Mark of the Fool

Chapter 384: The Unmasking

Screams and roars filled the air as the Champion of Uldar met the cult with maximum violence.

To Drestra, though?

It was music to her ears.

The Sage dove under water and gave Angharad an enthusiastic thumbs up, letting him know that Hart was in position.

He nodded, turned to the witches waiting with him and pointed to the surface, it was time to start their ascent. By the time he turned back to Drestra, she was already gone, climbing through the water, wasting no time; their captured kin had little to spare. A flight spell tumbled from the Sages lips, and as she broke the surface and climbed through the air, she chanted another spell. In the guard post above camp, two cultists gaped open-mouthed at what was happening below.

What in every hell? One cried. Are we under attack?

No, all that shoutin and mayhem means everythings just fine! The second sentry scrambled for the bell. You idiot, of course were under attack, but it looks like its only one

Wrong, Drestras voice crackled beside the sentry post as she hovered in the air.

Fire magic flared around her hands.

Catch.

She tossed twin cones of flame at the pairones hands shot out to catch them, while the other man ducked; that didnt help him. Flame enveloped both before they could even grasp why, and screaming, they leapt over the sides, burning like torches. Drestra soared over the palisade below without a second glance at them.

Roosting on a perch above the pit, two screeching bird-like demons spread their wings, ready to tear her from the sky. Lightning struck, turning the demons and their perch to ash; it gently floated into the pit like a light rain. The crackle of lightning and falling ash had the prisoners looking to the sky when the Sagefloating down like a miracletouched the ground. Shocked cries and whispers spread among puzzled captives. They squinted at her like she was the sun itself.

Drestras eyes welled with tears as her rage seethed at the state they were in.

Each was filthy, bruised, and gaunt, with eyes that were sunken so deep, they looked like dark craters. Some had injuries: broken arms stained with dried blood were barely supported by tattered rags, and manacles circled bony wrists. Across every face, symbols of mana expulsion were painted.

Drestras hands balled into fists.

Kindred, I am Drestra of Crymlyn VIllage, daughter of Elder Blodeuwedd, she said. Its time for you to go home!

Oh praise the spirits! A witch cried, his voice breaking. Praise them!

Others prayed loudly, some sobbed with relief.

And then she heard her name from a familiar voice. It was low and weak.

Drestra?

The Sages heart leapt.

Ffion? Her voice caught while she looked around desperately Ffion where are you?

A bedraggled woman came through the crowd. Shed always leaned toward the thin side, but now, she looked like the slightest breeze would blow her over.

Im here, Ffion said weakly. How did youOof!

The Sage rushed her old friend, catching her in a hug and holding on like she thought shed slip away.

DrestraDrestraaaayoure crushing me, Ffion smiled, her face was pained like she wanted to cry. But only a single tear came. Well get everyone water, the Sage exhaled softly. Im so glad we found you. The tears flowed as she gently pulled away and held her friend at arm's length, examining her. Im sorry this ever happened to you. Were going to get you home. Everyones going home. Drestras voice was like iron.

Oh thank the spirits, Ffion said softly. I prayed everyday that someone would come and murder these bastards. And here you are. To murder these bastards, she gave a weak laugh.

Drestra squeezed her friends hands, her eyes smiling above her veil. Im glad they couldnt break your spirit.

Not in this lifetime. And I mean it, theyre parasites, and they need killing. Her voice was calm.

I agree. Theyre a plague that nothing good can ever come from. Drestra said.

And well deal with all of these demons and demon worshipping filth like they deserve to be dealt with. One way or another, theyre leaving our swamp, I promise everyone that. She looked up at the palisades gate, eyeing a dirt ramp that spiralled down the edges of the pit to give the cultists access to the hostages.

I have witches from Crymlyn Village and Uldars Champion with me. Our kin will take everyone out of this place and Hart and I will see to these cultists. Stay put, Ill go let Angharad in. Drestra flew to the gate andwith a spellblasted it with a wave of force.

Both the bar and gate wrenched open, revealing a shocked Angharad and the other rescuers on the other side.

Hey, you nearly took my damn face off with that spell, he complained as he led the others through the palisade.

Sorry, Drestra said. I was trying to save time.

Dont apologise, save that sort of thing for the The man paused when he saw the hostages below, his eyes clouded. Oh, by the spirits, this is awful. Go on, well see to our people. You go help pay back the rest of those bastards.

With pleasure, she flew from the palisade, and turned to the witches below. Ill be back soon!

