Two Deep Fatal Wounds

he shades of the setting suns scattered throughout the room, and the candles burning seemed such a meager light against the unrelenting darkness of the castle of Amarash. 
   “The dwarves had overpowered our army my lord. And I personally confirm to you that the White Warrior is in Duin Hall.” said the sorcerer. “They were aided by the Quariumorans that add up their strength on the battle.”
   “Only thirteen dark elves had returned from the war.”
   “So the young man named Drinn really is the one in the prophecy…” Vibac replied sitting on his throne as he gulped his goblet of wine.
   “He’s quick in learning the ways of Quinlan, and the great sword is with him.” Celandine answered.
   “We must do something immediately before he overthrows even the two of us my lord.” the sorcerer proposed.
   “I’ve tried deceiving him, but from the things he’s been through, he identified himself, his true self. His faith is rising!”
   “Worry not Celandine, worry not.” Vibac answered confidently as he stood from his throne and threw the empty goblet behind him.
   “Although few things didn’t go as I planned, still everything is leading to the fall of the White Warrior.”
   “Is the armor finish?”
   “The captive dwarves never sleep as you commanded and they just finished it.” Celandine said. “And mixed with a spell, the armor will become an impenetrable armor.”
   “No existing blade will pierce nor cut the dark armor my lord Vibac.” the sorcerer smirked at the thought.
   “Except for…”
   “Stop it!” Vibac interrupted the sorcerer and then he sat on his throne again with legs crossed and continued “I’ll make that young man suffer more than he could imagine.”

   “Never try to see her or even to enter her room.”
It was early in the morning, Drinn stood up waking up from a dream. Eliour was snugly sleeping while Halvene was sitting on a rock drinking from a water-skin. It’s the second day of their travel going back in Hywel.
   “What is it Drinn?” the elf inquired. “Another dream?”
   “I guess so…” Drinn answered.
   And so after they had their breakfast, they set their things ready as well as their horses and they started galloping south, towards Hywel. They travel two more days and they reached Hywel safe and sound without any threat.
   Drinn’s heart was filled with joy when he saw elves inside the castle, and too great was it when Brinsop told him that Eanna and Sereelien were in the room of the princess.
   “Never try to see her or even to enter her room.” a voice said.
   Drinn almost stop from entering the room but his heart was so excited to see the princess alive and well for he knew that Eanna had brought the cure with them. With hurriedness he came in the room, but there was no bliss at all, but sad faces that can’t even met his. Drinn’s delight died out from reading every person’s countenance, he knew that what he expected was gone, or it might be what he feared the most. He was troubled a great deal that he can’t even ask.  And finally Sereelien told him the news as Halvene and Eliour finally came inside the room.
   “The Terihna leaves can’t cure her Drinn.” forlornly the elven lady started. “It’s much more than what I’ve expected, her wound is beyond my knowledge.”
   Drinn sat down on a chair; the joy of the victory in Duin Hall vanished and was replaced by depression.
   “We felt sad as you are Drinn.” King Mathias encouraged him, as he put his hand on Drinn’s shoulder. “All we can do is to entrust her to Quinlan.”
   “Does Quinlan give you any word about the princess?” inquired the Queen.
   Drinn just shook his head quietly as he heard the voice once again “Never try to see her or even to enter her room.” Drinn stood up and he left the room.

   “Is that all you’re going to say?”  Drinn asked for he knew well that it was Quinlan, but Quinlan answered with exactly the same words, and it did dismayed Drinn all the more.
   He did struggle to abide on Quinlan’s word, everyday as he passed right through the princess room he was tempted to see her, to hold her hands once more. Never did Bribble saw that kind of look on Drinn’s face, and they all wondered why Drinn never entered the princess’ room any longer.
    The castle was in somber for the days that passed, and one night as Drinn was quietly lying on his bed to sleep, something came unto him. “If I did rescue Geironul, why can’t I rescue Princess Meyah?”  He sat on the bed in a sudden at the thought. His heart was pounding; confused if the idea was good or bad.
   “I guess I’m doing right, I can set Princess Meyah free.” Drinn whispered “I can, I can, I can!”
   “If I’m willing to die for Geironul why not for the one I love?”
   He got up from his bed determined on his decision but his heart hammers right through his chest, he knew what Quinlan has said but he justified it. His heart beats faster as he opened the princess’ room.
   “Never try to see her or even to enter her room!” the voice was more than a whisper and it is as if it was a shout of warning. But Drinn’s will have controlled over his decision.
   The moon overcast a faint light coming from the window. Drinn closed the door as he entered the shadowy room of the princess. On the princess’s bed was a dark form sitting still and silent silhouetted by the moon. Drinn came closer as his heart pound more and more.
   “Is that you Drinn?”
   “You’re well Princess Meyah…” Drinn said.
   “Yes I am.” she answered as Drinn went beside the bed.
   “How are you feeling right now?” he asked.
   “Very well,” she answered, “I miss you Drinn.” as the princess held Drinn in an embrace.
   “I miss you too Princess Meyah.” Drinn answered.
   “You will surely miss me Drinn.” she whispered on Drinn’s right ear.
   “What do you mean?” Drinn curiously asked.
   “Goodbye Chosen One…” she replied and Drinn felt a tremendous pain on his back. The princess then pushed Drinn as he fell on the carpeted floor. On Princess Meyah’s hand was a dagger soaked in blood.
   “What are you doing Princess Meyah?” Drinn couldn’t stand not for the wound on his back but for astonishment.
   “Saying goodbye to the White Warrior.” she answered standing in front of Drinn, her dagger glinting on the moon’s light.
   Drinn couldn’t move a muscle in shock of the princess and then Princess Meyah kneeled beside Drinn; she raised the dagger up and stabbed Drinn on his chest. So much was the pain Drinn felt as the dagger thrust on his chest, but much more was the pain of seeing the one stabbing him was the person he love the most. The princess raised her hands again; her dagger ready for a deadly strike that will surely end Drinn’s life.
   “It’s not you Princess Meyah.” Drinn whispered in pain. “I know it’s not the real you.”
   “Goodbye Drinn.” she answered.
   “You are stronger than what controls you… I know you’re still there Princess Meyah.” Drinn whispered.
   The princess’ hands started to shake that she couldn’t move her dagger right through Drinn’s heart. Tears were slowly forming in her grey eyes as she stood, her hand trembling and the dagger fell out of her hand.
   “I’m sorry Drinn…” the princess whispered with tear streaked face. And then she ran out of the room.

