�I do not think we can fly over those mountains. It is too high and we would not be able to breathe.�
�But if we have to go all around them, it would take so much longer. I still think we can make it.�
It was already almost noon when I had woken up. The sun had shone brightly in my eyes, waking me up and when I opened my eyes I saw that Raghnall was gone. There was also a delicious smell in the air, making my stomach growl, and after I had gotten dressed, I had followed my nose to a room that appeared to be the kitchen, with in the middle a heavy oaken table and six chairs. In two of those chairs, Raghnall and Kayne were sitting. M�Kahless was cooking something which looked like eggs and Keene and Cahal were nowhere to be found.
�Good morning�� I mumbled, still a little bit tired, and sat down at the table, next to Kayne.
�Morning.� M�Kahless said while putting a plate with two eggs on it before me on the table, after which he sat next to me. I thanked the Gods that this time, they were not dragon�s eggs. I cut a piece of the eggs off with my knife and took a bite.
�These are good!� I said with my mouth full to M�Kahless, who just smiled. I then looked at Raghnall and Kayne, who both looked deep in thought over something. �Hey, what is wrong?� I asked them.
�We are trying to find the shortest route to the Black Mountain. I think we could fly through the mountains, but Kayne here thinks it is too high and there won�t be enough oxygen.� Raghnall explained.
�It is true. At such a height, there is too little oxygen for us to breathe. I suggest we go around the mountains and take it from there.� Kayne said while resting his face into his hands.
�But it would take days to fly around them! I am sure that there is enough oxygen and it would save us a lot of time.� Raghnall argued.
�What about the water?� M�Kahless said. All three of us look at him in surprise and I wondered what exactly he meant by that.
�The water�?� Kayne asked.
�There is a river that is streaming through the mountains. You could build a raft and sail on it, and it would still be pretty fast, because the river streams fast too.�
�I think that is a wonderful idea. What do you think, guys?� I said while smiling at both men.
�I suppose we could try it�� Raghnall mused.
�It would be faster than going all around the mountains�� Kayne mumbled.
�Then it is settled! The river it is!� I exclaimed happily.
�What about the river?� A sleepy voice came from the doorway. I looked up to see Cahal standing there, his clothes all wrinkled and his hair messed up.
�We are going to use the river to go through the mountains that are on our way to the Black Mountain.� I explained. Cahal looked awake immediately, looking very frightened.
�The river? You mean as in, water? Are you�are you sure that is such a good idea?� He stammered.
�I think it is, don�t you? Why would it be a bad idea? This way, we do not have to fly and be without oxygen, and it would be better than flying all around the mountains, which would take us so much longer?� I asked.
�Um, well�you see, it is not that I am afraid of water, but, how do you say it�I am just not too fond of it, get it?�
�Don�t worry, we will be on a raft. Just make sure you won�t fall off and you will be fine.� Raghnall said calmly.
�Uh, right�� Cahal said, looking very uncomfortable.
�When will we leave, then?� I asked.
�Around noon, and when we will arrive at the river, we will build a raft. I want to make a head start so we will arrive at the Black Mountain as soon as possible.�
~
�Are you done yet?� I yelled.
�Almost, now!� was the reply.
It was now two hours later and the guys were discussing something with Keene. Something that was top secret, at least for me, because Raghnall had requested me to wait outside. I had been waiting for fifteen minutes already, and they had told me it would only take a minute, so I was getting impatient. Sitting on the stairs that led to the temple, I pulled out Bredon and looked at the sword. It was actually hard to believe that this sword was really a God. And much to my disappointment, I still had not figured out what was so special about it, other than that you could chop people�s head off with it.
�We are ready.� A voice said into my ear and I turned my head to see Kayne standing behind me, smiling. I put Bredon back into his scabbard and stood up.
�How are we going to get to the river?� I asked.
�We will walk back to the ship, at the foot of the mountain, then fly to the river and go from there.� Kayne explained.
�Right. Well then, Master Keene, M�Kahless, it has been a pleasure to meet you!� I said while smiling at the two men.
�Hope you come back sometime, Shaylee!� The old man said and then they both waved us goodbye when we left.
The walk down the mountain wasn�t half as hard as up. For one, it was not snowing anymore and it helped that you did not have to drag yourself up the mountain. The sun was shining down on us and it was actually quite warm, and Cahal was in one of his talkative moods again.
�You know, I am not really afraid of water, it is just that I do not like getting wet. When I was some stupid guys pushed little me into the river�of course, I was only ten years back then, so I could not do anything�if only I had been a little bit bigger and stronger, I surely would have beaten them up! But, as I was saying, they pushed me into the river�it was a fast-streaming river, really, and they pushed me under the water with their feet. Then I got dragged away by the water and I could not swim to the surface and I was smashed against the rocks in the water and I surely would have died if a man had not saved me. He was really cool and kind but then he kind of forced me to � ouch!� Cahal stopped talking suddenly and put his hands over his forehead while doubling over, looking like he was in great pain.