Drestra! Ffion called after. Get that traitor Osrian and all the other stinking traitors with him! Dont let them get away.

Angry voices rose in agreement.

The Sage nodded, holding her fingers up like claws.

If Hart didnt get him yet, hell die by my bare hands.

She tore from the palisade and flew over the camp, watching the carnage below. The Champion of Uldar was racing between tents, cutting down demons, cultists, and the few traitor witches remaining. With every step, he was a blur of death.

But, too slow for her liking.

Calling on her power, Drestra rained lightning and ice from above, cutting down the enemy by the dozen. She avoided fire: the camp was packed with supplies her people could use, especially with winter so near.

Her eyes kept searching for Osrianbut the coward was nowhere in sight. Maybe hed already run off at the first hint of a battle at his front door, though she had to admit, there were surprisingly few traitor witches around.

Youre not getting away, Osrian. Ill hunt you for the rest of my days, if thats what it takes, she whispered, climbing higher then turning in place, scanning the camp.

there!

A boats stern was heading into the trees.

Hart! her voice crackled like burning logs. Rats are escaping! Ill be right back!

Oh, take your time! He cut the head off a three-eyed demon. Ill be here, having a blast!

The Sage shot for the trees.

Coming close to her quarry, voices carried to her on the wind.

disaster. Shes going to kill us when she gets back, Osrian, a man said.

And thats why well be long gone when she does, another man replied. Were going to disappear so deep in the Crymlyn, even invisible marauders wont be able to find us.

What about the others who went with the army? a third voice asked. Theyre our people. Do we leave them to her wrath?

At this point, we have to survive or our ways die with us, Osrian said. Well leave signs so they can find us if they get away from Zonon-In

The only signs youre going to leave Drestra dropped below the trees and hovered above both vessels. are your bloated corpses.

The witches recoiled like theyd been scalded.

I am Drestra, the Sage. Her voice crackled like a blazing fire. Which of you is Osrian?

As one, the traitorous witches glanced at a man at the bow of a boat.

He flinched, looking at his companions in shock. Youtraitors! You betrayed me! he hissed, with no sense of irony, then whirled on the Sage. This is our swamp! His voice grew firm, this was only slightly undercut by him trembling like a leaf. We needed allies to keep outsiders out! Tototo

His voice trailed off.

Drestra wasnt listening.

And though she hadnt said much, she was finished talking, too.

Instead, she did something she had not done in front of another living being for many years. She reached to her face. Her hands unclasped a hidden catch.

And she took her veil off.

Oh! Osrian cried. Oh spirits protect us!

Then, she flew at them.

Screams erupted from the swamp, followed by a terrible cracking and immense crashing. Something crumbled. Someones breath rasped as they sank beneath the water. A tree snapped in half.

When the Sage at last flew into the skyher veil was back in placeand every last traitor was sinking in muddy water.

She swooped away, speeding to the camp and finding most of the enemy already dead. Enemy numbers had been slashed, pushing the enemy to desperate measures. Some rushed the palisade, looking for hostages, but instead of hostages for their taking, witches of Crymlyn Village waited at the gate with volley after volley of ice, acid and other deadly magics for them.

The Sage soared over the camp, raking the few remaining knots of resistance with lightning and conjured stones, allowing them a quick death, something theyd denied her kin.

Yes! Hart laughed, his dagger and stolen axe carving a swath of carnage through the rest. Get em, Drestra! Theyre breaking like kindling now!

And he was right.

Demons and cultists had fought in a fantical frenzy, but as their numbers dwindled and all hope was lost, their courage shattered. They fled for the swamp in all directions, but Drestra and Hart were merciless.

Less than a dozen minor demons escaped, and all bore grave wounds. Theyd be prey for the swamps predators soon enough.

Not a bad bit of exercise, the Champion said, tossing aside the now-broken axe and grabbing another.

We still have more to do, Drestra said. Ill go tell the others.

Oh, take your time, I aint going anywhere. Hart took a wineskin from a corpse, flicked the cork away, sniffed it, then took a long swig. A broad grin covered his face. This is the life.

The cultists are dead! The Sage flew above the pit, calling to her people. That filth Osrian wont be trading away anyone else's freedom ever again! Youre free!

The witches of Crymlynformer prisoners and rescuers alikecheered and wept, some did both at the same time. Relief washed over everyonebut Drestra couldnt share in it.

To the south, flashes of explosive magic and columns of smoke rose from the swamp.

The battle hadnt been won yet.

