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Ch 52: The Sorceress In The Tower
Huling Na-update:
2023-05-20 12:17:01Kaugnay na kabanata
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 53: The Parting Of The Prince & The Sorceress
Astasha could feel the chaos before she heard it. Something was happening. A commotion began outside the tower doors and she could hear voices shouting and armor clattering. The Water Sorcerer and the guards set to watch her, exchanged worried glances. The soldiers took up their arms as the High Council member strode to the door and pulled it open. A blast of fire met him, and though he was able to protect himself from the flames for the most part, he was thrown back. Astasha used the moment to unleash her own magic, quickly subduing the knights who seemed to have no clue what was happening, and catching the Water Sorcerer off guard again. She was supposed to be bound, and from the look on his face, he hadn’t suspected for a second that she wasn’t. As he tried to recover, through the door strode Helia, her powers in full force, and the two worked together to overpower him. Astasha had no desire to do the mage any harm, but as he slumped against the wall and slid to the fl
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-21Blood Magic's Bond Ch 54: The Fleeing Of The Two Flames
Astasha and Helia rode in silence as fast as they could for as long as the horses could handle, their senses on high alert, watching, listening, and feeling for any sign of an enemy. It was difficult going between dodging trees, and avoiding fallen logs and large rocks, not to mention there was little way of knowing exactly how far they had gone, not having the road to follow. Light was just beginning to creep into the world when they finally slowed to give their steeds a break. Neither could detect anything to cause immediate worry, and so they dismounted by a small stream and let the horses rest and drink. “How far do you think we are from Brecken?” It was the first Astasha had spoken aloud in hours and her voice was dry. Dipping her hands in the water, she brought it to her mouth before splashing the rest on her face. She didn’t know how long she had been awake, but it was only a matter of time before the adrenaline of everything wore off and exhaustion set in. Helia joined her
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-24Blood Magic's Bond Ch 55: The Darkness In The Watch Tower
Once the two sorceresses had confirmed that the Guard post was indeed abandoned, they went to work placing as many protective spells and barriers as they could around it. The horses were allowed to drink from the river before being tethered near the entrance to graze and rest. It was decided that one of them would always be awake and on guard, Helia offering to take the first shift so that Astasha could finally sleep. After they had both rested, they would determine their route from there, and continue on. The stone tower was dark and dank, covered in cobwebs and dust. There was an old wooden table and a cot, a couple of broken chairs and an empty hearth. There was debate about whether or not the person on watch should go up to the lookout, but in the dark they would sense someone before they would see them, and it seemed more important to make a quick escape from the ground. Even with the deep black of night outside, they dared not risk the smoke of a fire being seen or smelled,
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-25Blood Magic's Bond Ch 56: The Light In The Cavern
“That’s it, Astasha.” The amber tendrils of flame moved like grass in the wind, swaying and swirling about. Tasha stood amid them, coaxing them from the scars on her chest. But they began to wane and dissipate. “You must concentrate.” Said Helia. A darkness began to seep into them as Astasha’s jaw clenched and her eyes snapped open with a groan of frustration, the flames dying in the air. “I am trying, damnit!” Helia looked at her with compassion and sighed. “You’ve done well. We’ll try again later.” Slumping down on a small boulder, the young Fire Sorceress put her face in her hands. The two were camped out in a small cavern that had formed amongst the rocky terrain that bordered the Land of the Dead. It was the first true cover they had had since leaving the Guard Post almost a fortnight ago, and they had decided to stay there and rest for a couple of days. That first night, when Astasha realized what it was this Dark Mage truly wanted her for, she had considered slipping a
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-26Blood Magic's Bond Ch 57: The Visitor In The Night
Over the next couple of nights, Astasha had begun mastering her ability to draw out the power of light within her, learning to harness it and manipulate it into many forms. They had tested it as much as they could, but it never seemed to have an effect on its target, spurring Helia’s conclusion that it would only do damage to that which harbored evil within. Astasha had been secretly hoping that their delay in the cavern would give Calder time to catch up to them had his plan been successful. But as the sun set on what they had decided would be their last day in the cave, that hope faded with the light. Since she had sent the little ball of fire and light to him, she thought perhaps their connection would rekindle, but alas, it still felt distant, and the tether frailer by the day. Tasha stood at the mouth of the rock formation and looked out into the dying light. He wasn’t coming. Something must have happened. She knew Calder would have done everything in his power to keep h
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-27Blood Magic's Bond Ch 58: The Prince's Plan
