Forbidden Sorcery "Save me..."

FORBIDDEN SORCERY

Save me…

(Part 2 of the series)

by

Doug Swift

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A fantasy adventure tale

Copyright 2000 Doug Swift

Copyright 2020 Doug Swift

Published by Doug Swift at Smashwords

License Note

This ebook is copyrighted property of the author and may not be sold or redistributed to others. Copies for additional readers may be purchased at your favorite ebook retailer.

Table of Contents

Chapter 18 Noble Sacrifice

Chapter 19 Death of a Friend

Chapter 20 Prisoner of the Enemy

Chapter 21 City of Greed

Chapter 22 Myreena’s Grief

Chapter 23 Smuggler’s Den

Chapter 24 Joining of Minds

Chapter 25 Mercy Dust

Chapter 26 Defeat

Chapter 27 Death in the Mines

Chapter 28 Captured by Ogres

Chapter 29 Greater Evil Arises

Chapter 30 Final Confrontation

Chapter 31 Myreena’s Contentment

About the author

Chapter 18 - Noble Sacrifice

Princess Vyrelli tried to fight the feelings of despair. She was a prisoner again, captured by the Voggs. Here friends were probably all dead. She'd seen one huge Vogg carry off Cindee, and Danus race to her rescue, a mistake that surely cost him his life. The thought pained her no end. She'd also seen two Imperial Guardsmen cut down in a bloody slaughter, poor Kilmer and Jared. She'd ran, she'd run so hard so couldn't breathe any more, but they'd caught her anyway. By the time it took the four Voggs to kill her guards, she'd been out of the meadow and onto the road leading back to the giant's village in the trees.

Vyrelli, stop, one of the Voggs shouted at her.

Something in his voice had caused her to hesitate. Despite her terror, she glanced back at the young man now chasing after her. It was Ban’Thor, the scribe who helped her escape earlier from the main camp of the Green Horde, the one who saved her from Pres’B, the one Danus almost killed when she was rescued. He was also the one who’s father had ordered him to behead her, and he’d almost done so.

She was so terrified she couldn’t think rationally. She'd seen a large dark Vogg come out of the woods and beat Cindee senseless, then carry her off back into the woods. Then, to her terror, a squad of Voggs rushed into the meadow coming after her. She'd fled for her life towards the two Imperial Guardsmen keeping watch at the edge of the meadow. They sprang forward nobly to her defense and a battle ensured. To her amazement and horror, the Voggs paired off against Kilmer and Jared and systematically proceeded to kill them both. Two of Vyrelli's brave new friends, dead, just like Xult and the others who had tried to protect her in Posk. She'd fled up the narrow trail towards the village, but her servant’s smock prevented her from running very fast.

Stop, please, Ban’Thor caught up to her in no time and reached for her wrist.

She swatted at his hand, then stumbled and fell to the ground trying to escape his reaching grasp. She was becoming hysterical.

Stop it, Ban’Thor pinned her to the ground. Be still before the others catch up. For your own safety, be still.

She saw them coming. Two large men dressed in blackish blue armor. She gasped at the sight of their faces through helmut grills. They were most horrible in appearance. Their skin was an ugly purple color, the texture of a nasty bruise.

Ban’Thor, you caught her, the first one grumbled in appreciation. He slapped Ban'Thor on the back.

Yes Beetle, Ban’Thor stood up and pulled Vyrelli to her feet.

The second one drew up to Ban’Thor and also slapped him hard on the back, making a loud thwack against Ban’Thor's leather armor. You fought well, lad. Perhaps you would make a candidate for the Purple Swarm.

Thank you Spider, Ban’Thor nodded, although Vyrelli noticed him shudder.

Gag her, the one called Beetle directed.

Ban’Thor hurried to obey and pulled a cloth from his belt. He placed it gently around Vyrelli's mouth. As he tied the gag, he whispered into her ear, so only she could hear, I'm sorry, forgive me.

Slimy slugs, those two could fight, exclaimed the Vogg called Spider. He pulled a small pouch from his belt, extracted a pinch of white powder, and handed the pouch to his comrade.

Didn't you recognize their weaponry? Beetle exclaimed appreciatively. Llangoran Imperial Guardsmen, if I'm not mistaken.

Where’s Centipede? Ban’Thor asked, looking about.

Dead, answered Spider. He died in battle with blood on his sword, the Purple Vogg nodded, as if there was little more a man could ask out of life.