Angharad, weve done what we came to doless than a dozen demons fled into the woods and theyre so badly injured, they wont be alive for longbut those with the leader are still putting up a fight. Cedric and the others can use reinforcements. Do you think youll be alright getting everyone back to the village?

Theres thirty of us, you go, help the others. Angharad said. Wed be pretty poor witches and mages of Crymlyn if we couldnt handle a dozen half-dead demons.

Go! one of the prisoners cried. Help the rest of our people!

Yes, go ahead, Drestra, they need you. Ffion said. Angharad told us theyre also fighting these monsters! So dont worry about us. Were fine now!

Thank the spirits youll be back home soon, everyones waiting for you. Stay safe, all of you, and Ill see you soon! Drestra flew toward the Champion, who was cleaning his blades. Lets go. Time to help the others!

Alright, game on, then, he said, tossing the wineskin aside as she cast a flight spell on him.

Together, the two Heroes flew toward the southern battle as the Sage sent a signal through the sky.

A plume of flame erupted, announcing they were on their way.

They know were coming, so lets move! Drestra said. We should be there in about five minutesif we dont run into trouble!

Oh, I think we will! Hart snarled. He squinted in the distance. Somethings flying this way, and it aint moving at a slow leisurely pace either.

Drestra swore. Well, if were really lucky, maybe the enemys retreating. I hope the others are having an easy time like we had.

###

Alex stared at the long gash across Claygons chest.

It was deep, nearly deep enough to pierce his core, and if that had happened

Claygon! Theresa cried, whirling at the demon. You filthy monster!

She slashed at its eyes, but the demon casually clipped the huntress with a backhand, sending her careening through the air.

No! Alex screamed, diving toward her.

Theresa held up a hand, the gesture stopped him, then she charged back into battle. Her teeth were clenched as she joined Cedric and the witches dying trees. Claygon came for the demonic leader while she fended off their attack, and slammed a fist into her shoulder.

She howled with pain. Alright! Felt that! You need to go, rock man!

No! Alex shouted.

Dodge, big fellow! The demon flipped the war-spear in her grip and hurled it.

The young wizards mind flooded Claygon with directions, and the golem spun to the side.

But not quick enough.

The spear struck, clipping his shoulder, ripping away a chunk of clay. His arm almost separated from his body.

Oh, by the Traveller, Alex murmured, watching Claygon climb away from the fight. If that had hit any lower

A rush of teleportation magic cut off his words. The demons war-spear reappeared in her hand, and she slashed another tree in half. As it was falling, Cedric was darting in, his weapon changing from form to form; he slashed with a sword, then stabbed with a spear, struck with a mace, then parried with a shield. Theresa sliced the demons flanks and her blind spots, drawing dark lines of blood from shallow wounds.

But the monster hardly seemed bothered; she lazily batted aside the two supernatural warriors and the powerful trees. She waseven

Oh shit! Alex cursed. Shes actually humming. This isnt working. If this keeps up, someones gonna die. Focus! Focus!

He looked for Claygon; the golem and Cedric were the only ones doing any real damage, but Claygon was too slow to avoid that bloody spear.

Alright, now shes toying with us. Shes not really paying attention. You can use that. Just get that weapon away from her, he thought. Teleportation magic! Maybe when shes stabbing at Cedric, I can cast Call Through Ice and she'll stab her blade into the portal. She can probably teleport it back into her hand, but before she does, Ill have Claygon crush her damn skull!

He began casting, sinking into the Marks interference.

The whoosh of a blade cutting the air warned him.

He stopped the spell, pulling out of the images.

The war-spear was coming right for him.

With a shout, he dove as it tore through the air where his head had just been.

Nice dodge! Now, no more spells from up there! The demon said as her spear flashed back into her hand. If you want to fight me, then youre going to have to come down and use those tiny little hands of yours!

A chill went through him; hed called it wrong.

She looks like shes toying with us, he thought. But shes actually watching the battlefield like a hawkAlright, so well have to blind her first.

He sent two Wizards Hands at her face. The spells flared brightly and clapped over her eyes, trying to blind her.

She opened her mouth.

Dozens of long tentacles slithered from between yellowed fangs, wrapped around the spells, and crushed them.

I said hands! she barked, as she blocked Cedrics blow.

Those were hands! he fired back.

Hah! You make jokes, how fun! Why dont we try some physical comedy for a bit!

Her eyes met Alexs and her lips moved.

But no sound came out.

Then something hit his mind with the force of Claygons fist.