The moment Astasha and Helia disappeared into the forest, Calder turned to Talib. “Now for the hard part.” He headed toward the castle as his Captain shook his head. “I thought that was the hard part.” Cal knew he would be waiting for them, and so he was. Standing like a pillar of doom near the servant’s entrance, was the High Sorcerer. “We will find them, you know. And now, thanks to you, both have been marked as traitors to their kind, punishable not only by the stripping of their powers, but by death.” The Prince stopped only inches away from the man he was growing to loath more and more. “Thanks to you, Your Royal Highness.” Alaric cocked his head ever so slightly, a sneer fighting to cross his face. “Your Royal Highness.” Calder looked him dead in the eyes. “You will never find them. But mark my words, once you have exhausted your resources trying to do so, I will personally make sure that all the land knows, you wasted precious time chasing after a young, innocent woman,
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-31Blood Magic's Bond Ch 59: The Prince's Army
Astasha and Calder were just about to try to find their way back to the cavern to get Helia, when they heard footsteps. Pulling his sword, Cal stepped in front of Tasha, ready to protect his love. But a small torch came into view, followed by none other than the older Fire Sorceress. “Helia!” Said Astasha, stepping around the Prince. The woman breathed in relief. “Thank the Goddess.” Her eyes moved to Calder. “Your Highness!” She bowed before returning her attention to Tasha. “What happened? I woke to what felt like a tidal wave of energy and a blinding light, and then I realized you were gone!” “I’m fine. We’re both… there was no danger.” She couldn’t help but blush. Helia looked between the two and a sly grin appeared on her face. “Love and light indeed.” Hoping to avoid further embarrassing discussion, Calder stepped forward. “Sorceress, I believe I owe you a debt of gratitude. You kept your word, and in return I give mine… whatever favor you should ask of me, if it’
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-31Blood Magic's Bond Ch 60: The Allies & Allegiances
“Astasha! Helia! It’s so good to see you both again!” Narelle turned to Talib, who looked shocked and relieved all at the same time. “I told you, three travelers, returning safely. You must trust the runes or they won’t trust you.” Calder was desperately trying to hide a smirk. “Yes, I can see you were terribly worried about us.” “I knew you were fine. The whole bloody camp was hooting and hollering about your safe return.” Countered the Captain. “It’s so good to see you both,” Interjected Astasha before the banter could continue between the two friends. “I’m surprised we got to see you so quickly.” Said Talib. “I would have thought it was a different tent you’d be off to first.” He winked and Cal shot him a look that was unmistakably a warning to shut his mouth. They were all saved from further awkwardness, however, by the entrance of another friendly face. “Your Highness! I heard you had returned. I have good news.” “Zephyr!” Tasha was shocked to see the old mage ente
Huling Na-update : 2023-06-02
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Blood Magic's Bond Ch 73: The Banners Of Love & War
If Astasha had been in awe of Calder before, it was nothing compared to the utter reverence and wonderment she felt as she watched him before their army. The energy had shifted so drastically it was like night and day, and the buzz of optimism only continued to grow from there as everyone made ready to move out, into the Land of the Dead and onto the Stone of Balance. Only hours before, she had fought to keep the darkness at bay, Zephyr’s words haunting her as she realized the severity of her situation. Which was why she had asked of Helia something no one else could know of; should she be captured, should the demon’s plan work, and her soul broken and the darkness take her, her fellow Fire Witch was to do the only thing that could stop the Dark Mage from using her as a weapon… end Astasha’s life before it was too late. Helia had stood there in silence for what felt like eternity after she pleaded her case, but she knew the older Sorceress was the only one who truly understood wh
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 72: The Prince Of Hope
The first gray of morning was just starting to crawl over the horizon as Calder looked down at the ground stained with the blood of his father’s Air Sorcerer. He knew he should be exhausted, but sleep was something he had grown used to going without. He and Astasha had spent the last several hours trying to find how their combined power worked, but to no avail. Over and over they had tried to recreate the blast that had knocked back their enemy and seared the flesh from its bones, but each time their hands touched, nothing happened. The only times they had used it successfully, they had been under threat of death by a demon… perhaps that was the only way for it to work. It didn’t matter now, though. He still had to find a way to rally his troops, to convince all those who were about to gather, that they stood a chance against the most deadly army to ever exist. Tasha had gone with Helia to check on Zephyr, leaving him alone with his thoughts, and as much as he didn’t want to admit
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 71: The Troubles Of Calder
“Half the camp is in a right state, ready to tuck tail and run. They’re scared, and rightfully so. Most have little, if any, experience with magic, and none have seen the likes of a demon. It fucking blinded a man without even being near him. You can imagine the whispers.” “And the other half?” Calder continued staring at the candlelit maps before him as his Captain filled him in on the latest reports. “The other half, well, they’re not so easily swayed. Most are convinced more now than ever that this enemy has to be dealt with, here and now.” The Prince sighed deeply before finally looking up. “Do you think half will leave?” Talib shook his head. “I’ve got Olander and Kashor and whoever else can speak to it trying to convince them not to. But, we should prepare for the worst.” Someone had to be working against them, spreading fear and doubt, and there was only one person he could think of who would do such a thing. Cal could feel the darkness, it was stronger when Tasha f
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 70: The Tragedy Of The Air Sorcerer
