Chapter 6. Escape from Ash Valley. Part 4.
In the cramped confines of their makeshift shelter, lightning flashed through gaps in stone, casting flickering shadows across weary faces. Outside, wind howled like a banshee, and rain lashed down in sheets. They did not unite with other mercenaries, instead Lilith led them south. She used her View Air spell to successfully avoid fomorian soldiers, and two days later she finally felt safe enough to take shelter from a raging storm and get some rest.
Azael lay still against one wall, face pale and drawn even in slumber. Kragor kept vigil nearby, while Lilith sat apart from the others. Spear rested across her lap, as she examined it with a critical eye. The weapon gleamed faintly even in shadow, pulsing with some inner light. A sudden flash of lightning outside the cave entrance made Cian jump, his gaze drawn to the spear.
– Spear of Lugh! – Cian blurted out suddenly, eyes widening, as he recognized the weapon’s distinctive markings: – How…? – he stammered, unable to finish the thought.
Sharr glanced over curiously, tail twitching at this unexpected reaction.
Lilith remained silent for a long moment, tracing one finger along the shaft before answering.
– I took it from the fomorian god, – she said softly, voice barely audible above the rumble of thunder: – After he killed Adamus.
The words hung heavy in the air between them. Kragor shifted uncomfortably, remembering the scene of Adamus death and powerful being, who was coming to kill them. Sharr whistled lowly through his teeth.
– The one who bested him wields that spear now? – he mused aloud: – Quite a prize.
Lilith shrugged:
– Perhaps. Cian what do you know about this Spear?
Cian took a deep breath, eyes distant as he began his tale.
– The Spear of Lugh and the Sword of Light are two holy weapons of Tuatha Dé Danann, – he intoned softly, voice echoing off cave walls: – They were forged to be wielded by Tuatha Dé Danann chosen warriors gifted with immense power. The Spear is said to have been used by Lugh himself, during his great battles against the fomorians.
Lilith listened intently, hands tightening on the weapon’s shaft at the mention of his people.
– What happened? – she prompted gently, urging him to continue.
– The weapons disappeared into legend. But whispers persisted that they still existed… somewhere.
He fixed Lilith with a piercing stare.
– Our king sent me out in search of the Claidheamh Soluis – Sword of Light, but, before I could find any mention of its location, I ended up wearing a slave collar.
The storm outside seemed to quiet for a moment, as if holding its breath along with the others. Kragor shifted uncomfortably, listening to tuatha boys tale.
– But this Spear, – Lilith mused aloud, turning it over in her hands thoughtfully: – It’s just as powerful, you said?
Cian nodded slowly.
– Its potential is… unimaginable.
Azael stirred restlessly on his pallet once more, eyes fluttering open to regard them with smoldering intensity, before drifting closed again.
– My people would reward you greatly, if you would bring them back the spear.
– Perhaps I will. But before that we will need to get out of here. Let us improve our chances, – Lilith placed her hand inside her magic bag and took out a Leveling Crystal.
– Sharr, you know what to do.
Snakeman nodded and approached the crystal.
– Is that the forbidden Leveling Crystal! – shouted Cian: – I thought that only fallen archangels and demon emperor have them on our continent?
– I possess one as well. Now that we are alone, we can safely use it. Well apart from you, since your people cannot use them, – shrugged Lilith: – It will increase our chances to get out of here.
– Is that why you decided to abandon Hawk band and other mercenaries?
– Yes. Also, our chances to get out of the valley are better if we are alone, while fomorians concentrate on Hawk band mercenaries. Besides our leader Abaddon abandoned us, so I consider our contract over. And we can always say, that we got separated from main mercenary group and had to push alone.
Cian averted his eyes, but did not object. He saw some wisdom in her words, even if deep inside he did not agree.
Meanwhile snakeman placed his hand on leveling crystal and examined words in front of him. He touched a word with his free hand and letters disappeared.
– Azael your next, – ordered Lilith. Fallen angel got up and also placed his hand on a crystal. This time Lilith looked over fallen angels shoulder and examined the letters.
Fallen angel, LV 11 – 12Name – Azael;Job: Flaming knight;Status:Health: 68;Mana: 140 – 150; Strength: 12 – 13;Defense: 12;Spell power: 7;Luck: 1;Speed: 6;Morale: Neutral Skills:
Flight (Advanced);
Farsight (Advanced);
Fire magic (Basic);
Intelligence (Novice);
Flaming Celestial Sword; New
Possible skill acquirement:- Intelligence (Basic);- Fire magic (Advanced);Please choose one skill!
“So his ability came from Flaming Celestial Sword skill”, thought to herself Lilith – “Probably used up all his mana, and that’s why he collapsed. Useful, but dangerous, if he runs out of mana too soon.”
Azael chose to increase his Fire magic skill and went back to rest. Lilith gestured to Kragor, and he carefully approached.
– Just place your hand on the crystal, – instructed Lilith: – It will make you stronger.
Minotaur glanced at her, with doubt in his eyes, but nodded. He placed his hand on Leveling Crystal and Lilith examined his skills.
Minotaur, LV 1 – 11Name – Kragor;Job: Axeman;Status:Health: 50 – 51;Mana: 20 – 40; Strength: 0 – 14;Defense: 0 – 12;Spell power: 0 – 12;Luck: 1;Speed: 6;Morale: Neutral Skills:
Axe user (Novice)
Possible skill acquirement:- Increased strength (Novice);- Hunger resistance (Novice);Please choose one skill!
– What should I choose? – asked Kragor, who had trouble with reading.
– This one, – Lilith pointed at Hunger Resistance skill. Ordinary she would suggest Increased Strength skill, but they were low on food supply and had many weeks of journey ahead.
Minotaur nodded and chose a skill. Letters disappeared, and Lilith placed Leveling Crystal inside her Female Purse.
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