Inferno: A LitRPG Adventure (Elemental Mastery Book 2), page 16
“So you’re saying that right now, there could be a whole swarm of dragon Blackguards somewhere out there?” Nella asked.
“Unlikely, Nella Heartseeker.” Sahhto seemed to smile, but in a sad way. “My kind has been on the path to extinction for many centuries already. Last I checked, there were less than a half dozen of us left in this world. For all I know, I might be the last dragon alive right now. So no, no one needs to worry about a flight of possessed dragons.”
“I didn’t think dragons were susceptible to dark magic,” Zephyr mused. “We’ve seen many people completely corrupted by Shadowswarm before, beyond the point where they could be saved, but you were still fighting back, resisting both the night prince and the Slave-Master.”
“Among your kind, there are those deemed archmages, supreme masters of magic. I stand before three very likely aspirants to such a title,” Sahhto said, pointing to each of the trio in turn with a graceful claw. “I am the equivalent of an archmage among my people. My mastery of magic and my lifetime of training and contemplative scholarship allowed me to push back against the Shadowswarm creature’s influence and resist the Slave-Master’s Tyrant magic. Other dragons, I’m sad to say, wouldn’t fare nearly as well.”
“Wow! You’re a dragon archmage, then?” Vincent’s eyes widened with awe. “That’s amazing!”
“I suppose that explains why no dragons ever came to Caruthas’s aid,” Gabriel mused. “They would have been very poor allies against the Shadowswarm.”
“Indeed, Gabriel Xost.” Sahhto nodded. “I was among the Council of Elders that met with the Hero of Light when the Shadow War was at its peak. We offered to fight by his side, but he declined politely and with much grace.”
“You’ve met Caruthas himself?” Zephyr asked.
“I have,” Sahhto replied. “He was magnificent.”
“These three are Caruthas reborn,” Gabriel said. “According to Avora, at least.”
“Avora? Tarkus Avora?” Sahhto said. “The pompous pretender is still alive? How is that possible?”
“No, no. Bessun Avora,” Gabriel said. “A descendant. I don’t know by how many generations. But anyway, Avora says that these three are Carutha’s soul given life once more by the Great Cycle, but only in, well, three parts, because the whole thing put together simply contains too much power for reincarnation, or something like that.”
Zephyr chuckled inwardly at the Phoenix Knight’s haphazard explanation, yet it was adequately accurate and descriptive. Sahhto cocked his head curiously.
“Did he, now?” the dragon asked. “I have never heard of such a thing, not in all the years of my life. Nothing in draconic lore even suggests that such a phenomenon is possible, yet alone likely. I find it very difficult to believe that Zephyr of the Wu, Nella Heartseeker, and Vincent Trefori are indeed threefold reincarnations of the Hero of Light, worthy and admirable though they may be.”
“How are they able to do what they can do, then?” Gabriel asked. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you. If it weren’t for them, the realm would have been torn apart by Shadowswarm by now.”
“I don’t know, exactly,” Sahhto admitted. “But when I healed Zephyr of the Wu just now, I caught a glimpse of his soul. It bears the aftereffects of a powerful Radiant magic spell. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something similar within the souls of Vincent Trefori and Nella Heartseeker as well, given the curious bond amongst them.”
“Radiant magic? Only mages who have mastered Tempest, Inferno, and Frost magic can use Radiant magic, right?” Vincent asked. “His Excellency the Grand Sage Avora is a master of all three elements, so he can definitely use Radiant magic, right? Could what you sensed in Zephyr simply be our Codex of Ascension? His Excellency was the one who used it on us, after all.”
“No. The spiritual artifact isn’t born of Radiant magic, though it is benign and useful, as far as I can tell,” Sahhto said. “I cannot discern the nature of the Radiant magic spell that has been cast on you three. At best, I can surmise that it was cast with the best of intentions, and it was meant for your benefit.”
“That’s good enough for me, I think,” Zephyr said. “I’m glad you’re fine now, Mister Sahhto. I didn’t like the idea of you trapped in that chasm.”
“Neither did I.” The dragon’s smile widened. He tapped the blazefire conjuration atop his head with a claw. “A simple, but highly effective countermeasure against Tyrant magic, and one that I’m baffled I never thought to use, much to my folly. I won’t be making the same mistake twice in the battles to come against the Unliving Emperor’s hordes.”
