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Chapter 55: Lore Master
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Warrior of the Way Chapter 56: Lore Master
Aradhon made his way through the woods until he found the small creek that flowed past the church property on its way to the Indian River. The sun lifted high into the afternoon sky and sweat beaded upon his brow. Still, it was not as hot as the Nether, and he was grateful his prince sent him to oversee the new Gateway. Aradhon did not lie to the Warrior. He was not directly involved in the plans to raise a new Gateway to the Nether. He was merely a…watchdog, so to speak, here to make sure the one in charge succeeded.And he would succeed. Aradhon would make sure of it. The demon, Vargas, may have underestimated the human Warrior, but Aradhon would not be so naïve. The Warrior's power resided in the sword he carried, and it was a power the human had yet mastered. That was the reason behind the meeting, after all. Aradhon wanted to gauge the level of Rhychard Bartlett's training.It wasn't far.Aradhon could see it in the Warrior's eyes as well as the slight probing the elf did of the h
Warrior of the Way Chapter 57: Lore Master
Rhychard hated mornings, especially mornings that required him to get out of bed and haul other people's stuff around for free. Of course, this morning it wasn't simply other people's years of collected junk. It was his mother's. Worse than working early in the morning for free, he dreaded working for family. They not only expected you to work for free, but they expected you to be happy about it. Rhychard's wallet was far from happy. Some people refused to own a truck for just that reason. Once the news was out you owned one, every family member and freeloading friend you had asked you to help them move something. It was the same with his business, My Hand Truck & I. The part some of his friends—and his mother—didn't comprehend was that it was his business, his livelihood, and not a charity."I'm your mother," Catherine Bartlett reminded him when she asked for his help. "You're going to charge the lady who fed you and clothed you for twenty years? The woman who spent ten hours and sixt
Warrior of the Way Chapter 58: Lore Master
Rhychard tied his long, black hair into a ponytail with a leather thong before grabbing the harness that held his collection of swords—two short swords made of iron, a substance the faerie world dreaded, and the long, bronze Guardian Sword that changed his life forever. Magic from the faerie world of the Land Under possessed the Guardian Sword, supposedly created by the Guardian himself and bestowed upon the mightiest warriors of the Sidhe elves to help protect the earth, the land of the Guardian's creation, from the Destroyer and his creatures. Rhychard became the first human Warrior of the Way to exist and tossed the realms of faerie into a tizzy. Humans weren't supposed to know the magical realm truly existed, and most times, Rhychard wished he was still ignorant of that fact, as well. He didn't ask to be a Warrior. He had been drafted by the Guardian when the Warrior elf, Jamairlo, was killed by Vargas's gargoyles. The creatures of the Void also killed Meelim, Jamairlo's coshey. Wh
Warrior of the Way Chapter 59: Lore Master
He turned his gaze to the rest of the complex, and for the most part, it appeared the same as always. Except, that is, for one specific area. It was quite apparent that only his shrubs had been pruned and flower beds weeded. Furthermore, although he couldn't explain why, the vegetation around his condo seemed somehow brighter, more alive than the rest."And this all happened today?" This had something to do with him and the faerie world, he was sure, but for the life of him, he couldn't think of why."Yes. Friday was just like every other day, but when I come back this morning, I notice all these changes. Why nobody tell me I'm supposed to take care of the woods?" Logan dry-washed his hands as he stared into the trees. "Miss Wilkinson, she say when she walk her little Mr. Murphy early this morning, she see two guys back in the woods clearing dead branches and trimming the bushes. Why they replace me if I don't even know this is my job? Thirteen years no one tells me this is my job. I w
Warrior of the Way Chapter 60: Lore Master
Famallumi touched everything. Like a child in a toy store, he picked everything up he came in across, turning it in all directions to examine it. He pushed buttons and turned dials as Rhychard followed behind the elf turning everything off while putting his knickknacks back in place. Granted, he didn't have much clutter in his small apartment, but Famallumi made everything a bright new discovery. He turned the stereo on three times, the sound blaring, muttering, "It's a different song every time." When he discovered the television, he wanted to know why Rhychard kept other people in the small box."Are they of the Void? Is this a new Warrior contraption you've devised to imprison those who would do evil?" Famallumi searched every side of the television. "How do you get them inside?"Rhychard turned the set off as he took a deep breath. "There's no one inside. It's make-believe for entertainment. I thought you said you studied humans." However, the apprentice didn't hear him as he set
Warrior of the Way Chapter 61: Lore Master
Trace was an odd creature. At thirty-two, he still lived with his widowed mother rent free. Lacking full time employment, he helped Rhychard out when he needed some spending cash. His only ambition was the next level of whatever video game currently obsessed him. He was a bum for the most part and dressed like one, as well. Still, outside of Buttercup, he was the only human Rhychard could talk to about his live fantasy adventure.The shaggy-haired misfit of society waited for Rhychard at the curb and quickly slid into the passenger seat of the cab. Well, quickly for Trace, which was like first gear to the rest of the world. He never saw a need to hurry, since he wasn't really going anywhere in life and had all the time in the world to get there."Your mom's not going to be happy," Trace said as he brushed his walnut hair out of his eyes."When is my mother ever happy?""When she's making you do something you don't want to do."Rhychard just nodded. It seemed to be the truth sometimes.
Warrior of the Way Chapter 62: Lore Master
Never one to pass up a free meal, Trace quickly followed before Rhychard could turn it down in his rush to escape. James Bartlett wasn't so quick to follow his wife, however. He pulled the dirty rag from his back pocket and wiped his face and then his hands. He then tossed it to his son. "You didn't see a spider. You okay?"Rhychard wiped his face, taking his time as he tried to think of what to tell his father. He couldn't exactly say he saw visions of flames. His father would think him crazy. It was hard enough to convince himself that he wasn't off his rocker.Handing the towel back to his father, he said, "Yeah, I'm fine. I saw a shadow or something in my periphery, and it startled me. That's all. It's what I get for allowing my mind to wander and not focusing on what I was doing."His father stared at him. "A shadow, huh?" He nodded. "If you say so. Come on, let's get some grub before your friend eats it all." He patted Rhychard on the back as he started into the house.Rhychard l
Warrior of the Way Chapter 63: Lore Master
September. Buttercup wished that it would cool just a little, but in Florida at eight-thirty in the sweaty a.m., it was still humid and sticky, the coolness of night never lasting long. She was glad she wore her dark hair back in a ponytail as she could imagine what a drenched mess her neck would be while she sat on the bench at the Harbor City Transit Stop 52. A giant oak covered the stop with its branches offering a minuscule amount of shade, but heat was heat regardless. She kept trying to adjust the business skirt she wore, not used to anything so…covering.She took a deep breath. What on earth was she thinking? She had no business trying to be something other than what she already was, a street hooker who earned her keep by spreading her legs for any john who came along with twenty bucks he could sneak past his wife. Who did she think she was trying to get a real job somewhere and get off the streets?Rhychard believed in her, as did Kree and Tryna. The Warrior supported her and e
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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
