Dark Slayer - Christine Feehan [175]
Clapping startled them. Above, on the far wall, Xavier appeared, applauding. He looked smaller than Ivory remembered from her youth, and his face was lined and aged, but he was in surprising shape when he should have died centuries earlier. He wore long robes and his beard was a flowing white, perpetuating his reputation as a tremendously powerful wizard. Beside him was his staff, innocent-looking enough, but the crystal ball on the end glowed milky white, and she could make out the dark red spot in the center. Heart’s blood, in the shape of an eye, stared back at her, sending a chill down her spine.
“Good then, boy. You have come home and you’ve brought guests with you,” Xavier greeted. The mage’s voice boomed out, and the walls rippled.
Razvan stepped forward, his body partially blocking Ivory’s, keeping clear of her arms, but still putting him in a position to stop the force of the staff. He’d seen it too many times not to recognize the real threat to them all.
The floor pitched, threatening to throw them into the room, but Ivory, Razvan and Vikirnoff steadied themselves. Natalya was on a slight incline and the sudden roll sent her staggering. She flung out her hand and her palm brushed the wall.
Instantly the ice cracked and the weight of her body falling forward sent her hand and arm deep into the crack. The ice closed around her limb hard, slamming together, crushing bone, holding her tight. She tried to turn to mist, but her arm was held fast. She struggled as Vikirnoff whirled around to try to help her, frantically trying to dig her free while Natalya tried to heat the ice surrounding her arm to make it melt.
Ivory’s gaze never left Xavier, watching for his next move. She was pleased that Razvan continued to watch as well. The mage deliberately had used Natalya to try to distract them. Already ice spiders poured from the cracks in the ice, rushing toward Natalya with their poisonous fangs.
Lara was friends with the ice spiders, Razvan said. Turn them back on Xavier.
Ivory, her gaze never leaving Xavier, immediately lifted her hands, tracing a pattern in the air.
Spiders, spiders of crystal ice,
We are not the enemies you seek.
We seek no malice,
Look to our hearts, see that which is pure
Remembering Lara, a friend who was dear.
At once the spiders halted, then turned abruptly, quickly crawling away from Natalya and back into their cracks.
Tiny spiders of crystalline ice
I call you now to weave and splice.
Send forth your minions as to war
To seek out evil, to banish it ever more.
Spiders dropped silken nets from the ceiling, enfolding Xavier even as thousands poured from the ice in a rush to get him. The nets came up empty. Xavier appeared on the closest ledge, laughing. A second and a third Xavier appeared—all laughing—all three identical and all with staffs. The three wizards raised their arms and a wind rose, rushing through the chamber. The spiders immediately retreated, seeking the cracks in the ice and safety.
Ivory refused to flinch or look away as the howling wind tore through the ice cave and straight at them, carrying ice missiles, large and small spears with deadly points. Watch for the vampire, she warned Razvan, never once taking her eyes from the wizard. Her hand swept up in a dis missive motion.
That which is ice, I now command
Bring forth a shield to protect and stand.
Stand as guard, protect us all,
Deflect these spears that evil calls.
The ice missiles shattered and fell harmlessly to the ground at Ivory