SoulQuest by Percival Constantine

itself to a specific point on the globe and a small beacon emerged from a place deep in the forbidden forests, where many men feared to tread. Past the boundaries of the empire.
    “Ono, summon the Trinity,” said Vortai.  
    “But I thought that would risk Ra’kad’s attention?” asked Ono.
    “We haven’t a choice,” said Vortai. “The next Soulstone lies in the heart of Nephelm.”
    Just beyond the door, Templar had been listening to the entire exchange. He moved away from the door, casting an inquisitive glance at Reyche. “Nephelm? What is it about these stones that makes an incursion into the faerie lands worth the danger?”
    “This is a dangerous game,” said Reyche.
    “I’m inclined to agree. Perhaps this stone isn’t worth the money.” Templar moved down the corridor, going towards the staircase.
    “Where are you going?” asked Reyche.
    “Clearly, I’m in over my head with this, my dear,” said Templar. “So I am going to return to my plane and fly somewhere that is far from this craziness.”
    “No, no you won’t.”
    “What are you—” Templar turned to her again, but he found Reyche baring her fangs at him. He backed away slowly. “Well, it seems I’ve misjudged you. I do believe I’ve discovered that ‘other use’ you mentioned.”
    “I’d say so,” said Reyche.  
    And she pounced.

C HAPTER 9

    Zarim awoke on a cot in a small, white room. His bed was hard, with fresh, white sheets. Sunlight came in through the tiny window just above the dresser to his right. Atop the dresser were his clothes, all neatly folded, and his sword and gun. He pulled himself to a seated position and felt a stab of pain as he moved. Reaching his hand down to his side, he found his torso had been bandaged.
    His initial grogginess quickly faded and he instantly remembered where he was and why he was here. Templar had taken the Soulstone from him in Corvil and, to prevent them from following, ran Zarim through with his pulse sword. The shock caused Zarim to slip into an unconscious state fairly quickly, but the last thing he remembered was the big miner, Tanus, picking him up and promising to take him to a doctor.
    Apparently, the good doctor, whomever he or she was, had done his work. But now was the time for action, for revenge. The biggest blow Templar had dealt had been to Zarim’s pride. It had been a very long time since he lost a fight and he wasn’t prepared to let that blemish stand on his record. Especially given the stakes that the Soulstones held.  
    The pirate climbed out of bed and quickly began to dress. Dark, green pants followed by the light blue shirt. As he pulled the shirt over the bandaged wound, he cringed—perhaps there was a bit more physical damage than Zarim initially allowed himself to believe. He quickly buttoned the shirt and followed it with the brown vest and then the leather belt, fastening the end to the rose-emblazoned buckle. He took the holstered pistol and latched the holster to one side of his belt, then tied his scabbarded sword to the other, allowing it to hang at his hip.  
    As he fanned out his cloak to pull it over the entire ensemble, the door to the room opened. Ekala instantly leaned against the frame and crossed her arms, huffing and blowing a few strands of brown hair that hung over her forehead. “Can’t say this is a surprise.”
    “That blasted thief stole the stone from us, we gotta get it back,” said Zarim.
    Tanus appeared in the doorway behind Ekala, his head almost reaching the top of the frame. “ You’re blasted thieves.”
    “Doesn’t matter, we’re doing this for a good reason, big guy,” said Zarim.
    “I’m aware, Ekala filled me in on the story while the doc was tending to you,” said Tanus. “Speaking of, you’re a lucky man. That pulse sword of his cauterized the wound as soon as it was made and he avoided any organs. Mostly just a bad burn.”
    “Albeit, one that impaled you,” added Ekala.
    “Doc put some kinda balm