“You are letting your emotions rule over your logic,” Elder Vince said. “As a leader, it’s your job to put the interest of your clan first!”
“It’s Mundus,” Jake said, without looking up from the map.
“Mundus?” Elder Vince whispered, paling. “The black sorcerer?”
“It can’t be,” Branson said. “She lied to you.”
“She told the truth. That’s why she is lying on her death bed right now,” Jake said.
“The black sorcerer?” Bane asked. “Who is he?”
“One of the most ruthless and ferocious wizards known to the world,” Lawrance said, through clenched teeth. “He is no ordinary wizard. He is extremely powerful and cruel. If he is the one coming for us, we have no chance against him.”
“We cannot accept defeat before we are even on the battlefield,” Jake said. “Get all the soldiers ready. It’s time to go to battle.”
Chapter 19
Jake
“So, when you said that he is here,” Kai said. “He isn’t exactly here. I tracked him down, and he is just a few minutes away from reaching here.”
“Great,” Jake said, running through the garden. He and all his soldiers had already shifted and strapped into their armors. “We will be waiting for him when he comes.”
“Are you sure going against Mundus head on is such a good idea?” Lawrance asked.
“It’s Mundus,” Jake said. “Going against him is never a good idea.”
“We have a breach!” Bane shouted. Jake turned around and saw the shield parting as a tall, hooded figure entered the mansion. He wore a long cloak whose hood was pulled up to cover his face. He carried a long staff in his hands, which had a small crystal ball on one end. The moment he entered, everyone felt a surge of powerful force pushing them back. Jake held on, resisting the strong force as he tried to stand up to his enemy.
“Leave, Mundus.” Jake roared. “Before I decide to punish you for all you have done till now.”
Mundus started to laugh, his shoulders shaking as he did. It was a cruel, manic laugh filled with evil and darkness. Jake had to suppress a shiver as a chill ran down his spine.
“I am here for the ruby,” Mundus said, in a guttural voice. “Hand it over and you shall all live.”
“Why would a strong sorcerer like you want our ruby?” Jake asked. “What do you need its power for?”
Mundus laughed again, and this time Jake saw his soldiers visibly shiver. “That is none of your business. Since you refuse to hand it over, prepare to die!”
With that, he sent out a powerful wave that pushed Jake backward along with his army. The force was strong, it almost crushed his bones as he was forced back. He hit the wall and collapsed on the floor, his body bruising badly at the impact.
Jake felt all the hope drain from his heart as he realized the power of his opponent. How was he supposed to defeat such a strong wizard? How was he going to save his Jazz now?
“Jake!” he heard Lawrance shouting. “Get up!”
Jake willed himself back on his feet even as he realized that it was futile. He had to fight to protect his clan, even if there was no chance of winning. He would die if he had to before he let that man hurt the people he loved.
Jake ran towards his opponent, giving an ear-splitting roar in mid-air. Mundus threw out a beam of light with his staff that Jake dodged before landing on his opponent. As expected, Mundus was surrounded by a shield and Jake crashed against it. A second later a powerful bolt hit him across the chest as he was pushed back once again.
“You fools!” Mundus screamed. “You have no hope of defeating me!”
“Don’t give up!” Jake roared. “Keep fighting him, my soldiers!”
He got up once again, even though his legs trembled in pain, and he ran towards his opponent. Mundus threw bolts and beams, one after the other. Jake could see his soldiers falling as the spells hit them repeatedly. He weaved through the beams and managed to almost land a blow on Mundus but was stopped by the impenetrable shield that surrounded him.
“Shit!” Lawrence shouted as he got hit by another bolt. “I don’t think I can take this any longer!”
“The shield around him is too strong,” Branson said. “Going after him is useless if we can’t land any blows on him.”
