Mystic Quest

Chapter 8

Yuna, Solarys, Emerys and Lyria were just behind the door leading to the room containing the white wolf. Lyria's face swayed between sadness and anger when hearing the scared yelps of her long known companion.

Yuna put his hand on her shoulder in comfort. She smiled faintly at him; they would get Noriran back. The young swordsman gripped his sword harder as all got ready.

In a war cry and a huge crash; they exploded the door off its hinges. The two guards startled then had a movement toward their swords; but Yuna knocked out one with his sword handle while Solarys did the same with her bow.

As for Emerys and Lyria, they made a beeline for the centre of the room. Noriran was strapped to a table; burn wounds indicating what had been done to him to force the wolf to use his magic. Lyria knew her wolf didn't use it; as no marks suggested the use of magic. Her faithful and courageous companion had resisted. And now; a scared scientist was beside Noriran; a knife in his hand.

Before Emerys could act; Lyria marched toward the scientist with a scream of fury. “DON'T TOUCH HIM!”

Above the scientist; a ball of light appeared. He went to move away but too late; a white thunderbolt hit him where he stood. Lyria paused for a second, surprised, like the rest of the group. Then she continued toward Noriran. She remove the straps while whispering, “That was a good lightning, my friend.”

Emerys frowned. The source of this white thunderbolt wasn't Noriran; he knew it. It wasn't himself too. So who used this magic?

Solarys came to the side of the wolf and his mistress as they cuddled. “He will be alright?” She asked Lyria with a gesture toward the wounds.

Lyria gave a lopsided smile. She put her hands on Noriran and a gentle white light caressed him from his nuzzle to his tail. She removed her hand; and no scars stayed from this horrible experience the wolf lived.

Solarys laughed lightly. “I had forgotten.”

Emerys and Yuna exchanged a smile. Their group was finally complete again. “We should go, girls.” Emerys commented.

They nodded and stood up. Noriran, all proud and his tail high, lead the way. With his developed smell and hearing; he guided his human companions as not to meet anyone or to hide in time.

When they found an exit, a metal gate for ventilation big enough they could pass, Emerys stopped them with a predatory smirk. “One last thing.”

And he send a fire ball in the wooden door at the end of the corridor. The magical fire lit it and would burn until another magician used water magic. This would stop them for a small time; and it was also a good revenge.

His friends laughed before they all rushed out of the castle. Not letting anyone the time to react, they ran at the town entrance. Soldiers made movements toward them but they were hit by the magic of Emerys and Noriran. When they went past the doors; they didn't stop, oh no. They kept on running into the forest; continuing in the direction they had been going before being captured.

The group only stopped minutes later; when their breathes was so ragged they knew they needed a pause. At least; they were far enough now to be safe.

“This was a true rescue!” exclaimed Emerys with a small chuckle.

Yuna breathed out a laugh, throwing a mock glare at the other young man. “I'm trying to get my breath back here! Don't make me laugh!”

For answer his friend stuck out his tongue. Solarys and Lyria couldn't help giggling in front of the attitude of their companions; which lead to a double pout from said companions.

Some seconds later, when everyone had their breathes back they started again they journey. Yuna glanced briefly Solarys' bow, recalling how much she cared about it. He wondered who was this “dear person” who offered it. And no; his thoughts weren't jealous!

Solarys felt the gaze of her companion and turned toward the young man a little bit behind her. The archer stopped a laugh from escaping when she saw his scowl, as if he was mentally scolding himself.

“Is everything fine, Yuna?” Solarys asked him.

The young swordsman jumped slightly then offered a smile. “Yes yes.” In front of the raised eyebrow of her friend he sighed and gave up. “Your bow... I was just wondering who offered it.”

Emerys and Lyria turned their head toward their friends; and the magician waggled his eyebrows. Yuna threw him a glower while blushing slightly. Lyria shook her head, amused.

Solarys blinked. “It was... The chief of my village. He raised me after... the death of my parents.” She answered with a faint smile, though the sadness could be read of her face. “I left my village at his death.”

Yuna stepped closer to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders in comfort. “Oh that's true... I'm sorry...”

Solarys shook her head. “Thank you. I'm fine.”

The swordsman and the archer exchanged a smile before launching themselves toward the magician and the whip user. They bumped them as they passed before continuing their run with a breaming laugh. Lyria and Emerys let out a small yell before chasing them. Noriran barked happily and galloped behind them.

And thus the small group of heroes headed toward their next destination. Hoping to receive soon a sign of the good direction. Hoping to know soon where awaited their destiny.

To be continued...