   Two days after Drinn woke up on his bed, a bandage was tied on his chest all the way to his back as memories of the horrible night came flashing back. It seemed that it happened just an hour ago. He got up from the bed took a shirt and went out of his room. The news about the princess added up to his despair, she was nowhere to be found inside the city. They were looking for her for the days that passed, even Eanna and Sereelien dared to went out of the city to look for the princess but they were unsuccessful.
    It was the fourth day of the search that Reginleif and another batch of elves arrived in Hywel, and they help searching the princess too.
    Genevier was sinking in the western mountains when they decided to stop the search for that day. They were with their horses going back to the city of Hywel for they’ve searched throughout the city for the days that passed, and the only place left was outside the city.
   “We will abandon the search for Princess Meyah.” King Mathias said.
   “No, you can’t do that your majesty,” Drinn replied in disappointment of the king’s decision as he stopped his horse, “She’s your only daughter and you’re telling me that we are to abandon the search?”
   “We do what we can, Drinn.” the king said toughly. “Now I have entrusted her to Quinlan.”
   “He is right Drinn.” Reginleif advised. “We did our part and now everything is in Quinlan’s hand.”
   “You may all quit if that’s your decision, but tomorrow, I will leave Hywel.” Drinn said. “I will inquire of the dryads.”

   Early morning the next day, Drinn was about to leave Hywel to seek news from the Woods of the Dryads when a panting soldier approached him. He could not speak for a few seconds, gasping for an air.
   “Vibac…” the soldier said, his left hand was on his chest while his right hand was pointing towards west, “Vibac is outside the city.” Drinn’s eyebrows and his fierce grey eyes spoke of his rage, as he rode his horse and leave the soldier at once.
   With furious heart Drinn galloped with speed as fast as he could. He knew that Vibac was the one responsible on what had happened to Princess Meyah. And as he dashed on the road the voice of Quinlan came “You are angry Drinn, you cannot fight with a fuming heart.” But Drinn dismissed it; continue galloping, not minding the warning. And as he went out of the city he found Vibac standing in the middle of the field, he was wearing a black armor and a huge black dragon was far behind him.
   Drinn stopped a stone throw away from his enemy and went down from his horse. His eyes fierce as it met the calm eyes of Vibac.
   “I thought you would never have the courage to stand without an ally?” Drinn said.
   “Drinn of Hywel, we meet again.” Vibac replied.
   “It’s good to hear that you know my name.” Drinn said as commotions and sounds of hoofs came rushing behind him.
   “Your army is coming to aid you Drinn.” Vibac said with an evil smile, for he saw the soldiers of Hywel, swords drew and bows aiming at him. Reginleif, Eanna, Halvene, Eliour, King Mathias, Brinsop and even Bribble and the Three Kitchen Dwarves were with the army. Drinn raised his hand and motioned at them to lower their weapons.
   “You all stay where you are.” Drinn said to the army. “This is between the two of us.”
   “Where is Princess Meyah?” Drinn asked Vibac.
   “Don’t worry she’s safe in Amarash.” said Vibac. “Defeat me and I’ll give her back.”
   “You don’t have to ask.” Drinn replied.
   So sinister was Vibac’s chuckle as his right hand reach over to his shoulder, grasped the large hilt of his broadsword and pulled it slowly. Drinn drew his sword as he glanced on the blade and found no marks at all, but by any means it didn’t matter, Drinn was too wrapped up in his anger. He held the sword tightly with two hands and somewhat trying to find a spot of weakness on his enemy’s armor.
   Vibac started an initial attack as he swept his broadsword in the air “Melas ir apgaulė!” the spell reverberated as a wave in flash came on Drinn, but Drinn was prepared, for he witnessed that kind of attack on the battle in Firolwen. “Dievas skydas!” Drinn countered as the waved shatters crushing the stones surrounding him.
   “It’s an old trick Vibac it’s useless!” said Drinn, his feet moving closer to his rival circling, while Vibac kept on turning to face him.
   “Impressive! You’ve learn very fast.” Vibac said. “I guess this battle will be dealt with a sword combat.”