�Cahal? Are you alright?� I asked, worried, while touching his shoulder softly with my hand. He looked up to me, tears leaking out of the corners in his eyes, trying his best to smile.
�I�I am fine, really. Just a little headache, heh heh�� He replied, not sounding very convincing.
�Are you sure? You do not look like you are alright�� Kayne said.
�Yes, yes, really. Do not worry about me! I can take a little pain, you know!� Cahal exclaimed, standing up and putting his fist in the air. �Let�s go! Find Aislin, and�Keir and his beautiful scepter that will soon be mind!� And he wiped his eyes with his sleeve and continued walking, leaving us behind, stunned.
�Right�I guess we should follow.� I said while shaking my eyes and following Cahal. I did not see the dark look Raghnall gave at the retreating man�s back.
~
The trip to the river had actually taken two days, maybe a little more or a little less. When we arrived at the foot of the mountain, we took Cahal�s ship to fly to the river. Unfortunately, there was almost no wind and that seemed to slow down the ship considerably. The scenery had been fun to watch at first, but slowly but surely I had gotten tired of the movements that the ship made, rocking me. My eyes had fallen shut and I do not know how long I had been sleeping until someone had awoken me.
�Shaylee? We are at the river now, wake up.�
�Huh?� I opened my eyes and saw that it had been Raghnall who had awoken me.
�We�re here.�
And he was right; I could hear the sound of water running from behind me. I turned around to see the river flowing right through a forest, with huge mountains looming in the background. Cahal was chopping up some trees with his scythe to make a raft from. I jumped off the ship, onto the ground and walked towards Kayne and Cahal, Raghnall following me.
�Will it take long? Making a raft, I mean.� I asked.
�I do not think so. We chop a few trees down and tie them together, so that we can stand on them.� Kayne explained.
And so it was done; Cahal chopped down ten trees and made a point at both ends of the trees. Kayne pulled some rope out of his sleeve, which I had no idea where is came from, but as Kayne was a wizard I supposed it was magic, and we tied the trees next to each other, so tight that they would not fall apart in the water. Then, we dragged the raft to the river slowly put it inside the water while holding it, so that it would not get caught with the streaming of the river.
�You jump on it, Shaylee.� Raghnall said.
�What? Why me?� I asked, surprised.
�You are the least heaviest of us all. We will see if you can stand on it first, and when it works, we will step on it, too.� The Elf explained.
�Right�� I said, not knowing if this was such a good idea. But I stepped on the raft anyway, foot by foot, and slowly walked to the middle of it. Then, I turned around and looked at the guys who were still on the edge of the river. �I think it is safe!�
The others jumped on too, and much to my surprise, the raft did not sink. Raghnall, Kayne and Cahal grabbed two long sticks they had cut off a tree, and pushed them against the bottom of the river, causing the raft to get caught in the stream and making it float on the water.
We were off.
~
�How much longer do you think it will take for us to get out of the mountains?� I asked.
�Not that much longer, I think. We have been on the river for two days now and we are going pretty fast. I should not take that much longer.� Kayne answered.
And it was true. We were on our second day on the water, and it felt like we had not moved at all. The scenery was about the same as at the beginning of the river, except for that we were now surrounded by huge mountains. Until now, there had not be any problems and we had been able to sail all day, save for a few stops to eat and drink something. It was now getting dark and there was fog between the mountains, making it hard to see where we were going. Luckily, the raft usually just went along with the stream so we did not have to do anything.
As the sun was setting, we slowly drifted along with the stream. I was half lying and half sitting on the middle of the raft, leaning back on my elbows and listening to the forest sounds. I heard an owl making the sound he always made when it was about to turn dark, and something, which sounded like a large bird flying through the trees. Peering into the forest, I looked if I could see the bird that made the sound. Much to my shock, I saw that a shadow of what appeared to be a human, only with two hugs black wings. It flew at the same pace as we were sailing, and when it saw I was watching, it winked at me and then disappeared into the shadows of the forest.
�D-did you guys see that?� I said with wide eyes, while standing up and checking if I could still see something.
�What?� Kayne asked.
�There was a person flying there, in the forest.�
�A person? Flying? What do you mean?� Raghnall said while looking at the forest, too.
�A person with big wings on his back, and they were looking at us.� I whispered softly.
�A p-person? What did he look like?� Cahal stuttered while clamping around the stick he was using to steer the raft.
�I do not know. Short hair, I think. It looked like I guy, but I am not sure.�
�Ah. R-right, well then�� The man mumbled.
�You would not know about this, would you now, Cahal?� Raghnall asked suspiciously.
�Me? Why would I?�
�Just asking.� And I could swear I heard Cahal sigh of relief, but it could also have been the sound Kayne made, as he was yawning. Raghnall saw it too, and he took pity on the wizard.
