4: THE SORCERER
For a day and a night, AJ led them through the hazardous mountains. One morning as the mist cleared they reached a tall, black castle surrounded by a dried up moat which was now filled with thorns. A thin, rocky bridge led over the thorny forest to the doorway of the castle.
Nick’s heart skipped a beat. His love was awaiting him in that castle. Was that a flicker of movement he saw through the window?
He stepped onto the bridge, but as he did a fierce wind began to blow. A huge ball of bright, purple energy began to form in front of him. The brightness forced Nick to shield his eyes with his arm. When the light had diminished Nick looked up and saw a tall, powerfully built man in front of him. He wore a deep blue cloak embroided with occult symbols in silver. The sorcerer Kevino.
“State your business at this castle,” Kevino asked, scrutinizing them with his green, mysterious eyes.
“He’s seeking the love of the one who dwells inside of this castle Kevino, the princess Brianna,” AJ said.
Kevino regarded Nick in confusion. “But - ”
“I will do anything for the love of my dear princess,” Nick declared.
“Go on, Kev. Let him try and win the, um, princess’s love,” AJ said.
Kevino stared at them all for a second and then grinned. “So, you want to see a princess?”
“That’s right,” Nick replied.
“Well.” Kevino looked at AJ. “I believe that the one you are searching for dwells within this castle, as she has done for the past two hundred years, never ageing. When her love rescues her, the spell will be broken and she will be free to leave this castle and live a normal life. But to reach that person you must first fight me.”
Nick nodded. He had suspected as much. But a sudden thought hit him.
“What about the dragon?” he asked. “Do I have to fight that too?”
“Um, no. I don’t think that’d go down well with the, um, princess,” Kevino replied, a little uncertain.
Nick looked as if he was about to question Kevino but AJ stopped him.
“Go on, Nick! Go get your princess!”
Nick smiled and withdrew his sword, ready to fight. AJ led Howie to the safety of a huge boulder, which they could stand behind but still see the fight.
“Hey, Nick!” Howie called. “Make sure you win because I don’t want to be a donkey for the rest of my life!”
“Oh is that the duke?” Kevino asked. “I wondered if I’d ever see him again. So prince, are you ready?”
“Course I am Just you try to stop me from beating you, Kevino!” Nick replied, confidently.
Kevino nodded. “Very well.” He raised his arms and a bolt of lightning shot down from the sky and struck Nick. Nick moaned as he fell flat on his back. This might be harder than he had thought.
He rolled out of the way just in time to dodge another thunderbolt and jumped to his feet, shakily. His hair smouldered and gave off a few wisps of smoke. He barely had time to duck as Kevino launched a burning ball of fire at him.
“C’mon, prince! Fight back!” AJ yelled. “Use your sword!”
“Huh?” Nick said, jumping over a violet ball of energy.
“Your sword, you ninny!”
Nick held up his sword as Kevino hurled another fireball at him. He used the sword like a baseball bat and smacked the fireball back at Kevino.
“Gaargh!” Kevino yelled, as the fireball collided with him and knocked him to his feet.
Nick gave a cheer and raised his sword above the fallen sorcerer. For a second, it looked as if Kevino would get to his feet again, but then the sorcerers eyes locked with Aj’s. Kevino looked up at Nick.
“Well done, prince, you have defeated me. Pass onwards to the castle of pri - ”
“Princess Brianna!” Nick yelled. “I am coming my love!”
Nick ran past Kevino and onto the bridge.
“Come on, Howie! Let’s go!” he called, as he reached the other side.
Howie saw Nick grin before pushing open the thick, oak door of the castle and disappearing inside. Howie turned to AJ and Kevino.
“What’s going on?” he asked suspiciously, seeing the knight’s grinning face.
“He’s a lousy fighter. He didn’t have a clue until you told him,” Kevino said. “I could’ve toasted him.”
“Good job you didn’t! I’d have killed you, Kev! I wouldn’t miss this for the world!” AJ said, beginning to walk across the bridge.
“Miss what?” Howie asked, following him.
AJ patted Howie and ruffled the dark curls upon his furry head.
“Hey, hey! Mind the hair!” Howie complained.
“Ha. Ha, little donkey! Prince Nick is in for a bit of a shock!”
“How come?”
“I’ll never live it down,” Kevino muttered. “I backed down before a kid. And he will kill me when he finds out what I’ve done.”
“C’mon guys! What is going on?” Howie demanded.
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