35 The Past & Skeletons (2/2)

”Damn it!” having long known the power of those who practice any of the forms of black magic, Great Mage Mirlie, decided that the best course of action was to attempt to finish the black-mage off at a distance before they could begin to create further troubles up at a closer distance.

Great Mage Mirlie, in a burst of power, slammed her staff into the gravel road and piercing the dirt. Instantly, the branch-like staff began to writhe as it came to life and created it's own roots, stabilizing and locking it in place.

”In the name of Scalan, the Lord who granted the first flames,” while holding onto the staff, a fury of Great Mage Mirlie's mana was channelled through the rooted staff, forming a red ball of pure flame, hovering precariously above the staff, ”grant me your might, for the praise of your flame, for glory of your flame, for destruction by your flame!” with every word the ball of flame reformed into a three meter long spear of fiery fury.

Seeing the progress of the incantation, the black-robed man increased his speed to his maximum. The undead wolf now rushing at full pace towards Great Mage Mirlie.

In a quiet voice, she spoke the last of the incantation, ”For those who side with death, grant them life...” with the last word, the spear turned from a pure red flame, into a blossoming blue flame.

With a single powerful motion, Great Mage Mirlie viciously tore the staff from the ground and pointed it towards the black-robed man. Following its instruction, the spear hurtled towards the black-robed man with unimaginable speed. The heat emanating from the spear scorching the ground below it as it soared.

In mere seconds, the spear tore into the black-robed man, the sheer force throwing him off the undead wolf. Only the sound of a brief scream echoed in the surrounding area, before being cut short by the flames completely engulfed the man.

Yet, the wolf kept charging. Completely undisturbed it kept running. ”I've been had!”

With the death of the presumed necromancer, the wolf should have returned to its natural death, yet it kept charging. Something was way too off.

Sensing danger, she ran back to the carriage and hoped onto its roof. Wanting to protect the carriage, she created a primitive Level-1 Mana shield to enshroud the carriage, causing a faint blue glow shimmered on the surface of the carriage.

Her actions being proved right, as a nearly a dozen more black-robed individuals appeared in the distance, all riding similarly raised undead wolves.

”Oh fuck...”

-

”Scraps and Brook, could you show Nora to the guestroom? After the long journey, I presumed she'd like to rest. I still have a few details to settle with Lucius...” Sev's eyes immediately sending a shiver down Lucius' spine, ”and don't worry, I'll bring the puppies to your room as soon as I'm done...” a devious smile returning to Lucius

The shambling skeletons both latched onto Nora's hands and guided her upstairs. The speed of the skeletons causing Nora to worry, for their past display of agility worried her as the ascended.

As they reached the top of the staircase, Nora saw the true size of the mansion, as the grand hallways stretched into a maze of rooms and further hallways.

Now on flat-ground, and no longer the staircase, the speed of the skeletons only quickened. Somehow managing to stay in one piece, they guided Nora down the maze of hallways and eventually in front of a large wooden door, the dark ash colour, although bleak, showed both elegance and simplicity, in contrast with the front entrance.

Excitedly, Nora opened the door, only to reveal a dark and dusty room. Although the room did not lack exquisite furniture, such as a king-size bed resting in the centre of the room, a large end-table neatly placed to the left of the bed with an ornate clock on top, or the series of abstract paintings on the walls. The furniture took on a far more monotone appearance, compared to the front entrance of the mansion. Appearing in varying shades of black and dark grey.

The darkness further supported by a single candle, already lit on the end-table beside the king-sized bed. While all the other candles strewn around the room remained unlit and lifeless.

When Nora turned to look at Scraps and Brook, they had already fled back down the hallways, presumably making their way to their creator, Sev.

'Well, I guess it's up to me...'

Nora then used the scarce fire element particles in the air to light the remaining candles in the room. Restoring a far more lively look to the room.

Finally, all alone, she hastily jumped onto the bed, 'I hope that Great Mage Mirlie and Percy are having a pleasant time on the way here...”

-

”Why the fuck are there so many wolves!