Rise of the Blade - Charles Moffat [94]
"Rambertz," he called out in the darkness, his voice low and shaking. "Rambertz," he called again, trying to raise his voice desperately.
He wet his bloody lips and tried again. "Rambertz!" he called out, his voice breaking the silence and ending with the warrior collapsing in the doorway.
Eight hairy legs walked out of the darkness and a handsome elven face looked down at the fallen warrior with concern. His eyes lifted to the sky and saw the first rays of dawn coming. He needed that power to heal Pierce's wounds and would have to wait before he'd be able to heal much. Still, he could do something for now.
Kneeling like a horse might, the half-man, half-spider ripped rags from Pierce's clothes and worked to bind his bleeding wounds. It would be awhile before he could use his healing magic at full strength.
"Why are you here?"
Pierce opened his eyes and blinked in the twilight. He could hear waves in the distance crashing against the rocks. The sky was a painted swirl of red and purple that fell into a sea of darkness. The wind rushed past his ears as he stood and faced a lone figure in the darkness.
"Who are you?" the Doctor demanded, his hands going to the sabers that were not there.
"That question is open to negotiation. A better question is who are you and what are you doing here?"
"I'm Pierce O'Hiram. I don't know why I'm here."
"None of us know. Least of all you."
"I'm dreaming."
"Maybe you're dead."
"No." Pierce said firmly. "I can feel Rambertz's thoughts. I won't die."
"Not yet. The day has only begun," replied the man and took a step closer, his face becoming more distinct.
"Is this a vision? Who are you?"
"I might be a vision. Or maybe everything you've ever known is a vision. Maybe you've dreamt your whole life."
"When I die, will I wake up?"
"Maybe. Does it matter so long as you serve your purpose."
"What purpose?"
"Existence. Nothing more."
"So if I die, it makes no difference so long as I have served my existence by simply existing."
"Not exactly. Everyone is unique, and it is that uniqueness that makes your existence important. For every life, there is a billion ideas and concepts born, added themselves to the infinity of the universe."
"And if I die?"
"Then you have failed. Don't fail me Doctor Pierce. I am counting on you."
"I think he's coming to," Draque muttered and waved his cigar under Pierce's nose, hoping the awful smell would help wake the warrior.
"Get that damned thing out of my face!" Pierce grumbled. His eyes cracked open and he glared up at the mage. "I don't particularly like smelling like an ashtray!"
Rambertz grunted and hauled Pierce to his feet. "I think he's fit enough to walk. His foot should be fine, provided he doesn't put too much stress on it." The drider didn't release his strong hold however, waiting for Pierce to take a step.
"I'll be fine," Pierce said, nodding to assure to the drider. He took several steps and tripped on awkward legs. He fell forward and landed in a crawl. "I have to find Chev."
"Did we fail to mention that he's close to godhood at the moment? You can't stop him."
"I'm not going to stop him," Pierce said slowly, fixing his hands underneath him and struggling to rise.
"You're half dead!" shouted Draque, reaching out to stop Pierce. "You can't do anything short of killing yourself!"
Pierce growled and rose trembling to his feet. He straightened his back and ignored the wave of agony that threatened to buckle his knees. "Just watch me."
With slow determined steps, the Doctor walked across the grounds towards the gate. He had a good idea where to find Chev, knowing how much the warrior prized that buckler. He adjusted Sharkslayer and Sidekick in his belt, drawing strength from the feel of their firm grips.
"Help him Draque," Rambertz said grimly, crossing his thick arms. "Surely you have a flying spell on you?"
"No," Draque muttered. He looked