Pool of Twilight - James M. Ward [122]
Listle's illusion spell had worked! In its mind, the creature was now battling its worst nightmare. What sort of form that nightmare had taken, there was no way to know. But if the guardian lost the imaginary battle, the consequences would prove fatal-and very real.
The elf grinned triumphantly at her fellow warriors. Suddenly, caught in the throes of its phantom battle, the guardian whirled. Its serpent tail whistled through the air, cracking like a gigantic whip as it struck Listle forcibly.
The elf's delicate body was hurled through the air like a piece of chaff. She struck a pile of jagged rocks and did not move. Blood seeped from a wound on Listle's temple.
"No!" Kern screamed in disbelief, taking a step toward the fallen elf.
A hand on his shoulder halted him.
"Kern."
It was Trooper, his voice solemn. "The battle is not over."
Kern shook his head dumbly. Could an illusion…could Listle… die?
At the same moment, Daile moved toward the edge of the pool, raising her bow. She felt a sick knot in her stomach, fear that Listle was dead. But Daile was determined that the elf's sacrifice would not be in vain. Nor would her father's. Now was her chance for vengeance, while the creature was still distracted.
Do not fail me now, bow, she silently instructed her weapon. She nocked an arrow, raising the magical longbow.
"I am no sorcerer," a calm voice said behind her, "but I do know that if you strike the creature with an arrow, the elf's spell will be broken."
Daile froze.
Gamaliel stepped before her. As always, the barbarian's chiseled face was impassive.
Daile clenched her fingers. She ought to release the arrow right away. Her opportunity for vengeance could pass at any moment. But something in Gamaliel's eyes held her.
"A single arrow cannot slay this beast," he went on softly.
The bow trembled in her grip. "But I vowed to my father…"
Gamaliel reached out, clasping her wrist. "Remember what I told you," he said quietly. "Sometimes those with the wild gift lose themselves in the hunt. But this is not your hunt, Daile." He nodded toward Kern. "It is his. Do not take that from him." A shadow touched the barbarian's lips. It might almost have been a smile. "Fear not, Daile. You will have many opportunities in the years to come to honor your father's memory with your deeds."
Slowly Daile lowered the bow. "I will honor him," she whispered fiercely.
Gamaliel only nodded, his grip tightening.
"Kern," Trooper growled fiercely. "Listle's spell won't last much longer. Act now! Use the Hammer of Tyr!"
Kern was dazed and reacting slowly.
"Life was worth everything to Listle," Miltiades prompted quietly. "Yet she was willing to risk her life for this quest. Do not let that sacrifice come to nothing."
These words bit deep into Kern's heart. Suddenly he felt his fear, his anger-his confusion-melt away.
He whirled to face the mutant. The creature writhed before him, still tackling the phantom enemy that only its grotesque eyes could see. It lurched forward, within range.
With a cry to Tyr, Kern hurled the glowing hammer with all his might.
This time the metallic tentacles that reached up to snatch it out of the air were smashed. The hammer hit the guardian full in the chest. Blue lightning crackled, transfixing the zombie. In a heartbeat, the hammer returned to Kern's grip.
"What's going on?" a clear voice asked.
Evaine had woken from her spell. In her hand she held the gem that had been bathed in the magical flame of her brazier. An energy pulsated inside the gem, first dark, then light, beating to a slow, steady rhythm.
"Is your spell complete, Evaine?" Miltiades asked.
"It is." She frowned, noticing the gigantic mutant zombie struggling against the magic that encircled it. "Something tells me I missed out on some highlights."
"We'll explain later!" Kern cried hoarsely. "I think now would be a good time to destroy the pool."
Evaine smiled, her green eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "With pleasure." She raised the pulsating gem and cast it into