Chapter 45: Fallen Mages

The Bretheren Arcanum spun and tumbled through the blackness, trying to catch hold of a ledge, or each other, or something. Even Orko was falling, and he could fly! Something about the atmosphere resisted his attempts, as well as made them fall incredibly fast.

“There’s a path!” Vivi called. “Grab it!” Zentarou, falling faster than the others due to his slightly greater weight, reached it first and just managed to grab hold. Then he reached and grabbed Orko by the back of his robe, and Orko in turn grabbed Vivi’s wrist. The Black Mage reached for the last falling mage, and Dregan stretched out his hands -

- and their fingertips missed by inched!

“No!” shouted Vivi, horrified, as Dregan fell away from them and vanished.

“Climb up,” Zentarou urged them, his arm trembling despite their light weight, “then we can go find him.” Vivi and Orko scrambled up onto the Path, then Zentarou hauled himself up. Then all three peered into the blackness, searching.

“Trolly-molly! I don’t see him!”

“He’s tough,” assured Zentarou. “He’ll use that Spirit Wings spell, of something.” But Dregan didn’t appear.

“The pendants!” gasped Vivi, and all three sent out a mental call to their friend.

Dregan! Can you hear us? Dregan! At first there was no response, then, faintly, they heard a soft moan.

ooohhhh...

Dregan!

I ... I’m here...

Where? Zentarou’s eyes were scanning, trying to pierce the darkness. We can’t see you.

I... I’m on a path that’s... all by itself... I think I landed on it pretty hard... There was a twinge of pain in his tone that worried the other three.

Are you badly hurt? asked Vivi.

I... uhhhh... I’m not sure... I tried to cast Spirit Wings, but before they would catch... I hit it... They heard a shaking, painful sigh. I think... I think my leg is broken... and I think I blacked out... my head’s throbbing...

Dregan, Zentarou ordered, you stay awake, hear me? No matter what, you stay awake!

I’ll... try...

No try about it, just do it. To the others the cat said, “If he’s hit his head hard enough and falls asleep, there’s a chance he might not wake up.” Dregan chuckled faintly in their heads.

Zentarou... for a moment or two... you sounded like my brothers. Vivi had a sudden idea to inject a little focus into the elf.

Dregan, if you fall asleep, you might not wake up. Then you’d never get to see your brothers and sisters, your consort, your children ever again! That seemed to orient Dregan a bit.

Keep talking to me, he asked of them. It helps... It’s so quiet, and I hurt so bad...

We’re on our way, assured Zentarou as the three mages stood and looked around.

“Which way?” asked Orko. Vivi suddenly grinned, and plucked out one of Zentarou’s Soul Jewels. He set it on the ground, on its edge, and hoped his idea would work.

The Jewel rolled in one direction.

Zentarou took a step and scooped it up, and said, “Lets go!” They began to jog along the Path, which reacted strangely to their touch. Wherever they stood, the stardust clustered, making the area under their feel brighter than the rest. It also felt strange under their feet, firm and yet soft, so much so that their steps were at first wobbly and uneasy. And the whole time they kept taking to Dregan.

Can you get to Cadderly’s poultice? Orko asked.

I’ll try... Through their mental link, they heard his choked sounds of pain, then a grunt of exhaustion. I can’t... My shoulder... feels numb... and I... I’m having trouble... keeping my eyes open...

Stay with us, encouraged Zentarou. Keep talking.

So... sleepy...

“This air isn’t helping,” Vivi muttered, suppressing a yawn. Each were nervous as they realized the same thing: For Dregan’s sake, they had to hurry!