Tartarus Beckons, Edmund Batara [bts book recommendations .TXT] 📗

Alal quickly strode to the front of the group and positioned himself in the middle of the small mesa, in full view of the approaching dokkalfr host. He took a quick look back at Kobu, gave another of his weird grins, and with a dramatic flourish, threw his arms up.

The rocks in the valley started to move.

Tyler felt the ground shake violently. Emotionally drained, physically weak, with fear for Eira battling rising anger deep within him, the sudden disturbance shocked him out of his profound sense of despair. The mage glanced sideways just in time to see Asag wave his arms in the air. At the same time, he could sense his AIs were greatly agitated.

“Yes, guys?” he asked, yet even his mental voice carried his anguish.

“We heard what happened, sire, and we’re already looking into how to get into Tartarus. We do have our assumptions why the Lady Eira was kidnapped. We believe she’s being held as a bargaining piece against any interference by the First Mage in the plans of her abductors. From that perspective, she would be safe for now,” said Hal.

“I should have thought of that, but Rumpr’s demise also clouded my mind.”

“Grieving and despair are natural emotional consequences of being human, sire,” added X. “It is always better to let it out, the way you shared the news with the company. Such burdens are not meant to be borne alone. You have friends and family in the mortals around you. Let them help.”

“Though I fear excessive anger may have arisen among your party. I can’t even assess how your wards would react to the news, although I suspect they have learned about it by now. Your emotional state could be sensed by those inside your staff. It speaks highly of the guardian that he choose not to disturb you at this juncture,” continued the AI.

The children loved Eira. Their fury is one I need to attend to, thought Tyler. No telling what they would do and they’re already powerful for such young spirits.

Then he realized that the cave where Asag was imprisoned oozed with Adar’s magical energy, and the old man did show up. He couldn’t imagine the effect of such raw power on his wards, not to mention that Asag’s dark energy was also present. It was another significant concern the mage had to investigate.

This job never gets easier, the mage noted as he stood up shakily. Strength was returning to his limbs. Habrok saw him get and immediately went to his side, offering a shoulder to lean on.

“Thanks, Habrok. But let me check something first.”

Tyler tried calling out with his mind to Dionysus, wanting to know the condition of his friend. Even infused with what magical energy he could spare, nothing happened.

“X? I seem unable to contact Dionysus,” he told his AI.

“Maljen must be out of the usual range for a general spell of communication. At least for a mortal of your level of expertise. Try thinking of Maljen and the deity, and then direct the energy in that direction.”

“Havard?” The familiar voice finally responded. The sound so very welcome in his ears. It meant the deity was still alive, despite his wounds.

“How are you, Dio? I am sorry I can’t be there. Traveling such a great distance is a skill beyond me.”

“You’ll get it eventually, my friend. Don’t worry about me. Gullen is awake, though grievously hurt, and our magic will do the rest. But I am afraid we both won’t be able to help for a while. We’re both magically depleted, and what we have now is being used for healing.”

“About Eira…” started Tyler.

“She’s was unhurt, though unconscious, the last time I saw her. To assuage your concern, I believe they were very careful in not hurting her in any way throughout the battle,” clarified Dionysus.

“Didn’t you call upon the other deities?” asked the mage.

“I tried, but my magical power couldn’t get a message through. A single Greek deity is no match for a Titan’s power, much less three or four. I happened so fast one would have thought we were blindsided. Everything was over in several seconds. The rise of the Titans again is a matter of grave concern for us. And this time, they appear to have other powerful beings with them as allies.”

Several seconds. Dio, Gullen, and Rumpr must also have reacted in an unbelievably swift manner for them to be able to catch the Titans in the middle of what they were doing, thought Tyler.

“Rumpr arrived first, and I believe he bore the brunt of the attack. Then I came and then Gullen. We were each handled like children. But then again, it wasn’t just one Titan. One would have thought they were going after an entire pantheon,” said Dionysus.

“So, Tartarus?” ventured the mage.

“Highly probable. But the last time I heard, our pantheon was trying to break into Tartarus. The gates had been sealed from the inside.”

Shit.

“I’ll try to be there as soon as I can, Dio. But I also have a pressing problem here right now. Dokkalfr,” advised the mage.

“Can I see?” asked the deity.

“You can do that?”

“Of course! As long as you allow me to look through your eyes, though I’ll be able to see more than what mere visual sight offers.”

“Alright,” agreed Tyler as a warm sensation filled his head. Then the feeling quickly disappeared.

“Oh, that’s a huge army. And there’s a dark presence among you. An extremely powerful one. Be careful.”

“That would be Asag. Long story. I’ll be there as soon as I finish this and find transportation,” said the mage.

“Ah. I apologize for being unable to help you come here. Given my condition now, such an effort for so many people would probably be the end of me,” replied the deity apologetically.

“I’ll find a way, Dio. Don’t worry about it.”

And how the hell am I supposed to get to Maljen Forest with everybody? Tyler asked himself. Fuck this. One problem after another, and they come in droves.

“Feeling stronger now. Let’s go see what our guest is up to,” Tyler said to Habrok.

“Good to see you back, sire. And that Alal fellow is