   No one bat an eyelid, their swords raise up as their furious eyes met, Drinn continue to move in circle and Vibac kept turning from where he stood. By the sheer intensity of Vibac’s gaze, Drinn found himself locked at the somewhat hypnotizing stare of his rival, so held was he that he didn’t noticed at once that Vibac started to move. The first clash of the meeting of their swords echoed in the air, as Drinn blocked the attack of the great leader of Amarash. Their exchanged blows proved their strengths for their swords hummed and the sound of the clanging metal was immense. It was the fight of the two leaders, Drinn’s speed and strategy versus Vibac’s enormous strength, the Blade of Quinlan versus the impenetrable armor of Vibac.
   Vibac pressed forward forcefully whipping, while Drinn moved backwards quick on blocking every blow that came. Drinn comprehended the strength of his enemy, for strong was every blow coming from Vibac as Drinn’s hands started to numb. Drinn was trying to find an open as he blocked his enemy’s attacks. And when Vibac made a sidelong swipe Drinn rapidly leaped turning clockwise as he landed ducking, slashing his sword side wards at Vibac’s feet. But Vibac has read Drinn’s movement that he leaped his feet up his sword raised high to counter an across slash. With speed Drinn resisted the broadsword of Vibac as it landed on the Blade of Quinlan with great force. Drinn threw his enemy’s sword up, his feet quick to straighten himself up and he was standing once more.
   Vibac stopped and setback his blows “You remind me of my brother Zuriel.” He smiled as if he was impressed by the way Drinn fought. Drinn answered not, he was firm and steady, holding his sword tight, not showing a hint of his numbing hands.
   Drinn moved and pressed on with furious blows almost recklessly trying to score at the great leader of Amarash. It gave Vibac the advantage and it was what Vibac was baiting in, for with Drinn’s reckless moves, Vibac found an opening and Vibac’s armored foot kick Drinn on his chest that sent Drinn ten feet to land on his back. Drinn was gasping for an air that would not come; he felt a tremendous pain coming from his chest and his shirt slowly staining with blood, his newly healed wound was bleeding. Drinn rolled aside just as the broadsword of Vibac went smashing the ground where he’d just been lying. He moved with all speed, twisting and turning to avoid being hewed till he finally manage a roll that put him again on his feet.
   Drinn moved at the very last second throwing his hips back to avoid being cut, for as soon as he stood Vibac’s sword went slashing sideways.
   He realized how stupid his moved was and focused on the coming assault. Their swords met again clanging as they exchanged blows.
   “The princess will die a few more days from now.” Vibac whispered when their blades leaned hard against each other. It enraged Drinn once more but he got nowhere close to connecting, their swords continuously humming with seemingly endless blows.
   Drinn yelled in anger as his sword swiftly slash furiously, finally Drinn found an opening when Vibac slash across that hit only the air, and with all speed Drinn slash Vibac. It was an inch that Vibac’s face was pierce if not for a quick back leap.
   Vibac stepped back dismayed for his cheek was bleeding. But Drinn isn’t satisfied, he wants Vibac dead, so without rest and not minding his bleeding chest he moved forward to attack using all the speed and all the strength left determined to finish the duel.
  Drinn ran right past Vibac and kneeled with his left leg. And out of the blue Vibac’s sword came above him as Drinn blocked it again throwing the broadsword up using his blade and with all speed, and all the strength left, he managed to connect a slantwise slashed on Vibac’s well built body. It widened Drinn’s eyes as he saw that the Blade of Quinlan was broken into two, sending the blade’s other half rotating high in the air and fell a few strides away from them.
   Drinn was stunned, his eyes staring at the broken sword; he can’t believe what he just witnessed and Vibac, who knew that the favor of the fight was with him put his broadsword back in the sword’s sheath, and then he walked away leaving Drinn alive. He climbed up to his huge black dragon and said, “I thought that the Blade of Quinlan is boundless?” as he laughed aloud.  
   “And I thought that you are the White Warrior? The chose one?” he said, “You are not who you think you are. You are still that young man I saw in Firolwen.”
   “Quinlan lied.”
   “And oh, before I forget. A month from now you should send for all the armies you can gather to rescue the princess. Or else I myself will end her life.”
   “I will wait for you, so long Drinn!” Vibac laughed and his black dragon flew.
   Drinn was still stunned as he lay helplessly on the ground, his chest bleeding and his hopeless eyes without a blink staring blankly into nowhere as his friends came on him.