Chapter 8

“How long till the breach is sealed?” Kane listened as Elm spoke. They were in the palace again, surrounded by a group of elven mages. They had managed to push back the ogres, but the fight had been a long one. Kane cursed himself. Had he fought like he used to, had he wielded his power at full strength, he could have saved everyone by himself.

“It will take…a while.” The elf that spoke appeared to be the youngest in the room. However, Kane knew that was not true. The elf was the Archmage, and his mastery over magic had granted him the appearance of eternal youth. However, the barrier was a feat of magic that could not quickly be fixed.

“Understood.” Elm nodded grimly at the man, and then looked at one of his aids. “Establish guards at the breach and send out scouts. We need to be prepared in case another attack is launched, until we can seal this breach.” The aid nodded and left.

“The rest of you, focus solely on fixing the barrier…the longer it is broken, the longer we are in danger.” Even though everyone knew that to be true, Elm speaking the words aloud made the room grow silent. The mages solemnly nodded, and left, leaving Kane and Elm alone.

“Never a dull moment when you are around, eh?” Elm slumped into his chair. Kane offered him a weak smile and took his seat as well. They were still covered in ogre blood and smoke, having held the meeting shortly after their battle had commenced.

“I tried to keep everyone safe…”

“Ay, I know you did.” Elm waved his hand, and two cups rose from the table, full of liquor. “Though I wonder, had our group stayed together, had we continued the fight back then, would it have turned out like this?”

“You said yourself Elm, we cannot know the future. The past is the past, what matters now is how we move on from here.” Kane took a long drink, knowing his path would not be an easy one.

“What comes next, will not be easy old friend.”

“I know.” Kane’s voice was quiet. “It’s the only way, and I’m the only one that can do it.” His voice took a bitter tone at the last part. Curse his fate and curse that fox.

“I would come if I could…” Elm’s voice trailed off, and Kane knew it pained Elm to not be able to join him on this quest.

“Ha, you would just get in my way.” He shot his friend a smile, though both knew it was forced.

“I recall more than one time where you needed me to save you.” This brought a smile to both their faces, as they remembered the old times.

“Hey, I was younger back then, more reckless…”

“And yet, here you are, looking the same on the outside. How do I know you’ve changed on the inside?” He offered Kane a knowing grin.

Kane answered with dark eyes. “I’ve changed a lot since then.” The voices, the cries, sprang into his mind.

“We all are…” Elm shook his head, as if trying to shake away voices in his head as well. “Stay at least for the night?”

Kane shook his head and took a long drink, savoring the sweet nectar. “The sooner I leave, the sooner I can be done with this blasted task.” He set his empty mug down and stood. “Besides, I can’t truly relax until I know you and the others are safe. I will protect you.”

Elm stood and walked towards Kane, his eyes filled with sorrow. He placed a hand on Kane’s shoulder. “You are not alone in this war…remember that Kane. You have friends…”

“I’d rather not lose any more friends Elm.” Kane pushed Elm’s hand off his shoulder, fighting the darkness within, and turned to leave. He would not let harm come to anyone else.

“Kane!” Elm called out, his voice filled with sorrow and desperation. Kane simply raised a hand in a wave, and headed out the palace, into the woods. His path was clear, and he nodded silently at the guards as he passed through the breach in the barrier.

Isn’t this exciting? The fox materialized on his shoulder the moment he was on the other side. Just think, if I hadn’t come along, you’d still be sitting at a bar, drinking cheap liquor and wallowing in your sorrows.

“Go away.”

Aww, that’s not any way to thank the one that freed you from such a boring life. The fox leapt off his shoulder, walking ahead of him. I’m just trying to be friendly and keep you company. I know deep down you’re lonely. The fox started laughing. I know, would you rather I were elm? Or maybe Holly? She seemed cute…I could go get her for you!

“Leave her out of this!” Kane’s anger flared, and he felt his powers rush around him. Strange, he didn’t usually react like that.

Hey, just a thought. The fox hopped along joyfully. Though…. I just want you to know…if she happens to show up, totally not my fault. The fox started laughing and disappeared.

“She really is your daughter Elm…” Kane whispered and turned around. The fox was right, Holly was indeed following him.

“Go back to your home.”

Holly looked at him breathlessly, having likely sprinted after him the moment she learned he had left. Her eyes had the same stubbornness in them that Elm’s did. “I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re not.”

“You can’t make me go back.”

“I can, and I will.” Kane’s power still flowed through him, and he brought a little forth, making his body glow. Holly flinched and stepped back.

“If you take me home, I’ll just come after you again and again. I thought you were in a hurry.” She smiled at him mischievously, and Kane felt something within him stir. He couldn’t help but feel his anger fading, replaced with amusement.

“You know how dangerous this is?”

“I’m not afraid of ogres, or even the dragon.” She smiled, having sensed his change in mood.

“I was meaning being with me. Misfortune seems to follow me.” His eyes flashed back to Anna, limp in his arms. He shook his head, freeing it from the darkness. Kane realized at that moment, why he couldn’t say no to Holly. She was so full of life, so bright and warm. Just like Anna had been.

“You won’t hurt me.” She stepped forward, closer to him, and lightly touched his face. “And I promise I will keep you safe.” Her hand was soft, her touch gentle. It melted the remaining resistance Kane had.

“Nothing I say will make you go back?” He slumped his shoulders in defeat.

“Nope.” She flashed him a smile, and stepped away, knowing she had won.

“I hope you know…if we survive this dragon, your father is still going to kill me.” Holly laughed at that, and Kane smiled, he couldn’t help it. For a small moment, two emotions filled him that he hadn’t thought would ever again…hope and love.