CHAPTER FORTY-NINE.

Pain shot through Jez as the circle drew more and more magic. He could feel his flesh burning. It was too much. Then, Osmund stepped into one corner of the triangle and Lina into the other. Jez was the one most able to bear the torrent of energy, so the bulk of it still went through him. The amount that pa.s.sed through his friends, however, was still enough to tear blood-curdling screams from their throats.

His vision went red as both demons and pharim faded. The pharim had been summoned into the abyss, and once they were taken from that world, their forms vanished, and they returned to the Keep of the Hosts. The demons had no working to feed them the energy needed to pa.s.s between worlds, and they remained in their home. Mirel screamed and tried to break through Shamarions barrier, but abruptly she, along with the barrier and nearly everyone else, vanished. Only Jez, Osmund, Lina, and Sharim remained as the library tore through the boundary between worlds.

Abruptly, the shaking stopped, and sunlight streamed in through the broken windows. Jez, along with both of his friends, was on the ground. Sharim, his face a mask of rage, stepped toward Jez and lifted his sword. Jez tried to summon his own weapon, but the ritual had taken too much out of him. The burning blade seemed to roar as it tore through the air. Jez cried out, but an instant before it cleaved his head in two, an opaque blue bubble appeared around him. The sword slammed into the ward, shattering it, though the working had deflected the blade enough for it to miss Jez by inches. He looked to the doorway. Besis stood there with his arms extended toward Jez. Behind him stood Fina, Horgar, and Linala.

Besis and Fina threw their hands forward. Red and blue energy spiraled toward Sharim, but he caught it on his sword and turned it aside. He spread his wings and soared out of the window. Horgar watched him for a second before shifting to the form of a great eagle and following. Jez knew it wouldnt be enough. Sharim was free in the world, and it was all Jezs fault.

Sharim had escaped from Master Horgar easily by turning the wind against his pursuer. Jez and his friends were taken to one of the sick houses in the healing district of the Academy. While they were all injured, most of what they suffered from was simple fatigue and hunger, and after a few days, they were on their feet again. Linala summoned them to the library. Someone had already repaired the windows, and even now, students along with a couple of full mages were going through it, attempting to understand how exactly the library was organized. Jez found Master Linala in a small roomed filled with old books with cracked covers. She looked up as they entered.

Jezreel, this is incredible. This entire room is devoted to summoning spirits of fire. I never even knew there were so many kinds.

Jez scanned the covers, but one question burned in his mind. How did you know we were going to be here?

Linala smiled. Apparently, your friend Villia received a visit from Shamarion. He warned her that he would be unable to watch over Maries while he was helping you, but if all went well, you and the library should be appearing here within a day. She called us, and we waited for you.

Jez stared at her for a second. I guess telling an afur that he wouldnt be where he should be doesnt count as interfering with mortal matters.

Linala nodded. And she doesnt have the same restrictions. I think that Shadowguard is more devious than weve been led to believe.

Jez shrugged. It was all for nothing, though. I brought him here. Sharim got away.

Yes, in a disfigured body without the support of the rest of his kind. Hes alone. Besis has already started building wards around this place. Sharim wont be able to get back in, and the weapon he intended to use against us is now ours. He escaped, but itll be a long time before he can be a serious threat again.

I dont know...

Jezreel, from what youve told us, if you hadnt done what you did, he wouldve gotten the knowledge, and he would be free and in a much better position than he is now.

Jez hesitated. Even bound by human flesh, the Shadeslayers had been worried when they discovered that Sharim was really Andera. Most of the damage to the library had been repaired, but it was still fresh in Jezs mind. Sharim had caused it. The front room had practically been in ruins, but more than that, even the worst of it had only been collateral damage. In spite of the knowledge masters words, Jez couldnt help but wonder what Sharim could do if he actually tried.

Jez sighed. Im not so sure.

Dont worry, Jezreel. She spread her arms to indicate the library. I dont think weve even begun to discover what secrets this place holds. Knowledge is a weapon in its own right, and by bringing the library here, youve provided us with a powerful one.

Jez started to nod, but sighed. I hope youre right. I get the feeling well need every weapon we can get.

About the Author.

Gama Ray Martinez lives near Salt Lake City, Utah. He moved there solely because he likes mountains. He collects weapons in case he ever needs to supply a medieval battalion, and he greatly resents when work or other real life things get in the way of writing. He secretly hopes to one day slay a dragon in single combat and doesnt believe in letting pesky things like reality get in the way of his dreams. Find him at http://gamarayburst.com.

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