“While I’m gone, make fire hot. Extra hot,” said Ivel.
Chapter 10 — Akk'ala Clan. Mark of the Shadow — Book 1 of the Phantom Lord Saga.
Welcome to MARK OF THE SHADOW, an epic fantasy novel written by Oliver Evensen and Taryn Brewer. If you’re new here, you can start at the beginning, start right here, or get caught up with the Table of Contents.
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Nyra had spent the last seven years of her life preparing to become Chosen, and now it was all falling apart. Dornton, gone. Ivel, run off. And now, thanks to relentless arguing between the champion and the chef, they were in the claws of Scavs.
How had it all gone so wrong?
Nyra grimaced as she was pushed along the road by clawed hands. Each one of the small party was surrounded by Scavs, hands bound roughly behind their backs. Their weapons had been taken, and her bag was now gone as well, currently being inspected by one of the larger Scavs.
“Bag won’t open,” the creature complained.
Everytime the creature tried to thrust his hand in, it was pushed back by an unseen force. Nyra couldn’t help but feel a little smug–at least her barrier spell was working. Something had to be working, after so much had gone wrong.
The question now was, how could she fix the mess they were in? With her hands bound as they were, her spellcasting was limited. Being able to draw out runes stabilized most magic, and without runes as a stabilizer, she had to admit a lot of her cast spells would be weaker. She was not like Dornton, who had mastered his affinity and was able to verbally attack on the whim.
The affinity was an issue too. Magic worked best when someone performed within their affinity. A blast of flame at the offending Scavs would have been easy for a fire Affinite, or a poisonous gust from an Air Affinite. Even a temporary strength spell, in the hands of a capable Strength user would have allowed for them to break their bonds, possibly even crack a few Scav skulls. Alas, this was not anything Nyra could do. Unless…
Don’t, said a firm voice.
Nyra could hear Marzana’s voice reaching her from the depths of the bag that the Scavs now held.
Don’t lean into your affinity, said Marzana firmly. Wait.
“Okay,” she said, before realizing she did not need to say anything aloud. The Scav nearest her gave her a weird look. She looked down at the ground. Another thing to navigate. Dornton had warned her that a telepathic connection with Marzana was jarring. She just did not think she would be the one communicating with the legendary hero so soon.
Monitor the situation, Marzana continued. Don’t be rash. Utilize your companions, if need be.
Yeah, they’ve been so helpful so far, thought Nyra, wishing immediately that she hadn’t released the sarcastic thought into the ether.
Give it time, came the gentle rebuke. Now, focus. I’ll break our connection so you can concentrate on what’s happening around you.
Isn’t there anything you can do? asked Nyra.
Sweetie, I might be a legendary hero, but I’m an otter. At best, I could bite them and maybe give them scabies. Unless my magic is being siphoned through you, I’m quite useless. Until the time is right, concentrate. Be ready.
Marzana’s voice cut off, and Nyra was quite alone with her thoughts again. Not that she had time to concentrate as the otter wished. The Scavs were now pushing them along through the forest, guiding them to a destination unknown. Nyra could not get close enough to the others to talk to them, as the Scavs kept them apart. How was she supposed to get them out of here again?
Of course Marzana doesn’t want me to use my affinity, thought Nyra. But what else can I do?
She knew why.
The Dark Affinity.
The Unspoken Affinity. As rare as the light affinity, but far more feared. Anyone using the Dark Affinity was swiftly put to death–
And it was hers.
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