Come, let’s be off, Beetle commanded. There are giants about, and more Imperial Guardsmen, I'll wager.

I would like to have tried my sword one-to-one against an Imperial Guardsman, Spider lamented.

That would be grand, Beetle agreed, in high spirits after a fresh kill. But we have a job to do first.

It’s a shame, said Spider. Those two were the best I've ever fought, and they died bravely.

Come, the horses, Beetle motioned, and they started through the woods.

Ban’Thor grabbed Vyrelli’s wrist to pull her along. She resisted and he turned on her with concern, You must cooperate, he whispered fiercely. These purple ones would just as soon smack you unconscious and drag you by your hair.

Vyrelli was shocked. She acquiesced and allowed the Ban’Thor to pull her through the woods after the two horrible ones.

They came across a third Purple Swarm hidden in a hollow with the horses. Ahh, you got her, he greeted his comrades. Did you draw blood?

Greetings Scorpion, Spider answered. We fought with Imperial Guardsmen no less, and killed two.

I wish to have been there. Where’s Centipede and Mantis?

Centipede is dead, and Mantis disappeared in the woods with a maiden. We thought she was the princess at first and he chased off after her. She was dressed more like a princess than this one, but Ban’Thor said she wasn’t the one.

Vyrelli looked at Ban’Thor with disappointment and he looked aside.

The Vogg continued as they reached their horses. She was probably a double to throw us off. That was the last we saw of Mantis. He got too excited and rushed after her too quickly. Leave his horse and let’s ride, he will catch up to us if he can. Don’t know what’s taking so long, perhaps the giants got him. Without another word, or the least feelings of regret for two fallen comrades, they mounted and prepared to leave.

Ban’Thor helped Vyrelli onto a horse. She could tell he was trying to be gentle, but he left her gag in place and he tied her hands to the saddle horn. Keeping hold of the reins to her horse, he mounted up himself and they departed south towards the border.

The three remaining Purple Swarm and Ban’Thor rode for several hours until coming to a small stream where Beetle called a stop to water the horses and refresh their water skins. Ban’Thor untied the rope around Vyrelli's wrist and offered a hand to assist her down. Refusing him, she haughtily slid from her horse on the opposite side. He came around the horse as she pulled the gag from her mouth. Having that cloth between her teeth had left her extremely parched and angry. She glared at Ban’Thor to let him know her displeasure. He handed her a water-pouch.

Vyrelli accepted the water skin and turned her back to him. She made her way to the steam and filled the water skin and drank thirstily. Wiping her mouth, she noticed Ban’Thor watching her. Why are you staring at me? she said loudly.

Ban’Thor looked towards the Purple Swarm with alarm. If it were possible for you to be quiet, I might convince them to leave the gag off.

How very gracious of you.

Ban’Thor’s face softened with compassion. I'm sorry this has happening to you.

Sorry, you're the one that told them about me.

Well, yes, but I was merely doing my duty. Nothing personal, believe me.

Kidnapping is personal.

Look, I know this situation is difficult, but I'll do my best to make things easier for you, if you let me.

You could let me go, Vyrelli said.

I would if it was up to me, but you are of value to the empire and that must transcend personal considerations.

Right, Vyrelli looked away. Who are those monsters? she shuddered.

Purple Swarm, Ban’Thor frowned. Haven't you heard of them, the Purple Swarm, elite warriors of the Emperor Mein'Ja Sloth? Try to avoid eye contact, they anger easily, and please don't do anything to aggravate them.

They’re horrible, I never knew such a hideous people existed.

Their looks aren’t natural. They die their skin purple, and those scars on their cheeks are self-inflicted. They purposely make themselves repulsive and take upon them the names of insects, having given their souls to the Swarm.

Vyrelli shuddered and looked at Ban’Thor unevenly. What is to become of me?

You will be taken to Deursh Canyon, but not as a slave for the mine pits. Prince Vurn'Rah Sloth is waiting there to receive you.

Vyrelli was not sure she liked the thought of falling into the hands of a Sloth any better than laboring in the horrible mine pits. They go to much trouble for one Llangoran maiden, she spoke softly.

You are the Princess of Llangora, a daughter of the House of Panther. Your capture could have great significance towards helping the war effort, politically and diplomatically. But it is not you alone the Purple Voggs seek?

She was almost afraid to ask. Meaning what?

Your capture will help facilitate the death of one of Mein'Ja's greatest enemies, a Panther.

