The Savage Peak: A Morgalla prequel Page 8

  “Holy crap,” Morgalla shouted, dodging the attacks.

  Morgalla was knocked to the ground and avoided Widow’s stabbing blade. The tip came down on the stone, and Morgalla gave her attacker a hard kick. Joy erupted from the demons on Morgalla’s side.

  Both were on their feet, and Morgalla thought for a moment that this match was over since her opponent was now disarmed. Widow took a pendant from around her neck, and it changed into a short sword.

  “Is that fair?” Morgalla asked.

  She looked at Delilah for a moment. Morgalla found it curious that everyone was quiet but she had to focus back to the demon attacking her. The adrenaline took over, and Morgalla was wide awake, using every bit of skill she had to block, parry, and dodge. The widow was strong…there was no doubt, but she wasn’t as powerful as Harek. If Morgalla had to guess, Widow’s style of fighting was much closer to her own. The woman was a surgeon with the blade and even connected with Morgalla’s leg as a sting cut through her flesh.

  Widow’s sword came to Morgalla’s neck, but she blocked. They were in a contest of strength, but with Morgalla’s weakened leg, it was doubtful she would last long.

  “Where are your words now?” Widow asked, fury burning in her eyes.

  Morgalla squeaked out, “Gimme a minute…”

  The wound closed, and Morgalla felt the strength return to her leg. With some lightning punches and kicks, Widow stumbled back. Everyone thought the fight was over since Morgalla had a clear opening to end it.

  She didn’t.

  Morgalla felt the anger from Delilah’s soul, and it was written all over her face. Xia was able to get her second weapon, and her opponent grew concerned.

  Widow continued the attack, thinking she had the advantage, but Delilah knew better. She smirked. With all the sparring sessions she’d done with Morgalla, sometimes attacking her with her arms and wings. two limbs was child’s play. Both combatants attacked with professional skills. The crowd grew restless and annoyed as they had thought the fight would be over by now.

  Morgalla was able to finally disarm her opponent, and she held Hero to her neck. Widow’s eyes filled with fear. For a moment, Morgalla looked up and saw Harek’s brother, his hand on his sword.

  Everyone expected to see death, but instead, they watched the hilt of Morgalla’s sword connect with Widow’s face. She fell to the ground, blood trickling from her nose and mouth.

  As Morgalla walked away from her, Delilah grasped her arm.

  “What are you doing?” Delilah demanded.

  Morgalla’s anger boiled over, and she fought away from Delilah’s grasp with a shove. She stormed off.

  Delilah rolled her eyes. “Kids.”

  Breakfast was quiet. Morgalla forgot all table manners as she shoveled eggs and toast into her mouth. After what seemed like an eternity, the hunger pains were gone.

  The entourage in her corner all sneered at her. She felt the daggers. She didn’t care.

  Delilah frowned. “You are aware they will see you as weak again?”

  “I don’t care,” Morgalla replied with a full mouth.

  One demon spoke in a foreign language, his voice growling as his fist came down on the table. Delilah replied with the same tongue.

  “I won. Doesn’t that matter?” Morgalla asked.

  “Not to them and not to us,” Delilah snapped.

  The one demon got up, snarling at Morgalla. In broken English, she shouted, “Coward” at her. Morgalla replied with her middle finger.

  The rest of the day included Morgalla being chewed out by her mistress. Delilah tried to explain why Morgalla was wrong, but the student just wouldn’t listen. First time for everything.

  Morgalla was confused. “So I kill Harek, and his woman tries to kill me. If I kill her, then someone else tries to kill me. Where does it end?”

  “When you have the skill and the others know it, they will stop messing with you.”

  “And what if they never stop?”

  “Then you kill them all,” Delilah shouted.

  Morgalla sat silent and still for a moment. Though Delilah yelled, the words didn’t faze her at all.

  “You are aware of how insane that is, right?” Morgalla asked.

  Delilah roared to the flaming sky.

  “Hey,” Morgalla called out. “You’re the one who brought me to this asylum.”

