In celebration of next month's release of Windmaster Golem, for the next several weeks, content will focus on it and the rest of the Windmaster Novels. First however, due to requests, one final post from Imprisoned in Stone.
The excerpt continues the attack on Colywnn, Gareth, and Maerva. In previous excerpts, Gareth and the trapped mage, Dylan, combine their powers to fight off the Brethren. Colwynn defeats his opponent, but in a final act of revenge, a magical attack is launched at Colwynn's two friends. To set the scene, Gareth has been fatally wounded. Because of their joined powers, Dylan has control of Gareth's body. His magic is weakened and he is lying on the ground with Maerva and Colwynn kneeling alongside. However, the blending of Dylan and Gareth's magic also means when the body dies, both will be trapped forever. Their souls imprisoned in stone.
SPOILER ALERT - Only one can be saved.
Excerpt:
Dylan arched in sympathy with Gareth. The shock of full awareness sent nerve endings into overload. For the first time in centuries, air filled Dylan’s lungs. He was alive, yet not. His state blurred when the shimmering bridge formed over the black abyss. He refused to die, not before Cuhlwch or if necessary, one his descendants met their deserved end.
But he could not live and sentence Gareth to a lifetime tethered to the earth, away from his ancestors and kin. There had to be some other way.
Gareth’s ghostly figure materialized. “I can see the veil thinning,” the apparition said. “The rainbow bridge is for me, not you, Dylan.” The weaponsmith hesitated a moment then offered a hand. “Dylan, use what time is allotted my body to replace what was taken from yours.”
Dylan clasped the almost transparent forearm in the bond of brothers. “Give my love to Ethne for me. Tell her the time of waiting will soon be over.
“Hurry, Dylan,” Gareth gasped. “You must be in control before I pass through the veil. I can’t maintain the link for long.”
The pull of the black abyss threatened to pull Dylan into it. He cried out for mercy from Colwynn, a mercy not granted him by Beven or Cuhlwch. The darkness thickened and a second glimmering figure appeared on the bridge. “Gareth, watch out,” Dylan yelled.
A shadow version of Nemor grabbed Gareth and attempted to throw him off the bridge. Lightning flickered from one to the other as they struggled.
Despite the risk of an eternity in the void, Dylan bonded his soul, his will, to Gareth to help the weaponsmith pass through the veil.
“No, we will not fail after all these eons.” He reached up and grasped Colwynn’s robe. “Nemor’s spirit is on the bridge, trying to force Gareth off. If he succeeds, Gareth—and I—are doomed to the final death. He can’t hold Nemor off while he is tethered to this body.” His voice roughed with despair. “If you won’t free me, put me back into the stone. At least give Gareth a chance.”
Sadness filled the faces of those leaning over him. Dylan urged them to hurry. He did not know how much longer he could support Gareth. The power of the earth drained what little strength he had.
“I’m sorry, old friend,” Colwynn whispered. Though tears filled his eyes, his voice was strong as he called out the incantation to separate the souls and release Gareth.
Dylan felt the words break the ties that trapped his soul as well as that of Gareth. With a ragged gasp, he took control of Gareth’s body. Now released from putting his energy into keeping the body alive, Gareth had the full power of his being for the fight. Dylan looked at the weaponsmith’s faint aura and the black core of Nemor’s. Would there be enough time for Gareth to defeat his enemy and cross through the veil before the bridge vanished? Guilt added to Dylan’s knowledge that if Gareth failed, he was responsible.
The now almost translucent ghost that was Gareth grinned in anticipation. No longer hampered, he dropped on his back. With a yell, he flipped Nemor over his head.
Nemor teetered on the edge of the abyss. His arms windmilling, he fell backward. His mouth opened in a soundless scream that followed him down into the darkness.
“My wife has been avenged,” Dylan whispered. What little pleasure he felt was overwhelmed by the sadness when Gareth reached the veil, turned and waved a final farewell.
~ ~ End of Excerpt ~ ~
I should mention, that this is not the final battle in the book. There is a lot more action and suspense to come.
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