�Go to sleep, then. Cahal and I can take it from here. You can rest now.�
�Thank you.� Kayne said while rubbing his eyes. �I hope you do not mind too much; tomorrow I shall help you again.�
Cahal laughed and patted Kayne on his head. �Do not worry, little man! I am sure we will be able to handle it!�
�Little man�� Kayne grumbled in reply, but was too tired to do anything about it. He lied down next to me, and smiled.
�What do think of this journey so far, Shaylee?� He whispered.
�It is better than sitting at home in my village, doing stupid choirs! I never would want to have missed this.� I whispered back.
�I am glad you think that way.� The wizard smiled and then closed his eyes. �I would have continued to talk more with you, but I am too tired. I hope you do not mind.�
�It is okay, really! Goodnight, Kayne.� And I closed my eyes as well, the movement of the raft lulling me to sleep.
�Goodnight, Shaylee.�
~
At first I thought I was just dreaming about the demon that had attacked me that night in the temple. Once again, I felt hot breath on my face, although this one was not half as bad smelling as the demon�s. But, I figured, in dreams you were probably not able to smell things. The breath was there and it would not go away, so I opened my eyes, expecting to see the dream demon staring back at me. But, much to my surprise, it was not the demon I was looking at. I could only see one eye blinking in the moonlight, the other hidden beneath a black eye patch.
�C-cahal?� I mumbled, still not really believing it was not a dream.
�Sorry, Shaylee�� He whispered, and I could see him pulling up the scythe he carried with him, the metal shimmering in the pale light. He held the scythe up and then brought it down at a fast speed, aiming for my neck. My eyes widened in shock and then closed, and I fully expected to die right then. I could hear the singing of the blade as it came down, and then nothing.
�I do not think so.�
I slowly opened my eyes, only to see Raghnall standing between Cahal and me, holding the blade with two hands.
�W-what?� Cahal stammered.
�What were you doing just now, huh? And do not say you accidentally tripped.� The Elf growled.
�Um, well, ah! I am so sorry!� Cahal shouted the last part and moved the scythe above his head, causing Raghnall to let go. With an incredibly force, he moved it down again, in the general direction of Raghnall and me, but missed and the scythe hit the trees that made the raft.
�What�what is going on here?� Kayne yelled sleepily, apparently awoken.
�Cahal has gone crazy!� I shouted, while the man in question just put the scythe right between my legs.
�Hey!� Raghnall called out from behind me, and then moved within a flash right behind Cahal, grabbing the scythe by the wooden stick it was on. �Enough already, okay?� He pulled the scythe out of Cahal�s hands with force, causing the man to stagger, making the raft move even more. I held on to the ropes that held the raft together, praying that I would not fall off. When the raft was still once more, Raghnall threw the scythe into the water and then crosses his arms, looking at Cahal sternly.
�So, what is going on here?� Cahal looked as if he was about to cry and dropped to his knees.
�Before you kill me will you please listen to me?! I did not want this, they forced me to! I am so sorry, really, I do not know how I can ever make it up to you and if you have to kill me then so be it because I really deserve it! Oh, please do not kill me!�
�Cahal�� I said softly, crawling over to the man. �No one is going to kill anyone here. We would just like to know what happened. Why won�t you tell us, now?�
�They will kill me if I do�� He sniffled.
�Who, then? Who will kill you?� Kayne asked.
�Daman and his friends�� Cahal pouted.
�Daman?� Raghnall asked.
�Yeah. Remember the bird guy that was flying a few hours ago? That is he. I told you that I fell into the river when I was ten, right? He was the one that saved me, and he beat up those guys afterwards. But, when he was done, he said I owed him now and that I would have to do him a favor when he would ask. So a week ago, he came to me, saying that he needed my help with something. He said I needed to bring you guys to Morvyn so that Keir could get rid of you because Keir can�t just walk around in the sunlight for some reason. Honestly, I did not know he would kill you like that! He merely said �get rid of� and I was not sure what he meant by that and I thought you were the bad guys but then I met you and I saw that you were not evil at all but I still had to do something and I am just so sorry!� Cahal cried.
�Morvyn was just a trap�?� Kayne mumbled.
�Teagan died for nothing�� I whispered while looking at the calm river.
�Say, Cahal, dear friend, you would not know if this Daman guy has any more surprises for us, now do you?� Raghnall asked, obviously pissed off.
�I do not know anything�I just sometimes hear his voice in my head, telling me to do things, like tonight. He has not told me anything at all.�
�Right. And how about you? On whose side are you, now?
�Oh, do not doubt me! I would never betray you guys, never! Before was just a moment of weakness, trust me!� Cahal stammered. Suddenly, the wind picked up, letting my hair dance in front of my eyes. Then, it stopped, and I saw it.
Right on top of a tree, there was the silhouette of a man. Even though I could not see him well, I immediately knew who it was. The black wings behind him made him look like a bat in the night, and the black cape he was wearing only seemed to amplify that effect. I could hear him let out a soft chuckle, and knew that this was the man that Cahal was so frightened of.