  Her attention was drawn to a couple of castle servants carrying out an old bed. Delilah continued her rambling.

  “Are you even listening to me?”

  Morgalla snapped out of her trance. “What now?”

  “Of all the lessons I’ve taught you, this is the most important. That you don’t hesitate, never for an instant. You must be merciless to your enemies, for they will be merciless to you.” Delilah breathed a heavy sigh, and her tone changed. She sat next to her student. She spoke softly. “Everything I’ve done, child, is for your protection, for your well-being, for your own good. Do you understand that?”

  Morgalla looked up to her and sensed something for a moment from Delilah’s soul that she never had before. Was it fear? Surely not. Delilah feared nothing.

  Delilah placed her clawed hand gently on Morgalla’s shoulder. “Promise me you will heed my words.”

  Morgalla gave a huff. “I just…don’t understand why they all just keep killing each other.”

  “It is the order of things.”

  “Well, it’s pretty stupid if you ask me. Why did we leave Usteron?”

  “We’ve talked about this, and you know why. It was no longer safe for us, for our kind. The Usta drove us away.”

  “There are no other worlds where we could go?” Morgalla asked.

  “Few other places are safe for us, and those are ruled by demon lords. It would be the same as here.”

  “So, what you’re saying is we’re truly safe nowhere?”

  Delilah stood with crossed arms. “That is why I’ve taught you to defend yourself, child.”

  Morgalla still had her eye on the old bed the servants had tossed. She left Delilah’s side and approached one of the servants.

  “You don’t want that?”

  “It’s not mine,” the servant said. “One of the children in the castle didn’t like it, so we’re to have it burned.”

  “Burned?” Morgalla asked in shock. She walked up to the bed and ran her hands over it. It had broken stitching here and there, but she was surprised it was considered garbage. “Seems barely used.”

  Morgalla claimed it, and even though it was awkward to carry, she plopped it down in her new room, sending up a cloud of dust. She coughed. When the dust cleared, she ran her hands across the mattress. It seemed a little too good to be true. A real bed.

  She jumped on top of it and breathed a huge sigh, and then she sank into it.

  9

  A Day of Surprises

  Despite Harek’s face appearing, she couldn’t remember much anything else of her dreams. She’d heard roars of outrage and the scream from Harek’s betrothed. It woke her in an instant. Morgalla rose, fatigue and ache pulsing through her head as she tried to wake completely. By the time she was completely awake, she noticed her horns were gone.

  Morgalla gasped and jumped out of bed. Her hands ran through her hair. Indeed, not only the horns were gone, but her ears were much smaller and rounded. She found Hero. Changing it into a sword, she studied her reflection in the blade. Morgalla’s hair was a dark shade of red and her skin a pale pink, almost white. Her eyes, which had been violet, were now dark green.

  She screamed and started to panic before hearing a knock at the door. When she spun around, she realized it was Delilah on the other side, sensing her soul.

  “Just a minute.”

  Delilah stood with arms crossed. She yawned as she detected the fear from her apprentice.

  “Is there a spider in there with you?” she taunted. “If there is, kill it. I’m not doing it for you.”

  The elaborate locks on the door came undone, and the
door slowly opened, the hinges squeaking. In the low light, Morgalla peeked out.

  “What the hell is wrong with you today?” Delilah asked.

  “I, uh…something’s happened.”

  “Whatever it is, it’s not the end of the world.”

  Delilah pushed in. Morgalla stepped back and froze in the center of the room. Her new appearance had obviously shocked Delilah.

  “What’s happened to me?” Morgalla asked.

  “What indeed?”

  Delilah approached and grabbed Morgalla’s hair, moving her head about to examine her strange appearance. No horns. Her hair and skin changed. Her ears so small.

  “Amazing,” Delilah said. “And concerning.”

  “What are you talking about? Amazing? My face has changed. How is that possible?”

  “It’s not that uncommon for our kind, but it is a rare gift to be able to alter one’s shape.”

  “You never told me that.”

