, and what had happened. But after overlapping moments of confused recollections, everything came back to her at once. She lifted her head and looked around frantically for Gorken. He was still there, lying down near her. And next to him, Dorina’s corpse was still. Her blood had started to dry and its stench defiled the air.

She tried to get up; she could still move her torso and her arms, but it was as if her legs weren’t even there. She glanced around, but there was no one. She wondered what had happened to her companions. Were Aldous and Bayard safe? What about Hedera and Licorice?

She didn’t know what she feared more: not being able to go help them, or finding out they wouldn’t come help her. She pressured her mind to think logically, focusing on the situation at hand. Dorina’s blade was poisoned. She cut me twice, and she only cut Gorken once. The effect on Gorken was both faster and stronger, as I’m still conscious and able to partially move. Which means Dorina used one of the poisons my master trained me to endure.

She struggled to move her legs again, but there was no result. She then used her arms to lift her torso, intending to gauge where the paralysis started. Everything below her waist had already been affected by the poison.

Think. A poison a general would have access to, which is among the ones I tried. In a vulnerable subject it causes loss of consciousness and paralysis, and in my case it started from my lower body. Remember, the names, the types… black lotus essence, maybe? Yes, Dorina was instructed to take me back alive, so she needed a relatively slow acting poison... If I’m right, it means Gorken still has several hours before the effects become lethal. In my case, maybe up to a couple of days. Good, the situation isn’t as dire as I first thought. Kadem must know how to prepare the antidote, so I should find a way to reach her.

Malia sought to keep her train of thought going, but maintaining a logical sequence in her head was becoming harder by the second. The minutes passed slowly and heavily, and she found her mind going astray into unconsciousness as soon as she lowered her guard. She did her best to convince herself there would be a way out, but every static moment piled on her spirits. If nothing happens, if I don’t do anything… What then?

She knew nothing about her companions, and her own usefulness was diminishing quickly. If she fainted again, maybe she wouldn’t come to her senses in time. She thought about crawling, but she knew she wouldn’t get far, and she didn’t want to risk leaving Gorken alone and defenseless. She was gradually falling into despair. Is there nothing I can do? Am I really so…

Just as she was sinking into shadowy notions, she heard a rustling sound coming from the forest. She had never been so happy to see Hedera’s face. The little demon came out from behind the bushes and rushed towards Malia, “What happened? Are you guys injured?” Hedera disliked the relief she felt when her eyes landed on Dorina’s corpse.

“We’re both alive for now. We were poisoned.” Malia’s joy at seeing Hedera faded as a terrible thought crossed her mind. Why is Hedera alone? “What happened to your sister, and Aldous and Bayard?” She asked shakily, her heart pounding.

“Aldous and Bayard are alive too… They’re badly hurt, so Licorice went to get Kadem, and I stayed behind. Talos is dead.” Hedera determined it was not the time to tell Malia about them regaining their original forms. Malia was weak and exhausted, and she had dark circles under her eyes. Hedera couldn’t believe she looked so different from when they had parted. The princess wasn’t lucid enough to process any new information, much less something like the true nature of an ancient demon.

Malia inwardly rejoiced at Hedera’s news. We’re all alive. If Kadem was on the way then they were saved. The silver witch’s lair was not too far away, so it would be a matter of a couple of hours at most. “I think both Gorken and I were poisoned by black lotus essence.” she explained, “Please tell that to Kadem, she will know what to do.”

“In that case, even I can-” Hedera started to reply; just when Malia was allowing herself to relax, Hedera suddenly shifted her head northward. The little demon pressed her hands against the ground, her features a portrait of panicked frustration.

“Why didn’t I notice until now!?” She lamented grievously. She turned to Malia, “I sense a group of horses and people approaching. By the vibration of the earth they’re a small party, probably immortal soldiers, and they’ll be here in less than three minutes.”

They both stared at each other in desperation.

Malia didn’t believe it was possible, but she felt the strength leave her body even more. Less than three minutes? There was no way they could get away in time. Hedera was just a small child, Malia couldn’t move her legs, and Gorken was unconscious. In the forest, Bayard and Aldous were badly wounded. What options did they have?

At the same time, Hedera’s mind was racing. I gave all my power to Licorice. There’s no way I can adopt my true form right now. With this small useless body, I can’t protect anyone. What should I do? What am I supposed to do? Licorice should get here soon with Kadem. We just need to buy some time. But how?

“Hide, Hedera.” Malia commanded; her determined expression was betrayed by her trembling voice. “We just need to survive until Kadem gets here. I’ll do what I can, so please go hide.”