�Tsk tsk�it is so hard to find good personnel these days. Is loyalty such a big thing to ask?� He said in a very regal way.
�You�you must be Daman, then?� Kayne asked. Daman jumped off the tree, and right onto the raft, without even making it move again. From up close, I could see that his hair was a midnight black and the color of his irises almost blended in with the white of his eyes, a very light gray. He was about 6�0� and looked a little bit older than Raghnall, about 25. As I had seen when he was standing on the tree, he was wearing a black cape, tight black pants, a button-up black long-sleeved black shirt and black boots. Underneath all those clothes, he looked really thin and with all this black, he looked almost like a huge bat.
�That is correct. And you are the little pests that have been bothering my master. I asked this idiot to get rid of you, and he cannot even complete such a simple task! I expected more of you, peasant. As it is, I have no more use for you, now. Please die.� And with one simple movement of Daman�s hand, Cahal seemed to be pulled up in the air by an invisible force, and thrown right into the water. There was a splash, and then the water seemed to be boiling, steam and smoke coming out of it. When it cleared, Cahal was gone.
�What did you do to Cahal?!� I gasped.
�Ah, I am glad that you have asked. You see, I have built in his handy little thing that makes your friend�how do I say it�allergic of water, as you can see. In other words, he has vaporized. Is it not magnificent?� Daman laughed.
�Vaporized? You mean you killed him?�
�My my, aren�t we observant! But, you are right. He was useless for me, so I got rid of him. I hope you do not mind!�
Dead. Cahal was dead and even if he did betray us, not saying what he really was up to, I still felt sad and angry and shocked. A weird feeling bubbled in my chest, making me see two laughing Damans. Raghnall seemed to notice, and stepped right before me, looking almost unemotional.
�Okay, that is enough. I knew I should have gotten rid of you when I had the chance.� He growled.
�Raghnall, you have met this guy before?� Kayne asked, surprised.
�Unfortunately, I have. It was a long time ago, but I will never forget such a thing.�
�Ah, but Mr. Elf, did we not have a good time? I was under the impression that we did!� Daman chuckled.
�Well, you were wrong. Now, tell me what you want of us and then leave. I do not want to look at your ugly face for another minute!� Raghnall yelled.
�Ugly?� Daman said, while stroking his own cheek with his hand. �Why, that is the first time someone has said that to me. How flattering, thank you!� His eyes then narrowed to slits. �But, back to business. My master, whom you may know as Keir, wants you gone. Trying to rescue Aislin is really noble, a gentleman like me must admit that, but to put it simply; you annoy him. And Master Keir does not like to be annoyed. So he has sent me to take you out. At first, I could not be bothered by going after little rats like you, so I sent your little friend Cahal to do the job. Apparently he was not worthy of this, so I shall have to do it myself. And now that I have met you, I must say that I will be glad to kill you with my own hands.�
And at the same moment when Daman had stopped talking, the raft stopped moving. I looked ahead of the river, and saw that it had turned into a little stream; instead of the water mass it had been earlier. When I looked back, I saw that we had left the mountains behind us. Our journey through the mountains was finished, but I doubted we would be able to continue.
�Do you want it quick and painless or slow and painful?� Daman asked, laughing.
�They do not want anything. You leave them alone, I will fight you.� Raghnall said.
�What? You can�t just take him on by yourself! You-� I started, but the Raghnall interrupted me.
�No. I will do it, and I do not want you to interrupt me. That goes for you too, Kayne.� He said while shooting a look at the wizard, who just nodded. He gave his bow, quiver and cape to me and then looked back at the demon. �Now then, Daman, shall we?�
�You were always the one for revenge, Mr. Elf. But, as you wish. I hope you do realize that when I finish with you, I will still get rid of your little friends.�
�Stop babbling, just fight!� Raghnall yelled, and pushed Daman into the forest with a force I did not know he had, and went right after him, until I could not see the both of them anymore.
~
Daman could not stop himself in time, and landed right against the trunk of a tree. With an �oof�, he slumped against it, but then quickly pulled himself up again just in time. Raghnall was raging right towards him, ready to strike. The Elf made a movement with his fist for the demon�s stomach, but Daman caught the fist with his hand easily.
�Eager, are we not?� He said with an amused tone in his voice, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
�If you mean eager to kill you, why yes I am.� Was the answer.
�If only you were this eager before�� Daman whispered while stroking Raghnall's cheek with his finger.
�Less talking!� The Elf yelled, and uppercut the demon with his right fist. Daman�s head flew against the tree, making him see stars for a second. He recovered quickly, though, and responded with a punch against Raghnall's cheek. Fists went flying and it was hard to tell who was winning, if there was anyone winning. The Elf and the demon seemed to be equals for each other, none of them on the winning hand. For every punch that Raghnall threw, Daman answered with one of his own. You could hardly see the two fighters anymore, at the speed they were going, and every animal in the forest was holding its breath, uncertain of which one of the men would be victorious.
