Chapter 22: The Battle of Darkwood Castle

Within a few hours of walking, Evartan raised his hand for a halt. Up ahead, the forest opened into a seemingly empty clearing. It was certainly wide enough to admit some sort of hideout, but all Kalann could see was empty air.

Evartan gazed at the clearing. "He has disguised it with powerful magic. Luckily, no magic is invulnerable." He reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a crystal orb.

"Is that from the hedge mage as well?" Kalann asked.

Evartan nodded, smiling. "His aid has proven quite useful so far. I pray he will not fail us now."

He raised the sphere up, the glass glinting like a star in the sunset. In a clear voice, he intoned, "Lucinus!"

At first, nothing happened. Then, with a faint whispering, a floating sphere of pulsating blue energy appeared in the clearing.

"Noctra!"

The sphere took the shape of a castle.

"Zephyrion!"