“But-!”

“There’s no time to argue! I’ll think more clearly if you’re not in the way! Please Hedera, hide. I’ll figure something out, just go!”

Hedera gritted her teeth and held back her tears. She ran back to the woods and vanished amidst the trees.

The approaching sounds of hooves and clanking armor heralded the transition of the soldiers from vague perceptions to clear shapes in the distance. When they stopped before Malia, and a man came down from his horse to gape at her, she recognized turquoise eyes like her own; they were perplexingly concerned and fearful at first, then arrogant as she had gotten to know them.

She couldn’t believe how unfortunate they were. Maybe fate was deriding her? Of all the immortal officials who could have found them and taken them into custody while awaiting further orders, Cain had to be the one to get to them first. Cain who resented her. Cain who had been humiliated by Gorken. Cain who could do whatever he pleased without waiting for the approval of superiors.

“Dear sister,” he greeted her after peeking at Dorina’s dead body, “I’m impressed. I didn’t expect the generals to be this useless, nor you to be this ruthless.”

He addressed his subordinates, “Talos was with Dorina. Find him and bring him before me. Bring any human you come across as well.” He then looked back at Malia, “It is convenient that you’re still conscious. You’ll be able to see how we execute your happy group of friends.”

“I want to make a deal with you.” Malia replied without thinking. She knew she couldn’t allow Cain to shake her. She had to keep her mind unclouded. Think Malia, think. Use your brain for once. There must be something. Something I can do, something I can say. Think. Think. Think. Please, something, anything.

“Dear sister, what could you possibly offer me in your current position?”

“I think it’s better if your men don’t hear us.” She whispered. She needed to scrape as much time as she could get.

“Is that so? How bold of you.” He turned his head, “Soldiers, give me some privacy. The princess would like to discuss personal matters. Stay where you are, we will search for Talos in a moment.”

Malia continued then, “Uncle Amos… your father must know you lost to Gorken, a human, the last time we met.”

Cain clicked his tongue, “I assume you would like to earn my favor, and you’re doing a hideous job so far.”

“If you don’t harm my friends, if you let them live… I’ll allow you to tell your father you were the one who defeated us.”

Cain was irritated, “You sure are insolent. Don’t think so highly of yourself. What makes you think your word is worth anything to us? To me?”

Malia was panting; her vision was starting to fade. I need to keep it together. Hold on, body. Don’t faint yet. Keep talking. Keep talking.

She tried her best to smile cockily, “I know uncle Amos. He will request to see me once we arrive to the palace, even if just to mock me and humiliate me. Do as I say and I won’t reveal any truth that may hurt your honor. As much as touch any of my friends, and the first thing I will say when I enter the King’s Hall will be about your miserable defeat against Gorken.” She gasped for breath, “Think about it Cain. We beat the generals. The only witnesses are a few of your men. Uncle Amos has faith in your talent with magic. If he hears your party defeated the people who won against the generals, he will be overjoyed. You have nothing to lose by letting a couple of humans live in exchange for glory and the pride of your father.”

Cain took a few moments to consider Malia’s proposal. In the meantime, Malia felt she didn’t have a minute left before her body deserted her. She couldn’t collapse. Not now. Not yet. I have to keep up my act a bit longer.

“Apparently,” Cain finally spoke, “that pretty head of yours isn’t just for show. I know you’re manipulating me, but nevertheless what you’re offering does interest me. I agree to your terms, little sister.” He gestured with his arm, “Take the princess and put her on a horse. I don’t think she’ll be walking any time soon.”

“Wait!” Malia raised her voice, using all that was left of her mind and body, “I will ride with you, and we will take the rear. I want to be able to see all of your men in front of us, so no one can stay behind and harm my companions.”

“You wound me, sister. I’m a man of my word.” Cain carried her and put her on the saddle, assisted by his subordinates. “But I shall indulge you, as I expect you to keep your part of our bargain.”

He got on his horse and sat behind her. As they rode farther and farther away, she let her head fall to the side and gave a final glance to Gorken’s unconscious body. Then she attempted to spot Hedera among the bushes, but they were too far away, and the little girl could blend into the forest anyway, even from up close.

They kept going, and after a while Malia stopped looking, and then she stopped thinking. She didn’t notice when she fainted.

Description

Previous Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 22: Victory

Next Chapter: ENDLESS Chapter 24: No Time

All Chapters HERE .

