COF 3: The Fallen Dynasty

17 | Escape (I)

"But it's the Lifecatcher," Nyxis sputtered as his thoughts formed slower than he'd like to in his head. "It will just go back to you," he stepped forward to hand it back to the pixie. "Besides, you need this in your journey back."

"No," Canelis shook her head and pushed the sword back towards Nyxis. "As long as it is in Peltra, we will not be safe. You said so yourself. The Heiress wanted this. Keep it safe for the pixies."

Nyxis shook his head. "But—"

Canelis laid a finger to his lips, silencing him. "I have a feeling that this time it will stay with you," she smiled thinly. The sight was almost as bright as the sun behind her. "You are different."

Nyxis scratched his head. "Okay, but—"

"Fare well, soldier," Canelis turned. Before Nyxis could formulate something wise to say, the pixie had already crossed the bridge without looking back.

"Fare well, princess," Nyxis muttered to the wind with a sigh. He tied the sword into his belt and shook his head. Then, he kicked the wall. Why was this happening?! As if Xanthy's stubbornness wasn't enough. Now, he had to take care of a sword that wasn't his and would probably doom an entire race if he failed. He kicked the wall again. The palace shook.

Oh right. Xanthy.

Worry about swords and thrones later. He dashed back to where Xanthy had run. Would Xanthy even make it back to the courtyard? She's terrible at directions. For all Nyxis knew she had already found herself in the kitchen or something.

Nyxis rolled his shoulders as he ran. Hey, it's love. Maybe Xanthy used her romantic instincts to find her true love. He clutched his head and shook those bitter thoughts away. Of course, Xanthy's happiness comes first. Whatever.

The Palace rumbled. Nyxis had to brace the wall as chunks of the roof began falling down. Gods of Calaris. What was going on there? Was Xanthy alright? Nyxis gritted his teeth and summoned his magic. He formed a shield above his head, wincing every time stone chunks hit it.

The Palace shook again. A calm yet stern voice rang in the corridors. Emergency lock-down will ensue. All forces to the center. Emergency lock-down will ensue. All forces to the center.

Nyxis's blood coold. Gods. Gods. Gods. He dashed forward, past the familiar corridors. Come on, just a little more.

"Halt!" a deep voice came behind him.

Nyxis froze with his hands already raised.

"Turn around."

Nyxis did and he was greeted by a thick horde of red-coated fairies. They blocked the way he came from, erasing any chance of escape. Well, he still had to get to Xanthy. He simply couldn't afford to get captured now.

Nyxis exhaled and eyed the walls. An idea crept into his mind. He grinned as sly as he could as he flicked his gaze back at the red coats. "Sorry folks," he slowly formed the spell on his tongue. "I am occupied today."

"Mosdeta," he chanted. Instantly, his magic lashed control over the walls. He spread his hands and clenched it. The walls followed his movements in one fluid flow. The fairies behind his spell clamored to escape. He clapped his hands and either wall cracked and bent towards each other. He put his hands palms-forward. "Etamara."

The walls hardened as they melded together. Screams for help rang from the walls' embrace. Some fairies attempted to counter his spells and fly over the barrier. Nyxis locked them with a curse that only he could remove.

The walls he tore revealed rooms on both sides, filled to the brim with weapons and full armors. Nyxis resisted the urge to find out if that dagger by the corner contains hyurok. It would be useful in healing. And stabbing, apparently.