Sword of the Stars Part 18
Breaking Barriers
It was night when the wagon doors swung open. As Heero glanced up, two soldiers seized his arm and hauled him out, surprising him so that they had to hold him up when he hit the ground. He regained his balance and shook the men's arms off. They snorted and left him there, returning to the others guards and sitting around a campfire. Heero sighed and sat down, staring up at the sky. The soldiers weren't paying attention, but he knew they were keeping an eye on him. He was only out to breathe some fresh air. If he tried to run, they would catch him. He'd learned that the hard way.
He hugged his knees to his chest and rocked back and forth. He wanted to be home, back in Redwood's Clearing with his family. He would have given anything to just go home.
His stomach growled and the smell of the real food coming from the circle of men, but he ignored it.
Maybe, he thought, he would die before he reached Triantia. That would be better than becoming the Dark Lord's host and destroying everything he cared about.
It was about half an hour later when two more guards appeared in front of him. Without comment, they hauled him to his feet and shoved him back toward the wagon. With a heated glare, he climbed back in. Then, with a thought, he turned back to them.
"Where are we now?" he asked.
The soldiers exchanged glances with one another in doubt. He didn't think they were allowed to converse with him, although he didn't know why. Heero shook his head.
"At the very least you could answer a simple question. I just want to know where we are."
The soldier on the left grinned as he responded. "Triantia."
Heero's heart sank to his feet. The soldiers laughed at the look on his face before they shut the doors.
~*~
Duo stood quietly as he watched Yohan. Quatre and Wufei, flanking him, were watching, too, as were all the soldiers of the nations. King Lukin was standing near Duo, shaking his head in amazement at what was about to take place before him.
Yohan was glowing blood-red. His hands were pressed together as if he were praying, and his head was bent in concentration. He had been like this for several minutes, and some people were beginning to shift their feet uncertainly.
Then, Yohan threw his hands up to the sky. A loud crash that sounded like thunder emerged, causing everyone to jump in shock, and a ball of red magic appeared between his hands. As Duo watched, entranced, the ball grew larger and larger until it seemed to be straining. The mage remained in that position for several more minutes, and then he thrust the ball into the air and brought his hands together. The ball of magic flew over the mountains and shattered, scattering fragments of red magic over the mountain range. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, Yohan came out of his trance and pointed at the mountains.
Duo nearly lost his footing as the earth began to shake. The mountains shook in their foundations, sending vibrations across the ground. The soldiers struggled to keep their balance and gazed in horror at the mountains. Duo stared as the mountain range divided and began to move apart. Soon, there was a pathway through the mountains leading to Lakia.
Yohan dropped his arms and sank to his knees. Duo ran toward his friend, with Quatre and Wufei close behind.
"Are you all right?"
Yohan seized a fistful of Duo's sleeve and used it to pull himself up. "I've been better." He dusted off his robes and gestured proudly to the new path. "Now how about that? I wasn't sure if I still had that kind of ability!"
"That was incredible, Yohan," Wufei acknowledged. "Simply incredible."
King Lukin was suddenly there, bowing to the mage. "Thank you, Master Yohan. By my word, the soldiers will be in place ready to attack Triantia by the time you give your word."
Yohan smiled and bowed his head to the king. "We will win this war, Lukin. I will see to that." Yohan turned to Duo. "Come, my boy. It is time you held the weapon that has been calling you."
Duo nodded fiercely. He could feel the pull of the Star Sword strongly now. It was eagerly awaiting him, pulsing with energy. It had been storing power for this battle, and it ached to use that power.
Duo returned to the horses and mounted Cloud. Wufei climbed up behind him, and Quatre and Yohan mounted Bolt. With a wave to Lukin and the soldiers, the four friends rode off toward the Great Forest.
When they arrived not long after, they pulled their horses to a stop at the entrance. Duo turned to Yohan.
"What do I have to do?"
"Nothing," the mage replied. "Nothing at all. You have the Orbs. Just walk through with us and the seal will not harm us."
Duo nodded. He and Quatre heeled their horses and walked slowly into the forest with trouble. They were suddenly deep in mist. Duo could see nothing. Then, the medallion around his neck began to shine. Waves of white energy spread from it, sweeping the mist away from them. Soon, the mist faded altogether.
Yohan smiled. "Excellent. Now, come. We must ride hard to reach the Temple soon."
Duo followed Quatre and Yohan as they rode onward.
TBC...
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