Watch the Trailer: ENDLESS Trailer

CHAPTER 23: DISJUNCTURE

There was a sickening smell. An unknown, disgusting odor. Malia wanted to get away from it, so she was forced to open her eyes.

It took her a while to remember where she was, and what had happened. But after overlapping moments of confused recollections, everything came back to her at once. She lifted her head and looked around frantically for Gorken. He was still there, lying down near her. And next to him, Dorina’s corpse was still. Her blood had started to dry and its stench defiled the air.

She tried to get up; she could still move her torso and her arms, but it was as if her legs weren’t even there. She glanced around, but there was no one. She wondered what had happened to her companions. Were Aldous and Bayard safe? What about Hedera and Licorice?

She didn’t know what she feared more: not being able to go help them, or finding out they wouldn’t come help her. She pressured her mind to think logically, focusing on the situation at hand. Dorina’s blade was poisoned. She cut me twice, and she only cut Gorken once. The effect on Gorken was both faster and stronger, as I’m still conscious and able to partially move. Which means Dorina used one of the poisons my master trained me to endure.

She struggled to move her legs again, but there was no result. She then used her arms to lift her torso, intending to gauge where the paralysis started. Everything below her waist had already been affected by the poison.

Think. A poison a general would have access to, which is among the ones I tried. In a vulnerable subject it causes loss of consciousness and paralysis, and in my case it started from my lower body. Remember, the names, the types… black lotus essence, maybe? Yes, Dorina was instructed to take me back alive, so she needed a relatively slow acting poison... If I’m right, it means Gorken still has several hours before the effects become lethal. In my case, maybe up to a couple of days. Good, the situation isn’t as dire as I first thought. Kadem must know how to prepare the antidote, so I should find a way to reach her.

Malia sought to keep her train of thought going, but maintaining a logical sequence in her head was becoming harder by the second. The minutes passed slowly and heavily, and she found her mind going astray into unconsciousness as soon as she lowered her guard. She did her best to convince herself there would be a way out, but every static moment piled on her spirits. If nothing happens, if I don’t do anything… What then?

She knew nothing about her companions, and her own usefulness was diminishing quickly. If she fainted again, maybe she wouldn’t come to her senses in time. She thought about crawling, but she knew she wouldn’t get far, and she didn’t want to risk leaving Gorken alone and defenseless. She was gradually falling into despair. Is there nothing I can do? Am I really so…

Just as she was sinking into shadowy notions, she heard a rustling sound coming from the forest. She had never been so happy to see Hedera’s face. The little demon came out from behind the bushes and rushed towards Malia, “What happened? Are you guys injured?” Hedera disliked the relief she felt when her eyes landed on Dorina’s corpse.

“We’re both alive for now. We were poisoned.” Malia’s joy at seeing Hedera faded as a terrible thought crossed her mind. Why is Hedera alone? “What happened to your sister, and Aldous and Bayard?” She asked shakily, her heart pounding.

“Aldous and Bayard are alive too… They’re badly hurt, so Licorice went to get Kadem, and I stayed behind. Talos is dead.” Hedera determined it was not the time to tell Malia about them regaining their original forms. Malia was weak and exhausted, and she had dark circles under her eyes. Hedera couldn’t believe she looked so different from when they had parted. The princess wasn’t lucid enough to process any new information, much less something like the true nature of an ancient demon.

Malia inwardly rejoiced at Hedera’s news. We’re all alive. If Kadem was on the way then they were saved. The silver witch’s lair was not too far away, so it would be a matter of a couple of hours at most. “I think both Gorken and I were poisoned by black lotus essence.” she explained, “Please tell that to Kadem, she will know what to do.”

“In that case, even I can-” Hedera started to reply; just when Malia was allowing herself to relax, Hedera suddenly shifted her head northward. The little demon pressed her hands against the ground, her features a portrait of panicked frustration.

“Why didn’t I notice until now!?” She lamented grievously. She turned to Malia, “I sense a group of horses and people approaching. By the vibration of the earth they’re a small party, probably immortal soldiers, and they’ll be here in less than three minutes.”

They both stared at each other in desperation.

Malia didn’t believe it was possible, but she felt the strength leave her body even more. Less than three minutes? There was no way they could get away in time. Hedera was just a small child, Malia couldn’t move her legs, and Gorken was unconscious. In the forest, Bayard and Aldous were badly wounded. What options did they have?

At the same time, Hedera’s mind was racing. I gave all my power to Licorice. There’s no way I can adopt my true form right now. With this small useless body, I can’t protect anyone. What should I do? What am I supposed to do? Licorice should get here soon with Kadem. We just need to buy some time. But how?