Daman seemed to notice that his hitting his opponent was not getting them anywhere, so he decided to pull out one of his more powerful attacks. Just after Raghnall had hit him in the stomach, he pretended to be doubled over in pain, while in reality he was preparing his attack. He made a ball of his hands and then whispered an incantation in a language that only demons could speak. Then, he moved his hands slightly apart, a black ball of energy forming between them. And when the last word was whispered, he stood up again and spread his arms. Seemingly from out of nowhere, a huge swarm of bats with big black wings and sharp, white teeth was flying towards Raghnall, attacking the demons opponent, biting him, tearing at his flesh, making him fall onto the soggy forest ground. Daman just watched, and chuckled.
�Not so fierce now, aren�t we, Mr. Elf?� The demon laughed. But, to his surprise, a burning flame surrounded Raghnall and stroke out towards the bats, consuming them and making them into nothing more than ashes. Raghnall stood up and crushed the last bat that was still gnawing at his left ear, not even hurt badly save for a few scratches here and there. He wiped the blood that was leaking from a corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, and laughed.
�You were saying?�
�Damn you!� Daman screamed, lunging towards the Elf once again. They were back at where they had started; running, almost floating, through the forest with an amazing speed. Light flashes could be seen all through the forest from the pure energy that the two created. It was one of those light flashes that forced them apart, each in another direction. Both of them were trying to catch their breath and sweat was dripping over their bodies. Daman smirked.
�Tired already, Mr. Elf?�
�You do not look so good yourself, either.� Raghnall commented.
�I think it is time to end this.� Daman growled.
�Already? I was just getting started.�
�Silence!� The demon screamed, then threw his hands up in the air and moved them down again, pointing at Raghnall. The latter was thrown against a tree, his arms beside his head and his legs spread. Daman mumbled something, an incantation in the demon language again, and then a bright red pentagram began to glow right behind the Elf. When Raghnall tried to move himself, he found that he couldn�t; he was stuck against the pentagram.
�What�what have you done with me?� Raghnall asked, while squirming and trying to free himself from the pentagram�s hold.
�Ah, just a simple spell. And you can stop trying to get loose, because it is impossible. This beautiful pentagram only frees people when I tell it to. Too bad, Mr. Elf, but things stop here for you.� Daman moved to stand right in front of Raghnall, their faces only a few inches apart. With his right index finger, the demon stroked the Elf�s jaw and smiled in a sinister way. �Or perhaps, you would like to have some fun before I end your life�?�
�I would rather die!� Raghnall answered and spitted in the demon�s face. Daman hissed and wiped it off with the back of his hand, and then looked back at Raghnall, fire now blazing into his eyes.
�Then so be it!� Daman placed his hands on the shoulders of the other man, staring directly into his eyes. At first, Raghnall did not feel a thing, but then somehow there seemed to be a fire building inside his body, trying to get out but not finding a way. All in all, it felt like Daman was blowing his body up from the inside.
�What�� He whispered, not able to say anything else.
�Does it hurt? Does it burn? Poor Mr. Elf, I can imagine that you are not very comfortable right now. I�m putting some of my energy in you, and I do not think it is compatible with an Elven body such as yours, do you?�
�Stop it��
�You would like that, would you not? I am sorry, Mr. Elf, but you asked for this yourself! I could have spared you, or at least given you a less painful death, if only you would have taken my offer. Remember, just like old times? You surely must remember how much fun we used to have�?� Daman said with a smile.
Raghnall said nothing, but inside he was boiling, and he did remember those old times. Times he would rather erase out of his memory. But, he kept quiet, not showing on the outside what was going on on the inside; assembling the power he knew he had, turning it in a tight little ball in his chest, then moving out to his arms and legs. The heat was almost unbearable for the Elf, but he did not even wince as it arose on the surface, exposing on his wrists and ankles, burning away the invisible shackles that made him the prisoner of the pentagram. It sizzled and smoke came off, startling Daman who quickly took a step back, just in time before the pentagram broke with a huge bang. Smoke made it impossible for the demon to see what was happening for a moment, but when it cleared, he could see the silhouette of the Elf, a little hunched over but still standing.
�What�?� Daman gasped.
�Did you honestly think that I would be destroyed by scum like you that easily?� Raghnall smirked.
Daman quickly regained himself. �I see that you have grown stronger, and I am very impressed. But, too bad for you, I have learned some new tricks as well.�
�You are not scaring me, with all your talking. Let�s see if you are really that tough!� And even though the attack Daman had used on Raghnall, the Elf did not seem bothered by the injuries he had at all. Fists were flying again and one could see that Daman was slightly taken aback by the strength of his opponent. He felt like he could not win on the ground, which was practically the domain of the Elf, and decided to take the fight to a whole new level. The demon grabbed Raghnall by his collar and with only one swish of his big wings, they were high up in the air.