You mean Duke Tomakk, Vyrelli's eyes went wide.

Before Ban’Thor could answer, one of the purple ones approached and interrupted rudely, We shall not delay any longer, let us re-mount.

What’s your hurry? Spider questioned from the stream, as he splashed water upon his ugly purple-tinted face.

We don't want to be too obvious, Beetle responded.

Vyrelli was aghast. They were stalling, hoping for pursuit. They wanted her cousin, Duke Tomakk, to follow.

Cindee Fokefish walked through the village in a daze. The camp was alive with giants bustling about in all directions. An alarm had been sounded, a call to arms, humans had violated their territory. She entered the lodge where they slept and looked about for Danus. Jared set up at her intrusion. His wounds were bandaged and he looked much improved. She and Danus had been charged to tend to his needs while Duke Tomakk and the three remaining Imperial Guardsmen chased after the Voggs who took Princess Vyrelli. Have you seen Danus? she asked Jared.

He was just here a moment ago, Jared said. Something alarmed him and he hurried out.

Cindee felt a tingle of fear. Where could he be headed?

I wouldn’t know, but he looked distraught, Jared commented.

Cindee hurried outside to search for Danus. The whole village was in an uproar, how could she ever hope to find him? She cupped her hands to her face and called his name. On the third try, she was startled by a voice almost directly overhead, coming from the branches of a massive oak tree.

Cindee, will you please be quiet?

Cindee stared up at a tangle of leafy branches. Danus, are you in the tree? she called him, but there was no answer. Danus, we must speak, she pleaded. She approached the tree trunk and reached for one of the lower limbs. Then she noticed two men watching her, not giants, but humans. She froze. They wore the dark robes of seers, just like those worn by Raylor Ocean. They looked at her and she felt strange tentacles of darkness reaching out to her mind, touching her thoughts. She started to tremble.

They came forward and stood before Cindee. This is a curious one, the foremost spoke.

Yes, she’s been endowed with the gift.

An exception discovery, it’s so rare to find an uncatalogued potential seeress? They spoke of her as if she was a prize they had just found?

What is she doing here among the giants?

Cindee fell to her knees. She wanted to climb into the tree with Danus and hide.

We must investigate further; but first, the abomination.

He is near, I feel him.

His cloaking methods are complex, but I feel him too.

Be careful, my brother, he is reported to be dangerous. Two inquisitors have died already, seeking him.

My shields are up.

This girl was calling to him vocally, perhaps we should probe her mind?

Cindee felt like screaming. She wanted to turn and run, but her limbs were frozen. When a probe suddenly poked into her mind, she did scream, a scream of panic and fear, as if evil was touching her soul. Suddenly there was a loud thud, and the probe withdrew from her mind. Feeling like she was going to faint, Cindee stumbled and started to fall. Someone caught her by the arm.

Leave her alone, Danus demanded impetuously. He pulled her behind his back. Cindee stifled a sob, this was the second time today he'd come to her rescue despite great peril.

The inquisitors faced him. Danus Grebarr, we are representatives of the Master Venerate of the Society of Hai Alba.

I know who you are, Danus spoke defiantly, and erected a rotating spiral defensive shield around his mind. There was no point in pretending to be a novice.

You have been trained in the art of seercraft without the approval of Hai Alba.

Danus figured his only hope lay in bluffing. The fact he was not trained by them meant the extent of his powers were unknown. He noticed two low-energy probes covertly evaluating his defensive shield. He shifted to a convex twirler, just in case they’d found any weakness in his spiral.

It is blasphemy, one inquisitor spoke, his voice eerily soft.

Danus didn’t flinch. I owe no allegiance to Hai Alba.

They attacked simultaneously, the sudden thrust bursting Danus' defensive shield with a pop. He ducked their probes, letting his shield fold aside rather than trying to block. Going on the counterattack, he shot a two-pronged mental thrust at the one on the right, whom he sensed was the weaker of the two. The inquisitor blocked Danus' thrust, but the force staggered him. Meanwhile, his companion threw a sliding jab-probe at Danus.

Suddenly all went blank as a wall formed between Danus and the inquisitors. Reeling in surprise, Danus stumbled backwards. He tried the wall. It was hard and solid, pure mental energy, so strong it needed no twists or spirals for reinforcement. The inquisitors seemed as astonished by the wall as he was.

