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Chapter 120: Lore Master
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Warrior of the Way Chapter 121: Lore Master
Bertram regained consciousness with a vision-blurring headache. Someone would pay for making him hurt like this. He wasn't sure where he was at first, but the ground did not feel like the asphalt from behind the building. The air around him was cool—air conditioning—so he knew he was no longer outside. Someone moved him, but who? He attempted to sit up, but the sudden rush of pain to his head stilled his motion while forcing a groan from between his lips."Ah, I see you are awake," Aradhon's voice penetrated Bertram's pain. He kept his eyes closed, wishing the thudding in his head would cease. He really did not need that dark elf right now.Taking a deep breath, Bertram forced himself to a standing position, despite his throbbing headache. That son of a bitch dumped me on the floor of my own home! He reached around to the back of his head, feeling the lump and dried blood there. If he ever found out who hit him from behind like some coward, he'd…"That would be the Lore Master Apprenti
Warrior of the Way Chapter 122: Lore Master
He stood outside the back of the Leary Building, his arms across his chest as he stared at the repugnant community of Feather Lakes behind him. Bertram couldn't believe he had Rhychard Bartlett in his grasp and the Warrior still squirmed his way out. If Aradhon informed Prince Dakath of Bertram's failure, not only would the prince want his skin, but so would his father. The Patriarch of the Leary clan would be irate that Bertram failed to bring justice to the Warriors for what happened to the Learys centuries ago. He didn't care about disappointing the prince or erecting that asinine Gateway. His father, however, was an entirely different matter. No one failed his father. Not and lived anyway.Police, EMTs, and the Crime Scene Unit flooded Feather Lakes. They not only investigated the murder of that little boy, but also Fat Boy's two partners. Aradhon's elves carried Bertram upstairs and out of the police spotlight, but also abandoned the others to their fate. Bertram glanced around, w
Warrior of the Way Chapter 123: Lore Master
Jake Meyers slid the glass of Jameson over to Rhychard, then leaned on the counter, resting on his forearms. "You doing okay?" he asked Rhychard. "You look like your cat died or something."Rhychard took the glass and immediately took a deep swallow. As he lowered it, he said, "You could say something like that." Rhychard pushed himself away from the bar and exited the main room of Embers for the back deck. Fortunately, the humid evening made the rest of the patrons desire the air conditioning inside, leaving him alone with his thoughts.And his guilt.They couldn't chance getting into the Leary Building with so many cops pouring into the Bottoms. Furthermore, with the disappearance of Bertram and Aradhon, Rhychard was pretty sure the Leary Building would be under heavy Unseelie security. Any attempts at rescuing the captives would probably only result in their deaths. No. If they were going to get in, they would need a plan and, if he was honest with himself, he was too discouraged to
Warrior of the Way Chapter 124: Lore Master
The tension was finally starting to leave his shoulders when his phone rang. "Rhychard, what's going on between you and your brother?" his mother challenged once he answered her call. He had been tempted to ignore the call, but Catherine Bartlett didn't leave voicemail; she just kept calling until you answered."Whatever it is, it's between him and me. Why?""Because he showed up here out of nowhere, his clothes looking like he'd survived a war in them, blood all down the front of him and covering his face. He wouldn't tell me what happened, just that he needed to clean up and make things right. What does he have to make right? What has your brother gotten into now? Did you hit your brother?"Rhychard closed his eyes. Why on earth would you go to our parents' house, you idiot? "What exactly did Karl tell you?" He glanced at Renny, who just shook her head."That's just it. He didn't tell me anything. He just kept repeating that it was all his fault and he had to make it right over and o
Warrior of the Way Chapter 125: Lore Master
Buttercup rose early, showered, dressed for her day, and made her way quietly out of the condo. Famallumi slept in the recliner, even though Kree's loveseat was empty. She could hear Rhychard snoring from his bedroom and wasn't surprised. She heard him come in late last night. She should have gotten up and asked how things were going with the apprentice and his ghost girlfriend, but she was exhausted from the exercises Tansy put her through at The Murky Cauldron. She was eager to get back there to practice what she had learned.She wished Vince a good morning as she boarded the bus, even giving him a friendly pat on the back. "You're feeling chipper this morning," he said, closing the bi-fold doors behind her. "I am. For once, it feels as if things are going in the right direction. Some hurdles still exist to overcome, but I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, I think.""Good for you, girl. It's about time. If anyone deserves it, it's you."She thanked him and took her seat
Warrior of the Way Chapter 126: Lore Master
They sat around, talking for a while, catching up on Buttercup's training, Jayden's school, and even the story of their father's passing. When it was mentioned, Jayden began crying again over the way she just blurted it out to Buttercup that first time in order to hurt her without giving her any answers. They made a date for that weekend for Jayden to take Buttercup to see the grave. They also discussed Buttercup seeing their mother that night."Tonight? Are you sure?" As eager as she was to see her mother, Buttercup was also still scared—and embarrassed about her former lifestyle. She couldn't even hide it from her mother, because the woman saw her getting into cars. Yet, Mrs. Valentine wanted to see her daughter. Buttercup smiled. She wanted to see her mother, as well."Why not? Come over after work. We can eat. Catch up. Then we can both come here to join the others. It'll be great. I'm sure Mom will even make your favorite—lasagna. It is still lasagna, right?""It is," Buttercup sa
