SWNOVELS Chapter 29: A NEW WORLD
Finkle retrieved the Maha’De and placed it into Odder’s hand. “So, did you become a Celestine?”
Odder knelt in front of the gnome. “No, my silly little friend. I was given the power of the divine.”
Finkle shook his head. “It’s terrible you lost it then.”
“Once touched by the divine,” Drugan interrupted, “the magic is never completely lost.”
“Don’t worry, Finkle,” said Odder. “I know what I must do.”
Odder asked his friends to gather around. He shared his experience with death and his conversation with the Celestine. He warned about the imminent demon attacks, the looming presence of Bahl-xolus, and uniting all of Arcaina.
Drugan took Odder aside. “Look around at the crowd. They see you as their Champion. The elves need a leader. Lead them.”
“There is something I must say,” Odder said, his voice low and faint. “I’m not fit to lead them.”
Drugan gripped Odder’s arm. “The Celestines chose you. That is all you need to lead.”
Odder nodded. He understood and knew, despite the truth of what he is, he is the one. He held up the Maha’De. The crowd went silent. “What you’ve accomplished today was remarkable. Go now tend to your wounds, bury the dead, and secure Skyger. Tonight we rest and tomorrow we rebuild.”
The crowd cheered.
Soon after, various leaders formed groups to complete the tasks given by Odder.
A Rigan guard approached and took a knee. “My lord, I went to retrieve Prince Destin’s body, but it’s missing.”
Odder held his fist over his mouth. He was deceived by the only friend he thought he had all these years. An emptiness filled his heart. “Finkle, can you search for Destin’s body?”
“You got it, laddy or should I call you Champion?” Finkle asked with a grin.
“How about King,” Odder replied, with sarcasm. He laughed. “Come on little gnome. I’ll always be Odder, your friend.”
Finkle held up his hammer and roared before leaving.
After several hours, Finkle reported back to Odder. “Sorry.” He shook his head.
Later that night Odder sat with his friends around the campfire and discussed Destin’s missing body and their victory.
“Perhaps his body was taken by the goblins,” said Finkle.
“No,” Odder replied. “I fear we will see him again.”
“Then I’ll kill him twice,” said Serra.
“Can you retrieve your divine magic?” Finkle asked. “We could use it.”
“It’s doubtful, but I have no regrets losing it. It’s a small price to pay for saving Aimma,” Odder replied. “Besides, I still retain the ability to wield magic.”
Everyone agreed, and Aimma blushed.
Serra tossed a log into the fire. “So what of the Maha’De? Without being blessed, it’s useless as a demon killer.”
“There is a way,” said Aimma.
“There is?” questioned Odder.
“The Skyger high wizard, remember. He’s still living.” Aimma pointed to Drugan. “Is this not true?”
“It’s possible,” Confirmed Drugan. “High Wizard Edan is trapped in a looking glass in the King’s war room. At the time, the King and I thought it best to hide the meaning of Odder’s curse at all cost. Edan discovered that secret during your exorcism, and we trapped him until after the Tetrad.”
“It makes sense now,” said Odder. He frowned knowing the risks. “The war room is above Bahl-xolus.”
“And the dragon,” Drugan added.
“We know the demon plans on possessing the dragon if he hasn’t done so already.” Odder gripped the hilt of his sword. “We need to free Edan.”
He stood and sauntered to the portal. “We’ll make plans tomorrow.”
Odder placed his hand against the stone and closed his eyes. He concentrated on the same sensation he felt when he touched Grigori, but nothing came to him. He peered down at his markings. Will they still follow me if they find out what I truly am? He looked up into the sky. Kellas had already set, leaving only the Eye of Adeit shining bright with Ophelia to its right.
Odder felt his demon blood boiling to the surface again. He closed his eyes, determined to control it.
Serra sauntered next him. “You alright?”
“What!” Odder said, startled. The demon blood retreated. He composed himself, relieved. “It all seems like a dream,” he replied.
“Nightmare maybe.”
Odder sighed. If you only knew. “Can you sense the evil?”
“I feel it in my bones.”
“I pray we can hold out until the Celestines arrive,” Odder said, peering into the heavens.
“I’m confident we will.”
He turned toward her. “Thank you for everything.”
“Of course.” She grinned. “You need your rest tonight. Tomorrow we start a new quest.”
“Until tomorrow then.”