Let there be peace in the tribal land of Jes’norr, a high pitched, young female voice intoned. Then Danus saw Tiittii, the witch-woman of the giants. Towering over them, she seemed to be speaking down at them like some supernatural entity addressing children.

The inquisitors did not look pleased. Who dares interfere with sanctioned business of the Master Venerate? one cried out. They were angry, yet restrained themselves from attacking her.

Tiittii stared down at the inquisitors, The Treaty of Mount Lannorr outlines specific agreements between the people of the giants and the Hai Alba.

Yes, the inquisitor responded. And the treaty grants free access throughout your lands for inquisitors seeking criminals.

True, but there are specific rules governing the pursuit of fugitives. First, a petition must be presented before the Council of Elders.

That clause does not apply to human refugees. It was intended for giants who committed crimes against humanity or the Eternal Axioms of Civilization.

Tiittii ignored him. The Council of Elders meets again in three days. She dropped her mind wall.

This is preposterous, that clause has never been enforced for humans, the inquisitor argued.

These humans are guests of Chief Pleebretty.

Wait, I believe the Treaty of Mount Lannorr also forbids giants from harboring fugitives. So, you are not to shield the human from us. We have an official sanction from the Master Venerate against one Danus Grebarr. You may not protect him. You must turn him over to us.

Tiittii looked thoughtful for a moment, then responded, We shall not harbor the human called Danus, but neither shall you pursue him in our lands without first presenting a petition to the Council of Elders. She turned to Danus, You must leave our territory immediately.

What? Danus exclaimed.

Tiittii was empathic, You must leave our lands immediately.

Danus noticed a crowd of giants had gathered. He saw a look of frustration on the faces of the inquisitors. He started to back away, and felt a hand on his forearm.

Cindee clutched at Danus, Wait Danus, where will you go?

One of the inquisitors spoke to Tiittii. We shall play by your rules, giant, and not touch him until he crosses out of your lands, but the Master Venerate shall surely hear of this interference.

Tiittii nodded agreement and spoke to Danus, Go now, Danus Grebarr, with no delays, or lose my protection.

You can't, Cindee cried out. We’re supposed to wait here for Duke Tomakk and take care of Jared. She started to choke and Danus realized the witch was constricting her throat. He had to get away now. He turned and fled for the horses.

Vyrelli felt her hopes sink when her kidnappers crossed out of the Land of Giants and once again took her into the Dark Empire, but even worries about her own safety were eclipsed by concerns for her cousin; and, to her own amazement, worry about the safety of that peasant boy she'd kissed, Danus Grebarr. Two hours ago her captors had first noticed pursuers, four Llangorans on horseback, and one of them probably Duke Tomakk. The Purple Voggs were elated. They’d picked up the pace and gleefully led Tomakk and his comrades toward the land of Voggs. By the time the Vogg war party reached the border, Tomakk and his men were scarcely beyond the range of archers.

Let's slow a bit more, Beetle ordered, as they crossed the border. We almost have them back in the empire and away from interference from giants.

Vyrelli glanced back fretfully. Couldn’t Tomakk see they were leading him into a trap? Surely he would turn back at the border. Why had he ever thought to lead a rescue party into the Vogg Empire? Just for her? It was suicide.

Another short distance further into the Dark Empire and they reached a small canyon. The Voggs commanded their horses into a gallop and plunged into the canyon, which appeared to have no exit. The Llangorans would think the Voggs were trapped. Midway through the canyon they rounded a bend, and Vyrelli saw why her captors had gone that way - a full detachment of Vogg regulars waited there. She estimated at least a hundred foot warriors and fifty mounted warriors. Her purple swarm captors reigned in their horses and were met by a dozen men, one of which appeared to be in charge.

Is this her, the Llangoran princess? the man demanded with curiosity, as the Voggs dismounted and drug Vyrelli off her horse.

The one and only, Beetle smiled broadly.

The leader scowled at the insolence of Beetle, but let it slide. What about Duke Tomakk?

On our trail, coming fast.

You actually stole into giant territory and snatched her away?

Have you ever known Purple Swarm to fail?

The captain looked at Vyrelli critically. He reached out and lifted her chin. So this is the legendary Llangoran Princess. She doesn't look like much now, nothing more than a dirty peasant child. She is pretty though. Vyrelli swatted his hand away and they all laughed.

Captain, Beetle spoke presumptuously. Are your men ready to receive the enemy?

