Ch 4 Wilhelm Vs Tertius

Simon Oberon stood in front of the cave ruins, his body still aching from the impact of Elara's magical energy. 

However, the hatred bubbling in his heart overcame that physical pain. In Simon Oberon's eyes, madness and vengeance were burning.

His desire was burning and unstoppable. He did not even care if he had to use other dirty means to get his wish. 

He looked at the direction where the magical passage disappeared, his breath coming in short gasps, but his heart full of determination to annihilate the entire Blaise family members without a trace. 

"Call Tertius," Simon ordered his closest soldier in a hoarse voice. "We need all the strength we have to go after them. The girl must be stopped."

The soldier looked down in fear before rushing to summon Tertius, the notoriously sadistic and cruel shadow mage. 

Simon knew that this was no longer an ordinary fight. This was a war between Blaise's bloodline and the darkness he had been building without anyone's knowledge for years.

"There is no place that can save you, Elara," he murmured softly. "I will end it all."

On the other side, a magical passage led Elara, Grace and Wilhelm to the edge of a ravine in the centre of the mountains.

A thick mist hung in the air, limiting the view to just a few metres ahead.

The Silverthorne Mountains loomed tall and proud, spanning a landscape that felt colder and bleaker than they had ever imagined.

Elara still felt weak, her body shivering from the tension that had just occurred.

However, a faint blue light still shone from her necklace, as if guarding and strengthening her despite her body's near exhaustion.

"We can't stop here," Grace said with a heavy sigh, her gaze tracing the edge of the chasm. "Simon must have called for reinforcements. It's only a matter of time until he finds us."

Wilhelm stood at the edge of the ravine, watching the thick fog blocking their view of the valley below. "We must cross over. Beyond this valley, there is an old city where Blaise's power is sealed. There, Elara can train and discover her true power."

Elara looked anxiously at the gorge. The wind that hit her face was cold and sharp, as if inviting danger with every step. "Will we survive? This place... feels different."

"Simon's darkness already pervades every corner of this world, Elara," Wilhelm replied. "But beyond Silverthorne, there is hope. You must believe."

Grace took Elara's hand and looked at her with determination. "You are a descendant of Blaise. You are stronger than you realise. We'll get through this together."

But before they could go any further, the roar of the wind suddenly changed. It was as if something was parting the fog, threatening their very existence. Wilhelm squinted, sensing a familiar-and very dangerous-presence.

"Tertius," Wilhelm muttered in a wary tone.

From behind the mist, a dark shadow began to take shape. A tall figure in black robes, with eyes that glowed blood-red, emerged slowly. 

He was Tertius, the shadow mage who had served Simon for many years. 

Tertius grinned, revealing unnaturally sharp teeth, as if ready to swallow his prey alive.

"You will never escape again," Tertius' voice echoed through the mist. "Simon has given me full power. That girl... must die."

Wilhelm immediately raised his staff, preparing a protective barrier. "You two, run!" he called to Grace and Elara. "I'll hold off Tertius."

"But-" Grace started to protest, but Wilhelm gave her a sharp look.

"Run!" Wilhelm shouted again, louder this time. "Elara must reach Silverthorne. Go now, or it's all for nothing!"

Grace gripped Elara's hand tighter. "We have to go. Come on!"

With hasty steps, they began to run along the edge of the chasm, leaving Wilhelm standing alone to face Tertius. Wilhelm knew he might not survive, but he knew he had to give Grace and Elara enough time.

Tertius stepped closer, his smile growing wider. "What did you expect, Wilhelm? You won't be able to hold me back. My power exceeds the limits of this world."

Wilhelm did not answer. With all the power he had, he began to recite an ancient incantation, creating a brightly lit circle of energy around him.

The ground beneath Wilhelm and Tertius' feet began to tremble, and a flash of light emerged from Wilhelm's staff, striking the ground like a bolt of lightning descending from the sky.

However, Tertius only laughed. With a single hand movement, he created a shadowy vortex that quickly attacked Wilhelm's barrier.

The dark power continuously struck Wilhelm's magical barrier, making it more and more cracked and weak.

"I will destroy you, Wilhelm," Tertius hissed. "And after that, the girl will fall into my hands."

Meanwhile, Grace and Elara ran with all their might, but the thunderous sound of the battle between Wilhelm and Tertius made their hearts race faster.

Elara could feel fear and despair creeping into her mind. However, in her heart, something whispered that they had to keep going.

"We can't leave Wilhelm..." Elara said in a trembling voice.

Grace looked at her niece, her face full of anxiety. "Wilhelm knew what he was doing. He sacrificed for us. We must make his sacrifice count."

Ahead of them, the mist began to fade, revealing the silhouette of the old town hidden behind the mountains. 

Stone buildings covered in moss and wild plants stood silent in the centre of the rugged forest, as if waiting for them in mystery.

"We're close," Grace said under her breath. "That's Silverthorne."

But before they could go any further, a terrible scream sounded in the distance.

Elara turned around, her eyes widening as she saw the bright light where Wilhelm and Tertius were fighting. The scream did not come from Wilhelm.

Wilhelm had won, but at a great price.

"Come on," Grace said as she pulled Elara along. "We need to get into that town, before Simon comes."

Elara nodded slowly, but inside, she knew that this fight was far from over. 

In the old town of Silverthorne, her destiny would be revealed, and Simon Oberon, her relentless enemy, would return.