Ch 73: The Banners Of Love & War

If Astasha had been in awe of Calder before, it was nothing compared to the utter reverence and wonderment she felt as she watched him before their army. The energy had shifted so drastically it was like night and day, and the buzz of optimism only continued to grow from there as everyone made ready to move out, into the Land of the Dead and onto the Stone of Balance.
Only hours before, she had fought to keep the darkness at bay, Zephyr’s words haunting her as she realized the severity of her situation. Which was why she had asked of Helia something no one else could know of; should she be captured, should the demon’s plan work, and her soul broken and the darkness take her, her fellow Fire Witch was to do the only thing that could stop the Dark Mage from using her as a weapon… end Astasha’s life before it was too late.
Helia had stood there in silence for what felt like eternity after she pleaded her case, but she knew the older Sorceress was the only one who truly understood what the darkness within her was capable of, and at last, she had agreed. It had broken Tasha’s heart, knowing that, should their bond remain un-severed, Calder would share the same fate. But she also knew there was no other choice should it come to it, and he would make the same sacrifice if it meant saving his kingdom from utter destruction.
There was a certain determination that had come with her acceptance of the possibility, and it had fueled her as she stood beside her Prince, prepared to do whatever it took to see the end of this shadow which had followed them since his return.
Now, however, as the camp bustled with activity around her, Astasha stood outside Zephyr’s tent with hope in her heart, truly feeling for the first time that she might live to see brighter days.
The Earth and Air Sorcerers of the Moon Garden had agreed to stay with her old Advisory companion until he was well enough to travel. Then, they would make their way back to their paradise with him, where he was granted permission to remain for as long as he desired.
Gaiylene stepped out, holding the flap open for the Fire Witch. “He’s awake. Seems in good spirits. Something about feeling a wave of light wash over him, banishing the darkness.” She gave Astasha a small smirk as she stepped inside, the Earth Sorceress closing the flap behind her.
“Hello, my dear.” The old Air Sorcerer was sitting up, his eyes locked onto her yet unseeing.
But she still smiled as she walked toward him.
“I hear you’re feeling better. I’m glad.” He seemed to follow her as she moved, almost as if he could see her after all.
He had an appraising sort of look on his face as she came to stand next to him. “Your energy has shifted. It seems the light has come at last, though, the darkness is still there, buried deep inside.” A sorrow washed over him and he reached out to find her hand with his own. “You carry a guilt that is not yours to bear, my dear. You did not ask for this burden, and you have stood strong far beyond what most could. You ride with renewed hope today, leave the rest behind, Astasha.”
She took a deep breath as she held his hand in both of hers. “I hear you are to ride to the Moon Garden once you’re able.”
He smiled warmly. “Yes. I have always longed to look upon its wonders.” Her spirits fell at his words, but he shook his head. “I have no regrets in my choice, and neither should you. While I have lost the ability to see with my eyes, the Goddess has gifted me the ability to see in a much deeper way. What used to just be a feeling, is now painted in my mind’s eye in vivid colors.”
The Fire Witch contemplated what he could mean for a moment before it came to her. “You can see energy.”
He nodded, his smile growing. “It is splendid beyond my wildest dreams. Once the darkness fled, my mind was opened to a world unlike any I could have ever imagined. Now I shall bear witness to the magic of the Moon Garden as it was intended.”
He squeezed her hand with a little chuckle and she found herself coming to a sort of peace with herself over the traumatic events that had taken place only the day before.
“Zephyr, thank you, for always being so kind to me.”
“You have a good soul, Astasha. I’ve always given kindness where it was received.”
They sat there in silence for a moment before a familiar presence arrived outside the tent just before Calder’s face appeared.
“May I enter?”
“Your Highness, please, come in.” Tasha released the Air Sorcerer’s hand as he beckoned the Prince inside.
“How are you feeling?”
“The talents of the Sorcerers of the Moon Garden have done wonders, Your Majesty.”
Calder nodded as his eyes wandered over Zephyr’s face, as if he was searching to make sure of his honesty. “Good.” He took a deep breath, and Astasha could feel the same guilt inside him that she had held. “Zephyr--”
But the old sorcerer held up his hand.
“My Prince, I have lived many moons and seen many things in the service of your father. I gladly give my sight so that you might see the end of this evil.”
Cal and Tasha exchanged a look, but she smiled softly and he seemed to accept it.
“You have indeed given us that chance. And for that, I am eternally grateful. We ride in your honor, and I only hope we can do it justice.”
“I know you will.” There was no doubt in the certainty behind Zephyr’s words, and Calder allowed the smallest of smiles in return before turning to Astasha.
“It’s time, my love.”
She nodded, looking back at her fellow sorcerer.
“Safe travels, my friend.”
As the Prince and Sorceress turned to leave, the Air Mage called after them.
“My future King and Queen…” They stopped as they looked back at him. “When you face your enemy, it will seek to use your love against you. But it has never known love, and that is its greatest weakness; something that does not know what love is, can never know how powerful it can be. In your darkest moment, remember your love for one another. It will guide you to the light.”
-----
It was a sea of banners and horses and soldiers that moved out from the little camp at the base of the hill, striking out into the rising sun toward the Land of the Dead. At its front, rode Astasha and Calder, a new banner soaring in the wind above them.
Tasha had marveled at the quick, yet elegant embroidery work when Cal had presented it to her; a final gift before their departure. Her fingers had run along the silver and gold silk stitched upon the Prince’s colors, the symbol of the Phoenix Kashor had marked her with, entangled with that of Calder’s White Dragon.
‘*Our* crest.’ He had said before Olander fastened it to the staff and hoisted it into the air.
She looked up at it as they rode, the fabric waving in the breeze, an official symbol of their union, and of her position as co-Commander of their army and future Princess of Trenue.
There was a buzz of energy in the air she had never felt before, a mixture of so many emotions she couldn’t even begin to separate them. But the one that was noticeably missing was fear.
Her and Calder’s ability to at last create the blast that would be their only weapon against the demons, had indeed renewed the vigor of their army. And while she could still feel her doubts and worries lying in wait, she allowed herself to give in to the positive atmosphere and dare to hope.
The sun bore down on them overhead as they approached a single dry and lifeless tree, and Calder at last slowed, the column coming to a stop behind him.
“The Land of the Dead.” He said, Astasha’s eyes turning from him to look out over the barren landscape before them.
Occupied by no man, ruled over by no Lord, it was considered both sacred and cursed ground. And now, it was to become a battleground, the stage upon which good and evil would come face to face, and either light would prevail, or all would fall to darkness.
The Prince urged his horse to turn so he could face the army behind them as his voice carried across the stillness.
“We ride hard for two days. At second dusk we make camp, but be on guard. They know we are coming. Once we cross these borders, war may find us at any moment. Any who wish to turn away, now is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back.”
He waited, but none moved.
Calder’s eyes found Astasha and they locked onto one another.
They both knew this was it. Either their plan would work, or it would fail, and she could feel the same hell-bent determination within Cal that she carried herself.
Her mind drifted to the Stone of Balance, not four day’s ride from where she sat upon her mount, and beyond it, the Forest of the Damned, where her destiny would be decided. The Dark Mage awaited them there, and they would face her one way or another.
A feeling of need came over her; a need to see this done, to face the one who had caused her so much pain and suffering, and see their end.
Taking a deep breath, she looked into Calder’s eyes, and knowing he felt the same, nodded once.
Raising himself up, he spurred his horse. “Then we ride!”
And with a nudge of her heels, Astasha joined him, and they crossed into the Land of the Dead, their army at their backs, their fate before them.