Warrior of the Way Chapter 127: Lore Master
Buttercup couldn't move, not even trying to fight the two dark elves who grabbed her under the arms and hauled her to her feet. They gripped her upper arms and forced her to Bertram's side. The dark elf, who entered with Fat Boy, arched an eyebrow at Buttercup's presence, but chose not to say anything about her being there. Instead, he turned his attention to Bertram. "It was easy enough, if you have the right people in your pocket. It also doesn't hurt to have a touch of magic at your disposal." Fat Boy walked right up to Buttercup, his eyes raping her all over again, causing her to cringe as she tried to back away.Bertram sighed. "Fat Boy—excuse me—Derek, you don't deserve a treat after how miserably you failed last night. Perhaps next time you're told to kill someone like Karl Bartlett, you'll actually do it. Then, you might deserve a special treat like this poor girl. But for now, back away from Laci."Fat Boy lifted part of his upper lip in a sneer, but still did what Bertram t
Warrior of the Way Chapter 128: Lore Master
Rhychard glanced at the clock, wondering what time to expect Buttercup. He really wanted to talk to her about the Leary Building. Actually, he wanted to use her access to the Leary Building. If she did work there, she should be able to get him inside. Then he would be able to search the place for those held captive.If only he knew when she would get home. "What if you go to the witches?" Famallumi asked. "She goes there every night to learn the ways of witchcraft. I'm sure you could find her there.""You've talked to her?""Well, it's kind of hard not to since I am sleeping in the main room. Have you not talked to her?"Rhychard ran a hand through his hair as he took a deep breath, "No. Between her new job and her hanging out with the witches and my training with Kendalais, we keep passing each other. Funny how you can live in the same house and not see one another."Famallumi tilted his head at the Warrior. "Sounds sad to me."Kree paced the Bottoms—against Rhychard's better judgme
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Warrior of the Way Chapter 263: Summerlands
While their mother piddled in the kitchen fixing them a plate of fajitas, the Valentine sisters sat on the living room sofa, legs folded under them. Maria Valentine put most of the house back in order after Baltabek's attack, but the destruction remained obvious to Laci. She held tight to her sister ever since the Summerlands, scared to let her go. Jayden, of course, fussed at her to stop being a mother hen.Once everyone arrived back at Rhychard's Thinking Rock, a place Renny decided would cause the least amount of sightseers, the witches and Famallumi returned to the Murky Cauldron while Rhychard placed a still-weak Jayden in the back of Laci's car. The eldest Valentine wasted no time or words as she headed straight for home."I almost lost you," Laci said. "I don't know what I would have done if that happened.""Probably moved into my room since it's the biggest," Jayden said with a shrug."That's not even funny," Laci snapped, shoving Jayden's hand away from her in disgust.Jayden
Warrior of the Way Chapter 262: Summerlands
Rhychard wasn't sure what he hit, but he found himself spinning backward, the Guardian Sword leaving his hand as he hit the ground with a hard thud, the air whooshing out of his lungs. Scrambling to his feet, a pain tugging at the back of his head from where he hit the ground, the first thing he noticed was Laci sprawled on top of Kree. Renny! He jerked his attention around until he saw her still gripping Jayden's arm as both women lay stretched out on the grass. However, he didn't see the wall he ran into, knocking him back on his ass. Another glance around, and he noticed the salt circle and the three witches sitting on the ground, eyes closed as they chanted. An older man he didn't recognize stood behind Wanda, his face a mask of admiration.A groan alerted Rhychard to Baltabek stirring, and Rhychard lunged for his sword. The demon moved faster, however, and shot a burst of his demonic power at the Warrior, knocking him back against the invisible barrier, the air he just managed to
Warrior of the Way Chapter 261: Summerlands
Rhychard heard screams, but he couldn't tell whose or where they originated. They might have even been his for all he knew. Pieces of the broken table jabbed him in his back and legs, and he felt blood making a trail down his side. Groaning, he tried to sit up. He must get up. Renny needed his protection as did his parents.:Warrior, Baltabek is heading to your home,: Kree sent. Rhychard could hear the elven hound moving toward him through their connection. :He hid among the woods along the creek.:"Rhychard!" Renny shouted, and then he felt her hands on his arms along with someone else's on his other side.:Well, he knows how to make an entrance.: Rhychard sent.He could hear shouts of panic coming from the parking lot and other apartments, people screaming at the sudden explosion.Glancing up, he noticed the other set of hands helping him to his feet belonged to his father. His mother stood by the sofa, her face pinched with concern, and Tryna picked herself up off the floor from whe
Warrior of the Way Chapter 260: Summerlands
