Take My Heart...: Dark Ages - Fantasy (Dark Gods & Tainted Souls Book 3) by julius schenk Page B

here?” the old man said.
    He reached out for a bottle, taking it carefully in his hand and let it fall to the stone floor. It fell with a soft cracking sound. They watched as the dark red liquid slowly dripped from the cracks in its surface.
    “It’s blood wine, filled with dark magic and secrets,” he said.
    The king was filled with rage as he looked at them. This was the sort of dark magic that his father died trying to destroy.
    “What should we do with this, my King?” The man grinned.
    “Destroy it all, every bottle, every drop, every trace,” he said.
    Thellas reached forward. Taking a bottle smashed it hard against the stone floor, then another and another. All the work of the Gatherers, years, and years of collected knowledge. Languages, skills, learning and memories. He slowly and methodically smashed every bottle, sullied every drop and destroyed every trace.
     

Chapter Eleven.
     
    Seth stood looking out to the small boats and saw his. He realized there was no way he could board one with Seraphina, he looked over at her and saw she was having the same thought.
    “I’ll just hold yours tight, or lash it with a rope or something, we’ll journey together,” he said.
    She held him close, now she was here the urge was pulling her as well and she knew it was time to face what she’d done. That person she once was seemed like a faded horrible memory but she still had to answer for her crimes.
    “Thank you,” she said.
    Seth looked at the Wolvern. It was so strong and powerful now and even beautiful. Its white fur shone in the sunlight.
    “I guess this is goodbye then,” Seth said out loud.
    It spoke back in his mind. Only, for now, Druheim, our paths are still linked I’m sure of it.
    Seraphina knelt down to the creature and held it close. She was going to be strong.
    “I’ll miss you, Lord Dog, thanks for all the bats,” she said.
    It laughed darkly. Do not fear you’re still the strongest of us, remember that you are a warrior and not a victim, go into this with your head held high.
    Seth patted the Wolvern on the head and it snapped at him. He took Seraphina’s hand and they started walking to the boats. He led the way to the one he knew was meant for him. The water of the ocean was cold on his feet and they waded until he was next to the wooden boat. Seth hugged Seraphina tight, feeling the warmth of her body in the cold water. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you go.”
    Seth climbed into his boat and reaching out pulled another one close to his. She climbed into it and sat so they were both facing the distance.
    “You ready?” he said.
    “As I’ll ever be,” she said.
    The boats started to pull away from the shore, moving from its own power. Seth easily held hers close to his as they slid across the water into the fog. The shore was disappearing and he heard the Wolvern’s words in his mind and surely hers.
    Try not to let him die, it said.
     

Chapter Twelve.
    Goldie stood in the command tent and looked at himself in the reflection of the duchess’s dressing mirror. It was a long highly polished piece of bronze that showed him what a complete full he looked, dressed head to toe in regal Twin Plains attire. Clearly he was playing the part of a general. They had struggled to find something big enough for Farirkar and failed for Flint and Stone completely.
    The king stood looking at him and Farirkar as they looked back like sullen children.
    “You look much better. I really don’t know why you look so put out, that’s probably the finest set of clothes you’ve ever worn,” he said.
    “I prefer armor I can move in,” said Farirkar.
    “Anyway, shut it and listen.” The king passed them a piece of canvas that was painted with oils and showed the local landscape and roads, a map to Twin Plains.
    “As you see this is a map and I’ve very helpful marked out where you’re going. It’s simple, get there, fight for two days and I’ll come and pay you. Your trip should take you