  “Oh, sorry,” Delilah said with sarcasm. “I thought there were more important things to teach you like swordplay and how to spell your name.”

  Morgalla held her sword up again to check at her reflection. “How long will I stay like this?”

  “You should be able to shift back whenever you choose.”

  Morgalla looked up at her and expected a different mood from Delilah. Instead, she got one of concern.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

  Delilah reached out with her clawed hand and pinched Morgalla’s ear.

  “Ow,” she shouted.

  At the same time, Morgalla changed back to normal. She felt her ears tingle, and a buzz rattled her head for a moment. Her hands reached up to feel the horns behind her ears, and a look of relief came over her.

  “There. All fixed,” Delilah said. “I’m hungry, and we have business.”

  “Gonna make me kill someone?”

  “The day is early. Anything could happen.”

  There was no malice in Delilah’s intentions. For today, Morgalla knew she could trust her. She hadn’t noticed at first, but Delilah had a brand new wardrobe, mostly made of leather. She also wore a new cloak of thick fabric. Delilah led Morgalla down into the village next to Zorach castle to the local tailor. He was a thin, tall demon whose fingers were longer than what Morgalla was used to. She also couldn’t help but notice he had two thumbs, one on either side of his hands.

  He had made a new cloak for her. Morgalla put on the heavy fabric that hung to the floor. She ran her fingers over it and felt the thickness. The last one had been worn and didn’t protect her very well anymore from the elements. Morgalla also noticed the medallion where the cloak fastened around her shoulders. It was beautiful and was embroidered with the emblem of Delilah’s master on it.

  “Does this mean…”

  “By wearing that,” Delilah said, “it says you are loyal to Zorach and his servants. It also means you have allies.”

  The tailor interjected, “Zorach is a rather powerful lord. And influential.”

  Morgalla noticed that he too was wearing Zorach’s symbol. She felt slightly trapped, but he was telling the truth, so maybe it wasn’t so bad to have some friends around. Even if they might call her a coward every now and then.

  Morgalla glanced at her feet and realized the cloak was a little long for her.

  “Do you think she may grow some more?” the tailor asked.

  Delilah pondered and spoke under her breath, “I hope so.”

  “Hey,” Morgalla called out.

  “What? It’s true, your lack of height will hurt with your intimidation factor.

  Morgalla frowned but then got an idea. “But…that will make opponents underestimate me, yes?”

  “Perhaps, now if only you’ll go for the kill without hesitation…”

  Delilah sported a frown made of stone. Morgalla’s smile disappeared.

  “You need a new wardrobe,” Delilah said.

  Morgalla noted the garment was a little battered with a couple of rips and holes in it.

  “Um, I guess.”

  “Hold still,” the tailor said.

  He held up the tape measure and started his work.

  When they left the tailor’s, Morgalla had clothes that felt nice, clean and brand new. The sensation made her confidence soar. Delilah even gave her a smile.

  As the day went on, Morgalla actually remained in a good mood. She was quiet for most of the time, contemplating her future. Delilah went on and on about how glorious it would be to join Zorach’s army and conquer other worlds, live like queens. It seemed she had a plan for the two of them.

  Morgalla, on the other hand, was thinking of the exact opposite. She didn’t know what she might do or how to get it, but she wore a frown the whole time her teacher rambled on.

  By afternoon Delilah was ready for another sparring session, Morgalla was far from enthusiastic, which annoyed Delilah.

  Then it came time for the evening meal.

  “Come, time to go to the castle,” Delilah said.

  “Uh, no. I’m not hungry.”

  “What? Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at your pathetic performance at practice today.”

  “Thanks, you’re always so encouraging.”

  Delilah sneered at her.

  Morgalla smirked. “Well, razor-sharp wit also needs to be practiced. Does it not?”

  “We must meet Zorach soon and pledge our allegiance to him. Make sure that tongue of yours remains respectful.”

  Delilah turned and strode away. Morgalla rolled her eyes.

  “I saw that,” Delilah yelled back.