“Battles to come?” Vincent asked excitedly. “Does that mean you’ll be helping us, sir?”
“Most definitely,” Sahhto said.
Chapter 18
Conveyed by Vincent’s Wind Walk spell, the trio and Gabriel returned to Blackstone Keep amidst a shower of sparks. Cries of alarm arose from the Phoenix Knights manning the battlements at the dragon they’d brought with them. Mages, djinns, and crossbowmen from the Vigilant Blades began scrambling into position as Sahhto spread his wings and rose into the air.
He doesn’t want to damage the battlements with his weight, Zephyr realized. He raised his hands and cast a simple Air Shout to make himself heard above the clamor. “Wait, everyone! Wait! There’s nothing to worry about! This is Sahhto! He’s no longer affected by Tyrant magic, and he’s here to help!”
Zephyr’s words thundered across the battlements of the curtain wall. The first to respond were the djinns, who stopped scurrying and began tugging at the sleeves of the Phoenix Knights and pointing to the trio. The Phoenix Knights quickly fell in line, shouting for the Vigilant Blades to lower their weapons and stand away from the ballistae. Within a few minutes, relative calm had returned to the curtain wall and a runner had been dispatched to fetch Archmage Brass and Grand Sage Avora.
“Wow, that was much easier than I’d thought,” Vincent said. “They kept their cool and got things sorted out really quickly, considering that Sahhto did try to kill everyone here yesterday morning.”
“The Phoenix Knights are as much a military organization as a mage order,” Gabriel said. “When it comes down to it, we’re soldiers, fighting a war that’s been going on for longer than most of us have been alive.”
Zephyr looked up at Sahhto, who was floating languidly about twenty feet above the battlements.
“Is there somewhere you could land, so you can catch your breath instead of having to fly continuously?” he asked the dragon.
“Dragon flight is more magical than physical, Zephyr of the Wu,” Sahhto replied. His rumbling voice drew mutters of awe from the Phoenix Knights and Vigilant Blades. “My inherent magic keeps me aloft and costs me no effort at all. Do not worry about me.”
“Alright, then.” Zephyr swept his gaze across the battlements and realized that they were far more heavily manned than yesterday. “Hey, Gabriel. Is something going on? Why are there so many people out here right now?”
“Firebird scouts have probably caught sight of an incoming attack,” the Phoenix Knight replied, grimacing. “Looks like it’s going to be a big one, too.”
“Master Gabriel Xost is absolutely correct,” Marie Vensk said, approaching the trio. The mercenary vice-captain was clad in heavier armor, and she carried a wicked battle-axe in her gauntleted hands. “Firebird scouts indicate that at least five thousand war drones, three thousand hunter drones, and four thousand archer drones are approaching. At least ten behemoths have been spotted as well.”
“I’m not a master anymore, Marie,” Gabriel replied irritably. “And what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with your warriors? I remember you like standing with the heavy infantry.”
“I just came up here for a better view,” Marie said, her emerald gaze never leaving Zephyr. “Quite a feat, Zephyr, neutralizing the dragon and actually recruiting it to our cause.”
“He,” Zephyr replied, frowning. “Sahhto is a ‘he’, and I am very grateful he decided to come help us, because it sounds like we’re going to need it.”
“Undoubtedly.” Marie’s gaze flickered skyward to the dragon. A grin pulled at the corner of her lips. “How fortuitous. Perhaps I shall renew my division’s agreement with Archmage Brass after all, assuming we survive this attack.”
Before Zephyr could say anything, the vice-captain spun on her heel and stalked away, her armor rustling with every step.
“I don’t like her,” Nella declared, scowling at Marie’s back. “She reminds me of those treasure-seeking adventurers who wander into the Blight Boundary and end up causing everyone a lot of trouble.”
“Why did she come talk to you, Zeph?” Vincent asked. “What does she want?”
“I don’t know,” Zephyr said, shaking his head.
A door opened at the base of the rear-standing tower, and Archmage Brass emerged, trailed closely by Avora and Master Sora. The leader of the Phoenix Knights practically sprinted toward the trio, then came to a halt an arm’s length away from Zephyr and raised her hand in greeting to the dragon.
