The Battle of Gorgonholm by Robert John MacKenzie

Author:Robert John MacKenzie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: N/A
Publisher: Bublish, Inc.
Published: 2020-12-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 29

Beyond the Iron Door

“We’re all set, lassie. Cast your spell.”

Sarah was still uncertain about the wisdom of their undertaking, but did as instructed. She could feel the spell trying to work, but the stout door was resisting her effort. She focused her will, directing more and more of her psychic energy to the task. Her ears were filled with a loud buzzing and her temples began to throb as if her brain might burst.

Torgul kept his ear pressed to the door as she worked and was gratified, at last, to hear the distinct clink of bolts being withdrawn and the clunk of a heavy bar dropping to the floor. He gave a push and the portal swung open.

Another passage—this one short, brick-lined, and clearly the work of skilled hands. At the far end, a chamber emanated a pale blue light.

As predicted, the spell required the entire reserve of Sarah’s power. Drained and woozy, she placed her back against the wall and sank slowly to the floor, where she sat with her forehead resting on her knees.

She felt nauseous, as she always did after exhausting herself to such a degree. Her legs were too shaky to support her weight. She needed to sit and rest for a while, and could barely manage to raise her head as her companions disappeared down the passage. Roscoe and Thurmond went side by side with swords and shields raised, Torgul close behind, gripping his axe in both hands.

Then, to her amazement, Roscoe came slamming back through the door, sword and shield gone, the heels of his hands pressed against his eyes as if trying to shut out something dreadful. Tripping on the uneven floor, he fell forward and sprawled on his belly.

Thurmond was right behind him, also weaponless, right arm thrown across his face. He tripped over the prone body of his friend and lay groaning on the floor.

Torgul came last, eyes wide but unseeing, likewise seized by stupefying fright. He too stumbled and fell, then curled up in a tight ball with elbows and knees drawn tight to his chest.

Sarah was dumbstruck. She had seen her comrades face the deadliest of perils, but nothing had ever reduced them to blind panic.

It took all her strength to pull herself to her feet. Her legs trembled weakly as she made her way to Thurmond who lay groaning as if in unendurable pain. She placed her hand on his shoulder. His muscles were clinched tight, and his right arm was firmly clamped across his eyes.

“Thurmond, what is it? Where are you hurt? What happened to you?”

He remained at first unresponsive, then seemed to become aware of her words. He spoke like a child having a bad dream.

“Terrible pictures…in my mind…won’t stop…horrible things…ooooh.”

His voice trailed off into a soft moan.

Sarah attempted to roll him onto his back, but she was still too weak. Her legs gave out, and she slumped down next to her friend.

“You’re seeing things? Bad pictures in your head? Thurmond, tell me what you’re seeing.

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