Introduction

Welcome back to Maledicturs Terra. This is a Chain Story between myself and @lex-zaiya, meaning that we each write the parts alternatively.

If you have not read Maledictus Terra Book 1: Mortis Custos yet, it starts HERE at Part 1 and ends at Part 101 HERE. At the end of the Part 101 post you will find links to all 101 Parts!

The previous part by @lex-zaiya can be found HERE.

Part 27

The rest of the party gave some space between themselves and the Lifedrinker King. Adiran had nearly reacted when the brutish King had gripped him and made him sit down, but he had been near and around many dangerous creatures and he was not as fragile as people are led to believe.

“You can come out now.” Sebastian said with command, but there was also a gentleness to his speech. “This mage needs to explain something to you.”

I heard everything that you have said already. The voice came into Adiran’s mind. He understood telepathy, he was also able to communicate in this fashion, but he was not about to let them know this. Trix had chosen to let Adiran and Sebastian both hear what was being said but the communication could also be modified so only one person could hear the telepath at a time.

Adiran could, however, eavesdrop should he focus his mind. It was harder however, when you cannot physically see the telepath using the communication.

“I do have more to tell you however.” Adiran said out loud. Looking about as though he was unable to see or sense the presence of the King’s champion. He couldn’t see the Lifedrinker, but he knew exactly where it was. There was no bloodlust or thirst emanating from the creature.

It moved forward and the shadow became visible to the eye. Adiran made show of noticing it and the armored from of Trix rose out of the shadow that had pooled before him. The armor was pointed and bladed, every inch of its form covered in steel and black leather.

The gauntlets were equipped with bladed claws not too dissimilar to the weapons Queen Mary handled. They were like the anti-Lifedrinker weapons, but he doubted that they were silvered.

“Well met.” Adiran said simply and Trix inclined a helmeted head briefly. “As you know, these bracelets allows the partner bearer to gain control of a Lifedrinker should they themselves lose control.”

“Shackles all the same.” Trix said and Sebastian snorted.

“There is however, some nuance.” Adiran said. “Not just anyone can use these bracelets. They are tied directly to the twins. To the royalty that shares their bloodline with King Sebastian here.”

“Does this mean that you can take control of the bracelets as well then mage?” Sebastian rumbled. “You and the boy… you are the same.”

Adiran shook his head. “The same but different. There is enough difference between he and I that I have made the spell unique to him from right now and right here.”

Trix shrugged. “I do not have reason to dislike the boy. But we have just met. I need to know that I can trust him.”

“Not to sound too vain.” Adiran smiled. “But you will find that the boy has many fine qualities as an ally.”

Trix grunted consent. “One thing is for sure, you and the boy share something in common in that you are not afraid in most situations others would be completely terrified in. Speaking to us in private? We could rip you limb from limb and disappear before your comrades could come to your aid.”

Adiran shrugged. “Maybe.”

Sebastian raised a hand. “Trix. I actually think that we cannot. I sense no bluster in him. Nor is he a fool. He’s pretty relaxed because he has something… some power we do not know.”

Trix started almost menacingly at Adiran for a moment. “Maybe.”

There was a yell from the others then, forestalling any further negotiations or threats. Adrian waved his arms in their direction. “Something is coming!”

Instantly Adiran pushed out his consciousness to detect what it was his younger self meant. He felt… nothing. “What is it?”

“Its… HIM but not HIM.” Adrian called back. He has his sword and shield out and ready to fight. Magna and the white wolf were nearby and also armed.

Mortis and the Blazeknights had dismounted earlier but came over at the cries and calls of Magna.

“What does he mean?” Sebastian demanded. “Who is… HIM?”

“A servant of a Dark God. We have other enemies. Powerful ones that would love to end the lineage of your father and that of Dragonshold. Ready yourself. It might be anything.”

Trix blended in with the shadows once more. What sort of foe can we expect?

Adiran shrugged. “The undead usually. Or mortal followers. Or entities form another realm.”

“Or THAT.” Sebastian pointed with a massive sword at the treeline in the distance where a blurry shape was speeding across the open ground towards the party. “Alone? Is it powerful or suicidal?”

Adiran grimaced. “A bit of both apparently.” His fists began to glow as he activated a layer of his power and threw a bolt of energy across the open ground towards the sprinting invader. It was almost expected, that the running figure dodged out of the way of the magic and continued with its assault. A pair of crossbow bolts sped towards the creature and it managed to leap into the air over the shots and then it was on the ground again, within metres of the party.

Its intended target now had become clear.

“It is going for Adrian!” The mage shouted.

Over to you @lex-zaiya! Knee deep in the action!

Here is an explanation of Chain Stories and here is the current Chainstory Library

Mortis Custos

Start

Sanguifex

by @zakludick	by @lex-zaiya
Part 1	Part 2
Part 3	Part 4
Part 5	Part 6
Part 7	Part 8
Part 9	Part 10
Part 11	Part 12
Part 13	Part 14
Part 15	Part 16
Part 17	Part 18
Part 19	Part 20
Part 21	Part 22
Part 23	Part 24
Part 25	Part 26
You are here!	Coming soon!

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