“Hide, Hedera.” Malia commanded; her determined expression was betrayed by her trembling voice. “We just need to survive until Kadem gets here. I’ll do what I can, so please go hide.”

“But-!”

“There’s no time to argue! I’ll think more clearly if you’re not in the way! Please Hedera, hide. I’ll figure something out, just go!”

Hedera gritted her teeth and held back her tears. She ran back to the woods and vanished amidst the trees.

The approaching sounds of hooves and clanking armor heralded the transition of the soldiers from vague perceptions to clear shapes in the distance. When they stopped before Malia, and a man came down from his horse to gape at her, she recognized turquoise eyes like her own; they were perplexingly concerned and fearful at first, then arrogant as she had gotten to know them.

She couldn’t believe how unfortunate they were. Maybe fate was deriding her? Of all the immortal officials who could have found them and taken them into custody while awaiting further orders, Cain had to be the one to get to them first. Cain who resented her. Cain who had been humiliated by Gorken. Cain who could do whatever he pleased without waiting for the approval of superiors.

“Dear sister,” he greeted her after peeking at Dorina’s dead body, “I’m impressed. I didn’t expect the generals to be this useless, nor you to be this ruthless.”

He addressed his subordinates, “Talos was with Dorina. Find him and bring him before me. Bring any human you come across as well.” He then looked back at Malia, “It is convenient that you’re still conscious. You’ll be able to see how we execute your happy group of friends.”

“I want to make a deal with you.” Malia replied without thinking. She knew she couldn’t allow Cain to shake her. She had to keep her mind unclouded. Think Malia, think. Use your brain for once. There must be something. Something I can do, something I can say. Think. Think. Think. Please, something, anything.

“Dear sister, what could you possibly offer me in your current position?”

“I think it’s better if your men don’t hear us.” She whispered. She needed to scrape as much time as she could get.

“Is that so? How bold of you.” He turned his head, “Soldiers, give me some privacy. The princess would like to discuss personal matters. Stay where you are, we will search for Talos in a moment.”

Malia continued then, “Uncle Amos… your father must know you lost to Gorken, a human, the last time we met.”

Cain clicked his tongue, “I assume you would like to earn my favor, and you’re doing a hideous job so far.”

“If you don’t harm my friends, if you let them live… I’ll allow you to tell your father you were the one who defeated us.”

Cain was irritated, “You sure are insolent. Don’t think so highly of yourself. What makes you think your word is worth anything to us? To me?”

Malia was panting; her vision was starting to fade. I need to keep it together. Hold on, body. Don’t faint yet. Keep talking. Keep talking.

She tried her best to smile cockily, “I know uncle Amos. He will request to see me once we arrive to the palace, even if just to mock me and humiliate me. Do as I say and I won’t reveal any truth that may hurt your honor. As much as touch any of my friends, and the first thing I will say when I enter the King’s Hall will be about your miserable defeat against Gorken.” She gasped for breath, “Think about it Cain. We beat the generals. The only witnesses are a few of your men. Uncle Amos has faith in your talent with magic. If he hears your party defeated the people who won against the generals, he will be overjoyed. You have nothing to lose by letting a couple of humans live in exchange for glory and the pride of your father.”

Cain took a few moments to consider Malia’s proposal. In the meantime, Malia felt she didn’t have a minute left before her body deserted her. She couldn’t collapse. Not now. Not yet. I have to keep up my act a bit longer.

“Apparently,” Cain finally spoke, “that pretty head of yours isn’t just for show. I know you’re manipulating me, but nevertheless what you’re offering does interest me. I agree to your terms, little sister.” He gestured with his arm, “Take the princess and put her on a horse. I don’t think she’ll be walking any time soon.”

“Wait!” Malia raised her voice, using all that was left of her mind and body, “I will ride with you, and we will take the rear. I want to be able to see all of your men in front of us, so no one can stay behind and harm my companions.”

“You wound me, sister. I’m a man of my word.” Cain carried her and put her on the saddle, assisted by his subordinates. “But I shall indulge you, as I expect you to keep your part of our bargain.”

He got on his horse and sat behind her. As they rode farther and farther away, she let her head fall to the side and gave a final glance to Gorken’s unconscious body. Then she attempted to spot Hedera among the bushes, but they were too far away, and the little girl could blend into the forest anyway, even from up close.

They kept going, and after a while Malia stopped looking, and then she stopped thinking. She didn’t notice when she fainted.