  Morgalla made her way back down the hallway to her new secret room and was looking forward to sleeping within her vault. She passed a group of children playing with wooden swords and walked by a couple kissing under a tree. Everything seemed normal.

  Her contentment was interrupted by the presence of demons nearby with nefarious intent. She froze and was ready to summon Hero. She glimpsed through the thorn bushes and spotted two of them.

  Oh, great.

  They burst out into the open with weapons drawn. In an instant, Hero was in Morgalla’s hand and it clashed with the others’ weapons. She recognized them from her duel with Harek and the second time with Widow. Someone had told her their names were Plux and Plor, brothers. She kicked one in the nose, breaking it. Then slammed another in the groin, and the beast fell.

  Morgalla knew she was overpowered and would not last long with them. She ran, shielding her eyes as she crashed through some bushes. In the commotion, she didn’t sense the soul of another demon waiting for her. A blade cut through the air. If it wasn’t for Morgalla’s sharp reflexes, Widow’s sword would have ended her life in an instant.

  Morgalla ducked back and did a roll to leap onto her feet. She was in a courtyard of some sort and found herself eye to eye with Widow. Her soul burned with hatred.

  “Three on one is kinda unfair, isn’t it?”

  “Dead is dead.”

  “But you don’t have an audience. No one will believe you killed me.”

  “I’m not doing this for the honor. Honestly? I just want to kill you.”

  Weapons clashed, and soon they were joined by Widow’s companions. It took all of Morgalla’s skill to avoid being struck as she ducked and weaved through the courtyard, using the statues and vegetation to her advantage.

  Morgalla felt a boot hit sharply at her back and was forced to the ground. Widow stabbed but hit the stone ground as Morgalla moved just in time. Every time she tried to escape, Morgalla was met by either Plux or Plor who didn’t strike with their swords but with the backs of their hands or their feet. They were keeping Morgalla within the courtyard.

  It soon became clear to Morgalla that she was outnumbered and outmatched. She didn’t care what it might do to her reputation…she needed out of there now. Through persistence, Morgalla was able to finally escape the yard with the trio hot on her heels.


  Soon Morgalla realized she in a place she didn’t recognize. Lost. At least, for the time being, it appeared as if she had alluded them. Her face was drenched in sweat, and her burning lungs fought for breath.

  She was among some small buildings at the crossroads of many alleyways. Widow appeared at the mouth of one opening, many feet away. The demoness called for her friends, and Morgalla ran again.

  The pursuit continued through alleys and crowds of demons. Morgalla sought out any friendly face, anyone who might be wearing the same symbol as her. No luck.

  Just when she thought she had lost them, Morgalla noticed them catching up. She ran through a patch of thick bushes, and the vines of some plants reached out and took hold of her. She fought her way free to the clearing and almost fell off a cliff. She screamed. To her right, in the distance, were the dracon pits. On her left were the caverns that held the portal chamber where she and Delilah had entered Hell.

  The pursuit forced her down the caverns and face to face with some of the guards who were there. They were in the middle of their smoke break.

  Plux swung his ax, missing Morgalla by inches and striking the wall. She ducked and weaved about, screaming as the blade came closer each time. The guards protested, shouting at them both until finally Plux and Morgalla both fell through one of the portals.

  They found themselves hurtling through a tunnel of light, falling out of control until they hit the bottom, skidding across the stone. From the bright light of the passage, they were enveloped in dark and cold. Morgalla lifted herself up and checked around. They appeared to be in a black stone cave. She turned around and saw the portal had gone cold and dark. Only a stone wall remained.

  Plux growled at her, lifting himself up and reaching for his ax that had landed nearby.

  “Aw, damn.”

  Morgalla was up and heard voices shouting nearby. With the echo, she could not tell where they were coming from.

  She picked a path and charged down it. Surely Plux would be following. At the end of the tunnel, she nearly fell off another cliff. Her scream reverberated through the chasm below. She looked around at the torches everywhere illuminating the massive cavern. It stretched high and low hundreds of feet in either direction. Whoever was mining had dug so far that the bottom was no longer within sight.