“Hail, mighty one!” she cried. “I am Xila Brass, Archmage of the Phoenix Knights. I have been told you prefer to be addressed as Sahhto and that you have come to help.”
“Indeed I have, Xila Brass,” Sahhto replied. The dragon angled his head briefly toward the horizon, before turning back to the Archmage. “I hear that you are preparing for a massive attack of drones. I can assure you that they will be upon this fortress within the hour.”
“I know,” Brass said. “That’s why I’m happy you’re here, Mighty Sahhto. From what I can tell, you have suffered greatly at the hands of the Slave-Masters and their foul magic. We would be honored to assist you in avenging yourself.”
“I place no value in vengeance, Xila Brass, only justice.” Sahhto’s crimson eyes narrowed. “And today, it would be my honor to fight by your side, as mages and dragons once did in days of yore.”
“Wonderful.” Archmage Brass nodded. “I would not presume to instruct you, Mighty Sahhto, but I have several suggestions for how best we can work together. Would you be amenable to considering them?”
“I would.” Sahhto dipped his graceful head briefly. “In this conflict, I am but another soldier standing against the hordes of evil. Consider me thus, and deploy me accordingly.”
“Balls of Fire, I like this fellow,” Gabriel muttered under his breath, and Zephyr couldn’t help but agree. He’d read and heard countless myths about the pride and fury of dragons, but Sahhto was dignified rather than proud and resolute instead of furious.
“My suggestion for you is simple, Mighty Sahhto,” Brass said. “When the enemy comes, they will throw themselves at my fortress. It will be an anvil.”
“And I will be the hammer,” Sahhto reasoned. “It is a simple plan, Xila Brass, but one that I completely concur with.”
“A hammer, yes, but a more surgical one,” the Archmage clarified. “I sense something like a blazefire conjuration above your brow. Did Gabriel teach you how to do that?”
“Zephyr of the Wu did,” the dragon said, “though the mental defenses I now wear are born of Draconic magic rather than Inferno magic, and they will render me impervious to any further attempts to subvert my will.” A curious smile spread across his maw. “You want me to target the behemoths. They will stand beyond the range of your spells and weapons while they command the drones. But nothing escapes the reach of a dragon on the wing.”
“That’s right.” Brass nodded. She pointed to the trio. “These three and Gabriel will accompany you. You’ll be facing Shadowswarm, and from what Avora tells me, you won’t find anyone more adept at dealing with them than his guests.”
“Avora…” Sahhto cast his crimson regard upon the Grand Sage. “You aren’t Tarkus Avora, but the resemblance is uncanny. Nella Heartseeker and Vincent Trefori have revealed to me your role in the path they’ve taken. I’m glad to hear that you’ve proven yourself sincere and trustworthy so far, which is far more than can be said of your ancestor.”
“Thank you, Mighty Sahhto.” Avora bowed. Zephyr caught the Grand Sage’s eye briefly, only to receive a brief shake of the head from him. Perhaps the Grand Sage felt embarrassed that he would be unable to participate in the defense of Blackstone Keep because of his injuries. Still, Zephyr couldn’t help but be troubled at the dragon’s unpleasant insinuations about the character of Tarkus Avora, a mythic hero in his own right who fought alongside Caruthas.
Master Sora approached the trio and clasped Zephyr heartily on his shoulder.
“Well done, Zeph.” The Wu monk grinned up at the dragon. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Hello, Master Sora,” Nella said, pulling Vincent forward. “This is Vincent.”
“Good afternoon, Master Sora.” Vincent bowed deeply to the Wu monk. “It’s an honor to finally meet you.”
“The honor is all mine, Vincent.” Master Sora smiled. “I’m sorry Zephyr didn’t get a chance to bring you and Nella to the Wu monastery for a visit.”
“He brought Lux, though.” Nella poked Zephyr playfully in the side. “Shows you where his priorities lie.”
“My time with her was coming to an end,” Zephyr said, his voice carrying more than a tinge of sadness. “But I don’t think the three of us will be together for a long, long time, so I figured we’d have plenty of chances to visit Master Sora.”
