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The blast shocked the hag. With a terrible screech of pain she swung around.
“Ferol,” gasped Feverfew, scrambling to her feet, just as the hag threw ball magic at Ferol. The boy just managed to dive to one side, as the magic shot inches past his blazing face.
But now Feverfew's magic was unleashed. Screaming, she blasted magic at the hag, hitting the back of her skull. Bits of bone shattered from the hag's thin neck and flew to hit the far wall, just near where the Tarsis Amulet lay.
As the hag lay dying, she screamed a curse as she stared at Ferol.
Feverfew was shocked to see that Ferol had picked up the amulet and had looped it around his neck. As she stared at Ferol, she saw his whole body was covered in powerful magic. With an ecstatic smile on his face he rose into the air, then screaming with joy, as the magic from the amulet coursed through him, he landed back on his feet. His glowing eyes studied Feverfew.
For a second or two she thought she saw a sly look appear on his face. It was then she remembered the woman's warning, “there will be one who will betray you... ”
****
When he came running into the square, Batach instantly flung magic straight at the General and several soldiers that stood near him. With a cry Baldo fell. As some of his guards rushed to help their General, Batach stopped his attack. He glared at Baldo, his eyes bloodshot and hooded. “You puny elf!” he roared. “Do you really think you can stop me?”
Helped by one of his soldiers, Baldo, grunting with pain, stood up. “We may not be able to, monster, but others will.”
Impatient to get on, Batach raised a hand ready to blast the General to pieces.
****
The Lady arrived with Mangus, just when Ferol landed on his feet. She gasped when she saw the amulet hanging around Ferol's neck. She glanced at her grandfather, then walked slowly towards the Special. Holding out her hand she said, “Give it to me.”
Ferol frowned. “Give...” he muttered, his frown deepening.
“Give me the amulet, now!” screamed the Lady, reaching towards him.
“No!” shouted Ferol backing away. “I got it. If it hadn't been for me, she would be dead!” He pointed at Feverfew.
“Nevertheless, the amulet does not belong to you,” shouted the Lady, magic bubbling around her clenched fists.
“It's mine,” said Ferol quietly, his wide eyes taking in Mangus, Feverfew and the angry Lady. “I'm keeping it.”
“It doesn't belong to you,” snapped the Lady. “Now give it to me, or will I have to take it from you by force... ”
Just then her grandfather placed a hand on her shoulder and she turned. He shook his head, silently telling his granddaughter that she wouldn't be able to take the amulet from Ferol by force, not now. The Special was too magically strong.
Frowning the Lady studied Ferol.
He too knew she wasn't strong enough to take the amulet from him.
Mangus took a step towards Ferol. “You're duty now, boy,” he said quietly, “is to hurry back to Collegian. Already Batach and his monsters have entered the city.”
Ferol frowned. My duty, he thought, as the magic of the amulet strengthened him. “Yes. I will save the city. Maybe then the others will accept me. I always felt different. I knew they didn't like me. Well, they'll have to now!” he screamed.” He stared at the Lady. “Come, we must fly back to Collegian.”
Without another word he raced past the Lady and disappeared into the dark tunnel.
The Lady glanced at Feverfew. “Come on!”
****
“So,” sneered Batach, when he saw the eight Elders suddenly appear, their hands weaving about in front of them, as they prepared to unleash their magic to protect Baldo and the others.
Orleo stood directly in front of the injured General.
“You won't find it easy to overcome us!” he screamed, sending a cannon ball size of magic straight up at Batach's face.
With a disdainful grin, Batach merely swiped at the magic, sending it fizzling into one of the houses at the bottom of the street.
But now more and more magic was being hurled at him by the other Elders, distracting the monster.
Three soldiers quickly helped Baldo to safety.
And now, dancing about like wild dervishes, the Elders, using their born with magic, fought to save the lives of all in Collegian.
But even as he fought back, using powerful magic of his own, Batach was allowing monsters to get past him. They also began to attack the Elders.
****
As the battle continued, with the Elders quickly realizing they could not overcome Batach and his monsters, Ferol was standing on top of the Keep's walls. He pointed into the air. Magic shot from him into the sky. And there he was... Palaber.
The great dragon shook its head. One second he had been with others of his tribe, the next he was landing at the foot of the walls of the Keep.
Ferol pointed. “I don't have much time!” he shouted at the Lady and the others. “Mount!”
The Lady hesitated. “We must save Salter first!” she cried. She knew it was nearly time to meet with the evil Warlocks and Alicia.
“We don't have time!” screamed Ferol. “See!”
Waving his hand, he caused the molecules of air to make a screen. Everyone saw the monster, Batach battling with the Elders. They knew the monster was winning.
“Go with him, granddaughter,” shouted Mangus. “I'll deal with the brothers and Alicia. I've fought with them before. There used to be four brothers, you know,” he added.
“But grandfather...”
“Take Feverfew with you. You know her magic is almost ready to show itself.” He glanced at the screen, then turned and disappeared below.
****
Suddenly Roleo gave a gasp and sank to his knees. His magic was all used up.
Another Elder fell beside him. It was only then the Roleo realized, nothing could defeat Batach.
Now, Batach, with a triumphant roar, got ready to unleash his most powerful magic yet. In the next second or so Orleo knew they would all die.
****
Palaber roared with shock and excitement as he flew across the land, soaring over mountains and down along valleys in seconds. He could feel the powerful magic from one of those on his back, surging through him. He had never flown so fast before.
The Lady and Feverfew stared at Ferol. His face had a look of wild excitement on it. They could see the amulet growing brighter and brighter and magic seeping from Ferol's body, as the power made the great dragon go even faster. It was all the Lady and the elf girl could do to hold on. Both Feverfew and the Lady's hair were standing straight out behind them.
Feverfew could hardly hold her eyelids open.
The Lady glanced at Feverfew. The elf girl's face was as pale as the snow they flew over. She was disappointed that Feverfew's magic had not taken control of the amulet, or shown itself. She wondered now, would Ferol be powerful enough to destroy Batach. Somehow she doubted it.