�What�what are you doing?!� Raghnall yelled in the demon�s face.
�As much as I like having fun with you, I have other things to attend to. So, I hope you do not mind when I say that I will end this now.� Daman said with a smile on his face.
�You talk too much! I would like to see you try and kill me.� Raghnall replied.
�Ah, ah, ah, Mr. Elf, but you are forgetting one thing: we are in the air. I can fly because I have a nice pair of wings, and you cannot. Do you see my point?�
�Oh, but you are the one that is forgetting something!�
�Which might be�?� The demon questioned.
�Wings can be broken!� And the Elf grabbed the bones of the demon�s wings with both of his hands, and pulled them down quickly. Before Daman could even react, two loud snaps were heard and the bone pierced through the thin flesh covering it, blood streaming over Daman�s shoulders and Raghnall's hands. The demon screamed in agony and struggled to keep both him and his prisoner in the air.
�You�you have broken my wings!� He gasped.
�My, my, are we not observant?� Raghnall commented, mimicking the words Daman had said earlier.
�Hah�but you will die too!� Daman said, obviously in pain.
�We will see about that!�
Daman lost the strength to keep them in the air, and both men plummeted down to the ground. The wind blew through their hair and clothes and if anyone except for Shaylee and Kayne had seen them, they surely would have thought it had been a huge meteor, falling from the sky. Unlike Daman, who was busy trying to stay conscious, Raghnall was looking for a way to escape from this certain death he would meet at the ground. The trees blocked the view to the earth and all too soon, they fell through the green maze of the leaves, twigs tearing at their skin and Raghnall felt a particularly sharp branch piercing through his side, before he took his change and grabbed a big branch that was close to the ground. Daman was less lucky; he landed on the dark earth with a big thud, and did not move anymore. When he was sure the demon was out cold, Raghnall let go of the branch and landed softly on the ground, wincing in pain as he bended over a little. He touched his right side with his hand softly, and looked at the fingertips that were now stained red. However, this did not stop him from walking closed to the demon that was lying on the ground on his stomach, and prodded him with his foot. When he got no response, he lifted his hands above his head and created a little ball of fire. The ball started to grow to a respectable size, growing bigger and bigger until it was even bigger than the Elf himself. And just before Raghnall was finished, Daman groaned from his spot off the ground and looked up to see his opponent standing there, ready to strike. He opened his mouth to say something, but Raghnall interrupted him.
�Do not whine, you got what you deserve.�
He threw the ball.
~
�Did you see that?� I asked, peering into the forest.
�What?� Kayne replied, facing the other way, looking at the mountains we had just left behind.
�Fire. There was fire in the forest for a second. Do you think that is a good or a bad sign?� I was hopping from one foot on the other, hoping to see a sign Raghnall was not hurt.
�I would say a good sign, as Raghnall's strength is fire. But I could be wrong.�
�It better be��
Standing here, waiting for Raghnall to come back, was one of the most agonizing moments I had had in my whole life. There was no way of knowing if Raghnall was all right, except for the occasional explosion that could be heard from the dark forest. The last thing I had seen was one (or was it two?) figure, high up in the air, and then it suddenly fell back down to the earth. Then, a few moments later, I could see a soft fire glowing, and then an explosion. After that it was quiet again.
�Do you think we should go check? You know, just to be sure�� I commented anxiously.
�He said not to follow him.� Was the reply.
�I know, but�hey, what is that?� I started, but stopped when I saw a dark figure approaching us. It was impossible to tell whether it was Daman or Raghnall, but I could see that the person was badly hurt. He was limping and having trouble walking; it seemed he was hurt in his side, as he was putting his hand on it. I was not sure as to who it was, until the pale moonlight fell onto the figure and illuminated the long, blonde hair.
�Raghnall!� I exclaimed, and then ran towards the Elf, Kayne right behind me. When I approached him, I could see that he was indeed badly hurt. His shirt was soaked in blood on his right side and his left arm was standing in a weird position that did not look natural. Raghnall had fallen to his knees and I crouched before him, taking in his injuries. �You are hurt��
�It is nothing, really, it will heal. Just give it some ti-� He started, but was interrupted by a series of coughs. To my shock, blood splattered on the ground.
�Nothing? You call this nothing? You will die if you stay this way!� I shrieked.
�Shaylee.� Kayne said calmly.
�What?�
�Calm yourself. I think I can heal him.�
�Heal him?� I asked flabbergasted, not knowing the wizard could do such a thing.
�Keene taught me how to heal a person while I was training in his temple. I have no done it for a long time, but I think I can help.�
�You do not have to. I told you, I am fine and it hardly hurts.� Raghnall objected.
�You know, you are a really bad liar. It does not help that it is pretty obvious that it hurts like hell. Now, won�t you let Kayne heal you and you will feel better.� I countered.