Why of course. As soon as Duke Tomakk rounds this bend, my men will seal the mouth of the canyon and he’ll be trapped.

Just then a Vogg officer raced up to them, Commander, the Llangorans are here.

So soon, I’m out of position, the Vogg commander responded. I heard no signal they’d entered the canyon.

The messenger continued, They’ve halted at the mouth of the canyon. It appears they may turn back. Shall we sound the attack, maybe we can catch them before they get back across the border?

No, not yet. Hopefully Duke Tomakk is just being cautious. We must do something to lure him into the canyon. You, Purple Swarm, take the princess and what's left of your squad, including the Green Vogg, go back around the bend and challenge them to a fight. Draw them into the canyon and Duke Tomakk is ours.

Beetle grinned in acceptance of the assignment. He grabbed Vyrelli by the collar, motioned to Spider, Scorpion, and Ban’Thor, and unceremoniously drug Vyrelli back down the canyon. As they walked they tied a gag in Vyrelli's mouth and bound her hands in front of her. When the five of them came around the bend, they saw the Llangorans halted on horseback at the mouth of the canyon. Beetle threw Vyrelli to the ground and drew his sword. His companions also drew swords, daring the Llangorans to fight.

Her friends were so close Vyrelli could make out the concern on their faces. There was no sign of Danus, but she could identify her cousin, Duke Tomakk, and three imperial guardsmen, Kurk, Rustge, and Treed. They were all mighty warriors and normally would not hesitate to fight Voggs, even Purple Swarm, but Tomakk looked wary.

Come on, come on, Vyrelli could hear Beetle muttering beneath his breath. What's keeping them back?

Vyrelli longed for some way to warn Tomakk, to tell him of the danger so he could flee before it was too late.

Come on, come on, Beetle continued muttering under his breath, unnerving Vyrelli. Come on, you've got horses, we’re on foot.

The Llangorans fear us," Spider complained.

Come on, come on, Beetle got louder, losing patience.

He knows it's a trap, Ban’Thor exclaimed. He suspects we have men waiting in the canyon.

Make them think they can dash in and grab the girl, Scorpion suggested. Let her make a run for it.

No, I’m not taking any chances, Beetle exclaimed. Vurn’Rah Sloth would boil us in oil if we lost the princess. He stomped over to Vyrelli and grabbed her by the hair. Then he jerked Vyrelli to her feet and lifted her until her feet were off the ground. He shook her by the hair with one hand and raised his sword to the Llangorans with the other. Come on you cowards, he screamed.

Vyrelli refused to scream. She kicked at the Vogg but it didn’t seem to bother him. The Vogg was trying to goad Tomakk to his death. She tried to shake her head to warn Tomakk away. Why didn't Tomakk run? Couldn't he see the threat?

Suddenly Duke Tomakk drew his sword and prodded his horse into a slow advance. His men followed at his side.

Here they come, get ready men, Beetle threw Vyrelli to the ground behind him. The four Voggs lined up to meet the four advancing Llangorans.

Nooo, Vyrelli screamed from under her gag. Go back! It was no use, if Tomakk heard her, he was paying no mind. Tomakk was coming in to save her and he was going to lose his life. Vyrelli rose unsteadily to her feet behind the Voggs. Her eyes locked upon the glistening jewel-hilted dagger hanging from Ban’Thor's belt. With a cry of anguish, she lunged forward and drew the dagger.

Ban’Thor spun around in surprise, but Vyrelli darted to the side. She raised her hands to halt Ban’Thor and held the dagger high above her head, the point downward towards herself.

No, Vyrelli, Ban’Thor cried.

There was no other way. She could not let Tomakk ride to his death. Closing her eyes, Vyrelli clenched her teeth, raised the dagger a little, and with both hands, plunged the wicked blade into her slender stomach.

There were gasps of surprise from the Voggs. It hurt. It hurt so much more than she expected. She screamed. She couldn’t help it. Then she stared in shock at the blood flowing from her stomach, staining her brown smock and her hands a crimson red. She turned towards Tomakk, to ensure he saw, and then feeling faint, she stumbled to the ground as if dead.

It hurt so bad she wanted to die. Anything to end the pain. She twisted in the grass to see if Tomakk was fleeing, to see if she’d offered her life in vain. She saw Vogg horsemen emerging from behind her in the canyon, and felt relieved. If they were chasing, then Tomakk and his men were fleeing.

She thought of her mother, and her father, and knew