Tansy walked over to where Alex's backpack lay on the ground from where the gnome dropped it when they first entered the Summerlands, pulling out the container of salt that rolled halfway out. As she stood, she couldn't take her gaze off the dark pack, remembering its owner and how far he came since walking into the Murky Cauldron that first day. Her heart twisted, and she did her best to keep the tears at bay. She didn't know how much time they had, so she needed to make sure she completed the barrier spell before Renny arrived with Baltabek.Kayla and Wanda sat off to the side, Kayla with her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared at the last spot she saw Alex, and Wanda absorbing her surroundings. Since the demons had been cast out of the Summerlands, the dank grayish color slowly faded away, replaced once more by the lush greens and vibrant colors of the flowers that filled the Land of the Dead. They had even seen the return of some of those who had already passed on from the
Warrior of the Way Chapter 259: Summerlands
"Mom! Dad. What are you doing here?" Rhychard just stood there, staring. He didn't need this right now."Your father thought I was crazy," Catherine Bartlett said. "He even made sure I didn't have any hidden wine bottles anywhere. Empty wine bottles, that is. I had to drag him here to see for himself.""You're alive," Rhychard's father said as he stood there and stared at Renny, his brows bunched in disbelief. "How is this even possible?"Rhychard sighed. "I've discovered just about anything is possible these days.""Hello, Mr. Bartlett," Renny said as she casually closed her purse, hiding the gnomes from sight for now. Catherine didn't handle them well last time, and Renny didn't know how Rhychard's father would react. "I'm sorry we didn't come over and tell you. We've just been…well, we've had our hands full."James Bartlett swooped in, wrapping his arms around Renny and giving her the tightest bear hug she ever had. "I can imagine you have," he told her, his voice filled with enthus
Warrior of the Way Chapter 258: Summerlands
Rhychard watched as Renny gathered up the other Warriors and returned them to the Guardian Sword, only to reappear a moment later with Pux on her shoulder. Laci paced the entire time until Renny returned, eager to be on her way to protecting her sister. With the bridges gone, she had no other way back to the Land Above than Renny. None of them did, actually. Rhychard ran a hand over his long, dark hair, worried about what they would find when they arrived in the Valentine household, concerned for his brother, just as Laci showed concern for her sister.Tansy still stood off to the side, holding a sobbing Kayla and a shaking Wanda. Both witches shifted back to normal once the demons left them, but still wore the wear and tear from the possession. Rhychard hoped they would continue to heal with time, at least physically. He highly doubted Kayla would heal emotionally anytime soon considering her hands snapped Alex's neck even though the demon controlled her. That would be a heavy weight
Warrior of the Way Chapter 257: Summerlands
Karl stood there, still not sure what he should be doing or even what was actually happening. He saw what those demons did to downtown. He couldn't possibly stop one if it showed up now and took over Jayden's body. Glancing over at Famallumi, he wondered just how much power the elves possessed. Gormec seemed to always have his giant hammer nearby, and while Karl had seen its power before, was it enough to stop the demons? There were only five of them against a demon like the ones who killed a witch and almost defeated his brother, the Warrior. Karl didn't particularly care for his odds."How do you feel?" he asked Jayden, his hands over his chest."I'd feel better if you'd stop staring at me like I'm about to go off my meds," Jayden snapped."How about I go and fix us all some lemonade?" Jayden's mother suggested. "It'll give us something to do while we wait for the others.""Do we even know they're going to be here?" Gormec asked, leaning on the handle of his hammer. "It's been longer
Warrior of the Way Chapter 256: Summerlands
The witches continued to shout their chant, their power strengthened with their success. Baltabek sent a blast toward them, but Rhychard blocked it and hurled the power at the demon's feet, the ground exploding and shoving Baltabek up and backward into the air. The other Warriors quickly pressed their attack while the demon lay on the ground.Kayla let out a wail, slicing the air, and dropped to her knees. The demon inside of her wasn't so easily taken, however. With clenched fists, he shoved his power at the witches, doing his best to stop their chanting. Rhychard caught one of the bolts before it struck Tansy, but the next slipped past him and struck Laci in the chest, somersaulting her backward to land on the ground in a heap.Kree leaped up on his back paws, spinning in midair before racing over to the fallen witch. Rhychard could hear her moan and breathed a sigh of relief that she still lived. :Is she okay?: he asked Kree.Kree leaned down, pressing his muzzle against Laci's sho
Warrior of the Way Chapter 255: Summerlands
Rhychard blocked another blast, sending it off to the side to explode into the ground. The gnomes fought from inside the ground, churning up the soil the demons stood upon and causing them to slip and lose their balance. Kree darted in all directions, drawing the demons' fire while he attempted to get close enough to bite one of them. The witches sent their power at the demons, Rose from behind and the others in front, doing their best to keep Baltabek and the others from focusing on any one person. They all did their best to bide Renny time to bring the other Warriors out of the sword, but Rhychard wasn't sure how much longer they could keep it up.The demons who possessed the witches spun, one sending a bolt of power at Rhychard's head and the other one sending one at his feet. He swung his sword, blocking the bolt to his head, but missing the one aimed at his feet. The magic snatched at his ankles, spinning him around and dragging him to the ground. His sword arm hit the ground, his