The sound of Zephyr’s screams cut through the air as all chaos broke loose. Astasha was faintly aware of the shouts and cries of fear from the crowd behind her, but her focus was on the man in front of her, his body tensed in agony as blood began to seep from his eyes. “End the ritual, NOW!” Bellowed Calder, but the Grand Sorceress of the Moon Garden stepped in front of him. “No! You risk all their lives if you interfere!” Tasha’s mind worked furiously to find a way to bring him back. “They need to alter their channeling. Shift the direction of the air and use the earth to draw him down.” Belvana looked uncertain for a moment but nodded and turned to the circle. The four other sorcerers were still locked in the ritual, muttering under their breath as sweat dripped down their faces from the strain of holding so long against the power of the demon. “She’s going to try to join with them,” Said Helia. “She just needs to be able to communicate the shift to them.” Narelle chimed in
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 69: The Wind Walker
There was an air of tension about the camp as the mages made preparations for what was now being considered the last opportunity for a fair advantage. While no one had been outwardly informed of what they were doing, whispers ran wild of a delicate and dangerous ritual that could potentially turn the tides. The five sorcerers who would be participating had spent several hours with Astasha going over the details of what it was they were about to attempt, before excusing themselves to gather as much energy as they could hold. An area outside of the camp, near the sorcerers’ lodgings, had been designated for the ritual, and guards posted to ensure no one inadvertently wandered into it, disrupting the carefully drawn runes or buried herbs and stones. Tasha stood overseeing the finishing touches, Olander at her side, as she tried desperately to force down the feeling that had begun to grow in the pit of her stomach. Taking a deep breath, she focused on all the reasons she had given for
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 68: The Looming Guillotine
The moon was high in the night sky as Astasha and Calder made their way back to their tent from the Dorthshire camp, their Captains following close behind. Kashor had bid them to stay longer, but they knew the Sorcerers of the Moon Garden would be arriving at dawn, and Tasha needed time to transcribe her memories of the Wind Walking ritual. “May the Gods bless you dreams of good tidings my King and Queen of fire!” He had called after them as they departed. “I hear you were gifted a name, my Golden Phoenix.” Smiled Cal as they walked. “Yes, though, I don’t know that I deserve the title as much as Kashor seems to think I do.” Calder slowed, pulling Astasha to a stop with him. “May I?” His hands reached for the fur wrapped around her, and she nodded once. He pulled it away, revealing the charcoal symbol on her chest and his fingers danced delicately over it. “I felt the same way when he gave me mine. But he sees things no one else can sometimes. And personally, I think he was
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 67: The White Dragon & The Golden Phoenix
Astasha had wanted to stay and begin work on transcribing her memories of the Wind Walking ritual, but her engagement to the Prince meant that her attention now had to be split between her tasks as a sorceress, and that of Calder’s betrothed. And so, she changed into a warm gown with one of the furs gifted to her over her shoulders, and the two headed out toward Kashor’s camp, their Captains at their side. “So, Talib,” she said as they walked. “I believe you owe me a story.” Calder looked at her curiously, his friend awkwardly clearing his throat. “Oh, uh, well, there’s not much to tell honestly. We’d been traveling together on our way here, gettin’ to know each other along the way. One night, we came across some trouble. I uh, might have been caught off guard a bit—“ “A bit?” Laughed Calder. “You were caught with your trousers down, literally!” Astasha tried desperately not to laugh. “Hey, even the Captain of the Prince’s Guard has to attend to personal business from time to t
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 66: The Many Uses Of Magic
Despite all that was required to be done, the remainder of the day seemed quite calm compared to the meeting in the War Tent. Astasha’s fellow mages all seemed eager to learn more about her plan to trap the demons, and with the protection of her own Captain, Calder felt comfortable enough allowing her to go with them on her own, so long as Olander never left her side. They sat outside in a circle as Astasha explained what it was she had done all that time ago in the clearing to free Calder and ensnare the demon within herself. Once she had finished, the group sat in silence for a moment pondering all they had heard. It wasn’t until the question was raised that Astasha realized she had inadvertently left out a key component of her story. “How did you not drain yourself using your own blood? The energy that spell would have required… it should have killed you!” The man who spoke was an older Water Sorcerer, one of the few Narelle had warned could keep a conversation going far past
Blood Magic's Bond Ch 65: The Princess's Plan
The War Tent felt much smaller with everyone present who was required to be there for strategic meetings. Astasha had spent the better part of the morning being shown around the camp and introduced to many of the leaders and key positions in preparation for it. For the most part, they had all been at least respectful, if not surprisingly kind. Some had even given her gifts of furs or herbs or food. But not all were so welcoming. Now, standing in the confined space of the tent, her senses were on high alert, honed in on those she had already read as potential threats. Thankfully, there were fewer than she had expected, and alone, she didn’t fear them. But with their army of men behind them… she chose not to think about the chaos that could ensue should they choose to end their agreement with the Prince. If Calder was at all nervous, he hid it well, even from her. He stood like a true leader at the front of the congregation, head high, his crest on full display on his tunic. His eyes