“Why, after we see off this attack, we can have a visit right here!” Master Sora said, laughing. “The brothers will want to meet the two of you as well. It’ll be fun!”
“It definitely will,” Zephyr agreed, smiling.
“Alright. The brothers and I aren’t going to mount any sorties right now,” Master Sora said. “We’ll be supporting the Vigilant Blades. Fight well, you three.”
“Master Sora, I have a question,” Zephyr said, just as the Wu monk turned to leave. “You and the brothers were hunting Slave-Masters, weren’t you? How did you cope with their Tyrant magic? I had Inferno magic guarding my mind, and it still gave me a hard time.”
“If a Slave-Master isn’t aware of your presence, he won’t be able to use his magic on you,” Master Sora said. “We taught you how to move quietly, Zeph. That could come in useful in the battles to come.”
“Thank you, Master Sora,” Zephyr said, bowing. The Wu monk laughed, hugged him briefly, and walked away.
“Looks like Sahhto and Brass are done hashing out the details,” Gabriel said, gesturing at Brass, who was still deep in conversation with the dragon. “There really isn’t much to add from what you’ve already heard. We follow Sahhto, and we kill anything that gets in his way. And then we help him kill Slave-Masters too.”
“Sounds good to me.” Nella retrieved her bow from her mage band and grinned. She glanced at Zephyr. “Zeph’s going to need some new gear, though. His armor is pretty much ruined.”
“It can still be fixed with the help of an expert blacksmith,” Vincent said. “Which I’m not.”
Zephyr winced at the mention of equipment. His knight robe would be a more than serviceable stand-in for his armor, but it was the loss of Lethal Swiftness that truly pained him. He’d dropped the enchanted blade on the chasm floor before it was flooded by the molten remains of hundreds of iron drones, which meant that it had either melted alongside the creatures or was now embedded within tons of metal.
He began to sigh, but Vincent didn’t give him a chance to mourn the loss of the precious sword. The jeweler’s apprentice took out Lethal Swiftness from his mage band and handed it to Zephyr.
“What? How?” Zephyr asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
“I saw that you dropped your blade, so I cast a simple Steel Grasp spell to retrieve it,” Vincent said. “It was surprisingly easy, actually. The drones’ bodies really are made of very pure iron, the strange magic woven through them notwithstanding, while Lethal Swiftness carries a good amount of skyforged steel in its length. My Steel Grasp spell had no trouble differentiating your sword from the drones and pulling it from their midst.”
“Thanks, Vincent!” Zephyr said, turning the enchanted saber around in his hands. “I really appreciate it.”
“Don’t mention it, Zeph.” The jeweler’s apprentice began to smile, only for his expression to falter and turn into a mask of dread. Zephyr followed his gaze, which was directed off the battlements and toward the shattered landscape beyond Blackstone Keep.
Massive clouds of dust filled the horizon, reaching high enough to brush the lower edges of a vast roiling mass that glinted metallically beneath the sunlight. War drones, archer drones, and hunter drones in their thousands, as Marie had said.
“Here they come,” Gabriel said.
Chapter 19
There was no lead up to the fighting, no preamble, no calls for parley, nor demands to surrender. The drones simply approached the towering walls of Blackstone Keep and began their attack. Even as fireballs exploded in their midst and beams of crimson-orange light raked through their ranks, roiling tides of war drones surged across the barren landscape and hurled themselves at the fortress’s outer curtain walls.
Ballistae bolts lashed out in their hundreds to scythe through the clouds of hunter drones darkening the skies. They had little effect, most of the streaking barbs of steel bouncing uselessly off the shadows wreathed across the bodies of the metallic mosquitoes.
“Shouldn’t one or two of us be there?” Vincent asked, clinging on to the back of Nella’s sky-wyrm anxiously as it ascended into the skies alongside Sahhto. “Don’t the Phoenix Knights need our Tempest magic to strip the dark magic barriers from the drones before their spells will work on the monsters?”
“Inferno magic will still work,” Gabriel said grimly. The Phoenix Knight had a white-knuckled grip on the sky-wyrm’s shoulder horns. “It’ll just take much more of it. Besides, there are only three of you, and yes, you could probably strip many drones of their dark magic barriers, but—”
