The Lessons Never Learned by Rob J. Hayes

Author:Rob J. Hayes [Hayes, Rob J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Rob J. Hayes
Published: 2020-04-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

"Nightmare!" The Djinn somehow made that word a damning accusation.

Ssserakis rose from the shadow, a formless black that seemed so out of place in the fiery landscape. The horror didn't so much take a shape as it did convulse, as though it couldn't decide on its appearance. I will admit to both relief and joy at seeing Ssserakis. The horror tormented me relentlessly, poking at my fears to feed itself, reacting to my anger to scare others, but I had missed it. Missed its company, its cold reassurance. It's strength.

The flames of the Djinn grew in intensity until I could feel the heat of them even half a dozen paces away. "Deceitful abomination, you are not welcome here. Leave this place."

Ssserakis seemed to bubble and I could feel its anger as clearly my own. We were connected again, our shadows mingling into one inky substance that seemed far too real to be shadow. This body is mine, Djinn. I have claimed it. You are not welcome here.

The Djinn started to swirl and grow once more into the whirling vortex of fire. "I will purge your existence, as we should have done the instant of your creation." Its voice grew louder as the vortex swelled in size. A blaze. A roaring inferno. A fire long since past any hope of control.

Ssserakis laughed, cold as ice and carrying all the menace of an assassin's blade. You have grown weaker, Djinn, and I have grown stronger than the Rand ever dreamed.

I have never been very good at standing by while others decide my fate. I stepped forward, placing myself between the two monsters. "This body is mine! And neither of you are welcome in it. I may be on the verge of death, but I will see you both cast out before I let you hurt anyone with my hands." I must admit, I had no idea how to back up my threat. Trapped inside the crown, I didn't have access to the Sources inside my stomach, and I doubted punching a tornado of fire would do much but make the burned wreckage of my hands even worse. Besides, what good would it do beating the Djinn there? We needed to find a way back to my body.

A great arm burst out of the Djinn and a hand gripped hold of the sword still embedded in the ground. Another erupted and took hold of the hammer. Ssserakis turned to me, inky shadow roiling in anticipation.

You have been pushed out, Eskara. The Djinn fills your body with fire and covers the world in flames. I had a sudden vision of my body, wearing the Crown of Vainfold, surrounded by the burning ruins of Picarr. The flames were spreading, growing stronger and hotter every moment as the Djinn pushed more and more of its power into my failing body. But I am the link you need. I have clawed my way past his defences. Neither of us can reclaim your corpse by ourselves, but together…

The horror was right.

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