�Right�� The Elf sighed, giving in. Kayne pushed him backwards, so that he was leaning on his elbows. He lifted up Raghnall's shirt, revealing a gaping wound. I gasped a little in surprise and Raghnall gave me a half-smile, trying to reassure me. Kayne put his hands above the wound.
�Now just lay still, this might hurt a little�� The wizard said, and from his hands came a dark purple glow, which streamed into the wound. Raghnall winced a little, signaling that it did hurt. But, wonder by wonder, I could actually see the bleeding stop and the wound getting smaller. The edges grew towards each other slowly, and within five minutes the wound was as good as gone, only a little scar showing that it had once been there.
�Wow�� I whispered, amazed.
�I need to fix your arm.� Kayne said, looking serious. �It needs to be put back into its original shape before I can fix the bone. I wish I could say it will not hurt, but I know it will.�
Raghnall just laughed softly. �Do not worry, I can take a little pain.�
�Let me take off your shirt.� And he did so, with Raghnall's help. The lower part of his arm was standing in an unnatural position and Kayne grabbed it softly with both of his hands. �Are you ready?� Raghnall nodded and I grabbed the hand of his good arm, and Kayne started to pull and push the bone into the right position again. I felt Raghnall squeeze into my hand and it hurt, but I bear it, knowing that the Elf must have been in much greater pains than myself. Then, I heard a snap and it was over.
�Don�t pass out, now.� I whispered into Raghnall's ear.
�It takes more for me to pass out, really.� Raghnall said, trying his best to reassure me. Kayne put his hand over Raghnall's arm and again, a purple glow came from his hands, now fixing the bone inside the Elf�s arm. When he was done, the wizard laid back, leaning on his elbows and wiping some sweat off his forehead.
�Now I am tired.� He sighed.
�Thanks a lot, Kayne.� Raghnall commented while twisting his now healed arm.
�Raghnall�� I started. �What happened to Daman?�
�He is dead. We will never see him again.� Raghnall said grimly.
�You have met him before, have you not? You said so yourself. When was this?�
�It was a long time ago, and I want to forget about that. I would rather not talk about it, sorry.� He replied, looking the other way. Behind his back, Kayne and I exchanged a look, not sure what to think of this.
�If you want it that way�� Kayne mumbled.
�Yes, that is the way I want it. Now stop about it, okay?� Raghnall snapped, and then quickly changed the subject. �By the way, I just can�t believe that idiot Cahal betrayed us like that. I should have known better, someone that stupid couldn�t be for real.�
�How can you say that?� I said, my voice raised just a little. �Daman killed him and you whine about betrayal? It was obvious Cahal had no other choice, or he would not have done it, I am sure of that!�
�Oh, and how do you know? You obviously did not know him as well as you thought you did.� Raghnall replied.
�He said so himself! Did he not say that he did not want to do this? It was Daman that ordered him to! He did not want to kill us at all!�
�Probably just to give himself an excuse for suddenly attacking us.�
�I do not care what you say about him. I think your little demon friend set him up and made him do things for him. Cahal could not help the situation he was in, at all.� I said, not believing what Raghnall was saying.
�He is not my little demon friend!� Raghnall shouted.
�Okay, then he is not. But I do not want you saying such things about Cahal. Not now.�
�Fine, fine, I will not say anything about him anymore. Now, I say we just sleep here because I do not think I can walk another step.� Raghnall said.
�Whatever you say.� I said, my arms crossed and now leaning against a tree. I did not want to admit that I was tired too, for I had not been able to sleep much on the raft. But I did not say this; I was upset with Raghnall and the way he thought about Cahal. From what I heard, Cahal had not want to kill us at all; Daman was forcing him to. And I could not understand how Raghnall could say such things, just after Cahal died! I then closed my eyes, deciding not to think about it anymore, as it only made my head hurt.
~
And for once I was actually the first to wake up. The sun had already risen above the trees, and the light shone right into my eyes, waking me. I decided to wash my face in the river, getting the sleep out of my eyes. As I splashed the cold water into my face, I could swear I saw Cahal�s face in the river, instead of my own reflection. The water temporarily blinded my vision, and when I looked again it was already gone. I rubbed my eyes, figuring it was just my imagination. I stood up when I heard something behind me and turned to see that it was Kayne.
�Good morning, Shaylee.� He said softly.
�Morning, Kayne.� I said. �Hey, Kayne�can I ask you a question?�
�Sure, what is it?� Kayne said with his head turned to look at the mountains again.
�Do you�do you know why Raghnall does not want to talk about what happened with Daman and him?� I asked.
�I�I heard he was captured by the demon a long time ago. And that is all I want to tell you about it.�
�Why?�
�Because-� Kayne started, but was interrupted by a harsh voice.
�Because it is not a story that should be heard by little girls.� I turned around to see Raghnall leaning against a tree. �Did I not tell you to shut up about it?�
��Sorry�� I mumbled. Kayne decided to change the subject.
�We should be thinking of where were are going now. We still have a long way to go, before we arrive at the Black Mountain.�
�A long way?� I asked. �Is it still far, then?�
�Well, it actually is not that far, however there are volcanoes on the way, but I do not think they are active. I suggest we go on our way now, and just think of what to do later.�
�Volcanoes?� I asked, as I had never seen a volcano before. �You mean those fire mountains?�
�Yes, those.� Kayne replied.
�What are we waiting for, then? Come on, let�s go. Keir is waiting for us!� Raghnall shouted, enthusiastic again all of a sudden. He started walking in the opposite direction from where we had just come from, and we could only follow.
~
The walk was actually longer than I had originally thought. We had left the forest behind us quite a while ago, and were now walking in what was grass that had grown almost taller than me. It made it very hard to walk and see if we were actually going into the right direction, but Kayne and Raghnall seemed confident enough. When I jumped up a little, I could see the volcanoes looming in the background, and I hoped Kayne was right and that they really were not active. I noticed that the grass was getting shorter, and soon it was gone and I could see the volcanoes in all their glory. There were much bigger than I had expected, and some of their tops were glowing red, signaling that lava was coming out.
�I thought you said they were not active?� I asked Kayne.
�I must have been mistaken�� The wizard replied, flabbergasted.
�What now? Surely we can�t walk through them, now. I suppose we have to go all around them.� I sighed, disappointed.
�I do not think we have another choice.�
�Let�s go, then�� I started, but then I saw Raghnall intensely looking at something in the distance. �Raghnall?�
�Do you see that?� The Elf said, not taking his eyes off the thing he was looking at.
�What?� I asked, trying to see what he was looking at.
�There is some kind of light there.�
�Where�? Oh!� I exclaimed, now seeing the light too. There, in the distance, seemingly at the foot of a mountain, was a tiny dot of light blinking at us. It looked like someone was holding a piece of glass into the sunlight and turning it our way. �What is that?�
�Let�s go check it out.� And before he had even finished the sentence, Raghnall sprinted towards the mountains.
�Wait for us!�
~
The light was actually a big, bronze door made of two parts that was made inside the mountain, so that one could go inside of it. However, right now it was closed, showing the beautiful artwork that was crafted into it. I saw what was a beautiful woman, her hands held up on either side of her body like a balance. She was wearing almost nothing, he long, curly hair covering her breasts and only short, thorn skirt. On the places where her eyes should have been, there were two shining sapphires placed. All around her, there were pictures of animals, mountains and even weird letters I could not read. On the edge that was made around the door, there were more letters and on the woman�s exposed belly, there was a round disc.
�What do you think that is behind that door?� I wondered.
�I have no idea and I can�t think of a way how to get in there, either.� Kayne mumbled. Raghnall said nothing, but instead stepped forward and put his hand on the disc in the middle of the door. At first, nothing happened, and then there was a lot of squeaking as the door slowly parted. When it was fully opened, it revealed a dark, gaping passageway right into the mountain. Kayne and I both looked at Raghnall oddly, and he just shrugged.
�Lucky guess. Want to go in?�
�I do not think that is such a good idea. We do not know what is on the other side.� I objected.
�Let�s find out then, shall we?� He stepped into the cave, disappearing into the darkness. I hesitated and stared into the cave, not sure of what to do next.
�Do I really have to go in there?� Kayne just smiled at me and spread his left hand. Before I could even blink, there was a yellow ball of light right there on his palm. �Thank you.� I said, smiling.
�You are welcome. Now come on, let�s follow Raghnall.�
I stepped into the cave, darkness enveloping me. I heard Kayne follow me, the ball of light now illuminating the walls. Like on the door, there were strange letters and figures carved into the walls, still in that unknown language. When I looked ahead, I could see the figure of Raghnall standing a few feet ahead in the cave, looking impatient.
�Took you long enough.� He said grumpily. I just smiled at him brightly, hoping to get him out of his sulky mood. He said nothing and turned around, continuing his way.
�Kayne, can you read this?� I asked the wizard who was still walking behind me.
�Some of it. I have studied a lot of languages, but I cannot remember them all. I think what is written here is the telling about the beginning of the world.�
�I wonder who would bother with making the tunnel and then carving all these letters in it.�
�People who have nothing better to do!� Raghnall laughed, his voice echoing through the tunnel. I chose not to reply to that, and just continue walking. And because it was so dark, except for the little ball Kayne was holding, I lost all sense of time. My feet told me we had been walking for hours now although I could hardly believe that was true. I was just about to suggest that we should take a break, when I saw a tiny dot of light in the darkness. Apparently Raghnall saw it too, because he began to walk faster. The dot began to grow fast and soon I saw that this was actually the end of the tunnel. Soon, we reached the end and I quickly ran out, free from the darkness of the cave. The light outside temporarily blinded my eyes and I had to blink a couple of times so that I could see what was around me.
